Today I did something I haven't done in a while. I picked up lunch from a local restaurant, found a parking spot at the nearby park on the river and made my way to a picnic table. After tossing around my salad around to mix the toppings together I began to savor each and every bite. While you may be thinking, "So, you haven't eaten a sald in a while?" let me assure you that rarely do I ever miss a meal and salad is a favorite.
During this coveted hour away from the office I took some time to think, to reflect, to let my mind wander, to let my mind run wild with the ideas and possibilities of life, while still allowing a few minutes for my mind to rest as well. After I finished my lunch (I ate every piece of bacon and blue cheese crumble that came on that salad), I took a little stroll. Starting off, the sidewalk curved around the landscaping and signage for the park, taking me over a small bridge connecting the walkway to the continued path just beyond the trees. As I walked I pushed out of my mind's eye everything that had demanded my attention so far today and just breathed.
Noticing how the trees swayed in the cool breeze made me realize this same breeze caused my hair to dance on my shoulders, every now and then tickling my nose just a bit. The sun's warmth embraced me like that of a hug from a friend. Even as I glanced across the slow moving river water that seemed a bit dirty from the recent rain, I was reminded of the beauty that welcomes me each and every day if I will just stop for a minute and enjoy it.
While I can't say I "stopped to smell the roses" since they aren't actually in bloom, I did make time in this crazy race called life that keeps me running from one thing to the next, to stop, breathe, reflect and remember that each day I am given is a special gift. It's up to me what I will do with this gift called today.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
"B" is for Baby!
Bottles, bibs, diapers and wipes. Just a few of the many, many items found in the over-sized monogrammed diaper bag that a mom totes with her everywhere from the mailbox, to the shopping mall, and of course on any road trip. Now if you know me well or know me at all, you'll be wondering why on earth I'm talking about baby items, especially since I'm not married (yet) and most certainly not in the stage of life to be expecting a child of my own.
Hosting a baby shower for not just one, not just two, but THREE mothers-to-be who are dear friends this past weekend has thrown me (and my group of girlfriends) into frequenting Target and every baby boutique buying up pink and blue gifts, planning Saturday trips to fabric stores to dive through reels and reels of fabric to decorate the nursery, and altering our weekly runs to simple walks to maintain some fun exercise and time together. Being able to share in teh joy of celebrating such a special time in teh lives of so many couples truly is humbling. Words really cannot describe the sheer joy that wells up in my heart and the tears of love that come to my eyes knowing some of my dearest girlfriends will soon bring another life into this world to shower with love and encouragement, teach this little one about the things she knows and values, and guide this child through the future stages of life.
Just to think about each girlfriend and her respective husband makes me grin from ear to ear at the realization that each set will be absolutely amazing parents in their own way and will love their son or daughter wiht a love that cannot be described. My mom always says, "You can never understand the love parents have for their children until you are a parent yourself." Each woman already gives amazingly in her friendships and in her marriage relationship. How much more she will give so her child will know unconditional love and acceptance through her soft voice and by seeing the twinkle in her eyes, while being cradled in her affectionate arms. Oh the delights of motherhood!
The dads-to-be already exchange chatter of how that little girl will have him "wrapped around her finger." You can tell these macho men are just as excited for the doctor appointments to hear the heart beat, to get up early on a Saturday morning to paint the nusery walls or shop for baby bedding, and even against their understanding, to tray and figure out the overwhelming number of necessary items needed for taking care of and raising a child.
Through all the anticipation, what is most remarkable is the physical change that takes place of each of my dear friends. Going from the early stages of finding out they are pregnant to actually seeing the baby bump and months later being able to feel for the little one kicking proves the miracle of life is just that...an amazingly beautiful miracle. Stop and think about it for a second...
To those remarkable women that are already mother and have little ones crawling, walking, even driving around, I say thank you for the wisdom, advice, support and encouragement you can give.
To the beautiful women who have yet to experience that stage of life, but have friends going through it (which happens to be the group I fall in), I say count yourself more blessed than ever to have amazing women in your life who allow you to share in this joyous time they are experiencing.
To those lovely women and dear friends currently encountering the marvels of pregnancy and trying to reach for a simple glass of sweet tea (decaf of course!) over the baby bump, I encourage each one to cherish the miraculous moments of pregnancy, while excitingly anticipating the arrival of your newest additional to the family.
