My Kind of Witty

How Now Black Cow

2011-11-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

A recent road closure and detour on my way to work brings me by a new farm. On Friday afternoon, as I was driving home, I noticed the cows out in the pasture. These cows, I had never seen before, and I've seen A LOT of cows. Not that I can claim any real knowledge of cows. Growing up in rural Minnesota, I've simply seen a lot of them.

At a quick glance as I was driving by, it looked as though the entirely black cows had something white wrapped around their bellies.. I took a second glance just to make sure I wasn't mistaken (I admit that I like to be right sometimes), and again, what I saw was a bunch of black cows, all with the same white stripe wrapping around their bellies. My first thought was, "Who would wrap something around a cow?" I couldn't come up with an explanation for why a farmer would put something like that on a cow, but I knew it was something unnatural. Because, no group of cows look exactly the same, right?

The first person I told about the cow phenomena was, of course, my mom. I knew she was driving by the same cows each day, and I needed her to confirm my suspicions about this shady cow farmer. So together, we drove by the cows in question one morning on our way to the cities (that's Minneapolis and St. Paul for those of you outside MN) for some shopping. As soon as she saw them, my mom declared that the white stripe on the cows was natural. In fact, in a mocking voice (much like my own...), she said, "What, do you think they wrapped those poor cows to keep them warm?" After recovering from the shock of hearing my own sarcasm coming straight from my mother's lips, I recognized the situation for what it was. The perfect opportunity for a bet. The perfect opportunity for me to be right.

The bet was this: After our day of shopping, we would drive by the cows a second time, but stop to take a closer look. Whoever ended up being wrong about the stripe on the cows would make dinner that night. If we couldn't figure it out, we'd go out to dinner. So after hours of walking in the wrong direction around IKEA (Have you ever gotten dirty looks from IKEA shoppers for walking against the flow of those arrows on the floor? I have.), we were on our way back to the cows. Not really considering how we might appear, we parked our car on the side of the country road and trudged through the long grass in the ditch to get a better look. I had to put my glasses on (that's how much I didn't want to make dinner that night) to investigate. Once in close range, it was very clear that each cow had an identical stripe of white hair (fur?) growing around its belly. What?! Ridiculous. *Someone is out there breeding *crazy striped cows, and now I have to cook dinner and admit that I was wrong.

*By "someone", I guess I mean the American Galloway Breeders Association, and by "crazy striped cows", I suppose I mean Galloway cattle.

Secrets of the Recipe Box

2011-09-26T20:19:00.000-06:00

In search of a family recipe the other day, I came across the following...

Hot Dish. These recipe cards were just a few of many titled, "Hot Dish". My childhood memories are filled with hot dish meals shared around the dinner table, always accompanied by a bottle of ketchup (we really know how to spice things up here in Minnesota!). Though I didn't think it at the time, I cherish those memories... much more than a person should cherish macaroni and hamburger. My grandmother used these recipes to make dinner for her family (1 husband + 8 children), and wrote them down on a recipe card. My mom followed in her hot-dishing footsteps and eventually typed the recipes (pictured above) on her typewriter. And here I am, in September 2011, ready to scan them into my digital recipe collection. Just kidding, a true Minnesotan woman doesn't need a recipe for hot dish. She knows that all a girl needs for a good hot dish are the contents of her refrigerator and cupboards. Done. So now you also know one of the family secrets. Only, I guess it's not really a secret at all.

Fruits of My Labor

2011-09-20T17:08:00.000-06:00

I should start by clarifying that by "Fruits", I mean "Vegetables". And that by "Labor", I mean, "really nothing at all". In order to fully appreciate what I share today, you may want to refer to my previous post on Modest Gardening. For the basic background, all you need to know is that I'm not a gardener, and I tried my hand (both hands, actually) at gardening over the summer.

I'm happy to report that my green bean plants yielded enough to assure me of my gardening talents. Every so often, I jaunted out to the garden in my crocs (the only appropriate time to wear those ugly shoes), and picked enough beans to add to my dinner. Just mine. Not really enough for anyone else's dinner. So next year I may plant a few more rows to make it profitable for everyone.

I was really excited about the prospect of getting some radishes from my garden. Historically, I haven't been a big radish lover. However, I was looking forward to finding some new and creative ways to use them. A few weeks after planting, the flower of the plant began to grow, and a few weeks after that, I pulled a few up to see how they were doing. Imagine me kneeling on the ground, anxiously digging in the dirt, hoping for that first glimpse of an award-winning radish. So I kept digging... and digging... and... well, I had to stop digging eventually. Now imagine me throwing the garden shovel into the distance in anger. I didn't really do that, but it's fun to imagine. So no radishes, ever. Next year I might try soil, instead of taking my chances with a patch of dirt in the backyard.

So last, and pretty much least as well, my cucumbers. It's entirely possible that I planted something that was not a cucumber. The plant flowered just like a cucumber plant. The single row that I planted expanded and took over much of the garden space on either side of it, which is how I've heard cucumbers grow. Once the undefined species began to grow and take form, they were prickly, which is consistent with cucumbers. My mom told me that, of course. Whatever was growing in my garden was yellow and not green; circular and not cylinder. I'm thinking dirt to be the culprit again, and so the obvious solution would be, as with the radishes, soil.

Thus my gardening for the summer of 2011 ends with a 33% success rate. Pretty good, considering I put about 10% of my time and energy into it. I've got a lot to learn, and will meet the summer of 2012 with a shovel and a bag of soil in hand. As expected, my time of modest gardening has grown a bit of modesty in the gardener.

Mystery of Minneapolis: Minneapolis Farmer's Market

2011-08-02T19:49:00.000-06:00

Have you been craving some buffalo jerky? Perhaps you've been dreaming of fresh, locally grown arugula. Maybe the empty vase on your kitchen table is in need of some flowers. Interested yet? What about enjoying some roasted corn-on-the-cob with a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade, in the midst of an adventurous crowd with the need for a produce experience outside of Cub Foods?! Sounds great!

On a Saturday morning that seems like a trip from many, many, many... many weeks ago, my good (intelligent, kind, beautiful) friend and I grabbed a cup of Starbucks, paid a (very) small parking meter fee, and ventured to the Minneapolis Farmer's Market. In retrospect, we might have skipped the coffee from the caffeine mega-giant, and enjoyed a cup from the locals, but we didn't consider that. That is, until we were walking around enjoying all things local and natural, receiving more than a few funny looks directed at our Starbucks to-go cups. Ugh. Mental note for next time.

We went in without purpose, wandered until we'd seen everything that was worth seeing, and left with more appreciation for the locals (and some good honey). I wonder what you would come out with?

Modest Gardening 101

2011-06-29T19:44:00.000-06:00

I know it's not much, but...

Ok, ok... so here's the real thing.

I've watched in awe as my garden has grown from nothing over the past few weeks. However, now that there are actually things resembling plants out there, I'm wondering what comes next. I've planted radishes, green beans and cucumbers. Only, I'm not actually sure how those will come about. I believe radishes grow under the surface of the soil, but when do I know when they're ready? What about green beans? What about cucumbers? My conclusion is that I probably should have known these things before I began this venture.

Thus my first tip for Modest Gardening 101: Know the crucial step that exists between planting and harvesting. At this point, it's possible that I will go out to harvest my green beans and come back with poison ivy.

Door County the new Cancun?

2011-06-15T23:12:00.000-06:00

In our 28th year, some friends and I have recently contemplated how we might celebrate The Big 3-0. Now, I realize that 30 is way too far into my future to even be considering right now, and that I am still very young and exciting and awesome (awesomely living in my parent's basement); still, it must be decided.

As we discussed this a few weeks ago (imagine us sitting and sipping frappuccinos in a salon), destinations like Vegas and Mexico and Canada (Canada?) were suggested. Then I heard, "Door County!?"

When I imagine Door County, Wisconsin, I picture this...

So, I laughed. I pictured my friends and I walking around souvenir shops, wearing matching "Door County" sweatshirts. Then, as I'm sitting in Caribou today, minding my own business while innocently overhearing the conversation of the teenage girls next to me, I hear them mention how much they love Door County. Moments later, I get a text from friend nearing 30 (she has a name, but I like referring to her this way), telling me that she has just seen a young girl at the airport, proudly wearing a Door County sweatshirt. Now I'm thinking, "Huh?"

I'll refrain from posting a contrasting picture of a group of teenage girls, because we all know what they look like. Shorts a little shorter than I remember wearing them when I was that age... shirts a little tighter... mascara a little darker... insert "omg", "idk", "ttyl"... and the word "like" about 50 times in a 5 minute conversation, and you know exactly who I'm talking about. Not to say they're not lovely. I know a wonderful 13 year old! But let's just lump all teenage girls into a stereotype for the sake of this post.

So I guess my questions for you are these: Have you ever been to Door County? Would you characterize it as Red Hat Ladies, Twilight Summer Camp, or somewhere sophisticated in between the two? I'm also curious about what you did to celebrate turning 30, if anything at all?

Secrets of St. Paul: Bars and Bakeries

2011-05-26T18:53:00.000-06:00

Lately, I've had a tune in my head. I'm helpless to rid my mind of it, you see, because it's also a favorite of my co-workers and clients. Maybe you're familiar with it...

"The sun'll come out, tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be sun! Just thinkin' about tomorrow, clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow, 'til there's none!"

Now, we don't usually prance around from day to day singing show tunes (though, that sounds fun, doesn't it?). No, we sing this song out of the hope that, maybe... just maybe, the sun will come out tomorrow! And if tomorrow happened to be a weekend, that would be great too, right? Thus, springtime in the Land of 10,000 Lakes this year. Sure, we've been teased every now and again with a sunny, beautiful day (in the middle of the work week), only to have the weekend spoiled with rain, rain and more rain. Rain that also put a bit of a damper on last weekend's Mystery of Minneapolis/Secret of St. Paul duo. The plan was to explore the Mystery after enjoying the Secret, but ended up being a lot of enjoying the Secret. And what a lovely secret it was!

Don't let it shock you that I enjoyed the bars and bakeries of St. Paul at 11am on a Saturday. I know you're thinking "bars"...

But I'm talking "bars"...

Yep. It's the classic Minnesota church basement pot-luck dessert. We gather round and eat our hot-dish, then we gather round again and eat our bars. It's the Minnesota way. We're Minnesota nice, and sometimes we eat baked goods in large quantities (as opposed to $4 cupcakes*) out of pans.

Bars Bakery is located on Selby Avenue in St. Paul, a short jaunt up the hill from the St. Paul Cathedral. It's the perfect place for a rainy day coffee rendezvous, and they've also got patio seating for those inevitable humid summer days that we have to look forward to. The owner was working behind the counter when we arrived, and happy to chat with us for a few minutes about herself and her small business. The bakery hasn't quite been open for a year yet, though it was clear as we sat and enjoyed our coffee and bars, that it has several devoted neighborhood regulars.

(Congo bar)

(picture kindly given from friend Bobbie)

(another good one from Bobbie!)

So, if you happen to find yourself in the Cathedral Hill area of St. Paul, you definitely owe it to yourself to give these bars a chance!

*It should be noted that we Minnesotans also like cupcakes. A lot. But for the sake of this post, bars take precedence.

Mysteries of Minneapolis: MIA and The Cafeteria

2011-05-05T16:35:00.000-06:00

Interested in taking in some arts and some eats? Last Saturday's rainy weather provided a friend and I with the perfect opportunity to take in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Now, I have to be honest and let you know that MIA wasn't exactly a mystery to me, since every middle school student in the state has ventured there on a field trip. I think I even wandered MIA during my freshman year in college, looking for a work of art to sketch for my Creativity in the Fine Arts (CIFA) class. I hated that class. Regardless, I did enjoy my most recent visit to the museum. Did you know that admission to MIA is... FREE? That word holds much value in our society, thus important to include here. Not interested in seeing a lot of art that you've seen before (perhaps you're a frequent visitor of MIA)? I was impressed with the art integration program, mixing in newer pieces of art with the old. In my mind, as I perused, it went something like, "old... old... ancient... hmm... old... WHAT the... oh, new."

Getting our fill with a few hours of the arts, our appetites soon told us that we had better get our fill with the eats as well. Where did we go? The Cafeteria, of course! You need only search as far as Uptown Minneapolis to find this tasty, trendy eatery. And don't bother withdrawing funds from your savings account for the meal, prices here are within reason. Just be hoping that my "within reason" and your "within reason" are the same. If you're pinching pennies, you need not worry. Arriving at 2pm, we made it just in time to enjoy Saturday brunch! We took the suggestion of our server and ordered the cheddar biscuit with chorizo gravy, and were not left wanting. That may have had something to do with the addition of the Bloody Mary bar. As I'm told, a meal in a glass. Olives, pickles, celery, chunks of cheese, bacon and salami were just a few of the garnishes available. The Cafeteria was a great atmosphere for all types! We dined with the young, old, families, individuals and everyone in-between. We give the arts and the eats of Minneapolis a big thumbs-up!

Secrets of St. Paul: Wabasha Street Caves

2011-04-10T00:37:00.000-06:00

The moment you probably haven't been waiting for... but you may read this to avoid productive work for a few more minutes... has arrived! With my brave, spontaneous friend in tow last weekend, I embarked upon the first of many urban adventures for 2011 (and a bit of 2012, since it took me a few months into the year to get this started, but type-A personality that I am, I have to complete an entire year).

It's possible that you've heard of the Wabasha Street Caves because of their lively Thursday night swing dances. In recent years they host events like wedding receptions, banquets and even high school proms (creepiest prom ever?). The sandstone caves date back to the mid 1800's, and it should probably be mentioned that they're technically mines, since they're man-made. Someone figured out quickly enough that exploring mines doesn't sound as cool as exploring caves, right? Originally they were used for growing mushrooms and storing food.

In the 1920's the caves were transformed into the Wabasha Street Speakeasy, with some gangster patrons like Jon Dillinger and Ma Barker. According to our tour guide, if you really concentrate, you can still feel their presence. I guess I wasn't concentrating hard enough, but you might be interested in mustering up some gangster ghosts.

