The past week has been one of the more emotional ones thus far in my pregnancy. It's like the hormone switch got cranked up a notch and I am reminding myself that this is all normal and part of the journey. Normal or not, I have to admit, I am more comfortable when I feel in control.
Which leads me to what I am learning. It is not easy to have a house for sale and be in transition when your body and life are progressing towards something you haven't experienced before. However, I am finding that the joy of having your husband as your best friend to walk it with and a few close friends who really get you make it ok. I'm learning that everything doesn't have to be perfect or designer or 100% how I want it to be a loving and Godly mom.
I could have said that before and believed it but I feel like I am really learning it in these last days as my desire to have everything in place increases. It doesn't mean I have full control of these crazy emotions or that I don't face fear but I really want to hold to the excitement of this time rather than any worry that might rise up in me.
Hearing the joyful news of Molly's little boy yesterday put a lot back in to perspective for me. I think first of all, realizing how closely she and I have been walking together in this journey and now here she is a momma which means I am soon to follow. But more importantly, how loved and cherished that little one already is. Not because of anything that has been prepared but because of the love that a little baby brings the moment they come in to the world. So even though I don't have everything in our house set up the way I thought it would be with the "perfect space" prepared, I am learning that the love we have ready for this baby will be all it really needs.
Showing posts with label learning something new. Show all posts
Showing posts with label learning something new. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
epicurious: fresh eating?
Ok friends, I realize, I have not posted pictures in a while. And I think posts are 100% better with visual aid so I am happy to say I got over my "but then I have to upload them and everything" phase for the sake of displaying my thoughts this evening.
I have found myself involved in more than one conversation as of late about the film Food Inc, eating locally by participating in a community share garden and food in general. The last one is nothing new, I have always loved the topic. However, I am starting to become more curious about what pursuing more local eating would look like. Even on the level of making a more concerted effort to get to the farmer's market to get these weekly:
I'm trying to be reasonable here, after all, it was only a short 3 or 4 months ago that I first publicly confessed a new love for McDonalds. But something in me says that eating fresh ingredients and supporting local producers is a bit more sustainable love. So as I explore this interest, here is the outpouring of it that took place in my quiet little kitchen tonight.
Chopping lots and lots of veggies:
Tossed with lots of this:
And a generous amount of seasonings because I tend to underseason; I used salt, pepper, basil and a few generous dashes of the cute little seasoning below that I received back in February as part of Jodi's cooking demo party:
From there I shook it up, potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, onion, carrots and all and baked for 45 minutes at 425, stirring a couple of times along the way.
I also took my shaking bowl, added a few more pinches of seasoning and tossed some chicken in there (my own shake & bake) and baked that side-by-side with the veggies for good measure. As much as I could live on carbs alone, I think part of this whole eating healthy things means balance so I thought that might even things out a bit. I baked the chicken for 30 minutes, covered with foil because of the blazing heat of the oven and it turned out great.
In other pursuits of health, the countdown is on to our weekend getaway to the cottage, one of our favorite places in life. 3 days until there is only a quiet lake, sleeping in, taking naps and hoping it rains so we have nowhere to go and nothing to do.
I have found myself involved in more than one conversation as of late about the film Food Inc, eating locally by participating in a community share garden and food in general. The last one is nothing new, I have always loved the topic. However, I am starting to become more curious about what pursuing more local eating would look like. Even on the level of making a more concerted effort to get to the farmer's market to get these weekly:
I'm trying to be reasonable here, after all, it was only a short 3 or 4 months ago that I first publicly confessed a new love for McDonalds. But something in me says that eating fresh ingredients and supporting local producers is a bit more sustainable love. So as I explore this interest, here is the outpouring of it that took place in my quiet little kitchen tonight.
Chopping lots and lots of veggies:
Tossed with lots of this:
And a generous amount of seasonings because I tend to underseason; I used salt, pepper, basil and a few generous dashes of the cute little seasoning below that I received back in February as part of Jodi's cooking demo party:
From there I shook it up, potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, onion, carrots and all and baked for 45 minutes at 425, stirring a couple of times along the way.
I also took my shaking bowl, added a few more pinches of seasoning and tossed some chicken in there (my own shake & bake) and baked that side-by-side with the veggies for good measure. As much as I could live on carbs alone, I think part of this whole eating healthy things means balance so I thought that might even things out a bit. I baked the chicken for 30 minutes, covered with foil because of the blazing heat of the oven and it turned out great.
