line a day: "friends are family."
gratitude: both my line of the day and my source of gratitude this afternoon come from the same place - this weekend was one of the best in recent memory. old friends and new(ish) friends came together and reminded me of what i have always known about myself, but sometimes takes a bit of a review - that no matter where i live, i have been the most blessed, most incredibly lucky person on earth to have found the friends in my life. they raise my spirits, put smiles on my face, food in my belly and a light in my heart and i find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for them today.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
line a day: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with the. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus...
gratitude: I am thankful to work in a community in which faith can be expressed and discussed. I am thankful for Adam, my family, my friends, my home, my job. I am thankful for the things I take for granted. I am thankful for my life and the life of those I love.
gratitude: I am thankful to work in a community in which faith can be expressed and discussed. I am thankful for Adam, my family, my friends, my home, my job. I am thankful for the things I take for granted. I am thankful for my life and the life of those I love.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
line a day: Dear God, Thank you for my beautiful life and forgive me if I don't love and appreciate it enough.
gratitude: This class! I know we are only on day 10, but I already feel so much more at ease with this class. I was not sure I could have made it through another class like last year, so THANK YOU GOD for giving me the class I have now.
gratitude: This class! I know we are only on day 10, but I already feel so much more at ease with this class. I was not sure I could have made it through another class like last year, so THANK YOU GOD for giving me the class I have now.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
8.30.11
line a day: Take chances…a lot of them, because no matter where you end up, it always ends up just the way it should be. Your mistakes make you who you are. You learn and grow with each choice you make. Everything is worth it. Always be you…and know that to anyone who truly loves you, being is yourself is more than enough. -Sex and the City
gratitude: i'm thankful today that bad days end so that new ones have the opportunity to happen.
gratitude: i'm thankful today that bad days end so that new ones have the opportunity to happen.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
8.25.11
line a day: "The work you do while you procrastinate is probably the work you should be doing for the rest of your life." -Jessica Hische
gratitude: today i am thankful for paul. we've been through so much and will go through so much more, and i am so lucky to have him as my partner in crime.
gratitude: today i am thankful for paul. we've been through so much and will go through so much more, and i am so lucky to have him as my partner in crime.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
8.24.11
line a day: "i may not have gone where i intended to go, but i think i have ended up where i needed to be."
gratitude: today i am thankful for the fact that, while fights are awful, they don't last forever and he'll still love me after they're over.
gratitude: today i am thankful for the fact that, while fights are awful, they don't last forever and he'll still love me after they're over.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
line of the day: "When you meet that special someone, you realize why it didn't work out with anyone else." - as Adam and I sat at the fair, singing I Shake My Hair Back and Forth, while my parents laughed at us, I had this exact thought.
gratitude: The Iowa State Fair! I haven't shown at the fair in 8 years, but I still get that giddy, excited, nervous, happy feeling every time I walk onto the grounds. I'm so thankful I got to share the day with my family AND friends!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
8.16.11
line a day: "a happy life must be to a great extent a quiet life, for it is only in an atmosphere of quiet that true joy dare live.”
gratitude: today i am thankful to have such a wonderful weekend to look forward to - hard to believe i'll be reunited with SCU people in just a few short days!
gratitude: today i am thankful to have such a wonderful weekend to look forward to - hard to believe i'll be reunited with SCU people in just a few short days!
Friday, August 12, 2011
8.12.11
line a day: "if you're loved by someone, you're never rejected. . . decide what to be and go be it"
gratitude: i am thankful for an open weekend with nothing to do but enjoy time with the love of my life. it's been a long, rough week and we both need this time more than we know. oh, and for the cake i made yesterday. that sh*t's good.
gratitude: i am thankful for an open weekend with nothing to do but enjoy time with the love of my life. it's been a long, rough week and we both need this time more than we know. oh, and for the cake i made yesterday. that sh*t's good.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
line a day: Acting like a kid saved my relationship.
gratitude:
I am thankful for...
- Adventureland.
- couple friends.
- Adam's new job.
- going to back to school.
- that we are going back to school together.
- the roof above our heads (instead of neighbors!)
- cheese dip.
- 500+ thread count sheets.
- passion.
- the blessing of finding a best friend and a partner in life.
- puppy chow possibilities.
- pinterest.
- brownie batter.
- parents who just pop up to see us.
- pepper jack cheese.
- technology.
- agriculture.
- home.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
8.2.11
line a day: (lines, again).
These questions have no right or wrong answers.
Because sometimes asking the right questions is the answer.
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
Which is worse, failing or never trying?
