I suppose there are a number of days that have changed my live irrevocably; however, maybe none so dramatically as a few weeks ago when my son was born. So as to not be too graphic for public viewing, I'll just give you a few of the highlights of my labor:
Thursday - I went in on a Thursday night to get the whole induction process started. I was only dilated to 1 cm (as I had been for several weeks). After all night on cervidil, I was still only dilated to 1cm, though I did begin having contractions during the night. These contractions were different than the others I had felt. They were, for the first time, time-able. Though they didn't hurt much, they had a very distinct beginning and were about 3.5 to 5 minutes apart. I called the nurse in sometime in the early morning to ask if we'd still need to begin the pitocin at 6am. We did.
Friday - The nurse got me up around 5 am to shower and get ready for the induction. They began me on pitocin around 6am. My OB came in around 8 or 8:30 to break my water. (I was STILL at 1cm.) She said it was probably a good thing we were inducing, because there seemed to be a bit of miconium in the amniotic fluid, which can signal the baby is distressed. My contracts really strengthened after that. I finally asked for the epidural and some IV medication. I couldn't tell that the IV meds did much, but I'm A HUGE fan of the epidural!!! I could finally relax a bit. I think maybe I had dilated to a "2+" around that time. After the epidural is when things seemed to begin progressing. We were all excited when my OB checked me at 1:30pm and announced that I had progressed to 5cm. I knew it was common to progress 0.5 to 1cm an hour from there, so my family began taking bets on what time the baby would arrive - most guessed that night sometime.
Friday afternoon - Somewhere around 2:30pm I announced to the nurse that I was beginning to feel some pressure. She said I was due to be checked again at 3pm, so we'd just wait for that. At 3pm, the nurse checked me and announced that I was complete (fully dilated to 10cm, fully effaced and ready to push)!! At that point, we were just waiting on the doctor. The nurses had me do a short "test push" and determined that they didn't think it would take long for the baby to arrive once I started pushing. Somewhere approaching 4pm the doctor was scrubbed up and ready for me. We pushed through three contractions (nine pushes or so), ten minutes or less, and were able to meet our baby boy face-to-face at 4:06pm.
What a rush! The room felt like a party atmosphere. My son was on my chest, and I could see him for the first time. What a miracle! What a perfect, perfect gift from God!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Monday, July 08, 2013
Time flies...
It so disappoints me to realize I haven't blogged in over a year. Ridiculous! It's not that I haven't had anything to say... maybe I just haven't had the time to say it. John and I found out last October that we were pregnant and due July 3, 2013. Though we were thrilled by the news, we were also faced with some stark realities. John had been aware of an impending layoff from his job, and we still owned two houses. Although we were renting one of those (at the time), we were still taking a loss on it each month. So, in the last nine months we've 1) worked to finish up a house to sell, 2) "lost" a renter, 3) moved houses, 4) listed a house for sale, 5) had one contract fall through, 6) been laid off and 7) temporarily lost a key staff member in my department right before my maternity leave. Needless to say, it's been a little crazy.
Amidst the craziness we began leading a small group in January. It's been such a blessing! John and I debated the timing of the group, given our currently circumstances; however, small groups ("connect" groups) are all about community... which involves being real and transparent with each other. We decided there was no better time to start a group, and we've prayed that we could set an example of walking with God through some of these challenging circumstances.
Furthermore, John and I realized we would need to be much more reliant on God this year, which translates into a much more consistent and vibrant prayer life. We've seen God answer our prayers and provide in the following ways this year:
1) I experienced some bleeding during my second trimester. A high risk specialist advised me to have a polyp, that could be causing the bleeding, removed. Though the procedure would be fairly simple, it's still something they don't like to do during a pregnancy. After our Friday appointment with the specialist, I went in to have the procedure performed the following Tuesday and was told that the polyp was gone! (This is a polyp that had been there the previous Friday and at least a year and a half before that!)
2) I was concerned about my maternity leave, given John's layoff and my limited vacation time. I was given a "time bonus" to help offset what would have otherwise been unpaid leave!
3) John received a bonus within a month of his layoff. His severance pay has also been pretty incredible given the 10+ years he'd been with the company.
