Race Recap

Happy Thanksgiving Week!  I'm taking a break from the usual cleaning and purging and moving things around as we prepare for friends and family to descend upon us on Thursday and Friday.  It's been a busy but fun November so far.  My sister and husband came to visit and run the Hot Chocolate race with us.  I will write in length about that fun visit later.  Tomorrow my god-sister and family who just moved to the States is visiting from Kentucky to spend their first Thanksgiving here. I haven't seen her since leaving the Philippines in 1991. When I visited a few years ago she was out of the country. I can't wait to see her again. Then on Friday we will have my husband's family (and friends) over for our annual dinner.  So now you understand why I need to sit down for a bit to blog.

The Hot Chocolate run was so fun!  My Texas family came the Wednesday prior to the race (Sunday). The weather that week was crappy the sun barely came out and the temps were temperamental.  But the leaves in our neighborhood were still firing reds, yellows and oranges.  I told my sister that the Lord really favored her with a late Ohio fall so she can enjoy the colorful foliage.  

We decided to pick up our race packet Friday before race day.  We fetched the oldest two kids at school (plus a friend) and headed straight downtown.  At the last minute we invited my son's friend, who is a cross-country runner, to register.  We were so thrilled when his mom said yes.  With my son assigned to the preferred corral (the fastest corral), he didn't really want to be running by himself.

Sunday was warm but misty.  There was a threat of thunderstorms so we were monitoring the weather into the early morning.  Fortunately, by the time we were getting ready to go downtown the heavy rain was over.  I have always enjoyed the festive race atmosphere and in big races like the Hot Chocolate this energy is magnified. The threat of inclement weather did not take away the enthusiasm of the racers.  It helped that the emcee was really good. I might be hooked on big races lol.  I registered at a slower than my usual mile pace. In hindsight this may not have been a good move because it put me on a slow corral.  It made me baby my run and not push myself harder. On the other hand it may have been the right move since I have been so sick for the better part of October.  Needless to say I wasn't chasing a personal record, it was all a fun run with the family in one of the biggest race in town.  We are planning to do it again and work towards our legacy status.  

I was hoping to run the Turkey Trot on Thursday but I am nursing a chest cold again.  The goal is to run a Winter race so I have until February to get better!

Here are some photos from Hot Chocolate - 

we should be ambassadors for Newton running shoes (except for my child!)

the Lord loves my sister so He saved some colorful leaves for her

 

The End

Wow, today is the final day of the Write31Day Challenge.  I can honestly say this writing challenge was a sanity-saver during such a long month.  The prompts were especially helpful in distracting me from whatever drama is transpiring in our health life.  Researching Scripture verses to capture the essence of what I'm trying to write was fortifying. Each night, no matter how long and tiring my day was, I looked forward to sitting on my recliner to type my cares away.  Even on those days I couldn't write I thought about those prompts.  I'm so thankful to my daughter and husband for picking up my slack towards the end when I didn't have the wherewithal to write.  

So what's next after today?  Well, I will be preparing for Advent. I have my book(s) and prayer journal ready.  I will go on a self-directed retreat of sorts similar to last year's Spiritual Exercises (Ignatius of Loyola).  Blogging might be spotty but I'm sure after today you all can use a break from me!  I can use a break from me! lol

Thank you all for your friendship and loyalty, showing up here everyday spiking my stats for October.  And my dear friends who (attempted) to write with me, thank you.  

Before I sign off for the night here are pictures to share of Beggar's Night 2017 -

Fun, Fun, Fun

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy. - Job 8:21

Fun is somewhat hard to imagine right now.  My idea of fun today is slipping under the warm sheets and not have to think about an early school day tomorrow.  Things are a bit better over here health wise but not by much.  Half of our household has been on heavy meds for bronchitis and pneumonia.  It's been rough.  And I have that race coming up shortly with my sister and brother-in-law.  Despite all that's transpired this month I'm actually looking forward to the diversion of family and running.  I doubt there will be too much racing let alone running for this one. I have resigned myself to a walk-run pace even if my lungs are clear.  The only stipulation for walkers is that they are able to do a 15-minute mile pace.  That is totally do-able for me.  It will still be fun just having my sister here.  I think the oldest will not make this race, we'll see.  His lungs have yet to clear and even then he may not have the minimum energy necessary for a 5k walk-run.  

