Depression?

I've been feeling very down lately without any real explanation. I mean, sure I've got stressful situations in my life right now but I've always dealt with stress relatively easy. I've always been an optimist that looks on the bright side of life. But, for some reason I am finding myself in an "unhappy place." I don't like the "unhappy place" and I refuse to stay here for very long.

I am questioning whether or not I am depressed...

I'm putting this out there because I'm not afraid of people judging me. I also realize that depression affects more people than we can ever begin to imagine. I refuse to let it control me and I am determined to overcome it.

So, I started researching depression and found a few interesting statistics. I figured I would share some of them...I highlighted a few that stood out to me.

**Recent statistics suggest roughly seven of every one hundred people suffer depression after age 18 at some point in their lives.
**As many as one in 33 children and one in eight adolescents have clinical depression. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 10 to 24.
**Most people diagnosed with major depression receive a diagnosis between their late twenties to mid-thirties.
**About six million people are affected by late life depression, but only 10% ever receive treatment.
**For every one man that develops depression, two women will, regardless of racial or ethnic background or economic status.
**More than half of all people caring for an older relative show clinically significant depressive symptoms.
**By the year 2020, depression will be the 2nd most common health problem in the world

I got a little laugh out of the statistic that says...For every one man that develops depression, two women will...(What are they trying to say? We are more emotional than men?) That would be the understatement of the century!!

Anyway, just keep me in your prayers as I fight this small battle. I will not stay here long!! :)

Some things never change

Our class reunion turned out to be a great time! I have to say there were times I wasn't completely sure it was going to all come together. I think every one had fun just visiting with each other. It is so hard to believe that 10 years has gone by. On one hand it seems like only yesterday we were all sitting in classes at CHS. Then, when you look at all the "old" pictures it seems like an eternity ago!

We had classmates drive from Tennessee...(Great to see you, Angela!!) And even one that flew from Boston! (Krista, you are just as gorgeous as you ever were!;) I just wanted to say thanks to EVERYONE who came.

The funny thing is, everyone seemed to be exactly the same as we left 10 years ago. I mean, sure some of us had put on a few extra pounds...some lost a lot of weight..ahem..Kendra!! I was expecting someone to stand out and really nobody did! :)

Here is a picture to show you exactly what I mean about...SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE!



These two are hilarious! So glad you guys came!!

Then, around 10:00 we had a girls bachelorette party come join us. At first, I was offended...thinking who crashes a high school reunion? They just came in the door and started dancing like they owned the place. Then, a few of our classmates joined in. The pictures tell it all. The girls in the pictures are total strangers!





Thank you to the committee who met and helped make all of the decisions. (Kurt, Zach, Courtney, Mike and Kelly) You guys were a great to work with!

I just want to say special thank you to Kelly Underwood Elders...without you I know we would not have pulled it off!!

See everyone in 10? Some were saying they would like to do it again in 5? Either way I hope we can get more to come to our next one!!

From the abundance of the heart...

My 10 year class reunion is quickly approaching. I've been planning, along with five of my classmates, since May. We've been trying our best to make it as nice as possible since we missed our 5 year reunion. We've learned through the process that we can't make everybody happy. No matter what...we will charge too much, have terrible food and the music will be awful. But, I think we all have thick enough skin to not take anything personal. After all, it's not about what kind of food we have, it's about having the opportunity to see each other again. Our ultimate goal is for everyone to have a good time!!

With that being said...today I ran into a former classmate. Since I hadn't received his RSVP, I asked him if he would be coming to the reunion. The response I got was something like this, "Uh, no probably not. I've, uh, got plans that weekend." And my response..."Oh, OK...loser!" (with a smile, of course) I shocked myself with that response! Where did that come from? It just sort of flowed out of my mouth without a second thought!

And then I was reminded of the scripture...Luke 6:45-...For out of the abundance of his heart his mouth speaks.

You see...even though it has been 10 years...and time heals a lot of wounds...I will still never forget him for the cheater he was. He hurt my best friend in high school...actually two of my really close friends. And although I don't dwell on it...and honestly haven't thought about it since...I guess deep down I still really don't care for the guy. I know, I know...Forgiveness... That's the Christian thing to do. I don't have hard feelings anymore...it's just I couldn't believe I said that. And to top it off with an expression like "Loser." LOL...Who says that anyway?

Well, I hope that everyone is planning on coming to the reunion! We are up to about 60 people. It's going to be a great time! It will be fun to see everyone and reminisce about the "Good Ole' Days" I can't wait!! :) See ya'll there!!