Sunday, July 31, 2011

23

My church has started a series on Psalm 23. Because of my sporadic attendance this summer, I missed the beginning of the series. Even so, the message today held power, beauty, truth. I won't quote it to you. If you know it, then you know it. If you don't, you might look it up.

The basic premise is about wants or desires. Yes, our culture is "want" driven. Tv commericals, bilboards, magazines, radio stations, etc tell us of the newest and greatest thing-a-mabob that we need. I am ultra guilty of feeling that urge to go and spend. Sometimes it consumes me. Controls me. Even deeper than consumable want is the deisre for something more out of life. A marriage. Children. A talent. An experience. I think we can all relate to either type. The tendency to see what someone else has and want it seems natural to me. Perhaps it wasn't meant to be natural.

The pastor encouraged us to combat this feeling of want in a way that I wasn't expecting. Yeah, sure I was counting on the "spend within your means", "don't compare yourself to others", etc. I wasn't calculating the challenge of: be grateful for what you have and be genuinely happy for others when they have something you want.

Even though the summer has been different than I had planned, I am grateful.
  • For the chance to visit aging grandparents.
  • For long evenings spent chatting with old friends.
  • For sunny hours spent lounging in a pool with friends.
  • For a home where I feel safe, loved, welcome.
  • For far-away friends who are happy to hear my voice when I call.
  • For my job- even though the upcoming year frightens me!
  • For new babies in the lives of so many near and dear to me.
  • For those who truly know me despite my tendency to hide.
  • For the chance to stop. be. think. breathe.
"Be thankful more than envious."- T.R.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Words?

The title of the blog here could mean many things. Stuttering. Searching for the right word. Using words incorrectly.
I have never considered myself to be a creative writer. I can write, sure, the occasional letter, thank you card, email, and of course educational paper. I am pretty good at those. But creatively? Nah.
When I sit down to write I wish I had a different voice. I wish my style were more subtle, poised, connected. Instead I feel kind of silly. Forced. Cliche.
I hope its true when others say that imitation is the purest form of flattery, because I try to imitate in my writing. I read. Books. Magazines. Other blogs- and lots of them. I have a few favorites that create mental images so vivid and bold that they make me stop in my reading to go back and linger. Take hold. Study. But even with this apprentice-like studying, I can't seem to take hold of those writing traits. I know why. It's more of a thinking than an actual writing I admire.
All of this leaves me with a question. If my original intent for writing every day of July was to gain some experience writing in a daily fashion in order to relate better to my six and seven year old writers- What do I do with kids who just don't know what or how to write?
I have jotted down ideas in a notebook and never written about them. I have read other people's writing and tried to imitate and gleam from their style, expertise and even subject matter. So, in the upcoming year I am faced with what to do with those reluctant writers. I thought after this experience I would have some great insight to give them from my own writing. Instead, I feel sympathy. I know what it's like to think all day and not have an idea good enough or worthy enough for an audience. I know what it's like to sit staring at a blank page. And I definitely can relate to not wanting to share my writing (even though I don't have a choice in this forum). But every day I did it. I am not sure that I learned something each day. But perhaps the whole is worth more than its parts in this scenario.
What do I tell them? I can relate?Jot down some ideas? Look to others for inspiration and ideas?

I have been telling myself: Just keep writing. Is that enough?

Friday, July 29, 2011

Hours Before Morning

Even thought I don't want to admit it, I know that summer is zooming toward its finale. With that sudden and abrupt ending will have to be the end of one of my summer habits. I like to stay up late. Very late. Generally, it is unintentional. I don't even realize I am passing by my sleeping hours until it has already happened!
Many times I get swept up in a project, a book, or a good movie. Last night it was a new website. It is called Pinterest. In reality, I know it is a silly site. You create "pinboards" where you basically pin pictures of things you like. I have several boards: clothes, house deco, classroom, jewelry/accessories, vacation spots, etc. You can create as many as you like, with whatever theme you can dream up. Then, you just find pictures of things that strike you, and pin them to the corresponding board. Others can follow your boards, comment on your boards, or even pin your picture on a board of their own. It's like shopping and swapping but virtually! More than anything, it might be an idea generator...
Nonetheless, I spent hours last night looking through pictures, quotes, do-it-yourself webinars, etc. The hours ran past while I was in a trance of imagination and creativity.
Even though I might feel the effects of the sleepless hours the next morning, I never regret my quiet time of guilty pleasures. The house is quiet. Restful. Snug. Still. With a household of four and a baby to arrive within weeks these moments might become extinct.
Perhaps I can let my habit linger for a few more nights yet.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Perspective

