Off the couch...

If someone were to describe me, I am pretty sure introverted and homebody would not be the words they use.  However, I think it would surprise more people than not that there are many times a shyness or an insecurity takes over that results in me being quiet in front of people or wishing to just stay home on my couch.

The results of life have determined that being shy or sitting at home are no where near as endearing as reaching out to people and making myself slightly uncomfortable off the couch.

Did you know that when I coach and I have to stand there in front of 17 adolescent girls it still makes my stomach churn? I have been doing it for 10 years and still, I get nervous when I know they are all looking at me with expectation.

I don't like being the one to introduce myself. But if I didn't, there would be a few good friends missing from my life today.

I was miserable the first time we attended small groups at our church. The new guys, the new peeps with no attachments and everyone was trying to figure us out.  It took awhile, but now I have some amazing people in my life.

I hate reaching out and marketing for business, especially still being the new kid on the block, but despite the nerves, I have work hanging in three major reception sites in 2013.

I say this because I often have people tell me they wish they had my outgoing personality or my ability to forge a new path or the talent needed to succeed. From the outside...perhaps I can see why they might say such things.

But this is me:

It's hard to meet to meet new people.

I despise change.

I cringe when I have to publicly speak

I beg for alone time

I entertain all the time and I hate cooking :)

Confrontation is a foreign word to me

Prayer is harder than complaining

Critique is easier than love


Sound like a success story? haha

 I have just learned that the results of being that person who reaches out is much better than the person who hides behind insecurities and fear.  Trust me, every time I post an image from a wedding or a session I cringe.  "What if people don't like it"  "what if other photographers are rolling their eyes at my ability when they see this?"  See?  every time!  I have learned to ignore that little  doubt bubble that rises.  I have learned God takes our greatest weakness and makes it our greatest strength.

So, please the next time someone says they with they had some attribute of mine, I shall tell them...they your internal wish would be to relax on the couch and really not have to deal with 80% of life :) but the other 20% says to pull up my big girl pants .... because there is a beautiful world to tap into.

ramblings...

If i hold you for a moment

i'll hold onto it forever

if you only tell me I love you once

then once is enough

If you give me a piece of your heart

then a piece is all i need

if tomorrow we never spoke

i've had the chance to hear you laugh

my words are my arms

to hold you when i can't

my thoughts  are my fairy tale

i invite you into sometimes

A jaded reality 

meets  happy ever after

a story meets it's beginning

If I only write a chapter

it would be a beautiful one

if i wrote an ending

it would only be a happy one

reality can fight my story

distance can stop my a dream

a heart can go on believing

even if it believes alone

So distracted...

Sometimes those introspective moments drive me crazy. Those times where you feel like something amazing is about to happen or perhaps if you sat down and dedicated yourself right then in there you would produce the next best novel..ever or painting master piece.  You can't shake it. I don't know!  I sit here this morning trying to answer emails, work and get things done..but I am so distracted. 

It might have been the meteor shower last night. THAT was amazing.  It was such a reminder of how small we really are. How much we don't know. We can't re-create that. We have to be in awe of such an event.  

I am surrounded every day by talented people. I used to be so intimidated by great writers, photographers - musicians don't intimidate me because I can't begin to play an instrument well :) 

Artists that ran parallel to what I wanted to do, intimidated me.  This week has been a great time of investing in knowing those talented people and making me feel like we are all in this together. This crazy ride of producing and creating.  It's hard to explain, but I think some of you know exactly what I am talking about...

So I think those conversations have renewed some creativity. We'll see, but yea I'm still distracted. Even this blog really doesn't make sense!

winter writing

It seems blogging comes and goes for me. I think winter, at least for me releases more time to do internal things with external results. Writing comes easier in the winter.  I am a little less busy with work, I like to be hunkered down with snowflakes falling outside and the early darkness forces me into my pajamas by like 6:30 haha...ok not really, but sometimes it happens.

So, I think I'll exchange a few things here and there on the writing forums, who knows.  But, the blog, at least - has not been forgotten :)

"the best kind of art is produced with the heart is wrench and suffocated or when it's plumped and affectionate. Anything in between, feels stationary.  So, does that mean if you are an artist you must live in extremes? Of that -I am not sure."

I have a blog?

who knew? I actually enjoy blogging, but it takes thinking...and thinking hasn't happened much lately in extra quantities. I am not complaining, simply stating.

