Waiting Here For You

I've been working from the comfort of my local coffee shop, Taszo, lately.  I get so much done here.  While I work I listen to Pandora.  I have my pandora station set to play the perfect list for me!  Its a mix of folky country, worship music, etc.  I get my Lone Bellow fix along with my Jesus music.  

As I was listening, Waiting Here for You by Christy Nockels came on.  The song made me pause my work to really take in the words and meaning.  This song speaks right to the heart of where I am right now.  I am in a place of expectation with my Lord.  Not an expectation without faith. I completely trust in His desire to provide. Its a sweet spot to be in.  Its like the child waiting on the father, the sheep waiting on the shepherd.  There is no doubt that He will come through.  I just want to sit in it, praising and trusting in my Lord.  I don't get this whole thing right a lot of the time, but knowing He is the author of my salvation, my life, my destiny keeps me moving forward. I know a lot of people in my life don't get the faith I have but it really is my most precious possession. I can't imagine my life without Jesus as my Lord.  I wish at times I could better articulate that but for now it will just have to be the way I live my life.  

If faith can move the mountains
Let the mountains move

We come with expectation

Waiting here for you, waiting here for you

You're the Lord of all creation

And still you know my heart

The author of salvation

You've loved us from the start

Waiting here for you

With our hands lifted high in praise

And it's you we adore

Singing Alleluia

You are everything you've promised

Your faithfulness is true

And we're desperate for your presence

All we need is you

Waiting here for you, Lord

With our hands lifted high in praise

And it's you, Lord, we adore

Singing Alleluia

We will wait for you, Lord, he'll stand with you

We will sing alleluia

Singing Alleluia, alleluia

Singing Alleluia, alleluia

Waiting here for you

With our hands lifted high in praise

And it's you we adore, we adore

Singing Alleluia

Waiting here for you

With our hands lifted high in praise

And it's you we adore

Singing Alleluia, singing Alleluia

Waiting here for you

With our hands lifted high in praise

And it's you we adore, with our lives

Singing Alleluia, singing Alleluia

MIA

WOW... so its been a while since I posted anything. 

Didn't notice? 

Yeah me either :)  

But I am back.... atleast I think I am.  

Been working on a few things that I look forward to blogging about some time. I have been busy living life, enjoying friends... you know... stuff.  

I'll leave you with a few photos.

Our Words Have Meaning

I am a firm believer that we should always be students. Life s full of lessons and we have a choice to learn in those moments or stay in a land of immaturity, naivety, and ignorance. If we are honest with ourselves we all take the latter road at one point or another. Life or someone in our life may call us on where we are and we may choose to make excuses to stay just where we are. And if we are lucky, life, or the people in our lives, will continue to stick by us even as we live in a state of ignorance. If we are believers our relationship with Christ is hopefully that voice that steers us towards truth. Sometimes our selfishness or our patterns keep us from seeing or hearing that voice. 

I've definitely been there lately. I've chosen the latter, sometimes intentionally and sometimes just simply stuck in my ignorance. One of the voices I've been hearing lately is the one gently correcting me as I rant and rave about the "issues" in my life. If I feel I've been wronged or misunderstood then I complain to someone I trust. Then that complaint seems validated because I feel better and somewhat confirmed in what I've said. Very rarely do I address the issue head on but rather I complain the feelings into life.  I give them feet and hands sometimes. I start looking at the  source of my complaint as the thorn in my flesh instead of the gift they are from God. I no longer look for reconciliation or renewal rather I look for ways to avoid and reject responsibility. 

I am a person who believes the bible is the true word of God and is, among other things, meant to aid and guide us in the way of our Lord Jesus. I believe every word is God breathed and with purpose. I'll be the first to admit I don't get all or much of it and I scratch my head as to the reason for some of it but I also believe those parts have purpose and meaning only the Lord can truly understand.   Given that, I often feel like I have a voice and live a life of a hypocrite because in my actions I am living blatantly outside of what his word speaks to.  My words are not edifying. They don't bring renewal or truth. They are only used to advance my agenda and my desires.  As I was thinking lately about how abrasive my words can be, I've had a few verses pop into mind. As I sat down to look them up I was reminded of the weight of those verses and the impact they can have. 

