Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 45

Today's Daily 5:

1. jeans at work
2. banana muffins
3. string cheese
4. working through lunch and starting the weekend an hour early instead
5. dinner and chatting and shopping with a friend

New Rhythms

Even as I title this post, I know that I don't have time to do the topic justice.  That the new rhythms of my life demand that I turn my lights out very shortly, and sleep, rather than staying up into the wee hours I've always loved, and spending time writing.

So maybe I will leave it here:  September has been a month of discovering new rhythms for me.  Of juggling, and failing, and trying again, and slowly the pieces are coming together.

I'll share more about that soon, as things continue to change and settle into place.

In the meantime, share with me some of the important rhythms of your days and weeks?

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 44

Today's Daily 5:

1. Leftover curry for lunch
2. peppermint gum (keep in mind that I believe mint flavoring should only occur in gum and toothpaste)
3. one of those days where I just felt good in my own skin
4. the first time wearing a new scarf
5. the laughter of sharing life and walking through scripture at house church

"If..." Take 7

If you were to name the healthiest thoughts you have on a daily basis, what would they be?
(from "If...Questions for the Soul" by Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywell)

My list of thoughts that are healthiest would probably look something like this:

• Maybe I am healing.
• What made me smile today?
• That was beautiful.
• I'm thankful for...
• That's a lie, and I can choose not to believe it.

What are the healthiest thoughts you have on a daily basis?

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 43

Today's Daily 5:

1. Reading over my lunch hour
2. realizing that this has been a better week
3. trading emails with L. on another continent, laughing about some stuff happening in our lives
4. wearing a favorite scarf
5. really good curry for supper (and leftovers for lunch tomorrow - thanks Mom!)

Whimsical Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Today's Whimsical Wednesday collection.  Some of these are ideas I'm hoping to try in the coming days and weeks?  Which image stands out to you the most?

Source: wmcraftgoodies.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: colourgiggles.wordpress.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: lightrefreshmentsserved.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: neverloseyourmuchness.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: mindbodygreen.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: designer.inktastic.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 42

Today's Daily 5:

1. Some mornings I wake up and think of friends living in more tropical climates.  On those mornings, as I slide my feet into shoes or slippers, I think about how grateful I am to not have to check my footwear for spiders, scorpions or other unfortunate bugs before putting it on.  Today was one of those mornings
2. The crunchy sound leaves make when you stomp them
3. Reading a novel I'm quite enjoying
4. the freedom an iphone offers
5. an interesting evening with a new friend

"If..." Take 6

"If you were to recommend only one book to a friend to help them find spirituality, which would it be?"
(from "If...Questions for the Soul" by Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywell)

Now that is a question that is hard to answer, mostly because the book would vary greatly, depending on the person.

That said, the book that came immediately to mind is Lauren Winner's "Girl Meets God."  Winner talks about her own journey of faith, from a relatively secular home, through Judaism, and into Christianity.  I loved her story, and recommend it highly.  Mostly I loved that she showcased the questions, the challenges, and the journey, not just the answers and destinations.

What about all of you? What book would you recommend?

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 41

Today's Daily 5:

1. leaving the house this morning and spotting the stars still out (hello, Orion's belt)
2. The satisfaction of finishing a book long in progress - one that wasn't an easy read
3. Sitting outside in my shirtsleeves over lunch
4. getting a really good deal on a scrapbooking product I've been eyeing
5. having an evening to myself

Brave Girls Club

I've been getting weekday emails from something called the "Brave Girls Club" for a number of weeks now, and they've moved me deeply.  They've been timely in the truths they speak, and I wanted to share one here, along with the link to their website, where you can sign up for yourself.

This one was from late last week and again spoke truths I very much needed to hear in those moments:

Dear Authentic Girl,



It's ok to cry sometimes, you know. It's even ok to completely fall apart for a little while so that you can put yourself back together in the way you are supposed to be together.

Sometimes the pieces of us get a little bit mixed up and we have to let ourselves fall apart so that we can get ourselves back in order. And it's ok to grieve over things that we've lost. It's ok to grieve over people that we've lost and it's ok to grieve over time that has been lost. It's ok to feel a bit of a hole in our hearts where loved things used to be.

HERE'S THE IMPORTANT THING, though. Remember, that you can still do the things that you want to do, and work toward the places that you want to be, and learn the things that you want to learn WHILE you are working through grief. You don't have to wait. Sometimes we make ourselves wait until all of the pain is gone to start living the life we want to have.

The time to start living the life we want to have is RIGHT NOW, even if it's while we are holding hands with pain. They really can live next to each other. And then when it's time for the pain to go, you are not left alone trying to figure out what to do next. You are already there -- just without the pain.

So please stop waiting, lovely you. Please stand up and take some steps into the places that you want to be. It's ok if your pain comes with you. It really is. Someday it will feel like it's done its job, and it will be gone. It really will.

YOUR JOB is to just keep moving, and you are the only one who can do it. You know it's time. Stand up, sweet sister. Take a step. You can do this.

