She Did It!

I love my little sister for a million and one reasons.

She is caring and kind. She is thoughtful and she is generous. She is loyal and she is hard-working. She knows how to make me laugh, or put me in my place, or push me to be my best, or simply love me no matter what. She is a beautiful person, and a very strong woman. Two of the most admirable qualities to me about Abbie, however, are her perseverance and determination.

She does not give up.

Many people probably don’t know that when Abbie was in 5th grade, she had to write a report for school. A story about her life. Included was her family, her faith, her activities, and what she wanted to do with her future. In this report, Abbie said that she wanted to attend the University of Texas at Austin, and swim for them…one of the best programs in the country.

And she did!

She set her mind to her goal, and did not quit until it was achieved. I am so proud of Abbie! She has persevered through so much, she has never given up, and she has always followed her heart.

I can truly say that one of God’s greatest gifts to me has been Abbie, and I will never stop being amazed by her! She is such a role model to me, and though she is my younger sister, I look up to her so much.

I love you, Baby Bugs, and I cannot wait to see where you will go from here!! And I know no matter where it is, with your hard work and determination, you will go far!

Taking the Commercial Out of Christmas

I love Christmas, there is just no doubt.

Though it does not hold the honor of being my favorite holiday (that title belongs to The 4th of July), it does inspire and excite me.

I love decorating the Christmas tree, listening to the cheerful and familiar Christmas songs that seem to follow me throughout my day, everywhere I go. I love my mom’s homemade Christmas cookies, and Starbucks Christmas cups. I love hunting for the perfect gift for my husband, and I love how the brisk temperature matches the brisk pace that everyone seems to be moving at as they scurry from store to store. I love opening the mail to find Christmas cards from friends and family, and I love how every year, “It’s A Wonderful Life” becomes a little more potent, and relevant to my own life.

I love this season.

But, the older I have gotten, the more I have grown to appreciate all that lays behind the commercialized exterior of this holiday.
Yes, I have grown up learning about the birth of Christ and the significance of the Virgin Mary, the manger in which Jesus was placed, and the Shepherds and Wise Men who celebrated His birth. But something new has utterly struck me this year.

Christmas, obviously more than just gift exchanges and festive decorations, is about a beginning. The Beginning. The Birth of Christ. The start of His life among us.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” -Isaiah 9:6

The first Christmas, thousands of years ago, changed the whole world—changed my life—forever. Millions of people anticipate New Year’s every year as a way to make a resolution to live better. Whether their ambitions involve their weight, career, love life, or any number of checks off the “Bucket List” everyone can agree that it is a time to evaluate where you are, and where you want to be. But for me, this year, I am seeing Christmas in this way. My faith in God is like a breath of fresh air, every time I breath in—say a prayer, or pursue Him through reading the Bible--I feel refreshed, renewed. And that is what my sentiment is as Christmas approaches. The gift of Jesus, the tiny baby born in an unassuming barn, has given me hope. A fresh start.
So how am I to respond? How am I to take this opportunity, this gift, and begin again? I do not know what God has in store, or what my life may hold as I move forward, all I know is that He is faithful. And His Gift remains.

Taking the “commercial” out of Christmas has allowed me to open my eyes to the real gift that God has given. It has enabled me to really evaluate where I am at, where I want to be. I am not making any resolutions, as I am in the habit of dismissing those all too quickly, but rather, I am making a decision. To use this time to thank God for the gift of His Son, for the gift of Life. To seize this opportunity to live more fully in Him, and to be continually grateful for the grace that He has so abundantly given me.

Idiosyncra​sies

In other words, what makes me uniquely me.
The other night, while I was fancifully decorating our home for Christmas, my charming hubby came up to me, engulfed me in a hug, and said,“Come here, Freckles".

Pause.

If you know me at all, even a LITTLE bit, you know I detest my freckles…the reasoning is another story for another time, but think: 3rd grade, boys on the playground, relentless teasing.
For the most part, the freckles I had in 3rd grade have all but disappeared. But the sensitivity to the teasing is still there, and, in the entirety of our relationship, Brian has never called me this nickname. It did not sit well. But while my reaction was less than delighted at his harmless moniker, he was left bewildered. Never had he intended insult, and upon my explaining my disdain for the name, he became further confused.

His point of view being that I should be glad that he loves me the way I am (he ALWAYS insists that I do not wear makeup—and true to this, he always says how beautiful I am when I do not). And what is more, he says I should be glad he notices little details about me…my idiosyncrasies; quirks and characteristics unique to me. And truth be told, after a day or so of mulling this around in my head, I am glad for this. I am so thankful that I can be myself around him.

