Taking out the mind-garbage

Today is Monday, and that means the start to another week of work. But, luckily for this girl- My work week will be cut short by the start of Thanksgiving festivities and Maryland traditions. I can NOT wait until I hit the road mid-week to see my family back in the Mason Dixon state.

The thing I love most about going home is that it bring so much happiness, relief, and peace. I get to immerse myself in time with my family members (and I mean- ALL OF THEM) and this blessing is one I still cherish every single time I see that yellow, red, and black sign on the interstate welcoming me home.

With that being said, I wish to re-enter Maryland with a clean mind and tidy thoughts. So here is my mind garbage... get it out of my head and onto a page... and leave it here:

*. Is it ok to break your "Healthy Eating" habits to eat half a cup container of peppermint bark muddy buddy's? Guilty... so guilty..

*. Pink glitter phase is in full swing. Glitter on my eyes, glitter on my toes, glitter on my fingernails. Where has this girly-girl been hiding all of my life and why is she deciding to park herself here when bows and glitter are almost unacceptable accessories at the age of 23?

*. I should take out the (literal) trash this morning. But it's just finished raining... and I don't want to carry it all the way over to the dumpster with the 2% chance I could slip and fall and break my body.

*. Why am I listening to Sugar Ray right now?

*. Carrot Cake is a vegetable.... right?

*. Jessica Day is my new super hero. Take that as you will and don't judge.

Crd*t

*. It's only 7am on Monday and I have already listened to 2 songs by Ke$ha... dang it.

*. Heels. A love-hate relationship I am still trying to find my healthy balance with. I love to hate them or.... do I hate that I love them...

XOXO,
M

Let's Reflect

"He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love." Song of Solomon 2:4

This morning, I went to the 9:30am service at my new church home, Elevation-Uptown. Walking into service, I thought to myself- This feeling in my heart, is it heaviness? No... It was more like it was busy. Chaotic, scurrying through the crowded confines of my mind trying to make sense of what was on my conscious and deciding if it was in sync...

Spoiler Alert- They were no where close to being on the same page.

So many things coming in and out of that space between my ears- My current job frustrating me until the breaking point that comes on the 6:30am commute. Tears, sniffles, and sad radio songs were the soundtrack to this past week. Missing loved ones at home, feeling a need-with every passing second- to improve myself or find something to satisfy my craving for change.



Now I won't drag you in to a pity party- I know I have a lot going for me right now...
Four months into my new job and every day I come home with enough energy to maybe pop open the microwave to heat up a bowl of soup. But this is the job I prayed for, and God delivered. It can be satisfying, a long day at work- only to come home and get into an outfit unsuitable for the public eye should I still wish to hold on to an ounce of dignity.

I am also training for my longest race to date- the Disney full marathon. Happening in less than two months. Every weekend from here on out, I am promised a 14+ mile run. Sorry knees and back, you are about to be very very sore- but I promise to ice you and take care of you when you want to cry.


I am also going home on Wednesday to spend some much needed time with friends and family. I am starting to compile a variety of DIY Christmas gift ideas that will require my crafty side. Writing blogs and short stories with hot cups of coffee has been a go-to stress reliever should I receive any free time, as well as playing flag football and cooking spaghetti squash (my new favorite food!)


Why am I giving you what may seem like a trivial amount of information about my life? What does this have to do with the sermon I originally brought up at the start of this rant? Well, it is what sparked this little moment of reflection that I hope opens a doorway for you to sit down and do just the same- Reflect.

Another story that back-boned the sermon today was that of Luke 9:14-17:

¹⁴ (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, ‘Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.’ ¹⁵ The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. ¹⁶ Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. ¹⁷ They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basket fulls of broken pieces that were left over."

I am thankful for the resurrection of this account back into my mind to carry with me through this week. It was a sweet reminder that we can't give our best, our all- if we don't ask God to bless us and our actions first. Without the help and promise from God, that loaf (let's make this bread signify our actions and deeds) won't feed the masses- heck- it may not even fill YOU! And as bright as day- this concept reminded me- I'm not full because I am not asking to be guided, to be blessed, to be loved... Only EXPECTING it.

If we wish for our days to be filled with meaningful purpose and drive, don't we need to thank and ask the one who gave us this ability first in order to gain ownership to give it away? What's on my heart and what is in my mind is implanted there from the fingertips of God- and without glorifying the giver, how can I take ownership in order to fulfill his wish for us to give back?

A little reminder- we are framed by the banner of "Love"-so be the example of love by thanking the giver, feeling it, embracing its presence, and then reciprocating it.

