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.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
The haters will get to you
I read this post by Jon Acuff today. He's written on haters before, and I actually was thinking about the concept already because I had a "hater experience" this weekend. I recommend reading his post. He's good.
Here's what happened to me.
I'm a wedding coordinator on the weekends (not all weekends, just a handful or two a year). I work hard to bring what I believe is organization, enthusiasm, and professionalism to a bride and groom's wedding day. It's my job to worry about the details so that the couple and their family don't have to. This weekend was a special treat/challenge, as I got to coordinate a reception for the first time as well (I usually just do the church part of the day).
Even though I try to stay calm, cool, and collected, sometimes things get a little hectic in those moments before the bride heads down the aisle. This weekend was no exception. Those last few moments were rushed. I felt rushed and a little stressed, and I'm guessing that was obvious to those I interacted with. But, once they all got down the aisle everything went smoothly and it was a beautiful day. The ceremony ended and I felt pleased with the work we had done thus far.
As I was making sure all the guests found their way out after the ceremony, a guest, someone I have never met before, came up to me, out of his way, to say "Well, now it's over- you can chill out a little." I was put off. I just smiled and said thanks. I wanted to say "YOU TRY DOING THIS BUDDY - IT'S HARD!," but I did not.
THEN - to top it off, he managed to find me at the reception, and while I was grabbing a quick sip of coke for a little refreshment and energy as we were setting things up, he said to me "I hope you have rum in that so you can relax a little." His words were not said in kindness for my stress level. He wanted me to know he thought I was high strung. Or bossy. or something. (for the record, there was no rum. I don't drink while I'm working.)
This man was a hater. I received several kind compliments for my work this weekend, from friends, from strangers, from other staff, and from the bride's parents. But what do I remember? This guy.
So, I'm going to admit it. It hurt my feelings. It stung. But, as Jon Acuff reminds us, it means I care. If I didn't care about doing my job well, I wouldn't be hurt when someone made me question if I was doing it well. So, I'm going to remember what he said, keep doing my job well, and hopefully next time take the extra caution to remain as calm as I can in a hurried moment.
Thanks guy. You helped me remember I'm doing work I love.
Here's what happened to me.
I'm a wedding coordinator on the weekends (not all weekends, just a handful or two a year). I work hard to bring what I believe is organization, enthusiasm, and professionalism to a bride and groom's wedding day. It's my job to worry about the details so that the couple and their family don't have to. This weekend was a special treat/challenge, as I got to coordinate a reception for the first time as well (I usually just do the church part of the day).
Even though I try to stay calm, cool, and collected, sometimes things get a little hectic in those moments before the bride heads down the aisle. This weekend was no exception. Those last few moments were rushed. I felt rushed and a little stressed, and I'm guessing that was obvious to those I interacted with. But, once they all got down the aisle everything went smoothly and it was a beautiful day. The ceremony ended and I felt pleased with the work we had done thus far.
As I was making sure all the guests found their way out after the ceremony, a guest, someone I have never met before, came up to me, out of his way, to say "Well, now it's over- you can chill out a little." I was put off. I just smiled and said thanks. I wanted to say "YOU TRY DOING THIS BUDDY - IT'S HARD!," but I did not.
THEN - to top it off, he managed to find me at the reception, and while I was grabbing a quick sip of coke for a little refreshment and energy as we were setting things up, he said to me "I hope you have rum in that so you can relax a little." His words were not said in kindness for my stress level. He wanted me to know he thought I was high strung. Or bossy. or something. (for the record, there was no rum. I don't drink while I'm working.)
This man was a hater. I received several kind compliments for my work this weekend, from friends, from strangers, from other staff, and from the bride's parents. But what do I remember? This guy.
So, I'm going to admit it. It hurt my feelings. It stung. But, as Jon Acuff reminds us, it means I care. If I didn't care about doing my job well, I wouldn't be hurt when someone made me question if I was doing it well. So, I'm going to remember what he said, keep doing my job well, and hopefully next time take the extra caution to remain as calm as I can in a hurried moment.
Thanks guy. You helped me remember I'm doing work I love.
btw.....
i know all of my pictures are missing. I made a gross error. hopefully I'll be working on fixing those up sometime soon. ANNOYING!!!!
Thursday, September 01, 2011
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....
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....
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Paper Organization (nerd alert!)
