New Year, New Hashtag #2016

It's a new year.  Okay.... we're 12 days in, but close enough.  I know you're supposed to talk about this stuff at the START of the year, but we're only 3% of the way through, and I will accept the grace that I assume you are currently extending to me.

Last year I wrote about my selection of 2 hashtags to guide me through my year (some people choose a "word of the year," but I like to think of myself as more modern).  Once you've taken a moment to read why I chose them, I'll give you the quick recap:

#SoftPants was obviously a huge win.  I recognize this is a weird, lazy thing to choose, but here's why I think it was great:  I gave myself permission to be comfortable and who I was.  I like to chill in my sweatpants, and by declaring it to the world via my hashtag, I was both announcing who I was, and inviting people into it.  My friends and I all now have an understanding that unless otherwise stated, if we are invited to one another's houses, #softpants are expected.  There's a real freedom & grace in that, and for that I am thankful (and more comfortable).

#RiseAboveTheAwkward was maybe a bit more challenging, but still a great summary of the year.  I chose to say yes to things that I might have normally shied away from to avoid an awkward situation, and for that I believe I had a richer, fuller, more spontaneous year than I have in a LONG time.  God calls us to embrace who we are, even if it's awkward, and there is a real freedom and grace in that as well (though slightly less comfortable).

2015 was a pretty great year.  I worked harder than I maybe ever have, but I played harder too.  I took trips, traveled with friends & also did some traveling alone, took on projects I never thought I would, and honestly felt more like Becki Laird than I had allowed myself in a long time.  And I'm thankful to say it paid off.  I reopened friendships that felt closed for a long time, and made space for some new ones (both human and cat).  There were certainly some hard things and hard conversations that happened in 2015, but I think ultimately for the better.

After a pretty solid year with some pretty silly hashtags I started to wonder what it was that I should be shooting for in 2016.  Things are running pretty smoothly, but what are we if we're not growing?  So, where do I focus my energy?  What's next?  As I thought about it a lot over the past 2 weeks, a clear thought seemed to keep coming forward.  2016 is the year where I #MakeThingsHappen.

If I'm really honest with myself, I've let the last 10 years more or less happen to me.  I haven't taken the wheel (if you will) for a number of reasons, but I think it boils down to two things:  I honestly haven't been sure where it was I really wanted to go, and I hate failing, so if I just let things happen I haven't tried for something and failed at it.

In 2016 I'm going to make intentional choices.  I'm going to maybe have hard conversations and make hard decisions, but I'm going to do it thoughtfully, with discernment, wisdom, & guidance, and with the reminder that making the right decision for you does not always mean you're being selfish.

I'm going to allow myself to truly consider what it is that I want and need, and what it is that God is calling me to be a part of, and I'm going to go ahead and #makethingshappen, and not just sit around to see if things happen to me.

Won't you join me?

What I'm Into (January 2015 Edition)

Well, here I am again.... I read Leigh Kramer's post each month, but don't make the time to contribute to the conversation.  As always, trying to spend more time writing and reflecting, so here I go....

January - It's cold and dreary in Pennsylvania (and Maryland), but my favorite thing about it is that it gives you a legitimate excuse to not leave the house, and hunker down on the couch in my sleeping bag (my favorite winter activity).  So, I'm into a lot of inside things, and I am okay with that....


Read & Reading: 

No surprise:  terrible reader here.  I like doing it but just don't make the time.  This month I read Amy Poehler's "Yes, Please."  I liked it, especially her detailed experience as a woman making her way through the world of improv, but I didn't connect with it quite as much as I did with Mindy or Tina's.  But still, enjoyable and enlightening.

Most of my "reading" actually gets done in the form of "listening" these days, as I'm in the car for about 2-3 hours per day and audio is the easiest way for me to catch up on books.  I went through a real David Sedaris kick in the fall, listening and re-listening to all of his stuff.  I'm currently listening to Orange is the New Black, the memoir by Piper Kerman that inspired the Netflix series.  It's fascinating.

Really interested in what I'm (minimally) reading?  Check out my goodreads...


TV:

Okay, now this is something I make time for.

Current shows include: The Good Wife, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Mindy Project, New Girl, About a Boy, Modern Family, Big Bang Theory, Scandal

This year there are a few new shows I've been trying out.... I haven't been thoroughly convinced of any of them yet, but they come from reputable sources, so I'm giving them the season:  Marry Me, Mulaney, The McCarthys, Mom (this is technically in season 2, but I'm still watching it on probation)

January meant the end of a favorite (Parenthood) and the return of some other faves, 2 of which we say goodbye to next month (Parks and Recreation, Cougartown, and The Americans)

And then there is my streaming side projects.  January was spent finishing Veronica Mars, watching all of The State (only 20 years late), and am currently working on The Wire, and Burning Love.  The latter here is a silly Bachelor-mocking show from the E! network, but is produced by Ken Marino and written/created by his wife.  Most of the players from The State make appearances.  It's a riot.  I'm thinking about keeping better records of my streaming projects.... so you might hear more soon.

