Warning Signs...

Meagan recently posted a funny survey on signs you are getting older. I found I identified with plenty of the comments. Truly there are plenty of warning signs that you are aging, I mean..ahem... maturing. This year for Christmas my parents bestowed upon me a new vacuum. How does this go with aging? Well for one I asked for a vacuum! Mine is a small pretend vacuum (stand up dustbuster sort of thing with no suction). The new one not only has good power, it has all sorts of attachments. I have to admit I was totally giddy when I got it home and put it together and immediately started cleaning. I remember when my biggest Christmas wishes were dolls, bikes, and toys. Now its household appliances! Sigh...

Next year maybe I'll get the frying pans I need.

I Love Vacation..

The best things about vacations are without a doubt:

Sleeping in (Lately for me 9 am is sleeping in, but today I didn't get up until 10. Yep I've still got it!)

Reading books you haven't had time to get too. (Memoirs of a Geisha)

Seeing movies with your family. (Narnia, yahoo!!)

Eating ridiculously bad for you foods.

Seeing friends. (Meagan and Mike)

And most of all staying somewhere comfortable and welcoming! (Thanks M & M! I love all the little notes and treats you've left for me.)

Blogging Safety

So I thought I'd get a discussion going with my online blog buddies on the safety issues associated with putting your information, and in many ways life on the net. Lately I've heard some news stories about blogs foretelling a planned crime, or people misrepresenting themselves or drawing others into a crime. One person I know recently found out her son was saying some awful things on his site and was in a way at a loss of how to deal with it. As a parent how do you keep tabs on what your kids are doing online? As a person online how do you draw the line at how much info is to much info?

This got me thinking a lot about blog safety and all you out there that I love dearly and want to keep safe. I started surfing the net and found a lot of articles on blogging. This one on MSNBC really speaks to the safety issue of revealing too much personal info online. It notes that 1/3rd of all students have blogs and only 5% of the parents know about it!!! MySpace.com is the prevelant choice it seems. There are obviously both pros and cons to blogging. You get a voice, and get to state your comments for the world. But do people all realize it really is available to the whole world to see?

Putting any of my thoughts and information on the internet makes me nervous definitely. I thought about it for quite a while before I committed to having a blog in the first place. And I had to think through what kind of information I was willing to put on this site. I definitely prefer only comments from people I've met or know are actual personal friends of my friends. But beyond that level of twice removed I am not so keen to strike up any other online friendships. Other people appear to do this more freely, but it makes me nervous. How do you know that person in Wisconsin isn't a serial killer or rapist just because their profile says innocuous things?! There was a Dateline I saw recently where they lured sexual predators in who targeted young kids online in chat rooms. It made me positively ill to know these people are in the world. And if it wasn't enough that they were caught on camera some were online and doing the same sick things the very next day.

This train of thought all started because I read an article today about how the blogs of two teenagers were viewed and used after they plotted to kill the girls parents. In a way it showed how much of our lives have come to be represented, or misrepresented online. I've heard other stories of kids talking about other kids meanly online for the world to see. Kids being expelled for what they wrote on their blogs about other kids. It reminds me of the old bashing books from elementary school (I can't really remember the name exactly). Maybe you never experienced it but I remember a time when a few girls kept books full of nasty comments about other kids. It was discovered and of course very hurtful to the kids talked about in it. Imagine if it was online for all to see and read?

Obviously our world is changing. How do we stay safe? How do we keep the people we love safe and still have a place to share our voice and thoughts with each other? The truth is we live in a world that is sick with sin, and we must be on guard against the ways evil still moves in the world about us. Blogging should be a fun place to share your thoughts with friends and maybe if you choose the entire world.

My few tips and rules for blogging safety so far are:

1. Its best to actually know your blog buddies personally. If its a trusted friend of a friend that's probably okay.
2. If you don't know someone you've met online personally be very safe about the information you let them know about you. (Your location, actual workplace, school etc...)
3. Never ever ever meet someone you only know online only. Just be safe and don't go there despite how curious you may be. If you end up meeting someone you've only met online you sure better take a friend, meet only in a public place, and have a plan for what to do if the person is sketchy! But I just would avoid it all together.

