Women Connect '12!


I'm linking up with Becky today for Women Connect '12.  

Writing about myself is not something I like to do.  I know that sounds like a contradiction since I write a lot about myself, but it's different writing a post about me that's to show people who I am when I don't even know how to put who all of me is down on paper-- err, computer screen.  

Writing this post is almost like getting ready for a first date with the guy you have a huge crush on.  Or getting ready for an interview for your dream job.  You want to make a good impression, you really do, but you don't want to be too over the top or too eager acting.  I guess I'll just cut to the chase and tell you about myself and hope (fingers crossed) you find that this little spot of mine is something you'll enjoy. 

I'm Anna and this is my little space called The Things I'm Learning?  Why that name?  Well, because I like to learn, reflect, and grow and at this stage in my life, I'm learning a lot.  



I'm learning about being a wife.  On October 13, 2012, I married my sweet husband, Kevin (or KT as I sometimes call him).  He is a gift from God, the one I prayed for my whole life, the man I love more than anything in this world, and my better half.  He's an incredible husband and father and I am so blessed that he is mine.  He makes me laugh louder than I've ever laughed, smile wider than I've ever smiled (and I smile.  A lot.), and love deeper than I ever knew was possible.  



I'm learning about being a parent, too.  When I married Kevin, I officially became Anna Belle (the name the boys' gave me a long time ago) to our two precious boys.  (We don't do the whole "step" thing.)  I feel so blessed to get to be Anna Belle of these two sweet boys for forever.  They are a gift and have expanded my life in ways I didn't know were possible. I am so thankful for the bond that we have, the memories we make, and the love I have for them that is unlike any love that I ever knew existed.  



I'm also learning more about faith and grace.  As a child of God, I know that I fail miserably over and over, but I have also experienced God's grace and forgiveness in ways that are hard to explain.  I grew up in a Christian home and I'm so thankful for that.  I know that my life is far from perfect and I've made my fair share of mistakes, but I know that God is right beside me and has been leading and guiding me even when I haven't paid Him much attention.  I've learned that prayer and time in God's Word is vital to each day, but I don't always take the time to make the time with Him.  I'm working on that one.

I'm also learning more and more about healthy living.  I've always considered myself athletic and have eaten healthy (for the most part - those Lays Original Chips and Reese Peanut Butter Cups hold a special place in my heart!), but over the last year or two, I've really started to consistently embrace a healthy lifestyle.  I'm a runner.  I run 50-70 miles each month and in addition to running, work out 4-5 days a week.  I believe that we pour so much of ourselves into taking care of others, our homes, and our jobs, that we sometimes forget to take care of those two areas that matter most: our faith and our bodies.  


What else should you know about me?

By day, I'm a marketing and PR professional.  I started the job I've always wanted in August.  

If you knew the ins and outs of what I do all day, you'd be surprised that I don't really use Twitter personally that much.  And I don't post much more than pictures on Facebook.

I love the beach.  I grew up not too far from the coast and it's my favorite place in the world.  It's a good thing, too, because KT loves it, too.  We even got engaged there.

I am the oldest child and have a sister who is almost nine years younger than me.  I love her like she's mine and can't believe she's filling out college applications.

My parents are the best.  They have loved me unconditionally, supported me in all that I've done, and have shown me what a blessing marriage and parenting is.  They gave me the freedom to make my own decisions and encouraged me to be myself.  That itself is a blessing.  

My grandparents are the best, too.  I grew up within ten minutes of both sets of my grandparents and know how rare it is to have the relationships I have with them today.  

My new family is incredible, too.  Kevin's parents and sister and her family don't feel like in-laws.  They're family.  I'm so glad that we all enjoy doing things together and our whole family (mine and Kevin's) gets along great, too.  

I love the Olympics.

I sometimes over do it (so says my husband and I have to agree with him completely on this) in that I try to fit in too much.

I love spy shows.  Covert Affairs and White Collar are my favorites.

I also love Survivor.  My husband got me hooked on this last year.  He really wants to go.

With all the TV I'm talking about, you'd think we watch it all the time.  Really, we don't.  That's the beauty of On Demand.

My family means more to me than anything in this world.

I love photo books.  I make them all the time.  Not literally, but I really make them often.  A family book each year and books for each of our boys of each year and I've recently been making them like crazy of our wedding, honeymoon, and for some Christmas gifts.  

I like to cook and I like to try out recipes.  My favorite recipes are those that have like five ingredients or less in them.

I like to shop and am a devotee of Tracy Negoshian and J.Crew.  

I love books.  I haven't moved quite all of my books to my new house and I really don't know what I'm going to do with them.  I spent much of last night organizing and arranging them.  Yes, we do have an iPad and realize that it's much easier (and takes less space) to read on it, but I like real books psyically in my hands!

I love to smile and laugh.  All the time.  And I'm an optimist.

I'm a Pinterest addict.  Need I say more?  

About me?  It's really not.




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