And there's my reflection for the day- Happy Monday Eve, Loves.

Tuesday- A Poem

It's the week of the democratic convention- streets are crowded, police are blocking the road ways, work hours are scattered, and the grey sky is about to wail. So I'm sitting at my desk with a coffee in hand trying to keep my mind on work matters... but obviously it drifts to writing poetry...
She pops the top to a glass bottle coke, then
felt the fizz fall over her heart still broken
counting sidewalk tiles and bus line tokens
accumulating like all of her words gone unspoken

It's another day among the autumn clouds
lost in the pain of love not found
she has a hard time looking up while always falling down
wiping away bruises breathlessly without a sound

The flourescents flicker across tear stained cheeks
She'd been caught up in his memory for weeks upon weeks
but it's rare for her to listen when her heart speaks
reminding her of photograph-now certified antiques

Always blind to the lure of glittering gold
she found life was nothing like she had been told
possibilities came and went-some leased then sold
left her with nothing but the fear of being alone and old

They say girls before guys, like maturity is a race
but he gets the gold, every blue ribbon in this case
Time waits for no one in this crazy place
I'll sink below the shadows- dissolve without a trace

Dance Dance

I was never a dancer... perhaps in another life I could shimmy and shake with a little more grace than this current body I inhabit...

As much as I wish I could dance like a ballerina with smooth, crisp movements and grace like a swan on a placid lake... I'm more like a cat thrown into raging rapids- flailing and gasping for air...

No matter, I am still captivated by those who can do something so mesmerizing using their muscle control and concentration alongside a melody.

State of Mind

It's an infamous start to a Carolina day
the sun paints the sky and humidity is at bay
I walk into work and stare at each toe
pink polish helps the optimism grow
Elevator buttons, doors made of glass
I've taken that leap into the working world at last
But on my mind in this early morning daydream state
Are the cookie dough cupcakes at home on a pastel plate
A game of volleyball that will release tensions of sort
a possible run after work, something sweet and short.
A twinge of wanderlust tugs at the heartstrings
some yoga to release back pain from worn-in bed springs
coffee awakes the mind, with it's taste so sweet
although the ac whirrs and capture's its heat.
contacts blur, irritation causes squinty eyes
an email with confirmation of new office supplies.
a bit homesick says my inner child today
let's hop on a plan and fly far, far away
oh wishful thinking, I must store you for now
and pick at you later when time allows...

Do the Twist

I am not much of a summer person (Gasp! I know…) But one things that I do love about the season is that my hair is usually long, wavy (the only upside to humidity) and pony-tail cooperative. Since starting my new job, I’ve been experimenting with ways to put my hair up to beat the heat but also look somewhat like an attempt to look cute.

My favorite is leaving the actual tail long and wavy, but keeping bangs out of the way with the side twist…

All images found via google search: Side twist pony tail

What do you think? Are you doing the twist?

On My Mind...

Being sick is no fun, but tea makes it better <3
I miss my cousin back in MD very much.
Barnes and Nobles is like a grownup playground. Books=monkeybars
I start my new job in 5 days...So excited!
Going to Asheville on Saturday to cure wanderlust, celebrate a birthday over lunch, and hiking!
Cinnamon is God-sent.
Black leggings in 85 degree weather- Not properly thought through...
RomComs are good for the soul
...So are SitComs.
I want to make a tasty lunch today of Quinoa, sweet potatoes, and tomaters. Or a lean cuisine.
Joshua Radin makes any illness feel like a care tossed in the wind
Putting together my favorite pics for a new multi-photo frame! Say Cheezzeee
I wish I could still play the drums and the glockenspiel (Yes, I used to play the glockenspiel)
Rainy days are splendid
I can't pull off red lips, but rosy pink ones are a go!
Should I run today? Or should I just walk? Or Gym? Or exercise my right to snack?
Catching people smiling while checking their texts makes me smile.
The new John Irving book is on my radar- In One Person
It's humpday. Get humpty...

Saturday Thoughts

I listen to music way too much. I mean, WAY too much... or maybe just enough.
Being a vegan is making my eyeballs whiter. Weird? Day 4 on the V Tree!
Does yoga make people happy? Or do happy people do yoga?
I want a French Bulldog more than I want anything else. And name him Sir Charles.
Kors watches. Period
Men's forearms are sexy
There's a dog hair on my ring finger, almost mistook it as my own. Ew
I need to vaccuum...
And nap (not necessarily in that order)
I'm seeing my favorite Lizzy Boo tonight. Bring on the adventures!
Wimbledon. Sharapova
Olympics. Beckham
Go make cake, self! I finally got a big girl job (cross that off the summer list) more about this on Monday
Is it Autumn yet? I want scarves and a soy pumpkin latte, pwease!
Pinterest, you always save me from wasting time during my morning insomnia episodes
I found a jump rope!
I look goofy in bowling shoes.
Does Vanilla Ice melt?
My veins free flow with coffee
Maybe I'll start a photo journal
Putting up a help-wanted ad: In need of a good cuddle buddy
I am building a life, one small brick and smile at a time. Hashtag-Success
I moved to a pretty wonderful city...

