The Wishing Well

Disney Double

2012-01-31T10:11:00.000-08:00

Watched 101 Dalmatians and Rescuers Down Under with the husband this weekend.
Definite blast from the past, and full of so many memories!

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"Pu-puddles, 15 spotted puddles."

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Bernard: "Miss Bianca, before anything else happens...will you marry me?"

Miss Bianca" "Oh, Bernard! Of course I will!"

Jake: "Well done, mate."

Love. Love. Love.

January Bliss

2012-01-25T07:57:00.000-08:00

Oh, January, you've been an excellent first month of this year...

J.azzed about the snowfall and subsequent rest that accompanied
A.ccomplished 13.1 miles with my fabulous in-laws
N.ewness in the year, thought, and deep down in my being
U.nderstated big comfy sweaters with leggings and new boots!!
A.fter an exhausting day, being met with candlelight dinner and kisses
R.osy cheeks after a kiss from Pooh Bear <3
Y.ear twenty-twelve, I celebrate you

Looking forward

2012-01-21T16:38:00.000-08:00

I was thinking the other day as I browsed other's pinterest boards with their witty names, and scanned through facebook and the thoughtfully worded status updates turning the mundane into clever, funny quips. Scrolling through blogs and the fascinating images, quotes, ideas, concepts, thoughts and displays of daily life in a manner worth grabbing your attention...which started to overwhelm me. And my attention.
I find myself staring at the keyboard trying to think of the next clever thing to grab at least a few people's attention -- maybe even get a comment! But at the end of the day there is SO much to see, watch, read and so many talented clever people that I felt I needed to step back into stillness and re-evaluate. I prize creativity and want to be inspired and inspire others but am beginning to lose myself in the absolute volume and bombardment of it all.
So. I took this afternoon to spend some time with God, re-evaluate, prioritize and set out some good ol' New Year's Resolutions...what follows are my thoughts and goals in this next year.

I wrote plenty of pages, but for the sake of taking "overwhelmed" out of my current state of mind I'm simplifying so that these 'resolutions' are something I can wake up and remember...not have to re-read a book to figure out where I was headed.

The first one is simple and so far, so good: Journal Every Day of 2012. No requirements of length or words...just simply that something is on the page each day. Really, it's for the sake of exercising my writing muscle which has since grown lax and lazy.

The second: Earlier in a study with my Small Group we had to spend some time on starting our Life Purpose Statement (no small task!) which resulted in this:

Essentially my "tree" represents growing in my faith by: 1) Bearing Fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), 2) Obedience (Psalm 1:1-3), 3) Pruning (Romans 12:1-2), and 4) Growing (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

So working within that...my 2012 resolution are:

1. Pay Attention

Micah 6:8 "...do justice, to love kindness (mercy) and to walk humbly with your God"

2. Act on Compassion

John 15:12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."

3. Show Up (authenticity)

1 Timothy 3:11 "...but set believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

And the only way these resolutions will see any fruit is by the strength and encouragement of Christ which met me this morning as I was reading through Psalm 119: "You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope" (v. 114).

Here's to 2012!

Snowed In!

2012-01-20T12:00:00.001-08:00

Well I missed 10 on 10 for this first month of 2012, but I decided to document the past 3 1/2 snowed in days and call it good!

Oh What A Year!

2012-01-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

Well...last year I got this up January 4th...
I'm 12 days late this year, but alas, it's my tradition!

1. What did you do in 2011 that you had never done before?

I became Mrs. Anderson, visited DisneyWorld and finally saw a midnight showing of Harry Potter!

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?

Last years: 1. "Get a good and sturdy exercise routine" -- done and DONE! Between circuit training and training for the half marathon I'm feel great! 2. To Cook! Well...I've cooked more than I have in the past...a few disasters, a few great successes and a long way to go... 3. Daily devotions...well, not perfect by any means, but have kept up with my small group! 4. Learn to be content in all situations...still a work in progress
I have a date with some tea, my bible and journal to set some goals for this year...stay tuned.

3. Did anyone close to you die?

Grandma Anderson and Grandpa Feigal -- we'll miss you!

4. Did anyone close to you give birth?

I've been keeping up with a friend from high school and she welcomed a healthy baby boy! However, it seems like everyone I know is expecting so 2012 will be full!!

5. What countries did you visit?

Bahamas!

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

Patience and a heart of service

7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory?

July 16, 2011, the day I said I Do!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Planning a wedding and completing a huge project at work ahead of schedule!

9. What was your biggest failure?

My selfishness

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No, thank goodness!!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

We bought a lot for the wedding...but I have to say I'm pretty pleased with my Christmas gifts this year.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My new in-laws and family welcomed me with such warmth and excitement. It's a blessing to be a part of such a fun family.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Not really impressed with the Kim Kardashian wedding fiasco...

14. Where did most of your money go?

Wedding!! And traveling...that has been a busy traveling year. Many trip to CO, down to FL, then AL for Thanksgiving and back to CO for Christmas!

15. What did you get really really excited about?

All the wedding festivities and being able to spend some quality time with my amazing girls. And the Disney cruise!

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?

When You Say You Love Me --Josh Groban

17. Compared to this time last year are you happier or sadder?

I estimate about the same...I'm pretty happy.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Stretched myself...and thought about others a bit more.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Spent time at airports...had quite a few long travel days!

20. How did you spend Christmas?

First Christmas together spent going to church and enjoying some time with my parents.

21. How will you be spending New Years?

We spent New Years with some good friends -- a game of Farkle, good drinks and snacks and a warm bed to crash in!

22. What was your favorite TV programs?

Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, and Grey's Anatomy

23. What was the best book you read?

I've read a lot, actually. Enjoyed the Frank Peretti series, The Power of One, Hunger Games, The Lincoln Lawyer. Currently enjoying The Secret Life of Bees. Oh how I love books!!

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Well, my favorite song from this year is Dynamite by Taio Cruz

25. What did you want and got?

A fun, fabulous wedding surrounded by friends and family!

26. What was your favorite film this year?

I have a few: HP and the Deathly Hallows Part II, Tangled and Winnie the Pooh! (I'm such a nerd...)

27. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

Twenty-four and my office celebrated with a delicious meal at Maggie Bluff's then had a few friends over for dessert and games!

28. What is one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Hmmm, I can't think of anything!

29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

Professional...comfy and big sweaters with leg warmers, I'm all about the cozy. And a bit more eco-conscious, I added some recycled plastic tees and bamboo shirts!

30. What kept you sane?

Prayer. Bubble baths. Tea and dear friends from near and far.

31. What did you get that you didn't deserve?

Everything I've received is a blessing and underserved, that's the absolute beauty of it all.

32. Who did you miss?

Friends -- it's a sign of growing up, we're each doing our own thing. Making our own way; that we don't have the luxury of a couple weeks during the summer and winter to just hang out!

33. Who was the best new person you met?

The Anderson extended family!

34. What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. --Philippians 4:6

35. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

"Cause God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
And for when I think I lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you
Gave me you"
--Blake Shelton

Psalm 112

2011-12-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

^{This weather. And who knows what else is messing with my mind. These were particularly comforting words this morning.}

¹ Praise the LORD.   Blessed are those who fear the LORD,
   who find great delight in his commands.
² Their children will be mighty in the land;
   the generation of the upright will be blessed.
³ Wealth and riches are in their houses,
   and their righteousness endures forever.
⁴ Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
   for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
⁵ Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
   who conduct their affairs with justice.
⁶ Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
   they will be remembered forever.
⁷ They will have no fear of bad news;
   their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
⁸ Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
   in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
⁹ They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
   their righteousness endures forever;
   their horn will be lifted high in honor.
¹⁰ The wicked will see and be vexed,
   they will gnash their teeth and waste away;
   the longings of the wicked will come to nothing

And here we are d.e.c.e.m.b.e.r.

2011-12-06T12:42:00.001-08:00

Decking our halls with Christmas items, or more accurately, hanging them where kitties cannot get them!

Eating gingerbread, krumkake, chocolates and other holiday treats!

Currently on a Frank Peretti kick

Embracing frugality...learning the art of discipline

Making the majority of my gifts this year -- craft parties on the weekend!

Bundled up in coats, scarves, hats, leg warmers and gloves -- and actually enjoying it!

Enjoying the beautiful winter weather: cold, foggy, sunny, and dry!!

Running, RUNNING, running my cold bum off, the picture above was from Nick and my run on Sunday: it was gorgeous and we ran 9 miles!!

Festively Full

2011-12-02T10:52:00.001-08:00

The last few leaves hanging onto autumn

This season of festivities has begun!

Tonight I will dress WARM and in Christmas Sweater attire for Tradition, should be a jolly time

Putting up Christmas Decorations tomorrow!

Work on some Christmas projects...would love to get these completed!

Nick and I have a date with The Nutcracker

Hopefully some snuggle time with my book.

Aaand, run 9 miles. Oh boy.

December rolls in

2011-12-01T09:44:00.001-08:00

image found here

This morning is foggy. Silent, thick, and my favorite.
Welcome, December.
I want to snuggle into an oversized sweater, sip some tea and watch the fog roll around.
Thinking about December and the panic that comes with traveling and gifts.
But also about the twinkling lights, hot apple cider and traditions.
Advent. Waiting. Anticipation.
Anxiety. Unknown. Release, open hands, receiving.
Peace.
Again, lost in the hypnosis of this foggy morning.

Miss that...

2011-11-28T13:51:00.001-08:00

...Southern Hospitality.

Alabama was:

WARM!

sunny

full of delicious food

running (total of 15 miles in 3 days...boom baby!)

Zombies (watched The Walking Dead...not for the faint of heart)

epic games (complete with bruises and blood thanks to The Egg Game)

laughter

the sweetest golden retriever, Gunner

Drive-In Movie double-feature: The Muppet Movie & Puss & Boots

Thankful for my Anderson family<3

A Way to Live

2011-11-21T09:50:00.001-08:00

(Found here.)

Especially in this season.

I want much.

Am stressed about having too little (which, is really, a deception from "I Want")

Give whatever's leftover (searching the couch for pennies...)

Love conditionally: when it feels convenient, and when I'm not exhausted, and when it doesn't take me out of my comfort zone...etc etc

O God, thank you for this reminder. To remember to look to You as only You can fill my wants, to humble myself and give generously out of what you have blessed to me - my first-fruits, and may I learn to love everyone as You love me.

