Growing Up Gibson

Job Finding Tips: Start With What You Like

2012-03-06T11:10:00.001-08:00

So how can a girl who has not found a new job write a series of posts about landing one? How do we even know that these tips are going to work, Claire? Well, I don't. But I do have faith that at some point in the near (or far) future, I'm going to have some kind of answer to what comes next... even if it means I start making jewelry for a living.

Job Finding Tip #1: Start with What You Like

The Saturday after I got the news Friday afternoon, I made a list of all the things I love to do. It looked something like this. Exercise, Writing, Cooking, Shopping at J.Crew, Reading, Drinking Coffee.

With that list, I decided to start my job search. Maybe, just maybe, something on that list could become a job. Since only one of the items actually named a business-- I started there.

You see, I love J.Crew. I do. There really isn't anything they don't do well. So naturally, when I became an adult, and had my own (however measly) income, it became one of the only stores I would spend time in. And I like being in there. Pastel colors. Soft materials. Friendly people. What's not to like? Unfortunately, I've never worked in retail.

Right away, I called my favorite J.Crew associate and set-up a coffee date. I asked her all my questions about working at J.Crew. What's the discount? How are the hours? What do you love about your job? What do you hate? As it turns out, I wasn't meant for retail. Straightening, folding, and organizing clothes? Lady... I can barely get my own from the laundry room to the drawer.

It felt good to eliminate at least one option.

What about you? Are there things you like that could never be a viable career? Have you thought about going to work at Starbucks because you like coffee, or Jeni's because you love ice cream?

Portlandia: She's Making Jewelry Now.

2012-03-05T11:30:00.001-08:00

Are you into the IFC show Portlandia?

If not, here's a quick summary. Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein play a series of self-involved characters in an overly eco-friendly city, discovering new trends, working part time at coffee shops, and keeping the dream of the 90's alive. Portland, they say, is where young people go to retire. They could easily say the same of Nashville.

This show resonates with so many because it perfectly satirizes the culture of 20-30 somethings. If you're living in a metropolitan area and you were born in the 1980s, you will get Portlandia. You might even be one of the characters.

Take one of Portlandia's sketches from this season, for example. Carrie describes her soul-searching sister who worked for an event-planning company "like, three years ago," before leap-frogging from career to career, attempting to get her life on track. Sound familiar?

It sounds like me. Maybe it sounds like you, too? I've changed jobs twice in three years. And once again, I'm facing a job change this summer. Now that I have the opportunity, I have been daydreaming about all the different work possibilities that might exist for me. And after watching this sketch more times than I care to mention, I realized why I was so captivated by it in the first place.

I am afraid of being the girl who's "making jewelry now."

After posting about my job loss, I received several messages about changes people around me are making. My freshman roommate left the world of politics and is starting to take culinary classes! A good friend of Patrick's has stopped pursuing journalism, and is going back to school for Animal Science. Another friend e-mailed me last week for a reference--because she wants to come work at CPA.

So it has me thinking, are we all just "making jewelry now?" And maybe there's nothing wrong with that. The world needs jewelry after all. And it needs bloggers, and chefs, and people to care for pets. But can our generation commit to become great at the crafts we choose? Or are we content to jump from one idea to the next, living as life-long amateurs?

Well, what do you think?

The Doyle's Story: Leaving Eden In Uganda

2012-03-03T05:01:00.001-08:00

Sunday March 4^th, One Seed Organization isholding a fundraiser at Puffy Muffin in Brentwood, TN for Lindsey and RyanDoyle. All proceeds will help the familybring their legally adopted daughter home from Uganda.

Several months ago, Eden Hannah was brought to a care centerfor children in the small village of Masindi, Uganda. She was addicted to drugs, and was goingthrough withdrawal. The nurses who caredfor her were also caring for other babies in the process of being adopted fromNashville, and eventually, word got back that a new young girl was in need ofan adoptive family.

Enter Ryan and Lindsey Doyle. With four young children, the Doyle’s havelong had a heart for adoption. Two yearsago they adopted their youngest, Judah from Uganda. In the fall of 2011, they learned of EdenHannah’s predicament, and committed to bringing her into their family—no matterwhat.

As the months went by, the nurses confirmed that Eden Hannahwas miraculously HIV-free and had survived a deadly case of dysentery. Lindsey Doyle left for her first trip toUganda in October, stayed for three weeks, and scheduled a court date for November9^th. On that date andagainst all odds, the Ugandan judge passed legal guardianship of Eden Hannah tothe Doyle’s.

Adoption is very new in Uganda. According to the U.S. Bureau of ConsularAffairs, only sixty-two Ugandan adoptions were completed in 2010. In 2011, that number rose to 207. In fact, many Ugandan judges have beenreluctant to grant adoptions—hoping instead that these children can grow up intheir own nation. On the other hand, theU.S. has also been reluctant to grant adopted children visas. Immigration Services requires sufficientevidence proving that a child is a true orphan, not just taken from theirfamilies, for money or other purposes.

“Every day visas are being denied,” Lindsey Doyle said. Shewould know. Eden Hannah’s visa wasdenied, too.

“We’re fighting the U.S.” Lindsay said, three fingers in theair, “We have three lawyers. One in Uganda, one in Washington D.C., and a locallawyer that’s helping.”

After spending a total seven weeks with Eden Hannah, Lindsay camehome November 25 without her. Since then, the Doyle’s youngest daughter has been in the care of Katie Davis, a Brentwood native living in Uganda. Today, the Doyle’s are still waiting on an e-mail from U.S. ImmigrationServices granting Eden Hannah a visa to come home. And the bills are piling up.

“This adoption has cost much more than we expected,” Lindseyexplained. In fact, the Doyle’s recently took out a loan and sold a family vehicle to cover some of the unforeseencosts.

Now, the Doyle’sare considering an international move.

If Eden Hannah is repeatedly denied permission to come tothe United States, Lindsey, Ryan, Noah, Bella, Emma Lynn, and Judah Doyle wouldmove to Uganda to be with her. She is a Doyle, after all. Andthey committed to be her family—no matter what.

How you can help:

Visit Lindsey and Ryan's blog to learn more about Eden Hannah. Donate (even something small!) to help bring her home. Or attend the fundraiser at Puffy Muffin from 10:30 to 2:00pm Sunday March 4th. It will have a limited menu, and all proceeds will help bring Eden Hannah home.

My Relationship With Adele

2012-03-01T10:27:00.003-08:00

Can I tell you a secret?

I can't listen to Adele anymore.

Last spring, I couldn't stop playing the grammy-winning song "Rolling in the Deep," and to be honest, I could probably still but that song on repeat and never get sick of it. But I can't.

If you watched the Grammy's this year, you watched Adele make her miraculous come-back on stage and sweep up song, record, and album of the year. (What's the difference between record and album again?) In her final acceptance speech, she gave credence to a very common situation that led to the inspiration--a rubbish relationship.

And I've had rubbish relationships. I've also had a relationship that I thought was not rubbish, but turned out to be rubbish. And Adele brings all of that right back.

Her voice is amazing, her accent makes me wish I were British... but her music? It makes my mind reel with memories that are toxic. So I've decided to stop listening.

What about you? Are there artists you can't listen to because of the rubbish memories they bring up in your mind? I'd love to hear...

P.S. Here's the video of Adele's acceptance speech, and how I knew I wasn't in a rubbish relationship!

Wedding Gifts

2012-02-29T11:41:00.001-08:00

Before getting married, I didn't know how to handle other people getting married. I wasn't good at filling out those handy-dandy pre-stamped RSVP cards. Rarely would I get online and order a gift that the bride and groom had already picked out. They couldn't make it more easy for me--I just refused to comply.

amy: "did we just do that?" jack: "yep."

And now, once again, wedding season is upon us. I am resolving this year to do my part to ease the stress on the bride, RSVP, and get them a gift before they get home from the honeymoon. So in that vein, I've pulled together the best wedding gifts according to brides around Nashville.

i love lamp.

Lamps! You never think of it as a bride (or a guest), but newlyweds have a high need for lighting in new homes and apartments. Cool lamps aren't cheap, so they make a great gift! The one above is from Crate and Barrel.

chop me up.

Food Processor! This has been one of the most vital tools in our kitchen. Particularly after going "paleolithic" in our eating, this chopper has become a timesaver for homemade enchilada sauce, salsa, and chopped veggies. It grinds meat, makes almond butter, and smooths out our favorite natural chocolate mousse. Yum. Couldn't live without it.

of course, unless you live in Asia

Silverware! I was reminded of this great idea by my best friend Whitney! Patrick and I registered for eight or nine sets of flatware, but wish we'd asked for more. Somehow, you always run out of those little spoons before the rest are dirty-- am I right? The great thing about this gift is that you know when you give it to a friend, they will certainly be using it every day. Check out lots of different flatware options from Pottery Barn. This is the style we chose in 2010. This is the style I would choose today.

if you're fridge doesn't look like this, you're probably normal.