I recently watched a movie where one of the main characters takes a group of people into the middle of a busy street in downtown Seattle. Here he asked the group to describe what they saw, felt, noticed. Not surprisingly, people responded with,
"cars honking"
"trash on the street"
"homeless people"
"crowds"
The list went on and on for several minutes as the group got more and more specific in their noticings.

The next scene the same leader and group exited a door on the roof of a highrise in that same city. Again, the leader asked the group to describe what they saw, felt, noticed.
"fresh air"
"beauty"
"the nearby ocean"
"peace"
It was at this point that the leader pointed out- "But it's the same city. It didn't change. So what did? Your perspective."

I realize that at any given time perspective can be changed, shunned, altered, abandoned, embraced, or adopted. It's slippery, that perspective.

Last week I felt like those people on the streets of Seattle. My brain was overrun with upcoming tasks, responsibilities, and potential downfalls. All I saw was cars honking, trash, homeless people, and crowds. At the time, that was my perspective. It might have been shortsighted, but it was and still is valid.
Perspective maybe should be looked at as a progression. It can go back and forth, up and down, and around. I like to think of it as the Queen in Chess. She can move where she wants to get what she wants. (Some people may equate this with "Woman's Perogative"...)
Today I feel differently. I am on the roof today, looking down. I am experiencing fresh air, beauty, the ocean and peace. I realize this perspective may not last. It may slip away while I sleep or read or even as I write this.
I am just at the beginning of discovering that even thought my perspective may change- and I know it will!- I can validate that perspective for what it was at the time. It was my present reality. That can't be taken from me, judged, fixed, or scorned. It is what it is. Instead, I need to remember that the perspective can and should change. I can see my own growth and change in how those outlooks become lighter, darker, harsher, or softer. There is merit in the journey.
Where are you? What do you see, feel, and notice? Take joy in the journey...

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Snapshot

Artsy is not something I would consider myself to be. Although it is something I yearn to be. I love going to art museums, checking out local artists, trying my hand at a pottery class, painting class, or even admiring projects within a do-it-yourself magazine. I see the beauty in these pieces. I appreciate them. I learn from them. I am just not specifically talented in creating them myself.
One area that I have grown consistently interested in is the area of photography. It seems cliche this day in age where anyone can buy an expensive camera that does all of the work, and seem like a person with an eye for art. I don't want to be one of those people. I don't want it to be a fluke. I want to see the shot before I take it. I want to hunt down the angles, colors, and distances.
For me, photography is not just about something pretty to look at. Instead, it is a way to capture life. A memory. A moment in time. An emotion. I recently read that "photographs take their power from memory and emotion. A picture tells its own story, shaped by the mood or insights of the person you are at the time you take it." I was astonished to see my very own feelings and beliefs before my eyes in print!
So, even though I am not artsy, here are some of my favorite "originals". I hope they tell my story.
Beauty in Greece

Sisters in London

Feet in Rome, Italy

Niagra Falls
Jellyfish in Boston

Sunset in Maine while Kayaking


Mardi Gras masks in NOLA


Magnificent Maria in Honduras

Remnants of a good afternoon with friends


Mya the Great
Banyan Trees in Florida



Just me.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Hovering

Homework follows
like a shadow.

It will not be
stalled.

My paper looms
like garlic on your breath.

It cannot be
denied.

I feel the weight
of responsibility hovering.

It should not be
forgotten.

I tell myself
to do the work.

But somehow
my fingers do not tap the keybard.

But somehow
my fingers reach for another book!

