Gumby, I Am Not

I nearly didn't make it to my Yoga class last night. But I resolved nothing was going to keep from going. I'd looked forward to it all day, even not knowing what to expect. I walked in and immediately felt a sense of calm wash over me. (Working out is the best stress reliever!) The instructor told us we were going to work on Balance and hip-something er other. I stopped listening when she said balance. Oh great, one of the things I'm really bad at. (I know, you shouldn't end a sentance with "at", but oh well.) But, I suppose the best way to get better at something is to just do it. I got a lot of practice last night!

She had everyone set up their mats next to the wall. Yay! I'd have some help; wouldn't be flopping around like a fish out of water. It was very challenging, but I at least tried everything. Some things I had to do in moderation, but I was surprised what my body could accomplish once it was a little warmed up!

Ever heard of the Standing Half-Bound Lotus? She showed us what we were about to do. My jaw must have dropped like a cartoon character. But I just took it slow. I wasn't able to reach behind myself, but I was able to bend over. I never would have thought I could do that!

People of the 60's used to say, "Give peace a chance." Well, I'm now saying, "Give Yoga a chance."

I went up to the instructor after to ask how I did. The classes are relatively small and she remembered me from the first time I took her class (plus I took a spin from her as well). She said, "Really, really well. I can tell you've been working hard in Body Flow and it shows in here. Your transitions were great." Yay! To me, that was such a compliment!

Gumby, I am not, but I'm holding my own.

Keep Paddling

[Written: 10/31] Ahhh, the possibilities of blank page are endless. Sometimes overwhelming. Sometimes it keeps me away. Keeps me from writing about things going on, for fear I’ll sound stupid or that you won’t even care. I write a lot of really good blog posts… in my head, while driving. But by the time I get home and in front of the screen, I tend to stare at the blank page wondering what to say. Or worse, and honestly the norm, I get distracted by something else. I want my posts to be entertaining or encouraging, but I often feel my monotonous days wouldn’t be very interesting. Though, that’s the very thing I love to read on other’s blogs. So, what’s to stop me from doing the same? I’m going to try not to care and just write. That’s usually when the magic occurs anyway. When I mean for one thing to happen, God will step in and write something completely different. He can’t use me though if I’m not writing. Note to self: Gotta write more. My Grandpa used to say, “Keep paddling.” If he were here, I believe he might say, “Keep writing.”

It’s at the end of the day here at work and I’m going on STRIKE! Well, at least until tomorrow. It’s been a long day and I’m eager for this part of my day to be over. From here, I’m picking up my car from NTB. It was time to get my tires rotated, balanced and aligned. [Little known fact, if you buy a tire from NTB, they’ll give you FREE rotating & balancing for the life of the tire.] I try to get it done every time I get my oil changed, but it’s not always a feasible option.

My cars had a lot of work done on it this week. I noticed one my headlights were out sometime last week. (No wonder I couldn’t see very well at night.) I was fearful I might get a ticket for it and wanted to take care of it as quickly as possible. I asked my sister what I needed to do. She recommended calling Toyota to see what part I’d need or if something else was wrong. But instead, I went to Wal-mart, looked up the make/model in the book thingy and bought two bulbs for only $10. What a blessing, huh? I was expecting to have to pay $40+.

When I got my oil changed on Tuesday (Ladies day for a discount of $5!), I asked them if they’d be able to change my headlight bulb for me. They did it while everything else was going on and they didn’t charge me anything! Another blessing! After today’s work, it should drive like a brand new car!

I’m eager to relieve some stress tonight at the Y. I’m taking a Yoga class. I haven’t been back since the first time I tried it. But now, I have two months worth of Body Flow under my belt, so it should be easier. I’m finding that I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was, especially when it comes to things like: Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates. Oh it still makes me sore and often kicks my rear, but I’m able to do most everything. Or at least, a modified version of what the others are doing.