When the 1930's rolled around and a repeal ended prohibition in most places in the United States, the Wabasha Street Speakeasy became the Castle Royal nightclub. The caves open to tour these days have been restored to their original state from this time period in the 30's, which is kind of cool to see. During the Great Depression, the nightclub closed and was used again for storage and growing mushrooms until some genius in the 70's had the idea for Castle Royal 2... a disco. Not bad, eh?

An interesting way to spend an hour on a Saturday, and for $6, there wasn't much for us to regret. Also, the location of the caves put us in the perfect spot for some great views of the river and downtown St. Paul. Success! A few pictures below. Check in again in a few weeks for a Mystery of Minneapolis!

The Secrets of St. Paul...

2011-03-14T16:22:00.000-06:00

... the mysteries of Minneapolis. Ready for another journey? I am. My most recent journey took me to the post office in Dalbo. You know, the one across the street from the recently closed bar, and the - there's not much else in Dalbo.

Driving through the cities with a friend a few weeks ago, I spotted an old tower outside my passenger-side window. I asked my friend, "What's that old tower over there?" And her response was something close to, "An old tower?" We laughed at our obvious lack of knowledge, but in the back of my mind, I was still thinking about that old tower. I want to know about it. Why was it built? What is it used for now? Does anyone ever stand at the bottom and yell up, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your haaaaaair!"?

Beginning in April 2011 I'll be venturing out into the great unknown (secrets and mysteries) of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and would love for you to join me. Of course, I'll be documenting my adventures here on the blog, so feel free to check in every once in awhile for the exciting details. Have any ideas, or know of a great Twin Cities gem (historical site, restaurant, park, museum, event, pub, etc., etc.) that I should check out? Let me know your thoughts!

A Glimpse Behind the Curtain

2011-03-12T22:28:00.001-07:00

"Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering Yourself with light as with a cloak, stretching out heaven like a tent curtain."

Psalm 104: 1-2

Ever watch Let's Make A Deal? I can only say that I've seen it a handful of times (I was more of a Price is Right girl when I faked a stomach-ache to stay home from school). Each time I've seen it, I think to myself, "If only they knew what was behind that curtain!" If I knew what was behind the curtain, I'd make my decisions based upon it, for sure, and end up with something great!

This week I had one of those moments in which I was full of joy and hope and excitement all at once. I was alone, driving in my car (feels like I'm always doing that lately...) when I was overwhelmed with the thought that I didn't want to waste any more of my time, my life, on insignificant things. What are those insignificant things? I guess they're different for each person. You probably know what they are in your own life. In mine, just to name a few, they're probably... The Bachelor (hard to look away from a train wreck), shopping (SO enjoyable, yet in small amounts... small amounts...), meaningless (empty, foolish) conversation, and the list goes on.

I get this hopeful feeling every once in awhile (who doesn't?), and I used to think of these moments as my very clear-headed moments. Moments when all the crap and worry and stress has cleared out, and I can think about the important things. For a long time,I actually attributed these inspiring moments to myself. Me! Me? Not so.

Lately I've struggled with what feels like a kind of stagnancy in my life. A few things the Lord has been teaching me about for the past few years are discipline and simplicity (see previous posts on the Year in Discipline). In very blessed moments, the Lord gives me glimpses of understanding. Is it possible that what I'm perceiving as stagnant, is something new He's teaching me? Of course. I've asked and worked for simplicity, and wow, do I have it.

Today, I was urged not to fill my simplicity or perceived stagnancy with unnecessary commitments, tasks and long to-do lists. Though they seem like a good idea at first, they will likely lead to worry, guilt and feelings of failure. What I'll strive for instead, is to keep my mind and heart open to the things the Father urges me to dedicate my time and life to. I'll be ready the next time He gives me a joyous moment during my morning commute. When He says, "Child, this one's for you", I'll be ready to take that inspired idea and run with it. I'm always ready for my next glimpse behind the curtain.

I wish I may, I wish I might...

2011-01-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

... be on my way to Thailand tonight. You know how, when you look at a calendar, you have an idea of what each month of the year holds for you?

It's April, so I know I'm going to be wearing flip flops and shorts while it's still not quite warm enough outside for it. It's August, so I know it's hot and humid, but I'm going to spend every available moment at the lake in a desperate attempt to hold on to summer before it fades away. It's October, and I know I'll be taking hikes in a cozy sweatshirt, enjoy the Fall colors, and a few chilly motorcycle rides with Dad. It's December, so I know that I'll have a birthday, and I'll celebrate Christmas.

It's January and I go to Thailand. That's just what I do (did).

Since 2006 I've spent four, blessed January's in Thailand. Four. January's. Thailand.

This year, my reality is more like... Six. Months. Of. Unbearable. Winter. In. Minnesota.

Can you hear the horses?

2010-12-29T20:12:00.000-07:00

Have been loving this song lately... "Dog Days are Over" by Florence + The Machine. I downloaded it on iTunes and made my brother listen to it over Christmas (not sure he L-O-V-E-D it as much as I do). Today, a co-worker played the song's music video for me on YouTube, and tonight, I will probably have nightmares. I have no words to describe how I feel about the video. Just that it simply creeps me out a little. Or a lot. I'll let you judge for yourself...

I wonder as I wander

2010-12-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this post for days, adding thoughts in, taking some out. It's taken me some time to understand how to convey, in words, the way I'm feeling this Christmas season. One valuable lesson I've learned this year is that simple is better. Less is more. So, having applied that to this post...

I've entered into this season with a busy schedule, a tight budget, and an almost empty heart. I'm tired, a little crabby and my social life has taken a serious hit since taking up residence in Dalbo, Minnesota. I didn't take the time to prepare my heart for this special season, and I'm paying the price. For weeks, as I've been crossing gifts off of my shopping list, baking cookies (Or rather, dipping pretzels in almond bark... not quite as difficult) and putting up decorations, I've wondered what's missing.

Do you ever tire of hearing the familiar phrase, "Jesus is the reason for the season"? We hear it a lot this time of year. Despite how cheesy this rhyming phrase might seem, it's so completely and wonderfully true. He is the reason for every season in life, every moment. As believers, we're blessed to be able to share the love and acceptance that we've been given by Christ.

We are blessed to share the love and acceptance that we've been given by Christ! And there it is. I'm empty because I've been trying to fill myself with selfish things. Empty things. I can't change my heart with warm, fuzzy, Christmas-y things (or even a peppermint mocha from Starbucks!), but I can change it by giving of myself and my love to others who need it. So my question to you is, what are you doing to fill up your heart this Christmas?

Confession Wednesday

2010-12-01T22:01:00.000-07:00

Forgive me friends, it's been 37 days since my last post.

I don't know a single player who plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, I almost forgot they exist.

For the past 2 days, I've been telling everyone about my new favorite song that I heard on Glee this month... only to find out that the actual version of the song is quite explicit. I still love it. (Hint: I guess he's an Xbox and I'm more Atari)

I've recently re-discovered the miracle that is my automatic car starter (Barbara's automatic car starter). I like it so much, that sometimes I use it on the way to my car, even if I'm only a few yards away. I feel cool. Every... single... time.

I consider myself the queen of grammar, punctuation and spelling, but when I text, I send messages like, "r u still cming 2 bp tmrw" Or, "omg r we gonna c HP this wknd".

Arbor Mist isn't real wine, but sometimes I drink it when I'm with my mom because she doesn't judge me for drinking wine that could probably be categorized as fruit juice.

I'm in Love! I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!

2010-10-25T17:38:00.000-06:00

Ok, I'm not in love so much as I'm employed these days. And, for future reference, when I am in love... I probably won't announce it in a blog post title.

This week I began working as a Service Specialist, serving people with disabilities in a social enrichment program. What does that mean? It means I get to spend my day with great people, helping them try new things, and trying a few new things myself! I'm so thankful to be employed again, and hopeful for those people out there who are still looking for jobs.

The Elliptical Things in Life.

2010-09-20T12:40:00.000-06:00

Have you ever seen anyone on an elliptical at the gym? Have you ever used an elliptical at the gym? I have both seen and tried this machine, and I'm always left wondering, "What the he*#! am I doing wrong?"

Today I asked M (Body Pump/Hill Running Workout Companion, her official title...), "When, in real life, do you ever imitate the movements of an elliptical?" She carefully contemplated for a few seconds before responding with, "Never." Never. Ever.

After much thought (since 11am), I believe I have found a real life instance** in which these movements have been imitated, and you'll see it in the video below. For all of you elliptical lovers out there... the answer, put simply, is yes. Yes, you actually look like that when you're working out on the elliptical.

** For the sake of this post and future blogging reference, I'm categorizing the TV show Friends under "real life"... also in this category are Cake Boss, Cupcake Girls and The Real Housewives of DC

One Excellent Year In Discipline

2010-08-31T19:45:00.000-06:00

One year ago, friend A* and I set out on this journey of discipline. 12 months, 12 tasks to teach us about discipline. Along the way, many family and friends have joined us for a day, week or month of discipline. Thank you for sharing in this experience, for encouragement along the way, and for your many thoughts, ideas and insights over the last year. As it turns out, making beds, eating green vegetables, drinking water, taking pictures, mailing letters, doing dishes, working out, spending time outside, conversing with loved ones, journaling and reading books, lead me to the city of Chicago just a few days ago.

What an incredible blessing it was in August to experience something new every day. There were moments of pure hilarity, hopefulness, excitement, fear, disappointment, pain, strength and surprise! I went out with a bang on Sunday by competing in the Chicago Lifetime Fitness Triathlon. I'm pretty positive that I felt all of those emotions within hours of my race, and it would make for a pretty good blogging finale if I told you that the race went perfect and just as I had planned. The thing is... it didn't really. I say that with a little bit of a sigh, but also with a lot of assurance that it was a good thing, and that there are many good things to come. The great thing is that I had so much fun racing in Chicago with my friend L and her family, and I finished the triathlon with a smile on my red, sweaty face!

14 hours of driving alone also gave me a sufficient amount of time to reflect on the past year, on discipline, and on what's next in life for this girl. ...ahem, it also gave me a little too much time to peruse every radio station from Dalbo to Chicago since both my cd player and iPod adapter are broken...ugh. So, after much contemplation and one year of discipline... I've decided to leave my husband for no reason, date James Franco, eat lots of carbs in Italy (but feel really good about it), waste time pretending to meditate in India, and finally, spend some time with an old guy in Bali, in addition to finding the man of my dreams (with a foreign accent, of course)... not my husband, not James Franco. This is my way of telling you at a completely inappropriate moment that you should not waste your time reading the book or seeing the movie, "Eat, Pray, Love."

The truth is that I've learned too many things in this year to mention. Not only do I have a healthy bladder, clean bedroom, great photo albums, and better looking thighs... if I do say so myself (wink, wink, they're not that great)... but I have a better sense of the woman that God has created me to be, and all of the good things He has called me to do in my life. I love when He reveals to me new ways that I can serve and love others, and that is truly one of the greatest blessings I've been given. His love, grace and direction simplify my life like I never even knew it needed! Slowly and surely this year, the Lord has helped me to sift through the extras in my life, physical and emotional objects that keep me from being completely His, and they're gone, and I'm His. So I look forward to tomorrow, the next day, next week, next month and next year, knowing that my Savior has good things for me, and even better, good things for me to do for His Kingdom and His Glory.

*A really does have the perfect YID finale! Tomorrow she'll be leaving for Scotland, where she'll live for 2 years and pursue her Masters in Creative Non-Fiction Writing (or something like that...). I'm so proud of my friend, and I had to mention her exciting new adventure, as well as the fact that I never would have made it through this YID without her smiles and encouragement! Can't wait to visit!

I'm so 3008, you're so 2000 and late.

2010-08-16T09:26:00.000-06:00

So far this month, the YID has produced some sore muscles, sick stomachs, decent bowling scores, and a little hope for what's ahead. A few of the new things I've experienced...

Sushi- yum. Thanks to my big brother!
Bean Bag Tournament- sadly I didn't win.
Mint Lime White Iced Tea at Caribou- yum again.
22 mile bike ride- my longest distance yet, thanks S!
New recipe- California Bruschetta. So simple and tasty, though unfortunately found out that M is allergic to avocados... oops.
Body Pump class at the YMCA- still... so... sore.
Bowling with niece and nephew K and B. Have you ever bowled with a 9 and 12 year old? Pretty entertaining.

YID Month 12 (Whooo! Yeaaaah!)

2010-08-03T19:03:00.000-06:00

August 2010: I will do or experience something new every day.

Friends! This has been a long time coming. 11 months, to be exact. Now that it's almost coming to a close, my Year In Discipline* seems like it has flown by. July was a month filled with spending time outside and I love-love-loved it (and have got the tan to prove it)! I'll be sure to re-cap all twelve months when August comes to an end, but for now, I'll say that I'm excited for this final month's task. It took some brainstorming by friend A and myself, and A gets the credit for this spectacular idea. Both of us have recently left Colorado and are experiencing new places. New things. New people. New grad schools in Scotland (wish I could say that was me!) Why not kick it off with a whole month of experiencing new things?

On Sunday I met up with an old friend at a new restaurant in St. Paul. Yesterday I tried out an awesome new nail polish on my toes. Today I ordered an iced coffee and received it in a hot coffee cup... uh... which was a new experience for me. That one's a bit of a stretch, I know. So here's to new things! Try it out yourself this month, and I'm willing to bet that it will bring some joy to your life.

*Browse the previous year's posts for enlightenment on the Year In Discipline!

The unexpected surprises of Rush Lake

2010-07-28T07:36:00.000-06:00

I should probably say, "The unexpected surprise of Rush Lake". Cause there wasn't more than one. Surprise. Singular. Words need not describe the suprise, take a gander at the pictures below.

I kissed a girl...

2010-07-10T22:26:00.000-06:00

... awkward silence... Ok, now pick your jaw up off the floor. Let it be known that I did not kiss a girl, but Katy Perry might have, and she might have liked it. According to her song, at least. Driving home late last night, this very song about kissing girls and boyfriends who don't mind and cherry chapstick, came on the radio.

You know how you can experience vivid memories of, for example, your middle school days (denim overalls, braces, trapper keepers, etc.) by getting a whiff of mint chip ice cream that smells exactly like your mint chip LipSmackers that you were so fond of in 7th grade? It's something about olfactory receptors and neurons and nerve impulse*.