Like A Kid

(For Monday...)
One of the many joys of being on a lake for the weekend include water sports. I have never been ultra-adventurous or experienced when it comes to these kinds of sports. My idea of fishing is laying on the boat, listening to music, and re-applying sunscreen every few hours. Thankfully, this weekend was a little different.
My dad has a pontoon boat- which isn't lightning fast, but can still cause a thrill! Both of the afternoons we were there, we went tubing. Basically, you lay on a big round tube and get pulled around by a zipping boat. It sounds easy, but proved to be anything but.
It was fantastic to watch and participate in this activity. I was surprised at how long my friends were able to stay on the tube without getting knocked off- despite all of my dad's trickery! Even I was able to learn how to "ride like a cowgirl" and domainate the wake and 360 degree turns.
We were all amazed at how the adreanline rushed, and even though we were gasping for breath, we alwasy nodded yes when asked if we were ready for more.
Like a kid, we ran around in our bathingsuits, sopping wet, with grins spread across our sunburnt faces. However, this morning, we didn't feel much like a kids. The pain of our muscles and joints reminded us that we might not be kids anymore. Nevertheless, pretending to be a kid was worth every jolt and bounce-- even if my shoulders don't agree at the moment.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Clash

(This post is technically for Sunday... I didn't have internet access that day, thus making posting impossible).

Two of my  housemates were able to join me on a weekend get-away to Columbus. I (almost) always enjoy trips back home. They are often filled with laughs, love, and good food! This trip was a little different in that I went back for three reasons: 1. my cousin's wedding 2. to stay at my dad's new lake house and 3. to fulfill one of B's Pre-Peace Corps bucket list must-do's. (B could leave for service in the Peace Corps anytime after September 1st).
It is always interesting for me to watch my two worlds collide. I live in Indiana, but grew up in Ohio. My entire family lives there, but my day to day family lives in G-town with me. They knew me from the beginning, but the others know the ins and outs of now.
I loved watching my family and my friends interact this weekend. It is always good to know that your family approves of your friends, your housemates, the people you live life with daily. On the flipside, it is nice to have your current reality be exposed to your roots, your genes, your kin.
The weekend revolved around conversation, laughter, and making memories. All in all, my two worlds meshed quite well. I might liken it to... chocolate and peanutbutter. Both quite nice on their own, but incredible when combined!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Two words.

Surrounded by family
young, old, and new.

It was a joy to watch
my cousin say "I do".

Congrats Michael and Tracey!!!

Friday, July 22, 2011

Cheating Boater

Some friends and I are going to Ohio for the weekend. My dad has a new house on the lake and we thought it would be a fun get-away for a long weekend. I am pretty excited about forgetting all of my to-do lists, stress, and upcoming return to work. I am looking forward to riding on the boat, bonfires, laughs, and being with family and friends alike.

However, in order for all of this to take place, I was asked to get an Ohio boating license. My dad wanted to make sure that in case I got pulled over for any reason, I wouldn't be fined (hugely) for not having a valid license. So, I decided to go online and take the exam. However, 60 questions is a lot for a boating license! Especially for someone who has no clue about boating!

Thus, the generation of technology. I had one window open with the exam and another with the Ohio Boating Handbook. My roommate also googled many of the answers for me. Evenstill, we were worried about the outcome.

Never fear, cheaters do prosper sometimes- we passed with 88% correct! Now to learn to actually drive and dock the boat...

Thursday, July 21, 2011

New Thinking = New Action?

This past year I was hired for an additional position than just teaching first grade. The newest position is being a part of my school leadership team and supporting other teachers in their instructional practices. These supports and changes are hoped to eventually affect student growth in a positive way.
During one of our meetings my principal made the comment that as leaders "we will need to check our pre-conceived notions of other teachers and their practices at the door. Everyone gets a clean slate" with this new initiative. I was immediately slapped in the face with my own guilt toward NOT previously doing this. For some reason, this charge has been running through my mind periodically through the summer as I think about the upcoming year and working closely with other teachers. I don't want to just be seen as a leader or a good leader. I want to BE a good leader. Yes, a part of being that leader is altering my mindset.
Today in a training the words "Walk the Talk" appeared in an inspirational video. Those three simple words held a huge implication for me. It isn't enough for me to just think or talk about doing this or that as a teacher, leader, friend, sister, daughter, etc. I have to DO those things. More specifically, this upcoming year, it won't be enough for me to just think "set aside pre-conceived notions". I will have to actually do this. That might mean not commenting in a conversation when my own thoughts or opinions would be a normal response. I know it will be hard. Failing is very probable- and has already occurred!
I hope to be surprised, taught, inspired, and watched as I try this new mindset and course of action.
What other areas do I just think and never do? How can I break the cycle? What next?

