Summer Part 3

Day 338  Time to get all my debt under control!  Typed up a list of my smallest debts and came up with a plan of how pay them off A.S.A.P.!  I printed it off and put it in a place where I'd see it often to help remind me to be financially responsible and get free!

Day 339  Ever since I joined the church choir, one of the older women who I've become friends with has been inviting me to various art shows/galleries that include her artwork.  Today I finally went!  When I left, I felt like I'd walked through a journey of my soul.  Each artist had included a typed description of the inspiration and process behind their piece, and it brought the artwork alive and left me totally inspired to live and to create.  I can't even describe how great it felt to call her on the way home and tell her that I'd just gone to see the exhibit...  Maybe it is better to give than to receive!

Day 340  I was beaten down in shame, discouragement, and fear.  Tonight at choir the director/pastor stopped rehearsal to give a short message (which he does sometimes); it was all about fear/worry.  He read several verses about it and then did something that I haven't ever seen him do.  He said, "I want anyone here that is struggling with fear or worry to stand up right now and we're going to pray for you."  Without even taking time to think, I jumped to my feet, and noticed I was the first one up.  Like a ripple effect, people across the choir started to stand.  Tears came as they laid hands on me and prayed.  I ended up sharing my struggles with the woman I described above.  This whole experience showed me the growth that has come through this journey of claiming--more and more, I am seizing moments without debate or hesitation.  I needed this!!!

Day 341  How often have you been driving on a scenic route and just wanted to pull over and take it all in?  I'm sure if you're like me, it's been hundreds of times.  On my journey home to my parents' today, I decided to take the time to take it in; I'd just driven around a curve to find beautiful green hills and fields on my left, grasses and trees lightly swaying.  I pulled the car over to the side of the road, opened my window, and stared, trying to remember that beautiful picture.  Though this probably only last five minutes due to the heat pouring in my window, it was enough to enjoy the serenity that only the beautiful outdoors can bring.

Day 342  A rainy, lazy day at my parents house; the perfect opportunity to escape into a good book!  I decided to lay there all day, guilt-free, and read without letting myself feel like I was wasting the entire day.  This was a big step for me because when I go home I usually feel bad taking time for myself.  I must say: This was wonderful!  Do this!!

Day 343  Tired.  Not feeling social, and especially not feeling like meeting new people and having to make conversation.  You know how it is.  Tonight I was to go to a birthday party for a new girl friend where I knew I wouldn't know anyone.  I was tempted to back out, but knew I needed to claim it and be there for her, especially since there were only going to bve four or five of us there.  I ended up having a bonding conversation with a girl there who is also older and single, having digestion/health issues, and dealing with the stresses of major finanical struggles.  The Lord encouraged me by using me to encourage her.  It was a good reminder that God can and WILL use the struggles we go through for His glory!

Day 344 How many times do we get asked, "How are you?" in a day, and answer with some canned response that totally covers over our true mood or emotional state?  And how many times do we ask someone how they're doing and then not really take the time to find out?  I was presented with this opportunity this morning at church...  Another single girl that I'm getting to know through choir was walking by me, and when I greeted her and asked her how she was, her response did not match the sadness in her face.  I stopped walking, and asked, "Are you sure?  You don't sound like you're okay."  As soon as I said it, her eyes filled with tears and I reached out to hug her.  She shared her struggle with loneliness and just feeling really alone.  I have been there!  I tried to encourage her the best I could and offered my number incase she ever wanted to hang out.  Lord, make me more aware of others and give me Your heart for them!!

Lesson: life is about giving your life away

Snapshots Part Five

(May 17-May 23)

Day 274  Something NEW.  Registed online for my sister and I to attend our church's annual Girlfriends Night Out.  The past two years whenever it was advertised at church I always thought it sounded really fun, but I never took the step to go.  This year is the year!

Day 275  The middle school I teach at is a Title I school.  Little parent involvement.  Little student motivation.  Our school did an incentive to get kids to class ontime, and today was the reward: an assembly featuring the Jesse White Tumblers!!  I had a lot to get done at school and was wanting to just be focussed and productive, but I also knew I could be missing a great experience.  So I went down to the gym, sat in the front row, and to be honest, was totally amazed and entertained.  Have you ever seen them perform?  If not, you should!  This was a super fun "first" for me!