I can tell stupid jokes, or dance around madly, or quietly cry on his shoulder. I can wear makeup and heels, or waltz around bare-faced and bare-footed. Perfection is something I will never attain, but I am so thankful for a husband who loves me where I am at…though he is constantly pushing me to be a better person at the same time.

Looking at myself through his eyes makes me realize that maybe, just maybe, even my freckles are not so bad.

ThankFULL

I am so thankful, and today, with Thanksgiving upon us, seems the perfect time to count my blessings.

I am thankful for my relationship with God—the hope and peace that comes from knowing Him. I am thankful for my husband, and am amazed that I get to wake up every day next to my best friend, my better half. I am thankful for my Mom, for the unending love and support she freely offers. I am thankful for my Dad—the strong leader he is-- I am so proud to resemble him in any small way. I am thankful for Abbie Ann, who I can always count on for a fun time, or a heartfelt talk . I am thankful for Mike and Mere, and the tremendous example they are to me of a strong and mature marriage. I am thankful for Dan and Tylie—the amazing parents that they have become, and the wonderful friends they’ve always been. I am thankful for my beautiful and bright niece, Saffryn Mary, and my joyful and loving nephew Pierce James—they complete our family so wonderfully! I am thankful for Gammie and Gampie, and the love and encouragement that they provide. I am thankful for Grandma and all the wisdom she has given—and the Godly example she is. I am thankful for my extended family, and the support that they never cease to offer. I am thankful for my new family, particularly Pete and Denise, and how I am blessed to now have two sets of amazing parents.

I am thankful for my friends, and all of the laughter and tears, secrets and celebrations we have shared over the years. I am thankful for their loyalty, their honesty, and their ability to push me and to love me where I am at. I am thankful for my health, and the health of everyone I love so dearly. I am thankful for my freedom, and I am thankful to be an American citizen. I am thankful for our military that has fought so hard to make this a reality for me, and millions of others. I am thankful for my education, and all that I have learned—both in and out of the classroom. I am thankful for my home, and all the joy it brings to share it with my husband. I am thankful for Froggie—he is the bright side of so many days.

I am thankful for my job. For the opportunities surrounding me while living in Dallas. For hard times that make me grow. I am thankful for sunrises. For my passion for running. For lilies and orchids. For music. I am thankful for all of the traveling I have been able to do. For photography. For the majestic mountains. For the sand between my toes on the beach. I am thankful for sunshine. For rainy days. For laughter. For good conversation. I am thankful for coffee. For weekends. For celebrations. For my passion for writing.

I am thankful, so thankful, for my future. I future to share with my husband, and my family. A future in my career, and a future in which to have children. I do not know where life will take me, or what it will look like, but today, I am thankful for my life. For the people who have made it what it is, who have loved me, supported me, challenged me, prayed for me, encouraged me, and fought for me-- for my future.

Today, I am full of thankfulness.

Today you are Two

Happy Birthday to my sweet-and-sassy, cute-as-can-be, beautiful baby niece, Saffryn Mary!

What a joy you are to watch grow!! You are so smart--constantly questioning what is going on around you. You are such a wonderful big sister, always concerned with Pierce's well-being. And you are such a loving and caring little girl. You bring so much joy to your Mom and Dad, and your whole family. I am so blessed to be your Auntie. Happy Birthday, Sweet Saffryn, I cannot believe that you are TWO!

I love you!!!

My "Venti, Bold, No Room" Moments

Sometimes it is the smallest events that truly make my day.
I may be simple minded, easily entertained, or maybe—just maybe—I am learning to live in the moment, to appreciate it more; a tremendous goal of mine.

Today, as I treated myself to a trip to Starbucks (a rare occasion, but much needed after this week), I stood in the obnoxiously long line behind a man with whom, by first glance, I thought I had just one thing in common. He was a runner--literally just wrapping up a run--as am I.

But lo and behold, as he made his way to the front of the line, he confidently ordered a “Venti, Bold, No Room”. Now, for all of you Starbucks lovers out there, it would be of little importance that the customer in front of you spoke in “Starbucks lingo” and ordered your drink. BUT, as previously mentioned, I do not frequent this coffee shop, and so did not know how to order my drink "in lingo".

I do now. Thank you, Random Runner/Man with good coffee taste!

My small accomplishment of today is I no longer have to fumble over my coffee order, answering superfluous questions about cream and sugar from the barista.