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Listing

I am a list-maker. According to my mom, I have always been on the organized, neat and tidy, methodical side of life. I have a particular method when I make lists. There is generally a rationale behind the organization even when it comes to making the list. I remember being in college and having to re-configure my list making because of the new demands in college.
I was terrified that an assignment would come due and I would have nothing completed for it. So, in this case I would divide each day in my planner. On the left side were the tasks to DO. On the right, things that were DUE. Clever, right?
Even now, one might say that lists rule my life. They help me feel in control, planned, prepared. When walking around my house, it might be evident where I have been and what I have been thinking about according to my lists. On the coffee table, next to my computer and text book is a list of things to do in general (one before August 1st, and one from August 1-15th). In the kitchen lists abound! A whiteboard on the fridge names things that could be looked for in a garage sale, a pecking order of things to remember when so-and-so comes to visit. Near the utility room is a grocery list, sectioned off by the different "departments" when shopping. We even have a menu list with the days of the week running down the side. On down the hallway in the bathroom might be a list of things needed written on the mirror with dry erase markers. At the end of the hall, in my room, lists of books read and to read, summer goals, birthdays, gift ideas, and things to research float around. Even on the computer where I am typing now, a virtual sticky note marks the tasks yet to be completed for my graduate course. Travel across town to my classroom... yes, lists certainly exist there!
All this to say, lists are important to me. They are a part of my life, routine, and sometimes, mental health!
It struck me this summer that given how essential this simple tool is for me, I have never explicitly taught this in my classroom. Sure, I have heard about different lessons that have referred to or mentioned list making, but not on its own. It occurred to me- why not? It's practical, useful, and valuable for everyday life! I think it may also help start the mental organizational process in students at an earlier part in the year. I might also make the argument that it could help some kids see things in a big picture and in smaller parts. Hmmmm... maybe it isn't all that trivial or obsessive compulsive after all. It just might have its own place within higher level thinking skills, independence, and writing workshop.
On the other hand, another thing I had to learn this summer was FLEXIBILITY! I had become too rigid with my lists. I was stressing myself over not completing them, and feeling devalued because of it. It was major feat for me when I realized it was okay to pick and choose things from my lists (depending on the list!), and throw away the list even when all of the things weren't complete.
So, this year I might dive into the waters of list making with my first graders. I hope to teach them all of the positive ways this skill can be applied to their life and their thinking. But I want to make sure that I teach them to ride the waves and be flexible with themselves and their learning. I might even reteach myself a thing or two!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Clean

Time for a bucket
soapy and full.

Climbing counters and
trying not to fall.

Should we keep this?
Goodwill?
Trash?

Maybe these things
will fit better over there.
I wonder if we should
consolidate this...

Wiping down shelves,
rearranging dishes,
making more room.

The kitchen looks shiney.
Goodbye dust!
Hello fresh and new!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Summer Cookin'

For various reasons our household has been doing some experimenting with food. One of my housemates is trying a sugar-free summer. Yes, you read correctly, sugar free! That means no bread, dairy, pasta, most snacks (except for corn chips), and desserts! The list really could go on forever...
Anyway, for all dinners we have been cooking sugar-free for the entire household. When we started, I commented that we should make a picture journal for all of the meals we cook. So far, I have only taken two pictures. Both meals were surprisingly delicious and very healthy!
                                                                                   
This is our first meal: Swordfish (grilled), Asparagus, and Quinoa.


This is the second picture: Flat bread pesto pizza with grilled chicken, basil, red onion and tomato. The "salad" to the side is two types of zuchinni with red onion sauteed with olive oil and seasonings. (The pizza crust is made from rice four).




I have really started to love cooking in the past couple of years. One of my goals this summer was to try new recipes. I will try to add more pictures and posts when I try them out!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Life With The Brother I Never Had

I have to capture this moment in time:

L: (sitting on couch next to J with blogger window open) What should I write about today J?
J: Write about building a hotel on Mars.
L: What else should I write about today?
J: Write about the aliens who attack your hotel on Mars! (with a combined tone of annoyance and little boy grin).
L: Good idea. What else should I write about today?
J: Write about the lice on the Aliens that attack your hotel on Mars.
 (note grin is gone and annoyance may be growing)
L: Ok. What else should I write about today J?
J: Write about dung beetles from Africa!!!
L: I don't know anything about them...
J: Google that s**t.
L: Okay. Okay. What else should I write about today?
J: Write about having an annoying roommate! (grin returns...)