Have a wonderful weekend.

xoxo

A message from your friends at the Brave Girls Club - www.bravegirlsclub.com

Monday, Monday (redux)

Last week I wrote somewhat cautiously, but still hopefully, about what Monday would hold.

It turned out to be the first day in a week that was challenging.  A week that really didn't pick up and get into a good place until Thursday.

And now it's Sunday night again, and I'm writing a Monday post.

I have no idea what to expect from the week ahead.

There are some big new things on my plate this week.

And some old things.

I'm hoping to squeeze in some space for creativity.

I know I'll have a bit of time with friends.

And next Saturday I have a date with a very short man who's interested in trucks.  Can't go by one without loudly pointing it out, actually.  We're going to the zoo together.  (Did I mention he's blond, blue eyed, and less than three feet tall?  Or that there's a 26 year difference in our ages?  That's not too much is it?)

And so, I'm heading into Monday prayerfully, waiting to see what the week ahead will hold.  Heading in hopefully, knowing that surprises do seem to lurk around corners lately.

More to come.

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 40

Today's Daily 5:

1. Sleeping in
2. baking
3. running some errands on my own this afternoon
4. watching Frasier on dvd
5. daydreaming

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 39

Today's Daily 5:

1. A day of rest
2. Vietnamese take out
3. a salad with blue cheese
4. easy access to a library
5. an afternoon nap

Saturday Plans

It's Saturday again.  9:00 am.

I've been awake for a while already.  Turns out that your body thinks you need to wake up early when 5 days a week you force it out of bed at 5:30 am.

So I've been laying in bed, watching a bit of TV on DVD, and enjoying the comfort of my space, and resting.

And that's pretty much what the day ahead holds.  A bit more resting.  A bit more TV.  Some baking.  A library trip (fast becoming part of my Saturday routine.)  Maybe a grocery trip.  Probably some reading and writing.

It sounds like a good day from my 9:00 vantage point in bed.  A good day.

I could use one of those this week.  A good and restful day.  And so I'm going to soak it in.

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 38

Today's Daily 5:

1. Being able to sit down at the bus stop this morning since it was a warmer morning (on cold mornings, it's a bad idea to sit - the metal seat in the bus shelter just makes you colder.)
2. wearing jeans at work
3. having sandals that I like
4. random funny songs stuck in my head ("...late last night when we were all in bed..."  "...he had a set of whiskers that were always in the way..."  "calamine, calamine, calamine lotion..." "it's the end of the world as we know it...")
5. finishing a book I enjoyed
6. a bubble bath
7. watching the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy
8. pizza
9. raspberries
10. a Thai massage - interesting new experience...

Held

With all the scheduling of posts I do to accomodate my various weekly series, and my work schedule, I feel like this space often doesn't have the day to day journal feel that it has so often had. I'm hoping to get back to sharing in that manner in the days to come, but lately have really struggled to find words, and to balance the things I want to share with the world with the things that need to be treasured and guarded within me.

That said, let me share a little with you today.

This has been a really hard week. One where the highs were really high, and the lows were really low. There has been relational stuff, and work stuff, and personal stuff, and health stuff. I don't really recommend it, actually. There have been joys of experiencing new things, and struggles with family. There has been the ongoing struggle to find a healthy balance of work and social and rest, and this week has not been a success in that way.

And yet, in a way I haven't experienced in a while, I've been incredibly aware of Jesus drawing near, and offering peace. Not storms being stilled, or necessarily even shelter from the storms, but a stillness and sense of protection in the midst of the buffeting.

Last weekend Kirsten posted a beautiful tribute to her son Ewan on his first birthday. (As a side note, you really need to check out Kirsten's blog, and Ewan's story if you haven't.) One of the songs she used in the video was "Held" by Natalie Grant. Honestly, as I watched the video at the time, I was so caught up in the images she was sharing (and the tears that came in watching the tribute to her special little boy), that I wasn't paying all that much attention to the lyrics of the song.  They are however, very appropriate for Kirsten and James and Ewan's story, and they have stayed with me this week.

One line in particular has played over and over in my head through this week:

"This is what it means to be held."

As I have navigated the highs and lows, the joy and the pain, I have been aware of something underlying it all.  In the middle of the day on Wednesday I paused, considered that underlying sense, and had to smile.  "So that's what 'peace that passes understanding' feels like."  This week, as I've talked with Jesus through all the things that have gone on, I have had peace that has surprised and comforted me.  I have been held.  And I'm so grateful for that

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 37

Today's Daily 5:

1. the smoky scent from someone's wood stove coloring the early morning air
2. a warm morning instead of the bitter cold we've had recently
3. the colors of sunrise out the bus window
4. a night with a really good sleep
5. wearing a skirt and leggings
6. looking forward to some plans for rest and enjoyment on the weekend
7. a good appointment
8. sitting in the park to read
9. good conversations with friends
10. laughing at house church as sharing our weeks and studying scripture intermingled tonight

"If..." Take 5

"If you were to name the most creative outlet that you have, what would it be?"
(from "If... Questions for the Soul" by Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywell)

It seems pretty cliche to say so in this space, but blogging is definitely my most creative outlet.  It's the place where my heart gets left on the page.  Where I share what I'm thinking about and feeling.  Where you can come to find the things that are inspiring me, the things that are making me laugh, and the things that are making my heart ache.