Stock the Fridge! My friend Blair reminded me of this great idea. If you have friends leaving for a honeymoon, keep their keys! A sweet thing (and extremely helpful) thing to do is to make their first grocery trip on their behalf. When they get home from their first few weeks of wedded bliss, they can come home to their favorite snacks! An extra tip? Leave a bottle of wine and a movie!

Were any of these favorites of yours? Did you return presents to buy something you forgot to register for? (that was the food processor for us!) What were your most useful presents?

What To Do When You Get Bad News

2012-02-28T12:00:00.002-08:00

This weekend, I wrote about choosing and being told not to teach next year. Since I was told the news back in January, I've been riding the emotional roller coaster of bitterness, sadness, and insecurity. And I don't like roller coasters.

Here me when I say this. My situation isn't that bad. I lost my job. So have a lot of people in the last few years. But in the midst of these difficult circumstances, I've been learning. And today I want to share with you what I've learned about dealing with bad news.

These are not the answers. They aren't five steps to dealing with sucky situations--although that's what I wanted to title the post. However, they might help someone out there handle the cards they've been dealt.

1. Have a Pity Party

Go ahead. Do it. Remember that post a few months back where I admitted that I cheated on my paleo challenge? That was the night I found out that my job was changing, and that was part of my pity party. There's something about sulking in the messiness of life and being pissed. Talk to a good friend. Scream. Eat ice cream. Whatever it is... just go ahead and have your moment.

Take that, cake.

2. Stop Comparing Up

Don't internalize the pity party. Too often, I do. In my head, it's easy to brood over the circumstances I see around me of people that "have it better." In reality, I only compare up. I ignore the people around me who had even more difficult circumstances, and disregard the possibility that the person who "has it better" might even be in a worse place than me.

3. Worship

This feels awkward in the midst of bad news. Why worship? God is going to do what God is going to do. Can't you just hear that resentment? Cynicism makes her ugly entrance at this moment in the internal pity pit. Don't let it happen. Worship is the Round-Up for roots of bitterness. In this season, I have been deeply blessed by the song "Beautiful Things" by (Grammy Winners) Gungor, and the song "Your Love Never Fails" by Chris Quilala. The words remind me of the truth, and that truth can take the place of all other lies that would like to embed themselves in my soul.

4. Recognize Your Desperation

Desperate is not how I want to be described: but I am. I'm desperate for worth, value, meaning, care, comfort... the list could go on and on and on. If nothing else, times of hardship can illuminate something that was there during times of ease: our lack of control over anything. Desperation is the acceptance of my utter helplessness. What a beautiful place to be in. Check out Randy's sermon on desperation entitled "The Official's Son."

5. Keep Walking

I was going to call number five "have faith," but I decided that I still don't know what that means. Faith is belief in something we can't see, and the only way people can see our faith is that we keep on going. I'm still teaching, to the best of my ability... even though I know I'm walking on a dead-end road. Maybe you feel that way too. Keep walking. As for God, his way is perfect (Psalm 18:30).

What about you? Have you found anything to be helpful in the midst of hard circumstances? My friend Perrin, at age 21 found out that she had cancer, and her blog is a chronicle of inspiration. Are there people that inspire you this way?

I'd love to hear about your journey.

Running with a Crowd: East Nasty

2012-02-27T11:55:00.003-08:00

Every Wednesday night at six o'clock you'll find around two hundred people standing in front of a yellow East Nashville house in tennis shoes. Collectively, they have a name: East Nasty.

click me.

Since moving to Nashville in 2009, I have heard countless legends of this band of runners, and their fearless leader, Mark Miller. This fall, when I began teaching at Christ Presbyterian Academy, I had a chance to meet Mark in person, and borrow his Calvin and Hobbes comics in order to teach my students a little something more about John Calvin and Thomas Hobbes. You see, Mark isn't just an advanced runner, he's also an advanced calculus teacher.

Fast forward to a few months later, when with a job-loss looming, I decided to run the Music City Half Marathon. But I was struggling.

I had painfully reached the six-mile marker when I realized that I was desperate for help. Thankfully, in a divine appointment, I was seated at the same table with Mark at a professional development about bullying. Mark asked if I wanted to join the East Nasty team in preparing for the half marathon. Feigning confidence, I looked through the training schedule with inner turmoil. But I agreed.

Mark. International Bad-Ass.

So, last Wednesday night, along with two-hundred other folks-- I ran a 4 mile course around East Nashville. I met new people, and was forced to keep up with the runner next to me--because she had a headlamp. Who knew the road would be so dark?

Yesterday, I woke up early to join about one-hundred other half-marathon runners to do a tempo run-- a total 80 minutes of running. About halfway in, I was ready to give up. Instead? My pace-group leader came to the back and ran with me, making sure I made it to the end.

Ugh. I pulled a hamstring just looking at it.


The fearless pace leader, Gunjan

And that's how it is. The road gets dark, and sometimes you forget to bring your headlamp. The race gets long, and sometimes you feel like giving up. But, we are running with a great crowd of other people who want to push us on.

So whether you are in a literal race, or simply are in a stretch of your life that feels long--don't give up. Turn to someone near to you. Ask for help. Join the crowd.

When To Leave your Job

2012-02-27T11:28:00.002-08:00

Jesus changed from carpentry to full-time ministry work when he was thirty. (Luke 3:23) But what about us?

The past two months, I have written about trips, diets, running, and more. All the while, I've been waiting to write this post. This post that I started to write two months ago.

There was one final question to our "work" trilogy. When are you called to be content in your work, and when is it time to try something new?

Remember back in December? When I posted about work, the nature of work, and whether or not there was such a thing as a perfect job? Well, the reason I was musing over those first world problems was because I was feeling restless in my career as a teacher.

You see, I didn't study education in college. I didn't take "Teacher Cadet" in high school (yes there is such a thing).   I didn't even dream of being a teacher when I was a kid. But this is where my life took me, into the classroom.

It happened like this. For four years in college, I studied political science, Asian studies, and how to run a full-time ministry with Young Life. I imagined I would have three career choices: Lawyer, International Politician, or Young Life staff person. The first fell apart after an internship. The second looked less glamorous after 3 months in China, and the third? That was my dream job.

The dream of full-time ministry work died with the rest of the world's finances in the 2008 recession, so, instead, I considered Teach for America. Surprisingly, the doors into an inner-city public school kept opening, while the other doors kept shutting.

Two years later, I had been through the ringer. Learning to manage classrooms of defiant kids, creating rigorous curriculum, training other new teachers... it was challenging, emotionally draining, and at times I wanted to quit.   The next step seemed obvious. Maybe my career should continue at a private school. A Christian school. Maybe there I'll feel fulfilled without the daily trauma.

Well, folks it turns out the old adage is true. The grass is greener on neither side.

Which brought me to December, and all the questions I was having about work. Was I just expecting too much from a job? Should I just sit down, be quiet, and enjoy the 140 minutes of planning time I get in my new cushy gig? Why did I feel so restless?

With two weeks off, I set out to answer my questions: should I learn to be content, or decide right now to leave teaching? I met with people who had quit their cushy jobs. I talked to people who rightly chastised me on my lack of gratitude. I got in a fight with my mom. I wrote on this blog. I read this article entitled "Don't Chase Your Dreams Yet," which I highly recommend.

And I came to an answer. I needed to learn to be grateful and content.

With that in mind, I stopped writing on my blog about work. I started a new challenge with paleo. I decided that maybe I would start that lacrosse team after all. I walked back into the private school with a smile on my face and excitement for what the second semester might hold for me.

And then, my principal called me into her office.

Picture this. It's Friday before the long Martin Luther King Weekend, and I'm sitting in a dimly lit room. My boss' look says, "I hate what I'm going to have to tell you."

You guessed it. Because of the tight budget, the school is finding ways in which they can be more efficient. Translation: Claire, you need to find a new job for next year.

Ouch. It hurt. I cried. And I remembered this blog post I never wrote.   I had decided not to leave my job--and then here I was, being told I had to. Would it have felt better if I had been the one in control? Would I have been more excited about the future? No.

I am convinced that this is God's will for my life. That the pangs I had been feeling throughout the fall was his hand moving in my heart--preparing me for what was ahead.

So, the question: Should you be content or is it time for you to leave? That's really two different questions. Should you be content? Yes. Absolutely. Is it time for you to leave a job you're unhappy with? I don't know. But it's time for me.

Selfies

2012-02-25T05:52:00.002-08:00

The other day I found myself in a bathroom with six middle school girls. Scratch that.

At some point in every day I am in a bathroom with at least six middle school girls. They primp and talk, while I tryto get in and get out as quickly as possible.

Middle school babble is basically the same as it has always been. Who do you like? What did he SAY? etc. But there's a new phenomenon that I've realized recently happening in bathrooms and mirrors across the nation.