I’m really proud of myself. I’m at the end of my second month working out at the Y and although I haven’t really lost any weight, my clothes are fitting differently. I bought these one pair of pants from Old Navy last year that were too small for me. But I need goals to attain in order for me to accomplish anything. I hung them in my closet and would try them on every now and then to check my progress. It wasn’t until I started working out hardcore at the Y that I was able to wear them. In fact, within the last two weeks, they’ve become too big on me! PTL!! If not for my tummy (grrrr), they’d fall right off me. What an accomplishment!

I tried to find a tape measure in Wal-mart the other day, so I could measure myself and track my progress before I get too far into this journey. But I wasn’t able to find one. Would you have any ideas where to look? I figured it’d be in the sewing section.

In September, I was attending Sunday-Thursday and taking Friday and Saturday off. This month, I’ve set more realistic goals. Now, I’m going Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday. My absolutely favorite class meets on Tuesday, Body Flow. Then I’m lifting weights (ten machines for a combined total of 11,000 lbs) on Wednesday and Sunday. Thursday is my “whatever-I-feel-like-doing-day.” There’s a class, Body Jam (think hip-hop), which is fun, but kills my knees. Maybe once I lose some weight, it won’t be so hard on me. I’m staying busy and active and there’s just so much to do at the Y, I never get bored. It’s really such a blessing.

A few years ago, my uncle used to go to the Y too. For some reason my Grandmother always called it “The Spa”. It’s become a running joke with my mom and I that I’m going to the spa. I wish. I’ve never actually been to a spa before. I’ve never had a pedicure, manicure or even a massage. I need to change that one day. Though, after a good work out, all the endorphins have flooded my body and I feel like I could conquer the world. Or at least, fold the mound of clothes I have waiting for me at home.

Well, it’s about time to clock out now. Thanks for letting me just write for a bit. I hope you are doing well.

Happy trails.

The Love of the Lord Endures

Can I just say that I'm really, really tired of all the mud-slinging election stuff? I'm so ready for this whole thing to be over. I realize it's a super important day, but really, there's nothing we can do that God doesn't already know about. Yes, we can pray. Sure, I'm not saying that doesn't change things, but... wait, I'm entering into a rabbit trail which I don't want to go on. The point, I was listening to Joy William's song, "The Love of the Lord Endures". I thought, 'Wow, this is really what this is about.'


In all that I have found
Your evidence abounds
I’ve always sensed Your fingerprints
If I just look around

And yet this grand display
Will all soon pass away
So I hold on to the mighty truth
That Your love is here to stay

The love of the Lord endures
The love of the Lord endures
If there’s one thing I can be sure
It’s that the love of the Lord endures

Life has let me down
In wealth, joy can’t be found
I’ve searched for peace in all of these
But I have always found

The love of the Lord endures
The love of the Lord endures
If there’s one thing I can be sure
It’s that the love of the Lord endures

When I stumble
When I fall
When I’m walking ten feet tall
Your love is there day after day
Even at the worst extreme
Or after I have been redeemed
Your love is there
And it won’t let me go

The love of the Lord endures
The love of the Lord endures
If there’s one thing I can be sure
It’s that the love of the Lord endures

Forever, forever

He Loves Me!

This is a face of a little boy who was super sad his Aunt wasn't there yet.

My sister called and said, "Are you on your way?"

I love this kid.

They Way I See It #141

"I used to feel so along in the city. All those gazillions of people and then me, on the outside. Because how do you meet a new person? I was very stumped by this for many years. And then I realized, you just say, "Hi." They may ignore you. Or you may marry them. And that possibility is worth that one word." ~ Augusten Burroughs (Author of Running with Scissors)


Taken from my Starbucks cup today

How Great Is Our God

Your life is a miracle, and the creator of the universe knows you by name.

He’s big enough to breathe out stars, yet intricate enough to fashion together the trillions of cells that make up every facet of who you are. The God who spoke the universe into existence made you, too, and knows everything about you. From the smallest molecule to the situation you find yourself in right now, He’s aware of your circumstances and intimately acquainted with everything you do. And He cares about you and promises to carry you through.