In other pursuits of health, the countdown is on to our weekend getaway to the cottage, one of our favorite places in life. 3 days until there is only a quiet lake, sleeping in, taking naps and hoping it rains so we have nowhere to go and nothing to do.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
riding in tandem
Remember when I said I rode a tandem bike for the first time this week? Well I wanted to write about it but Ryan beat me too and when he finished reading it to me I decided he said everything I wanted to. So here it is, a guest post from my hubby (more of his writing can be found here as well.)-enjoy
tandem
As my wife and I were sitting outside the other day sipping coffee on our friend's porch, they suddenly had this great idea..."We think you and Bekah need to do a little marriage counseling!" Obviously, I was a bit skeptical since Bekah and I have been married for over 5 years, and probably would have been offended had I not understood the randomness of these amazing people. So, Bekah and I proceeded to agree to their little "counseling session." They told us to put our shoes on and come around the back of the house. When we got there, we found a black bike with two seats, two handle bars, which included one challenge. Bekah and I accepted this challenge, their "counseling" session.
As we hopped on the bike it was clear why our friends called it marriage counseling. I was in the front, and obviously that person is in charge of steering the bike. This is a big responsibility that neither people think about before hopping on. As we came to our first corner I started to go left. However, I did not warn Bekah of this and she proceeded to jerk her handle bars back and forth making it very difficult for us to turn left. We just about crashed on the pavement, and by only God's help did we make that corner. Immediately Bekah wanted off the bike. It was scary, she had no control, and she didn't want to crash. I suggested that we work together at the next corner and assured her that it would go smoothly. Approaching the next corner I proceeded to tell Bekah what direction we were turning and verbally walked us through the process as we were doing it. It worked great, and corner after corner it became easier and easier. By the end we really enjoyed the ride and were glad we did it.
Our friends were right on it being a perfect tool for marriage counseling. 5 years ago we would have crashed. Bekah would have sat there crying as I pointed and yelled at her for not turning the same direction I did. It made me happy to see that we've come a long way over the years. We were able to communicate through the difficulties of a new challenge. She was able to trust me that things were going to go smoother as long as we communicated. Who would have thought that so much truth and encouragement could be found riding in tandem.
tandem
As my wife and I were sitting outside the other day sipping coffee on our friend's porch, they suddenly had this great idea..."We think you and Bekah need to do a little marriage counseling!" Obviously, I was a bit skeptical since Bekah and I have been married for over 5 years, and probably would have been offended had I not understood the randomness of these amazing people. So, Bekah and I proceeded to agree to their little "counseling session." They told us to put our shoes on and come around the back of the house. When we got there, we found a black bike with two seats, two handle bars, which included one challenge. Bekah and I accepted this challenge, their "counseling" session.
As we hopped on the bike it was clear why our friends called it marriage counseling. I was in the front, and obviously that person is in charge of steering the bike. This is a big responsibility that neither people think about before hopping on. As we came to our first corner I started to go left. However, I did not warn Bekah of this and she proceeded to jerk her handle bars back and forth making it very difficult for us to turn left. We just about crashed on the pavement, and by only God's help did we make that corner. Immediately Bekah wanted off the bike. It was scary, she had no control, and she didn't want to crash. I suggested that we work together at the next corner and assured her that it would go smoothly. Approaching the next corner I proceeded to tell Bekah what direction we were turning and verbally walked us through the process as we were doing it. It worked great, and corner after corner it became easier and easier. By the end we really enjoyed the ride and were glad we did it.
Our friends were right on it being a perfect tool for marriage counseling. 5 years ago we would have crashed. Bekah would have sat there crying as I pointed and yelled at her for not turning the same direction I did. It made me happy to see that we've come a long way over the years. We were able to communicate through the difficulties of a new challenge. She was able to trust me that things were going to go smoother as long as we communicated. Who would have thought that so much truth and encouragement could be found riding in tandem.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
shenanigans
Lots of interesting firsts in the past few days. My first visit to "cash4gold" and and my first cooking demo...
Life continues as usual with my processing life stuff and ups and downs and maybe I will write more about that in coming days, but for now, I'm focusing on the carefreeness of the past 3 days. Like the lunch date that Amber & I had @ Real Food Cafe (A-MAZING quesadillas with chicken & artichokes and feta) and then jumping in her car to hit up Cash 4 Gold. Oh yes we did. You can read about the rest of our adventure here as told by Amber.