Where I'm At...

2011-11-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

N.O.V.E.M.B.E.R.
Nestled into warm sweaters
Oh. em. gee. I've lost my mind and am training for a half marathon...and am sore approximately...all the time.
Vocation questions abound. So, what do you want to be when you grow up?
Early risings with my Happy Light and Bible. Feel inspired and oddly feel like I'm getting a tan...
Memories of Quest flooded this morning as G.L.A.M.O.R.O.U.S. came in through the speakers.
Budget starts this month. Let the discipline begin...
Empty of energy and ideas for that feared question: What should we have for dinner? CEREAL. ok.
Ready for some pumpkin spiced lattes, pumpkin scones and pies and seeds...

2011-10-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

Stumbled across this. Fits to a "T" and just had to share...

20 Points on Leading Millenials

September 29th, 2011 in Uncategorized. 8 Comments

A good friend asked me the other day my thoughts on how to lead the millennial generation, basically those born after 1980. We gather thousands of leaders who fit this category on an annual basis, and most of our Catalyst staff are under the age of 30.

I have to admit- I don’t always get this right. As a 100% Gen X’er, my tendency is to lean away from several of these points, and lead how I’ve been led over the years by Boomer and Busters. But I’m working on it….

So with that said, here you go, thoughts on leading millenials:

1. Give them freedom with their schedule. I’ll admit, this one is tough for me.

2. Provide them projects, not a career. Career is just not the same anymore. They desire options. Just like free agents.

3. Create a family environment. Work, family and social are all intertwined, so make sure the work environment is experiential and family oriented. Everything is connected.

4. Cause is important. Tie in compassion and justice to the “normal.” Causes and opportunities to give back are important.

5. Embrace social media. it’s here to stay.

6. They are more tech savvy than any other generation ever. Technology is the norm. XBOX, iPhones, laptops, iPads are just normal. If you want a response, text first, then call. Or DM first. Or send a Facebook message. Not anti calls though.

7. Lead each person uniquely. Don’t create standards or rules that apply to everyone. Customize your approach. (I’ll admit, this one is difficult too!)

8. Make authenticity and honesty the standard for your corporate culture. Millenials are cynical at their core, and don’t trust someone just because they are in charge.

9. Millenials are not as interested in “climbing the corporate ladder.” But instead more concerned about making a difference and leaving their mark.

10. Give them opportunities early with major responsibility. They don’t want to wait their turn. Want to make a difference now. And will find an outlet for influence and responsibility somewhere else if you don’t give it to them. Empower them early and often.

11. All about the larger win, not the personal small gain. Young leaders in general have an abundance mentality instead of scarcity mentality.

12. Partnering and collaboration are important. Not interested in drawing lines. Collaboration is the new currency, along with generosity.

13. Not about working for a personality. Not interested in laboring long hours to build a temporal kingdom for one person. But will work their guts out for a cause and vision bigger than themselves.

14. Deeply desire mentoring, learning and discipleship. Many older leaders think millenials aren’t interested in generational wisdom transfer. Not true at all. Younger leaders are hungry for mentoring and discipleship, so build it into your organizational environment.

15. Coach them and encourage them. They want to gain wisdom through experience. Come alongside them don’t just tell them what to do.

16. Create opportunities for quality time- individually and corporately. They want to be led by example, and not just by words.

17. Hold them accountable. They want to be held accountable by those who are living it out. Measure them and give them constant feedback.

18. They’ve been exposed to just about everything, so the sky is the limit in their minds. Older leaders have to understand younger leaders have a much broader and global perspective, which makes wowing Millenials much more difficult.

19. Recognize their values, not just their strengths. It ain’t just about the skillz baby. Don’t use them without truly knowing them.

20. Provide a system that creates stability. Clear expectations with the freedom to succeed, and providing stability on the emotional, financial, and organizational side.

Thanks to the Catalyst team and our band of millenials for their input and advice on these points. James Wilson, Julianne Graves, Sabrina Esposito, Alyssa Raymer, Stan Johnson, and Ansley Lawhead. You guys provided great insight!

P. Dust and Reality

2011-10-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I officially packed away the summer clothes and brought out the winter gear. Which helped significantly much to my surprise. I forget how much I love cozy sweaters, leggings, winter hues. As the rain, clouds, and cold move in I'm trying not to take it too personally. Nick and I also picked up some snowshoes at Costco the other day so we are ready for winter adventures. We also debated getting spiked shoes (as in, ice climbing) to make it up the gigantic hill to our house should it ever snow. If it snows...well, we better stock up on water and spam now...

Winter always seems to be a rough transition, school started up again and though I am just an observer the pace and routine around campus brings the lightness of summer to a final close. I also entered a new position which is also overwhelming. It's a bit like wandering in the dark trying to complete and 500 piece puzzle. The first month was a whirlwind - much like I knocked over the table with the puzzle pieces and am trying to find them in the dark and then maybe wrap my head around starting the puzzle. In the midst of the chaos, I'm loving it. I like my new position, I'm still working with amazing people and am excited to have a hand in lots of new and hopefully better pieces for the department.

The apartment is feeling much more like home now - I have to order pictures and hang them on the wall then I will document and share our humble abode.

Entering ~month three of marriage. I think somewhere in the depths of my brain - hidden behind my self-awareness was an expectation that marriage would feel explodingly different than a non-married existence. However, these facts still remain:

- I still have to go to work...

- The trash still needs to be taken out

- To-do lists abound

- I still don't know what to have for dinner...ever

etc, etc.

I supposed my expectation was something of sprinkling fairy dust on my every moment. Feeling magical and carefree at all times with Nick skipping beside me. That's not to say I don't love married life - because I definitely love Nick and am beyond happy and excited to be married to him. I am just having to reconcile my unknown expectations with reality. Learning that routine, life and the blah's of everyday are just as much a part of marriage as the adventures, companionship and love.

The new facts of my life:

- I get to see Nick every day...no more planning and driving and stressing to see him a few times a week

- We were blessed by so many and have a lovely home full of new lovely things (pictures...coming, I swear)

- I have a husband :)

- I am now, officially, Jennifer Anderson and it is much more comfortable to say that

But Nick and I are learning to be married. New priorities, new accountability and learning how to find the pixie dust and sprinkle it as often as possible. A few of my favorites so far:

- Spontaneous trip to the Zoo

- having a whole weekend together

- great conversations over glasses of wine or out for a beer

- connecting with other newly-wed couples

-two adorable kitties keeping things lively

It is well with my soul - clouds and all.

Trade ya!

2011-08-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

Day 6: A Picture of Who You'd Like to Trade Places With for a Day

I struggled with this one... would I want to be famous? A brilliant musician? A poet? I have a list of people I'd love to sit down and have coffee with...but to actually trade places is a bit tricky to me. So bear with me...but I am choosing:

Shawn White

(and here's why...)

I am:

-cautious

-reserved

-book-worm

-"J" (as in the MBTI "J")

-planner

-and really like my feet to be planted on the ground.

Therefore, I chose Shawn because I am curious about...

-the THRILL of flying down a half-pipe (instead of the TERROR I experience on the bunny hill)

-the courage to try new jumps, techniques (instead of the fear of broken bones and failure)

-being athletic (which I attempted and found myself uninterested and clumsy)

-the rush I imagine it to be when winning an Olympic Gold Medal (because I am positive that will not be happening in this lifetime! Unless "Organizing" becomes a sport...)

image found here

Memory Lane

2011-08-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

Day 5: A Picture of Your Favorite Memory

Well, if you ask me, that is an unfair question. I always have trouble picking favorites (which is why you hear me say "This is my favorite movie!" about every fifth movie we watch). Favorite memory of childhood? With each of my friends? College? Trips? I can't narrow it down to just ONE over twenty-three(almost four) years. But I will.

No surprise here, but July 16, 2011 is my Favorite Memory:

memory: Being so excited - 4:00 couldn't come soon enough!

memory: walking slowly with my dad and taking in the smiles of loved ones and friends, and the moment when I looked up and saw my Nick.

memory: the ceremony. Loud clinking rocks and laughter as our families 'planted' the bamboo, taking the 'kiss the bride' part into our own hands and remembering to bend our knees!

memory: the week before with the most amazing friends anyone could ask for. Their generosity, love, support, excitement and friendship means more to me than I can ever express!

memory: officially becoming an Anderson and always treasuring my Bostrom side

memory: the details. So much planning, phone calls, craft marathons... to see it all come together was magical!

memory: the PaRtY! So much fun, went so quickly, and an awesome DJ that orchestrated it all!

memory: marrying my Nicholas. My love. My best friend. Figuring life out together is such a blessing.

Yeah. That pretty much sums up my favorite memory. :)

Day 4...ish

2011-08-24T16:33:00.000-07:00

Day 4: A Picture of Your Night

Well. I keep failing miserably at documenting my night and last night I took a picture of our delicious dinner Nick made and it's on his phone. So how about some word pictures?!

Last night I would include a picture of the book Radical, by David Platt as I had our small group meeting discussing another chapter as well as the amazing dinner Nick prepared: Peppered chicken with an amazing sauce, grilled veggies and gniocchi with marinara sauce. It was delicious.

The day before that I would have taken a picture of our awesome Uhaul truck and moving our NEW futon and chairs and end tables into the apartment! (In the rain. The only rain we've had in 30 straight days... and in case you're wondering the past two days have been back to sunshine. Thanks, Seattle!)

And I don't really remember what happened Sunday and Saturday (which was officially day 4...) Hmmm...where did those memories go? Probably where much of the other stuff I can't find is tucked away in our chaotic apartment. BUT WE HAVE FURNITURE! (I'm a bit excited!!!)

Narrow vs. Wide

2011-08-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

Well...the photo thing fell by the wayside this weekend.

I'll pick that back up tomorrow...

...but in the meantime this is something that's been on my mind as I read Radical, and Richard talked about it last night and summed it up on his blog - read the full blog here - it's worth it!