Side story: One of my dearest friends went to meet someone in person they'd only met online before and was following the previously stated rules. She was supposed to call or at least answer her phone and let me know all was safe. And this didn't happen! It was the most mentally and emotionally stressful experience for me. I was sure she was being kidnapped and hurt and I was helpless. In the end it turned out her phone just was silent and she didn't get my calls until later, and she promptly let me know all was okay. But I was truly panicked!

I'm curious to hear your thoughts...

For some more light reading if you're curious I found some other articles on blogging. Here's an article on the evolution of blogging and in a way an editorial on its usefulness in today's society. This one really speaks to the phenomenon of creating a voice for yourself without the traditional constraints of print journalism.

Trendy or not?

Well some people say I'm really trendy. I suppose I do like some trends and try to stay current, but there are some places you just shouldn't go! So I randomly saw this quiz online and took it:

How Trendy R U? (their grammar not mine!)

My results were encouraging:
Hooked on Classics-> Your closet will withstand the test of time. Never one to be wooed by navel piercings or platform shoes, you stick with the classics, opting for quality and cut over quirkiness. And while trends will come and go, your navy blazer and cashmere sweaters are here to stay!
Get the looks of your star style sisters: Kristin Davis, Julia Roberts, Sigourney Weaver

Hooray I am classic! I think that's awesome. Though I have to say Sigourney Weaver is NOT classic. She's worn some of the weirdest outfits... And truthfully at times in the past I have opted for platform shoes (high school) and gone for the trendy. I'm so glad I don't still have pictures of any of these masterpieces for you to make fun of. I hope I've evolved a bit since then.

Take the quiz if you are curious.

Insanity

What leads us to do the insane? I mean sometimes we just keep repeating the same crazy patterns over and over in our lives, defying logic and reason.

For me that's shopping every year on the day after Thanksgiving with all the other "crazies". My sister sucked us all in to this tradition years ago. Now most of the women in my family go. There's something fun and exhilarating about waking up at 4:30 in the morning just so you can get socks at Fred Meyer at 50% off! Then heading to the next store that opens at 6 am and perhaps stocking up on Christmas supplies at the craft store for again 60% off! Its a shopper's world and not for the meek. If you want something you better get in there and get it.

I think of it as the Superbowl for women. Instead of comparing our game stats or hunting and fishing achievements we compare receipts. How often I've heard women say "Oh I love that top! Where'd you get it?" and in response "Nordstrom for $15.99, regularly $80.00!". Its the thrill of the chase, and the victory of getting a good deal that sucks me in. There have honestly been receipts I've wanted to frame before they had such amazing savings on them(But of course I haven't because that's just silly.)

It all ends in a good breakfast together somewhere before heading on to new stores or going home. Its not uncommon to have been to 3-4 stores by 8 am. Along the way you sometimes make shopping friends in lines waiting to get in or buy your bargains, and then its always fun when you see the same people at the next shopping stop.

If you want to attempt shopping on "Black Friday" next year here are my top seven tips for having a successful and fun time... (I couldn't come up with 10.)

7. Have cell phones with all in your shopping party or have a plan of where to meet if you are separated. The last thing you want is to waist time wandering in circles looking for someone. This also allows you to go to separate stores or departments freely.

6. Set your alarm and get up early. Most of the stores do bonus deals and extra discounts early in the morning, or are sold out within an hour.

5. Go through all the ads the day before and map out your stops and buys at each store. This saves time and keeps you from getting frustrated. Most important is cutting the coupons out for your stops and putting them in your purse so you don't forget them.

4. Make sure you get some coffee and food early on or your patience won't last. This is extremely important! A tip: Many stores have free coffee and doughnuts for the early shoppers.

3. If a store's line is ridiculously long have a sacrificial lamb wait in line to hold you a place. They can have their items picked up by the shoppers and you won't spend hours waiting. Its not cheating its efficient! There will be lines everywhere you go, some are faster than others, and people everywhere. (Just be ready for it and wait patiently.)