Whether you're expecting a baby boy or girl, THANK YOU for letting your friends and family be part of such a remarkable milestone in your life!
Hosting a baby shower for not just one, not just two, but THREE mothers-to-be who are dear friends this past weekend has thrown me (and my group of girlfriends) into frequenting Target and every baby boutique buying up pink and blue gifts, planning Saturday trips to fabric stores to dive through reels and reels of fabric to decorate the nursery, and altering our weekly runs to simple walks to maintain some fun exercise and time together. Being able to share in teh joy of celebrating such a special time in teh lives of so many couples truly is humbling. Words really cannot describe the sheer joy that wells up in my heart and the tears of love that come to my eyes knowing some of my dearest girlfriends will soon bring another life into this world to shower with love and encouragement, teach this little one about the things she knows and values, and guide this child through the future stages of life.
Just to think about each girlfriend and her respective husband makes me grin from ear to ear at the realization that each set will be absolutely amazing parents in their own way and will love their son or daughter wiht a love that cannot be described. My mom always says, "You can never understand the love parents have for their children until you are a parent yourself." Each woman already gives amazingly in her friendships and in her marriage relationship. How much more she will give so her child will know unconditional love and acceptance through her soft voice and by seeing the twinkle in her eyes, while being cradled in her affectionate arms. Oh the delights of motherhood!
The dads-to-be already exchange chatter of how that little girl will have him "wrapped around her finger." You can tell these macho men are just as excited for the doctor appointments to hear the heart beat, to get up early on a Saturday morning to paint the nusery walls or shop for baby bedding, and even against their understanding, to tray and figure out the overwhelming number of necessary items needed for taking care of and raising a child.
Through all the anticipation, what is most remarkable is the physical change that takes place of each of my dear friends. Going from the early stages of finding out they are pregnant to actually seeing the baby bump and months later being able to feel for the little one kicking proves the miracle of life is just that...an amazingly beautiful miracle. Stop and think about it for a second...
To those remarkable women that are already mother and have little ones crawling, walking, even driving around, I say thank you for the wisdom, advice, support and encouragement you can give.
To the beautiful women who have yet to experience that stage of life, but have friends going through it (which happens to be the group I fall in), I say count yourself more blessed than ever to have amazing women in your life who allow you to share in this joyous time they are experiencing.
To those lovely women and dear friends currently encountering the marvels of pregnancy and trying to reach for a simple glass of sweet tea (decaf of course!) over the baby bump, I encourage each one to cherish the miraculous moments of pregnancy, while excitingly anticipating the arrival of your newest additional to the family.
Whether you're expecting a baby boy or girl, THANK YOU for letting your friends and family be part of such a remarkable milestone in your life!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Let the Good Times Roll
Road trip anyone? Ask me that and I can't pack my bags fast enough, even if I have no idea to what part of the state, country, or world the adventure will take me. I'm a sucker for any kind of new experience, especially if it's exploring places I've never been or getting to take part in a something I've only heard about and lived vicariously through other's stories and pictures.
That's how I ended up on the streets of Mobile, AL for the 2011 opening Mardi Gras parade. As the masked mystery men rode by on their elaborately decorated floats and horses, they tossed thousands of beads to the cheering crowds only a few feet away behind the barricades. Beads of all colors and sizes sailed through the air, along with stuffed animals, moon pies, streamers, and other coveted hand-outs. The hypde and excitement cannot be described, but as so many people told me before, "It's just something you HAVE to experience!"
Once the parade ended, we made our way to the Mobile Convention Center; ladies dressed to a "T" in our formal gowns and the fellas looking sharp in their tails, ready to "eat, drink and be meery" by dancing the night away. Decorations abounded in the different rooms, which complimented the bright costumes the masked members of the Mardi Gras organizations adorned. The whole night was amazing, from dancing to the upbeat music of different bands, to being part of call out when the masked men are recognized by the crowd and pay their respects to the Mardi Gras queen, to even seeing the houses decorated with gold, green, and purple wreaths and banners. It's a whole different world and culture from anything I had experienced.
But understanding the history and importance of such events has become more of a priority as I associate myself with different life and cultural experiences. Upon further reading and researching (here's where the self-proclaimed nerd in me comes out!), the history of this great celebration holds greater importance than I first realized.
From the well-known site Wikipedia: "Mardi Gras is French for 'Fat Tuesday' referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday. Lent lasts 46 days (40 days not counting Sundays) before Easter. Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a sign of repentance."