4) Though a layoff wasn't preferable, John hadn't been happy at his job for a long time. We really do believe this is God's way of redirecting John to something that he will find more enjoyable and fulfilling. (His initial plans are to take classes toward an accounting degree!)
5) We had an offer within three weeks of listing our house! Though the first contract fell through, we now have a second contract on the house. In the interim, we had the roof replaced and were only out our insurance deductible (on a $17k roof)!
6) I'll use a separate post to write more about the greatest gift and answered prayer: our son!
Amidst the craziness we began leading a small group in January. It's been such a blessing! John and I debated the timing of the group, given our currently circumstances; however, small groups ("connect" groups) are all about community... which involves being real and transparent with each other. We decided there was no better time to start a group, and we've prayed that we could set an example of walking with God through some of these challenging circumstances.
Furthermore, John and I realized we would need to be much more reliant on God this year, which translates into a much more consistent and vibrant prayer life. We've seen God answer our prayers and provide in the following ways this year:
1) I experienced some bleeding during my second trimester. A high risk specialist advised me to have a polyp, that could be causing the bleeding, removed. Though the procedure would be fairly simple, it's still something they don't like to do during a pregnancy. After our Friday appointment with the specialist, I went in to have the procedure performed the following Tuesday and was told that the polyp was gone! (This is a polyp that had been there the previous Friday and at least a year and a half before that!)
2) I was concerned about my maternity leave, given John's layoff and my limited vacation time. I was given a "time bonus" to help offset what would have otherwise been unpaid leave!
3) John received a bonus within a month of his layoff. His severance pay has also been pretty incredible given the 10+ years he'd been with the company.
4) Though a layoff wasn't preferable, John hadn't been happy at his job for a long time. We really do believe this is God's way of redirecting John to something that he will find more enjoyable and fulfilling. (His initial plans are to take classes toward an accounting degree!)
5) We had an offer within three weeks of listing our house! Though the first contract fell through, we now have a second contract on the house. In the interim, we had the roof replaced and were only out our insurance deductible (on a $17k roof)!
6) I'll use a separate post to write more about the greatest gift and answered prayer: our son!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
"Optima dies... prima fugit."
The line above was written by Virgil and means roughly, "the best days are the first to flee." This phrase appears on the title page of Willa Cather's "My Antonia." It also seems to fit Cather's theme. The book is about a man's childhood friend, a Bohemian immigrant by the name of Antonia. Growing up during their youth, life ultimately takes them in different directions, but the friendship they have remains solid. After reuniting after a number of years apart, Jim Burden reminisces with his friend...
She replies:
I've been fortunate enough in my life to have some friendships similar to this. That no matter the time and distance placed in between, nothing can diminish those memories (some of my "best days") and the beauty of lasting friendship.
"Do you know, Antonia, since I've been away, I think of you more often than of anyone else in this part of the world. I'd have liked to have you for a sweetheart, or a wife, or my mother or my sister - anything that a woman can be to a man. The idea of you is a part of my mind; you influence my likes and dislikes, all my tastes, hundreds of times when I don't realize it. You really are a part of me."
She replies:
"How can it be like that, when you know so many people, and when I've disappointed you so? Ain't it wonderful, Jim, how much people can mean to each other? I'm so glad we had each other when we were little. I can't wait till my little girl's old enough to tell her about all the things we used to do. You'll always remember me when you think about old times, won't you? And I guess everybody thinks about old times, even the happiest people."
I've been fortunate enough in my life to have some friendships similar to this. That no matter the time and distance placed in between, nothing can diminish those memories (some of my "best days") and the beauty of lasting friendship.
Heed or No?
Ever feel the prompting of God's Spirit, close your ears and walk the opposite direction? I did that this last weekend. John and I talked about going to see a movie. We debated several movies and finally landed on one that looked to be funny, though likely would be a bit crude. I knew the Holy Spirit was prompting against it, because I even asked John about the rating on that and another movie we had been comparing. But, finally, I gave in. How bad could it be? I can stomach a few crude jokes or scenes in the name of entertainment.
Well, we sat through maybe half of the movie and were disgusted a number of times by the subject matters and the visuals. At some point, we finally got up and walked out of the movie (way after we SHOULD have walked out). What a waste of a perfectly good $18.00. And it's sad to know I'll never get that hour of my life back.
