Day 310 Came home from the wedding weekend and committed to typing up all of my realizations about wedding planning and wedding details so that I would remember them for the day I get married.
Day 311 A friend showed up in the morning to go walking (miscommunication) and we ended up chatting in my livingroom. When she mentioned wanting to go see a matinee movie I seized the moment, and a few hours later left the theater totally inspired to follow my heart about a career change.
Day 312 Claimed my sister's birthday over ministry, and the worship pastor was very supportive and understanding about it. I also emailed the Chris Tomlin website and asked how to send them songs I've written for him to consider using. You never know unless you try, right?
Day 313 Went to Kohl's to buy a slip so that I was "safe" when singing under the stage lights for worship team. Ladies--a slip. I haven't worn one since I was a little girl! I found myself standing infront of a wall of choices, not sure what material, cut, etc. was the best. Another customer came around the corner and began sifting through them too. After a few seconds, I decided to just go for it. So I introduced myself and asked her for her opinion/help. She opened right up with advice, memories of slips from the "old days" when she first wore them, etc. I couldn't helping smiling as I went to make my purchase.
Day 314 Camping with the family--I was the only one that chose to "rough it" in a tent! With the "zero percent chance of rain" forecast, I didn't think to ask for a tarp to go with the tent I borrowed from my brother. At 2:00am I woke up to sprinkles bouncing on my face through the top of the tent. Got creative: snuck out and grabbed the water-proof picnic table tablecloth and the clamps that held it in place and monkeyed together a tarp to cover my tent. A few hours later I awoke to the sound of pouring rain. My sister kept calling me from the camper to see if I wanted to join them, but I was determined. It wasn't until the third time, when I awoke to loud thunder and lightning and a water in the corners of my tent that I had to retreat to the camper. The four of us (my sister, brother-in-law, their wheaton terrier, and me) slept like sardines in the air conditioning of the tiny, two-person camper until morning.
Day 315 Tonight I felt very rejected by a friend that I just wanted to spend time with. I drove home, the sadness turning to bitterness. Claimed the conversation: prayed first, called them, and the Lord totally helped me communicate it calmly. After talking through it, the burden was lifted and it no longer boiled in me, ruining my Saturday night. I enjoyed the rest of the evening at peace in my little apartment.
Day 316 Remember how I emailed the worship pastor one of the songs I've written, as he's looking for new music to use in church? Well, I never heard back from him. Today I decided to "try, try again." This time, I actually sent him a song just for some basic feedback on if the tune sounded original to him, not to see if he wanted to use it. Don't give up, right?!
Lesson: only you can choose to live your life
Showing posts with label Balance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Balance. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Day 161-168 A Week at a Glance
If you read my last post "Day 169" you will know the reasons for this less-detailed description of the past week of claims. I am encouarged to find that this journey is bringing me into newness of life. Contentment, happiness, and change hover near.
Day 161
First night of choir practice. BIG event in my life. A door finally opened after three years of prayer. No one there had an comprehension of the mighty move that had just occurred in my life, or the change that it would bring. When I left, sadness caused my heart to sink--I realized I was in experiencing this pivotal moment all alone. No one to celebrate with, being excited with, or praise God with... So I claimed to be okay with that, and to celebrate alone. Except I wasn't alone, because the Lord was there, smiling with me and rejoicing in all that was happening in me. I purchased a strawberry sundae from McDonald's as my celebration, and then savored it and read my Bible. A twinge of sadness lingered, but my mind went to Him.
Lesson: even when we feel alone, He is there.
Day 162
Today I decided to take anothe step of faith and e-mail the worship pastor/choir director to see if he'd meet with me and give me some tips on one of the song I'm currently writing. He'd mentioned that he had been studying gospel music of over 20 years, so I thought that he'd have some great insight. I was so excited to see what God would do. Sure enough, the next day he e-mailed back saying he'd be happy to help and we set up a meeting time for the following Tuesday. I was ecstatic!
