So last night at 6:30pm, I was at the gym. Step class to be exact. I love taking classes at the gym because they kick my butt. The cheery leader pushes me much harder than I am willing to push myself. I leave flushed, sweaty, with sore muscles, feeling like I've accomplished something. I love step class.
This makes me wonder...why do I not go to the classes more regularly? Why can't I schedule them into my routine?
Something to ponder as I plan to once again make an effort to get my butt kicked at the gym a more regular occurrence.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday
So Wednesdays are my break in the week, my me day, my get everything done that needs to be done at home day, and maybe sometimes my sabbath. They vary in how I spend them depending on what needs to be done or what I want to do. They often include some laundry, some exercise, and some reading. I look forward to these days. This semester they have been alone days too. My husband has class all day long on Wednesdays, so my time is more my own. Some weeks I like having a day to myself. Other weeks I miss the Wednesdays we would spend together.
So far today has been spent with the washer and dryer, watching some tv, making phone calls, and sorting through some items to add to my 40 items to give away in Lent. Oh yeah, there was also a nap in there. Before leaving for school, my husband did attempt to recreate this delicious french toast he had in DC. More attempts will have to be made before he achieves this goal!
I like Wednesdays because although I have a list of things I'd like to get done I know that if they do not get done it will be alright. It is a slower paced day when I allow it to be. It is a day for throwing open the windows and letting the fresh air in and walking outside and enjoying creation. I love Wednesdays!
So far today has been spent with the washer and dryer, watching some tv, making phone calls, and sorting through some items to add to my 40 items to give away in Lent. Oh yeah, there was also a nap in there. Before leaving for school, my husband did attempt to recreate this delicious french toast he had in DC. More attempts will have to be made before he achieves this goal!
I like Wednesdays because although I have a list of things I'd like to get done I know that if they do not get done it will be alright. It is a slower paced day when I allow it to be. It is a day for throwing open the windows and letting the fresh air in and walking outside and enjoying creation. I love Wednesdays!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Morning Has Broken
I'm not much of a morning person or a camping person. It's true! This past weekend I had the opportunity to be both and I enjoyed it. I was the adult in charge of driving and chaperoning two fabulous youth from my church. The three of us joined many more adults and middle school youth near the coast. It was a wonderful weekend.
The retreat was well organized and gave high school youth leadership opportunities. As an adult, I had very few responsibilities and I greatly appreciated that.
On Saturday morning, the sun was already up by the time I left the cabin. On Sunday morning, I was up before the sun. I didn't sit and watch the sun rise. I did spend some time enjoying the boats sailing up/down the river, watching the waves tickle the shore, and enjoying the quiet (which was a little hard to find!)
I think getting back to nature is so important for all of us (even those of us who love things like hot showers and comfortable beds). I appreciate the sand I tracked into the cabin (and into my house when I returned). I appreciate the smiles that my youth had when they said this is such a great place I can't wait to come back. I appreciate singing and dancing and laughing with new friends and old friends. I appreciate driving home sleeping youth who didn't need to sleep at night and weren't tired on the way home!
and I appreciate returning to my home, hugging my husband (who encouraged me to take a shower!), and taking a nice long nap in my bed.
The retreat was well organized and gave high school youth leadership opportunities. As an adult, I had very few responsibilities and I greatly appreciated that.
On Saturday morning, the sun was already up by the time I left the cabin. On Sunday morning, I was up before the sun. I didn't sit and watch the sun rise. I did spend some time enjoying the boats sailing up/down the river, watching the waves tickle the shore, and enjoying the quiet (which was a little hard to find!)
I think getting back to nature is so important for all of us (even those of us who love things like hot showers and comfortable beds). I appreciate the sand I tracked into the cabin (and into my house when I returned). I appreciate the smiles that my youth had when they said this is such a great place I can't wait to come back. I appreciate singing and dancing and laughing with new friends and old friends. I appreciate driving home sleeping youth who didn't need to sleep at night and weren't tired on the way home!
and I appreciate returning to my home, hugging my husband (who encouraged me to take a shower!), and taking a nice long nap in my bed.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Car
Today I had a meeting about an hour from my office. Plenty of car time today. Normally in the car, I'm an NPR junkie. I get most of my news from NPR. I love almost all the shows. Some I like so much I can't stand missing them so I get the podcast and listen while doing dishes (yes, I admit my favorite is Marketplace Money with Tess Vigland!)