Who said having a brother was no fun? Now I know what I have been missing all these years!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Going the Distance

I am perhaps ready to admit it. I am not very good at dealing with change.

In my head I know it is necessary, essential and even inevitable. But my heart gets thrown onto a roller coaster ride every time. The crazy part is that I don't ever prepare my heart for it. I go through it millions of ways and times in my head. I play and re-play scenarios in my brain. But every time I am puzzled by the pendulum swing of emotions and irrational thoughts surrounding the upcoming change.

Why can't I deal with it? I have been encountering this boogie monster since I was a little kid. In fact I deal with it on a daily basis. It shouldn't be a stranger to me. I shouldn't feel like I have entered someone else's life. I don't want to get side swiped by my own heart when my head is telling me 50 other rational thoughts.

Someone once said that the longest distance is from your head to your heart. For me, change must get way-laid on the journey!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Love is.

wanted
needed
desired
devoured
questioned
denied

keeping you up at night
waking you in the middle of the night
waiting for you in the morning

helping you find yourself when you are young
living life with you daily
sustaining you in old age

laughing with you
crying with you
rejoicing with you
mourning with you

remembering the little things
seeing the big picture
taking the fall
lifting you up

easy
difficult
complicated
simple

denied
questioned
devoured
desired
needed
wanted

Love is.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

What's in a Name?

The answer is simple. Everything. I have many many many friends and family members who are expecting children at the moment. The topic of names has come up plenty of times in the last few hours alone. Sure, every young girl dreams about having her own family some day, and with that is the list of potential names for those offspring. My friends and I even had this discussion in California a couple of weeks ago.
It's tricky business, right? Naming a person. I mean, it's for life! You don't want the kid to be made fun of. You need something that sounds "right" with the last name. Plus, there's the entire debacle about throwing in that middle name. Oh yeah, and the idea of calling a baby, a toddler, school aged kid, teenager, young adult, adult, and elderly person this name throws another hitch in the plan. The name has to suit all age groups. Yep, tricky.
I myself like the idea of mixing family, modern, and old names together. I have always advised friends to look up 1920's, 30's, 40's census information to see what names were popular then. Like everything else, it comes back around. So, a name that was popular then might be suitable for now, but not overused. These are just my opinions.
As a teacher, I also have a whole new perspective on names. Names are used in primary grades for a plethora of learning opportunities. And there is that sad yet true rumor that certain kids with certain names can ruin the name for life!
I know, I know. I am not a parent. But please, please, please, parents--- don't take this job lightly. Pick a good, solid, joke-free name for your child. After all, they have to live with it long after you are gone!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Lazy Hazy Days of Summer

Some days are just meant to be lazy. Lazy with quiet hours of reading. Lazy with a sappy love movie. Lazy with sun, a pool, and a friend.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Digging Deep

Maybe I am the only person in the world that this happens to, maybe not. Sometimes I feel my anger rising, and I can't stop it. The weird thing is that I can't quite nail down the reason I am so upset. Perhaps it is some unwrapped insecurity or the let down of expectations. Maybe it is feeling left out or unimportant. It might be feelings leaping over from another situation to haunt me. Every so often I am honest with myself enough to admit what is truly bothering me and spiking my blood. But sometimes I just can't or won't unearth the buried answer. Honesty is underrated. It's essential for interacting with others, but it is vital for dealing with myself.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Small Moments

One of the reasons I started blogging is to experience the discipline of writing daily. I ask that of my first graders, so why not try it myself. Here is what I have learned so far: it's not as easy as I thought.
I now realize that having a "story" every day is not as plain and simple as I had expected. I have plenty of ideas stumbling around in my head and even in my heart. But I have come to realize that they are not all ripe. Some are too close to home still. Some have fallen flat. Some are still being lived out. And some are too lengthy or too short for my moods.
One thing I have challenged myself with is to find the small moment of the day. I think I might even try this with my first graders in the upcoming year. My ideas are not fully formed yet, and clearly neither are my experiences.
I always practice and understand the importance of modeling for my students (not with clothes, but rather with strategies). But now that I have done some adult writing of my own, I think I am ready to start transforming that into what it means for 6 and 7 year olds.