Lesson: you'll never know unless you ask
Day 163
Tonight I decided to watch a movie and stay up an hour past my normal bedtime just because I felt like it. I'm not a morning person, so I definitely wouldn't do it all the time, but there was something freeing about not letting my work schedule choose my bedtime for me. I felt like I was back in college, and the next day was fine. I actually think I may have been more chipper about being at work because I felt was enjoying my time outside of it to balance it out.
Lesson: change up your routine; sometimes it's just what you need
Day 164
Friday night! Finally! Sometimes when I'm exhausted I end up just lazing around the house when Friday night finally comes, but then I usually regret it the next day because I feel like I just wasted the only night of the week that I can stay up late. Not tonight. I decided to go to the late-night showing of a movie at Hollywood Palms, a dinner movie theater in the area. Even when I found out that my sister and brother-in-law were going to the same movie at the same theater at 8pm, and I wasn't sure if anyone was going to be able to go with me, I stuck with my decision--I wanted to get OUT and feel like I'd had a night; It was FRIDAY after all! Two friends ended up being able to go with me and we ended up laughing a lot and just enjoying being part of the few people in the theater.
Lesson: make it happen!
Day 165
Living is such a matter of perspective, isn't it? Outlook often affects mood, at least for me. Tonight my perspective was tested. When I got "stuck" in Zion, IL longer than I'd hoped because my sister's car wasn't done being fixed, I had to make a choice: get over it, or get under it. We'd been spending time with my family there all day, holding our adorable new little nephew, and I wanted to turn in early so I'd be awake and in good spirits the next morning (my first morning singing in the church choir). When things didn't go quite as planned, I felt stress and frustration mounting. I just wanted to get home! Very selfish, I know. This whole journey of claiming popped into my head and I knew what I needed to do: let it go. So I did. I made the choice and the frustration lifted. I was able to enjoy the extended time with our family, and for the most part, be genuinely happy.
Lesson: if you're in a bad mood, change your perspective
Day 166
Sunday morning--my first day singing in the choir. Wow, did it feel different than I expected! To be honest, I was actually a little nervous, which was very strange to me (considering that I've been performing since I was eight!). It was such a weird feeling to all of a sudden be on "the other side" of the service and to go from receiving during the church service to serving in the church service. It was encouraging to be a blessing through music, and the presence of the Lord drew me so quickly to Him. Claim? Genuinely worship, even with thousands of people watching, and reach out to the choir members. I met many people and left feeling more connected and closer to the Lord. Highlight? Sharing with a choir member how God miraculously healed my voice/throat in college.
Lesson: remember that it is all just about Jesus anyway
Day 167
The day before meeting with the worship pastor to have him critique my song. I couldn't believe I'd be doing such a thing! Here I am, a nobody, meeting with a musician of a huge church! (By the way, I found out this church has between 5,000 and 7,000 people, not the statistic of 3,000 that I was originally amazed by.) Although I was tired from work, I decided to push myself and do as much as I could to notate the song correctly and neatly, and get as many harmonies as I could figure out, before going to bed that night. I ended up working on the song the whole evening and went to bed excited for tomorrow and proud that I'd put so much effort into it.
Lesson: if you're going to do something, give it your all--it's much more fulfilling!
Day 168
Please don't stop reading when you find out today's claim... Dare I say it? Well, here goes... Today's claim was to actually NOT blog. I know that may sound crazy, but dear reader do you ever feel this way? More burdened by "having" to write than finding freedom in it? That's how I felt today--weighed down with all the claims that I had to find time to type about. I just wanted to enjoy my night. So I did. And it was great.
Lesson: remember the purpose of this journey
Day 161
First night of choir practice. BIG event in my life. A door finally opened after three years of prayer. No one there had an comprehension of the mighty move that had just occurred in my life, or the change that it would bring. When I left, sadness caused my heart to sink--I realized I was in experiencing this pivotal moment all alone. No one to celebrate with, being excited with, or praise God with... So I claimed to be okay with that, and to celebrate alone. Except I wasn't alone, because the Lord was there, smiling with me and rejoicing in all that was happening in me. I purchased a strawberry sundae from McDonald's as my celebration, and then savored it and read my Bible. A twinge of sadness lingered, but my mind went to Him.
Lesson: even when we feel alone, He is there.