As part of my giving away 40 things in Lent, I've been wanting to go through my CD collection. I rarely listen to them anymore and I have a box of them waiting to be unpacked from our move two years ago! So I grabbed a few CDs on my way out the door this morning. My hope was that I would find some that didn't work or I didn't like anymore.
I popped in the first CD-Rascal Flatts. I was excited. I sang along with Praying for Daylight and this Everyday Love. Then I noticed I wasn't enjoying the songs as much. I didn't find another one I was in love with until the 11th track which is I'm Moving On.
By this time, I was smiling and singing along. I popped in a random pink CD. No writing. I was guessing it was a masterpiece of odds and ends selected by my sister and I was right. As I was singing along with songs I hadn't heard in awhile, I realized I miss singing. Don't get me wrong, I love NPR. I will continue to listen regularly. And I will sometimes pop in a favorite CD and sing loudly, dance around in my seat (while driving the speed limit, checking my mirrors and obeying all driving rules and regulations!), and enjoy myself while driving.
A bright sunny day and a good CD are all it takes to put me in a good mood when I'm on road to a meeting.
As part of my giving away 40 things in Lent, I've been wanting to go through my CD collection. I rarely listen to them anymore and I have a box of them waiting to be unpacked from our move two years ago! So I grabbed a few CDs on my way out the door this morning. My hope was that I would find some that didn't work or I didn't like anymore.
I popped in the first CD-Rascal Flatts. I was excited. I sang along with Praying for Daylight and this Everyday Love. Then I noticed I wasn't enjoying the songs as much. I didn't find another one I was in love with until the 11th track which is I'm Moving On.
By this time, I was smiling and singing along. I popped in a random pink CD. No writing. I was guessing it was a masterpiece of odds and ends selected by my sister and I was right. As I was singing along with songs I hadn't heard in awhile, I realized I miss singing. Don't get me wrong, I love NPR. I will continue to listen regularly. And I will sometimes pop in a favorite CD and sing loudly, dance around in my seat (while driving the speed limit, checking my mirrors and obeying all driving rules and regulations!), and enjoy myself while driving.
A bright sunny day and a good CD are all it takes to put me in a good mood when I'm on road to a meeting.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I Will Remember You
My Dad called me this morning to tell me my great Aunt Kay had died this morning. She was an amazing woman who lived a good long life. This phone call has me thinking about the many wonderful people I have known in my life who are no long living among us. I believe they live on in our hearts and our memories. I would not be who I am today without the many people who helped me along this journey...
Here are some remembrances of some of them.
My grandfather. He was so supportive of me, interested in my life, and a loving man. I remember summer vacations spent in their garden (wearing my boots, of course), eating at the picnic table, going to Sea World and fairs, riding on the sulky behind the lawn mower, and so much more.
My godparents. I adopted them as confirmation sponsors and godparents as a teenager. I loved these two people like they were my grandparents and they attended events for me that my grandparents couldn't. I was honored to participate in both of their funerals. What a wonderful way to celebrate the support they offered me on my faith journey.
Great Uncles and Aunt. Growing up I got to spend a good amount of time with the extended relatives on my Dad's side. I have fond memories of spending time at their houses, eating out with them, and learning about their lives. I cannot imagine my childhood without them.
My husband's Grandpa and Grandma. Sadly I only met his Grandma once. She was a dear woman. I love to hear stories about her and wish I had gotten to know her better. I got to spend more time with his Grandpa including this past Christmas when my husband tried to restrict Grandpa's candy eating. I stuck up for Grandpa and gave him a second piece. He enjoyed it.
There are so many others who have helped me grow into the person I am. Usually when I think of them, I smile and laugh at memories. On days like today it can be hard to remember without being a little sad that they are no longer here with me. I think of the important events they missed and the important people they never met. I cry a little and then offer prayers of thanksgiving for their lives and for having known them.
Here are some remembrances of some of them.
My grandfather. He was so supportive of me, interested in my life, and a loving man. I remember summer vacations spent in their garden (wearing my boots, of course), eating at the picnic table, going to Sea World and fairs, riding on the sulky behind the lawn mower, and so much more.
My godparents. I adopted them as confirmation sponsors and godparents as a teenager. I loved these two people like they were my grandparents and they attended events for me that my grandparents couldn't. I was honored to participate in both of their funerals. What a wonderful way to celebrate the support they offered me on my faith journey.
Great Uncles and Aunt. Growing up I got to spend a good amount of time with the extended relatives on my Dad's side. I have fond memories of spending time at their houses, eating out with them, and learning about their lives. I cannot imagine my childhood without them.
