Let’s be real, I actually say things like, “Hey Everybody, Hey!” or “Hey friend, hey!” If you’re on my squad, especially if you’re on my team, you’ll probably hear something like that in greeting. If that bothers you, I apologize in advance.

That’s something else: I apologize. Quite frequently. It’s something I’m working on, especially thanks to my friends. They keep a tally of how many times I use that phrase, and then “encourage” me to do an equal number of cartwheels.

Oh yeah, by the way, I can’t do cartwheels. It’s more like an awkward handstand kick that ends in a beautiful faceplant. Needless to say, I haven’t been apologizing much lately. Thanks guys.

 
And now for a  few more slightly less random (not really) facts!
 
My name’s Rhonda, and I absolutely love my name. I love that it’s in a Beach Boys song and that not many people my age have that name. And I love that when I find it on those specialty items, like key chains, mugs, stationary, etc. I get to be way more excited about it than the average person because I rarely find such things.
 
I’m the youngest of five and since my siblings are all married and have children, I am blessed to
be an aunt to 13 crazy but awesome nieces and nephews. I am blessed to have a beautiful
relationship with my sweetmom and to share so many interests with my dad. 
The point is, I love my big family, even if we don’t always get to see or talk to each other.
My family, Christmas 2010.
My family! Christmas 2010
 
I’m 22 and will turn 23 on the race. I am really excited to celebrate my birthday
in a different country; it is certain to be one of the most memorable birthdays I will ever have!
 
My favorite color is green!
 
I’m 5’10”, and actually love it. The only time I dislike it is when I try to buy cute dresses or running shorts that are still modest. Being this tall means I rarely ever need a step ladder, don’t have to wear high heels, and can easily see in large groups of people. That last one just might come in handy during interesting travel days next year.
I like using the phrases, Let’s be real and may or may not and the word lovely.”

I’m a nerd, and proud of it. Star Wars, Doctor Who, SherlockBurn Notice, the list could go on and on,
including any and all things literature, grammar, and word play related.
 
Guilty…
Give me musicals such as, White Christmas and Singin’ in the Rain, an Aldred Hitchcock film, or period/historical pieces like Braveheart, Sense and Sensibility, and Last of the Mohicans, and I’m happy. But I’m also equally happy with a clean thriller, rom-com, or action flick, but those are sometimes hard to find these days.
Also true.
My friends call me, “Slash.” It started as a joke, but it stuck. Kind of weird, but, let’s be real, I love it!

I’m super sarcastic. In fact, that’s usually how you can tell if I’m comfortable around you.
 
I’m a runner. Started competing my junior year of high school and quickly fell in love with the distance sport. The Lord gave me the opportunity to run all four years of college, and that was a blessing for which I will always be thankful.
 
I love adventure! This can include the simplest of things or some of the most ridiculous things. Being outside and experiencing God’s creation brings me such joy.
 
Music and art are a part of who I am. By art I mean, writing, sketching, painting, and using my imagination to get what inspires me out on a paper, be it through words or images. In regards to music, I enjoy singing and playing it, but I love listening to it even more. Just about everyday there is a song that God uses to just fit so perfectly into something that He is trying to teach me or remind me about. Due to this, if you ask me who my favorite artist or band is, this will be the response: The Swift, Project 86, Charlie Hall, and Chris August. Oh! and Matthew West, his lyrics are so good! And JJ Heller!  Oh, and I can’t forget Tenth Avenue North, Justin McRoberts, and Brandon Heath! And this may or may not be the short list, folks.
 
I have a passion for working with middle school and high school kids. God blessed me with a love for children of all ages, but there’s just something about impacting the lives of teenagers that lights my soul on fire. I love who they are and they are becoming during those years; it’s an important time in their lives. Although I’ve loved working with kids since I was a kid, I never anticipated being a teacher. I always wanted to be a doctor, but in high school and college God started to change my plan to fit His. And now? I can’t see myself doing anything that doesn’t involve teaching, mentoring, loving, and working with teenagers in some capacity.
 
Finally, and most importantly, I became a Christ-follower at the young age of four. I believe without a shadow
of a doubt that is the day, and as I grew up I started to understand the value of a personal relationship with Christ.
To learn more about my story and who I am in Christ, you should definitely read
any of the posts in “The Story of Me” section of this blog.
 
In His Grip,
Rhonda