Day 162
Today I decided to take anothe step of faith and e-mail the worship pastor/choir director to see if he'd meet with me and give me some tips on one of the song I'm currently writing. He'd mentioned that he had been studying gospel music of over 20 years, so I thought that he'd have some great insight. I was so excited to see what God would do. Sure enough, the next day he e-mailed back saying he'd be happy to help and we set up a meeting time for the following Tuesday. I was ecstatic!
Lesson: you'll never know unless you ask
Day 163
Tonight I decided to watch a movie and stay up an hour past my normal bedtime just because I felt like it. I'm not a morning person, so I definitely wouldn't do it all the time, but there was something freeing about not letting my work schedule choose my bedtime for me. I felt like I was back in college, and the next day was fine. I actually think I may have been more chipper about being at work because I felt was enjoying my time outside of it to balance it out.
Lesson: change up your routine; sometimes it's just what you need
Day 164
Friday night! Finally! Sometimes when I'm exhausted I end up just lazing around the house when Friday night finally comes, but then I usually regret it the next day because I feel like I just wasted the only night of the week that I can stay up late. Not tonight. I decided to go to the late-night showing of a movie at Hollywood Palms, a dinner movie theater in the area. Even when I found out that my sister and brother-in-law were going to the same movie at the same theater at 8pm, and I wasn't sure if anyone was going to be able to go with me, I stuck with my decision--I wanted to get OUT and feel like I'd had a night; It was FRIDAY after all! Two friends ended up being able to go with me and we ended up laughing a lot and just enjoying being part of the few people in the theater.
Lesson: make it happen!
Day 165
Living is such a matter of perspective, isn't it? Outlook often affects mood, at least for me. Tonight my perspective was tested. When I got "stuck" in Zion, IL longer than I'd hoped because my sister's car wasn't done being fixed, I had to make a choice: get over it, or get under it. We'd been spending time with my family there all day, holding our adorable new little nephew, and I wanted to turn in early so I'd be awake and in good spirits the next morning (my first morning singing in the church choir). When things didn't go quite as planned, I felt stress and frustration mounting. I just wanted to get home! Very selfish, I know. This whole journey of claiming popped into my head and I knew what I needed to do: let it go. So I did. I made the choice and the frustration lifted. I was able to enjoy the extended time with our family, and for the most part, be genuinely happy.
Lesson: if you're in a bad mood, change your perspective
Day 166
Sunday morning--my first day singing in the choir. Wow, did it feel different than I expected! To be honest, I was actually a little nervous, which was very strange to me (considering that I've been performing since I was eight!). It was such a weird feeling to all of a sudden be on "the other side" of the service and to go from receiving during the church service to serving in the church service. It was encouraging to be a blessing through music, and the presence of the Lord drew me so quickly to Him. Claim? Genuinely worship, even with thousands of people watching, and reach out to the choir members. I met many people and left feeling more connected and closer to the Lord. Highlight? Sharing with a choir member how God miraculously healed my voice/throat in college.
Lesson: remember that it is all just about Jesus anyway
Day 167
The day before meeting with the worship pastor to have him critique my song. I couldn't believe I'd be doing such a thing! Here I am, a nobody, meeting with a musician of a huge church! (By the way, I found out this church has between 5,000 and 7,000 people, not the statistic of 3,000 that I was originally amazed by.) Although I was tired from work, I decided to push myself and do as much as I could to notate the song correctly and neatly, and get as many harmonies as I could figure out, before going to bed that night. I ended up working on the song the whole evening and went to bed excited for tomorrow and proud that I'd put so much effort into it.
Lesson: if you're going to do something, give it your all--it's much more fulfilling!
Day 168
Please don't stop reading when you find out today's claim... Dare I say it? Well, here goes... Today's claim was to actually NOT blog. I know that may sound crazy, but dear reader do you ever feel this way? More burdened by "having" to write than finding freedom in it? That's how I felt today--weighed down with all the claims that I had to find time to type about. I just wanted to enjoy my night. So I did. And it was great.
Lesson: remember the purpose of this journey
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Day 93 Been there, Done that
How terrible I am doing at blogging more consistently!
Please forgive me,
dear reader.
If there are any readers?