What would I do for fun on a day like today (rainy and gloomy!) in the peak of health?  In our youth my husband would be found in a bar/cafe with a jukebox or live music.  That sounds so much fun right now! I would love to be sitting at R.P. McMurphy's sipping hot Irish coffee.  That was my favorite treat after a long week at work. Rainy evenings remind me of those good, old youthful days.

Despite the weather and the health issues I am looking forward to trick or treating tomorrow.  Our neighborhood is quite fun to go begging for candy.  There's just something about a whole neighborhood alive with activity that has always appealed to me.  Even with my claims of being an introvert I grew up in a culture that is always celebrating something (usually of the religious nature) as a community.  Halloween where I live now reminds of those celebrations back in the old country.

Speaking of Halloween, we carve pumpkins tonight.  Can you believe that I have never, ever carved a pumpkin?  Sad, right? I just don't trust myself with a gourd and knife because my artistic abilities are lacking.  But I did have a first tonight, I helped prepare the pumpkins by gutting and cleaning it.  Yes, I have never done it until tonight!  Pumpkin to me has always been dinner cooked in coconut milk.  Unfortunately, none of my people in this house would eat it so jack o' lantern is the extent of their pumpkin experience.  

What is your idea of fun on a day like today?

Guest Blogger - Dad Edition

 'Tis I, The Baking Girl, aka the favorite child. I'm being completely honest when I say that my older brother told me to mention that I'm the favorite child. (There aren't actually any favorites, we're all loved the same!) Today I'm here to type up my dad's pre-written contribution to the 31 day writing challenge. 

When I was notified I was the guest writer and the question was, "Three people I would invite to dinner," I rolled my eyes and thought, "Oh God... Oh! That's it, God! Three persons! Done!" Then I figured that was probably cheating.

Okay, what to write... wait, my past? Or just the past in general? I mean, I already keep in touch with the people from my past that I care to. The rest, well, didn't much care for their company back then, so why would I now? Or why hang out with someone who just wants to laugh hysterically and relive every embarrassing moment of my childhood that I have been trying to forget for the past 35 years!! Maybe past in general... who? Someone famous? Obscure? I thought about inviting some random peasant from some European Kingdom during the Dark Ages just to see what life was really like, then I realized the person would probably spread The Plague and wipe out my whole house, so let's not invite the peasant. Let's go with some inventor, what/how did they manage to come up with some ingenius, revolutionary idea? What about Joseph Gayette? Yes, THAT Joseph Gayette. A man to whom we ALL owe an enormous debt of gratitude. He is the inventor of toilet paper. Maybe then we could finally end the debate... does the roll go over the top to the front, or around the back? He should be very proud of his invention and it's use throughout history. (Except the occasional TPing of a house prank... Alfred Nobel, eat your heart out.) What about Alessandro Volta, inventor of the battery. I mean, perhaps he could explain why he put the + on the end he did, and the - on the other. If he would have just switched it around it would have been so much easier to put those dang batteries in right the first time. Geesh, what was he thinking?

Thinking harder now about this question, and if I chose someone from the distant past way long before I was here, someone from centuries ago, what should I expect of their appearance? 'Cause if they are a ghost, how are they gonna eat solid food? Wouldn't it just fall through their ghostly translucent bodies??? Well, that would really cause a mess and make this whole exercise moot. I am not having some ghost over to my house that is just gonna make a mess. Can I be done now PLEASE?