Lesson reaffirmed: When the Holy Spirit prompts, follow It's leading.
Well, we sat through maybe half of the movie and were disgusted a number of times by the subject matters and the visuals. At some point, we finally got up and walked out of the movie (way after we SHOULD have walked out). What a waste of a perfectly good $18.00. And it's sad to know I'll never get that hour of my life back.
Lesson reaffirmed: When the Holy Spirit prompts, follow It's leading.
Friday, April 13, 2012
My Adventures in Ensenada
I was telling some auditors today of my exploits in Ensenada, Mexico. Back in the day I had a state-side audit client with a maquiladora (a manufacturing plant) down in Mexico. It was an amazing opportunity. Two different summers I was able to fly into San Diego, meet a driver and be driven down through Tijuana into Ensenada.
At this point in the story, one of the (male) auditors asked surprisingly, "you went by yourself?!"
That reminded me of sitting in the Las Vegas airport. I think I pulled out a journal. (Yes... the precursor to the blog... paper and pencil.) That's when I first realized the potential hazard I may be walking into. Single girl... trusting to be met by a driver - male, a stranger to me... being driven outside of the USA, through Tijuana... one of the roughest areas in Western Hemisphere... staying in a hotel by myself... what in the world was I doing?!
But, it was the most fun I've had in any of my audit travels. The hotel was amazing. It overlooked a marina with many sailboats. Since I wasn't on the first floor, I felt comfortable leaving the balcony doors open for the fresh air and view. The bathroom was huge and afforded me several relaxing bubble baths. I had some fresh seafood with some Tijuana auditors. I enjoyed shopping on Calle Prima (1st Street) and watching the cruise ships come in and out.
I was more that happy to go the following summer. And, to be honest, I'd love to go back again!
At this point in the story, one of the (male) auditors asked surprisingly, "you went by yourself?!"
That reminded me of sitting in the Las Vegas airport. I think I pulled out a journal. (Yes... the precursor to the blog... paper and pencil.) That's when I first realized the potential hazard I may be walking into. Single girl... trusting to be met by a driver - male, a stranger to me... being driven outside of the USA, through Tijuana... one of the roughest areas in Western Hemisphere... staying in a hotel by myself... what in the world was I doing?!
But, it was the most fun I've had in any of my audit travels. The hotel was amazing. It overlooked a marina with many sailboats. Since I wasn't on the first floor, I felt comfortable leaving the balcony doors open for the fresh air and view. The bathroom was huge and afforded me several relaxing bubble baths. I had some fresh seafood with some Tijuana auditors. I enjoyed shopping on Calle Prima (1st Street) and watching the cruise ships come in and out.
I was more that happy to go the following summer. And, to be honest, I'd love to go back again!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Nerdvana
I was at coffee with friends this morning, and one of my "friends" described my recent experience with an Excel spreadsheet as one of "nerdvana." Unfortunately, I believe he's probably right.
Part of my job consists of overseeing our accounts receivable and work-in-process balances. I've created a spreadsheet that tracks the balances of those assets each month for the past years. I have all of those balances graphed for each year - A/R vs WIP vs Revenue. These graphs are things a beauty. I learned two things from studying my graphs. First of all, our business is seasonal. I already knew that, but my graphs make it very clear - spikes twice a year in Spring and Fall busy seasons. But, it's interesting to note that A/R generally lags a month. If revenue and WIP spike in March, A/R spikes in April. The same is true in the fall, only the lag is less pronounced. For the last several years, A/R has hovered significantly about revenue and WIP... mainly because we were carrying a lot of old receivables.
As you can tell, I was highly focused on my spreadsheet. So much so that when I looked up from my spreadsheet around 5:45, I really couldn't tell you what time it was or even what day it was. I'm serious, it could have been 10:00 at night for all I knew. As someone else pointed out, I must not have any problem concentrating on my task at hand. I only wish that was the rule and not the exception!
Part of my job consists of overseeing our accounts receivable and work-in-process balances. I've created a spreadsheet that tracks the balances of those assets each month for the past years. I have all of those balances graphed for each year - A/R vs WIP vs Revenue. These graphs are things a beauty. I learned two things from studying my graphs. First of all, our business is seasonal. I already knew that, but my graphs make it very clear - spikes twice a year in Spring and Fall busy seasons. But, it's interesting to note that A/R generally lags a month. If revenue and WIP spike in March, A/R spikes in April. The same is true in the fall, only the lag is less pronounced. For the last several years, A/R has hovered significantly about revenue and WIP... mainly because we were carrying a lot of old receivables.
