This is one of those days. It makes you remember why you live in Colorado.
I woke up early this morning to take part in the Memory Walk to end Alzheimer's. My good friend Renee's mom suffered from Alzheimer's before she passed and every year family and friends join her to honor and remember her mom. My mom and I joined them this year.
It was the perfect morning. Bright, clear blue skies. Just a light breeze reminding you that it is September. As we drove down Colorado Blvd. toward City Park, we passed trees just starting to turn color.
But the day just got better. These days are the ones Coloradans wait for every fall. The ones where you reach for your shorts, glad you haven't packed them away yet. The ones where you find yourself excited to get out the door to run your errands because you know you'll have your windows down playing Tom Petty's Free Falling. These days carry us through the winter. We know these days are only here for a few fleeting weeks - but we savor them while they are here.
And tomorrow, it is supposed to be more of the same. Another perfect Colorado day.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tis the Season
Today as I was driving to run errands, I realized that September is fully upon us. Last night someone mentioned how last fall just about killed me. In all honesty, if I look back on the month of September for the past several years, they push me to the limit...and honestly, I love it.
Every fall around our church things start getting busy. Our calendar gets full as we kick off new Bible studies, fall retreats, serving opportunities, classes, life groups, and community events. This year, we also celebrate our 10th birthday. We have big plans to make the day special.
But this year there's a twist. This year I will be gone for 5 days at my brother's wedding in PA. I will miss our 10th birthday while I'm away. So I am working extra hours, trying to think ahead and anticipate every issue that may come up next week while I'm gone. But in an environment where each week brings new challenges and unique issues to deal with, it's hard to anticipate what may need to get done this far out.
So my brain is on overload and I can't turn off my mind. I'm praying for God to bring me peace, clarity, and enough volunteers and hours to get everything ready!
But this is just a season. I know that there are times of my life and work that require more of me...but I also know some breathing time is just around the corner!
Every fall around our church things start getting busy. Our calendar gets full as we kick off new Bible studies, fall retreats, serving opportunities, classes, life groups, and community events. This year, we also celebrate our 10th birthday. We have big plans to make the day special.
But this year there's a twist. This year I will be gone for 5 days at my brother's wedding in PA. I will miss our 10th birthday while I'm away. So I am working extra hours, trying to think ahead and anticipate every issue that may come up next week while I'm gone. But in an environment where each week brings new challenges and unique issues to deal with, it's hard to anticipate what may need to get done this far out.
So my brain is on overload and I can't turn off my mind. I'm praying for God to bring me peace, clarity, and enough volunteers and hours to get everything ready!
But this is just a season. I know that there are times of my life and work that require more of me...but I also know some breathing time is just around the corner!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Never Forget: 7 Years Ago Today
I'm sitting on the floor of my apartment this morning. I couldn't sleep. I woke up early this morning with an awareness of what happened on this morning seven years ago.
On the morning of September 11th, 2001, I had just walked into my bedroom after my shower and turned on the Today Show to check out weather in NYC. My friends Candace & Kelly and I were taking a trip to NYC just two days later. I watched to get an idea of what to pack and what the weather would be like during the long weekend we were there.
As I sat, the news broke. Cameras went live just in time to see the second plane hit the second tower. I picked up the phone and called my sister. I was in shock. Could this really be happening? What was going on? What am I witnessing?
As you might imagine, we didn't go to NYC two days later. It took a couple of days to really sink on what was going on, and several months to truly understand the full extent of what this attack meant for our country.
I have been to NYC twice since that day in 2001. Each time I have gone to Ground Zero. The first time was overwhelming. I didn't personally know anyone who lost their life seven years ago. But it was a tragedy that in some way effects us all as American.
Tonight in Broomfield there will be a ceremony held at the 9/11 Memorial. Check out the link below for the details. The memorial is a worth a trip to see.
http://www.ci.broomfield.co.us/news/newsdetail.asp?ArticleID=480
Today I will pray for all the families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks, as well as all those who have family serving overseas in our military. God Bless you all!
On the morning of September 11th, 2001, I had just walked into my bedroom after my shower and turned on the Today Show to check out weather in NYC. My friends Candace & Kelly and I were taking a trip to NYC just two days later. I watched to get an idea of what to pack and what the weather would be like during the long weekend we were there.