Yesterday, Michelle & I headed down to 2 antique shops on a mission. Project update the spare bedroom began @ Blue Star Antique Pavilion and about 3 booths in we hit the jackpot. The thing I love about spending time with Michelle is that we chat and tell stories and update each other on life, going from serious to carefree within a moment's notice.
A few weeks ago after the swap, we started talking about a vision for her & Britton's guest room which gets quite a bit of use since both of their families are from out of town. It has been nicely furbished to this point with pieces they already own, a nice bed, a side table, a mirror, the necessities. So we weren't starting from bare bones but knew that we wanted to take it in a whole new direction. So when we came across 2 nice side tables, 3 frames made out of old trim and a shabby chic shutter to serve as a headboard, it was a package deal.
This was the point in which Michelle knew I would write about our finds:
We'll take it! And it pays to ask about discounts because we found out that you can get 10% off most things at these types of antique malls.
From there we entered our destination into the GPS & headed to something I was really looking forward to. Jodi Michelle's cooking demo! Jodi & I first met probably 2 or so years ago when our husbands' business were both in the same building and have not had a lot of opportunities to get to know one another since then but I jumped at the chance to check out her cooking demo. Plus the menu sounded delicious and she hooked us up with some of these from the etsy shop "Kitchen Stories" :
It was a wonderful afternoon and I loved being in such a comfortable home with other women, some of which I knew, some that I didn't. We shared cooking tips, asked questions and learned a lot about the art of cooking salmon, how to make a delicious curry dip and the cake. oh the cake. I loved reading Jodi's perspective on the day (I think you will too) and am looking forward to recreating some of the recipes again soon!
Life continues as usual with my processing life stuff and ups and downs and maybe I will write more about that in coming days, but for now, I'm focusing on the carefreeness of the past 3 days. Like the lunch date that Amber & I had @ Real Food Cafe (A-MAZING quesadillas with chicken & artichokes and feta) and then jumping in her car to hit up Cash 4 Gold. Oh yes we did. You can read about the rest of our adventure here as told by Amber.
Yesterday, Michelle & I headed down to 2 antique shops on a mission. Project update the spare bedroom began @ Blue Star Antique Pavilion and about 3 booths in we hit the jackpot. The thing I love about spending time with Michelle is that we chat and tell stories and update each other on life, going from serious to carefree within a moment's notice.
A few weeks ago after the swap, we started talking about a vision for her & Britton's guest room which gets quite a bit of use since both of their families are from out of town. It has been nicely furbished to this point with pieces they already own, a nice bed, a side table, a mirror, the necessities. So we weren't starting from bare bones but knew that we wanted to take it in a whole new direction. So when we came across 2 nice side tables, 3 frames made out of old trim and a shabby chic shutter to serve as a headboard, it was a package deal.
This was the point in which Michelle knew I would write about our finds:
We'll take it! And it pays to ask about discounts because we found out that you can get 10% off most things at these types of antique malls.
From there we entered our destination into the GPS & headed to something I was really looking forward to. Jodi Michelle's cooking demo! Jodi & I first met probably 2 or so years ago when our husbands' business were both in the same building and have not had a lot of opportunities to get to know one another since then but I jumped at the chance to check out her cooking demo. Plus the menu sounded delicious and she hooked us up with some of these from the etsy shop "Kitchen Stories" :
It was a wonderful afternoon and I loved being in such a comfortable home with other women, some of which I knew, some that I didn't. We shared cooking tips, asked questions and learned a lot about the art of cooking salmon, how to make a delicious curry dip and the cake. oh the cake. I loved reading Jodi's perspective on the day (I think you will too) and am looking forward to recreating some of the recipes again soon!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Singletasking
I read an article this week in an old edition of Real Simple that intrigued me. The author committed one month of his life against multitasking. No MULTI-TASKING you say? How on earth in days of days of blue tooth-so you can drive and talk, tabbed browsing- cause you can’t just look at one website at a time, and drive through lattes could this be a good thing.?
And I asked myself, Self, "when was the last time you did just one thing at a time?" When I’m in the shower I think about my day and the lists I can make in my head. Driving to and fro I am on my cell phone or planning things, while making breakfast I think about the dishes to wash and the shirt to iron. I don’t do just one thing well.