Movies: 

Seriously don't think I saw any this month.....

Music:

Haven't listened yet, but The Lone Bellow released their 2nd album last week, and I am looking forward to it.

Things I love in January:

• Starting with New Year's Eve, I have participated in about 5 or 6 game nights with various groups of friends.  I had forgotten how much I loved playing group games with pals, and had some of the best nights of laughter in a LONG time as a result of these nights.  Hope to keep that going in 2015!
• The Golden Globes - in my top 2 for awards shows - is always a good time: watching, keeping up on twitter, and reading reviews.  This year I've partnered with a new friend to watch awards shows (this was our 2nd) and it was really fun to share the experience with a friend who loves TV as much as I do.
• I have a new nephew!  My sister had her 2nd boy, and it's been fun to see him a few times, and watch my older nephew (2) learn what it means to be a big brother.  
• My new couch & old sleeping bag.  I have spent most of my January time when I am not at work on my new couch (got in November) in my old sleeping bag (NF Cat's Meow - a classic).  It is the greatest and coziest way to spend these cold winter months and I love it.
• #SoftPants.  One of 2 words for 2015, they are my favorite things. 
• French Press coffee. Bought a french press a few weeks ago and started using it last week. I am obsessed!! 

Challenges:  

Sometimes celebrating the good means acknowledging the difficult, and I am okay with that.  There's the melancholy of January in general (I hate taking down my Christmas decorations), coupled with some hard things with work, friends and family that make you realize that life isn't always easy, but it is still good.

I've also accepted a role on my church council (like elders for your presby friends), and as the chair of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee.  My church is in a valley and after only 3 weeks I can see that this will be a challenge (I made a 3 year commitment), but am doing my best to seek good wisdom and be faithful in these challenges.

All in all, not a bad month, considering it's right in the middle of the dumbest of all seasons.


Check out Leigh's post and others' for this month as well!

 

#2015

It's a new year!  Time to set goals and be contemplative over the previous 12 months!  Goals & resolutions are not really my thing, but it's hard not to use January 1 as a definitive marker in time allowing you to look both backward and forward simultaneously.

Last year some friends and I decided that we'd make 2014 the year of #newthings (I think this actually carried over from 2013, but I still used it for 2014).  Hashtags are fun, and it was a lighthearted way to look at something and think "this is something I wouldn't normally do, but I'll go for it because....#newthings."  I can't speak for anyone else, but I think it got me out of my comfort zone a few times - in work, life, relationships, and adventures.  Sometimes these #newthings were successful, sometimes they were duds, but still, it served as some motivation and it was fun.

I decided I'd come up with a hashtag for 2015.  My first idea was #SoftPants.  This is not serious and will not better my life in anyway, except that I will be massively comfortable the more I wear things with elastic or drawstring waistbands.  Many thanks to my good friends' 2 year old for this description that is my new favorite word.  But, let's be serious.  (Though I'm still using this all year)

My serious hashtag for 2015 is going to be #RiseAboveTheAwkward.  I avoid a lot of things in life because I want to avoid an awkward situation, but have recently come to realize, it's only me that is concerned about the awkward or even the only one experiencing it.  I need to be better at just saying "Life is going to be awkward, but I'm going for it anyway."  I already had a #RiseAboveTheAwkward experience once this year, and I'm extremely glad I did it.  I didn't let my fear of the uncomfortable keep me from doing something fun, and I had a great time in the process.

I hope you all join me in opportunities to #RiseAboveTheAwkward in 2015.  May your life be more fun and less awkward and all those other good things.

Also, may it be abundantly full of #SoftPants.  Because they are the greatest.

What I'm Into (July 2014 Edition)

So, apparently I write on my blog once every 6 months when the stars align and I'm inspired by Leigh's "What I'm Into" posts.  So, here I am.  July is always one of my favorite months - it's always so busy (as most of my travel hits during that time), and I feel like it's the best time to bask in the glory that is the summer.  But this year it seemed even more hectic that normal.

I started a new job the last week of June and am commuting a considerable distance, which I think really put a cramp on my summertime fun.  But, worry not.  Good times are still being had!

Read and Reading:
Summer is the time of year when I get back in to reading.  I actually finished a book I started last summer (have read a few in-between as well), and then blaze through books while I'm poolside or on the beach (yay!)  I'm also trying to listen to more audio books while I'm commuting, to take advantage of that time.  I'm trying to keep my books up to date on my goodreads account as well.

This month I read 5 books and am working on 2 more.  I read Emily Giffin's newest The One and Only, and Jennifer Weiner's newest All Fall Down.  Both enjoyable.

One day on vacation I read Michael Connelly's The Lincoln Lawyer.  I haven't read a book that intense in awhile, and it had me so spooked I was awake one night until 4am.  I finished it quickly the next morning so that wouldn't happen again.  (btw- rented the movie this week, and as predicted, not NEARLY as good as the book).