As you can tell, I was highly focused on my spreadsheet. So much so that when I looked up from my spreadsheet around 5:45, I really couldn't tell you what time it was or even what day it was. I'm serious, it could have been 10:00 at night for all I knew. As someone else pointed out, I must not have any problem concentrating on my task at hand. I only wish that was the rule and not the exception!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Return of the Barbasol
So I finally stopped blaming my family for the sudden disappearance of my can of Barbasol. That's right, I use Barbasol, "The Beard Buster." Seriously... it's great for shaving my legs (etc.), and it's cheap! It may have a bit of a manly scent, but who cares?! As I mentioned, it's cheap!
Right after Thanksgiving I couldn't find my can. All I could find was my husband's Gillette - "The Best a Man Can Get," according to him. I used it a time or two, but it was nearly always in the front bathroom when I needed it in the back shower. And, it has a much more distinct "manly smell." All that to say, I blamed this sudden disappearance on the men in my family, because it was here before Thanksgiving and suddenly gone after the family left. What I realized several weeks later is that I had stuffed it into a random grocery sack to get it out of the bathroom during part of the bathroom house project that same weekend. Whew! What a relief! Not only am I clean shaven again, but I can rest easy knowing my family doesn't include a Barbasol thief!
Right after Thanksgiving I couldn't find my can. All I could find was my husband's Gillette - "The Best a Man Can Get," according to him. I used it a time or two, but it was nearly always in the front bathroom when I needed it in the back shower. And, it has a much more distinct "manly smell." All that to say, I blamed this sudden disappearance on the men in my family, because it was here before Thanksgiving and suddenly gone after the family left. What I realized several weeks later is that I had stuffed it into a random grocery sack to get it out of the bathroom during part of the bathroom house project that same weekend. Whew! What a relief! Not only am I clean shaven again, but I can rest easy knowing my family doesn't include a Barbasol thief!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
A Second-Hand Christmas
So, my dear sweet husband was sent to San Antonio for a week for work. I ponied up the cash to make a weekend trip so am there now... currently watching a movie from our hotel room. We've run around a bit, though it's been cold and rainy. We're going back to the Riverwalk tonight to see the lights and eat dinner.
Fortunately we've been able to get a bit of Christmas shopping done. We've even kept (mostly) with the family Christmas Rules. Yes, we do have "Christmas Rules" of sorts. We've debated over the years of the best way to handle Christmas given our growing family. We've finally settled on a Second-hand Christmas. It's awesome. The best way to describe it is that all gifts have to be used. So, you could give something from your home that you think someone else would enjoy. I really like it when I can give someone something from my home that they've specifically asked for... a movie, a book, something I'm not using but still has value.You can also make use of second-hand stores, used book stores, garage sales, etc.
Usually there are great stories accompanying the gifts like, "guess where I found that?" and "I got quite a deal on that!" It's lots of fun. I'd give you some examples of the gifts we've found this year, but I'd hate to spoil the surprises.
We've also done the "homemade" Christmas before. It's been less successful. One year we did that, most everyone in the family received an "IOU" gift. (I received my ACTUAL gift two years after that.) So, now we do a bit of a hodge-podge. I am trying to make one gift, but we'll see if it gets done by Christmas.
Okay... John's requesting a hot chocolate from downstairs. I wouldn't mind refreshing my coffee either. I hope your Christmas season is going well. Do me a favor... enjoy the gift buying/giving, but don't forget the TRUE gift this Christmas: God's gift to us of his son, Jesus.
Fortunately we've been able to get a bit of Christmas shopping done. We've even kept (mostly) with the family Christmas Rules. Yes, we do have "Christmas Rules" of sorts. We've debated over the years of the best way to handle Christmas given our growing family. We've finally settled on a Second-hand Christmas. It's awesome. The best way to describe it is that all gifts have to be used. So, you could give something from your home that you think someone else would enjoy. I really like it when I can give someone something from my home that they've specifically asked for... a movie, a book, something I'm not using but still has value.You can also make use of second-hand stores, used book stores, garage sales, etc.
