Easter Sunday 2013

We had a yummy dinner and really good family times.  I drug my little sister out of bed early for a sunrise service that was inside.

Easter has been amazing.  Really, I contemplate
what it really means, and I am beyond amazed.  I just screw up so much of the time...I hurt people's feelings, I say the wrong things at the wrong time, I really don't listen to my better judgement, and I have messed up more things that I can count.  However, someone loved me so much He told me he didn't care.  He loves me just the way I am.  A man who was blameless allowed for people to spit on Him, accuse him of things He didn't do, and put thorns on His head.  He died a death where this was no question what happened...it wasn't a gun shot where someone could have questioned whether the bullet actually worked, but it was a cross, where he was shamed, and then placed in a tomb with a stone so big a few soldiers couldn't move it.  He did it because I am going to hell if it was left up to me.  And yet, He did it.  And then beat death.  I mean really, who does that?

 

Today was an awesome day.  (#76) Really, it was.  I had a long run with friend, which ended in coffee and laughs. (#77, 78)

This was not quite what I had in mind when I asked for an omelet with American cheese.  Yummy, nonetheless.

 

I am throughly excited to have discounted berries so early in the season. (#79)

My sis spent the other night with me and met my friends. She is now convinced she wants an adoption.  (Sister who loves the stray cats and wants to acquire them--#80)

 

The fact that my roommate has not gotten rid of them is a miracle in and of itself.  (#81)

 

 

I went on a bike ride, which was so freeing, (#82) especially after a long run seemed to reprogram my body and mind (#83, 84).

 

 

We celebrated my grandpa's 82nd birthday (#85).  Complete with my mom's original sugar-free cake (#86). 

 

 

I had a really great week.  (#69)  Really, despite the wintry weather at the end of March, it was great.  I had a really great 10-miler that cleared my head.  I had a great bike ride (#70) on Sat. and just soaked in all the beautiful outdoors scenes.  (#71)  This week, I even had a therpy session at a park.  (#72)  I pointed out the beautiful scenery and was able to soak it all in.  (#73)  The water, the warm sun, the cool breeze, the reflections, the ducks and geese, they were all amazing.  I remember thinking...there is no else I would rather be.  (#74)  Boy, have I grown so much in the last year.  (#75)

Flashback Friday--Easter 'tude

So yeah?  It's flippin' Easter.  And what?  I got a Jesus picture?

The last few days have been busy, but I have maintained a good attitude (#52).  Yesterday, I took cookies into work to lighten the mood.  It is amazing how little round pieces of dough topped with sugar can make everyone feel happier, but it worked (#53).  Seriously, I am doing this more often.  I even had the psychiatrist fawn all over my clinical skills (#54).  Now that just doesn't happen everyday.

I had a Lia Sophia party the other day.  I was a little harried and disappointed about the turnout, but I had such good quality time (#55) and got such a cute necklace (#56), it was hard to negate the outcome.  I have worn the necklace daily since.  I have realized how amazing it is when girls are nice to each other (#57) and how disappointing (and downright nasty) it is when they are not.

Early spring snow seems to have everyone down, but I am not.  I am using my blazers and sweaters just a little bit more before it gets warm (#58).

Haha...now running in the hailstorm or in four inches of snow was not exactly what I had in mind when I prayed for adventure, but I'll take it.  I kind of felt hardcore (#59).

I am thankful that bad moods and rough patches only last for a season (#60) and that God doesn't abandon me, even when I am in the worst of moods (#61).  

Flashback Friday--C.J.

Although it hardly seems possible, this is the little boy that I trekked across a few states to see in my free time only a year and a half ago.

July 2011, Michigan

A few more things I am happy about:

32.  Having a strong enough body to do what I demand out of it
33.  Having the will to make myself better
34.  Having some background and knowledge on how to eat healthy
35.  Having the desire to eat lots of healthy things
36.  Being on time for work
37.  Having a strong desire to love on and serve others
38.  All the things I have learned about being a therapist from this job and life
39.  How my real-life experiences can transfer to being a therapist
40.  How my continual on the job experiences can translate into the classroom
41.  Having weekends to recoup from busy weeks
42.  Chocolate (dark chocolate)
43.  That my friend is now a Christian after several years of prayer
44. That the God of the Universe listens to and considers my prayers
45.  Having a smartphone that works
46.  Being able to pay my smartphone bill every month
47.  No debt (other than student loans)
48.  The ability to cook
49.  Having a working stove in which to prepare my meals
50.  That we can ascertain lots of vitamins and nutrients from good, yummy foods
51.  The freedom that comes from forgiveness


I am also realizing how a healthy dose of optimism is making me more productive, a better problem solver, and better at interacting with people (52, 53, and 54).  People really seem to respond well when someone is positive (55).

