Sometimes I am so curious about how Matt and I ever ended up together. We are very different people, and I think that's the reason why we actually work well together. Our biggest difference has to be in our time management. Matt is a wonderful father, a devoted husband, all of those great things, but a planner? He is not. I, on the other hand, get delight from making lists of the lists I need to make. And then making those lists and carrying them with me everywhere. In fact, without a calendar and notebook of lists, I don't think I'd get anything done. Matt's lack of planning has become an endearing quality, though it wasn't always that way. It used to frustrate me to no end that he never had an answer for questions like, "What time is Christmas dinner at your moms?" or that he was regularly a few minutes late for things. He doesn't rush and he doesn't bother himself with the stress of planning. Which I guess works for some people, but not for me!
My favorite example of Matt's spur-of-the-moment style is his proposal, where he decided on random April morning that he would propose... that day. Lucky for him he was using his mother's ring and didn't have to wait. He also didn't realize that it was APRIL FOOL'S DAY!!! My father had to tell him when he went that morning to ask permission! He still asked that day anyway. But really, how perfectly does that scenario fit his personality?!
Today we have to go to one of his friend's housewarming party. He told me last night that it went from 5-8pm, so we would run late morning and get ready and head out around dinner time. So, imagine my surprise when I went to look for the address on the e-mail invite (that only Matt got) and it said (in big letters) between Noon & 5. Hahaha. All I could do was laugh.
His style is so different from my own and I am thankful for that. I don't think I could have married someone as Type A as me. Matt reminds me to slow down and not take things so seriously. I have learned not only to love him in spite of lateness and non-planning, but to love him because of those things. Because they make me a better person, and they certainly make us a less stressed couple.
He is going to be my picture for Day 7. Once I get up and get going. We have forgone the lists and the busy to-dos today and enjoyed coffee and bagels in bed while playing with Levi. I have it good.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Day 6.
I kind of failed today. I knew the person I wanted to call all day, and kept trying to call. However, the afternoon was a bit rough. It can be summed up by saying that Levi's usual 2 hour afternoon nap (which is my only time to get things done) only lasted 35 minutes. He is apparently revolting against sleep today, he didn't fall asleep for good until 10 45!!! Anyway, between him and the Christmas decorating night at church it was too late to call when I got home. So, instead I sent a text telling them I would be calling tomorrow. Bah! I tried anyway.
Tomorrow will be grateful phone call and the completion of workout week 1! Woot!
Tomorrow will be grateful phone call and the completion of workout week 1! Woot!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Day 5. Thankful for Things.
Take five minutes to write about how grateful you are for all of the wonderful things that you currently have in your life. Don’t long for what you don’t possess—instead, take stock of all the blessings you already enjoy.
I am very grateful for the "things" I am able to own. I don't have a ton, but I also don't want for much. I have a house and a car, furniture to sit on, a cell phone, a lap top, a tv, and all sorts of stuff that I have accrued over the years. I don't really have a lot to say about these things, except that I am grateful that I have what I need and many of the things I want. Matt and I are in no way rich, but we are able to live comfortably. I do find myself "wishing" I could have other/more things, new clothes mostly, and often spend more money than I should on random stuff (especially at Target). I think this is one thing I'd like to get out of this challenge, to just be satisfied with what I do have. Simplify. If I could do that I'd save myself a lot of money, and have a lot more room in my house!
I am very grateful for the "things" I am able to own. I don't have a ton, but I also don't want for much. I have a house and a car, furniture to sit on, a cell phone, a lap top, a tv, and all sorts of stuff that I have accrued over the years. I don't really have a lot to say about these things, except that I am grateful that I have what I need and many of the things I want. Matt and I are in no way rich, but we are able to live comfortably. I do find myself "wishing" I could have other/more things, new clothes mostly, and often spend more money than I should on random stuff (especially at Target). I think this is one thing I'd like to get out of this challenge, to just be satisfied with what I do have. Simplify. If I could do that I'd save myself a lot of money, and have a lot more room in my house!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Day 4, a little late!
So tonight my wedding ring fell off. Somewhere between running on the treadmill in my dad's basement and going home to get in the shower I lost my wedding band. I spent the last few hours looking for it to no avail. Tearing apart my bags, levi's bags, and my car. Going back to my dad's house, searching the ground. Nothing. Boo. Please pray that it turns up with the new day. I'm really bummin about this. Anyway, on to gratitude day 4.
