As finals come to a close- one last stack of papers lay beside me to grade. Grades to post, paper work to wrap up - and then I will tie a big red bow on this first semester of school and say-
it is finished.
What an experience it has been...
I thought I would feel so light today, smiling from ear to ear.
But- this season of work has squeezed out so many things I love about the holiday season.
Both Neil and I have been working so hard, that those events outside of work were missed this season.
The CTWP Holiday Social
Kevin & Missy's Red Soiree
Ryan & Sandra's Christmas Party
Michele's Cookie & Jewelry Party
Alex's Ornament Exchange Party
Miranda's Birthday Brunch
Amye's shopping visit to the outlet mall
The Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange Party
ALL missed by us.
I'm just not sure what to say about it.
I know I am investing in the future, but at what sacrifice?
I miss the joy I used to find in cleaning my house, cooking dinner and seeing our friends- things that I do not have much time to do anymore.
I just want my friends to know I still love them. I miss them terribly. I hope I will see them soon.
Next year, I will figure out a way to do it better. This program will only interrupt one more holiday season, and next year- I will surely be more prepared.
Time to dry it up and count my blessings.
The last thing I'm missing is an attitude adjustment. Hopefully, I'll find it soon.
My husband has said on several occasions... "Grad school is about as much fun as stabbing yourself in the eye with a fork, over and over and over." I'll just leave it at that.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday Short List
Monday, Monday- here we go!
I missed my pilates class because my brain is too full.
My heart is full because we set up out Christmas tree and decked the halls last night- joy!
Church and my mother's Christmas brunch brought food for the soul and reminded me that the world does not revolve around my doctoral program.
This season is a time for reflection on God's gifts and blessings to us (and oh, they are so many), and a time to GIVE to others.
The Limpopo Writing Project is my charity project this Christmas, and I am even more excited to try to put together a little money for learners far away who are moving along their educational journey- just like I am trying to do.
Dancing to Bing Crosby in the living room with my husband fills my bucket.
The Christmas shopping is done, Christmas cards are mailed- it's time to get back to the school work.
Giddy up!
I missed my pilates class because my brain is too full.
My heart is full because we set up out Christmas tree and decked the halls last night- joy!
Church and my mother's Christmas brunch brought food for the soul and reminded me that the world does not revolve around my doctoral program.
This season is a time for reflection on God's gifts and blessings to us (and oh, they are so many), and a time to GIVE to others.
The Limpopo Writing Project is my charity project this Christmas, and I am even more excited to try to put together a little money for learners far away who are moving along their educational journey- just like I am trying to do.
Dancing to Bing Crosby in the living room with my husband fills my bucket.
The Christmas shopping is done, Christmas cards are mailed- it's time to get back to the school work.
Giddy up!
Friday, December 3, 2010
30 Second Pity Party
I'm going to allow myself to write one pitiful sentence, so here goes:
My house needs cleaning, laundry needs doing, I have a paper to write, stacks of grading, a final to write, grades to submit, IRB training to compete, and three statistics assignments to complete, Christmas cards to mail, and the fact that my precious tradition of putting up my tree the day after thanksgiving did not happen this year makes me want to cry right now. I am afraid Christmas is being smothered out by work. After work has already gobbled up my friends' holiday parties- this work is really starting to get to me. Okay- that was 3 sentences.
Time for 3 sentences of truth:
I am blessed. God is good. Life is good.
Time for action:
Time to dry it up, eat a bowl of chicken soup and get this house clean. I can do it. I can do it.
One.
More.
Week.
My house needs cleaning, laundry needs doing, I have a paper to write, stacks of grading, a final to write, grades to submit, IRB training to compete, and three statistics assignments to complete, Christmas cards to mail, and the fact that my precious tradition of putting up my tree the day after thanksgiving did not happen this year makes me want to cry right now. I am afraid Christmas is being smothered out by work. After work has already gobbled up my friends' holiday parties- this work is really starting to get to me. Okay- that was 3 sentences.
Time for 3 sentences of truth:
I am blessed. God is good. Life is good.
Time for action:
Time to dry it up, eat a bowl of chicken soup and get this house clean. I can do it. I can do it.
One.
More.
Week.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Oh the weather outside is... tepid.
Yes, the holiday music is in full swing. I have already rented A Christmas Carol and pulled my best campaign to put up the Christmas tree- rightly rejected by Neil in order to stay true to our own family tradition- putting up the tree the day after Thanksgiving. I can't wait!
This Thanksgiving holiday is riddled with a MASSIVE amount of work to be done, of which, this blog post is a feeble attempt to delay the looming 10 hours of work I must somehow fit into today. How? you ask.
I don't really know. I typically have a grand scheme- but today I don't have the time to make one. So it will be settled that somehow, someway, I will fit it all in and live to tell about it.
Even as I type this, I can feel the pressure beginning to surround my mushy brain. Maybe it's the delirium of too much work and not enough sleep, maybe it's my recent conference in Disney's Magical Kingdom... but somehow I am positive that I can pull it all off to the tune of little friendly mice singing, "We can do it! We can do it! We can help our Cinder-melly!"
Today - 10 hours grading, yoga to balance it out
Wendesday - House Cleaning, Grocery Shopping, Lunch with Amye in San Marcos, WORK, Pack for T-day
Thursday - Up early to make Baked Potato Casserole for T-day lunch at the ranch, Pick up Mike in Fredricksburg, Spend the day at the ranch, Take Christmas Card Photos, B&B in Fredricksburg
Friday - Fun in F-burg then head home to prepare for T-day with Barb, Steve and Zach
Saturday - T-day lunch with the Fam at our house, REST
Sunday - A3's baptism and lunch reception at the Mansion, home - Christmas Tree Time!
Did I mention I have 3 papers due the week after Thanksgiving? Yes, I do. If you know any helpful, magical mice- please give them my address.
This Thanksgiving holiday is riddled with a MASSIVE amount of work to be done, of which, this blog post is a feeble attempt to delay the looming 10 hours of work I must somehow fit into today. How? you ask.
I don't really know. I typically have a grand scheme- but today I don't have the time to make one. So it will be settled that somehow, someway, I will fit it all in and live to tell about it.
Even as I type this, I can feel the pressure beginning to surround my mushy brain. Maybe it's the delirium of too much work and not enough sleep, maybe it's my recent conference in Disney's Magical Kingdom... but somehow I am positive that I can pull it all off to the tune of little friendly mice singing, "We can do it! We can do it! We can help our Cinder-melly!"
Today - 10 hours grading, yoga to balance it out
Wendesday - House Cleaning, Grocery Shopping, Lunch with Amye in San Marcos, WORK, Pack for T-day
Thursday - Up early to make Baked Potato Casserole for T-day lunch at the ranch, Pick up Mike in Fredricksburg, Spend the day at the ranch, Take Christmas Card Photos, B&B in Fredricksburg
Friday - Fun in F-burg then head home to prepare for T-day with Barb, Steve and Zach
Saturday - T-day lunch with the Fam at our house, REST
Sunday - A3's baptism and lunch reception at the Mansion, home - Christmas Tree Time!
Did I mention I have 3 papers due the week after Thanksgiving? Yes, I do. If you know any helpful, magical mice- please give them my address.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Counting
What better day than today to count my blessings!
1. The new bed arrived! We can finally get that mattress off the floor in our guest room!
2. Pilates is awesome!
3. I have a new work-out partner on Monday nights! Yeah accountability!
4. I have some great new recipes in my bag.
5. The holidays are coming!
6. I can do my to do list one item at a time. I can. I can do it. I can get the grading and projects done.
7. A wedding, a marathon, and a research paper. Here we go weekend!
1. The new bed arrived! We can finally get that mattress off the floor in our guest room!
2. Pilates is awesome!
3. I have a new work-out partner on Monday nights! Yeah accountability!
4. I have some great new recipes in my bag.
5. The holidays are coming!
6. I can do my to do list one item at a time. I can. I can do it. I can get the grading and projects done.
7. A wedding, a marathon, and a research paper. Here we go weekend!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
At the helm of Overwhelmed!
Oh do I have a mountain of work in front of me!
This morning I met my class at the Texas Institute Museum of Texas History and Cultures.
What a fantastic place. They had an exhibit called PLAY! all about learning through play and social interaction- in addition to other exhibits such as Texas cultures, Texas history and a particularly cute live quilting bee. I stood talking with the quilting ladies as they worked on a beautiful quilt. One lady maneuvered her walker to show me the material that she was going to use for her next quilt, after this present one was finished. "It's not my turn yet," she said, "my turn is the one after the next turn." You see all of the ladies work together on one quilt- they all contribute to the quilt until it's finished. Then the next lady in the circle brings out her pattern for her quilt and everyone works away on that one.
"What if someone brings a super-hard one?" I asked.
"Well," she laughed, "then that's just the way it is."
"I'd like to make a quilt like this one day," I said.
"Well, just make sure you put the story one the back. Write where the pieces came from- that makes the quilt much more valuable," she said as she turned the corner of the quilt over to show me where the quilter had recorded the history of the quilt.
The material came from her children's clothes that were made from them during a mission trip in Africa.
"Yes," I said, "I will write the story of the quilt on the back; I can see that is very important."
One day I'd like to put the thread to the needle.
For now, I'll put the pen to the paper and keep writing.
Writing these intimidating papers and stretching my little brain a little more each day.
I can only hope that the mounds and mounds of pieces around me will someday end up as something beautiful.
This morning I met my class at the Texas Institute Museum of Texas History and Cultures.
What a fantastic place. They had an exhibit called PLAY! all about learning through play and social interaction- in addition to other exhibits such as Texas cultures, Texas history and a particularly cute live quilting bee. I stood talking with the quilting ladies as they worked on a beautiful quilt. One lady maneuvered her walker to show me the material that she was going to use for her next quilt, after this present one was finished. "It's not my turn yet," she said, "my turn is the one after the next turn." You see all of the ladies work together on one quilt- they all contribute to the quilt until it's finished. Then the next lady in the circle brings out her pattern for her quilt and everyone works away on that one.
"What if someone brings a super-hard one?" I asked.
"Well," she laughed, "then that's just the way it is."
"I'd like to make a quilt like this one day," I said.
"Well, just make sure you put the story one the back. Write where the pieces came from- that makes the quilt much more valuable," she said as she turned the corner of the quilt over to show me where the quilter had recorded the history of the quilt.
