Goals, 2012, And What Happens When You Have Too Much Coffee

I blame it on the extra coffee.

No, if anything it should be blamed on my trip to Alaska last summer, the to-do lists I've made since then, and probably on Pinterest. But I'm sure the coffee contributed to this mood I'm in this morning. It's a goal setting mood.

When 2011 ended and 2012 began I had a few goals in mind for this year. I'm still articulating them (yes, its the end of January but setting goals constantly is good, right?) but this morning I've been even more challenged to write them down. That's going on my to-do list for the day. And since I'm on my forth (fifth?) mug of coffee and it's not even 10:30, I'm hoping I'll have the energy and brain power to think of some.

What's really on my mind this morning is that silly 'word of the year' thing everyone has become so obsessed with. 'Resolutions' are SO 1999 (or any other year besides this one--pick) and they have become something we joke about keeping until, oh, January 2nd or so and then convieniently forgetting. So instead when we look for a new start in the new year we call them 'goals' or a 'word of the year' and feel all trendy and cool.

Rant over.

Anyway, I'm not planning on giving my year a word. I think there's nothing wrong with that, but I'm more of a 'seat of the pants-er' at writing and at life and the idea of labeling 11 more months with a word that WILL/SHOULD describe them is foreign to me.

BUT when I was reading my Bible this morning (yep, that's a goal too) I was really struck by how all the goals I've been setting/praying about/thinking about can really be summed up by being intentional. I know I'm not the first one to notice that intentional living is important. Countless books have been written, sermons preached, and blogs posted on this topic, I'm sure. So don't worry, I know it's nothing new (but really, what is?)

But I really want to be more intentional. I've been intentionally being more active. I want to intentionally find things to do with my son that are fun and good learning opportunities. I want to be intentional about building an even better relationship with my hubby. I want to intentionally be a good friend/sister/daughter.

The thing I'm finally getting is that I LOVE to be vague. I'll set a goal (ahem, or make a resolution, let's be honest) to be more healthy, but never articulate what that means. It's like that saying that if you're aiming at nothing, you'll hit it. Well, in the same way, if you know what you're aiming at but only kindasorta, you'll only kindasorta hit it.

This may only be making sense to me, but I had to post it. Writing works things out in my brain, you know? How about you? Does writing untwist your tangled thoughts the way it does mine?

SO. Today I'm going to intentionally set some goals for myself. Not vague ones. But not super unrealistic ones like Im-going-to-be-a-size-two-by-next-week ones either. Intentional goals.

Wish me luck! How about you? Any goals/words/resolutions for 2012? How are you doing so far?

"Get off the interstate, Ben Stone..."

Day 3

Alright, ten points if you can name that movie I quoted in the title. I’ll tell you tomorrow if you got it right.

They say nothing stays the same, that everything changes. Well, here I am, living proof that the saying is wrong. I have recanted in my false beliefs about Oklahoma. I’m pretty much in love with the Osage County area. Nebraska is gorgeous too, much more unique in its beauty than I thought it was. Notice what’s missing in that list?

Yep. Kansas. No offense, Kansas people, but I still don’t like it. Yes, there were some pretty parts of it, I can admit that. The breeze (um, gusting wind?) was nice at our RV park last night. But Kansas as a whole? At least, the part I saw? Yeah….I’m glad to be done with it.

The day started out a little on the sketchy side for me. Josh was asleep and I was hanging out with him so he wouldn’t roll off the bed, which means that I didn’t get a chance to have coffee. That’s right, I started the day today with no coffee. Which is why I was in a grumpy mood for the first little while. Well, that and Kansas.

When we crossed the Nebraska line I felt a little better. When we pulled off the interstate to get gas and discovered Valentino’s pizza? I was a LOT better. That was some of the most amazing pizza I’ve ever had. The tangy tomato sauce, the spicy pepperoni’s, warm crust and gooey cheese…Mmmmm.