I truly am claiming,
every day.
Please know that!
I need to find time to tell you about it more often.
Daily, really.
That would be a wonderful feat.
I will do better.
Plus, I want to hear about you!
Are you claiming?
Are you finding ways to live?
TRULY live?
Live for Christ?
Surrender all?
Find contentment in Him?
Enjoy this time of singleness?
See it's joys and freedom?
I am trying!
I need your encouragement!
Today's claim?
Well, grades were due the next day for progress reports.
I had HOURS to do!
Literally.
Hours.
One teacher said she'd been up until 1:00am.
She still wasn't done!
Then and there I refused to let that happen to me.
No way.
Been there, done that,
too many times!
No more will work ruin my life.
So, I claimed to stay at work and get it all done there.
No taking it home.
No cancelling out on Bible study to grade papers.
Jesus pulled me through!
I miraculously got everything I needed graded,
recorded,
plugged into the computer,
AND (get this),
had written on the report cards.
Yes, my school still does this by hand!
Praise Jesus I got it done--was out the door by 5pm.
Bible study got cancelled.
I was totally bummed until I remembered Nicole.
I'd gone to the retreat with her.
She led a Bible study near my apt. on the same night!
I went.
It was great meeting others my age who love the Lord.
I was so glad I claimed!
Lesson: work is work. leave it there.
Please forgive me,
dear reader.
If there are any readers?
I truly am claiming,
every day.
Please know that!
I need to find time to tell you about it more often.
Daily, really.
That would be a wonderful feat.
I will do better.
Plus, I want to hear about you!
Are you claiming?
Are you finding ways to live?
TRULY live?
Live for Christ?
Surrender all?
Find contentment in Him?
Enjoy this time of singleness?
See it's joys and freedom?
I am trying!
I need your encouragement!
Today's claim?
Well, grades were due the next day for progress reports.
I had HOURS to do!
Literally.
Hours.
One teacher said she'd been up until 1:00am.
She still wasn't done!
Then and there I refused to let that happen to me.
No way.
Been there, done that,
too many times!
No more will work ruin my life.
So, I claimed to stay at work and get it all done there.
No taking it home.
No cancelling out on Bible study to grade papers.
Jesus pulled me through!
I miraculously got everything I needed graded,
recorded,
plugged into the computer,
AND (get this),
had written on the report cards.
Yes, my school still does this by hand!
Praise Jesus I got it done--was out the door by 5pm.
Bible study got cancelled.
I was totally bummed until I remembered Nicole.
I'd gone to the retreat with her.
She led a Bible study near my apt. on the same night!
I went.
It was great meeting others my age who love the Lord.
I was so glad I claimed!
Lesson: work is work. leave it there.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Day 85 & 86 Mid-week Break
Day 85
Tomorrow we don't have school--
a nice way to break up the week!
So, today I was trying hard to get things done.
I stayed after school grading,
organizing,
getting plans ready for Wednesday.
Finally, I decided:
"I'm DONE."
I had papers to grade,
piles of paperwork to process,
but...
I couldn't stay any longer.
No, I wouldn't stay any longer.
I think I left around 4:15pm, which isn't bad!
It felt good to have things in order,
and to "cut myself off" so to speak.
Lesson: work is just work--it will still be there tomorrow!
Day 86
Day off!
FABULOUS!
I did errands, cleaned,
organized my desk...
it was a GREAT day.
Claim?
Take advantage of bargain shopping.
Here's the scoop:
Went to Hobby Lobby for one thing,
(yes , ONE thing)
came home with bags full!
Of?
Christmas ornaments!
EVERYTHING "Christmas" was 50% off.
This wasn't something I did on a whim--
I've been planning on buying some decorations this year.
I just so happend to enter the store on a HUGE SALE day.
50% off!!!
Oh happy day! :)
Lesson: watch for those bargains--it will pay off in the end
Tomorrow we don't have school--
a nice way to break up the week!
So, today I was trying hard to get things done.
I stayed after school grading,
organizing,
getting plans ready for Wednesday.
Finally, I decided:
"I'm DONE."
I had papers to grade,
piles of paperwork to process,
but...