Okay... so after stepping away and giving it some more thought, here is who I would ask for dinner. Forest Whitaker, The Woman at The Well, and Joe... why these people? Who knows... I'm just doing this because my wife said I had to. I'm an obedient hubsand. (Spelled that way on purpose.)

 That's all we have for today, here's a reminder to check out these blogs, Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine

"act natural!"

Guest Blogging

 Hi, it's The Baking Girl, aka the favorite child. My mom isn't feeling well, so she asked me to guest blog for her today. She's dictating this to me although I might add some comments of my own here and there. The prompt today is, "if you were stranded on a remote island, what would you miss about your life?"

• The first thing she'll miss is her family, especially my dad. (and me)
• Music, especially the loud singing my brothers and I do often. (I promise it actually sounds good)
• My dad would like to add he won't miss curtain rods. (He's currently putting up freshly-washed curtains for Mom)
• Technology
• Going to Mass
• Friends
• Blogging
• The funny banter between her and Dad
• Coffee
• Going on walks with us kids 

As for me, I would definitely miss my music (especially musicals), watching Agents of Shield, my friends (especially The Potato Farmers, y'all are the best), and I'm sure a lot more will come to me later. If Mom isn't better in the next few days, Dad is threatening to sabotage her blog. That's it for today, Mum wants to remind you all to check out her friends blogs, Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine

Aside from baking, I also enjoy photography. A lot of the pictures on this blog were taken by me!

Back To The Future

 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. - Ecclesiastes 3:11

"If you were presented with a time machine, where would you go?"  I have never been interested in time travel.  I tend to skip time travel related books, the romantic in nature I especially avoid.  I have no logical explanation. So when this Write31Days writing prompt came up my intent was to skip it altogether.  But sometimes to write is to be challenged so here I am writing about it.  

 When I think of the future I get a bit scared.  There's very little about the future I would be interested in visiting.  I would, however, like to see grand children.  Will they inherit some of my Asian traits? Will they have hazel eyes like my husband or brown like the rest of us here?  Will they love and live the Faith we would have left them as legacy? Would they have read all of my works and think "my grandma was the coolest!"  Because to me the cool factor is the most important thing lol.

As for the past, wow, that's a whole different story.  There are so many points in history that I would love to visit especially my own. I would travel to the past to meet my ancestors.  I only ever met both grandfathers.  My grandmothers had already passed by the time I was born. Apparently my maternal grandmother is a legendary figure, I would have loved to have known her and of course, all the great-grands. 

As for World History, I would love to travel back to the time of Jesus.  That's a no-brainer.  I can't even begin to wrap my mind around the idea of being physically around Him traveling on foot, listening to His sermons, witnessing the miracles...not sure if I would like to be present at the Passion.  It is tough enough to meditate on it so that thought of being physically present through it might be more than I can handle.

Would you be interested in time travel?  Where would you go? 
Don't forget to go and visit my friends who are writing with me this month- Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine

Fall Fail

 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30

This will be a quick post as I think I am finally, really coming down with this bug that has hovered in our home this month.  October is usually my favorite month, but not this year.  Even the leaves have been lackluster.  Most have just turned brown and crunchy.  What little color there is is just that, little.  Our usual Fall activities were all a no-go. We did not make it to the apple orchard, hence no canned apples and applesauce.  We did not make it to the pumpkin patch so we just bought it from Aldi's.  I think October is commiserating with all the sickness in our home.  Every week this month someone has been sick over here, some of them going on a second round.  

I woke up today with achy bones and a sore throat.  I am drowning it with water and vitamins and a lot of rest.  Not going down without a fight!  The good news is that through all the nursing and mothering over here I was fairly diligent with the chores.  I have this quirk that if I'm going to be sick I want my house to be in order.  I get pretty productive when I feel an illness coming on.

