Genuine Existence

Theme of the week: Recalibrate

2012-01-27T15:05:00.000-08:00

This week was blended, mushed and smashed into a blur. Mother nature demanded attention last week with snow, freezing rain, power outages and trees literally throwing them at us. This week, was supposed to be a bit more back to normal.

Oh expectations, why do I even keep you around?

So, the theme for this week became recalibrate. Basically meaning "re-adjusting".

Perspectives:

Often due to experience perspectives can get squeezed into a very narrow view.

People who look through keyholes are apt to get the idea that most things are keyhole shaped. ~Author Unknown

Dolly graduated dog training this Monday, three weeks of doggie training bootcamp. She went through a refresher on obedience, got an intro to agility, worked on her confidence - especially around strangers and she also went through remote collar training. Here is a piece of the back story on why Eli and I decided to make the investment and send Dolly to RiverDog for training. Dolly is a rescue, even after having her for three years Eli and I would never begin to tell you we know everything about her. In August, she showed some troubling signs of being nervous which in some instances borderlines aggression. Triggered mostly by strangers entering the home, or a stranger hugging or in general crowding her. After new people arrive and settle she normally flops down near them and calls it good.

If I was to take a guess, I might throw out the idea that Dolly knew and knows I am expecting, and her behavior was more due to being protective. One reason is that Dolly was extra wary and "on-guard", pacing and watching out the windows when I was home alone without Eli.

Switching gears, I have noticed a shift in my own behavior. Pregnancy hormones? I seem to become more easily distracted by others emotions and strong opinions. Most of my friends, family and even past trainers are solidly in camp of approving of Dolly's training. However, there is a little camp of people that truly believe that using a remote collar is uncalled for, and inhumane. This camp, even though small throws some fast pitch questions and comments around the subject. I never once felt I gave them a satisfactory explanation to my reasoning and decision. I end up feeling like I took a softball to the gut, unable to deflect the punch I felt of their disapproving remarks.

The bottom line, everyone has opinions. What can be dangerous is holding on to those opinions so tightly that they become your unwavering perspective. Without room to learn there is little room to live.

Attitudes:

“We judge others by their behavior. We judge ourselves by our intentions.” - Ian Percy

This quote has captivated me this week. The idea of judging others isn't something that can be turned off. I wish. So this week, if I was able I tried to ask people about how they came to a particular decision, and a couple of times to go so far as directly ask them what their intention was. What I found is the behavior I see and their said intentions were sometimes close, but not dead on to what I had thought. It isn't easy to slow down and be a bit more calculated before jumping on an emotional judgement train. I only have so much brain space!

However, I deeply value the relationships I have created. I always have. There are times where I do indeed find that a person's behaviors go so far beyond my values that I struggle with even respecting them that I do have to let them go. Let the good times be memories and make space for new connections.

That said, I don't pull over the car and ask people to be gone forever because of a smelly attitude, or a human mistake. I am the ultimate person who decides how I feel. What is tough is when I find myself frowning upon someone's behavior repeatedly. For example the friend that says she will come to an event and flakes. The family member that only calls when they need something, but doesn't return calls when I do. The people that are given money to help with necessities that purchase luxury items and leave out the groceries and bills. Or the people that have a sour word to share about everyone they care about, and you know they must have them for you too.

This week, I have struggled. Realizing that my rollercoaster attitude, especially with hormones rushing around needs to be readjusted here and there; whether on the mat, going out to visit with the animals, asking questions or sometimes letting things go, it just needs to happen.

Assumptions:

"Your assumptions are the windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in" - Alan Alda

Communication is the common thread of all my pet peeves. Especially around how and what people decide to communicate on.

As I sat on my bed this morning, I kept my eyes closed and my hands firmly resting on my now prominent turnip-baby-belly, I realized something. I haven't really told the baby I love her. I do don't I? Right? Even thought I haven't met her I, I do love her. Maybe it is instinctual but it's love. I told myself right then and there that I would never hesitate to tell her I loved her again.

It is too easy for us to let a week go by and assume people know we care. Our lives get busy with excuses. Then the moments when we are magically able to gather we use that time, retrospectively I see that it was purely taken for granted.

One person I admire that never takes our time for granted is my friend Colleen. She has broken new ground and triumphs in sharing her appreciation of our friendship and of me. I didn't even know people did that! What a treasure to be thanked for my time, for our conversations and the memories created.

To my knowledge we get one, very special life. Each day literally is gifted to us as a way start again. We get to choose how we spent and invest our precious 24 hours. I hope to eventually master the skill of spending most of my time appreciating and clearly communicating my thanks. I hope to forget my ways of assuming people know I care, and burn any thoughts that pass through that lead me to that conclusion. Even if people know, I will find joy in reminding them.

The Skinny Horse

2012-01-23T21:35:00.000-08:00

My dogs all in all are great. I love them even with their quirks. However, my best animal buddy has over the years become Cody, my thoroughbred.

The thoroughbred breed most known for their agile speed around the track is beautiful, intelligent and brave. They also have a reputation of developing nervous habits, like weaving, cribbing and my horse's favorite wind sucking. Beyond these habits being annoying they are also tough on their health. For a good people analogy think of chewing on your nails, or worse a drug habit.

In Cody's case he loses weight. The last six months he has been doing well. Being athletes thoroughbreds also have thin skin, which means their winter coats aren't quite as woolie as other breeds. However, with a little hesitation and a lot of advice from many sources I was told this winter to go without blanketing him. Let him grow a thick buffalo winter coat of his own, keep plenty of fresh water and excellent quality hay available and supplement with a good feed. I went with a high calorie food made by Purina called Strategy. I was happy to see that during a stable tour I got to see that even the great Cavalia horses get this feed!

Let me explain what this means... in the winter months I budget about $500 for horse food. Yep, is a lot of dried grass and processed fancy horse feed. Cody, gets about 3-4lbs of grain in addition to his 5-6 flakes of orchard grass and 4-flakes of alfalfa a day. I also had my vet out several times this winter. Each time she tells me he looks OK. I take that as "not fantastic, but not bad".

The tough part is that maintaining his weight is always a bit of a emotional challenge. As everyone, I do mean everyone from the well meaning horse people and people who have never brushed a horse let alone fed one throw concerning comments my direction.

"He looks thin..."

"Have you read this article on putting weight on your horse?"

"What kind of horse is that he has a weird build..."

"Have you ever thought about getting rid of him and getting an easier keeper?"

and one lovely comment I seriously got this fall....

"Oh, you must not be feeding him a lot because you don't want a horse like that to get too hyper, thoroughbreds are crazy!"

It's stressful to say the least, and I will easily admit that I am not an expert in horse nutrition. Want to see the skinny horse? Here he is a few days ago in the snow:

It's frustrating and stressful as I worry about my horse, my competence as a horse owner and my ability to care for him to the level in which he deserves. In the perfect world I would own 30 or more acres, have a huge (wind sucking proof) barn for him. I would travel the lands to find and buy the best hay available that he could eat until he was the shape of a real buffalo. Until then, I just have to continue doing the best that I can with the guidance of my vet.

I have heard from a lot of my young Mom friends that the comments and experience with my horse is not unlike the comments and experience they get from other Moms and even non-Moms about their babies and children. Is the universe just preparing me for that? *Sigh*

The Day of Child's Pose

2012-01-23T20:27:00.001-08:00

I tried hot yoga, and it's not for me. I tried it a few months ago and found my northwest native self to be a bit more than miserable in the heat. The rule of the studio was that even if you didn't feel well, the students must remain in the class. As a practitioner the only option I was given from the instructor was to take a break either by sipping a bit of water or going into child's pose.

Child's pose comes in a few varieties. I sported the resting my forehead on the mat in the hopes of some kind of relief from being nauseated style. I had done various types of exercises in the past and despite my appearance was in rather decent shape. I had one of the fastest 2k rowing times at Crossfit, and had quite easily completed a handful of 5k runs in the short past before going. However, after class number two child's pose worked until I got up. That is, I got up to pack up my things then headed straight for the restroom where I proceeded to get sick in the sink. Yep, there it was. All my effort and focus around trying to do yoga and I ended up bonding with the studio's sink. Yes, the sink. There was a young lady changing in the restroom. I had very little options.

Reflecting on this memory came to me as I complete a bit of a whirlwind day. Scenarios between my friends, family, and work all blended into a messy concoction of things beyond my control. There was little I could do besides offer a positive word, share a bit of my world and offer up help.

With all my might, focus and good intentions I wasn't able to child's pose my way out of it.

There was no reprieve to the realities that sometimes things are just tough, but that doesn't mean the buck stops there. There are sometimes no real reason to explain that even with the best intentions no once can guide me out of my own turbulence with tips or tricks, I just have to plow through.

I am going to chalk this one up to ...

A: Concerned about my friend who is OK, however was hit by a car today and is too many miles away to drive and check on.

B: Worried about my family. Many who are struggling with health, job and financial burdens.

C: Overwhelmed after the storm. However thankful to have power back there is a lot of clean up and repairs that need to be done.

D: Disappointed that people, (including me) don't always pick the nicest thing to say and refrain from giving advice or commenting inappropriately.

E: I am pregnant. Hormones could be part of it, however most of it is a desire to make sure I take care of myself, which in turn takes care of baby. It is an hourly effort sort of job.

F: Confused on how to approach situations that are sensitive yet for whatever reason I can't let them go.

G: Missing connection. Feeling like getting people to coordinate, communicate and gather is a bit like herding feral cats.

That said, I am still practicing yoga. Skipping the hot yoga until I am in a truly tropical place, then it might just turn into a savasana sort of experience.

Winter Storm Reflection & Thanks

2012-01-22T15:13:00.000-08:00

I am being thankful. Simply put however true. After reflecting on the last few days, being without power, and being pregnant there is a lot I have taken for granted lately. So, I decided to take this allotted time without a schedule to just be thankful.

Thankful for Baristas & Flexibility
Eli and I are both internet workers. Not that we are proud of our monitor tans, however we are deeply appreciative of being able to work literally side by side throughout the day. What is also nice is that we have extreme flexibility. When the power went out Thursday morning, we were oddly stuck. No just because of the eleven inches of snow, ice on the road ways but because of trees that had buckled, and fallen under the weight of the ice glued to their branches. Eli strapped on his winter gear and headed out to help neighbors remove trees and debris. After hours of working outside trying to figure out a plan to get out of the neighborhood we ended up being unable to work. Friday, we sneaked out and cafe hopped until we found a Starbucks with power and internet. We were internet refugees. I was thankful for the warm smile of the Baristas. Friendly conversations with strangers, especially when it can to startup companies and of course babies. Silly, to say as I was sipping on a delicious hot chocolate and thinking "I am blessed". Being able to spend the whole day with Eli, even if it meant working out of a Starbucks was a treat.

Thankful for Times that Bring People Together
We are the youngest home owners in our neighborhood. Some of our neighbors remember when our house was being built in the late 70s. We have really enjoyed our little country farm house. However, the house wasn't as much of a home as it is now. For three nights Eli and I slept light as were heard the crack and fall of trees. Some easily tall enough to topple down upon our house had us a bit jumpy. So, when we woke up to see our neighborhood tossed a bit upside down with broken trees, debris, broken fences and of course tons of ice, we both signed. The amount of work just to get out of the area was a bit overwhelming. I was proud to witness our neighbors coming together to help remove down trees, and debris. Each one generously gave kind words to one another and without hesitation offered help, warm homes running off generators. We even received a few check-in calls to see if Eli and I were OK.

Thankful for a Wonderful Husband
Friday evening with our house two degrees warmer than outside, which worked out to be about 39 degrees we needed to do something besides be cocooned in blankets on the couch. Eli decided that going to see Sherlock Homes would warm us up and give us something to do for a few hours. Saturday morning after dreaming about some of the dramatic scenes I became ill. I got to praying to the porcelain god by candle light. Decided it was time to lay low, skip going to a CPR/First aid class. Eli suited up, and stepped up. He took care of all the critters so that I could squeeze in a few more winks. He ran to the store to get me a bite of something hot to eat and coordinated with my Mom for us to come over and warm up. I sat there, like a lump on a log snuggling the dogs. A tad nervous being sick and without power, Eli reassured and took excellent care of me. Once again, I couldn't ask for more.

Thankful for BLTs
We reached the 26 week mark. This is not like watching water boil at all! Even with counting the weeks they seem to fly by faster and faster. I will soon be writing about our little girls arrival! I haven't had the ravenous appetite that some women say they get when they are pregnant. However, a go-to favorite has bee BLTs. A simple sandwich that is delicious. I feel very thankful to being able to choose foods I like. Food is a tough subject. Especially in times of storms and emergency. That is why Eli and I donated to Food Lifeline. They are a fantastic local organization that 96% of all funds donated go directly to feeding people. I am an advocate for donating funds vs actual food as groups like food banks and Food Lifeline are able to get deep discounts buying in large bulk quantities that we as consumers can't get.

Thankful for Weekends
Today, was indeed a rest day. Got a slow start to the day, enjoying and appreciating the power that came on late Saturday evening. Just before Eli and I ran out the door the power went back out. Puget Sound energy crews must have had to take us offline to fix other issues as there was a good crew of them at the bottom of the hill. We sat at another one of our favorite cafes, Cutter's Point in Covington and even saw an old friend for a moment. The two of us typed away, Eli working on Claratii and me day dreaming about our little girl. Thankful that the two of us have these days off to relax and store up some energy to approach the next week fresh and energized.

Waking Up Giggling

2012-01-16T17:18:00.000-08:00

Last night I woke up wide awake twice. Not the usual wake up, resituate pillows, blankets and try to snuggle into some sort of comfortable nest kind of wake up. I even have one of those fancy pregnancy pillows, and it is a must have for anyone expecting. This was something very different. A funny different. My whole belly was slightly bouncing with a rhythm. The reason I must have woken up is that this tickled! Yes - tickled, like from the inside. This bouncing baby girl was hiccuping! Silliest thing I have ever felt.

I couldn't help but wake up, giggle and enjoy this fun little surprise.

In other news, Ravensdale has been blessed with a generous helping of snow. The bright white snow reflects the sunshine into the house. All the critters seem to be enjoying the snow.

Cody & Finn

Jak & Finn

Yard facing the back pasture

Dolly got a snow day from dog school. This is her last week attending River Dog. Eli and I have been pleased with her progress. We decided to enroll her in their three week training camp after she started moving from nervousness around strangers to aggression. She also formed a nasty habit of taking off to visit the neighbors and ignoring our every word. Which is very annoying... Once she jumps the fence it turns into a dog rescue mission.

River Dog worked with her on refreshing her obedience, taking her out and about working on greetings, and then did extensive remote collar training for her recall commands. All of this done with the reward of meatballs. Yes, Dolly is fed meatballs pretty much all day. Lucky beast!

Off to chug down some calcium and magnesium pills. I take them early in the day as the prenatal pills still make me feel a little nauseated. Taking the fish pills, prenatal and vitamin D before bed is about the only way I have found to get the pills to go down and stay down.

Use the Space! More Cowbell.

2012-01-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

Clara is indeed "exploring the space".

On Wednesday, Eli and I traveled the whole 15 minutes to our midwife's house for my monthly prenatal appointment. A distance that in total includes no stop lights and thee stop signs. Ann will have a quick hop and a skip to our house when the big event is on.

25 Weeks!

The routine appointments are easy! It's the blood draws that aren't my cup of tea. We walk into her welcoming home with her dog Kai greeting us at the door. He soon realizes he aren't there for him and returns to his normal nap schedule on the couch. I do my bathroom business, and check my weight and use a test strip to check for sugar and proteins in urine. This time, there was a trace amount of protein, most likely means I need to up my water intake. Ann has me sit on the bed while she does a blood pressure and heart rate check. She records each piece of information by hand as well as digitally in electronic files that I can access at anytime.

Then the fun part! I lay down and Ann searches for our wiggle worm with a fetal doppler to hear her heartbeat. The little girl dances around and gives Ann a run for her money. This time Ann even brought out her little ultrasound machine to see where exactly the little jumping bean was hanging out. Unlike the picture above, she is feet down, you know the best dancing position. Getting close to my belly, Ann tells the baby "This position is okay for now, but you need to be head down at the end". Let's hope she listens. Ann even felt around and gave me a chance to feel her head! Silly little girl snuggled under my ribs and stretched out down to the bottom of her apartment. My bump I have lovingly nicknamed a turnip has become her dance studio.

After hearing the baby's heartbeat, Eli and I look at each other beaming. Such an exciting moment! After that fun part we begin going over my list of questions acquired in between appointment's. Ann also has a checklist of items she goes over with us, including preparing for the next appointment. I try and listen, but I get distracted, you know with thoughts of holding the baby, dressing the baby, singing to her and you know getting very little sleep not because she keeps me awake but because I won't be able to stop staring at her.

The 28 week appointment is an important one as I will get tested for antibodies, got a shot of Rhogam and get to drink a fancy glucose drink for gestational diabetes testing, I have been told it tastes a bit like a melted Otter Pop.

After our appointment Eli and I went and enjoyed lunch. I was a little in shock having realized how big she is! I kept smiling and even day dreaming that in only a few more months Eli and I will get to meet our little one.

The Hunt for Positive Birth Stories

2012-01-09T19:09:00.000-08:00

I smiled after reading that one of my favorite bloggers had given birth to her daughter. However, my smile faded a bit after reading Advice for a new mom, a guest blog post. Why? Well, because it is the sort of experience I am so not looking forward to. The words "there was pitocin, crying, and an epidural involved" made me sigh. "Seriously?" I thought.

Then I remembered a few of my friends and family sharing with me their birth stories. Each one seemed to be stuck on the idea that their greatest fears and options revolved around having a healthy baby. Which makes sense, what Mom wouldn't do something when asked to do save or help their baby? If you didn't, wouldn't that make you a bad person or even an unfit mother?

Each story sounded down right traumatic. A few of my friends seemed to waver between supreme confidence that their experience was the only way the birth could have happened, or between tears justifying to me, and maybe themselves that the pain that pitocin caused or the C-section was indeed necessary. Four women have now shared with me they felt robbed of being able to make decisions for themselves, and that their experience was downright terrifying. I even had one friend tell me that after having a natural birth, the doctors gave her less than give minutes to deliver the placenta then injected her with Pitocin, creating the most excruciating pain she had ever experienced.

So, do hospitals have contracts with Hollywood? Geez, why was I hearing about these experiences? Dramatic bright lights, machines hooked up monitoring the progress and then the doctor gives the laboring mother options to start drugs ... you know for the benefit of the baby, to SAVE the baby. One thing leads to another and the Mom is on a path of fear trudging down this path of "I will do anything, just take care of my baby!". Not sure of all the details surrounding the birth experience of the gal writing for Fitnessista I began to ponder. Why are there so few highlighted positive natural birth stories?