Yesterday, coming off an extremely introspective and self-analyzing mood, I walked in to an after school program for underprivileged elementary students (a volunteer assignment I had signed up for). As I stepped in to the classroom, several little girls flocked to my side and smothered me in hugs. They wanted to know all about my life, and, likewise, wanted to share every detail of theirs. They were so sweet, inquisitive, and genuine. The minute I walked in, I was flooded with a feeling of gratitude to these little kids. They represent all that is right with the world. They are full of hope, love and faith in what is good.

Yesterday, by stepping outside of my normal routine and taking time to talk to some adorable children, I was, in return, rewarded with the perspective of a child. They truly live in the moment, and they give with everything that they have. A concept that is so easily lost in the throes of the “real world”. These kids were able to pull me out of my introspection, and remind me that there are more important things than focusing on myself, or my fleeting problems.

I am thankful for these little moments. These asides from the normalcy in my day are what cause me to grow. To be thankful for what I have, to see other people in their situations more clearly. My prayer is that I never grow too busy, too focused on myself, to appreciate the people and the happenings around me. I genuinely hope each day to pause long enough to help someone else—or myself—to take time to appreciate the smallest detail, or the simplest joy.

You Can Dress Him Up & You Can Take Him Out

My husband is the best date I could ever ask for.

Last weekend, at one of my closest friend’s weddings—where he knew me, her and one other bridesmaid—he stepped up. He ended up making friends with the father of the bride, the father of the groom, brothers and grandmother of the bride, and the pastor who officiated the ceremony…among others.

You can certainly take this man anywhere. He is a great dance partner and I love the way he spins me around the floor. He is friendly, incredibly social, and fun, and he knows how to be the life of the party. But at the same time, he knows how to make someone else feel like they are.

Bottom line is I was so thankful to have him by my side to share in such a beautiful celebration. And I am so thankful to have him next to me, as my partner, for life.

I am blessed to be married to my best friend.

There is no one whom I would rather share the dance floor, the many celebrations that may come, or my entire life with.

A Match Made in...

You guessed it: Heaven.

This past weekend, I had the honor and privilege of being a part of Audra and Charles Long’s wedding. These two were made for each other and it was such a joy to see them so in love, and finally getting married!

Audra and Charles are some of the most hard-working, driven, kind, and sincere people I know. They are inspiring to watch, as they continually put each other first, and selflessly care for their relationship above their own individual wants or needs.

I am so, so happy for you both and pray God’s richest blessings on your marriage, and your future together!

I love you and Congratulations!!!

What a Beautiful Legacy

The older I get, the more I realize that I do not know. It is a harsh but true epiphany and with it comes the overwhelming sensation of desperation. I do not know what to do at times--in fact, more times than not I am at a complete loss, I am not always sure how to proceed in any given circumstance, and the future is a tremendous unknown full of potential opportunities and certain mistakes. 

In summation, this is my life. Not all together different than anyone else's from this standpoint. Scary, exciting, turbulent, dynamic, and hard.

The other day, when these overwhelming thoughts were consuming me, I began to think of my grandparents.

Random, I know, but allow me to explain.

I am a firm believer in the old adage: "There is nothing new under the sun", and when I look at my grandparents I am comforted by this thought. These people, whom I absolutely adore, know what I am going through.

Every situation I may find myself in, from life-changing decisions, to petty issues among family members, they have been there. And not only have they been there, but they have overcome that situation, they have learned from it, and they have moved on.

I am so thankful for the examples that they set for my life. My grandparents are strong, honest, hard-working individuals. They are firm in their beliefs and their values and they are the proud patriarchs of two great families.

I am humbled by the insight that they have, the experiences they have been through. I love that I can go to them with any circumstance and not only do they bestow their wisdom, they also shed perspective on that particular situation for me. What I may deem in the heat of the moment as a dire circumstance, they know to be a minor speed bump along the road of life. 

They have had many celebrations over the course of their lives, and they are the first to celebrate with me. They have also had their share of heartaches and tragedies, and they never cease to be there for me through my hard times.

My grandparents are beautiful people. They are full of love, grace, encouragement, and wise words of advice. They know what true pain is, and they know what real joy is. They know from first hand experience that life brings both in time, and they also know that God is faithful through the good times and the bad.

That is the legacy that they are giving me. 

I love you, Grandma, Gammie, and Gampie.

I miss you every single day, Grandpa.

Thank you all for your prayers, your wisdom, your perspective and your love.

I am the 4.48%

I am an American.

I was born in this country and I have, by this fact alone, been given the inheritances, the privileges and 

freedoms of what it means to be an American citizen.

