Strangely Thirty

Five a Month

2011-01-02T05:56:00.000-08:00

Hey there! I am linking up with Jess to do a Five a Month project. Basically, I will list five new goals for each month of the year and report back on my progress (good or bad!). Here's the "official" word from Jess:

So here's the plan:
Every month, I will start out the month by posting a list of five goals for that month.
I will try to be specific, or make them measurable in some way.
At the end of the month, I will report back about how & if I met those five goals.

My five goals for the month:

1. Memorize four scripture verses or passages. I am going to memorize Psalm 1, 2, 3, and 4 - one each week.

2. Journal daily.

3. No internet/cell phone playing around until after work (except on Saturdays). I can check my email but that's it. (Obviously this excludes internet use for work.)

4. Vacuum and dust once a week.

5. Make a budget and stick to it!

(As an aside, I am also going to join Weight Watchers next weekend. A sixth goal, really, is to follow the plan and stick with it!)

If you want to join up, go over to Making Home and share your blog link!

Christmas

2010-12-24T08:09:00.000-08:00

There are some Christmas songs rattling around in my head that are extremely meaningful to me. It sort of stuns me when people say they don't get into the religious part of Christmas, because Christmas is all about Jesus. You can't escape it. And Praise God for that!

Peace on earth, and mercy mild -

God and sinners reconciled!

Radiant beams from thy holy face

with the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth,

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

How silently, how silently

the wondrous gift is given,

so God imparts to human hearts

the blessings of his heav'n.

No ear may hear his coming,

but in this world of sin

where meek souls will receive him still

the dear Christ enters in.

And yes, I know this isn't a traditional Christmas lyric - but isn't it what even Christmas is really about?

And when before the throne

I stand in Him complete

"Jesus died my soul to save,"

my lips shall still repeat.

Merry Christmas!

My Top Christmas Etsy Finds

2010-12-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

This year, I really wanted to give gifts that were more meaningful. I strive to do that every year, but this year I feel like I actually succeeded! Some of the gifts were still store bought, of course, and some were still practical (i.e., clothes). But I also found some awesome finds on Etsy that I thought I'd share in case anyone wanted them!

The first is cozy blue. (The words are a link...don't know why they're the same color as the rest of the text.) She has "simply crafty handmade goodness," which ranges from pillows to kids' hats to dolls to this gem that I got for a family member.

The second shop I love is hopeink, who creates "art inspired by scripture." It's so beautiful. I have found many things I'd love to give other people, but truth be told? I bought this for myself. I just need to get it framed now.

Another shop that has adorable stuff is emily hampton. I had a custom state print made for my roommate from North Carolina. It's adorable.

These are just a few of the treasures floating around Etsy (it's seriously new favorite window shopping experience). Enjoy!

Christmas Around These Here Parts

2010-12-18T07:51:00.000-08:00

Hi! I've got nothing to say for myself and my absence, so I'll just jump in.

Kim at Simply Me wants to see what you do for Christmas, so I took some pictures. Christmas for me takes place mostly at my parents' house, and my roommate just left for her parents' house, so

Christmas around here is pretty but sparse. Plus, being unmarried and without kids, I guess I

just don't have as many of my own traditions? I don't know. But I do have

decorations, and I LOVE winter and Christmas. So there you go.

This is my Christmas tree. It was one my mom bought for her kitchen one year, then was on her front porch the next year, then she gave to me. It's tall and skinny, which I love; it's also crooked for some reason this year (it wasn't last year - but I couldn't get the top in straight this year?), which I don't love. But it's cute and it's mine and it was free and pre-lit, so it wins. It's got brightly-colored ball ornaments to fill in, and it's got lots of ornaments I've collected over the years.

This is, I believe, the oldest ornament on my tree. My grandmother used to buy us ornaments when we were little, and she got me this one when I was maybe 5 or 6. I remember getting it, I just don't remember how old I was. If you look closely, she's holding a little pie. Also, she has

real lace on her apron. And she's actually a bell. My mom used to put colored lights on the inside of our windows when we were little (and then she'd let us sleep with them on, which means she was the best mom ever), so I would put this ornament on my windowsill with the lights. It was awesome. I really love this ornament.

This is the newest ornament on my tree. (Technically, that is false. I have one I just got from my Secret Santa at work, but it's a snowman that has

a sort of strobe-light effect, and this one is more sentimental. So this is the second newest ornament on my tree.) Anyway - it is one I got last Christmas from my mom, and as you can see, it's a cap and fake diploma. Cute, huh? This was right before my last semester of graduate school, when I was knee deep in What If I Don't Make It blues. So this was sort of a hope symbol/reminder that the end was near. And it was. Because I actually did graduate - and seven months ago! I should probably update my twitter profile...