Write a short message of thanks for some of the “negative” things in your life.
I have been thinking ahead to this post since I first saw it on the calendar last week. I have a lot of "negative" things to choose from, i guess, but who doesn't? Today I am going to focus on some of the negatives of relationships, and why I can be thankful for them.
My parent's marriage was far from perfect. There was a lot of fighting in my family, though I don't think my parents (or my family in general) were more unhappy than most others, I think we just expressed it more loudly than most would! My parents argued a lot, mostly about money. I remember when I was in high school the day that my mom told me she wanted to practice loving my father more fully, she wanted to put him first and speak lovingly to him. She worked really hard on it, and I noticed a great change in their marriage after that. But, in a way, I am thankful for the loud, fighting family I come from. It has taught me a few things. 1- That I don't want my family to be a fighting one. Matt and I decided early on in our relationship that we didn't want to scream and yell at each other when we fight. We haven't always followed through on that, but we strive all the time to be "better fighters". 2- Expressing your feelings and hurts is a really good thing. Even if my family didn't do a great job on their delivery, I can say that they rarely held their feelings in. This is a positive trait I have brought into my own marriage.
I am also thankful for the arguments that Matt and I have. When I say argument, I don't mean to imply angry fights, name calling, or anything of that nature. Instead, most of our arguments begin with, "Hey ______, there's something I need to talk to you about." While we both try to be understanding of eachother, the thing I am most grateful for from our arguments is what comes after. If we never aired our issues, we would be living superficially. An authentic, genuine relationship requires that you care enough to "get into it". If I didn't care about bettering my marriage, then I wouldn't even bother, because discussions (or arguments) often take time and energy when both are in short supply. But I am grateful that Matt and I both want to put in the work on our marriage, I am grateful that we work on listening and understanding, and I am grateful for the growth that occurs through our rough spots.
What "negative" things in life are you grateful for? We all have tough moments that have cause growth, doors shut in our face that shook a new one open... take time to find something positive in even your hardest time.
*******************************************************
In other news, Matt and I ran Week 1, Day 2 of C25K. I was a bit sore in the calves from Monday's run, but actually feel better now than I did before the run. I also tried to do extra stretching before and after. Hopefully that helps!
ktw
Write a short message of thanks for some of the “negative” things in your life.
I have been thinking ahead to this post since I first saw it on the calendar last week. I have a lot of "negative" things to choose from, i guess, but who doesn't? Today I am going to focus on some of the negatives of relationships, and why I can be thankful for them.
My parent's marriage was far from perfect. There was a lot of fighting in my family, though I don't think my parents (or my family in general) were more unhappy than most others, I think we just expressed it more loudly than most would! My parents argued a lot, mostly about money. I remember when I was in high school the day that my mom told me she wanted to practice loving my father more fully, she wanted to put him first and speak lovingly to him. She worked really hard on it, and I noticed a great change in their marriage after that. But, in a way, I am thankful for the loud, fighting family I come from. It has taught me a few things. 1- That I don't want my family to be a fighting one. Matt and I decided early on in our relationship that we didn't want to scream and yell at each other when we fight. We haven't always followed through on that, but we strive all the time to be "better fighters". 2- Expressing your feelings and hurts is a really good thing. Even if my family didn't do a great job on their delivery, I can say that they rarely held their feelings in. This is a positive trait I have brought into my own marriage.
I am also thankful for the arguments that Matt and I have. When I say argument, I don't mean to imply angry fights, name calling, or anything of that nature. Instead, most of our arguments begin with, "Hey ______, there's something I need to talk to you about." While we both try to be understanding of eachother, the thing I am most grateful for from our arguments is what comes after. If we never aired our issues, we would be living superficially. An authentic, genuine relationship requires that you care enough to "get into it". If I didn't care about bettering my marriage, then I wouldn't even bother, because discussions (or arguments) often take time and energy when both are in short supply. But I am grateful that Matt and I both want to put in the work on our marriage, I am grateful that we work on listening and understanding, and I am grateful for the growth that occurs through our rough spots.
What "negative" things in life are you grateful for? We all have tough moments that have cause growth, doors shut in our face that shook a new one open... take time to find something positive in even your hardest time.
