I think the sign pretty much sums it up!
My cheesiest champion pose! (I had just ate my weight in leftover spaghetti and garlic bread!)
We're still standing!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
One long run...
I think the sign pretty much sums it up!
My cheesiest champion pose! (I had just ate my weight in leftover spaghetti and garlic bread!)
We're still standing!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
"What are we doing? Grace? Jess? Anyone?"
So I spent this last weekend giggling, shopping, eating and saying the statement:
“Remind me, why are we doing this again?”
This past weekend my friends Jess, Ashley and I had ourselves a little reunion in Chicago. A reunion that involved one very long run, one that is 26.2 miles long! In May all three of us signed up for the Chicago Marathon and at that time it seemed like a good idea. I mean come on; in our Junior year in college we all ran the Twin Cities Marathon together (Jen also ran it, but unfortunately this time she is Sudan. Though she said that we could all come over and run the Goli-Yei Marathon, which is Jen’s own creation) and that marathon was a fun time. So why not this one? Now, all of us are spread out across the country, what better idea or way to connect than to run a marathon together. The weekend was one of the best weekends that I have had in a month or so, it was fun to reconnect with friends. It was so very fun to walk (and run), talk and giggle; it was as if we didn’t live hundreds of miles away from each other. Overall, it was a good run. Ashley put it best with the statement:
“Just think of it as one of our Sunday long runs, I’m just going on a long run, right?” ~ Ashley
"Yeah sure, just a long run. I can work with that, no worries! It's all mental anyways." ~ Me
" No, we're just crazy. Sorry girls, why did I suggest this?" ~ Jess
It was a very cold run, the temp didn’t get over 40 degrees and the wind cut through my duofold running top at every turn. I guess I should have known, it is called the the Windy city! One good thing about the cold was that it kept me running because if I walked too much I would get very, very cold! Well, we all survived and I even beat my first marathon time by 10 minutes! I was able to run this marathon in 4 hours and 55 minutes and I am still standing. Well, actually, more like hobbling! But, regardless of the pain, I am so very happy to have spent the weekend with some of my best friends! And it was wonderful to experience this with them, again.
(P.S. More pictures to come....)
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Be Prepared....
Flexibility: adj. Characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements. Responsive to change; adaptable.
So Joel and I have just finished reading a book named “The Two Sides of Love”, which is a good book about hardsided and softsided love. The first being correction and challenging the ones you love and the second type is nurturing, comforting love. A large part of this book is learning about personality and certain “traits” that people hold. One funny thing about this book is that they assign certain characteristics to different animals (just so everyone knows, yes I am a golden retriever mostly but do have a little bit of lion thrown in), so you’d have to read the book to know fully what I mean by these animals. Some (not all) of the traits that Golden Retrievers hold are enjoying routine, disliking change, adaptability and react to sudden changes. Which really means there are four important words that apply when approaching Golden Retrievers about a change and they are: “Prepare them for change.”
Since reading this book I have found that I like my personality and the fact that I am a Golden Retriever; but it is important to realize that change can be a good thing and routines need to change sometimes (as Joel would say “You gotta mix it up!”). For those of you who don’t know, I work with Middle School students; specifically the 7th grade girls. These girls are hilarious and amaze me each week; they also like to bring their friends along for the ride! I help lead a “small” group bible study and our numbers have grown to about 20 girls each week (obviously not that small)! It had become clear that we needed to split the girls into two different groups because smaller groups help to foster better discussion and helps to focus everyone on the subject. Tonight, we “broke” the news to our girls and they took the news well. The parents, on the other hand, have/had a lot of concerns; which is understandable and appropriate. One thing that I have been trying to remember through this whole time is that I need to remain flexible and adaptable and be “okay” with change. So the advise that was given to me was to have a “spirit of fluidity”, and tonight the changes that had already been made (and that I was prepared for) were tweaked a little bit more. I was surprised at myself that even just saying “don’t react, fast changes are okay!” in my head helped to receive these new changes. I actually feel good with these changes and as I sit write this; I am thankful for people in my life who will remind me to remain calm.