Usually there are great stories accompanying the gifts like, "guess where I found that?" and "I got quite a deal on that!" It's lots of fun. I'd give you some examples of the gifts we've found this year, but I'd hate to spoil the surprises.
We've also done the "homemade" Christmas before. It's been less successful. One year we did that, most everyone in the family received an "IOU" gift. (I received my ACTUAL gift two years after that.) So, now we do a bit of a hodge-podge. I am trying to make one gift, but we'll see if it gets done by Christmas.
Okay... John's requesting a hot chocolate from downstairs. I wouldn't mind refreshing my coffee either. I hope your Christmas season is going well. Do me a favor... enjoy the gift buying/giving, but don't forget the TRUE gift this Christmas: God's gift to us of his son, Jesus.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Reminders
Permit me a few lines from my favorite poet, Billy Collins:
"me with my presumptuous breathing,
my arrogant need for coffee,
my love of the colorful leaves beyond the windows."
For whatever reason tonight, these lines reminded me of my neglected blog. Maybe it's the creativity of poetry that drove me back. Maybe it's just that so much has happened in these last three months that I finally have something to say about it. Maybe it's just the first time I've really sat down to rest for awhile. Regardless, here I am... propped up in bed, hands on laptop, enjoying the humming of the clothes dryer and the serenity of this moment.
But what to say? I'm not quite sure.
I could talk about my new-ish NOOK.... about how John and I were agreeing together how sad it is that hard copy books are now being out-sold by e-books... and about how within moments of voicing those sentiments we were at Barnes & Noble admiring the NOOKs and talking about how nice they would be for traveling. We bought not one but TWO. And though I haven't finished reading a single book on mine, I do enjoy the portability of it. (I'd like to note that since buying the NOOK I have purchased a "legacy" book online... a compilation of Billy Collins poems, a belated birthday present from a friend (via an amazon gift card).
I could tell you what little I know of married life. So far, so good! :) I think I had enough wisdom to know (before getting married) that married life is not some Shangrila where suddenly everything is blissful and poop doesn't stink. (It still does.) But, a few notes about walking through a new marriage and the joining of lives:
1) We felt really celebrated as people. John and I both remarked a number of times about how blessed we are to have such wonderful friends. My bachelorette party was particularly fun. I enjoyed the time with my girlfriends and being "showered" with gifts/advice/well-wishes. I remember leaving that night thinking, "EVERY girl should feel celebrated like this"... single, married, getting married... EVERY girl.
2) Married life is lovely... or, rather, has some lovely things about it. I remember telling John that I hadn't felt that deep achy, lonely feeling since we started dating. That feeling SUCKS. It absolutely sucks. But, over and over as we were moving toward our wedding, I had (well-meaning) friends make comments about "this is your best year yet" and similar comments. I appreciated the sentiments, but sometimes I felt like those comments served as a slap-in-the-face to the other 36 years of my life. I've had some GREAT years. This will be another GREAT year... definitely full of firsts. But, don't downplay the rest of my life. God blessed me richly in those years as well... whether I recognized it at the time or not. ;)
3) Single friends - don't dispair. There are some nice things about marriage, but there are some equally nice things about being single. I'll wait until later to expound on those. But... enjoy your single days, my friends. They really are a beautiful gift - straight from the hand of God.
4) I'm done lecturing... for now.
"me with my presumptuous breathing,
my arrogant need for coffee,
my love of the colorful leaves beyond the windows."
For whatever reason tonight, these lines reminded me of my neglected blog. Maybe it's the creativity of poetry that drove me back. Maybe it's just that so much has happened in these last three months that I finally have something to say about it. Maybe it's just the first time I've really sat down to rest for awhile. Regardless, here I am... propped up in bed, hands on laptop, enjoying the humming of the clothes dryer and the serenity of this moment.
But what to say? I'm not quite sure.
I could talk about my new-ish NOOK.... about how John and I were agreeing together how sad it is that hard copy books are now being out-sold by e-books... and about how within moments of voicing those sentiments we were at Barnes & Noble admiring the NOOKs and talking about how nice they would be for traveling. We bought not one but TWO. And though I haven't finished reading a single book on mine, I do enjoy the portability of it. (I'd like to note that since buying the NOOK I have purchased a "legacy" book online... a compilation of Billy Collins poems, a belated birthday present from a friend (via an amazon gift card).