2. THIS IS NOT THE DAY TO BROWSE! YOU ARE ON A MISSION! The plan is to get in and get out, and stick to your list... Do you really need a crockpot that fits one serving for $4.99?

1. Most of all...Take it easy and don't take the insanity to seriously! This is a time to get good deals but also to have fun. If you don't get those socks in the cute pink pattern its not the end of the world!

Auto Repair Girl Extraordinaire

That's me! Okay well not totally... I tend to over exaggerate in case you haven't noticed. But I was informed recently that my rear brake light was out. Gasp and HORROR!!! But never fear trusty Auto Repair Girl is here! I fancy that I am capable of all sorts of simple auto repair being that my Dad was in the "business" and I watched him often growing up. Not too mention I worked in the shop one summer (He fired me once, and then hired me back... Trauma.)

So I have had this problem before, and its a little annoying its already out again, BUT the last time I was in the VW repair shop they showed me how to replace the light myself. Actually I don't think they replace them for you all that often but the service guy took pity on me. So thinking back to the tutelage I knew you popped this black cover thingy in the trunk then you unscrew this washer... But from there I was stuck. I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to get to the bulb. There was clearly a metal panel you were not meant to work through and no special diagram's as to how to proceed.

Thank goodness for the trusty internet search engines. I found a site devoted to answering your auto repair questions and was delighted to discover that I was not the only befuddled VW light bulb replacer. In fact there were many who had gotten as far as myself and been driven to frustration as I was on the verge of. Turns out you have to pry the entire read light out of your car (which sounds terribly like you are damaging the car and the light beyond repair). Then you can easily access the bulbs with ease.

Let's just say I'll never forget how to change that light again. And if you have a VW Beetle I can help you replace yours!

Diamonds are a girls best friend!

I now have in my possession a platinum band with a tiny diamond set in it. It's beautiful.

Sigh of contentment...

I love surprises!!!

I had one of the best surprises yesterday. The Director of my organization at work called me and one of my co-workers into his office. Then he shut the door. This is usually not a good sign, and inevitably gets my heart racing! He then proceeds to tell us there is an awards banquet that night that we along with my boss were supposed to get invites too but there had been a mishap. He said we were to be recognized for some of our work and maybe we'd get a little bonus also. It was very short notice to get dressed up and downtown but after making sure everyone else was going, no way I'd go by myself, I cancelled my usual Monday night plans. Thinking I better at least make an appearance but I had no idea what I was in for.

I rushed home... With a stop at the mall to buy something to wear, this is always the stupidest of ideas. You can never get an outfit at the last minute but I always try, futility. I make three impulse buys, which I now have to return! Rush to get ready and back downtown. I finally arrive and there is a very fancy to do, with open bar and hors d'eouvres. Then we are shuffled upstairs.

The awards start with a Broadway like production from dancers and singers which definitely has me giggling, thinking why am I here! This is the big finale for our sales force for the year, and lets just say their budget is a tad larger than ours. We sit in our seats and thus proceeds the closest thing to an awards show I will probably ever go too. Our new CEO is there along with various presidents and vice presidents. I'm still not totally sure why we are included... But I'm glad we didn't skip out (so embarrassing)!

Our time comes and my boss's boss's boss's boss (that's right four times removed up the food chain) announces our names and achievement. We go up and receive our awards (nice crystal engraved plaques) and go backstage. This is where it gets really good... Awaiting us are Tiffany's bags! Inside is not only a bonus check but another small Tiffany's box besides the one our awards came in. I get excited but don't dare to tear it open. Later when we are back downstairs for more celebration and food I open up the small box. Inside is a gift card to Tiffany's! That's right I get to spend money at the store I've dreamed of shopping in since the first viewing of Breakfast at Tiffany's at age ten. I about had a heart attack and it was definitely enough money to buy more than a key chain. I was so surprised, and still a little bewildered that we got such a great award.