This is not to say I have the whole “multitasking” thing licked. By no means; in fact, my version probably looks a lot more like inattention and distraction than it does streamlined process. But it was so interesting to me that I read the whole thing beginning to end and could feel the author’s life developing meaning in quiet moments as he chose to allow conversations and thoughts to happen when they needed to. So I decided to try it this afternoon.
I shut all distractions off, sat in my comfy chair and wrote. Opened up an old school word.doc and wrote and wrote and wrote. Ignoring the grammatical highlights and spelling suggestions I let it spill out. Something I probably could have used to do a few days ago but I ever so efficiently stepped around it with my multitasking until it and I were face to face.
And honestly, I feel a bit better. It was good in a deep way to submit my attention to one thing, to give in my focus and time. I realize we do not have the ability to stop our days and the things we need to accomplish to keep life moving but I think maybe once in a while singletasking could serve us well.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
channeling Julia Child
The 2 dishes to be conquered were as follows:
Ratatouille and Poulet Sauté aux Herbes de Provence
recipes found here and here
Saturday night my dear and brave friend Jamie & I faced our biggest kitchen challenge yet. 2 recipes by the world renouned Julia Child. We tied our aprons (more like I spilled on my scarf that I just got dry cleaned) and sharpened our knives.
A few observations from the evening:
- there is nothing quite like cooking with a glass of wine in hand with a good friend
- the complexity of the recipes may or may have not taken us over 2 hours to complete
- when it says "a whole chicken" you don't put the insides in. I have a gracious friend and a long way to go in the cooking world. That sure freed up some space in my pan
- "If you’re afraid of butter, just use cream"- a direct quote from Julia which seems fitting as inspiration seeing as there was over a stick of butter & 7 tbs of olive oil combined between the dishes
Thursday, January 14, 2010
my resolve: to do the hard things
So here is my version of this new year's resolution. I want to do the hard things. These things are not large and grand like training for an Ironman or reading a book a week (truly hard things). I mean things like going to bed at a decent hour and calling friends to connect when I start to hermit myself. Things like letting my counter stack up with a mess of items in order to sit down with my hubby and truly LISTEN to what he has to say to me and prioritizing reading my Bible over updating my blog. Somehow the "easy" things become the hard things to me and rather than make big steps, I am choosing to make little steps towards my resolve.
I am also resolving to NOT run the Riverbank Run again because I believe that life long goal was achieved in 2009 and my knees have asked me to not put that on the list again. Speaking of the hard things, it is now 11:11 p.m. and here is my chance to put the plan into action.
I WILL be carving out some time this weekend however to sit down and write the "Passion" post to share some of the things that God really impressed upon me in our time in Atlanta last week. Including some incredible music that I have never been exposed to before like Christy Nockels...where have I been?! Here is a little something until then...
I am also resolving to NOT run the Riverbank Run again because I believe that life long goal was achieved in 2009 and my knees have asked me to not put that on the list again. Speaking of the hard things, it is now 11:11 p.m. and here is my chance to put the plan into action.
I WILL be carving out some time this weekend however to sit down and write the "Passion" post to share some of the things that God really impressed upon me in our time in Atlanta last week. Including some incredible music that I have never been exposed to before like Christy Nockels...where have I been?! Here is a little something until then...
Sunday, December 6, 2009
my friend's kids...
are simply wonderful. I can't put into words the emotion I have except to say that it is really meaningful to see my friends as moms and experience their process and journey as make that transition.
I won't say that it hasn't been hard, it has in the past year been a struggle for me to find my place between discussions about burp clothes and potty training. And I also can say that I know it will be a little while yet until we step into that phase of our lives so I will continue to struggle to find my place in those conversations.
But in the past week I have had several opportunities to sit with, hold and entertain their little ones and have been so blessed by their kiddos. The moments that I let go of trying to be in the secret society of motherhood and get over myself, I get lost in loving those moments. And I am really thankful because it feels good to let go and love my friends where they are at including loving their kids.
I won't say that it hasn't been hard, it has in the past year been a struggle for me to find my place between discussions about burp clothes and potty training. And I also can say that I know it will be a little while yet until we step into that phase of our lives so I will continue to struggle to find my place in those conversations.
But in the past week I have had several opportunities to sit with, hold and entertain their little ones and have been so blessed by their kiddos. The moments that I let go of trying to be in the secret society of motherhood and get over myself, I get lost in loving those moments. And I am really thankful because it feels good to let go and love my friends where they are at including loving their kids.