Little did I realize that this celebration season is yet another reminder of the greatest sacrifice that one single man made for the people He loves the most. An unselfish, everlasting, all-impacting walk upon a hill and shameful death opened the door for freedom to explore the joys of this world; the freedom to love and laugh, cry and question; the ability to overcome and conquer the fears and challenges life presents; the choice to have hope for eternity that cannot be stripped away.
The colors of the Mardi Gras ball and costumes, in all their grandeur, truly pale in comparison to the natural beauty of this world, but even more of the unseen mansions lining the streets of gold awaiting us. In the same way the ball attendees enjoyed the food, wind and dancing at the party and paid respects to the Mardi Gras queen, we will all relish in a never ending party that mere words cannot describe and our little minds cannot conceive as we pay our respects for the loving relationship with a man who gave us His all.
Until that final party, I'll continue to pack my bags for the adventures of life and as the French say in this seasonal celebration, "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" (Let the good times roll!)
That's how I ended up on the streets of Mobile, AL for the 2011 opening Mardi Gras parade. As the masked mystery men rode by on their elaborately decorated floats and horses, they tossed thousands of beads to the cheering crowds only a few feet away behind the barricades. Beads of all colors and sizes sailed through the air, along with stuffed animals, moon pies, streamers, and other coveted hand-outs. The hypde and excitement cannot be described, but as so many people told me before, "It's just something you HAVE to experience!"
Once the parade ended, we made our way to the Mobile Convention Center; ladies dressed to a "T" in our formal gowns and the fellas looking sharp in their tails, ready to "eat, drink and be meery" by dancing the night away. Decorations abounded in the different rooms, which complimented the bright costumes the masked members of the Mardi Gras organizations adorned. The whole night was amazing, from dancing to the upbeat music of different bands, to being part of call out when the masked men are recognized by the crowd and pay their respects to the Mardi Gras queen, to even seeing the houses decorated with gold, green, and purple wreaths and banners. It's a whole different world and culture from anything I had experienced.
But understanding the history and importance of such events has become more of a priority as I associate myself with different life and cultural experiences. Upon further reading and researching (here's where the self-proclaimed nerd in me comes out!), the history of this great celebration holds greater importance than I first realized.
From the well-known site Wikipedia: "Mardi Gras is French for 'Fat Tuesday' referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday. Lent lasts 46 days (40 days not counting Sundays) before Easter. Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a sign of repentance."
Little did I realize that this celebration season is yet another reminder of the greatest sacrifice that one single man made for the people He loves the most. An unselfish, everlasting, all-impacting walk upon a hill and shameful death opened the door for freedom to explore the joys of this world; the freedom to love and laugh, cry and question; the ability to overcome and conquer the fears and challenges life presents; the choice to have hope for eternity that cannot be stripped away.
The colors of the Mardi Gras ball and costumes, in all their grandeur, truly pale in comparison to the natural beauty of this world, but even more of the unseen mansions lining the streets of gold awaiting us. In the same way the ball attendees enjoyed the food, wind and dancing at the party and paid respects to the Mardi Gras queen, we will all relish in a never ending party that mere words cannot describe and our little minds cannot conceive as we pay our respects for the loving relationship with a man who gave us His all.
Until that final party, I'll continue to pack my bags for the adventures of life and as the French say in this seasonal celebration, "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" (Let the good times roll!)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Making the Heart Smile
People either get excited over the thought of Valentine's Day or they turn their nose up at all the hype that surrounds this "day of love." Some have that special someone to share the day with, while for others it's a bitter reminder of singless, which some equate with loneliness. I've been on both sides of the fence.
As I think about the word "LOVE" and all the things in life I say I love, an interesting mixture of emotions rushes over me. I know what you're doing; you're thinkign about all the things in life that you say you love. Now that your wheels are turning, let's chat about this.
So many times, I catch myself saying I love chocoalate ice cream, delectable cupcakes, a steaming hot shower, a warm cup of coffee, wine with dinner, a challenging run while listening to my favorite tunes, seeing the sunrise over the water, long walks on the beach with the sound of the waves crashing along the shore. Ok, it's starting to sound like a singles want ad, but you get the idea. Yes, I do love each of these things and so many more that making a handwritten list of them all would probably circle the globe a time and a half. Each of these pleasures tickles the five basic senses: sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste. As I sit back and take a minute to embrace the mere thought of enjoying each one, my heart grins.
