Tomorrow marks Cluck's (aka Clark) first trip on an airplane.
eeek.
While I love my fluffy companion, I would be lying if I said I wasn't terrified out of my brains nervous about taking said furry friend on an airplane with me.
Here's the thing folks, while we all find crying babies on a plane a bit annoying, its understandable. You have a kid, you have to bring said baby on flight with you. Baby may not like flying, hence all the crying. While this keeps me from sleeping, I understand. Babies cry.
However, I don't anticipate that kind of forgiveness with a rambunctious dog.
Clark is NOT a lap dog... much to my chagrin. He only cuddles when he is dead extremely tired.
I am preparing myself for many "oh-you-are-one-of-those-girls-with-a-tiny-dog-in-your-purse" glares.
During the holiday season it is all too easy to get wrapped up in the gift giving (no pun intended). Amid all the hustle and the bustle of tree decorating, treat making, and ugly sweater partying, we can easily forget the reason for the season, if you will.
That being said, I wanted to share something that has helped me, each Christmas season, to remember the birth of our precious Savior.
Once upon a time, I was in the A Capella choir at the University of Utah. For our Holiday concert, we sang A Carol of Joy. Never before had the message of Christ's purpose- His love, His hope, and His peace- been so clear to me. Christ was born forme; to love, guide, and ultimately, to save me. No moment in history has had a greater impact on my life than the birth of this precious baby.
THAT is the reason to celebrate during this Christmas season.
And so, if you find yourself beginning to forget...
Lyrics:
Green leaves all fallen, withered and dry; Brief sunset fading, dim winter sky. Lengthening shadows, Dark closing in...
Then, through the stillness, carols begin!
Oh fallen world, to you is the song-- Death holds you fast and night tarries long.
Jesus is born, your curse to destroy! Sweet to your ears, a carol of Joy!
Pale moon ascending, solemn and slow; Cold barren hillside, shrouded in snow; Deep, empty valley veiled by the night; Hear angel music--hopeful and bright!
Oh fearful world, to youis the song-- Peace with your God, and pardon for wrong! Tidings for sinners, burdened and bound--
A carol of joy!
A Saviour is found!
Earth wrapped in sorrow, lift up your eyes! Thrill to the chorus filling the skies! Look up sad hearted--witness God's love! Join in the carol swelling above!
Oh friendless world, to you is the song! All Heaven's joy to you may belong! You who are lonely, laden, forlorn-- Oh fallen world! Oh friendless world!
(Photobooth: what fills my time while I procrastinate)
I have a problem. I am the world's biggest procrastinator... That may sound like some joke, but it's not. I procrastinate all too often. I push things off until I no longer can. I end up living on nothing but pure adrenaline until whatever I didn't do earlier is done. I have pulled all-nighters more times than I can count. I have likely taken years off my life (between the sheer stress and lack of sleep) in the process. So, my question is... WHY? Why do I keep putting off till tomorrow that which should be done today? I have every intention of getting it all done, but end up wasting hours in the getting ready stage, the preparation stage. It is so hard for me to get to the progress stage and when I do, it lasts no longer than a few hours at a time. It's frustrating, really. I have, somehow, trained my brain to disobey when it comes to this. And now, I have to retrain it. Its hard. Really really hard. And it hurts. But I have to... my college degree depends on it. Game on.
"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy"
-Francis of Assisi
A question that has been bothering me lately is WHAT CAN I DO? I see so many things in life right now that I just don't agree with. How do I become a part of the solution?
Perhaps this can become part of my hunt for a hobby?? :)
It was his birthday last week. So, this week's monday's musings will be in his honor.
The man you see pictured above is everything a good great dad should be and I am so grateful that he is mine.
Things I love about my Dad:
-He is funny. In that super corny dad way... but he still makes me laugh. Like the time he spilled frozen peas all over the floor and responded with "Who Peed on the floor?"
-Sometimes our musical tastes overlap... not always (i.e. Ted Nugent). But, when they do... its AWESOME. He has also introduced me to some pretty magical artists (i.e. Jonny Lang, Rascal Flatts, John Mayer, Colbie Caillat... to name a few)
-He is one of the most fiercely loyal people I know. For example... my dad went to BYU... but I chose to attend the University of Utah (they are BIG rivals, if you didn't know). How did my dad respond? He put on a Utah hat and cheered for the Utes from then on... even when his daughter isn't there to watch with him.
-He is selfless and incredibly humble. I was recently talking to him about a good thing that happened to him at work... something that HE made happen. I told him it must have made him feel pretty good to which he replied "Well, it made my boss look good and hopefully that made her feel good for hiring me." Seriously, Dad, you are a rockstar... even when you don't admit it.