 

The latter verse strikes a special chord in me! How easily our tongues can destroy any witness we have of the goodness of the lord! 

The thought that started this process happened as I heard myself rant to someone very close to me. I trust this person never to repeat the hurtful things I was spewing but as I was talking I imagined a speaker being hooked up to me without me knowing it and screaming these sad words to the people I never really wanted to hear them. Just how hurt they would be. Then I imagined their hearts breaking at the pettiness I was displaying when a simple conversation would have awoken us all to the pain being experienced.  I started to hear the pettiness, the miss represented behaviors and the lies in what I was feeling and in what I was saying.

As a Christian, God calls us to a higher standard. One that represents his desire for renewal, righteousness and peace, not one of selfish ambition, one upmanship and pride. Finding your way out from under the pile of waste built up over years of bad habits, false ideas and sin seems so daunting. Clinging to the One who brings revival of the spirit and the soul is my only choice and it's one I yearn to have. Choosing to no longer sit idle in the pattern of indifference is my next step; refusing to let spiritual laziness have its hold on me is my next goal.  

What is Normal for Me?

Life (overall) is pretty easy and fantastic compared to most people in the world. I get that, but I am really ready to have normal back.  I am ready to have my routine back.  The one where I work 2 days in the office, three at home.  For the last several weeks life has been too unpredictable.  I haven't known what was going to happen in a given week and I am realizing my personality doesn't like that long term.  First with the sudden labor of my dear friend and watching their kids, then a trip to see my parents, then the loss of my grandma and the loss of my roommate/best friend's grandma, then jury duty and now sickness and jury duty.  

I am not complaining or trying not to at least. I like that I have a life that can be flexible, that can be of help to people. Half of the things mentioned above I was happy to do or be a part of but quite honestly, I need a normal week or two where I know what's going to happen. One where I can make plans or not make plans.  One where I can go into the office and see my staff and not feel rushed or out of sorts.  One where I can make plans for my shop, my blog and yes even writing.  

What I am trying to do, in my human effort, is get a grasp as to why 1) its getting to me 2) why some things happen all at once 3) what and where does God want me?

I am in a place where I am blind to what He is doing.  Mostly because I have let myself get there but I also think he has me in a place of purpose, I am just not sure what that purpose is and how I can make it known.  

Life Giving

I am coming out of a season of dryness, loneliness and disillusionment.  I have spent most of my life wanting.  Whatever my current circumstances are, I find myself wanting something I don't have.  Whether its friends I don't have, a family I don't have, money I don't have, career that I don't have, faith I don't have, etc, I can always identify something that I wish I had.  Rarely do I stop and look at what I do have and how God has blessed me.  I have alot.  Today, I'd like to share with you the things that are life giving for me.  THese are things that wake me up in the morning and give me something to look forward to.

THIS BLOG
Although many days I truly struggle with where I am going with this blog, I do enjoy its role in my life.  I love that its giving me an outlet to write.  My writing is not where I want it but its definitely further along than its been in a long time.  The fact that I am writing in a public forum is a huge deal for me.  Also, the friends I have made through blogging has been amazing and so very encouraging.  I look forward to being more intentional with those friendships that have formed.

MY SHOP 
Over Christmas, my sales had gone up.  It, at one point, was almost overwhelming but it was so much fun.  Its opened up a creative side in me that I look forward to.  I've been exploring new ways to create and sell and its truly been a joyful process. I can't believe God has allowed this to be an outlet for me.  Although this will feel like a shameless plug, I did want to share with you my latest creations. I am deeply proud of these pieces and am just so super excited to share them with you.  There are codes available should you want to purchase them (no pressure). I'd love love love if you tweeted, pinned, facebooked, etc about these new additions. I'll send you a 30%off code if you help plug my shop in 5 different ways. Links are available below if you want to go directly to the shop.

Large-Knit Chunky Wool Blend Infinity Scarf - $14 $12 with Code:LIFE15

Gray, Chunky, Cozy Infinity Scarf/Shaw/Hood - $23 $20 with Code:LIFE15

Misty Wool Blend Infinity Scarf - $25 $22 with Code:LIFE15

Moonlight Wool Blend Infinity Scarf - $25 $22 with Code:LIFE15

Taupe Large Knit Chunky Infinity Scarf  - $13 $11 with Code:LIFE15

MY CHURCH
I recently was able in a place to communicate my needs and desires regarding my role in my church.  For the longest time I held resentment towards where I felt I was and/or should be in regards to my role.  It wasn't until I stepped forward and explained where i was and what i needed that I was able to truly feel connected and at home.  It was such a growing step for me. I finally realized that we can't expect people to know where we are at if we haven't done our part in communicating the need. Now I feel like I am in the right place, doing what gives me life.