My husband's Grandpa and Grandma. Sadly I only met his Grandma once. She was a dear woman. I love to hear stories about her and wish I had gotten to know her better. I got to spend more time with his Grandpa including this past Christmas when my husband tried to restrict Grandpa's candy eating. I stuck up for Grandpa and gave him a second piece. He enjoyed it.
There are so many others who have helped me grow into the person I am. Usually when I think of them, I smile and laugh at memories. On days like today it can be hard to remember without being a little sad that they are no longer here with me. I think of the important events they missed and the important people they never met. I cry a little and then offer prayers of thanksgiving for their lives and for having known them.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart
Last night at youth group I invited the youth to join in an alphabet of thanks. Our goal was to come up with something for every letter of the alphabet we wanted to thank God for...here is our list!
A-all things living---answers
B-being with friends/family---beach
C-cats---chargrill
D-dogs---dads---decisions---donuts
E-everything/everyone/everywhere---each other
F-flutes---friends---family---french fries
G-God
H-(shiny) happy people---heaven and above---hugs---history---hot dogs and orange soda
I-ice cream
J-jelly beans---Jesus
K-kissing babies---karate---kids
L-life---love---lessons
M-moms---memories---mountains---McDonald's
N-nature
O-onion tater tots---onion rings
P-pigs---peace---prayer---pugs
Q-questions
R-rainbows---rain---Roy G Biv
S-siblings---stardust---Susan(nah)---stargirl---sunshine---school
T-togetherness
U-underwear---unity---USA
V-vaccines---Vancouver---vacations
W-wii---water---waffle cones
X-xylophone
Y-youth---yaks
Z-zen
A-all things living---answers
B-being with friends/family---beach
C-cats---chargrill
D-dogs---dads---decisions---donuts
E-everything/everyone/everywhere---each other
F-flutes---friends---family---french fries
G-God
H-(shiny) happy people---heaven and above---hugs---history---hot dogs and orange soda
I-ice cream
J-jelly beans---Jesus
K-kissing babies---karate---kids
L-life---love---lessons
M-moms---memories---mountains---McDonald's
N-nature
O-onion tater tots---onion rings
P-pigs---peace---prayer---pugs
Q-questions
R-rainbows---rain---Roy G Biv
S-siblings---stardust---Susan(nah)---stargirl---sunshine---school
T-togetherness
U-underwear---unity---USA
V-vaccines---Vancouver---vacations
W-wii---water---waffle cones
X-xylophone
Y-youth---yaks
Z-zen
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Time in a Bottle
Well, everyone who knows me is aware that this is my least favorite holiday of the year. Who thought it would be a good idea to steal an hour of sleep from me? I do realize that the stealing of sleep in the spring leads to an extra hour in the fall. I know this and yet I have no desire to give up my extra hour of sleep!
When I was young and complained I didn't have enough time to do everything I wanted to do, my dad would always tell me that I had exactly enough time to do what I wanted to do. It was all about choices. Maybe that is why I don't like this night. It isn't my choice to wake up tomorrow and it is dark and I'm all confused about the time. And, I know that most people do not have to get up early tomorrow. For me, it is my earliest morning of the week!
I'll let Time in a Bottle finish this up.
"But there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do once you find them. I've looked around enough to know that you're the one I'd like to go through time with."
When I was young and complained I didn't have enough time to do everything I wanted to do, my dad would always tell me that I had exactly enough time to do what I wanted to do. It was all about choices. Maybe that is why I don't like this night. It isn't my choice to wake up tomorrow and it is dark and I'm all confused about the time. And, I know that most people do not have to get up early tomorrow. For me, it is my earliest morning of the week!
I'll let Time in a Bottle finish this up.
"But there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do once you find them. I've looked around enough to know that you're the one I'd like to go through time with."
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Power of Two
I have returned from an amazing trip with my husband to Charleston, SC. What a wonderful place to visit. For a bit, I thought maybe we should move there. Then I found it the city is below sea level and I had to change my plans. I have a problem with living in places that are below sea level.
Today it was back to work and the real world. Not a bad day back. Got a good amount of work done and have some to do tomorrow too.
We ate the very last of our cupcakes tonight from Cupcake. If you are in Charleston, you have to try them out. Or you can drool over the thought of them by viewing them online. http://www.freshcupcakes.com/
To sum it all up, it was a great time away with a great person!
"And if we ever leave a legacy, it's that we loved each other well."
