Ramblings

Most of the time I don’t usually talk just to talk.  If I have something to say I’ll share it, but I’m not one of those girls who has a word quota to meet each day.  Basically I don’t do much rambling.  Thankfully, I’m not a politician so rambling isn’t a necessary skill I need to develop.  Although I am finding my lack of the skill makes consistent blogging more difficult.  I’m also learning my posts are sporadic because, like conversation, I prefer them to have a purpose.  Since most of my days are filled with routine activities, the “postcards” I could share with you are what I’d consider “word count ramblings” just to meet the proverbial quota.  I say all of this as justification for my absence over the previous month as well as a warning/ explanation in case I disappear again for another 30+ days.

Speaking of 30 days, the month of April has exactly that.  Here are a few highlights in reverse chronological order, starting with last weekend...

According to locals, last weekend was a glimpse into what Seattle summers will be like.  In short, I’m excited!  Although a few of my previous postcards have been about the weather, a topic some may argue is the ultimate form of rambling, be prepared for more once the sun decides it would like to stay and play longer than 48 hours.  Anyway, since baseball and sunshine go together like peanut butter and chocolate, Shelly and I made a last minute decision to go to the Mariner’s game on Saturday which turned out to be a complete win.  Free tickets made for quality time together, soaking in much needed vitamin D while enjoying sunflower seeds and watching White Sox pitcher Philip Humber throw the 21^st Perfect Game in MLB history.  It was an all around perfect day.  

Sunday after church I ventured out to Green Lake with sandwich in hand for an afternoon of alone time and reading.  Although I may have been there by myself, I was definitely not the only person taking advantage of the sunny day.  It was packed! (The accompanying postcard makes the park look tranquil. It wasn't.)  My attempts to find a patch of grass semi secluded for quiet reading, yet optimally placed for sun exposure semi-failed and I ended up people watching/ listening instead.  Always an entertaining way to pass time.  The weekend was capped off with a BBQ at a friend’s house nearby.  If those two days were a look into the upcoming months, this is going to be a gloriously wonderful summer.

Back in February (and relevant to this entry because it still applies in April,) I started going to a Thursday night Bible Study at Bethany for young professional women.  Having been to groups like this in the past at other churches I was skeptical (so much so that I skipped the first two weeks because I thought it would be like all the rest and didn’t want to intentionally suffer.  I know, terrible attitude).  Once I finally got over myself and simply showed up, I was met with the blessing of intellectual study, thought provoking questions, great discussion, and new friendships.  I now look forward to our time together every Thursday as the lovely ladies in my small group have become a part of my developing community.  The Lord’s sense of humor and complete provision never ceases to amaze/ entertain me.

At the beginning of April I made a quick trip home for my Mom’s birthday.  My gift to her was me, which I realize was already a gift given by God twenty-something years ago, so I’ll just say I re-gifted myself.  We spent two full days at the cabin and enjoyed every moment.  I know most people probably refer to Disneyland as the happiest place on earth, but that’s because they haven’t been to the cabin.  It’s my happy place.  It’s also my mom’s happy place and being there to together makes it the happiest.  Great conversation also makes me happy and I am so thankful to have established relationships with my parents that allow meaningful conversation to flow easily.  With one remaining day in CA I was fortunate enough to spend it with wonderful friends from past seasons of life whom I love and don’t regularly see now that I’ve relocated 400 miles north.  The trip as a whole was good for the heart.  In fact, coming back to Seattle after such a great time with my parents and reconnection with friends was more difficult than expected.  I was sad the time had to come to an end and wished in some way I could bring my two worlds together in one place.  How great it is to know that one day they will be?!

p.s. I know I said I wasn’t going to post about recipes I'm making, so I’m not.  However, these protein/ power balls are particularly amazing and I feel compelled to share a picture of them with you.  They may look like a mound of you know what, but they taste light years better!