MY FRIENDSHIPS
This one, for me, will be harder to articulate because I am still in the process of figuring them out but I will try.  I have a few friendships that I truly feel are God given gifts for me. The kind that I know are perfectly wrapped gifts from God to Me.  They give me life and energy and show me a glimpse of what His love is for his people and for me.  

I also have friendships that I am beginning to see are the other side of that. I know they are gifts from God but intended for the other person.  They are entrusted to me for His glory and not my own.  They require more energy, forethought and trust than the previously stated ones but they are gifts none the same and are precious beyond words.  I am learning more and more each day the value of those friendships.  They bring me outside of myself which, quite honestly, I desperately need.

These are some of the things I am grateful for and feel honored and blessed by God to have them in my life.  What are the things in your life that make you happy, bring you joy or make life worth living?  I dare you to write a post, comment below or tweet out what those are.  Believe me it will open your eyes up to some amazing things if you take time to discover what they are.

The Weekend: My Pathetic Breakdown

I am a classic introvert in an extroverts world.  I work for a church and serve with another church.  Introvert and extrovert are just labels but they are labels best used here to explain my mental state.  

When I say I am an introvert, I don't mean I am anti-social.  I simply mean I don't get my energy from groups of people or social interaction.  I love one on one time with people but I wear out pretty fast when in group situations for long periods of time.

Graphic courtesy of questionablylate.tumblr.com

I have been feeling fairly disconnected lately from the people I care about. Some of it was my own doing. I had unconsciously backed away from things but some of it was circumstances which made it harder to connect with those people. Nothing dramatic or bad just life creating situations where it meant we had to be more intentional.  Anyway, realizing that I was starting to be just that...more intentional.  The lack of connection was making me bitter, sad and alone and that needed to stop.  

But in true Kim fashion, life quickly got out of control.  I had gone from not doing much to do doing alot in a short amount of time.  Added to that work and church life was picking with the start of the new year causing me to have more on my plate.  NONE of which I was complaining about. I was actually loving it.  But before I knew it I was worn out.  The odd part was I wasn't unhappy or depressed or sad but emotionally I was beginning to feel more fragile. I couldn't figure out why all of sudden I wanted to cry.  I was enjoying myself but my emotions had another plan.  I was physically and emotionally tired.  That kind of tired where every part of you aches. You just want to close your eyes.

So this weekend, like every weekend this past month, was packed full of things. 

Sunday, I reached my bowling point.  I woke up early Sunday to get ready for a morning of work but one thing after another kept going wrong. In the grand scheme of things each of these were very very minor but built over the morning on a tired, probably hormonal female, I lost it.  

I woke up to a script for our announcements and a time change that meant mentally I needed to be prepared which normally is fine but not this morning. Then I was late leaving because I was waiting on a file I would need for the service. Then missing my train, I waited 25 minutes for another train making me 20 minutes late for work.  As I was preparing the 42 cup percolator, I realized a key piece was missing making the machine unusable which meant I had to quickly call in a Starbucks order, knowing it would take them 45 minutes.  As I left I asked my best friend to cut bagels for me since I was then going to be running around.  While I was gone, she sliced open her finger.  When I left to get the coffee I was teetering on the verge of an emotional breakdown but the time alone was allowing me to calm down a little.  As I walked back into the school I saw my friend sitting there and walked over to her where she told me she cut her finger. As I looked down to the bloody mess that was her finger I lost it.  Tears came out without the slightest bit of control. My best friend was sitting there consoling me and she had the cut hand.  This reality made me even more upset. I was losing it 1) at work 2) in public and 3) for something that wasn't happening to me but to her.  The anger at myself made the tears come more freely in sobs.  I couldn't gain my composure so I was forced to ashamedly text my boss to tell him I couldn't do my part in the service.  I felt humiliated and stupid for having to tell him I couldn't do it for the reasons listed above :/.  My boss is pretty cool and totally understood but still I felt humiliated. I don't back out of things easily. My sense of obligation is too high in me to ever do that but I couldn't stop crying and he didn't need that mess up there in front of 200 people.