Well, one I have yet to hear is my mother in law's. I shared these concerns with her a few weeks ago at Christmas and she said "Well, if you ever need to hear a positive birth story let me know." She had two natural drug-free births. So, when I get a chance I will indeed listen carefully to her experience.

The hunt was on to find and highlight positive birth stories.

As a disclaimer, I totally understand and appreciate that there are indeed times were intervention is needed, where it does indeed save mothers and babies. However it sure sounds like there are more interventions and emergencies situations that should be probable considering how long women have been giving birth.

Finn's Birth

First off I found, Melinda Whyman's story. She points out in her story that leading up to her birth she surrounded her self with positive people. From her midwives, other mothers and support groups she found that having that support and education really helped her. Not only did she have a positive drug-free birth. She did it at home, and in her own bathtub assisted only by her husband. Her midwives arrived knocking at the door after the main event had already taken place.

Ayla Rose's Birth
Then I found myself back at Fitnessista blog happy to read Gina's two part birth story. I will let you read her experience as she had planned a natural birth assisted by midwives. She reflects on her experience and is actively working with lactation consultants to learn breastfeeding skills. Love this gal! Read part 1 & part 2.

An OB's Homebirth:
This Mom shares her experience on deciding to have a homebirth as well as being a OB herself. I also really appreciated her pros and cons of a homebirth vs a hospital birth. "

"I hate how everything is done with this fear of litigation -- this fear leads to so many inductions and cesareans. I also hate how anyone who doesn't want an epidural is 'crazy.' This lack of importance of onset of natural labor. Basically, the lack of respect for women's bodies and what they can do. " - Read the full post

More links:
Positive Birth Stories
6 Myths About Childbirth Exposed

Yoga Janda - Positive Birth Stories

The more I looked for positive birth stories, the more I found. I also ran into plenty of negative stories too, both scary homebirth and hospital births. Sadly, overall the looming fear women have around birth was a common theme. I regularly read and enjoy Birth without Fear by a local mother of five.

Picky Eater Making Smoothies

2012-01-06T13:48:00.000-08:00

First off, I am incredibly thankful I can be picky. I can go to the grocery store any time of any day and select from a wide variety of options. I am truly blessed.

For many hunger is part of their life, they struggle or are unable to find simple things like clean water. A friend of mine, Christopher Burgess writes as well as speaks to build awareness around this worldwide challenge.

I wanted to bring this up before I dove into taking about my pregnant food habits. One, to acknowledge I actively appreciate the blessings in my life and two to hopefully create space in my as well as other lives to help work towards ending hunger. Especially in our local area.

As I sit here I am enjoying a baked potato (organic), with shredded Tillamook cheese, and sour cream (organic). I am also sipping on a smoothie I made at home made of 90% organic ingredients, 100% natural. In the smoothie is strawberries, raspberries, juice, water and a mango pomegranate flavored protein power. The smoothie made in my favorite Christmas gift from my Mom and Step Dad Rob, the Bullet.

During the first trimester I found out what it was like to live as a truly picky eater. My exclusions list far exceeded my list of things I could choke down. This included things I normally enjoyed before like meat, cooked vegetables and oddly enough water.

Eli would scratch his head night after night trying to "guess" what I would eat. Often my go-to food was sliced up apples (organic) and maybe some oatmeal. Shopping was fun too, walking around Costco or Safeway could easy induce nausea if I was teetering on the edge of low blood sugar. The trick - eat something light every 2-4 hours to steer clear of feeling like a sea sick land lover.

The Shopper's Guide to Pesticides became Eli and my go-to when deciding to buy organic or not. Since fruit was high on my list of eat-without-getting-sick list.

Surprisingly enough Costco has increased their stock of organic foods in the "Dirty Dozen" list making our grocery bills a little easier on the pocket book. However, organic potatoes are on my list to grow in our garden since they are expensive and sometimes tough to find outside of Whole Foods or PCC.

I am also blessed with an incredible midwife that has guided me through the mysteries of prenatal supplements. I take four calcium/magnesium pills, two fish oils, one vitamin D, and then three of my mini prenatal pills (equals one giant horse-pill-sized prenatal and is a million times easier to swallow and keep down) per day. So far there are two types of drinks that I can use to get these pesky pills down, Hansens Rootbeer and milk.

Once again, I feel the need to reiterate how thankful I am to be in a position where I can get excellent health care, education as well as make informed buying decisions for the health of the baby and myself.

Even with all this fancy organic food talk, I am still pregnant - that means once in a blue moon I will want an old fashioned milkshake and maybe even a cheese burger.

Highlights of 2011 in Photos

2012-01-03T20:30:00.000-08:00

January:
My cousin Michael and Rena welcomed their little boy into the world.

What better way to welcome the new year than go ice skating? Eli, Rishi, Sasha, me, Cheslia, Gabe and Jessica.

February:

Nine years between my sister and my niece and I might as well be a middle sister. Went to visit my niece for an impromptu seafood date. I adore this girl! Can't believe she is already 17.

Family birthdays are always a great time for celebration. Our not-so-little anymore cousin turned 10!

March:

Delighted to find snuggled in the hay a baby duckling! We ended up having three baby ducklings this year. Adorable!

A hop and a skip over the water to my favorite crepe place. The ferry ride only takes 10 minutes. Our Flordia transplant friend was brave to venture out to the seas.

Oh, and Dolly caught a mole. Eli promptly cooked a steak for Dolly for capturing the creature. He was unharmed and relocated to the woods.

April:

Spending the day at the rally race track was fun, but the best part by far was playing with these two little girls. Daughters of our good friends Brent and Kelley Picasso.

There are always chores to be done around the farm. Including changing oil in the truck.

May:

Spent two weeks in Palo Alto with the BizeeBee team. We had a great time getting to know each other, and brainstorming ways to message and grow the business.

Our mobile vet keeps our whole farm happy and healthy. Went and spend a day sharing my great experience with them with other potential customers and their critters at the Petapalooza.

June:

Stuffed the summer with tons of riding. Even made it over East of the mountains with my good friend Kari and Terri to visit the Washington State Horse Park.

Spent a weekend next door at the Lake Retreat Camp helping pull weeds and repaint. Great time meeting neighbors and friends of the community.

Our neighbor Ken drove Eli up the mountain on his gator while Cody and I followed behind. Got to the top of the hill and could even see a tiny spec of Seattle.

Two of our male duck babies went to go live in the most awesome place ever! The Children's Play Garden in Seattle.

July:

A hike up to snow lake before I returned to Palo Alto for two weeks was a fantastic dose of the Northwest.

Went over to visit the neighbors for a bit for the 4th of July. Eli ended up helping our neighbor Ken get a lantern into the sky.

August:

Our new equine addition: Finn. Eli's new buddy. Finn has been an amazing partner for Eli. From camping to the beach Finn and Eli got a lot of riding in. We camped at Ocean Shores with our friends Kari, Andy, Terri her husband Andy, our vet Heather and Kristen.

Finn is such a fantastic horse, he even gave my great friend Colleen a short ride on Taylor Mountain.

The is no networking dinner quite like Nerd Dinner. Organized by Microsoft evangelist Scott Hanselman, Eli and I try to attend everyone that comes to Bellevue.

September:

An evening with friends celebrating Eli's birthday. Chipotle, Jet City Improv and of course ice cream afterwards.

Dolly seems to have known that I was expecting as she started becoming my best buddy, with a few negative consequences. When Eli isn't home she is on guard and never leaves my side.

October:

Spent the day at Salmon days then enjoyed a fantastic feast for my birthday at Coho. Charlie is the adorable little guy.

At about 11 weeks along, Eli and I got to hear our baby's heartbeat for the first time. The two of us could hardly stand it, we began calling and sharing the great news.

November:

Delighted having Poornima up from Palo Alto to stay at the farm and adventure Seattle with me. Of course we stopped at chocolate shops and went on Theo's chocolate factory tour.

Thanksgiving in Oregon is a tradition we never miss. This year Eli and I even went and splurged going to my all time favorite show, Cavalia. I was 17 weeks at this point a few days away from 18 and being able to see if our baby was a little lady or a little man.

November 28th: We got to see our little girl. :)

December:

Following a tradition of hosting some kind of Christmas party the Thompson farm went with Gingerbread houses.

Getting a little fluffy... over the half way mark.

One of Eli's assignments was to read a re-factoring book. Who better to read with than Pal?

Spending time with friends during the Holidays can be tough with tight schedules. Chrystal and I always make a solid effort to get together enjoy a treat and go adventuring around.

Christmas isn't complete until someone brings out the Lutefisk. Or it is? Eli's Dad, Scott is the official chef for this Norwegian tradition.

Wow, where did the year go? Remember that adorable baby at the beginning of the post? He is now 11 months old!

What a fantastic and busy year! :)

2012: Year of Babies & Update

2012-01-02T16:15:00.000-08:00

Only a couple days into 2012 and I already know how special this year will be. For one, I am one of 16 women in my circle of friends and family expecting and due between March and July of 2012.

That is a lot of little adorable feet, baby showers, conversations around diaper options and crazy cravings.

Our little one has been so cutely nicknamed "Princess Jumping Bean" aka "PJB" by my friend Chrystal.

I am over the midway point at 23 weeks. I am feeling the little girl practicing her karate pretty much throughout the day. I am confident that she is not only getting stronger but also reacting to sounds, especially her Dad's voice. Eli and I have a lovely routine of relaxing in the evening, I snuggle up on the couch with at least one dog curled up on the couch the other laying near our feet. Eli tucks me in with a fuzzy blanket, and begins to read. We just finished an adorable book by Dr. Sears called Father's First Steps. Eli reads aloud and our little girl lights up with activity.

We are about half way through a book I would add to my Highly recommend list of books for expecting parents to read by Dr. John Gottman called And Baby Makes Three. This has been an ideal time for Eli to rest his hand upon my belly, seeing his face light up when

he feels her move is a true blessing.

Both Eli and I agreed that this Christmas was by far our favorite in a long time. We spread out our outings, spent more time with family and less running from place to place. Our gift giving was light, however fun. Soon to be Grandpa Rob got a Snuggie! My Mom and I sat snugged up to one another and watched The Business of Being Born (also available on Netflix instant). I really treasure that time, even if it went into the early morning hours as we shared thoughts around pregnancy, birth, midwives and our choice to do a home birth.

Next week we will visit our midwife for our normal monthly appointment. The highlight of course is spending time getting to know Ann, and then hearing baby's heart beat.

Overall, I am happy to report that I have been feeling joyful and a little sleepy. Had one roller coaster episode on Saturday, but finally found the words "I need a break", out of my fuzzy and emotional mindset. A few sips of water, a couple deep breathes and I was back on track. In the cravings department I can report a few fun "This is what sounds good" combinations. When asked what I wanted for dinner I knew almost without processing that barbecued fried rice, Cheetos and fresh pears is what I wanted. Lovely eh? Oh, and I did get exactly that and it was all fabulous!

Nesting mode has set in, and I find myself looking beyond the nursery walls to clean, organize and improve. The most recent project obsession has been in replacing our 70s windows. Getting price quotes that range from $15k to $1,800 is a bit baffling. Eli has taken on this project, even ran out this morning on his day off to do some in person research.

Blessed to have a job with BizeeBee, I deeply enjoy. Got to talk with a customer today from Vermont, last week a customer from the UK. Talking to people, building relationships and seeing all of our efforts pay off is really rewarding. In this new year I also hope to invest a little more time back into my Lyndit Marketing site. Might as well get content published, it isn't helping anyone sitting in my head. :)

I am thankful that yesterday was filled with friends. Spent the morning with the backcountry horsemen gathered around a campfire. Me, being the pregnant gal brought the Top Pot donuts, that I was promptly told it was "legal" for me to eat as many as I want "in my condition". I have to smile as many reached out hoping I could join them for a ride. I had to take a rein-check for this summer. Deciding to hang up my riding boots for the final months as a safety precaution especially after finding out I have the RH negative factor. So that means Cody and Finn have been enjoying growing our their buffalo fur, eating and playing. Only be a few months until Dad and baby can spend some quality time while me soon to be Mom, goes out with the ponies. New Year day evening was spent with our friends down the road. I beamed sitting with their two year old girl as we read books, explored her imagination with her art and answered questions about the baby growing in my tummy I was transported into another world. That little girl is beyond adorable. She lead each one of the dinner guests to the back of the house to show off her new toy box her Dad just hand made her as well as her new big girl bed that arrived for Christmas. Dreaming of those moments with our daughter... :)

Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy 2012!

Little Over Half Way

2011-12-13T19:01:00.000-08:00

Already looking in the door at 21 weeks I am very excited to be a little over half way to meeting our little girl.

Yesterday, Eli and I visited the midwife for our normal checkup appointment. Ann is always delightful and generous with her time.

Midwife Appointment.

Now if you have never have the pleasure of working with a midwife I highly recommend it. For one, they are completely 100% focused on you, and your baby. There is no time crunch, nor do you ever feel like you are being pushed to make a decision. My midwife has appointments in her home. Her office is cozy and welcoming with tons of books that are happy to be loaned out. The regular checkup includes checking to see if there is protein, glucose in my urine.Then the lovely weight check, which actually I have become much more relaxed about since being pregnant. Next up is a blood pressure check and then to my favorite part; hearing the baby's heartbeat. Ann has a doppler that can pick up the baby's heart beat and count how quickly the little kids engine is clicking along. Then she opens up the rest of our time to questions, giving Eli and I handouts to read over then scheduling our next appointment.

Can't believe that Christmas is only two weeks away, then 2012 will roll in and then a baby! Well, maybe not quite like that but still I am smiling. Time to lay on the couch and feel the baby wiggle around before bed. Goodnight!

I Couldn't Ask For More...

2011-12-06T13:30:00.001-08:00

Being pregnant is the craziness crash course I could ever imagine going through. Through these last five months I have enjoyed throwing my hands up in the air on the rollercoaster of adventure. For most of it, I have sailed through the days smiling, relaxed and confident. However, none of this fairy tale would have happened without my husband.

To put it lightly, due to my inability to describe my husband to the full justice he is amazing. Eli has adapted a style of tending and supporting me that goes above and beyond what I could ever ask for.

The first trimester was rough in that I developed a finickiness for food, sensitivity to smells and a desire to be in bed by no later than 8:30. Eli tailored meals to fit my odd aversions, ate his meals in the kitchen to not to upset my delicate and somewhat easy to upset nose and gagging reflexes. He also is my advocate telling friends and family that we needed to head home so I could get some rest. Eli has been a champ, and his efforts have not wavered even for a moment. He balances chores, helping me tend our critters, work, his side projects harmoniously. I have been nothing sort of treated like a princess.

My husband also takes on the chief supporter role attending every midwife appointment, baby class, ultrasounds and even blood draws (not his favorite). He literally cheers for me when I finish gagging down vitamins. Eli records the baby's heart beat, and shares news of our progress with beaming pride.

There are moments where I ruffle my feathers and let my hormones, wobbly energy and attitude get the best of me. Eli's patience never wavers. Even beyond taking care of me, making sure I have clean laundry, meals that suit my taste buds and get plenty of sleep he also makes sure to care for himself.

Currently he is working on building a financial tool to help the budget conscious better plan and anticipate their financial situation. Personally, the tool has been fantastic for me, I have been able to add baby "wants" into the tool called Claratii and see on exactly what day I can have the lovely experience of buying it without putting a ripple in our checking account and avoiding any unnecessary stress.

The bottom line is that I feel incredibly blessed to be married to my best friend, advocate, supporter and the father of our little family. Thank you Eli! <3

Pretty in Pink with Ponies

2011-11-30T20:03:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Nov 28th Eli and I visited the Northwest Maternal Fetal Medicine Center for the BIG ultrasound. Cozy little office with fluffy sort of welcoming receptionists and an attentive and confident doctor. After paper work and introductions were complete I found myself laying on an oddly comfortable reclining table maybe better described as a bed with a cushy pillow under my knees. Soon the doctor was off taking photos of the little barely cooperative dancing kiddo. To my delight my reclining table also came equipped with's it's own 20 inch monitor so I could fly co-pilot with the doctor as he explored my innards.

After 30 snapshots of the little wiggle worm he asked me with some emphasis, most likely to pry my eye away from my screen and look at him, if I wanted to know... you know the gender of the baby. "Oh, yes we would like to know." I answered him politely then went promptly back to being glued to the screen. There it was the bum of the baby, my husband's eyes squinted looking for "son parts"... the doctor announced "This is a little baby girl." The good news is that Eli didn't faint, have a fit or ask the doctor to look again. Even though the doctor without prompting did a few more passes to make sure. He even offered to print out a picture of our soon to be daughter's bottom as proof, which I declined.

Surprised as both Eli and I had thought "boy" for no particular reason. (I was not one of those women that just knew what she was having) I left beaming, Eli left processing. "Girl... girl... daughter" he chanted as he distracted him self slightly over his favorite lunch at Jasmine Mongolian Grill.

Never the less the ultrasound gave us both another mental check that yes there is indeed a baby on the way, and this little person is a little lady. We are both to this day beaming.

Blood Work & the RH Factor

2011-11-17T17:32:00.001-08:00

The good news, I believe I have been totally cured of all and any fears relating to needles. This year was the first time I had a blood draw since I was 16 and basically tortured.

I am basically a gold mine, only in a bad way. It actually takes awhile to extract gold from a mine. Unless, you strike rich and it is supplied in bulk in a river. All through my childhood I dealt with nurses digging, poking and with a cartoon tongue outside the side of their mouth trying to strike rich and hit one of my veins. Good luck sista. When I was 16, of course on my birthday I was literally held down after I had lost count on the attempts the nurse assistances, nurses and even doctor tried getting my blood. I felt like I went home bandaged up like a mummy, cotton ballies and tape all over my arms and hands.

After Eli and I were joyfully excited to start a family I used that beaming future to be big and brave and go to the doctor. I knew when I walked into the UW medical clinic in Issaquah I was in for a blood draw and a DTAP shot. The exam fine, I didn't even know the shot happened, and there it was the final step. The nurse was confident, which I tried to use as reassurance. She strapped my arm to a fancy arm warmer thing, after I persistently told her "I'm a hard stick... like seriously..." with her fancy butterfly and careful examination of my arm the nurse got the vein on the first try. Whew! I was doing a mini celebration. I walked out with a smile after being poked, prodded and looked over with a fine tooth comb given a clean bill of health.

So when I went to interview my midwife, Ann. I warned her of my dilemma. After 3 months of being nauseated by the taste of water, and tea I was less than my hydrated self. Making her attempts at getting my blood a bit of eh... poking adventure. Never the less my veins gave up their gold and the results came in.

I am O negative.

That is a good... and a bad thing.