Here's the part that's ringing in my ears:

"Let’s get practical. The fall line of discipleship asks hard things of us, that are contrary to our world:
1. Forgive, when the rest of the world tells us to exact revenge, and our hearts tell us to keep our pain
2. Give generously – 10% or more to your church, and to the poor; give your time, and your extra space at your table, when our world tells us, “You earned it, it’s yours, keep it for yourself – or spend it.”
3. Your sexuality belongs in the covenant relationship of marriage, while the wide road is filled with alternatives.
4. Your life is not your own, so the only important question is “what does God ask of me.” This stands in contrast to a world of autonomy.
5. You are made to be part of a community that is committed to making God’s reign visible, so find a church family and commit to it, in spite of the fact that it will take you all of ten minutes to find flaws in it. This stands in contrast to the spiritual consumerism that characterizes American Christianity, which is a wide road where the masses feed at the trough of religious programming, seeking to fill the void by passively consuming.
The Exhaustion of the Wide Road. Watch this: (referring to the above concepts by number)
1. Bitterness is killing people, while those who forgive walk upright, find joy, sleep better, lower their blood pressure and cortisol presence, and on and on it goes.
2. Those who give find not only joy, but financial provision in their lives as, having put God’s priorities first, they are enabled to get their financial house in order, living within their means, and finding joy in what they have, rather than self-medicating by shopping.
3. There’s overwhelming scientific evidence of a correlation between multiple sex partners, and increased levels of depression, leading to increased use of counseling and medication. Much of this is documented in the recent book, which is more of statistical presentation than a theological treatise.
4. The NY Times recently wrote about “decision fatigue,” the thesis of which is that the multiplication of choices we face is paralyzing us.
5. Spiritual consumerism creates a passivity that bypasses discipleship, while giving attenders the illusion that they’re maturing because they know how to sit still for 75 minutes on Sunday. Rubbish. Maturity isn’t sitting, but serving.
These are markers on the wide road, and people on that road are tired. They’re tired of being two people, tired of guilt, tired of not sleeping well, tired of self-medicating by sinking into addictive behavior, tired of their own critical spirit, tired of the joylessness and stress that sometimes characterize their lives. There’s got to be a better way."

I'm challenged. First of all, if we're talking about skiing I barely get off the bunny hill let alone make it up the chair lift to even criss-cross down the mountain. So the fall line sounds terrifying to me. But it also makes a whole lot of sense. Therefore I'm challenged in my faith. Where have I taken the wide path and lowered the bar for my convenience? Just so I can feel better about my attempts.

Lord I pray I may find the narrow road and then I pray to have the courage to take it.

"I'll get rainy day bear!!"

2011-08-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

"...because HE'LL KNOW WHAT TO DO?!?!?!"

Day 3: Picture of the cast of your favorite show. I didn't even have to think about this one!

A few of my favorites:

"Pheobe Buffet?" "... Fire Alarm?!?!"

Rachel: "What happened to your shirt?" Ross: "I got mugged and they took my pocket"

Monica: "Grand Supreme Little Miss Darling?????" Rachel: "CONgratuLATIONS!"

(I really could go on forever...Brie and I usually do!)

Day 2

2011-08-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

Day 2: A picture of the person you've been closest with for the longest

I suppose that would be this lovely woman: Miss Megan

*She was my first sleepover in 1st grade

*We braved Girl Scouts together and even earned our Silver Award

*Always sat in the back of church and wrote notes to each other

*Went to summer camp with me "It's Cool in the Furnace", I still remember our tye-dye shirts

*Boycotted the school bus and walked home from middle school...

*Faithfully went with me to Skate City every Friday night while I 'dated' Eric in 7th grade

*Endless games of Mario Kart

*Laughed the whole way through A Walk to Remember (and I spilled my full extra large soda all over the floor)

*Skipped class and got caught in 8th grade...one of our finer plans gone awry

*Dance team (and dance parties in her basement...)

*New Years Eve parties and supported one another's new adventures in life

*My maid of honor and best friend

As a wall hanging I gave her once said: "You'll be my best friend forever...you know too much!!"

Love you, Meg!

Wonderings

2011-08-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

I've decided to try the 60 Day Picture Challenge (which has been floating around fb...and basically encompasses posting pictures following the prompts for each day for 60 days). Basically because March went pretty well and I still love the photo app on my iTouch and it'll help me get back into a routine of writing.

So commences Day 1:

"Post a picture of yourself with 15 facts"

Introducing... Mrs. Anderson!

I don't feel inspired to post 'facts' about myself so am including questions/wonderings currently rolling around my head:

1. When will everything get here?! I feel like my whole life is in the mail!

2. What should we have for dinner? (a tricky question when I avoid grocery shopping like the plague)

3. Where is the laser pointer? (It was needed last night to get the cats out of the bedroom. They eventually joined me in the living room after spending a half hour scouring for the stupid thing).

4. Who is Jennifer Anderson? It's like a whole new identity! I think back of who 'Jennifer Bostrom' was, what she was known for...wonder what stamp on life Jennifer Anderson is going to make...

5. When will my bee sting stop itching?

6. What if I chopped off 10 inches of my hair? Too drastic? Too much change at once?

7. Will I ever catch up on scrapbooking?

8. Hmmm....that feels sufficient to me. 7 questions are enough.

Newness

2011-08-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

During the hiatus on this here blog...

... I got married (!!!)

... spent a glorious week saturated in Disney adventure

... and am attempting to settle in to this newness. New apartment. New journey of walking life with my husband. New name. And all with a spectrum of emotions.

A friend of mine shared this quote with me:

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. -Anatole France, novelist, essayist, Nobel laureate (1844-1924)

It beautifully sums up where I am. I've really never been good at change. I always suffer whiplash and take a bit more time than some to adjust. It was harder coming back and jumping into daily life than I thought. Who doesn't feel morose after spending blissful, carefree days on beaches and being catered to for a few weeks? So much excitement, anticipation, friends, family and events! Food, music, and the big event! Then whisked away to a warm and dreamy vacation (with Mickey too!) were beyond expectation and so perfect. Not in a "everything went exactly as it was supposed to" way, but as in my heart was so full and sure that it all was exactly how it needed to be.

Coming back and suddenly switching gears to working, bills, our mess of an apartment which were working (slowly) to turn into a home resulted in me crashing - I was still in dreamy vacation land and felt like I got dropped on my head. First of all I got sick and didn't get out of bed for two days. My body's response to the emotional roller-coaster of planning, executing and oh yeah, attending the wedding! How could time fly? How can it be August? I kind of thought the world ended after July 16, 2011 because that date was such a focal point for so long! Tomorrow it will be one month. One month(!) and I reflect on our humble journey for 30-some days. Full of laughter, frustration, schedules, endless phone calls, and to-do lists. I can't wait for it all to continue and I'm also sitting in the midst of letting go of what was. Singleness. Self-focus. Bostrom. They are all a part of me, but I have to fully turn this page to read the rest of the story. A story I'm blessed and excited to create.

These encouraging and wise words from my friend echo and settle into this place of reflection and acknowledgment. Acceptance and releasing. Anticipation and patience. Overflowing love and drops of grief.

"Soak in these changes, which I know you will, but allow yourself to feel the truth of *all* your emotions. Don’t try to rush away the sad things, give wide-open space to them and offer them their proper due. They have things to teach you, too."

Staycation Adventure #1

2011-06-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago Brie and I were in a running store and she happened to find this awesome book of walking tours around Seattle! It sounded like the perfect summer project so we just had to get it. And since Seattle hit 76 (!!!!!) yesterday we knew it was the perfect day to launch our Staycation Adventure.

Walking Adventure #1: Out apartment to Golden Gardens (7 mi roundtrip)

Need a moment...or a whole week

2011-05-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

I'm filling a bit--scratch that--at my max.

It's the season. We crossed the 2-month mark and I'm feeling overwhelmed with details not wanting to forget or miss anything!

I saw this "Comforts List" here and as I sit here working on a Saturday it was perfect as I was already daydreaming of my own comfort items!

Food
Diet Coke

Pretzels and Hummus

Hamburger
Mexican food

Activities
Going out to eat at a favorite place
Snuggling up with a good book

Bubble Bath

Nap in the middle of the day...with the sunshine streaming in through the window

Movies
Monsters vs. Aliens (no seriously...this is my go-to 'feel better' movie)

Anastasia

10 Things I Hate About You

Reading
SELF Magazine

Whole Living Magazine

Listening
Coldplay

The Band Perry

Carrie Underwood

TV Shows
Friends

Desperate Housewives

Grey's Anatomy

Gossip Girl

However:

--Nick and I officially have a place to LIVE in next year (whoo hoo)

--Saw Soul Surfer yesterday -- actually pretty decent! The beginning acting was a bit sketchy, but overall I enjoyed it!!

--Was rather productive today...despite spilled coffee all over my display table, a busy day and only getting yelled at by one stressed out person. Not too shabby... helps that the sun went away again, sigh!

--Oh! And I'm kind of excited about this: Now, Where Did I Put That?

May-hem

2011-05-05T10:51:00.001-07:00

May is...busy... so far!

-- I'm currently knee-deep in invitation assembling...and as most of these projects go - it's more work than I thought!

-- Enjoyed a trip to Leavenworth for women's retreat last weekend (hopefully pictures forthcoming)

-- Work is crazy so I didn't get a chance to post this yesterday...but it cracked me up: "May the 4th...be with you" :)

-- Off to Arizona to celebrate the life of an amazing woman dear to the Anderson family (and me) in a few short hours...so this is short and sweet.

...and in light of the 24/7 news coverage I saw this on my friend Therese's fb and it was just what i was thinking. Don't misunderstand me - my heart aches for those who still feel the gaping hole of loss because of 9-11 and the evil that permeates the world of terrorism, but I'm not entirely sure the all-out celebration at loss of life is the best response:

‎"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an "enemy". Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only Love can do that."

Mean Green Recycling Machine!

2011-04-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Yikes! It's the last day of April!

So I know I fell off the posting band-wagon and missed EARTH DAY (gasp!) But...for a good reason. I spent last weekend and Earth Day in Colorado surrounded by family and friends for some wedding festivities! And to make up for such a lack of earth-friendly amazingness...here are the awesome eco-conscious gifts I received:

Best shirt ever! Compliments of my sister, Kelley!

Again, a Kelley, find: Teavana a delightful tea shop that invests in equal trade and gives 1% of their earnings to CARE! (And has amazing tea and tea products too!)