I am just reminded of how much God blesses me in small and big ways. It was like a special moment between us where he just reminded me that I am his and he wants to not only take care of me but give me good things, things that are better than I can imagine for myself. Funny how I just taught on this on Sunday to the HS kids. He likes to reinforce these lessons in my life.

James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory."
Amen and thank you Daddy!

A Good Quote...

Right now I am reading through the Chronicles of Narnia again. I'm on the Horse and His Boy. I adore these books. I've been looking forward to the upcoming movie, and desperately hoping it does justice to one of the best stories I've read. So today while I was doing my blog rounds I was directed to this article on CS Lewis from the perspective of his stepson. In it was one of the best quotes. I think it speaks for itself...

"The problem with evangelical Christianity in America today, a large majority of you have sacrificed the essential for the sake of the trivial. You concentrate on the trivialities—not smoking, not drinking, not using bad language, not dressing inappropriately in church, and so on. Jesus doesn't give two hoots for that sort of b***. If you go out and DO Christianity, you can smoke if you want, you can drink if you want—though not to excess, in either case."

AMEN BROTHER! This is one of my biggest pet peeves. If you want to read the article here's the link

Guilty Pleasures?

What's your guilty pleasure? I hate to admit it but I love America's Next Top Model. That's right, I watch the most superficial of shows and I like it! Its full of shameless product plugs. The cattiness of the girls is unbelievable. I find it hysterical. Don't ask me why, I don't know if I can fully explain it but its fun. Maybe its because I adore fashion mag's and I used to want to be an editor for a living.

When it comes to music I love Gwen Stefani's Rich Girl or Hollaback (maybe because in the old day's I was a cheerleader?). And the worst of all.... I actually like some of Brittney Spears music. I know its so shameful. But its so fun to dance and work out to.

We can't always pretend to be high brow thinkers... So come on spill... What's your guilty pleasure??

Holiday Party is ON!

So my sister this week told me, in an attempt be helpful, that Thanksgiving with my family would be in Portland this year. Except this isn't very helpful for me at all! Sure I wouldn't have to drive home, which is no small feat on holiday weekends. But every Thanksgiving Meagan and Mike give a Holiday Party for Holiday Buddies that I help host. I wasn't sure I'd be able to go. This would be the first one I'd miss since it began! Man do we have some fun memories. Starting out our idea of a party were random things we bought at the grocery store like Oreo's and somehow strange cocktail concoctions were thrown in... We've evolved a bit since then to a nice dinner party (Mike and I cook) with fancy tables (Meagan's in charge) and classy wine (we all chip in here). The whole premise is people coming together for a fun night who usually don't see each other except for holidays, hence the name Holiday Buddies.

So I called my parents and said I might have to cut the family time short to go to the annual party. They sounded fine with it, which was good. Then the most fabulous of things... Meagan and Mike offered to fly me home. How awesome is that?! I was so excited, it would save me a lot of driving time and I could still help with the set up of the party. I'm so excited that we are still on! Traditions are important. Thanks Meagan and Mike!!!

Indie Flicks

So I went to see a movie on Thursday with my friend Josh. He wanted to see a movie that I thought would have crass and "stupid" humor, so I vehemently said no based off my good conscience of garbage in garbage out! So I proceeded to look at the Indie flicks playing at my favorite local theater as I usually like the artsy types of flicks. The reviews of one movie Junebug on Rotten Tomatoes were pretty high (83%). So I suggested it.

We went. When I walked in and said hey this is the same theater I saw an awful and uncomfortable movie with Stan in. The only movie I really wish I'd walked out of. That could have been a sign from God to leave but I totally didn't catch it. WHY do reviewers assume that every odd indie flick that comes out is therefore fabulous and meaningful art! Just because its different doesn't mean its good... Let's just say there were some uncomfortable moments to be sitting in a theater next to a friend of the opposite sex with. And in the end the story wasn't even good. It was a waste of my three dollars and I think the "stupid" humor flick would have been more worth my time.