I actually haven't blogged because I haven't had time to really sort out thoughts or even really have a purpose. I almost wiped out the whole thing because I don't like doing something less than 100%. Even this.

So, perhaps a few thoughts here and there. I think fall brings out the writer in me.  I haven't written anything in awhile, but my work is not far from me. I have actually started a new novel ( ok started it in my head) it would be a third actually. I tend to let like two people read them and consider it done.

Random rambling... I believe Austin was born to keep me in a reality check.  He's sweet, he's a joy - but he has no filter and an amazing thought process.

For those that know him, you know his "r's" don't pronounce well. We have worked on this repeatedly and I'm sure some day it will diminish.  The other day when I reminded him to say his "r's" with a harsher rrrrrrr sound. He shrugged and said, " mom, i just say my r's the old fashion way I guess."

What?  :)

Tragedy

Warning. Today is a weepy day. It's 7:45 and I think I woke up with tears in my eyes.  Yesterday two children were killed on four wheelers after trying to cross a busy road.  They attend a school where we have friends that work there, we have students that know them..but all that doesn't surmount to what it must feel like to be close friends, family and mom and dad.
I started receiving information at about 1:30 yesterday- but it wasn't clear until that night what had happened. It seems ironic to me that the worst tragedies happen on beautiful days. 
I have to rest in God this morning, because I cried when the boys left for school, as I picked up their things, as I put away their clothes and as I imagine at some point...those moms will have to do the same.  It was just another day, clothes were probably strewn about, backpacks left unattended and even dinner ready for that evening. But their child wouldn't be coming home.  It developed a ball of knives in the pit of my stomach. 
I don't have much else to say, except today I hurt for them. Sometimes, I just want to take everyone I love and put them in a very tight, secure, bubble that promises me no more hurt.
I have admitted to my small group I have one great fear. Losing a child.  We had to discuss if we really trusted God.  Oh, I do, I do..I thought....but something inside me spoke. In theory I do.
But, there are moments of fear that grip me. The boys. Losing them.  Can't imagine.
So. When I know of these accidents, these tragedies, I can feel that fear well up inside me and drown me.  Today will be a good practice in releasing it all back to God..about a million times over.

Faith Like a Child

I am sitting here trying to concentrate - but once I write this I will be able to. One thing I have struggled with and I am sure I am not the only one is the purposeful time we need to spend with the Lord. Not just a quick prayer, quick read....but real time. The kind of time you invest in a best friend or spouse. Real time. So, couple that struggle with setting aside to make sure you are doing that with your children as well and you can see where I'm going..
However, as priorities change and hearts become tender to the soft speaking of God - it becomes evident where you need to invest your time. Time for me is hard. I'm selfish - more with time than with money, but that is a whole different post.
However, recently we have started doing Dessert and Devos. (Of course I had to give it a name). Once dinner is cleaned up, we turn off all devices..phones, tv, computers, games etc. I get out some sort of dessert and we sit around the counter in our kitchen. We are progressing through some of the famous stories of the Bible as the boys are getting older and understanding more than just what is surface.  I read and then Andrew reads the correlating verses.
I say all that, because in those few moments the peace and warmth that is in our home is physical. It's almost as if you FEEL God smiling down as he hears those little voices read from His Word and ask questions that truly matter. It fills me up, just those few moments and I have to ask, why is it so hard to make time? Now, it might not work like this EVERY night, but so far it's been a good time to do it. But, that peace, those moments, I can't wait to come back to in the evening. It's humbling.

Productive Shmuctive

I am not even sure that makes sense BUT today was actually awesome! Boys went fishing with some friends, I stained 3.37% of the back deck before I ran out and the store didn't have ANYMORE! I accidentally went to a few garage sales and therefore had to text Gregg to stop at 191 main st on his way home to pick up furniture. The funny thing is...he didn't even ask why. he knew. he always knows :) I also bought Maple cotton candy - delish.
I then went to work on a few projects I have been wanting to attack..and got some help along the way :)

situating some family frames. 

Back splash anew with goodies and cute jars

handsome helper 1

handsome helper 2

Getting there! new paint on deck rails and varnished a barrell. now a drink/food table top!

. redid this dresser for the guest room. No more silly flowers.

Old trunk I've had in the studio. 

had to get rid of some stencils.

not a good photo.

but that is because.... this goober took it. and then took pics of himself. wonder

where he gets that from ? :)

and then..

an out door day bed we put together. It's. ah. mazing. 

Phew. think i'm tired!