A cute summer purse made of recycled bottles! Just in time for the sun to come out in Seattle! And, yes, compliments of Kelley - as she told me "You've made a monster out of me!!" But once you start - you just can't stop! :)

Awesome recycled tablecloth and matching napkins - made out of recycled plastic bottles!

Adorable beach bag - also recycled! Cute bag the purse came in!!

Happy last days of April!!

I'm off to a weekend away in Leavenworth with the lovely ladies of Bethany! <3

Countdown!

2011-04-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

78 days until this.

79 days until my wedding.

Most epic weekend ever?!

I think so.

Happy Birthday Trees!!

2011-04-26T15:27:00.001-07:00

It is my dear friend, Therese's, birthday!

She is fabulous, creative, full of life, giggles, love and compassion.

(And she has the most beautiful kitty ever!)

HaPpY BiRtHdAy Trees!!

Hope your next year is full of blessings and adventures!

The Plastic Problem

2011-04-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Read this article about a woman who decided to give up using bags (plastic and paper) and just stick with reusable. I sympathized with her forgetfulness at checking out, realizing all the reusable bags are in the car and sulking out with my bundles of paper and plastic. I like this challenge and think I should sport my Trader Joe's bags (I have the one's above) and take on her challenge!

And here's a little motivation if you're still feeling unsure:

According to the Worldwatch Institute, Americans use more than 100 billion plastic bags each year, and 99 percent go straight to landfills. To combat these statistics, Whole Foods has pledged to eliminate plastic bags from stores by Earth Day, April 22. The natural-foods chain will still offer free recycled-paper bags, while encouraging consumers to shop with reusable bags.

American cities are starting to take action, too. San Francisco's City Council, for instance, voted in 2007 to ban plastic bags at grocery chains and pharmacies. For more information or to get involved, go to reusablebags.com.

Article and information from www.wholeliving.com

Ooo shiney

2011-04-18T16:50:00.001-07:00

Isn't this pretty? I saw it on my friend Therese's fb page and was even more excited to hear that it's from Brilliant Earth and you can get this beauty for free if you order any ring from them...find out more here.

I highly recommend their jewelry as that is where my engagement ring and Nick's band are from. They are a company committed to ethical and green jewelry - their diamonds are conflict-free, they use recycled gold and my ring came in a beautiful bamboo box (see below) and with environmentally-friendly cleaning solution...Nick knows me well and picked an amazing ring I'm proud to wear. Brilliant Earth has amazing customer service too and their pieces are gorgeous. So, indulge - you deserve it!

Spending Green

2011-04-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

I've always been a sucker for those fancy checks with colors, pictures - anything your heart desires. My philosophy was - well, if I have to spend money (and it's usually bills when I write checks...) why not make it that much less painful but making them pretty? And now you can have pretty, GREEN (as in recycled material) checks! Spend away!

And TGIF...it's been one of those weeks!!

Kitten fever

2011-04-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

I am having some pet withdrawals. It's been the longest in my life that I haven't had a pet (because of circumstances...i.e. "No Pets in the Dorms" and "Pets cost a lot of money"). But I miss my Tinker back home and have an itching for a little kitten to play with. All in due time...I need to get through a wedding first and adjust to life with a BOY let alone a little kitten.

But, this tangent is because I discovered RECYCLED CAT LITTER!!! Even though I currently cannot use it...I'm tucking this little treasure away for LATER!

Happy Birthday Nick!

2011-04-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

Today is my sweethearts birthday!

(Doesn't he look SO EXCITED?!)

Happy Birthday Nicholas!!!

I have a weekend full of surprises for him...and the sun came out to celebrate and everything!!

In the spirit of birthdays, here are some ideas for environmentally sound birthdays:

100% Recycled Gift Wrap (super cute!) -- or re-using a paper bag and decorating, or the comic newspaper page etc etc
Gifts that give-back like these, and these, and... there's so many I love!!
Compostable paper good items (for the party, of course!)
Give them a plant!

Off to celebrate my Nick!

That magical triangle

2011-04-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

Here is my plug for the day: close the loop!

BUY recycled procucts! If you are triumphant in recycling those cardboard cereal boxes, plastic bottles, glass jars and paper - GOLD STAR FOR YOU! But, if you are not making an effort to buy recycled products than your green trangular recycling circle of life is incomplete and you are dropping bad karma all over the place (just kidding about the karma....kinda).

While recycling is a first great step - it really only helps if you intentionally buy those recycled items instead of consuming more. Because otherwise there will be an abundance of recycled items left in the dust while we still exhaust the little resources we have left. This is the Recycle -Reuse -Reduce (I'll get to the reduce part later...)

So next time you peruse the grocery store isles look for recycled products (and the Green Arrow sign does not necessarily mean it's recycled...look for words that say "Made from __% post-consumer products or Made of recycled materials.)

Here a few to start:

- Paper towels

- Paper Napkins

- Some macaroni and cheese boxes are made out of recycled cardboard!

- Aluminum foil

- Paper plates

- Paper

Happy Shopping!

Bamboo on a Soapbox

2011-04-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

Our office is doing Yoga on Tuesdays which is a lovely way to take a deep breath in the middle of the day and stretch! (Which is great because it's sandwiched in-between Monday and Wednesday Circuit Training where the interns are determined to whip us into shape, holy moly).

As I looked around the room I decided that the most comfortable clothes are yoga clothes. The soft flowing shirts and pants that you could easily curl up on your mat and take a nap in clothes.

Then I stumbled upon this site which makes all of their clothes out of Bamboo which you can see how here. I picked out a few of my favorites...aren't they lovely?

Pair that with my eco-friendly mat (which is WAY more padded and comfortable that others), my eco-friendly water bottle, slap "Organic" on my bum and let's do some YOGA!

And just to clarify, when I practice YOGA! it is not devil worship. My co-workers and I were chatting about the wrath this word (YOGA!) can rain down on your head among some Christians/Christian communities. I thought this was an interesting blog post about Catholicism and Yoga. Though it's a hot topic among Catholics and Protestants alike I agree with the blog's author's point:

Many practices have been shifted from or shared with pagan religions and made holy: the Rosary (using strings of beads to count prayers was Hindu and Buddhist long before the 13th century when Mary taught us to use it), fasting, meditation, ritual sacrifice (for Old Testament Jews), holidays and traditions like a Christmas tree and countless others that we’ve commandeered and made holy. Just because a pagan does it does not automatically make a practice or movement intrinsically evil; why can’t a Christian simply focus on God while doing yoga?

I think starts with fearing what is not understood. And I also think we generalize our struggles into everyone's struggles. If Christian A struggles with yoga and forsaking God does it mean Christian B, C and D do too? What if Christian B struggles with alcoholism and Christian A can easily have a glass of wine with dinner without batting an eye. Does that mean wine is intrinsically evil? Of the devil? No. It means Christian A should probably steer clear of yoga and Christian B should stay away from alcohol...

Can we all agree that breathing and stretching isn't sinful?

I digress...I had more to say on that than I originally thought! I suppose our conversation today struck a nerve. I was also thinking about it because of this beautiful blog's latest post which has to do with living in the land of Towers of SHOULD and SHOULD NOTS (i.e. SHOULD NOT do YOGA!) when we should actually be moving (yoga moves or otherwise) in the land of Grace. So...from bamboo to soapbox, Happy Tuesday!

Where art thou, sun?

2011-04-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

image via www.weheartit.com

Dear Seattle,

I've noticed you're incessant rain and that your temperature has dropped into the 30's and 40's...in April. Here is a friendly reminder of where you're supposed to be heading...spring, summer (then you can just stop).

Love,

And in the meantime, here are some recycled must-have beach items!! Because I know you have visions of sandy beaches and floppy sun hats too!

April's Theme...

2011-04-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

OKAY...it is officially APRIL! Woot!

And if you know me at all you already know what this month's theme is going to be:

KITTENS!!!

Just kidding...

...April Fools!

The theme of April 2011 is everything Green! (In honor and celebration of Earth Day the 22nd!)

So, where to begin?

How about here?

Grumpy Lamb

2011-03-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

It's a rainy, windy, cloudy day to usher March out (so much for in like a Lion out like a Lamb...) It's been a good month though, so I will strap on my rainboots and embrace the 'mud-luscious', 'puddle-wonderful' mess.

in just-

in Just-

spring when the world is mud-

luscious the little

lame balloonman

whistles far and wee

and eddieandbill come

running from marbles and

priracies and it's

spring

when the world is puddle-wonderful

the queer

old balloonman whistles

far and wee

and bettyandidbel come dancing

from hop-scotch and jump-rope and

it's

spring

and

the

goat-footed

balloonMan whistles

far

and

wee

e.e. cummings

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (for others...)

2011-03-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

Today is the beginning of Spring Quarter (which has no direct impact on me...)

but campus is buzzing again!! We heard a cheerful student outside our windows yelling "WHOOOO YEAH WHOOOO I LOVE SPRING QUARTER YEAH HIGH FIVE WHOOOO"

Always a fan of enthusiasm...but seriously, this campus has life again!

It was also the start of circuit training again. Which after a good week and a half break just about broke us in two. My muscles are screaming about the first day of school and not the above enthusiasm scream either - but the I have to do homework again?! part.

And, I am pleased to say, wedding planning is stressing me less and less. I feel accomplished and like this thing might actually come together as hoped for! My first sign was a wedding dream I had the other night that differed greatly from the previous ones because A) Everything was prepared! (Usually no dresses, flowers, decorations and no one is freaking out but me). B) It was ACTUALLY in my church which looked like my church and ACTUALLY in the reception hall and looked like the reception hall. How often does that ever line up in dreams? C) The worst problem I encountered was having the programs (neat and folded in the foyer) but no one took them! But they were there - prepared and ready! Not my fault if the dream guests are a bit spacey!

The above picture is from the Prayer Room at church which is where I'm heading. My aching muscles and wearied brain need some much needed time in prayer.

Weekend Wonders

2011-03-28T10:33:00.001-07:00

Nick surprised me with a weekend away on Whidby Island.

It was so fantastic and much needed. Here are some of the highlights:

Welcome to Oak Harbor!

Of COURSE we had to stop at our favorite Irish Pub for a Monte Cristo!