Now I do feel that I won’t probably fully change my personality, because, well I like it and it’s who I am. But that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t acknowledge that some of those traits can be unproductive at times; as all personality traits that are held by lions, beavers, otters and golden retrievers. It’s important to remember that we need to remain flexible in certain times in our lives (though the other side of the coin; there are times to be definite and flexibility isn’t the right answer.)
So Joel and I have just finished reading a book named “The Two Sides of Love”, which is a good book about hardsided and softsided love. The first being correction and challenging the ones you love and the second type is nurturing, comforting love. A large part of this book is learning about personality and certain “traits” that people hold. One funny thing about this book is that they assign certain characteristics to different animals (just so everyone knows, yes I am a golden retriever mostly but do have a little bit of lion thrown in), so you’d have to read the book to know fully what I mean by these animals. Some (not all) of the traits that Golden Retrievers hold are enjoying routine, disliking change, adaptability and react to sudden changes. Which really means there are four important words that apply when approaching Golden Retrievers about a change and they are: “Prepare them for change.”
Since reading this book I have found that I like my personality and the fact that I am a Golden Retriever; but it is important to realize that change can be a good thing and routines need to change sometimes (as Joel would say “You gotta mix it up!”). For those of you who don’t know, I work with Middle School students; specifically the 7th grade girls. These girls are hilarious and amaze me each week; they also like to bring their friends along for the ride! I help lead a “small” group bible study and our numbers have grown to about 20 girls each week (obviously not that small)! It had become clear that we needed to split the girls into two different groups because smaller groups help to foster better discussion and helps to focus everyone on the subject. Tonight, we “broke” the news to our girls and they took the news well. The parents, on the other hand, have/had a lot of concerns; which is understandable and appropriate. One thing that I have been trying to remember through this whole time is that I need to remain flexible and adaptable and be “okay” with change. So the advise that was given to me was to have a “spirit of fluidity”, and tonight the changes that had already been made (and that I was prepared for) were tweaked a little bit more. I was surprised at myself that even just saying “don’t react, fast changes are okay!” in my head helped to receive these new changes. I actually feel good with these changes and as I sit write this; I am thankful for people in my life who will remind me to remain calm.
Now I do feel that I won’t probably fully change my personality, because, well I like it and it’s who I am. But that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t acknowledge that some of those traits can be unproductive at times; as all personality traits that are held by lions, beavers, otters and golden retrievers. It’s important to remember that we need to remain flexible in certain times in our lives (though the other side of the coin; there are times to be definite and flexibility isn’t the right answer.)
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Table for One....
So last night, I decided to try something that I have never done before; go out to eat by myself, to a sit down restaurant. I have always been curious how it felt to go to eat at a legitimate (no Subway, no McDonalds) restaurant, party of one. I have always seen this act happen in movies or TV shows and it always looks so “romantic”, what would it be like in real life? (Just to dispell any negative ideas, no I am not a loner, I did have plans with real people last night; just not until later.) So I threw on my coat and walked just down the block to the new Indian restaurant by my house. (Okay, also to clear up any confusion, I have always loved Indian food; even before Joel and my parents moved to India!) As I walked in the door, I was suprised at how busy it was and I was quickly approached by a host...
“How many?”
“Just one, please.”
(Look of confusion on the host’s face)
“Uhhhhh... One? Ummmmmm...Okay, let me see what we have available.”
“How long will it be?”
“Uhhhh......... I think that table (points) over there is about to leave. Maybe five minutes?”
“Okay, sounds good, I’ll just wait.”