We continued our “hey, we’re enjoying the trip” philosophy and decided to get off the interstate in…It’s not Ooompaloopa, Nebraska, but it sounds like it. Checking the map now…Ogalala. That’s it. Actually, I asked John, so if it’s not spelled right, it’s because I didn’t check. Don’t judge. I know I’m an English teacher, but it’s summer, okay? But even on the interstate we saw some pretty scenery. The Platte River (all five zillion crossings of it) was beautiful. Also, if you don’t know, Nebraska has some of the best rest stops in the country. Cute little kid playareas, nice buildings, shady picnic areas, and the two we’ve been to have been on rivers, which makes them scenic. So we stopped at a couple of those and it was nice. I’ve decided I may love the prarie after all. There’s something about the way the wind whooshes through the grass that instantly makes you relax and enjoy being outside in the big, wide open space. I may have changed my mind on the West as a whole. I’m a big fan.

We got of the interstate in that town whose name isn’t Ooompalooma and let me tell you, that was a good move. Since we’re in an RV, we can’t go that fast anyway, which means that on the backroads we don’t lose any speed, but we gain the uniqueness of the little towns and lose the stress of passing 18-wheelers. We saw Lake McConaghy, which was absolutely stunning. It was huge! Plus, everytime we saw it we were looking down through these cool canyon/ravine looking areas. I’m sure there’s a technical name for it, but I don’t know it. The land where we were looks rather flat, but every few minutes we would look to the right and see where it dropped off suddenly, sometimes closer to the road and sometimes out on the horizon.

We’re still in Nebraska now and I’m proud to tell you that I have seen parts of the Oregon Trail! I can’t tell you how many times I played that game as a kid and now I have seen Jailhouse Rock and Courthouse Rock (it looks like a courthouse! Can you even believe it?). AND Chimney Rock, which was obviously amazing. You can see it from much further away than I would have guessed and there was something so surreal about knowing that pioneers came this same way and endured hazards far worse than a lack of coffee (Don’t worry about me, by the way, I got some eventually). I love history, so I love knowing I’m seeing the same things as people did when they traveled this way as pioneers hundreds of years ago. It’s probably the writer in me, but I wonder what their stories were. What were they thinking when they saw Chimney Rock for the first time?

The goal tonight is to get to Guernsey, Wyoming. It’s just past Ft. Laramie, another Oregon Trail landmark. I was really looking forward to being in Wyoming, because I love the scenery there, but Nebraska is just as gorgeous (cannot believe I’m typing that!) so I’m in no hurry to leave, other than wanting to be closer to Alaska.

By the way, there was a definite chill in the air this morning! There’s no better smell in the world (except this smell in Alaska—it’s different, trust me) than a crisp morning. And since it’s supposed to be in the forties or fifties in Guernsey tonight, I am anticipating the opportunity to enjoy that feeling again tomorrow.

T-7 Days

It's official. I am now counting down to Alaska. Hurray!!!!

Good news--my dad seems to be doing well! He's out of the hospital and is just getting his strength back after doing nothing for two weeks. He wants to go to Alaska, the doctor sees no reason not to, and so it appears the trip is ON. I'm incredibly grateful to God for healing my Daddy AND for making this trip happen still (as of right now--still one doctor's appointment to see about first). My dad is the important part, but the trip is the icing on the cake. Yummy icing, but just icing, nonetheless.

So, just to remind you, I'm planning to blog during the majority of this trip. So picture me, with three other adults and a baby, in a 24 foot RV, typing witty (haha, we'll see) anecdotes about the things we're seeing and doing.

And pictures. There will be lots, and lots of pictures.

So stay tuned for that. And be prepared for a relatively quiet week here as I focus on making lists about what I need to be doing to get ready (and maybe some getting ready too).

And THANK YOU for sticking with me despite my posting inconsistency. At the risk of sounding like I'm making excuses (I'm a teacher, I've heard a lot), we moved several months ago and the internet company STILL has not gotten out to our house. But it's the south. We move on southern time. So I'm trying to go with it.

Hope your summer is going well! Exciting plans, anyone? Feel free to share!