The material came from her children's clothes that were made from them during a mission trip in Africa.
"Yes," I said, "I will write the story of the quilt on the back; I can see that is very important."
One day I'd like to put the thread to the needle.
For now, I'll put the pen to the paper and keep writing.
Writing these intimidating papers and stretching my little brain a little more each day.
I can only hope that the mounds and mounds of pieces around me will someday end up as something beautiful.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Hello Monday, nice to see you!
Friday, Neil and I were so OVER working, we decided to go to the bar for a cocktail...
After all, in our new house, the bar is only a few steps away from the kitchen. So we went, my first attempt at a cranberry martini tasted like cough syrup, so down the drain it went.
Neil is obviously the better "mixologist" of this pair, and the lemon martini he produced certainly did take the edge off of a long, intense week.
Saturday brought work events and A1's third birthday. He smashed a pinata and ran around the playground with his little buddies.
A1 is 3 - he is charming, thoughtful and open to the wide world in front of him.
He translates between English and Spanish.
He sings and love musical instruments.
We had fun with bubbles after he scraped his knee.
He is a good boy, and a very special boy.
Saturday night became spontaneous when M&K drove in from Houston to attend Wurstfest in New Braunfels. I never attended this notorious festival during my college years because I hated beer and therefore did not see the point of a crowded beer festival. However, I have since acquired the taste for hefifizen beer and quite enjoyed this festive festival. Folks in German gear, eating German food washed down by German beer. What could be better?
How about one of the headlining German bands? The beautiful lead singer not only sang, but played the piano, trumpet and saxophone- typically 2 simultaneously. She was impressive.
It was a rumpus enjoyed by all.
Sunday brought our typical Egg and I breakfast, housework, a nap an less-strenuous-than-usual-bike ride through the park. Then school work and trick-or-treaters. An online sermon closed the night with reflection and thankful hearts.
I woke this Monday morning with a refreshed bucket of gumption for the week.
My new shakes and supplements arrived and I LOVE them! Really fantastic- the best part about them is they do not have to be blended- they can mix with plain water and taste just fine. Oh the joy of a one-step snack or meal. Check them out here
Here we go Monday! Welcome November!
Fall into good habits
Fall into good attitudes
Fall into good memories
After all, in our new house, the bar is only a few steps away from the kitchen. So we went, my first attempt at a cranberry martini tasted like cough syrup, so down the drain it went.
Neil is obviously the better "mixologist" of this pair, and the lemon martini he produced certainly did take the edge off of a long, intense week.
Saturday brought work events and A1's third birthday. He smashed a pinata and ran around the playground with his little buddies.
A1 is 3 - he is charming, thoughtful and open to the wide world in front of him.
He translates between English and Spanish.
He sings and love musical instruments.
We had fun with bubbles after he scraped his knee.
He is a good boy, and a very special boy.
Saturday night became spontaneous when M&K drove in from Houston to attend Wurstfest in New Braunfels. I never attended this notorious festival during my college years because I hated beer and therefore did not see the point of a crowded beer festival. However, I have since acquired the taste for hefifizen beer and quite enjoyed this festive festival. Folks in German gear, eating German food washed down by German beer. What could be better?
How about one of the headlining German bands? The beautiful lead singer not only sang, but played the piano, trumpet and saxophone- typically 2 simultaneously. She was impressive.
It was a rumpus enjoyed by all.
Sunday brought our typical Egg and I breakfast, housework, a nap an less-strenuous-than-usual-bike ride through the park. Then school work and trick-or-treaters. An online sermon closed the night with reflection and thankful hearts.
I woke this Monday morning with a refreshed bucket of gumption for the week.
My new shakes and supplements arrived and I LOVE them! Really fantastic- the best part about them is they do not have to be blended- they can mix with plain water and taste just fine. Oh the joy of a one-step snack or meal. Check them out here
Here we go Monday! Welcome November!
Fall into good habits
Fall into good attitudes
Fall into good memories
Friday, October 29, 2010
Hallowork
I do love Halloween- the creative costumes, false eyelashes and glitter. A suprise around every corner. What a great celebration of creativity and fantasy each year. Last year, Neil and I were Luchadors (mexican wrestlers). It was great.... but this year...
This year is a little different. This Halloween season is a season of work. Work fills the cool crisp air... work falls like acorns onto the hood of my car. Work percolates from the many slow-cooker recipes of work. And in order to stay on top of work, this weekend will be filled with work and handing out candy at the door to neighborhood kiddos we look forward to meeting for the first time.
Ah, work. How do I love and hate thee?
You fill up my life and take over my life.
You stimulate my brain and fry my brain.
You and your partner in crime- procrastination, have about done me in for good.
But, I will defeat you yet.
It's me, you, a multi-modal social justice project, a literature review, half a semester of grading and mini-snickers bars.
Here we go!
This year is a little different. This Halloween season is a season of work. Work fills the cool crisp air... work falls like acorns onto the hood of my car. Work percolates from the many slow-cooker recipes of work. And in order to stay on top of work, this weekend will be filled with work and handing out candy at the door to neighborhood kiddos we look forward to meeting for the first time.
Ah, work. How do I love and hate thee?
You fill up my life and take over my life.
You stimulate my brain and fry my brain.
You and your partner in crime- procrastination, have about done me in for good.
But, I will defeat you yet.
It's me, you, a multi-modal social justice project, a literature review, half a semester of grading and mini-snickers bars.
Here we go!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Begin with good
Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Begin the week with good thoughts of good things. Every morning, take note of your attitude, and give it to the Lord.
God's faithfulness is true.
God's grace is noble.
God's guidance is right.
God's love is pure.
God's blessings are lovely.
God's creations are admirable.
God's presence with us today is praiseworthy.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Weekend in Review
Friday - Gave my new slow cooker a run with apples and pork tenderloin, Digital Is Meeting for Central Texas Writing Project, wine and a movie with Neil
Saturday - Up early to clean the house, then painted the master bedroom with Barb and Steve, Thai Topaz spicy mango delight for dinner and Karate Kid on the big screen at home
Sunday - Church, Egg and I, Arts and Crafts to channel my pent up creative energy, and a late afternoon bike ride through the hills, dinner at our favorite mexican restaurant with a view.
What didn't get done? - mounds of work, mountains of school work, and an abyss of grading- think I'll head to bed to prepare for the week I have ahead of me. Oh, what a day I will have tomorrow due to this procrastination. But, oh what a lovely day I had today.
Saturday - Up early to clean the house, then painted the master bedroom with Barb and Steve, Thai Topaz spicy mango delight for dinner and Karate Kid on the big screen at home
Sunday - Church, Egg and I, Arts and Crafts to channel my pent up creative energy, and a late afternoon bike ride through the hills, dinner at our favorite mexican restaurant with a view.
What didn't get done? - mounds of work, mountains of school work, and an abyss of grading- think I'll head to bed to prepare for the week I have ahead of me. Oh, what a day I will have tomorrow due to this procrastination. But, oh what a lovely day I had today.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Too tired for sentences...
Too tired for sentences
Started pilates
Student teacher observations
Purple week for anti-gay bullying awareness
Pink month for breast cancer awareness
Oct. 20 National Day of Writing
Date with Sallie in Wimberley
Date with Barb and Steve in SA
Defeated my Statistics Midterm
Planning a multi-modal literacy review
Planning a literary review paper
Planning a presentation
Planning a meeting for tomorrow
New slow-cooker and cookbook
Need to get up now to get dinner in the slow cooker
Need to get dressed again for a meeting with my adviser
Need to grade papers
Need to clean house
FULL STOP.
What lovely reasons to be tired. What a full life I have.
Random aside:
My cats are playing chase in the room around me. My girl cat just landed an inch from my own head resting on the arm of the couch. I sure am glad she didn't land on my head, or nose for that matter.
Thank you Lord for the busy world around me.
You sure do know how to tired a girl out.
Started pilates
Student teacher observations
Purple week for anti-gay bullying awareness
Pink month for breast cancer awareness
Oct. 20 National Day of Writing
Date with Sallie in Wimberley
Date with Barb and Steve in SA
Defeated my Statistics Midterm
Planning a multi-modal literacy review
Planning a literary review paper
Planning a presentation
Planning a meeting for tomorrow
New slow-cooker and cookbook
Need to get up now to get dinner in the slow cooker
Need to get dressed again for a meeting with my adviser
Need to grade papers
Need to clean house
FULL STOP.
What lovely reasons to be tired. What a full life I have.
Random aside:
My cats are playing chase in the room around me. My girl cat just landed an inch from my own head resting on the arm of the couch. I sure am glad she didn't land on my head, or nose for that matter.
Thank you Lord for the busy world around me.
You sure do know how to tired a girl out.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Tizzy Friday
Oh the piles are a mounting up on my desk...
The thoughts are a spinning up in my head...
A paper to grade, a paper to write, a house to clean and errands to run.
What a tizzy of a Friday I have begun!
Since my chef's hat has been buried under textbooks and papers lately- a home-cooked meal for dinner is several days overdue.
Slow Cooker Chicken will be tonight's fair. Easy enough to leave while I click away on Draft 1 of my research paper, and yummy enough to feed my soul and the stomach of my husband after a long work week.
A full day of work today, and a full day of work tomorrow- then we'll hop on a plane to DFW to watch the Cowboys in the new stadium! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! The electric energy of a football stadium in October is enough to kick my little tail into high speed even into Saturday!
Let's go Cowboys- let's go!
Let's go house cleaning - let's go!
Let's go slow cooker- let's go!
Let's go research - let's go!
Here's hoping your inner-cheerleader get's you going today too!
The thoughts are a spinning up in my head...
A paper to grade, a paper to write, a house to clean and errands to run.
What a tizzy of a Friday I have begun!
Since my chef's hat has been buried under textbooks and papers lately- a home-cooked meal for dinner is several days overdue.
Slow Cooker Chicken will be tonight's fair. Easy enough to leave while I click away on Draft 1 of my research paper, and yummy enough to feed my soul and the stomach of my husband after a long work week.
A full day of work today, and a full day of work tomorrow- then we'll hop on a plane to DFW to watch the Cowboys in the new stadium! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! The electric energy of a football stadium in October is enough to kick my little tail into high speed even into Saturday!