So back to girl kissing... The thing is, I've heard this song before, a lot. In California I lived in a tiny little apartment building (6 apartments over a meat factory, yep, a meat factory). All of the apartments were on the same floor, tiny, and the walls were thin. When this particular Katy Perry song became popular, I came home from work one day to notice that the girl in the apartment directly across from mine was blasting this song on her stereo. Thin walls. I gave her the benefit of the doubt, decided that the song could be rather catchy, went in my apartment and played my own music. The next day when I got home from work, same song, same thin walls. Over the weekend as I was in and out of the apartment several times a day, the song seemed to be playing... all... day... long. "I kissed a girl and I like i-it, the taste of her cherry chapstick..." This went on for weeks. Weeks! I was plagued with this song in my head all day, every day, which made for some awkward glances from friends and strangers if I happened to hum or sing along to the song hovering in my mind. I also came to the conclusion that my neighbor was weird. Straight up, no questions asked, weird.

Since my olfactory whosits and whatsits were hard at work, this very unique song reminded me of some of my sunnier (literally, there was a lot of sun) days in California. Missing the West Coast today, and all it's high gas prices, bad traffic, great weather, sandy beaches, Pinkberry, In-N-Out Burger, and friends.

*a.k.a. Wikipedia

July YID

2010-07-03T16:24:00.000-06:00

July 2010: I will spend at least 30 minutes outside every day.

July should be an easy one, what with it being summer, and also for the fact that I'm training for a triathlon on the roads of Dalbo. I'll get creative on the rainy days if I have to, but I'm looking forward to the sun!

So far, a great July 4th weekend! We're enjoying some beautiful weather up here in Minnesota, and we're nice, so we deserve it. A few pics below from our lake/park/grill outing today.

Testing... Testing

2010-06-25T18:10:00.000-06:00

So, I'm trying out a new template, as Blogger has so graciously informed me that they've got new design items. I'm not sure how long this one will last before I'm on to the next one, so bear with me! I don't like to change my design much, if at all (some might say this also has something to do with my issues of commitment and control... yikes!), so this is a major blogging decision I'm presented with. :)

Also, I'm inclined to tell you that I'm training for the 2010 Chicago Triathlon (more information under "Training For" in the sidebar). I've been officially registered for awhile now, thanks to the dedication (pestering?) of my friend L. L will be participating in the olympic triathlon with me, and we are in our 7th week of training. I have to use "we" and "training" lightly, and without the very important word, "together", because L is training from Colorado while I train in Minnesota! I was sure that my will to follow through with my work-outs would crumble like little chocolate-chip cookie crumbs, but so far I've been successful! Ha! So over the next 9 weeks, please bear with me as my posting may go from inspirational, to frustrated, to hopeless, to slightly hopeful, to a little less frustrated, and finally, back to inspirational again! I can be a bit dramatic, but sometimes that's a "wonderful characteristic" (at least, that's what my mom says...).

I get my inspiration from a Caribou.

2010-06-15T12:01:00.000-06:00

Oh! I'm sorry. I don't actually get my inspiration from a wild animal, rather Minnesota's favorite coffee provider, Caribou! Once or twice a week, instead of making my own pot of coffee at home in the mornings... I treat myself to a trip to the big city (that is... ten miles to Cambridge) for some Caribou coffee. You can clearly see their marketing scheme for the summer, in all kinds of inspirational statements, all over their to-go cups. It's like a perfect cup of Joe with unsolicited, corny inspiration written all over it. Just what we Minnesotans like. So today, sit back, relax and enjoy these tidbits of advice from up North.

"Be the first to enter and the last to leave the dance floor."

"Dare to adventure."

"You'll only be your current age once."

"Step 1: Rake Leaves, Step 2: Jump!"

"Marshmallows have no nutritional value, and that's ok."

"Sing out loud."

"Spin the globe then pack your bags."

"Plant lots of trees."

"Learn to say thank you in ten languages."

And there you have it.

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date!

2010-06-09T07:49:00.001-06:00

Aside from being the opening line for a solo (believe it, before it was known that I would have little to no musical talent, it was thought that I had some...) I sang in the 6th grade operetta, Alice In Wonderland... the title of this post is also utterly true. We've entered the 10th month of the Year in Discipline, and, nine days in, I'd like to unveil this month's task.

June 2010: I will make a journal entry every day.

The first few days of this month, I have to admit, I made some quite short journal entries. I think I just needed some time to warm up. I've kept journals throughout the years pretty consistently since college, but I can't say that I've been much of a consistent journaler... does that make sense? My good friend A told me once that she finds herself journaling more when she's traveling, or on some great adventure, and I can totally relate to that. I've found myself doing the same thing in recent years. When I'm 80 and looking back over my journal entries (yes, I envision myself doing that, and yes, I know it sounds lame), I'm sure I'll be more drawn to an entry from Paris, France or Beijing, China... instead of a post from Dalbo, Minnesota.

So this month I'm trying to remedy that by making some really exciting entries from Dalbo! Truthfully, one week in, I'm enjoying the opportunity to write freely, about whatever I want, and get those creative juices flowing! Over the years my entries have spanned the subjects of how I'm feeling or what I'm thinking, they've been prayers that I've written down, scripture that has influenced me, or subjects, stories or categories that I'm currently passionate about. It's random, and that's the way I like it. Sometimes it's a single sentence and other times it's pages and pages of material (that one day will be worth a lot of money... ha ha!).

So I'm wondering, do you keep a journal? If so, what kinds of things do you put in it?

Bless you... and me too.

2010-06-04T06:47:00.000-06:00

Lately I've been enjoying some early morning quiet time after my very early morning swims. Sometimes I sit in the quiet of the house, or in the backyard by the pool, or on the front porch, enjoying the sounds of the early birds catching the worms.

This morning I sat inside, as it was a little cold and rainy. As I sat reading an important reminder from the book of 1 Samuel ... "The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." ... I felt a sneeze coming on. "Aaaahhh... aahhh... aaahh CHOO!" A few more sneezes ensued, and then I said (to myself, to Jesus, to who?!), "Excuse me". I chuckled a little, thinking that it probably wasn't necessary for me to excuse myself... from... myself. But when I really started to think about it, I realized I always do it! If I'm with ten people, two people, or just myself, I'm always uttering that polite phrase.

Anything you find yourself doing out of habit, even if it's unneccessary?

So good, it'll bring (real) tears to your eyes

2010-05-06T15:49:00.001-06:00

For quite some time now, I've literally been stung by the task of cutting onions. No matter how well I prep, my eyes end up stinging and tearing and miserable, followed by me doing nothing for 30 minutes due to my lack of sight. Well, my friends, there is a light at the end of this tunnel!

Last weekend as I was suffering through this task while preparing dinner, my sister remarked casually that I should put matches in my mouth. My mom's response was, "...and light them?" My response was bewilderment. Why would I put matches in my mouth? Gross.

Despite my match reservations, I gave it a try a few days ago as I faced yet another onion. First, I inserted two matches into my mouth (the striking end of the match should be sticking out of your mouth!).

Then, I cut the onion in half and ran the halves under cold water. (cold water has been my usual routine since I heard from a friend that it helped wash away the potent fumes) Well, let me tell you that cold water alone doesn't cut it. Anyway, I began chopping the onion, waiting for the evil to strike. Only, it didn't. It... didn't! Wahoo! Who has been keeping this secret from me?! It's amazing, it's life-changing! Now I guess I can cross "Figure out how to chop an onion without crying", off of my Bucket List.

May YID... and chlorine... and job applications.

2010-05-03T10:26:00.000-06:00

YID May 2010: I will have at least 30 minutes of conversation with a friend or family member (in person or over the phone... none of this online chatting or texting nonsense) every day.

Wanna talk? I'm available, and this month, it's my (YID) obligation to do so! What perfect timing this is (well... I did plan it myself)! I've already been able to see and reconnect with so many good friends since returning to MN last month. I've also had time to catch up with long-distance friends over the phone. Sometimes you guys are the ones I neglect the most, I'm sorry to say! I'm always dragging my feet to make phone calls, but I am always blessed by the conversations we have, so thank you! *side note- I'm also including video Skype in this month's fair game conversational methods.

April YID never left me with a boring moment. If you didn't already know, I'm kind of an organization freak. But let's not use the word "freak". How about "junkie"... no. How about "connoisseur". Yes. I'm an organization connoisseur, a connoisseur of organization... whatever you prefer. I've only begun tackling my parent's house, and boy do they have a lot of organizing headed their way! They'll thank me for it, surely, in the long run. Back to the point though, it was nice to help out in different ways, for different people in my life.

Oh! This morning was my first swim back in the CIHS pool in... many years. It was great to be back in the water, and of course, it felt like home, having spent so many hours in that pool in the past. It was also encouraging to have friend S there to offer a smile and a familiar face! I'm training for the Chicago Triathlon in August, so I have a lot of hard work ahead of me at open swim... every Monday, Wednesday and Friday... at 5:30 in the morning. Ugh.

Still looking for a job... that's all I have to say about that.

Did I mention I was in Hawaii about a month ago? Did I mention it was amazing? Did I mention that I miss it every second of every day? Oh, well, I do. A few pics below from my Hawaiian vacation.

Just starting out in the Botanical Gardens outside of Hilo.

Hanging out on the beach at Mauna Lani.

Yep, we got a Jeep, and yep, it was way too cool for our own good...

That's our Jeep in the middle of the huge lava shield we drove through.

This is A, trying to scare me by leaning over the edge of this very unsafe cliff.

And last, but not least...

This is a classic awkward moment that A caught at our Luau. You'll notice couples dancing behind me. This was a time for the couples to dance, so A and I sat quietly at the table, with all the children.

Gone Country

2010-04-22T22:52:00.000-06:00

It was evident on my afternoon run yesterday that I was back in the place of my birth. Why? I ran for 4 miles along country roads, both gravel and paved, and not one car passed me. However, I was passed by two tractors.

April YID Upate

2010-04-20T10:28:00.000-06:00

There has been no lack of household work to do while I've been back in MN! As soon as I got back from Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest (by the way, doing dishes in Hawaii just doesn't seem so bad...), I was greeted with 2 of my little nieces who would be spending the week with me and my parents while their parents were in Jamaica. A few days later we were joined by my friend's little boy, as she and her husband were also in Jamaica! All that to say, there's a little clean-up in involved when the little ones go wild. So far with this April YID, I've just enjoyed lending a hand in whatever way I can, since I don't have much going on right now.

The nieces are leaving tomorrow, and then it's down to business for me, or at least trying to fall into some sort of routine here in Cambridge for awhile. Are you in Cambridge? Do you want to hang out with me? I'll buy you coffee (or your beverge of choice!), please?

A little laughter for my morning today... the older of my nieces that I've been with this week, sang along to her favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers song this morning on the way to daycare. Following this, she showed me her dance moves (the correct ones!) when Thriller came on. Love it.

YID Month 8

2010-04-05T00:13:00.001-06:00

April 2010: I will participate in household work everyday!

I know, this sounds... not very exciting. The reasoning behind this month's YID comes from the fact that I knew I'd be homeless (having left Colorado) and staying with family and friends and so on. I wanted to be of help in whatever place I found myself, and my first thought was that it would be to do the dishes. But after more thought, I realized I'd be more helpful to include other types of household work (you know, in case there are just no dishes to be done). So here I am, 4 days in (Happy Easter!), and I've been able to fulfill my duties thus far. I happen to be staying with my friend A and her family in the Pacific Northwest (A sometimes just says Portland, though we're across the river in Washington... A sometimes says Vancouver, Washington, though we're really in Brush Prairie...), and I hope I've been able to show my appreciation of their hospitality by lending a hand here and there! Once I return to MN (after my fabulous vaca to HAWAII!), I think this YID task will also help me to keep at least a portion of my life orderly and normal while I continue to search for a job in the Twin Cities area. With no job and no set schedule, I imagine I could get lazy pretty quickly. And when I say "I imagine", I mean "I know", because I've been in this boat before. So, here we go!

To wrap up a little of March's YID, below is a list of things I've been reading, and loving! The more I read, the longer my "to read" list gets. I love a good fiction novel (keep you on the edge of your seat, page-turner kinds!), but have also enjoyed a lot of non-fiction biographies and memiors too.

A Hundred Secret Senses- Amy Tan
Very typical Amy Tan, a lot of Chinese history and culture. If you've had any experience with Chinese culture, it's often fun to read her novels because you can relate so well. However, the stories in her books seem to be so similar that they combine in my head, and I can't distinguish one from another. I think my favorite of hers is The Joy Luck Club.

Psalms- The Bible
I love a lot of things about the Psalms, but the thing I love most is how much it reflects our human nature. There are ups and downs, and praises and thanks, and cries of despair and pleas for mercy, and all of those things are wrapped up in the lives that we live everyday.

Dear John- Nicholas Sparks
DE-PRES-SING. I should never have read this book, but curiosity killed the cat (or in this case, my spirit!).

About A Boy- Nick Hornby
Saw the movie years ago, but heard the book was better, so I'm about half-way through right now. It took me awhile to get into it, I wasn't relating to the characters, but they're growing on me.

Angela's Ashes- Frank McCourt
This has been an on-going read for me for the last few months. Frank McCourt's memoir of growing up in the poorest parts of New York City and Ireland in the early to mid 1900's. An interesting, heart-breaking read.

From 80525 to 55017

2010-03-26T13:27:00.000-06:00

Currently posting from Dalbo, Minnesota! If you think the car looks packed in the picture above, you would be surprised at how much more of my stuff I fit into it in the 30 minutes after the picture was taken. So it's safe to say the Explorer was a little weighed down on the trip through Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota. I've done the trip before in 14 hours, but it took me 16 to come back on Monday. Wow. I was alone, so my throat was a little sore from all the singing I did, but it made for a pleasant trip into the next stage in my life!

So here I am at my parent's house. In case you're wondering, I will be here temporarily permanently. Yes, that means I have no clue how long I'll be here! I'm a job searching machine, but for anyone who's searched for a job before, you know it usually takes about a million applications and cover letters, so I'm really just getting started.

A few interesting things that have happened as I've re-entered Isanti County...

1. My dad suggested that I sell my car (3 years ago he picked it out for me to buy). To him.

2. My mom suggested I join E-Harmony.

3. I'm taking a tentative trip down memory lane in trying to clean out old boxes at my parent's house in order to make room for my new boxes! I didn't realize I had so many pictures from middle school... or that I evidently didn't know what tweezers were at that time in my life!