TV:
Not much new on tv in the summers, but keeping up with Hollywood Game Night on the dvr (I love watching celebrities play games about celebrities.  It's hysterical).

Just started 2 new FX comedies that are in their 3rd week:  Married and You're the Worst.  I went in really thinking I'd enjoy Married, which isn't bad, but I think You're the Worst is downright hilarious.

Emmy noms came out this month.  I was generally disappointed.  Really enjoyed this blog by tv writer Ken Levine about the situation of the noms.

Still burning through a lot of streaming shows.... new post on that forthcoming.

Music:
Just purchased Bleachers debut cd, have been enjoying their single for a few months, can't wait to start listening to this.

Saw Jeff Tweedy in concert in June, and have been really enjoying him again (or, as always).  Took a friend to the show who wasn't familiar with him, so I made her a sweet Tweedy/Wilco mix which was REALLY fun to go through their catalog and choose the best of the best for a newcomer.

Travel:
Big month of travel:  Laird Family Reunion and Duck, NC family vacation.  Lot of driving, but lot of fun!

Things I Love:

• 4th of July BLAST in my hometown of Jacobus.  Always a classic way to spend the day.
  
  
• getting to sit in the front row behind 1st base for my nephew's first O's game!!  
• My new job!!! Still learning, but enjoying what I'm doing so far.
• Vacationing with my niece and nephew.  They are a riot together.
• Summer Beer
• Random phone calls with old friends, there have been a few this month that were great
• The generally NOT sweltering heat this July. 

Thanks, as always, to Leigh for the inspiration!

On those 30 Things....

So, I haven't written in awhile, not because I don't have anything to say, but it feels like because I have so much to say and so little time to organize it.  But, after seeing several women post links to this article about the 30 things a woman should know and have by the time they're 30, I thought I'd bust out of "retirement" and do some commentary.  First I'm going to address whether I agree with these or not, then I'm going to go ahead and rate myself (after all, i'm 19 months past turning 30). 

Today the first 15.  Tomorrow the 2nd 15.

By 30, you should have ...


1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
   ~ I think the theory behind this is not terrible, though all of mind remind me how how far I've come and I can't really imagine going back to any of them, not entirely, but in large part because they're all married.

2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
   ~ This is nice, though maybe not number 2.  I only have 3 items that are not pre-owned in my 1700 sq ft house, and I'm not sure any count as "decent."

3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
   ~ I agree, and though I have 2 great suits, I'm not sure what I'd choose for the man of my dreams.

4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
   ~ YES.  I believe in the power of nice accessories.  To clarify, to me, I'm not ashamed of my target bags, so.... again, I'm not sure I'm living up to the full potential of this statement.  If they mean something designer, I'm not, nor will I ever be, there.

5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.
   ~ This is probably a good idea, but I'd be willing to repeat a few previous years if given the option.

6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
   ~ I'm not sure this is the best concept to strive for.  Although, if your wildest story of days past is that time you danced around in your dorm at your non-dancing Christian college, I would argue you might need to get a little juicier.  (that is a true story someone once told me about their wildest college time, not me.  we could dance at my Christian college)

7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age -- and some money set aside to help fund it.
   ~ This should be number 1.  I have firmly realized this.  However, at my current rate of savings I won't be able to retire til I'm 75, and hope that I'll die by 80.  I do need to work on that.

8. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account -- all of which nobody has access to but you.
   ~ does anyone who's 30 really NOT have these things????  I've had 2 since I was 17, and the 3rd at 22. 

9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.
   ~ I agree with this one as well, although mine is not padded, it's not super impressive either...

10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
   ~ yes, yes, yes.  Though, one thing I've learned that it seems the older you get the more flux there is in these friendships.  People get married and have babies, and while they're always there for you, the ways that those friendships play out certainly change.

11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.
   ~ One of these thigns is not like the other....I have two of these.  I'll let you decide which one I'm missing.

12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
   ~ I think it's the Dave Ramsey in me, but I'm not sure I agree with this.  The 3 most expensive things I've ever bought myself are my house, my car, and a tv.  Do any of these count??

13. The belief that you deserve it.
   ~ I'm going to go ahead and disagree with this.  Sure, we should believe in ourselves, but the sense of entitlement to purchases and items and ways of living are the reasons most people are carrying thousands of dollars in debt.  So, I'm going to go ahead and say - do you??  really???

14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30.
   ~ Agreed.  I have all these things in theory, though time gets the best of me.  I'd add to this statement, and the discipline to actually DO them!

15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better.
   ~ This sounds nice.  But I am crap out of luck.


So- do you have all of these?  Do you think we should??

Update on my life and my stuff

Here is an update on the 3 things that are most important to me right now:

Housing:
I found out on Monday that I will not be getting the house I've been waiting on for 6 months (and 3 days).  This is okay, I knew that was a possibility.  I've spent the last couple days thinking about what it is that I want to do next.  I obviously need to do something, I cannot live indefintely in my parents' house with no access to any of my personal belongings.  I'm going to look a few new houses this weekend and see if any of them seem like the right fit.  I'm also considering going back to renting.  We'll see.