I've read a few blogs lately discussing how people do paper organization. I think everyone has a system that works for them, so I thought I'd put mine out there as well. Because I'm a nerd and this kind of thing excites me.
Before: When Bills/Receipts come in, before I pay or file them, they sit here, under my paperweight (not a very high tech system)
About 2x a month (or more if i'm feeling ocd) I sit down and pay my bills and file everything in the pile.
Bills/Statements go in this filing cabinet. First section: pay stubs, giving, 401k/IRA info; then credit cards; followed by car stuff; and finally house bills. Nothing goes into the filing cabinet until it is paid. (or I would never look at it again). Once a year (around tax season) I purge the previous year, always keeping at least 1 full year (ie- i just got rid of 2009 statements that I don't need to keep).
The bottom drawer has medical insurance info, manuals and warranty information, and a some files from my days of full time ministry that I still reference on occasion.
I have what might be a strange method for keeping my receipts, but I've been doing this literally since I've had a bank account (14 years?) and it's worked for me. I have an envelope that I jam all my receipts into. Once a month, after that month's bank statement has come, I organize the receipts in order of date and put them in for the month corresponding to the bank statement. The current year is in the drawer, and I keep these for a few years in a box in the basement.
If I ever need to find a receipt, I just have to remember the month I bought it in. I have a weird memory that associates purchases with other things, so that works for me (ex, I bought my digital camera the month my sister was married, or I bought my tv the month I started my new job, I got the dvd player for my birthday the summer I moved). I like having all my receipts with my bank statements, because I use my debit card for so much, it's like having all of my financial records together. Since taking Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University I spend cash for most minor purchases, so I have less receipts than I used to (like when I'd use my debit card for a pack of gum). I only keep cash receipts if it was something I might want to return.
When my filing cabinet or drawers become too full, I reference an article I saved from Real Simple Magazine that tells you how long you should keep different kinds of documents (which I cannot find online). If they don't tell me I need to keep it I shred it (or give it to my parents and they put it in their fireplace since I don't have a shredder), or I file it in a paper box in the basement.
What works for you??
Before: When Bills/Receipts come in, before I pay or file them, they sit here, under my paperweight (not a very high tech system)
About 2x a month (or more if i'm feeling ocd) I sit down and pay my bills and file everything in the pile.
Bills/Statements go in this filing cabinet. First section: pay stubs, giving, 401k/IRA info; then credit cards; followed by car stuff; and finally house bills. Nothing goes into the filing cabinet until it is paid. (or I would never look at it again). Once a year (around tax season) I purge the previous year, always keeping at least 1 full year (ie- i just got rid of 2009 statements that I don't need to keep).
The bottom drawer has medical insurance info, manuals and warranty information, and a some files from my days of full time ministry that I still reference on occasion.
I have what might be a strange method for keeping my receipts, but I've been doing this literally since I've had a bank account (14 years?) and it's worked for me. I have an envelope that I jam all my receipts into. Once a month, after that month's bank statement has come, I organize the receipts in order of date and put them in for the month corresponding to the bank statement. The current year is in the drawer, and I keep these for a few years in a box in the basement.
If I ever need to find a receipt, I just have to remember the month I bought it in. I have a weird memory that associates purchases with other things, so that works for me (ex, I bought my digital camera the month my sister was married, or I bought my tv the month I started my new job, I got the dvd player for my birthday the summer I moved). I like having all my receipts with my bank statements, because I use my debit card for so much, it's like having all of my financial records together. Since taking Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University I spend cash for most minor purchases, so I have less receipts than I used to (like when I'd use my debit card for a pack of gum). I only keep cash receipts if it was something I might want to return.
When my filing cabinet or drawers become too full, I reference an article I saved from Real Simple Magazine that tells you how long you should keep different kinds of documents (which I cannot find online). If they don't tell me I need to keep it I shred it (or give it to my parents and they put it in their fireplace since I don't have a shredder), or I file it in a paper box in the basement.
What works for you??
Thursday, March 03, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
i'm a little ocd
So, I know I have some OCD tendencies. Probably more than most around me know (there are days I spend convincing myself to do things that are out of the ordinary for me).
This came to fruition a few weeks ago when a friend was over and washed his hands at the kitchen sink and then used a paper towel. Always the environmentalist, I reminded him that I have regular towels so as not to waste paper. He said "I don't understand your towel system. It scares me." Yikes. Didn't know I was so frightening. Then he said "you should blog about this, because it's weird." So I am.
