Introducing Nala Nelson

Yesterday afternoon I got a friend request on Facebook for a Nala Nelson. Oddly enough, I know the little creature very well. She is my niece.

That’s right, my brother’s Carin Terrier, Nala, is now on Facebook. She is sharing photos, writing on people’s walls, and updating her status. I have to admit, she does look rather stunning in her profile picture.

After shedding a few tears from laughter, I started to do some investigating. As it turns out, my brother had no idea who created the profile. In fact, he thought my sister and I were the masterminds behind the amazing idea. While this is still under examination, I’m pretty sure we have the creator pinpointed.

At any rate, I love it. I mean, who knew that Nala had so much to say. I’ve always known she was a smart little booger, but I am just such a proud aunt. If any of y’all are looking for a new friend on Facebook, go ahead and look up Nala Nelson. She’s rather friendly and loves a good chew toy. And if you’re nice, maybe some day she will even Skype with you. 

These Boots

It's Monday. I read somewhere that Mondays should be optional. I'm sure most people would be on board for that one. As it turns out, this is my week off. My kids are on vacation, hopefully not killing one another, and I am going to spend the week preparing for the school year. I'm getting more and more excited each day.

Since I will be spending most of this week working on school preparations, I had to squeeze in a little bit of fun over the weekend. Friday night I was offered tickets to an Eric Church concert. Of course, I had to jump at the opportunity to rock out in the middle of a wheat field with a bunch of friends.

Look out, Guthrie County.

My YOLO girls.

Storm clouds making rolling on in.

It was a blast. We tailgated, along with thousands of other cowboys, on a patch of land that was seemingly deserted before trucks and boots began stomping all over with cases of beer and pulled pork sandwiches. Gradually becoming covered in dirt and "popping a squat" in the trees was all a part of the experience. Welcome to small town Iowa.

The concert itself was huge. Nearly 25,000 people showed up for Chris Cagle and Eric Church. We danced and sang along in our sun dresses and vintage cowboy boots. Because there were so many people, we had to hop on the shoulders of the guys to actually see the acts. I secretly love this.

As the concert neared an end, Eric Church sang his latest hit, "Springsteen," and the crowd went nuts. The rain clouds rolled in and we enjoyed the large drops of summer rain as Eric Church finished in style.

Now it's time to trade my boots in for heals and flats that will be tromping around in my new classroom. Have an amazing week!

Important Questions

I am going to make you do a little thinking today. Now, this isn't a test, but consider some of these questions:

What are you doing for fun today?

Are you living life to the fullest?

What are you 'sending out'?

Are you taking time to laugh and enjoy?

Happy weekend folks! I'm heading to a Eric Church concert with a bunch of friends tonight! Polishing my boots off! Yee-haw!!

Olympic Memories

I don’t know about you, but I am very glad to be welcoming the London 2012 Olympics to my television for the next couple weeks. The anticipation for tonight’s Opening Ceremonies is killing me. I wish there was a spoiler alert somewhere that I could look into. Eek!

I grew up watching the Olympics. I have fond memories of following USA athletes and tallying up gold, silver, and bronze medals as “The Star Spangled Banner” played in the background. We cheered in the comfort of our own basement in awe of the athletic abilities. The thrill of watching young athletes represent our country still gives me goosebumps. I’m not really into sporting patriotic clothing; however, I may have to throw on a flag t-shirt to show my support for Team USA.

When we were kids, my brother and I really got into the Olympics. I remember setting up our own Olympic course that was full of ice-skating and gymnastics. Our imaginations ran wild as we slipped on my dad’s worn out moccasins that somehow worked perfect as ice skates. We did cartwheels and spins, pretending we were a part of Team USA. I’m not so sure my parents were impressed as we pounced all over the furniture that made a very nice balance beam.

While I don’t plan on bouncing around my living room or swimming laps hoping to make the team, I will be watching as much as possible. I am excited to follow the star athletes and watch as upsets, defeats, and victories move athletes, coaches, and spectators to tears. I may not still live with my brother, but I know that he will only be a phone call away as we enjoy following these Olympic games. Team USA! Whoop, whoop!

