Plans.

 

 

 

The above quote describes my life perfectly.

As I talked with my house-mate last night after an exhausting day of work and doctors appointments, I reflected on the past 4 years of my life and laughed halfheartedly as I told her that absolutely NOTHING had gone according to plan.

When I was in high school, I had the next 6 years of my life planned out. I knew where I was going to college, what I wanted to study, and I had a nice little idea of what post-grad life would be like.

But as it would turn out, I can’t think of a single thing that has gone according to plan.

I had planned to stay in Peru longer, but I was flown back sick.

I had planned to live overseas for a little bit after school, but I was told that with my immune system I would never be able to.

I had planned to start out my junior year strong, not skipping the first 2 weeks of classes because I was in the ER or at my grandfather’s funeral.

I had planned to have a job lined up for when I graduated, not to continue working as a lifeguard at the pool indefinitely.

I had planned to move out of Greenville after graduation, not live here for the next few years.

I had planned to be healthy again, not to be beginning my 3rd round of treatments for an unknown parasitic disease.

But let me tell you, God had different plans.

If I had never been flown back early from Peru, I would have never seen my grandfather alive again. I would have missed the chance to go to his funeral and be with my family.

If I had never been sick, I would have never met a Hispanic patient in the hospital who couldn’t communicate with the clinical staff. I would have never known that there was such a huge need for interpreters in the United States.

If I had been given a job immediately after graduating and moved out of Greenville, I would have missed the never-ending opportunity I’ve had to rely on God and His perfect timing for me. I would have missed the countless opportunities I’ve had to serve at my temp job. I would have never had the privilege of  meeting so many amazing co-workers.

And honestly, there are still so many things that I don’t understand, and more than likely never will.

About 2 weeks ago, I was spending time reading my Bible when I suddenly realized something monumental.  I can’t mess up God’s plan for me. God doesn’t look at the mistakes and sins I’ve committed and shake His head. He doesn’t look down from heaven and say “Well she really messed that up. Guess I’ll have to find someone else.” God doesn’t have a plan B because He doesn’t need one.

When I finally realized that, I can’t even describe the sense of liberty that washed over me. Life isn’t about me and my decisions, it’s about God and my willingness to embrace His plans for my life.

Working in neurosurgery has taught me a lot. But one thing that has always amused me is how the neurosurgeons I work with can perform a complex craniotomy or lumbar decompression, yet they are completely incapable of sending a simple fax from the fax machine. So one of my many responsibilities includes calmly taking the paper from their capable hands and showing them which button to press.

I have found that my view of God is often comparable to the view I have of the surgeons. He is very skilled at big things, and more knowledgeable than me. When I’m facing something big, I have no problem with going to Him. But when it comes to the little things, or the “faxes” in life, He is suddenly in need of my help. But that’s not who God is. I am so thankful that my God is capable of both brain surgeries AND sending faxes.

That is the God I serve.

Next Friday, I will be walking across the stage as the first woman in my family’s history to receive an undergrad diploma. The Monday after that, on May 12, I will begin my new job with the Greenville County Sheriff’s office as a Communications Specialist- something I never imagined for myself.

It all seems kinda’ve unreal.

From preschool to elementary school to high school to college, God has loved me and led me.

Both of my names, “Anna” and “Caitlin” mean grace.  God has truly given me so much grace. I can’t help but to smile as I remember the lyrics of an old hymn that my dad used to sing to me each night,

“‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”

5 of South Carolina’s Best Kept Secrets

So what is worth seeing in SC, other than the popular Charleston Aquarium, Riverbanks Zoo, or the football stadiums? Quite a few places actually. But I have narrowed it down to the 5 that most people have never heard of (even the locals!).

1. Gaffney Premium Outlets

Because what Southern girl doesn’t love shopping? And ok, maybe this isn’t exactly a secret. But I feel like this gets way less attention than it deserves simply because of the remote location. However, these 75 stores are well worth the drive! And of course, you can’t miss the iconic marker for the area, commonly referred to as the “Peach butt” (the Peachoid Water Tower).

**Fun Fact: South Carolina is the nation’s leading peach producer and shipper east of the Mississippi River.

2. Campbell’s Covered Bridge

Constructed in 1909, Campbell’s Covered Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in the State of South Carolina. It’s owned by Greenville County now, and is a great site for photography shoots and picnics!

3. The Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel

The Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel was started in 1856 by a railroad company and is bored for more than a mile into the granite heart of fabled Stumphouse Mountain. The coming of the Civil War in 1859 ended the work on the project. Some years ago, Clemson University made Blue Mold Cheese in the tunnel successfully for the first time in the South. The Tunnel is still owned by Clemson University, but is managed by the city of Wahalla.

4. Bomb Island, Lake Murray

Bomb Island on Lake Murray each spring and summer is the home of a very unusual event. Each year thousands of Purple Martins return to this island to roost for the summer. The island has been declared a bird sanctuary and it is quite a sight to watch these birds return to Bomb Island each day around sunset.

5. Atalaya Castle and Huntington Beach State Park

Located in Huntington Beach State Park, you’ll find Atalaya Castle, a stunning tribute to the Spanish Mediterranean built as a winter home by philanthropists Archer and Anna Huntington. Beyond indulging Mr. Huntington’s passion for all things Spanish, the beachfront hacienda included an atelier for Mrs. Huntington, who was an accomplished sculptor, as well as a stable for animals she used as models. Atalaya stretches some 200 feet on each side, with 30 interior rooms framing a spacious Andalusian-style courtyard. The structure’s eponymous tower—in Spanish “Atalaya” means “watchtower”—housed a 3,000-gallon water tank.