If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?
What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?
If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Would you break the law to save a loved one?
Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?
What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?
Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
Why are you, you?
Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
What are you most grateful for?
Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
Has your greatest fear ever come true?
Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?
What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
If not now, then when?
If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?
If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
What is the difference between being alive and truly living?
When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?
If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?
What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?
In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?
Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?
gratitude: today i am thankful for another beautiful year at the cabin.
These questions have no right or wrong answers.
Because sometimes asking the right questions is the answer.
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
Which is worse, failing or never trying?
If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?
What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?
If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Would you break the law to save a loved one?
Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?
What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?
Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
Why are you, you?
Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
What are you most grateful for?
Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
Has your greatest fear ever come true?
Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?
What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
If not now, then when?
If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?
If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
What is the difference between being alive and truly living?
When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?
If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?
What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?
In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?
Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?
gratitude: today i am thankful for another beautiful year at the cabin.
Monday, July 25, 2011
7.25.11
line a day: 'develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” -Brian Tracy
gratitude: today i am thankful for an absolutely wonderful weekend with the best friends on earth. and i am thankful that i was able to find myself a DRESS that i looooove!!!
gratitude: today i am thankful for an absolutely wonderful weekend with the best friends on earth. and i am thankful that i was able to find myself a DRESS that i looooove!!!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
7.21.11
line a day: (more like many, many lines)
I believe . . .
• In the sound of the Snake river as it slowly sweeps past my grandfather’s dock
• That mothers truly can be daughters’ best friends, and vice versa
• That uncooked baked goods are infinitely better than their baked counterparts
• That there isn’t much that makes me happier than direct sunlight sparkling off of my engagement ring
• In thinking in French, even when no one else is doing the same
• In the power that photographs have to trigger myriad emotions
• That I should not be seeking fulfillment in my profession
• That cheap champagne tastes just as good as the expensive stuff—most times even better when consumed with excellent company
• In blasting music as loudly as my neighbors will tolerate
• In the power of a country song played while zipping along a lake in a speedboat
• In giving all of myself, even when others aren’t willing or able to do the same
• In spending an entire day reading without feeling guilty
• In being so excited to be a wife
• In making lists for any and everything
• In telling people I love them as much as I possibly can
• In girlfriends new and old
• In laughing as much as I can for as long as I can
• In the wisdom of my grandparents
• In the healing power of the mistakes my parents made
• In sundresses for every occasion
• That high heels up my confidents level 105%
• That smiling at someone can change their day
• In missing people so much it hurts
• That the sun heals my heart
• That there are some song lyrics that, no matter how long it’s been since I’ve heard, will immediately come to my mind verbatim
• That people can surprise you
• In the feeling that knowing you’re home brings
• In trying to learn something new every day
• In dinner parties with close friends
• That one glass of wine is rarely enough
• That cereal is a food group
• In my own talents and abilities
• That where I am is a direct result of where I have been
• That friends are family
• That there is no such thing as too many hugs
• That speed limits are guidelines
• That grilled cheese without ketchup is a waste
• That I often forget how many blessings I have been given
• In relinquishing control as often as I can allow myself to
• That I will always be happier if I walk to do an errand than if I drove
• In collecting quotes that move me
• That I have so much more to experience
• In the excitement that traveling brings
• That I determine what type of day I’m going to have as soon as I get out of bed
• In scarves
• In speaking my mind, even if I’m scared to
• In making my bed every morning
• That fast food after 1:00am doesn’t count
• In doing my best, always
• That black and white photographs make me happier than color ones
• That the morning is the best time of the day
• In multiple exclamation points
• That beautiful plates make meals taste infinitely better
• That I need to give myself more credit
• In good handwriting
• That my passport will never have enough stamps
• That living in Paris changed my life
• In puppy chow
• In being challenged by difficult work and triumphing
• In exceeding expectations
• In marriage, even though it scares me
• That people can change, if you let them
gratitude: i am grateful for the fact that tomorrow will be friday, and i will see some of my best friends.
I believe . . .