I also asked The Baking Girl to be my guest blogger as needed so you might hear from her before this Write31Days challenge is over.  For now, I will end here.  Keep us in your prayers and that November will be a better month for our household.  I hope you are all having a fantastic Fall.  Don't forget to go and visit my friends who are writing with me this month- Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine

Wasted Time

There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God. - Ecclesiastes 2:24

I wasn't sure I wanted to write about today's Write31Days prompt - "how you enjoy wasting time".  For one "enjoying" and "wasting" in the same sentence conjures all sorts of mixed emotions in me, foremost of which is guilt.  It's not unusual for us parents to feel guilty when we waste time.  We are so used to putting out fires left and right that a downtime makes us feel uncomfortable.  What a bunch of guilty messes we are! (or maybe I'm the only one)  

The problem with me is that I tend to have an addictive personality.  For example, when I read a particularly good book I get so immersed that it's so hard to pull myself away.  It is the same issue with being online.  The longer I waste time the less enjoyable it becomes and then the guilt sets in.   Temperance is, indeed, a virtue.  

The one enjoyable time-wasting event for me usually happens in the summer.  That's when I pick an afternoon to binge-watch a favorite series (Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, Cranford, Larkrise to Candleford, etc). Another, is just sitting on my front porch chit-chatting with my kids or watching them play.  I also enjoy wasting time journaling and blogging.  Those are the things I don't feel so guilty about.  

What about you, how do you enjoy wasting time?  Now that you're done here go and visit these amazing people and it won't be a waste of time - Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine

What Makes You Beautiful

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7

I'm currently listening to One Direction to inspire me to write today's Write31Days prompt - "what makes someone beautiful from the inside out". I'm trying not to dance while I'm typing LOL.  This song (What Makes You Beautiful) also happens to be my favorite in the Just Dance wii game. But I digress...

Have you ever met someone who is so stunningly beautiful on the outside but as soon as they start to speak you begin to realize the external does not match the internal? I think we've all had that experience.  I'm not talking here about judging another based on ideological differences.  We can all get ugly about ideological differences.  What makes a person beautiful from the inside out, in my opinion, has everything to do with the exercise of virtue.  The recognition of this virtue usually takes a relationship with that person to truly see their internal beauty.  As quick we all are to form a first impression we should also be quick to realize that we may be wrong.  Ask me how I know!

Instead of making a list of what makes (a generic) someone beautiful from the inside out let me tell you about the traits of people I personally know and consider to be amazingly beautiful:

Generous - I make a special mention here of those of you who have opened your homes and your hearts to fostering and adopting.  

Self-less - I know so many of you I can't even begin to write about all that you do

Joyful - despite what life throws your way you radiate a peace and joy that can only be described as divine.

Funny - sarcasm, dry sense of humor, it doesn't matter! If you make me laugh you are beautiful to me 

Tranquil - I know so many of you who possess an incredible calm while ten of your children are vying to get your attention and you still have a smile on your face (okay maybe not ten at the same time but you know what I mean!)

Filled with the Holy Spirit -  these people are a breed of their own, they walk by and you are electrified by something heavenly about them. I want to be like them when I grow up.

These are a few of my favorite things about beautiful people.  And you know what makes you beautiful?  That you were made in the image and likeness of God.

Don't forget to visit these beautiful friends of mine - Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine

One Direction knows what makes you beautiful. My daughter asked why I was on Google looking for pictures of One Direction lol

Just For Today

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The Write31Days writing challenge prompt is "five things you're grateful for today".  My kids suggested I write about each one of them.  But that's a given so I will not be writing about them.  Sorry kids! 

Just for today, these are the five things for which I am grateful:

• Rain.  I love rainy days, not the torrential downpour but just a gentle shower throughout the day  The kind of rain that inspires cuddling, reading, napping, praying and cooking comfort food.  That's the kind of day I had today.

my kids love to play in the rain, this photo is not of today's cold rain

• Silence. To be specific, that time in the car by myself waiting for the older child to get out of school.  After a busy morning of tending to my homeschoolers, that short moment of silence to re-charge my brain is such a gift.