Return of the Run

As you may or may not know, I have been doing Kosama for nearly two months. I absolutely love the program and would recommend it to anyone that is interested. Under the new program, Wednesdays are set aside for ‘active recovery,’ which is a mixture of yoga, stretching, and core exercises. It is challenging as it helps to improve balance and flexibility. I definitely leave the gym sweaty and feeling good.

While I am enjoying my workouts, every so often I miss running. I have only ran a handful of times since I started the program, but I decided to hit the pavement after getting home this evening.

Great idea, Anna. Here in Iowa, we are experiencing a major heat wave causing a drought throughout the state. Needless to say, the heat index was over 100 degrees when I flipped on my iPod and started down the street. I was feeling really good and my legs were trucking along; however, it didn’t take long for me to start feeling overheated and fatigued. What was I thinking?

My run soon turned into a run/walk. I decided to use the time for listening to music and clearing my mind. As I got home, I was hot and weak. Even after a shower, I was still hot and uncomfortable. Next time I decide to return to my run, I am going to pay closer attention to the weather.  

Done and done.

What Did We Do Before...

Double Post Day!! 

What to wear; what to wear? No matter what I am doing, it’s always a question that I ponder each day. I mean, you’re talking to a girl that lays out her gym clothes every night. That’s normal, right?

Anyway, I was staring at my tanks and t’s this morning, and I got to thinking, “What did I ever do before v-neck t-shirts?” I literally have close to ten of them. Some are dressy, others I workout in, and they are all necessary. Over the past few years, they have definitely become a staple in my wardrobe. Obviously there is great comfort in this style, but I also find them kind of hot. Dudes that throw on v-necks just make me happy.

What did we do before Northface came onto the scene? I hardly ever wear a winter coat anymore. I can throw on one of my five different fleeces and be out the door. I still can’t get over how warm those suckers are. Not to mention, they are extremely trendy, which I love. 

Under Armor. This has gotten so crazy. I’m forever going to be a Nike girl, but I do appreciate all of the Under Armor that has taken over. Even my sister’s high school sports shirts and sweats are made my Under Armor. How cool is that?

Moving on to hair. What did we do before teasing combs? Y’all probably think I have a sickening obsession with these things, but seriously, they are magical. I don’t even like looking at pictures of myself before I discovered this combs. It may be a little unnecessary to have four different styles of them, but I can find a purpose for each one of them. I. Love. Teasing. Combs. 

Not Sure What to Call This

Have you ever looked at someone and by just once glance you can tell their mind was working in overtime? That distracted face takes over, leaving the events of the day to be a total blur. While it would be nice to chat about what is weighing so heavily, many times it’s hard to piece together thoughts.

My mind has felt awfully scattered lately. I suppose I could blame the heat; however, I’m sure it’s the anxiousness of the upcoming changes in my life. I know there are things to do, but I don’t even know where to begin. This leaves me feeling like a lost puppy. If you asked me to talk about it, I wouldn’t know where to begin. I would probably just run with whatever was on my mind at that exact moment.

The strangest part about all of this is that I’m not even worried. I actually feel quite calm. I know I am in the right place, with the right people. I know that I am taken care of and that everything will work itself out. This leaves me pretty proud of myself. If this was going on a year ago, I would have been sleep deprived, crabby, and not fun to be around. However, I’m taking each day as it comes. I am savoring the end of my summer, praying that the next steps will happen when necessary. I am in good hands, and I so very sure that everything will be all right. Until then, I don’t really know what to call this

Finally Figuring It Out

It’s nearly the end of July. I’m not saying this to depress anyone. It’s real life, so get used to it.

Last week I felt like I finally had things figured out, which sounds like good news; however, I soon after realized that the summer is just about over. My nanny kids and I have been having a lot of fun getting to know one another. We have been laughing a lot, even though we haven’t really been doing a whole lot. I kind of enjoy our relaxed summer days that fill up quickly with swimming, games, movies, and slushies. I really can’t believe that we only have a few short weeks left together.