Journaling is a close second, though I do less of it these days.  Or less of it in really traditional, write with a pen in a book, on paper, type forms.

Email falls into the same category as blogging, too, especially with my closest friends who are far away.

And then, if I was going to name other creative outlets, I'd have to include cooking and baking, photography, pinterest, reading, scrapbooking, and even my clothing some days.

What about you?  What's your greatest creative outlet right now?  What are ways you express the creativity of your soul?

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 36

Today's Daily 5:

1. Sleeping well on a night where I wasn't sure what would happen, given a number of factors that often affect my sleep
2. Thankful that the voice of peace grows louder all the time, drowning out (or at least coexisting with) the fears, lies, and panic that so often threaten to overcome
3. "this is how it feels to be held..."
4. Warm sun on my face
5. scarf wearing
6. girl talk last night
7. seeing a smile on someone's face
8. popcorn
9. reading a book on the bus
10. a very much needed evening off, curled up in bed, watching some TV on DVD and catching up on some stuff that's been sliding all week

Whimsical Wednesday, September 21, 2011

It's another eclectic collection here on Whimsical Wednesday, showcasing a few of the things that caught my eye on pinterest over the last week.

Source: ipreferparis.net via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: chiccoastalliving.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: blog.holamama.es via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: homeremediesrx.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 35

Today's Daily 5:

1. Crepes for lunch
2. reading (and finishing!) a novel I quite enjoyed
3. a brief hour of rest between work and my evening plans
4. laughing with a friend on our way to Cirque du Soleil
5. Cirque du Soleil's "Ovo" - incredible!

"If..." Take 4

"If you were to pick the moment of each day that you feel most serene, when would it be?"
(from "If: Questions for the Soul" by Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywell)

Hmm... The moment that I feel most serene, huh?

I think it would be one of maybe two.  I generally feel quite serene when I'm riding the bus and reading (though, granted, in the morning, I'm not sure I'm awake enough for it to be true serenity, and not just sleepiness!)

But probably the truly serene moment of my day is that part of the evening when I'm home, in my own space, and sinking into bed with a book.  It's the time at night where I quietly and prayerfully do a bit of reading, where I evaluate my day, and where I look ahead.  This is the time that I spend most faithfully with Jesus, and it's definitely a place of peace and serenity for me.

What about you?  How would you answer this question?

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 34

Today's Daily 5:

1. Watching a few friends and some strangers count their own daily 5's on Facebook late last night
2. trading a few very humorous emails with L. this afternoon
3. a hot bath for a few minutes, in between work and a semi-awkward social commitment
4. steak for supper
5. a few moments of laughter with family

Monday, Monday...

I've never been one of those girls who hates Mondays.

If you've been reading here for a while, you know that when I was still working at the company that my roommates christened "the soap opera", I had Wednesdays, not Mondays.  For weeks at a time, it would seem like Wednesday was just the day when everything went wrong, and I was stressed, or feeling miserable, or people would be rude or out of sorts with me.

Because of that, I don't really dread Mondays the way some people do.

That said, last week I went into Monday feeling positive, and it ended up being a terribly hard day at work.  The worst day in the entire week.

So, as I write this on Sunday night, I just don't quite know what to expect from Monday.

I know it will end with a birthday party for my brother.  And that it will start at 5:30 am.  I know that I will have a frozen meal for lunch, and do some reading.

I know that it will be a Monday, and like every other day of the week, I will need to pray and trust, and choose joy and life.

Here goes...

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 33

Today's Daily 5:

1. popping in some TV on DVD and spending a couple of hours baking (tried another new chocolate chip cookie recipe today!)
2. sleeping in
3. homemade, hot, buttered popcorn
4. leftover vietnamese food
5. having fun prepping the posts that will go live for most of this week
6. finally finishing off a BIG "to do" that has been on my list for weeks
7. that my infected thumb seems to be on the road to healing
8. still enjoying laughter over the conversation I had on skype with L yesterday
9. looking forward to new seasons of some of my favorite television shows kicking off this week
10. planning and preparing for the week ahead

Sunday, Mid Afternoon

I'm half-way through my Sunday, and some of the things that are done are becoming Sunday habits.

I baked muffins.

And cookies (a new recipe courtesy of pinterest.)

I've even showered and done some work in the garden.

In a little while, I'll head back to grandma's.

The rest of Sunday is also habit - prepping blog posts for the coming week, cleaning and organizing, making lists, reading, tackling various tasks from my list from the past week, and others from the list for the coming week.

It's how I spend my weekends now.  Catching up, and trying to catch some rest.

Not so bad, though not the freedom that I once had.  It's all about adjusting.

I'm getting there.