• Panera coffee.  Because some days I need coffee that's brewed by someone else.  I should probably put the Keurig on my Christmas list to broaden my coffee flavor options.  My caffeinating life could handle a bit of excitement.

back to baking just for today

• Apple pie.  Because it's the perfect day to bake one and The Baking Girl helped me make it (okay she did most of the grunt work) It was so fun to share the kitchen with her again.  We played our favorite songs and we sang and danced in the kitchen.  She sang, I danced lol.  She also happens to read this blog, she is my most loyal reader. Even if no one is reading this blog I can at least count on her to spike my stats from 0 reader to 1 

• Modern medicine.  After almost three weeks of being under the weather The Baking Girl is finally turning a corner.  It's amazing that she has never in her whole life taken antibiotics until this year.  Other than the metallic taste she has no complaints.

That's my list.  What's on yours?

Money Changes Everything

"As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment^. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life." - 1 Timothy 6:17-19

"If money were no object what would you spend your time doing?" Note how clever the question was phrased.  Instead of asking "what would you spend it on" it asks "what would you spend your time doing?"  If you are anything like me, this Write31Days writing prompt awakens that part that desires material things. My answer to this question has changed throughout the years. Predictably, in my youth my thoughts were more material. As I advance in age this desire for material things is tempered by virtue and a better understanding of the fleeting exhilaration of the purchase.  But I will not be a Debbie Downer on this post and pontificate on the evils of (the love of) money.  This is supposed to be a fun post and I actually enjoyed daydreaming about what I would do if money were no object.  So let's get right to it, shall we?

• Travel - if it's a spot on the globe I would like to go there sampling the local fare, learning it's history, meeting people and blogging about it. I would also like to go on a religious pilgrimage (Lourdes, Fatima, Mont St. Michel, the Grande Chartreuse, etc.)
• Spend Fall and Winters in a cabin I just bought not too far from a ski resort 

dreamy

I feel so happy just looking at this

• Spend Summer in a quaint fishing cabin, also purchased, by the lake near hiking trails

the life

• Spend Spring in a tropical country where I can go parasailing everyday.  Not sure yet if I should buy that private resort. I don't want the responsibility of managing too many properties.
• Upgrade my wardrobe (pretty sure that takes a lot of time lol) 
• Spend a year (or two) in the Philippines so my kids can better appreciate their Asian heritage and to get to know their relatives
• Take my family on a medical mission. Prior to children this was one of the things my husband and I have talked about doing. That and moving to Alaska, in the wilderness.
• Go on a North American road trip on my newly-purchased motor home, I'm still debating whether or not I should hire a chauffeur because you know, I would be able to afford it
• Run for fun in different parts of the world or the US.  First on my bucket list is the Bolder Boulder.  Of course, I will have in my employ the best physical therapists to improve my running time with minimal injuries and to perfect my running form. Maybe I should buy RunSmartOnline.

Whew, that was fun! I can actually go on and on but tomorrow is a school day, I have a brutal alarm. Maybe I will write  a Part Two in the future. You guys should try this writing exercise. Now that you are done here go visit my writing friends - Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine

*all of the above artwork was found at Wallpapercave
*I originally wanted to post photographs. The real-life images did not quite evoke the same blissful emotions as these drawn/painted pictures.

To Dream The Impossible Dream

"Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ"- Colossians 3:23-24

One of my favorite things to think about are those that do not impose a limit on my imagination or ambition. Today and tomorrow's Write31Days writing prompts are two of the more fun ones to daydream about.  Today the prompt is : "your dream job". 

Admittedly, I am currently living my dream job. Around these parts I am headmistress, boss-lady and ruler of all things domestic.  Some days are more difficult than others but I don't have to deal with work politics, endure demanding and unreasonable managers (been there done that lol), and my worth isn't measured by the world's idea of what it is to be productive.  It is a very privileged life for which I am thankful everyday.  It is also a very sacrificial life as common with a single income household.  The thanks really all goes to my husband.