When I take this idea of love a step further and get past the tangible things I claim to love, a whole new level is awakened. This next level of love includes the emotions that are aroused from those tangible experiences, but steps into the realm past these simple things. This level encompasses all of the experiences that I love so dearly: a weekend trip with girlfriends full of laughs, shopping and good food; sunggling up with a blanket and getting lost in a good book for hours on end, escaping reality to live a created world momentarily; soaking in a bubble bath after a long day at the office as lavender scented candles offer a warm glow; chatting with a long distance friend for hours forgetting that time zones and hundreds of miles separate us only in the physical world, but our hearts still beat as one. These experiences make my heart go from just a grin, to a sweet smile.
Dive one more level into this thing called love and you find what is really at the heart of the matter, even if the things and experiences from the top two layers were stripped away. What might that be? None other than the relationships that entangle and enrich our lives. Shareing the beauty of life's relationships - and not just the romantic ones - is really what love is all about. These relationships, when I think upon them, are what really what make my heart go from a smile, to actually skipping a beat.
When you stop and think about the many relationships of life, it's almost an overwhelming idea as to the numerous roles we play in different people's lives, but simultaneously how exciting it is to be able to pour out that much love in the world. Then, reverse that and think about the wide variety of people we let into our lives and how they love on us to influence who we are, who we become, and who we desire to be in the future.
As a sister, a daughter and grand-daughter, a friend, a running companion, a co-worker, a college student-group advisor, a teacher to elementary school girls, an encourager, a travel enthusiast, a writer, a chocoholic, a wine connoissuer (one day), a self-proclaimed bookworm, a leader, a follower, a singer (shower only!), a conversationalist, an occasional cook and baker, I wish you a day filled with love, happiness, and all the things, experiences, but most of all, all the people that make your heart smile!
As I think about the word "LOVE" and all the things in life I say I love, an interesting mixture of emotions rushes over me. I know what you're doing; you're thinkign about all the things in life that you say you love. Now that your wheels are turning, let's chat about this.
So many times, I catch myself saying I love chocoalate ice cream, delectable cupcakes, a steaming hot shower, a warm cup of coffee, wine with dinner, a challenging run while listening to my favorite tunes, seeing the sunrise over the water, long walks on the beach with the sound of the waves crashing along the shore. Ok, it's starting to sound like a singles want ad, but you get the idea. Yes, I do love each of these things and so many more that making a handwritten list of them all would probably circle the globe a time and a half. Each of these pleasures tickles the five basic senses: sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste. As I sit back and take a minute to embrace the mere thought of enjoying each one, my heart grins.
When I take this idea of love a step further and get past the tangible things I claim to love, a whole new level is awakened. This next level of love includes the emotions that are aroused from those tangible experiences, but steps into the realm past these simple things. This level encompasses all of the experiences that I love so dearly: a weekend trip with girlfriends full of laughs, shopping and good food; sunggling up with a blanket and getting lost in a good book for hours on end, escaping reality to live a created world momentarily; soaking in a bubble bath after a long day at the office as lavender scented candles offer a warm glow; chatting with a long distance friend for hours forgetting that time zones and hundreds of miles separate us only in the physical world, but our hearts still beat as one. These experiences make my heart go from just a grin, to a sweet smile.
Dive one more level into this thing called love and you find what is really at the heart of the matter, even if the things and experiences from the top two layers were stripped away. What might that be? None other than the relationships that entangle and enrich our lives. Shareing the beauty of life's relationships - and not just the romantic ones - is really what love is all about. These relationships, when I think upon them, are what really what make my heart go from a smile, to actually skipping a beat.
When you stop and think about the many relationships of life, it's almost an overwhelming idea as to the numerous roles we play in different people's lives, but simultaneously how exciting it is to be able to pour out that much love in the world. Then, reverse that and think about the wide variety of people we let into our lives and how they love on us to influence who we are, who we become, and who we desire to be in the future.
As a sister, a daughter and grand-daughter, a friend, a running companion, a co-worker, a college student-group advisor, a teacher to elementary school girls, an encourager, a travel enthusiast, a writer, a chocoholic, a wine connoissuer (one day), a self-proclaimed bookworm, a leader, a follower, a singer (shower only!), a conversationalist, an occasional cook and baker, I wish you a day filled with love, happiness, and all the things, experiences, but most of all, all the people that make your heart smile!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Let It Rain
As rain cleanses the earth, tears cleanse the heart and soul.