4. It looks nice outside, but it's still really very cold. Deceiving, sunny winter days... I forgot about those, and I had some frozen cheeks (four frozen cheeks) after my run to show for it!

To Burma and Back Again

2010-03-17T10:32:00.004-06:00

At the end of January, while I was working in Thailand, I went to *Burma and Laos on a day trip. The Golden Triangle, as it's called - where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet at the Mekong River. Walking over the border from Thailand to Burma was something I would only describe as slightly scary.

A river and bridge seperate Thailand and Burma, and the process of going from one to the other is quite complicated. Starting from Thailand, you have to go through passport control and complete a departure card, putting an end to your current visa. You walk through a cramped processing area and out onto the bridge. Once on the bridge, you're neither in Thailand or Burma! No where! And that's what it felt like. Thailand behind you and Burma in front of you.

The bridge was an eerie place. From the bridge you're funnelled into the "in" line, where you are sent into a small room - no door - just a hanging cloth curtain. The room is about 10 feet by 10 feet. There's a fan in the corner blowing hot air in the musty space, and the paint is peeling and chipping from the walls. The few light bulbs give off a flourescent blue glow, which makes you feel even more like you're in a horror movie. The Burmese border police are in frumpy, yet terrifying uniforms, and going about business abruptly. Grunting and pointing to instruct you to sit there, wait, move, stand, look at the camera, etc. they use what they must think are English words, only they sound like mutterings and mumblings of English words that once were. Then they give the most horrifying instruction of all... "Give me your passport". Only it sounds more like, "Gy my er assort".

That's right, you must surrender your passport to enter Burma. Your most precious possession as a world traveler, your security, your status, your gaurentee of entrance to a U.S. Embassy should you find yourself in one of those thriller, action movies in which you are fleeing from angry nationals down a street, the American flag gently blowing in the breeze at the embassy ahead, yelling, "I'm an American citizen!" That's never happened to me, but, a girl can dream. So, they tear your passport from your sweaty clutches and throw it haphazardly onto a small pile on a table next to them. No lock, no key, just a messy pile of some of the world's passports. In return, they give you a piece of paper! It has the unflattering picture that they just took of you, and some other information. Then, they simply point to the dirty curtain that is a door, and say, "Go!" And that's when you want to pee in your pants.

*For the purposes of this post and in accordance with my political views and opinions, I will refer to "Myanmar" as Burma. However, in the pictures below, you will see that all signage shows "Myanmar", and to that I say, bleh.

Entering Burma

Tuk Tuks in Burma (not a lot of customers)

Travel friend beneath the "Foreigner" sign... That's pretty much how we felt... "Foreigner- Out"

Giant buddha on a giant boat

Cruising the Mekong

Informal docking at Laos

"This way black bear" and "Toilet"... Just what I was looking for!

Scorpions, spiders and snakes inside bottles of alcohol

YID Month 7

2010-03-05T23:07:00.000-07:00

March 2010: I will read a book for at least 1 hour every day.

Given my recent unemployment*, March's YID will work perfectly for me, yeah? I've always got A LOT of books in my "To Read" pile, so I won't have a problem finding reading material. Right now I'm about half way through Amy Tan's "The Hundred Secret Senses". I love reading Amy Tan because she always has a lot of Chinese culture written into her stories. I like comparing what she writes to my own experiences in China, and it helps me to keep a connection in a small way. A and I are also spending some time reading through parts of the Old Testament. We're starting on the Psalms today, and I'm really looking forward to how the Lord teaches and blesses as we work our way through this book.

Beginning the seventh month of YID, I thought it might be a good time for some review. The Year In Discipline (YID) began in September 2009. It's a year-long process that includes a different task or challenge to be completed each day for one month. Below are the tasks and challenges that I've been working on for the past six months. Each task was chosen to complement, challenge and improve everyday life, and I can honestly say that each one has been a blessing to complete.

September 2009: Make my bed every day.
October 2009: Get physical activity every day.
November 2009: Send a piece of mail every day.
December 2009: Eat a green vegetable every day.
January 2010: Drink at least 72 ounces of water every day.
February 2010: Take a picture every day.

So, here's to six more months of YID! I'll continue to reveal each challenge at (or around!) the beginning of each month. August 2010 will be the final month of YID, and currently, there is no task or challenge. I would love to hear your ideas and thoughts on what would make a great final challenge for the last month of YID. Let me know your ideas! It's also been really encouraging to hear from some of you who have taken on your own challenges or parts of YID, so keep it up!

*As of the end of February, my position at work was eliminated from our office in Fort Collins and will be transitioning to Chiang Mai, Thailand as a support-raising position. I've known about this transition for about a year, so I've had time to plan and prepare for what might come next for me! I'll be returning to Minnesota in April, and am truly looking forward to the opportunities that await me in my home state. No definite plans yet, currently looking for a job in the Twin Cities area!

February YID Update

2010-02-21T18:39:00.003-07:00

I wish I could tell you the story behind every picture for this month, but that would take too long! So, my short captions will have to do. Once again, I'm only posting some of my favorites from the last few weeks.

A found this small house while we were mini golfing! This is her "Isn't this awesome?!" look.

This is one of A's pictures of me at a lake in Fort Collins.

A also took this one of me while we were bowling last week, I love the colors!

Sitting by the fireplace at Panera. This looks a lot like her "Isn't this awesome?!" look from above, so don't be confused. This is her "I love Panera?!" look.

We ventured to Red Feather Lakes at the top of Poudre Canyon yesterday... in the middle of a snow storm. We had our handy snow shoes, so not even closed roads could stop us!

We also blazed our own trail around the lake since the original trail seemed to be several feet under the snow.

All three of us showing off our equipment, with the frozen lake behind us (and beneath us).

Since we didn't anticipate an all-day trip, we hadn't brought any food, so this little cafe on the way down the canyon was our only hope, and it was delicious! The only other occupied booth in the cafe was filled with the local sheriff and two local park rangers having coffee. Classic. When we were paying to leave, our waitress (it only seems right to call her a "waitress" instead of a "server" in this situation!) warned A to "Be sure and drive slow now, because Earl is done with his coffee and out on the road again!".

Sawadee ka.. Ask and You Shall Receive (some pictures)

2010-02-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Parade

Fruit stand in the market

Musicians on the street

YID Month 6

2010-02-09T09:03:00.001-07:00

February 2010: I will take a picture every day.

Imagine it's 8 days ago, and I'm writing this post. There ya go. So it's "February 1" and I'm revealing this month's YID! I'm pretty sure that I got January and February mixed up when my roommate and I were coming up with each month's task, because I thought it'd be really easy to take a picture every day while I was in Thailand, only, in the month of February, I was only in Thailand for 3 days! Oh well. The water-drinking fiasco is over with. At least in Thailand. It's a lot easier to re-fill my water bottle here, as well as find a bathroom on short notice! So take a gander at some of my pictures taken within the last week. I probably won't post each day's picture, just my favorites! Since I'm back in Colorado now, I think finding the humorous, quirky, sentimental, crazy, etc., things in my everyday life (in pictures!) will give me a fresh look at some of the blessings I might be overlooking.

Popsicle stand

Thailand's favorite treat... the rotee!

My desk in FC

Drinking Thai Water

2010-01-21T00:21:00.000-07:00

For a quick update on January's YID challenge, I am drinking, drinking and drinking a lot of water. Please excuse my honesty and bluntness, but I'm also peeing, peeing and peeing a lot. The evenings become a battle to finish my last water bottle full of water, and at the same time, I try not to drink too much after 8pm. If I'm not careful, I'm up all night with, well, you know... the *business mentioned above.

The challenge with this month's YID is that I'm trying to complete it in a foreign land. That's right, I'm not in Canada, Mexico or Texas (might as well be another country in my opinion), I'm in Thailand! This has meant gathering and being on the look-out for drinkable water. I would have severe regrets if I simply filled my bottle up straight from the sink, and my *business mentioned above would probably become a whole new *business all together.

This is my 4th time in Thailand with my organization. My first year was as a conference participant, and the following three as a staff member. I'm looking at the inside of an office for the better part of my days, but it's a great joy to see my good friends who live throughout Asia. I'm seeing Chiang Mai with slightly new eyes this year since I know this may be my last trip here... for awhile at least. On Sunday I'm trying to coordinate a small day trip to the Burmese border, which is something I've never done. Being in Chiang Mai, I'm relatively close to the Golden Triangle, which is where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. I've been told that it's quite magical to arrive at the Golden Triangle by boat via the Mekong River, so I'm just going to have to find out for myself if it is, indeed, magical.

Wish List

2010-01-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

Please do me and yourself a favor (the best kind of favor!) and set up an Amazon Wish List! You'll enjoy finding things you wouldn't normally get for yourself (and at less than full price!), and I will enjoy shopping (from the comfort of my couch) for you. I believe it's a win/win situation.

YID Month 5 / Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

January 2010: I will drink at least 80 ounces of water every day.

Agua! Shui! Wasser! Water! I'll be drinking a lot of it this month. I guess that also means I'll be making a lot of trips to the little girl's room as well. In addition, I might have to put TP on my shopping list.

Green vegetables were in abundance at my house throughout December, and I should admit that there were a few days when I realized I hadn't had my serving of green for the day. This meant a late night trek to the fridge to cut and consume some cucumber slices.

Rang in the 2010 New Year with some friends (and A LOT of food!) last night at home. Today A and I took down our Christmas tree and decorations, and are settling down with the Ohio vs. Oregon Rose Bowl game. Looking forward to a great year ahead!

I had braces when that song was popular.

2009-12-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't been thoroughly impressed with the radio station selection in Northern Colorado. There are some seriously annoying guys who have a morning show on a station I can't really remember the name of. They do this thing called "War of the Roses" which is basically about the infidelity of boyfriends and girlfriends and really all kinds of horrible. Their names are John J. and Rich, and they play their own version of the Miley Cyrus song "Party in the USA", so I find myself singing along and inputting "John J. and Rich" instead of "Jay Z". Why...Why? I always realize it too late... You know, where has your dignity gone when you're singing about John J. and Rich in a Miley Cyrus song?

In addition, there are a few stations run by CSU that transmit extremely well, but end up falling short. I just can't get on board with what some of those crazy college kids are listening to these days... Ha!

And then we stumble upon 99.9 The Point. At first listen, you think, "Oh my, this isn't so bad". In your first few minutes of listening you might hear a few recent hits (songs that even other people would consider hits!). Then you might hear that one song that you haven't heard since middle school. Middle school! So great, right? Then you hear that other song you haven't heard since middle school... and another... and another. Wait. Something's wrong. I'm hearing way too much Sugar Ray. Isn't their lead singer a host on Extra now? Something is really, really wrong. You know what I've found out? You take what you can get. So in tribute to 99.9 The Point, here are a few lines from "The Greats" that I've been hearing lately. Can you guess which songs they came from?

"Backbeat the word was on the street that the fire in your heart is out"

"Everywhere I go people stop and they see, Twenty-five years old, my mother, God rest her soul"

"It's like 10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife"

"Late night, come home, work sucks, I know"

"ba da ba da da da ah ya ya
ba da da da ba ba ee ah
Ba ya ya ba ba de ba da da da ah ya ya"

That last one really gets me! These really are the lyrics though, according to a Google search.

Just another (manic) Monday

2009-12-15T09:24:00.022-07:00

Quite the day on Monday. Quite. The. Day. It involved all of the following things and a few more that I won't mention. Also, I should note that it probably wasn't "manic" per say, I just really wanted to use that phrase since I was writing about a Monday. After all, if you can't say it was "just another manic Monday" when talking about Monday, when can you?

Alarm doesn't go off in the morning. And when I say "doesn't go off", I really mean "went off but I didn't get up".

New dress from Target evens out the score and leaves us back at Bri- 0, Manic Monday- 0.

Late for work, so why not stop at Starbucks and use my shiny new gift card for a Peppermint Mocha?

No traffic? Point for me! Point for me!

No traffic because I'm late for work, and the general work force of Fort Collins is already in their cubicles, opening Outlook and considering their Excel spreadsheets. Bri- 1, Manic Monday- 1.

All settled into my cubicle, just one hour late. First day of office Secret Santa(!), though there is no gift from my Secret Santa.

At the dentist for two fillings, but not without some drilling first. Novocaine works (for the most part), but leaves my lower lip, cheeks and chin numb. The dentist says I'll only be numb for one hour.

Arrive at the post office to mail some last-minute Christmas packages. Apparently everyone IN NORTHERN COLORADO has the same idea. Longest line ever, though automated mailing machine turns out to be quick (kind of quick) and painless!

Witty girl in line behind me at the post office, despite the bleak attitude of those around us. I can appreciate that!

PF Chang's for dinner (last day to use 15% off coupon)! That's worth a Bri point. As we walk in the door, we walk right past witty girl from the post office earlier in the day! This is amazing, I think, especially since we're in a whole other town for dinner. She recognizes A and I, and we recognize her, and it's a wonderful moment of, "Wow, isn't that a coincidence?".

3.5 hours after drilling and filling, mouth is still a little numb, making it very awkward to chew food, though this is very entertaining to my roommate and dinner buddy.

We run into our Executive Vice President at PF Chang's, which is the second coincidence of the night, as last time A was at PF Chang's, she also ran into the Executive Vice President. We all laugh about how we have great taste in food, and how everyone at work will be jealous tomorrow because of our PF Chang's leftovers.

At home winding down from the day when big brother #1 calls. Turns out big brother #2 is also on the line. It's late in Colorado, but it's even later in Minnesota. Hmm. They want my Facebook password. Hmm. I give it to them, but then, in a moment of panic, login to Facebook a few minutes later to change my password so that they won't be able to login to my account more than once. Within seconds of logging in, brothers #1 and #2 call again. A conversation of confusion and yelling ensues, but ends in a few minutes with "Love you!" I fall asleep hesitantly.

Monday over. Bri- 4, Manic Monday- 6.

Happy 21st Birthday To You

2009-12-13T16:04:00.008-07:00

Last week I had the great fortune to be taken to the Melting Pot for my birthday dinner. I L-O-V-E fondue. What's not good about bread, cheese, meat, and fruit with chocolate? Gooooood (said like Joey Tribbiani).