Here is my small moment for the day:

Exercise is a pretty regular thing around my house. We are all interested in being socially, environmentally and health-consciouse. So, L and I decided to go on a bike ride to start our day. We have many different paths and routes that let us explore our wonderful G-town. Today we took a familiar one down the Mill Race to the dam. Once we get to the dam, I love to latch onto the fence, balance on my bike, and watch the water spill over the edge and foam at the bottom in celebration of the trip. Today was particularly joyful because the clouds were shielding us from the hot sun, and the ducks were out feasting on the algae and bugs.
It was peaceful, isolated, and serene. Maybe a little too peaceful.
I am sure most people have experienced and heard of the "calm before the storm". Well, we should have taken note that the clouds were not just guarding us from pre-mature wrinkles, but also growing in size and darkness.
It was inevitable, though. We were too far from home and the clouds were rolling too quickly. It started to storm. L has a fear of tornadoes, so that was an immediate source of conversation. I don't love the idea of being on a metal bike when lightening is present. Thus, we opted for an abandoned office building to take cover for a few minutes. The rain came down in sheets of drops. It was beautiful to watch them sweep over the land before us. It was like watching a time-elapsed video of rain. Eventually, the lightening subsided and the sheets became just steady drops. We started again, pedalling toward the house. We eventually made it home, soaked from pink hat to green shoe.
On our way back, I remarked that I don't think I have been out in the rain, on my bike since I was 10 years old. We both smiled. It wasn't what we had expected on our morning trip, but it sure was an experience!

I hope to collect, remember, and cherish small moments like these. More importantly, I hope to cultivate this kind of thinking in my first graders. Writing isn't just about the mechanics. It is a process, an art, a love.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Sister

I have one biological sister who is seven years older than I am. She and I have had a tumultuous past at times, but have come to understand, rely on, and love ane another. We are sisters, afterall. Last month my sister called me to tell me that she is accepting a job in Texas.
Some background on my family might be important at this point. My entire family lives in central Ohio. My cousins, grandparents, siblings, parents- everyone! R. has worked for The Ohio State University for the past ten years and even earned her Master's degree and PhD from that wonderful establishment. She has lived her entire 33 years in Ohio. She has a live-in boyfriend, 3 cats, and a charming home there.
This job is not just a job. It is a change. And a big one.
Since I have lived outside of Ohio for the past 8 years, it is very exciting to me. I think it is a wonderful experience to move away from everything you know and start over. That doesn't mean it is fun or easy. But it is stretching, reflective, and important.
It might be weird to say, seeing as how I am the younger sister, but I am proud of her. She has taught me many things over the years. She has had a hand in many of my major milestones. She taught me to blow bubbles in bubble gum, drive a manual car, and how to be a strong, independent woman.
I will say it again. I am proud of my sister. Here's to you, sis, and your future success in Texas!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Beach Babes

Today a dear friend of mine and I decided to head for the beach! Since she works in the summertime and the days when all four of us are home are rare, we decided to throw boredom to the wind and make the sun our goal!
Throughout our day I was reminded of how much I love the summer. Sure, its nice because technically I don't work, but besides that there are many benefits.

In the summer I love to ride in the car with the windows down and the tunes BLARING!
In the summer I love to read books on the beach.
In the summer I love bon-fires.
In the summer I love sleeping with my fan on in my room.
In the summer I love staying up way tooooo late and sleeping in a little.
In the summer I love planting flowers and watching them grow.
In the summer I love picking fresh produce from our garden.
In the summer I love getting a sun tan...errr burn.
In the summer I love starry nights (like the ones I saw in California last week!)
In the summer I love sleeveless shirts and flipflops.
In the summer I love eating dinner on our back porch.
In the summer I love people watching at the beach.
In the summer I love not putting on makeup because I have a tan!
In the summer I love seeing the bean fields full of fireflies!

Today could have been ordinary. Instead, it was extraordinary!

In other news.

A baby is coming to our house. To live. It shouldn't seem unnatural, but given my living situation, it unnerves some people. Yes, I live with a married couple and another friend. Its different, yes. It makes some people uncomfortable. So what. We like it and we are functioning quite well. That's for another post.