I'd love to say that we came home and chilled out the rest of the day but alas, I had other things I had to do but the rest of the day was filled with less emotional outbursts and more fellowship with people I love which seemed to help.  Knowing that Mondays are an off day for me helped get me through the day.

I can't say that things are a mess in my life and that was what lead to my breakdown. It really was exhaustion.  My ability to process what is happening around me is next to nonexistent when I am tired.  Its the first thing to go and is usually a sign that i need to slow down. My issue lies in that i don't want to slow down, I am enjoying myself but I guess my body disagrees. 

Its so funny to me how differently we are all made.  How we adjust and react to life and situations.  We often want people to react emotionally the same way we do but yet we all have different perspectives, different values, and different personalities.  Times like these help to remind me that we all are different and require different things from the people around us.  We bring different things to the table which is what makes a great community. Celebrating and honoring those differences should be more of what we strive for instead of forcing each other into the same box.  

I hope you all had a great weekend!  

Thanks for stopping by!

I {Love} New York

I moved to New York almost 10 years ago. When I moved to the city it hadn't been my first choice nor did I think I'd be here more than the 2 year job I was taking.  Flash forward 10 years and I am as close as a lifer as i think i can get. 

New York to me is a person, family even.  I talk about her like she's a person.  I feel about her like I would a close close friend.  So it shouldn't have surprised me when I got offended when someone put her down.

I was walking to the subway last night when I overheard someone say "I really don't like the city."  You could tell the comment was made by someone who lives here or around here and not a tourist.  When she said it I had a physical reaction.  I almost turned around and glared at her.... but then the rational side of me realized. "Kim, she's entitled to her opinion."  

I don't get upset when people visiting the city or those who don't live here say they don't like the city.  I mean I feel sad for them :) But I don't have a reaction to their dislike but coming from someone who lives here I was deeply offended. It equated emotionally to her saying "I hate your mom."  I wanted to argue with her and tell her all the reasons she should love the city.  I felt bad for the city that this person said a mean thing about her.  

Ok I know I sound a touch crazy right now... and I kinda am... but it surprised me as much as its confusing you I am sure.  I've always known I had a deep love and affection for the city but I didn't realize just how deep it went until that moment. I get that people don't like the city but I just love it so much that I apparently have instant reactions to it :)

Now, I do like the suburbs. I secretly want a house with a yard and the ability to get in my car and drive 5 minutes to the store.  It took me an hour and a half to go 1 mile uptown to pick up dinner for a friend and then back down a mile to deliver said meal.... if i didn't live in the city it would have taken 20 minutes TOPS. I miss the convenience of living outside of the city.  I also need a vacation once or twice a year to re balance... but I do love the city... The funny thing though is what i love about the city is not really NYC related but the community of people here.  Yet I still get offended when people put it down.  

The city is a pretty great place and in many respects I kinda grew up here. I might have been in my late 20s and 30s while I've been here but I learned more about who I am here than I did before.  When people ask what i love about the city I can't tell them this museum or this show or this attraction. Although lovely, what I love more about the city is the feel, the people, the heart.  Something you can't really taste until you've spent time here.

Have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

List 10 random facts

In an effort to write more creatively or openly, I am using an idea from Brooke from Covered in Grace, 30 Days of Blogging Prompts who got the idea from @ Lashes & Beard.

So today I thought I'd start with the first one, day 1, "List 10 random facts about yourself."  I don't plan to go in order so just beware :)

So here it goes.

1) I was born in Landstuhl, Germany.  I was an Army Brat! 

2) I have a fairly small family and my parents are still married. I have one brother who is married with 2 kids (16 and 14).

3) I love the experience of coffee.  I love the taste but the experience of a good cup makes me so happy.

4) I have watched Pitch Perfect almost a dozen times over the last month... and I could watch it a dozen more.

5) I am an Apple Girl.  I have 2 Macbook Pros (1 is mine and the other is for work), an iPod mini, iphone, and an ipad.  

6) I can't have a meal without having something sweet afterward.