I could tell you what little I know of married life. So far, so good! :) I think I had enough wisdom to know (before getting married) that married life is not some Shangrila where suddenly everything is blissful and poop doesn't stink. (It still does.) But, a few notes about walking through a new marriage and the joining of lives:
1) We felt really celebrated as people. John and I both remarked a number of times about how blessed we are to have such wonderful friends. My bachelorette party was particularly fun. I enjoyed the time with my girlfriends and being "showered" with gifts/advice/well-wishes. I remember leaving that night thinking, "EVERY girl should feel celebrated like this"... single, married, getting married... EVERY girl.
2) Married life is lovely... or, rather, has some lovely things about it. I remember telling John that I hadn't felt that deep achy, lonely feeling since we started dating. That feeling SUCKS. It absolutely sucks. But, over and over as we were moving toward our wedding, I had (well-meaning) friends make comments about "this is your best year yet" and similar comments. I appreciated the sentiments, but sometimes I felt like those comments served as a slap-in-the-face to the other 36 years of my life. I've had some GREAT years. This will be another GREAT year... definitely full of firsts. But, don't downplay the rest of my life. God blessed me richly in those years as well... whether I recognized it at the time or not. ;)
3) Single friends - don't dispair. There are some nice things about marriage, but there are some equally nice things about being single. I'll wait until later to expound on those. But... enjoy your single days, my friends. They really are a beautiful gift - straight from the hand of God.
4) I'm done lecturing... for now.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
True Love
Psalm 27:4
"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and seek him in his temple."
I read Psalm 27 this morning, because it's 27 days now until my wedding. I smiled when I realized I was reading Psalm 27, because I remember a specific time in college when I read that Psalm. It talks so much about the love and protection of God. I remember reading it back then and realizing that the things I often longed for in a man (a husband) had already been provided for me in Christ: beauty, desire, protection, joy, companionship, salvation, comfort, attention and help. I also remember telling my Mom that I had fallen in love... fallen in love with Christ.
My challenge now - 27 days out from one of the deepest desires of my heart - is to remember that none of those things can be fully met in any human person. And expecting all those things from my soon-to-be husband would result in failure and disappointment.
God, help me remember to seek your face. Realizing that YOU are my Provider, my Comforter and my Joy will free up my husband to work toward loving me in the same ways.
"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and seek him in his temple."
I read Psalm 27 this morning, because it's 27 days now until my wedding. I smiled when I realized I was reading Psalm 27, because I remember a specific time in college when I read that Psalm. It talks so much about the love and protection of God. I remember reading it back then and realizing that the things I often longed for in a man (a husband) had already been provided for me in Christ: beauty, desire, protection, joy, companionship, salvation, comfort, attention and help. I also remember telling my Mom that I had fallen in love... fallen in love with Christ.
My challenge now - 27 days out from one of the deepest desires of my heart - is to remember that none of those things can be fully met in any human person. And expecting all those things from my soon-to-be husband would result in failure and disappointment.
God, help me remember to seek your face. Realizing that YOU are my Provider, my Comforter and my Joy will free up my husband to work toward loving me in the same ways.
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Garden Update
The garden is quickly dying. (I heard a rumor that may happen if you don't water those things.) But, we spent a little bit of time out there yesterday trying to de-weed and water the garden. We made a few delightful discoveries...
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So far we've used the following from our garden:
Two red tomatoes - one I prepared with basil and mozzarella, the second I cut up with a couple of store bought tomatoes to make Navajo Tacos.
Green onion, garlic, cilantro - used in some homemade grape salsa
Basil & rosemary - general cooking/use
Mint - added some to some sweet tea the other day
Can't wait to: fix the potatoes above, use our first green pepper, harvest (hopefully) some squash, use some mint in a fruit salad and eat the other tomatoes once they ripen. Overall... not a bad experiment for the summer!
Our first green pepper has made an appearance!! I'm not sure if this picture accurately captures the scale, but right now our little friend is about the size of a nickel. (Might be difficult to stuff that sucker.)