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 32

Today's Daily 5:

1. Not having to wake up at 5:30 am
2. library and groceries, two main objectives for the weekend, finished before 1:00 p.m.
3. a two hour skype date with L, laughing and catching up on all the stuff that people who are super close friends care about.  We talked about everything from boys, to school, to traveling.
4. A couple of great one liners from L, particularly "I felt very small on that beach!"
5. having my google reader list sit at zero
6. a new feature on skype that lets you share your screen with the person you're talking to.  It let L see some pictures and websites I was looking about, that we were talking about today
7. managing to rest a bit this weekend
8. Vietnamese food for dinner
9. time to hang out on pinterest and get inspired a bit
10. reading time

Skype (and other thoughts)

It's Saturday afternoon.

Would you believe that this new schedule that my current job demands (the one where I wake up at 5:30 on work day mornings) has messed up my ability to sleep in?  I was awake by 8:00 this morning, and up and at it by 9!  And 9:00 felt decadent!  Crazy!

In a few short minutes, I have a skype date planned with one of my favorite people on the planet.  We are, as she would say, going to have a "wee natter" and I can't wait.  There's a lot to catch up on.  Travel.  Boys.  School.  Plans for the next couple years of our lives.  Church and life.  I can't wait!  Skype is absolutely one of my favorite things around, for the moments like this when I get to "sit across" from a friend on another continent and catch up with each other.

In the meantime, I'm catching up on weekend stuff.  This morning I did grocery shopping and a trip to the library.  I have some reading and writing to catch up on.  Some baking to do.  Some random little health things to take care of (things like soaking my right hand in epsom salt and hot water, since I somehow managed to get a badly infected hangnail on my right thumb, that makes me howl in pain every time I accidentally bump it.)

This job has made me so thankful for weekends - for extra bits of rest and quiet.  For the chance to catch up on the myriad of things that just don't happen during the week anymore.

I've got to tell, you, though - I miss the days of moving quietly, nothing urgent.  Now, to get the same things done, I have to be disciplined, and plan.  If something doesn't happen when it should, I have to figure out what gets sacrificed - what's less important.  It's been a study in transition and juggling.  In figuring out how to manage health and rest with needs and desires and obligations.  It's requiring a lot more discipline and more careful use of my time.  And that's okay.  Maybe even good.  But it's definitely taking some adjusting!

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 31

Today's Daily 5:

1. Casual Friday
2. Settling in for a weekend
3. Water - still very much my beverage of choice
4. finishing another week of work
5. cuddling into bed, and knowing that tomorrow at 5:30 am, an alarm will absolutely NOT ring

It will be Friday by the time this post goes live, and it's been an up and down kind of week.

 

Honestly, it hasn't been a week where I've been doing all that well on the managing to juggle work, a social life, and sleep thing.  So I'm tired (and I'm dealing with some minor health stuff again that has me dragging a bit.)

 

I'm processing a lot of things these days.

 

Asking questions about life and relationships.

 

About joy, and schedules, and health.

 

And all of those things are spinning around inside of my head, trying to sort themselves out, to let things fall into place and order.

 

I'm not there yet. 

 

Not even close.

Mostly I'm just a bit tired and confused.

 

And I find myself often lacking words.

 

So I'm going to send you off to a post about yoga that I really appreciated earlier this week, and then I'd love it if you'd come back and tell me what you're thinking about, or leave a link for something that's fascinating you right now.

 

Yoga Chants & Our Comfort Levels

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 30

Today's Daily 5:

1. Sunshine
2. Texting with a friend
3. an unexpected little bit of time off this evening
4. coke bottle candy
5. the feeling of collapsing into bed after a very long day in which you haven't been feeling well

"If..." Take 3

If you were to qualify your own spiritual aspirations, what would you say they are?

Today's "If..." question (from If... Questions for the Soul by Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywell) is one that I would answer with three phrases from scripture.  These three phrases, from Romans 12:12 sum up who I desire to be, and the words that Jesus has inscribed deeply on my heart as the things that are central to what he is calling me to be as his follower.

Joyful in hope.
In all things.  In everything.  Choosing joy and life.  Always hopeful, whether life is looking good or bad, bright, or terrifying.  This is my goal.

Patient in affliction.
Willing to learn.  Uncomplaining.  Again, choosing hope and joy.  Resting in the knowledge that in this too, Jesus is at work in me.  Not always expecting affliction, but patient when it comes, and in whatever form it comes.

Faithful in prayer.
My heart loves to pray.  I am never happier or more at home than those moments when I am talking with Jesus.  I believe He has called me to pray for others as well, to be in continual conversation with Him.

And you?  How would you answer today's "If..." question?  Leave the answer or a link to your answer in the comments!