Stuff:
I continue to miss my things.  While this sometimes makes me feel selfish and materialistic, it also reassures me that I actually need some of the things I own.  It's not all total excess.  I didn't want to have to do this, but in the last week I've had to make a few purchases to replace things that I already own, but that I cannot get.  While the list is small, I know that it will grow if I don't get my things back.  So far this week I bought: A new PSU Jersey (a boys large: $14), and a hat/scarf/glove combo.  I came very close to buying a down vest.  I think that is one of the things that I will miss the most in the fall season. 

TV:
Last week I re-arranged my bedroom to accomodate a larger than 12" television.  I also ordered a dvr.  It came on Monday JUST in time for the new TV season.  (after 10 days... c*mcast managed to not send it after my original order, though they did immediately charge my account).  I spent about 1.5 hours setting it up on Monday night, on and off the phone/live chat with our cable friends.  After all of this the remote they sent wouldn't work.  So last night I drove to their office.  Turns out they had mailed one that was not compatible with the dvr they sent.  Super.  When I got home last night and was finally able to program my dvr with my new remote, I discovered that I'm missing about 20 channels.  That will be tonight's phone call.  Gotta love it.
After all of that, though, I can say I'm pumped for new television.  Thus far I have watched the season openers of Parenthood, HIMYM, and 2 1/2 Men (I was curious about Ashton!).  Looking forward to the rest of the week's worth thatmy dvr will have in store.

Oh My Gosh

So, I haven't written since April. Disgusting. Here is what has happened since then:

Made an offer on a short sale in March. Still waiting on it.
Had to be out of rental end of June.
June 26 put everything I own minus 2 suitcases of clothes and 10 pairs of shoes in a POD.
Spent a total of 5 weeks since then housesitting in various locations.
In between housesitting adventures stay at my parents' house in my childhood bedroom.
Wearing nearly the same combination of clothes every week because most of them are in storage.
Starting to panic because I only saved 1 winter coat, no hats or scarves, no dress boots, no sweaters, and fall weather is approaching.
Daily thinking of something I need, and realizing that it's in the POD warehouse 40 miles away.

I spent most of June working out or packing, got pretty in shape. Then spent most of July and August either traveling, dog walking, or sitting in my bedroom like a high school student. Got pretty out of shape.

Been working on Seinfeld: the complete series. Almost done with season 4. Man I love that show.

Read a few books.

That's my summer. Gearing up for fall tv return. Maybe I'll write more....

Martha

I started this post 4 weeks ago. it's now been 10 weeks since I posted anything.

I have not written in 6 weeks. February & March always seems to send me into a slump. I'll blame seasonal affective disorder mixed with valentines day. Both may seem like cop-outs, but I don't care.... I was motivated to write something based on a blog I just read (I may not write ever, but I read daily). I was taken to this post from another I had read on the same site, so it's a few weeks old. It's about a mom who is struck by her "Martha moments" over her "Mary moments" in her mothering.
Now, I'm not a mom, but I am a Martha. Last week at the Justice focused Bible study I'm a part of it was my turn to lead. We're using a curriculum and last week's was on gender issues in justice and used Luke 10:38-40 to discuss. Look it up. (or read it on the blog I referenced above). The point was to talk about how quickly we as the church body put women into certain roles, and don't allow them to thrive in their giftedness. For example: maybe Martha was doing all that stuff in the kitchen because she thought she wasn't allowed to do anything else!
It's an important conversation to have, no doubt, but it was hard for me to teach. Why? Well, (confession alert) because when I read that passage I find myself thinking, "Gosh! Martha is right! Mary needs to get off her butt and do some cleaning!"
It's hard to break out of our roles. I'm naturally inclined to clean and organize and not rest until I'm done. Even if there is something better to do, or enjoy, or learn from.
As I've been resonating over this idea for a few weeks I'm not sure I've come to any conclusions, but I hope that as I keep thinking about it I'll take the time sometime soon to sit at Jesus' feet, rather than just clean my kitchen.

All the Single Ladies

So, awhile ago a friend suggested I write more here about some of my thoughts on being a single lady (now a 30 year old single lady), but it's hard to do it because I don't think i have a good enough writing voice to do it without sounding like a negative nancy. But, I'm going to try it anyway. Here are 5 things that I want to remind those married girlfriends that sometimes make us single ladies (or this single lady) feel a little defeated. Maybe not defeated... but less than whole.

And seriously - I'm glad you're married and have nothing against you... but sometimes this stuff just bums us out a little. No hostility meant...

1. When you complain that you had to pump your own gas because your husband wasn't available to take your car out do it. I didn't know that once you got married you never had to pump gas again!