Friday, October 16, 2009
thoughts from today
Today was one of the most focused days that I have had in I dare say a long time. My head is quite regularly full of thoughts flowing in and out like rivers, which leads to sticky notes and action items and reminders. Today was marked out for something different and my mind and my heart were able to put a halt on the influx of information for the occasion. We had a staff retreat off site and it felt so good to sit with the team and intentionally process the vision and calling God has for us, in our work and in our own individual walks. The day also included some great coffee and delicious Italian food from here. which never hurts.Lucky me that I get to be with these people 3 days a week:
PS: there is the most gorgeous red tree with fire red leaves on my drive to work that reminds me of a chapter in Cold Tangerines (my standing favorite book by Shauna Niequist) that you can indulge in at this site
PS: there is the most gorgeous red tree with fire red leaves on my drive to work that reminds me of a chapter in Cold Tangerines (my standing favorite book by Shauna Niequist) that you can indulge in at this site
Friday, September 4, 2009
birds
Sometimes I think about time in essence of weeks. But more and more lately I find myself challenged to only think about the day in front of me. Because really, no matter what intentions or plans I have, today matters and the rest will take care of itself.
I love what it says in Matthew 6, that the birds of the air and the lilies will be cared for so we shouldn’t worry. I don’t see the little blue jays and hummingbirds, the tulips and the roses craning their necks so to speak, crying out for their food and their sunlight. They know it will come and it does.
This week has been really good living this way, trying my hardest to start my day reading my Bible which was a 2 for 4 effort in the past few days. I found myself challenged to pray instead of worry after facing head on the reality of my continued desire for control in my life and the lives of those I love.
I will say, the last few months in this transition have been harder than I imagined, bringing adjustments and changing of roles that have thrown me for a few curves. But I want to fight to have a prayerful heart because if I am honest, worry and control come a lot easier.
Praying with this heart for my dear friend who just delivered her first baby and is waiting for the results of some tests today on his heart. Praying with this heart for my own attitude towards all of the transition going on in our life; the need for me to work hard in this season to support Ryan as a student and that my response would be gladness rather than burden. Asking for reminders that if the birds are ok, I will be too.
I love what it says in Matthew 6, that the birds of the air and the lilies will be cared for so we shouldn’t worry. I don’t see the little blue jays and hummingbirds, the tulips and the roses craning their necks so to speak, crying out for their food and their sunlight. They know it will come and it does.
This week has been really good living this way, trying my hardest to start my day reading my Bible which was a 2 for 4 effort in the past few days. I found myself challenged to pray instead of worry after facing head on the reality of my continued desire for control in my life and the lives of those I love.
I will say, the last few months in this transition have been harder than I imagined, bringing adjustments and changing of roles that have thrown me for a few curves. But I want to fight to have a prayerful heart because if I am honest, worry and control come a lot easier.
Praying with this heart for my dear friend who just delivered her first baby and is waiting for the results of some tests today on his heart. Praying with this heart for my own attitude towards all of the transition going on in our life; the need for me to work hard in this season to support Ryan as a student and that my response would be gladness rather than burden. Asking for reminders that if the birds are ok, I will be too.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
book giveaway!
I just joined a Random House book blog club recently and am reading the above "The Friends We Keep" by Sarah Zacharais Davis and loving the insight. As women and inherently relational beings, I believe we all long for community. Getting there as women can sometimes prove to be difficult. I feel like there have been so many seasons in my life where I continue to redefine my close friendships and re-learn my role.
This book speaks to all of the dynamics of women's friendships and is a true picture of how because we need relationships in the way our bodies need water and air. More to come on my thoughts of the book but as part of my book club I have the chance to give a copy of this book away to one lucky friend. In order to have a shot at owning the book yourself, I want to know what you think the best and worst part of women's friendships are. Is it the girl's nights and the tears, the jealousy and the joys? Let it all out. I will choose a random winner this Sunday night so enter quick!
PS. if you are interested in blogging for books...check out this link for more info.
Friday, June 26, 2009
make new friends, but keep the old
make new friends but keep the old,
one is silver and the other gold.
like a circle has no end,
you and me will always be friends.
This Girl Scout's song has been playing through my brain for the past 24 hours after having Cara over for muffins yesterday...she and I met randomly (or maybe not so randomly) in a coffee shop months ago and in that time she got married so we had a little coffee date at my house to catch up. Those good ole Girl Scout days always help me but things back in perspective. Especially when there are Samoas or Thin Mints involved.