The Quest for my new Favorite

I have been on a quest for over a month now. Its been long and arduous. At times I thought I would never find what I was seeking, but today I got the news! What was I searching for you ask? The fountain of youth... Maybe the cure for a disease... You don't know me very well if you are buying that!

I've been searching for the fabulous Pink Knot Rose. That's right wine! I ordered two bottles from a wine sale at work and found that its the most fabulous wine I've tasted. (That's right we have wine sales at work, man I love it there!!) One of which I shared with my family at dinner at my sister's house which everyone declared nummy. The other bottle I shared with my dear friend Betty on the porch of a fantastic lodge overlooking the Columbia Gorge. Both were definitely good times.

But then alas no more Pink Knot! We'd drank it all. No worries I thought I'll just pop into a few good wine stores (Fred Meyer usually has great selection, along with Cost Plus) and pick up another bottle. But too no avail. I began searching wine sections any time I went into a store and still nothing. I emailed a specialty shop and they'd never heard of it. The panic and the real sleuthing then began. I just had to find that wine.

I looked the maker up online (see new link in favorites) to discover its not available from the winery direct (of course since its in AUSTRALIA!). I can't go to Australia to get my wine. Though it would be a nice trip. But kind of expensive. Then I found the US distributor. They of course don't sell direct to consumers either. They did direct me to another distributor in the local area. This distributor then explained the wine was very new still and they had only sold to three retailers in my area. I am now so close I can taste its sweet pinkness! This time I will be stocking up so the craving won't go unquenched again. Maybe I'll bring some to the Holiday Party Meagan always gives... So if you like wine give it a try. I'm off to call and get my bottles.

One of the best places on earth...bella, bella, bella!

I just got back from a nice weekend at the coast. A bit of a work weekend as it was a sort of planning retreat for our H.S. youth group staff. We spent some great time planning out ideas for the coming year. It was just so awesome to talk through where are passions are and where God seems to be leading the kids we work with. Mostly its us jumping on board with his plan and seeing it rather than doing any real planning ourselves. I'm looking forward to the year more and more. Its awesome to see people grow in the Lord and I get the joy of watching it happen in these kids. I don't even really do anything usually, I'm just there.

But the real reason for this post is my love of the Oregon Coast. I'm forever in awe of its rocky and craggy coastline. We call it the "coast" here. The term beach evokes ideas of warmth, sun and surf. We only sort of get the latter of those descriptions! Some friends and I for purely cost effectiveness alone have gone to the coast a few times in the past two years in the off season. Meaning we are there when the weather is least likely to be sunny and perfect, though we've lucked out and had it beautiful a few times. But I just adore the blustery winds and crashing surf. I don't mind having to put on warm clothes to walk the beach. I just sat on our porch wrapped in a blanket listening to the surf crashing while reading a book. Or soaking in the hot tub while it rained down and talking about God with friends. Drinking a hot coffee and looking out at the waves crashing in. It seems strange but the contrast makes it so beautiful. What is it about the ocean? The strength and magnitude of it perhaps? The desolation of the coastline... Its most certainly not friendly and inviting, but it has a ferocious beauty.

I don't know if I'll ever be able to move away from Oregon. Its the place I grew up. The place that is home. And I love all of it, even the rain. I'm already looking forward to my next rainy weekend at the beach.

Poll Results

The response to the hair poll was great! I ended up with the Cameron Diaz cut which was the clear winner, despite some original suggestions (Mohawk and shaving it off). I realize you'd love to see the results, but I have no way to show you. That's right I don't have a digital camera... So you'll have to imagine me with layered hair like Cameron's and I went a little darker with the color.

Thanks for voting!!!

Hair Poll

This is a totally vain post. Tomorrow at 2pm I have an appointment to get my hair colored and cut. Indecision always reigns at this time for me. Inevitably I go in and loose all ideas and just get whatever hoping it will turn out. So I'm looking for your help. Vote for the look you thing I should go with below. My hair fate rests in your hands!