PS: You'll note that "coffee" is tagged as a label for this post. No, I have not mentioned coffee (um, until now), but I'm at Starbucks. So there you go. Anyone know if I've posted something and NOT tagged coffee???

Weather and Weddings and Bad Guys, Oh My

Is it me, or has the last week been about larger than life events?

First, the weather. If you know me, you know that I hate tornadoes with an unreasonable passion. I prayed Wednesday night that God would keep them from us, and He did, for which I am incredibly thankful. But there were lots of communities who were devastated by the storms and their effects. I wish I could help them in some way, other than just throwing money at the Red Cross, which I know is good but I wish I could do something more tangible.

Then, the royal wedding. My sister says I'm a dork for watching, but I totally don't believe her. It was really neat to see an event of that scale, and may I just say that I thought Kate's dress was gorgeous. Beyond all reason kind of gorgeous.

Then, Osama bin Laden is dead. This one I'm mostly going to leave alone because, well, I'm tired of the debates. Suffice it to say that I think it's okay, from a Christian standpoint, to rejoice that justice has been served. But Christians--don't be happy someone has gone to tell, and please, please, please don't disrespect our president just because you disagree with him.

Last, what is it about facebook that makes people completely forget that they're adults? If you can't handle facebook and how easy it is to post something quickly, then get off of it. Watch what you say and remember, Christians, that you're still Christians on facebook. The only difference between it and actual conversations you have are:

1. It's easier to be bold and say something stupid you might not say in person

2. Your words go down in print. This is a big deal, whether you realize it or not.

My sister brought me a mocha this morning, which was a fabulous start to my Monday, and I give the caffeine some credit for helping me have the clarity of mind to sort through all this world craziness. And I'm glad God is still in charge. I would be terrible at the job.

In case this post is too heavy, let me make my confession for the day. I taped the Lifetime movie "William and Kate". And I'm planning to watch it. So there you go.

Starbucks and Springtime

My wonderful hubby sent me to Starbucks today. He told me he'd take care of our adorable son (who I think I've mentioned is the cutest boy in the world) and that I should go get a mocha.

Um, okay.

As I was driving here I was just appreciating what an awesomely beautiful spring day it is! The cherry trees are blooming, it's warm...people are starting to get tans.

I love spring. I know. I said I loved fall the best. And winter. And summer. And I do. But I like it when the seasons change.

Which is odd, because in life I'm totally anti-change. Weird, huh?

It's spring break right now, so I'm enjoying time around the house with my cute little family, and getting settled into life in the country.

I hope everyone's spring is going wonderfully!

P.S> Has anyone else noticed how many posts are tagged "coffee"? What does this say about me...

Hurray!

It's been a good Sunday here. Church was good this morning--the baby slept so I even got to hear most of the message. AND the whole "baby sleeping" part meant that he was much happier for the rest of today than he typically is on Sundays. He really is the most good-natured baby I've ever met (no, really. I'm not being biased.) but if he doesn't get his nap...it's just not good. So those were two good things this morning.

PLUS my husband fixed me breakfast. It was amazingly good and totally sweet of him.

This afternoon we hung out with family and I finished the first draft of the synopsis for the story I'm entering in that contest I told you about the other day.

And now we're leaving for church again. Wow. What a productive, good day so far. Hope you've all had semi-relaxing Sundays! If not, go take a nap. Or have some coffee. =)

Oooo, coffee. Wonder if I can convince hubby to stop for some on the way to or from church? Hm...

Happy Monday!

It's so easy to be perky on a Monday when it's a holiday, don't you think?

I've had a marvelous day so far. I had yummy coffee, accomplished some decision making for the new house we're building, made fun plans for the day, decided to get my hair cut...AND the baby went down for the nap he so desperately needed. So that's good news.

All in all, I had a marvelous weekend too. I'm ready to get back to school and talk about Henry V and some exciting connections to modern day politics. Oh, it's going to be exciting. Think my juniors will think so? Hm...