As for my daydream jobs they all have to do with me being a business owner or self-employed.  I think most of us envision our perfect job where we are at the helm calling all the shots. The only fear I have about being a business owner is that I have no business background. My skill sets (or whatever is left of it) are all tech and teaching related.  But this is a daydream post so I will not let my limitations get in the way.  Let's get right to it, here are my dream jobs:

Bookstore owner - I share this dream with my daughter despite the dominance of e-readers
Publisher - so I get to read more books!
Fashion buyer (for my own fashion company of course!) - because some fashion trends are just no bueno
Personal shopper - this is a departure from me being the boss because the client is boss on this job but it sounds like it could be fun
Judge on American Idol or whatever music competition is out there (I don't watch a lot of tv) -  I think I'd make a pretty good judge
Travel Writer - seeing the world and writing about it is a dream
Landlord - specifically owner of rental cabins in a scenic area like the Hocking Hills
Owner of a Christmas tree farm - you already know that

What's your dream job?  The prompt for tomorrow is "if money is no object...."
Don't forget to visit these lovely people writing with me this month -
Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine

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Ch-ch-changes

 "Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect." - Romans 12:2

I wasn't sure I wanted to write about today's Write31Days prompt - five positive changes you could make in your life right now.  When I first read it I felt it was like an examination of conscience! But I've had a busy day of getting my house in order that I didn't really think about what else to write. The easiest way for me to approach this topic is from a lifestyle change point of view. The changes that require an examination of conscience will remain between me and my God.  So here goes nothing...

• To stop procrastinating - no explanation needed
• To drink more water - this is one area in my life that needs to change given that I have a fairly active lifestyle.  But coffee is part water, right?
• To step out of my comfort zone more - I tend to be a burrower and it's hard for me to leave the familiar and comfortable
• Need to unplug on the regular- don't we all?
• Commit to a reasonable sleep schedule 

What positive changes could you make in your life right now?
Don't forget to visit these amazing ladies who are writing with me this month - Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine

Life Without The Baking Girl

^" He will use your daughters as perfumers, cooks, and bakers." - 1 Samuel 8:13

I will step away from the Write31Days writing prompt for today because I don't think I have anything to contribute on the topic of how I'm trying to make the world a better place. Instead let me tell you about how life is so different without The Baking Girl at home.

We recently finished reading the book Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  It's a repeat for me but it's the first time for my young boys to hear this story.  We noticed that in most chapters  the author describes in great and mouth-watering detail what the Wilder family is eating.  It always seems to be a feast with their sumptuous meals capped off with cakes and pies for dessert.  My boys, as soon as they know a dinner/supper scene is about to commence, will start groaning because they get so hungry just listening to what Almanzo Wilder is eating.  Consequently, I get requests for baked goods that frankly, I don't enjoy making (baking has too many steps!).  I don't enjoy baking as much as cooking especially since The Baking Girl has been so masterful at it.  She has spoiled us and now that she is no longer homeschooled we are all feeling the absence of delicious baked goodies and her spontaneous baking sprees.  Usually when someone here says "I am craving apple pie!" the girl is quick to plan and execute the task.  I can't tell you how many times my boys have hinted that they are craving apple pie with me answering "remind me later".  But my goal is to stop with the baking lamentation and really take the time to just do it. This is my Advent plan so if you don't see me too much on here or on social media you know I am baking something delicious.  Maybe I will actually enjoy it and resurrect the baking part of this blog.  And maybe I will teach these boys to bake!

The link to all of The Baking Girl's kitchen adventure is here - http://bottledponderings.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Baking%20Girl The index view is here - http://bottledponderings.blogspot.com/p/the-baking-girl.html

And don't forget to visit my friends who are writing with me this month - Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine.