Let's go Cowboys- let's go!
Let's go house cleaning - let's go!
Let's go slow cooker- let's go!
Let's go research - let's go!
Here's hoping your inner-cheerleader get's you going today too!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Begin a new week
Week one of October -
Reflection - I made it through my first 8 hour Statistics Midterm, and I'm actually am more interested in statistics than ever. It's actually pretty cool stuff, once you get over the hump of craziness.
My house is not perfect, but it has not crumbled under our feet...yet. Housework has gone from pesky chores to a sought after excuses to postpone boring textbooks. Everywhere I look, there is something to do. For now- I'm bunkered in the guest room in clicking on two laptops and playing fetch with my cat. Funny how things change...
Thoughts for this week-
Continue making my to do list for 2 days in advance. I tried doing a week at a time and cried. Two days is much more palatable.
Tackle the gradebook.
Begin major papers.
Scout cute Fall decorations that I will buy after Fall is over and they go on clearance.
Take every opportunity to go OUTSIDE and enjoy the beautiful weather.
Exercise!
My Lord, my Lord- thank You for another week.
Through chores and events- it is really only You I seek.
I praise You for the beauty I see all around me.
I praise You for helping me be what You what me to be.
Reflection - I made it through my first 8 hour Statistics Midterm, and I'm actually am more interested in statistics than ever. It's actually pretty cool stuff, once you get over the hump of craziness.
My house is not perfect, but it has not crumbled under our feet...yet. Housework has gone from pesky chores to a sought after excuses to postpone boring textbooks. Everywhere I look, there is something to do. For now- I'm bunkered in the guest room in clicking on two laptops and playing fetch with my cat. Funny how things change...
Thoughts for this week-
Continue making my to do list for 2 days in advance. I tried doing a week at a time and cried. Two days is much more palatable.
Tackle the gradebook.
Begin major papers.
Scout cute Fall decorations that I will buy after Fall is over and they go on clearance.
Take every opportunity to go OUTSIDE and enjoy the beautiful weather.
Exercise!
My Lord, my Lord- thank You for another week.
Through chores and events- it is really only You I seek.
I praise You for the beauty I see all around me.
I praise You for helping me be what You what me to be.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Dr. Lou Dr. Lou!
If you know me well, very, very, very, well, or perhaps you are keen to my allusions and occasional attributions to Dr. Lou on this blog... you will pick up this little known fact about me... I consider Dr. Lou Holtz to be my long lost grandfather. I love him.
If you do not know who Dr. Lou is- I insist you look him up. Seriously- you should do it. Listen to one of his speeches and you suddenly feel better and more motivated to go get 'em.
Today, around 8:30 p.m. I arrived home after a long day of work and school. Still in my work clothes, I kicked of my slip on "teacher shoes" at the door, and I hear a voice that could only belong to one person. Quickly, my head whipped around -
"Dr. Lou!" I shouted!
"Do you want me to rewind it?" asked Neil, already rewinding.
I jump on the couch to hear my guru speak after such a long hiatus between this football season and last.
"Don't listen to the negative thinkers." says Lou, "There will always be someone who says, 'We could never to put a man on the moon.'One hundred years ago, the patents office thought they should close their doors because everything good had already been invented. Don't listen to these negative thinkers. If you want something to happen, the key is to believe. You have to BELIEVE to accomplish your goals."
Well said, Dr. Lou, well said.
If you do not know who Dr. Lou is- I insist you look him up. Seriously- you should do it. Listen to one of his speeches and you suddenly feel better and more motivated to go get 'em.
Today, around 8:30 p.m. I arrived home after a long day of work and school. Still in my work clothes, I kicked of my slip on "teacher shoes" at the door, and I hear a voice that could only belong to one person. Quickly, my head whipped around -
"Dr. Lou!" I shouted!
"Do you want me to rewind it?" asked Neil, already rewinding.
I jump on the couch to hear my guru speak after such a long hiatus between this football season and last.
"Don't listen to the negative thinkers." says Lou, "There will always be someone who says, 'We could never to put a man on the moon.'One hundred years ago, the patents office thought they should close their doors because everything good had already been invented. Don't listen to these negative thinkers. If you want something to happen, the key is to believe. You have to BELIEVE to accomplish your goals."
Well said, Dr. Lou, well said.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
One week later...
One week since my last post and I have ...
Attended a gala fundraiser
Partied in an old historic mansion turned night club
Visited with Kenny and Erin in from DC in a new SA food spot
Painted my kitchen and entry way with the help of my parents - both look A-MA-ZING btw!
Presented my first presentations for phd school
andddd welcomed my 4th nephew into the world - Baby A #3 was born to Neil's brother Brent and his wife Ana- everyone is healthy and happy- what more can you ask for!
Happy Birthday Baby A #3!
September 20th 8.13 lbs
And I'm planning a baby shower for another special someone who will welcome a precious one in March- more on this later.
What an eventful, eventful 3rd week in September.
Welcome fall, lovely Autumn - I've known you were peeking around the corner.
Swatting at the scorching rays with voluptuous, gray clouds of fat water drops
You've come to stir the pot and rain a lot on crispy brown grass and paint it green and long again
You're full of colors, pictures for a locket, and I just can wait to see what else you have in your back pocket.
Attended a gala fundraiser
Partied in an old historic mansion turned night club
Visited with Kenny and Erin in from DC in a new SA food spot
Painted my kitchen and entry way with the help of my parents - both look A-MA-ZING btw!
Presented my first presentations for phd school
andddd welcomed my 4th nephew into the world - Baby A #3 was born to Neil's brother Brent and his wife Ana- everyone is healthy and happy- what more can you ask for!
Happy Birthday Baby A #3!
September 20th 8.13 lbs
And I'm planning a baby shower for another special someone who will welcome a precious one in March- more on this later.
What an eventful, eventful 3rd week in September.
Welcome fall, lovely Autumn - I've known you were peeking around the corner.
Swatting at the scorching rays with voluptuous, gray clouds of fat water drops
You've come to stir the pot and rain a lot on crispy brown grass and paint it green and long again
You're full of colors, pictures for a locket, and I just can wait to see what else you have in your back pocket.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Weekend Recap
I met Missy and Stacey in Galveston for a girls' night away- from work, life and the daily grind.
We talked, swam, drank, ate, and talked some more... it was a blessing! The resort was lovely and the company was wonderful. Noted: Don't fail to commit to spending time with friends, near, far, everywhere.
Neil was amazing and worked on the house while I was away. I am excited to make some more progress on this property. My parents are coming this weekend for my mom's birthday dinner and to help us with a painting project. I can't wait!
This week I have 2 presentations to give, lots of reading and statistics assignments to complete. My current plan of attack is a to do list for the current day only- first thing in the morning. Checking items off through the day has led to sanity all the way to 2:30 p.m. 4 chapters of Statistics Made Simple for School Leaders: Data-Driven Decision Making to go before class at 5:30 p.m.
I found out I will be a research assistant for Spring 2010- this will be great! Something new from teaching... I wonder what the trade-off will be for the grading I will escape.
My 5th nephew will join the world any day now. We cannot wait to meet you little one!
The world is a-movin! Babies comin', houses changin', businesses growin', minds stretchin', and muscles achin' here we go Fall 2010!
Closing thought:
When you set goals, something inside of you starts saying, "Let's go, let's go," and ceilings start to move up. - Zig Ziglar
We talked, swam, drank, ate, and talked some more... it was a blessing! The resort was lovely and the company was wonderful. Noted: Don't fail to commit to spending time with friends, near, far, everywhere.
Neil was amazing and worked on the house while I was away. I am excited to make some more progress on this property. My parents are coming this weekend for my mom's birthday dinner and to help us with a painting project. I can't wait!
This week I have 2 presentations to give, lots of reading and statistics assignments to complete. My current plan of attack is a to do list for the current day only- first thing in the morning. Checking items off through the day has led to sanity all the way to 2:30 p.m. 4 chapters of Statistics Made Simple for School Leaders: Data-Driven Decision Making to go before class at 5:30 p.m.
I found out I will be a research assistant for Spring 2010- this will be great! Something new from teaching... I wonder what the trade-off will be for the grading I will escape.
My 5th nephew will join the world any day now. We cannot wait to meet you little one!
The world is a-movin! Babies comin', houses changin', businesses growin', minds stretchin', and muscles achin' here we go Fall 2010!
Closing thought:
When you set goals, something inside of you starts saying, "Let's go, let's go," and ceilings start to move up. - Zig Ziglar
Friday, September 10, 2010
Finally Friday
Ahhhhh a sigh of relief to reach the end of the endless week
Still in my program, with carrots dangling ahead of the step I'm just on
I've been here before- big changes beg small movements-
One step in front of the next- day by day, week by week, I'll find my stride
And then begin to run again
"You can do anything, babe." - Neil Boecking
Still in my program, with carrots dangling ahead of the step I'm just on
I've been here before- big changes beg small movements-
One step in front of the next- day by day, week by week, I'll find my stride
And then begin to run again
"You can do anything, babe." - Neil Boecking
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
First Class Freak Out
Butterflies in my stomach... sweaty palms at 10:30 p.m.
The work sprawls out before me like snow on in the artic
Literature reviews, reflection papers, statistical problem sets, reading endless articles and the looming dissertation question that is due tomorrow...
I had a great job and a great pay check... why did I do this?
The questioning continues: can I do this? can I pull this off? do I even want to do this? why would anyone want to put themselves through this? whose idea was this anyway? how can anyone live a balanced life and do this? why do they give you this much work? is there a meaning to all this work that no one really cares about at the end of the day?
I
A M
F R E A K I N G
O U T !
The work sprawls out before me like snow on in the artic
Literature reviews, reflection papers, statistical problem sets, reading endless articles and the looming dissertation question that is due tomorrow...
I had a great job and a great pay check... why did I do this?
The questioning continues: can I do this? can I pull this off? do I even want to do this? why would anyone want to put themselves through this? whose idea was this anyway? how can anyone live a balanced life and do this? why do they give you this much work? is there a meaning to all this work that no one really cares about at the end of the day?
I
A M
F R E A K I N G
O U T !