2. When you're all proud of yourself because you took the trash out for the first time in 5 years. I don't think this is an announcement worthy accomplishment. Some of us take our trash out every week. (though I am thankful to have a roommate that does it probably more tahn 50% of the time)

3. When your husband goes away and you need someone to sleep over because you can't be alone in your house. I know it's an adjustment - but I am ALWAYS alone in my house and I don't recruit someone new to sleep over every night...

4. In that same vein: when you call me and say "do you want to have dinner next Tuesday? My husband has to work late so I won't have anything to do." I don't want to be the "don't have anything to do" friend. I LOVE it when you say "let's have dinner next Tuesday... my husband will be fine home alone" (or even bring him! I like your husbands too!)

5. And if we're having dinner out and you actually DID leave your husband home alone - don't tell me about the dinner you cooked for him so you could still come out. Seriously???


I know that I'm not in the norm as a single 30 year old and so the culture around me is going to operate differently that I do, but that doesn't mean it's not challenging sometimes.

I'm sure there are some things that us single ladies do that bug you married folks.... any thoughts? I'm open to change :)

2010 in Pictures

A picture recap of my year....

Dec. 30 - swimming with Manatees!

January - Dinner Club (with Julia Child Recipes)

February - Jubilee with College Students

March - celebrating Beth's 30th (and my 1/2 bday!)

May - Breakfast Dinner Club

May - Celebrating Rachel's 30th!

June - picnics with friends

June - Beach weekends!

July - Laird Reunion

July - Annual Beach trip with Family

September - MS Bike Ride - Ocean City, NJ (on my birthday weekend)

October - celebrating my birthday (a little late)
*this is Bella, my sister's dog - she came in her party dress!

October - NYC with Mom (we saw Charlie Sheen!)

November - GO PSU!!!

MS City to Shore Ride

We did it!! On Saturday I, along with my sister Amy and friend Gretchen biked 45 (or a bit more) miles to raise money for MS. My brother-in-law Dallas biked 100!!! It was a long day/weekend, but we did it!!

I have never biked that far before, and while I’m not quite willing to say that it’s the most physically challenging thing I’ve ever done (hello, Napali Coast), it was up there.

We traveled to Philly on Friday night, and stayed with my good friends Becky and Tim, who made me a birthday cake!! After cake and a quick visit, we went to bed (it was late, we didn’t even get there til after 9:30). We set our alarms for 5 am and packed up and got started. We drove to the Cherry Hill, NJ area to drop off Dallas for his start. That start point is 75 miles from OC, NJ, and if he made it to the 48 mile mark by 11 am, he could do the Century Loop, which made it 100. We hit some traffic getting there and were nervous he’d make his cut off in time- but he did!!!

The three girls then traveled to the 45 mile start (it was supposed to be 50 miles, but they changed the location that week). Check in there wasn’t until 9:30 with a 10am start, so we were like the 3^rd people in the parking lot. So, we got ourselves ready and just waited. (just enough time to get all nervous).

At 10am we kicked off (Dallas called to say he was passing us right around that same time, but we didn’t connect). For our 45 miles there were 3 rest stops, one after 12 miles, then 10 miles, then 10 miles, which left 13 miles to the end. We stopped at each one to have a snack and refill our water bottles and stretch out a little.

We made pretty good time on the ride, averaging between 10-11 mph. It wasn’t fast (we were passed by about 5,000 people, I think I passed 7 people the whole day), but we still made good time. We lost the most time at the rest stops, which ended up taking about 30 minutes each time. We met up with Dallas at the last one, and continued on (mostly) together). We crossed the finish line at about 4:30 that afternoon. They had snacks and tshirts, etc, at the end, so we got those, and then at 6:30 hopped the shuttle bus back to our car, and headed home.

We were tired, a little sore (apparently me more than the others), but it was a good day. The finish line was really neat, because not only did I feel emotional about finishing (those last few miles were quite hard for me, with high winds and those bridges into OC, which I had to walk a little on); but the streets were lined with people who have MS, with signs and yelling thanks to us for doing it.

I am so thankful for the health and body that I have. I was glad to be able to spend my (almost) 30^th birthday challenging myself and doing something to raise money to help with a disease that affects so many.

If there’s anybody out there who reads this and doesn’t read my emails or FB, it’s not too late to donate to my team to fight against this disease. You can donate here. My goal was $500, which I passed, but you can always donate more to a good cause. Many thanks to you who have already supported!!!

See a few shots below - unfortunately all the pictures after the first stop are on Amy's camera - could be awhile til I see them - but I'll be sure to share them as well!

The Beckies w/ my cake. Thanks Bec!!! DELISH!

Gretchen and I with the bikes before the start

Amy and I waiting for the start

Gretchen (off in the distance) and Amy at the first rest stop - 11.something miles down!!

This is big...

This is a big week for me. On Saturday I will bike 50 miles as a fundraiser for MS. I’m doing this with my sister, friend, and brother-in-law. He (Dallas, my B-I-L) did the ride last year with his best friend, who has MS. His friend isn’t able to participate this year, so the 4 of us are doing it together (well, not quite. Dallas is riding 100 mi. the girls are doing 50 together). I’ve raised over $400 so far, and something I’ve found as I’ve worked at this is that everyone seems to have a connected with at least one person with MS. So, I’m glad to do something positive for a disease that affects so many.