7) I am amazed at how messy I can be yet I am well known for being able to organize things sufficiently. (when its not my own life)

8) I have a problem with always seeing both sides of a situation. It always leads me to not know which side I land on.

9) I am a romantic at heart and a true softy when it comes to people reaching their dreams... no matter how small they are.

10) I can't stand the sounds people make when they drink or eat. It makes me crazy.

Just a little about me!

Practice Makes Better

One of my goals for 2013 is to write more creatively.  More specifically "8) Write at least one creative post a week."  So far I have failed at that but its still January so I am not a total failure yet (wink wink).

Now in processing what this means, I have had to decide what a creative post means? I think originally it was more creative writing style like fiction, poetry, etc.  I want to hone those skills more.  I truly think practicing your art will make you a more rounded artist.  If i wait until perfect inspiration comes I will never write.  

So, for me, writing at all is a good habit to start. I get so bogged down sometimes by lack of inspiration or the tasks of the day that its just not a priority anymore. So I have decided that writing creatively means writing about anything other than technical things and giveaways or blog hops.  DISCLAIMER - I actually love the technical things, giveaways and blog hops. I seriously enjoy them BUT they are also serious distractions from why i began blogging. I started blogging because I wanted the outlet to write and making it public (though a long process) was necessary for me.  I needed it so that i would no longer be a closet writer and so that i had a community that helped encourage my desires as a writer.  I got caught up in the social politics of blogging but now I want to go back to the reason I started blogging in the first place... to strengthen that writing muscle.  

SO What does that mean?  In our staff meeting yesterday our main administrator posed these three questions when communicating to our parishes. So What? Who Cares? & Why Me?  She stated that we should ask these questions when communicating to our masses.  Bringing this over to my blogging, I want to ask these same questions.  I realize that sometimes when I write, I shouldn't consider these questions because it could stifle the writing process but in the same respect I think they force you to look at what you write about and why and really dig deeper into the why.  So I want to take some time, at least once a week, to write. Just write.  They may be creatively written posts or they may be about life but I will write. 

Brooke from Covered in Grace listed 30 Days of Blogging Prompts this week.  They were realistic yet simple writing prompts.  I hope to use these to help get that writing muscle going.  I won't do them every day but often enough.

Day 1: List 10 random facts about yourself.
Day 2: Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and describe how they became fears.
Day 3: Describe your relationship with your parents.
Day 4: List 5 things you would tell your 16 year-old self if you could.
Day 5: What are the 5 things that make you happiest right now?
Day 6: What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
Day 7: What is your dream job, and why?
Day 8: What are 3 passions you have?
Day 9: List 3 people who have influenced you, and how.
Day 10: Describe your most embarrassing moment.
Day 11: Describe a few of your pet peeves.
Day 12: Describe a typical day in your life.
Day 13: Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
Day 14: Describe 5 strengths you have.
Day 15: If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
Day 16: What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
Day 17: What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
Day 18: What is the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
Day 19: If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
Day 20: Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
Day 21: If you could have 1 superpower, what would it be and what would be the first thing you did with it?
Day 22: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
Day 23: List your top 3 hobbies and why you love them.
Day 24: Describe your family dynamic from your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
Day 25: If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
Day 26: What popular notion do you think the world has wrong?
Day 27: What is your favorite part of your body and why?
Day 28: What is your love language?
Day 29: What do you think people misunderstand the most about you?
Day 30: List 5 things you would hope to be remembered for.

Thanks all for taking time out of your day to read my blog!  

Have a lovely weekend!

13 in 2013

Happy New Year!

How's your new year starting out so far?  Mine has been relaxing!

In 2010 some friends and I did a top 10 in 2010.  10 goals we wanted to reach in 2010.  We helped keep each other keep accountable and then reviewed our progress at the end of the year.  In reality I think we, on average, completed 5 or 6 of the 10 but for resolutions that's probably good.  

This year I decided I wanted to do 13 in 2013 but my goals aren't that big... at least not all of them are.  I am not one for resolutions because I am never good at keeping them but I am going to try at least to make some work this year. 

I'd love to have you join in. What are some of your goals for 13? Whether its 1 or 13, let me know. I'll do my best to check in with you on them.  

My plan is to blog about each of these over the next few weeks, giving you goal markers, explanations, etc.  Some might be combined posts but I should cover each one.