That’s where we find hope in the midst of the darkest places in life. The journey is often complicated and painful, filled with confusion and chaos. Yet, the cross of Christ reveals God’s promise to preserve and restore you no matter what the circumstance. He will hold onto you and hold you together, giving strength to those who hope in His unfailing love.

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD

New Look - Take Two

OK, I spent an obnoxious amount of time editing the new look. What do you think of this one? I think this is my final choice. I also gave Grant's blog a makeover too. Check it out!

I Love Fall!

Looks like I'm not the only one who's excited Fall has finally arrived!!

Saturday was just gorgeous! Stephanie, Grant and I went to a Pumpkin Patch in Hayden. There was so much to see and do (if you had money), but we enjoyed just walking around and seeing everything. Grant even had a ride on a miniture pony!! The boy is in love with horses, but is usually afraid of them. He took one look at these and was mesmerized.

I picked him up and asked him what he thought.
He said, "Horse. Ride."
I said, "You want to ride a horse?"
"Yes," he said.
"Let's go ask Mommy," I said

Steph asked one of the ladies taking the money, if she could just set him on the horse to see how he'd react. He didn't react at all. So, round and round he went. I took video and pictures with her camera. I'll have to upload those another time.

Once we got home, he wanted to keep playing outside. Steph and I got camping chairs set up in the driveway, but we quickly found out how chilly it was getting. I got my coat out the car, zipped it up and put my hood on. Grant kept peeking at me from below the chair so he could see my eyes from under the hood! haha I had to warm up! So he and I played ball and went on different adventures.

He's 23 months old now and his vocabulary has taken off! And, he's started to string words together - which has been a lot of fun, actually having conversations with him!! He said his first sentance the other day, "Mommy went potty." Typical little boy, huh?

Free Parking

Ordinarily in Monopoly, Free Parking warrants you quite a bit of cash. In the real world, my townhouse has two parking spaces. However, I rarely have anything but my one space. My neighbor seems to think that because it's only me living here, it gives him the right to park on my side. On more than one occasion, I've had to ask him to move his (or his guests) car.

Tonight, I had a Pampered Chef party at my house. I told people to park where ever; knowing in the back of my mind, this wasn't the right attitude to have, but for pete's sake (poor Pete), can't a girl get a break? Is it so much to ask for my two spaces? I realize this was the wrong way to seek revenge.

I'm sure most of you are in houses, but do you have any advice on the situation? I really try not to let it bother me, but that doesn't always work.



Side note: If you're interested in checking out the Pampered Chef products, check out this website: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/brandiosbourn

New look!

What do you think? Save or keep trying?

Lunch Nazi

Stuff happens to me all day long and I always think, "Oh, this would be a great blog." But by the time I've gotten home, worked out, found something healthy for dinner and finally sat down, I sit in front of a blank screen and can't remember what it was I wanted to talk about. Anyone else have this trouble? In fact, I write really good posts in my head, usually while doing something mundane at work, like making copies. But alas, do I type these thoughts down? Well, no, that would make too much sense. Plus, a part of me wonders why anyone would want to read about my random stuff that occurs....

Speaking of random, I finally had my review at work. Which, I'd been dreading. Not because I didn't think I'd been doing a good job, but because in the four years I've been there, never have I received a positive review. I get berated and crazy things happen once I cross the threshold into his office. But last week, it was sprung on me. I had just had a snack of BBQ chips and that taste was in my mouth. It was a weird sensation. Anyway, it was a good review. He said, while the budgeted amount was between 0%-3%, he gave me a 4%!! So, yeah for me! I'm not sure what that translates to. Oh, and one of the coolest things he said was that he noticed all the little things I do around the office. All the nitty-gritty details that people often over-look until they aren't done. So, that made me feel really good. I know I'm an asset to the team. There's no I in team after all.

Wanna know something funny about my office? First, we are all creatures of habit. Every day around the same time, my boss yells from his office, "I'M HUNGRY!" We have to hold him off until at least noon, or the day will drag on and on. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention, we all eat lunch together, around the conference table; talking about sports, politics or whatever random conversation comes up. The food gets prayed over and for 20-30 we're normal people, eating together; though, I NEVER get a word in edge-wise. I'm OK with that anyway. I'd rather talk with people who want to talk with me. Digressing rabbit trail alert!