That's What I Like About You

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. - Psalm 139:14

Write31Days writing prompt says: " ten things you like about yourself".  To date this is the hardest to think and write about.  I would venture to say that most of us when asked this question would feel a bit uncomfortable.  It makes us feel as if we are singing our own praises. On the other hand, if we were asked things we DON'T like about ourselves we can produce a litany that could fill a whole notebook. But when phrased in a different way (as in job interview way - "what are your strengths?") this question is a bit more palatable and easier to write or talk about. This is how I'm approaching this question.

Like everyone else it is easier for me to find fault in myself than extol my virtues.  The more I pondered this question the more I realized that there is no room for false modesty for someone who is truly seeking self-knowledge.  The task of looking into the depths of who we are - the good, the bad, and the ugly - is something that is necessary if we are really to live the way God intended us to live (setting the world on fire ala St. Catherine of Sienna).  Finding the good in ourselves is also recognizing the goodness of God who made us (hence the above quoted Scripture verse).

So without further ado here are ten things that I consider my strengths:

• Resiliency - having moved to North America as an adult, adapting to it's culture(s) and quirks, marrying a man who is so different from who I am culturally is not for the faint of heart
• I can cook - with or without a recipe, with my eyes closed, in my sleep (okay not really in my sleep lol).  No one goes hungry around me as long as there is rice!
• Good listener - for the most part, except for when I tune out the complaints and the whining, my ears are a no-whining zone
• I'm fairly organized -  or at least I have the ability to classify things and put them in a manner that is neat and orderly.  Now what's questionable are the people around me who have the amazing ability to undo what I just organized.  Welcome to the life of a big family.
• I'm good at giving people the benefit of the doubt - I think in a world where we are quick to judge and be judged especially behind the anonymity of a keyboard or touch screen, giving people the benefit of the doubt is going to become a lost art. 
• Persevering (or is that persistent? lol) 
• Optimistic (to a fault!)
• Fun - at least I would like to think so
• Calm - because when you have five children you can't always sweat the small stuff
• Generous (also to a fault)

 What are your strengths, what do you like about yourself?
 Now go and visit my friends who are keeping me company in this writing adventure this month - Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine.

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Alive And Kicking

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst." - John 6:35

Write31Days asks - "what makes you feel alive?"  My answers are pretty cliche so let's get right to it!

• Coffee - my flavor of the month is Kahlua with fat-free half and half. Just kidding. We accidentally grabbed fat-free half and half and let me tell you people it's not worth it. Go big or go home, get the real thing! I did, however, find a use for it because there was no way my thrifty heart would let that thing go in the trash so I am currently using it as flavoring for my protein shake.
• Running - but you already know that, this also covers new running gear
• Music (and dancing to it)- you already know that too with all my playlist entries
• The beginning of a new day - after coffee of course!
• A spectacular sunrise
• An inspirational book - currently reading Autumn Meditations by Fr. John Bartunek (so good!!!) The meditations are in a weekly format so it allows you to really delve in the theme for the week. Some of the themes are Trust, Joy, Acceptance, Faithfulness, Gratitude, Friendship as tied to what happens in the season of Autumn.  I'm not really good at describing books so you just have to trust me that it's good.  I was so moved by the Summer Meditations and the Autumn is as good (so far).
• Young people - their energy is so contagious (on days when I'm not tired lol)
• The great outdoors - another thing you already know about
• Long drives - there's just something about driving that calms me especially if the route is scenic and there's no traffic
• Writing - totally obvious
• Holy Hour - usually afterwards when I'm done marveling the Lord with the troubles of my heart 
• After receiving the Sacraments - no explanation needed

Autumn's golden light at Blendon Woods

What makes you feel alive?
Now go and visit my friends who are keeping me company in this writing adventure this month - Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine.

Fear Of Missing Out

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear,

   I will help you.” - Isaiah 41:13

The prompt for today's Write31Days is "a fear you would overcome if you were given the opportunity".  I don't fear a lot of things but I do share a common fear with a vast majority and that is the fear of heights.  I would love to be able to enjoy a good roller coaster ride, a bungy jump, cliff dive, and to sky dive. In my imaginary life I am a regular daredevil.