I am really feeling like I am in my element, which is great because it has been a while. Exploring and familiarizing myself with Des Moines has been a real treat. I can now say that I love every minute I spend here. There has never been a time when I didn’t enjoy it here; however, lately I have felt more comfortable as I make my own plans and meet new people. It’s a real treat to explore the shops, markets, and immerse myself in various activities. This is definitely where I am supposed to be.

As the school year approaches, I will begin a new journey. I will have to familiarize myself with a new apartment, new commute, new students, new, new, new…. Knowing how well I can adjust to these changes helps settle my anxiety. While being able to worry less, I can enjoy more. I guess I’m finally figuring out more than I thought.

Facebook Rules

Facebook rules. MySpace drools. I don’t think this is really an issue that needs to be discussed, seeing that 99% of the population probably agrees with me. The real topic of this post is based on the rules of Facebook. That’s right; I’m talking about social networking etiquette. I’m not here to tell you how ridiculous the ‘duck face’ is, or that I find it slightly creepy when someone shares a personal cell phone number in their info. That’s your own business. I simply want to share a few tips when posting, commenting, and updating that will surely help you gain and maintain that enormous amount of ‘friends’ that appear on your profile.

Disclaimer: I am probably guilty of most of these. Hey, no one is perfect.

First, tone it down with the negative status updates. I understand that we all have a bad day from time to time; however, if you life is that bad, start tweeting. Twitter is for constant complaining, which is why I love it.

Another thought when it comes to status updates: watch it with the oversharing. I don’t want to see or read anything grotesque. Trust me, no one does. Ever heard of TMI? Yea, think about it.

Let’s talk photos. I say tag, tag, tag away, but be respectful. Don’t put up inappropriate pictures of friends, especially those that have jobs and families that may have access to their profiles. Also, don’t tag an unflattering picture of someone. And what’s with all these food pictures. If you want everyone to know what you are eating, start a blog or something. Don’t clog up my newsfeed. Seriously, it’s annoying.

When it comes to friend requests, if I don’t know you, then I don’t want to be your Facebook friend. Sorry. It’s creepy.

Truth be told, it takes a lot to bother me when it comes to social networking. The beauty of Facebook is that if someone is annoying, creepy, or overwhelming then I just delete them. Goodbye. 

Free Gift

Why is it so hard for people to receive compliments? So often we find a way to degrade ourselves in the process. "I love your dress!" "Oh, I think it makes me look a little chubby, but thanks." What's that all about?! If your dress rocks, then take the compliment. It's a free gift that someone is offering you.

The other morning at Kosama, the instructor knelt beside me to say, "That is a perfect plank." I was so thrilled. What a great motivator. I was beaming all day, knowing that my hard work was paying off. She probably didn't even think twice about it. What an awesome gift.

I started thinking more about the gift of a compliment. I realized that I don't dish them out nearly enough. There are times that I think in my head, "Wow, I really like her hair," or, "What a great smile that person has," but I don't share it with them. Why not? I could be missing out on an opportunity to make someone's day.

A wonderful gift. 

Maybe I should start a compliment challenge for myself. Start dishing out more free gifts!

Chalk Talk

Because it has been so hot, I decided to go for a little jog this morning before the heat and humidity took over. I set out on a short little path in a residential area. It was perfect for enjoying some alone time and reflecting on my weekend, which by the way, was awesome :-)

While I was jogging, I ran across (literally) a chalked up piece of pavement. Some girls had marked up the area with some inspirational graffiti. Phrases like "Love Yourself" and "You're Beautiful" graced the sidewalk leading me to smile. Reading the colorful chalk talk was such a great way to begin my day.

Isn't it funny how a simple phrase can change our attitude? I couldn't help but wonder what lead those girls to share this chalk talk. It was such a cool idea. Whatever their motive was, I am glad they did it. It took me back to high school memories of car paint. We used to write on each other's windows before sporting events for encouragement. Yes, those short sayings can sure make you feel loved.

A Leave of Absence

Well, it's been too long! I won't sit here and tell y'all that I've been sooo busy, because I realize this is the truth for everyone. I know that life gets a little crazy every once in a while, and that was the case for me this past week. Along with the 'bad connection' that I mentioned, my precious routine was a little off due to appointments, errands, and a visit from my mom. I am feeling a little bit sleep deprived, but it was all worth it. 