I’m not sure that I’m really physically prepared for this. I’ve been exercising a little more than normal (which doesn’t take much), and biking some, but only a few times a month…. It is definitely going to be a challenge, because let’s be honest, I spend at least 11 hours a day just sitting on my butt. The most I’ve ridden to date is 23 miles. Hopefully I can successfully double that all in one day.

The other big thing this week (and part of the reason I decide to do this ride) is that I turn 30 on Sunday. I decided that I wanted to spend my birthday weekend doing something good, not something overly self-indulgent or stupid (we all know a lot of 30th birthdays that land in those categories).

I’ve decided that I’m not sure that I’m ready to turn 30. It’s a big number. I’m not sure I really accomplished enough in my life to be at this milestone already. I don’t own my house, I’m still single, my education and career paths have yet to cross.

I know that it’s happening no matter what. And I’m going to be okay with that. But I’m just putting it out there that I’m a little intimidated by this number.

We’ll see how I feel next Monday. I realize the closer it gets that I might have made a mistake doing this large physical challenge the day before I turn 30. I think that I’m likely to wake up Sunday morning and feel like I’m 60. So, hopefully, by next week, both my body and my spirit will begin to heal, and I’ll have all kinds of new ideas of what to accomplish next.

Life...

Life has gotten away from me again. If you look at the blog history it seems to always happen in July/August. Too much travel, not enough time to reflect….

I wrote this back in early august. 6 weeks later I’m posting it. I hope I'll do better soon. But I make no promises. Clearly, since I open this prologue and the actual entry with the same sentense:

Life has again gotten away from me. I have been home for about 5 waking hours all week, and there hasn’t been time for reading, writing, or reflecting of really any kind. But it’s all good stuff.
Last weekend I left work, ran home and showered, and headed to Greene Hills Camp in Barree, PA (population like 35) for IMPACT 2010: GO! It’s an event that the youth group was participating in (Wed-Sun) and I went up for the last 3 days. It was a very special trip in many ways: Impact started in 1995- Creation was cancelled that year on like the day before, and our youth group was all psyched to go. A youth leader that our youth leader had done some corporative ministry with organized an impromptu trip for the same days (everyone already had gear packed, etc) at this camp. It was such a good, intimate time with God (compared to how creation can be) that they decided to do it every year in July rather than June.

I’ve missed 2 since then. I attended 95-97, and then 98-01 I was summer staff at Greene Hills. Since then I’ve always gone back, if only for a day, at Impact. It was a chance to see the camp, the staff, and old youth friends who are still in ministry. When I couldn’t go last year I was really sad (but, I was in Napa, so I coped), so when the youth leader at the church I attend asked me if I wanted to come and camp with their youth this year, I jumped at it (I teach Sunday School to the jr. high, so I’m always looking for opportunities to continue to connect with them).

It was a GREAT time. I connected with a lot of old friends (some who I haven’t seen in 10 years) and was glad to be in a tent (for the first time in 5 years) surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. Greene Hills is one of those places where I feel closest to God. I went there every year for camp or impact from the time I was 11, and being there just takes me back to those encounters with God and creation.

And while I loved being there to connect with the youth, who were having an amazing time, I realized, probably even more after I got home and started my week, how good it was for me to be there too. Life is busy, and hard, and I don’t make time for God in my life like I should. I know that I continually fail at that, but also know what I believe and know that God is still there, whether I feel the connection or not.

God spoke to me last weekend, through the exhaustion. I’m not quite sure of what to make of all of the things I heard through the speakers, but I needed to be reminded of some of the things that I’ve started to take for granted in my faith. When I was in high school I was so sure of God’s plan for my life. Twelve years later it’s difficult to be as confident, knowing what I know and what I’ve experienced. But this was a reminder that the plan is still there. And I can still be a part of it.

Summer Reading

As I’ve mention before, I’m not great at reading. I mean, I am a good reader; I’m just not a very frequent or dedicated reader. But I do love it. I always look forward to my beach vacation to crank out a few books. Unfortunately though, this year since I started a new job in February, I have no vacation time. So I was at the beach for 2 days. However, I did finish at least 1 book, and thought I’d mention it.

I just finished How Starbucks Saved My Life, by Michael Gates Gill. This had been given to me as a gift for my 28^th birthday (I’m 2 months from 30 now), and had been on my reading pile ever since. It’s not that I wasn’t interested; I’m just slow at chipping through my pile. So, I finally got around to it and I really enjoyed it. Brief synopsis: It’s a memoir about a man who in his 50s is laid off from his high power advertising job, and drifts through the next 10 years, when a chance encounter at a Starbucks store lands him a job.

