I realize that I have quite the number of new followers. While I trust you have perused my entire blog and read every post, I have to be a little bit more realistic than that. The truth is I don't think I have ever read every single post by a blogger, ya know, except for The Small Things Blog (hello, hair tutorials that save my life!). So, today I wanted to give you a bit of an introduction into my life and my top posts. I got inspired by the lovely Erin from Living in Yellow to do this post and I think it would be helpful for some of you just getting know me (my blog).
Of course you can always read my About & Becoming Barrett pages, but this goes beyond that. My husband I met in March of 2010 at a Barnes & Noble Bookstore. We met and instantly there was a connection. I would say three days in I knew I loved him. He says the same. Shortly after, in April of 2010 we were engaged and three months later we were married. We have enjoyed our new life together and someday we will add some kiddos to the bunch. For now, we are continuing to learn about each other and build our relationship.
I grew up in a Christian household and for most of my life my parents were involved in some type of ministry. Youth ministry, pastoral ministry, and lay (whenever needed) ministry. I would say growing up we had our issues like every family, but for the most part I would say my parents practiced what was preached, and I grew up being as genuine as I could possibly be about my faith. After church on Sunday, I didn't go on Monday and bully other kids, or be one of the mean girls, or "slut it up" on Friday nights after football games. I tried to be as consistent as I could because I knew my peers were watching. It doesn't mean I didn't make mistakes, or have my own battles, but I wanted to exemplify who Christ is. For me, that was important. At a young age I knew that God was going to have great influence on me, and He does to this day.
I went to college right after high school and completed my Associate of Arts in Psychology. I have always been interested in Psychology and the interaction between people groups. Theories and different facets of the human mind have always fascinated me. When I decided to go to a college to pursue my Bachelor's degree, I honestly wasn't planning on going to a Christian college. I thought the course work would be narrow and parochial. I wasn't sure that their "liberal arts" really meant liberal. The first week, I was shocked. It felt eerily similar to church camp and that was not a place for expanding my curious mind. I called home and said I was out of there! My parents encouraged me to soak it in for a bit longer. Get to know the people, make friends, and experience college life because I was never going to have it the same again after graduation. I decided to stick it out and I am 100% glad that I did. After the "hokey" wore off, so to speak, I began to really enjoy my classes. I began to look at Jesus in a whole new light and when I decided to major in counseling, I knew this was what I wanted to do. I wanted to help people, all people; not just Christians.
I began to study more theories, perspectives, and tried to soak in as much about getting licensed as I could. During my last semester of college I made the decision to go further and get a Master's degree. I wasn't sure when, and certainly didn't plan getting it so soon, but shortly before I graduated I met my husband. That somewhat put a kink in my original plan, but in a good way. After getting married I decided to go for it. I applied to graduate school at Liberty University. The classes were online modules so the time was limited and they were intense. I don't see how I did it in just 14 months, but I did. I took a full load every term, worked full time, blogged (about grad school-A LOT!), and slept. That was about the consistency of my life. After I completed my Master's degree I was elated. It felt WAY better than my Bachelor's degree because I did it on my own and in record time. I wanted to start teaching courses or counseling, or something! As of now, I work for the University where I completed my undergrad. I really enjoy it, but it is hard! If you are looking for an easy job, don't choose financial aid. EVER! I really am blessed though. I got a consistent job right out of college. Most people can't say that!
Some other little things, I really do ADORE chips & salsa, reality TV (Teen Mom 2 & Bachelor), and shopping. If I could shop til I drop everyday, I would. I love writing in my journals, reading, my iPad, and of course, reading blogs. I have been working to establish a healthier lifestyle. Weight and food has always been my biggest struggle. I know some of you can relate. Its just about finding balance. I sit 8 hours a day, and after that its hard to get up and going after working all day. My husband and I are experimenting with a few Paleo recipes. I will let you know how that goes!
Well, for now that's a
