Coffee, books, and sun :)

I haven't updated in a while because I have felt wordless. I will tell you though that this summer has been amazing already. I have been working at Starbucks which is changing my life and my new addiction to anything coffee. It's a free addiction for the time being so I'm sticking with it. :) I began reading the Twilight series and haven't fallen in love but I am going to finish the series to see what the big fuss is all about. I have been out in the sun almost everyday this summer and it's been so relaxing. I decided to tone it down until I head to Puerto Rico in 10 days!!! My family, Aaron and I are going to Puerto Rico for vacation and I am super excited. I will definitely post some pictures and show you all of our fun adventures when I get back. Blog to you then!

Nicole

Welcome to the big D. A. double L. A. S.

Can I just tell you that I am blessed and super excited about my life here in Dallas?!?!?!
Things are going so well, and it's so wonderful to know that I know this is where God wants me to be. Just yesterday I got offered a job teaching private voice lessons in the Plano School District. I never thought I would say this, but I am going to be a teacher! Wow. It was totally a God thing, and I knew the minute I was doing my mock lesson with a student that this is what I needed to be doing. I am still at Starbucks, no worries :), so I get my benefits and I still need that money, but in the fall I start as a private lesson teacher! Wooohooo!! Things are falling into place which reassures me that I'm in the right place. Post college life is kinda/REALLY awesome. I'm really poor. But I really don't care. Although, I should care. I work, lay by the pool, run errands, cook, read, and have no homework ever! I know this won't last forever but never the less I am enjoying this time in my life and adjusting well to Dallas!!
Well, I just wanted to give an update....sorry for pictureless post, yet again. I really get bored sometimes with no pictures. :(

Hope all is well!
Nicole

My plan is to experience.

I made it to Dallas!! After a long weekend of packing, graduating, and driving I am here safe and sound and really loving it. I have to tell you it really has not sunk in that I won't be going back to school, or that I really live here. I still feel like I am on vacation.
So, graduating was incredible and I feel very accomplished. I still feel like a thirteen year old girl with my whole life ahead of me, which is comforting and a little naive all in one. My parents moved me to Dallas on Sunday and we had a sweaty, frustrating, funny, tiring day. I think they would agree on all of those adjectives. :) I started working at Starbucks on Monday and I absolutely love it!!!! I really do, I love the atmosphere, I love having to wear my hair in a pony tail everyday, and I love serving coffee to people and telling them to have a great day. Oh, and I love getting free coffee, pastries, and insurance. :)

This is a whole new chapter in my life and it is so exciting. I feel like a woman. I was talking with one of my best friends Sarah today and she told me that her goal in her life right now is to experience. Not to experience anything in particular, because neither of us really know what we want to experience at this point in our lives, but just to experience. I want to experience the everyday, and not let a day pass me by that I am not thankful or really living in the moment. I am young with an open heart for God to work and change me for the better everyday. He is control and I know that He has great plans for me in His time.
But in the meantime, my plan is to experience.

Nicole

I will post pictures from graduation soon!!!

Barista: a person who works at the counter of a coffee shop

You are looking at Starbucks' newest barista!!

I know, it seems silly that I got a college degree and I am working at Starbucks and excited about it. But....I just don't know what I want to be when I grow up yet. I have auditioned for the Dallas Opera Chorus and have an audition for the Houston Opera Chorus next week, although that won't cut it on it's own even if they want me. So, Starbucks has great benefits, long hours, and coffeee!!!!

I have been praying about my future for a while now, cause I know if I didn't let God take this situation, I would be totally lost and overwhelmed. I knew He would take care of things. I didn't get the internship I applied for in Santa Fe, which I knew God was in control, and I guess He didn't want me there. I applied for other jobs and haven't heard back yet, but Starbucks came so easy (and it's sorta hard to get a job at Starbucks!) and I really feel at peace about being there. I think that with something I have been diligently praying about, and that's important to me God wouldn't just let anything happen. He has a plan. Maybe this could fulfill one of my ministries, or I could meet people that would be important in my life. Who knows?! All I know is that I am super excited about moving to Dallas, and beginning my job at Starbucks until God leads me to another opportunity. :)

Nicole

Recital Week from You Know Where

So in order to complete my degree I have to complete a Senior Voice Recital. This includes a full hour of music, all by myself, dressed up, family in town, reception, etc.....well. God is funny, and I've realized things NEVER go as you plan.

Here is a rundown of my horrible week that turned out to be amazing because He was in control. :)

Sunday- Get in town after sitting at an airport for hours from a delayed flight at 1:30 in the morning

Monday- Work, run errands, a pretty good day :)

Tuesday- Start feeling a little sick, so of course this is causing stress and my mind starts racing a million miles an hour.....so I go to the doctor...