Last Friday, L. called to tell me that the birth parents she and J. met the week before had decided that they should be the adoptive parents of their unborn baby boy! I knew this day would come. We have been talking, thinking, and praying about it as a "family" for a while now. I'm not sure how L. felt exactly when she got the call, but I was excited and yet very nervous all at the same time.

A baby changes things. Things need to be quieter. Things need to be moved around and re-organized. Jobs and working situations need to be re-evaluated. Changes are aplenty. However, pure joy trumps all changes (whether they be good or bad!)

L and J are my friends. No, my family. Even though no blood is shared between us, I have shared a living space and a life with them for almost three years. I have seen first hand how becoming parents has been more difficult and painful than it every should be.

When I saw L's face today and started talking about baby S. (he is due August 15th), I could see the joy radiating from her smile, her eyes, her giggle. She is going to be a mommy. Sure, it's technically unconventional. But again, who cares. We pride our selves in unconventional at our house.

I couldn't be more excited, proud, humble, and prayerful for my friends at the start of this new venture in their lives. I am sure we are all nervous. It doesn't matter. A new life will start in the house. I am lucky enough to be a witness and a "family member" during this VERY exciting time in life!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Cute

I saw this tonight and had to post... I love shoes!

"Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life!"

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Procrastination?

I have never considered myself to be a procrastinator- well, at least not on most things. Perhaps yes for cleaning (especially dusting), returning a phone call, or sending out that birthday card. But not for most things.

But for some reason I hear the clock in my room ticking away and yet I have no post for tonight. Perhaps blogging has brought out the procrastinator in me. Oh well, I made it. 2 minutes to spare.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Hmmm...

girgle. girgle.

drip.

dark and bold.


drip. drip. drip.

ready

to consume.


mugs.

short and tall.

patterns, stripes, solids.


clink. clink. clink.

married with creamer.

light and sweet.


sip. sip. sip.

down.

warmth and comfort.


smile.

happy.

content.

4th of July

(It's still Monday here in California).

Our weekend get-away has come to an end. It has been nice to be with old friends. Our lives, jobs, families, and viewpoints may change, but what matters most remains the same: we care about each other.



Sunday, July 3, 2011

Vacation Tendencies

I have a lot of pet peeves, I guess. I wouldn't necessarily think of this about myself until I start thinking of them. Last night, I became my pet peeve.


Souveniers (or "Tchotchkes" as we call them) are a must whenever I go on a trip. I generally steer toward items that are practical to my everyday life- a bag, earrings, a piece of artwork. Occasionally I will purchase the t-shirt or sweatshirt riddled with destination names and catchy slogans.

I think I mentioned in my last post that we have been surprised at the chilly night air and all were unprepared when it came to long-sleeves. So, we decided to purchase somewhat matching sweatshirts. This was a fun idea considering we live in varying states and hardly see one another.


Here comes the pet peeve... B and I went on a late night run to the store for some wine and more peanutbutter m&ms (a must have for our vacationing pleasure). Of course, it was evening and I was cold. So, I wore my new fancy shmancy sweatshirt out. I hate it when people are on vacation and they wear the new items that they have purchased at their destination. But there I was, in a Safeway grocery store, walking through the aisles with my newly purchased LAKE TAHOE sweatshirt.


Heh, I guess you can't win 'em all...



The best laid plans...

For some of you, it is now Sunday. For me, it is still Saturday. A few people know that my goal for July was to post every day. The goal remains. It is in fact July 2nd, but I am not deminished. I will prevail.

I am currently in California with some dear dear friends. We lounged this morning, drinking coffee, giggling, and wiping the long sleep from our faces and bones. Later in the day we ventured out from our "Cozy Bear" cabin to explore King's Beach. It was a lively place full of sand, fun, sun, and an arts fair. We even purchased some matching sweatshirts to combat the surprising chill in the evening.

This evening we skyped with a loved one who is in Connecticut waiting the arrival of her precious twins. I was amazed at the way technology has enabled us to make thousands of miles unimportant and seemingly non-existant. I was grateful and touched to see her and her new home.

Summer is here. I am with loved ones. I am relaxed. Summer is here.