In this photo you'll note the bonus "guest towel" in the center. They are only for holiday times. You may use it on your hands, but I would prefer that you don't because they're so small and when you use it it gets it all off center. See? I'm crazy.
I've had a lot of roommates over the years- most have adapted to my system, and for that I thank them! (worst tea towel experience - I went to clean some dishes and a roommate had wiped up spilled cake batter w/ the dish towel and hung it back up. it was gross).
One way that I'm particularly OCD is with towels. Now, I know some people who are WAY worse than me (I promise), but I am particular about what kind of towel does what. Especially in the kitchen.
This came to fruition a few weeks ago when a friend was over and washed his hands at the kitchen sink and then used a paper towel. Always the environmentalist, I reminded him that I have regular towels so as not to waste paper. He said "I don't understand your towel system. It scares me." Yikes. Didn't know I was so frightening. Then he said "you should blog about this, because it's weird." So I am.
Here is my kitchen - towel system. Is it weird??
On the left is the hand towel. It is made of terry-cloth and that's how you know it's for your hands. It's more absorbent. Always use the terry towel on your hands. On the right we have the dish towel. It's a "tea-towel" material (I don't really know what else that's called). It is only for dishes. (these kind are better for dishes b/c they don't leave lint). Now, why the difference? Because even though you just washed your hands, they still aren't totally germ free, and I don't want someone's sloppy hand mess on my freshly cleaned dishes. They need to be kept separate.
On the left is the hand towel. It is made of terry-cloth and that's how you know it's for your hands. It's more absorbent. Always use the terry towel on your hands. On the right we have the dish towel. It's a "tea-towel" material (I don't really know what else that's called). It is only for dishes. (these kind are better for dishes b/c they don't leave lint). Now, why the difference? Because even though you just washed your hands, they still aren't totally germ free, and I don't want someone's sloppy hand mess on my freshly cleaned dishes. They need to be kept separate.
In this photo you'll note the bonus "guest towel" in the center. They are only for holiday times. You may use it on your hands, but I would prefer that you don't because they're so small and when you use it it gets it all off center. See? I'm crazy.
I've had a lot of roommates over the years- most have adapted to my system, and for that I thank them! (worst tea towel experience - I went to clean some dishes and a roommate had wiped up spilled cake batter w/ the dish towel and hung it back up. it was gross).
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
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 :)
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!
*this is Bella, my sister's dog - she came in her party dress!
October - NYC with Mom (we saw Charlie Sheen!)
November - GO PSU!!!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Christmas
world's worst blogger here... i have some stuff in the works, but in the mean time i had to post this...
Merry Christmas Week!
Merry Christmas Week!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
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 3rd 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) 30th 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!!
Friday, September 24, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Premiere Week is here!
I think that I blog about television more than any other topic. Which might be a little sad, but I don’t care.
My relationship with television is a complicated one. I really love it, and take pretty seriously what I watch. If I watch a show, I have to see ALL the episodes. I was in to this before there were things like DVR or seasons on DVD. I recorded stuff on my vcr obsessively, I still have tapes upon tapes of all of the episodes of Friends, that I saved to rewatch. I was ahead of my time. (of course, now I’m behind, because even though I bought all 10 seasons of Friends on DVD when they came out, I still have boxes of VHS tapes that I can’t part with…)
So, of course, when you love tv as much as I do, you’re very excited for premiere week. As I always do, in late August/early September I search online for the most helpful calendar of when shows come back and in what time slots, I print it out, and I highlight the ones I want to watch, paying close attention to moved time slots and new conflicts. This year, like last year, I have only 1 recording conflict (3 shows in the same slot, the dvr can’t handle that), so I prioritize and plan to watch something online. Simple enough.
Last weekend I sat down with my calendar and I programmed my dvr to record the whole season of all my shows. I had to do this because on Aug. 30 comc*st wiped all the dvrs clean for some kind of reprogramming (to what I think is a much less user-friendly platform). I did these on in non-HD b/c I didn’t want to overwhelm my dvr with too much space, because at the end of last year when I upgraded to HD it seemed to go too fast.