*******************************************************
In other news, Matt and I ran Week 1, Day 2 of C25K. I was a bit sore in the calves from Monday's run, but actually feel better now than I did before the run. I also tried to do extra stretching before and after. Hopefully that helps!
ktw
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Day 3
Write about something you feel grateful for in your life today.
There are so many things I am grateful for in my life. It's really quite difficult to pick just one thing to focus on. I'm going to have to go really forest (you know, as opposed to trees?) and say I am so thankful for the people that have made their way into my life. It's really strange how throughout our lives we assume we know the "end of the story". You know what I mean, in elementary school you plan to get an apartment with your best friend. In high school you plan to marry the boy you've been dating 3 weeks. In college, you decide where you'll be working, living, raising a family. But isn't it funny how those plans can change, either suddenly or gradually, sometimes without warning or us even noticing. Sometimes they change because we choose for them to. Sometimes because we have no choice. If you had asked me 5 years ago where I would be and who I would be friends with I never could have predicted this outcome. In fact, 5 years ago at this time my life was in a sort of upheaval. It turned out to be the turning point in a life I thought I had planned out perfectly. Ha! My life looks nothing like what I had imagined then and I couldn't be happier.
So here are the people I am thankful for, in no particular order.
College: Kevin & Tara. There aren't a ton of people I keep in touch with from college, but Kevin and Tara I hope to stay friends with for a very long time. Kevin has been the most academically influential person in my life to date. Tara is my twin, and the most spiritually influential person in my life to date.
Friends: Abigail, Amy, Louisa & Jon, Denise & Cat, Crystal & Lucio. AKA, the Saturday night crew. I look forward to every time we are able to get together and always leave feeling positive about life. Scrabble with friends makes my heart happy!
Family: Dad & Bert, Gina & Randy. Both have sacrificed and worked hard to help me along in life. I could never thank you all for how much you have helped me (and Matt) out through the years.
Christian, Bekah, Timothy, Zach. You have all taught me different things throughout my life. I so wish I saw everyone more regularly, but I love when we are all together, no matter how chaotic. I hope you all know how much I love and appreciate you!
Levi. Levi has taught me a whole new way to love. He has taught me patience. He has allowed every experience to become new again, somehow things are more exciting when they are a "first". Like today was Levi's first time "seeing" snow!!!
Matthew. I joke with my youth group girls all the time about how I "picked" Matt and they should be careful choosing. ;) Truth be told, Matt is everything I always needed but never knew. He has always supported and encouraged me to follow whatever dream I have, he is the most amazing father, and a perfectly imperfect partner.
5 Years ago, many of these people wouldn't have been on my list. But today I am thankful for those that have been put in my life, each of them blesses me in a unique way on a daily basis.
Thank you!
There are so many things I am grateful for in my life. It's really quite difficult to pick just one thing to focus on. I'm going to have to go really forest (you know, as opposed to trees?) and say I am so thankful for the people that have made their way into my life. It's really strange how throughout our lives we assume we know the "end of the story". You know what I mean, in elementary school you plan to get an apartment with your best friend. In high school you plan to marry the boy you've been dating 3 weeks. In college, you decide where you'll be working, living, raising a family. But isn't it funny how those plans can change, either suddenly or gradually, sometimes without warning or us even noticing. Sometimes they change because we choose for them to. Sometimes because we have no choice. If you had asked me 5 years ago where I would be and who I would be friends with I never could have predicted this outcome. In fact, 5 years ago at this time my life was in a sort of upheaval. It turned out to be the turning point in a life I thought I had planned out perfectly. Ha! My life looks nothing like what I had imagined then and I couldn't be happier.
So here are the people I am thankful for, in no particular order.
College: Kevin & Tara. There aren't a ton of people I keep in touch with from college, but Kevin and Tara I hope to stay friends with for a very long time. Kevin has been the most academically influential person in my life to date. Tara is my twin, and the most spiritually influential person in my life to date.
Friends: Abigail, Amy, Louisa & Jon, Denise & Cat, Crystal & Lucio. AKA, the Saturday night crew. I look forward to every time we are able to get together and always leave feeling positive about life. Scrabble with friends makes my heart happy!
Family: Dad & Bert, Gina & Randy. Both have sacrificed and worked hard to help me along in life. I could never thank you all for how much you have helped me (and Matt) out through the years.