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Long Weekend
Friends in from Dallas
Good wine - lakemead, stags leap, cemus
raw oysters and crab legs
dancing on the bar and tim mcgraw sing-a-long
lounging in the pool, by the pool and then a snooze in the tepid summer breeze
sparkling water and breakfast on the patio
quiet returns after the rumpus
my love and I nestle in for movies and sushi happy hour
one sake later dusk seals the edges of a lovely labor day weekend
Good wine - lakemead, stags leap, cemus
raw oysters and crab legs
dancing on the bar and tim mcgraw sing-a-long
lounging in the pool, by the pool and then a snooze in the tepid summer breeze
sparkling water and breakfast on the patio
quiet returns after the rumpus
my love and I nestle in for movies and sushi happy hour
one sake later dusk seals the edges of a lovely labor day weekend
Monday, August 30, 2010
Colorful Time Management
So many colors on my pallet-
How do I paint my day?
With loving strokes and thoughtful brushes- I painstakingly stay within the lines, scribble freely and form meaning from random blobs of color.
Morning teacher colors, afternoon student colors, evening wife colors...
I lace up my new purple running shoes- and time out the rest of my day - up early to school, 2 hours of class, and hour to lunch, 3 hours of wiki building, an hour of house cleaning, then 30 minutes to campus, then 2 hours of class, then 30 minutes of cardio, then home to out-of-town house guest...
I lug a black school bag
I sip a clear glass of water
I click the silver keys
I fold the whites and colors piled on my brown leather couch
I scarf yellow cheesy chicken
I dash out my big black doors
I kiss my husband's sweet red lips
I thank the good Lord as I lay my head down and drift peacefully and quickly into sliver-lined cloudy dreams...
Friday, August 27, 2010
What is Social Justice?
The first week of school is complete... and we all survived. Excited, intimidated, and ready for more... :)
Here is a little video I made from a chalk talk about social justice we did in class...
Here is a little video I made from a chalk talk about social justice we did in class...
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Alberta "Maggie" Hanson - My Grandma
My Grandma passed away this morning. She is in heaven now with her beloved twin sister- Roberta, "Bobbie," and her two beloved sons- Billy and Scott.
I wish I could have had more time with her. I will always cherish the memories I have of her and our time together. She loved this poem and loved the color purple. She loved to be silly like a clown and had a very mischievous laugh. She loved to make a big deal out of every event or even out of nothing. She loved to collect the things that made her happy. Everything she bought me for a long time was "our favorite color - lavender."
I feel sad and tired. My husband and my kitties are a blessed comfort. I am so lucky to have them. How lucky we are are for each of our days- how lucky we are to always look forward to tomorrow in this life and in the next.
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other peoples' gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickles for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
by Jenny Joeseph
Monday, August 16, 2010
And it begins...
The summer in review...
Moving to San Antonio
Setting up House
Parties in the Pool
Rides in the Hills
Blissful Married Days
Feathering the Nest
Fixing my Broken Nose
Healing my Fixed Nose
Exploring our New City
and NOWWWWWW
Beginning my new job at UTSA!
Training and meetings have begun and I have clicked away all day at my planning for my courses I will teach to university students.
Introduction to Teaching and Learning in a Culturally Diverse Society
And
Student Teaching Supervisor
I am excited about both courses- they will certainly keep me busy in addition to my three doctoral courses. YES, they certainly will.
My goals for this semester... are very simple
1. To survive and do my best
2. To take time to meet and get to know new friends and associates
3. To Exercise 5 out of 7 days a week and eat healthy
4. To connect with one extra-curricular activity- hopefully a christian exercise group. Lord knows I don't need to eat or drink anymore than I already do! ;)
5. To write
It's been in the hundreds for the past few days and boy do I feel the heat. I am looking forward to cooler days and meeting my students.
I know the dynamic of the high school classroom, the middle school classroom and the adult classroom... but I think this will be different. A young adult classroom of students- my hope it to connect with them and support their journey into the world of education, protect their precious inspiration and foster their fresh perspective. It will be good. I can just feel it.
Moving to San Antonio
Setting up House
Parties in the Pool
Rides in the Hills
Blissful Married Days
Feathering the Nest
Fixing my Broken Nose
Healing my Fixed Nose
Exploring our New City
and NOWWWWWW
Beginning my new job at UTSA!
Training and meetings have begun and I have clicked away all day at my planning for my courses I will teach to university students.
Introduction to Teaching and Learning in a Culturally Diverse Society
And
Student Teaching Supervisor
I am excited about both courses- they will certainly keep me busy in addition to my three doctoral courses. YES, they certainly will.
My goals for this semester... are very simple
1. To survive and do my best
2. To take time to meet and get to know new friends and associates
3. To Exercise 5 out of 7 days a week and eat healthy
4. To connect with one extra-curricular activity- hopefully a christian exercise group. Lord knows I don't need to eat or drink anymore than I already do! ;)
5. To write
It's been in the hundreds for the past few days and boy do I feel the heat. I am looking forward to cooler days and meeting my students.
I know the dynamic of the high school classroom, the middle school classroom and the adult classroom... but I think this will be different. A young adult classroom of students- my hope it to connect with them and support their journey into the world of education, protect their precious inspiration and foster their fresh perspective. It will be good. I can just feel it.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
A re-occurring dream...
For the past four nights, I have had a re-occurring dream.
I approach an antique trunk or a packing box, I reach inside and pull out a beautiful antique bottle wrapped in white paper.
I remove the paper and admire the bottle. Every night it is a different color- red, green, blue and last night it was white.
The bottle is empty and in my dream feel as if I have found a treasure no one else knew about.
I wonder why I have this re-occurring dream. Does this have a meaning? Or do I just want to find an antique bottle?
Have you ever had a re-occurring dream? Did you find a meaning in it?
I approach an antique trunk or a packing box, I reach inside and pull out a beautiful antique bottle wrapped in white paper.
I remove the paper and admire the bottle. Every night it is a different color- red, green, blue and last night it was white.
The bottle is empty and in my dream feel as if I have found a treasure no one else knew about.
I wonder why I have this re-occurring dream. Does this have a meaning? Or do I just want to find an antique bottle?
Have you ever had a re-occurring dream? Did you find a meaning in it?
God is Simple
From one who can sometimes get bogged and wrapped up in the details, I am sweetly reminded that- God is simple.
When your head is in a tizzy- stop the noise and remember that God is simple. period.
God is simple, any child can understand- God is Love.
Thoughts and illusions can sometimes carry one away from truth and reality and this is a waste of precious time...
God guides our steps. God loves us. God will always take care of us.
Taking time today to appreciate the perfect simplicities of the Lord's work-
Rain falling on a hot summer day
A family who cares for each other
Cool breezes and vibrant skies
A promise for today and a hope for tomorrow
God is good.
God is love.
God is simple.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Staycation
The quiet healing continues.
Time for my mind to clear and think and clear and think again.
This morning, counting blessings and praying for God's continued guidance as Neil and I begin to connect more and more to our new community.
Prayer finds me as soon as my eyes open each morning. With no alarm demanding, I dive into a deep solace of prayer and meditation to find a refreshing lens that lasts throughout the day.
I admire the view from inside these walls around me.
While there will always be work to be done and places to explore on the outside... sometimes life allows you a staycation- a time to focus on what's inside your own heart and home.
And this week, the view can't be beat.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Time to feel loved...
I cannot count the blessings... there are far too many.
In a new city, holding friends and family all the closer to my heart.
Down for the week, a time to be taken care of.
Feels good to be the one in the middle of the circle.
A quiet week to heal and think and sleep.
Time, what a priceless gift.
Emerging slowly, carefully, I see the waves on the horizon.
Quietly, today, one more day in the sweet stillness... of love, peace and quiet.
With a grateful, rested heart, I will wake in the morning, tomorrow and every day.
In a new city, holding friends and family all the closer to my heart.
Down for the week, a time to be taken care of.
Feels good to be the one in the middle of the circle.
A quiet week to heal and think and sleep.
Time, what a priceless gift.
Emerging slowly, carefully, I see the waves on the horizon.
Quietly, today, one more day in the sweet stillness... of love, peace and quiet.
With a grateful, rested heart, I will wake in the morning, tomorrow and every day.
For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Comfort Zone
"If you put yourself in a position where you have to stretch outside your comfort zone, then you are forced to expand your consciousness."
Les Brown
I'm thinking about comfort zones today, before I get ready for nose surgery tomorrow. Remember when Maisie broke my nose?
Well, I am going to have a nose surgery to fix it. This is quite out of my comfort zone. I hate hospitals, needles, and feeling out of control. I have never been treated in a hospital, or had any sort of major medical incident in my entire life for that matter... knock on wood here. In other words- this is very new and rather scary. But- it's time I breath and sleep correctly again- so I will do what I need to do and will come out better for it.
The truth is- I hate hospitals. Every time I am there I am so riddled with anxiety, I count the seconds until I can run out. I typically don't speak of this because I feel it gives more power to a fear I am working on defeating. But today is the last day of this fear. I am going to get over this tomorrow.
It's time I expand my world to include hospitals and needles... expand trust to the professionals. ugh. I feel that I could puke at any given moment. This is all going to be worth it.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Heart Healthy Start to the Day...
May others see the Lord's strength in me- morning, noon and night.
Stay in my thoughts and actions so that I may shine bright.
Thank you, Lord for Your forgiving mercy.
Thank you, Lord for blessing me.
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him;"
2 Chronicles 16:9
Stay in my thoughts and actions so that I may shine bright.
Thank you, Lord for Your forgiving mercy.
Thank you, Lord for blessing me.
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him;"
2 Chronicles 16:9
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Quiet Reflection
Warm July days bring precious afternoon hours to steal away from the ever-pressing, ever-growing to do list- to find instead- a deliberate quiet in the house.
Today as I sit clicking away at my keyboard, I notice the quiet all around me. The dogs lounging in the low-hanging shade of the dog run. And cats hidden in their prized closet cubbies. The summer air is heavy and warm and the breeze is frequent, cool and lovely.
Such a blessing to s l o w down for even one afternoon.
To think
To sit
To lounge
To appreciate
To reflect
To write.
I'm not sure if it's the joy of being reunited with my husband, or the comfort of a new home taking shape around us- but I know blessings have fallen like rain all around this season.
I will rest and sow these planted seeds, and
watch the new grow.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Mexico!