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 29

Today's Daily 5:

1. This post, on Sara Frankl's blog.  I've been quietly reading Sara's blog for quite some time now, been so encouraged and challenged by her continual choosing of joy, in the face of severe chronic illness. And now, as Shannon shared in the post today, Sara is preparing to go home to be with Jesus.  This post made me laugh and cry and think today.  I prayed a little harder, and hugged a few people closer.  And I was reminded over and over again of choosing to be joyful. (Which is really what making these daily lists is all about - it's how they began, out of a need to seek joy in my life in the midst of some very hard times)
2. Hemp Lip Balm from The Body Shop
3. wearing one of the cute new hats I got a great deal on last night
4. A crepe for lunch
5. Managing to get some paperwork I needed from my doctor over the phone, rather than having to take a half-day, unpaid, off from work, to make an appointment and go in to handle it in person
6. chocolate chip cookies (I was craving chocolate like crazy today)
7. the moment when painkillers kick in
8. sharing dinner and prayers and conversation at a house church leaders meeting
9. laughing with friends
10. a kiss goodnight from a very cute little guy who makes me smile every single week, and who pointed out every truck we passed as we drove to the meeting tonight.

Whimsical Wednesday, September 14, 2011

It's another eclectic connection on Whimsical Wednesday today.  Leave a comment telling me which image most catches your eye, and why!

Source: None via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: sundaycrossbow.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: None via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: andiwantstotravel.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: vkontakte.ru via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 28

Today's Daily 5:

1. being thanked for doing something at work
2. listening to my friend Karla Adolphe's Chair and Microphone album on the bus
3. Wearing an outfit I actually really like
4. Dinner with a really good friend - a friend where laughter and honesty are both guaranteed.  Plus, we ended our dinner with a VERY good chocolate dessert.
5. a great deal on clearance items at one of my favorite clothing shops that ended up with me purchasing three necklaces, two cute hats and a scarf for a total of $20!

"If..." Take 2

If you found yourself in a period of deep depression, which of your current possessions would best help you endure it?

Today's "If..." question is not all that challenging for me to answer, given the various struggles I've had with depression and heavy emotions over the years.

If I found myself in that sort of space again, in the midst of those sorts of incredibly heavy emotions, the possession that would most help me endure it would be a journal (or a blog space).

I process in conversation, and in writing, and a journal is the thing that I so often turn to in those moments.   There is something in particular for me about writing in a physical journal when I'm struggling with deep emotions that is very significant as well.  It is therapeutic.  Yes, it's slower than typing out my thoughts (thus the reason I have a blog - for those moments when my need for expediency is greater than my need for therapy!), but it allows for pondering.  It requires one to take time to live in the midst of those emotions.

And now, it's your turn!  I'd love to hear your answer to today's "If..." question, either in the comments, by email, or on your own blogs (come back here and leave a link if you blog about it!)

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 27

Today's Daily 5:

1. picking up my mail after work and discovering a postcard from L, sent from Barcelona this time.  Photos and news from a friend quite literally made my day after such a rough day at work.
2. pineapple, banana and coconut muffins
3. mozzarella cheese
4. a quiet and productive evening
5. enjoying a memoir that's been full of interesting stories

End of Monday

It's still Monday.  Still not a long weekend.

When I wrote the post that went live this morning, I felt optimistic about the day ahead.

By the time the work day ended, I was working hard simply on not crying.

It was not a good day at work.

Tired and very stressed out coworkers, in an environment that is, well, less than positive at the best of times, doesn't make for an easy day.

So, here's hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Because tonight I quite simply feel discouraged.

(I've been trying to count blessings today... it's not been easy, but I've managed... back in a bit with the Daily 5.)

It's Monday

It's Monday, and it's not a long weekend.

By the time this post goes live, I'll as usual be on a bus, on my way downtown to work.

I'll probably be reading, though I might be browsing emails, or simply trying to stay awake.

A week or so ago I learned that the morning bus commute is decidedly NOT a good time to do the meditation exercises that a trusted advisor recommended I do on a daily basis.  Turns out that doing them at that time of the morning mostly leads to falling asleep on the bus.

I'm coming off a very full week, and a busy weekend of tackling things like reading, correspondence that I was behind on, and some baking.

I'm heading into an equally full week, and sorting out how to juggle all of the little things that need to be accomplished, and how to prioritize, and which things really can be let slide just a bit.

That said, both weeks have had and will have more than the normal amount of chances to be with and speak with friends, and I've been grateful for that.  There is a blessing in having heart friends, and in managing to find time with them.  There is blessing, too, in embracing some ministry opportunities that have required a more full compliment of my attention lately.

And so, I'm here, because this is one of the few days this week that doesn't boast evening plans with friends, or ministry obligations.  I'm here, and I'm thinking about and praying for the week ahead.  I'm wondering what sort of humorous adventures it might hold (for example, last week because of work, I can now quite humorously boast that on a stressful day I purchased my first ever pack of cigarettes! (for my boss people, for my boss!))  And I can wonder just exactly what heartbreaks or challenges this week will also hold.

It's a new week.  A Monday.  Not a long weekend.

I'm praying, waiting, and looking for moments of thankfulness.

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 26

Today's Daily 5:

1. Sleeping in, and waking peacefully, despite a night of really crazy dreams
2. baking muffins and cookies
3. episodes of Frasier on dvd.  I've been so in need of laughter, and this has been making me laugh this weekend.
4. Taking time to tackle a bunch of "to do" list items
5. an ice cream cone

Noon, Sunday

By noon today, I'd managed to crawl out of bed, pop a dvd full of Frasier episodes on, and start baking.  I'd made muffins and cookies.

