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.