A. Short-Chop it all off. I don't know if I'm ready for this one. But if I do it, it would be 20's bob look. Think Natalie Portman.















B. Keep it long with some more shape, long bangs. Think Cameron Diaz. Though not blond.







C. Keep it long with some more shape and bangs. Think Lindsay Lohan. Please forget that she's a pop tart and focus on the hair people!













D. Somewhere in the middle. Maybe like this Charlize look?

Mayhem

Sometimes you just think life can't get any crazier or out of whack. And then it does... I'm hoping for an upturn any day now.

My words for tomorrow

So I am sick and this has been a crazy week for me. Too much at once. So instead of a blog post from the top of my head. Here's an excerpt of what I am teaching tomorrow at church to the career group (aka the singles).

Let it be…

"When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree,
there will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,
there will be an answer. let it be.

Let it be, let it be, .....

And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me,
shine until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, ....."

The Beatles

Can you let it be? It’s a hard place to get to. The place of giving up your hold over something. Maybe it’s a desire, a dream, a hope, a plan. There are times when God asks us to just let his plan for us be. But can we do this?

Giving up that control is so hard. We know intellectually that we are to trust him. But do we really?

I didn’t. It was a very hard thing to come face to face with. But it was so very necessary. The picture of Mary saying to the Angel of the Lord “Let it be to me as you have said” in Luke 1:38. Funny how the Beatles song reflects this passage so well. Reminding us that she let it be, and the most amazingly beautiful work of redemption came to pass through her obedience. Could God have done his work without her? Of course he could. But he chose to do it with her and through her life. She had a role planned out by him. It was beyond anything she could dream of I am sure. I find that in saying "No I want it my way!" to God we may be limiting the amazing work and power he has laid out before us. He can do it without us, but he wants us to be a part of it.

The main problem I had with letting go was that I didn’t trust that God’s plan would be the best one. I was pretty sure what I had planned would be best (and most certainly what I would enjoy the most), and he wasn’t getting in line. In fact he was going the opposite way. No fair I cried out! I try to be faithful to you and this is how you repay me?! Then it hit me. What an arrogant statement to make to the God of Heaven and Earth! I was shocked with my questioning of his plan and character. I had to repent. I found myself repeating over and over “let it be to me as you have said”. Giving up my will is a continual act of obedience. But its also freedom. To give up that control is to free yourself of the responsibility of it all landing on your shoulders. It’s somewhat easier just to listen and hear where you are to go next than to plan and plot it out yourself. And in the end I can find peace there.

Can you let go and let it be as he has planned for you?

Addiction

Addictions... No one ever wants to admit they have one. But we all have addictions. Some are big and take over our minds and lives. Others are small and seemingly innocuous. Little bad habits that can be overlooked. Addictions can otherwise be described as obsessions, passions, crutches, habits, cravings, needs. Take your pick.

I have a lot of little addictions. Which I think makes me think I am fine because none seem to be glaringly out of line. But are little addictions okay? Or do they all add up to one bad thing?

Things I am addicted to:

• Coffee (Oh yes, I love my coffee... I NEED my coffee.)
• Shopping (Not so good for my pocketbook, but FANTASTIC for my self esteem. And essentially what I wander off to do when I can't think of anything else to entertain me.)
• Food (My love is for wonderfully sensory things, and food sucks me in every time. Its like Martha Stewart is in my ear saying "Its a good thing." And sadly I buy it every time.)
• Magazines (I adore them. I used to want to be an editor of a magazine when I was younger. I have two subscriptions, and pick them up whenever I can justify it. Maybe its their glossy pages that suck me in?)
• People (As an extrovert I sincerely die when left alone for too long. I need my peeps! I truly don't understand how introverts survive.)
• God (I suppose this is a good one. But is it my primary addiction? This could be an issue...)
• And finally the inspiration for this post...Internet/Blogging

I am now fully addicted to reading blogs, commenting on blogs, following blog links, looking for blog comments on my site, coming up with new topics for my blog. Its a blog blog blog world! How did I realize this new addiction had crept into my life? I just randomly realized tonight that I have been on the computer on a fabulous Saturday for four hours! Why oh why would someone who works on a computer all day long spend their weekend surfing the net? They must be crazy... or bored. And I remember now all the reasons I didn't want a computer at home, and why I didn't want a faster connection, and why I didn't think I should have a blog. But here I am in the middle of all those things.

