Old Entries

The other day my mom told me I needed to revisit some old boxes in her closets. Of course, this was in hopes that I would throw out those items that no longer have sentimental value to me. Why is it so hard to get rid of old pictures, notes, and newspaper clippings? Do I really need a birthday card from my best friend from third grade? Does she even remember me?

I have high school scrapbooks, pictures of friends, and even some papers from college that I worked super hard on. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a hoarder. I actually hate clutter and junk scattered everywhere; however, I still find it difficult to let go of certain items. Interestingly enough, I came across a few old journals and diaries that had scribbles, drawings, and my deepest feelings of the time written all over them.

I loved listening to my "old self" spill her guts and share her troubles. The most rewarding part of reading old entries is seeing the spiritual and emotional growth that takes place. As we go through our days, it's hard to know if we are moving forward or making progress in our lives. It was evident after reading some of my words that I really have grown. I have learned from mistakes; I have overcame heartache.

I don't know if I will ever get rid of those old entries. They are a part of me - all the triumphs and mistakes brought me here today.

Bladin' Bia

Years ago, my sister and I decided we would each like a new pair of roller blades. We made our way to Target and bought matching pairs – same color, same size. We were ready to hit the streets.

I really latched onto roller blading; my sister, on the other hand, didn’t. To this day I still ask if should would join me as I glide across the side streets of our hometown, but generally, she isn’t having it.

As you can about imagine, my roller blades are shot. The gliding is becoming more and more difficult, and I’m beginning to be a tad bit embarrassed of the scratches and dents as I slip my feet into them. What can I expect? They were less than 40 bucks at the time.

When it comes to roller blading, you really have to think it through. First of all, consider the streets/paths. There is nothing worse that finding yourself on a rocky road that allows no gliding what so ever. Not only does it make for a long trip, but you look extremely silly “avoiding” bumps when you are wearing roller blades.

The other consideration is how tired you really are before you set out on the journey. Think about this: if you are running and get tired, you walk. If you are biking and get tired, I suppose you could walk your bike. If you are roller blading and are tired… you roller blade. Are you really going to take off your blades and walk in socks all the way home? I didn’t think so. Roller blading is a great workout, and you must be prepared.

Maybe some time soon my sister will hop back into her roller blades. Maybe I will actually get a nice pair that rides smooth down the road. Until then, this bladin’ bia is riding solo. 

Appreciate

In case you forgot...

Appreciate. Be Thankful.

Outdoorsy Anna

There is something about the warmer weather that leaves me a little bit thirsty. Last week my friend, Ashley, and I enjoyed a couple of cocktails on a sidewalk patio downtown Minneapolis. With the sunshine on our faces and shades coving our eyes, we made plans for summer trips. Ahhh…. the life.

I asked my brother for blogging ideas. His first answer: outdoor drinking. Perfect, right? So let me tell you the perks of enjoying the outdoors with a toddy in hand:

Shades. Who doesn’t feel awesome when the slip on a pair of aviators? I know I feel like a rock star in my $10 Target sunglasses. And you should too.

Kickin’ up your feet. Have you ever noticed that it is more acceptable to slip off your shoes when you are outside? This coming from a server herself: it’s okay to sneak your toes out of your sliders if you are hanging on a patio.

Refreshment. I couldn’t go on without mentioning the crisp summer cocktails that grace our presence as soon as the temperatures creep up. Sweet arnys and long islands. Yummy in my tummy.

Sunshine. Nothing like killing two birds with one stone. I love sneaking in some rays as I enjoy the company of good friends. Bring it on, summer!

Pinterest does it again.

Cheers to Mike! 

My Poser Confession

I realized something this morning: I am not a real coffee drinker. In order for me to devour that cup of joe, it has to be made a certain way. Iced (so the coffee is just a little bit diluted), a shot of sugar-free syrup (for added sweetness), a little bit of skim milk (so I can promise my mom I'm getting some calcium), and oh yeah, I prefer it is the flavored blend. So you tell me. Am I really drinking coffee?
poser 1 |ˈpōzər|: noun
a person who acts in an affected manner in order to impress others.
I, Anna Nelson, am a coffee poser. I have tried time and time again to really enjoy that hot java, but I'm just too picky. The bitter taste of strong coffee just doesn't slide down my throat the way it does for those coffee connoisseurs. If fact, in the morning I would much rather reach for a hot cup of tea. So there you have it. I'm a coffee poser. 

Tea and crumpets?

TGIF peeps!!!

Sign Me Up!

Happy Thankful Thursday!

My best friend, Katherine, is an excellent runner. If I said that to her, so would modestly decline the compliment, but it is true. While my legs take a little bit longer to get there, I am glad that we are able to share our love of running and fitness.

I have ran in multiple 5K races, but beyond that, I have steered clear of signing up for anything much longer. Katherine asked me the other day if I was going to run the Dam to Dam race (June 2nd in Des Moines). In recent years, it hasn't fit my schedule; however, this year I can say, "Sign me up!" That's right, I will be running a half marathon this summer! I am excited to be challenging myself, but a little nervous as well.

I run pretty much every day, but never more than five or six miles. In order to get my mind and body prepared for the run, I have started a training program from SmartCoach. The long runs seem a little daunting, but I know I can do it.

I've heard that Dam to Dam is extremely fun as you run through the streets of Des Moines. While I'm not quite sure what I signed up for, I'm glad I get to share this great experience with Katherine and other friends :-)  

Together Works

Is this week dragging on, or is it just me? I must just be excited for the upcoming weekend :-)

This morning I spent time sharing pictures and experiences from my trip to Haiti. I was in a high school World Geography classroom, and then I bee-bopped over to the third graders. I was very pleased at the great responses and questions that I received. It has been so rewarding sharing what I have learned. Each day I am surprised at how much I learned in Haiti. I am so far from knowing it all, and I plan to continue this curiosity and willingness to grow.

While in Haiti, we saw a lot of broken down vehicles and unused tools. Many of these were "gifts" from American missionaries in hopes of helping advance the country. While the gestures are commendable, they were lacking one thing: togetherness. People were not showing the Haitians how to use the materials. Giving hand-outs only works for so long. If people are not taught how to do a task, it becomes worthless.

"If you give a man to fish, he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you have fed him a lifetime."

This is true in many parts of our lives. If we learn how to do something, we take pride in it. The things I have worked hardest at are the same things that I value the most. As we made the desks for the schools in Haiti, it was important for Haitians to be sanding, varnishing, etc. along with us. We were building desks; we were building relationships.

Rather than explaining a task, often it feels easier to just do it ourselves. We all must be willing to not only learn, but also teach. We are all teachers in one way or another. Sharing our talents is how we all become better.

Together we can learn. Together we can teacher. Together just works.