Of the world’s population, Americans make up 4.48%. That is it.

I am the 4.48%.

4.48% of the entire world have the greatest freedoms and privileges in the entire world. We have the opportunity to pursue our dreams--no matter what they may be-- to have a family, a home, a career, a future. We have the capabilities, and are given every opportunity,  to succeed. To work hard to get ahead.  It is not easy. A job,  a savings account, a future, is not just handed to you. It is yours for the taking.

I go to work to make money. I make money to be able to put it in my savings account, so that my husband and I can have a future; so that we can provide for our future children; be able to afford their education so that they, too, can someday work hard for their future.

Will I be as successful as my dad? My neighbor? My boss? Maybe, maybe not. It all depends on how hard I work, what opportunities are presented to me, and what opportunities I seek for myself.

The fact that others are more successful than me does not make me want to quit. It does not make me think that they don’t deserve what they get. They do. They worked for it. When someone else is more successful than me, it gives me incentive to try harder, to follow the example they have laid before me.

I do not want hand-outs. I would not appreciate them or value them as much as a hard-earned dollar. I know that I will not be as wealthy as many. I know that I will have more than some. I know that life is not fair and I know that there are tremendously hard situations that many people face that prohibit them from having the same opportunities that others have.

But I also know that those situations can be overcome. They can be conquered. That is the American Dream. To rise above your circumstances, to pursue greater opportunities, and to never give up.

We are the 4.48%. Our Founding Fathers, our Military, and our determination to keep the American Dream alive are responsible for the significance represented in that percentage.


Each generation of Americans, until my own, has succeeded the generation prior in success and in standard of living. The legacy of the American Dream has lived on since the founding of our country. And for the first time it is floundering.


Not everyone can leave behind a legacy like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, or any given President. But every American has the opportunity to leave behind the legacy of hard work, determination, and endurance through hard times.

I will not give up on the American Dream. I will not stop working when it is hard. And I will not be classified in the 99%. Because I am NOT the 99%.

And neither are you. You are an American. And Americans work hard. Americans do not give up. Americans exceed expectations. And Americans succeed.

What a Beautiful Day

Our first picture together

Day 1: We had a couple margaritas and some Mexican

Day 2: I told my mom that I would never see him again

Day 17: We went to the movies with some of our friends

Day 28: Our first real date--it was Mexican, yet again

Day 36: This guy would be sticking around, I just knew

Day 90: Thanksgiving with my family, he fit right in

Day 95: He said "I love you"...and I said it, too

Day 126: Dancing all night, our first New Year's kiss

Day 143: Skiing in the mountains, he showed off all his tricks
Day 220: He asked me to spend the rest of my days by his side

Day 674: One of the best days of my life--I walked down the aisle as his bride!!!

Each new chapter, each day, brings more joy than the last.

So thankful to be in love--to be married to--my best friend and be able to spend every day with him.

What a beautiful day.

The first day of the rest of our lives.

A Lesson Learned from Scars

Today I am thankful for my scabbed and bruised knees and hands.

Wait. What?!?

But it is true. About two weeks ago I was on my morning run when, out of absolutely nowhere, I completely ate it. I fell in an alleyway and scrapped up my knees and my hands pretty badly as well as sprained my ankle.

Needless to say, I handled the pain and the shock of it all so well. Not.

My husband raced to my side, cared for me (the Drama Queen), and took me to the doctor to wrap my ankle and clean the open wounds.

Now, weeks later, the bruises are still evident, and the scabs elicit stares wherever I go. As much as I am wishing away the remnants of my unfortunate tumble, I cannot help but think of what they are presently doing for me.

I started running again a mere four days after the accident. Probably too soon on the sprain, but if you know me, you know I cannot stay off my feet. And every run I have taken since that day, I have been much more aware of my surroundings, much more careful of my stride, and paid much more attention to the trail ahead.

The scabs are an ever present reminder of what can happen when I am not paying attention, when I let my thoughts, my music, my plans for the day ahead, distract me.

The scabs I have now are a literal and tangible reminder of a mistake that I have made. They have caused me to think that if other mistakes I have made would produce some sort of similar physical scar that would act as a reminder, a warning of what would happen if I did not take heed, would I not repeat the same mistakes again?

Now, I am glad that every mistake I make does not produce a physical scar…there would be too many to count, but I do want to take the same precautions against repetitive mistakes as I am taking now on my runs.

 I want to learn from my mistakes, figure out what “tripped” me up in the first place, and when I pick myself back up again and start running, I want to be sure to not make the same mistake again. And hopefully, in the process of learning from the past and making changes for the better for the future, I will do less damage to myself and the people I love.