There are actually two little green tomatoes hanging out there.
I've already harvested TWO red tomatoes. Yumsters!
Another tomato on the second plant!
We didn't think the basil was going to make it, but now it's thriving!
Rosemary! I've used a bit on some chicken and potatoes. Mmmmm...
Our potato plants had died, but Becky wisely went digging anyway. It's not what I'd call a "banner" crop, but looks like we can have some green beans and new potatoes! Can't wait!!
Our li'l taters, all cleaned up and ready for the feast!
So far we've used the following from our garden:
Two red tomatoes - one I prepared with basil and mozzarella, the second I cut up with a couple of store bought tomatoes to make Navajo Tacos.
Green onion, garlic, cilantro - used in some homemade grape salsa
Basil & rosemary - general cooking/use
Mint - added some to some sweet tea the other day
Can't wait to: fix the potatoes above, use our first green pepper, harvest (hopefully) some squash, use some mint in a fruit salad and eat the other tomatoes once they ripen. Overall... not a bad experiment for the summer!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Poop, in Mixed Media
"Well, it probably wasn't in MIXED media. To be honest, I'm not sure what the medium was. Hopefully it wasn't the medium it implied."
Those have been my thoughts every day that I've climbed the stairs of my parking garage at work. Half-way up to the third level, the word "poop" was scrawled in some kind of brown substance on the white-washed wall just under the hand rail. I also thought every day that I should bring my camera and take a picture of the crude artwork. Unfortunately, the other day (after a number of weeks of being there) it disappeared. Wonder who got the job of scrubbing that off?! ;)
Those have been my thoughts every day that I've climbed the stairs of my parking garage at work. Half-way up to the third level, the word "poop" was scrawled in some kind of brown substance on the white-washed wall just under the hand rail. I also thought every day that I should bring my camera and take a picture of the crude artwork. Unfortunately, the other day (after a number of weeks of being there) it disappeared. Wonder who got the job of scrubbing that off?! ;)
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Timing
Have I mentioned before how I believe that our "bad timing" (of which I've had PLENTY of over the years) is really just God's PERFECT timing working itself out in our lives? God's cool like that.
He's been so good to me... saved me from lots of crazy things I thought I wanted in my timing... and saved me FOR some really amazing things in His timing.
He's been so good to me... saved me from lots of crazy things I thought I wanted in my timing... and saved me FOR some really amazing things in His timing.
Monday, May 30, 2011
What to Do When the Magic Ends
So, I bought my first electronic toothbrush several weeks back. To be quite honest, I really do like it. But, it concerns me a bit. I think it probably does a better job of brushing my teeth, but it cost about $100 before the mail-in-rebates (that I actually do intend to send off for) but after the 20% coupon for Bed Bath & Beyond. And, the heads, which you're supposed to change every three months or so, are pretty pricey, too. That's all up from the FREE toothbrush I would get from my dentist every 6 months. It's not so much that I mind the "continual improvement" that's so highly valued in our culture. I'm just not sure where it ends. Most likely?... in debt. :( I do like the way it seems to clean my teeth, though. The vibrating action is somewhat addictive, but it always catches me off-guard when it stops. Suddenly the toothbrush is transformed back into the plain old toothbrush I've used my entire life. It's as if the magic has ended.
Reminds me of a conversation I had recently with a friend. We were debating the importance of married couples maintaining a "date night." I would assume at some point, marriage dulls the initial excitement that couples feel in dating. It's probably easy to look back over the years and wonder where the magic has gone. It's not unlike the church in Ephesus that John mentions in Revelation 2... "You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen!" But then he admonishes them, "Repent and do the things you did at first."
Good reminders for all of us: Turn the toothbrush back on. Chase hard after Christ. Take your wife on a date.
Reminds me of a conversation I had recently with a friend. We were debating the importance of married couples maintaining a "date night." I would assume at some point, marriage dulls the initial excitement that couples feel in dating. It's probably easy to look back over the years and wonder where the magic has gone. It's not unlike the church in Ephesus that John mentions in Revelation 2... "You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen!" But then he admonishes them, "Repent and do the things you did at first."