Our server for the evening talked kind of fast. We'll call him Talky Fasty. Talky Fasty had just finished explaining the menu to us (most of which we did not understand) when he asks about what has brought us out for the evening. A tells him that it's my birthday. Talky Fasty looks at me and says in a kind of all-knowing voice, "Well, happy 21st birthday to you". Then Talky Fasty smiles at me as if to say, "We both know you're not 21 anymore, don't we..." Before he leaves the table after taking our order, he wishes me "Happy 21st" again, this time it seems as though he's giving a little *wink*wink, like people do when they wish 40 year old women a "Happy 21st". As he walks away, I'm left in this kind of state of shock where I'm thinking, did he just insinuate that I was old? Am I old? Did I just pass that threshold from mid-20's to LATE-20's? Did I? All this at the Melting Pot in just a matter of seconds as Talky Fasty struts away in slow motion.

YID Month 4

2009-12-03T09:25:00.004-07:00

December 2009: I will eat a green vegetable every day.

There you have it. I like green vegetables (some, not all!), so this month I think I'll try to extend my taste buds to new horizons with some of the more unlikely green vegetables. Some that I usually eat are broccoli, peas, asparagus, spinach, celery, snap peas and soy beans. I'd love some suggestions!

To wrap up November's YID, I can summarize by saying it was awesome. I heard back from a lot of people who received mail from me, so it ended up being really rewarding and fun. I think this is one challenge that I'll keep up on. Maybe not every day, but at least a few times a month!

November YID Update

2009-11-17T15:11:00.005-07:00

The November YID challenge is going great! Love sending mail, love connecting with family and friends. If you're on the receiving end, enjoy! The contrast to September and October's YID challenges is interesting. September and October seemed much more chore-like with making beds and working-out. This month's challenge also has the opportunity of bringing happiness (or even a simple, happy moment at the mailbox) to other people, and that's awesome. It's been much easier for me to do something each day (and sometimes avoid other, less exciting responsibilities) that involves relationship and communication with others, then to do something each day that only benefits myself. And that is a surprising revelation coming from this selfish girl.

Denver Marathon (well, half of it anyway)

2009-11-10T09:26:00.002-07:00

I survived. The Denver half marathon was great! I seriously doubted that I'd be able to complete it, but the energy of the day and the runners around me really kept me going! The race course was also pretty fun, leading us all around downtown Denver, which meant there were plenty of people along the whole race path cheering for us! I have to give a lot of credit and thanks to my friend A, who is my running buddy and training expert. She pushed me through a lot of hard moments when I wanted to give up. And that means a lot, because I am not a pleasant person in those moments! Thanks A!

YID Month 3

2009-11-03T09:11:00.010-07:00

November 2009: I will send a piece of mail every day.

I'm so excited for this month's YID challenge! Mostly because it means that I get to send fun notes and things to my dear family and friends. I love mail, and if I could make a living of sending fun packages to people every day, I totally would. I wonder if people would pay me to send them a package? You know, like, they didn't have time to do it themselves, so they just choose me to come up with fun, seasonal ideas and goodness, and then I mail it to them! I'll make note of that for later.

I think November will be one of the more immediately rewarding challenges without immediately difficult obstacles (talking about you, October). There were a few dreary October days when I began to doubt my ability to carry out challenges for a whole year. That's what forced exercise will do to you! Ha ha! So, I'm happily welcoming November, and all the great connections and re-connections I'll get to make with mail!

I also thought I'd post a little of my Halloween festivities. This year I went to a costume party and dressed as Elphaba from Wicked. Really, the most difficult part was painting my face green, but I guess that was essential for the costume.

Snow Day

2009-10-29T11:42:00.006-06:00

My office was closed at 11am yesterday, carrying over into today, because of the snowy weather here in Northern Colorado. So I've been in my house since yesterday afternoon, with a few trips outside to shovel the driveway and sidewalk in front of my house. I've got some serious thoughts about the fact that I am required by the city to shovel the sidewalk in front of my house, but they do not (ever) plow the streets in my neighborhood. I'll save those for another time though. I'm listening to Christmas music and considering baking some Christmas cookies, just because I can, and it gives me a bit of cheer! I do have a few pressing things on my grocery list, however, that may require me to leave the house today...

toilet paper (this will be essential, I'm on my last roll)
milk
eggs
olive oil

This is also putting a little dent into my October YID! Thankfully, I've got my friend Jillian on DVD to help me get some indoor exercise. As I shared a few posts back, this month's YID has been really hard. What is it about exercise? When I know that I have to do it, it makes me not want to do it at all. I'm a little disappointed because I haven't kept up my end of the deal by getting physical activity in every day. When I feel like I don't have to do it, I'm more willing, and it's more enjoyable. I really don't like missing the opportunity to get outside and get some fresh air, especially when I sit in my office for 10 hours a day, Monday through Thursday. And I go a little crazy when there's bad weather, and I'm trapped inside. So I guess this is a little something I'm learning... when required to do something, I'm more likely to resist. I really need to work on that! Thanks October YID!

On a side note, my Pandora holiday station just played "Let your Love Flow" by the Bellamy Brothers. It says it's under the category of "Reggae Holiday". It doesn't sound very much like holiday or reggae music to me.

In the lane, snow is glistening

2009-10-28T08:28:00.010-06:00

A brief (or not very brief) overview of my morning from 5:15am-6:40am.

5:15am
My alarm goes off... wait, I didn't set my alarm for 5:15am! My phone is ringing! It's a co-worker. He and his wife are expecting child #3 any day now, and I promised to be a babysitter if the time came! I groggily answer the phone and said co-worker greets me and asks if he has woken me up. Uh. Yeah. It's 5:15am. I respond by saying yes, but I know he wouldn't call unless it was really important (exciting baby anticipation in my voice)! He acknowledges this by saying, "It's Chick-fil-A day!" After a moment of pure confusion, I realize that Chick-fil-A is opening down the street from my house this morning, and the first 100 customers get free Chick-fil-A coupons for a year. We've been anticipating this for awhile, but obviously, I had forgotten. Co-worker friend says I have to be there by 6:00am to get the free Chick-fil-A.

5:17am
I go back to sleep.

5:30am
My alarm goes off. For real this time. I consider my recent phone conversation and decide to go to Chick-fil-A. I throw on some jeans and a sweatshirt and run downstairs. When I look out the window I remember that FC has been in a winter snow advisory since last night, and I will also need my winter jacket, a hat, gloves and snow boots. But at least I remembered to park Barbara (my Chevy Malibu!) in the garage last night.

5:45am
On my way down the street to Chick-fil-A. Barbara is handling the snow alright, despite that fact that my street and immediately surrounding streets have not been plowed. I hear on the radio that Poudre Valley schools have been closed for the day. Excitement! Our office depends on the local school district cancellations when determining whether or not to close our office. Yes!

5:46am
No! I may not have to go to work today, and I'm up before sunrise? As I turn into the Chick-fil-A parking lot, my disappointment turns back to excitement when I see the news crew! Yes! I could be on TV!

6:00am
Chick-fil-A lady in a pink fleece vest comes outside to tell... all 20 of us... about the rules. Only 20 people! I will for sure get free Chick-fil-A since the first 100 are awarded coupons!

6:01am
Pink fleece lady throws a curve ball. She walks over to the parking lot and describes where exactly we can set up our tents, and that once we have officially registered, we may not leave the site, or go back to our cars. Huh? But I'm planning on returning to my car after you give me free Chick-fil-A coupons, then going home, to my warm house.

6:05am
Co-worker friend and I sulk back to our cars, realizing that we misunderstood the rules (not that they were very clear!). I also realize that I may not be on TV, and I may actually have to go to work since I haven't heard from any other co-workers about an office closing.

6:06am
A brief light in the darkness... I see the warm lights of Panera across the street. I reason with myself that if I will have to go to work, I must have coffee (and a bagel) asap.

6:08am
Standing in line behind an old acquaintance at Panera. Like, directly behind them. We have an awkward interaction, but I escape in no time with my hazelnut coffee and bagel. Still no word from work.

6:25am
At home, sitting in front of the TV watching the school cancellations roll along the bottom of the screen. Also checking my work email every 5 minutes in hopes of finding an email announcing the office closing. Every 5 minutes...

6:40am
I give up and head for the shower because I realize that I'm going to work today, and I'm late. As I leave the living room and walk upstairs, a live broadcast from Chick-fil-A comes on the TV.

Thanks Jane... Sally, Trisha, Ashley, Becky and Margaret!

2009-10-22T09:07:00.011-06:00

Guess what happened to me last night? Really, just take a second and guess... ... ... you'll never get it.
I went to Chipotle to get a seriously tasty burrito for dinner, and was greeted by all lady employees! Girls! All of them! In my entire exciting and incredible life, I have never seen more than one girl (usually surrounded by dudes) behind the counter at Chipotle. Me thinks this is amazing, and obviously, worth note today.

YID Update- October 13

2009-10-13T17:31:00.019-06:00

This month has been hard! The Denver Half Marathon is on Sunday, and even in the midst of training, I've managed to miss 2 days of physical activity in this YID. I didn't miss any days in September, and I didn't plan on missing any days in October, but I guess that's how it goes. I was never going to have a perfect record!

As for the days that I've accomplished my goal of physical activity, I've felt really good at the end of each day knowing that I have challenged myself in some way. I fought off my sore throat, aches and fever from a few weeks ago and got back into training right away. As much as I'm looking forward to the fun that the race will be in Denver on Sunday, I'm also looking forward to it being over! Training has been tough, and I wonder if it will feel like a weight lifted off of my shoulders when I don't feel the pressure to get so many miles into my week. Ha! I know it will feel like a weight lifted off of my shoulders! The remaining two weeks in October after I have completed my race will be a true challenge, especially as it continues to get colder and colder, and darker and darker.

On a slightly related note, A and I went to a chiropractor last week in hopes of loosening some aches before the big race. I had never been before, and was a little excited and nervous for the cracking and popping! Turns out the chiropractor we chose (a recommendation from a co-worker) was not the torquing type. His philosophy was that all problems start in the neck, and can be ended in the neck. Of course I didn't realize this until he had me lay on my side, and used his hand to work around the bones and muscles in my neck. Then, he was done. I had heard some little cracking and popping noises while he worked on my neck, but I thought it was from his hand, not my neck!

The chiropractor was also a nutritionist/naturalist, which made for some interesting conversation. Aside from the things we know (eat your fruits and veggies, get good fat from fish, nuts, olive oil, etc., avoid unnatural/processed and packaged things), he said that if we don't have at least 12 ounces of coffee each day, we are increasing our chances of Alzheimer's by 60%. Coffee has it's positives and negatives, but, 60%? I have no idea where he got the info, though I had read something similar in a CNN Health Report a few months ago. So! Something to think about, I guess! I have no trouble getting 12 ounces of coffee each day, which may turn out to be a whole other problem for me!

Nice Try

2009-10-07T10:21:00.006-06:00

Below is the text of an actual letter that I mailed yesterday to the Camera Radar/Red Light Clerk's Office at FC Municipal Court. The letter is in response to a $75 traffic violation that I received in the mail on Monday.

"To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to contest this violation because I am not the driver in these images (I am not a man), and the car in these images is not my car. The images of the front windshield and of the rear of the vehicle confirmed to me that the car pictured is not mine. Also, I was asleep at my home on Wednesday, September 30 at 5:43am. My car has not left my possession. The license plate of the car pictured seems to be similar to mine, which I assume is why I have wrongly received this complaint, but it is not 7**T**. Nice try. :) I am not responsible for this violation."

Perhaps I was a little too excited to write this letter. But really, how often are you given instructions in a situation like this, to simply "write a letter explaining why you feel you are not responsible"? This may be my only chance. Ever. I left a lot of things out though, like all of my questions. For example, how many people received this ticket for this very violation? Do they just send it out to ten people and hope that they catch one? What if I had just paid the fee without looking closely? How many times are they going to collect $75 for this one violation? These questions are all aside from the fact that I believe it's NOT LEGAL to receive a ticket from a camera. With all the money this town collects on petty traffic and parking violations, they should have enough to, I don't know, employ some more human beings to patrol the streets. I say, catch me if you can. In person.

Salt Water, Whip It and Exercise

2009-10-01T09:38:00.012-06:00

I didn't make my bed yesterday morning. That's right... it's October 2. September 2009 YID has come to an end. Please don't be disappointed that I didn't make my bed yesterday, I think I'll pick it back up again. My mom says that she thinks I'm supposed to build on every month and continue the previous month's task. I told her it was a good thing I made the rules to this YID instead of her, and she responded by threatening to start a blog to blog about how I'm neglecting the YID. I really loved making my bed, and it has become a habit, I think. On top of that, I believe I started to form some other good habits throughout the month of September that I'm excited about.

I've also been gargling salt water 3 times a day since Monday. Yep. I'm sick. I hate salt water, and Sucrets throat lozenges aren't that great either. I've also been informed by my sister this week that I've "always been the sickly one". Two and a half weeks to go until the Denver half marathon and I've missed out on 4 days of training. It's safe to say I've got some anxiety about the upcoming race in relation to my sickness (well let's be honest, in relation to a lot of other things too).

On a positive note, October 2009 YID began yesterday! So here it is...

YID Month 2- October 2009: I will get physical activity every day.

I debated on a lot of different wording for October's title, and "physical activity" is what I settled on for a few reasons. I didn't want to say "exercise" because I didn't want to specify any kind of intensity. I'm not crazy enough to think that I'm going to get an intense heart-pumping work out, every day for 31 days. I would never achieve that! Yesterday, for example, A and I walked for 30 minutes around the neighborhood. Today I hope to get back into my training and go for my first run this week since being sick. We've got our pockets full of ideas in case the outdoor elements are against us - all on dvd in the comfort of our own living room. If the weather holds up? We've got disc golf, tennis, walking, running, hiking and biking on our list. Really looking forward to this month of challenge, because I know there will be days that I want to curl up on the couch with a blanket and watch a marathon of "Ace of Cakes" on TV.

Oh! And the movie Whip It comes out today with Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page and a bunch of other great people. I'm really excited to see it, and I know it's going to be good because I started crying when I watched a short preview on the Ellen show a few days ago.