Speaking of goodies, I made muffins for us and have a new little baking secret to share. I know Sandra Lee is the queen of semi-home made but I will give it my best.
Here it is: you start with a box of muffin mix, for me it was apple cinnamon
here's where the "homemade part comes in":
mix oats, brown sugar, flour, butter and a little cinnamon and christen the top of the muffins, bake & voila! your very own homemade feeling, yet from a box, muffins:
Friday, June 19, 2009
inviting creativity to the party
you may have noticed a new little button on my site here...I am now an
Uppercase Living consultant (wall words and all kinds of fun stuff)! If you have not heard of the company, no worries. I had not either until early April when I was at a home decor boutique in a local beach town and the shop owner showed me a few Uppercase Living ideas. I was hooked and am excited to share it with you. Here is a link to my personal site if you are interested in checking a catalog out.
http://joyfulhomes.uppercaseliving.net
I am also going to be creating original pieces inspired by the whole "shabby chic" look starting with the windows and doors that I got at an awesome barn sale today. Major adrenaline rush as I got there and there were already 20 people scouring the place for deals at 9:10...the doors opened at 9. It's funny because I never dreamed that I would be doing something like this but somehow over the events of the past year, perspective switched a bit and here I am. I promise this blog won't become my business journal. Nope, counting on it and my good friends to keep my creative adrenaline in balance.
but while we are here, check out a few fun things for inspiration! If you are interested, send me an email me and we can chat. And for the rest of y'all (still the lingering effect of the Southern drawl coveted while in Florida with the girls) there may just be a giveaway somewhere down the road as well...
Uppercase Living consultant (wall words and all kinds of fun stuff)! If you have not heard of the company, no worries. I had not either until early April when I was at a home decor boutique in a local beach town and the shop owner showed me a few Uppercase Living ideas. I was hooked and am excited to share it with you. Here is a link to my personal site if you are interested in checking a catalog out.
http://joyfulhomes.uppercaseliving.net
I am also going to be creating original pieces inspired by the whole "shabby chic" look starting with the windows and doors that I got at an awesome barn sale today. Major adrenaline rush as I got there and there were already 20 people scouring the place for deals at 9:10...the doors opened at 9. It's funny because I never dreamed that I would be doing something like this but somehow over the events of the past year, perspective switched a bit and here I am. I promise this blog won't become my business journal. Nope, counting on it and my good friends to keep my creative adrenaline in balance.
but while we are here, check out a few fun things for inspiration! If you are interested, send me an email me and we can chat. And for the rest of y'all (still the lingering effect of the Southern drawl coveted while in Florida with the girls) there may just be a giveaway somewhere down the road as well...
Thursday, June 11, 2009
a new slight obsession
what started as a small simple journal...led to a website...and now I may never be the same. Forgive my dramatics but I just jumped on galison.com after purchasing one of their journals. Think Steven Covey (Franklin Covey) meets your junior high art teacher. brilliant. I have this little guy and originally bought it because I needed a place to record prayers and praises.
I felt like too much of life was just passing me by with small miracles, prayers, quotes, running in and out of my mind before I had a chance to soak any of them in. So I wrote in the front "prayers and praises" 2009 and found that it fits perfectly in my purse so I have no excuse for leaving it on my nightstand.
Last night I was reminded, in my Esther study (of course), that it is "for such a time as this" we were born. Esther didn't just happen to be born at the time she was, a Jew, in the palace and with an opportunity. She had a choice, to face her fear and to take the courage given to her. Those may have seemed like big moments and we can wonder how it might relate to our daily prayers and comings and goings, but I think God gives those to us day by day if we look for them. We spent some really meaningful time in prayer as a group and sharing small miracles that give hope. Those are the things that I need to write down, to keep in my journal and on my heart.
Just for fun, they also have a great collection of diaries with locks. If I were 10, you might see this one crammed between my mattress'.
I felt like too much of life was just passing me by with small miracles, prayers, quotes, running in and out of my mind before I had a chance to soak any of them in. So I wrote in the front "prayers and praises" 2009 and found that it fits perfectly in my purse so I have no excuse for leaving it on my nightstand.