We hiked around Deception Pass

Met up with this fabulous couple in Anacortes: Nate and Kristi --

Stopped for some Penguin Coffee, avoided the Citizen Patrol, hiked some more, and ended with fantastic homemade Swedish meatballs with Nate's family!

Such a lovely weekend...thank you Nick for the surprise!!

AND

we saw whale(s)!!

I apologize for the videography...I apparently need to work on that skill (and was also terrified I was going to drop my iTouch in the water). Stick with the second video to the very end where you will hear and see .1 seconds of the whale...thought it was off which is why you get a lovely picture of the ground and when the whale came I quickly pushed "record" except it was actually "stop recording". FAIL. But still, WE SAW A WHALE(S)!

Puppy Love

2011-03-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

I'm going to miss having this little bundle of energized puppy running around our apartment. (Though this was our snuggle-time after she ran herself silly and collapsed in exhaustion). Her cuteness is overwhelming and I do believe I have puppy fever!

The Hierarchy of Ducks

2011-03-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday we took advantage of the sunshine and 61 degree weather (!!!) to take a walk to the canal at lunch and feed the ducks!

Sarah and I were commenting about the hierarchy of ducks...how some couple off and intimidate the other ones to get more bread. And with the timid ones, bread bounces off their head and they still don't go after it...the secret lives of ducks.

(AND the above picture was edited by my Genius App...WINNING)

Painting the Roses Red...

2011-03-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Every time I see this tree on campus I can't help but think of Alice in Wonderland...

"Painting the roses red

We're painting the roses red

We dare not stop

Or waste a drop

So let the paint be spread

We're painting the roses red

We're painting the roses red"

The Remodel

2011-03-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

As promised... here is a peek into our lovely 'new' arrangement. It's so open and clear; no longer tripping around things to get to the pantry. Plenty of space to jump around to our favorite Kinect games and lots of space to spread out and paint our nails. What else do we need? (Next project will be to stabilize our coffee table...if you breathe on it the thing collapses!)

AND

we just realized we get OnDemand...helloooo fast-forwarding through commercials!

'Bangs Away'!

2011-03-22T10:01:00.001-07:00

The Beginning...

Saturday B.B. and I decided on a 'relaxing' adventure by bus and walking downtown that turned into a rather whirlwinded workout - but good nonetheless.

It began with a jaunt to Victoria Secret to grab some fun items for her best friend's wedding in a few short days. We ooh'd and ahh'd over lacy intimates and I fell in love with shimmer spray.

From there we were famished and followed the Big Yellow Beacon to McDonalds as we had just enough time to squeeze in lunch before heading to our hair appointment. So we set off and walked and walked and walked and wondered why Boylston Ave was NOT getting any closer?? The we took a left and walked up possibly the biggest hill I've conquered only to realize we went in the wrong direction and now needed to head back the way we came. We managed to enjoy our round-about tour of downtown Seattle and Captiol Hill before stumbling in sweaty and out of breath at the salon. It was however, a beautiful, warm, SUNNY Seattle day which made our wandering that much more bearable because it wasn't raining and windy and well, miserable. So...here are the results:

Bangs...again! It's been a few years, but I'm excited to have them back! She also put some layers (and bounce) back in my hair and cut a good 2 inches off. Nothing like a healthy hair cut to make you feel fresh! And my stylist made my roommate swear to drag me back for up-keep and trims...I'm no good at the maintenance thing...

Then Brie and I met our other roommate downtown - picked up our new couch and carted it back to the apartment and up 3 flights of stairs ("PIVOT" anyone?) and the girls diligently re-arranged our living room into a lovely open space...but more on that tomorrow!

Puppy-fever

2011-03-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

Look at what gets to grace our presence for the week!

Meet Kira, the most adorable lil puppy ever. And she's in Guide Dog training which makes her even more fantastic!

On another note...it's Monday and I'm somehow e x h a u s t e d. Campus is on Spring Break and the absolute quiet makes me sleepy.

2011-03-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

This was the view from my balcony the other evening (enhanced by new favorite app "Genius") - I love daylight savings time because I get to see the sunsets again!

Brie and I have a fun-filled day planned around Seattle.

I'm sure there won't be a dull moment (see yesterday's post)...!

Introducing my Brie Bear

2011-03-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Meet my adorable roommate Brie.

Or as I refer to her: Brie Bear...or KiwiDammit...oops sorry, that's her cat, my mistake.

She can do pretty cool things, like this:

And she's full of energy (so much so that she actually head-butted the cast-iron volleyball)...

And most of all she makes me giggle:

Such as this morning's conversation...

Me: "I couldn't find a coupon for those..."

Brie Bear: "hehe I made up a joke! What is a baby coupon called?"

Me: "What?"

B.B.: "A cute-pon hahaha"

Oh how I love her!

Seeing Green

2011-03-17T15:41:00.001-07:00

I love St. Patty's Day! Though I am not Irish...I do have a bit of a fetish with the color green. It's just so lively and bright! Thus, this is one of the only days where I don't look a bit odd with all of my green belongings...

And...I can't say I mind the usual festivities of corned beef and cabbage, Irish Soda Bread and merry-making! And, Saint Patrick is pretty cool too which you can read about here.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

images via weheartit.com

A view from Inside

2011-03-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

This is the view from the dentist chair.

I watched two crows chasing each other around against the (rare) blue sky.

Couldn't help but feel like I was watching the birds from inside my own cage... my dentist does its utmost to make it a peaceful, welcoming environment but no matter how well decorated or tranquil the music they still come at me with that long needle and my calmness goes right out that window...

Wings of Hope

2011-03-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

image via weheartit.com

Japan, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Blessings

2011-03-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

image from www.weheartit.com

So I went to the dentist this week after following their recommended regimen after my frustration with so many cavities. And I followed that regimen to a "T"...brush twice a day, floss every day, rinse with fluoride, use flouride toothpaste and get a night guard. SIX months...and I only missed ONE day of that routine o-n-e (which was last week...and I know things don't happen that fast). So I am ready for a gold start or something and instead I get: "You chipped off a part of your tooth and now there's a cavity under the filling we did six month ago."

My gold star just bashed me in the mouth and gave me a cavity! BAH are you kidding?

So, now I am frustrated and have to go back for more drilling grinding and numbing because some people are just more prone to cavities.

But in this story is a nugget of blessing.

One. We discussed was soda...even diet soda...which can really cause issues. Well, that's convenient because I decided a while ago that I am giving up soda for the first time ever during Lent. Now with even a bit more incentive...i want that gold star dangit!

Two. Cavities are expensive which irritates me to no end, especially when the insurance has a clause that they won't cover a filling in the same tooth except for every 2 years...but God listened to my moaning and groaning and wondering if that means less flower arrangements for the wedding but before I even asked, God blessed me with a miracle. The payment will be covered! I rejoice in God's goodness and the kindness of others!

Which brings me back to the lessons I've been learning this past week about blessings.

I have a fear about blessings - because I feel incredibly blessed looking at all God has given me throughout my life and feel like I cautiously poke my head around the corner at what's coming next with much anxiety of what tragedy is sure to come - because I look around and see the suffering and struggles and know I can't be this "lucky" much longer! I confessed this out loud to my small group which was a big step because it meant I admitted it. I didn't hide any longer behind the belief that if I don't say this aloud then God won't know and the tragedy won't fall on my head.

Later that week, Nick and I were reading The Prayer of Jabez and Chapter 2 was, surprise, all about blessings:

""Ask," promised Jesus, "and it will be given to you" (Matthew 7:7). "You do not have because you do not ask," said James (James 4:2). Even though there is no limit to God's goodness, if you didn't ask Him for a blessing yesterday, you didn't get all that you were supposed to have."

"That's the catch - if you don't ask for His blessing, you forfeit those that come to you only when you ask. In the same way that a father is honored to have a child beg for his blessing, your Father is delighted to respond generously when His blessing is what you covet most."

"Or perhaps you have slipped into a ledger-keeping mind-set with God. In your blessings account you have a column for deposits and one for withdrawals. Has God been unusually kind to you lately? Then you think you shouldn't expect, much less ask for Him to credit your account. You might even think He should ignore you for a while or even debit your account by sending some trouble your way. This thinking is a sin and a trap." (emphasis mine)

After reading that last part I paused with my mouth open. That described, better that I could ever articulate, exactly how I feel. I feel that my account has continually been deposited in and I am fearful for the day God debits my account significantly to 'balance' everything out. Isn't that rent check due soon? Aren't there outstanding bills?

That is not how the goodness of God works!

It was as though as soon as I voiced that fear out loud God breathed: "Finally! Now I can address your fear!" He spoke through that little book and again spoke as Pastor Richard talked about how when we ask for things and God says no - that doesn't mean He doesn't love us. It means it's not the right time or He has something else in store - but that doesn't mean you should stop asking for specific blessings or blessings in general! The example he gave was: "If I really want an omelet and I ask my wife to make me one and she says no (because of time, ingredients, circumstances etc) if doesn't mean she doesn't love him...or more drastic that she doesn't exist!" Yet - that's the response many of us have when God says no and we don't get to see or understand the why. We write Him off an being spiteful - or further proof that He doesn't exist. But the truth is God wants to bless you and you need to be in the habit of asking!

Alright, Lord, I'm listening.

"...Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory..."! (1 Chronicles 4:10)

10X10 March 2011

2011-03-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Un-Birthday!

2011-03-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

Today, March 9, is my "half-birthday"!

Has been a delightful first half...and will be sure to be an exciting second!

Time for an un-BiRtHdAy celebration!

Success

2011-03-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

Last weekend included a lovely evening with some girls from my small group. We indulged in this a-mazing chicken dish - homemade bread (thanks to Nick), and some South African red wine. Dinner was followed by a true chocolate and wine tasting. Three different dark chocolates (cocoa nuggets, orange and salted) with sweet Moscato wine. I was in foodie heaven and in lovely company.

If you haven't done this...it's bucket list time!

Celebrate good times!

2011-03-07T16:23:00.000-08:00

Two whole years today.

A new milestone...and many more to come!

Love you, Nicholas

2011-03-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

On this rainy, thundering day, I miss my Megan...

And I miss this lil man too...

Let's merge Washington and Colorado, okay?