Personally, the beach and board walks located within the state park are my favorite. It is located just south of Murrel’s Inlet and Myrtle Beach, but is much less crowded and trashy. Check out some of my shots from the park here.

But let’s be honest, 5 places can barely begin to cover all the wonderful destinations in beautiful South Carolina. So I want to hear about your favorite spots bellow! Have you ever visited any of my top 5?  Are there any “secret” spots that you love to visit? Let us know!

 

Southern Remedies

One thing that I’ve noticed from working in healthcare is that everyone has their own solution to problems. In the south, advice and solutions begin coming the moment your mother announces that she is expecting. Every woman seems quite confident that she can instruct you on how to best care for your baby. And then there are the solutions for childhood illnesses. Tips for cleaning the house. Remedies for ridding your yard  from pests. Tricks to keep that young and beautiful radiance. The Farmer’s Almanac to instruct you in planting your garden and harvesting crops. Signs for predicting the weather. Advice and remedies never run scarce down here.

I know that the following remedies and tips will barely scratch the surface (my Great Grandma would have been much more qualified to write a post like this), however, I truly believe that there is value in more than a few of these tips! Others I simply included because I found them somewhat amusing.

Cures for the Common Cold and Other Illnesses

1. Sweat it out: Hydrogen Peroxide and Ginger Detox bath

1. Run a hot bath. (It  supposedly opens pores and prepares body for cleansing.)

2. Add three pints of hydrogen peroxide (3%). This oxygenates the body and helps purge toxins. It’s also antibacterial and antiviral.

3. Add two ounces of ground ginger, a natural anti-inflammatory that increases blood circulation and helps promote the elimination of toxins through sweat.

4. Soak for about 30 minutes.

5. Drink lots of water; You need to replenish what’s being pulled out of your system because you will begin to sweat profusely.

2. Caster oil

…Why?

Still not sure, but some sources suggest that it aids with skin and hair health, muscle aches, and constipation.

3.  A “Hot Tottie”

A hot brew that consists of equal parts whiskey (or tea, preferably green tea, if you would like to drink it), honey and lemon juice.   This can also be made for homemade cough syrup.  You can take them hot or cold from what I have read.  Usually about 2-3 tsps at a time (about 1/2 oz).

4. Eat Garlic

After looking into it, Research has shown that garlic is an antioxidant and can shorten the life of a cold. Also, Allicin, an ingredient found in garlic, is a decongestant that will help clear your blocked nose and sinuses.

5. For a congested chest:

Smear a sheet of brown paper or flannel in goose fat/lard and stick it to the patients chest before bed. Some people say that sprinkling it with nutmeg also helps. An earlier incarnation of rubbing Vick’s on the chest, perhaps?

Cures for getting rid of Pests

6. Grits 

I hate fire ants. There is no worse way to ruin the summer barefoot experience. So how would grits kill them? Well, the scout ants or whatever they are called, bring the grits into the colony, they get fed to the queen, and she expands after eating them and basically explodes. For some evil reason, that brings a smirk to my face.  Is that bad? The colony can’t live without their queen and they all end up dying.  Or eating grits and you get more explosive ants.
Go get ya some ants.  Southern Style.

7. Salt

Personally, I hate this one. I hate watching the poor little slugs shrivel up from a fatal chemical reaction. But it works.

8. Ivory Dish liquid

Ivory liquid dish washing detergent can act as a natural insecticide. Dilute with water until it is a 1 or 2 percent solution and then spray on plants.

Other Stuff…

9. Aspirin

Crush up aspirin and add water to make a paste that will relieve itchy bug bites. Ammonia has been said to work as well.

10. Aloe Vera

Growing up we had a huge one of these in a pot on the back porch. Whenever we burned ourselves we just broke off a piece and rubbed the gel on the burn site. This is the same plant gel that is sold to soothe sun burns. Apple cider vinegar can also be used to relieve burning, especially the pain from a jelly fish sting.

11. Duct Tape

You aren’t southern unless one of your solutions is Duct tape. It can be used to fix anything and everything. Some people even claim that if you leave duct tape on a wart for 2 weeks, it will kill it.

12. Frozen vegetables

…they make great ice packs for injuries. Or headaches.

How about you? Have you tried any of these? If so, what were the results? I would love to hear your additions and comments bellow!

100 Words and Sayings Commonly Used in the South

One of the most important aspects of any culture is the language (and I’m not just saying that because I’m a linguist). To truly understand the people of any culture, you must first understand the language. With this being said, …

Sweet and Southern – Coming Soon!

The South.

A place that gets in your blood and stays forever.

A place full of history, lazy summer afternoons, cotton fields, bonfires, barbecue, football, friends and family.

There are so many words that could describe the South.

So many memories and stories that could be told.

In reality, the southern states have their own culture – unlike anything else in the world.

Many people tend to stereo-type us:

Racist.

Hicks.

Uneducated.

Narrow minded.

Southern Baptists.

Poor.

These generalizations often prevent people from seeing the beauty of Southern culture.

So prepare yourselves!

Over the next few weeks I will be taking you on a journey: a journey down dirt roads, through the cotton fields, across the creek, over the railroad tracks, through the states, and back in time.

To many of you this journey will be like reliving yesterday. To others it will be as strange to you as traveling in a foreign land.

But to me, it’s home. So pull up a chair, pour you a glass of sweet iced tea, and get ready to sit a spell. I’ve got a lot of stories to tell.

Welcome to my home, y’all.