Today, when I woke up to a gray sky and the rhythmic pit-pat of rain knocking on my window, I struggled to get out of bed for what would prove to be another productive day at work. How I desired to simply stay in my comfy pajamas and over-sized sweat shirt snuggled beneath the layers of covers on my queen-sized bed. As I fought the mental battle with myself of just how many times I could hit snooze before getting up and still making it to the office on time, my mind and attention wandered to the reality of what was just outside my window. Yes, it was rain. Another cold January day, but instead of the sunshine to smile back at me, the gloomy day taunted me.
So many times I find people, myself included, lamenting the rainy days and always wishing for brighter times. Of course the latter automatically give us a reason to smile, be encouraged, and go through the day in a more chipper mood than usual. These blue skied days, whether requiring a coat because of the chill in the air or a summer dress to beat the heat, offer more opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the earth and outdoors. We appreciate these beautiful days, but have only learned to do so because of the dreary days that show up at their leisure.
Through the years I've learned the weather parallels my emotions. There are times in life when everything seems right and all is well. I smile because it's easy; I laugh at the simple moments and embrace everything positive in every aspect of life. That mountain that looked so treacherous is now beneath my feet as I view teh world from the highest point. I have a pep in my step and a song in my heart that cannot be explained by mere words. I smile and the world smiles back at me. These are the sun shiny days.
But then I realize that there are times when life seems overwhelming, that nothing feels like it's going in the right direction, and nothing really makes sense. I question not just one, but every aspect of life and why its performance is playing out in ways I didn't imagine. It's like watching a movie and questioning all along how it will end. The days that bring about pain and heartache test my character and strength, but most of all test my heart's courage to take a leap of faith again in the future. In the face of adversity and heart wrenching circumstances, at times there is only one thing to do: release those emotions through personal rain.
Just as the rain that falls from the sky cleanses the muck that so entangles the beauty of the earth, so the tears that stream down cheeks are necessary at times to cleanse the heart and soul of hurtful emotions and memories of the past in order to walk foward and again, climb that mountin that seems impossible.
So, when the tears well up, I've learned not to fight them back, but let them freely flow and enjoy the freedom that comes when my heart is clean.
Today, when I woke up to a gray sky and the rhythmic pit-pat of rain knocking on my window, I struggled to get out of bed for what would prove to be another productive day at work. How I desired to simply stay in my comfy pajamas and over-sized sweat shirt snuggled beneath the layers of covers on my queen-sized bed. As I fought the mental battle with myself of just how many times I could hit snooze before getting up and still making it to the office on time, my mind and attention wandered to the reality of what was just outside my window. Yes, it was rain. Another cold January day, but instead of the sunshine to smile back at me, the gloomy day taunted me.
So many times I find people, myself included, lamenting the rainy days and always wishing for brighter times. Of course the latter automatically give us a reason to smile, be encouraged, and go through the day in a more chipper mood than usual. These blue skied days, whether requiring a coat because of the chill in the air or a summer dress to beat the heat, offer more opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the earth and outdoors. We appreciate these beautiful days, but have only learned to do so because of the dreary days that show up at their leisure.
Through the years I've learned the weather parallels my emotions. There are times in life when everything seems right and all is well. I smile because it's easy; I laugh at the simple moments and embrace everything positive in every aspect of life. That mountain that looked so treacherous is now beneath my feet as I view teh world from the highest point. I have a pep in my step and a song in my heart that cannot be explained by mere words. I smile and the world smiles back at me. These are the sun shiny days.
But then I realize that there are times when life seems overwhelming, that nothing feels like it's going in the right direction, and nothing really makes sense. I question not just one, but every aspect of life and why its performance is playing out in ways I didn't imagine. It's like watching a movie and questioning all along how it will end. The days that bring about pain and heartache test my character and strength, but most of all test my heart's courage to take a leap of faith again in the future. In the face of adversity and heart wrenching circumstances, at times there is only one thing to do: release those emotions through personal rain.
Just as the rain that falls from the sky cleanses the muck that so entangles the beauty of the earth, so the tears that stream down cheeks are necessary at times to cleanse the heart and soul of hurtful emotions and memories of the past in order to walk foward and again, climb that mountin that seems impossible.