Looming

2011-03-02T17:23:00.001-08:00

I chose this picture for today (taken a while back as Nick and I were going somewhere...) and it felt appropriate because things have been rolling around my brain and feel as if they are looming in the distance and coming closer...quickly!

Current things on my mind...

I really need to focus on some wedding things...4 months (and some days) here we come!
Lent is coming next week...just as I'm feeling convicted about where my time goes...
Trust and where I put it these days
Still processing the documentary, I Am - so GOOD - you must go see it!

And - Seattle's crazy weather. An exhausting cycle of hail, rain, not-messing-around RAIN, and lovely sunshine all day...we're going for Spring remember??

The Third Month

2011-03-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to MARCH!

Month of Madness.

Rain. (at least here in the Northwest)

Mardi Gras.

Beginning of Lent.

Leprichans and Luck.

Spring (officially...maybe not in reality).

New Daylight. (Sunshine after work again - hooray!)

Phew. Should prove a busy month!

And....the theme for this month is going to be pictures. I will attempt to take a daily picture - but will most likely feature past pictures as well.

So to begin...another morning in Seattle:

Happy Birthday Kelley!

2011-02-28T16:27:00.000-08:00

Well, today is the last day of February.

How did that happen?

And - a must shout-out to my sister, Kelley:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

(which is actually February 29...but, what can you do?)

She is a strong, determined, and loving woman who I am happy to have as a new-found partner in this crazy thing called family.

So, one last question for this month:

What do you want to do this year more than anything?

The Beginning or the End?

2011-02-27T19:49:00.000-08:00

Do you have a Sunday night ritual?

I guess before we start there - do you see Sunday as the beginning of a new week or the end?

I suppose I see it as the end of a week. I wonder if I switched that thinking around if Mondays wouldn't be so painful - because it'd technically be Day #2 of the week?

And as for rituals go: I like to tidy up for practical and mental reasons...because it feels fresh and I can rest better, and when the alarm blares in the early am there are no hazards as I scramble across the room in a half comatose state. (And yes, the alarm clock is across the room or I'll never wake up). Then I pick out my outfits for the next five days (proactive against wasting 30 precious minutes in the morning trying on 15 different combos, rushing out the door and forgetting your English muffin and coffee on the counter). And recently...planning out my meals. Because turns out when you have more time on your hands not rushing around to meetings and knee-deep in homework you don't really get more efficient, but actually rely more on microwavable junk meals and cereal for dinner.

As a side note:

Dear Tooth,

What the heck did I ever do to you?

Sincerely,

Me.

Remember those surveys?

2011-02-26T09:51:00.000-08:00

Remember in middle and high school those email surveys would circulate and populate your MySpace page? I loved those. It could be thought that it was motivated by the self-centered adolescent that loved talking about herself, but as I've grown I've come to realize that I just love self-discovery and questions are a great way to do that. They make me think, and reflect, and understand.

So I happened upon this site and was delighted by all the questions! So I put together my own "Proust Questionnaire" which I'm calling the updated Adult Survey.

What do you most dislike? At the moment? Being cold. In the wider scheme of things, I'd have to say intolerance which usually breeds all sorts of things I dislike such as hateful words, self-righteousness, abuse, and pain.
Growing up, who did you most admire? In Elementary school I idolized my teachers - I never wanted to leave their class and move to another grade. That skipped a beat in Middle School where I chose to admire no one and nothing but my teachers again drew my attention in High School.
Describe the most beautiful place you have ever seen? I have two. One is standing at Cape Point in South Africa and looking at the green cliffs that all come to a point at the southern most tip - the Indian and Atlantic Ocean merging together in a chaotic line jutting out from the tip. The other was another high point - looking out over hundreds and hundreds of rice fields glistening from the gray skies in China. The work of man and the work of God.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? To move things with your mind...what is that called again?
What was your most epic road trip? Again, I have two. #1 Amy and my Senior Roadtrip to California. Disney, constant laughter, the beach and my favorite place, Orange County. #2: WOC-09 the epic Washington-Oregon-California trip with a bunch of crazies.
What food brings back childhood memories? Steak and potatoes. And ranch, definitely lots of ranch.
Do you have a favorite prayer or meditation? I love the "Jesus" prayer - "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner." Mostly because of the sermon I heard in conjunction with it by Jurgen Moltmann. Mediation would be labyrinths. Hand or life-size...they bring a deep sense of peace.
How do your friends bring out different parts of yourself? Well, I'll name a few. I think Megan brings out my wild side, my spontaneous - let's leap before we look side. Brie Bear brings out my silly side (I do enjoy a good prank with her...), Therese brings out my inner philosophical side...she makes me think. That and we're both secretly magical.
What do you do to get centered? Journal. Bubble bath. Being alone. Going for a run.
Which hobby would you pursue if you had more time? I would love to learn Glass Blowing...such beautiful things are made! And I really wish I had a potters wheel and some clay handy.
Which book could you read over and over? All the Harry Potters. And I have read them over and over and over again.
What you love most about your home? My roommates. They're lovely and funny and make our small little apartment a home. That and my OWN room - praise the Lord.
What would you do if you won the lottery? Honestly? The very very first thing I would do is take my beloved Dimples (850 Volvo) to the sweet little Volvo place in Ballard and say "Fix it! Fix it all! You see something that needs re-vamping, re-twisting, tweaking, re-placement - do it!" I know buying a new car would just be easier, but Dimples and I have a relationship and nothing would satisfy me more than to check off that pesky list of things not going so well in my aging car. BUT, I would have to say please leave the dimples...

February Good-ness

2011-02-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

I love reading these on Allie's blog, and had to indulge this month.

A February Update:

Current guilty pleasure: Trader Joe's Mediterranean Hummus

Current color: I'm enjoying blue at the moment

Current playlist: The Band Perry

Current read: The Conscious Bride by, Sheryl Paul

Current drink: COFFEE

Current food: Greek yogurt with grape nuts (because my english muffin with almond butter and honey is still on the kitchen counter...boo)

Current favorite show: Heroes!

Current wish list: Warmer. Weather.

Current needs: A plain white long-sleeve shirt. Preferably from Gap.

Current triumphs: Sticking with my New Year Resolutions thus far!

Current bane of my existence: Dealing with cranky people

Current indulgence: Wine

Current blessing: Assurance

Current outfit: Dark blue jeans, gray shirt, black camisol, green scarf and black flats.

Current excitement: I get to see the documentary I Am tonight!!

Current mood: Content

Current link: Wedding blogs

What are your February currents?

What do you deserve?

2011-02-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you need to reflect on what you deserve because there is plenty of commentary in the world that attempt to define our self-worth, beauty, intelligence, accomplishments. This is not a wish-list or even a self-serving list (aka I deserve a massage every night with a strawberry margarita) while that may be true, it's probably not going to happen and doesn't really have a larger purpose than being pampered. I mean how do you deserve to be recognized by others? What do you deserve from others because you are in fact a human being loved by God?

--I deserve my boundaries in love, life and friendship to be respected.

--I deserve to nourish my body giving it the right nutrients, rest, activity and compliments.

--I deserve kind words from others and should work harder to give them.

--I deserve to know that I am a child of God and delighted in by my Creator - but also that I have a responsibility of obedience.

--I deserve forgiveness and must freely forgive in return.

What do you deserve?

distracted?

2011-02-21T16:43:00.000-08:00

What is distracting you lately?

Heroes...all the seasons on Netflix Instant

DinerDash game

Wedding Blogs

What are you distracted from?

Being productive!!!

empty and full

2011-02-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

From SoulPancake:

What drains your soul?

Right now? Wedding planning. I'm knee deep in details, decisions and to-do's. And I can't help but feel like I'm running in circles dragging all of it behind me. So many delicate moments, trying to savor it all, trying to make it pass as quickly as possible, balancing tensions and expectations, facts and numbers, chaos and sanity.

What recharges it?

A hot bubble bath, a good book, a cup of tea with a teaspoon of honey.

What would you be?

2011-02-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

Ran across this here and thought it was lovely!

If I were a country, I'd be Canada.
If I were a month, I'd be July.
If I were a day of the week, I'd Thursday.
If I were a time of day, I’d be 9:00am.
If I were a season, I'd be summer.
If I were a planet, I’d be Pandora.
If I were a sea animal, I’d be a dolphin.
If I were a direction, I’d be west.
If I were a piece of furniture, I’d be a bookshelf.
If I were a liquid, I’d be a Shirley Temple.
If I were a tree, I’d be a Weeping Willow.
If I were a tool, I’d be a pair of pliers.
If I were a flower, I’d be a lily.
If I were a kind of weather, I'd be 80 degrees and rising.
If I were a musical instrument, I’d be a saxophone.
If I were a colour, I’d be mossy green.
If I were an emotion, I’d be tranquil.
If I were a fruit, I’d be a kiwi.
If I were a sound, I’d be ocean waves.
If I were an element, I’d be air.
If I were a car, I’d be a mini cooper.
If I were a food, I’d be a potato.
If I were a place, I’d be a zen garden.
If I were a material, I’d be flannel.
If I were a taste, I’d taste like sun-dried tomato and basil.
If I were a scent, I’d be floral with a hint of citrus.
If I were a facial expression, I’d be smiling.
If I were a song, I'd be Fast Cars and Freedom by Rascal Flatts.
If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be flip flops or leather boots.

What would you be?

and Eleven Days have passed...

2011-02-18T13:31:00.000-08:00

so I'll play catch-up: here are 11 (ELEVEN) Questions for your Friday:

How are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet??
Why isn't there a font for sarcasm?
Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? (I really don't want to have to re-start my collection...again)
How many times is it appropriate to ask "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?
Have you ever looked down at your watch three consecutive times and still don't know what time it is? (That's when I default to 5:00pm...time to go home).
Was learning cursive really necessary?
What's worse than the moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong?
Why doesn't map quest start at direction #5? (I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood)
Do you ever reach that moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day? (Yeah - about 7 hours ago)
Does it slightly terrify you when you exit out of Word and it asks you if you want to save any changes to your ten-page technical report that you swear you did not make any changes to?
Don't you think the freezer deserves a light too?

Compliments of an email from my dear madre.

I AM...