The Angled Selfie

Apparently, it has a name. Selfie.

Selfie. (Sell-fee) noun. An image captured on a mobile device focusing one's outfit, makeup, hairstyle, or overall self.

The Full-Length Mirror Selfie

The Here's My Hair Selfie

With the invention of applications like instagram, and modes of communication like Twitter and Facebook's newsfeed, you and I have an opportunity like never before. Now, you can create your own fashion magazine just with pictures of--well--yourself.

Is it narcissism? Is it fashion? Is it the modern-day version of the Polaroid picture? Whatever it is... the middle school trend is catching on.

The Here Is My Lipstick Selfie

Solitude

2012-02-23T11:05:00.001-08:00

"Thinking means concentrating on one thing long enough to develop an idea about it."

William Deresiewicz, Solitude and Leadership

Schools around the nation are starting to move to a "one-to-one" format. When I first heard that phrase, I thought it meant that students would be assigned their own personal instructor, a one-to-one student to teacher ratio.

Actually, it means every single student will have access to his/her own laptop or iPad at every moment every day. Technology is the future. As a young teacher, you would think this would excite me. But on the contrary, the "one-to-one" idea has me nervous.

Over the last ten years, the Internet has bombarded us continuously with other people's ideas. The Internet has allowed us to promote our own, one status at a time. But is any of it real thinking?

This week I read a speech written by William Deresiewicz, entitled Solitude and Leadership. In the speech, he explains that real original thoughts can come only from times of solitude. He says when we constantly fill our brains with the thoughts of others we become, well, sheep.

And back to the students. Is it really a good idea to put in the hands of children the means by which to destroy their own ability to think and problem solve? Deresiewicz refers to a study completed by Stanford in 2009, that indicated that multitasking with media really leads to distraction, not to any real learning. (As if we needed science to prove that)

So, what do you think?

Do you take times of real solitude to think about questions that plague your mind? Or, like me, is your life so filled with the silent noise of social media, that it's drowning out all original ideas?

And... do schools need to provide students with the very technology that is distracting us all from real thought?

Our Trip to California: Wine Country

2012-02-22T11:28:00.001-08:00

When Patrick and I planned our trip to California, I did not want to go to Napa Valley. Wine? Good. Snooty people? Bad.

In my mind, Northern California's wine country was going to be full of people who knew way more about wine than I did, and would gladly point that out all day long. I am so thankful that I didn't listen to my own twisted ideas about Napa Valley.

We spent the last three days of our trip in Northern California, just a 45 minute drive north of San Francisco, in wine country.

You can read all about wine country on many blogs and endless travel sites. But, it feels good to share our memories. Patrick and I were able to spend three days enjoying nature, drinking the fruits of the vine, and disconnecting from the world around us.

Here are the things we would go back and do again:

The Beltane Ranch. This best kept secret was also the best part of our trip. The two-story 1800s mansion is surrounded by acres of gardens, horses, and trails. A chef prepares a delicious homemade breakfast every morning, including fresh produce from the ranch's gardens. My favorite was the Raspberry pancakes. Oh, and did I mention that they bake ooey-gooey cookies every day at noon? They will be ready for right before you head out for your afternoon wine tastings, and if you're lucky, there'll be a few left when you get back. (Warning: The Beltane Ranch does not have central air-- be ready to leave your windows open at night, to allow in the breeze)

The Frog's Leap Winery. Of all of the wineries we visited, this one was by far our favorite. Although it is in Napa Valley, you will not find snobbery here. This organic farm gives tours every day at 10:30 and 2:30, and keeps your glass full all along the way. The folks at Frog's Leap taught us everything we needed to know about wine-making. AND they have corn hole.

A great place to stop for lunch while you (carefully) drive up and down St. Helena Highway? Oakville Grocery. Make a picnic! Eat outside or take what you find and go! This place has it all. We would highly suggest striking up a conversation with folks at surrounding picnic tables to hear about their favorite wineries-- you may just get a great tip!

Last but not least, there is Schug. Though this winery does not give regular tours, the tasting room is worth a visit. With warm rich Pinot Noir, and supple Cabernet Sauvignon, we couldn't stop drinking. And still haven't. After three days in Wine Country, and visiting eight wineries--the only grapes we continue to seek out at home, are those from the Schug Carneros Estate. Yum.

On the way back across the Golden Gate Bridge, which we had biked across a week earlier, Patrick and I both felt a pang of sadness. We had such an adventure during our 9-day trek in Northern California. Neither of us could imagine a better vacation.

Want to see the other six days of our trip? We spent two nights in San Francisco, three nights in Carmel, and one night in Big Sur.

In three weeks, Patrick and I will head out on our next big traveling adventure... guess where we're going?

Update: The Six-Mile Marker

2012-02-20T05:57:00.002-08:00

Here comes the point where I want to give up.

One year into my two-year commitment to Teach for America I was hours away from quitting. Two years into my four-years at Furman I wanted to transfer. Six miles into my half-marathon training?

This is where it gets hard.

Excuses and lies begin making their regular appearance at about the halfway point. You can't do this, is the most common lie. You don't have to do this, that's my favorite excuse. As my feet trudge along and muscles begin to cramp, I start to question why I even started this journey in the first place. What's the point, if it's going to hurt?

I'm struggling to run six miles. I can run five with no problem. Mentally, something is keeping me from that six mile marker.

And it's amazing how this kind of thinking can bleed into all parts of life. I can't begins to rule. But I don't want it to. I want to do the things I set out to do. I want to believe in the strength and peace that I've been given.

Today, I don't have the answer. Today, I don't have the "Ah ha!" moment that helps me understand my own idiosyncrasies and mental blocks that are keeping me from running six miles without stopping. Today, I don't have any profound wisdom to share. But I'm praying for it.

(Photo from FFFFound)

Paleo Spaghetti

2012-02-19T10:12:00.000-08:00

February is a notoriously hated month. It's cold, it's grey, it's short... let's get on to March already.

But for me, February is usually a great month filled with Valentine's Day, my birthday, and warm comfort food. Unfortunately, since I started eating better things for me, chocolates, cake, and many of my favorite comfort foods are off limits.

Needless to say, February has been a difficult month, paleolithically speaking. I ate like a caveman 100% of the time January, but February has looked more like 80/20.

That's why this recipe I'm about to share is so great. Patrick and I have been craving the warm, comforting feeling you get by eating a big plate of spaghetti. All of the recipes I found weren't really cutting it for me. So here's my contribution, folks.

Paleo Spaghetti

30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 large spaghetti squash

salt, pepper

olive oil

12 oz. Italian Sausage

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans organic diced tomatoes

1- 6 oz. can organic tomato paste

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried parsley

1 tsp dried marjoram

1/4 c. red wine (optional, but delicious)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375.

For the Spaghetti: Cut the squash lengthwise. This can be difficult. Then, scrape out all the seeds and gunk from the insides of the squash. Brush with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place cut-face down on an aluminum-covered baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, or until tender. Scrape out the insides with a fork to create "spaghetti" noodles.

For the Sauce: Brown sausage in a dutch oven, then add the onion, peppers, and garlic. When onions are soft, add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes. Add herbs and wine if using. Let simmer for 25 minutes. Serve over top the spaghetti squash.

Find Your Thing.

2012-02-19T05:55:00.002-08:00

Have you found "your thing?" My thing has been in constant motion since I was a child. I feel like a cat trying to catch a mouse, or a laser pointer. You can see an example of that erratic behavior here.

I see teachers around me at school and think, yes, this is your thing. My uncle? He is a salesman through and through. He's found his thing. My sister, Leigh, while being a mother of three--she loves teaching fitness, inspiring people to eat better (even me), and instructing Crossfit. Now she even has her own website!

And then there's the example I always measure myself against.

My mother. She is a wise counselor. I should get at least thirty-three percent of the credit for her success though, since my emotional roller-coasters provided practice for her career. Along with my two older sisters, she had more than enough training and never needed a degree. My mom has counseled the elderly in Hospice, young women through FCA, and new mothers with CareNet. She has most certainly found "her thing."

But how does one go about finding a "thing?"

I am on a journey to find it. This coming weekend, Patrick and I will be traveling to Atlanta, GA in hot pursuit of my thing. Of course we will visit with The Curtises, but the primary purpose of our pilgrimage? The Johnson O'Connor test.

There, I will spend four hours allowing the 80-year-old research organization assess my aptitudes. My hope is to be able to report back this time next week with some insight into what my "thing" might truly be.

I feel excited.

"The individual who knows his own aptitudes, and their relative strengths, chooses more intelligently among the world's host of opportunities."
Johnson O'Connor

What about you? Have you found your "thing?"

I didn't sign up for this.

2012-02-18T09:32:00.003-08:00

I signed up for "The Facebook," when I was seventeen. I didn't even know what it was. I just knew that I wanted to be on it. I had no idea that eight years later I would still be updating my status and posting links to my newest blog entry for the world to see.