From that point on the interactions were somewhat better, I think that the host (who turned into my waiter) got more comfortable with serving a ‘party of one’. As I sat down I took a look around the room and noticed that I wasn’t the only one who had a table alone, there were a two others sitting alone at their tables.After a couple of minutes and a couple of observations of the other parties in the restaurant, an idea popped into my head. What do you think it would be like to combine parties in restaurants? You know, this group of two with that group of four; think of what an interesting concept. Just think of the conversations and new connections that could be made if we all stepped outside of our comfort zones and met and dined with strangers. I remember my parents telling me about one of their anniversary dinners at the
Old Rittenhouse Inn up in Bayfield WI. I have only been there once, but it is by far one of the best places I have ever eaten; the food was spectacular! (Only better was a dinner in Paris when I was 16 and all of my meals at the Angry Trout in Grand Marais, MN! Okay back to the subject at hand!) My parents went there for their 25th wedding anniversary for Saturday dinner and they were seated at one table with many different couples. If I remember correctly, they really enjoyed the opportunity to eat, sit and talk with these couples; all at a different stage of their lives. I thought of that story and wondered how good it might be if that could be duplicated in my dining life. Though I imagine I might get some pretty funny stares if I approached strangers to have dinner with me and I don’t think people would take me seriously.
I found that eating alone was fun to a certain point, but eating with people is better. I found that I was making many observations and conversations in my head; it would have been nice to share those with someone. And when you spill chicken tikka masala on yourself, the only one who’s laughing is you. And that draws even more stares; because first you’ve got bright orange food on your shirt and second, your laughing at yourself.
With all that being said, it was a good experience but one that I might not repeat all that often. I really enjoy having dinner or lunch with friends, it’s one of my favorite activities! I am glad, though, that I at least tried this out!
“How many?”
“Just one, please.”
(Look of confusion on the host’s face)
“Uhhhhh... One? Ummmmmm...Okay, let me see what we have available.”
“How long will it be?”
“Uhhhh......... I think that table (points) over there is about to leave. Maybe five minutes?”
“Okay, sounds good, I’ll just wait.”
From that point on the interactions were somewhat better, I think that the host (who turned into my waiter) got more comfortable with serving a ‘party of one’. As I sat down I took a look around the room and noticed that I wasn’t the only one who had a table alone, there were a two others sitting alone at their tables.After a couple of minutes and a couple of observations of the other parties in the restaurant, an idea popped into my head. What do you think it would be like to combine parties in restaurants? You know, this group of two with that group of four; think of what an interesting concept. Just think of the conversations and new connections that could be made if we all stepped outside of our comfort zones and met and dined with strangers. I remember my parents telling me about one of their anniversary dinners at the
Old Rittenhouse Inn up in Bayfield WI. I have only been there once, but it is by far one of the best places I have ever eaten; the food was spectacular! (Only better was a dinner in Paris when I was 16 and all of my meals at the Angry Trout in Grand Marais, MN! Okay back to the subject at hand!) My parents went there for their 25th wedding anniversary for Saturday dinner and they were seated at one table with many different couples. If I remember correctly, they really enjoyed the opportunity to eat, sit and talk with these couples; all at a different stage of their lives. I thought of that story and wondered how good it might be if that could be duplicated in my dining life. Though I imagine I might get some pretty funny stares if I approached strangers to have dinner with me and I don’t think people would take me seriously.
I found that eating alone was fun to a certain point, but eating with people is better. I found that I was making many observations and conversations in my head; it would have been nice to share those with someone. And when you spill chicken tikka masala on yourself, the only one who’s laughing is you. And that draws even more stares; because first you’ve got bright orange food on your shirt and second, your laughing at yourself.
With all that being said, it was a good experience but one that I might not repeat all that often. I really enjoy having dinner or lunch with friends, it’s one of my favorite activities! I am glad, though, that I at least tried this out!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Things I've Learned.....
So I bet you all thought that this entry would be all about my first month at Access, but you’re wrong! Today I was thinking about the past 6 weeks of my life (which in reality is a drop in Lake Superior compared to a whole lifetime) but they have stretched me emotionally, begun to show me what patience means in this situation and well, have just been hard. So as I was thinking about what I’ve learned or how I’ve processed these past few big changes I thought I’d write them down and put them out there, scary but we’ll see how it all goes. So, I’ve learned that...