2011-02-07T11:25:00.000-08:00

I AM

This is going to be amazing and a screening is coming to Seattle February 25, 2011 at the Varsity Theater! AND Tom Shadyac will be there after the 7:10 screening and will introduce the 9:30 screening. Tickets are $10 and you don't want to miss this!! So my question for all you Seattle-ites: Why haven't you bought your tickets yet?!?! And if you're not from Seattle check here for where you can see it and when!

This is a few quotes from his blog, you can check out the full entry here:

The goal for me had become unity and integrity, so when anyone looked in any drawer of my life, they would hopefully see a consistency of character rooted in compassion, creativity and love.
This makes me question...what would people see if they opened my "drawer of life"? What do I want them to see?

Simply put, I no longer want to stand on top of the movie-making heap and declare that I am the most valuable, and therefore worth more. I only want to take what I need and give the remainder to those in need...
...St. Augustine said, “Determine what God has given you, and take from it what you need, the remainder is needed by others.” That’s my philosophy in a nutshell, which is consistently reflected in nature. But our culture encourages us to take as much as we can, to amass fortunes that sit idle in bank accounts while others starve (and nature is abused in the process!)

THIS is the gospel! This is what Jesus commands us to do and I am inspired by his courage to do it. We are to take care of those in need. There are so many statistics about how there is enough in this world for everyone to have food, shelter and love. But somewhere along the line we collected mountains of wealth and things and will fight to the death before we have to share. It's mine and since I earned it I deserve it! It's time for that way of thinking to change.

The Force...

2011-02-07T11:11:00.001-08:00

February!

-2-2011!

The month of looooove (and the superbowl...) and the one month that got the short end of the stick...only 28 days (this year) to celebrate!

And I want to spend February asking questions...because I happen to have a lot. And because I got this awesome book SoulPancake which is chock full of questions big and small, silly and profound and best of all, makes you think about life and what its all about.

But, to keep it simple today and because the Superbowl was yesterday - I must ask: what was your favorite Superbowl commercial?

I didn't see all of them...but I think this one is just adorable:

Farewell January

2011-01-31T16:33:00.000-08:00

January is coming to a close... 2011 is in full swing now!

On reflection, don't think I did too bad for my January Month of Lists - I know I'll happily be writing plenty more, but in moving on to February comes a new idea. I am thinking February will be the month of questions. But more on that tomorrow...

My three words to sum up January 2011:

1. Adventure

2. People

3. Re-visioning

Popcorn and Snuggie Required

2011-01-29T09:07:00.000-08:00

Movies I've watched in January:

Remember Me

The Bounty Hunter

Charlie St. Cloud

The Book of Eli

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Have I mentioned how much I love Netflix? Well I do. A LOT.

2011-01-28T09:03:00.000-08:00

Things I'm looking forward to this weekend:

-- Snowshoeing with the roommates

-- Birthday party for a friend

-- The Harry Potter Exhibit with Briana and Nick!!

--Nick and my Engagement Class begins...dun dun dunnnn!!

What are you up to this weekend?

Stuffed to the brim

2011-01-27T05:51:00.000-08:00

Things that have been taking up my time lately (thus, the lack of attention here...)

1. wine tasting at our friends house, Nate and Janell: check out Lobo Hills Wine - quite lovely!

2. Seattle Wedding Show with dear friend (and fellow bride) Laura - it was C-R-A-Z-Y, but great (and I won something! It's always fun when you get more free stuff!)

3. Heroes - just finished Season 1 and am so addicted. Season 2 here I come!

4. Godspell - SPU's winter theater production: hilarious, talented and it had tap dancing!! Of course I loved it!!

5. Friends, roommates, movie nights, game nights and oh yeah...planning a wedding.

Life is full and fabulous and I couldn't ask for more (except maybe a teency bit more time in the day!)

Things to Do When it Snows in Seattle...

2011-01-14T10:46:00.001-08:00

Make a snowman/woman - Meet Francis Eileen - the he/she snowperson.

2. Take a picture with a camera that delays at least 30 seconds before flashing, thus resulting in hilarious faces...

3. Write your sleeping roommates name REALLY BIG in the snow...and not be able to see in from your apartment because of the trees...
4. Tackle your roommate into the snow... then make snow angels! ...What - you can't see them??
5. Stand on a fire hydrant and pretend you can fly.

Signs We Should Have Had A Snow Day...

2011-01-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

Stayed up late frolicking in said snow...and was tired when alarm blared
Took time to actually make coffee at home...and left said coffee on the counter
Forgot rainboots at work and attempted to walk in fancy boots which I'm pretty sure are coated with crisco on the bottom...
Spunky, (Brie's car), couldn't get out off the parking spot...thus Brie and I had to dig out with an ice scraper
Made tea at the office (because of forgotten coffee...) and spilled all over white shirt
Wanted this to be a "What You Do When It Snows In Seattle" post...but brought the wrong cord to work and can't upload any pictures...

Sigh.

Back to a slushy, messy Wednesday

Not so lazy Saturday

2011-01-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

Saturday projects...

Assemble buttons on white sweater...check
Pick up pictures and finish Christmas presents (that obviously didn't make it in time)...check
Get bracelet fixed...check
Get $2.00 off tickets for Bridal Show tomorrow!...check
Patch Nick's pants...check

Glass of red wine and Friends after a successful day...check.

Branching out...

2011-01-07T13:15:00.002-08:00

Today is Casual Friday and my co-worker Sarah and I decided to make the most of it...

My attire includes:

Jeans
New black boots
A hot pink [tight] T-shirt with bold white letters that say: "SPU Girls Rock" which Sarah and I could not stop giggling about in the bookstore yesterday and decided to wear them together today...and I am not even joking it came with a sticker that says: "Some say slim fit. Some say juniors. I say, lighten up, have some fun, and squeeze into it!" Squeeze we did.
A black cover jacket

Hilarious, I tell you, just what my Friday needed!

Casual Friday by bostrj featuring print tops

House of Holland Naomi quote t-shirt.
30 GBP - brownsfashion.com
Print tops »

Black satin bolero
34 GBP - debenhams.com
Satin jackets »

Women's Skinny Jean - American Eagle Outfitters
$50 - ae.com
Skinny jeans »

Burberry Prorsum Aviator shearling platform boot
695 GBP - brownsfashion.com
Stiletto boots »

Lanvin pearl three drop necklace
275 GBP - flannelsfashion.com
Lanvin necklace »

Stylized Heart, Wall Words and Decals by Trading Phrases
$20 - tradingphrases.com

TGIAF (Thank Goodness It's Almost Friday)

2011-01-06T12:13:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Doughnut Friday...something I always look forward to! Thus, I had to list my very favorite doughnut/pastry delights!

1. French Cruller

2. Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

3. Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls

4. Blueberry Cake Doughnut

What delicious treats all wrapped in frosting are your favorites?

Musical, anyone?

2011-01-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

In honor of starting this day off musically (by waking my dear roommate, Brie, with a favorite camp song of mine..."Riiise and shiiine and give God the glory glory!!") today's list is musical:

The first 5 songs on my random playlist:

Ready to Love Again - Lady Antebellum
Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day
Look At Me - Carrie Underwood
Viva La Vida - Coldplay
All Your Life - The Band Perry

What are you listening to?

Reflections

2011-01-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

Today's list is a bit long...and overdue, but tradition nonetheless.

1. What did you do in 2010 that you had never done before?

Quite a bit actually: Graduated from college, got a big-girl-job, traveled all over China and became engaged to a handsome guy!

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?

Last years: 1. Drink more H2O (because I'm bad at it) -- I'd say check thanks to my new bobble! 2. To feel strong and hopeful -- hopeful-yes, strong? Not really. 3. To read the Bible daily -- sigh...afraid not, though I was able to consistently do devotions toward the last half of the year! 4. To create a budget and stick with it -- managing pretty well I'd say! (and please oh please #5: find a job) -- hooray!
This year

3. Did anyone close to you die?

Not that I can think of...

4. Did anyone close to you give birth?

A new meaning of Advent...waiting for baby Benjamin to be born to my boss' daughter!

5. What countries did you visit?

China and Hong Kong

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

A gentler spirit and milder tongue

7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory?

August 1 - the day I said 'yes!'

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Graduating Magna Cum Laude and finding a job!

9. What was your biggest failure?

Spending too much time worrying

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No, thank goodness (except for the 'China Flu' after our trip...that knocked me out for a few days)

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My Bobble!!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My Maid of Honor, Megan is such a strong spirit, selfless, always willing and trying to serve others. She is generous and so loving - I am daily inspired by her strength and courage.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

There's plenty of undulations in friendship, some weather the storm and some remain lost at sea for some time. Only time will tell if it is meant to return and I plan to move forward.

14. Where did most of your money go?

China and wedding, wedding, wedding!!

15. What did you get really really excited about?

This sparkly new ring on my finger! Not only the creative outlet to plan a wedding, but the creation of something new with someone I consider my best friend.

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?

I think As She's Walking Away by Zac Brown

17. Compared to this time last year are you happier or sadder?

I would have to say, happier - this time last year was a bit rough.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Read more books!!! (Textbooks don't count)

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Spent time and energy on damn carpet beetles.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

A quiet one at home. The usual lounging around in our pajamas, a delicious dinner and some movies

21. How will you be spending New Years?

With the Anderson clan - friends, food, wine, future family, and a midnight kiss

22. Did you fall in love in 2010?

A love continued to grow

23. What was your favorite TV programs?

Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, and Survivor

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Nope, I try not to hate people.

25. What was the best book you read?

Hmmm, that's a hard one - I loved Eat, Pray Love and The Help

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

The Band Perry

27. What did you want and got?

An iTouch!!! (even though the surprise got ruined...it's still fabulous!

28. What was your favorite film this year?

I have a few: HP and the Deathly Hallows Part I, and How to Train Your Dragon...I feel like there were many more but I can't remember what all I saw this year!

29. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

Twenty-three and my office celebrated with a delicious taco bar luncheon, later it was off to Mulleady's for happy hour and fabulous friends!

30. What is one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Warmer weather!!

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?

Professional...classy...and a bit more dressy. I bought my first pair of boots!

32. What kept you sane?

Lots and lots of coffee and deep breathes. Prayer.

33. What did you get that you didn't deserve?

Everything I've received is a blessing and underserved, that's the absolute beauty of it all.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

If I had to watch one more political commercial for who in WA state is the worst, slimiest, backstabbing liar I'll rip out my hair. I can't even tell you what they represented because they were too busy ripping each other apart

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I'm not sure that I fancied one more than another...haven't kept up on my tabloids!