Christian, Bekah, Timothy, Zach. You have all taught me different things throughout my life. I so wish I saw everyone more regularly, but I love when we are all together, no matter how chaotic. I hope you all know how much I love and appreciate you!
Levi. Levi has taught me a whole new way to love. He has taught me patience. He has allowed every experience to become new again, somehow things are more exciting when they are a "first". Like today was Levi's first time "seeing" snow!!!
Matthew. I joke with my youth group girls all the time about how I "picked" Matt and they should be careful choosing. ;) Truth be told, Matt is everything I always needed but never knew. He has always supported and encouraged me to follow whatever dream I have, he is the most amazing father, and a perfectly imperfect partner.
5 Years ago, many of these people wouldn't have been on my list. But today I am thankful for those that have been put in my life, each of them blesses me in a unique way on a daily basis.
Thank you!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Day 2- An Alphabet of Gratitude
(Sorry this is so late! I was working on it on paper earlier today, but Levi was in some sort of mood and we I wasn't able to get on my laptop till now!)
A- Abigail, no really! I love my sissy-la-la and hate when she's gone too long!
B- Buttons. I love big buttons on sweaters and pants and bags. Lame, I know.
C- Church. I love my church and am so thankful to have been raised there.
D- Dreams. I have many
E- Extended (added) family. I have added many friends to my "family" over the years and they mean the world to me.
F- Family. The ones related by blood. They are nuts, but also pretty awesome.
G- Gifts. Not the physical kind, but the gifts I have been given- discernment, administration, vision, etc.
H- Home. I am thankful that I have a house to come home to each day.
I- Insurance. Levi's delivery would have cost us 12k or so, Matt's hosptalization 3k, and Levi's testing and doctor visits are around 2,500 and counting.
J- Pastor Jonnah and the rest of the Zimbabwe family
K- Kids. The ones I work with. Yes, all of them.
L- Levi is the blessing I didn't know I needed at the time.
M- Matthew, who is the greatest husband and father I could have ever asked for.
N- New Beginnings.
O- Outdoors. I am not really an "outdoors-y" kind of person, but I do like to appreciate nature and enjoy fresh air.
P- Pools. I really love swimming.
Q- Scrabble!!! Ok, I know scrabble doesn't start with a Q, but it made me think of it. I love game nights with my friends, even when I don't win scrabble!
R- RPI, because they pay me to think about stuff I like.
S- Synthroid! Without newborn screening and synthroid who knows what kind of problems Levi would have.
T- Teenagers, the ones who will give me gray hair very early.
U- Up & Up. Okay, this one is kinda cheating, but it's Target's brand. And I am very thankful for Target!
V- Values. My parents raised me with many values and I appreciate that.
W- Weekends. Even when I am busy all weekend, it's nice to be busy next to Matt!
X- X-rays, Echos, CT Scans, etc. Without all those fun medical advancements Matt may not be here and healthy!
Y- You!!!
Z- Zachariah, Timothy, Rebekah, Christian, and Gina. Each of them has taught me something different. Thanks!
**************************
In other news, Matt and I started c25k today. Wow! I didn't realize just how out of shape I am. I guess being pregnant and having a baby can do that to you. Thank you so much to my family who watched Levi while Matt and I went running through Cohoes. It was coooooold. But we made it! I will let you know how I am feeling tomorrow after my first run in quite a long time!
A- Abigail, no really! I love my sissy-la-la and hate when she's gone too long!
B- Buttons. I love big buttons on sweaters and pants and bags. Lame, I know.
C- Church. I love my church and am so thankful to have been raised there.
D- Dreams. I have many
E- Extended (added) family. I have added many friends to my "family" over the years and they mean the world to me.
F- Family. The ones related by blood. They are nuts, but also pretty awesome.
G- Gifts. Not the physical kind, but the gifts I have been given- discernment, administration, vision, etc.
H- Home. I am thankful that I have a house to come home to each day.
I- Insurance. Levi's delivery would have cost us 12k or so, Matt's hosptalization 3k, and Levi's testing and doctor visits are around 2,500 and counting.
J- Pastor Jonnah and the rest of the Zimbabwe family
K- Kids. The ones I work with. Yes, all of them.
L- Levi is the blessing I didn't know I needed at the time.
M- Matthew, who is the greatest husband and father I could have ever asked for.
N- New Beginnings.
O- Outdoors. I am not really an "outdoors-y" kind of person, but I do like to appreciate nature and enjoy fresh air.