Wednesday- Walgreens tells me they can't fill my prescription!! What??!?! This leads to two trips to that same doctor and four trips to Walgreens and two calls to my insurance company...and lots of crying. Didn't get my prescription filled.

Thursday- Wake up and feel awful!!!!! Missed both of my classes to go to a different doctor, got some strong meds and felt so much better and encouraged about my road to recovery...mind you, this is now 2 days before my recital! 4 o'clock rolls around and Lubbock has a Tornado warning with golf ball size hail. My dress rehearsal is at 6. Fantastic. I make it to my dress rehearsal in the few minutes the weather has cleared up and I sing two verses of my very first piece and Ms. McNeil tells me to stop and to go home. My throat was super swollen, and I sounded like I was in pain. I was. So, now I am stressing out, worried to no end, and I can't cry because it will swell up my vocal chords even more. Last but not least, Mark calls me and tells me that he's not sure if he'll make it because Denver is having a huge snow storm. I wanted to cry...but I couldn't.

Let's just say I prayed A LOT this week...

Friday- Mom comes in town and some how makes me feel better instantly. :) I am feeling better but was told not to talk, or do anythings strenuous. So, naturally we get our nails done! :)

Saturday- Woke up feeling much better!! Also woke up to find my dad, Mark, and Sam asleep in our guest room...they got there in the middle of night!! I had a relaxing day, Aaron sent me flowers :), and my two best friends got into town from Dallas to see me sing! 6 o'clock came and I sang my recital, all in one piece, and I couldn't be more pleased with it.

God is good, He healed my voice and calmed my spirit. :) I'll post pictures soon :)

Nicole

I don't think I'll write today

I want to write but I really don't know what to write about. I have been sitting here for five minutes staring at this blank slate.

I was thinking I would write about how I am anxious for graduation, my recital, and moving but I told myself I wouldn't write about those things until they actually happened because I am trying to be less anxious and live in the moment.

Then I thought I might write about how Aaron found my first gray hair and what that could mean in my life?!?!

Maybe I should write about how God confuses me and sometimes I don't know whether I'm making the right decisions. I really just want Him to be pleased in all I do.

I could write about how I'm really nervous about growing up, but I know it's something I just have to do. It will probably be more amazing that I ever dreamed.

Or I could write about how I've been having inner turmoil about how music is going to fit into my life. I want to sing, but it's competitive and I'm not good at selling myself. God gave me this talent for a reason, I just know it.

I'll write out a list of all the things I need to get done this week, whatever, that's boring.

I don't think I'll write today.

Holy Week

Easter is probably one of my favorite holidays. It brings in the Spring, and it really feels like God is everywhere. I have been thinking earlier this week that I needed to take the time to realize the meaning of the season, and what it really means to me personally. So often I view God as being a judgemental God whom I am scared to really embrace. I feel that He is constantly shaking His head at the things that I am not doing, rather than what I am doing. It's hard to see God as someone that is so loving He smiles everytime I smile, He loves when I love, and He embraces every feeling and emotion I have because He Loves me.

Easter signifies Jesus raising from the dead after three days of being dead. What does this mean to me?? It signifies His promises. It signifies His power. It signifies His truth. He promises His grace everyday to me, and my prayer this Holy Week leading to Easter is that I really embrace that. I want to KNOW that He finds joy in me, that He sees me as an instrument, and He loves me more than I could love myself. What does Easter mean to you???

Much love,
Nicole

I'm a blond!!!!

Just kidding. That would be horrible. But I really was a blond for the musical Sweeney Todd a few weeks ago. This was my last show at Texas Tech and it was really bittersweet. I got teary eyed at moments, not because I am leaving Tech, but because it is the end of chapter for me. I don't know what is to come of my future with singing, so I really tried hard not to take my last week as Johanna for granted...with the help and advice of some friends, I think I've decided to stay a brunette. :)
Here are some pictures of me as a "white girl." Pretty crazy!!

My makeup artist and wig maker, Daniel. I don't know what I would have done without him!


Last finishing touches before curtain call


Some London townsfolk and I

Chicago!!!!

I'm back from the windy city, and it was such an amazing trip! We saw so many awesome things, and I was so excited for Aaron to see the city that I love so much, and the family that I love even more! Here are so pictures from the trip :)


We went to go see the comedy troupe the Second City where Mike Meyers, Steve Carell, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, and all of those other hilarious people came from. And I put this picture up to show you how adorable Aaron is.


The Chicago Symphony! We didn't get to see them but hopefully one day we will :)


The Bean!


The water was green for St. Patrick's Day!


We just arrived at O'Hare Airport


We got candy at the Hershey's Factory...yumm!