This reindeer is cute, and sits on a shelf on my computer desk, and holds a tealight candle. One of my students gave it to me. I really just like him, and wanted to share. This also opens up the place where I can apologize for the bad photography - I had to use my cell phone.

But maybe someday I will own an awesome camera. I'm hoping!

This gem is from the beautiful q.a. designs. Not only is it gorgeous - it was free. This is the beauty of handmade/small shops - they do awesome stuff like this. The print is on the blog. You can just download it, print it (I'd recommend cardstock), and frame it. Check out her etsy site - it's amazing! I'm already trying to decide who needs one of her gorgeous state prints! I framed this in a frame I had in my closet and placed it in my kitchen. An easy, five minute Saturday morning project! Bonus - it can stay up all winter!

This is my "tree topper" of sorts - the highest ornament on my tree. I love it. It's cutesy, yes, but it's what should be at the top of Christmas.

About Thirty

2010-08-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

So I turn 30 in two days. That sounds...mature, which I certainly do not feel! I am spending the bulk of my birthday at a work retreat (which does sound mature) and then going to a cake decorating class (also mature, but fun!) and then hopefully doing something fun (not mature?).

I realized a week or two ago that it wasn't that 30 felt old, it was that 30 felt mature. And I certainly don't feel mature. A LOT of people have said they don't feel mature at 30, either, so at least I'm in the club. Also, 30 feels like an age where things should be accomplished. Like I should be married, and have kids, and be established. I am single, I have no kids, and I still rent. At least I have a career of sorts! Interestingly enough, I read something yesterday or today that gave me peace about my life. And I can't remember WHAT it was or WHERE I read it, which is frustrating. However, the gist of it was that...OH! I remember! That when you give your will over to God, you surrender the "Dreams Come True" aspect of childhood. (and I read it at cjane's archives...see the button) Not that dreams are bad, but in reality, if dreams came true we'd all be walking around naked and late for class. (SO TRUE, cjane.) And that by surrendering my will over to God, I am allowing his will to take place - and that's exciting for me! I'm walking with him and letting him do what he will with my life. And if I am truly wanting to seek and follow his will - then I am certainly okay with my "dreams" not being true yet. They might be fulfilled someday, sure! And that will be awesome, if it's in God's will. I'm just excited to be following him.

So...this will most likely be my last post in my twenties. It's been a fun ride. This is the most random post anyway, so I think I will list a memory from each year in my 20s...

Age 20: I went on my first international trip - a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. It was amazing and wonderful. We got stuck in the DR because of a volcano eruption in the Caribbean. It was just two extra days, but it was fun. I got a stamp in my passport (gosh, I got a passport!) before I turned 21, and had an amazing growing experience. Also at age 20 - I think I decided what to major in.

Age 21: September 11 happened. This was just a mere month after I got home from the DR, but it was obviously memorable. I remember driving home that day not knowing what to think - would people be coming up and attacking everywhere? Scary. Also at age 21 - I found out I would be an aunt!

Age 22: I became an aunt. My sweet niece was born 22 days after my 22 birthday. Instant love. Also, I graduated from college. Which was monumental...but I barely remember it. But I remember it feeling monumental. My brother left for Iraq...and I got my first real job.

LOTS HAPPENED AT 22!

Age 23: Well...it doesn't feel like much happened at 23. My brother came home from Iraq, so that was good. Otherwise, 23 feels uneventful.

Age 24: I met some of my best friends ever, over the internet, through a TV show message board. It was awesome. I might have met them at 23, but we'll call it 24. Either way, they've been my friends for nearly 6 years now. They're wonderful and amazing and we love getting together whenever we can. Also, right before I turned 25 my dad had double bypass surgery. This awakened a huge fear of mine (that my dad would die of a heart attack) and a huge relief (he came through surgery beautifully).

Age 25: I had a surprise 25th birthday party. Also, at 25, I began classes to become a nurse. I am not a nurse. I did well in the classes, but financially...yeah.

Age 26: I made the rough decision to forgo nursing school at the moment and just work. I did get to become a nanny, which I loved. I spent a summer in CA, which I also loved, but which was not the best situation. Oh, and at 26 my baby nephew was born. He's not a baby anymore but I love him so terribly much it hurts sometimes. What is it about boys?

Age 27: I moved to Chicago for two months. I was going to go to nursing school there too. But I couldn't find a job. And there's like NO financial aid for returning bachelor's students. SO, I moved home. And decided that I would apply for a teaching program. Right before I turned 28, I got hired as a special education teacher.