You Can't Take it With You

It has been a sobering week. Wednesday morning it was announced on the news that a girl that I graduated from SMU with was tragically killed while out for a jog in Italy. Though I did not know her well personally, many of my good friends did. It is heart wrenching to imagine what her family must be going through, how desolate they must feel.

My heart and my prayers go out to them during this time.

Then, that evening, the news broke that one of the greatest innovators and most inspirational leaders of our time passed away. Steve Jobs certainly left his mark on this world, and his legacy will not soon be forgotten.

It is so hard for me to justify the deaths of these two people. One, having realized--even exceeded--the potential of a generation and many more beyond; the other never given time to experience life to the fullest, now just so many lost moments and milestones.

It does not seem fair. And the truth is, it’s not. Life is not fair, and as hard as you try, you cannot take it with you. I catch myself on a daily mission for more. More time, more material things, more money. But in the end, none of that matters. It does not last.

Steve Jobs, easily one of the wealthiest and most powerful men of our time, could not save his own life on money and power alone. It was not enough.

But what does matter? What does last? The answer, for me, is the lives of the people I invest in. Giving of my time, my energy, and my resources to those who need it more than I do. Sharing my faith with those who don’t have faith or hope. Making time for people, really genuinely listening and genuinely caring about their struggles, their heartache.

Stepping outside of myself, letting go of the meaningless busyness of my day, and looking to help someone else, to encourage them, pray for them, or simply love them.

Those moments, those selfless acts are the only investments that last.

I can’t take anything in this life with me, and the only lasting legacy I can truly leave behind is the way I treat others.

 At the end of a trying week, I reflect on my life, and I thank God for the wonderful blessings I have. An amazing husband whom I love so much, a supportive and loving family, my health and the health of all those I love, and a life full of opportunities. Now it is time to seize those opportunities, to take each day and live it to the fullest, and to invest in what really matters, what truly lasts.

Romance Defined.

A wise person once said: "not all romances have to be 'romantic'. They can be passionate, secret, dark, twisted, fun, fast…or dare we even say it, unrequited. But that doesn't make them any less real."

Romance, in the traditional sense, is comprised of candlelit dinners, bouquets of red roses, and hours spent gazing in to one another's eyes. Whispered sweet nothings, promises made, and hands being held. The list goes on, as do the chick-flicks that are largely responsible for this perception of romance. 

Do not misunderstand, all of those instances are lovely times that I very much enjoy, and a wonderful part of all that is romance...but it certainly does not  replace the romance I experience every day.

This kind of romance is made up of moments I share with my husband. Dreaming about our future over a glass of wine at dinner. Sharing a laugh about something our ever-entertaining FrogDog has done. Going on an adventure and trying something for the first time just because I know he'll catch me when I fall. Catching each others' eyes when we are out with friends and knowing exactly what the other one is thinking. These are real moments. They do not take the planning and preparation of a "romantic evening". They are spontaneous, genuine, and simple.

What I have come to realize is that flowers fade and candles burn out, but a romance that is built on love and commitment is what really lasts. That is why romance, in my opinion, is an aggregation of those beautifully planned evenings, and those irresistibly spontaneous moments. I wouldn't give up either, but most of all, I would never give up the man I share it all with.

The Summer of Party Rock

This weekend marked the end of Summer 2011…and while the Texas heat is bound to last at least another month or two,  I kiss tan lines and flip flops goodbye and reminisce over the last few months. They have been some of the best in my life.

This summer has been full of celebrations, and how fitting it is that the Billboard song of the summer was “Party Rock Anthem”?! Every time I hear that song I think of my husband “shufflin” on the dance floor. And I have to smile. It’s a great song. It is happy, light-hearted, and fun—completely descriptive of a summer that was much the same. I am so thankful for all that I have had to celebrate, and for all of my amazing family and friends that have helped me do so.

This summer season, for me, started with a brand new nephew born on May 7^th. Pierce James Mahoney has already become such a sweet and delightful member of our ever-growing family. I’m in love.

A beautiful bridal shower in Michigan, a brand new (and first!) home in Dallas, and two graduations (Congratulations, again, Mike and Abbie!!), topped off an unforgettable May.

June started off with a birthday celebration for Brian, and then an unbelievably fun weekend in Vegas with my girls! We literally danced all night. And every club played the theme song of the summer—“Party Rock Anthem”.

A surprise birthday celebration for my mom(planned by my wonderful Dad) and last minute wedding plans made June hectic and so, so fun.