Well we are back in one piece from Puerto Morelos, Mexico. In review-
Arriving before most of the wedding party was great- Neil and I checked in no problem and enjoyed our afternoon settling in to the Dreams Rivera Cancun.
We enjoyed a private shrimp and fillet dinner on the beach just feet away from the surf! Now this is my kind of romance! Under the moonlight toasting wine and champagne - this was a honeymoon bliss!
Thursday was snorkel with whale sharks. They only surface two places in the world- southern Australia and Isla Mujeres. Lucky us - we swam with over 50 whale sharks. How amazing it was- these gentle giants- gliding effortlessly through blue waters. Unforgettable.
By Thursday evening friends had arrived and festivities began over fresh ceviche and mango tangos. Then to the hot tub and then to dinner where the wine kept coming! How did we manage to rack up such a huge bill at an all inclusive resort? We can't say no to good wine... and we didn't!
Friday was naps, beach walking, ocean swimming, and swing bar. One favorite quote at the swing bar by the 10 year old boy swinging away beside me.
"Bartender, I have been waiting all day to find someone who can help me out. What I need is- TWO SHOTS OF HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE SYRUP! Are you gonna help me out with that or not!?" With a grin the bartender obliged... it is Mexico after all. :)
Saturday was back to bliss in the Spa- massages, icey plunges and hydrotherapy. I am officially a spa girl after all that. Wedding was lovely in spite or pouring tropical storms. The tequila shots flowed and dinner was hilairous as story after story from Amar, Emeia, Neil, Ryan and Lora flowed along with more wine.
We made it safely and luckily home after 12 hours of traveling. Monday is back to reality and installing wood floors into the master closet. Paintings are ready and make the house feel a little more like a home. Little by little we are finding our stride here in our new city.
Arriving before most of the wedding party was great- Neil and I checked in no problem and enjoyed our afternoon settling in to the Dreams Rivera Cancun.
We enjoyed a private shrimp and fillet dinner on the beach just feet away from the surf! Now this is my kind of romance! Under the moonlight toasting wine and champagne - this was a honeymoon bliss!
Thursday was snorkel with whale sharks. They only surface two places in the world- southern Australia and Isla Mujeres. Lucky us - we swam with over 50 whale sharks. How amazing it was- these gentle giants- gliding effortlessly through blue waters. Unforgettable.
By Thursday evening friends had arrived and festivities began over fresh ceviche and mango tangos. Then to the hot tub and then to dinner where the wine kept coming! How did we manage to rack up such a huge bill at an all inclusive resort? We can't say no to good wine... and we didn't!
Friday was naps, beach walking, ocean swimming, and swing bar. One favorite quote at the swing bar by the 10 year old boy swinging away beside me.
"Bartender, I have been waiting all day to find someone who can help me out. What I need is- TWO SHOTS OF HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE SYRUP! Are you gonna help me out with that or not!?" With a grin the bartender obliged... it is Mexico after all. :)
Saturday was back to bliss in the Spa- massages, icey plunges and hydrotherapy. I am officially a spa girl after all that. Wedding was lovely in spite or pouring tropical storms. The tequila shots flowed and dinner was hilairous as story after story from Amar, Emeia, Neil, Ryan and Lora flowed along with more wine.
We made it safely and luckily home after 12 hours of traveling. Monday is back to reality and installing wood floors into the master closet. Paintings are ready and make the house feel a little more like a home. Little by little we are finding our stride here in our new city.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
LIFE IS GOOD...AGAIN. :)
My friends and family have been asking me how I am doing this week and I say, "GOOD! I am great!" Because I am. I am out of the cloudy world that was me in Austin and Neil in San Antonio for 8 months. WE- my husband, my dogs, my cats and me- are all together again. Under a tin roof in a house with beautiful floors that's full of boxes... and all is right with the world again.
I am working with the CTWP doing instructional technology and it is lovely, fulfilling work. I am excited about starting school in the Fall. Despite my feeble attempts to keep visitors out of the house until I have put the house together... we have had so many visitors! Matt and Nichole, Zach, Brent, Shelly and Tucker, Alex and Brandon, Illy and Jeff, Missy and Kevin, Michele and Nolan, Debbie and Scott, and a few others, and our parents of course... have all already been to the "before" version of our new house. We've already had a cook-out! True to our style - we have jumped in life with no holds bar.
To date- we have found - a new cafe for casual date or lunches, a beautiful hill-side ride down Blanco, a market around the corner, and Lowes (of course I can not live without my second home ;) We found an out standing Thai food restaurant and have a few more recomendations on the list for future meals.
I miss my family and my friends terribly. But it will do me no good to dwell on that. For now, I have more than enough to keep me busy, happily busy.
I am working with the CTWP doing instructional technology and it is lovely, fulfilling work. I am excited about starting school in the Fall. Despite my feeble attempts to keep visitors out of the house until I have put the house together... we have had so many visitors! Matt and Nichole, Zach, Brent, Shelly and Tucker, Alex and Brandon, Illy and Jeff, Missy and Kevin, Michele and Nolan, Debbie and Scott, and a few others, and our parents of course... have all already been to the "before" version of our new house. We've already had a cook-out! True to our style - we have jumped in life with no holds bar.
To date- we have found - a new cafe for casual date or lunches, a beautiful hill-side ride down Blanco, a market around the corner, and Lowes (of course I can not live without my second home ;) We found an out standing Thai food restaurant and have a few more recomendations on the list for future meals.
I miss my family and my friends terribly. But it will do me no good to dwell on that. For now, I have more than enough to keep me busy, happily busy.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Transformation
A huge thank you to family and friends for your invaluable support and helping hands as Neil and I transition into a new chapter of our lives.
I'm thinking quite a bit about transition and transformation these days. It's rather tough any way you toss it. Growing pains and exhaustion mixed with new routines and unfamiliar roads. I have said, "Moving will show you what your are made of." Thankfully, Neil and I are on the home stretch.
Today I will gather the last of our things for the movers arrival tomorrow. I can't wait to see my kitties and take them to their new home. It will be so great to have everyone together again. I'm tired... too tired to think of anything else original to say. Neil, I'll be there tomorrow with boxes and bells on. We're almost there.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The last of the great divide!
Tonight is the last night Neil and I will have to spend sleeping and waking up in two different houses. After 8 looooong lonely months, this great divide has finally come to an end. I am so full of joy and excitement I can hardly sit still.
The joy of simple pleasures like waking up with your family, a house put together and the company of someone you love shall never be taken for granted in our clan.
Maybe this kind of anxiousness is exactly the kind of thing God prescribed for a girl leaving her hometown for a new one. OH! I don't know. I don't care. I just can't wait to see Neil, my dogs, and finally start getting settled in our new house.
Tick tock tick tock go go go go go go!... GLORY the day has finally come!
The joy of simple pleasures like waking up with your family, a house put together and the company of someone you love shall never be taken for granted in our clan.
Maybe this kind of anxiousness is exactly the kind of thing God prescribed for a girl leaving her hometown for a new one. OH! I don't know. I don't care. I just can't wait to see Neil, my dogs, and finally start getting settled in our new house.
Tick tock tick tock go go go go go go!... GLORY the day has finally come!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Mavelous Monday
There is never a bad time to count your blessings!
Monday is marvelous because...
1. My parents helped me pack up my 27ft moving truck and drive it to our new house... in true Burgie style, we muscled it out all in one evening... arriving in San Antonio at about midnight.
2. My amazing husband unloaded the truck all by himself, while his brain-fried wife ran errands back in Austin and the Kyle... forgetting one very important item... my bed for the weekend!
3. I am baby-sitting Lucy, one sweet, old black lab. She is precious and loving. She sticks by my side like glue wherever I go. Somehow, she has been an unexpected security blanket of sweetness and wisdom around me over a fragile weekend. I don't care what anyone says, Labs are the best dogs in the world. :)
4. We are in the very LAST week of school! Wah-HOO! It is rather bitter-sweet. Just as I have laid the groundwork for a bright future in my new school- I am leaving for the next frontier. Never have I worked in a school filled with so much experience and wisdom. Despite the older buildings- this place rings with energy and love, yes, I said it- love. The teachers here love each other and love these rascal kids too. I am hesitant to say any other campus will ever match the care and wisdom here. It's almost penetrable.
5. I have the week to prepare for summer training and clean house.
6. Went for a ride with Neil yesterday at the new frontier- scenic routes bursting with HiLls! Triathlon is only 7 days away!
7. Facing the day with optimism and confidence. Don't sweat the small stuff!
Monday is marvelous because...
1. My parents helped me pack up my 27ft moving truck and drive it to our new house... in true Burgie style, we muscled it out all in one evening... arriving in San Antonio at about midnight.
2. My amazing husband unloaded the truck all by himself, while his brain-fried wife ran errands back in Austin and the Kyle... forgetting one very important item... my bed for the weekend!
3. I am baby-sitting Lucy, one sweet, old black lab. She is precious and loving. She sticks by my side like glue wherever I go. Somehow, she has been an unexpected security blanket of sweetness and wisdom around me over a fragile weekend. I don't care what anyone says, Labs are the best dogs in the world. :)
4. We are in the very LAST week of school! Wah-HOO! It is rather bitter-sweet. Just as I have laid the groundwork for a bright future in my new school- I am leaving for the next frontier. Never have I worked in a school filled with so much experience and wisdom. Despite the older buildings- this place rings with energy and love, yes, I said it- love. The teachers here love each other and love these rascal kids too. I am hesitant to say any other campus will ever match the care and wisdom here. It's almost penetrable.
5. I have the week to prepare for summer training and clean house.
6. Went for a ride with Neil yesterday at the new frontier- scenic routes bursting with HiLls! Triathlon is only 7 days away!
7. Facing the day with optimism and confidence. Don't sweat the small stuff!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Moving 1 : Melanie 0
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
There is a song that I used to sing as a kid- the lyrics were:
"I am a promise. I am a possibility. I am a promise, with a capitol P!"
"And I am learning to hear God's voice, and I am trying to make the right choices
I'm a promise to be, anything God wants me to be"
These sweet lyrics come to mind today as I humbly scoop myself back up after a disappointing night. When we are disillusioned in ourselves we can be comforted by the promise that we are a work in progress. Even when we blow it- there is still good in us because there is God within us.
We don't give up, or beat ourselves up- we recognize that the possibility to grow has arrived and seize the opportunity to overcome a new challenge through the strength and discernment of the Lord.