OK, so everyday, everyone is STARVING, but no one wants to make a decision about what we should do for lunch. If I'm lucky, I've actually made a trip to Wal-Mart and have brought my own lunch, so I don't have to deal with the "trauma" for the day. But if I haven't, then everyone just assumes that I'll take care of everything. As if it's one of my job responsibilities, which honestly, infuriates me, because let's face it. Getting lunch for the office is a ginormous hassle.

1. Decide where to go.
2. Gather up every one's orders - usually they talk to me like I'm their server at the restaurant
3. Get money - which no one ever gives me enough for what they ordered
4. Call the order in and go pick it up.
5. Pay separately for all the orders, usually around 5-9!
6. Make sure all the orders are right. Inevitably, some one's order isn't right.
7. Give all the change back.

Oh, it's the biggest hassle in the entire world. OK, I realize that's being a bit dramatic. But, if all the above is going happen, then I want to make sure it's somewhere where I want to eat. And so.... this amazing thing happens. Because everyone is weak with hungry and not willing to make a decision, I hold a lot of power around lunch time. Muuuuuhahaaaaaaaaaa! (evil laugh)

Take today for instance. I had a hankering for Chick-fil-A. Not many people like Chick-fil-A, but for all the reasons above, one by one, they all cave. I get what I want and they get what they want (in that they get to stay at the office and not deal with the hassle). I told my dad about this and he was appalled that I would be pulling such a stunt, but let's face it people. A girl's gotta do, what a girl's gotta do.

Welcome to Heaven, Grandpa!!

My mom called me at work Wednesday morning to tell me the sad news. Grandpa had died in his sleep and was now in Heaven. I guess she thought it would be OK to tell me, as really, it's good news, but I immediately began to cry. "Are you crying?", she said. "Of course, I'm crying!" "Oh honey, it's a good thing, really." I hung up with mom and went to the hallway and just sobbed. Strangely enough, the one person I'd never thought I'd find comfort in, was there to hold me and let me cry. But I soon had to bury my feelings and get back to work.

Since then, I've been so busy rearranging my life, that I honestly haven't had time to stop and think about what this means. Except for that moment, I haven't allowed myself to feel. But now, sitting here, seeing memories of him flash through my head, my eyes fill with tears. My head knows he's hanging out with Jesus and has been made new! New eyes to see. New ears to hear! New body to move. New everything. He's probably found a garage somewhere and is working on cars again. Cars and my Grandmother were his two loves in life; besides his kids of course.

One of my memories is the day he took me out in the canoe. I'd heard about my sister's experience (where she fell out and he had to rescue her). So, I made sure to be very still. Though, I was being my chatty self and I want to say he got frustrated with me. I don't exactly remember all the details. I'm not sure why I even mention it now.

For as long as I can remember, every summer and Christmas, we'd all pile into the car and head down (DRIVE 9 hours) to the their house. But a few years ago, when his health started to fail. Not sick, but just getting old (he was 94 after all), I decided I wanted to remember him the way he used to be. (Plus, I'm allergic to their house, but that's another story.) I know this sounds crazy and COMPLETELY selfish of me, but I stopped going for visits. It made me too sad to see him like that. Surprisingly, my mom let me stay home. I'm not sure if she knew the real reason or not, but I tend to think she understood.

Anyway, back to Grandpa. He loved Jesus with all his heart, soul and mind. He raised his kids and grandchildren in the Lord. So, obviously, there's no doubt in my mind that he's in Heaven right now. I suppose that's why I'm OK. Really. Everyone keeps asking me if I'm OK. And I am. Is it wrong for me to feel that way? I mean, I know I distanced myself and pulled away, but he was still my Grandpa. But I guess, in more ways than one, him going Home in his sleep, truely is an answer to prayer.