As I sat, the news broke. Cameras went live just in time to see the second plane hit the second tower. I picked up the phone and called my sister. I was in shock. Could this really be happening? What was going on? What am I witnessing?
As you might imagine, we didn't go to NYC two days later. It took a couple of days to really sink on what was going on, and several months to truly understand the full extent of what this attack meant for our country.
I have been to NYC twice since that day in 2001. Each time I have gone to Ground Zero. The first time was overwhelming. I didn't personally know anyone who lost their life seven years ago. But it was a tragedy that in some way effects us all as American.
Tonight in Broomfield there will be a ceremony held at the 9/11 Memorial. Check out the link below for the details. The memorial is a worth a trip to see.
http://www.ci.broomfield.co.us/news/newsdetail.asp?ArticleID=480
Today I will pray for all the families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks, as well as all those who have family serving overseas in our military. God Bless you all!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Vintage Pop Machine
I love this pic of Bailey & I at the going away party for her family. Our office just got this vintage pop machine (first serviced in 1960) for free...and it works great! Love ya, Bailey! Miss you, girl!
Believing when I don't "feel" like it
Everyone is telling me to get back out there and date. And trust me, I am. I'm putting myself out there and getting to know people. But sometimes I feel like there's this wall, and I'm not sure how to get past it. I know I get in my own way too often. Some days I just want to pack up all my things and move to a different country...or at least a different state. Maybe a change of scenery will help. And then I realize that isn't going to do any good. I cannot run away. I have to face what I'm feeling, take it to God, and allow Him to fix the broken parts of me.
But sometimes I'm mad at God. Sometimes I don't want him to fix me. Sometimes I just want to try and do this myself.
I know I have a big God. And I know He wants what is best for me. I know He knows my future and it's going to be great. I just don't always feel what I know. I know I will get past this. I know I will meet someone who will see me for who I am and won't let me go. I know I'll look back on this time as a distant memory. I know all my past relationships will help me become a better woman for the man in my future. I know all of these things. But I just don't feel it right now.
And isn't that what faith is all about? Being sure of the things we cannot see? I cannot see the other side of this wall. I cannot see where this story will take me. But I am sure that God will be there with me through this whole process. And while I'm not sure of how I will get there, I know I will get to the other side of this journey with Him by my side.
But sometimes I'm mad at God. Sometimes I don't want him to fix me. Sometimes I just want to try and do this myself.
I know I have a big God. And I know He wants what is best for me. I know He knows my future and it's going to be great. I just don't always feel what I know. I know I will get past this. I know I will meet someone who will see me for who I am and won't let me go. I know I'll look back on this time as a distant memory. I know all my past relationships will help me become a better woman for the man in my future. I know all of these things. But I just don't feel it right now.
And isn't that what faith is all about? Being sure of the things we cannot see? I cannot see the other side of this wall. I cannot see where this story will take me. But I am sure that God will be there with me through this whole process. And while I'm not sure of how I will get there, I know I will get to the other side of this journey with Him by my side.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
My Favorite Things about Fall
This morning I mentioned I was excited to watch the Broncos play the Raiders tomorrow night on a big screen. Someone said they are tired of football already and it just started. I just love NFL football. I have carved out the time to watch the Broncos every week. And now that I have all day Sunday after church free...I intend to watch as much as I can each week. It's just one of my favorite things about fall.
But there are many other things about fall that I love. A couple of years ago I started coloring my hair for the seasons. Fall is the best. Friday I put low-lights throughout and a merlot clolor underneath. It just screams fall!
This time of year in Colorado can be some of the most beautiful days. Sunny, cloudless skies and temps in the high 70's. Gotta love it!
Take a quick drive up toward Estes Park in about a month and you'll see two great fall displays all at one time. The turning of the Aspen trees and bugling of the elk. If you've never heard the elk bugle it's an amazing experience. It's how the males woo their ladies. And, sometimes, you'll see bulls fight over the ladies. O.k. that's a simplistic explanation...but still, one of my favorite experiences of fall.
Another tradition I love with fall is the bonfire and hay ride. Just about as long as I can remember our family has been hosting such an event sometime in October. We've had chili cook-offs and pumpkin carving contests. Whatever the event, and whomever the group, we always have so much fun.
In a state where it is often said we have two seasons, Summer & Winter, you sometimes have to look hard to find the Fall. But, with some great clues from mother nature, and some traditions that pop up on the calendar, it's easy to spot.