I did have an opportunity to conquer this fear once when hubby and I went parasailing in the Philippines.  We were on a beach vacation and I figured this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.  I was more fearful of missing out than having my body dangle from a para-sail hundreds of feet from the surface of the earth or ocean in this instance. 

Parasailing is different from a roller coaster ride, bungy jumping or sky diving because once you are up in the air a calm just settles in.  There are no abrupt, jarring movements but just a gentle swaying in the wind overlooking the sea and incredible islands as far as the eyes can see.  It's a very surreal and almost meditative experience.  Up there tethered between sea and sky I had an intense moment of gratitude not just for the experience but for all the beauty my eyes saw that I wouldn't have seen had I remained on solid ground.  Given the opportunity I would certainly do it again.

I don't think I will be going on a roller coaster ride or a bungy jump or a sky dive and cliff dive anytime soon. I would love to be able to conquer the fear of it but don't think my heart can handle all the excitement.  Let us leave all of that to the young and adventurous ones, shall we? 

What fear would you want to overcome?  When you are done here go visit my friends who are on this writing adventure with me this month - Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine.

up in the air

can we do that again?!

feeling like supergirl

Dear Younger Me

"Let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning acquire skill "- Proverbs 1:5

Today's Write31Days writing prompt is "the advice you would give your younger self".  When I first read this prompt I thought this would be fun to write.  But the longer I thought about it the more discouraged I became. Not because there was nothing to write but because there is too much!  Too many lessons I wish I didn't have to learn and too many things I wish I didn't have to re-live.  So what was supposed to be a fun post became quite the introspection the magnitude of which I did not expect.  

What younger self to write to? Teens? Twenties? Thirties?  In a few years I could be writing about my younger forties self!  Now that is truly sobering.  Anyhow, if I were to write to my younger self, I would tell me to lighten up.  Even at a very young age I was always introspective with a tendency to overthink everything.  I think part of the reason for that is that I had to take on responsibilities at a young age so I had to act more mature than I truly was. I  had to behave older than my chronological age.  And even on those brief carefree moments I allowed myself there was a guilt inside that nagged at me.  I wasn't a very fun young person lol.

Through the years my more laid back, fun-loving nature eventually emerged.  I can't pinpoint a specific moment or event that led to this eventual change.  I think the years of growing, learning from other people, looking outside of myself, growing in faith, and wanting to make myself better has helped bring about the change. I still have moments when I can get pretty intense, I don't think I will be completely free of it but I try not to stew on it longer than necessary.  It gets tiring and my energies are better spent in choosing joy and allowing room for the Holy Spirit to do his work.  

What advice would you give your younger self? Now go and visit my friends who are keeping me company this month - Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine.

at the beach with family and friends, I think I was 18 or 19 in this picture

The People I Admire

"She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs at the days to come" - Proverbs 31:25

 It was such a beautiful Autumn day today.  Unfortunately, we were home bound with the flu so instead of our usual outdoor adventures we were huddled on the couch watching college football (Go Bucks!) The girl has been the most sick.  She still has a fever and her cough isn't getting any better.  It is finally hitting me today how exhausted I am so to give my brain cells a break I will use today's Write31Days prompt- A person I admire.

I have been thinking about this.  Throughout the course of my life I have admired many people so it's really hard to pin down a specific person.  And my husband has forbidden me to write about him seeing as he is my most admired person LOL.  

I am very privileged to be around so many admirable people, most of them are my friends.  These women are inspiring me on a daily basis to live my faith and endure through the hard times.  I'm in awe of so many of them who are enduring difficult situations, chronic illnesses, and some carry a perpetual cross. I am learning that those who are the closest to Jesus have the heaviest crosses to carry.  I am also learning from these people that you can carry the cross with grace and heroic virtue. Simply put, I am surrounded by living saints and I am humbled to call them friends.

Who do you admire?  

so many holy souls in this photo