Today it was back to work and the real world. Not a bad day back. Got a good amount of work done and have some to do tomorrow too.
We ate the very last of our cupcakes tonight from Cupcake. If you are in Charleston, you have to try them out. Or you can drool over the thought of them by viewing them online. http://www.freshcupcakes.com/
To sum it all up, it was a great time away with a great person!
"And if we ever leave a legacy, it's that we loved each other well."
Thursday, March 4, 2010
California Dreaming
Well, I'm not sure I'm dreaming of California. I am dreaming of some time away from everyday life. And that happens this Saturday. Rich and I are headed off to Charleston SC for a few days. I've never been and he has only been for a short time. Should be a great time.
This is the time of year when I seem to struggle with creativity and energy and excitement. Maybe because it is Lent. Maybe because winter seems to last just a little too long. I don't know why. I remember when I was in Wisconsin everyone tried to take a trip away in March. It was the time those hearty snow-loving people threw up their hands and said we need to be somewhere without snow. Maybe that has become a part of my thinking.
So I'm excited for this time away. I think we'll be looking to the future and (maybe) deciding where we will be after May 2012. I hope we'll laugh and eat and walk and enjoy the sunshine. I hope it will leave me refreshed for ministry and the rest of Lent!
Update-I've finally selected hotels (We are staying in a variety of places to get a feeling of Charleston) and made reservations! Ready for vacation!
This is the time of year when I seem to struggle with creativity and energy and excitement. Maybe because it is Lent. Maybe because winter seems to last just a little too long. I don't know why. I remember when I was in Wisconsin everyone tried to take a trip away in March. It was the time those hearty snow-loving people threw up their hands and said we need to be somewhere without snow. Maybe that has become a part of my thinking.
So I'm excited for this time away. I think we'll be looking to the future and (maybe) deciding where we will be after May 2012. I hope we'll laugh and eat and walk and enjoy the sunshine. I hope it will leave me refreshed for ministry and the rest of Lent!
Update-I've finally selected hotels (We are staying in a variety of places to get a feeling of Charleston) and made reservations! Ready for vacation!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. That's the Pentateuch of Moses.
I'd like to thank Bryan Sirchio for helping me learn the books of the Bible. When I need to find a hard to find book, I start singing one of his songs.
So, I decided at the end of 2009 to read through the Bible in a year. I've read through the Bible when I was younger. I don't remember how long it took me. I knew if I was going to make it through the Bible again I needed a deadline. So I came up with this read it through in one year idea. I realize this isn't a revolutionary idea. I could even buy a Bible to help me read the Bible in one year. Instead, I counted up the number of chapters in the Bible to see if this was even a reasonable idea. I don't remember how many chapters there are exactly, but I did find out that I needed to read about 3.5 chapters per day to stay on target.
So it is March 2nd and I have completed the Pentateuch and Joshua. Today I read 4 chapters in Judges which puts the chapter count up to 215. If you divide that by the 61 days so far in 2010, you will see that I have read 3.52 chapters per day.
For those of you who know me well, you will be sure to guess that I haven't read 3.52 chapters each day. More likely I have read chunks here and there when I couldn't put it down and struggled to read the 3 chapters a day when I found myself in a less fun part of the Bible.
So far this year, I've learned lots and rediscovered many things. I'm enjoying my journey back through a favorite book of books. I'll keep you updated on my progress throughout the year!
So, I decided at the end of 2009 to read through the Bible in a year. I've read through the Bible when I was younger. I don't remember how long it took me. I knew if I was going to make it through the Bible again I needed a deadline. So I came up with this read it through in one year idea. I realize this isn't a revolutionary idea. I could even buy a Bible to help me read the Bible in one year. Instead, I counted up the number of chapters in the Bible to see if this was even a reasonable idea. I don't remember how many chapters there are exactly, but I did find out that I needed to read about 3.5 chapters per day to stay on target.
So it is March 2nd and I have completed the Pentateuch and Joshua. Today I read 4 chapters in Judges which puts the chapter count up to 215. If you divide that by the 61 days so far in 2010, you will see that I have read 3.52 chapters per day.
For those of you who know me well, you will be sure to guess that I haven't read 3.52 chapters each day. More likely I have read chunks here and there when I couldn't put it down and struggled to read the 3 chapters a day when I found myself in a less fun part of the Bible.