Day 276  Tonight at choir practice one of the men asked me how I ended up here in IL.  I seized the moment and told him, in detail, how the Lord spoke to me to come, opened the door for my job just in time, made my heart to know He wanted me at this particular church, and what I've learned this far.  It opened up a whole conversation that found us standing in the hallway sharing stories of our need and the Lord's faithfulness.  I went home with a very grateful heart.

Day 277  Back to my school.  The teachers at my schools work very independently; a "team" is not a good description of the atmosphere.  Today I was walking by a veteran teacher's classroom (it's just around the corner from mine) and we started chatting about a student we share.  He is one of my favorites and is great for me, though he is terrible for all of his other teachers.  By terrible I mean really really bad.  We talked for a long time, and when I started getting antsy to get back to my errands (it was after school and I just wanted to get done and go home) I had to keep reminding myself of what was more important.  Several times.  Isn't this what I know our school needs more of?  Forty-five minutes later I was back in my room, closing down for the day.  I left feeling pleased that I'd made a deeper connection with her. 

Day 278  It finally came: "Girlfriends Night Out" at my church.  There was over 450 women there!  It was a blast introducing my sister to some of the friends I've started to make in choir (we all sat together), and was equally fun watching the pastors' "What Not to Wear" fashion show, the table decorating presentation, and an "easy cooking" demonstration.  They had door prizes, and shortly after my sister and I both proclaimed that we never win anything, her raffle ticket number was called!  And then, only a minute or two later, my raffle ticket number was called!  We left with gifts valued over $75 each from Mario Triccoci!!  It almost seemed like God was giving us a thumbs for finally making it to a church event.  :)  To top it off, the girl from choir that I've been "working on" is warming up, finally!  She greeted me with a smile and gave me several compliments on my outfit/jewelry/etc.  We all chatted and laughed the night away-the banquet room was completely empty of all decorations, food, and guests by the time we left.  What a great night!

Day 279  I woke up to sun streaming through my window and the sound of birds chirping in the nearby tree.  Saturday!  Claim?  Rollerblade!  I used to rollerblad all the time, even in college, and a few years ago asked for some really expensive rollerblades for my birthday.  I haven't gone in a year or two.  Now's the time to get active, and pick up old hobbies.  It jump-started my day with energy and excitement for summer.  As I whizzed along, I took in "summer" all around me: the smell of freshly cut grass, sounds of birds chirping, vibrant landscapes of beautiful flowers, garages sales (I stopped at one, even on rollerblades!)...  When I got home I laid on my bed to do a few stretches, and from that angle as I looked out the window I saw a bird's nest at the very top of my tree.  I got up to peak out the window and I couldn't stop the smile luminating my face--the nest was filled with little baby birds and the mom was feeding them!  I've never seen such an amazing part of nature!  I found myself going back to watch the little family, even in the days following.

Day 280  Went to get a manicure and pedicure (with a guilt-free coupon) and chose to claim the moment by closing my eyes during just relaxing in the massaging chair while getting my pedicure.  Just blocking out the surroundings and really appreciating the moment left me refreshed and my body totally calm.

Lesson: appreciate the moment for what it is

Fireflies

I feel WONDERFUL.
Totally relaxed.  Totally refreshed.
Reminiscent.  Reflective.  Calm.

Tonight I decided to escape into bliss:
Filled a bubble bath,
put on a mix of Elton John, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac...
gathered all the candles from around my apartment,
placed them intricately at different levels in my bathroom,
and soon had a mini spa...
I even put my cell phone on silent and stuck it in my room,
then turned the bathroom clock around so it wasn't in view.
The final touch?
I turned out the lights and relaxed in a world of glowing "fireflies."
(something I've never done because it seems reserved for couples)
Conclusion?
A candle-lit bath is wonderfully soothing even in this season of life.

I didn't do this because I was exhausted;
I wanted to slow down from all the productivity and enjoy LIFE.
...I haven't felt this peaceful in a long time!

Lesson: think outside the box

The Abyss Part 1 (Days 203-208)

How shall I communicate these simple claims?
Claims amidst such discouragement and lack of hope?
I think a simple description will do.
A simple description to tell you--
even in the rough times we can choose to do something.

Day 203: Turned down a friend's invitation for dinner for some much-needed alone time before volleyball. Lesson: If you need time, take it guilt-free!