So, when the tears well up, I've learned not to fight them back, but let them freely flow and enjoy the freedom that comes when my heart is clean.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Girl's Night Out...Or In
Whether I'm six or 26, slumber parties never get old.
When I was six years old a girl's slumber party was a night of playing Barbies, eating popcorn, Domino's pizza and lots of store bought cookies or candy, and watching our favorite Disney princess movies. At this point boys has coodies and we sat as far away from them as we could at school, but secretly talked during these slumber party nights about the cute ones. We stressed about a basic addition/subtraction math quiz and whether we would have white or chocolate milk with our lunch. As young girls we lived for the fun nights at our best friend's house to celebrate a birthday by fighting back droopy eyes to stay up all night and just have fun being girls. Maybe we painted fingernails; maybe we got into mom's make-up (shh! don't tell)' maybe we re-read those secret letters passed around in class. Whatever the night held, as young six year old girls we made memories that bring an innocent smile to our face now when we think back on such sweet times.
Times changes some things, but many things stay the same through the years. At 26 years old, I'm still enjoying girl's nights out (and every now and then those nights we opt to stay in), slumber parties included. Some nights this could mean getting dolled up by throwing on a fun dress, wearing a new outfit we found during an afternoon of shopping with the girls, or pulling out the flattering jeans and boots for teh night's adventure. Whatever the attire, we have dressed the part for a night out on the town and good conversations filled with laughter are a certainty for the evening. Maybe we're all pulled up around the patio table at our favorite restaurant for dinner sharing a bottle of wine; maybe we have continued the celebration of a friend's wedding even after the reception at another favorite hot spot in town; maybe we are tailgating in the parking lot otu of the back of one of the vehicle's before a concert. These nights out create memories that we can only laugh about the next morning as we recount the events on the phone the next day with each other. We know we will still smile with that same joy five, 10, even 20 years from now when we think back on these moments.
However, the nights out on the town, regardless of the city in which we make these memories, are still paralleled by irreplaceable memories created on the slumber party nights held by a group of girls in their mid/late 20s. It holds true that girlfriends never grow too old to have friends sleep over and enjoy a girl's night in. Domino's pizza has been upgraded to homemade pizza; popcorn is now an assortment of chip and dip trays; ans store bought cookies have advanced to more sophisticated sweet treats that we read the recipe for in our favorite cooking magazine. Yes, we still watch heart-throbbing movies that cause tears to stream down our faces; yes, we still admire the color of each others fingernail polish; yes, we even still talk about boys. And at the end of the night, instead of being piled in the living room floor on our colorful sleeping bags, we pile in the beds to chat just a bit more before falling asleep mid-sentence.
These girl's nights - at six through 26 - leave me amazed at the beautiful friendships in life. And to think, these fun nights will still contine (we hope) even as the phases of life continue to change and we grow older. What else is there to say? Other than, "Girls just wanna have FUN!"
Whether I'm six or 26, slumber parties never get old.
When I was six years old a girl's slumber party was a night of playing Barbies, eating popcorn, Domino's pizza and lots of store bought cookies or candy, and watching our favorite Disney princess movies. At this point boys has coodies and we sat as far away from them as we could at school, but secretly talked during these slumber party nights about the cute ones. We stressed about a basic addition/subtraction math quiz and whether we would have white or chocolate milk with our lunch. As young girls we lived for the fun nights at our best friend's house to celebrate a birthday by fighting back droopy eyes to stay up all night and just have fun being girls. Maybe we painted fingernails; maybe we got into mom's make-up (shh! don't tell)' maybe we re-read those secret letters passed around in class. Whatever the night held, as young six year old girls we made memories that bring an innocent smile to our face now when we think back on such sweet times.
Times changes some things, but many things stay the same through the years. At 26 years old, I'm still enjoying girl's nights out (and every now and then those nights we opt to stay in), slumber parties included. Some nights this could mean getting dolled up by throwing on a fun dress, wearing a new outfit we found during an afternoon of shopping with the girls, or pulling out the flattering jeans and boots for teh night's adventure. Whatever the attire, we have dressed the part for a night out on the town and good conversations filled with laughter are a certainty for the evening. Maybe we're all pulled up around the patio table at our favorite restaurant for dinner sharing a bottle of wine; maybe we have continued the celebration of a friend's wedding even after the reception at another favorite hot spot in town; maybe we are tailgating in the parking lot otu of the back of one of the vehicle's before a concert. These nights out create memories that we can only laugh about the next morning as we recount the events on the phone the next day with each other. We know we will still smile with that same joy five, 10, even 20 years from now when we think back on these moments.