Enjoying The Journey

My devos this morning were on enjoying the journey by the ever wonderful Max Lucado.  So much to say about that. However, in the past year this concept means everything to me. Why? Because those 2 little babies I have are now 9-6. For Andrew, he's half way to "the mark".  18 years old!! ugh. Austin is not far behind.  God uses those two lil men as my measuring stick.
We are here to enjoy God's journey. Our work, our family and our friends... it's all apart of it.  So are we missing it?
Are we missing the moments God intended us to enjoy?
Like when your children beg you to come look at the frog they just caught and I JUST sat down. Inside I sighed, but I went over  to look. Austin looked at me and asked "God made a big one huh?" I smiled and nodded. "God is pretty creative huh?" I answered. "He is SO cool!". I might seem like a small conversation, but it was moment to affirm God's creation and of course..the "cool" factor :)
I have missed those moments before. I try NOT to do it again.

Like when a friend's drama is overtaking your every thought and you realize your husband has been sitting on the couch waiting for JUST a little attention.
It's hard to let go when you feel someone needs you, but it was more important to sit and talk with him...only to find out..his day wasn't great either. The journey needed to be focused on him for that moment and we ended up laughing by the end of it.  It was moment we needed.

Or. is your schedule so busy that you don't have time to see friend and family?
Of course, real life exists. But...is work keeping you from emotionally connecting to those around you? That's hard.  Our pastor once said this : "We work so hard to have a good home, a good job, to get our kids a good education, so they can go to a good college, and get a good job to find a good home and we push and push so hard to end up in a cycle that never ends. Do we ever stop and think..what does God want?"
This is not to say God doesn't want you to have a good job or a quality education...but what if? What if the journey were meant to be different ? Enjoy the journey - don't carve it in stone.  God's plan might be waaaaay better than you could ever "plan" for yourself.

Take those moments to look at a big ol fat ugly frog. :)

The World Is Much Bigger Than Me..True Story

I just watched this video - "180" the movie.   Afterwards, the first thing I felt was...some of my problems are really dumb. I know...deep thinker here. Obviously, much more poured into my heart and thought process, but it did make me think. How much less stress, worry and anxiety would we feel if we realized we WEREN'T the center of the universe. Now, I know some of us would have a hard time admitting that we think like that... but our actions will tell us otherwise.
For one... we stress out about money, jobs, what to DO with our lives, children, whether or not someone likes us or doesn't, activities, bosses, responsibilities, families...and it goes on. I am not say these things aren't important. They are. But, if something goes wrong with a friend does it send us into endless emotional turmoil?  If we aren't making enough money do we take on another job and spend less time with family? If our boss is a jerk, does it make our whole world collapse? these things all affect us, of course. I have concerns, worry and other issues that do take a toll, but if we take a moment and step back from the situation...I think some of our "problems" we have created. We have turned the grain of sand into a mountain.
My mom and I have a catch phrase when we start complaining about something or something really concerns us that perhaps shouldn't be overtaking our entire existence.. It might sound harsh, but we'll say "It's Not About You". you know?  It stems from the devotion by Max Lucado, but it kind of stops you in your tracks.
It's about God. Kinda takes the pressure off. We can't let our worries and concerns swamp us so greatly that our entire world comes crashing down in the midst of small problems.  The world is much bigger, problems are greater and sometimes if we invest in others we realize...our own personal turmoil shrinks a little. This isn't to minimize real problems. They exist. I am talking more along the lines of bumps in the road that we somehow turn into the Grand Canyon.
Not sure this all makes sense, I think I touched on about 20 different topics that could lead into hours of discussion, but that's it in a nutshell.

My Poor Blog

It's not that I don't enjoy blogging. I do! I do! Currently, I am writing for 5 blogs, two of my own,  one for a company I co-own and three or four or a professional other than myself. I am blogged out.
I have ideas and I am sure they are fantastic ones...;)
So much keeps changing and now that wedding season is here, I fear my blog will grow ever more anemic! OR...I'll just find all sorts of wonderful things to write about. haha. maybe.
I might just get sick of myself.. perhaps I'll pinning random things I do on pinterest... like how to make socks into an evening gown.
Many cool things have happened over the past few months, but it all seems to be a blur! A good blur, but one that takes some sorting out and pondering.