Day 204: Gave up the pride of trying to go through heavy discouragement alone and sent a mass text pleading for prayer.  Lesson: when we are weak, the strength of others' faith brings the hope we need

Day 205: Tired.  Unmotivated.  Decided to say YES to my sister's invitation to dinner.  We had fun chatting and discovered by trying a Dancing with the Stars workout video (which I really didn't feel like doing, by the way) that we are not as coordinated as we thought!  After much laughter, we switched to trying Pilates.  Still hilarious, but managable.  I left with a big smile and (hopefully) a smaller butt! Lesson: choosing to have the energy to do something may just bring you the energy you need!

Day 206:  Friday night--movie night at the movie theater with a girl friend I haven't hung out with in forever!  Claim?  Say YES to butter on my popcorn, and a big cup of pop, and not feeling guilty about spending the money or gaining the calories--it's girls' night and I'm gonna celebrate! Lesson: learn to be more care-free

Day 207:  Discouragement and sadness were heavy on my heart.  I lay in bed thinking on my life.  Finally I thought, "I need to just bring this to God."  So I did, and literally asked Him, "What do you do when all you're left with is broken dreams?"  Tears started to flow when He immediately spoke an old hymn into my head: "Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows?  Are you tired of spinning round and round?  Pack up all the shattered dreams of your life, and at the feet of Jesus lay them down... Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus--shattered dreams, wounded hearts, and broken toys.  Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus--and He will turn your sorrows into joys."  I got up from my bed, grabbed the old torn hymnal and turned to the familiar page.  As I lay in my  bed, hymnal in hand and tears streaming down my face, I began to sing the song to Jesus. As I sang through my tears, His love and Light poured over me and surrounded me and I was reminded that our wonderful Savior is with me.  His is here and He is all we need! Lesson: be honest with God--He will meet you there

Day 208: Do you ever have someone close to you call and suggest something to you, and then you forget about it or blow it off?  Sometimes you say something like, "I'll have to try that sometime" knowing that you probably never wil?  I can be guilty of this.  My Mom called today and recommended that I listen to a pastor/speaker onlikne named Charles Stanley because she'd hear him give a great sermon loneliness. This time, I chose to claim the suggestion.  As I listened to the sermon, I began to be encouraged--I found hope and purpose for this season of my life.  I was left with this: See your season of being alone as a divine appointment from God; He wants your loneliness to draw you to Him. Lesson: don't blow off the advice of those closest to you

Day 157 A Simple Solution

Day 157

A relaxing, unplanned Saturday.

How much better does it get?

...until the freedom is accompanied by loneliness...

and gray skies and flurries.

I finally had to make a choice.

What could I do to change my perspective??

I knew what would do the trick!

Soon I was munching on chocolate chips, licking the beaters, and plopping cookie dough on cookie sheets. Taking time to do a favorite hobby from my childhood fixed everything, and when a lonely girl friend wanted to hang out, we ended up enjoying the yummy snack (with milk, of course) together.

Lesson:  remember childhood hobbies

Day 156 Silence Please!

End of the work week! Whew!
After rushing around, isn't silence and stillness wonderfully welcoming?
I had an eyebrow wax scheduled at Mario Tricocci right after work.
As I sat in the spa room waiting for my stylist, I soaked in the silence that filled the candle-lit room. I felt my stress float away...

The stylist greeted me and chatted away as we made our way to a little room. I laid down, relaxation flooding over me. But then the stylist started chatting, making friendly conversation. Talk, or claim this moment of peace? The quiet was a wonderful 15-minute escape to paradise.

Lesson: if you need stillness, take it

Day 87 & 88 Escape into Redeeming Love

Day 87
Time for some R and R!
Usually I teach lessons this day after school.
Private music lessons.
Today I needed to do NOTHING.
Ever have one of those days?
Or, those weeks?

I cancelled,
and spent a wonderful,
relaxing,
peaceful evening escaping...
into the the world of "Redeeming Love"
while cuddling in my comforter on the couch,
enjoying the candle-lit glow.

Just what I needed!

Lesson: candles and a good book make a great "vacation" from life!

Day 88
I couldn't escape the world of "Redeeming Love"
(you HAVE to read this book!),
or the relaxation and peace it brought.
Friday.
I decided to stay in
(without feeling like I was missing out),
and relax without turning on the TV.
To just veg on the couch eating McDonald's (guilt-free),
and enter the pages of my novel.
To enjoy the peace of a weekend night in,
and the freedom singleness brings of lounging around...
doing nothing....
in the midst of a messy apartment...
just for one night.
It was great!

Lesson: enjoy the freedom in my schedule that singleness brings!