I'm about to start reading Ronie Kendig's Digitalis, so I'm thinking maybe that will be next week's book. Everyone I know who has read it LOVED it, so I probably will too...

The baby is making noises, so I'm off. Enjoy your day off, if you have one, and if you don't...maybe look into a job change? =)

Notice the Blog Title?

Yes, I think somewhere on that handy main page I have my blog description. "Thoughts about life, books, and the ministry fishbowl." If it's not there, someone let me know, because it should be. No, I'll probably check in a minute. I'm pretty sure it's there, though.

Okay, I mentioned last week that I really want to start forcing my book preferences down your throats...um, I mean, telling you what to read...uh, sharing my thoughts on books I've loved. Yeah. That one.

For the record, according to some new random law, I'm supposed to tell you when I get books for free. How about you just assume that all the books I review on this site were complimentary copies, okay? I'll let you know if they weren't. It'll be simpler that way. I WOULD like to state, just for the record, that I don't say nice things about all the books I get for free. If I don't like it, I keep my mouth shut. I'm allowed. It's a free country. It's also a free enough country that no one makes me say nice things about books I was given.

But, the law's the law, right?

Anyway, this week's book that I'm highly recommending is Double Shot by Erynn Mangum. First, if you haven't read the other two books in the Maya Davis series, you really should do that. Maya is a fun, caffiene addicted twenty-something who's trying to figure out life on her own after college. I'm assuming I'm not the only one who has been there, so if you relate at all, you'd probably like this.

This is the third book in the series and Maya is planning her wedding to her best friend Jack, who she's been dating for sometime now. While they're making happy wedding plans, Maya's bombarded with some pretty tough events---a possible job change for her fiance, which means a BIG move for her, and a really, really, really premature nephew who has to stay in the NICU for quite a while. I love how Erynn Mangum could deal with events like this and while they're definitely a big part of the story, it's so upbeat. Maya's point of view is so honest, straitforward, and fun (I know, I'm overusing the word fun. But I had FUN reading it, give me a break) that it's what sticks with you.

This is a great read in a bubble bath, at the beach, in front of a fireplace and relax kind of book. My only suggestion that could possibly make this book better for you is if you drink it with coffee. I think Erynn would agree with that suggestion.

I should also tell you that even though I'm completely in love with this series and I'm 24 (some website classified that age as MID twenties, can you believe it? It's totally still early twenties. Ask me about how I break up ages like that...) my mom also really enjoyed reading it and she's...um, well...not 24. I'm pretty sure telling your mom's age on a blog is kind of uncouth. But know that this book isn't limited to a certain age group.

Check out the rest of this series at erynnmangum.com and read Erynn's thoughts (she's hilarious!) at erynnm.blogspot.com It's that enjoyable that I'm sending you away from here to go read hers. And she doesn't even know it. Someone tell her how nice I am. ;) No, really, go check it out. If you haven't heard of her before, please, please, please find the nearest bookstore and buy the first book in this series or in the Lauren Holbrook series. Hilarious. =)

Reading and the "Snow"pocolypse that Wasn't

First, let's tackle the second part of that title. Supposedly, I should be huddled in front of a fire right now, watching the sky dump buckets of snow, ice, and other wintery precipitation. But so far...nothing. Weather Channel, why do you do this to me? When I say you're lying, it snows. When I believe you, I am disappointed. Sigh.

On a good note, this does mean that school is canceled for tomorrow. And as much as I will miss my students and know that they will miss me terribly too, I really need some time to catch up on my laundry. About 8 more snowdays where I do nothing but laundry, and I probably will make a dent in that pile.

For the first part of that title...I love reading. I just finished reading an arc (advanced reader copy) of Kristin Billerbeck's A Billion Reasons Why. Loved it. And as I was sitting here thinking about it I thought about how much most people love a good love story. It's just a basic part of human nature. We like to hear how couples met. We like to watch movies about it. Read books about it. Even guys. Those computer games? There are love stories in there. For real. Anyway, it just got me thinking. Maybe it's one of those things God put in us just for fun or to point us to Him. Either way, I'm glad it's there.