Insert Title Here

2009-09-23T11:40:00.010-06:00

A few weeks ago I saw The Killers at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Went with friends A, A and K (K is about 7.5 months pregnant with babe #3 and still rockin'). If you're ever in Colorado, I totally recommend seeing a show at Red Rocks. It's an amazing natural venue surrounded by the mountains and, well, red rocks (be prepared to literally hike up to the theater)!

The show was one of those that is so energetic that you just can't stand still, and The Killers were in fine form, of course! Swaying, rocking, jumping, dancing, whatever you need to do. There was a couple in the row in front of us that were definitely feeling their own groove. Goodness! It was evident that they just could not get enough of the music, and were not afraid to move and groove in their own special way. At first my group and I just snickered a little and continued enjoying the show. But the more I thought about it (and the more I started moving myself to the music), I started to come to the conclusion that there's something really great about letting loose, right? Right! It's so great, and I don't think I'll mind anyone having a little laugh at me for doing it. Rock on.

YID Update- September 16

2009-09-16T08:35:00.010-06:00

I've been making my bed every morning for a little over two weeks now. The challenges have included, but are not limited to...

*Running late on a work morning and barely having time to dry my hair, much less make my bed.

*Weekends! A different schedule in the morning just throws me off a bit, and I've almost forgotten to do it!

*Staying consistent in the quality of my bed-making has proved to be interesting. I've set rules for myself, like, the flat sheet must be tucked under the mattress. Otherwise I'm tempted to just throw the sheet and comforter over the top of the bed and call it good (but in my heart I know that sheet isn't tucked in!).

As for the benefits of this lesson, I think I'm beginning to open my eyes to the world of good things I could and/or should be doing in my day that only take a small amount of time. Take a few extra minutes to floss (DO IT, you'll be thankful later!), spend a few minutes stretching after a run, make that phone call that I've been putting off for days, etc.

And more important things, like spending as much time as I can each day with the Father in prayer and in His Word. Sometimes I limit myself in this, blocking off 15 minutes here, or 30 minutes there. Though I rarely feel like I have time (who does?), I'm learning to be open to doing these things for the length of time that the Father engages me in it. I will not limit Him.

In other news, A and I are getting involved with the Senior Visitation Ministry at our church. Friday morning we'll be meeting with the coordinator and some others to go over the details. As we understand it now, we'll be going to the homes of people associated with our church who are no longer able to come for one reason or another. I'm really excited to get started with this, and to see how the Lord helps me to bless others.

Year In Discipline

2009-09-04T17:00:00.035-06:00

"Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days... Discipline your son while there is hope, and do not desire his death."

Proverbs 19:20,18

Sometimes in my life, there are things that I know I should do, but I don't. Sometimes there are things that I want to do, but I don't. Does this sound familiar? I fear I've become...ugh. Lazy. Lazy with not only the little things in life, but sometimes the big things too. Accepting discipline can be painful, right?

So, I have an idea. A year long journey into discipline. All kinds of discipline. Big and small, really important and kind of important.

For each month, from September 2009 through August 2010, I will choose one task per month, to complete every day of that month. My friend A will be joining me in the YID (that's short for Year in Discipline), and we've made a list of 12 tasks for 12 months, that we will accomplish. You can be sure that we've put some thought into this. As I reveal each month's task, please do not be fooled by its simplicity or complexity, for we have also chosen these tasks for the things that we believe they may teach us in the long run. Rest assured, there is a reason for each one.

What am I hoping to get out of this? I have to admit that I'm not completely sure yet. As the Proverb eludes to, I wouldn't mind a little wisdom! Right now I'm leaving it wide open for Jesus to do some work. I'm certainly looking forward to His guidance, grace, and teaching, and hoping that I've opened up a blank page for Him to work with. And as always, I'm looking forward to the humor that He brings to my life, and will no doubt bring through YID, as well.

At the beginning of each month I'll reveal that month's task, and I'm sure I'll have a few things to tell you throughout the month about how it's coming along. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts and comments, and especially if you're interested in joining in on the YID. So with excitement and anticipation, I present...

YID Month 1- September 2009: I will make my bed every day.

Since today is September 4, I'm currently on Day 4 of my bed-making task. So far, so good. The first four days have given me a small, yet important sense of accomplishment. So here's to something small, that may teach me something big! And if not, well, I'll have a really clean room.

How to be a good Co-Worker

2009-09-04T16:10:00.014-06:00

1. Bake "Welcome Home" cake for roommate (also co-worker).

2. Surprise said co-worker with cake.

3. Eat cake.

4. Realize cake is SO good (or there is too much) that it must be shared with other co-workers.

5. Bring cake to work.

6. Watch with joy as it disappears throughout the day by hungry co-workers.

7. Bring cake platter home.

8. Wash cake platter.

9. Oh. Uh...

10. Recall that "cake platter" was originally a candle plate.

11. Make strong mental note of this.

It's all in the name

2009-08-25T15:19:00.012-06:00

Did you know that there are 21,507 people in the U.S. with the first name Brianna? Probably not. Statistically, it is the 1,257th most popular name. Whoa. Not impressive. More than 99.9% of people with the first name Brianna, are female. I'm shocked. Brianna is the feminine form of the name Brian. It's believed to be of Celtic origin, meaning "strength".

What's in your name?

...you know, like Capital One. What's in your wallet?

Must be smarter than door

2009-08-24T21:16:00.002-06:00

I full on ran into an automatic door in an attempt to exit the grocery store tonight. The nearest employee (bless his cute little heart) smiled and told me that the door on the right should be working just fine.

In English, please

2009-08-24T15:06:00.005-06:00

This time of year I'm usually winding down from my organization's summer orientations. One of my work tasks at this time is to summarize the orientation evaluations that our teachers complete before leaving for Asia. It can be a real blessing, seeing what all the teachers have to say about various aspects of the training that I've just been involved with planning. Sometimes, every once in a while, I come across a real gem of a comment. At first glance, the comment seems to be...

"Te really enjoyed staff's teaching He har the sift. All the staff war wondeful"

I input staff's, as I could not decipher the name, though I must say that what it looks to be is more of a Star Wars'ish name than anyone I know on our staff. Usually I skip comments that I can't read, mostly because I just can't believe that there is an adult out there that we will send to Asia to teach English that cannot write in a clear enough manner for me to read. It happens. This one gave me a good little chuckle today, though, since it seems that this teacher's "s" looks more like an "r", with an "r" left out of "wonderful" for good measure. It made me think of Pirates. Har Har.

Anyone else out there with a job task or two that makes you chuckle?

Take the cake (away)

2009-08-17T09:03:00.003-06:00

To end my blogging silence of several weeks, I'm posting a link to A's latest post. That's right, I'm not actually blogging to end my blogging silence, rather forwarding you to A's blog about a few of our recent Fort Collins shenanigans. If you don't want to read the entire post, then at least take a gander at the pictures near the end of the post, I promise it will be rewarding.

Reaching the End at the Beginning

2009-07-27T10:09:00.003-06:00

Sending teachers off today to China and Southeast Asia after 8 days of training in Northern Colorado! Can it really only be Monday? Because it feels like the end of a long week.

Brotherly Love

2009-07-13T11:27:00.003-06:00

A pic from my recent trip home. Two of my nephews after a long pool day.

Float

2009-06-29T15:10:00.003-06:00

K, A and I bought some air-mattresses yesterday at Target, and enjoyed their flotation at the reservoir. No pics, but it made me miss days on the lake in Minnesota. Looking forward to returning to the Land of 10,000 Lakes!

Uniquely Individual

2009-06-10T08:53:00.004-06:00

"I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way."

Psalm 139:14

This scripture was passed on to me by a wonderful woman yesterday, and I wanted to share it. As I'm pondering lately about what will be next in life for me (isn't everyone doing that on some level all the time?), I'm reminded that there are certain things I can do, that no one else can! "You have an instrument and a song, and you owe it to God to play them both sublimely." I'm suddenly more encouraged to search out what my "instrument" is, to not give in to what the world is telling me I should be doing, and to give glory to The One who has blessed me in such extravagant ways.

Thanks M!

A Job Well Done (?)

2009-06-08T17:22:00.005-06:00

Last week I received acknowledgement at our staff meeting for 3 years of service with my organization (1 in China and 2 in the US). I was given a giftcard to downtown Fort Collins (so grateful for this!), and a nice little letter. At the end of the letter, it says something like, "We are thankful for your service and 'a job well done.'"

Ah the joys of unnecessary quotes. If I wasn't sure of the good intentions of my organization's letter, I might think they were mocking me on "a job well done"! Ha. In honor of unnecessary quotes, here are a few more you might enjoy.

Where the Green Grass Grows

2009-06-01T12:38:00.006-06:00

Ok, so we let the backyard get a little out of hand. Within the jungle we found several scary looking spiders and one frisbee golf disc (belonging to an unknown sportsman who threw it over our fence and could probably not navigate their way through the grass to find it). A was a brave soul to tackle the task of actually mowing it. Here's to you, A!

Smells like Summer!

2009-05-19T11:27:00.001-06:00

I went for a bike ride after work yesterday and was pleasantly surprised by all of the smells I encountered along the way! A great mix of flowers blooming and burgers grilling! Mmmmm. This also reminds me that my roommates and I need to get a grill asap.

Also, FYI, team slate took 2nd place in our Ultimate League on Sunday. We lost in the final game.

I got it?

2009-05-18T08:52:00.002-06:00

On Saturday morning, my wonderful/incredibly observant Starbucks cashier complimented my wallet, then my coat as I paid for my over-priced macchiato. Then he said, quite simply, "You got it going on." Ha. He gave me a hi-five over the counter and I told him that he certainly made my day.

Formerly Undefeated

2009-05-11T08:32:00.003-06:00

It happened. Again. And I'm in pain. Again.

For a little back-story, please read post from last week, "When I was your age".

Let me say this, however, about these Ultimate Frisbee shenanigans. My team is undefeated. Uh, formerly, that is. We started out yesterday with our undefeated title, and we held tightly to it until our last game of the day.

So if you read my post from last week, you understand how it works with women in the game; in our league we play with 2 women and 5 guys on the field. Last week girl #1 got hurt, leaving girl #2 and myself to play all day. This week, girl #2 didn't show up. At all. Girl #1 was still hurt. Hmm, let's see. Who does that leave? Me. Me. So not only was I the only woman representing on our team yesterday, but again, I played all day. In addition to that, we played each game one player short. The reason for this, is that the opposing team doesn't have to show us mercy, basically, for being short a player. And they didn't.

All that being said, how great is it that we won our first two games?! Pretty great. And the last game was the closest game we've had yet in the season. I take no credit, whatsoever, for any successes, since I'm new to the sport, and basically just providing for the needed gender on the field. My teammates are awesome, and really encouraging. I'm not sure that will be enough to bring me back next Spring though. Unless I get a lot better. We'll see. Finals next Sunday!

A Completely Normal Park Sighting

2009-05-09T22:55:00.004-06:00

K and I went on a bike ride today to enjoy the nice weather. About 4 or 5 miles into our ride we stopped at a small park and played *Smash Ball. As we were playing a young man (I would say in his 20's) parked in the lot and sat down next to a tree about 30 yards away from us. He had long hair pulled back into a bun on the back of his head, and he was dressed in all brown. His pants were almost bell-bottom'ish, but, even more wide legged than that. He looked like he was ready for something. A few minutes later, another, similar young man joins him. Soon two more join the original two, and we've got four young men on our hands who are sporting some sort of jedi/hippie/Japanese warrior garb.

Each guy was carrying some things that I could only describe as oddly shaped cushions. Then, they started fighting with these cushions. And the cushions began to look like swords and shields. I think the cushions WERE supposed to be swords and shields. They looked like big, little boys, oddly dressed and playing swords. They WERE big, little boys, oddly dressed and playing swords.

I was telling a friend about this later in the day, and he said that there's a name for these big, little boys. Something about action role-playing something or other. I don't remember. Has anyone else heard of this?

*Smash Ball is a really fun game that I started playing at the beach last year with some friends. I'd never seen it before, but it's basically just some paddles and a ball. We found it at REI in the fall, and it's great for the beach, picnics, parties, whatever.

How's my hair?

2009-05-08T16:35:00.004-06:00

I live with two wonderful young women about my age (I'll give you a break on this one, A). When we moved to Fort Collins last Fall, I think we may have had two blow-dryers between the three of us. Then one broke, and maybe the other soon after, still not clear on that. Anyway, we've been functioning on one small travel blow-dryer for quite awhile now. I just realized how ridiculous this is, this morning when K was mentioning to me how it was on the fritz again.
Ha ha. Maybe it says a little something about us. Maybe I'll go and buy a real blow-dryer this afternoon. Probably not though.

When I was your age

2009-05-04T13:39:00.007-06:00

I am in pain. Real, physical pain.

This spring I joined an ultimate frisbee league with one of my roommates. There are eight teams in our league, and on our team of about 14 people, A and I are two of the four girls. We play every Sunday, and thanks to bad weather in April, all of our games have been packed into the month of May. Three games each Sunday.

Generally, in this league, all teams play with five guys/two girls on the field at all times. Most teams have three or four girls, so it's not a problem. Last week was nice because all four of the girls on our team were present and accounted for, allowing us to have some good rest time. Even with that, I was pretty beat last Sunday evening.

A and I have been put on a team with all college students, and their very presence makes me tired. They stumble onto the field complaining about still being drunk from the night before, and I think "If I had a glass of wine last night I might still be sleeping." But they jump on the field ready to go!

This week, A is in Hawaii. Still, we started out our first game yesterday with girl #1, girl #2 and myself. Not bad. Only, girl #1 pulled a muscle two minutes into the game. Bad. So it was left to me and girl #2 to represent the female population on the field for the rest of the afternoon. Our first game started at 11:30am. So I'd say I was going full force from about 11:32am till 4:00pm.

My roommates and I run between 10 and 20 miles each week, but THIS was different. I don't remember the last time I felt this exhausted! On top of that, my knee now feels like it will fall apart at any moment. I put ice on it before I went to bed, made myself a little ibuprofen cocktail, but we're still not at 100% folks.

When will the pain stop?!? I'm so old. Is this the beginning of the end?