It’s definitely a book that talks a lot about the corporation of Starbucks and how they run, which I really enjoyed, and a good story about learning to work with all kinds of people. I finished it wanting to A. learn more about MGG and his coworkers, B. wanting to move to NYC, and C. work at Starbucks myself (I’ve twice applied for and been hired there for part time jobs, and then it just didn’t work out. I still think that I would LOVE being a Starbucks employee). Anyway, I recommend this if you like coffee, business, or stories of men finding redemption in their lives when they’re in their 60s.

I’ve actually been doing a lot more reading of late now that I take a lunch break, and have read several good books in the last few months. I’m getting to the point that if I have any downtime, I either have a book in my purse, or I’m sad if I don’t have a book in my purse. J If I ever get my life organized, I’ll tell you about them too.

Next on the pile is a new (2009 I think) Nick Hornby book that I’ve heard nothing about, but I bought it at a rummage sale for $.50 and Nick Hornby hasn’t let me down yet…. I’ll keep you posted.

A Junesgiving Feast

So just 2 weeks after the Friends party I hosted (hosted is the key word here, not prepared) Junesgiving. A friend in my small group was given a coupon for a free turkey for Christmas from her work, and had to use it by May 31. So, she thought, why not share it?! Funny thing about buying a butterball in June (her coupon was only good for that brand)- they don’t stock a whole lot. So we had a 21 lb turkey. All the more people to invite!!

I offered to host because I have the most space out of the friends in my group, and we all invited a few extra people (totaling 15 I think). Each of us in the group volunteered a thanksgiving staple, and we came together and shared (just like the first thanksgiving!!). It was delicious and fun, and we all agreed that it was a great meal- which I think sometimes is hard to do with something like Thanksgiving, when everyone has their own way of preparing things. And we all got a week’s worth of leftovers. SOOOO Delicious!!!

got out the fancy blue goblets for this occasion!

This meal could not have been possible without Julie, who not only got the turkey, but spent the day at my house preparing it even though I had to work a wedding that day. So when I got home at 5:00 my house was already smelling like thanksgiving!!!

One thing we did realize in this process: There is a reason that these meals are done in the winter. It was in the mid 90s last weekend and I can tell you that the AC cannot keep up when it’s 95 degrees outside and you’re running the stove and oven inside for about 8 hours…..

here is Julie and her bf Ryan, she's doing dishes and he's carving for us (using the electric knife my mom gave me as a gift in like 2002. this was the first time it's ever been used...)

I decided to get a little Sandra Lee and decorate my tablescapes as best I could with the fact that it was June and I had spent the entire Saturday at work. But I think the pumpkins add a little something, no?

Other highlights of the night included my awesome friends who helped to clean up after nearly everyone was gone, and especially Joe and Marlayna, my roommate and his gf, who cleaned up the ENTIRE kitchen (including dishes, pots and pans, and even putting the tables away) while I was at church the next morning! It was an amazing blessing and surprise to come home to a house where all I had to do was put a few things away and mop up the floors. Which made for a better day considering I rushed immediately to my Father’s Day celebration and was hosting people again the next night (post forthcoming on the final entertaining of late).

Thomas and Steve working on the dishes! So thankful!

Billy resting after the Junesgiving haze... Everyone was a little disappointed that there was no football to watch- they said it wasn't the same. They compensated by watching the US Open. Golf just isn't the same as football though.

After all of this, I am thankful for good food, a house full of guests, and the community that we shared together. And why not be just as Thankful in June for these things as we are in November!!!

Hospitality

I enjoy hospitality. I think I’m pretty good at it. I always score high on hospitality on spiritual gifts assessments (usually just slightly behind Administration and very near Helps. If that’s not a recipe for a recreation major- I don’t know what is). Ever since I’ve been out of college, in fact, even while I was in college, I’ve always liked to host parties and gatherings (our “dorm room extravaganzas” were always a hit). I’m not the world’s greatest or most accomplished cook, but I like to learn and to experiment, and I love a house full of good friends enjoying good food and drink.

These last few weeks have provided me several opportunities for hosting, and they have been a splendid time (at least I had a good time). The first was a few weeks ago when I hosted a few friends to play Friends Scene It. I love the show friends and love to play this game, but you have to specifically invite people who are also fans, or you end up with a crowd of sore losers. (trust me, I know from experience). I believe there were 8 of us and we played 2 games (I won one, I lost one- and though it was a final round loss, it was still a loss- though I think my first one…). It was a fun mix of people, all who at one point or another told me they were a big Friends fan, which made it fun- some old friends, some new friends, and a few of the college students that we’ve worked with this year.

And always, if the star of the party isn’t the game (or the costumes – dress as your favorite character/moment- they were outstanding) – it was the food. I decided to have Central Perk themed treats for the party. So I made muffins (from a box,) homemade cranberry scones, and a fruit trifle (if you’re a friends fan, you know why I made the “English Trifle”). And then, we had vanilla and caramel lattes for all who wanted them (my friend billy has become designated bartender/barista at all my functions, depending on the type of party. I just need one less thing to worry about).

