Saturday Stuff

Back to the summer Saturday routine...an hour long spin class at the Y followed by relaxing pool time. It was a real scorcher on Saturday...weather channel said 92 but felt like 100 degrees. HOT HOT HOT! I finished reading a book while hanging out in the pool and also spent some time under one of the big umbrella's. I don't know how anyone could be outside without a pool to dip in and cool off. I also kept my nalgene bottle full with cold ice water! I managed to last almost 4 hours at the pool (Yes, I used my SPF quite generously along with umbrella shade as to not burn).

Saturday night I went to a birthday dinner for my friend Katie at The Yellow Porch. I was excited to try a new restaurant and spend a summer evening outside with friends. The downside to sitting outside is the hot and humid weather but we only had about an hour of sunlight and there was a slight breeze after that helped a little. And another way to stay cool, is to enjoy a bottle of a refreshing wine like the Riesling that Amy, Brianna and I shared :) I think Katie enjoyed her birthday festivities and I enjoyed a Saturday night with friends, old and new.

I enjoyed my refreshing glass(es) of wine and meeting Katie's friend Missy.

Patrick (Katie's Boyfriend) organized her dinner with friends. Great job Patrick!

Hooray for another Friday!

I am SO glad that it's Friday and I have survived another insanely busy week. I survived the past two days of packing up all the goods that my boss and I have purchased over the past month or so for their apartment on the ship. Thankfully, my father gave me excellent packing skills and the fact that I am super organized only makes it that much better. It's almost like working a puzzle. Anyways...7 boxes, 2 suitcases, 1 large duffel bag, 1 cooler and 3 carry on bags later (i packed everything except the carry on bags) and a trip to the airport this morning, and they are on there way back to their ship. Once again the hard work has paid off and I can enjoy a little down time (with the exception of having to take care of their dog twice a day...hmmm...down time?).

Anyways, because I have been working at their house and packing and organizing all the last minute trip details, I am back downtown and have stuff to work on that I haven't been able to touch because of the packing! BUT I will still get a bit of a break...a much needed break. I am looking forward to a good weekend. Tomorrow's agenda, spin class at Y at 9:45 am and then to Amy's pool to soak up some sunshine. My friend Katie has a birthday dinner tomorrow night so I'll be attending that too and I am excited to eat at a new place, The Yellow Porch. Sunday will consist of church and then possibly some more sunshine time at the pool. Overall, should be a pretty relaxing weekend!

As Promised....

Here are a couple pics from last weekend while back in IN. Who doesn't like a little time with sidewalk chalk?!? Elaysha and I had a little fun with our nicknames. Elaysha goes by E and she calls me T-Bear. :)
We had just got back from our movie and I had to snap this pic. I can't believe how tall she is.

And on our way home from Target and Starbucks. This is what happens when you give an 8 year old a sip of your drink from Starbucks. EEK :)

Saturday Fun

I must say that my Saturday started much earlier than a typical Saturday in Nashville but since it meant getting quality one-on-one time with my daddy-o, it was totally worth it. We got up around 5:45 am and went for a little run through the neighborhoods. And at least it meant that I got in a little exercise too!

I got ready for the day and enjoyed some delicious breakfast treats from The Donut Bank including their delicious coffee (so much for the workout efforts) and then ran a couple errands with my mom when the stores opened at 10. From there I had another quick errand to run and then spent about 2 hours midday hanging out with my grandma. Those two hours were the most precious 2 hours I've spent all month. I figured that I should let her rest and I was getting a little hungry so I headed back to the parents house. Elaysha got there around 3:00 because Holly had to work that night so we got to hang out and play. I even took her to see the Disney/Pixar movie "Up" in 3D. It was such a better movie than I had ever thought it would be. (Thanks Jen for the recommendation....so cute). When the movie was done we had good dinner of grilled hamburgers and the fixins. Nothing like a REAL burger. I played some more with Elaysha after dinner and then the girls (me, E and mom) made a run to Target and Starbucks.

Nothing like quality time with the family to lift the spirits!

*I'm having some issues getting my photos loaded at home but will post them when my computer cooperates*

Hip Hip Hooray...It's FRIDAY!

I am soooooooo happy that it's Friday. I am heading back to Indiana this afternoon to hang with the family this weekend and also celebrate Father's Day on Sunday with my Daddy-O and Grandpa. The plan is that we'll be able to check my grandpa out of the nursing home so we can all be together on Father's Day. I think I'm more excited that usual, because of all that's been going on in my life, nothing is as comforting as being with those that love you unconditionally!

Be on the lookout for some photos after this weekend!

Brokeness

I know that it's easy to be happy and thankful for all the good things that happen in our lives. Maybe it's a new job that comes along after being unemployed, or a big life event like that of marriage or bringing a child into this world or maybe it's something small like seeing the sunshine after days of rain or just a smile from a stranger that passes you by on the street. I think that at times of happiness it's easy to look up and give HIM praise. But what is our response when the times get tough?

For me, I think I instantly try to "fix" what's broken. Work is busy and you get behind, so you push harder and work later. You have unexpected and unexplained health issues, so you seek out help from a doctor or perhaps try to eat better, work out harder. Maybe you experience conflict in relationships or are treated unfairly, you can take the high road or deal with confrontations head on, forgive and move on. And I've said before, for someone like myself who prefers to take control and "fix" things, I often in the process, regardless of my efforts, come away still feeling broken.

This is where I am actually thankful for times of brokeness. Yes, you heard me correctly, I said that I was thankful. Thankful that even in my midst of trials or sorrows, HE is with me and I have faith in HIM to see me through it all. For I know that whatever circumstance that has lead me to this season of brokeness, that I am NOT alone. This verse was just shared in our class on Sunday but I like how it's written from The Message:

"I know what I am doing. I have planned it all out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." - Jeremiah 29:11

It's the promise from my Creator that HE actually cares about me and what I am going through (the good, the bad and the ugly) and that HE's not yet finished with me. And this brings me HOPE to keep on keepin' on.

Fridays & Frustrations

I don't know about you but I am SO thankful that another Friday is upon us and that means two days of hopefully some much needed R&R will happen. And I love having a weekend with no set plans. It's nice to not be committed to having to be at a certain place at a certain time or required to spend time with certain people. You get the idea....

My blogs have been scarce lately...I know. It's just that I've been working through some personal frustrations and rather than bore readers with the "Whoa is me" act, I've thought it best to be silent. I know that this is just one of those seasons of life where things aren't all sunshine and roses BUT I am feeling more hopeful these days. And I think that HOPE is a great place to start!

So much for a restful vacation

All my rest and relaxation from California has been flushed down the toilet in the past week. Work has exploded and I dont mean in a good way. It's been one major, time-consuming project after the next on top of all the daily to-do's that are expected of me. I have been wondering lately, have I allowed myself to be run over by my job? I do have a life of my own although sometimes I don't think that's a shared viewpoint. Ugh and Blah and Yuck and Argh!

I don't really have anything else to write about since I'm kinda in an all out funk right now. Perhaps the light at the end of the tunnel will appear soon and I will be back to myself! Here's hoping!