I'm sitting here, staring at apartment listings, and wondering if there is something I can afford.  There are maybe a few possibilities, but nothing that's screaming my name just yet.

I have a list of little (and big) things to accomplish this afternoon.  Things like writing and prep for the week ahead.

Not a bad way to spend an afternoon, really.

With maybe a nap thrown in.

We'll see.

In any case, I remain greatly thankful that it's the weekend.  With the job I have right now, weekends are truly a lovely break.

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 25

Today's Daily 5:

1. Sleeping in
2. a library trip that resulted in picking up some books I'd been waiting for for quite a while
3. a day that was both productive and restful
4. watching episodes of Frasier on DVD and laughing, hard.
5. a long catch-up by phone with a good friend.  such a good way to wrap up a day.

Saturday Stuff

It's late on Saturday morning, and I'm pondering the things that need to be done in the day ahead...

• I have a bunch of correspondence to catch up on
• I need to hunt down some information on tickets to a show I'm hoping to catch with a friend
• I'm playing with this website that I recently discovered - fun and easy way to create some abstract art.
• I'm heading out to the library shortly.  Some books I requested have arrived, and I have a bunch to return as well.
• I'm pondering some reading that I absolutely have to get done
• and some writing
• And I'm thinking about doing a bit of baking or cooking.  Maybe muffins for my breakfasts for the week ahead, or some meals to freeze for lunches for the same reason.
• I'm laughing over the fact that yesterday I bought my first pack of cigarettes.  No, not for me.  For my boss.  It was a calculated thing.  She asked if I would be willing to run out and get them for her, and where normally I would have said no, because of my rather strong objections to smoking and tobacco, I said yes, because she was clearly in need of a smoke, was super busy and stressed, I didn't really have anything else to do, and I knew my experience of the day was going to go better if she had cigarettes.  Crazy huh?  (I also only agreed because she told me it absolutely wasn't mandatory, and after making it clear that this was not something I'd do on any kind of regular basis for her.)  The whole thing still kind of makes me laugh and roll my eyes and wonder just a little about how I handled it, but, given the day that we were having at the office, I feel like it was a decision that I'm okay with.
• I'm considering the fact that I need to run to my favorite clothing store tomorrow, because they're having a customer appreciation sale, and I could really use a couple new tops for work.
• Mostly, I'm sitting here, aware of all the things that need to be done, but thankful that it's the weekend, and I can do them at a much less hurried pace than weekdays demand.

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 24

Today's Daily 5:

1. spotting a statue, normally nude, (one of the rather well known giant ones by the CBE building), that someone had dressed.  I noticed from the bus, and it totally made me laugh out loud.  It looked like it was wearing a rasta wig!
2. Friday!
3. a mango smoothie for breakfast
4. wearing jeans at the office
5. that moment on Friday when you turn off your alarm clock, and know it's off for the whole weekend
6. a compliment from a tiny, elderly cleaning lady who I shared an elevator with for two floors.  She told me I was very beautiful.  (At the time I was sweaty from running an errand on foot in the heat, midway through a busy and stressful afternoon, and feeling totally discombobulated.)  It made me smile, because she looked me in the eyes, pausing as she disembarked the elevator, and stopped to tell me.
7. good bus connections to get home
8. hanging out with a friend I've known since high school, for dinner and drinks, and then a bit of book shopping
9. sharing a sarcastic sense of humor with her, especially as we commented about the obviously quite new, and fairly incompetent server who waited on us tonight
10. bookstore browsing while continuing a never-ending conversation. (and hello - got the special edition Peanuts Moleskins, which I've been eyeing, for 50% off!)
11. Just now as I was writing this list my dad knocked on my door and asked if I wanted to see the Northern Lights.  Seeing them is incredible, even when you're in the middle of a city with all it's ambient light.

In between...

In between a thousand and one little things and commitments this week, I'm:

• thankful for some tiny answers to prayer
• offering up prayers for some acquaintances whose newly adopted 2.5 year old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia this week
• recognizing that working means I don't have the time I used to have, and sorting out what will be a priority, and what might be scrapped all together
• trying to take more time for private journaling
• fitting in reading in fits and starts, mostly while commuting from place to place
• paring down the blogs in my google reader, and setting up a folder system there - no more subscribing just because you had one good post, I don't have time to read through it all anymore... and some are going into a folder for consumption on weekends, when I have time, only...
• trying to sort out times and spaces for stealing just a bit of quiet

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 23

Today's Daily 5:

1. tiny answers to prayer
2. the joy of sharing food
3. taking time to sit on the floor and really play with a puppy
4. a challenging appointment
5. sharing communion, lives, laughter, and the study of scripture with dear friends at house church

"If..." Take 1

When I was in California last year, the friend I stayed with introduced me to this fabulous book:

It's a great conversation starter, that we used extensively throughout our visit, and that I've used from time to time ever since (for example, on road trips).