When I was seventeen, I wanted as many friends as humanly possible--so when a guy in my physics class "added" me as a friend online? Yes. The answer is always yes! Today, I have 1,500 facebook friends. They get to see it all. Yes, I can "defriend" or put people in "groups," but lets be honest-- who has time to sift through all the people on that list? Plus, when I try to do it... half of my time is just trying to remember how I knew the person in the first place.

But today I've realized... it's too much.

This morning, I went on a 6-mile run (thanks, I know, it's a big deal). Being the computer-savvy person I am, I used www.mapmyrun.com to choose my route. When I got home, I realized that the route I mapped was uploaded for everyone of my 1,500 friends to see. And here's the deal. NOT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW MY RUNNING ROUTE.

I was angry. I didn't sign up for this.

Thankfully, I was running in broad daylight, with a friend, and my four-legged security system. But if someone wanted to track me down and cause me harm? I had already provided my location for the next 60, (okay, let's be honest) 70 minutes.

I finally got to the bottom of it. When I signed up for Mapmyrun.com, they asked whether I wanted to link the information to facebook. Somehow, along the way, I had agreed. I agreed to give away that information. Immediately, I deactivated the "linking" function. But it already had me thinking.

We are agreeing to publicize our lives. We are agreeing to expose our thoughts, our pictures, our locations, and more... to everyone. Have I already endangered myself without even knowing it?

What do you think? Has facebook become overly connected to our lives? Do we blindly publicize the events of our lives without thinking through the potential consequences?

Nonetheless, I'm going to go post this entry to facebook.

How I Knew

2012-02-17T08:42:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day is over, but there's one more love story to tell. Ours.

In a downtown Gothic-style church, I sat in a long black dress and watched clips from 80s commercials and movies. In the pew ahead of me, a guy was on his iPhone, paying little attention to Donald Miller and David Dark who were up front speaking about Blood Water Mission. Apparently, Arnold Schwarzenegger movies and 1980s shampoo ads were relevant. As I shifted my bony butt uncomfortably on the wooden bench and tried in vain to make sense of the fundraiser going on around me, the gears turned happily in my mind. I'm sitting next to the man I'm going to marry.

That was the night I met Patrick Gibson. Of course, I had already scanned his facebook page and found that like me, he was a Young Life leader, a lover of John Steinbeck, and a fan of the Avett Brothers. But common interests and gorgeous lumberjack looks weren't enough to solidify my love-at-first-sight assurance.

How did I know so clearly that this was the man I wanted to marry?

He asked me on a date--then kept asking questions. Without hesitating, Patrick asked me on a date. No games, no enticing flirtatious texting. Just a simple, direct question: "Could I take you to breakfast sometime?" Of course, my answer was yes. Over breakfast Patrick asked me deep questions, and followed up with more. Even today, he still tells me he's not done getting to know me.

He loved the Lord. Patrick clearly loved God in a genuine, honest way. He was already a member of a church, and serving regularly in different ministries around Nashville. He didn't pretend to have it all together, but I instantly saw the steadiness of his faith in God's forgiveness and mercy. That's the kind of man I'd always wanted.

He spoke frankly about his feelings. Once we had been on a few dates, Patrick looked me in the eyes and said he really liked me, and wanted to keep dating. We'd only known each other about a week, but his sincerity was overwhelming. All of my "I just moved to town, I'm about to start a really hard job, I am enjoying being single" excuses went out the window.

My sister knocked some sense into me. When I told my sister that I had met a great guy, but was concerned that I had fallen for him too quickly-- she asked me three simple questions. "Does he care for you well?" Yes, I said. "Does he love Jesus?" Yes, I said. "Does he like to run?" Yes, I said. "Well," she said, "what else are you looking for?"

She was right. If I've learned anything at all-- I know that everyone's love story is entirely different. But for me? There was nothing else I was looking for. I knew he was the one.

Five months later, we were engaged. Six months after that, we were married. How could we be so spontaneous, in a world where more than half of marriages end in divorce? How were we so sure?

That is a question we had to answer often during our short engagement.

The world would like you to believe that love is a accidental event that happens to you. Patrick and I have built our marriage on the exact opposite belief. Yes, we believe that God brilliantly orchestrated our lives until they intersected. Yes, Patrick romanced me, and there is chemistry between us like I'd never experienced. But from day one, we've believed that love is a choice.

And that choice is what gives us the freedom to be so spontaneous. We based our decision to love each other on our faith. Faith, not in each other--but in Christ.

This Product Saved My Life.

2012-02-16T12:39:00.003-08:00

Remember our dog, Cooper?

make sure they can't see my junk, mom.

As sweet as he looks in most pictures, he's a menace on a walk. For the last nine months, Patrick and I have been doing everything in our power to teach this animal how to "heel," which--we've learned--is just about impossible.

We've tried the harness, we've gone to obedience school, and we've even committed NEVER to take a step forward until Cooper is by our side. The result?

Cooper pulls us all over the place. When we stop, he backs up. When we start walking again? He pulls again. It's never ending. And if you've forgotten... I'm training for a half marathon. I can't be fighting with a Viszla while trying to run five miles. I was perpetually losing my cool on each and every run I've taken him on.

UNTIL YESTERDAY. That's right. Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce you to my new best friend, The Gentle Leader.

I ran 5 miles yesterday and I didn't fight with Cooper one bit. (I know, that was a humble brag, or maybe just a normal brag) This thing is genius.

Hallelujah. Let the half-marathon training continue.

P.S. Viszlas are everywhere!

On Work.

2012-02-16T06:31:00.001-08:00

Isn't that the truth?

I think I'm in the "What I'm Good At" category right now. It doesn't pay great, and it's probably not what I love the most. What part of the Venn Diagram do you find yourself?

Recently, I mused some about the nature of work, whether the "perfect" job exists, and if you ought to be passionate about what you do.

What about you? Where do you fall? Where do you wish you fell? Which would be the worst category to be in?

(Graphic from: Fish Dogs)

How She Knew: Melissa Greenwood

2012-02-15T08:36:00.001-08:00

If you went to Furman University, there's a good chance you feel personally responsible for the success of Needtobreathe.

Long before opening for Taylor Swift's Speak Now tour in 2011, Bear and Bo Rinehart played relentlessly for Furman's collegiate crowd. Fraternity parties, McAlister Auditorium, Homecomings, you name it-- they were there and ready to sing out, sing out. (lyrics joke!) And rightly so, since these down-home boys grew up just down the road from Furman in Possum Kingdom, South Carolina. Yes, that's a real place.

But if anyone has a reason for fond memories of Needtobreathe, it is Furman graduates Melissa and Scott Greenwood.

Amidst pomped homecoming floats and gratuitous sugary confections--Melissa, then 18, and Scott, then 19--met on the Furman Mall. Neither had dated seriously before, and as their relationship began to grow, Melissa realized something strange was happening. It wasn't getting worse.

"It just kept getting better and better!" she said recently, remembering back to their early dating days. In fact, it did continue to get better--even in the midst of a crisis.

Melissa contracted meningitis during her sophomore year at Furman. In horrendous pain, Melissa allowed Scott to drive her halfway to Birmingham, to meet up with her father. She said one thing to Scott during that trip, and it wasn't I love you.

"I only said one thing to him the whole ride," Melissa remembers, "Don't touch me. Pull over so I can throw up."

In sickness and in health, right? It's amazing how relationships can solidify during our greatest moments of weakness, in the midst of helplessness. Sadly, our culture is built upon the idea that you can--no you must have it together to be valuable, loveable, and worthy. Scott and Melissa have continued to build their relationship upon the fact that they don't.

"I don't think we could love each other well if we did not recognize our own brokenness and need for our Savior. Mostly, Jesus helps us forgive one another by constantly reminding us of his ultimate sacrifice for us."

The Greenwood's recognize their need. Their philosophy is similar to that of the band that played in the background the night they met. Remember Needtobreathe?

They based their name on a story about Socrates. As the story goes, a student asked, "how will I know if I'm really seeking God?' Socrates answered by holding the student's head underwater, and not letting him up. When he finally did--the student was angry, and gasping for breath. Socrates replied, "When you need God like you need to breathe, you'll know you're really seeking after God."

Recognizing need is a requirement for receiving love.

Special thanks to Melissa for sharing her sweet story with me this week! More stories to come!

How She Knew: Lindsay Robbins

2012-02-14T10:50:00.003-08:00

There's nothing better than a love story, especially that of a friend. Best of all? When that friend is your sister. Meet Lindsay and Dave Robbins.

Did you know that over 3,000 of Southwest Airlines employees are married to each other? Events on The Office should be an indication--love blossoms during the hours of nine to five!

That story rings true for Lindsay and Dave Robbins. They were assigned the same project at work in 2006. Only a few months later, these two began dating regularly.