Last night I was reminded, in my Esther study (of course), that it is "for such a time as this" we were born. Esther didn't just happen to be born at the time she was, a Jew, in the palace and with an opportunity. She had a choice, to face her fear and to take the courage given to her. Those may have seemed like big moments and we can wonder how it might relate to our daily prayers and comings and goings, but I think God gives those to us day by day if we look for them. We spent some really meaningful time in prayer as a group and sharing small miracles that give hope. Those are the things that I need to write down, to keep in my journal and on my heart.
Just for fun, they also have a great collection of diaries with locks. If I were 10, you might see this one crammed between my mattress'.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
the rules of recycling
so last night BrieAnna met me at our house to carpool to our Monday night group and my recycling was proudly displayed at the end of the driveway. And as I backed the car out cautious as not to knock my carefully stacked cartons, bags, papers, boxes she began to giggle. Between breaths, I learned that I cannot in fact mix my wax covered boxes and cartons with the purest of plastics 1-7 and other sanctioned pieces.
Wow. I never knew plastic had numbers and I sure didn't realize what how much I have to learn when it comes to recycling. I'm willing to learn though and in our fits of silliness, this little rhyme came to us...
When in doubt, throw it out
When it can be reused, recycling we choose.
I bet if our drive to Michelle's house was a little further, she would have had a few more verses and a tune to belt out for me. She's good. Really good. She's the only friend I have who has their own musician page on myspace!
I just had to post a pic of her because she so bravely cut her hair way shorter as an act of freedom and expression & I love it!
Wow. I never knew plastic had numbers and I sure didn't realize what how much I have to learn when it comes to recycling. I'm willing to learn though and in our fits of silliness, this little rhyme came to us...
When in doubt, throw it out
When it can be reused, recycling we choose.
I bet if our drive to Michelle's house was a little further, she would have had a few more verses and a tune to belt out for me. She's good. Really good. She's the only friend I have who has their own musician page on myspace!
I just had to post a pic of her because she so bravely cut her hair way shorter as an act of freedom and expression & I love it!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
recycling
Even these guys get it:
What took me so long? Officially recycling and publicly apologizing for not doing so sooner. So tell me my Earth-friendly friends, what else am I missing out on? Are there other ways you save resources that you can enlighten me with?
What took me so long? Officially recycling and publicly apologizing for not doing so sooner. So tell me my Earth-friendly friends, what else am I missing out on? Are there other ways you save resources that you can enlighten me with?
Sunday, April 26, 2009
changes are a coming
just a little update for my therapist friends; I am not going through a multi-day identity crisis with my blog :) I am trying to teach myself how to edit HTML code for the new layout that will soon be mine. Painstaking but something I have been wanting to do for a little while now...why do I get myself into this stuff? There must be a diagnosis for that!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Running, and Indy, and Bed Races. Oh My
life is good. In the past 3 weeks since I last wrote, I feel like alot has happened. Just to recap, we ran the Windy City through the effects of Hurricane Ike with the most rain Chicago has ever seen in one day. And it was a darn good time and decent run. My goal was to match my PR (personal record, one of those runner's world acronyms) from last years race and I ended up adding 3 minutes to that which I was still really pleased with. There is alot to be said about runner's highs and endorphins and I am continually thankful for the mental clarity it provides me. Keeps me out of a straight jacket.
The whole bag lady look seemed pretty darn appealing at this point after the race. Thanks Ry!
I left from Chicago headed East to Indianapolis for a week long conference at the Philanthropy Center of IUPUI. And let me tell you, I had pretty high expectations as Indiana University is a part of a 3 part iniative referred to as AIM in the Philanthropy World. AIM is a coalition between Arizona State, Indiana University and Grand Valley (Michigan) that is known as the authority on all things philanthropy from donor research, to board governance, to societal trends...the list could go on. And the week itself invigorated me for this new career in alot of ways as there were some great aha moments that came out of being in a room with executive directors, consultants and professionals for week.
Plus, let's be honest, 2 things I love, being on a college campus and "traveling" didn't hurt either. During my week in Indy I was blessed by dinner and a LARGE slice of mile high mud pie with my dear friend Bethany, a great night out at PF Changs with Emily's mom, sisters and ZOE! along with a home cooked chicken lasagna at my cousin Jenny's house. Honestly, I made out pretty good that week.
As I returned home I was reminded that Ryan had been preparing for a race of his own. A bunch of guys that have offices in our building (hah, I still love that we work in the same building) joined forces to take part in the bed races for the Columbia Arts District here in Holland. Talk about manly man racing. They declared a Roman theme, togas and all. It was such a riot and they were pretty hard core. Kinda cheated with their industrial wheels...but won every heat and took home the glory. Check out the
video .