And, it's the book that's the basis of my new "If..." feature, appearing on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the place of You Ask, I Answer.  The book is full of questions beginning with "If..." and every Tuesday and Thursday I'll pick a question and answer it in the post.  What I'd love to have happen is for all of you to answer it as well in your own posts (and link back in the comments) or simply answer in the comments.

So, without further ado, here's the very first "If..." question:

If you were to found a spiritual retreat, where would it be located?

If I was founding a spiritual retreat, it would be in one of two locales.  The first would be somewhere with palm trees and oceans.  The second would be somewhere in Kananaskis country, a beautiful part of the Rocky Mountains, near my home.  In both cases, the important thing would be that it be a place that is quiet, removed from noise and stress.  Not necessarily deeply isolated, but somewhere far enough away from the closest neighbors that you can find a place on the property to truly be alone.  It would be full of warm and cozy spots to curl up -  blankets and pillows and fluffy couches and chairs.  There would be a kitchen stocked with healthy treats and chocolate, and lots of tea (and I suppose coffee for those of you who just can't get your heads around the fact that the stuff is not only bad for you, but smells and tastes terrible as well!).  There would be a library, and a quiet place for writing and art.  A prayer room like the ones I was involved with in 24/7 - with the walls covered in paper, and the prayers of those who enter drawn and written on them.  There would be candles, and a few people who are wise, and good listeners available for those who need to think and pray aloud.  It would be a joyful space, with color and life, and lots of plants.  And it would be a peaceful space. 

Come to think of it, I don't think I'm only describing a retreat centre, I'm describing a great number of details from my dream home, and place of ministry.

And you?

If you were to found a spiritual retreat, where would it be located?

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 22

Today's Daily 5:

1. Spending my lunch hour near the river again
2. lots and lots of time on buses to and from work and a friend's home today to read
3. cuddling and playing with an 8 month old baby
4. the deliciousness of some much needed girl talk with a very dear friend
5. a fabulous chicken, coconut thai curry soup and a butterscotch cake served to me by my friend

Whimsical Wednesday, September

It's another eclectic collection this week.  Leave a comment telling me which one is your favorite, and why?

Source: tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: earthshots.org via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: beautifully-invisible.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: bitsotruth.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: t-shirtguru.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: cristania.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: wishflowers.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: sundayinbed.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 21

Today's Daily 5:

1. Gentle, convicting reminders of truth
2. a really good TV dinner for lunch
3. spending my lunch hour in the park, reading by the river, and enjoying the sun
4. a long hot shower after a tiring day
5. sinking in to relax for a little while in bed before sleep

You Ask, I Answer, Take 21

This is the final installment of You Ask, I Answer for a while.  If I receive more questions from some of you, I'll add them to a list, and when some have built up, we'll bring You Ask, I Answer back.  In the meantime, stay tuned on Thursday for an introduction to "If..." coming your way in the original Tuesday/Thursday You Ask, I Answer slot!

The honor of the last question for this go-round of You Ask, I Answer, goes to Ian, who asked:

favourite colour? notice that i use the "u" in both words so you could even go off on a tangent talking about the quirkiness of words and just how particular you may or may not be about having things "just so". actually, that topic may be of more value to me since i'm the sort that doesn't care about some things like that but is very particular about spelling and grammar sometimes.

well, enough rambling. my question is more about being particular in some areas and not in other areas but if you just want to tell me what your favourite colour is and why then i'll just be satisfied with that.

Ian, this question made me laugh!

I have an answer for you, or two answers really, I suppose.

My favorite color is probably green, or maybe blue.  Earthy colors both.  But I can't say I have one particularly dominant color favorite.  I will say that I love color, though.  And that the one thing I truly loathe in terms of color is a room done in nothing but beige.  Color is so connected to mood for me, and I'm definitely a fan of bright and rich colors.  No pastels please.

As for the rest of your question, you'll notice that I spelled both words without the "u".  And the quirkyness of words, and particularly of the spelling of these words, makes me laugh.

Since Canadian's use "ou" and Americans use "o" in words like color, neighbour, honor and so on, they are definitely quirky.  What's worse is that I spell some of them one way and some the other!  It's my own little quirk, caused by being raised by a Canadian dad and a dual citizen mom.  And mom homeschooled us for several years, the early years, the years where we learned how to spell, and so my spelling is all mixed up and drives Canadians who are particular about grammar and spelling just a bit crazy!  It also doesn't help that the spellchecker on my laptop is set to use American English, and I've simply never bothered to change it, so whenever I use the "ou" spelling, it howls at me.  That said, I am a bit particular about grammar most of the time - it's just my spelling that's a tad confused!

I like my writing to be "just so", but, on the other hand, I hate editing, and rarely do it, especially on blog posts.  I do it on school work,  or longer essays that are written for something other than a blog, but I don't do it on blog posts, and I know that sometimes mean that my grammar, spelling, or typos cloud the text.  So, clearly I'm not all quite as particular as I like to think!