 

Why I've Been MIA

It's been close to a week since I have been able to actually sit down and write a post. Between packing up to move my life back to NC, doctors appointments, and finding the perfect coffee concoctions, I have had a hard time finding twenty minutes to share some thoughts.

Luckily, it's 10:30 on a Tuesday night, my tummy full of yummy pasta and ice cream
(goodbye celebrations with my grandparents always leave my stomach smiling)
and I have a spare few thoughts to splatter across my page...

I'm leaving on Friday to a new life full of adventures...
Or so I hope. No, I know so.
It will be tough at first. I know this...and plan to embrace it-
But can I help it if I have a panic attack at 3:24 on Tuesday afternoon
and the only remedy is green tea, honey, and all season 3 episodes of Friends?
Hardly, my dears.
But I am excited! Very excited to embark on the newest voyage into adulthood.
Responsibilities. Hardships. Joys. Tears. The Unexpected.
So happy to reunite with friends. Long lost yet not forgotten or forsaken.
Like the first jump in the swimming pool in summer
I look forward to the rush. The chill of the expected unexpected.
Bring on the thunder-showers, rainbows. Hail storms and cloudless skies.
Bring on friendships, new and old! I have plenty of room in my heart for them to grow.
Like a garden full of new seedlings. May the skies open with opportunity and growth.
And until then, in the remaining two days at home...
May I understand my place in this community, in this abode where friends melt into family
and laughter melts all anxiety, and love conquers all battles- selfish or selfless
May negativity blow away with the morning winds and my feet travel the road always traveled.
May comfort expand in my blood if only for the next 48 hours.
And may I serve my family and Lord with the utmost gratitude and appreciation
my heart may hold.

God is good. And so is His creation. Happy Hump Day, One and All.

Photo Cred: HERE

What I'm Obsessing Over This Weekend

Maroon 5's new song, Payphone...

Shel Silverstein's newest book, 

Everything On It (But what else is new?)

Open Mic night at a local cafe.

California 37

 

Fun Nails

 

Happy Weekend Ahead. Go get excited about something!



Reflection

Take a look at what you are doing this morning. What are your plans for today? What do you plan to do to better yourself? Maintain happiness, or earn gratitude. Who is crossing your path today? What color was the sky when you woke up? What color is it now? What color will it be when your shut your eyes to sleep tonight?

What kinds of food did you taste today? Who did you say Thank-You to? Who did you kiss, laugh with, play phone tag with? What words will you read today? Poems, lyrics, newspaper articles, motivational essays... What roads will you travel? The tough one, a short one, a different route, or the same pursuit?

What song will remind you of this moment in time? Who are you listening to in your car? What decisions are you making today that will ultimately change how you perceive your tomorrow?

Take a look at your yesterday... did you notice each and every step you took? Whether to work, to dinner, to a friend's abode, you were living, gathering colors, sounds, and emotions. How are you different today than you were yesterday? If you can't find a single defining characteristic that shows your growth from yesterday to today, then you aren't living. Or at least, paying attention to the life you lead.

My Life, as of recent

I haven't been updating my blog as much as I would like to lately. With spare time here and there throughout my day, I've been finding a lot of comfort in heading to the swingset up the street and enjoying the sunshine. Taking quiet drives with family and the munchkin have also been a huge blessing...

In between job applications, I've been working on some crafts that will make their way to the walls of my new apartment come June. What do you think? I used Van Gough's- Starry Night as a base idea, then left out the mountain thing on the left. Of course, mine is just an ammeteur attempt, but I'd like to think it turned out ok.

My painting-

Van Gough-

I've also been playing too much Words with Friends and Drawing with Friends for a normal person's diet...

Today will be a day of running errands with momma, running outside in the chilly spring temps, and packing for a little weekend getaway happening tomorrow. Oh, and a little pre-birthday dinner tonight with some lovely friends and family. Who's ready for some pasta and clammy clams?! My Favorite Meal!

Happy Wednesday, online onlookers! PS- Hope it's humptastic!