July started off with my fiancé having the flu…and simultaneously getting married. July 2, 2011 was one of the best days of my life. Everyone I love so dearly was in one place and I got to marry the man of my dreams. And it’s only getting better. Our honeymoon in St. Lucia was idyllic and I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful and romantic setting to start our marriage.

July ended with Brian and I settling in to married life in our new home, and relaxing after being crazy busy with the wedding.

August began with yet another celebration; Marmie and Ryan’s wedding. It was so fun to be able to celebrate with our friends! August also found me changing jobs, and beginning a whole new chapter in my career.

September brought Kris and Lindsey’s wedding in beautiful Colorado, and an absolutely amazing time for Brian and I to enjoy the mountains in the summer with family and friends. Finally, this last weekend we headed to Arizona to say goodbye to summer with my in-laws and the Jakubuses as we laid by the pool. A perfect end to such a memorable summer.

This summer has been full of celebrations and, yes, party rockin’. As I look back on it, I realize how blessed I am to be surrounded by family and friends who I can share some of the best moments in my life with and, conversely, share in theirs. 

So here’s to a fabulous fall, and many more celebrations to come! 

Everyday I’m shufflin’.

That's What I Love About Sundays

Sunday is the best day of the week.

It is a day of rest. A day to catch up. A day to take it easy. To spend time with my hubby...and enjoy every minute of it.

I love Sundays.

I love waking up late and staying in bed while sipping my coffee.

I love seeing friends at church, and I love calling my parents just to chat.

I love Sunday brunch with mimosas and Sunday drives with my man.

I love playing in the backyard with Froggie, or simply napping on the couch.

I love getting all of those little things done around the house that are put off all week, and I love that it makes me feel caught up and prepared for Monday.

Football all evening is a must, and a lazy, late dinner coupled with a glass of wine complements it perfectly. 

Sunday is just a great day. I always end it feeling refreshed, and equal parts accomplished and quiescent.

That's what I love about Sundays.

The Girl with the Big Pink Bow

I remember the day I started first grade. We were living in  Philadelphia at the time and I went to class in a pretty little dress with flowers on it, something that is oh-so-appropriate for a little girl in South Texas (where we had moved from).

Not so on the East Coast. All the kids laughed and made fun of the big pink bow I had in my hair. It’s as if they all new exactly what to do, what to expect, how to dress and how to act. And I was way behind the curve. I’ll never forget that feeling.

I remember moving back to Kansas (for the second time) and trying to catch up where I left off with friends I had once had…but it was different—they had changed and so had I---and again, I was the new girl.

Going to SMU, not knowing a single person, made me feel like I had that big bow In my hair all over again.

And finally, starting a job in Cleveland, than another one in Dallas, and now one at Hilton Worldwide—I’m bringing the bow back three more times.

For much of my life, I feel as though I have had to play catch-up. Everyone around me has always  seemingly been on a level playing field where as I am struggling to understand, to become acquainted with the people and the environment that surrounds me. It’s like there is a handbook that I have not been privy to--one with all the answers--that I have never been able to figure out.

Now, do not misconstrue what the purpose of this soliloquy is. I am not feeling sorry for myself. If anything, I am thankful for the perpetual and unanticipated changes I have had to absorb throughout my life…and this is for two specific reasons.

One, is that I can adapt. I do know how to deal with change, how to be new, how to reach out for help, and how to make connections and relationships. Adapting is something I am very well-versed in.

The second reason I am thankful for the change I’ve dealt with is because it makes me realize how amazing it is to be grounded somewhere. To be able to put down roots. To have a husband who is so steady and just takes life as it comes, a home that is truly mine, friends that I can call anytime for anything, and a family that does not need to be physically close by to be a permanent fixture in my life.

Apart of me will probably always feel like I have a big pink bow in my hair and that I am transparently new and inexperienced. But I am willing  to accept the challenge to learn, to grow, to change and to adapt.

Congratulations, Kris & Lindsey!

September 4, 2011

The best thing to hold onto in life is each other. 

~Audrey Hepburn 

My Hope is Found.

Ten years ago floors fell out beneath thousands of people. Planes plummeted from the sky, and America watched in horror as terror struck our country.

Ten years ago I was thirteen, barely old enough to grasp the concept of what was going on...at twenty-three, I still feel quite young and naive. But I know what it is like to have my blanket of safety stripped away.

Innocence was a distant memory after September 11, 2001, and in the years since, as many friends have volunteered their lives to serve our country in the war against terrorism, fear has laid claim to many of my thoughts.