However, the nights out on the town, regardless of the city in which we make these memories, are still paralleled by irreplaceable memories created on the slumber party nights held by a group of girls in their mid/late 20s. It holds true that girlfriends never grow too old to have friends sleep over and enjoy a girl's night in. Domino's pizza has been upgraded to homemade pizza; popcorn is now an assortment of chip and dip trays; ans store bought cookies have advanced to more sophisticated sweet treats that we read the recipe for in our favorite cooking magazine. Yes, we still watch heart-throbbing movies that cause tears to stream down our faces; yes, we still admire the color of each others fingernail polish; yes, we even still talk about boys. And at the end of the night, instead of being piled in the living room floor on our colorful sleeping bags, we pile in the beds to chat just a bit more before falling asleep mid-sentence.
These girl's nights - at six through 26 - leave me amazed at the beautiful friendships in life. And to think, these fun nights will still contine (we hope) even as the phases of life continue to change and we grow older. What else is there to say? Other than, "Girls just wanna have FUN!"
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Precious Moments. This was the title of a book I had growing up and the brand name of adorable figurines that decorated my bookshelves as a child. But now, as a young woman in my mid/late-20's, the term "precious moments" represents different things in comparison to those earlier days, but all still as beautiful.
In the late 1980's, which capsules my earliest childhood memories, the moments that I recall as "precious" to a little green-eyed Southern girl include a wide variety of ever-so-found memories:
1. Playing Candy Land on the colored carpet of my kindergarten classroom with my best friend Eileen. I pretended to be the Lollipop Princess and she acted as the Ice Cream Queen. Still to this day, Candy Land is one of my favorite board games that I play with the little girls at church on Wednesday nights.
2. Learning to ride my bike on the straight, yet narrow street that rain in front of our blue, one-story house I lived in until I was about eight. Mind you, I can ride a bike like none other, but ran into every bush, telephone pole, and random object on the street during the learning process.
3. Sliding down the icy driveway on kitchen baking pans with my younger sisters and the other neigborhood kids enjoying the little bit of snow we might get once every 10 years in Alabama.
4. Walking into the water of the baptismal in front of a church full of smiling faces openly professing my love for a Savior who died just for me.
5. My first dance recital as I took the stage wearing big girl make-up dressed in my sequin covered Dalmatian costume with the white fuzzy ears drooping from the bobby-pinned black and white spotted hat.
6. Opening a box Christmas morning to reaffirm my belief in Santa, as it contained just what my letter to the jolly old man had requested.
7. Hanging my first report card decorated with all A's on the refrigerator with a magnet I made the year before at Sunday school.
8. The annual elementary school field trip to the pumpkin patch to find just the right pumpkin to carve into a jack-o-lantern and put on the front steps of our house with the tea light candle down inside.
9. Making obstable courses through our playroom, playing school and actually giving out assignments, and pretending our kitchen was a famous cafe where we took turns acting as customers and the wait staff. Oh the beauty of creativity!
10. Lounging two feet from the TV in my footie pajamas watching Saturday morning cartoons while eating an oversized bowl of Froot Loops.
Oh these sweet memories all replay in my mind as if they were just yesterday! Now, when I think about the simple "precious moments" of my life, a smile creeps across my face, my heart throbs with excitement, and the peaceful feelings of joy and completeness flow through me. Most recently, these moments have included so many wonderful experiences:
1. A friend getting engaged and planning out an amazingly beautiful, perfect wedding with the guy she's been head over heals about and only used to dream of dating.
2. That sweet couple finding out and sharing the news with friends and family of expecting their first child. Is it a boy or girl? And what will they name their new bundle of joy?
3. Walking across the stage at graduation to receive the diploma in culmination of hard work and countless hours of studying and research for that next, higher level degree.
4. A fun girl's night filled with good conversation over sushi and a bottle or two of wine at our favorite restaurant downtown.
5. Saturday tailgating on the Quad in crimson sundresses and houndstooth accessories before yet another game of screaming at the tops of our lungs in Bryant Denny.
6. The welcoming smile and the warm embrace from a dear friend from college who is now separated by many miles upon arriving for a visit after making arrangements for a spur of the moment trip.