My mom came to stay Tuesday and Wednesday. It was nice to have her around. She cooked a little, ran around Des Moines, and met a good friend for lunch. I enjoyed our long talks and watching her try and figure out the massage chair during our pedicures. It was a true gift having her visit. 

Wednesday I sat down at the salon for a much needed cut and color. I am always so surprised at how much a good haircut changes my look, but also my attitude. I once read, "you're only as good as your last haircut." So true. I also just really enjoy the ladies in salons. I could sit there and listen for hours. 

Thursday I went to church for a young adult service. I was feeling a little anxious, so I knew that a sense of renewal was much needed. Once again, it was exactly what I needed to hear. The word of God never lets us down. We sang "Like an Avalanche" by Hillsong United, and I have been playing it ever since. Check it out. 

I ended up meeting up with some friends after church and then again last night. Needless to say, I am lacking the necessary amounts of sleep; however, I am happy. It's funny how good times with friends and laughter makes a bad mood, a sleepless night all disappear. Friends are amazing, and I have the best. 

Sorry for my brief leave of absence. I feel ready to get back on the writing wagon. Happy Saturday!!

A Bad Connection

So, I love the Internet. I love social networking, reading news articles, watching videos, and getting lost in the pages as I click my little heart out. I am guilty of spending too much time with my eyes focused on my smartphone and laptop. I tweet, update statuses, read entertainment news, and continually rot my brain. Don’t worry though; I’m not one bit mad about it. In fact, I love every minute of it.

All of this results in some frustration when I am unable to be connected. No, I don’t start pouting when I accidentally leave my phone in the car. I don’t start crying when I my Facebook app unexpectantly quits. I realize that technology does not always work and we may not always have the best connection.

Over the summer, the places where I am staying and working do not have the best Internet connection; therefore, I have not been able to consistently write blog posts. I am a little bit frustrated with this; however, I realize the summer lacks structure and consistency for many people. And then I also remember that not very many people even ‘tune in’ to this blog, and then I don’t feel so bad ;-)

The Importance of Good Fab'rik

The other night, my friend Emily invited a bunch of girls and me to a Fab’rik Rock Star Party. Sounds pretty thrilling, huh? Some way or another, she won a package to exclusively shop with a 20% discount and a few cocktails at a nearby Fab’rik store. I have driven by the store many times, but never actually shopped there. Well, I think I found my new favorite place (as if I need more reason to shop).

The boutique is full of sundresses, flowy tops, pastel skinny jeans, and interesting jewelry. I was in heaven as soon as I stepped foot in the door. I wasn’t sure if I was going to buy anything, but after trying on a few pieces, I had to make some shopping decisions. I hate when that happens. You want five different dresses, but you really shouldn’t. So, what do you do? Cut back to three. The worst feeling is putting that jersey maxi dress back on the rack. I thought, “Maybe next time, you lovely piece of fabric.” No, I have not lost my mind, and I don’t talk to my clothes. It’s called humor, people.

I also enjoyed spending time with the girls as we chatted over a couple margaritas before heading over to the store. As I was “playing dress up” with the clerks at the store, I got to chatting with one of them who happens to be a teacher in a nearby district. Instantly, we started in with the ‘teacher talk’ mixed with fashion tips. She tried to tell me that those sticky bras work wonders. I’m not sure I’m sold on that one yet.

When I was leaving, I called my mom to share my night with her. I told her how good it felt to have purchased a few pieces that were different, but more importantly, were made of quality fabric. I have too many sundresses, tank tops, and v-neck shirts from Target, American Eagle, and Von Maur. Not that these stores are bad at all, I was just ready for something cute and different. Well, I found it… and I will definitely go back. I had so much fun, and I was very impressed with the stores selection and overall essence. To wrap this up, the fabric at Fab’rik is worth it. 

Bittersweet Realization

While on my trip with the YFC group, I started feeling old. I found myself asking about certain slang sayings and terms that were tossed around among the teenagers. I didn’t realize how fast ‘hip’ jargon comes in and out of our language. They were using phrases like “those shoes are boss” and “that song is dead.” When I chimed in by saying that the latest movie I saw was “sweet,” I suddenly felt very lame.