I am fragile, but God's promises are strong.
I am unsure, but the possibility of good work in me will never be extinguished.
I am NOT perfect.
I am a promise.
I am a possibility.
There is a song that I used to sing as a kid- the lyrics were:
"I am a promise. I am a possibility. I am a promise, with a capitol P!"
"And I am learning to hear God's voice, and I am trying to make the right choices
I'm a promise to be, anything God wants me to be"
These sweet lyrics come to mind today as I humbly scoop myself back up after a disappointing night. When we are disillusioned in ourselves we can be comforted by the promise that we are a work in progress. Even when we blow it- there is still good in us because there is God within us.
We don't give up, or beat ourselves up- we recognize that the possibility to grow has arrived and seize the opportunity to overcome a new challenge through the strength and discernment of the Lord.
I am fragile, but God's promises are strong.
I am unsure, but the possibility of good work in me will never be extinguished.
I am NOT perfect.
I am a promise.
I am a possibility.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
"It's not the load that breaks you down - its the way you carry it."
Confession: Historically, I have had quite the meltdown every time I move. There's something about the masses of boxes full of stuff, and multitude of areas to clean, and oh my aching back! and gasp my empty pocketbook... that just sends me boo-hooing right over the edge.
I have decided that I will overcome this meltdown trigger. This whole orchestra of events has played out so amazingly- from finding a house, to finding a job/school and transitioning. I will choose to have faith that all of this moving will happen just as smoothly. I will not let my own teetering emotions get in the way, or turn an exciting thing into a stressful thing. If I am growing and simplifying... if will do me (or anybody else for that matter) no good to fall to pieces over a nest in disarray. I will not allow anxiety to steel my joy... even if that joy exists in the middle of a big fat mess.
Here's to minimal messes and minimal meltdowns ;)
Monday, May 17, 2010
Dear Brain...
Dear Brain,
I do not know where you are this morning. I thought you knew it was Monday and it was time to take care of business! However, you seem to be very tired to think or remember anything. Would you like some ginkoba biloba or something?
Weekend in review...
Left work early to book it through the storm to the new house SA.
We installed a beautiful new dishwasher! JOY! It is lovely and quiet with all of the features on my wish list.
We washes every kitchen cabinet and shelf and cut shelf paper for each drawer.
We cleaned the refrigerator and freezer AND oven.
We removed old vertical blinds.
We installed a few blinds, light bulbs and door exterior storage door knobs.
We uninstalled blinds, returned them and got different ones that block out more light so we can catch up on our much needed SLEEP! :)
Maisie pooped and peed in the house... twice! What the heck?!
I tried to teach her how to use the doggie door and she sat down with her back to me. Yes, I tried to lure her through with bacon treat and she still wouldn't budge which was quite shocking to me. What a tough cookie! Later that day, she did finally allow us to pull her through the dog door and then she was quite pleased. Baby steps, baby steps.
Kevin and Missy stopped by to say hello after a Sea World weekend with family. It was so fun to see them... even in the midst our housework haze.
Charge for this week:
Roof, floors, and packing.
Prepare for summer training for work.
Oh yes, I should train as my triathlon is 2 weeks away!
I know I can I know I can I know I can.
PS - Brain: we will go to bed early tonight.
I do not know where you are this morning. I thought you knew it was Monday and it was time to take care of business! However, you seem to be very tired to think or remember anything. Would you like some ginkoba biloba or something?
Weekend in review...
Left work early to book it through the storm to the new house SA.
We installed a beautiful new dishwasher! JOY! It is lovely and quiet with all of the features on my wish list.
We washes every kitchen cabinet and shelf and cut shelf paper for each drawer.
We cleaned the refrigerator and freezer AND oven.
We removed old vertical blinds.
We installed a few blinds, light bulbs and door exterior storage door knobs.
We uninstalled blinds, returned them and got different ones that block out more light so we can catch up on our much needed SLEEP! :)
Maisie pooped and peed in the house... twice! What the heck?!
I tried to teach her how to use the doggie door and she sat down with her back to me. Yes, I tried to lure her through with bacon treat and she still wouldn't budge which was quite shocking to me. What a tough cookie! Later that day, she did finally allow us to pull her through the dog door and then she was quite pleased. Baby steps, baby steps.
Kevin and Missy stopped by to say hello after a Sea World weekend with family. It was so fun to see them... even in the midst our housework haze.
Charge for this week:
Roof, floors, and packing.
Prepare for summer training for work.
Oh yes, I should train as my triathlon is 2 weeks away!
I know I can I know I can I know I can.
PS - Brain: we will go to bed early tonight.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Mother's Day
Mothers... what would we do without them?
What a great day to thank them for all they do. Neil and I are so grateful.
I have a half heavy heart. I found out a few days ago, my grandmother has lung cancer among other serious health complications that I already knew about. She has also been deep in dementia for a few years now. I have not seen her in a long time. I am ashamed to say that I did not have the courage to pick up the phone and call her yesterday.
The last few times we spoke on the phone- it just didn't feel like I was even talking to her. I know it's still her, but it's really not her. I know I am certainly not the first to wrap my head around this end of life journey, but I never knew I would fail her like this. I would pick up the phone and search for her number, but before I could push call- tears would begin to flow down my cheeks. I just couldn't do it. I wasn't strong enough to hold it together for her.
I usually try to find the silver lining in a situation- but I have so many thoughts about this I have no where else to put them but here on this blog.
Where has my courage gone? Even now as I write this, tears come as quickly as key strokes.
I know she will be happy to escape her sick body when the time comes.
Why am I so afraid and weak to face this stage of her life? to reach out to her?
Even in this situation, I can see God's grace around her. Though her mind does not allow her to grasp reality, she lives in her happiest memories of life- when her seven sons were young and her twin sister was as close as an arm's reach. Her medications keep her comfortable and as pain free as possible for now.
I selfishly want to remember our last fanciful conversation as our last. I am afraid to hear her in pain or in sadness.
I've never had to find this kind of strength before, but I guess it's time to find it. I'm going to learn more about this. And I'm going to find the strength to call before it's too late. `
What a great day to thank them for all they do. Neil and I are so grateful.
I have a half heavy heart. I found out a few days ago, my grandmother has lung cancer among other serious health complications that I already knew about. She has also been deep in dementia for a few years now. I have not seen her in a long time. I am ashamed to say that I did not have the courage to pick up the phone and call her yesterday.
The last few times we spoke on the phone- it just didn't feel like I was even talking to her. I know it's still her, but it's really not her. I know I am certainly not the first to wrap my head around this end of life journey, but I never knew I would fail her like this. I would pick up the phone and search for her number, but before I could push call- tears would begin to flow down my cheeks. I just couldn't do it. I wasn't strong enough to hold it together for her.
I usually try to find the silver lining in a situation- but I have so many thoughts about this I have no where else to put them but here on this blog.
Where has my courage gone? Even now as I write this, tears come as quickly as key strokes.
I know she will be happy to escape her sick body when the time comes.
Why am I so afraid and weak to face this stage of her life? to reach out to her?
Even in this situation, I can see God's grace around her. Though her mind does not allow her to grasp reality, she lives in her happiest memories of life- when her seven sons were young and her twin sister was as close as an arm's reach. Her medications keep her comfortable and as pain free as possible for now.
I selfishly want to remember our last fanciful conversation as our last. I am afraid to hear her in pain or in sadness.
I've never had to find this kind of strength before, but I guess it's time to find it. I'm going to learn more about this. And I'm going to find the strength to call before it's too late. `
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
SmileChoice
Smilechoice hear my voice
I woke up without you, but I will find you...Did you get lost in the wash?
Follow the light, see the sun beams and sparkles?
You can see them; they are there... look ha-ha-hard!
1,2,3,4 blessings fall like gumdrop rain...
Just try to count them!
Smilechoice, I thought I had lost you this morning...
But no! You were right here all along.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Letting go...
Since Neil's accident, and the events following- life and the way I saw it changed irrevocably and purposefully.
Through that experience, I let go of many of the perspectives and values I had known to be true because I was brought to a new place where NOTHING looked and felt the same as it did before. A place of surrender, humility, and peace. I must say the lens is still clearing, but I know enough now to speak of what I see and feel in a semi-cohesive way.
I attended an event at my church a few weeks ago called- Sisterhood. My pastor's wife spoke about the dynamics among women using a ladder image. Have you ever been around another woman who could not be happy for or express genuine love and joy for another woman? Instead said woman is catty, mean or competitive- taking opportunities to put others down, point out flaws, brag about themselves and highlight possible shortcomings in others directly or indirectly. These women are "on the ladder" so to speak. They cannot lift up others because that would mean another person is on the same "step", or a higher step then herself!
But God wants us to "GET OFF THE LADDER!" As Christians, we are to love and lift up others, not try and outdo them or make ourselves look better than them. When you get off the ladder, jealousy and pettiness disappear from your heart, freeing you to experience joy and peace in your relationships. Some women will stay on the ladder, but what they don't realize is it is awfully lonely at the top of the ladder, and once you're there - there is no where to go but back down again!
The message gave me a great image to use as a daily reminder of joyfulness and certainly a part of my new lens for my life- I lift up others because I am called to do so. I can let go of all the rest...
My closing thought is our sisterhood cheer:
Don't wallow with the wah wahs! Run with the rah rahs!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Landmarks
Tonight will be our first night as an almost complete family in our new house. The dogs and I will drive down and stay for the weekend in the new house with Neil. I packed up the car last night with many necessities, although it felt more like preparing for a camping trip than the first leg of a move. A new water softener and water heater are coming today! Some minor repairs and major cleaning to be done tomorrow. So tonight is a landmark as well- the first night of life in our new house.
Overwhelmed? Slightly. So I'm just going to keep swimming with my eyes on the prize!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Go tell it on the mountain?
The desire to allow my "striving to be Christ-like" actions to speak louder than words seemed dignified and correct. People who constantly spat "christian jargon and catch-phrases" drove me crazy and sometimes made my skin crawl. I used to think, "Shut up already! Stop talking the talk and walk the walk!" (...which is slightly ironic because that very thought could be considered a catch-phase...)
I once heard someone say, "God was telling them to do (fill in the blank) something" every week... every week "God's voice" was saying something different than just days prior... was that GOD'S VOICE? or just hormones?