When asked how she knew that Dave was the right man for her, Lindsay explained:

"I don't think there was a "first time" I knew he was the one. I just think that as our relationship grew I knew that I didn't want to be without him more and more. I just realized that I believed that no matter what came our way I would always want him there with me to work it out, [or] work through it. That I would rather be stressed out with him by my side, then lying on a beach with anyone else."

The world is telling us something different. Stick with your relationship as long as it works for you, we hear. As soon as you're unhappy, leave. The best kind of relationship is one with no strings attached. The loudest message we see and hear regularly? Only thin, long-haired women with a passion about their careers can fall in love. Only tanned, muscular men that are in tune with their feelings deserve a relationship. Sex? That's only for the pros. Marriage? That's an expensive, extravagant event that you plan for a year, and enjoy for a day.

Lindsay and Dave formed their relationship around something entirely different than what the world is saying. And they are far from the "norm," whatever the "norm" is today.

For one, Dave is thirteen years older than Lindsay--which, as her little sister, gave me pause. But, Lindsay never allowed that to get in the way. Then, they stepped further away from the mold in how they tied the knot: it was a Wednesday.

"We got married at the court house on New Years' Eve 2008. It was simple, just us and a few close friends. We literally met at the court house on our lunch break during the day and then went back to work. We went out to diner with our friends and celebrated that night. No muss, no fuss and that's how we live our lives."

Since that New Year's day, Lindsay and Dave have continued in their journey to live simply, and love fully. They have a son named Remington, and if his expression is any indication of the love that pervades their household, well...

... no fuss sounds about right.

Special thanks to Lindsay for letting me interview her, and tell their sweet story on this Valentine's Day. RILY.

Love in the form of Pop Rocks

2012-02-13T13:20:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day approaching, a memory surfaced about love in the form of pop rocks.

My uncle killed himself in October. As if that situation wasn't stressful enough, rumor had it that all three of his former wives were going to attend the funeral. The rest of the extended family had to make some decisions: drive the umpteen miles to Nowheresville, Georgia for the funeral or wait until Christmas to be together as a family. Leigh decided to make the trip without her husband, three children in tow, all the way from New York State.

It's not like she hadn't made the trip before. As a teenager my sister traversed I-95 more times than an ABF truck. Back then a prehistoric Sprint cell phone, Subway and mix tapes were all she needed to make the hours fly by. Now, their 2008 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a DVD player and stocked with the latest Pixar flicks. Two days after Tommy's death, the mobile day-care flew quickly through the seaboard states, set south for the suicide service.

A stubborn teenager crammed in a four year old body? That's Liam, my nephew.

He's the only boy, stuck in the middle of two sweet-tempered girls. By the time the Odyssey had made its thousand-mile journey, Liam had also driven--my sister insane. When they pulled up to the funeral home and piled out of the van, Leigh filled her upper body with the body of her youngest child, and her right hand with the hand of her oldest.

Liam stood behind the pyramid of women, with his shirt untucked, shoes off, and scowl on. Leigh looked at me in desperation. She whispered to me that she couldn't deal with him any longer. I assured her that I could, and shooed the girls into the funeral home. That was the situation I couldn't deal with.

Liam's attitude mirrored how I felt inside. The difference was, I knew how to hide mine beneath a black dress and years of supposed maturity. Turning his famous stink-eye in my direction, Liam's tears finally brought my own to the surface. As the rest of the family gathered around Tommy's empty golf-bag, my arms gathered around Liam, pulling him close to me.

Then, in a moment of sheer genius, I remembered the bag of candy in the backseat of my car. Liam dug his hands through the bag while I tucked his shirt in, and put his shoes on. He chose pop rocks: sweet but shocking.

A few minutes later, Liam and I walked down the center aisle, holding hands while the congregation sang. Leigh sighed a grateful sigh, thankful that Liam had donned his shoes and a brighter countenance. The family stood together sadly, peacefully, but we were missing a few. Lindsay, my middle sister, couldn't make it from Texas. And Tommy, my uncle, who left us so unexpectedly.

That's when I decided that many of life's most meaningful moments are like the pop rocks my nephew chose: sweet, but shocking.

Ten Lies I Believed

2012-02-12T06:10:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to get all sappy for Valentine's Day. Okay I lied. I am. But not yet.

First, I thought it would be appropriate to share some free advice.

Patrick and I got married when I was a wee 23 years old. Don't feel bad for me, though. In my first twenty-two years, I dated enough and got my heart broken enough to be as cynical as an article in the Onion. A relationship here, a fling there, a really good friend that I talk to every day on the phone that ought to be my boyfriend? I've tried it all. It was also enough for me to listen to and believe a whole host of lies about love, and men that all turned out to be absolutely and one hundred percent false.

And for Valentine's Day, I thought I would share them. In honor of true love, here are ten lies I used to believe.

1. A text is the same thing as a phone call
It's not. Texts are inherently contrived, flirtatious and enticing. Phone calls are legitimate conversations. I remember certain times of my life where the vibration or chime of a text message put butterflies in my stomach, and marathon-texting conversations spanned hours. Hours of contrived conversation that created false-relationship.

2. I'll help him find God
I didn't.

3. If he doesn't want to kiss me, it's because he's being "pure"
Rebounding from guy #2, I found comfort in a relationship with the "super-christian" who kissed kissing goodbye. Turns out, if he's not all over you, something's probably not right--either in his mind--or in the relationship. If you like someone, kiss them. It's okay, really.

4. He'll stop smoking weed
He didn't. For a while.

5. That song he burned on a CD for me is how he really feels
Dave Matthew's "Angel" told me that he was strong, but wanted me back again. "Hey There Delilah" meant he really missed me. Ryan Adams' "Come Pick Me Up," well, I'm not exactly sure what that meant. But, whatever the song was at the time, my mind warped it into the sappiest love song I'd ever heard. Some of these I can't even listen to anymore, because my mind goes dangerously whirling back...

6. He doesn't have to take me on a real date
Hanging out at his place, watching movies, meeting up at parties, texting (see #1), those all count as "dating" right? Wrong. If he didn't want to take me out in public, he probably wasn't worth my time. But I believed the lie.

7. We're just friends, of course he's not interested in me!
This was the hardest lie to get rid of in my mind, and did the most damage to people I truly care about. We'd talk on the phone. Hang out over the holidays. Share childhood stories. Go to dinner at dives and nice places, all while laughing innocently. Never holding hands. Never kissing. Friends, right? You know what I'm talking about. I didn't realize until much too late that I was slowly, and painfully hurting my friend. Girls: If he's acting like he cares for you, and not dating anyone else--but you don't feel romantically interested? Be honest.

8. If he calls me "a snot"--it's a term of endearment
Man, how do I explain this one? A guy I was dating called me a little snot once (okay more than once), and I convinced myself it was cute. Yes, to answer your question, he was hot.

9. Those nerves, they're butterflies
No, they are not butterflies. Butterflies are two-winged creatures that are made by God to pollinate flowers. These are self-conscious insecurities and misgivings that rise up in your belly when you're dating someone who is sizing you up constantly. If he cares what you're wearing or judges the wit of every single comment you make, do yourself a favor: stop dating him.

10. He'll choose me, eventually
He didn't.

So there it is, ten desperately embarrassing lies that I believed as a single girl trying to find Mr. Right. It's easier to admit these now that I'm married, but I can still look back and easily remember how I got to this place of self-deception. I was lonely, in need of love, and willing to compromise on truth for the sake of comfort. And that, my friends, doesn't change when you put a ring on it. I am still a lonely girl, in need of love, and capable of compromise. This Valentine's Day, I choose to seek out the Truth, both in relationships, and in my own heart.

What about you? Ladies? Gentlemen? Are you willing to admit any lies you believed about love? Do share.

(Photo from: Wit + Delight)

Poly Sci 101: Mitt Romney

2012-02-11T10:16:00.000-08:00

An anxious soon to be Mormon father spoke frantically into the phone, "My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart!"

"Is this her first child?" the doctor asked.

"No, you idiot!" the man shouted. "This is her husband!"

Well, all Mormon-jokes aside, Mitt Romney continues his run for the Republican nomination. Despite only winning New Hampshire, Florida, and Nevada, three of the seven primaries that have been held so far, Romney is still considered the Republican "front runner."

Why? What does Mitt Romney have to offer our nation? What qualities would make him a good president? What qualities make Romney an equal competitor to Barack Obama?

1. Romney Comes from Powerful, but unlucky, Political Roots

You don't have to look too far into the Romney family tree to find roots of conservative Mormonism, even including polygamy. In addition to his connection to the Mormon church, the Romney's have long been entrenched in politics.