It was the first time that I honestly felt old. I almost felt doopy in a way. I feel like I’m in that middle stage of everything. I don’t feel like I should be wearing what an eighteen-year-old sports as she heads to the movies with friends. And I surely don’t want to be seen in anything from the Von Maur women’s department (unless it’s that expensive section with all of the designer clothes). The last few times I’ve gone out, I've felt like a teacher. Ugh. I really hate this (no offense to all of my lovely fellow teachers out there). I have always been pretty conservative, but stylish. For some reason, I feel like I’ve lost this. Maybe I am just freaking out, but something has got to change… like, soon.

Or, as they say now: "This shit's cray." (That means crazy for any of you newbies)

Towards the end of the trip I realized that this sense of feeling old was not all that bad. In many respects, I felt like it was my role to “play mom.” I didn’t want to stay up late and gossip with a bunch of teenagers. How weird would that be? I suppose it would be best to just embrace my age – not too old and not too young. This bittersweet realization is something I can live with.

P.S. I just heard a couple of twelve-year-olds use the term “boss.” Yes, I’m very glad I’m not in junior high again. The twenties are where it’s at! 

Promised Pictures!

A view from Navy Pier.

Millennium Park - Orchestra 

No words for this one.

Heading into the baseball game with our new friends. 

A sweaty Sarah and Anna just before the fireworks.

Serving breakfast to the peeps at the senior center. 

The girls' senior picture poses.

The school we stayed in while living in the hood for a few days.

Best. Picture. Ever.

Sarah, me, and Jenna's humble abode at the KOA.

This is why I don't do rides. 

Darwin won this huge monkey. He traveled all the way home with us :-)

Thankful Thursday!!

Back in Business

Well after a trip to Chicago and Sandusky, Ohio, I have arrived back to the real world. Despite the heat and long car rides, it was a rewarding and successful trip full of making memories and stepping out of our comfort zones.

As I mentioned before, I was asked to be a chaperone on my sister's Youth for Christ Chicago Caravan trip. It was a great opportunity and I am so grateful to all of those that participated. Here's a little recap:

We left early Thursday morning to travel to Chicago. Along the way, we picked up other YFC groups around the state. Overall, we had 42 people caravanning in various vehicles. It didn't take long to figure out that it was kind of difficult (and stressful at times) to coordinate bathroom breaks and keep the vehicles in sight, especially as we got to the city.

Thursday night was briefly spent on Navy Pier. The heat and parking situation, partnered with a long day of driving, called for some tired, and somewhat crabby, teenagers. We were more than ready to get to the place we would call home for the upcoming nights. We drove into “the hood” (literally, that is what they call it), and the students’ (and adults’) faces were priceless as we witnessed the school that we would be staying at. The church was only a block away, but we were instructed to not leave the building without a volunteer from the church. The showers were also in another building, so we learned quickly to be patient and flexible. The worst part was the lack of airflow. The school did not have air, only small air vents in the windows of each room. It was stuffy and uncomfortable as we sprawled out on the floors to sleep.

Friday began with immersing ourselves in the church’s summer program for kids. The program includes reading, singing, praying, and various activities. The shouting kids partnered with the overwhelming heat was a lot to take in. I don’t know how people can live in such heat; I felt so tired all day long. After lunch, the kids all went to Millennium Park in downtown Chicago. Our YFC group tagged along, but at our own pace. It was really cool to spend time with my sister as we took pictures and shared frozen yogurt in the park. It was my first time at that park, and I was very impressed. 

Friday night we watched the Chicago White Sox beat the Blue Jays. While waiting in line, my back and stomach were literally dripping with sweat. Yea, I wasn’t even moving. Like I said, it was hot. However, once we got settled into our seats, spending time together, chatting and laughing, was one of my favorite parts of the trip. After the big win, fireworks wrapped up the evening. Giant ice cream cones and super nachos were devoured by the kids… all a part of experiencing America’s favorite past time.