There's no judgment or abrasion intended here... just my own reflection on how we talk about and live out our faith in relation to the world around us. I'm wondering what gives with ME?
Why, all of the sudden, I can't help from speaking of my faith and God all the time?
On one hand, I feel empowered share the amazing ways I see God working in my life and filled with joy, like the song...
Gooooo tell it on the mountain! Over the hills and everywhere!
One the other hand, I wonder, am I becoming one of those annoying people?
What happens when you speak of your faith to others? Will it evoke the same judgment I used to scorn upon other jargon-slinging bible-beaters? Is our faith a conversation to save for "opportunities"? Should you apply a filter to your "faith talk" just as you should to your politics, sex and financial talk? If so, I think my filter may have a hole in it lately. For now, I'll ponder patching it up. Penny for your thoughts on the matter?
In the meantime, I'll share my "faith talk" here, in a space to take account, reflect and celebrate.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Joy abounds, exploring new grounds...
Rejoice in the Lord for He has good things for us.
His blessing given in perfect timing, unexpected and far superior to our own design.
What a King, what a King we serve!
I am thankful for the freedom and boldness to say-
Thank you Lord for bringing peace to my pathway
Thank you Lord for making masterpiece from clay
Thank you Lord for giving me a bright new day
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
It's Baaaaacck!
Crazy Nesting Syndrome that is! If you are not familiar with this disorder, it is a tricky one! The purchase of our new house has caused a relapse in my Crazy Nesting Syndrome.
Yesterday, I looked at the photos of our new house no less than 5 times in one day! I tore pages from catalogs and stashed them in a folder labeled- House Inspiration!
I have a blank canvas... and somewhere between fireplace facades and entertainment center designs... the creative energy was unleashed like a wild banshee and the ideas began to flow like free samples at YumiYougurt!
I can hardly focus at work, the temptation to surf over to pottery barn and hgtv is bringing a full court press. Want a sneak peak at my new design challenges? Enjoy these before pictures because the Boecking Home Makeover is about to begin!
What would you do with this patio? next to this pool? ...outdoor dining and conversation...
How about this fireplace? ... stone, art or wood...?
How about this master bedroom?
...matching fireplaces? re-cover the custom valences or toss them?...
It may be silly to blog about decorating and design... but it is one of life's (my) little joys! A new house feels like Christmas morning and I just can't wait to make it a home for Neil and I and our four furry children. Did I mention the finished dog run... oh glo-RY!
“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.”
Leaving the life we have built for so many years in our home city is tough, but the hope and promise of a new adventure in a new city is exciting. We knew from the beginning that the Great Guider wold have to orchestrate the many factors of a move. Glory and praise are in order as we prepare to begin this new chapter in our life. May we be blessed and bring Him honor in our all of our adventures to come.
Yesterday, I looked at the photos of our new house no less than 5 times in one day! I tore pages from catalogs and stashed them in a folder labeled- House Inspiration!
I have a blank canvas... and somewhere between fireplace facades and entertainment center designs... the creative energy was unleashed like a wild banshee and the ideas began to flow like free samples at YumiYougurt!
I can hardly focus at work, the temptation to surf over to pottery barn and hgtv is bringing a full court press. Want a sneak peak at my new design challenges? Enjoy these before pictures because the Boecking Home Makeover is about to begin!
What would you do with this patio? next to this pool? ...outdoor dining and conversation...
How about this fireplace? ... stone, art or wood...?
How about this master bedroom?
...matching fireplaces? re-cover the custom valences or toss them?...
It may be silly to blog about decorating and design... but it is one of life's (my) little joys! A new house feels like Christmas morning and I just can't wait to make it a home for Neil and I and our four furry children. Did I mention the finished dog run... oh glo-RY!
“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.”
Leaving the life we have built for so many years in our home city is tough, but the hope and promise of a new adventure in a new city is exciting. We knew from the beginning that the Great Guider wold have to orchestrate the many factors of a move. Glory and praise are in order as we prepare to begin this new chapter in our life. May we be blessed and bring Him honor in our all of our adventures to come.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
One YEAR
Neil and I celebrated our one year anniversary on the 11th.
What a year it has been. Where do I even start?
A year of new perspectives, faith and miracles.
A year of love, growth and new directions.
Our families have supported us through this tender first year of marriage.
I am more in love with Neil than I even knew possible.
I remember the day I married him before our family, friends and God. What a glorious day it was. One year has past since then and so much has changed.
Yesterday, Neil and I closed on our new house our new city.
We spent our anniversary eating at our place where is all began 4 years ago. A great dinner at a local restaurant Mirabelle. The place we went on our first date.
We also headed out to Wimberley to shop around and enjoy the beautiful views of Driftwood Estate Winery. We visited there on our mini-honeymoon and just loved it.
By the end of the day, we were happy and hopeful for another wonderful year to come. We tasted our wedding cake... which was better than expected after a year in the freezer.
April 11 - Happy Anniversary! I love you Neil!
The best is yet to come...
Friday, April 23, 2010
Friday Stream of Consciousness
Friday, busy day.
Nose hurts, head hurts- keep ignoring it and I can conquer the pain.
Maisie dug a hole in the yard again this morning.
I never knew how much my dogs pooped until I had to pick it up every morning.
Need to get the yard guy over again... so much rain everything is growing, blooming & growing some more!
Laundry to do. Oil change needed. Packing to do. E-mails to do. Gifts to wrap. Scooter to sell. Papers to file. Return the blockbuster movies after they were stuck in my brother-in-law's garage for a freaking week!
Need to work out- the week flew by with no gym time... eeeekkkkk!
5 more weeks of work in Round Rock... wow, what a quick year.
5 more weeks of living in Austin... change is in the air.
Hope the right buyer finds the Austin house soon.
So excited to begin life in the San Antonio with Neil.
I miss Neil. Going for a run/ride after work today.
Fish and vegatables for dinner... or maybe kabobs.
Gray's party Saturday, Andre's party Sunday. Lunch at Country Line after church.
Oh, what a busy, busy world. So thankful the week is over. Buckle up here comes the weekend.
Nose hurts, head hurts- keep ignoring it and I can conquer the pain.
Maisie dug a hole in the yard again this morning.
I never knew how much my dogs pooped until I had to pick it up every morning.
Need to get the yard guy over again... so much rain everything is growing, blooming & growing some more!
Laundry to do. Oil change needed. Packing to do. E-mails to do. Gifts to wrap. Scooter to sell. Papers to file. Return the blockbuster movies after they were stuck in my brother-in-law's garage for a freaking week!
Need to work out- the week flew by with no gym time... eeeekkkkk!
5 more weeks of work in Round Rock... wow, what a quick year.
5 more weeks of living in Austin... change is in the air.
Hope the right buyer finds the Austin house soon.
So excited to begin life in the San Antonio with Neil.
I miss Neil. Going for a run/ride after work today.
Fish and vegatables for dinner... or maybe kabobs.
Gray's party Saturday, Andre's party Sunday. Lunch at Country Line after church.
Oh, what a busy, busy world. So thankful the week is over. Buckle up here comes the weekend.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Prayer on a Gray Day
Friday.
School starts with tardy students- released late from barricaded neighborhoods...
Shots fired, Officer Down. Saved by grace and a bullet proof vest.
Gray clouds and baggy jeans hang low
Blasting i-pods and wet, shiny concrete around campus
Big kids begging for boundaries and screaming for attention
I do what I can to reach who I can, but do my words fall on closed ears or open ears?
The rainy weather and Spring hormones make for restless, rambunctious souls.
A population divided- one conversation circles admission to college, another the f-word
A high school microcosm of baby adults trying to find a branch to hang on to in the wind storm that is their morning.
The aire of the end of an era percolates through the roof and the floors and the walls, hitting virgin noses- and again a duel effect.
One student carefully prepares to soar away, another unsuspecting who stirs like a caged animal that senses an approaching storm.
May prayers shelter these young ones with umbrellas of grace.
Make haste my God, may they hear Your voice.
I claim these students in Your name.
May the work of their hands be blessed and good.
May their steps find solid rock.
May their lives find purpose and dignity.
May their dreams survive the fight.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Baby Steps to Triathalete!
Yesterday Alex and I met with our new trainer. He has finished many races including an ironman (which is ca-ca-ca-caRAzy)! The point being he helped us out with our first open water swim in the lake. Mind you it is warm in our part of Texas, but not THAT warm. In the spirit of ripping off the band-aide I plunged in from the deck... OH MY GOSH was it breath-takingly cold. Instantly, my heart raced a mile a minute and I think I was making some strange shoutish sounds like, "Oh! AH! EEHH! OOO! It's COLD! I can't breath! Why is everybody but me in a wetsuit!?!"
"Start swimming!" they shouted to me.
And swim I did! I'm not sure if it was the freezing water temperature or the intimidating fact that I could not see a foot in front of me in the murky green water- but as I finished my trainer declared that he was quite impressed with my speed.
Thennnnn, Alex and I practiced our technique in the pool, thennnnnn we headed to Town Lake for a run. We managed 2 miles and then called it quits for dinner time at Whole Foods. It was a great baby step in my journey to becoming a triathlete... or at least a triathlon completer. :)
I KNOW I CAN I KNOW I CAN I KNOW I CAN!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
I know I can I know I can I know I can!
Do you remember the story of the little engine that could?
Lately, I have been very attracted to simple lessons and messages of truth.
In this children's story, a little train engine decides to climb a mountain. This charming story teaches children that's is good to be brave, to try hard, to believe that you can do it. If you keep trying, you will achieve your goal.
As adults we may look at the goals of a child as easy to achieve, but this is only from our perspective. As adults, we may see our goals as difficult or impossible to achieve. Maybe a goal feels like climbing a mountain- each step is a little scary and movement is a struggle.
No matter what happens, or how difficult a goal gets- we must stay focused and keep trying. Never give up! Achieving my goal begins with me, my thinking, my FAITH that I can find victory through that struggle.
Sometimes I feel like the little engine that thought I could but then I didn't... like a little train sliding backwards down a mountain, the guilt and shame pile on top of my head which makes me feel like a failure. But this feeling is false, and I tell you what I tell myself- dump that toxic cargo!
God promises us:
"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." ALL things, that means any mountain and any goal. Through Christ, we have more that the little engine that thought he could!