In tacking onto my previous list of things I am looking forward to, here are some more things I am thankful for:

11.  My freedom
12.  The opportunity to see a fantastic friend and her babies
13.  Different reminders that I need to be satisfied where I am
14.  My week off (both relaxing and productive)
15.  Having enough money to cover new tires, brake pads, and an oil change in my car.
16.  My awesome roommate
17.  The fact that my roommate was super excited to see me the other night after several days away.
18.  That my roommate is pushing herself beyond her comfort zone, which is an answer to prayer (I have told her so)
19.  That my sister and brother-in-law have found a really great church
20.  That catsitting for my parents has helped me to delay a trip to the grocery
21.  The opportunity to get paid and help others
22.  That I am still friends with my besties from high school
23.  That I have a lot of friends who live all over the country (road trip!)
24.  That I get to be paid to teach and learn at the same time
25.  That I could have good, deep conversations with my sister and friend
26.  Reminders that I am loved no matter what
27.  My free Burger King latte
28.  That my house has been safe from the perils of the neighborhood
29.  That I am serving right where I am
30.  That my resume is developing into something I am proud of
31. That I got to see this last night during my run




I am realizing that focusing on what makes me happy actually makes me realize that there are more things for which I am thankful.  It is really hard to be in a bad mood when there are so many awesome things for which to be thankful.

Washington, D.C.

I smile as I peruse the pics from my trip and drink out of my Disappearing Civil Liberties mug (from the Newseum).  Washington just got a whole lot cuter. 

He was such a trooper; he walked around most of the day in his little red rainboots.  Childhood at its finest.

Who knew that this would be the paper they chose for Indiana?

The Cherry Blossoms were just budding.  Spring is on its way!

So, a week off helped me gain some serious clarity to my insane lifestyle.  I realized that I am working crazy hours and do really, truly have little time for anything else.  I also realize that I am waking up in the morning and decide the course for my day depending on my attitude.  So, I am going to have a good attitude today.

Here is what I am looking forward to today:

1. Having a great mug of coffee while having devotions and preparing for a run.
2. Wearing a cute outfit to work.
3. Having lunch with a great friend.
4. Learning something new from my online learning.
5. Learning about the Affordable Care Act for class tomorrow.
6. Getting paid to help people.
7. Realizing that I am really at a good spot in my life to be building my resume.
8. Catsitting for my parents.
9. Realizing that I really have a lot to be thankful for and remembering that.
10. Seeing how creatively I can use the last of my food at home before I have to go grocery shopping.

I declare today to be a good day and will make the most of it, enjoying this journey, with all the stress and bumps in the road.

The juxstaposition of the nation's leaders working right next to such poverty hit me hard on Saturday in D.C.

I sometimes feel as if I don't know what impact I can make in the world. I see problems like homelessness and simply feel overwhelmed in the jobs I am doing to make another difference. Then, I read about a modern-day King David and realize that someone who seems insignificant can make a really big difference. Clarence Earl Gideon, who could barely read and write, fought for everyone to have legal representation in court. I realize that if he can do that, I could do so much more. Kudos to the fighters out there. Keep up the hard work. It will pay off.

Enjoy the journey

My week off has been great.  It feels like a long time since I have been at work, but at the same time, I feel like I have more yet to accomplish.  Either way, I am very grateful for the chance I had to get away.

When I was driving through the Maryland mountains, the beauty captivated me.  It reminded me of how amazing the God I serve really is.  As I wound through the melting snow and the first peeks of spring, I was reminded about how much I need to enjoy this journey.  I sometimes want to fast forward so much to the next thing, I forget that life is a process in its entirety.

I also realize how much I have lost my passion for life.  I have gotten caught up so much in the day to day circumstances, I had forgotten how to live.  Really live.  So I have prayed for adventure.  And passion...for the right things.  God made me me for a reason and I need to use it correctly.  So I fast and pray this morning that I find that again.  That I stop lamenting over what I don't have and move on to being thankful for what I do.  Have a happy, impassioned Monday!

Flashback Friday--Columbus Zoo

Yesterday was my dad's 58th birthday and this week was my Aunt Susan's birthday.  So, Flashback Friday a family picture of my dad whilst we were visiting my aunt.  Both worlds are satisfied. :)

I haven't been online in a few days.  So, let me try to recap in a few different blogs.

I was super, duper, duper excited to start my trip.  So excited, in fact, that I was up until 2am and could have driven to Ohio.  Needless to say, I was a little late getting up and going to my sister's class.  However, she and the students were really excited to see me.

We had seaweed snacks and lentil chips.

I got a few raps and taught lessons about personal space and feelings.

I really think I should start traveling in one of these.  Shopping carts come in handy for all sorts of things...take my word on it.

It is really fun to see my sister's childhood dreams come true.  She has always wanted to be a teacher.  Always.  Like she kept a chalkboard in her room and graded papers for fun up through middle school.

It is 9:44am and my coffee is just now brewing.  (Starbucks Caramel to be exact.)  I am still in my pajamas and woke up about 45 min. ago.  It is nice, but weird.  My to-do list still sits in my head.  I suck at relaxing.

Spring break has been very eventful so far.  Productive, but in mostly that "I feel better my checklist is almost done sort of way".  Being an adult can be so boring.