Highlight Reel?
Ingrid Michaelson concert
My trip to VA where I spent lovely time with my friend Crystal and her husband Ryan who gave me a clear cut view of Austin 20 years from now. :)
Saw my dear college friend/teammate Dana in NC
Andrew somehow became a young man
Austin lost teeth ;)..he's en route
Family time is precious and fleeting
Had some dinner with my bro and sister in law in which we waited almost an hour for our food..do people not know that it's never safe to make me wait an hour?
I have perfected the ice coffee drink
I read my first business book (such a grown up)
I ran my fastest three miles ever
Celebrated 9 years of life of my brother since his accident
Made some new/good friends
Iphone.
Camera
lovely note from my mom..that came in the mailbox!
my dad and I battling it out on Runkeeper. hahaha
ok
im done. how much of me is really necessary here? :)

I am THAT girl!

We have to laugh at ourselves. Otherwise...we will be miserable human beings counting up the many failures in life. It's those failures...sometimes...we just have to laugh at.
I say this because I have family and friends and, wait.....yup even me who get really down on themselves about their failures or shortcomings.
I find myself doing this especially being a mom, wife and friend. Family and friends are the two things that saturate my world with color, but it can also lead to counting your shortcomings when you feel you let people down, forget an important date...or somehow are NOT awarded "mom-of-the year" at the pretend end-of-the school year awards ceremony that takes place only in the minds of all parents in June ;)
Yesterday - Science Projects were due.  I was THAT mom in the parking lot of Wal-Mart putting the finishing touches on Andrew's presentation board because the photos I ordered still hadn't come yet. One hour photo saved the day. So, glue stick in hand, in the parking lots with lots of look-seers staring at me - I finished that sucker. Now. how does one NOT laugh at that? There was a twinge of guilt that it wasn't done by that morning, but I did get it to school on time.

Last week, my cousin asked to stay at our house. I said sure.  I asked him to pick up potato salad for dinner. He said yes. He came on Wednesday, I thought he said Thursday. He didn't. I checked. He said Wednesday. Oops.  Therefore we had finished dinner and there was no need for potato salad.We had already eaten! I am THAT cousin.

There's more:
I offered to take dinner to a friend after she had a baby. She said yes. I made dinner. We agreed to all eat dinner together. I told my fam we were going over. Packed up the car. Texted her I had dinner take care of.  We got 15 minutes from her house and she asked "when would you like to get together?"  Oops. I never said the day. She had no idea we were on our way THAT day.  In my head I told her Wednesday..I just forgot to tell HER that.  Being part awesome. She laughed and said come on over!
I am THAT friend.

So, seriously I have to laugh because if I didn't I would be soooo annoyed with myself. I was a little bit and there were moments that I envision this put-together girl that doesn't miss a beat and makes organization look effortless.  I am not THAT girl. However, I encourage you - don't be so hard on yourself. You are harder on yourself than anyone else is.
Andrew thought it was awesome the pics were on the board, my cousin laughed and let me keep the potato salad AND my friends STILL laugh "remember that time you brought us dinner but we didn't know you were coming"...yea...  they even allow me to hold the baby.
Btw - these are just highlights. I could keep going..but let's not totally derail how awesome you all think I am ;)

I'm Gonna Offend Some People I think...

However, I was running. It's a miracle in itself that I was running :)  I think I was propelled by being completely annoyed. It takes a lot to make me angry, upset or even really cranky - but I was bothered.  Here is the basis: I received a comment about a posting I made regarding young girls being forced into sexual exploitation, basically saying it was too tough to watch.
I also received an email or two over the past month from people who "tried" following Love146 and it's up dates, but it was all too much to handle and take in. They would donate - but to REALLY get involved, it was too emotionally draining. That's ok, to each his own. I understand....BUT....

Really? Cuz here I thought sexually exploiting girls was just a light read and gave everyone warm fuzzies..

THIS comes from a culture who has fully embraced the movie - A Girl With A Dragon Tattoo.

As I ran I thought about the irony.  Not only to do non-believers tote this movie, but many, many of my Christian friends have clamored about it.
"It's a little rough in parts but..."
I haven't seen it. So, my comments are not qualifiable to be a critic. However, when the guys I work with at the high school talk about "the scene" and some other parts and THEY are bothered...I have to wonder where we are at.

I am shooting myself in the foot. I have watched movies and shows I am not proud of nor do I think they were healthy. It is something I am really trying to be careful of..my imagination and heart internalize too much.
I won't watch the movie. I have read enough and heard it's story narrated scene by scene from people I work around and know.
I am probably missing the point.
Perhaps there is a dark and twisted artistic element that my far more experienced artisans are grasping.
The tortured heroine who inspires through her immense pain
It's gripping and emotional tug, opening our eyes to someone else's life...