I couldn't stay any longer.
No, I wouldn't stay any longer.
I think I left around 4:15pm, which isn't bad!
It felt good to have things in order,
and to "cut myself off" so to speak.
Lesson: work is just work--it will still be there tomorrow!
Day 86
Day off!
FABULOUS!
I did errands, cleaned,
organized my desk...
it was a GREAT day.
Claim?
Take advantage of bargain shopping.
Here's the scoop:
Went to Hobby Lobby for one thing,
(yes , ONE thing)
came home with bags full!
Of?
Christmas ornaments!
EVERYTHING "Christmas" was 50% off.
This wasn't something I did on a whim--
I've been planning on buying some decorations this year.
I just so happend to enter the store on a HUGE SALE day.
50% off!!!
Oh happy day! :)
Lesson: watch for those bargains--it will pay off in the end
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Day 38 & Day 39 Bedtime, Really? Gravity
Day 38
Long work day!
School from 8-3:15.
Taught private music lessons until 6pm.
Drove back to school for Open House (6:30-8pm).
Yes, a long work day!
What to claim on such a day?
I just needed "me" time.
Relaxation.
Something to feel like the night was longer.
Did something I haven't done in a long time.
Decided to fall asleep on my couch.
Grabbed my pillows and comforter,
got into my pj's,
curled up on the couch,
and watched a bunch of "Friends" episodes.
Put my alarm on for midnight.
When it went off,
woke up and migrated to my bed.
It worked!
I felt like I had enough hours after work before having to crawl into bed.
It sounds silly, doesn't it?
Somehow, though,
it worked.
Lesson: it can be depressing going right to bed after work.
Day 39
No paper in the copy machine!
It was fate.
A reminder, really.
What am I doing trying to accomplish a to-do list,
after hours mind you,
on a Friday?
The copy room was like a gravitational pull.
I should be going HOME,
starting my weekend.
It was 3:30,
15 minutes after school got out,
and there I was...
thinking a few school days ahead,
trying to get prepared.
Now, we all know being prepared is good.
As well as being productive and responsible.
I must slightly digress.
See, I have a confession to make...
I have the tendency to....
um....
overachieve.
be quite organized.
work towards perfection...
So, don't take my claims as support of laziness,
lack of productivity (is this a word?!)
or not being responsible when it comes to our jobs.
I'm just trying to find the balance for ME.
So, thanks to the copier having no resources,
I was jarred back into remembering my claims,
grabbed my purse,
and was out the door.
...FREEDOM! ...FRIDAY!
Lesson: Fridays are great days to "just go home"
Long work day!
School from 8-3:15.
Taught private music lessons until 6pm.
Drove back to school for Open House (6:30-8pm).
Yes, a long work day!
What to claim on such a day?
I just needed "me" time.
Relaxation.
Something to feel like the night was longer.
Did something I haven't done in a long time.
Decided to fall asleep on my couch.
Grabbed my pillows and comforter,
got into my pj's,
curled up on the couch,
and watched a bunch of "Friends" episodes.
Put my alarm on for midnight.
When it went off,
woke up and migrated to my bed.
It worked!
I felt like I had enough hours after work before having to crawl into bed.
It sounds silly, doesn't it?
Somehow, though,
it worked.
Lesson: it can be depressing going right to bed after work.
Day 39
No paper in the copy machine!
It was fate.
A reminder, really.
What am I doing trying to accomplish a to-do list,
after hours mind you,
on a Friday?
The copy room was like a gravitational pull.
I should be going HOME,
starting my weekend.
It was 3:30,
15 minutes after school got out,
and there I was...
thinking a few school days ahead,
trying to get prepared.
Now, we all know being prepared is good.
As well as being productive and responsible.
I must slightly digress.
See, I have a confession to make...
I have the tendency to....
um....
overachieve.
be quite organized.
work towards perfection...
So, don't take my claims as support of laziness,
lack of productivity (is this a word?!)
or not being responsible when it comes to our jobs.
I'm just trying to find the balance for ME.
So, thanks to the copier having no resources,
I was jarred back into remembering my claims,
grabbed my purse,
and was out the door.