My sisters were both here this weekend, which makes me so excited.  I am stoked to see Megan's classroom and spend the night with her tomorrow night.

I had lunch with this cutie, who had super awesome behavior while I talked with his mom about important things.

I made Cinnamon Maple pancakes (the Sharpies in the background are my newest devotion trend).  Speaking of devotions, I have had an internal battle about changing some things about my personality that have come to my attention.  As I think about changing, God just shows me that He made me to be unique and that I need to stop trying to be someone else.  It is refreshing to know that the Creator of the Universe loves this disorganized, strong-willed, loyal, loving, crazy, emotional, erradic, and caring girl, because I have to admit, some days, it is hard for me to love her.

Another random note:  I keep seeing lots of girls with nose piercings.  Copiers.  I sometimes seem to be at the beginning of trends when I am just loving life and living according to my heart's desires.

My car had new tires, brake pads replaced (surprise!), and an oil change.  I hope it feels wanted, being $700 richer and all.

I still have to file my taxes.  Yuck.

Just a note...I am TOTALLY ready for spring, but just have to remain optimistic it is coming.

I taught Sunday School again this week. I allowed one of the older kids to help me and this is what happened.

I have to say, even though it makes Sundays crazy, I am forced to know the Bible well.  I am forced to learn the Genesis characters forwards and backwards.  It keeps me on my toes and in the Word, yielding great personal growth.

My sisters are here this weekend, which always fills my heart with joy and gives me the warm fuzzies.  We celebrated my dad's birthday last night with a big "yee haw" and the Saddle of Shame (my dad's words).  Kristen shared her Guatemalan adventures and we watched SNL with J.T.  J.T. and Jay-Z are in concert this summer together.  Yes, we really want to go. 

Rajah's cancer has come back with a vengence and he is hobbling around with a lump on his leg.  It is super sad.  My dad has attempted to drug him with milk and icing, but he refuses.  He is smarter than he looks.

On a random political note...I have decided that Mr. Rodman should pursue a friendship with Raul Castro.  I mean, after all, it is lonely being a dictator of a hated country and losing your political bestie.  We should all do a little more hand holding and hair dyeing in the world.  Less missles would be launched.  If we are all busy piercing ourselves, we can't be worried about nuclear wars.

I worked until very early this morning, but I think I can say I am finally done working for the week.  The relief isn't there yet, so I am thinking this vacation was long overdue.

Work has been really, really stressful, but I am super excited it is my last day before staycation.  I am so acclimated to working, I already have thought about which clients I am going to see next week and how I am going to finagle my schedule to squeeze in all my typical obligations.  I am pretty sure that I will have to leave town just so I don't work.

I have been coming into my own with my policy class.  It has been exciting to have debates about legalizing marijuana and the sequester.  My students have been very engaged with this and I am being forced to stay on top of the news.  They are a great bunch, if I do say so myself.

I think I have physically recovered from whatever injuries I may have caused from my minimalist shoes.  As my schedule would have it, a mile here or a mile there has actually been an efficient way to break in my new shoes.  I wish I could wear running clothes to work.  The problem really is the hassle of changing.  If I had a half an hour, I would love just to get out and run a mile or two.  I really just want to run and run and run.  This is a must for my staycation.  Lord knows my legs are rested enough.

I went to the Art Walk with this cutie.



She told her Mom and I that the 3-D artwork were pinatas and told us about her relatives in Hawaio.

Flashback Friday--Discovery Zone

March 26, 1994 (I only know because of the time date stamped on the pics).  The most memorable part:  the fact that knee pads were actually a smart buy.

The best way to obtain a pet?  Convince your cat-hating roommate that you need to keep strays.  She will then begin searching for dogs online and discussing how to fence in the backyard and ascertain large animals.   So, thank you cats.  Now, come eat my cookies and keep me company.

I have been working myself silly over the last few weeks.  (Seriously, the stuff that flies out of my mouth and through my brain when I am stressed should never be accessible to moldable minds.)  I have never been more ready for a vacation.  Which is precisely why my Spring Break next week will be spent doing nothing.  I don't care if it is a staycation, I just simply don't want to work.  I am super excited for no obligations for a week.  I am getting a little crispy.

Mystery: solved

Well, we figured out what the vermin plaguing our house was.  Not a raccoon, mouse, or opossum  but a cat.  Two, actually.  They are very cute, but growled at me when I was out in the utility room with them   I told the fluffy one to stop hissing if it wanted any more milk.  It stopped.

My mom thinks that they belong to someone, but how do you know?  I already asked if they had names and they did not answer me.  

So, of course, I want to keep them.  I keep telling Chelsi that we are keeping it if it is a cat.  She isn't so convinced.  I need to figure out how to finagle having a pet.  Life just isn't the same without a four legged fluffball around.  Plus, what if we we really did have mice around?  Our mouse traps have only worked so well.

Flashback Friday--Trolls

Remember when troll dolls were popular?