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 20

Today's Daily 5:

1. A quiet and productive day
2. cheese - I love cheese
3. accomplishing a much dreaded, but surprisingly therapeutic task
4. marking a large number of things off my list for the week
5. feeling rested after the long weekend, and if not exactly excited, ready to go back to work

Monday Inspiration

I came across this video the other day, and wanted to share it here.  So, here's a little bit of inspiration for your Monday.  See you tomorrow for what may just be the final edition (for now anyway!) of You Ask, I Answer.

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 19

Today's Daily 5:

1. sleeping in
2. breakfast of pineapple, banana, coconut muffins
3. movie theatre popcorn
4. seeing The Help with a friend
5. seeing Kung Fu Panda 2 with my brother

Movie Day

It's Sunday, and I have a couple hours to get things done this morning, and then I'm off to see a couple movies.  It's a good thing that this is a long weekend, given the way my weekend has come together!  There are definitely quite a few things left on my to do list for the weekend!

This afternoon I'm going to see The Help with a friend, and then tonight, Kung Fu Panda 2 with my brother at our local cheapie theatre.

It should be a fun way to spend a Sunday!

(And with that, I'm off to get some things done before all the fun begins!)

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 18

Today's Daily 5:

1. a very peaceful morning in bed
2. having access to a car this morning to do some errands, and not freaking out about driving
3. fresh cherries
4. time in the kitchen (made muffins and cookies today)
5. belly laughter at the episodes of Frasier on DVD that I had playing while I worked in the kitchen today - it felt SO good to laugh freely and deeply

Saturday, Smiling

It's 11:24 am, and I am happily propped in bed.

I've been awake for a few hours, and just puttering online.

It makes me happy - to catch up on email, to read blogs, to watch a couple shows that I haven't had time for during the week, thanks to this new crazy schedule.

I'm spending the day on my own, and that also kind of makes me happy.

In a couple minutes, I'll hope out of bed, take a shower, and then head out.

I'm planning to bake these muffins today.   And probably some cookies.  And I think I'll blanch and freeze a bunch of green beans from my garden.

I'm going to the library, and planning to just enjoy a day, doing restful things that I love.  Reading, emailing, cooking and baking, writing, maybe some television or a movie... Just things that I enjoy...

It's Saturday, and I'm smiling.

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 17

Today's Daily 5:

1. dressing up a favorite pair of jeans for the office
2. wearing a new scarf that was mailed from England as a birthday present, and shoes left behind by L, who also mailed the scarf to me
3. The Help - more on this to come, but you seriously need to read this book!
4. a pita for supper from Extreme Pita... so good
5. settling into restful long weekend plans, and kicking them off with a bit of shopping, a tasty dinner, and a bubble bath!
   

Friday

Mornings seem to drag at this new job.  They start early - 7:30, at which point I'll have already been awake for about two hours, since it takes me about an hour to wake up and get out the door, and an hour to commute downtown by transit.  There are no real breaks - just quick trips to refill a water bottle, or run to the bathroom - until lunch at noon.  It's a focused length of time, but it does seem to drag.

Afternoons are shorter, and somehow seem to go more quickly, hurrying from one thing to the next after returning from lunch, until the day ends at 4:30. 

Lunch is usually spent sitting in the conference room, eating while I read.

Today, I'm hoping the day passes quickly.  I'm ready for a weekend, and a long weekend at that!

The thing I'm looking forward to the most about this weekend?  Staying in bed until at least 11 am tomorrow.  Doesn't matter if I'm sleeping or not.  I'm house sitting for my parents again this weekend, and if I happen to wake up before 11 (which is likely), I'll just lay in bed and watch some television online on my laptop, or read a book.  Other weekend plans include more of the same.  Some cooking and baking.  A bubble bath or two.  Watching a bit of food network.  Doing some reading and writing and grocery shopping to prepare for the following week.  Maybe seeing a movie or two.  But mostly just enjoying a quiet, low key and restful weekend.  Sounds lovely, doesn't it?

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 16

Today's Daily 5:

1. Waking up with my face resting on a soft pillow that I inherited when L. left the country
2. reading a novel that I'm absolutely loving
3. the beginnings of a morning routine taking shape
4. wearing a pretty necklace and earrings
5. sunshine outside my office window, after two days of cold and rain
6. the smell of the lily bouquet that overtakes you as you enter the office
7. curling up with a book on my lunch hour
8. managing several transit and friend connections that had me trekking the length of the city
9. starting a new study at house church tonight
10. happy moments shared with friends

Back at Work

So, today marks my fourth day back in the office.

My fourth day of getting up at the rather ungodly hour of 5:30 am, and trying to be in bed early enough at night to make that time of the morning slightly less painful.  My fourth day of hoping and praying that my body adapts to this crazy new schedule sometime soon.

As jobs go, this one is just okay.

It has me thinking a lot about atmosphere in offices again.  About people, and how the people in a place shape and contribute to the atmosphere in a place. 

This isn't the happiest place.

But, for now, it pays well.  It provides some security and certainty for the next several months as I wait to hear the latest news on school.

And I'm thankful for that.

So, I get up at ungodly hours, and live contrary to my nature by going to bed nice and early, and I choose to be thankful.

And I happily anticipate Saturday morning, on which I don't plan to emerge from bed until at least 11:00 am!