36. Who did you miss?

Friends and family scattered about

37. Who was the best new person you met?

They aren't necessarily 'new', but I got to know my officemates Donna, Amy and Sarah much better and have been blessed by their wit and humor!

38. What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding --Proverbs 3:5

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

Mama you taught me to do the right things
So now you have to let your baby fly
You've given me everything that I will need
To make it through this crazy thing called life
And I know you watch me grow up and always want whats best for me
And I think I found the answer to your prayers

--Mama's Song by Carrie Underwood

the sleepless monster awakes

2011-01-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

Today's list is of essentials...because I was unprepared for a night without my suitcase and a day with very little sleep. But, ticket vouchers!!!!

My essentials...

sleep...I'm not the type that can survive on 5, 6 or even 7 hours. Pathetic, I know.
A cup of hot tea, preferably with honey
Warmth - sunshine, blankets, cozy sweaters, and clothes right out of the dryer
Toothbrush &toothpaste. Bad breath and fuzzy teeth...need I say more?
Gum. For when the toothbrush leaves on a jet plane and the toothpaste is confiscated as a liquid over whatever ounces are allowed past security...
A Monte Cristo...every once in a while I just need a good indulgence!

And in case you missed them: January lists and beginnings.

To fly or not to fly?

2011-01-02T21:36:00.000-08:00

Nick and I opted to give up our seats for some nice ticket vouchers to hopefully help the wallets for this eventful year...but that means our luggage is en route to Seattle and we are back to the Anderson Hotel for a 3:30am wake-up call.

As I told Nick, entice me with enough money and I can be spontaneous...

2011 Not-So-Spontaneous Adventures:

Another trip home for continued wedding to-do's... (and parties!)
My (second) cousin is graduating High School!
I'm throwing in the towel to single-hood and saying 'I Do'!
A date with Mickey on his cruise ship

What adventures are 2011 bringing your way?

If you missed the past list go here.

Eleveeehn!

2011-01-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

It's a New Year... 2011! (eleVEEHHHN - sorry, Anderson joke...)

Thus, I am inspired and thinking about taking on different themes for different months and maybe that continue to inspire me to write regularly on this here thing...

I've decided that January's theme will be Lists... because I love lists.

So, in honor of a brand new year - here are my resolutions, list-style.

Cliche, CLICHE - but to get a good and sturdy exercise routine down. So I can fit into my wedding dress...and be strong enough to hoist my own suitcase up three flights of stairs...
To cook! I got a couple of cookbooks for Christmas and am hopeful the kitchen and I will become friends.
To find time daily for devotions - to learn to carve out my time and listen to God. To sit still and be quiet.
Learn to be content, in all situations. (Which will require a lot of #3)

An Online Christmas?

2010-12-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

New rhythms

2010-12-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

I feel wildly out of sync this season. My internal clock is thrown off and I can't believe Christmas is this week!

I'm so used to the rhythm of school - coming home with weeks to spare - plenty of time to shop for gifts and prepare for Christmas day! But this year - I am working! Working until almost Christmas Eve and when I finally get home it will be Christmas!

Therefore, I am behind and probably won't get ahead this season. I'm trying to just accept that and find any sort of peace, but I feel pressure to have it all together and present each person with the perfect gift. The gifts that I did buy are still sitting on my bedroom floor...not mailed. New Year gifts, anyone??

Things have slipped through the cracks which I find terribly ironic. My life calms down and I shed the stress and fast pace of school and end up getting less done than when I was running full speed ahead! How does this happen?

It's nice to relax and come home to lounge, but I'm afraid it's becoming a bad habit. I'm becoming too accustomed to having a clear schedule and nothing to do because when there are things that could be done I forget all about them.

Things will be different this year and the years following. There's an uncertain anxiety about the changes of rhythm and perhaps being so out of sync this year is just what is needed to forge a new tradition, a new way.

However, something I have accomplished this season is really being present in Advent. Reading reflections that continually challenge and broaden the depth of my understanding of my Savior's birth, of what it means to wait, anticipate, look anxiously to heaven. Our office walked alongside my boss as she waited for a new grand-baby to arrive...each day we'd eagerly wait for news...wait for this child to be born. Brings new meaning to the anticipation felt ~2,000 years ago and our anticipation now as we again wait for Christ and His return.

Sugary Success

2010-12-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday my friend, Amy, and I went on an adventure in West Seattle on the hunt for Macaroons which I'd fretted about earlier. We braved the rain (record-setting rain, that is) and found Bakery Nouveau which was nestled downtown, and inside smells and dazzling treats awaited.

Everything looked amazingly delicious and of the things we tried, they tasted even better than I imagined they would!

We, of course, had to try the macaroons since that prompted the whole adventure and Amy got a feta and spinach pie and I got a doughnut-ish pastry...sadly I can't remember the name! But it was a rich doughnut with hints of lemon zest covered in cinnamon-sugar. Amy got the pistachio and coffee macaroons and I got strawberry, raspberry and we both enjoyed lavender. The raspberry was by far my favorite which encased silky raspberry chocolate. We rolled out of there on a sugar high to say the least.

Macaroon hunt successful (and delicious). Hope to make it back there someday soon!

10 on 10 2010!

2010-12-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

Last one of the year (and I'm thinking the only one I got to...) And it's still not posted on the tenth...but these were taken on the tenth so it'll work. Had a little mishap of misplacing my usb cord for the camera and couldn't upload them until today - such is the pace of December!

A Window In...

2010-12-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

So once upon a time in PA Training...we learned about the Johari Window and I was a bit fascinated by the concept. It's a tool to highlight how you see yourself, how others see you and what it all means! To learn more go here.

But, I stumbled across an interactive web Johari Window from my dear friend Therese...

Therefore, you should participate! Click on HERE to view mine and follow the directions...then create your own!

feeling bookish...

2010-12-08T09:12:00.000-08:00

Just finished The Memory Keeper's Daughter...

The weight of decisions made and how they unfold the future are woven in the lives of Nora, Henry in Caroline in this story. It gripped me with themes of grief, sorrow and the complexity of human relationships, yet - simple joy. Interesting read to say the least.

Next on the list: The Help by Kathryn Stockett as highly recommended to me by Kelley!

lol

2010-12-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

These had me laughing for quite awhile... there's a whole site dedicated to the mishaps of autocorrect on the iPhone...

World AIDS Day

2010-12-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

Today is World AIDS Day.

The heartbreak, pain, suffering, sickness and stigma are still consuming so many around the world and here, in our backyard. Yet - there is also hope. Hope that action, education, fundraising will make a difference.

Spread hope.

Learn more about World AIDS Day and the AIDS epidemic here.

In need of some soul pancakes...

2010-11-30T12:29:00.001-08:00

Just happened upon this find...

...the bookstore is calling my name!!

Does your cat Patty-Cake?

2010-11-29T15:41:00.000-08:00

Genius. And hilarious.

The turning point...

2010-11-28T20:34:00.000-08:00

Well my [impromptu] 5 day vacation is coming to a close (unless snow magically appears overnight and Seattle is thrust into another bout of chaos and closure...but not likely).

It was quite amazing to be snowed in and I feel that I accomplished quite a bit, rested a whole lot, and think I'm ready for routine again...

A bit of justification for staying in and relaxing:

Finished two crocheting and knitting projects
Caught up to Oct (after starting in May) on my magazines
Listened to more of The Memory Keeper's Daughter
Learned to play Poker (and lost all my sweet tarts...sigh)
Got a big head-start on Christmas presents (and didn't even leave the house on Black Friday)
Ordered pictures for scrapbooking
Began to catch up on scrapbooking
Cooked a whole turkey by myself (and no one got food poisoning!)

I'll miss you snow days!

The Makings of a Feast!

2010-11-26T11:51:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving Nick and I to tackle a Thanksgiving meal (even though it would be just us). That and I was determined to face my fear of not being able to cook a turkey... and of course, I had to document this!

Everything all set and ready to go...

Our 17lb turkey all rubbed and slathered in this recipe found on AllRecipes.com

Nick and I checking the temp of the turkey...185 whoo hoo!

The finished product...yum! Nick carving our purty bird!

Table set. Our feast included stuffing, green bean casserole, turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce topped off with sauvignon blanc

What would Thanksgiving be without [my favorite] Pumpkin Pie!! (And homemade whip cream!)

My blessings are overflowing - I'm so thankful for the adventures of this year, my dear family and soon-to-be family, friends that stand through thick and thin and a fiance whose patience and love are such gifts.

Thanks be to God!

Wednesday Wishes...

2010-11-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

Currently on my wish-list:

Moroccan Oil... i love the smell, shine and softness it gives my hair

A cozy case for my external hard drive...
This fantastic print cover for my iTouch...
AND for the ice to melt so Nick could get over to the west side!

A Snowy Mess...

2010-11-23T14:38:00.000-08:00

Well - Seattle dipped into the 20's and tiny little snowflakes began to fall Sunday and then Seattle decided to get serious about this and really started to snow all of Monday leaving a wake of chaos and to my utter delight 3 snow days into the Thanksgiving Holiday!! Glorious! (our joy can be seen above due to closing at noon on Monday by Sarah P. and Sarah C. frolicking in the snowy wonderland)

However, wonderland soon turned into nightmare and Seattle-ites tried to venture home as seen by this video taken on Capitol Hill. Around minute 3:15 might be the reason that Brie got stranded downtown for nearly three hours with the rest of Seattle in gridlock...

I'm happy to stay indoors, sit by the fire and indulge in some much needed arts and crafts time.

Want to go to the circus?

2010-11-19T12:03:00.000-08:00

Currently reading (well...listening - thanks Kelley!) to Water for Elephants.

Perhaps the reason I stayed up late last night and slept through my alarm this morning...

AND

just found out that they are making it into a movie coming out in April with such starts as Robert Patterson and Reese Witherspoon!

A maca-what?

2010-11-17T16:31:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness. I keep seeing Macaroons everywhere.

[On Gossip Girl...wedding blogs...in books]

It's a sign that I must try one of these things!

Does anyone know where I can find one of these tasty treats besides Paris?