The Zoo! It was a beautiful sunny day, and the zoo was free. It was a good day :)


Aaron at the Navy Pier


Us at the Navy Pier...it was a bit windy


A view of the city and Lake Michigan from the park. Beautiful!


Wrigley Field!! Right after this, we got to drive through the city with my cousins and he showed us all of the places where they filmed the Dark Knight...it was so fun.


We watched a 4D film about the earth...it freaked me out to say the least. But we look cool! lol.


On our way to the Aquarium...we look a little cold here...that's because we were. :)


Aaron got us tickets to see Jersey Boys!! I loved it, and we got a sweet deal because we got rush tickets...25 bucks each for 100 dollar seats! We are bargain shoppers.


This was an amazing Italian restaurant where we enjoyed some wine and pasta! ...and Tirmasu :)

I'm so excited, I just can't hide it!

Lot's of good things are happening here lately and I just feel so lucky.

I haven't heard back from Santa Fe yet but I am really hoping that I will know if I got the internship by Friday. Aside from that hanging in the air, I am really excited about what the future holds! Which is funny, because I have NO IDEA what I am gonna do.

Anyhow, I am super excited about spring break which is in t-minus 2 days!?!?! Aaron and I are headed to houston to see my family for a day, and then we are headed to CHICAGO!! Aaron has never been there, and all my dad's family lives there so we decided to head there for vacation! I love this city, and I can't wait to show Aaron around. I will definitely post some pictures when we get back!! :)

Another beautiful and amazing thing I just found out yesterday is that my two best friends from Dallas are coming to my recital in April! I love them, and we have been friends since middle school, and this will be the first time they have seen me perform since high school. When Sarah told me, I wanted to cry, and she said "
"Nicole, don't cry, that's what best friends are for!" So I cried. I love them.

God is good. That's really what this post is about. I'm really overwhelmed by His goodness and find great peace and adoration in my life these days. :)

Much love,
Nicole

Money must be Funny in a Rich Man's World

Money. This has been on my mind kind of a lot lately. I don't make a lot of it, that might be why, but really money has never been extremely important to me, and I've never felt that I needed a lot of it.

Last semester I decided to stop singing at the church I was singing at so I could attend my own church. With this decision came of loss of around 250 bucks a month. For a college kid, that's huge. Even if I wasn't in college, that's huge. But I really felt like God was telling me to leave that church, and that it was the right thing to do. I knew he would take care of that extra money.

It really is amazing how God works, because honestly I really haven't missed it that much. Sure, I can't go out to eat as often as I want, or go shopping unless it is for a gift. I might have to wait 4 months to get my haircut but God is providing, and I think He is providing because I followed His will.

Recently, I have been thinking about tithing. To be perfectly honest, this is never something I did because I never felt like I had enough money to tithe. Ironic!?!? I think I'm so willing to give God certain aspects of myself but money?! What does God care about money?!?! He doesn't. He cares about my heart. He cares about me giving. He cares about me being willing to give something up knowing that no matter what He will provide for me more than I can provide for myself.

Money must be funny in a rich man's world. These are lyrics from an Abba song. I thought about these words, and it was speaking about a man that is rich in dollar bills. I am rich in grace. I am rich in love. I am rich in forgiveness. I am rich in hope. So yes, I guess money is sort of....funny.

Summer in Santa Fe ?!???

I have my first big girl interview tomorrow. Well it's on the phone, but it's the real deal. I applied for an internship in Santa Fe, NM with the Santa Fe Opera and I got an interview!!! No...not singing. It is a Special Event Internship doing gala's for donors, cast parties, making invitations, communicating with guests...things like that. Special event planning is something I am thinking about going into and trying to sing on the side. This is the opera house! :)
I really do love to sing, but I think the lifestyle is not one that I want to be in forever. Anyways, so this is totally exciting for me, and I am just praying for a good interview tomorrow, and that they will fall in love with me and give me the internship tomorrow! HAH. Not really, that's a little selfish. But I am hoping whatever the Lord wants to come out of this, happens. There is a huge downside to this...that it is another 3 months until I get to be with Aaron. :( My dad is probably rolling his eyes right now with disgust :). Anyhow, but I really feel like this would be a great opportunity for me!! So pray for the Lord's will and a good interview tomorrow!!

Nicole

Love is in the Air

Happy Late Valentine's Day!