It is hard to find hope in a world that shows the capability of destroying so many innocent lives. It is hard to trust that terror does not, and should not, reign. 

But then I think about the thousands of firefighters and policemen who selflessly laid down their lives to save the horror-stricken New Yorkers and Pentagon workers. I think about the brave passengers on Flight 93 who chose to sacrifice themselves to save thousands of others. 

These men and women are heroes. Their actions in critical moments saved countless lives, and their bravery and self-sacrifice will not be forgotten. 

But ultimately, still, I have realized that my hope can not be found in these courageous people. There is only one place my hope is found, only one solid rock on which I stand.

Yesterday my church opened it's new, much larger sanctuary in order to accommodate its growing numbers. The Pastor challenged us to not focus on the building itself, as there are no guarantees in this world. His message, on September 11, 2011, was that everything in this world is fleeting. 

Towers may fall, health may decay, relationships may fail, but God is constant. He is the Rock, the solid ground on which to stand. It is in Him that I should look for safety, for refuge. 

The world may crumble around me, terror may strike my beloved country, and heros may fall, but God is still greater.

In Him alone, my hope is found.

Snail Mail

I enjoy nothing more than at the end of a long day, coming home, checking my mailbox (the ACTUAL one..not my GMail inbox) and receiving a little note from someone I love.


I can't explain why this simple joy never ceases to make my day except to say that it is a thoughtful gesture that was only extended in order to show that this person cares.

In a world that is focused on efficiency, speed, and technology, snail mail has become all but extinct.


This, to me, is unfortunate considering how much a hand-written note can mean to someone. It is a lost art...but one that I greatly enjoy. I am most likely the only bride that has ever truly enjoyed writing her hundreds of thank you notes. I enjoyed it so much so that I have decided to continue writing notes and have set the goal of writing one note per week to someone I love and care about...for no other reason than to tell them just that.


Snail Mail may not make the cut when considering factors such as time and ease. But every once in a while, what is so wrong with taking the extra time to hunt down that ellusive address, picking up a stamp, and penning a note.


Life is a constant race to keep up. To keep up with the changing technology, the tumultous economy, the trends of fashion, music, and your next door neighbor. But maybe sometimes it would be better to slow down, to stop racing, and to stop trying to keep up.


Maybe that little note that I take fifteen minutes out of my day of racing around is forgotten after I drop it in the mailbox, or maybe it makes someone else's day...and that, to me, makes it all worth it.

JOBless

Keeping up with current events has become a hobby of mine, a welcomed mid-day reprieve from the daily duties of my job. While browsing the news for fresh and interesting stories—aside from Irene or stale coverage of the 2012 Election, I stumbled upon this article that references yesterday’s shocking headline.

http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/08/24/7464410-challenges-of-an-apple-without-jobs

Steve Jobs has resigned. The whole world, it seems, has reeled at this momentous juncture in Apple’s history.

What will happen to this incredibly influential company? Who can possibly replace one of the greatest businessmen and inventors of our time? Will Apple continue its reign with the iPhone and iPad, or without its creative genius at the helm, will it flounder and surrender to its competitors?

Only time will tell.

I would argue, though, that Steve Jobs is replaceable. Maybe Apple itself will not survive the disruptive and tumultuous times ahead, but there is no doubt that someone will. Because that is what we do. We adapt, we forge on, we fail, learn, and try again until it works. It is the American way.

It is the way that our private sector is intended to operate. To allow people like Steve Jobs with incredible talent, imagination and vision to develop a dream and see it to fruition. It is survival of the fittest. Just as Sony (mentioned in the article above) did not advance with the times; it suddenly found itself becoming obsolete as Apple seized those opportunities, took the risks, and rose above. Steve Jobs will certainly not be forgotten, and his contributions to Apple and to society at large with his technological revolutions will forever be associated with his name; but the world keeps turning. He will be replaced, and whether his replacement is a viable one or not remains to be seen.

Apple may rise out of this time stronger and more influential than ever, or it may become antiquated—a mere memory as another company takes its place and their products becomes just as common. But no one can ever take the iPod, iPhone, or iPad away from Jobs or the existing company of Apple, and that is as it should be. Whatever the future may hold, and as technology continues to transform culture and societal norms, Jobs will always be accredited with raising the bar; setting the standard. For thinking outside the box, and taking risks that no one else would.

Well done.

A world without Jobs is certainly imaginable…but without his influence? Now that is a true debate.

Time Well Wasted

Who is to say what a plausible excuse for wasting time should be? The term "wasting" itself insinuates time spent in a useless or unproductive manner. To me, however, time well wasted is time I spend investing in something other than myself, my routine, or my obligations.