Oh, are those for me?

2009-04-27T11:51:00.011-06:00

Last Thursday was a normal day for me. I got out of bed only 30 seconds after my alarm went off. Amazing. Usually, I set my alarm for 30 minutes before I actually get up. Some days I do it because I know that I can be productive with those extra 30 minutes (clean my room, make my bed, dry AND curl my hair, make breakfast for my roommates, etc.), and other days I do it because I know that I will lay in my bed for 30 minutes after the alarm goes off, thinking about not wanting to get up. On Thursday though, victory over my self-applied delusions of my own character!

So I entered my cubicle with a little (literally, just a little) more enthusiasm. Thursday, after all, is also jeans day, and I even defied the rules and wore flip flops!

My Thursday highs crumbled in about 10 minutes. My cubicle neighbor was gone for the day, leaving me on my own in our office area (since recent lay-offs we are the only two who remain in our area in the office). Then, a change. A sharp knock on the back of my cubicle wall. It's our postal services man, and he is handing me a large black box. "Mail for you.", he says as he smiles and walks away. "Mail for you."? As if he's simply handing me the normal junk mail that my department receives on a daily basis? No! No, postal services man! Don't you see? This is REAL mail... for ME.

I begin to open the black box with care, as if it's a treasure, or maybe holding enough cash to pay off my student loans(?). After prying the box open and looking under the gold wrapping, I find a beautiful vase of gerbera daisies. They're for me, they're from my boss, and they are wonderful. She's left a note with kind words, and wait. What's this feeling? I feel... special? I feel special! Someone sent me flowers and I feel special. I suppose everyone has their thing that makes them feel special. For me, on Thursday, it was flowers. And now I want everyone else to feel this too! So my challenge for you, is to make someone feel special this week, and I think it'll make you feel pretty good too.

Shopping with Celine

2009-04-21T08:35:00.011-06:00

On Saturday morning I ventured out to my local grocery store. Since I didn't feel like driving the extra 5 (?) minutes to go to Safeway, I settled for Albertsons, which is just down the road from my house. Now, you have to understand that the simple act of settling for Albertsons already makes me feel a little less like a good person. I love Safeway. It's clean, it's got high, open ceilings and well, I just like it. I guess I was just feeling lazy.

I walked through the automatic doors, list in hand, ready to conquer the store and be out again in 10 minutes, tops. Lettuce is my first stop. I patiently wait while the small family in front of me argues over lettuce. Literally, the mother is scolding her teenage son, "Well, FINE. If you don't want THIS kind of lettuce, why don't you get THAT!" I'm thinking, "Really?" It's just lettuce, and what teenage boy cares about lettuce at all? Weird. Another reason to avoid Albertsons in the future; awkward lettuce section.

I continue wandering the store in quick pursuit of the items on my list. Only one left! Cream of Mushroom soup, at least 4 cans. We make at least one good old fashioned casserole a week at my house, so you understand how it would be a necessity. I'm reaching for the cans while the woman behind me looks impatient. She must be waiting to get at the Cream of Mushroom as well, I can see it in her eyes, judging me as I consider which brand will be best.

It's then that I hear my phone go off. "Ding Dong". A text message. I smile at the woman behind me, and move slightly out of the way while I take my phone out. The text message is from a MN number (763 area code) that I don't recognize, and it goes something like this... "If one day you feel like crying... call me. I don't promise that I can make u laugh, but I will cry with u... (more things like this follow here for a few lines) Send this to all your friends no matter how often u talk. Tonight your true love will realize how much they love u between 1 and 4 in the morning..." This is when I hesitate, and not because I'm excited that my true love will be calling in the early hours of tomorrow morning, but because I wonder who would send this to me.

Then, before I know what's happening, the words disappear, and my phone is loading the second part of the message. What? How could there be more? And in that very moment, the tune to Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" begins blasting from my phone. There are not words, and the electronic keyboard'ish sounds are echoing around the soup isle. Soup lady behind me is judging me with the fiercest of eyes now. I snap my phone shut and move on with my Cream of Mushroom soup in tow.

I didn't have to investigate too thoroughly, I had my ideas of who might be sending me this message. Yesterday, my brother confirmed for me that my 11 year old niece, K, has a cell phone number identical to the one that sent me my Celine message. I love it. It's hilarious, and I remember doing the same thing. Only, I can remember actual hand written chain-letters that would be delivered in your mailbox, through the U.S. postal service! It's good to know that young girls everywhere are still enjoying the excitement, hopes and dreams that the chain-letter brings. Next time I'll be sure to have my phone on silent before opening one of K's messages. And for now, I'll just thank my lucky stars that I wasn't at Safeway. They probably don't allow such shenanigans in their store.

Generational Surprises

2009-04-14T10:08:00.005-06:00

Lately I've been extremely blessed to have many avenues of communication with my boss who still works from southern California. As is usually normal, we can call and email each other. However, since my transition to Colorado, we have been using Skype to communicate daily. This way we can simply chat back and forth for quick questions (equivalent to how we used to yell back and forth from our offices), or video chat when we need some face to face contact (or screen to screen, however you consider it).

First of all, isn't that amazing? I love that my generation has seen amazing advancements in computer/communication technology throughout our short lives. I love that I can say, "I remember my family's first computer", or that I can remember when the most valuable program to me on the computer was the drawing feature, allowing me to use the mouse to draw pictures, even with different lines and colors! I love that my first cell phone (a monster fold-out from my uncle) was given to me in high school and was for "emergencies only". Ha.

Back to Skype... Every time my boss calls me on Skype, she says, "Hi Bri, this is L." I reminded her this morning that I already, in fact, know that it is her calling me since we're using Skype and her name pops up, etc., etc. At the end of our conversation this morning she signs off by first saying, "Peace" while flashing the peace sign with her fingers in front of the web cam. She quickly follows it up with, "Oh, I mean 'Peace Out'". And this is how her image freezes on my screen at the close of our conversation.

Sisters, Sisters

2009-04-02T08:17:00.000-06:00

My sister is flying into Denver tonight to spend the whole weekend with me in Colorado! I haven't seen anyone in my family since Christmas, so I'm really excited to have the whole weekend with her. Our weekend may include: a tour of the Celestial Seasonings factory (if you like their tea, this is a fun tour, and FREE), a tour of the New Belgium Brewery (if you like their beer, or beer in general, this is SO worth your time, and FREE), a bike ride or two (weather permitting) along some of the MANY great paths around Fort Collins, shopping on Pearl St in Boulder, shopping in Old Town Fort Collins, and hopefully a hike up to Arthur Rock in Lory State Park. I'm sure we'll do other girly things in which wine, good food, and fun are involved as well, but those will be un-planned and very spontaneous, making for greater stories later.

Everytime I hear the word "sister" or "sisters", I think of the song that Rosemary Clooney and that other woman sing in White Christmas. "Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters..." It never fails, I always end up singing it in my head (or outloud, depending on the company I'm in). "Those who, seen us, know that not a thing could come between us... many men have tried to split us up but no on caaaaan..."

Season's over.

2009-03-30T15:44:00.001-06:00

Yes, I rediscovered my inner winter-sportswoman this year. You'll notice in the picture above that I'm on skis. This is the result of one very frustrating trip to the mountain in November in which I used a snowboard. I quickly decided to return to my skiing ways, much to my own satisfaction! My roommate and I used the last day on our pass at Copper mountain last week, so until next year, we'll remember the days of sunshine and snow (and snowstorms!) with happiness in our hearts! And now, a few things about ski resorts...

Why, oh why, do people ski in jeans? Have they forgotten that snow is actually a form of condensation? Did it seem like a good idea at the time of preparation, to pack jeans? Or was their stop at the mountain so spur of the moment that they had no time to grab some appropriate attire? I may never know.

Are some people nervous getting off of the ski lift at the top of the mountain? Does it make their palms sweat to think about quickly jumping off of their chair and sliding quickly down the semi-steep but oh so short incline? Imagine that, on top of those things, there is a group of people loitering at the VERY bottom of that incline, directly in your path of destruction. It's never a good idea to congregate there, fellow snow-sport lovers, and it is entirely annoying to those of us without sweaty palms.

I love to see small children controlled by the reigns (literally, they have reigns attached to them) of their parents, flying down the mountain. I'm happy for them, but also glad that my parents let me discover, for myself, the joy of skiing.

Under the goggles and snow gear, I truly believe that all male ski instructors (with foreign accents) must be devastatingly gorgeous and waiting for me to "accidentally" plow right into them on the mountain. They will inevitably fall in love with me and my moderate skiing skills.

Margot made me.

2009-03-30T13:48:00.000-06:00

1. What time did you get up this morning? 6:27am.

2. Diamonds or pearls? I have some fake pearls that I wear when I’m pretending to be classy.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I love you, Man.

4. What is your favorite TV show? LOST. Though it’s getting old, not having any questions answered. I think I may enjoy the company more than the show, now.

5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Coffee, maybe some orange juice, a piece of 12 grain toast with crunchy peanut butter on it, or cereal. Occasionally my roommates and I will make “eggy toast”. I think that also goes by the name, “eggs in a basket”.

7. What food do you dislike? My usual go-to food dislikes used to be tuna and Japanese food… but now I love them both!

8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Well, I can’t say that it’s on a cd, because I put it on my ipod, but I’ve been enjoying the 2008 Cities 97 sampler albums for a few months now! I also LOVE pandora (www.pandora.com) to introduce me to new music that’s similar to artists I already like. Satelite radio, check it out!

9. What kind of car do you drive? 2005 Chevy Malibu. Her name is Barbara. She is smooth and sophisticated, and Wyatt at Discount tires says that she is a “nice ride”.

10. Favorite sandwich? I love the Santa Cruz sandwich at the Spicy Pickle.

11. What characteristic do you despise? “Despise” is a strong word, but sometimes I have a hard time understanding people who are disloyal. I can also be slightly annoyed with people who can’t make decisions as quickly as I can, which is most people, at it turns out. So maybe that’s my own bad characteristic. I’m pretty decisive.

12. Favorite item of clothing? I love cardigans (3/4 length sleeves). You can wear them with something nice, or with something casual, and they’re so cute and comfortable.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Greece.

15. Where would you retire to? Somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. It’s the one place I’ve never lived, and probably won’t anytime soon, that I really wish I could.

16. What was your most memorable birthday? I turned 21 in Austria, and the group that I was in Europe studying with from Bethel, had a huge bonfire on the hill at the castle where we were living. It was just a fun night in a fun place.

18. Furthest place you are sending this? China!

19. Person you expect to send it back first? Vanessa (?!)

20. When is your birthday? December 10.

21. Are you a morning person or a night person? I think I’m forced to be both lately.

23. Pets? Sometimes I wish I had a dog. But I’d like it more if someone I know would get a dog so that I could play with it and take it for walks.

24. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share with us? I’m starting to warm up to the idea of grad school… probably studying creative writing.

26. How are you today? Great! I had a half snow day off of work last Thursday, followed by my now usual 3-day weekend, so I actually didn’t mind coming in to the office today.

27. What is your favorite candy? Twizzlers or Reeses Peanut Butter Cups.

32. What was the last thing you ate? A piece of toast with crunchy peanut butter on it.

33. Do you wish on stars? No, that would be ridiculous.

34. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? I refuse to answer this stupid question.

37. Favorite soft drink? I like rootbeer, but I don’t often have it. We don’t keep soda in our house, though we have a whole fridge in our garage dedicated to beer, cider, ice tea, and various other assortments of drinks.

38. Favorite restaurant? I love the Cheesecake Factory. I dream of their spicy cashew chicken. (And yes, Margot, Perkins is nerdy to admit.)

40. What was your favorite toy as a child? I played a lot with Barbies, and made Barbie mansions out of our encyclopedias. One Christmas, all I got was Barbie stuff, and I cried.

44. Coffee or tea? Both lately. Coffee in the morning is a must, and I like peppermint mochas (we buy our own syrups and make them from home). Tea in the evenings is great too… minty Celestial Seasonings are my favorite.

47. What is under your bed? Nothing. I keep a tidy room.

48. What did you do last night? Dyed my hair with the help of my roommates, went grocery shopping, and watched the West Wing while organizing some of my various files and junk.

49. What are you afraid of? Having student loan debt for the rest of my life.

50. Salty or sweet? Salty. Followed by sweet.

52. How many years at your current job? 1 year and 9 months. It’s the longest I’ve done anything since graduating from college.

53. Favorite day of the week? Thursday, now that we have 3 day weekends at work.

54. How many towns have you lived in? Six.

55. Do you make friends easily? Not anymore. I like the friends I have, so I don’t try hard enough to make new ones, unless I have to.

The Way She Sees It, A Random Starbucks Lover

2009-03-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

This quote was on my delicious, overpriced caramel latte yesterday morning, and though I would like to think that I am not easily swayed by the rhetoric of a corporate coffee giant... I guess I am.

"The irony of commitment is that it's deeply liberating - in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life."

Nothing Gold Can Stay

2009-01-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

By Robert Frost

Nature's first green is gold,
her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leafs a flower,
but only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.
so Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.
nothing gold can stay.

Tonight is poetry night in Chiang Mai, Thailand! In honor of the words that will be spoken (both serious and slightly awkward/quirky) in the German restaurant by all this evening, a little Robert Frost! This may be the first and only poem I have memorized... It was an assignment for a writing class in college, and I haven't forgotten it since.

Oh, and I guess I'm back after a 4 month blogging absence! It's time for me to join the world again.

Sometimes I feel like this too

2008-09-16T17:43:00.000-06:00

This is my niece, the picture comes from a friend, and it makes me smile.

The Fondest of Memories

2008-09-12T12:12:00.000-06:00

An old friend crossed my path recently (thanks to Facebook... not enjoying the new design, FYI) and the past few days I've been reminded here and there of my younger days...

One memory in particular that just popped into my mind this morning (I'm assuming I blocked it out...) was a day I spent at this friend's house, feeling a little under the weather. To put it less than delicately, I threw up in the entry way of the house. I was 4 years old at the time and positive that I was going to get in trouble for being sick, so I pulled the rug over it and walked away... but as you can imagine my secret was still discovered despite my efforts to literally cover it up!

Unsure

2008-09-01T23:22:00.000-06:00

I was unsure if I should even write about this tonight, but decided I'd rather write it then not.