1) I have the weird idea that I am in control and that I HAVE to let that go, in reality the Lord is in control. What a peace is found in that realization! I have been amazed at the peace that can only have come from the Lord and how He is gracious in giving me that peace each day.
2) International communication can come in many different ways and many different directions. Phone calls! Emails! Skype! Friends that hug you on the behalf of a “certain someone”! Flowers left at your front door, again, left a “certain someone”! And snail mail!
3) While I am on the topic of snail mail (you all know how I love the post office!), there is nothing better than receiving a letter in the mail! I think the fact that it is something that Joel has written is an amazing physical reminder of him, even though he is not here. And it’s so fun to peek into my mailbox and see that tan, manila envelope; it’s like a present every week!
4) My parents are very, cool and very funny! I love that they have decided to take this risk and have decided to satisfy their quest for adventure. I guess Wabakimi just wasn’t cutting it anymore, they needed some spice (both figuratively and literally in the food) to their life, so they took the risk. And my parents are very funny (okay so I already new this) but I think it’s showing even more in their stories and pictures.
5) Having the people you love all call you on the same day, while you are having “international phone call day” is wonderful and crazy at the same time. I think it is crazy because it’s almost like everyone is just around the block but in reality they are on the other side of the world. The "third side of the hexagon" (as wonderful as "international phone call day" is) is that it can be somewhat draining and I need to learn how to process those emotions.
6) I am blessed to have the amount and quality of communication that I do with Joel and my parents. And that has kept me sane these past six weeks and will continue to keep me sane until they come home.
7) Finally, (but not the end) I really miss the people I love and I am learning how that feels and how to handle all those emotions. That’s all I have to say about that right now (Forest Gump anyone?)
So that is just a glimpse of what I am learning and there will/are many more things, concepts and ideas that will become real to me in the future. I am sure that there is more underneath the surface of my brain, but I still have alot to learn.
(And, by the way, Gilmore Girls on DVD rocks! Soooooo very good for lifting the spirits!)
1) I have the weird idea that I am in control and that I HAVE to let that go, in reality the Lord is in control. What a peace is found in that realization! I have been amazed at the peace that can only have come from the Lord and how He is gracious in giving me that peace each day.
2) International communication can come in many different ways and many different directions. Phone calls! Emails! Skype! Friends that hug you on the behalf of a “certain someone”! Flowers left at your front door, again, left a “certain someone”! And snail mail!
3) While I am on the topic of snail mail (you all know how I love the post office!), there is nothing better than receiving a letter in the mail! I think the fact that it is something that Joel has written is an amazing physical reminder of him, even though he is not here. And it’s so fun to peek into my mailbox and see that tan, manila envelope; it’s like a present every week!
4) My parents are very, cool and very funny! I love that they have decided to take this risk and have decided to satisfy their quest for adventure. I guess Wabakimi just wasn’t cutting it anymore, they needed some spice (both figuratively and literally in the food) to their life, so they took the risk. And my parents are very funny (okay so I already new this) but I think it’s showing even more in their stories and pictures.
5) Having the people you love all call you on the same day, while you are having “international phone call day” is wonderful and crazy at the same time. I think it is crazy because it’s almost like everyone is just around the block but in reality they are on the other side of the world. The "third side of the hexagon" (as wonderful as "international phone call day" is) is that it can be somewhat draining and I need to learn how to process those emotions.
6) I am blessed to have the amount and quality of communication that I do with Joel and my parents. And that has kept me sane these past six weeks and will continue to keep me sane until they come home.
7) Finally, (but not the end) I really miss the people I love and I am learning how that feels and how to handle all those emotions. That’s all I have to say about that right now (Forest Gump anyone?)
So that is just a glimpse of what I am learning and there will/are many more things, concepts and ideas that will become real to me in the future. I am sure that there is more underneath the surface of my brain, but I still have alot to learn.
(And, by the way, Gilmore Girls on DVD rocks! Soooooo very good for lifting the spirits!)
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