As always, I didn’t take any pictures at the event, here is the food:

the mess of the kitchen....

a trifle (with no beef or sauteed onions!)

Central Perk Scones!

Math for Commuters: 101

I realize that I haven’t written in quite some time. in fact, the last time was to announce that I had a new job. Well, since that time, said job has sort of sucked up all of my time. It’s not that I don’t like it- I do. It’s challenging and I’m learning a lot, but it’s also time consuming. I’m working slightly longer days than I was at the church, plus I am commuting to Maryland. I’ve come to realize that I don’t mind the actual drive. The 30-60 minutes (depending on traffic) is kind of nice to have to myself, to sip some coffee, to listen to music or a podcast. However, the challenging part is simply the lost time. I lived 3 miles from my last job. I could get there in 7 minutes. So, if I needed to be there at 8, I would get in my car at 7:53. Then I worked til 4:30 and I was home by 4:40. Not bad. Not to mention Fridays I only worked til 2:30. It was not a bad schedule at all. To have that schedule I gave up lunch time- but I didn’t mind at all. I was busy and there were lots of people to interact with, so my days went by pretty quickly. And I was gone from my house for aprox. 8 hours and 47 minutes 4 days a week and 6 hours and 47 minutes the 5^th day totaling 41.9 hours/week. I’d come home and have time to organize my life/eat/rest before evening activities at 6 or 6:30.

The new schedule just takes a little more time. I shoot to be on the road at 7:15 (which sometimes gets me to work before 8, and sometimes it doesn’t. traffic). Then I work until 5. Then it takes about an hour to get home, not returning til 6. However- if I have an evening activity (gym, bible study, choir, etc) I have to go straight there. Now, at best I am gone from my house for 10 hours and 45 minutes 5 days a week. That is a cumulative week difference of aprox. 11.85 hours per week. That’s almost another work day and a half!! Although most nights I go directly to another activity. For example- tonight I went to the gym and met some friends. Got home at 9. That’s a 14 hour day.

All this to say, some things have suffered. When you lose nearly 12 hours out of your average week, some things are just going to. Among them- hanging out with friends, returning emails, reading for fun (my book stack continues to grow and my magazines haven’t been opened since the December issues), and creative outlets (ex: blog).

It’s been 11 weeks since I started this new job. And I do like it. And I feel like I’m STARTING to get into a rhythm of my life. But it is a challenge. I am open to anyone willing to organize/streamline my life. Keep me posted.

And in the meantime, I hope to return to some of those things that I have had to leave behind these last 3 months. I’ll get there. Maybe.

Teddy

Last week Teddy, our beloved family dog for the last 17 1/2 years, died. It was very sad, but his health had been declining pretty quickly these last few months, so it was not completely un-expected. But, it was still very hard.

We got Teddy in November of 1992. My parents didn't want to tell us they were thinking about getting a dog- in case it didn't work out- so one weekend in November while we were away (I was at a youth retreat- not sure where my sister was)- they went to look at a red toy poodle they had seen in the paper. He was the only one left in his litter. They fell in love and brought him home. When I got home that weekend from my retreat- we had a little dog in an enormous box in the kitchen!!

We had him for a few days before deciding on a name- Teddy. Because he looked like a Teddy Bear. And he did. I've had this photo of him, just a few weeks after we got him, framed since I was in high school. All through college and my adult life I've had people question me, "why do you have a framed photo of a stuffed animal?" I have to explain to them he's a real dog!

He was a precious dog from the start- always wanted to sit with you- was a great lap dog. We never fed him "people food" so he never begged at the table. For the first, probably 10, years of his life, while we ate dinner he would curl up on the arm of the sofa in the family room- it was warm there under the light and he could watch us eat from the next room if he wanted to.

We loved playing with him, taking him for walks, and teasing him- he was always good-natured. In fact, the only time he'd really ever snap at you was if he was on your lap and you told him to get down. He'd usually growl and bark, and then get down anyway.

It was fun to have a little fluffy dog around- he was always so cute. I never thought I liked poodles- but now I am sold on them. when we'd have him out places people would often ask what kind of dog he was- because he wasn't super "poodley" looking.

This is Teddy one Christmas @ my grandparents- he always came to family holidays.

We will all miss Teddy a lot. I mean, what 12 year old expects to have their dog until they're almost 30?? I haven't been to my parents' house since he's been gone- mostly because I've been snowed in at my house, but I think it will be hard to go there and to not see him. For 17+ years the first thing you did when you walked into their house was find the dog. In fact, we only lived in that house for about 4 months before we got him- so he's as much a part of that house as anything else there has been.

I always enjoyed posing him places for photos- here he is in my teen-age bedroom.

There are hundreds of photos and stories everyone in our family has about Teddy, and they'll remind us of all the good times. As my dad reminded me this week, grief is the price that we pay for love, and we got a lot of love from Teddy.

Teddy in the sun (which he loved) about 2 weeks before he turned 16.