So Here We Go!

1) Work on my spiritual growth

2) Lose 13 pounds (or more)

3) Run 4-6 races this year (including a half marathon)

4) Read 5 books 

5) Finish reading through the bible

6) Learn to crochet

7) Get organized

8) Write at least one creative post a week

9) Write my first book

10) Build up my photography business

11) Do more New York type things

12) Get healthy

13) Meet my future husband.

Ok so these aren't in any particular order except the top one. Its my #1 for a reason.

Stay tuned for the how's and why's of these top 13 goals for 2013

What's Your Excuse?

I feel awful that I haven't posted much lately.  I feel like I have a sense of obligation to post more but to be completely honest, the last few weeks have been uber rough.  Between life, the demands of my shop and my mom being in the hospital for Kidney failure, I've been uber distracted.  If it didn't involve my paying job, my shop or my mom, it just hasn't been a priority.  Sponsor obligations have even been lower on the scale than normal.

I really wish I could do the "This week in Recap" in pictures. But all you'd see is pictures of my shop items strewn across my living room floor, a box of used tissues on my table and my computer on my lap.  

I am trying though and I plan to get back to it. I love the blogging world and I love being involved, I just haven't had it in me.  I know you understand because we have all been in that place before. Life happens and we just don't have what it takes to keep up with everything.

I'd love to say that its just my blogging that has suffered but many personal areas of my life has been suffering, including my faith and my walk with Jesus.  I just haven't been motivated or excited to do much of anything lately.  Its nothing that is new to any believer, i promise but it still feels pretty crappy when you are in the middle of it.  I'd love to hear what you do when you feel life has run you over. If you are a believer, what are some things that you do to reconnect with the Lord. If you aren't, what are some things you do to feel encouraged or motivated?  I'd love to hear from you! Seriously.  I need some accountability and some encouragement so I'd love to hear what you do when you feel down!  Also, what do you do regarding your blog or your work?  Do you have some advise on keeping up with things that take more energy than you have?  

I know that this is just a phase or a blip in the journey. I know that soon things will be better. I have no doubt that I will come through all of this stronger and more connected but for now I could use the extra help!

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{Post Sponsored by This Lovely}

A Tad M.I.A.

Hi friends!

I am sorry I have been a touch MIA lately. I had all these great intentions in November of writing more but November has kinda kicked my rear end.  In many ways its been good but in other ways its been not good at all.

My Etsy shop has been getting great business so its been keeping me busy.  Most of my items are made to order and are hand knit so it takes time to complete orders. I had one big order that needed to be in the mail by this past Monday so everything got put on hold.

On top of that I have been guest posting more than usual which I love doing but I soon realized I was writing more for other people's blogs than i was my own.  Don't get me wrong, I love doing that. But I realized the other day that I hadn't really written much for Singledou[b]t lately.

There was also the hurricane. It didn't really affect me directly but it sure did slow things down.

But sadly on top of that, I've had some family stuff going on.  I've been hesitant to write about it because it affects someone else in my life that might not want her business public knowledge.  I won't get into full details but I would like to ask for your prayers.  My mom had to have a kidney removed last week.  In the healing process it seems that her remaining kidney couldn't handle the stress and strain and started shutting down.  They believe she is in kidney failure. They are hopeful that if they put her on dialysis that her kidney will get the rest it needs and will begin gaining strength. Please send up prayers for my mom!  Pray also for my dad as I am sure this is hard for him.  My brother and I want nothing more than to be with them but for now he has asked us to stay put.  

Anyway, I am sorry for the email style post today but I wanted to let my friends and followers know what was going on with me and why I suddenly only talk about my shop and link ups.  I hope to soon be back up and running!

If you want to hear about what I have been doing lately or even what I am thankful for check out the following posts:

The Fontenot Four [Guest Post]

All My Love for All My Days [Guest Post]

Frugal Foodie Mama [Guest Post]
Let Me Pintroduce You~ A Small Shop Edition [Feature]

&

Mrs. Robinson's Holiday Gift Guide (launches Nov. 23)

Also, I made 10 pairs of these puppies this week.

I will be posting soon regarding my shop and the black friday and cyber sales going on.   I will be posting as well on the lovely folks on the top of my blog! Make sure you check them out!  

