Don't Say Anything At All

Some days I think I'm all that. Today was not one of them. I opted for silence. "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all." My mouth stayed closed. After racking my brain for 2 hours to produce a small paragraph of nonsense to adorn the front cover of the What's Happening weekly newsletter, I gathered my things and threw in the towel. Just because I was rampant with grief didn't mean I had to share it with everyone else. Maybe it was the endorphins from my run this afternoon. Maybe it was because I let go of the crap that's been piling up. Maybe it was just God loving me in spite of how I treat and talk to myself. Like any good chemist, I know it was a combination of all these things and many more silent partners of which I am unaware. Once again grace prevailed in the darkest of corners despite the thick layers of dirt I built up and the dark curtains I had hung over the windows. Not even I can stop nor stand in the way of God's blinding love for creation. A brief word of caution: do not speak so warmly of faith and grace as if they were grandiose, romantic commodities. Flowers only grow once the seeds have given up their present life and shape and have been fertilized with manure.

Scenic Route to the Capitol

There is life outside the four walls of Trinity. I was privileged to spend all day Tuesday in Olympia, WA at the state capitol. We left the church at 7am and down in Renton at the 5-405 interchange we started heading north again. When I mentioned we were in Bellevue, I navigated our driver west on 520 back to 5 and heading south again. This time we took the right exit and made our way to Olympia. Any trip I'm on involves at least one turn around. Fortunately we only missed opening comments and worship.

Back in 8th grade I vaguely remember we were supposed to learn the basics of government. Apparently it didn't stick in my brain. However, earlier this week it all finally clicked. Government is made up of people making decisions on behalf of others for the sake of the rest of the community they represent. Brilliant I know, but better to learn it late than never.

Advocacy and politics are not my strong suits. This day was extremely helpful in identifying concrete ways I can be involved in being responsible for the well being of others and why it's important to pay attention to these topics. At least for one day I didn't feel like unnecessary furniture.

Give Yourself A Break!

These were the words Paul gave me on Thursday. Usually I have trouble knowing how much is enough; much like Ellen Page in Juno.
Juno's Dad: "I thought you were the kind of girl who knew when to say when."
Juno: "I really don't know what kind of girl I am."

Since I generally listen to Paul's advice and wisdom, I promptly e-mailed Kirsti. By Friday afternoon I had scheduled two back treatment appointments for us and a haircut for me at the Aveda Institute in Seattle. As you can see from the photo, the haircut was a success! My hair has never been this straight in my entire life. Hildy and I had a lively conversation while I received the world's longest haircut (approx. 2 hours start to finish). It was well worth it though. They start with scented oil and a scalp massage. All I can say about the back treatment is that I deserved every penny of it and I will be going back for one again at least a couple times before I leave Seattle. This was the perfect recipe for feeling overstressed and needing to take a break.

Classic Erie

Wednesday night I arrived home from my whirlwind tour back to Erie. I’m still trying to figure out exactly why I took this trip now, but that’s a story for another day. While at home I determined to take pictures of the blustery, snowy tundra that is Erie in order to share them with my co-workers when I returned. Amongst some neat shots of the lake splashing onto the break walls, I captured this sign advertising a chicken sandwich. Who knew chicken was “crispy frickin’”?

Not to be outdone by the frigid temperatures and inclement weather, Creamland (the local ice cream shop at the top of the hill from my house) posted their 80 day count down to their spring opening date. Sheer joy flowed through my body when I read the sign. In less than 70 days delicious ice cream will be served declaring that spring has arrived and no matter what the thermometer says that day, it will be warm enough to eat ice cream!!

Savor the Flavor

New Year's resolutions are bunk. Most people never accomplish them and they are often forgotten as soon as January ends. This is precisely why I don't make them. New Year's has never been a big holiday for me. Usually I watch the ball drop with family, wind down by watching part of a movie and then crash in bed. This year involved a change of plans. Tradition was cast aside--or perhaps just recast--and I rode the bus to downtown Seattle to enjoy the fireworks at the Space Needle. Turned out to be an excellent evening and a great way to start the new year; like trying a new cuisine or cooking style and letting the new flavors meld in your mouth and tantalize your taste buds.

What has surprised me the most this year is the new edge that is emerging--taking risks. As I'm not fond of resolutions, I didn't plan this. Then again, surprise gifts are generally experienced as unplanned and unexpected by the receiver. Such is the case. Better still is that taking these risks is empowering me. The flavor is complex yet intriguing and makes me desirous to taste more. As a New Year's toast, here's to new adventures, unexpected flavors and delightfully surprising events. Cheers!