...FREEDOM! ...FRIDAY!
Lesson: Fridays are great days to "just go home"
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Day 28 & Day 29 Whispers & Artichoke
Day 28
Monday. Definitely not a fun day!
...That's my rhyme.
Does it count?
The bell rang at the end of school,
lots to do.
Desk piled high with papers to grade,
detentions to process,
does it ever stop?
No.
One of my biggest goals this school year:
leave work at work.
I was tired, hot,
and just wanted to go home.
The piles tempted me, a little whisper:
"Take us home--it's okay. Just one day...
Take us home.
The teachers in the rooms by me had already left for the day.
Sigh.
Give in?
NO.
Left work an hour and a half later,
carrying only my purse and cell phone.
What a great feeling!
Lesson: don't let work cross its boundary
Day 29
Now, I like artichokes as in
artichoke spinage dip,
but I did not like this!
Went to Panera Bread with some girl friends.
Claim? Order something I haven't tried before.
Definitely not an easy thing for me--
I like getting "the usual" when I go out.
You know how it is...
Saves one from disappoint.
Well, my regular is:
The You Pick 2,
and I do a combo of two of these 3:
Sierra Turkey sandwich, Greek salad, Broccoli Cheddar soup
Went on a limb:
replaced the sandwich:
Artichoke Turkey on foccacia bread
Result? A scrunched nose.
Regret? No way--I tried it!
Lesson: keep trying new foods--eventually one will be a positive discovery!
Monday. Definitely not a fun day!
...That's my rhyme.
Does it count?
The bell rang at the end of school,
lots to do.
Desk piled high with papers to grade,
detentions to process,
does it ever stop?
No.
One of my biggest goals this school year:
leave work at work.
I was tired, hot,
and just wanted to go home.
The piles tempted me, a little whisper:
"Take us home--it's okay. Just one day...
Take us home.
The teachers in the rooms by me had already left for the day.
Sigh.
Give in?
NO.
Left work an hour and a half later,
carrying only my purse and cell phone.
What a great feeling!
Lesson: don't let work cross its boundary
Day 29
Now, I like artichokes as in
artichoke spinage dip,
but I did not like this!
Went to Panera Bread with some girl friends.
Claim? Order something I haven't tried before.
Definitely not an easy thing for me--
I like getting "the usual" when I go out.
You know how it is...
Saves one from disappoint.
Well, my regular is:
The You Pick 2,
and I do a combo of two of these 3:
Sierra Turkey sandwich, Greek salad, Broccoli Cheddar soup
Went on a limb:
replaced the sandwich:
Artichoke Turkey on foccacia bread
Result? A scrunched nose.
Regret? No way--I tried it!
Lesson: keep trying new foods--eventually one will be a positive discovery!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Day 18, 19, & 20 From Popcorn to Glitter Days
Labor Day weekend took me to Door County, WI, where I enjoyed a beachside hotel room and the serenity of no television, computer, or cell phone. Back again, ready to fill you in.
Day 18
Friday nights. How slowly they come, how quickly they pass by.
I was low-energy on this particular one,
but no one likes wasting a precious Friday night.
This made it a perfect night to go to a movie and munch on popcorn.
Made phone calls.
No one could go.
It was opening night for a movie I wanted to see.
Dilemma. Go alone? Stay home?
Go.
I decided to still be happy even though I was going alone on a Friday pm.
Just when I got to this decision, a happy sound:
My phone was ringing!
One of my friends was free to go. :)
The theme of the movie was: "It's not what you do with your life but who you do it with."
My night started out with a claim to be happy going alone,
it ended with the reminder that life is about being together.
Lesson: two are better than one
Day 19
Sometimes seizing a day is in prioritizing one's time.
That was today.
My to-do list got quickly smaller as the morning progressed,
leaving me stress-free and feeling productive.
By the afternoon I was off for a fun weekend without a burden of procrastination
or a messy house weighing on my shoulders.
Lesson: balance work with play
Day 20
Glitter eyeshadow.
Remember the fun colors in the kids' makeup?
I was strolling with my family from shop to shop in Door County...
soaking in the warm sunshine...
when my sister pointed out a young girl selling lemonade.