First the good news: since I am over my issues with needles I should if not need to donate blood. O negative blood is rare however valuable since anyone can be given this type of blood no matter what type they are. It is the universal red cell donor blood type.

The bad thing about it is that most likely the kiddo I am cooking is a positive blood type. So, IF in the case baby's blood happens to get into my blood stream I will begin creating antibodies that will be past through the umbilical cord and break down baby's red blood cells. Which is scary... the solution is to trick my body into thinking it has already created those antibodies thus protecting baby.

At this time, since everything in my pregnancy is normal I will be given a shot of RhoGAM which RhIg (RH Immunoglobulin) that virtually eliminates the risk of any issues until birth. At which time baby's blood will be tested for blood type (blood taken from umbilical cord) and if baby is positive then another shot will be given to me so I don't develop antibodies then and complicate future pregnancies.

Deep breath. OK.

So after learning all this Eli has been incredibly supportive. He also has been on a hunt hoping to find out his blood type. If he is also negative then no shots - no worry. Eli called his doctor, the hospital he had surgery at and even the hospital he was born at. The hospital he was born at says they don't keep medical records past 10 years.

Playing it safe I will elect for the shot, and then after baby's born I will expect another one. Never the less, it has been an interesting journey.

16 Week Crash Course

2011-11-15T18:20:00.000-08:00

I feel a rolly polly baseball player that slid into the second trimester, I wish I could say with grace landing in a perfect "ta-da" pose. Officially me and the little jumping bean have made it to 16 weeks. This week I get to be big and brave and have another blood draw, the AFP test.

For the most part I seem to have gotten over the all day sickness. Who ever named it "morning sickness" was just down right wrong. I typically felt better in the morning, sick after a shower, sick between snacks and sick after taking vitamins. Apples have been my go-to food as the one thing I could eat and keep down even when I was a nauseated.

To each their own. I get it. Everyone has opinions, however I feel like I am quoting Thumper an awful lot, "If you can't say something nice... don't say nothing at all". The most common negative comment is on name choices, second runner up is our choice to have a midwife and do a home birth. I have literally been told my friends that I am selfish, as well as given advice to invite all the farm animals and make the birth a manger scene. Sigh.

One huge blessing is that my sister in law is also expecting. The two of us can commiserate, laugh and enjoy our experience together. We have had several trips to PCC reading labels of all the baby and maternity products. "This goes where?!" (giggle giggle giggle).

I found out that telling people I am expecting was a tricky task. However, I am deeply thankful that my team at BizeeBee and boss, Poornima have been so supportive. Another perk for working for a woman entrepreneur and at a startup. Even my customers have followed my progress on Facebook and through Twitter.

The Overwhelming options:

From bottles, diapers to themes there are more options to decorate and tend to a baby then I could ever imagine. This is a subject that once again everyone has a option. Trying to navigate the products is something I can mostly put off. Thankfully my sister in law also works for a children's consignment shop in Issaquah called Small Threads. From swings, toys to adorable clothes this place has got a majority of our little ones needs covered. You know since I will be the main food source.

Changes so far...

1. Prepping the house: Since Eli and I both work from home having a fairly quite place for us to work is important. We had been occupying one of the extra bedrooms for the last year, this weekend we moved to the other side of the house. Leaving one side of the house to be truly baby friendly the other to be filled with wires, and geeky stuff. Once little one becomes mobile then a baby gate will be easy to put up to close off the room.

2. Turning into a pumpkin at 8:30: Supposedly, the second trimester is when expecting women feel their best. Well, I feel less nauseated - that is if I graze all day and keep my blood sugar level. Since the sunshine sticks around until 4:30 PM, I am ready to snuggle into the couch at 6:30 and be out by 8:30. Late evening outings and car drives so far are reserved for emergency milkshake runs or I will either A: Fall asleep or B: Become nauseated if not get sick.

3. Eating Habits: Meat is still a sore subject. For the first trimester meat smelled beyond terrible. Apples, milk, nectarines and veggie tacos were all go-to foods. Walking into Longhorn BBQ, the smell hit me like a hot old sock soup. Had to leave... not going to work.

4. Exercise: Quality time on my yoga mat is beyond helpful. Every Tuesday I head off to Issaquah to join the rolly polly yogis at Village Green Yoga for prenatal class. Exercise is secondary to feeling present and developing a connecting to my growing jumping bean. Walking is great, however I have been in delighted to continue riding with my Midwife's A-OK. The plan is after the kiddo arrives to go back to Rainier Crossfit.

The ever evolving baby registry: http://babyli.st/eli-lyndis-baby-registry

As I find adorable and sometimes necessary things I will add them to this list.

Upcoming Dates:

1. November 16th: Blood test and Midwife Appointment

2. November 24th: Thanksgiving! Visiting Eli's family in Willamette Valley.

3. November 28th: The big ultra sound. Midwife Appointment in evening.

4. December 3rd: Baby room work party.

I wish I wrote this, however it is too funny not to share.

Dear Non-Pregnant Person,

I hope you find these guidelines helpful in your interactions with pregnant women, as failing to follow them may result in serious physical harm. If you are thinking, surely she doesn’t mean me – then you should probably read this twice.

1. The appropriate response to a couple telling you they are having a baby is ‘Congratulations!’ with enthusiasm. Any other response makes you a jerk.

2. Through the wonders of science, we now know that babies are made ONLY by the mother and father – not grandparents. Unless the baby is in your uterus or you are the man that helped put it there, you may not ever use the phrase ‘my baby’.

3. On the same note, unless you made the baby as defined in 2, the pregnancy, birth, and raising of the child are not about you. You do not have input. No one wants to hear your opinion unless they ask for it…

4. The body of a pregnant woman should be treated the same as any other body. You would not randomly touch someone’s stomach if they were not pregnant, nor would you inquire into the condition of their uterus, cervix, or how they plan to use their breasts. Pregnancy does not remove all traces of privacy from a woman.

5. Likewise, no woman wants to hear comments on her weight…ever. A pregnant woman does not find it flattering that you think she is about is pop, must be having twins, looks swollen or has gained weight in her face. Telling her she looks too small only makes her worry that she is somehow starving her baby. Making such comments invite her to critique your physical appearance and you may not act offended. The only acceptable comment on appearance is ‘You look fabulous!’.

6. By the time we are 20-30 years old, most of us have picked up on the fact that the summer is hot. We are hot every summer when we are not pregnant. We don’t need you to point out that we will be miserably hot before the baby comes. Nor do we need to know how badly you will feel for us because we will be pregnant during the summer and how glad you are that YOU will not be pregnant this coming summer.

7. There is a reason that tickets to Labor & Delivery are not yet sold on Ticketmaster. Childbirth is actually not a public event. It may sound crazy, but some women really do not relish the idea of their mother, MIL, or a host of other family members seeing their bare butt and genitals. Also, some people simply feel like the birth of their child is a private and emotional moment to be shared only by the parents. You weren’t invited to be there when the baby was created, you probably won’t be invited to be there when it comes out either.

8. Like everything else in life, unless you receive an invitation, you are NOT invited. This includes doctor appointments, ultrasounds, labor, delivery, the hospital, and the parent’s home. You do not decide if you will be there for the birth or if you will move in with the new parents to ‘help out’. If your assistance is desired, rest assured that you will be asked for it.

9. If you are asked to help after the birth, this means you should clean up the house, help with cooking meals, and generally stay out of the way. Holding the baby more than the parents, interfering with breastfeeding and sleeping schedules, and making a woman who is still leaking fluid from multiple locations lift a finger in housework is not helping.

10. The only people entitled to time with the baby are the parents. Whether they choose to have you at the hospital for the birth or ask for you to wait three weeks to visit, appreciate that you are being given the privilege of seeing their child. Complaining or showing disappointment only encourages the parents to include you less.

Sincerely,
All the Pregnant Women in the World

Here are a couple other links that are smile inducing.

10 Things to Never Say to a Pregnant Woman

I am thankful for...

2011-05-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

...the mess to clean up after a party
because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
...the taxes I pay
because it means that I'm employed.
...the clothes that fit a little too snug
because it means I have enough to eat.
...my shadow who watches me work
because it means I am out in the sunshine.
...the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot
because it means I am capable of walking.
...all the complaining I hear about our government
because it means we have freedom of speech.
...that lady behind me in church who sings off key
because it means that I can hear.
...lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing
because it means I have a home.
...my huge heating bill
because it means that I am warm.
...weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day
because it means that I have been productive.
...the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours
because it means that I am alive.

by Nancie J. Carmody

19 Lessons Life Taught Me

2011-05-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

1. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
This does't mean I have to be best friends. Yet, it does mean I need to respect people. I also need to keep in mind that people can change, and not to close the book on future oppurtunities.

2. Cry with someone.
It is okay, and it isn't a fault to be human. Most of the time when I cry, it is because I care deeply about something.

3. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
There are lessons to be learned in the past, yet who I was doesn't mean that is who I am, life changes. Accepting the past, appreciating the present and look forward to the future. Dragging around past baggage is annoying and makes both the present and the future seem overwhelming.

4. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
Hard not to look at someone else's life and weigh it against my own. Whether their situation is better or worse, everyone has their own battles, while trying to maintain their hopes and dreams. I have learned that from castles to shacks all people pretty much want the same thing; to be accepted, acknowledged and loved.

5. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
It's great to talk, I would love to stay up and chat late into the night brainstorming all kinds of ideas. Yet, I know that in order to make dreams happen there has to be action.

6. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, drink out of the nice tea cups. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
There is all kinds of special things in our life, and without doubt they are easy to save or even take for granted. If I can't convince myself to celebrate every moment I try to celebrate at least every day, just for the sake of the day. No reason necessary.

7. Be eccentric now.
Don't wait for old age to wear fancy hats, travel, take art lessons or raise chickens. Participate in flash mobs, introduce yourself to a stranger and detour on to trails you have never traveled.

8. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
Or even in a week or a day? When I find myself letting my blood pressure rise I first wonder "Have I eaten lately?", "Did I get enough sleep?", "Maybe I should get some exercise". Most likely whatever is rubbing me the wrong way isn't really the issue, plus it is too easy to take out these little annoyances on the people closest to me.

9. The only life constant is change.
The seasons will change, I may gain weight in the middle, I might find myself running a 5k, or maybe finding myself on a project I love, or attempting to nurture a community. Times change and I choose to go with the flow and appreciate the mystery in each new opportunity.

10. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.
My friends and family will. It is important to me to do an excellent job, yet at the end of the day it is a job. I have always liked the saying, "Keep your friendships in repair."- Ralph Waldo Emerson. Keeping in touch, reaching out, getting together all very worthy investments in my health.

11. Don't Give Up Easily
When someone says "I'm not interested", that is normally not their real answer. Ask questions, let things cool and try again. I don't get discouraged by one "No". When things get tough, I get creative.

12. Go Play - Outside
I have a connection with nature I can't deny. From hiking, gardening, sitting by water to following a beatle scurrying across the road, immersing myself into nature clears my mind. A clear mind is an open door for amazing opportunities.

13. Perspective is Everything
I have problems, who doesn't? However if everyone threw their problems into a pile and I had a good hard look, I would quickly grab mine back. I see that I have a million things to be thankful for, and some of those are actually what I might label as "problems". Yet, compared to others I would be ashamed to call my challenges problems when they laid next to hunger, abuse, homelessness, and neglect.

14. Love People, not Stuff
I dislike when anyone says they "love" their [insert random thing], [insert fancy brand name], [insert supposed value] thing. Something new will come out, and what's hot today will rot in the landfills tomorrow. I love my friends, family, I love the barista down the road that asks me how I am doing and means it, I love our firemen, police officers and I also love when I smile at someone they respond with a smile.

15. The Best is Yet to Come
I know I will create more connections, I will grow in faith of new communities and I will see and be apart of amazing things.

16. Drink Water. Wear Sunscreen.
I don't need to be a model, yet I do need to take care of myself. Drinking water, eating well, petting an animal, wearing sunscreen, exercise and have relaxing days keep me healthy. I need to be healthy to help myself, and others.

17. No one remembers what you wore yesterday
I can hardly remember what color shirt I wore yesterday. If I find myself stressing over dust, what I am wearing or if the house is clean enough. I can tell you right now, I have never noticed dust at someone else's house, in fact I hardly ever remember the color of someone's shirt. Details sometimes matter, yet rarely are they defining elements or moments in my life. "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." — Dr. Seuss

18. Fun doesn't have to be expensive
I love hosting campfires, I provide the place while friends, neighbors and family bring over snacks to share. Fun doesn't mean fancy. Checking in with my inner child gives me ideas like rolling down a hill, trying a mysterious fruit at the farmer's market or exploring boxes of art work and photos.

19. Empathy and listening are more valuable than solutions.
The best help I recieve is a welcoming ear. Being able to talk through a situation often produces a solution in itself. Sometimes it is a struggle not to blurt out the answer to a seeminly simple problem. Listening, and respond with compassion of the frustration. "If it is not tempered by compassion, and empathy, reason can lead men and women into a moral void."— Karen Armstrong

True Love Lives in Appreciation

2011-02-15T19:39:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for the perfect recipe for love unfortunately the ingredients don’t include sparkling jewels, chocolate or Hallmark cards.

Love isn’t something simple that can be labeled, defined and filed with expertise. Love evolves just as our way of communicating evolves. In the age of social media, text messages and video conferencing we have more opportunities that ever to express our love with appreciation.

On Lyndit.com I highlighted three women that in the last year I have really fallen in love with what they have done, are doing and who they are.

On Facebook I wanted to take a moment to be a bit more personal.

To My Family On Facebook:
Getting to read your updates, and see your photos makes it feel like we are all living a little closer. I know at night when I look up at the stars they are the very same stars that shine above you, yet this silly social network helps make me a feel a tiny bit more connected and "in the loop."

Thank you for taking the time to appreciate one another. Even when we find ourselves on a roller coaster at least we are on it together.

To My New Friends:
You inspire me. Thank you for sharing your experiences, wisdom and friendship.Thank you for having big dreams, sharing them and taking action to make them a reality. Thank you for your trust in asking me to take on projects, volunteer with you or help with an event, I also deeply appreciate the moments when I have to say "no" you are respectful and don't make me feel like a bum.

Campfire Folk:
Thank you for making the trek out to Ravensdale, I hope you took advantage of the windy roads, and soaked in the scenery. Thank you to all those first time horse riders that were brave and took a lap around the arena on Mr. Cody Joe. A special thank you to Claire and Darrin for inventing the famous Salami Smore.

I appreciate when you for bringing treats, and most importantly a welcoming friendly attitude to everyone that attends. I believe that last two summers there have been some incredible conversion rates of turning strangers into life long friends.

My Equine Buddies:
Thank you for putting up with my no-trailer-tag-along sort of self and my wind-sucking thoroughbred of sin. (Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog) I greatly appreciate a few hours switching from a computer desk rump to a saddle rump. I know Cody appreciates the break from the donkey as well. I am taking a vow that sometime this summer an investment in some sort of horse moving box will be made.

To My Incredible Mobile Vet
What happens when at 10pm on a Saturday night you realize the dog hasn't gotten into ketchup but has broken a toe nail and by the looks of the scene you are thinking you are in a horror movie? Well, call Dr. Heather and see will call you back and tell you "It's okay, and put corn starch on the nail." Sure, enough that worked, happy ending.

Dr. Heather deserves a special shout out with her two woman army she mends everything from llamas, horses, goats to iguanas with unmatched love for each critter. She is a treasure to have come to the house and take care of the whole menagerie. Thank you and Kristin for all that you do.

To Those Who RSVP'd "YES" for Mt. Si
Thank you for taking on the challenge, hiking Mt. Si, Rattlesnake, Snow Lake and more. Thank you for taking the whole day to spend lugging up a mountain for some "quality time". For those who are built with rocket boosters it was great to see you for a moment as you finished your hike and were on your way back down. Maybe next year?

Zoom Zoom Means Something to You
Thank you for letting this girl come on your wild adventures through the woods and near the seas. Thanks for treating me as "one of the guys" and putting up with my limited knowledge and interest in aftermarket car parts. Thank you for always being willing to help one another, even if they own a Honda. Thank you for keeping drives safe and welcoming to less adventurous drivers. Thank you for continuing to support a rich community of a car enthusiasts in the NW, a community many treasure and I love hearing about the friendships.

To Crossfitters
Your crazy. Its awesome. Thank you for continuing to be a small yet significant percentage of people actively kicking butt, staying fit and supporting one another. Thank you for the encouraging words, taking the time out of building your business to couch, cheer and mentor those around you.

Thank you for being a positive image for those seeking a great workout, keep up the great work!

Thank you to ALL of you
I am honored to share this funny journey of life with you. Even though our paths don't always go side by side I know they will cross again, and when they do it will be Party Time!

There is only so much time in the day, I get it. We are busy, yet I hope that with these new tools to share, update one another and more there incentive to spend some of those moments in each day to write, call, text message or stop by to someone you care and appreciate and say "thanks", which really means "I love you".

Last, and of course not least...

To My Husband:
There are few words that can truly describe what deserves to be said, I am going to start with "WOW!". You inspire me each day, you leap over challenges and take on the future with an optimistic attitude of "can-do". Thank you for all the nights I run into bed and ask "Can you put the chickens away" and you do, because ... well I guess it is because you are truly the best.

Crazy Enough to Change the World

2011-01-18T12:29:00.001-08:00

The Little Buck: Reflection & Appreciation

2010-11-29T17:03:00.000-08:00

[disclaimer: this story has details that could be found disturbing and graphic]

In the back of my car you will normally find a leash and a towel. Since before I could drive I would demand we stopped and attempted to help any lost dog scared running down the road. Owning dogs you know how important they are to your family and hope that if your dog was lost someone would help them too. Over the years Eli and I have been more than willing to stop and help lost dogs reunite with their families. I have even found and returned lost cats, horses and even a cow.

Reuniting pets to their owners is great. Yet, when it comes to wildlife there is a whole different attitude.

Heading south on hwy 169 in between the lights for Cedar Grove Road and Jone's road I saw a small silver car hit something. Slowing down I noticed a young buck on the side of the road. The car that hit the deer drove off. The driver most likely in shock of what just happened.

The deer was young yet starting to grow antlers. He looked at me stunned, in pain. His back leg badly broken and he was desperately trying to walk. After cars went by not understanding what had happened he got scared, and staggered into the road. By this time I was bewildered. Begging with him and the traffic in must have been hysterics not to hit the deer again and cause yet another accident.

The buck was weak, obviously in pain and I began to dial my husband, my mobile vet, animal control and a friend involved with wildlife rescue. A car stopped thinking I had hit the deer and had been injured called 911. After I clarified that I had not hit the deer and I was okay I was told a state patrol officer was on their way to put the animal down. The deer at this point had made it's way to the side of the road. Lost his balance and fell into the ditch. My headlights no matter how I angled my car, backed it up could not penetrate the darkness of the ditch. I couldn't see him, however I knew at this point he couldn't get out of the deep ditch with his broken leg and couldn't get into the road.