Without watching the movie, I know I can't be too critical. But I also don't have to eat s**t to know it won't taste good..the smell is bad enough.  But, I know enough that I have to wonder where our conscience kicks in and says..."hmm, maybe not good ". Maybe I am WAY off, I probably am and I am sure I will hear about it soon enough :)
It just saddens me a little that THIS is the kind of movie so many believers are not just watching but encouraging others to watch...
Anyone see Monumental this week?

Personally:
I have let go of a few shows and movies. I LOVE movies. LOVE THEM. SO, it is hard for me to turn away. I am a sucker for a good romance, scary movies and even the ever-gory zombie flick.  I thought The Hunger Games was great. So, I am the definition of irony with this. But for whatever reason, those comments I received and the crazy amount of people embracing this movie..just isn't sitting with me well.

This also probably stems from my greatest fear. I fear rape and sexually exploitation more than death.
However, the next time a girl is savagely raped and tortured, you let me know.
The next time someone is actually eaten by zombies or thrown into an arena to save 12 districts...I'll let you know.

They Have Never Seen The Ocean

Once in awhile I sub at school.  It's nice for a little extra money - but more importantly it gives me a glimpse into the lives of young kids.  I am jaded a little I guess. I hear a lot about how horrible public schools are...I have heard it my whole life and there is good reason. However, looking beyond the stereotype and getting past the deluge of bad information....there are children. 

I am not glossing it over. Public school is tough stuff. But here is what I have learned in an educational system that is flawed, but trying to stay alive without the foundation of a family at home. 

In a group of 7 kids for a reading tutorial...I learned 4 of them have never seen the ocean. They have never set foot on a sandy beach, they have never had a moment to gaze across those immense water and wonder...is there something or someone bigger than they are.   Most of them have never even been out of New York state. 

I have learned they grasp at any little information they can get from you to find out about your personal life. 

Kids are sneaky, but they also think it's great that they get jolly ranchers at the end of class. 

They hate to read. However, they think it's awesome I have written a book and I actually get paid to blog. It's all perspective. 

A snow day induces delirium

They want attention. 

They need a little tough love.

They need a home. The kind where mom and dad live and actually love them - this would solve 99 percent of the learning problems. 

In a comparison story where an animal was named Goliath...I asked them..."what does that tell you about the animal if his name was Goliath?".. Blank stares.

Eight seventh graders couldn't tell me who Goliath was. 

I learned what the Cinnamon Challenge was.....

People are very critical of teachers and public school.... but many of those people who fear it and criticize it... have yet to really set two feet inside it. 

I mean let that sink it....these children have never seen the ocean.

A slap in the face...

Ok, not literally. But here it goes. Blessing first.  Andrew is 9 and in the throws of all that third grade has to offer.  You can start to see the separation in the kids...the athletes, the "good" kids, the artists, the musicians...even, sigh, the "cool" kids and the "not so cool." It happens quickly as their world starts to evolve. :(
 There is one particular girl in his glass who is a HANDFUL. She is everything that would make you pull your hair out. Emotionally needy, crass, obnoxious and very disruptive in class. But, oh how she adores Andrew.
Andrew admits, he doesn't particularly LIKE her, but he thinks she is lonely. That's the most he has ever said about her. That brings us to last Friday..they do a character assembly at school. Each class has a "bucket" where kids and teachers can leave encouraging notes, from those buckets a child can be elected for his "character".  You guessed, this girl nominated Andrew twice. I looked over his certificate which gets presented in front of the whole school, and it said "Thank you, for always being nice to me".
tears. sigh. love that kid.
Moving on, Tuesday she invited him to lunch with her. She goes to a special room with a teacher because her behavioral problems sometimes cause a problem in the cafeteria. Andrew, agreed.  Doesn't sound like much, but it's lunch time without his friends, including his best friend who isn't in his class this year. It means, one on one time in a small room with a teacher and this girl. tears. sigh. and then... i felt slapped in the face.
Why did he do this? Because he thought her feelings would "feel better" if he went.
Why did I feel like I had been slapped? Because, honestly, I have been putting off a lunch date w/ a friend. Stalling, busy, kids, you name it...I had a reason not to go.  It's not that I don't like love my friend, I do. BUT...in all honesty- it can be draining. I don't agree with a lot of what she does or how she handles situations...it leaves me wanting to bop her over the head with something rather than hug her or pray with her.
tears. sigh. made the call.
I am going to lunch. Why? Because God showed me that if a 9 year old boy can be so selfless, what in heavens name is wrong with me?  So, in Andrews words, lunch will hopefully make her "feelings feel better".
putting an ice pack on my face.

workout plan. buy a beagle.