I hope everyone had a great weekend with their loved ones. I was in San Antonio with Aaron for a huge music conference all weekend and it was great. Aside from having the flu, which absolutely was awful, I had a great time. We relaxed, listened to a bunch of concerts, and ate lots of Mexican food. :) If you don't know this, queso is one of my all time loves. Aaron asked me where I wanted to eat on Valentine's day and I said, I don't care, I just want queso and a margarita. So, my wish was his command. ;) Not really, but he did get me queso and a margarita. I kinda felt like a smuck of a girlfriend because I had a gift all lined up in my head that I was making, and I ended up leaving early to go see him, and I got really sick. So, his gift is still half finished in my house. I love giving gifts, and I really wanted to make him feel special, and when the day came around I had nothing. I know. Lame. I felt especially lame when I woke up and there was this really sweet card sitting on my suitcase. Anyways, good news is, I still plan to finish the gift and give him a late Valentine's. The other good news is, I know he knows that I love him even though I didn't have a material gift to give him. ;)

Hope everyone is well, much love!
Nicole

Facebook Fast

Facebook and I are on a break.


BTW...I do not understand this picture at all, but I like Napoleon Dynamite and it said facebook. ha.

This started the other day when my boyfriend brought up the fact that I am addicted to facebook. Unfortunately, no matter how much I want to disagree, it's the truth. I get great satisfaction finding out what is going on in other people's lives even if I haven't seen them in five years. Honestly, I probably get on facebook like twenty different times a day. I am a loser.

So, we made a bet to see if I could give up facebook for a whole week. I started on Wednesday night, and I am ending next Wednesday night. I am not gonna lie, this is a struggle, and I might have had a tiny withdrawl this morning....:/.

I tried to change my mindset from thinking it was a bet, to a fast. Fasting can be an amazing thing. To take something time from something that consumes a lot of my energy, and transfer that time to things that are more productive. I've chosen to take my facebook time, and have a devotion in the meantime. Plus, God knows that I will need his strength this week....hah.

My roommate was thinking about giving up facebook for lent...let's just say she is a better woman that I am, I am sticking with a week. :)

Nicole

Date Married Women. What?!?!?!?

You will never believe what I saw this morning!!!! It blew my mind so much I figured it was blog worthy.

I was surfing the internet and low and behold there was an advertisement offering this....

DATE MARRIED WOMEN.
Married men and women looking to have an affair!
www.flingdate.com/dating

Who looks to have an affair?? I didn't try the site and really didn't want to. But can you believe this?!? It kinda makes me queezy. Anyways, I really don't know what to say about it. I'm not married so experience isn't something that I have...but I know that marriage is still something God holds dear to Him and wants you to experience marriage and experience it abundantly. Abundantly as in fully, spiritually, to it's greatest goodness...not abundantly with twenty different women.

Nicoleeeee

She back back back again!

I really can't believe I haven't blogged since October. I love blogging, so it kind of makes me sad that I took such a long break. I guess I felt like I had nothing to say. Good news is it's been 3 months, so I definitely have things to say. :)

Let's start in November. So, Thanksgiving was wonderful with much needed time spend at home with my family. My boyfriend, Aaron came from Dallas to visit and I showed him around Houston, it was so much fun!! Ok, so really I can't remember much that far back...so let's go to December.

December. Christmas. Yet again, Christmas made me realize the spirit of Lord is always among us, and He is so gracious. I had a wonderful Christmas spending time with my family and friends. I took my boyfriend to the Meyerson for his birthday, which was a treat for both of us.
They played all sorts of music, and had sing-a-longs, which of course I absolutely loved! My family and I spent Christmas in Houston, which was so relaxing. This year it actually snowed! My mom and I went to get our tree the day it snowed so it really got us into the Christmas spirit. I got to meet my nephew, Hunter Wayne Dean over Christmas too! Ok, so he's not my real nephew, but I am an honorary Aunt, and I am already loving it. Here is Britt and her baby boy...

January. January was/is so busy! First, Aaron surprised me with a trip to Taos, New Mexico for Christmas! We drove up and spent a few days just skiing and relaxing. It was so nice, and cold. :) Unfortunately, it decided to snow like crazy when we were leaving and we had a 14 hour drive back to Dallas. We tried to make the drive easier and more fun by playing 20 questions and scrabble. 20 questions was fun about 5 times, and scrabble...well, imagine playing scrabble in a moving car. It was a bust. I returned to school in full gear and have been going going going ever since. At the end of January, I ran my first half marathon!!! It was one of those things I wanted to do in my lifetime, so I trained, and did it! It was so inspiring and fulfilling. I definitely want to do another one, and hopefully one day the full marathon!

Now. Now I am getting ready to graduate from college!! I only have four months left of school, like forever. Maybe. For now at least. I am currenly in the musical Sweeney Todd, and preparing for my senior voice recital in April. Both are really exciting! I'm not really sure what God has planned for me this summer, or really anytime after May, but I'm not worried. I am nervous, anxious, excited, scared, but not worried. ;)

I hope this finds you well, and I hope to be more dedicated to this blog so please don't give up on me yet!
Talk to you soon!

Nicole

P.S. It's easier for me to read a blog this long with pictures, so I promise to add some pictures when I get home!