Tears uncontrollably poured down my face as I didn't know what to do. Even though I knew I didn't have a flash light in my car I still madly searched for one. Thinking that might be one more step to be able to do something. Anything. My phone rang, it was animal control. The agent with a cold demeanor told me that there was nothing that could done for the animal, the state patrol officer was on his way to put the deer down and anyone that moves the animal would be criminally charged. What a curve ball. Typically helping a lost or injured animal means people are happy. Looking forward to getting the critter back on it's feet and healthy again. I understood that getting the buck back to health was going to take some major resources. Most likely surgery then a place for him to be kept. The obstacles of getting him well again and releasing him were dawning on me and sadly I knew that if he had been a little smaller or me a lot stronger I might have been able to at least take him somewhere and what... my mind drew a blank. A voice in my head said "You are doing the right thing making sure he doesn't get back on the road and waiting for the officer so that the buck can be relieved of his pain."

The officer arrived, I immediately requested him to pull out his flash light to find the buck.

Looking for the bright moments in last night's events. I am thankful for people that stopped to make sure I was okay. Appreciating the fact that everyone I called for advice was responsive and willing to help in anyway they could. Sending warm thoughts to the officer that responded to the call to put the deer down and acted in compassion. There are a lot of things about that situation that are a bit haunting. Yet, for a moment the world was small, and simple. The goal was to keep people safe and either help the deer or relieve him of his pain.

Wondering if there is a greater meaning to the whole experience, and if there was anything else I could have done.

I put PAWS Wildlife number into my phone. I also put a flashlight in my glove box. As I wandered off into wondering what could have been done differently I found myself browsing Etsy for some kind of deer trinket. I even seriously considered for a few heart beats changing my whole career and going into wildlife rehabilitation and read about classes, certifications and education.

Still sad. Yet, in some way wondering if the experience was a lesson in appreciating every moment, being kind at every opportunity and be willing to let your life wait for a moment to help others.

The Escalation

2010-11-24T18:37:00.000-08:00

There are times you want to build a mountain. Take your passion, energy and focus towards building an empire. There are times where finding the evidence, digging into the past and building a case to determine a future are reasonable. There are times where asking questions that will unravel key ways to solve your problems, to get to the next chapter are important and valuable.

How does poor communication topple the empire, dismiss the case, caved in the mountain.

There is a room full of four year old children. Blocks are scattered about the room. Coloring crayons, markets and what looks to be a windblown scene of white papers cover the tables. The room is bright, lots of windows, plenty of toys a presumably nice place to be if you are four.

There is only one adult. This one adult is juggling more responsibilities than allows them to be competent in all of them. Trying to keep kids in the room, hand out snacks, hang coats up, manage parents dropping off and picking up children. The focus is rightfully scattered. The children start with a gentle request.

“Can I go outside?”says one child say while tugging on the teacher’s coat jacket. The child not getting a response attempts to gain the teacher’s attention by repeating “Can I go outside?”. The request becomes a chant, almost in a rhythm. The child without thought begins to add volume. The teacher glances down at the child with an acknowledging look. The teacher continues in conversation with two parents interested in the upcoming holiday schedule. The child’s chant becomes a frustration, adding in additional questions without annunciation blur into ramblings, adding in an occasional squeal or stomp. The teacher now disengages with the two adults, kneels and gives the child full attention.

The child without understanding in entirety that escalating to gain attention is effective.
Each word of comfort and acknowledgment the teacher now gives is ignored and denied in between crying fits of frustration, emotional out bursts and ill behavior. Frustrated at the attempts to repair the broken communication the teacher then decides the child needs a cool off time and sends them to sit by himself.

The lesson learned that even with attention and focus there is no resolution. The ultimate question was ignored, the core issue of poor communication left to be faced in another scenario.
The teacher goes back to balancing responsibilities filing the behavior of the child away as concerning and a bit baffling.

Up until this day the child was pleasant, respectful and seemed to engage well with the other children. The core issue was communication, and that at escalation the child was then given attention.

Communication is a skill. A tool used to transfer information with the innate agreement of mutual respect. When issues arise in social situations there is a natural tendency to:

A. Deliver the issue in a message that could be swallowed easily. Something that isn’t offensive, and is softened to be taken lighter with the intention of not making the other person upset or discouraged. Risking the chance the message won’t be understood or taken seriously.

B. Deliver the message directly expecting to be taken seriously and get a clear response. Risking the chance that the message could be taken poorly and the receipt might not relate to the message.

C. Deliver the message in a mixture of direct questions paired with storytelling, calls to the recipient’s nature of empathy adding careful body language to support and make the message more appealing.

Whatever the deliverer decides to use to communicate their message there are key things they will look for in a response.

A. Non verbal acknowledgment ex: head nodding

B. Verbal acknowledgment ex: simply saying “I hear you”

C. An Action: ex: writing a check or opening a door

What happens when the deliverer doesn’t receive any acknowledgment of their message depends on the medium. In person, or face to face delivery of a message with no acknowledge can be confusing, when attempting again this can cause some feelings of disrespect and frustration. In other mediums such as email the quickness to develop this negative feelings is diluted yet not missing.

It is importance to realize what happens when behavior becomes a cycle of escalation fueled by poor communication and acknowledgment. People get hurt.

An Attitude of Obstacles

2010-11-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

Fumbling, tweaking and growing at least one gray hair over a design mockup I realized, it isn’t going to be perfect. I need to get something out the door and in the hands of my client, get some feedback and keep going. The vision of the perfect website is going to come to life by working on it and collaborating. Not worrying about it or putting it off.

I swear there is a virus, an attitude of epidemic proportions becoming satisfied with putting off big ideas. Planning, saving, organizing, and trying to do the right thing and being content with the idea of phase two, or when we have X we can do Y.

It seems to be everywhere, working with businesses, working in a cube, to talking with other professionals there is some obstacle keeping things how they are and accepting that maybe… just maybe in the future they can:

Have a better website
Find great help on projects
Start networking and engaging with new communities
Try using social media for building their personal or professional brand
Pay our employees better wages
Start a new company with a great idea that could help
Leave my comfortable safe job to pursue my real passion

“We're surrounded by people who are busy getting their ducks in a row, waiting for just the right moment...
Getting your ducks in a row is a fine thing to do. But deciding what you are you going to do with that duck is a far more important issue.” – Seth Godin, Watcha gonna do with that duck?

What are you doing to make sure phase 2, when X happens then I can do Y, and all the other excuses stop getting in the way?

And entrepreneurs are cool.

2010-10-03T22:30:00.000-07:00

I vividly remember as a kid I gravitated to those with colorful imaginations. People of all ages willing to run like a horse, play make believe, and dream about becoming an astronaut were ultimately the ones I admired and loved being around. To my surprise my classmates didn’t like my imagination, they didn’t like me and I for the first time was given a label - “nerd” and “loser”. This was confirmed getting off the bus to go home from school in 4th grade. A group of seven boys surrounding me and decided to teach me a lesson with their backpacks flying towards me their laughter rose, I was able to run away sad and confused.

Entering into my teen years my favorite hobby was being whisked away into conversations long through the night into the early morning about any topics that would encourage challenging my opinions, experiences and perspective. By day I was a sports playing, academically focus girl and by night I was focused on taking Legos and creating a world where tiny plastic blocks engaged my mind and played in harmony with my imagination.

Today I have found a community of people that have channeled their energy towards creating new businesses, new communities and new adventures. I have found that being authentic is more valuable than fitting in, that having creativity, enthusiasm and passion not only appreciated but in many ways required. This is the world of entrepreneurs.

And entrepreneurs are cool.

Psst every company you have ever worked for started with an idea, and was built by people with passion and enthusiasm.

Being a nerd, geek, techy, playing with legos, solving problems, being curious, sharing ideas, have being creative is cool.

Somethings Never Change

2010-05-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

I still get "I'd recognize your laugh anywhere!"
The joyful giggling goofy baby below is little baby Lyndi Thompson.

I have to say even on days where it is gray, gloomy and the rain is falling there are still a million + things to appreciate, smile and even laugh about.

I Think - I Feel - I See - I Hear - I Love

2010-05-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

I

accept that there will always be things beyond my understanding, and beyond my control.

hope to learn to stop assuming and judging

want to learn to ask more questions and communicate my deep appreciation more

know each day is a gift

appreciate being able to have a safe place to learn and grow.

stand in faith of peace, community and love.

understand that for many my perspective seems out of touch with their experience. In their eyes they see everything except for what is behind mine.

will be generous

welcome conversation

am blessed to share the earth with you

Oddly Normal Morning

2010-05-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

4:15 AM

Wake up to the dog crying and begging to be let up on the bed. Pull blankets away from the bed and let him jump up. After being stepped on a couple times reach over for the phone that says 4:32 AM

5:00 AM

Roll out of bed with minimal effort. Slink down hallway for unknown reason. Turn around and refocus on goal of finding a towel.

6:15 AM

Finish taking care of various species of mammals and the pair of ducks. Finishing eating breakfast, feed now cold scrapes of scrambled eggs and bacon fat to dogs.

6:30 AM

Begin routine of being skeptical of the weird shaven alpacas. Continue course to Starbucks, detour to pick up snacks for office if necessary.

3 Things I Can Do Now

2010-03-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

Relating to the hassle and bustle of the day, the weekends used for catching up on life and maybe even a little sleep there are few moments I am able to sit down and contemplate how to live a richer fuller life. Yet, here are three things I did think about, and work on a little each day.

“If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. ~Mary Engelbreit”

1. Understand My Basic Needs

Maslow’s hierarchy or needs is something we often throw into academic non-sense. There is truth to it.

We need to understand our basics, remind ourselves that these basics fuel our perception and thus our reaction to our reality. Sounds fancy huh?

The bottom row is the basic of the basic, they are essential: breathing, sleeping, food, water and other all basic survival factors.

Taking time to plan out healthy meals, getting a good night’s rest, drinking plenty of water sound simple enough? How often do I actually do any of these basic things to make myself happier, healthier and more prepared to take on the next levels? The honest answer is not enough. So, I start small. Keeping a water bottle at my desk is an excellent start. As well as not carrying cash for the vending machine. I exercise at SnoRidge Crossfit at least twice if not three times a week. Then also try to get out a couple more times on my own. Exercise is a huge release, helps me sleep, make better food choices and prepare me overall to perceive things a more positively.

2. Understand What I Can Control

“I do not want to foresee the future. I am concerned with taking care of the present. God has given me no control over the moment following. “- Mohandas Gandhi

I have adopted a lot of responsibilities, and commitments. For me, I have been learning where to draw the line of my personal resources: money, time and energy.

Come to the point where I have to understand that I can control more than I would like to take responsibility for. The basics are setting an alarm a few minutes earlier than I actually need to get up with the understanding I like to ease into the morning. Keeping or putting my school bag in the car the night before helps not to forget it in the morning. Having a basic daily routine, having a weekly schedule calendar in the kitchen and event alerts on my phone frees my mind and keeps me feeling organized about tackling the day.

3. Taking Care Of Myself

This area is a hugely dependent on time. Managing my time and making sure to schedule myself in every once in a while, sometimes I have to start by bluntly asking myself what my personal needs are. Going back to the basics, food, sleep, exercise, safety those are all well and great, things I think I am actively and consciously working on. However, there are other needs as well that I need to admit to, ask for and appreciate. I have tremendous support, from my loving Husband Eli, friends, family, mentors and many communities. I need to make sure I carve out time to engage with these support systems is vital to my mental and spiritual health.

So the basics understanding the basic needs, what I can control and taking care of me. Fundamentals are the core to any skill, and all of these areas contain skills I can work towards mastering for the benefit of myself, my family and communities.

In Queue: The Movie 'Precious'

2010-03-02T08:32:00.001-08:00

It isn’t often that I am impressed with Hollywood. Sorry, gore, cinematic violence and immature humor cannot convince me to invest time and money into watching someone’s money hungry film. However, this year I am going to spend a lot of time catching up on movies that reviewers with similar taste have found to be surprisingly worth watching.

First off I want to see Precious. Inspired by the novel Push by, the core of the story hits the streets to take on a story that is hard to do justice for and from what I have heard succeeded.

“It wowed audiences at this year's Sundance festival in January, where it won both the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize, and a Special Jury Prize for comedian Mo'Nique in her first dramatic role.” 'Precious' Movie Reviews, Moviefone

Precious is 16, pregnant for the second time, illiterate and abused. The odds seems to always been stacked against Precious, being overweight, the color of her skin, her education, health, her family life, her opportunities. She seems to be stuck in a perpetual state of fear.

“It is almost relentlessly bleak: when Precious discovers she is H.I.V.-positive, she is certain of her imminent death.” The Audacity of ‘Precious’, The New York Times

What will it take for Precious to get a leg to stand on? What will shine light on the abuse and give Precious the courage in herself and abilities and move out of the machine of dysfunction?

“Their agony has roots. What's terrifying about the abuse here is how casually it's accepted as a fact of life, by both perpetrator and victim. Mary hates her daughter because she thinks that Precious has ''stolen'' her man. Yet she also exploits her as a welfare ticket. How to escape this hell?” Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire, EW.com

Enter her Teacher Ms. Rain (Paula Patton) and social worker Mrs. Weiss (Mariah Carrey), they become the light at the tunnel with an unconditional support and faith in Precious.

I am betting when I watch this story I will go through at least two Kleenex boxes. The story is not a feel good, happy may be what some of us need to realize, the power of determination, community and love. It doesn’t end with a happy ending; it ends with a reality ending. Even when you get out of the ditch you have to keep going.

“In presenting this exploration of the gray, he offers hope that his viewers will follow suit. This is a leap of faith that's anything but ugly.” 'Precious': A Movie That Cracks Open Your Heart, Politics Daily

Lyndit.com

2010-02-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

Drum roll please... Lyndit.com is alive and running!

I will then be able to focus on keeping Genuine Existence focused on more personal insights. Lyndit.com will focus more on social media, online marketing and a place for me to share inspirations from around the creative community.

Big thanks to Christopher for helping get the domain running, Luis for being my cheerleader, and to Eli for also being a major cheerleader, supporter and of technical adviser.

Favorite Thompson Family Dinner

2010-02-02T22:00:00.001-08:00

Pop-up Chicken Noodle Salad!

1 Costco cooked chicken (we use about a quarter for the two of us, per meal)
1 bag of MaiFun Noodles (Get them at Safeway)
Crispy lettuce
Sliced cucumber
slivered carrots
other veggies

Dressing:
2/3 c seasoned rice vinegar
1/3 c light salad oil - we use rice bran oil
1 tbsp sugar
2 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt

Combine vinegar, sugar and salt in a small sauce pan, and heat and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat, add other ingredients. (we normally put the dressing into a container we can use later)

Salad:
Prepare two large, like seriously large bowls, with lettuce, cucumber, carrots and other veggies you like. Set aside

Noodles:
Poor an inch to inch in one half of canola oil into a deep frying pan or wok. Heat oil on high, every few mins put one noodle into the pad and see if the noodle "pops" up. As soon as noodle pops up quickly, reduce heat to medium and add a handful of noodles into the pan, use tongs to flip noodles to cook other-side. Noodle cook fast! Be very careful of the oil. Use the tongs to place noodles on a cookie sheet with paper towels to absorb the oil.

Once noodles have cooled, put noodles on salad, chopped chicken on top and pour on your dressing. Easy to make, and fun!

Learn from Dolphins

2010-01-31T17:41:00.000-08:00

Becoming Thankful

2010-01-12T17:23:00.001-08:00

I am spoiled. I have not learned full appreciation for the blessings I have been given, nor have I begun to give as much as I have received.

I believe all that each moment, breath, and all that I see is a gift.

Every single day with out condition I am given patience, support, and love. Each time the sun rises and travels across sky welcoming the stars to glow, I am surrounded by the generosity of the world.

I believe that the ability to be thankful is a skill worth mastering.

To sharpen any skill, I must be determined to dedicate the time and focus towards filling my heart with gratitude.

I believe that true gratitude starts by thanking the grain of sand.

To understand the fullness of being thankful I must start with the very essence of what I am, where I have been and what I have become. To stand in peace with the ashes in which I came, standing with full appreciation of the past, and present. I will only then be able to rise like a phoenix, illuminating all that is to be thankful for.

I believe that being naive to our blessings is a war worth fighting.

The obsession saturated culture of materialism, flirting with status, and being bridled with blindness breaks my concentration on being genuine. Distracts from looking up at the skyline, seeing the vision of the greater world beyond what we have created.

I believe that becoming truly thankful is to become fully aware, and awake to the world and all it's generosity.

Quotes on being Genuine

2010-01-08T14:11:00.000-08:00

To put the world right in order,

we must first put the nation in order;
to put the nation in order,
we must first put the family in order;
to put the family in order,
we must first cultivate our personal life;
we must first set our hearts right.
- Confucius

I think somehow we learn
who we really are
and then live with that decision.
- Eleanor Roosevelt

Loyalty to a petrified opinion
never yet broke a chain
or freed a human soul.
- Mark Twain

Happiness is when
what you think,
what you say,
and what you do
are in harmony.
- Mohandas K. Gandhi

Insist on yourself;
never imitate.
Your own gift you can present
every moment with the cumulative force
of a whole life's cultivation;
but of the adopted talent of another
you have only an extemporaneous,
half possession.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is not the critic who counts,
not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled,
or where the doer of deeds could have done better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,
whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood,
who strives valiantly,
who errors and comes short again and again,
who knows the great enthusiasms,
the great devotions,
and spends himself in a worthy cause,
who at best knows achievement
and who at the worst if he fails at least fails
while daring greatly so that his place
shall never be with those
cold and timid souls who know
neither victory nor defeat.
- Theodore Roosevelt

Do not think that love,
in order to be genuine,
has to be extraordinary.
What we need is to love without getting tired.
- Mother Teresa

Shortest Day of the Year

2009-12-21T20:30:00.000-08:00

Is it really the end of December? In a way I have been looking forward today, today is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Which means starting tomorrow, little old Washington, we will soon get a tiny bit more sunshine.

Everyone needs a little more light in their lives, and sometimes it takes the darkness to appreciate the light.

Unlike last year, Western Washington has had a relatively calm welcoming into winter, a little light dusting of snow was nothing compared to Seattle's streets being covered in ice, bringing transportation to a halt, and for us we had to have our neighbor plow us out of our driveway.

2009 was full of blessings, and I am filled with joy and appreciation. To all big and small have a very happy Winter Solstice, and know that the sun shall shine again.

Popular Pecans!