Day 83 Returning Home

Got 3 hours of sleep in the small cabin.
One of the girls snored like nothing I've ever heard.
Now, my dad's a snorer,
but not like this.
You know how usually there's a rhythm to it?
This was snores, snorts,
whimpering,
groans,
sighs...

I squished my hood around my head,
covered my ears with my comforter,
and still could not block it out.

So, today--free time.
I really just wanted a nap.
A twinge of sadness filled me--
what would I miss out on,
sleeping in the cabin while everyone was hanging out?
I pushed it away,
knowing I needed rest.

Two hours later,
I awoke totally refreshed,
and totally relieved to hear that no one really did anything.
I ended up being one of the only ones energized that night,
totally into the speaker's message,
and awake enough to receive.
Getting back to IL later (9:30pm) that night,
I was so grateful to still have energy for an evening at home.

Lesson: prioritze health and rest--how could you regret it

Day 80 & 81 A world away from T.V.

Day 80
Exhaustion, again.
How many of our nights feel that way?
How easy to sit in front of the T.V. and waste the night away.
Claim?
No movie.
No staring at the T.V. for hours.
(I watched ONE 20-min show,
I must admit.)
Instead?
I enjoyed a quiet night.

Lesson: time slows down away from the T.V.

Day 81
Tomorrow I am going on a young adult retreat.
Today, Friday,
I decided to take a night in,
alone,
and not be sad or lonely,
or feel like I wasted a precious Friday night.
I packed for the weekend,
organized a little,
and cozied up in bed for a good read.
Have you read "Redeeming Love"
by Francine Rivers?
If not, you must!
You will laugh,
and then cry (A LOT),
and then sing praises to the Lord for His wonderful love and faithfulness.
I had planned to go to sleep early,
to be chipper at 6:30am when I had to get up for the trip,
but Francine Rivers wouldn't allow it.
I got sucked in,
and this is my SECOND time reading it!
Lights went out after 11pm,
but it was oh so worth it!

Lesson: Friday nights alone don't have to be lonely

Day 71 & 72 Exhaustion

Day 71
Time has been flying by.
I'm still claiming,
but filling you in is becoming more of a challenge.
Please don't be insulted--
my upcoming blogs are going to be,
yes,
a short summary.
So much to tell you!
What about you?
Are you taking time to truly live??

Claim: Prioritize the chicas.
Was exhausted,
wanted to back out of girls' Bible study.
But I didn't.
And I'm glad.
It was the R & R I needed.

Lesson: don't ditch your girl friends

Day 72
My heart needed space,
time to heal.
And I'd been so busy,
and constantly on the go,
that I could feel my body slowing down.
I'd be sick from an exhausted immune system if I wasn't careful.
Claim?
Stay home from our co-ed small group,
and not feel GUILTY about it.
It was exactly what I needed.

Lesson: take time to SLOW down.

Day 62 Slow Sunday

Sunday.
Took time to rest,
inwardly.
Nothing big,
but sometimes it's the little things that help.
Ate lunch in--
leftovers.
Did some things around the house.
Relaxed.
Rented a movie;
(Redbox is the way to go!)
"Confessions of a Shopaholic."
Have you seen it?
Cute, cheesy
chick flick.
But it gave me hope,
made me think of the future--
about my husband-to-be.
Hope is what we need.

Lesson: slow down.

Day 54 & 55 Searching

Day 54

The wonderful escape continued.
Slept in, guilt-free.
The smell of muffins baking compelled me to start the day.
Can you believe this--
it was SNOWING???!

Claim today?
Do whatever I want,
just BE on a vacation!
(We had a 3-day weekend.)

Watched two movies
(in a row)
with my parents...
One was a cozy Christmas movie;
how could we resist with the wintery weather?

Lesson: mom and dad always make recooperating possible


Day 55

More relaxing...
Searching,
waiting, for Him to fill me.

Today?
Took a wonderful Sunday afternoon siesta.
Did some reflecting--
dug through my chest of memoires...
journals,
photos,
old love letters...

Jesus has been with me through it all!

Lesson: He is the only one.

Day 53 Homeward Bound

I needed to get away.
Solution?
Travel home.
"Home" for me is a little town of 2,024 people.
A small farming community in Wisconsin.

Rustic,
calm,
quiet,
still.

My parents do not have T.V. or internet.
No house phone.
No loud neighbors.
Just peace and quiet.

The drive home was wonderful.
There's something about listening to Frank Sinatra
(singing "Night & Day"),
while driving through winding roads lined by cornfields,
and watching the sun set in pink hues over fall-colored fields,
that brings life to the soul.