Good reminders for all of us: Turn the toothbrush back on. Chase hard after Christ. Take your wife on a date.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A Night at the Ballet
So I'm going to the ballet in just a few. (Will probably have to finish this post after, in fact.) I have a friend who has a young daughter, Audrey, who has a recital tonight. I'm not completely sure I've been to a ballet recital. But, I figure little girls twirling in tutus has to be pretty entertaining.
On with the show!
On with the show!
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
My First Garden
We have a garden. I took these pictures several weeks back, so things have changed a bit since then. But, just this week, I picked some green onions and cilantro and made some grape salsa. Yumsters! First garden success. We'll cross our fingers for the rest of the harvest!
Unfortunately, we didn't harvest our broccoli before it flowered.
This would have been good for about, oh... one bite. ;)
Green onions...
Potatoes! Mom... there's no more dirt to cover them up with.
What to do, what to do?
 Nice li'l patch! This replaced the wild flower garden, which was rumored to "take care of itself," and the previous turtle abode. |
Flower garden that borders the deck...
Monday, April 25, 2011
Unbelievable, really...
I could go on and on and on and on about this past week, but I'll leave it at this... God loves me. He wants good things for me. He longs to give me the desires of my heart.
It's nice to be reminded. :)
It's nice to be reminded. :)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Trust vs. Worry
From my journal earlier this year:
1/30/11
I used to worry a lot more than I do now. In fact, I feel like fear may have destroyed some relationships in my life. I was so busy worrying about what they were not that I didn't enjoy what they were. So, I've put worry behind me... to a great extent. But, I do sometimes fear loss and the future. I was wondering this morning what it is that I'm most afriad of. I think that I'm most afraid of being alone... not so much now but at some unspecified point in the future. I'm afraid of growing old and having no one around me. I'm afraid of having no spouse and no kids. I'm afraid of life passing me right by.
But, what's the worst thing that would happen? I get to enjoy my friends and do whatever I feel like doing... whatever incredible things God calls me to.
...
Papa,
You know the deepest desires of my heart. If those aren't of you, please take them from me and replace them with your desires. If they are pleasing to you, give me patience to wait on your timing. Help me be bold when I need to be and passive when I need to be. Don't let me destroy the blessings of friendships in my life by trying to force them to be something they were never meant to be.
I do trust you. And I will continue to do so. Help me in knowing how to best guard my heart.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." ~ Proverbs 4:23
1/30/11
I used to worry a lot more than I do now. In fact, I feel like fear may have destroyed some relationships in my life. I was so busy worrying about what they were not that I didn't enjoy what they were. So, I've put worry behind me... to a great extent. But, I do sometimes fear loss and the future. I was wondering this morning what it is that I'm most afriad of. I think that I'm most afraid of being alone... not so much now but at some unspecified point in the future. I'm afraid of growing old and having no one around me. I'm afraid of having no spouse and no kids. I'm afraid of life passing me right by.
But, what's the worst thing that would happen? I get to enjoy my friends and do whatever I feel like doing... whatever incredible things God calls me to.
...
Papa,
You know the deepest desires of my heart. If those aren't of you, please take them from me and replace them with your desires. If they are pleasing to you, give me patience to wait on your timing. Help me be bold when I need to be and passive when I need to be. Don't let me destroy the blessings of friendships in my life by trying to force them to be something they were never meant to be.
I do trust you. And I will continue to do so. Help me in knowing how to best guard my heart.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." ~ Proverbs 4:23
Monday, April 11, 2011
Mushrooms
I really enjoy fresh mushrooms on my salads. It's a new thing... the last year or so. They're particularly good on a salad with blue cheese and strawberries, among other things. What's funny is that every once in awhile I taste them and think, "wow, these taste exactly like.... mushrooms."
I know that's ridiculous, but that really is what I think. I guess most of my life up until now, I've only really had canned mushrooms that I might buy to put on pizza. And, for the most part, fresh mushrooms are so different from those mushrooms. But, every once in awhile, they match up... and the "new" fresh mushrooms connect me back to the mushrooms I grew up with.
I know that's ridiculous, but that really is what I think. I guess most of my life up until now, I've only really had canned mushrooms that I might buy to put on pizza. And, for the most part, fresh mushrooms are so different from those mushrooms. But, every once in awhile, they match up... and the "new" fresh mushrooms connect me back to the mushrooms I grew up with.
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