But there are many other things about fall that I love. A couple of years ago I started coloring my hair for the seasons. Fall is the best. Friday I put low-lights throughout and a merlot clolor underneath. It just screams fall!
This time of year in Colorado can be some of the most beautiful days. Sunny, cloudless skies and temps in the high 70's. Gotta love it!
Take a quick drive up toward Estes Park in about a month and you'll see two great fall displays all at one time. The turning of the Aspen trees and bugling of the elk. If you've never heard the elk bugle it's an amazing experience. It's how the males woo their ladies. And, sometimes, you'll see bulls fight over the ladies. O.k. that's a simplistic explanation...but still, one of my favorite experiences of fall.
Another tradition I love with fall is the bonfire and hay ride. Just about as long as I can remember our family has been hosting such an event sometime in October. We've had chili cook-offs and pumpkin carving contests. Whatever the event, and whomever the group, we always have so much fun.
In a state where it is often said we have two seasons, Summer & Winter, you sometimes have to look hard to find the Fall. But, with some great clues from mother nature, and some traditions that pop up on the calendar, it's easy to spot.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
A Step Back In Time
I had never thought I'd get such a thrill out of returning to my high school campus so many years after graduating. Twelve years ago, I walked across the stage at Centaurus High School in Lafayette, CO. Eighteen years old and sure I would never step on those grounds again. As far as I was concerned, I was moving onto bigger and better things and this place would be just a memory in my past.
Well, things change. And last night, I found myself driving toward the campus once again. My good friend Jenn is the new cheer coach for Arvada High School. In their second game of the season, their football team played the Centaurus Warriors at Warrior Stadium in Lafayette. I told Jenn I'd go along with her to keep her company.
We drove down the familiar streets and into the parking lot. Not much has changed. The school, the stadium, it all looks the same. Once through the gate, I felt like I was a teenager once again. I walked over to the bleachers. Yep, there was the band area, and just beyond that...the student section. So many games I stood watching from those aluminum bleachers below the press box. The players and cheerleaders were warming up on the field and track. Somehow I just can't imagine I ever looked that young!
Jenn grabs my attention and motions me to follow her to the other side of the field. What? I didn't even think about that! I was there with Jenn...and she was the coach for the opposing team. That meant I would be watching the game from the far bleachers. I've never been over there before. Why would I? I always watched games from the home bleachers.
It was a quiet walk to the other side. Not much energy and a smaller crowd. But a great perspective to be sure. I got to watch the game and see what it might have been like when I was there. The band section with it's proud players. The student section cheering and standing the whole game. The family and friends watching below the press box. It was so fun. And listening in on the Arvada fans talk trash about the school and team I secretly was cheering for, well - it was just fun.
Centaurus beat Arvada 33 to 0. Jenn and I had a good time ribbing each other when our teams would make a play against the other team. It was a fun time and I'm so glad I went.
Well, things change. And last night, I found myself driving toward the campus once again. My good friend Jenn is the new cheer coach for Arvada High School. In their second game of the season, their football team played the Centaurus Warriors at Warrior Stadium in Lafayette. I told Jenn I'd go along with her to keep her company.
We drove down the familiar streets and into the parking lot. Not much has changed. The school, the stadium, it all looks the same. Once through the gate, I felt like I was a teenager once again. I walked over to the bleachers. Yep, there was the band area, and just beyond that...the student section. So many games I stood watching from those aluminum bleachers below the press box. The players and cheerleaders were warming up on the field and track. Somehow I just can't imagine I ever looked that young!
Jenn grabs my attention and motions me to follow her to the other side of the field. What? I didn't even think about that! I was there with Jenn...and she was the coach for the opposing team. That meant I would be watching the game from the far bleachers. I've never been over there before. Why would I? I always watched games from the home bleachers.
It was a quiet walk to the other side. Not much energy and a smaller crowd. But a great perspective to be sure. I got to watch the game and see what it might have been like when I was there. The band section with it's proud players. The student section cheering and standing the whole game. The family and friends watching below the press box. It was so fun. And listening in on the Arvada fans talk trash about the school and team I secretly was cheering for, well - it was just fun.
Centaurus beat Arvada 33 to 0. Jenn and I had a good time ribbing each other when our teams would make a play against the other team. It was a fun time and I'm so glad I went.
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