That's right. We have all been fooled. We buy gym memberships, hire trainers, invest in homework outs...but all we really needed to do was buy a puppy.
It's simple..if you run with it every day, the exasperating energy level dissipates the rest of the day.  You start off slow when they are just a few months old and you take them for walks. This gets you off the couch and outside.
You increase the distance the pace as she grows and you too start earning a little more cardio stability.

Soon, you can work her up to a mile or two by 8 months.
By doing this...you alleviate the crazy running around and incessant chewing of things b/c she is simply to tired after :)

It forces you to run, because if you don't. you don't alleviate the crazy running around and incessant chewing of things b/c she is simply NOT tired.

The benefits are two-fold - 1. tired puppy. 2. fitter you.
I know, brilliant. I will be writing a book about it soon and the DVD will be on sale in a few months.

Things one does when one is so sick and fending off boredom

Finally. it happens. So stinkin' sick there was no pushing through it. No pretending I was superwoman, no ignoring the drop kick to the body and pummeling experience my sinus endured.
Day one though miserable. welcomed the idea of laying on the couching.  That enjoyment wore off with the onslaught of boredom but to o sick to do anything about it!

So what does one do when one is sick and unable to DO anything...

1. organize photos and actually put them into albums. Yes, I still print my pictures and make albums. It's somewhat of an antique idea now :)
2. Organize itunes, used spotify..wonder why the heck I have both.
3. Pinterest. Need I say more. created some boards, organized my boards. wasted a lot of time indulging in others creativity.
4. blog. ;)
5. read. Studied the book of James. Read some Ken Ham brilliance.
6. Wrote thank you notes, realized my handwriting is just awful
7. One Tree Hill Marathon..sad, but true. don't judge.
8. Caught up on a documentary about sex slavery in America. ugh. Donate to Love146 now people!
9. happy im not a perfectionist or my house and it's slight disarray would have driven me crazy.
10. Colored. I'm awesome at coloring.
11. slept- kinda.
12. Played Mario Cart while the kids were at school. shhhh.
13. caught up on emails. bookings and actually organized groups in my email list. yup.
14. imovie home videos all caught up.
15. the couch cushion is forever formed to my body contour. :)

Day 5- i think there is life. here's hoping!!

inspire me plz?

Why is it that some days you feel like there are so many ideas you basically trip over yourself running in all sorts of creative directions and then other days you sit staring at blank canvas...and all you see is blank canvas?
It's odd how sometimes the simplest thing can inspire a infinite number of ideas and then...ya got nothing.
Last night I slept all of three hours....so stinkin' sick I can barely see to type this. BUT, I'm also bored with not enough energy to do much more than blog ...haha.  I had lots of time to think tho..I mean, when your sick and your brain won't shut off...one COULD watch Dirty Dancing Havana Nights at 1:30 a.m. and think ...no matter how much one likes dancing...that movie is just awful....or think of ways to be better in what you love and in the way you love :) The latter being MUCH more rewarding.
 I have had some time to let ideas sink in and perhaps be inspired...while blowing my nose and dreaming of a the kung fu panda like pressure sitting on mah face....leaving me be.

oh the places you will go...

who knows what could happen in a year. I mean it's a long time, but it's a short time. We always say..where did time go....that happened so fast..... (unless ur doing laundry...or third grade math homework).

Investment. That's the word for this year. Investing in those around me. I try to do that anyway, but perhaps with more purpose this year. Nothing replaces memories with friends and family. Nothing. Not even a super clean, spotless, well organized house...tho...it's nice ;)

What do i mean by investment? i'm not really sure. Perhaps just more of an awareness, a compassion an understanding of others. Praying more intentionally, loving less inhibited, less planning, more living..i dunno... so many cliche's - so little time :)  - cue dramatic music here.

oh and by the way...I'm a bop it whiz...that's another thing about me... I hate board games. kinda. But, once I play I usually like it. However, more board games lead to more fun memories....even my small groupies can attest to some cranium expertise on my behalf.

Frankly, now I am just rambling ;)