His father George advanced from humble beginnings in Detroit all the way to the Michigan governor's mansion, where they lived and he served from 1963 to 1969. In 1968, George Romney ran unsuccessfully for the Republican Nomination, losing to Richard Nixon. During that election cycle, many criticized George Romney for opposing the War in Vietnam. Still, the elder Romney went on to work in Nixon's cabinet, in the Department of Housing and Urban Development until 1973.

Mitt Romney didn't inherit political aspirations from his father alone. His mother Lenore also tried her luck at a race for the Senate in 1970. Echoing her husband's lost race two years before, Lenore was defeated.

2. Romney is a Hard Worker Campaigning on Job Creation

More than anything, this is what makes me want to vote for Mitt Romney. He worked hard at Stanford, BYU and Harvard. Needless to say, he is incredibly smart and business-savvy.

From 1977-1999, Romney was a key partner at Bain Capital, where he not only saved the consulting company, but also businesses like Staples and Dominos. Romney made his personal fortune reorganizing and making these corporations more efficient. The Huffington Post reported that according to those statements, in 2010, Romney's personal income was near $10 million. He promises again and again to use his economic prowress to create jobs across America.

From 1999-2002, Romney worked his managerial magic again. In the midst of an International Olympic Committee bribery scandal, Romney was appointed to help steer the Winter Olympics to snowy success--and he did, all while developing vital political experience, supporters, and relationships ripe for fundraising.

Soon thereafter, those sociopolitical connections helped Romney hard-work his way into the Massachusetts governorship, where he promised to create jobs in the state. Sound familiar?

Unfortunately, his hard work in Massachusetts has received mixed reviews. Romney was able to create favorable conditions for job creation from 2002-2007, but when the rest of the country began to devolve into recession--there was no economic policy strong enough to thwart the pull, even on Romney's state.

The question to ask in a capitalist market is-- how much can we praise or blame job creation on a governor or president? Sadly, that is the pillar on which Romney has staked his campaign.

3. Romney Carries a Cold Exterior

Before really delving into the character of Newt Gingrich, I was drawn to him simply because Mitt Romney reminded me of a cold statue cut from a piece of marble, perfectly shaped, but helplessly stoic. At least Gingrich is fun to watch, I thought.

Have you seen this Saturday Night Live spoof on Romney's cold demeanor? And here's another, which demonstrates the stark temperamental differences between Romney and the refreshingly charasmatic New Jersey governor, Chris Christie.

Of course, some of Romney's own remarks haven't helped his disingenuous reputation. His comment that he is "not concerned about the very poor" and the he "like[s] being able to fire people" have only exacerbated public opinion that he is disconnected, fake, ridiculously wealthy, and unable to relate to the very people he is campaigning for.

Perhaps most caustically, journalist Rick Perlstein wrote a Los Angeles Times op-ed four years ago arguing that Romney would "go down as the most robotic big-ticket presidential candidate in history." He repeated that accusation in a Rolling Stone article just a few weeks ago. I think he might be right.

So therein lies Romney's greatest problem. Will his personality get in the way of his record of hard work? Will his riches pay for the campaign, but disqualify him from the White House? Does charisma and character trump experience?

Twenty Five.

2012-02-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

I turn twenty five today! One quarter of a century old. Looking back on the last twenty-four years, I can't help to think that year 24 was one of the very best.

We got Cooper!

We met some dear friends, Sarah and Andrew-- who are getting married this summer!

I am so grateful to keep in touch with my sweet friends Amelia, Jessica, and Amy.

...and Amy got married!

In my twenty-fourth year, I was lucky to spend at least twelve weekends with my sweet friend Whitney! (And her husband, Allen, too!)

And, of course, in my twenty-fourth year, Patrick and I bought our very first home!

And, though this picture was taken in my 23rd year... I am continually thankful for my sweet families, and the great example of marriage set by my mother and father, as well as Patrick's.

Thanks for celebrating with me, and letting me share my private thoughts on this public forum.

Looking forward to all that twenty-five will bring.

Our Trip to California: Central California

2012-02-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, I shared with you about our trip to San Francisco. Sadly, we were only able to spend two days in San Francisco...

... before we got a rental car and headed south. The next leg of our trip took us to Carmel, where we stayed at the Colonial Terrace Inn just a block from the beach!

We spent an afternoon at Monterrey Bay Aquarium, which costs about $20 per ticket. But it was worth it to see Patrick looking like a little kid when he petted a sting ray! While in Monterrey, make sure to stop at Rosine's for a slice of cake as big as your face. It's on Alvarado Street which overlooks the bay and is lined with interesting shops and local dives.

One of our favorite meals over the entire trip was at a spot in Carmel-by-the-Sea, called Casanova. When we arrived at the quaint restaurant and they took us to the covered patio, we thought we were in for a simple Italian meal. Turns out, Casanvoa is a "prixe-fixe" restaurant, which surprised and delighted us! The couple two tables over not only took our picture, but also became fast friends. Turns out, if you're at a fancy restaurant in a resort town on a weekend--it's likely the people next to you are also celebrating their anniversary.

After stuffing ourselves at Casanova, we headed down Highway One to Big Sur for a night of camping. (HINT: To get all of our gear to California, we packed one suitcase for our clothes/etc, and one suitcase of camping supplies like sleeping bags and our tent. Totally worth it!)

We hiked at Point Lobos before heading to Pheiffer Big Sur State Park, where we rented our camping spot for about $50 for the night. Make sure to book your spot early, though- it was almost sold out when we reserved our spot--four months in advance! We purchased a bundle of fire wood, since you aren't allowed to distub the natural surroundings. Also, they sell wine at the camp store--so we were able to enjoy a night sipping wine by the campfire!

Here's Patrick trying to figure out the tent we borrowed from the Ruckers! Thanks guys!

In the morning, we headed out of Big Sur, and stopped on the way at a restaurant called Nepenthe. Although it's one of the only restaurants on highway one--it is worth the stop! At Nepethe, fog draped itself over the rich green mountains plunging directly into the Pacific Ocean. You can look out over the expanse while sipping a hot cup of coffee, and listening to the birds sing around you. Glorious.

Central California is most certainly for the adventure-seekers. If we were to go back, we'd love to see San Louis Obispo, and maybe even give surfing a try!

What about you? Would you ever be willing to go camping while on an anniversary trip? Would it be worth it to pack camping supplies for just one night? Would you rather splurge at fancy restaurants or rough it?

Running with Friends?

2012-02-07T11:23:00.000-08:00

I never thought I would enjoy running with a friend.

As much as I LOVE that (and all) episodes of Friends, there is something so genuinely true about the self-conscious way that women can treat exercise. And I was the worst offender.

Running for me has always been a necessary evil. It was never something I enjoyed, and definitely never something I would share in with a friend. For me, running was a way to burn calories and nothing more. Running with someone else? Not possible! My favorite excuses: I'm too slow, I'll want to stop, and I sweat too much.

In college, I planned my classes around my schedule at the gym, and would feel utterly depressed for 24 hours if I wasn't able to get in an hour at the PAC (Physical Activities Center, for those of you that didn't go to Furman). In many ways, the treadmill turned into an idol in my life. I ran, not because I wanted to, but because I felt I had to. The treadmill went at my pace, and I could stop or sprint whenever my heart desired. At that time, there was no choice, no joy, and no freedom in it whatsoever. I was a slave to feeling like I had done something productive with my time--and to a certain number I wanted the scale to say.

When I moved to Nashville, my physical, spiritual, and emotional strength seemed to plummet, while life's social, professional, and personal demands were on the rise. I moved away from family, stopped volunteering with Young Life, and transplanted myself in Nashville where I had very few connections. Soon, I started the hardest job I could have imagined, began dating Patrick, and was even trying to make a few friends. Exercise went out the window.

Now two years later, the social, professional, and personal demands had abated, but my physical, spiritual, and emotional strength hadn't really bounced back.

That's part of what encouraged me to start my paleo journey. Today, I feel so much healthier because of the good things I'm eating and the bad things I'm not. And with that foundation, I felt the urge to start running again. But this time--it's for altogether different reasons.

For the first time in my life, I am able to run without feeling bloated, heavy, and mentally exhausted. I'm able to abandon the treadmill for beautiful trails, roads, and greenways that are all over Nashville. Although I never thought I'd say this... I'm actually ENJOYING running! I've been able to run with friends, take Cooper along, and even carry on conversations while running 4 miles.

So, as I move closer to my half-marathon goal, I look forward to sharing with you the ups and downs of this new outlook on fitness.

What about you? Have you had to come to terms with how you view exercise? Would you ever want to run with a friend? Have you been afraid to do that in the past?

Poli-Sci 101: Newt Gingrich

2012-02-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

via US News

The cat's out of the bag.

I have a degree in political science. My college diploma, like my background in cheerleading, is something I don't often like to discuss--especially in the midst of a year divisible by four. But in the midst of an election, to continue blogging about food, trips, and interior decorating and avoid what's going on politically would be apathetic.