Age 28: I started my first teaching job. I was freaked out and scared and got hurt twice the first week of school. But then it got better and I started to love it. But I also was in grad school and it was hard. I had no time for anything. I pretty much forgot a bunch of stuff that has happened in the last two years. Seriously.

Age 29: Nearly 30, sure, but I GRADUATED WITH MY MASTER'S! This was huge and significant and it was one of the happiest days of my life. Not that I was proud of myself, but that God pulled me through a really difficult time and set my feet on solid ground. (Also, my littlest niece was born.)

So anyway. Here's to 30!

I know no one reads this.

2010-07-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

However. I do intend to try to post more often. I think it's good to process stuff and also, there aren't many single 30-year-old teachers out there, so why not clog up the internet with my voice.

Right?

I'm doing penguins and polka dots in my classroom this year. Trust me. It's adorable.

Miracles, Both Big and Small

2010-02-09T14:57:00.000-08:00

1. Snow days. I love snow. It's beautiful and peaceful and it just reminds me of a simpler, easier time. Before I had a job.

2. Friends who insist you stay with them to share in the snow day. The snow is more fun with three kids, four adults, lots of snacks, and a giant snowman named Fred than it would have been alone.

3. Having my finances somewhat in order.

4. Big, fatty snowflakes falling from the sky on our already six or seven inches. Snow day tomorrow, anyone?

5. A miracle in the making for this little boy. God is at work.

Two Trees

2010-01-02T06:50:00.000-08:00

I started reading the One Year Bible yesterday. (I don't say this to sound holy or pious - I've started it before and never finished. But my goal is to finish it this year.) I was reading Genesis this morning, and a thought struck me. First, the scripture:

Then the LORD God said, "Look, the human beings have become like us, knowing both good and evil. What if they reach out, take fruit from the Tree of Life, and eat it? Then they will live forever." So the LORD God banished them from the Garden of Eden.

The reason this jumped out at me this morning is because of something I read yesterday. God gave the people permission to eat of every tree in the garden, every tree, except the one they chose to break the rules for. They could have eaten from the Tree of Life first, and they would have had eternal life from the get go. But they chose to disobey, to take the less fruitful (no pun intended!) path, and die. It wasn't immediate death, sure, but it was such that they were forced to plow and plant for their food, that they were removed from God's very presence.

It's really easy to judge Adam and Eve and think that we would never do something like that. But oh my, how I do this daily! I choose to complain and grumble, I choose to curse instead of bless, I choose to do all these things instead of follow God's commands. And they all lead to death. Maybe not immediate physical death, but death of my spirit being one with the Lord's.

My goal for 2010, aside from the typical resolutions, is to be a person of peace, joy, and light to those around me. To choose the Tree of Life.

Top Five Finds of the Last Five Years. For me, anyway.

2010-01-01T12:23:00.001-08:00

Growing and adjusting to life in my late (oh dear) 20s, I feel as though I have come a little more into who I am and who I want to be. This list is sort of a sketch of some things that I love, that introduce you to me a little more!

1. Lisa Leonard jewelry. I gave two of these necklaces as gifts this Christmas, and I own one that I bought two years ago. She does amazing custom designs and beautiful special designs. The customer service is amazing.

2. 1154 Lill Studio. This is a purse design studio that I discovered in Chicago when I lived there a few years ago. I got my first Lill purse this summer, finally! It's this big beauty right here:

: The Charlie in Spring Sprigs fabric

I can't wait to get another one when I can afford it.

3. The Lose It app for my iPhone. Let's just be honest. I have weight to lose. And I've done Weight Watchers before, and I really really like the principles behind it, but all that stuff to carry and record in and the books and so on? Just too much for me. This app lets me count calories and add food and exercise and it's all contained in one place. It also helps that I love my iPhone. (Love it.)

4. Sharpie Pens. I am seriously obsessive about my handwriting. And Sharpie Pens are beautiful. They don't bleed through paper yet they write like a fine-tip Sharpie Marker. I actually got some for a Christmas present this year.

5. Shabby Apple. I was so very excited to find these dresses. It's so hard anymore to find classy clothes that don't show every bit of skin you have. Now, I will admit that I haven't bought a Shabby Apple dress yet, but I have plans to in the next week or so. (Happy New Year to me, you know?) I have my eyes set on this one:

: Jitterbug - it's so pretty!

I also like a couple others. I feel like I might start wearing dresses more with these around!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! What beautiful finds did you make in the last 10 years?