7. Long, touching emails from friends to catch up or even just the simple ones to say "Hello."
8. Late night phone calls that leave me crying from laughing at fond memories and inside jokes.
9. Attending concerts and the excitment involved in the preparation, as well as weekend get-away trips to the mountains or a week at the beach.
10. Quite time alone on the back porch with a warm cup of coffee in hand as the sun comes up over the lake.
The list could go on and on, but it's these kind of precious moments that when reflected upon, remind me to smile when I want to cry, be thankful for the challenges life presents, and wake up every morning with a song ni my heart and a pep in my step. Through the blessings of relationships in life with family, friends, and significant others, these precious moments continue to be created minute by minute, day by day. Oh, to think if it's all been this sweet so far, just does the future hold!?
In the late 1980's, which capsules my earliest childhood memories, the moments that I recall as "precious" to a little green-eyed Southern girl include a wide variety of ever-so-found memories:
1. Playing Candy Land on the colored carpet of my kindergarten classroom with my best friend Eileen. I pretended to be the Lollipop Princess and she acted as the Ice Cream Queen. Still to this day, Candy Land is one of my favorite board games that I play with the little girls at church on Wednesday nights.
2. Learning to ride my bike on the straight, yet narrow street that rain in front of our blue, one-story house I lived in until I was about eight. Mind you, I can ride a bike like none other, but ran into every bush, telephone pole, and random object on the street during the learning process.
3. Sliding down the icy driveway on kitchen baking pans with my younger sisters and the other neigborhood kids enjoying the little bit of snow we might get once every 10 years in Alabama.
4. Walking into the water of the baptismal in front of a church full of smiling faces openly professing my love for a Savior who died just for me.
5. My first dance recital as I took the stage wearing big girl make-up dressed in my sequin covered Dalmatian costume with the white fuzzy ears drooping from the bobby-pinned black and white spotted hat.
6. Opening a box Christmas morning to reaffirm my belief in Santa, as it contained just what my letter to the jolly old man had requested.
7. Hanging my first report card decorated with all A's on the refrigerator with a magnet I made the year before at Sunday school.
8. The annual elementary school field trip to the pumpkin patch to find just the right pumpkin to carve into a jack-o-lantern and put on the front steps of our house with the tea light candle down inside.
9. Making obstable courses through our playroom, playing school and actually giving out assignments, and pretending our kitchen was a famous cafe where we took turns acting as customers and the wait staff. Oh the beauty of creativity!
10. Lounging two feet from the TV in my footie pajamas watching Saturday morning cartoons while eating an oversized bowl of Froot Loops.
Oh these sweet memories all replay in my mind as if they were just yesterday! Now, when I think about the simple "precious moments" of my life, a smile creeps across my face, my heart throbs with excitement, and the peaceful feelings of joy and completeness flow through me. Most recently, these moments have included so many wonderful experiences:
1. A friend getting engaged and planning out an amazingly beautiful, perfect wedding with the guy she's been head over heals about and only used to dream of dating.
2. That sweet couple finding out and sharing the news with friends and family of expecting their first child. Is it a boy or girl? And what will they name their new bundle of joy?
3. Walking across the stage at graduation to receive the diploma in culmination of hard work and countless hours of studying and research for that next, higher level degree.
4. A fun girl's night filled with good conversation over sushi and a bottle or two of wine at our favorite restaurant downtown.
5. Saturday tailgating on the Quad in crimson sundresses and houndstooth accessories before yet another game of screaming at the tops of our lungs in Bryant Denny.
6. The welcoming smile and the warm embrace from a dear friend from college who is now separated by many miles upon arriving for a visit after making arrangements for a spur of the moment trip.
7. Long, touching emails from friends to catch up or even just the simple ones to say "Hello."
8. Late night phone calls that leave me crying from laughing at fond memories and inside jokes.
9. Attending concerts and the excitment involved in the preparation, as well as weekend get-away trips to the mountains or a week at the beach.
10. Quite time alone on the back porch with a warm cup of coffee in hand as the sun comes up over the lake.
The list could go on and on, but it's these kind of precious moments that when reflected upon, remind me to smile when I want to cry, be thankful for the challenges life presents, and wake up every morning with a song ni my heart and a pep in my step. Through the blessings of relationships in life with family, friends, and significant others, these precious moments continue to be created minute by minute, day by day. Oh, to think if it's all been this sweet so far, just does the future hold!?
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