P- Pools. I really love swimming.
Q- Scrabble!!! Ok, I know scrabble doesn't start with a Q, but it made me think of it. I love game nights with my friends, even when I don't win scrabble!
R- RPI, because they pay me to think about stuff I like.
S- Synthroid! Without newborn screening and synthroid who knows what kind of problems Levi would have.
T- Teenagers, the ones who will give me gray hair very early.
U- Up & Up. Okay, this one is kinda cheating, but it's Target's brand. And I am very thankful for Target!
V- Values. My parents raised me with many values and I appreciate that.
W- Weekends. Even when I am busy all weekend, it's nice to be busy next to Matt!
X- X-rays, Echos, CT Scans, etc. Without all those fun medical advancements Matt may not be here and healthy!
Y- You!!!
Z- Zachariah, Timothy, Rebekah, Christian, and Gina. Each of them has taught me something different. Thanks!
**************************
In other news, Matt and I started c25k today. Wow! I didn't realize just how out of shape I am. I guess being pregnant and having a baby can do that to you. Thank you so much to my family who watched Levi while Matt and I went running through Cohoes. It was coooooold. But we made it! I will let you know how I am feeling tomorrow after my first run in quite a long time!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
A slight detour...
For the next 3 weeks, my blog will be dedicated to the gratitude challenge hosted by tiny prints. I have challenge all of the students in my youth program (hi guys!) to take this journey with me. I hope that reading my reflections on the gratitude activities will be helpful to them as they complete their own. I also hope that I may inspire you to take the same challenge. I have a feeling this will be a fun little exercise. So here is today's activity:
Today you start The Gratitude Challenge. Sign the contract and make a commitment to take note and give
thanks for the next 21 days. Express why you accepted this challenge and what you hope to achieve from it.
I have my contract all signed and ready to go. I am excited to accept this challenge for a few reasons: 1- I think there is no better time to do this. As we leave Thanksgiving behind and enter Advent, I really think these activities will allow me to focus my energy and attention on the more important parts of the season. 2- I think it will be a good discipline for me to be accountable to everyone to blog each day of the 21 days. I am terrible at finding time to blog, though I'd really like to. I hope this will help. 3- I don't enjoy negativity in other people, but tend to sometimes fall into the trap myself. I think being forced to find ways to be thankful, even for the negative things in my life, will be a good practice for my spirit.
So that's Day 1. Do you think you will join the challenge? The site I linked to has a calendar you can download with all of the activities on it. If you're joining, let me know why? What are you thankful for?
****************
In a bit of other news, Matt and I (and Amy and Abbey) are starting the couch to 5k (c25k) program this week. It's 30 minutes of running exercises 3 times a week for 9 weeks, it builds you up gradually to be able to run an entire 5k. I am not a runner. I never have been. But after the mess with Matt's heart this month, I would really like to start. I have also always wanted to run a 5k for a good cause. I will try to keep everyone updated on that as I go along as well!
ktw
Today you start The Gratitude Challenge. Sign the contract and make a commitment to take note and give
thanks for the next 21 days. Express why you accepted this challenge and what you hope to achieve from it.
I have my contract all signed and ready to go. I am excited to accept this challenge for a few reasons: 1- I think there is no better time to do this. As we leave Thanksgiving behind and enter Advent, I really think these activities will allow me to focus my energy and attention on the more important parts of the season. 2- I think it will be a good discipline for me to be accountable to everyone to blog each day of the 21 days. I am terrible at finding time to blog, though I'd really like to. I hope this will help. 3- I don't enjoy negativity in other people, but tend to sometimes fall into the trap myself. I think being forced to find ways to be thankful, even for the negative things in my life, will be a good practice for my spirit.
So that's Day 1. Do you think you will join the challenge? The site I linked to has a calendar you can download with all of the activities on it. If you're joining, let me know why? What are you thankful for?
****************
In a bit of other news, Matt and I (and Amy and Abbey) are starting the couch to 5k (c25k) program this week. It's 30 minutes of running exercises 3 times a week for 9 weeks, it builds you up gradually to be able to run an entire 5k. I am not a runner. I never have been. But after the mess with Matt's heart this month, I would really like to start. I have also always wanted to run a 5k for a good cause. I will try to keep everyone updated on that as I go along as well!
ktw
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