So far this year, I've learned lots and rediscovered many things. I'm enjoying my journey back through a favorite book of books. I'll keep you updated on my progress throughout the year!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Give Me a Clean Heart
I find myself smack dab in the middle of the Lenten season again. For the past few years in Lent, I've gotten rid of 40 things during the 40 days. It is an interesting and difficult process. I love to do it while struggling to let go of the things I think I need or might need in the future. It helps me to remember I have too much stuff and that can hold me back instead of helping me.
One of my hopes with this discipline is that with the extra space in my life and my house I'll find more time for God. I don't know that this is true unless I make the effort to put more time in my relationship with God. So less stuff does not immediately equal more time. I'll update you on the things I've removed from my house in case you are in need of inspiration this Lenten season.
1-Purple Sweatshirt
2-DVD Player (it was broken and I've been wanting to recycle it. Staples recycles them!)
3-TV (We had too many. This TV now resides in Florida with friends!)
4-20 pairs of sock (My sock drawer closes now!)
5-3 books
6-8 magazines
7-6 Chicken Soup for the Soul Books
8-3 more sweatshirts
9-7 bottles of body wash
10-Giant Coke Cooler (this has been living at my parent's house for a few years. I've finally given them the okay to sell it at the church yard sale.)
11-Coke dishes (so this one is a bit of a struggle. These were also found at my parent's house. I want to give them away and am also wanting to keep them. I'm going to let go of them but not easily!)
12-Flowered Garment Bag (again, found at parent's house!)
13-Cleaned out two bags that have been in my office for a year. Lots of recycling and some filing too!
14-2 bags of food for the food pantry!
15-3 sweaters
16-1 bottle of shampoo
17-3 plastic containers
18-bag of hotel soaps and shampoo
19-2 pairs of shoes
20-40 thank you cards
21-8 skeins of yarn
22-1 pair of sunglasses
23-15 VHS movies
24-15 cassette tapes
25-10 CDs
26-bag and box of stuff from office
27-overflowing bag of clothes
28-3 pairs of boxers
29-101 cookie cutters
30-3 cell phones
31-mailed a package to Montana
32-mailed a package to Indiana
33-gave away a gift that didn't suit me
34-10 packs of post-its
35-4 belts
36-a pan of brownies was shared with pharm students!
37-25 more magazines went to the thrift store!
38-40 My husband and I filled two huge bags and more with clothes etc to give to a family who lost everything in a house fire.
I'll be giving away some more stuff when my parents arrive with their van in a few weeks. Here ends my Lenten giving away!
One of my hopes with this discipline is that with the extra space in my life and my house I'll find more time for God. I don't know that this is true unless I make the effort to put more time in my relationship with God. So less stuff does not immediately equal more time. I'll update you on the things I've removed from my house in case you are in need of inspiration this Lenten season.
1-Purple Sweatshirt
2-DVD Player (it was broken and I've been wanting to recycle it. Staples recycles them!)
3-TV (We had too many. This TV now resides in Florida with friends!)
4-20 pairs of sock (My sock drawer closes now!)
5-3 books
6-8 magazines
7-6 Chicken Soup for the Soul Books
8-3 more sweatshirts
9-7 bottles of body wash
10-Giant Coke Cooler (this has been living at my parent's house for a few years. I've finally given them the okay to sell it at the church yard sale.)
11-Coke dishes (so this one is a bit of a struggle. These were also found at my parent's house. I want to give them away and am also wanting to keep them. I'm going to let go of them but not easily!)
12-Flowered Garment Bag (again, found at parent's house!)
13-Cleaned out two bags that have been in my office for a year. Lots of recycling and some filing too!
14-2 bags of food for the food pantry!
15-3 sweaters
16-1 bottle of shampoo
17-3 plastic containers
18-bag of hotel soaps and shampoo
19-2 pairs of shoes
20-40 thank you cards
21-8 skeins of yarn
22-1 pair of sunglasses
23-15 VHS movies
24-15 cassette tapes
25-10 CDs
26-bag and box of stuff from office
27-overflowing bag of clothes
28-3 pairs of boxers
29-101 cookie cutters
30-3 cell phones
31-mailed a package to Montana
32-mailed a package to Indiana
33-gave away a gift that didn't suit me
34-10 packs of post-its
35-4 belts
36-a pan of brownies was shared with pharm students!
37-25 more magazines went to the thrift store!
38-40 My husband and I filled two huge bags and more with clothes etc to give to a family who lost everything in a house fire.
I'll be giving away some more stuff when my parents arrive with their van in a few weeks. Here ends my Lenten giving away!
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