50 cents a cup,
personally poured into a little paper cup by the girl herself.
As I handed her my quarters, I noticed her bright pink glittery eyeshadow.
I couldn't help but smile.
The simplicity of being a little girl.
The joy of a little glitter.
The excitement of selling one cup of lemonade.
The freedom of summer days.
I watched the bright pink lemonade flow into the cup.
I smiled as a picture of my sister and me came into my mind;
Two little girls, pouring lemonade.
Lesson: don't lose the simplicity of childhood
Day 18
Friday nights. How slowly they come, how quickly they pass by.
I was low-energy on this particular one,
but no one likes wasting a precious Friday night.
This made it a perfect night to go to a movie and munch on popcorn.
Made phone calls.
No one could go.
It was opening night for a movie I wanted to see.
Dilemma. Go alone? Stay home?
Go.
I decided to still be happy even though I was going alone on a Friday pm.
Just when I got to this decision, a happy sound:
My phone was ringing!
One of my friends was free to go. :)
The theme of the movie was: "It's not what you do with your life but who you do it with."
My night started out with a claim to be happy going alone,
it ended with the reminder that life is about being together.
Lesson: two are better than one
Day 19
Sometimes seizing a day is in prioritizing one's time.
That was today.
My to-do list got quickly smaller as the morning progressed,
leaving me stress-free and feeling productive.
By the afternoon I was off for a fun weekend without a burden of procrastination
or a messy house weighing on my shoulders.
Lesson: balance work with play
Day 20
Glitter eyeshadow.
Remember the fun colors in the kids' makeup?
I was strolling with my family from shop to shop in Door County...
soaking in the warm sunshine...
when my sister pointed out a young girl selling lemonade.
50 cents a cup,
personally poured into a little paper cup by the girl herself.
As I handed her my quarters, I noticed her bright pink glittery eyeshadow.
I couldn't help but smile.
The simplicity of being a little girl.
The joy of a little glitter.
The excitement of selling one cup of lemonade.
The freedom of summer days.
I watched the bright pink lemonade flow into the cup.
I smiled as a picture of my sister and me came into my mind;
Two little girls, pouring lemonade.
Lesson: don't lose the simplicity of childhood
Friday, September 4, 2009
Day 16 & Day 17 Saying No, or is it Yes?
Day 16
It was the end of the work day,
a pile of books and paperwork waited for me on my desk.
Temptation set in--
"just take it home and do it there."
I paused.
I remembered my claims,
and then chose, "No."
A weight lifted as I left work empty-handed.
The night was all MINE--
I had finally said "Yes" to ME.
Lesson: remember what's truly important
Day 17
A beautiful, sunny day!
So beautiful, in fact,
that I was fooled into thinking it was a Friday...
No work the next day, no worries...
So I decided, why not?
Why not go out to dinner, walk around the shops,
and enjoy this day?
Well, there were plenty of reasons:
a counter covered with dishes,
dust on the bathroom floor,
clothes that needed folding...
We all have our lists.
But we won't always have this summer weather!
...the deep dish pizza at dinner was scrumptious,
the stroll afterward, refreshing.
Lesson: "Fridays" don't have to be saved for Friday
It was the end of the work day,
a pile of books and paperwork waited for me on my desk.
Temptation set in--
"just take it home and do it there."
I paused.
I remembered my claims,
and then chose, "No."
A weight lifted as I left work empty-handed.
The night was all MINE--
I had finally said "Yes" to ME.
Lesson: remember what's truly important
Day 17
A beautiful, sunny day!
So beautiful, in fact,
that I was fooled into thinking it was a Friday...
No work the next day, no worries...
So I decided, why not?
Why not go out to dinner, walk around the shops,
and enjoy this day?
Well, there were plenty of reasons:
a counter covered with dishes,
dust on the bathroom floor,
clothes that needed folding...
We all have our lists.
But we won't always have this summer weather!
...the deep dish pizza at dinner was scrumptious,
the stroll afterward, refreshing.
Lesson: "Fridays" don't have to be saved for Friday
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Day 9, 10, & 11 To Pamper or not to Pamper?