Well, Monday night my first shows recorded. I had 1 hr of previous HD programming, and 2 ½ hrs of non-HD programming on the box, and when I checked it told me it was 40% full!! WTF?!?! At that rate my dvr would be full by Tuesday!! So, I looked up online and it tells me that the dvr should hold 60 hours of HD programming. Not 3. So, last night I got on the phone with comc*st and they reprogrammed my dvr to bring back its memory. Whatever. What that means is they wiped the thing clean. AGAIN. Now, the only thing I hadn’t watched on there was DWTS, which I can see online, but now I have to reprogram it all again!!!!! I set it last night for HD recording of only Tuesday shows, and they all recorded, only using 11%. Much better. So I guess tonight I’ll buckle down with my calendar once again.
All this to say – isn’t having cable and a dvr supposed to make life easier? Less complicated? Less aggravating??? Although I do appreciate that I no longer am trying to switch out and label like 5 tapes a week.
I realize that there are bigger issues in the world than my dvr… but vent I must. Can’t wait to catch up on all the premieres!!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, July 26, 2010
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 28th 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.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Welcome Summer!
I realize that it’s a little late to officially welcome summer, we are, after all, half way into it… but on the first day of summer I did celebrate its arrival. It’s just taking me a few weeks to share it with you. This was the 3rd in the two week time period of gatherings I hosted, and only 2 days after Junesgiving.
I’ve always wanted to host a summer solstice party; you know, celebrate the outdoors and the sunshine on the longest day of the year. I think I first got the idea from Real Simple a few years ago. And unfortunately, it’s just never worked out to do it before. There was always some kind of conflict. So I said “This is the year!” A good friend of mine hosted a winter solstice this past winter and we sat around and enjoyed wines and cheeses in the warmth of her home, and it was great fun. What wouldn’t be even more fun about that to do it outside!!!
So on June 21 I had a small gathering on my deck, where we enjoyed delicious seasonal foods, including guacamole which I made for the first time, and homemade Sangria. The guacamole turned into a bit of an adventure… I bought the avocados that Friday since I knew I’d be away all weekend, and when I got them out on Monday to use for the guac they were rotten. So, at 6:15 I had to run to giant, get home, and have food ready for guests to arrive at 7:30. It was a bit rushed, but it worked out well, and was quite delicious. Thought I did manage to get avocado in my hair and cut my hand….
We sat on the deck and enjoyed the summer weather, the snacks, and the conversation (though not really the music I had prepared because with the highway only about 20 yards away it was a lost cause) .
I used an Ina Garten recipe for the guac, and a Bobby Flay recipe for the Sangria. It was kind of a thick guacomole, you were just supposed to mix it with a fork, but I really enjoyed it. I managed to not take a picture of the sangria, which was not only delicious, but I think got an A+ for presentation.
I really enjoyed welcoming summer with seasonal foods and friends, and hope to do it again!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Flashback Friday
I feel that it is time again to share what gems from the 90s are getting me through me week…
Donna Lewis: I love you always forever (1996)
I really loved this song. It was one of those that the lyrics were fast and strung together and it was great fun to sing along to. So much so that I taped it off the radio and put it on a mixed tape. Remember taping things off of the radio? Man, those were the days. It was the only way to get a single. Well, except to buy a single tape at the store, but who did that…. Listening to this song will always make me think of my junior year of high school cruising around in Clifford (my big red jeep). I’m pretty sure that I still have the tape as well.
Ugly Kid Joe: (I hate) Everything About You (1992)
Oh my, Ugly Kid Joe. A dumb name for a band that I really enjoyed back in ’92. Well, I didn’t really like the band, but I really liked this single. And it got a LOT of airplay. For those who are wondering, a quick wiki search told me that while they broke up in 1997, in May 2010 they announced via their my space page that they’re going to do a reunion tour. I probably won’t go.
The Mighty Mighty Boss Tones: The Impression that I get (1997)
Who did NOT love Ska music? Certainly not me! And those late nineties were the years. While I never got super in to TMMBT and I stuck more with my Christian ska bands, this song was everywhere. This song immediately took me back to 1997 and the rebel that I thought I was for liking ska and punk. Makes me want to skank a little.
I don’t know if anyone else is enjoy my trips back to the 90s, but I sure am!
Friday, July 02, 2010
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!!!
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!
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!!!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Flashback Friday - 2 in a row!
