There is a reason I write a lot more than I talk. Well, I’m sure some would debate that, but at least when I write I don’t end up hiding my face in embarrassment (that you can see).
what i didn’t say
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quiet reminders
It is God who arms me with strength
and keeps my way secure.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he causes me to stand on the heights.-Psalm 18:32-33 (HCSB)
lean in
I had the opportunity to witness a ‘drop the mic’-like situation happen at work this week. We were nearing the conclusion of our monthly all-staff meeting. And it was one for the books. The energy was awesome, people were engaged and we just had some really great content shared throughout. Also, on another positive note, I’d only been made fun of about six times (which is basically par for the course #easytarget). But when Mike (our office lead, aka big cheese) concluded the meeting with an acknowledgement that we have a choice to make, it struck me. It wasn’t just about work for me. It was about all the things.
finding joy
Holy geez. This summer is a tough one. I may have actually told my mother today I’m giving up. But you know what? That’s not a dang option. That ain’t no … ? I don’t know. I’m trying to be grammatically correct, yet emphatic. Got me? Anyway, I’m going to find some joy tonight and you know what very quickly and easily brings the joy? I know you do.
wordless wednesday
Raise your hand if you all love storms as much as I do! (you can put it down now.) When I was little, my dad quite literally scared the crap out of me when we had a tornado warning. He made me stand outside and I’m certain a funnel cloud was a foot above each of our heads while the flag turned completely around the pole. Because there was no good reason in all of anything to hang out longer, I ran outside vowing never to leave the house again. Hey, I was young. Continue reading
long days, short years
It’s another one of those quotes that’s likely already reached cliché-status at this point, but I never promised originality up in here. I also happen to like human beings with the name Gretchen. How’s that for informed decision-making?
The days are long, but the years are short.
guatemala redux (part 5)
Most often, I’d say after three months and five parts, you have to find a conclusion. There is honestly so much more I could share but I’ve lost my voice this last couple of weeks (mostly literally) from this lovely pneumonia-ish thing that’s flung me back with a reminder I’m just not in control. I’ve really felt for those who struggle to breathe due to chronic illnesses or worse. You have my utmost respect for the patience you must find on a daily basis.
But, Guatemala. Last I left you we’d finished our Wednesday and we were hungry for more. Today, I’m going to do my best to limit the words (no voice, remember!) and share photos of what our final two and a half days were like. Honestly, there aren’t enough words in all of ever to talk about Friday or the Saturday morning we departed. That’s what photos are for. So with that, let’s wrap it up.
guatemala redux (part 4)
This week has been a hard one. So, my heart is looking for some reminders of what it felt like to be in Guatemala. Mike actually told me he missed my Guatemala face. I am pretty sure I got some sun? I definitely didn’t look Guatemalan, though. But really, I looked healthy and happy and not exhausted (like I do). I miss that place and that feeling of just … peace. Life just isn’t a rush there. I’m sure for many of our friends that move their lives to Guat the wait for nearly everything, e.g. car insurance, can send one into hysterics, but honestly, what’s the rush? Just like mornings on the roof, breakfast arrival at 8 and frozen mango cups you can drill at with a plastic spoon for an eternity if you’d like (still such a great idea, Anita!), the pace is just less frantic than here in the States.
the birthday girl
I feel like I have to apologize because everyone my friend Doug keeps asking for more about Guatemala, but today? Well, today it will have to wait. Instead, it’s a time for a different kind of celebration.
guatemala redux (part 3)
Are you ready to talk Tuesday? Isn’t that how they always tell people to keep going … one day at a time? I mean, I don’t want to rush it or anything. To be honest, I kind of love that this takes forever because every time I get to write about Guatemala again, my heart starts to swell and I feel super happy. But I also realize that we’re aging. So, I’ll get right to it.