• In the sound of the Snake river as it slowly sweeps past my grandfather’s dock
• That mothers truly can be daughters’ best friends, and vice versa
• That uncooked baked goods are infinitely better than their baked counterparts
• That there isn’t much that makes me happier than direct sunlight sparkling off of my engagement ring
• In thinking in French, even when no one else is doing the same
• In the power that photographs have to trigger myriad emotions
• That I should not be seeking fulfillment in my profession
• That cheap champagne tastes just as good as the expensive stuff—most times even better when consumed with excellent company
• In blasting music as loudly as my neighbors will tolerate
• In the power of a country song played while zipping along a lake in a speedboat
• In giving all of myself, even when others aren’t willing or able to do the same
• In spending an entire day reading without feeling guilty
• In being so excited to be a wife
• In making lists for any and everything
• In telling people I love them as much as I possibly can
• In girlfriends new and old
• In laughing as much as I can for as long as I can
• In the wisdom of my grandparents
• In the healing power of the mistakes my parents made
• In sundresses for every occasion
• That high heels up my confidents level 105%
• That smiling at someone can change their day
• In missing people so much it hurts
• That the sun heals my heart
• That there are some song lyrics that, no matter how long it’s been since I’ve heard, will immediately come to my mind verbatim
• That people can surprise you
• In the feeling that knowing you’re home brings
• In trying to learn something new every day
• In dinner parties with close friends
• That one glass of wine is rarely enough
• That cereal is a food group
• In my own talents and abilities
• That where I am is a direct result of where I have been
• That friends are family
• That there is no such thing as too many hugs
• That speed limits are guidelines
• That grilled cheese without ketchup is a waste
• That I often forget how many blessings I have been given
• In relinquishing control as often as I can allow myself to
• That I will always be happier if I walk to do an errand than if I drove
• In collecting quotes that move me
• That I have so much more to experience
• In the excitement that traveling brings
• That I determine what type of day I’m going to have as soon as I get out of bed
• In scarves
• In speaking my mind, even if I’m scared to
• In making my bed every morning
• That fast food after 1:00am doesn’t count
• In doing my best, always
• That black and white photographs make me happier than color ones
• That the morning is the best time of the day
• In multiple exclamation points
• That beautiful plates make meals taste infinitely better
• That I need to give myself more credit
• In good handwriting
• That my passport will never have enough stamps
• That living in Paris changed my life
• In puppy chow
• In being challenged by difficult work and triumphing
• In exceeding expectations
• In marriage, even though it scares me
• That people can change, if you let them
gratitude: i am grateful for the fact that tomorrow will be friday, and i will see some of my best friends.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
line a day: ok, you're in for way more than a line... 32 truths for mature humans
1. I think part of a best friend’s job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I’m pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren’t going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don’t want to have to restart my collection…again.
13. I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. “Do not machine wash or tumble dry” means I will never wash this – ever.
15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? **** it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn’t answer? Drop the phone and run away?
16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
17. I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
20. I wish Google Maps had an “Avoid Ghetto” routing option.
21. Sometimes, I’ll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.
22. I would rather try to carry 10 over-loaded plastic bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to finish a text.
24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
25. How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said?
26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?
29. There’s no worse feeling than that millisecond you’re sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
30. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate bicyclists.
31. Sometimes I’ll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
32. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey – but I’d bet my *** everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!
gratitude: Adam and I have our first pet, Bartholomew Bata, together! This must mean we are serious or something...
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
7.19.11
line a day: when there's nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire."
gratitude: today i am thankful for AIR CONDITIONING!!!!!!!!!!!
gratitude: today i am thankful for AIR CONDITIONING!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, July 18, 2011
line a day: “Do something about it. When something is troubling you, make the commitment to change it. Then begin to act on that decision right away. Some of the influences in your life are under your control, and many of those influences are outside your control. Yet you can always decide upon and put into action a positive response to anything.
Don’t sit around being amazed at how miserable you are and at how unfairly life is treating you. Instead, be amazed at how quickly and effectively you can do something about it.
Don’t complain to others about how tough it is for you. Instead, inspire them with your positive and enthusiastic attitude and actions.
When the world feels all wrong, that’s a valuable signal. It’s your way of telling yourself to get going and make a difference.
You have plenty of good options if you’ll simply make the effort to find them. Pick the best one, get busy putting it into action, and take positive control of your world.”
-Ralph Marston
gratitude: today i am thankful for a wonderful weekend to look forward to . . . friday, can't wait to see you!
Don’t sit around being amazed at how miserable you are and at how unfairly life is treating you. Instead, be amazed at how quickly and effectively you can do something about it.
Don’t complain to others about how tough it is for you. Instead, inspire them with your positive and enthusiastic attitude and actions.
When the world feels all wrong, that’s a valuable signal. It’s your way of telling yourself to get going and make a difference.
You have plenty of good options if you’ll simply make the effort to find them. Pick the best one, get busy putting it into action, and take positive control of your world.”
-Ralph Marston
gratitude: today i am thankful for a wonderful weekend to look forward to . . . friday, can't wait to see you!
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