I’m dedicating this week’s Flashback Friday to 1997. I graduated HS in ’98, so the summer and fall of ’97 has a lot of memories leading up to and beginning my senior year. Because I was in the band (nerd alert), the summer and fall months have a lot of memories of summer long practices, band camp, and football games. During those times there was a lot of cramming into someone’s car, or hanging out by someone’s pool with the radio blasting. It’s hard not to make permanent associations from music to these times. At least for me. So here are 3 songs I heard this week that take me back to those months… and i wanted to include a photo from that time... but there are no photos from 1997 that I am comfortable having on the internet.
Verve Pipe: Freshmen
This song came out that summer, and my bff Rachel and felt that it was a good song to nominate and vote for our senior class song (which happened like the first week of school, I think). You know, it talked about being young and freshmen and thinking you knew everything, and then later realizing you were wrong. (Ironically, at that time we were thinking how mature we were as 17 year olds starting our senior year. HA!). However, this song did not make the vote. But Rach and I dubbed it “our senior class song” and I will always think of her and that year whenever I hear it. And the disdain we felt for our actual senior class song. Which I also heard this week….
Dave Matthews Band: Crash
That’s right. Our senior class song was Crash. You might be thinking, “this is not an appropriate senior class song- why would it have been nominated and won?” If you are, welcome to my club. Rachel and I were quite taken aback by this. It has NOTHING to do with anything that a senior class represents…. It was just the most popular song at the moment by one of the most popular artists of the late 90s. Stupid. And the administration let it win. And then, part way into the year someone on the administration actually listened to it. And realized it was wildly inappropriate- and then we weren’t allowed to play it at any event. Stupid. I wasn’t a Dave fan then, I’m not one now…. There. I’ve said it. I grew up in the 90s and I don’t like DMD. You may now cast your stones…
Bruce Springsteen: The Secret Garden
Of course, it’s hard to listen to this song without associating it with Jerry McGuire. I loved this song, and it was really the first song by the Boss that I was ever into. (my appreciation for him has since grown immensely). That song was on the radio ALL THE TIME. And I’m pretty sure that it was the first song (at least, the first one I remember) to incorporate audio clips from the movie into the song. I would now say that sort of ruins the song. But when I was 17- I thought that was AWESOME. This was a simpler time when I loved cheesy music and I didn’t think Tom Cruise was a db. The version that now gets radio play is now the original; they no longer play the one with the lines in it. But still, hearing it takes me back.
You had me at hello.
Verve Pipe: Freshmen
This song came out that summer, and my bff Rachel and felt that it was a good song to nominate and vote for our senior class song (which happened like the first week of school, I think). You know, it talked about being young and freshmen and thinking you knew everything, and then later realizing you were wrong. (Ironically, at that time we were thinking how mature we were as 17 year olds starting our senior year. HA!). However, this song did not make the vote. But Rach and I dubbed it “our senior class song” and I will always think of her and that year whenever I hear it. And the disdain we felt for our actual senior class song. Which I also heard this week….
Dave Matthews Band: Crash
That’s right. Our senior class song was Crash. You might be thinking, “this is not an appropriate senior class song- why would it have been nominated and won?” If you are, welcome to my club. Rachel and I were quite taken aback by this. It has NOTHING to do with anything that a senior class represents…. It was just the most popular song at the moment by one of the most popular artists of the late 90s. Stupid. And the administration let it win. And then, part way into the year someone on the administration actually listened to it. And realized it was wildly inappropriate- and then we weren’t allowed to play it at any event. Stupid. I wasn’t a Dave fan then, I’m not one now…. There. I’ve said it. I grew up in the 90s and I don’t like DMD. You may now cast your stones…
Bruce Springsteen: The Secret Garden
Of course, it’s hard to listen to this song without associating it with Jerry McGuire. I loved this song, and it was really the first song by the Boss that I was ever into. (my appreciation for him has since grown immensely). That song was on the radio ALL THE TIME. And I’m pretty sure that it was the first song (at least, the first one I remember) to incorporate audio clips from the movie into the song. I would now say that sort of ruins the song. But when I was 17- I thought that was AWESOME. This was a simpler time when I loved cheesy music and I didn’t think Tom Cruise was a db. The version that now gets radio play is now the original; they no longer play the one with the lines in it. But still, hearing it takes me back.
You had me at hello.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
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!
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