Warrior mode. wish this picture had sound.
till death do us part....
The whole bag lady look seemed pretty darn appealing at this point after the race. Thanks Ry!
I left from Chicago headed East to Indianapolis for a week long conference at the Philanthropy Center of IUPUI. And let me tell you, I had pretty high expectations as Indiana University is a part of a 3 part iniative referred to as AIM in the Philanthropy World. AIM is a coalition between Arizona State, Indiana University and Grand Valley (Michigan) that is known as the authority on all things philanthropy from donor research, to board governance, to societal trends...the list could go on. And the week itself invigorated me for this new career in alot of ways as there were some great aha moments that came out of being in a room with executive directors, consultants and professionals for week.
Plus, let's be honest, 2 things I love, being on a college campus and "traveling" didn't hurt either. During my week in Indy I was blessed by dinner and a LARGE slice of mile high mud pie with my dear friend Bethany, a great night out at PF Changs with Emily's mom, sisters and ZOE! along with a home cooked chicken lasagna at my cousin Jenny's house. Honestly, I made out pretty good that week.
As I returned home I was reminded that Ryan had been preparing for a race of his own. A bunch of guys that have offices in our building (hah, I still love that we work in the same building) joined forces to take part in the bed races for the Columbia Arts District here in Holland. Talk about manly man racing. They declared a Roman theme, togas and all. It was such a riot and they were pretty hard core. Kinda cheated with their industrial wheels...but won every heat and took home the glory. Check out the
video .
Warrior mode. wish this picture had sound.
till death do us part....
Saturday, July 26, 2008
headed back to the workforce
I can't help but be aware of the fact that this is my last Saturday before I return to the world of professionals, pantyhose & paid lunches. The third is a perk, the second I could do without. I have been reflective, potentially over analytical of my life for the past year or so and have come up, out, or on the other side I believe.
These 8 weeks have been incredibly interesting and so much fuller than I would have hoped. I don't know that dread was the emotion I felt but more a fear of the unknown and frankly what I would do with all of my time. In honor of my relective self, here are some of the things that have risen to the top:
I started this journey believing I was looking for one thing and found myself realizing through events & conversations that I was looking for another. It wasn't the business world I was looking to break up with, it was the population that I was exposed to that would change.
An absolute conviction that a financial advising firm was exactly where God had this BA Psych grad after TU. Talk about worldview 101, I had assumptions about the world of wealthly and their lifestyles that were completely blown out of the water. What they were replaced with is an increasing passion towards stewardship and a humbling need to understand the way that God's economics work, even in the earthtly realm.
My husband is more gracious and giving than I ever can see myself being and three words he gave me, "I trust you" blessed me to explore what was ahead.
Confidence, in who I am and the experiences I have had. The conversations that were shared with different organizations and through interviews gave me insight as to where my gifts do, AND DON'T fit.
Appreciation for our home and how comfortable it was for me to spend time here & continue to make it my own. An offshoot of that one is credit to my mom for bringing me into her Friday morning tradition of thrifting. I have multiple 25 cent knicknacks as proof of that one.
More to come...
These 8 weeks have been incredibly interesting and so much fuller than I would have hoped. I don't know that dread was the emotion I felt but more a fear of the unknown and frankly what I would do with all of my time. In honor of my relective self, here are some of the things that have risen to the top:
I started this journey believing I was looking for one thing and found myself realizing through events & conversations that I was looking for another. It wasn't the business world I was looking to break up with, it was the population that I was exposed to that would change.
An absolute conviction that a financial advising firm was exactly where God had this BA Psych grad after TU. Talk about worldview 101, I had assumptions about the world of wealthly and their lifestyles that were completely blown out of the water. What they were replaced with is an increasing passion towards stewardship and a humbling need to understand the way that God's economics work, even in the earthtly realm.
My husband is more gracious and giving than I ever can see myself being and three words he gave me, "I trust you" blessed me to explore what was ahead.
Confidence, in who I am and the experiences I have had. The conversations that were shared with different organizations and through interviews gave me insight as to where my gifts do, AND DON'T fit.
Appreciation for our home and how comfortable it was for me to spend time here & continue to make it my own. An offshoot of that one is credit to my mom for bringing me into her Friday morning tradition of thrifting. I have multiple 25 cent knicknacks as proof of that one.
More to come...
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