I'm not claiming to be a political expert. I'm not hoping to turn this into a political blog. I'm not trying to convince you that the Republicrats are the best party. I do want to provide fodder for discussion, and perhaps invite some of you who weren't political science majors into the important decision of who will run our nation for the next four years.

And truly, it is your duty to know what's going on in the presidential race come November. People have died so you can have the right to vote for your leaders, rather than live in a totalitarian state. Sermon over.

So, Newt Gingrich.

Who is this guy? What would make him a good presidential candidate? What should disqualify him from the office? Here are my thoughts:

1. Gingrich is a Career Politician

Newt knows how to make things happen in a bureaucratic, politicized system. This guy has lived, breathed, and worked Capitol Hill. While most would see that as a weakness, I could also see it being a strength. Gingrich managed his best-friend's high school student-body presidential campaign. In college he studied history and developed political ties to the Republican party. In 1974 and 1976, in his early thirties, Newt Gingrich had two unsuccessful runs for Congress in the 6th district of Georgia. In financial straits, Gingrich finally won the 6th district seat in 1978, and maneuvered through Congress for 17 years until becoming Speaker of the House in 1995. After 20-years in office, Gingrich retired from Congress in 1998.

Newt also knows how to piss people off. His famous 1992 walk-out on President George H.W. Bush's tax increases branded Gingrich a defiant. Read more about that debacle here. Furthermore, in the midst of the 1992 House banking scandal, where 8,331 bad congressional checks were written, Gingrich blamed House Democrats for the mess, while forgetting his own bounced bills in the process.

2. Gingrich Demonstrates Ethically Questionable Behavior

As a high schooler, Newt Gingrich secretly dated (and later married) his geometry teacher, Jackie. He divorced her in 1980.

Gingrich filed ethical charges against then-Speaker of the House Jim Wright in 1988, which led to his resignation. Later, in 1997, Democrats raised similar ethics charges against Gingrich. In Washington, people still look to Gingrich initial instigator behind partisan politics that still plague the Capitol today.

But his issues go beyond shady book deals and fishy "Super Pack" campaign contributions. Gingrich lambasted Clinton during the Lewinsky scandal, all while carrying on his own affair against his second wife, Marianne, with his current wife, Callista. In 2007, he admitted his actions, but said that, in Clinton's case of lying while on the stand: "I am not rendering judgment on another human being, but as a leader of the government trying to uphold the rule of law, I have no choice except to move forward and say that you cannot accept felonies and you cannot accept perjury in your highest officials." (From same article linked to above)

3. Gingrich Doesn't Seem Afraid of Anyone

Like it or not, this is the thing that (in some ways) makes me want to vote for him. Against all odds, this southern boy made it to Washington, and made a difference. Not Wright, not Clinton, not Dole, not Romney... no one will stand in the way of what he wants to accomplish. And what is that? Newt wants to establish an American energy source, put healthcare back in the hands of individuals (not government), and empower parents with choices for their child's education. Read more about his ideas here.

But who is going to help him get this done? Sure, Gingrich's not afraid of anyone--but who is willing to work with him? In June, his entire senior campaign team quit. Head strategist Dave Carney said, "The professional team came to the realization that the direction of the campaign they sought and Newt's vision for the campaign were incompatible."

Worst for Gingrich, though, is the lack of endorsements he's received from former colleagues. "Hardly anyone who served with Newt in Congress has endorsed him," Dole wrote in a letter, "and that fact speaks for itself." Yikes.

So, if Newt Gingrich becomes president, what will happen when someone, or everyone disagrees with him? Will his entire cabinet resign?

So what do you think? Is Newt Gingrich a viable candidate? Do his ethical qualms disqualify him from the nation's highest office? Is being a career-politician a recipe for success in Washington, or the one thing that will keep him from the oval office?

Our Trip to California: San Francisco

2012-02-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

Anyone planning a trip anytime soon?

Last year, Patrick and I went to California. With the help of the lonely planet travel guide, a few good suggestions and some spontaneity, we killed it. I wanted to chronicle it here not only for our nostalgia, but also for you. Maybe my next few blog posts could help you plan your next big trip!

We started in San Francisco.

We flew in on the best airline there is and stayed at a relatively inexpensive bed and breakfast that I wouldn't highly recommend, simply because of its dismal location. Not to mention that we found out on day #2 that the bed and breakfast used to be a brothel. That dampered things a bit.

Still, we spent the 24 hours we had in San Fransisco in a fury! Before leaving for California, we made sure to have good travel shoes to walk and bike around the city. It's always so hard for me to find shoes that are fashionably functional. Here's another good blog post about good travel shoes.

The first night in San Francisco, we went to dinner with our friends Ali and Jonny, then went on an adventure to find Bourbon and Branch, a prohibition-style speakeasy in the middle of the city. It was swanky, hipster, and we were exhausted, but we had a blast!

When we woke up the next morning, we knew we only had 24 hours to explore the city. Our day came with good news and bad news.

The good news: We rented bikes in at American Cyclery near Golden Gate park, and then headed towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Once we made it over the bridge, we enjoyed an afternoon in Sausalito. Look how beautiful! Sausalito has great art galleries, shops, and restaurants. It can be slightly touristy, but we loved it.

The bad news: When we took the ferry from Sausalito back to San Francisco, we ended up on the complete opposite side of the city than where we started from-- and had to get the bikes back to the original shop! Check out our unforgettable bike trek around San Francisco:

While in San Francisco, we learned how to use the public transportation pretty well. But always remember to have cash on hand! If you don't have a pass or cash, they won't let you on. For some reason I thought they'd let us swipe-n-ride. Not the case. After our crazy bike ride, we treated ourselves to a delicious dinner...

...at Foreign Cinema. This restaurant is phenomenal. They play older movies in the courtyard, and the restaurant is surrounded by large industrial-style windows that really give it a European feel. Plus, they brought us champagne for our anniversary!

We also had great meals at a sweet French spot called Frances, and bought way too much at Tartine Bakery. Yum.

Later, we said that if we could spend any more time at one place in California--it would be San Francisco. In fact, at the dinner pictured above, we started imagining what it would be like to sell everything we own and just move to San Francisco. That's how much fun we had.

But that's just day one and two. We had nine whole days in California... so stay tuned for the rest.

Mountains or Molehills?

2012-02-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

I tend to be emotional.

Sorry, Dawson... you were always in the friend zone.

Some might call that the understatement of the quarter-century, but I call it the truth. When I was "roasted" my senior year of high school, I was given a large towel to help dry up all the tears I was certain to shed in college. They weren't so far off. Ask me a personal question, and it's likely that within three minutes my chin will quiver and I will be nervous about my mascara running.

When I started teaching I determined never to cry in front of students. But, when I was "surplussed" four-weeks into my first job, and told that I would have to pack up all the supplies in my classroom and hope for a chance in a different Metro Public school, my no-crying resolution went out the window. My eyes leaked through the rest of the day... and sporadically through the rest of the year (I got the job back two days later).

Don't get me wrong. It's not like I boo-hoo my way through every day. In fact, after that first year of teaching, tears haven't made another classroom appearance. But still, they show up at church, at home, with friends, and in the car when a particularly poignant song comes on the radio.

Sometimes I hate this about myself. While my tears have become less frequent, they haven't disappeared all together. I really thought the wells would eventually dry up, my skin would get thick and someday, maybe someday, the waterworks would stop.

But I'm about to turn twenty-five. Do tears indicate weakness in the face of life's problems, or a strength to recognize truth? Is crying a complete waste of time? Or does showing emotion serve an important purpose?

When you cry, are you always making a mountain out of a molehill?

OMG... shoes.

2012-02-02T06:13:00.000-08:00

There's no way around it. I destroy tennis shoes. Not to mention that I walk like a penguin. My dad and sister do too. It runs in the family.

Since I decided to starting running more (a lot more)--there was an immediate need for new kicks. Unfortunately, going to Fleet Feet on a Tuesday afternoon isn't my favorite experience. You see, a person who walks like a penguin typically gets gawked at in those stores. Whenever they tell me to run across the store so they can "check my gait," I know I run even more awkwardly, over correcting to make my feet trot in a straight line, rather than pointing outward like a obtuse triangle.

As I waited for the trained foot professional to diagnose my training needs (they really said that and I almost laughed out loud) and browsed through my normal choices: Aisics or Nike. But ultimately, I chose these shoes. Anyone ever heard of Mizunos?

via MizunoUSA

Can't wait to destroy them.

Oh Crap.

2012-01-31T06:13:00.000-08:00

Oh crap. I just hit submit. That's what went through my head a few minutes ago.

I'm going to run a half marathon.

Have you ever had a "tough-but-good" experience? I have a feeling that the half-marathon will be something along those lines. You know what I mean. Something that is really difficult while you are in the midst of it, but after it's over, you smile knowing it was worth all the difficulty? I've heard childbirth is like that. I know marriage can be at times. Difficult, stretching, challenging... but overall very, very good.