2009-12-20T22:24:00.000-08:00

Our Holiday party had one snack that had everyone raving. After enough people requested the recipe from our friend Bryan, I thought that posting it might also be helpful.

These tasty pecans are perfect for a light snack, they also would be excellent to add to any main course. Here is his recipe straight from Bryan.

Ingredients:
1 lb of pecans
4 tablespoons of butter
2-4 tablespoons of rosemary (to taste)
2-4 tablespoons of black pepper (to taste)

Preparation:
- Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees
- Melt butter in a bowl using a microwave
- Stir spices into butter (you can easily add more later so it's not important to get the amount just right)
- Pour butter / spice mixture into a large 'ziploc' bag and add the pecans
- Close the bag and stir the mixture
- Pour out the spiced pecans into a smallish baking pan (if the baking pan is too large they can spread out quite a bit and get too toasted)
- Toast for 30-45 minutes (until outside of pecan has begun to darken)

For an interesting twist, you can add a bit of Tabasco sauce to the spice/butter mixture and given the pecans a bit more kick!

Thank you Bryan for the neat new treat!

The Season of Gratitude

2009-12-16T18:45:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the season, Christmas 2009. Reminiscing on all that has happened this year a few things stand out; a call for uniting our differences, a vote that said boldly that we want change, and then the other side with struggling families trying to make ends meet and an economy on its last leg. This has been a year that has caught our nation’s attention, shaken us a bit from the daily routine. We have been given the opportunity to refocus our attention on our communities, encouraged to reach out and help one another. We have been given the time to invest in being thankful, and counting our blessings.

Thanksgiving kicks off the time of the season that reminds me to fill my heart with gratitude and express with love my deepest appreciation, for my friends, families and communities. This holiday season is the perfect time to look at what I have, not what I want, and be filled with appreciation and joy. To carry this tune into the Christmas season it really translates into, a focus on sharing, lending a helping hand or listening ear whenever and wherever possible.

"Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence."

~Eric Fromm

My soapbox speech really begins as I just like singing to the choir, as they just naturally appreciate my words more.

This season is the time to step back from the typical consumer driven holiday rush. That holiday list that includes a bunch of wants, like to haves and drooling over because “it will make me look more fashionable” can be thrown away, into the trash. The fancy electronics, the unnecessary accessories, the overpriced toys, and anything else that will in the end, find itself living in a closet, box or propping something up isn’t necessary. This is the season to refrain from the unnecessary, claim the time you would have spent in malls, and rushing around town with your family and friends.

Consider throwing a Christmas party, potluck style. Take time to appreciate each bite you take, savor the moments, and don't forget to send the leftovers home with the bachelors. Keep the house warm and cozy, as everyone will appreciate a friendly community to relax and enjoy the day with, as everyone who enters to your life wants acceptance, acknowledgment and love. Go through your closets and cupboards and find gently used clothes and non-perishable goods to donate to local shelters and Salvation Armies. If you are an animal lover like Eli and I, sponsor an animal that lives at Pasados Safe Haven in Sultan, or donate unopened bags of food to the humane society. Consider volunteering to pack food bags at your local food bank. Invest time into spreading the word about your preferred charity, or way of capturing the holiday season.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

So I am practicing expressing my gratitude often, from making lists, to making an effort to say "Thank you... I appreciate you... I value your contribution... Glad you are in my life..."

Step back a bit from the crazy holiday rush, and fall in love all over again with the delight of sharing your blessings with those around you. For this holiday season is the perfect time to warm the hearts of those you love and those in your community to welcome a brighter new year.

I Believe...

2009-12-11T20:54:00.000-08:00

I believe in courage
I believe, in the human spirit, in actions over words, and in creative genius

I believe in hope
I believe, in the radiance of the new born day, in peace, and in the future.

I believe in love
I believe, in the splendor of forgiveness, in the power of community and in the need for acceptance.

I believe in us
I believe, in our impact in the world, in success and in a genuine existence.

I believe, do you?

Captivating Curiosity

2009-10-26T15:56:00.001-07:00

What is it about growing up that makes the way we look at things so black and white, scientifically formulated, disconnected from our childhood make believe and asking a million in a half questions a day. Culture of point A to B, complete tasks 1-10 and be home in time for dinner, sleep, wake up repeat might be a good part of the equation. In those moments were we are caught off guard when emails stop coming into your inbox and meetings disappear, and all of the normal hassle and bustle just seems hold while you rescue two stray dogs, snuggle a kitten, or find forgiveness, it is those kinds of moments are we feel alive, we are engaged with the real life, active participants in what really sparks our spirit and makes our imagination beam with delight.

Adults that loose their faith in their imagination
“Get your head out of the clouds and grow up…” a snarky judgmental tone that could easily be the representative voice for everyone and everything that ever discounted imagination. The callous

Rekindling curiosity of life can be challenging, yet I have found it to be possible by making time to be amazed. Creating space in my life to embrace and appreciate the beauty in the little things. Being curious to mean means engaging in looking for things in life to learn more about, to experience and feel delighted to share.

Happy Birthday Crossfit WOD

2009-10-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

Yea! Birthday, yesterday was the mark of celebrating, starting with a Birthday WOD at Crossfit, today I am going to splurge on a hamburger, yet yesterday's WOD was brutal and awesome all mixed into one yummy combination.

"Lyndi"

Another birthday WOD in September? This is a busy month. Today was for Lyndi and she rocked her birthday WOD as RX'd! The progress and results she has made in just a few months have been nothing short of spectacular. Read and see pictures more on SnoRidge Crossfit's Site

Life Song

2009-09-28T18:30:00.000-07:00

Capturing a perspective is often a challenging if not daunting task, especially if the perspective needs to encompass most of a person's beliefs, thoughts and experience. Yet, the song I have included the lyrics below, really creates a near perfect vision of my personal beliefs, and aspirations.

Savage Garden - Affirmation

I believe the sun should never set upon an argument
I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands
I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you
I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do
I believe that beauty magazines promote low self esteem
I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe you can't control or choose your sexuality
I believe that trust is more important than monogamy
I believe your most attractive features are your heart and soul
I believe that family is worth more than money or gold

I believe the struggle for financial freedom is unfair
I believe the only ones who disagree are millionaires

I believe forgiveness is the key to your unhappiness
I believe that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed
I believe that God does not endorse TV evangelists
I believe in love surviving death into eternity

The Best Things

2009-09-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world, the world colorful and beautiful as it is there are a few things that really glow that I hold a special appreciation for.

When sitting on the edge of dock is about the only thing do, then you begin to dangle your feet into the water, your best friend at your side, maybe a little giggle here and there as each foot dips into the water.

Calling out with glee for my good friend, hearing his whinny and his eager thundering hooves he comes to greet me with equal joy.

Right before I slip into sleep snuggled on the couch, my head on the lap of my husband who is carefully peaking at me to see if I am sleeping, so I quickly close my eyes and pretend.

Walking away with a smirk, knowing I made someone I respect is proud of me.

The child in me springs to life and squeals when one of those cute tree frogs reveals himself after peaking through the garden, an adventure to look for him or one of his slithering friends.

The light makes their smiles glow, the flickering is comforting and draws us all in for a moment where we all know we belong, salami smores, smelly mutts and all.

A request for assistance from a practicing acrobat, the year old lady that reaches up to be picked up, the paper bird made by hand from the four year old to cheer the day, the moments where the youth whisper softly, life is joyous and all is okay.

These are just a few of those times, a few of those memories precious and dear.

Crossfit Progress

2009-09-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

(June 15th to September 10th)

Crossfit is eh... not easy.

Yet, nothing, not even health, strength or happiness in life worth having comes easy.

Day one, lets say through week two is actually the hardest part, recovery is slow, body is tired and my mind is seriously considered running away.

This was day 1, yes... June 15th 2009. Struggling to do a jumping pull up. But... I survived, a little water and AC afterwards made it through.

The basics of Crossfit:

- Combine all the best workouts you have ever had and squeeze the essence of that, great, now you have Crossfit juice. Seriously Crossfit takes the best of all workouts and refines them into targeting movements that strength, add flexibility, stability, range of motion and well a whole lot of confidence.

- Crossfit is a community, egos are checked at the door if not put out with the garbage because there really isn't room with all the awesomeness inside. Seriously, there is some kind of magical filter with Crossfit, not one Crossfit event, gym or anything with a Crossfit label on it have I met a person that had anything but a welcoming and supportive demeanor. We are all in it together and want one another to succeed. This isn't your typical put your ear phones on and jam out on the treadmill workout.

- Workouts are short, hard and intense. Most workouts are around eh... 20 mins. Seriously, which means a lot of work in a short amount of time. But contrary to what some believe that it is TOO intense. Everything is scaled, you learn the movements first with a PVC pipe, tell me you can throw you back out dead-lifting a PVC pipe and I will bonk you over the head with one. You learn the movements, and master them through out your time with Crossfit. Starting with elements classes.

- Every class is a training session. You are not in some fad aerobics class, you are training, training to be an athlete, whether you are training to do an Iron Man, you are a police officer, military, fire fighter, parent or the person who wants to be in shape and healthy, we all all training to be fit, to be agile, strong, flexible and prepare ourselves for life long health. At any Crossfit gym you will get a trainer that has been certified to be teaching Crossfit, they have mastered the skills you need to reach your goals. They are supportive and will make sure to tailor the workout to your success. How cool is that?

Okay enough about that... here is my personal experience... and results. Well, so far.

June 25th, so ten days later. I am feeling a bit more comfortable, feeling stronger and getting a little more confident.

Tom one of the most awesome people coming in second to his wife Michelle, who both own SnoRidge Crossfit, work together to train, coach, instruct, encourage, put up with and set everyone up for success. Pretty awesome huh...

July 8th, after a week on vacation I was starting to realize I had an addiction, a love for Crossfit, I missed it. Seriously, after spending a week away I realized what I missed. For one, I missed one of my workout buddies Sherry, she has a drive that could easily take a lot of credit for encouraging me to continually push myself at Crossfit.

July 14th, starting to become more aware of my abilities and strength, box jumping is one of those exercises that really mess with your mind. When to jump, how to jump, okay ready jump!

I would say that this would be the week that Eli and I got serious about living a liberal Paleo lifestyle. Which basically means cutting out processed junk, and limiting sugar are the big focuses. We eat a lot of broccoli...

July 27th, clothes fit better, I am stronger. I am addicted. The whole group at SnoRidge Crossfit is amazing, I have gotten to know them, and now I really feel progress. Adding more weight to my workouts, doing them faster. Drinking so much water during the day I am actually sweating and in this picture you can really see that I am toning, not sure if you can make out the sweat, but it is there, I am starting to get into a more athletic shape instead of desk job blob shape. Muscles are starting to figure out that yes, Crossfit is going to be a normal thing, and my body is craving the exercise, know I know how my dog feels when the chuck-it comes out. I wasn't sore, and recovery was incredibly fast.

July 19th, you can really see my arm muscles are developing. I am becoming more focused and starting to be able to shut off my brain, in other words not have to think about all the basic movements as much. Michelle appreciates when I can just workout and not over think the maneuvers.

August 19th, here is a neat movement. Called a floor wiper, super core workout. At this point I am beginning to understand what kind of weight I can work with, my legs well as you can see are really starting to tone up.

Shortly after this the whole SnoRidge Crossfit group did the Snoqualmie Railroad days 5k fun run. It was awesome, totally great to feel strong and be able to run a mile without stopping and three miles in a little over a half hour.

Sept 7th, the new gym. And a trail run of a Fight Gone Bad. Just to put in a plug for Fight Gone Bad, September 26th Crossfit gyms across the nation will do this workout to raise money for Wounded Soldiers Fund and for Athletes for a Cure. The workout is brutal, and great at the same time.

Okay... so we are all going to workout at SnoRidge and here is what the workout will be.

In this workout you move from each of five stations after a minute. This is a five-minute round from which a one-minute break is allowed before repeating. We've used this in 3 and 5 round versions. The stations are:

Wall-ball: 20 pound ball, 10 ft target. (Reps)
Sumo deadlift high-pull: 75 pounds (Reps)
Box Jump: 20" box (Reps)
Push-press: 75 pounds (Reps)
Row: calories (Calories)

The clock does not reset or stop between exercises. On call of "rotate," the athlete/s must move to next station immediately for good score. One point is given for each rep, except on the rower where each calorie is one point. - Provided by Crossfit.com

So, what would be awesome is if YOU donated to the cause, the money goes towards wounded Soldiers (Wounded Warriors Project) returning home and for Athletes for a Cure (Prostate Cancer) Donate here.

September 10th, doing push press. Reaching a max of 80lbs that is lifted by pure arm and shoulder strength, no dipping or jumping to help get that puppy up there. Today is also the day that I was celebrating.

17lbs, and 12.5 inches down since start. How freak'n cool is that? Stronger, faster, feeling great, tons of energy and seriously Crossfit has saved my life, not just Crossfit but a community of dedication. From my trainers and friends Michelle, Tom and their daughter Ashley, my husband Eli, the community of fellow SnoRidge Crossfiters, to Rainier Crossfit's community who had me drink the cool-aid a few years ago, and to my Marine friend that introduced me to it all.

To my friends who constantly send encouragements and support, seriously this is the best thing I could have asked for. Community, and a life long commitment to health.

So, come check it out at our gym that both Eli and I attend. SnoRidge Crossfit in Snoqualmie Ridge.

Thanks everyone!

From Start to the Finish

2009-09-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

What was it about running that gave me a proud sense of myself? I am reminiscing in my early middle and high school years of investing hours after school and during my weekends putting miles on my running shoes and chipping away at the timer.
Every race was instinctually exciting, nothing I could do to possibly calm myself, so I bounced in place to give myself a physical distraction before we were all released to race our little teenage hearts out.

It was a rush, a thrill, so satisfying to feel as if I was flying across the track.
Now, after years of making excuses, I have successfully participated in two 5k runs, completed my 26th Crossfit workout, all of this is a cause for celebration. After years of recovery from a back injury sustained during my senior year in high school I found myself utterly frustrated with this new weak and slow way of carrying myself. Until recently I have been adding my health and condition to a long list of things to be resentful about, to be grieving over, as if I had lost my ability to be healthy and have the kind of strength I once had.

Yet the realization came in when I begun to seriously compare my teenage self to my now, the vision shocked me, and made me realize that it isn’t fair to use those years as a comparison. As a teenager “staying fit” meant a poor diet of eating as little as possible, obsessed if not consumed by rituals of measuring and weighing that did nothing but haunt my mind, and make me run until I was dizzy, sick and still carrying the weight of everything else in my life going on.

Let’s just agree that kids are mean, and for odd reasons. Very few of my quote friends ever really were accepting of me for me. From dating to teen social connections it was all a game, a sick game that is often dangerous for teens even today.

That was then, and now working with Crossfit, having a stable healthy home life, eating with a nutritious conscious are some of the ingredients for creating my new stronger, healthier and probably faster self, that I know that with time this will be something actually worth being proud of as my identity.

Not Always And Forever

2009-09-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

Dear (Insert your name after agreeing to letter below),

It has come to my attention that we need to talk or at least clarify a few things.
Recently meaning within the last two months, years or decades you have either found it impossible to find me in person, on the phone, on twitter, Facebook, blackberry messenger, where I live, work, where I workout, or during one of the functions I attend or just about anywhere. You have found it impossible to fit in a 2 minute conversation, as I of course have been missing from the planet that you live on.

Luckily for me being a good friend/family member/social stalker I have been able to keep informed with your various activities from your Twitter, Facebook or by talking with one of my many spies, like mutual friends, family members or any other kind of social informant.

After leaving voicemails, sending emails, burning rubber and driving to nowhere and back, I now know the time I have been taking to duck tape and sticky glue this relationship together is a high risk no return investment that I need to allocate elsewhere.

So to clarify I think it best that we both just agree that whether or not we like living on separate planets, that technology has just not offered us enough solutions to be able to remedy our dilemma.

So when you are back on earth, have a few minutes to spare and need someone to talk to, remember that the good Lord is always listening.

In respect to any past we had together that is valuable in any sort, feel free to blog about it.

Sincerely,

Whoever you thought I was

Are you going this way too?

2009-09-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

The road is better traveled together, even if it is only for a while. Luckily, I am reassured everyday learning that everyone is always going through some kind of transition. Some better than others, some easier, some more of a struggle but there isn’t a single person out this crazy journey alone.

Sometimes it is easier to believe that I am alone, but nothing is better than being reminded that I am not. Celebrating the joys, the success, even the struggles and the failures together really makes this whole life thing beautiful.

Recently Remembered

2009-07-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

Things I have recently remembered, learned, experienced or have stumbled upon, in no particular order.

Attitude is choice

My happiness is not the responsibility of anyone other than me

My time, and energy are resources with limits

Saying “No”, Doesn’t make me a bad person

Investing in education is a priority

Being highly sensitive does not have to mean being highly reactive

Those who reciprocate are always the best at friendships

If nothing else – listen

Communicate needs instead of assuming they are known

Having high expectations is respect of potential

Identities can evolve, and should be seen as they are, not just who they were

To be successful be a supporter of other’s success

Speak out of respect and appreciation

Be Genuine

Staying local is more effective use of time and energy

Community happens, be willing to let it in

Silence is often an important part of music

Be aware, know the real news

Guiding stars are often small

It is okay to take different paths

Perspective is part of the masterpiece

Love those who appreciate life

The drive is about the journey not so much the destination

Late bloomers are often the most beautiful

Enthusiasm - expressing the love of life

Puget Sound Interfaith Youth Camp

2009-07-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Puget Sound Youth Interfaith Youth camp is held each year at Camp Seymour located in the beautiful area of Gig Harbor, surrounded by trees, wildlife and beautiful water, this is the perfect place to build a community of understanding, patience and friendship.

This year camp is August 24th through the 28th. Visit Puget Sound Interfaith Youth Camp's Website at soundinterfaithcamp.org.

Camp is for youth entering into the 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. Counselors are needed that are 20 years old and have experience working with youth of all ages.

(Click photo to get full size flyer, please print or email to share with your congregations, friends and family.)

"Nerd" - Defined

2009-07-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

A definition of "Nerd" even the Nerds around me agree with.

A person who gains pleasure from amassing large quantities of knowledge about subjects often too detailed or complicated for most other people to be bothered with.

Often mistaken for Geeks, who aspire to become nerds, yet lack the intelligence, and end up giving nerds a bad name due to their poor social skills.

Non-nerds are often scared of nerds, due to their detailed knowledge, and therefore seemingly high levels of intelligence - and subsequently denegrate them as much as possible as often as possible.

Nerds exist covertly within the fabric of society, often choosing to 'nerd it up' in private or in the company of fellow nerds. It is for this reason they are feared the most - unlike geeks, who are easily identified, nerds can only be found out when casual conversation reaches a subject that they like nerding.