We do not have to say... I think I can I think I can...
We can say... I KNOW I CAN I KNOW I CAN! I know I can because it is Christ who strengthens me!
Lord, thank You for giving me the strength to KNOW I can do all things through You!
Thank you for a new day! Thank you for mountains and truth.
Glory to God in the highest! The King of Kings reigns in my heart!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
How RUUUUDE!
As you know I am training for a triathlon. Last night I headed, rather tired, to the gym to swim. The lanes were full so I waited until I thought I saw a man gesture me to share his lane with him. As he was a safe distance away, I hoped in, adjusted my new goggles and took off swimming. Just as I am about halfway down the pool, SMASH! We smacked each other in the head - strait on! We both popped out of the water shocked and throbing! I was so stunned, I stood motionless applying direct pressure on my forehead. "WELL! I guess you are sharing this lane with me!" this blanketlyblank shouts at me. (By this time all other swimmers have stopped swimming and are staring at us. "Yes," I say softly, "I tried to get your attention and I thought you saw me."
"Well, try to stay out of my way!" he barks and takes off again.
Out of sheer pride, I swam 5 more laps, all the while, my head throbbing and I was crying on the inside. How could someone be so rude? How do you smash someone in the head and then yell at them? Even if this was my fault (which it was clearly an accident) one would still say, "Are you okay?" WHAT A JERK!
I slunk out of the gym not long after I had entered. Tears poured from my now pulsating head all the way home and into the shower. I'm not sure what hurt more, my head, or the jab to my heart from such a "tough guy."
I thought about what I could DO about such a shameful situation:
A. Call the gym and complain of this dill weed and how it's a liability to have such recklessness and discourtesy in the gym. They should post a new sign in the pool to make sure people know they are expected to be courteous- better yet a lifeguard!
B. Wait for this floppyfish to come out of the pool and use my Imeanbusiness voice to tell him just how "tough" it really is to smash someone in the head and then yell at them in front of the whole pool. AND how I would want that kind of karma on my conscious in this day and age! AND how if my husband or any other REAL MAN would have seen that he probably would have yanked you right out my your too small speedo and... well- you get the picture.
C. Or... another option. Go home, take a hot shower, cook dinner and share champagne with Neil. Tend to my head with an advil and a little prayer, and even say a little prayer for that grumpy hammerhead numb nuts that did this to me. There's something to be learned from not fighting back. I guess today I have to figure that out.
What would YOU choose?
Each time I look in the mirror today at the bump on my head- I will say a little prayer for rude people. Anger and bumps both fade with time. I'll do my best to replace the ugly with the good.
image: www.rude-world.co.uk/
Monday, April 5, 2010
BIG NEWS!
Well, I just cannot hold it in anymore!
The BIG NEWS is out!
Neil and I are moving to San Antonio!
We bought a house last week and I received my acceptance letter to begin my Ph.D. this morning!
Neil and I have been prayerfully house-hunting since October. It was around then that Neil came to the old, but true adage- 'If you want something done right, you need to do it yourself.'
Neil wanted to run the San Antonio clinic himself. We believed that the path for our future would be revealed to us in perfect timing. Neil dealt with a brutal work commute. I dealt with an empty house. We researched communities, school districts, and life possibilities with the hope that doors would be opened or shut accordingly.
Along the journey- I decided that I would like to get my Ph.D. I had been thinking about this for a while- but all of the sudden the timing seemed perfect. UTSA was only minutes away from Neil's clinic and the campus is brand new and beautiful. The university is about the same size as TxState's which makes for a phenomenal learning environment. In the meantime, I began the application process, the interview process and then back to the waiting game.
Last week, I hoped in the car after a run and found this text from Neil, 'We just put an offer on a house!' Neil knew what I would like and jumped on a great deal. Our bid was the best and we got the house! The next day, I got to see it. Would you trust your significant other to buy a house before you saw it? Neil did a great job- I didn't find an ounce of worry- only excitement to see what would be our new home in our new city.
And this morning- I received an e-mail from UTSA. I am officially admitted and will begin as a full time Ph.D student next Fall.
The pieces are coming together in a beautiful way. The chapter of our first year of marriage was certainly full of unexpected events, twists and turns. The Heavenly Author writes His masterpiece- and I strive to grasp it's message.
I know I am not in control.
I know we can face anything together.
I know it is good.
Today is a day of praise and celebration in our house.
Glory and joy abound! Praise Him, Praise Him!
Glory and joy abound! Praise Him, Praise Him!
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:14
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Sticks and Stones...
Sticks and Stones will break your bones, but words will change a life!
A school assignment required a student to record a conversation or verbal reaction to various topics and situations. That conversation was then transcribed and analyzed. As a teacher discussed her motivation as a professional- certain words and ideas became evident through repetition and emphasis. Upon further examination - the subject's words revealed her mentality- which ultimately dictated the direction of her life.
The words we release begin as our framework of thinking. Our thinking guides our actions. Think of how a kind word from a stranger can surprise a smile out of you.
Think of how loving support from your best friend can clear away the sadness or uncertainty in your heart.
Think of how wonderful you feel when your significant other says they are proud of you.
If a stranger recorded my conversations all day long- what would they think of me? Would they analyze a positive thinker? Would they hear the words of a role model? Would they hear words of someone who builds others up in love?
Our words go beyond the skin and surface to the hearts and minds of others. Our words effect the lives of others. I want to speak love and grace upon others. I want to encourage them and identify victories and wonders.
I imagine that my words are a stone thrown into the water- once I release them- I cannot get them back. The stone's ripples penetrate outward from the intended point of impact and reach places and people in unexpected ways.
Speaking with love and thoughtfulness is a simple and powerful way to send joy and strength to those around us.
Here's to having some of that on our 'tape-recorders' this week. :)
Image: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/94/240808445_32148492a9.jpg
Monday, March 22, 2010
Adorable Niece and Nephews
This weekend was E's 4th birthday party at Soccer Zone... an indoor soccer facility with moonwalks too. The perfect place for little rug-rats to run a muck, kicking balls, jumping hurdles and bouncing their brains out in the moonwalks.
Here are some adorable moments from the weekend...
B (6) whizzes by me. She looks like a young lady already and really loves her girlfriend L.
"B, how are you today?!"
"Great! I have crazy hair!"
"Yes, I see, you have lots of grass in your hair..."
"I know! L put it in there! It's so crazy!"
E (4) opens his gift from Neil and I: a gun that shoots launches a glider plane.
"Wow! It's a GUN... But it's for KIDS!"
Later at B&A's house... we looked at their remodeling plans and talked basketball and babies (Baby #3 will join the crew in September).
Ax (2) wakes up from his nap, but where did he go? We find him in the guest room where he proceeds to climb up on the bed.
"Me jump!" Bounce Bounce from feet to bottom where he erupts into a fit of laughter...
"Monkey!" he exclaims! Laughing his head off.
His little brother, Ad, watched and grinned... I'm sure he will follow suit in no time. But, for now he is cuddly and adorable with a toothy grin from ear to ear.
Here are some adorable moments from the weekend...
B (6) whizzes by me. She looks like a young lady already and really loves her girlfriend L.
"B, how are you today?!"
"Great! I have crazy hair!"
"Yes, I see, you have lots of grass in your hair..."
"I know! L put it in there! It's so crazy!"
E (4) opens his gift from Neil and I: a gun that shoots launches a glider plane.
"Wow! It's a GUN... But it's for KIDS!"
Later at B&A's house... we looked at their remodeling plans and talked basketball and babies (Baby #3 will join the crew in September).
Ax (2) wakes up from his nap, but where did he go? We find him in the guest room where he proceeds to climb up on the bed.
"Me jump!" Bounce Bounce from feet to bottom where he erupts into a fit of laughter...
"Monkey!" he exclaims! Laughing his head off.
His little brother, Ad, watched and grinned... I'm sure he will follow suit in no time. But, for now he is cuddly and adorable with a toothy grin from ear to ear.
Ask
I left church thinking about one word : ask.
There are many places in the Bible and circumstances in life that connect to that concept.
What do we ask of each other?
What do we ask of God?
What does God ask of us?
We ask for God's guidance and favor.
God asks us to trust Him and do what is asked of us.
Sometimes, God asks us to do things we do not understand, or to act in blind faith.
In these times, our emotions can rise up and create noise in our hearts and minds.
When I am able to clear out the noise, I can focus on my faith and finding the understanding of truly trusting God. This faithful trust is quite different that the comfy, everyday I say I'm faith-filled so I am kind of faith. That is the "review sheet faith." (The easy, worry-free faith.) I'm talking about the "testing day faith." (This is the... I don't know what's coming at me faith... The 'what if' faith).
I will not listen to the 'what if' noise. Look at my Father's track record... He has never failed me. In fact, my Father's will for me far surpasses anything I can imagine.
The sooner I get out of his way- the sooner He will bring glory to my day.
May my thoughts be faithful, pure and still.
May I see Your glory everywhere.
May I do with gladness what You ask of me.
May I bring You honor and shine bright with your joy.
Matt. 7:7-11
7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Philly
My little boy cat brings me so much joy. We almost didn't get him! When I went to adopt a kitty from the Town Lake Shelter- I picked out his sister. Neil came along and saw Philly in the tiny kennel and said, "Wow! This is a good looking kitten!" That was how Phil made his way in to our hearts... his striking good looks.
Upon further internet research- we found his unique chirps and larger stature compared to his sister to indicate his breed- a mainecoon! These cats can grow for several years- sometimes to 20+ lbs! They are friendly, smart, social and his sister even fetches like a dog.
His little personality is so charming; I have been smitten with his since the day he arrived home. He is so cuddley, and never leaves my side when I am sick. He loves to invent games and attack technics. As I make my bed in the morning - Philly jumps onto the top of our headboard... waits for the duvets to move and then POUNCES! It is one of the only things that can crack my smile in the waking hour.
Here is at 6 mo. old. His adult coat is coming in - and he's found a new perch to note the backyard goings on. He perches in this comfy chair or on top of a cigar humidor... such a male- go figure!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Open Hands
Open hands cannot hold a tight grip
Open hands cannot move and manipulate
Open hands cannot block or strike
Open hands help with hope
Open hands embrace with faith
Open hands receive with love
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
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