Each night, after devotions, the kids would get together to hang out… Well, I don’t really know what they were doing, but I trust they were action on their best behavior ;-) Being the chaperone, it was nice to let them do their thing and have time alone. Usually I was too tired to know what time they went to bed. All I know is that it was far past curfew, which doesn’t bother me one bit. Gossiping, sharing, and getting to know each other is one of the best parts of these trips. As long as the little shysters were up and at ‘em in the morning, I’m all for staying up late.

Saturday morning consisted of a couple more service projects. Half of our group cleaned up trash throughout parts of the city, while the other half (my group) served breakfast at an assisted living facility. It was cool watching and hearing the stories in the room unfold. Of course, we wrapped up the morning with a few games of BINGO. We left feeling appreciated and loved.

After some much needed downtime in the afternoon, the group traveled on the “L” downtown to the infamous Michigan Ave. It was quite funny watching the “country folk” take in the busyness of the city streets. I have to admit it was a little frustrating. I really felt like I was going to lose a kid somewhere along the way; however, we all made it back to the “L” and to our living quarters in one piece. Phew!

Sunday morning brought us to a Chicago city church where it was clear we were the minority. It didn’t take much for the church members to notice that we “didn’t belong.” The funny thing about that is in a sense we all belong. In fact, we were all there for the same reason – to worship Jesus Christ. It was a great learning experience that pushed us all out of our comfort zone. After all, we don’t grow by living in our comfort zone.

The rest of Sunday was spent traveling to Sandusky, Ohio where we would stay at a KOA campground. A couple of the girls shared that this was their favorite part – the car ride were everyone got a little loopy. The giggles hit us all pretty hard as we drove East to our destination. Once arriving, there was a sense of relief. Everyone was ready for a slower pace and some relaxing. Devotions and various discussions took place. It was so much easier to get to know one another in the lax setting. And boy did it feel good to sleep in a bed with air conditioning! We had little cabins to sleep in; it was great.

Monday was spent at Cedar Point – a huge amusement park full of various rides, but their focus is mainly on rollercoasters. It was crazy! I am not a ride person, so I spent the day “playing mom” as the kids bopped from line to line to enjoy the thrill of the twists and turns. I didn’t mind one bit holding bags and watching from below. In fact, I was happy to do it.

My favorite part of the trip occurred Monday night after returning from the park. We got a group of people together to play some sand volleyball. While I was a little out of practice, it came back pretty quickly. It was so awesome to watch the different personalities and abilities come together to have fun and make memories. I wouldn’t consider the game competitive in nature; it was just plain fun.

The ride home was a long one. Tuesday consisted of a twelve-hour drive back to Iowa. The strange part was that it didn’t seem very long at all. Between various stops, snacks, naps, music, and reading, we made pretty good time getting home. I was on a high as I drove myself ‘back to reality.’ I couldn’t stop smiling as I thought about the trip, the kids, the memories we shared. What an amazing experience to have shared with my sister and her friends. While it feels great to be back in business, I am so thankful for the opportunity to mature in my faith, spend time with amazing people, and watch the kids grow as people and Christians. 

Pictures to come! 

To the Windy City We Go

It wasn’t too long ago that I mentioned to my mom that I wanted to do another mission trip. I have been thinking a lot about it, and would love to go overseas again to serve and be a light to those in need. The feeling of peace and sobriety was overwhelming in Haiti, and I would love to experience something like that again.

About a week or so ago, my sister came to me with a request. Her youth group is traveling to Chicago for their annual mission trip. They were looking for another leader to help chaperone and mentor the 60 plus students that would be attending the trip. Of course, I was all in. After checking with my employer, I hoped right on board.

I am not really sure what we are all doing, but I know that we will be working in inner city Chicago to those in need of love, support, and faith. I am thrilled to be around amazing teenagers that share a thirst for God. I can’t wait to also spend time with my sister. I was most happy that she wanted me to be a part of her trip. As she goes off to college in the fall, I know that our time together will be limited. It will be a great way for us to bond in our relationship and our faith.

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for those believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

Kids have so much to offer. They are smart, excited, and energetic. I am privileged to spend time with them for the next week! And just think how much gossip I’m going to learn ;-)

I will be off the blog train for a while. Don’t miss me too much!