- He is so thoughtful. From time to time my dad used to send me songs, via iTunes, that reminded him of me. One ended up becoming the song we danced to at my wedding (If you haven't heard "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts... look it up.) This is just ONE small example of the countless sweet things he has done for me.
-He taught me to love soccer. The U.S. may be a bit behind on figuring out that soccer is the best sport ever invented... but my dad seems to have figured this one out. Thank goodness!
Never have I ever doubted his love and support.For that I am so grateful.
In an attempt to blog more I am committing to Monday's Musings... This will just be random photos and/or thoughts about that day or other recent happenings.
I'm trying to combat a serious case of the Mondays on this cold and rainy day in Arkansas. This has included blasting my favorite Christmas tunes (a bit premature, I know), pulling out my favorite cozy sweater (nothing like cashmere), slipper booties (boots wif da furrr), and sipping peanut butter hot cocoa (sinful).
I'd say those Monday blues are certainly on their way out.
So, we are going to have a quick little story: A few weeks ago, J and I were discussing some things... you know, life things. In the midst of said talk, J says I need to find something I am passionate about. I wanted to respond with... "I DO HAVE THINGS I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT!"... but then I realized he was completely right. I don't have any hobbies that I am just so excited about. I need some hobbies that don't include taking Clark to the puppy park or wasting hours on pinterest. I'm not even sure where to start on this hunt for a hobby. And here's why: I don't know what motivates me... Actually, that is not true. STRESS motivates me. However, stress can't be a hobby. I've been trying to think of something I could do that would seriously excite me. Usually during this thought process I look a little something like the confused child above. So, folks, over the next few weeks I am going to be trying out some hobbies. Monday starts Rachel's quest to love running with the couch to 5k program. (I actually hope that this one sticks because a hobby that results in a shrinking waistline can be nothing but great.) I am open to all sorts of suggestions though... so, please... share your thoughts. Vent over.
So... I've had all these things that I wanted to post about... like my parents moving to Salt Lake City, UT... which was preceded by my final trip back to the only HOME I have ever known... about getting a puppy named Clark that I cannot talk enough about...or maybe I would blog about how my thesis is coming along. But, today I just don't have the time or the energy to share the details of all these exciting and scary things.
So, today I will just say that I am grateful for this girl...
(Admittedly, NOT the best picture... I mean... I do have a towel on my head)
(Claire and Clark)
She ran her 3rd half marathon in 3 months this past Saturday... and I could not be more impressed. I know she would probably be embarrassed if I said this, but she truly inspires me to make what I want of myself... to push harder and to expect bigger and better things.... BECAUSE.I.CAN.... Here's to you, Claire. Cannot wait to see where you go or what you do next... Thanks for letting me come along for the ride.
So folks, we did it. We finally made the move to good ole' ARE-KANSAS. Hence the title, living the American Dream... because everyone wants to live here... right? Anyway, so far, not bad so good. [Trying to keep things positive here!] Since I am a pro at this whole living in Arkansas thing (Two whole weeks, guys! Count 'em! 1. 2!), I thought I would share my initial impressions on my new home.
Things that are, perhaps, less than desirable...
-constant onslaught of creepy crawlies. Thanks, but no thanks.
- 90+ temps every day, PLUShumidity.
-Our garage is a tad bit small. Petry (my car) is a bit wide, which doesn't leave much space for Heidi (J's car).
- No Costco, no JCrew, no Anthro, NO NORDSTROM... essentially, no great shopping. sidenote: This COULD be seen as a positive as it will only add ANOTHER reason on my long list to trek up to Chicago.
- There is not a pantry... I REPEAT... there is NOT a pantry. Our home is pantry-less. So, we have resorted to storing our pantry items in our kitchen cabinets and drawers.
Good Things...
-Loving our new little home (if for no other reason than my larger closet. More space = more clothes, right?)I'll post pictures as soon as I can find the camera.
-Since we will be here for a little while, I finally feel ready to invest time in decorating. (So, if anyone has some fun decorating ideas, feel free to send them my way!)
-Everyone is SO friendly here. Its a nice change. Now, don't get me wrong. Utah people are plenty nice. However, it doesn't come close to southern hospitality.
-The next door neighbors have this dachshund (who is GIANT, btw) that has the most ridiculous bark you have ever heard. Now, some may think that would get irritating. However, I can only hear it when I walk outside... and its so funny sounding that I can't help but smile.
-The humidity works wonders for my skin. -The Wal-Mart stores here are much nicer than elsewhere. This is good due to the fact that it is pretty much the ONLY grocery store there is here. - We have our own little backyard...perfect for a grill and there is plenty of room for a little puppy to enjoy! (Now, to get the puppy)