I took in the crisp, deep colors of the landscape,
the serenity in the blueness of the sky...
and sighed with contentment.
I was coming home.

Lesson: "home" helps in healing

Day 48 Silence

You know the saying, "Silence is golden"?
I think it even comes up in the movie theater before a movie begins.
Today I chose quiet.
I left for the afternoon and left my cell phone at home.
I drove with the radio off.
I took in the beautiful, billowing clouds,
and the vibrant colors of fall.
It was a sweet escape and time of reflection.

Lesson: there is a lot to hear in the silence.

Day 45 A Day Apart

I took a whole day for me.
For me to do whatever I wanted,
whenever I wanted.
This sounds so selfish, doesn't it?
I'm not saying I want to be self-centered,
unflexible,
or uncaring of others' needs.
I just needed to refresh,
to have a day removed,
set apart,
from the stresses of life,
work, busy schedules,
and time.

It was one of those days that come along rarely:
everything worked out "perfectly."
Slept in.
Happily got three loads of laundry done.
Got parking spots right up front,
was specially granted 50% off a flawless, gorgeous modern rug
(5' by 8'--what a deal!),
entered Hobby Lobby where I found almost the entire store,
can you believe it,
50% off??!! (we shoppers know usually it's just one dept at a time)

Side note: I'm starting to sound materialistic, but hear me out.
I moved a few months ago and am trying to decorate.
Didn't decorate the last place because I couldn't even stand being there.
That, and I had no money.
I've been very careful with budgeting,
am feeling some financial freedom,
and God's been helping me find things on amazing deals!

Back to the story...
Bought two paintings for my kitchen,
exactly what I'd been looking for,
again, 50% off!
Restocked on groceries,
including all the yummy ingredients to make muffins from scratch,
heard an encouraging short talk on Moody radio about teachers,
laughed to a few "Friends" episodes,
developed pictures to put around the apartment,
and snuggled into bed early enough to get a good night's sleep.

Lesson: when you need to get refreshed, do it!

Day 41 & 42 Love Happens & Candle Light

Day 41

Do you ever feel guilty about being inside when it's gorgeous out?
Today was beatiful and sunny--
the first consistently sunny day in a while.
I was supposed be going to see "Love Happens" with a friend.
But then the sun came out and a twinge of guilt crept in:
"Really? You're going to go sit in a movie theater when it's finally beautiful out? You can't do that. You have to enjoy the weather."

I ignored the pressure to appreciate the weather.
The movie was excellent!
You know that feeling that you get,
walking away from a movie that hit you at just the right time?
That's how I felt driving home that night.
I left so inspired, in a lot of ways.
The movie was about helping and loving other people right where they're at,
making a difference in their lives.
The side story was a love story.
The two main characters met later in life
and I noticed a maturity in their relationship.
It showed me some positives about meeting someone "later in life."

I've been doing a lot of soul searching through this adventure,
trying to find out what I really want in life...
And what the Lord specifically created me to do.

In the movie, the girl owned her own flower shop;
Her artistic creations & passion for career were inspiring.
I definitely don't have much of a passion for my job...

Lesson: sunny weather doesn't have to be the deciding factor

Day 42

With each claim,
I've been trying to form habits.
Good habits, of course.
Habits full of meaning and life.
Habits that slow me down.

I've been continuing with reading in bed at night,
though I must admit I haven't done this every night.
On this day I thought I'd add to it.
I've heard that vanilla is supposed to be the most relaxing scent.
I lit a vanilla tea candle,
crawled into bed,
and started what I think will be a great read:
"Authentic Beauty" by Leslie Ludy.
Have you ever read it?

Lesson: books and candles go together.

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"

Day 34 Freezing Time--Possible?