No Boat

Happy Independence Day blogger friends! Yes, the middle of summer has just arrived. I hope you have exciting plans filled with brats, beaches, beers, and boats :-)

Truthfully, this is the first summer in a long time that I do not intend to spend on the water. I feel a little sad about it, but I am resting up and preparing for a trip to Chicago (I'll explain soon). I woke up to sunshine and feeling a little nostalgic. Over the past few years, I have had a blast over the 4th of July. Fine, I'll share them with you ;-)

The River: Who doesn't love a day full of three "naps" as we sipped cocktails and played beach volleyball in between. It was so fun to fly around the river on a boat, but even more fun to dock up to the sandbar and lay out in the sun.

Clear Lake - A Forever Favorite: The busyness of Clear Lake may discourage some people, but it is what I love most. The amount of people docked in Party Cove for dance parties on boats just adds to the excitement of the holiday. I always feel like I am surrounded by the love of great friends when I am on a boat at the lake.

South Dakota: Last year, I spent the holiday eight hours away. The road trip with Ashley was almost just as much fun as the boat parade and fireworks on the pontoon. I met so many great new friends and was welcomed with open arms. People are so great.

So, happy birthday America! Enjoy your holiday!

Forgotten Excitment

Unknown. The dreaded word that leaves us scared and unsettled. Even when things are out of control, we tend to find some part of life to take into our own hands. We seek the comforts that have existed in our lives. We try to overshadow the fact that the unknown is full of discomfort and anxious feelings by looking to people and things that make us feel safe.

These mixed feelings make us forget that the unknown doesn’t always have to be bad. In fact, more often than not, the unknown is exciting. When we don’t know where the future is going to take us, we are able to dream. If we knew what the future had in store, our minds would forget to search into far away places. We would leave hopes and dreams at the door as we settled into the mundane days, weeks, years.

The unknown should not be feared. It should be embraced. We should all consider throwing the scared and anxious feelings out the window as we remember…

That’s right, folks. We have a lot to look forward to… Enjoy!

Show and Tell

Sometimes I feel like I have a little déjà vu when it comes to my blog posts, so if this is a “repeat” please excuse me. However, if I have already written about it, there is probably quite a bit of importance behind it. Anyway, I digress.

Have you notice how many people are all talk? They say they will volunteer, they want join a book club, they promise to pray for a suffering neighbor. But, do we? I’m just as guilty as the next person of talking and not doing.

I think a place where we often fall short is love. The most important part of life is caring and loving for others. Furthermore, the best way to love is to show, not tell.

One of my favorite songs is “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol. It talks about the complexity of sharing our feelings. How will we ever really say what we mean? How can we ever really express our love? “Those three words are said too much. They’re not enough.” It takes more than just words. It takes actions – showing love and kindness to those we encounter.

The hardest part of this is finding a way to show that love to those that we don’t know. Yes, it’s just as important to love a stranger as it is our family and friends. Think how different the world we be if we showed love, rather than just talked about it. This challenge is daunting and scary; however, it is more than important. It is vital.

When is the last time you practiced a little show, not just tell?  

Constant Learning

Emotions ran high this weekend. As cliché as it sounds, we never know what each day will bring, and this could not be any truer. I found myself wrapped up in unforeseen conversations, running into unexpected people, and receiving startling comments over the past two days.

While I did not anticipate really much of anything this weekend, I am very glad that everything rolled out the way it did. Why? Because it happened the way I know it was supposed to. I may have found myself a bit frustrated at times, but overall, I am okay. What may have once rattled me up, has proved to me how mature I have gotten.

I realized this weekend how much I have learned over the past six months – mostly about myself and the amount of growth that has taken place. I have been reminded of the importance of constantly learning and growing. Sometimes we feel defeated or even broken, but in order to overcome, we must learn. We must grow.

Adversity is what shapes us; it is what makes us appreciate the abundance of greatness that fills our lives. Things cannot be great all of the time. We must be faced with unexpected conversations and occurrences to keep us in check. I heard this today, “Adversity allows us to build perseverance, which leads us to hope.” Hope is what drive us each day; it motivates and helps us see that this is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

What I hav learned this weekend: I am surrounded by amazing people who love and care about me. I am lucky :-)