Life Happened!

It has been way too long since I wrote a blog post. It’s amazing how quickly life gets in the way when you let the habit slip. And there has been so much life over the past six months! It would be impossible to do it justice in a single post. Since my last update I… 

  • Learned the meaning of ‘homeownership’ and a few of the joys and woes that come with it.
  • Watched my personal Wonder Woman marry the love of her life.
  • Was swept off my own feet by the shiniest of knights. He’s a keeper!
  • Returned to my home state where I climbed to new heights with new people.
  • Congratulated friends and family members as they welcomed new families into the world.
  • Sent up a prayer to my guardian angel.

And of course, I had to stop and smell the flowers.

There have only been a few times in my memory when my life completely exploded. Once or twice, there were tears involved and a monumental helping of uncertainty. Sometimes there was nothing to do but sit back and enjoy the ride as everything was turned upside down. No matter how terrifying or thrilling it may be, there’s something bittersweet about waving goodbye to the person you used to be. But in each and every one of these cases, my world was forever changed for the better. All those pieces that had been blown sky high came falling back to Earth and landed exactly where they were supposed to. I’m thanking God every day for all the dreams that are coming true. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

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POTD: Sunshine and Ladybugs

Today I am kissing the weekend goodbye with a photo gallery from my most recent adventures out on the trails. Even the tiniest speck red on the wings of a ladybug or the faint blush of fresh spring blossoms is enough to make me long for the kaleidoscope of vivid greens, yellows, blues and nearly every other color under the Sun which graces Valparaiso amid the heat of summer. What colors did you notice today?

POTD: Flannel Friday

The seasons are changing and soon the days will be far too long and hot to cozy up in your favorite flannel so be sure to enjoy it while the chill wind still breathes whispers of winter. To everyone nearing the end of a tedious work week, have a fantastic Friday! Don’t be afraid to crack open a bottle of your favorite beer to celebrate.

POTD: One Step at a Time

Once again I find myself trapped in the cyclical self improvement kick that never seems to stick long enough for me to feel like I’ve really got my life together. After months of social distancing, working from home and generally trying to avoid going insane in the quiet of my apartment, I am at last on the upswing of an emotional and mental slump (again). But we all have to start somewhere. Sometimes that just means starting over for what seems like the thousandth time. 

Today I greeted all of my work conference calls with confidence, I tidied my kitchen, I went for a run in the cool April sunshine (and discovered the pull of midwestern bird watching) and I cooked up a pasta dinner for the week. Looking around, it doesn’t feel like much. There are more conference calls and follow ups waiting for me tomorrow. The dishes neatly stacked by the sink still need washing. I still wish my belt sat just a hair more loosely around my hips and spaghetti was hardly a health conscious dinner choice. 

However, the only way to move forward is by putting one foot in front of the other. Today I took the first step. Did you? 

POTD: Nature’s Cobblestones

I couldn’t resist snapping this photo while out for a morning hike around Indiana National Dunes with my family this weekend. As a family of hearty Colorado hikers, we happily embarked on a new adventure, choosing the longest trail we could find which is a loop that skirts the very edge of the state park. The return trip is mostly walked on the stony beach. I found many improbably shaped, weather smoothed stones. Of course, I had to show them to my dad, the Geologist of the family. I can’t wait to explore more in the coming months. 

POTD: Happy as a Ladybug

Yesterday was Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of the week leading up to Easter and Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. While Holy Week is a time of reverence and celebration for Christians everywhere, this year’s festivities hold particular significance to me as the week will conclude with me completing my baptism, confirmation and first communion at the Easter Vigil mass. 

After almost two years of questioning and preparation, I will finally officially enter the Catholic church. I can’t wait! Not words I ever thought I’d use to describe the electric enthusiasm with which I approach these holy sacraments. Happy Holy Week! May yours be blessed.