Yesterday, when I was sad, God gave me a song. He always speaks to me through song, why would this situation be any different. He's faithful and good like that, you know? It's a song called, "What Could Be Better" by 33 Miles. Check out the lyrics below:

I've heard it said today
Is all we're given
Tomorrow may not come
So you better start living
I guess it all depends
On your point of view

Pardon me if I
Just don't listen
To everything the world
Say's I'm missing
There's nothing here and now
I'm gonna hold on to

Chorus:
I'm living in the days ahead
I'm already dancing on the streets of gold
Can't stop celebrating in my soul
I'm living in the days ahead
Nothing on earth could ever compare
Can't wait for the day when I get there
When I see Jesus face to face
Tell me what could be better
Tell me what could be better

If home is where the heart is then I'm in Heaven
It's the promise of tomorrow
That I've been given
Who is waiting there I am living for

He's everything I love
And I believe in
And I can hardly wait
Just to see Him
And hear Him say well done
I couldn't ask for more

Life is full of ups and downs
Inside outs, round and rounds
Can't blame me for dreaming about it

I'm living in the days ahead
I'm already dancing on the streets of gold
Can't stop celebrating in my soul
I'm living in the days ahead
Nothing on earth could ever compare
Can't wait for the day when I get there
When I see Jesus face to face
Tell me what could be better
Tell me what could be better


In the words of Ty Pennington, Welcome home, Glenn Gregg. Welcome home.

Britney

Britney by Bebo Norman

I Love My Nephew

I'm simple amazed by the capacity of love I have for my nephew. Before he was even born, I loved him. The first time I saw him, I couldn't believe I could love someone so much whom I'd just met. Now, 22 months later, I love him more than I thought possible. He's my buddy. He surprises me at every turn. So smart!

He's learning to string words together, "Aunt Mer..... sit..... down..... please." Or "Book.... read... please..." I find myself having actual conversations with him. Or, at least, understand what he wants, rather than not that long ago, when he'd drag us around and point and grunt. Although, he still does that, but I say, "Please use your words so Aunt Mer can understand you." He'll usually just laugh at me. Crazy kid.

His capacity for growth and knowledge is utterly astounding. Not to mention the fact that his little person has a really funny sense of humor. This morning, we were at a bank opening in Warrior. I was keeping him busy (distracted) while my sister and brother in law were opening an account. Grant and I were walking around looking at different things, but what he loved most, was this fountain which flowed over a vertical piece of glass. (One side you could feel the water, the other was just the back side of the glass.) I, of course, knew this and wanted to see what Grant would think of the non-wet side. He tentatively pressed his hand against the glass, then smiled really big and said, "Mmmmmmmmmagic!" I have no idea where he learned that, but when things amaze him these days, he'll say, "Magic" (but always with the exaggerated M). So funny!

I had the pleasure of rocking and putting him down for a nap today. We read a few books, but I could tell he was exhausted and asked him if he wanted Aunt Mer to sing Jesus Loves Me. He said yes. I sing it with a different melody/music than the regular version and after a few verses, it always knocks him out. Today wasn't any different! You see, when he was a baby, my mom started singing "This Old Man" and he'd fall asleep within minutes. To this day, if anyone sings this, his eyes get droopy and he's out cold. Well, a year ago or more, I went on strike from This Old Man. I can't tell you how many times I sang that to him for nap time. I just couldn't sing it anymore. So, I started singing praise songs and it worked just as well.

After putting him down and turning on the baby monitor, I went outside and walked around to the front of the house and layed on the porch swing. I was so sleepy and could hardly function, so I decided to take a nap too. Today was so nice! Love fall! I woke up 40 minutes later, feeling more awake and refreshed! Though, my arm was asleep and I'd drooled, but that was bound to happen. ha

I veered away from my original intent, isn't that always the way? But I just wanted to share about my love for Grant. I'm sure you get tired of hearing about it, but as my dad would say, "Tough toe nails!" :)

Wild Horses

Sometimes... a song just encompasses everything. I was watching "Flicka" last night and heard this song, Wild Horses by Natasha Bedingfield. I'm starting to feel like a wild horse. I know that sounds crazy. It's invigoarting, exciting and scary all at the same time.