Definition posted on Urban Dictionary.com

1st Camping Trip of 09

2009-06-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

1st sure, yet it won't... it can't be the last!

After a month of anticipation two little Mazdaspeeds took off on an epic journey around the Olympic Peninsula with everything awesome packed into a couple of days why won't you want to see some snap shots of the weekend.

Can't wait to go again... ;)

View more pictures on Facebook

HUGE thanks to Darrin, Eli and Claire for really making this weekend one to treasure. :)

The chant of "YES, I CAN!"

2009-06-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

Sugar and carb induced comas in the afternoon, eight plus hours sitting slumped into a blob, the posture of a hunchback, catching myself drooling - loosing energy and focus during meetings, frowning at pants that are either shrinking or just plain refusing to cooperate, soccer practice canceled one too many times, going up the stairs and feeling like I need a break, looking in the mirror and shaking my head, searching for options, searching for some kind of Ah ha moment... and THEN there it appears, a real light at the end of tunnel, a ray of hope, a familiar passion opened right along my little road of adventure. Yes, ladies and gentlemen I have signed away this body and soul to a place where a little bucket named Pukie lives, along with a rowing machine, some kettle bells and a whole new healthier me. A little sweat, squats and some great new friends means a whole new adventure that I hope you join in too.

Today I am hoping is my last first day back to Crossfit, vowing to make the sacrifice to continue going even if it means buying a private jet to fly me to a Crossfit master. Today was awesome, sure I struggled, yet I kicked some serious lazy calories into gear. Build me some muscles I say! So excited to be back at Crossfit!

Today the challenge was remembering what to do, and reminding myself that most of the workout it mental, that is telling myself that “YES, I CAN..” Chanting to myself that I am worth it, I am doing it, I am here, I am doing it, I can, I can I can!

Warm-up:
Reviewing basics
Air, overhead and wall squats
Sit ups
Princess push-ups
Jumping pull ups

WOD – (Workout of the Day)
Two rounds of awesomeness:
Run 400 meters
40 air squats
30 sit ups
20 princess push-ups
10 jumping pull ups

Rinse repeat 1 more time… Don’t drink too much water or you will bond with Pukie

Whew! 27 Minutes… not too shabby, I finished the workout that is what mattered to me most today.

Ending:
Stretching, catching breathe and blasting the car’s AC.
If you feel so inclined I am sure I will have some pathetic looking picture of me posted on Crossfit’s blog before too long, that is okay, LOTS of room for improvement right?

Goals:
Run a 5k with a decent time
Buy a little red dress and look stunning
Fight off hereditary diseases
Get two more people to experience the wonderfulness of Crossfit
Get myself to believe in an “I CAN” attitude
Prove to myself “I CAN”
Participate in the Strongman Competition in August
Be able to keep up with our youth at church
Run with the manager of Direct Marketing and Director of Marketing

Totally looking forward to having one sweet before and after picture.

Questions I Often Ask Myself...

2009-06-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

Are you on the right path?

What do you appreciate about today?

Can you see the positive side to this situation?

Why don’t you call that person?

What is it that you fear?

When will you take the plunge?

What have you accomplished today?

Who do you admire?

Does simplicity have value in your life?

Where does your time go?

Who shapes your life?

Do you let people impact your emotions?

How can you make a difference today?

Could you forgive yourself?

Do you understand your actions?

What are you going to wear tomorrow?

Who do you worry about?

Why do you get disappointed in people?

Anyone you would like back in your life?

Why are animals and nature so important to you?

Do you walk your talk?

Are your actions speaking louder than your words?

Interfaith Comedy Show: Under One Roof

2009-06-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

An interfaith evening of hilarious proportions

Interfaith Comedy Show: Under One Roof

There’s nothing like laughing together…
Featuring internationally acclaimed comedians Rabbi Bob Alper & Azhar Usman with special guest Rev. Susan Sparks, it is being offered to the community by OneNation, The Russell Family Foundation, and Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity.

When: Sunday, June 7th, 7 pm
Where: Urban Grace Church, 902 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402

Tickets: $15 adult, $10 student, senior & military

PLUS: Snacks at intermission will be sold by campers as a fundraiser for Puget Sound Interfaith Camp!

More information: 253.627.5626

Click here for the Comedy Show Flyer

Key to Spirituality

2009-05-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

For me, it is all in the music…

Recently I have found myself bit spirituality voiceless. Missing my past, where I remember my youth, being active in my Christian youth world, youth group, camps they all created a safe space and encouraged me to have a strong sense and voice for my faith.

So during this time as I have felt so strongly about regaining some kind of spiritual voice, then I end up reminding myself that spirituality has evolved through my experience. I know believe that spirituality is less of a voice, less of a statement, not something I need seek and capture; it is for me a sense of connection to the “big picture” what better way to express this desire, connect and release the emptiness than to wrap and immerse my heart , mind and spirit around music.
A few of the Musical Artists I have been listening to lately:

Holly Brook
Matt Nathanson
Joshua Radin
Sara Bareilles
Sarah McLachlan
Alex Parks
Dido

Invisible Children - Saturday May 2nd

2009-05-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

Help bring some more love into this world!
Open your eyes!
Come to the Invisible Children Fundraiser!

Date: May 2nd, Saturday
Time: 7pm-9pm
Where:
Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church
25701 14th Place South
Des Moines, WA

About this Event:
This fundraiser is all about raising awareness (and money) to the
abducted children in northern Uganda (and other parts of Africa), all
the proceeds go to the organization: Invisible Children , we will be showing a documentary about it (Invisible Children: Rough Cut), it's about a hour long or so.
Then we will split-up into groups and have a discussion (you are
welcome to make art like write a poem or something, draw... est while
we are discussing) about what you thought, saw, felt, and est.
children care will be provided
snacks and food will also be provided.
Everyone is welcome!
Please remember to bring your thinking cap, compassion, and love :D

The post above was emailed to me from the girl I am mentoring. I couldn't be more proud of a YOUTH taking the bull by the horns and putting an amazing amount of effort, planning and love into making a difference in our world.

Red Pencil

2009-03-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

Writing in general had never really been one of my favorite things to do. I would attribute most of my hesitations to any kind of writing to the days of the red pen, the peer critic and the never ending comments about punctuation, and misuse of words.
Yet, it seemed like I could get away with a lot if I just centered what I wrote, put some fancy analogies to hide obvious meaning and took out anything that didn’t sound fancy, I had a poem and no one ever took a red pen to those. My safety net of writing styles, I would call it poetic gibberish.

Writing was something at an early age I had a great curiosity for, I read hoping to learn how to write.

That’s right, I was one of those weird kids that actually really enjoyed learning at an early age, I love being challenge, succeeding and then recognized for my achievements.
Learn how express my own imagination and share my own experiences, yet two pages of content was hard enough. The long investment of editing the pieces was also a source of discouragement, yet once again there was that red pen or pencil that spread like a bad rash across my paper, across countless hours of drilling for juicy thoughts in which to elaborate and explain the experience, the energy the passion. Writing was and probably is for many a form of art, writing became a source of becoming vulnerable and allowing myself to be picked apart, word for word, stroke by stroke. So, lets say blogging was a much more “comfortable” medium for those with redpencillitis.

In a way those red pencils have followed me about everywhere I have gone, yet on the flip side those “red pencils” have also gotten me to realize that if I just slowed down a little bit, read over my writing, thought over my decision just a bit more, there might need be a need for any kind of red pencil. Yet, in life sometimes realizing the intention of the red pencil is not to attack your creativity, it is to chisel and uncover a masterpiece.

Friend that accepts me for me...

2009-03-23T23:02:00.000-07:00

Being genuine is hard, it has been a quest of mine for a while, yet it is ESPECIALLY hard when I am developing new relationships, here is one where it worked out better than I could have ever imagined.

If there is one thing we can’t really live with or live without it is friends. Not those people you say howdy to here and there at work, or stumble upon through a social network site, realize it has been five maybe even ten years since last you talked. No, no, I mean those people that stick with you like hot oatmeal in the morning, good for your ribs and keep you energized through the day. Those people in our lives we are lucky enough to be able to say you learned something from, grew with and they found a special place in your heart.

I am blessed, what can I say, I have a lot of those great people in my life. I have had the pleasure to get to know a lot, like a semi truck load, of really amazing people that have invested in cultivating our connection with one another and encouraging my curiosity and love for life.
What do I mean?

Well, I am going to highlight one such friendship, one because I enjoy sharing and reminding myself of how I grew with her and two because she asked me to.
Let’s set the stage, little tiny church, young adult group, new young family, and a huge pressure on my part to be “friends with everyone under the age of 50”, okay… sure I can do that…
Game night, here we are playing, having a lot of fun, I am getting to know a few of the young adults in the group as we go through games, fix up snacks and really find ourselves excited to be in the same room as so many other likeminded people.

One of the girls, I liked her style, I loved watching her interact with her daughter, loved hearing about her passion for her daughter’s education, how highly she spoke of her mother, and just in general I was quite interested, and delighted that she took the time to come and visit, share and get to know us.
Keep in mind I am a pretty open person, sensitivity and especially so once I have developed a deep sense of respect for someone. We clashed one evening, in a way I had begun to anticipate. The details around why, how all the juicy stuff I have chosen to omit as the most important part that really made me grow, and what I cherished so much about our friendship is this.

Somehow I built up the nerve to respond to an email she sent out, I tried my best to describe my feelings as well as describe the experience of our conflict. That next Sunday at church, she took the ball from her court and very elegantly expressed to me her side of the story, explained she had thought about the conflict and even though we didn’t see eye to eye she had great empathy for me. I was amazed, never had I a person take my feelings and truly be willing to step up to the table and work with me, see me for who I was an appreciate that is just who I am. I am still amazed.

I watched in awe for years her raise her daughter, have a baby boy and begin to work on the garden of her own marriage, I felt really blessed to have had such a friend that we shared many a great conversation, has even to this day been willing to invest in me, listen and accept me for little old me.

Thanks Marie, love me.

My Spirit Animal

2009-03-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

The Deer:

Over the years the deer has presented it self to me in many different scenarios, as a buck yet sometimes as a Doe. I want to share some of the mythology around the Deer spirit animal.

There is a powerful lesson here for humans. Though we are born with an innate ability to be unconditionally loving, we are often born to parents whose life experiences have taught them to lose that ability to experience and give unconditional love.

Deer can teach us to walk the path of love with full consciousness and awareness, to know that love sometimes requires caring and protection, not only in how we love others, but in how we love ourselves.

We can also learn from the Celtic tradition regarding Deer, in which there are two aspects. The Hind (red female deer), called Eilid in the Gaelic language, represents subtlety, gracefulness, and femininity. The Hind is believed to call to us from the realm of Faery, inviting us to release the material trappings of so-called civilization and to go deep into the forest of magic, to explore the heart of our own magical and spiritual nature.

The theme of gentleness is also part of this tradition. There are many stories of hinds turning into women (often goddesses), to protect does from being hunted. The lesson here is that when we explore magic and spirituality it must be with the intention to harm none, but to enter the realm of the wild things in the spirit of love and communion.

The Stag (damh) also relates to the sacredness of the magical forest. Standing for independence, purification, and pride, it is known as the King of the Forest, and the protector of its creatures. From time unknown humans have sought to identify with the stag by ceremonially wearing antlered headdresses and imitating the deer's leaping grace.

Perhaps the most effective way to summarize the lessons of these traditions is to say that only when we move through life in the spirit of love for all beings can we dissolve the barriers which separate us from others, from other life forms, and from the beautiful mystery which is our own magical and spiritual gifts.

Putting dreams into writing

2009-03-06T22:26:00.000-08:00

Having a vibrant and what I would purpose to be beyond Hollywood imaginative dreams is a nightly occurrence. I wake from these dreams digging out the details to be able to recount to any who will listen, expressing what felt like hours of endless adventures!

I am captured by the personalities of characters I meet, some people I come to know, a community of personalities that appear in different visits, others I am introduced to only once, and sometimes if I am lucky, I find those who I have shared life with. Once I realize it is a dream I delight in having long conversations, sometimes it walking along trails traveling from town to town, or I could be at the bedside being a diligent care taker to those who live with the fear they are going to lose everything.

I find sport in giving free rein to my mind’s swirling thoughts, each scene twists, and rushes through my mind, shaking my imagination awake into a creative frenzy of speculations and robust theories of hidden meanings and messages in the dreams.
Some mornings I fall through the cracks of time between my alarm clock and morning stillness and slip back into dreams only to be summoned again to wake to reality. At times I wake up feeling stiff, cold and emotionally drained from the rollercoaster of emotional callings, from times where joy overflows and butterflies celebrate the return of peace to the land, to utter desperation of hopelessness, with a deep need for empathy, and comforting reassurance that it was indeed only a dream.

As each day is different, the dreams follow the reflection, it could be that tonight I will once again visit the land of the talking roses, and walk the gardens with the great grandmother spirit that guides the Salmon home, or this maybe my first and last visit to a what could have been a childhood experience, I am rarely surprised by the places and visions I visit, I can adapt to hundreds of years of change in a futuristic land that are flourishing with a revelation of heavenly proportions, golden palaces, dancing, singing and celebration, or I will step lightly and cautiously as I visit the dark lands, stench of foul garbage, a culture tended and tormented by greed, extremism and fear.

Sure my mind has been painted, and even carved with exposure to the arts and imagination of modern media, my waking moments are connected to sources of ideas, imagery and experiences that has to tether some of aspects of these dreams to some original source, yet other places, images, and even people I have experienced through these dreams are distinctive, a signature of interpretations, and series of deliberate tools filter and sort the culture into the creative and present the phenomenal.

Exploring the memories of the roles that I have never been able to willfully choose, I remember times where I am rendered incapable of interacting with the world around me, feeling a sense of supernatural, roaming as if to be a spirit, only observing the scenes unravel their many mysteries and answer my endless questions. I remember once carrying a basket, an unknown yet needed medicine covertly disgusted with bread and silken cloths, for miles along the riverside I walked and the burden was heavy, weighing on my mind, yet never overshadowing the fact that if I was to look behind me just once all would be lost. In these nocturnal adventures I allow myself to explore my own fears, tread into unknown territories and be open to discovering my own selfish boundaries, or limiting fears, overcoming to taste bravery as I may risk anything from humiliation, honor to my life as I make conscious decisions to try and make a difference in these stories.

What haunts me beyond the ornate scenes, like those of the city created only by the will of water, or the hallways of endless doors that each represents a decision, a deliberate choice in life, even beyond the people, some that have I have shared life with, others species of humans that would be best fit in star wars film, what haunts me is the experience and the emotions that burn within my memory. The seeds of curiosity that are planted each time I wake from exploring these dreams that resonates with my essence, looking for meaning, explanation, a way to connect and relate.

My Favorite Comic

2009-03-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

Breaking down obstacles

2009-02-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

Alright winter, that’s about enough… its true my persona is definitely skewed towards a more pessimistic view point, the days are short, cold and often busier than I am able to comfortably juggle. I would like to spend more time sharpening my senses, being more aware of the areas in which I should engage. That could mean stepping back into the world of education; this like the tides comes crashing into my daily life reminding me that change is inevitable.

I have designed and even brought to life obstacles that live in a world of childish make-believe. Lately I have equipped myself with sharpened tools of confidence that have used at every spare moment to chip away at the walls that contain my potential.

The Notes

2009-02-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

Often I find myself to be what seems to be channeling some inner musical genius when I am taking a shower, I begin to sing songs, actually pretty good songs about life, the past, dreams for the future and praises. I have to say anytime I listen to music, relate and empathize with music I truly feel that the music allows me to open doors to my spirituality often neglected by other forms of connection.My best memories of this connection really come from a Christian camp called Camas meadows, I attended as a teen then into my young adult years. Being around a huge camp fire with about sixty people singing the same song of hope, joy for life, and thankfulness could even to this day bring me to tears. In was in those moments, being warmed by the fire, listening and singing with everyone I felt that even without the speakers, the drums, the beat the key notes were still there.

The heart of music is a story, it is sung with love of the story and is powerful in teaching, growing and stirring my thoughts. Each note is deliberte expression of the word, the phrase to present the meaning, the feeling, the emotion, to capture the spirit alive in sound.

Walking

2009-02-10T18:08:00.001-08:00

"Come on! I'll race you!" Remember those days? For me every where I went I ran, as a kid I ran well... galloped like a horse, running the PE mile in a perfect three beat canter. As I got older I found myself loving cross country, and track my ultimate favorite. After a car accident my senior year of high school I resolved myself to enjoying the pool, yoga, biking and horse back riding.

Yet, my new job puts me in my element, all around nature. Well, for 8 hours of the day I am plopped comfortably behind a desk typing away, yet for about an hour every day I have ventured out and gathered my thoughts on our nature trail. Paved, and goes on for over 4 miles, then if you are really ambitious you can keep trekking up to one of the most beauitful waterfalls in the area.

Sure the trail is beautiful, gets me off my rear end, yet sharing the walk with a co-worker and even my husband has become a highlight for my day. I come back to my desk energized and more creative than ever. The conversations and the wonderful feeling of reminding yourself there is a big beauitful world beyond the corporate walls is just what I need to be refreshed, refocused and inspired for at least a few hours. :)

Peom of Appreciation

2009-02-09T13:51:00.000-08:00

Otherwise

Jane Kenyon

I got out of bed
on two strong legs.
It might have been
otherwise. I ate
cereal, sweet
milk, ripe, flawless
peach. It might
have been otherwise.
I took the dog uphill
to the birch wood.
All morning I did
the work I love.

At noon I lay down
with my mate. It might
have been otherwise.
We ate dinner together
at a table with silver
candlesticks. It might
have been otherwise.
I slept in a bed
in a room with paintings
on the walls, and
planned another day
just like this day.
But one day, I know,
it will be otherwise.

The Challenge

2009-02-09T12:40:00.001-08:00

Sunday Morning rolls around, the alarm "Beep, Beep, Beep..." you reach and causually snuggle back in as you scored hitting the snooze button.

If you are me now allowed your hand to roam around the bed looking for a spare blanket to plop over your eyes to keep the sun from welcoming you to the morning.

Is it easy to find reasons why not... and personally the list seems to get longer as my weekend and evening schedule becomes less of free time and more of a circus. "And for Lyndi's next trick she will complete thirty four errands in one day while still managing to eat and clean the cat box!!!" "OooOOOoooo!" Seriously.. the list of why we DON'T go to church can be easily compiled. Yet, for whatever the reasons we don't go, there are twice as many reasons why we should, and many times NEED to go.