You see, I view time as an investment. And what I choose to invest in is what I deem valuable in my life. Unfortunately, and embarrassingly enough, I often find my "free" time invested in such mediums as Facebook, ridiculous reality TV, or even this blog. These are investments that I am not necessarily proud of...and definitely not time well wasted.


When I think about time I have wasted and felt was a good investment, I think about my closest relationships. Don't get me wrong, I do not think these relationships are useless or unnecessary, but sometimes the extra mile is seen as such. The extra mile as in calling a family member on my way home from work when I would rather just listen to music, or getting up an extra hour early to meet a friend for coffee who really needs to talk. Penning a note to someone I love just to tell him or her that, or simply sitting with my husband when he has had a long day and does not want to talk. These stolen moments are time well wasted; moments investing in relationships and the people I love.


Time well wasted is when I step outside of myself, my routine, my obligations, my problems and my daily circumstances, and I invest in someone or something else. Usually, at first, this time appears to be a sacrifice, but inevitably, I always feel as though I have gained more than anyone. I have looked beyond myself, invested in someone else, and found that this time wasted always turns out to be time well spent.

With Perseverance

LET US run with PERSEVERANCE

the race that is set before US
                                                         Hebrews 12:1

Running is an integral part of my life. So imbedded, in fact, that if a stranger were to ask me who I am, it would probably be in the top five facts I give to him about myself. I am a runner.

As I start training for my first half marathon (what was I thinking signing up for this?!?), I have been thinking a lot about commitment and perseverance. Running takes both. Every morning when my alarm goes off I need to re-commit myself to my goal, and every run-about halfway through—I need to tell myself to persevere. I love to run.

I enjoy the clarity I feel while running and the ability it gives me to push harder, go further. I relish in it as one of the few moments each day that is completely for me. I like the energy boost it brings and the great feeling of accomplishment I get after I am done. But I think what I like most about running is its applicability with many different facets in my life.

Now, as I am about to transition, yet again, I feel this is a very relevant challenge for me to take on. To persevere. To finish strong the race that is set before me. I have to motivate myself, much like when I go for a run, to honor my commitment, to persevere until the end. As I leave this job, and begin another, I want to leave knowing that I did the best job I could, I gave it my all until the end.

I can't always determine my circumstances, I can't necessarily control the situations I find myself in, but I can control how I react. I can persevere through the hard times and learn so much from them while in the midst of them.

So, like finishing a run with that last burst of energy and drive, I will finish this race. I will do my best, and I will persevere.

Sweet Serendipity

ser·en·dip·i·ty

/ˌsɛr ənˈdɪp ɪ ti/ [ser-uh n-dip-i-tee]

Noun

1.  An aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident.

2. good fortune; luck: the serendipity of getting the first job she applied for.

I love this word and often find myself searching for ways to use it in my every day happenings. I love it for two reasons. The first being the way it sounds as it lithely pops from my lips. It is a happy word to say. The syllables bounce up and down and it ends with that crisp “t” that just makes every word better—at least for rhyming purposes.

The second reason that I gravitate towards this word is that I don’t agree with its definition. Don’t get me wrong, I have serendipitous happenings all the time…moments in my day where I find myself elated at the smallest of findings, the most random of encounters, or the most unexpected of surprises. But luck is never something I have put my faith in, or spent my time and energy trusting.

Serendipity, to me, means taking the time to enjoy my life--looking at the ordinary as a little more extraordinary than usual. For instance, instead of dreading my daily commute that adds up to be about an hour and a half, I’ll be thankful and appreciate the quality time I get on the phone with my mom. I’ll roll down the windows on the way home and catch that last little bit of Vitamin D before the sun goes down on the way home. I’ll eat my dessert before my dinner just because I can, play with Froggie—the sweetest most devoted dog in the world, kiss my hubby like it’s the last time, and the whole time I’ll be savoring in the sweet serendipity of my everyday life.

Nothing unusual, nothing special. Except for the fact that I took time to enjoy it, took time for my family and friends, a breath of fresh air, or even just to dance to my favorite song on the radio. Sometimes it is not your circumstances that change, but rather how you look at them…and I am choosing to be thankful for mine—as much as I can, and always.

Serendipity does not happen to me, it is something I choose when I choose to look at the little moments of each day as if they were more than just insignificant and monotonous minutes, and more like gifts to delight in. Not letting life pass me by because I’m “getting through it”, but truly living my life, always savoring the serendipity of it all.