I definitely recommend this book, though, y'all. I'm not going to say anything about it now, because I just wrote a review (check it out eventually on TitleTrakk.com--not for a week or so probably) about it. But it's good. Really. Really. Good.

So how about you? Read any good books lately?

I've decided, by the way, that I'm going to try to post every Monday or Tuesday-ish about a books I've read. Either one I've read lately or just a really super good one from the past. That way if you're just stunned by how amazing the book sounds, you can go buy it and have it in time to read the next weekend. Because who doesn't like to have a new book to read on a Friday afternoon? Ah. It's such an indescribable feeling. Anyway. Tune in this Monday or Tuesday-ish for my take on Erynn Mangum's double shot. And bring coffee. Because reading or reading about an Erynn Mangum book without coffee? It's just wrong.

Stuff Writers Like

You'd think since this post is about writers and I like to consider myself one, I could at least think of a title that didn't have the word "stuff" in it. But nope. I'm still on vacation, and I refuse to think of a more descriptive word for a blog title.

This is probably going to seem random, but I'm so fascinated by the things (there I go with those awesome words again) writers seem to like, almost universally.

They usually like:

Pens

Paper

Computers

Those are obvious. They go along with w-r-i-t-i-n-g. Obvious, yes?

But the strange thing is that most writers I know also have an insane addiction/love for coffee. Black coffee. Flavored coffee. Lattes. Espresso. There are lots of different preferences. But interview ten random writers and I'm almost willing to promise you that 9 out of 10, as a minimum, will love coffee. I'm not talking tolerate. I'm talking love.

I also realized today that writers love Cary Grant. Ever noticed how many times he's referred to in books? I think it's because he's the epitome of a smooth, charismatic male hero. Or maybe just because his characters are so real. I'm not sure, but it's another thing writers love.

Anything else to add to this list? Writers? Readers? What do y'all think?

Neutral Territory

Okay, the title of this post sounds more like I'm talking about some kind of hard core warfare than how to love people more, but hey, that's what you get when you've got a very sleepy blog writer who tried to stop and get coffee this morning only to find out that the coffee shop where she tried to go does not open until 11am on Saturdays. Seriously?

I'm over it, though. Not bitter at all. Although I do think I'm going to go make myself a nice, hot shot or two of espresso when I'm done typing this.

Yesterday our church went on what is becoming sort of an annual camping trip. Now let me clarify before I keep going. I love the people in my church. Really, I do. But you know we could all do a better job loving each other and really getting to know each other. That's part of the reason I love this camping trip. When we're all sitting around a campfire eating dinner and marshmellows and smores...actually, eating anything, I'm not the pastor's wife. That person over there? She's not just the pianist. That man's not just an elder. My hubby is not just the pastor. We're all just people. We can let go of all the labels we've stuck on each other and just get to know each other as people. It's a very casual camping trip. No devotionals or anything like that. Just fellowship.

Do you have people in your life you'd like to get to know better? How can you do that? Are you a camper? (I'd recommend waiting till it's warmer, maybe. Our group about froze to death...those that didn't have heaters. Seriously? Heaters on a camping trip?) Do you like coffeeshops? Do you hit the stores on Black Friday every year? Think of a way you can get people you'd like to know better into "neutral territory." Not the church, not your house (I'm not knocking hospitality, there's just a different dynamic there).

Ideas, anyone?

Avoiding Burnout

We need a vacation.

I'm sure if you're reading this you're nodding. You do too. Don't we all? If only they didn't involve silly things like time off and money, right?

For those of you who haven't had a vacation in a while, how do you do it? Especially if you're one of my fellow pw's, how do you keep going and going and going and not just...burn out?

I'm open to suggestions. Meanwhile, I'm going to drink my coffee with hazelnut coffee creamer (usually I drink it black...I feel like this says a lot about my mood today) and hope that maybe it'll remind me enough of college and the mountains to qualify as a 'mini vacation.'

I'd love to hear your suggestions. Besides yummy coffee. =)