Yes, I have been choosing to continue this adventure every day. Sorry that I haven't gotten to the keyboard more consistetly. First week back at work has left me exhausted and busy, but no excuses! I will do better. ...So, how have you been? Are you sticking with your claims?
Here's a summary of the last 3 days of my One Year Adventure... With it being my first week back at worked I claimed ways to pamper myself and balance my life so that I could stay refreshed...
Day 9: Today came the temptation to forego meeting up with my friends for our regular weekly Bible study because I was seriously wiped out from work. You've been there. I wanted to just lay on my couch and stare at a movie and not think at all. Decision? Don't let work ruin my social or spiritual life! Going to the group was so rewarding, and believe it or not, one of my friends commented in the middle of the Bible study that I was so full of energy. She was right: somehow it came back! Amazing what happens when one puts God, and friendships, first. Lesson: find energy--it's there.
Day 10: Thursday--almost the end of the week. I will survive! My claim for Day 11 was to leave everything about work at work and enjoy my evening all for ME. What did I do? Rented a movie and plopped down on my couch with my bed pillows and two of my softest comforters. It felt like a Friday night and it was, well, wonderful. I think I literally let out a sigh of relaxation the moment my head rested on my squishy pillow. :) Lesson: movie nights are not just for Fridays.
Day 11: Friday! Praise Jesus!! The end of week one of work. Summary? Complete exhaustion! By the time I got home every muscle in my body ached and I could hardly move. I seriously felt like I was 68 not 28, and was ready for bed by 6:00pm. What did I claim? A nice long two-hour nap with NO guilt. Lesson: sometimes sleep is all it takes.
Here's a summary of the last 3 days of my One Year Adventure... With it being my first week back at worked I claimed ways to pamper myself and balance my life so that I could stay refreshed...
Day 9: Today came the temptation to forego meeting up with my friends for our regular weekly Bible study because I was seriously wiped out from work. You've been there. I wanted to just lay on my couch and stare at a movie and not think at all. Decision? Don't let work ruin my social or spiritual life! Going to the group was so rewarding, and believe it or not, one of my friends commented in the middle of the Bible study that I was so full of energy. She was right: somehow it came back! Amazing what happens when one puts God, and friendships, first. Lesson: find energy--it's there.
Day 10: Thursday--almost the end of the week. I will survive! My claim for Day 11 was to leave everything about work at work and enjoy my evening all for ME. What did I do? Rented a movie and plopped down on my couch with my bed pillows and two of my softest comforters. It felt like a Friday night and it was, well, wonderful. I think I literally let out a sigh of relaxation the moment my head rested on my squishy pillow. :) Lesson: movie nights are not just for Fridays.
Day 11: Friday! Praise Jesus!! The end of week one of work. Summary? Complete exhaustion! By the time I got home every muscle in my body ached and I could hardly move. I seriously felt like I was 68 not 28, and was ready for bed by 6:00pm. What did I claim? A nice long two-hour nap with NO guilt. Lesson: sometimes sleep is all it takes.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Day 7 Not just another Manic Monday
First day back at school with the kids and I met my goal! Let it be known: I am NOT a morning person! So, my goal of getting to work 30-45 minutes early today was quite the accomplisment! After getting up 15 minutes late, hitting almost every red light on the way to work, and experiencing some stress from the hinderances, I made it! 40 minutes early. 40 minutes to wake up, calm down, and get organized. It turned around the whole routine of my day, I was much more chipper with my morning classes, and I still went home refreshed!
Lesson: make this a habit.
Lesson: make this a habit.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Day 6 Sunny Side Up
Yesterday, Day 6, was the day before my first day back at school with students. Amazing how we can let work take over our personal lives. I found myself declining invitations to go do something fun and soon felt discouraged about my job. My relaxing Sunday soon turned into a a drudge, as the heaviness of work set in. But then I remembered this whole new adventure and approach to life and "put my foot down" on my mindset. I chose balance and ended up spending a fun afternoon at the pool. It changed my whole day, and truly turned things sunny side up! I was able to enjoy the summer weather and still come home and have time to prepare for work the next day.
Lesson: BALANCE
Lesson: BALANCE
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