"We as members of this religious community of memory and hope are called by the religious tradition in which we stand to be compassionately together with one another. When I attended a Unitarian Universalist church in the Chicago suburbs, sometimes I went to church because I wanted to be inspired. I wanted my empty spirit to be filled again. Sometimes I went to church because I wanted an answer. I wanted to be given the solution to a problem I couldn’t figure out myself. But sometimes I went to church just because I wanted to be present with other people who were struggling like me to make it from Monday to Friday. For that one hour of the week, the presence of those other people sitting around me was a powerful witness that I was not the only one experiencing both the joys and sorrows of being human. And often this was enough to get me around to Sunday again.

Yet in all of these kinds of situations, the urge to become Mr. Fix-It is always strong. Simply being there is a lot tougher than it seems. Simply being there requires us to understand that there are some problems that we by ourselves cannot fix. Simply being there requires that we let go of those feelings about what we are supposed to do as a parent, a spouse, a partner, a friend or an adult child." Dr Reverend James Kubal-Komoto on Living Courageously

The challenge is to over come our list of why "nots" and replace them with the much larger list of why we want and sometimes need to go.

For me it hasn't been easy, feeling out of place, often feeling a little embarrassed to present myself back to a community that I often have felt I had failed in projects, and in commitments I found myself picking out things that kept me from the church and stacking them on top of each other. Creating a barrier between me and a community that in reality loves me, my husband and what we contribute to the community. That barrier was built by me, and what was amazing is that I figured out that only I can break that down.

Random Facts About ME

2009-01-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

Well Facebook I think this is officially the first time I have actually decided to jump in on one of those note survey things yet this one seems like fun. :)

1. I am naturally comfortable in the fast lane, I love driving, I love fast agile little pocket rockets and hope to channel that energy towards becoming a race car driver. Starting with autocross

2. I inherit from many a generations of deep loathing and impatience with those who continually make poor decisions, can't learn from their mistakes or afraid to admit them and repeat them again... yeah I will basically hold those people as imbeciles, and I have a hard time removing people from that list, yet I have finally become aware of my behavior therefore I might just be able to improve it.

3. A good percentage of my lifestyle is very bachelor like, from eating peanut M&Ms for breakfast to applying the sniff test towards clothing I might want to wear yet are suspicious. I will eat a raw potato and even drink out of the milk carton.

4. Living in the sticks is awesome, I love living out where there are trees, fresh air, little traffic and the neighbors are all friendly.

5. Sushi might be a good idea yet eating raw fish it not something I will ever be consuming, that is unless I have to eat it to save a life or something drastic like that.

6. I love Hebes... they are cute little bushes that come in many varieties, I have four varieties currently and will be acquiring more as the weather warms up. I love gardening in general and I would like to spend time volunteering at the arboretum.

7. School holds some appeal to me, not very much, anything even close to high school would make me fall over legs up, dead as door nail, cockroach style, so not really dead.

8. I have an unfortunate habit of gluing high expectations on to everyone's forehead, a habit that needs to be broken as it is unfair.

9. I want to be apart of children camps for the rest of my life, if not start one of my own. From Interfaith camps, horse camps to weekend retreats and songs around the camp fire, camp is where a lot of my best memories were made.

10. Must have been shortly after birth that I was injected with goof juice, I am happiest when I can just be my goofy self.

11. Getting better yet I would consider myself overly sensitive to the world around me, therefore I like to keep drama at least 50ft away at all times for everyone's emotional and mental safety

12. I erase those out of my life that are glowing with self centered intentions.

13. Music is my key to experiencing spirituality

14. I miss my teen youth group experiences

15. All the critters that live at our house are truly amazing and mentor me in ways I never though possible.

16. Last but not least my husband truly is perfect for me, how much more can you ask from a person that accepts and loves you for who you are no matter when or what is going on.

In the middle somewhere....

2009-01-16T19:40:00.000-08:00

Hello? Hey, you... yes you glued to your cell phone, your ipod, busy juggling life hey, yeah you, no pay attention...

That is what is being yelled at our generation every day...

PAY ATTENTION TO ME... From gyms, to schools, credit card offers, to every kind of techno gadget that flys onto the market generation Y you are under attack with a demand for your attention, your participation, and your well yep money.

So who are we...?
Our parents are the baby boomers and we were born any where from 1978 to 2000. Which makes an estimated 76 million of US in the United States. That's a lot!

So what are we doing?
Well lets see... technology has really become an intense world of choas that we have adapted to being able to juggle, from Ipods, cell phones, simultaneously chatting on instant messenger, working on blogs, forums, watching television and listening to music just about the same time, we can do all this and still. All of this is just adding and building upon our main task, creating a unique identity, and our ideal lifestyle.

Okay, so that is the very basics about us, yet from my experience the other generations have been been as easy to except this busy, revolutionary generation into well, just about anything.

From Understanding Generation Y

"Running down the list of various events that have occurred during the lives of those in Generation Y, it may seem that the group will become identified with cynicism, skepticism and pessimism in comparison to past generations. According to the January 2006 newsletter of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, statistically speaking, “antidepressants, prescription medication and other behavior-altering drugs, such as RItalin, [making] Gen Yers the most medicated generation in history.”

With advertisers hitting us from every corner and basically everything around us demanding our attention and demanding we choose their idea for our lifestyle, I personally find myself stuck in the middle of younger and older generations feeling eh... I don't fit in.

So watch this video... and get to know generation Y just a little bit better...

Yet, generation Y has stirred up employers as they have seen our passion that can easily be harness with some mentoring and positive environments, we are not afraid of trying jobs out, and leaving when our work and life balance gets out of whack.

From Time Magazine: What Gen Y Really Wants

"They grew up on the Internet, and they know how to launch a viable online business. Facebook, for example, began in a college dorm room. With all these options, Generation Y is forcing companies to think more creatively about work-life balance. The employers who do are winning in the war for young talent."

Basically young adults... we have to hold in there, and keep up the creativity, the amazing ablity to multitask and create high quality, and still strive to carve our names in the history books, sure we are very blessed, if not spoiled way beyond the generations before us, yet still we have a responsibility to also get our hands in the pot and use our amazing talents to make this world even more awesome, safe and peaceful for the generations to come. Other generations, find us on facebook, twitter, on blogs, in forums, find us leading your congregations, managing complex projects and designing the architecture of the online world. That's right... we Rockxors your sockxors.

Here are a couple of videos about Generation Y! :)

Advertising to Young Adults

How to Reach Generation Y from a niche perspective.

Nothing is impossible

2009-01-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

Stepping Up

2008-12-30T18:11:00.000-08:00

Its basically quiet, maybe you hear the dogs scratch, snore or wake up from a dream of chasing squirrels. The lighting in the house is normally minimal mostly because as I turn on a light my husband is right behind me turning it off.. Thoughts of dinner, chores, phone calls and other activities I need to or want to do stream through my mind. And I think... how very fortunate I am, as my life is wonderful, these seemly normal evenings did not just come by chance, no they were built with a lot of learning, lots of love and everlasting support. Its not just the evening, it is our whole lives, covered in a chocolaty goodness that is glowing with examples of so many

wonderful, generous and kind people that stepped up to the challenge
of being mentors and fans

to Eli and I. Speaking for myself I can say that through my childhood even now in my young adult journey I have many people that are at all times ready and willing to be supportive, listen, and walk with me as I learn, experience, and develop who I am and support what I want to steer towards.

Because growing and and blooming together really is what is all about... right?

Here are some resources about being a mentor or finding a mentor...

I recommend if you are a youth check with your school's career or life skills office as they have resources to find a mentor, you can also check you local community center, YMCA, church or have your guardians work with you to sign up for big brother big sister. You probably already have mentors in your life, like coaches, teachers and family that are ready and willing to support you and help you achieve your goals and improve and expand your opportunities for learning.

Alright adults you can become a mentor may ways. Yet youth aren't the only ones that need mentors, considering "adopting" a senior, there are lots of organizations that also can hook you up with a young adult that is need of someone a little closer in age to help encourage them and be their cheerleader as they pick up their lives. Check out your church for mentoring opportunities from working with youth to being a marriage mentor to your peers. Or even volunteer at a local school with sports, classrooms or events.

Here are some tips for becoming a mentor:

Not sure where to start? Love cooking? Raise sheep? Think about speaking to a classroom about something you have expertise in. Make it something valuable and appropriate for the age level, make it interactive and fun!

Sometimes you may want to mentor someone with similar interests, like a student intern or a someone who would like to do a job shadow. This works well if the person has a strong interest in your field, professional career or personal interests. If you already work in education, connecting to this audience may be simpler.

Love what you do? Want to share your passion with new employees coming into your company? Maybe even offer some support to those who are interested learning a new skill. Check with human resources or a professional development office at your place of employment if you are an adult interested in becoming a professional mentor. They may have an established program.

Maybe you would like to help a child learn to read? Improve on their math skills? Or even play the guitar? Check with your local school district to learn if there is a formal student mentoring program you can contribute to in your spare time.

Volunteer in an area of your interest. Like Coaching, from soccer, to golf to little league, joining Big Brothers Big Sisters, or joining any other organization relevant to your hobbies and concerns can provide the perfect environment for mentoring.

Who says you have to mentor a person? Volunteer with animal shelters and rescues to help train and socialize animals so they can become adopted and make a positive difference in the families they live in.

Decide what your experience, insight and advice would offer someone. You can even mentor through social media, like twitter and facebook, especially if it is something to do with growing their career, or following more of a life coach roll. Ask family and friends whom they would see as a good match for you as a mentor.

Approach someone you have in mind and discuss how you would like to help them as a mentor. Discuss their goals, a timeline, and how you might be able to contribute.

Here are a few thinks to check out:

Mentor.ORG You can search for mentoring opportunities close to you!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Volunteer at the YMCA

Volunteer Match

Volunteer Opportunities with Idealist.org

Humane Society of the United States

Writing a letter

2008-12-29T15:32:00.000-08:00

Writing a letter doesn't sound so hard does it? I am a little perplexed with this one, yet it is a fun challenge! My 14 year old niece has a school project to ask people around her to write her a letter that she could open for her senior year.

When someone asks you... "where do you invision yourself in five years..." heck how really knows how to answer that one? Writing a letter for my niece to be opened four years in the future really is quite similar... what do you say? "You will do great kid! Keep up the great work?"...

I started thinking that things could be dramatically different in four years. Just think about the technology we have evolve over the last four years? How about the state of the economy, the change in friends, where we live, what we do, how we do it... amazing how the time seems to fly by.

So, I think I will start off with writing about what is going on now, what we are all doing. then go on to a paragraph what it was like when I graduated high school, what was going on. Then I will pass it on to asking her some questions about what she wants to do now and encouraging her that she can make her own path, and really anything is possible with a positive enthusiastic determination.

Christmas.. so far

2008-12-25T20:47:00.000-08:00

Snowed in, I know you have already heard that we are basically running out of ways to describe how a few feet of snow can really make you appreciate nice dry weather, heck we even praised the rain coming down.

As I am sitting here now, relaxing with a dog snuggled up against my side on our couch. I am very thankful to say that I got my wish of hosting a little Christmas at our first home.

Prime rib, green beans, red potatoes, rolls and yes even cupcakes blessed our table with a simple nontraditional Christmas feast, my mom and her boyfriend Rob came over and shared a delightfully relaxing and lay back Christmas. It was the first of many holiday events that didn't fall through. From holiday functions, to movie nights, performances, and services everything seem to be canceled or we were unable to attend because of the weather. So this time Christmas came to us!

Update from Winter Wonderland

2008-12-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

Working home again today, both Eli and I really appreciate having the option to work from home. Luckily we stocked up for the storm and didn't really have much reason to leave. Well, until yesterday morning I found the donkey covered in snow. Not sure what he was doing all night... so I found a place that had a blanket in his size yet we tried getting both of our cars, and both got stuck in the DRIVEWAY, yep thats right we have over a foot of snow and both cars became stuck, so after hours of digging, pushing and convincing the cars to go back in the garage we gave up adventuring out.

We did however call in a favor from our neighbor who has a truck with plow on the front of it. I am guessing with all the snow he is VERY busy yet we are hoping he comes and digs us out.

So I am thankful that my Mom is going to pick up Jak's blanket and bring it over, little donkey will apprecaite that.

Our horses share a big 100 gallon water tank and it has a heater in it, so no big deal about water. Yet, they hay gets a little crunchy... they don't seem to mind if I sprinkle a little grain on it.

The dogs are having a blast! You would think I had two huskies or something they LOVE the snow, they go tearing around the house at full speed. Silly creatures! They come in just ready and rearing to head out again. Hilarious to watch!

Thanksgiving Season

2008-12-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

Genuine Existence: Appreciating the world

For the last week I have been on a seesaw of emotions. I love the snow, hate the ice, love the beautiful winter picturesque landscape, hate the crazy winter drivers. I might be late, better to be safe... and on and on. The 7 plus inches of snow that has covered our little mini farm, my old honda accord, and has kept the horse and donkey practically little equine-sicles has made life a little more interesting. Yet on the upside I have been given lots of time at home with my husband and furry family which I have been asking for... The snow, ice and wind has triggered my appreciation for many, yes many things to be thankful for in my life.

This isn't thanksgiving, yet I believe this is still "thanksgiving" season. Being thankful and appreciating what I do have, what I have been given and what I have been fortunate enough to be able to give are all things that I need to remember, express and be grateful for.

I feel deeply loved and very blessed this season from a very supportive environment around the current role I fill, to my very loving husband, friends and family I have cheering for me each step of the way, to well basically everything around me there is a sense of appreciation I would like to express in detail through out few posts.

First off these dogs, oh my goodness they are goofy creatures. Pal the five year old border collie something, and the year old Dolly the border collie Gonzo mix are both hilarious. I appreciate their gentle nature, and silly demeanors. Dolly is the expert as keep away, and Pal is quite delighted to lay on the floor and play chewy face with Dolly.

They are both loving creatures that are both very willing to learn and teach me a few things as well. I love watching my husband interact with them, they are truly a joy.

I joke with my husband that these two dogs be of great help in his new favorite video game fable 2, especially when dealing with hobbes, Pal would bark and herd them all together, while Dolly would slap the hobbes and bite them, then he could use his level five fire spell and “voila!” all the bad ugly creatures are toast. Hehe..

Marriage Quotes I believe in…

2008-12-19T13:14:00.000-08:00

“All marriages are happy. It's living together afterwards that is difficult.” –Anonymous

Learning to live with someone with the full intention of living together well was easy to write, and probably fairly easy to say ten times quickly yet… it is not. There is a personal journey I embarked on when I first fell in love with my now husband, without tons of time to dedicate towards understanding my own needs, behavior, triggers and personality I really would have setup myself up to be doggie paddling up stream. Living together means understanding each others needs, boundaries, behaviors and coping. It means being able to compromise and communicate effectively, and be willing to stumble in the process, willing to focus, and just plain willing.

“Marriage is not a word; it is a sentence.”- Anonymous

Or a living novel, it is beautiful truly as complex and intricate experiences, emotions and behaviors weave a web of stories that can be related to, learned from and empathized with for ages.

“Some of the greater things in life are unseen thats why you close your eyes when you kiss, cry, or dream...” –Anonymous

Sometimes for me it means closing my eyes to mediate, and to focus, really allowing all other visual stimulus be guarded from that moment.

“I love you, not for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.”
- Roy Croft

This is an interesting quote, as it is a conversation that often comes up with friends, as sometimes we love what we become as we grow with those we love, and sometimes we are disgusted with ourselves and how we act, and how we have trained ourselves and our husbands to respond. Yet, being with someone who loves you for who you are is a great and precious part of life, and I personally believe I am a better person because of my husband.

Celebration

2008-12-14T09:28:00.000-08:00

As of the moment I am basically stuck at my house, when I would otherwise be at QFC looking around for some hardy living winter plant, looking for something that maybe could even be planted, something that would do alright if I wasn't around often to water it. Some thing just right, just perfect just beautiful.

Today is one of those days that would normally be celebration, laughter, memories, and maybe even a little cake, well minus the cake it could and should be just that. As today is a good friend's birthday, a friend that we shared our love for animals and our fiery love for life.

We some times were great friends, and some times we both competed to be the best in sports, in academics, and in trying our luck at the dating scene. The last year we really found ourselves checking in daily was in 2004, our psychology class. I admired her passion towards capturing the world around her on film, she was an amazing photographer, really had an excellent sense of what captivated a person about the beauties of the world around her. I also liked checking in as my personal stories where never quite as amazingly adventurous, from her 4H stories, to her adventures satisfying her the strand of rebellion in her hair, I loved spending time with her in the halls, and during that year I only lived a few blocks away, she would give me rides home, so that I wouldn't have to ride the bus, yet once again I just enjoyed being with her.

Yeah for social networking, as our lives began to transition we both moved away from easy daily check ins, so we used MySpace to keep in touch, and sometimes we would talk on the phone. Yet not often enough.

My friend who I am speaking of no longer logs on to her myspace, yet you will see numberous comments from friends and family. Well, today is her birthday, so today I celebrate and appreciate the time I did have, the time I remember and I also remember how beacause of her I learned about myself, our friends and our family, I learned how people can come together support one another and I also learned that everyone is unique in how they see the world and how they want to experience and capture its beauty.

Thank you Paige.

Reflection

2008-12-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

The year is coming to an end, yet there will be a New Year beginning. Maybe it is the dark, wet and dreary weather makes me start to be reflective on the year, what ever conditions are driving my mind I am content listening to thoughts swirl about the year.

First off I have to say I have grown, learned and become more like the person I want to be over the last year. I have been open to new opportunities, building a strong network of positive people around me, and really letting my enthusiasm and curiosity for life bloom and be used to make a positive impact.

I have also learned about things I needed to back away from, and what I truly was passionate about that needed my focus. I also learned how to quickly create space in my life without upset in other areas of my life. I have learned to be sensitive to my behavior, my thoughts, and be willing to let myself fail and allowed myself to be supported by others.

This year has been filled with wonderful new friends, a new home, new adventures and many new experiences that I feel grateful to have. This year has really been themed around creating solid foundations, choosing focuses, and being generous.

As always I look forward to the future yet I appreciate the day I have been given and will continue to take one step at a time in this beautiful adventure.

Staying Healthy in Transitions

2008-12-07T00:02:00.000-08:00

Dealing with any new transition in life for me can be something I often watch as my behavior seems to ride on rails along the path how I want and need stability. I am the most functional and productive when I personally can remain stable, strong and focused.

I personally have a difficult time applying any other mechanism for my behavior as I sometimes look to those around me and their different styles of approaching and dealing with life, I often find myself mentally questioning their decisions, behavior and actions. Yet, we all make our nest comfortable for us, we make it as predictable and controlled to the best of our abilities.