From 2009-2011 I "taught for America." I never thought that would be part of my "leap" into adulthood. I made some big mistakes in my two years in room 224. But I tried my best, and I finished the race.

This year, I re-started this blog as a way to re-foster my love of writing. Difficult? Sometimes. It's easy to begin the "compare today's hits to yesterday's" game--when really that's not what this is about. Then, I set a small month-long goal to change the way I eat. I've chronicled that major change.

Change, change, change. Apparently it's the theme of 2012. (There are even other changes coming, that I'll share about later...) And with any new venture, there comes some real tough moments, and some real beautiful ones too.

Sure... there are plenty of people out there who have run a half marathon, so it's not like I'm doing something remarkable. But it's remarkable for me. It's also something I can put my mind to on a daily basis, and something I can look forward to as we move into spring.

So, here I go! I hope you'll encourage, question, and come run with me along the way.

And what about you? Is there anything you've done recently that made you say "oh crap"?

Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas

2012-01-30T10:43:00.000-08:00

All the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
Layin' in the sun,
Talkin' 'bout the things
They woulda-coulda-shoulda done...
But those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
All ran away and hid
From one little did.
Shel Silverstein

Have you seen the Honda "leap list" commercials?

This is such a great marketing campaign for two reasons. First, the car is nice. Second, it's true that everyone says that before I get married, have a baby, turn thirty... I'm going to.... fill in the blank. It's playing on the dreamer in us all.

This brings up so many questions for me. In a few weeks, I will turn twenty-five. I am starting to feel the gradual pull of age on my life. Mortgages, dogs, landscaping, and yes... even the possibility of children all are regular topics of conversation. And with all of those topics comes one major side effect: fear.

Fear of saying "oh, I would have..." or "man, I should have..." or even "I bet I could have..."

The question is, how would I finish those sentences? What is on my leap list? Is it even valuable to think about leap lists? Or is it just another way to be self-involved?

And more importantly, what's on your leap list? I would love to hear.

Paleo Challenge: Complete!

2012-01-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Thirty days ago, I read that by eating:

via Crossfit Pacific Coast

... I would not every want to go back to how I was eating before. They were right.

The past few weeks, I have run into more than my fair share of people that are "going vegan," or on the "Skinny Girl Cleanse," or are only drinking juiced kale for a week. Everyone always is convinced that their way is the best. It's made me a little embarrassed to share the "new thing" I'm doing.

But at the end of thirty days, I've come to some conclusions about food that are important to share.

1. You. Don't. Need. Bread.

You just don't. I thought I did, but really, I just thought it was easier to pop a bagel in the toaster than to fry two eggs in the morning. That's a lie. Just because the restaurant brings the chips or the bread to you table doesn't mean you have to eat it. Remember? They're giving it to you for free! That's because its worthless. I won't be eating bread anymore. Isn't that crazy? After 30 days, I really have no desire for pasta, bread, or grains.

2. Plan Ahead.

Planning takes some getting used to, but it was crucial this month. When you go to work without a packed lunch, you will be tempted to eat whatever is available--because you don't have anything else. This month, I was forced to create weekly grocery lists on Sunday. In many ways, planning ahead took away so much of the "so what do you want for dinner?" stress that always came at 4:30 every day. It's made me a better wife. Planning ahead includes having quick breakfasts ready for mornings I hit the snooze more than once. I like making sausage hash, and delicious paleo muffins to have on hand during the week. Also, my sister's famous trail mix has been hidden in the top drawer of my desk since day one. I good handful can get me through 2:00.

3. Try New Things.

Let's be clear... I was in a cooking rut. This challenge has forced me out of my culinary comfort zone. I am thankful. Resorting to pasta and cheese on a regular basis is simply not good for my body--and I will not go back to that slothfulness in the kitchen. Not knowing how to cook certain vegetables is no longer an excuse. The best new items on our repertoire? Cardamom spice, red chard, almond meal, and a mandoline slicer. Plus, eating good food has long term impact. Psychologically, I felt better almost immediately, because I knew that the fuel I was putting in my body was good. Physically, after jumping the initial sugar-withdrawals, I really felt more alert and less bloated than usual. Go figure.

4. Cultivate Self Control.

This is hard. To be healthy mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and yes, physically--you need self control. I had gotten into the crazy habit of making dessert almost every night. I felt (like most people) that if I wanted something, I deserved to have it. Not true. "Everything is permissable but not everything is beneficial." For me, self-control in my diet meant making a strict decision about what I consumed for thirty days. I was addicted to nightly cookies-and-ice cream. I had to give that up. Self control implies setting boundaries--not when you're staring the chocolate cake in the face, but before, in a quiet space where you can decide what you really want to be about.

5. Treat Yourself.

When I craved a treat-- I fix a cup of frozen fruit with honey, nuts and coconut. Of course, the world knows I cheated on my thirty days with a cup of Jeni's ice cream... but after many weeks away from the stuff, it was actually special again. Also, since I had cultivated self-control... it was easier to reach for good food again the next day.

6. Decide your non-negotiables

After 30 days, I don't miss bread or pasta. I don't miss milk. I don't miss yogurt. I'm thankful to have cultivated self-control to stop the sugar rushes and crashes. I won't be adding grains, gluten, processed foods or dairy back into my diet. Those are my non-negotiables. The one question-mark that I have is about... cheese. Some people have asked what the hardest thing has been-- and without a doubt... it has been missing cheese! I know Patrick can't wait to have a little cheese in his pasta-less lasagna. :)

So what do you think? Do you think you'll ever try a big change of the way you're eating? Do you get excited by hearing about someone else's journey, or are you ready for me to shut up about it?

And... what should my next challenge be?

Two Days Left!

2012-01-26T07:07:00.000-08:00

There are two days left in my month-long paleo journey. Here are some of my best and worsts of the month:

Best Overall Meal: Better Butter Chicken with Steamed Red Chard via Everyday Paleo

Best Breakfast: Paleo Apple Muffin, Fried Eggs and Bacon

Biggest Flop: Portabello Mushrooms as Burger Buns (but the burgers were good!)

Best Veggie Dish: Brussel Sprouts + Apples + Bacon via Little Pink Monster

Worst Veggie Dish: Kale. Yuck.

Best Treat: Chocolate Avacado Mousse (Thanks to the Ruckers!)

The Front Room

2012-01-23T18:51:00.000-08:00

So, we listened.

Overwhelmingly, the consensus was: what the heck are you thinking, do not, and I mean do NOT get a white sofa.

We have been so anxious to finally purchase a piece of furniture for our front room-- and it finally happened. These were the front runners:


Via Ikea

Via World Market

Via MGBW

The problem was that the third one, our favorite (and a sleeper sofa to boot)--was the most expensive. When we found it on clearance at our local store-- we thought we'd struck gold. Until, of course, they sold it out from under us. All they could offer us was the same sleeper sofa-- in a robin's egg blue color.

Humph. We walked away.

But. They called a week later and offered us the blue sofa AND a slipcover of our choice for the clearance price. That's what I call a hard bargain. So, from now until we get the new slipcover-- we have a blue sofa!

And gosh-darn-it... I actually like it!

This is in progress. More pictures to come later!

Paleo Update: Day 23

2012-01-20T06:03:00.000-08:00

Three weeks ago, I picked up the challenge to eat live a caveman for thirty days. I used this cookbook by Sarah Fragoso a resource, read her blog a few times, and loved this recipe for seafood gumbo. Yum!

Most likely the best meal of the last couple weeks has been this:

I don't have a fancy schmancy camera, and from what I've read, pictures of food look better in daylight. Oh well! It tasted good. We made this enchilada recipe from Sarah Fragoso. My sister (who is starting her own blog! yay!) helped inspire me to make these eggplant chips that were DELICIOUS. Finally, we topped it all off with some delicious guacamole.

This meal was so great, we actually made it two nights in a row. In fact, the eggplant chips were so tasty, we made a special stop at the store just to grab a nice, big, purple eggplant.

If nothing else, this month has been a great culinary adventure!

To Buy White or not to Buy: White

2012-01-19T13:02:00.000-08:00

The White Sofa

Apartment Therapy

Remember this room? Well it's time to get started on it!

The problem for quite some time was this:

Patrick and I bought this cozy chair from American Signature Furniture in 2010, right after we got married. This chair turned into a HUGE liability. And when I say huge, I mean huge. This chair was massive. And that's why Patrick and I decided to sell it last week! We definitely took a loss, but we now have a blank slate.

Our first order of business is to purchase a couch. So I pulled together some pictures from the interweb to try to get a few ideas... and I kept seeing the WHITE SOFA!I s this feasible? But then look at these other inspiring pictures:

But, really? A white couch!? We have a DOG. We drink RED WINE. ... and all these pictures still make me want a white sofa.

So, is buying a white reckless? What do you think? What is your favorite color sofa?