Someone died today in the hotel that I'm staying in. I don't know many details, and I don't know who it was. The hotel and paramedics were pretty quiet about what was going on. They shut down the elevators and patrolled the hallways to keep people away from the room, and about 30 minutes later they wheeled the covered body out of the hotel, and I saw it.

I wish I hadn't and I wish I wasn't thinking about it. And even though it sounds wrong, I hope that there's someone out there tonight who is sad for this person's death. Or at least someone who knows and cares that they're gone, because I think it must be better than the alternative. Though I have no idea about their life, faith or lack thereof, I can't help but hope that they may be with our Lord and Savior. As I have hope in my own salvation, I felt a great urgency tonight to share the good news. My heart felt a little more broken for those who have not heard. Not just those in far away places, but those who are close.

8 Golds

2008-08-17T00:04:00.000-06:00

Well, I couldn't wait to watch the race on NBC without knowing if Phelps and the relay team won the gold, so I looked online. Now I'm about to watch the race in peace...knowing that they win. It's still a very sweet satisfaction!

Just felt like I needed to comment on Phelps' 8 gold medal record today because maybe it makes me feel like I'm a small piece of history too (since I watched it in my living room...).

Like a Fish

2008-08-14T23:38:00.000-06:00

Rebecca Soni BLOWS EVERYONE AWAY in the 200 breastroke finals to win the gold. It's up there with my favorite races so far.

Phelps grabs his 6th gold in the 200 IM. Of course.

All these swimming shenanigans make me want to be the champion of Citrus College pool on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. As I swim laps next to the ladies doing water aerobics next week, I will imagine the fans screaming in my honor at each breath, and I will beat that elderly Asian gentleman to the wall despite how amazingly fast he seems to swim for his age!

5 days in...

2008-08-13T10:00:00.000-06:00

I'm on Olympic overload...currently lacking in sleep...and loving every minute of it. Here are some of my favorites so far...

Michael Phelps is currently at 5 gold medals, holding the record for most gold medals won in history, is on his way to breaking the record for most gold medals won in one Olympic games, and being compared to the likes of Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Muhammad Ali. 4x100 free relay is at the top of my favorites list right now, but a close second is definitely his 200 fly that he swam on Wednesday morning. As a former flyer (you know, when I had average skill as a swimmer in high school), I have to say that it is amazing to watch the ease in which Michael Phelps glides through the pool! Apparently his daily food intake includes, but is not limited to...3 egg sandwiches, 1 stack of chocolate chip pancakes, 2 pounds of pasta, 1 pizza and 2 (2,000 calorie) energy drinks. Crazy.

Other interesting things happening?

The US Women's gymnastic team scores the silver and loses to China on Wednesday. I watched a bit of it and have to say that I am proud of our little ladies and their big muscles. Silver is a great accomplishment, especially when the Gold goes to a group of 4'8'', 73lb "women".

I'll stop there, as I fear that if I share the rest of the things I've found interesting so far, I'll end up putting China in a bad light. They're taking a lot of criticism, and doing what I'm sure to them, seems to be their best to put on this Olympic games. They've still got my support to make this a successful Olympics. Oh, and did I mention how I think they started off on the right foot with an amazing Opening Ceremony? Consider it mentioned.

August 8, 2008 at 8:08pm

2008-08-08T17:10:00.000-06:00

Cannot wait to watch the replay of the 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony tonight. I've been sneeking peaks of video and photos all day on CNN, so though I know what awaits me, it will still be oh-so-wonderful to watch with my friends tonight!

This day has been a long time coming (that's an understatement). Almost 3 years ago I was in Qinhuangdao, China for training when I first heard that some of the events would be taking place in the city there...already there was an Olympic buzz building from the people. Months later in Beijing we took pictures in front of the official Olympic countdown clock in Tiananmen Square! At that time, it read 820 days until the Olympics! A distant event, but the biggest event for the Chinese people. The countdown seemed to be almost forever in my mind, but perhaps in theirs it has always been just around the corner.

I'm excited for what the next few weeks will hold for the Olympics, for the world, but mostly for China. My hope is for everything to go well, and for China and the rest of the world to be happy with these 2008 games. I have to admit that I'm still a little nervous, like a mother rooting for her child (you know, since I'd know what that's like...), but I'll put the nervousness aside and enjoy what's to come!

You should enjoy it too, by the way. That's probably what I'll be talking about over the next few weeks. That said, I'm most excited for swimming events... Dara Torrez in particular, who will be swimming the women's 50 freestyle. I'd be interested to hear about what events/games/athletes the rest of you are looking forward to as well! Happy Olympics beginning day!

One Year

2008-08-01T10:25:00.000-06:00

One year since the 35W bridge collapse.

A little Rock and Roll

2008-07-30T17:15:00.000-06:00

So yesterday morning at about 11:40am I experienced my very first earthquake. I believe that on the official scale it was rated a 5.4, but on Bri Witte's scale it rated about a 15.8. It happened like this...

1-3 seconds:

Sitting in a staff meeting and started to feel a slow rumbling like there was a construction crew at work outside.

4-5 seconds:

Realize there's no construction crew outside as ceiling and wall hangings begin to sway back and forth.

6-12 seconds:

The ground begins to literally roll beneath my feet, the building structure seems to do the same. It almost felt like I was standing on a boat that was rocking back and forth to large waves. I freak out, jump out of my seat and wonder why we are not running outside. I grab the hand of my friend next to me and hold TIGHTLY as we all begin to be ushered outside.

12-15 seconds:

The rolling subsides to a low rumbling before stopping completely. I can't tell because I'm shaking!

15 seconds- present time:

I continue to think that every movement or shaking is another earthquake that I will surely die in.

I'll take snowstorms and tornadoes over this craziness any day!

Rocked by the Pacific

2008-07-28T14:42:00.000-06:00

Feeling a little low on energy this morning... a bit crisp from the sun and sore from the waves, I'm just trying to get through my work day. Yesterday some friends and I spent a few hours at Newport Beach trying out our boogie boarding skills (how about we come up with a cooler term than "boogie boarding"). Though it was a great time, it was also a rough day in the Pacific and the lifeguards at our particular spot had to go in to lend a hand to some swimmers caught in the rip-tide. Other than the fatigue today, I'd say it was a successful beach session! No shark sightings is always a good reason to call it a "success", so I guess I'll leave it at that.

From LA to Fort Collins to Tupelo to Fort Collins and back again.

2008-07-15T09:36:00.001-06:00

I hope to not step onto an airplane for quite some time. Recently, I've been on six. The past few weeks have taken me house-hunting in Colorado, visiting friends in Mississippi, and back to Colorado again for a little work business.

My friends K and A and I spent a few days enjoying the mountains in Colorado while finalizing some details of our new rental home in Fort Collins. One afternoon we decided to take a drive into the Poudre Valley Canyon, following the river into the mountains. After a few miles of driving up, we saw a bridge crossing the river that began a trail up the side of the mountain. Of course, we stopped. Hiking was on the top of our list of things to do.

While each of us took our turn in the Jimmy (A says Northwesterners refer to them as Honeybuckets.... you may also know them as Biffs, but if you have another term that you use for an outhouse, I'd love to hear it), we took some time to read the helpful information bulletin board, posted for our convenience. Here's what we found... Bears roam this area. Great. The Colorado wood tick is out in full force. Wonderful. Poison Ivy lines most of these 3 miles of trail. Love it. So we began to hike. I would say we got to a good 30 foot elevation above the river before we stopped. Why? Rattle snake. The one thing the bulletin board didn't warn us about. So we turn around because it's big, and there's another rattle snake behind us. Luckily, this one slithered off into the brush, unlike the one ahead that stayed lying menacingly in the middle of the already narrow trail. As we ran back down the trail hopping around and looking ridiculous, I'm sure, we were sure to warn the passerby of what lurked ahead for them.

So I guess what's ahead for me is working on getting over my fear of big poisonous snakes. Good news though! I've been assured that there are DEFINATELY no snakes above 10,000 ft... oh man.

So there you have it, my first adventure in my future home state. More to come soon on the South, because THAT is a crazy place.

Did you say diet?

2008-06-28T14:21:00.000-06:00

The following took place while flying from LA to Denver last night...

The first obstacle (other than having to travel through LAX, which should be avoided at all costs) was that my ASSIGNED seat by the window had been moved to a middle seat. Anything but a MIDDLE seat American Airlines! Nooooooo! Good fortune soon came my way, however, when the window seat in our section of three didn't show up. So I moved to the window seat, leaving the middle seat open, allowing a little more space for myself and the woman in the isle seat.

I had just settled in with a good playlist on my ipod when there was an urgent tapping on my shoulder. It was isle seat lady. She motioned to my ipod and said, "You have to turn your phone off now." My first thought...it's not a phone. My second thought...several flight attendents have passed me by and said nothing. My third thought...if MY ipod crashes this plane, then American Airlines deserves to be revealed for the poor engineers that they are. Then, of course, I turned off my ipod.

After settling in a second time (when the pilot had announced it was ok to use electronic devices), another tap on my shoulder. Isle seat lady. "I'm going to the bathroom, if they come with the drink cart can you get me a diet coke and some peanuts?" All I could do was nod my head "yes" because I knew that if I opened my mouth to speak what I was really thinking, it would be an awkward situation for all.

Someday I will have an excellent, relaxing, perfect flight. It probably won't be on American Airlines, but I'll write about when it does happen...someday.

All dressed up and no place to go

2008-06-18T06:40:00.000-06:00

Literally, no place to go.

It's 5:40am and I am currently 10 minutes late to meet my running buddy at the track. The problem is, I cannot leave my apartment because I'm LOCKED IN. No joke. We have a dead bolt on our door that must be turned at the same time as the doorknob in order to exit. No problem, right? In normal situations, I'm usually ok with this added measure of security. Until yesterday, when instead of turning, the dead bolt just clicked over and over and over again, like it was missing something that was supposed to catch. So my roomy called the landlord (of course he didn't answer because he never does...it took about a month for him to fix the pilot light on our heater last winter) and left him a message informing him of our little problem. Have we heard from him? No. Will he hear from me? YES.

Secret Life of Bees

2008-06-04T00:15:00.000-06:00

Last night I went to my first movie screening in Pasadena. Got the tickets from a friend at work who couldn't make it. The movie was "The Secret Life of Bees" based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd. I didn't read the book before seeing the movie, though if my present self could go and talk to my past self, I would tell my past self to read the book first. But hey, you gotta take an opportunity to play a part in Hollywood when you can!

While we waited in line outside the theater we filled out a questionnaire and then chose our favorite out of 4 possible movie posters (for marketing purposes). I'll let you know if mine wins! The really cool part was that my friends and I were asked to be part of a focus group after the movie to give our opinions and thoughts and so on, about the show. So after the movie they herded a group of us to the front of the theater while some important people (directors, producers, etc.) filtered in behind us to hear what we had to say.

Right away, I loved it! These people WANT to know MY OPINION! It doesn't get much better than that!

I gave the movie an overall rating of "good". I passed up "excellent" and "very good" because I didn't think it was amazing. A similar movie that kept popping into my mind was "The Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood". Comparatively, there wasn't a lot about this movie that made it stand out against others of the same genre (drama). The story itself was good (powerful, emotional, etc.), and the cast was great (included Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifa, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, and more).

So my advice to you? Rent it when it comes out on video...but don't tell the movie people I told you that...they may not invite me back to share my opinion! For those of you who have read the book, I'll be interested to hear what you think of the movie when it comes out. As for me, sadly, I'll probably never get around to reading the book now that I know what happens. Oh well, next time I'll show better restraint.

Alarm Code

2008-05-16T09:50:00.001-06:00

Summary of yesterday morning.

6:30am- wake up

6:35am- shower

6:50am- decide not to dry and straighten my hair

6:51am- put product in my hair to prevent frizzing

7:30am- pass on making my lunch, frantically throwing food from my fridge into a grocery bag to reduce the chance that I will be late for work

7:50am- arrive at work too early, realize I could've made my lunch

7:51am- set off the alarm at my office

7:55am- boss makes fun of my "wet hair" and blames this for the alarm fiasco

On my mind.

2008-05-14T20:13:00.000-06:00

At the prompting of many, including myself (deep down), I'm back in blogger world. Considering my lack of creative ideas, I will simply give a rundown of the past few weeks that I've been MIA.

The following I consider highlights:

Newport was fun! Mini vacation and Europe Term reunion in one. Aside from the great company, the best part of the weekend may have been stumbling upon the tiny local taco shop on our first afternoon. Fresh seafood, small/crowded spaces, and surfers right off the beach = great find.

I finally made it to the Monrovia Farmer's Market last Friday and was quite impressed. Among my favorite things there... the extra giant cookies, an old man with a microphone and single speaker (and a very strong spanish accent) singing cover songs, churros, sweaters worth coveting, Jake's Roadhouse BBQ, and a great birthday party.

Also worth noting is my ten mile bike ride beginning at the Santa Fe Dam last Sunday. It began with an emergency air-flow into my tires that had gone flat from sitting in my apartment for months. I also bought a very stylish pink helmet from Target, as I choose only the best. The ride was fun, and helped me to decide that I should probably investigate further the odd clicking noises, and bring my bike in for a tune-up.

So I believe those to be some decent highlights.

Another thing I'm currently pondering is what kind of blog I want this to be. After a conversation with friends last night (they said I will have to find my "voice"), I'm a little confused about it. I wasn't really aiming for an online journal, but that's certainly what it seems like already ("I did this yesterday, I did that today..."). A good point one of my friends made last night though, was this... I hope that further thoughts, ideas, and discussions are spurred by the blogs that I'm posting about my day to day life. I like that. I think I can go with that. I also don't want to have a lame blog, though. What do you think? What's your blogging "voice"?

OC

2008-05-02T17:40:00.000-06:00

I'm heading to Newport Beach for the weekend with some Bethel gals...so it should be a good time! Looking forward to the sun, sand and everything else that Newport has to offer. I'll let you know what that is next week.

Where has the Magic gone?

2008-04-30T09:40:00.000-06:00

My blog and I have officially moved beyond the honeymoon stage of our relationship...which explains why I haven't posted in a few days. Don't worry, we'll work through this. I'm willing to invest myself...just not right now.