Have a great Wednesday!

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The No-Reply Syndrom

No I am not talking about No-Reply bloggers... though, I have a few opinions on them but you can read about that through other amazing bloggers like here and here.

I am talking about the invite, event, appointment type non-reply.   One of my BIGGEST pet-peeves (I have a few) is when people wait until the last minute (if then) to reply to an invite or event or even to making plans.  I mean seriously why is it so hard to hit reply even to say maybe....

But today I realized I am that person. [She said with shame in her voice] I am the person that makes people like me insane.  Two events, one last night and one tonight, I waited till the last minute to reply.  I didn't even hint at my attendance.  I just hovered and waited until I was sure I was going.

Its not that I think something better will come up.  With the one tonight I actually thought I'd have to do something else but it turned out that i didn't but even when I realized I didn't, i still hesitated.  I think its my introvertedness that stops me.   Although I really wanted to go to both, I was somewhat afraid to commit. Some days the shy button is hyper sensitive and I am not sure when those days are going to be. I don't get anxious. Its not an anxiety thing for me.  Its a comfort thing. I am afraid of feeling uncomfortable and in turn them feeling uncomfortable.  On top of that, I often will opt for a quiet night at home with a glass of wine, my knitting, and a good TV show.  BUT NO, I decided this week I wasn't going to do that! This week I was going to go out.  My roommate (with whom I do everything with) is out of town so I wanted to make sure I didn't become a hermit while she was gone.   I intended to be more intentional this week but hey going to these two events are pretty damn social for me :) plus I have had plans every day this week. 

So yesterday I hit RSVP - YES and it felt good to commit.  

Are you a wait and see person?  

I have pretty strong feelings on those people but this week I was humbled by the realization I tend to be that person.  I will try harder at responding appropriately.  Its inconsiderate when people are trying to make plans to hold off.  Your consistent wavering can really throw people's schedules or plans off, eventually leading them to not invite you anywhere.  A "maybe" is better then nothing. 

Just a thought.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.  Stop by on Sunday. I have a pretty fabulous giveaway starting!

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Its Raining Apples

This Sunday, I went apple picking with my church upstate.  Apple Picking is one of my most favorite events of the year. It was a tad rushed this year due to my needing to be at work at 3pm but I still had a blast and got lots of apples.  I would have gotten more but my budget and arms couldn't take much more.

 I took pictures with my real camera.  Maybe I will share those tomorrow!  

Anyway, so I have been struggling with what to make with my apples this year. Last year I did a series called "Apple A Day".   Over the course of a few weeks, I tried several apple recipes:  Apple Pie Cheesecake, Apple Pie Muffins, Apple Pie Bites, etc.  So this year I wanted to try different things but what to make?  Yesterday, I planned to make apple cider and/or Apple butter but had some other things come up so didn't end up doing those.  

Although, I did make one thing using the apples yesterday.  We made these Apple, Brie & Arugula quesadillas.  OMG.  they were so amazing.  I found some recipes yesterday that I think I am going to try and this was one of them.  Maybe I will make it again soon and will take better pictures.  

So, all this to say... What should I try this year?  I really want to make cider and apple butter.  Any good cider recipes out there? Also, anyone know how to make hard cider?  Is it complicated?  Really want to make Hard Apple Cider!  

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you have a lovely fall day!

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We All Need Warning Labels

I was thinking the other day that it would be nice if people had warning signs that they are having a rough time.  Something like a little text bubble above their head.   Commuting in NYC can often be frustrating as commuters take out their frustration on you.  I find that my "christianity" is questioned the most during those commuting hours.  I lose all sense of grace and patience as I am cut off, pushed aside, run into, etc.  On Tuesday I was processing my own bad news and this time, I wanted others to have grace with me as I clumsily got on the train. As I was unaware that I backed into them with my bag.  

I think if had a short glimpse into the lives of the people around us, we'd be slower to judge, criticize, and complain.  We'd have more grace.  We all have tough days.  Some more than others.  

Made me stop and think. As the commuters were wearing me down, maybe they were warn down already.  The same goes for the people closer to us, like our co-workers, friends and family.  Maybe there are things going on that we don't know about. Helps give me perspective as I feel stepped on... literally and figuratively.

 

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