Freezing time. What a concept.
Have you ever wished you could do just that?
I am sure we all have,
plenty of times.
That's what I wanted on Day 34.
It was a Sunday.
Sundays=Rarely lazy days for me.
Get up to an alarm,
go to church, usually do some errands,
and then my mind wonders...
to what I need to prepare for Mondays.
Try to relax, but we all know that doesn't always happen!
My goal this school year has been:
don't take work home!
I can honestly say I have not done any school work,
including grading papers,
lesson planning,
etc, at home.
There was one day where I had to print a transparency,
but that's it.
This may seem like a small accomplishment to you,
but the teachers out there know what a challenge this is!
Let me tell you---
having this boundary has been, well,
absolutely,
wonderfully,
...life changing.
I actually enjoy life.
And it's so much easier to go back to work each day!
So--back to day 34.
Sunday. Decided:
No thinking about work.
No being overly productive.
Goal: absolute relaxation and leisure,
with allowing myself one attempt to actually do SOMETHING.
My attempt: made a little list (yes, "little")
of things to go buy for my apt.
Such as, new candles, picture frames,
cushions for my bar stools.
You know--things to make my new place a home.
Thought this would be fun.
Went to one store, my favorite--
TARGET.
Bought a few candles but decided there was TOO MANY PEOPLE.
Too many BUSY people,
hustling,
bustling,
zipping along with their carts.
Not what I wanted for my Sunday.
Put the to-do list of going to Kohl's and World Market away,
and drove home.
As I got closer.
the mood of their hectic lives faded away...
I was home, free of time, and requirements on my time.

Put on some comfy clothes,
watched a movie,
relaxed....
Ate two freeze pops....
relaxed some more....
What a great day!

Lesson: take a break from "time"

Day 32 & 33 Extra time

Day 32

End of the work week.
Needed some time for ME.
My mood?
Lounge around in sweats and my favorite t-shirt,
eat pizza,
watch a movie...
do some organizing if so inspired.

A friend called and invited me to a church service...
45 min away.
I just couldn't do it.
I'd traveled the last two weekends (as you know)
and just needed to chill.
(Saturday was going to be more traveling,
to a wedding)

It's rare that I turn down an invite on a Friday pm,
but I remembered the goal of this year.
Find myself.
Live.
Take time.

Called her back and declined,
but offered for her to join me.
What a relaxing night!
Had two hours for myself,
then we watched Duplicity
(entertaining w/an unexpected ending)
and ate pizza.
...and ice cream.
And talked about guys,
God,
singleness...
And she spent the night!
Remember the days of slumber parties?

I couldn't have asked for a more relaxing night.

Lesson: don't be afraid to take time for myself.

Day 33

The theme of "time for me" continued...
Had a wedding to play piano and sing at,
my sister offered for me to ride with them
(them=her and her husband)
Usually I do.
Why travel alone when you can travel together?
I like togetherness.
And saving gas money.
And doing the logical thing in such situations.

But then I realized I'd have to leave over an hour earlier.
See, they have this dog.
He obviously couldn't travel to a wedding!
They needed to bring him to,
can you believe it,
"Doggy Daycare." Lol.
This added time to the trip.
It's actually a good invention I've surprisingly realized.

So, go with them, out of the way and earlier?
Meaning, be responsible,
save money,
and be social?
Or, sleep in an hour and go alone?

...The extra time in dreamland was,
well,
FABULOUS.
Had a relaxing morning,
felt refreshed,
enjoyed eating breakfast while watching the birds at my birdfeeder,
and had a sunny, safe 45-min drive to the wedding.

Lesson: weekends are for relaxing. do it!

Day 26 & Day 27 Just do it!

I needed to get away.
Away from my "world."
From busy traffic,
to-do lists,
drama, and stress.

Visited a dear friend,
and awesome woman of God,
in Fond du Lac, WI.
Just what I needed:
laughter, encouragement,
simplicity, refreshing conversation,
insight, prayer.

Spent sunny Saturday sightseeing
and munching and shopping at the local Fondue Fest.
My moment of seizing came later that day.
We drove to Lake Winnebago,
beauty all around.
And then I saw it:
a light house.

How I wanted to climb to the top!
My friend didn't want to--
she'd grown up coming to it;
the thrill for her was gone.
I decided I could just view it from the car--
it'd take less energy that way too!

Then I remembered, and said,
"Actually..."

She took pictures of me at the top.
The view of the lake and marina was,
well, gorgeous.

Lesson: make the effort--it's worth it!

Day 27

Mmmm...
Now I've only had peach pie one time.
I was like 19 or 20.
Within a few bites I quickly decided
it was my new favorite!

At the Fondue Fest there was an Amish couple,
selling homemade pies.
I saw a delightful peach pie and couldn't help it.
We bought it,
and vanilla custard.
A wonderful dessert Saturday night.
I decided to have it for breakfast the next day.
Why not?
We only live once.

Woke up Sunday morning,
as soon as I remembered my claim I broke into a smile.
Enjoyed it, heated and with custard,
while I sat on the patio and soaked in the sun.
It was heavenly!

Lesson: dessert can be the meal, once in a while