I am carefully looking into the future with great excitement to see positive change in the large perspective yet if I focus in on the details of the surrounding lives around me; I notice lives changing quickly, their lives being pushed off the path of comfortable, controlled and understandable. From returning to a world that seems foreign after serving two tours in Iraq, struggling to find a job to support two children, one needing a surgery and a roof over their heads, to watching those around me struggle with the loss of their jobs, their homes, their children, and their health.

Life’s details seems to be watered when I raise my head to see the big picture, the bright shining positives out weighting the painfully uncomfortable details that blind me, and with great persuasion attempts to me into a destructive state.

I carefully listen to my own explanations, thinking I have a few choices, including becoming very involved, actively pursuing integration with in one of these machines. I could choose to be an observer only volunteering when confronted; I could step out and around the situation to remain focused on what is best for me, or how I normally become open to the positive as a group and remain flexible yet stable as an individual.

What do I mean? Be supportive of the big picture,

understand that no matter what everything will be okay,

and if we work together we can do amazing things, yet as an individual being flexible to decisions,

schedule, needs and health while also balancing my needs with those required to remain a functional, productive and stable part of the community.

Marines Send Food Requests

2008-12-01T14:40:00.000-08:00

I received this request from a good friend of mine serving in the Marines. I always feel delighted and relieved when I receive any information from him and his platoon yet this one I wanted to share with all of you as before he sent this list I was a little dumb founded on what to get them while they were serving.

I had to share this tid bit from his letter to all of us.

"I must ask that you all very kindly not send us anymore candy or sweets of any kind. The reason for this is two-fold. One, we have no more room to store it all. We have, and yes we weighed it, almost 80lbs of candy in a bin and almost ¾ of it comes directly from the boxes that I receive. And ladies and gentlemen, that was just from one mail drop. We have distributed as much as we can to other units, but we simply don’t have enough space. The other reason is that the amount of candy we have received is actually posing a health risk to us. We have plenty of food out here, but the only meal that is actually prepared is dinner so we fill the rest of the day by snacking because we are often times too lazy to cook food. Since we have an overabundance of candy, we snack mostly on candy. In case none of you knew this, we eat a ton of food in a regular day. Back in the states, most of us eat five full meals and still snack all day. So out here, because of the quality of food we are getting, or rather not getting, we have to eat a whole lot more. And candy is just not ideal for us. There are actually more reasons that I could list here, but to keep it simple, we’ll stick with those two. I have included a list at the bottom of this letter of items that we would like or need if you still have boxes you want to send out here."

Here is what his platoon requested which I am assuming is what other soldiers would also enjoy this holiday season.

"Here is the list of requested items from myself and the platoon.

• Beef Jerky (Oberto’s, Jack Links, SlimJim’s)
• Hickory Farm’s Sausages
• Authentic Italian Sausage and Salami
• Babyel (Sp?) Cheeses (Those small round red ones that come in red wax coverings)
• Power Bars, Clif Bars or energy bars of any kind
• Protein Shake Mixes
• Nature Valley Farms Snack Bars
• Fig Newtons
• Trail Mix
• Tortilla Chips
• Fruit Mixes
• Dried Fruits
• Backpacker Meals (Dehydrated Meals)
• Quaker Granola Bars"

Here are some links to other helpful tips when sending to soldiers
Top 10 Gifts for American Soldiers
Gift Ideas for Soldiers
Care packages for Soldiers

Support Troops
Any Soldier
Information on Giving

Nature's Playground

2008-11-24T21:46:00.000-08:00

Genuine Existence: Young Seek Nature

I remember sitting on my bunk, dangling my feet in a sort of playful silliness with one of my cabin mates. At the time we were being typical young teenage girls, giggling, having fun talking about school, our favorite horses, what would be for lunch that day, what was atypical is that we both came from broken families, both captivated by the seemed to be stability of the religious family. We both struggled to how to understand the changes with our lives, what our part of the story was, and what it could become. Oh how we spent our free time day dreaming about the type of horse we own, house, even husband.

Horse camp put me deep into the rustic woods, without electricity and little to no luxuries shared back home. Yet it was paradise, the fresh air and wild air was enough to make any person be convinced they were alive, feel their spirit and if anyone was willing the interconnected life would beauitfully unravel before any willing eye. The two of us, young and slightly scared of the world beyond the towering trees and humming rivers, took shelter in this retreat, a camp full of our favorite things, great people, good food, and natural beauty. We took advantage of the dusty trails racing as fast as our legs would carry us with hardly any focus as our laughter had a hold of our guts. We would fall into the thick grassy green meadow and roll in pure joy of feeling alive, feeling free.

It was a living fantasy riding through the mountains of the alpine wilderness upon a horse, a horse that I every summer became my best friend for that week. If you have ever spent a week, all day and all night with a horse you will realize that is about as close as magic as you may ever feel, those horses know the trails, they understand the switchbacks, cliffs and steep mountain sides, yet they are gentle and attentive their rider, being vigilant carefully listening, they can hear and see deer before I even notice them. The colors of the mountains truly are what must have inspired the greatest of artists as there is nothing there that could be conquered by the human mind. (click on image to visit Camp Wahoo's website)

Together my new cabin mate and I discovered friendship through relating to our home life, and we found comfort in having a person to be with. I was personally going through some difficult transitions in my life, from my personal struggles with entering into the teenage world, to facing the looming grief of watching my father battle cancer. Camp and this new friend brought me into a painted a world untouched by those things, for I had been swept away into a land of beautiful horses, campfires, endless rich forests, crisp spring water and dream like experiences.
Horse camp called out my very best, and being in a new world also can make me exposed and feeling powerless to the outside world. Yet, I do believe that the memories I held dear about horse camp on the borders of the Alpine Wilderness were fond enough to lead me to nest in the closest woods I could settle into without having to travel everywhere by horse.

Response from a Comment

2008-11-22T12:46:00.000-08:00

“You go against "taught" beliefs. How? How about a blog on that! :)” – A great friend surprised me with this prompt…

I guess from an early age I started seriously looking at those around me, really thinking about how their decisions and actions affect themselves and me. Realizing I needed to decide how each of my decisions effect me and those around me.

I believe society as a whole wants the same thing

To be Safe To be healthy To be happy To be loved and accepted

Humm…

Seems simple enough right…

I would like us all just admit and confirm that yes that is what we want…
I am not saying my path is the right way, yet this path, and attitude has pushed a lot of stress out of my life and opened my eyes to seeing what I can really do.

Yet, I think being aware of my own potential can often be intimidating. Overwhelming and frustrating as there are no quick ways in fulfilling the future. So, what happens I let other things retain my focus, I shove tasks in front of myself, and I fill my mind with thoughts truly brewed from emotion that dilute and confuse what I really know needs to be done, for example like being genuine every day.

How do I go against society’s push-me-pull-me mentality? The idea that you are to follow a certain path in order to achieve the greatest happiness and success in life… well I guess I stick to a very strong quote my minister shared with me during my intro to Unitarian Universalist class. He was referring to use this towards the bible yet I have adapted it to my overall checks and balances system of my brain filtering, to put it simply I think about this when anything is presented to me. “Take it seriously, not literally…” very powerful if applied to all the messages in the world, taking a serious approach allows me to have a safe distance to at least smell it, feel it,
taste it without letting it consume my mind with its doctrine.

Difficult to do since we are pretty much programmed to be a herd creature, I think many of our fellow specimens have with instinctual persuasion taken the lemmings approach to following one another with 100% confidence right over a cliff to their doom. Metaphorically I think we can go from a lemming, or sheep, chicken whatever other animal would throw its own life away purely because everyone else is doing it, and use this amazing free will we somehow harnessed to say eh… no thanks… yet I respect your decision to follow everyone and I am going to observe and learn what you do so that I don’t make the same decision because that decision goes against my primary goals in life.

Okay a little bit of a roundabout way of saying it. Yet, the simple thing is I try to pay attention to my reactions to situations, listen to my body’s responses and take things seriously not literally.

Appreciating Looking Back...

2008-11-22T12:03:00.000-08:00

Genuine Existence: Respecting and Appreciating the past...

Looking through my photos I took a moment to look through the photos I gathered with my Aunt and Mother to create my Grandma's memorial slide show. I found these photos particully interesting. Some I know little about yet treasure them as as much a part of my Grandmother's story as they are my own, and will be my children's.

My Grandma, Larna holding one of her only prized possessions a little African American baby doll.

Larna after having a rough start in life. Being farmed out to neighbors as her family couldn't afford to take care of her. She quickly found that she wanted to make other people feel beautiful. She enrolled herself in beauty school, this was her beauty school picture.

The picture below is of the beauty salon. Look at those old hair dryers!

My Grandma married a man that was handier than your average man, so handy in fact he figured out a way to pack up the whole HOUSE! And move it by truck to where it still stands in West Seattle. Check out the truck that pulls the house, and the guy on the roof... what is he doing? I guess for all I know it could be my Grandfather... amazing!

Then with a hammer, nails and a whole lot of raw carpentry skills here is the final home that my Mother grew up in.

The family, unfortunately I do not know who most of these people are. I am guessing my Mom and Aunt would have a better idea. Yet I really love this family photo. I know the middle lady on the couch is my Grandma, and the little girl standing on the back of the couch is my Mom and my Grandpa is holding her up there. then the little girl in front my Grandma is my Aunt. Otherwise your guess is as good as mine.

Honest with thy Self

2008-11-20T16:56:00.000-08:00

Genuine Existence: Being honest with myself

My mind is stirring, filled of all kinds of swirling thoughts, emotions, visions and a few distractions… OoooOOooo

Let’s see, hummm… (Tapping my foot) how to start this one off. Well, let’s start with

Once upon a time… in a far off land
aka the boonies, lives a girl that …

Oh no… that’s not it… okay try it again…

So I am that girl that lives out in the boonies, actually lives in one of the most beautiful areas ever. I am head over heels in love with this man I married, carpool with, share my dreams, fears and ambitions, eat with, learn with and everything in between. I am filled to the brim with love for life, a passion for cultivating strong caring relationships, supportive community, and justice. The house I live in is full with fuzzy loving critters of all shapes and sizes, well I guess a few have scales. Truly this life that I am leading holds a gosh darn huge amount of beautiful things. Expanding beyond the border of my day to day life is a network of really beautiful, talented and really awesome people.

Personally though I am attentive to my own thoughts, feelings, reactions, my overall health. It may sound easy yet being truly honest with myself can do a couple of things; Make me realize things I need to shed, or add to my life, habits, behavior or whatever involves “me”. Also being honest puts into perspective how much or little control I have, making me more aware to how I may need to adjust my eh… path.

Recently I have been very aware of everything going on around me, and making a conscious effort to continue propelling this overflowing positive energy in the right direction.

Exciting to think that taking the reins of my mind, listening to my body, and analyzing my behaviors has really refined my focus, and yet broadened my opportunities.

A Quote...

2008-11-17T15:02:00.000-08:00

“The best of man is like water,
Which benefits all things, and does not contend with them,
Which flows in places that others disdain,
Where it is in harmony with the Way.” -Tao Te Ching; 8 Water

Good, Better, Best

2008-11-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

I have learned to adapt a sort of "Good, Better, Best" system before I begin my next path, reminding myself of a clear perspective from the very basic needs to the most ideal.
During busy times there are more than enough thoughts, being tugged, and tossed around my mind saturated in emotions to justify investing some time doing some heavy filtering.

What are my needs?
What would be nice?
What would be ideal?

I go through this process thoroughly sifting through attachments to the past and needs for the future, carefully allowing myself to be selfish, giving permission to design a vision for the ideal.
Read the secret? Well, I can’t give any credit to myself for reading it, audio books currently have hold the highest percentage for actually given proper attention to. If you have read it you probably have created a similar theory in your own life, yet the story or the “secret” communicated in such a clear message as being “Law of Attraction,” is quite intriguing. As creating a vision for the ideal environment, situation, and even story is exactly what I am suggesting.

Just as the process of sifting sand for gold, I then take time with a careful eye for sifting out my desired scenarios analyzing my intentions for those wants, even the needs I have listed. Taking into account what is reasonable, what things I might be willing to compromise on, and what is completely necessary.

Took me a day to realize what I needed, a week to visualize what would be nice, and quieting my mind, soothing my sensitivity to know what was ideal.

Did it work?
Did all this introspective work actually pay off in any aspect?

Actually yes, and to be honest I would say 90% exactly what I was looking for, except that last 10% was a bonus. It seems being true to my needs and true to what would be best for my health, mentally and emotionally, being honest with my heart drove me to get me to a place that not only fulfilled my vision yet created a whole new canvass in which in the first time in a long time I can actually paint on.

A Fall Peom

2008-11-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

Beloved come sit with me,
I look to blame the darkness
for its added weight to my mind

The thick molasses of the early evening surrounds our every move
Its sticky, annoying and until we are together again it is anything but sweet

I sense myself stretching
Vulnerably opaque

Unraveling my now cautiously engineered web,
Each dew drop is a deafening whisper of gossip,
Adding weight, anticipation

Brace me for a moment
Let’s share the silence
For it is ours

An Update

2008-11-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

So, my blog has received little to no attention while I have begun a fantastic new chapter.

My new commute takes me on a daily journey through some of the most beautiful areas around, I actually look forward to getting up early, heading in to work and experiencing a phenomenal sunrise every morning.

I am rejoiced as I have stood up to what had been diluting my passion and crushing my vision. Now, I am surrounded by those who are excited to utilize my energy and talents while mentoring my direction positively.

The fall has always been a time that signify the transition of the seasons in one of the most dramatic ways, why not celebrate this by beginning new chapters of extraordinary proportions. From beginning new endeavors for myself, for my husband, our furry family, my community, church and now maybe even our nation.

The Paper Bird

2008-10-14T23:04:00.000-07:00

Genuine Existence: Making space for good things to fly in

Keeping space in my life has often been not a goal but a necessity as life. I have found myself at times slamming on the brakes of my race of life, the careless expenditure of my time, stuffing my hours with one thing after another, and as I catch my breathe I stop thinking, stop the questions and look around me. Truly there is a blessing of knowledge in every corner in my life, from the darkness to the shining times each moment is precious, each moment is worthy of reflection, time to set aside the emotions and strip the after math into its simple scared lesson.

Yet, welcome to fall, for me I love September, and October yet November brings more darkness, summons the chills to my once flip flop loving toes, and truly begins a season of habitual chaos. There has been a few things I have done to bridle the stress, anxiety and preserve myself and those around me as I not only need to prepare for the fall I need to, as silly as it might sound, prepare for the now. This means making sure to take care of myself, physically, emotionally, and making sure I am allowing myself to be in healthy environments and explore uncharted places with guidance, love and support. With this first step I then create “space”, whether it is physical distance, or just carving out dedicated time that allows for other “things” to be able, and welcomed to fit into my life.

Sometimes the process of deciding what things in my life may need to sit on the back burner if not thrown out with the trash can be either very easy, or very painful. In my recent experience I have found myself stretched, pulled, pushed and squished to the point where I really wanted and needed the love, yet without searching for it I found myself disappointed. My first day back from returning three weeks from my community, I was approached by ten people, that’s right ten people asking me to join, volunteer or lead. All good compliments, yet over whelming, on top of other reasons I was no looking forward to participating, or at least loaning out what was left of my energy and emotion.

Alright all of life is a transition, so I can’t really use that excuse yet when I have multiple transitions in progress I had high hopes of being able to juggle all of the new tasks. Yet, with a little hesitation I took my little race car to my meeting, expressed my opinions, and set some boundaries, that I was proud to say even with our large group were smoothed out rather quickly. I felt better that initially walking in the door, yet like I have said before I felt “off”. Different, not fitting in, is probably the best way to put it, I felt as if the time I have been investing some how had evaporated, as a lot of my good intentions often fallen into a deep dark hole.

I followed my team into the main building, and with full expectations of finding nothing in my mail box I was surprised to see that there was some kind of rolled paper in my box. “It must be some young adult flyer or something…” I mentally grumbled to myself. With some respect for the object I pulled out of my box I soon realized it was colored construction paper, I took a second, devoting my full attention on the object as I rotated it, I began to realize it was a bird sculpted from paper with a bright pink sticky note. “from Maia” I was delighted! As she is one of the girls in my RE class, I was so appreciative, proud and eager to present my gift around to anyone that would share in my glowing excitement. She remembered me, I got something handmade from a little girl that knew I would really enjoy that little paper bird.

Goes to show me, that when you take time out, and really appreciate the little things sometimes found in small dark cubby hole mail boxes your lesson is right there. My efforts had not evaporated nor had I lost my love, those who rallied around me to examine the little paper bird also poured their warmth on me, really that is it, when I slow down and express my appreciation, look for the beauty and the lesson, my needs are met, if not exceeded. So what to do with that little paper bird, well for at least a little while I am going to take it to work with me, so I can remind myself often to look for the little paper birds in life.

Trek to the Valley of Love

2008-10-08T20:31:00.001-07:00

Yes, November is quietly knocking at my door, which I am carefully anticipating the moment when I know it is here. As November brings thanksgiving which is the only time of the year that we are guaranteed to go to be able to go to Oregon, whisk ourselves away to see my husband’s family.

From the beginning of our relatively short time together Eli and I have been completely enamored with a family that truly is derived from the essence of love. Their faith in one another is beyond comparison, they all whether born in the family or have been come just as close as blood holds a deep compassion, respect with close to unconditional love for one another.

Great Grandma and Grandma live only a true hop and skip away from one another. Each one, at any time is excited to welcome you, and whoever else is with you into their homes, feed you and enjoy sharing conversations that work your gut, and warm your heart late into the night.

There is a herd of cousins, and friends there that fall in the same generation as my husband and I, as we all agree that our favorite past time is being with one another, laughing, for the boys a little video games, otherwise everyone really truly makes space in their lives to fit you in.

So, this November I am looking forward to making the trek down to the valley that we both hold as a sanctuary, for what is in their water that continues to fuel the fountain of love?

No need for them...

2008-10-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

Yet for years now I have LOVED thinking of names for BABIES!

I know what you are thinking... "Lyndi you are too young to think babies..." and I agree, yet I LOVE baby names.

Here are a few that I really like

Girls:
Cameo
Shelby
Holly
Olivia
Mabel
April
Joyce
Adara
Molly
Phoebe
Gaia
Shelia
Fiona
Anjali

Boys:
Austin
Leon
Oliver
Isak
Gavin
Orion
Diego
Owen
Lance

2008-10-07T21:26:00.001-07:00

So I am sitting at Leanne's and Jeremy's waiting for her Mac to load a patch so we can watch spore. Leanne made this totally awesome pizza, "home made awesome-ness" or chicken fajita pizza. Which Eli picked off most of the yummy stuff.

So now I am blogging while Eli, Jeremy, and Leanne eh.... draw pictures while they wait for spore.

Now that spore is going I am experimenting with semi live blogging.

Okay so I pay attention, I am going to stop. But spore seems awesome!!