So the question remains... Is it a "Good Thing" in the words of the felon Martha Stewart? You tell me...

Favorites

I am a person of extremes, or maybe enthusiasm is a better way of putting it. If you've known me for more than a week or even a day you know I write most emails and communication with exclamations all over!!!! I also have a funny (or I am sure in some people's opinion an annoying) habit of declaring everything as my favorite. How can I have so many favorites? Doesn't that in fact defeat the purpose of it being a favorite? Maybe... But I truly love things so much they belong in the "favorites" category. It is not an exclusive list, and many random things are allowed in there. I can't be so definite as to limit the list. Its just too difficult, and unfair to those fabulous things. Favorite food? Depends on the day you talk to me, if its cold and rainy (coconut curry) it will be a very different choice than a hot summer day (cashew chicken salad). Favorite music or artist? Again depends on my mood and the type of music I identify with at the moment. In a sad reflective mood it could be Sarah McLachlan. On a happy day at the beach... Jack Johnson or maybe Ben Harper.

So think of my favorites as an ever changing on going list. It means in essence that I identified with something or found it beautiful in some way, and it deserves some recognition! There I am being exclamatory again... So all this to say I now have a new section on my blog noted as "Latest Favorites!!!". This will be a revolving list of the most recent things I have found worth a "favorite" title. Check it out. Maybe you will find something to identify with and find beautiful also. Pay attention because it will update without notice!

Me: Defined as a person loved, and striving to love well.

Relationships define us. You may argue but I truly believe this.

I was reflecting today as so many wonderful friends have shown their love to me this week. Birthdays tend to bring the love out of the woodwork. Or at least the expression of it verbally. Some people (mostly men I think) would love to be defined by "what" they do in their lives. But for me (and a lot of other women I know) its "who" we impact and are impacted by that defines our life.

Just look at the titles we live our lives by. We are defined as mothers/fathers, sisters/brothers, wives/husbands, friends, mentors/disciples, and family. Granted we can also be defined by our job titles, but even then our relationships with our co-workers can make or break that experience or chance of success. Who we relate to and how we relate to them speaks volumes about our character, our interests, our loves and passions. We surround ourselves with those that can understand and empathize with our hearts. I call them kindred spirits.

My definition of a kindred spirit has expanded greatly in the past 7 years or so. I find I have more and more friends that don't love the same exact movies, books and music that I do. Many have a very unique style, and I adore the differences. It broadens my world and exposes me to new things. Though its uncomfortable at times I love being pushed to move outside of my small world. But the heart of each of these people I find is a common love and allegiance to our God and savior. This is a bond that moves across any social boundaries. It is the key. It binds us together in a common goal that moves us through life. I find I can just meet someone and know their heart is tied to mine already through this bond. Its crazy and wonderful at the same time. They are my true family.

So today I thank God for giving us relationships. He opened us to so much more insight and experience by creating our hearts to be tied to others. Just as His heart is tied to ours.

I love you kindred spirits. You know who you are...

A Start

I've been sucked into the blogging world. I held out not wanting to merely be a follower. But who am I kidding? I'm just a cautious person. I needed a good five friends to start blogging first so I would know it was safe to go in the water. This is how I live most of my life. Safety first you know. It was the same with cell phones, computers, email, internet, and my latest love iPod. I prefer for all the bugs to get worked out before I jump into something.

But now that I am here you ask what ARE you going to write about? Well I suppose my random thoughts on life. I don't want it to be a diary for the world to read. Too personal, but at times you have to be personal to express your point. In fact I was most inspired by a favorite TV show where there is a fabulous and thought provoking dialog on life all the way through it. If I am only half as eloquent I will be satisfied.