Quick 5

See, here we go.  A week has flown by, so I'm thankful for Tori's Quick 5 today and a reminder to do mine!

1.  We bought lots of alcohol on the cruise.  I mean, not lots and lots, but some Rum and wine.  And since we drink alcohol at a rate that the rum will still be here for our 10 year anniversary, I'm not sure what to do with it.  There's really no place to store it for 5 years, and I don't want it anywhere where Dekker can "play" with it.  So right now its on the counter which is exceptionally classy.  We hid it for small group :)  hahaha. Like they care.

2.  Last Saturday night we took Dekker to the indoor play ground at Mahoney with our friends Jenny and Kirk and Max.  It was a fun family night.  It was neat to see Dekker play with other kids and enjoy himself, and to see him run and run until he broke a sweat.  I know he hates being cooped up all winter like we all do.  I still get surprised to see him "get it."  It's hard for me to believe how big he is getting! 

3.  Every week I write a few goals down on a sticky note and put it on my calendar.  Normal things like groceries and laundry don't get on the list-- it's the "other" stuff.  This week I had a goal to clean out my mail basket, pick up some stuff at Hobby Lobby, call a friend and get coffee everyday.  Hold your tongue on that last one.  I know its expensive.  And even sugar free, fat free adds up.  But having pathetic goals including massive amounts of coffee was the only way I knew how to adjust back from vacation.  And.... now it's Friday and I still have that mail basket left :) 

4.  This is a quilt square.  When my Grandma Soden passed away each of her kids got a few quilt squares.  So this one was passed on to me by my dad.  I had it framed and I find it... beautiful.  I doesn't have straight edges and I chose to have the mat behind it to show off the piece more-- and I think it turned out super.  My grandma was an incredible cook, so I hung this in my kitchen with purpose.  I already love looking at it, and remembering her sweet spirit.  She was an incredible woman of faith-- a real encourager.  Missing her today

5.  I have been glued to CNN throughout the Egypt crisis and find today to be an incredible day!  Also, I have been getting my contacts in and out with minimal break-downs.  Okay, that's all for today.

On the journey,
Mae

Quick 5

I'm taking a cue from my friend, Tori, who recently started doing a "quick 5" on Fridays.  Just five quick things... kinda like an update.  I so enjoy reading them that I am going to give it a try today, and see if it sticks.
1.  We just got home from a cruise to the Western Caribbean.  It was absolutely gorgeous, fantastic weather, and I am certain what I will need every winter I can possibly afford it.  I like cruises for several reasons, and I hope to share more of a "review and tips" in the future.  I'd love to do a Southern Caribbean cruise someday.  This one was technically to celebrate our 5 year anniversary, which we did in June 2010.
2.  I can't believe how much I missed Dekker.  What a sweetie.  Though I also love hearing all the funny stories of his time with his Nana and Grandpa Soden and Grandma and Grandpa Rowe.  We love sharing our joy with them, and I love that Dekker finds it totally normal to spend time with them-- even without us.  I used to dread coming home from vacation, but he made it something I looked forward to.
3.  I need a Weight Watcher meeting and a money tree after said vacation.  Whoa.
4.  Dekker is learning sign-language.  Our daycare friend started him on it, and since then he has picked up on it really quickly.  It's pretty fun and cute, though he wants "more" of almost every-single-thing.
5.  I have been drinking the Arbonne chocolate protein shakes for breakfast with a little natural peanut butter and I think they are fantastic and I can't say enough how they actually keep me FULL through lunch.  So much better than some cereals (which I love) that leave me hungry and snacking by 10AM.  I need some good lunch inspiration.  Anyone got a good idea out there?
Happy Friday!
On the journey,
Mae

Hello to Vision

For some reason I am certain that the four of you who read this just really want to know about my vision issues.  Really, you do, don't you.  You like to hear about my glasses and sunglasses, and... get ready... my contacts!

A brief review: I have worn glasses almost my entire life.  Like since 4th grade I have had a pair of glasses laying around that I would maybe put on when I went to sit at a computer or out to a movie.  Months would go by and I wouldn't wear them.  In college, I wore them more when I sat down at a computer or textbook for an extended period of time, more because I thought I should.  Then, like almost everything else in my life, this changed when I had Dekker.  I am telling you that I spent the first 6 months of his life squinting.  After much prodding, especially from my Mom, I went to the eye doctor and sure enough, I am one of the many who have a dramatic eye change after pregnancy and here is my new prescription.  I hauled everyone I know to Target and finally bought a pair of glasses.  And later a pair of prescription sunglasses.  And since then I can not take them off.  I am... addicted.  Turns out good vision is a necessity.  I have a cute pair of thick rimmed glasses that are a style statement and help me see.  Here I am in them in Vegas.

Well, anyway, they are always falling off my face.  And they slip even more in the summer if I sweat and there is no going about working out in them.  And they are always dirty.  After this holiday season, when I was uploading 100's of photos to facebook, I noticed that in almost every picture they were half off my face. At least, that's how I see it.  Like this...

So I decide that it's time I either get new, better "everyday glasses" or contacts. 
Then, after changing my profile picture to this random one...

... and getting tons of compliments I was CERTAIN that what everyone must have liked was me, sans the glasses :)  My mind is corrupt, people.  So after 14 hours on the phone with BCBS of Michigan and then VSP, my eye insurance people... I finally got an appt at a swanky West Omaha clinic, who happens to be close to my babysitter, on the way to work, and in-network. 

The eye doctor was about my age and was reliving his college swimming and football days, then made a face I couldn't quite read when I told him my last check-up was at Sams Club.  Yes, pal, I am not in the market for the Gucci glasses out there, sorry.  I'm more of a Target gal on a Wal-Mart budget, if you get my drift.

Well, on and on and on and 45 minutes later I have my new prescription, have watched the demo video, and after 6 tries ("boy, you have a strong blink reflex") he has the contacts in my eye.  Then I go to the "contact area" to learn from a qualified tech receptionist how to take them out and put them in.

First, the little contact learning area is in the middle of everyone.  Second, I have an aversion to things in my eye.  This is why Dave gave me the sudden look of shock when he asked what my schedule looked like for the day.  With over 25 rounds of pink eye (thanks again, Mono) in the last year you would think I would be good at eye-drops.  Nay, Dave has to put them in every time, four times a day.  Another perk of working from home.  Because I'm sure this is what Dave had in mind when he signed on to work from home.

So let's just say I was at the little contact area for awhile-- like nearly, oh, I'm not sure, an HOUR.  I, for the life of me, could not not blink when my fingers came plunging at my EYE.  My eye, people.  I only have two!  Excuse me, you want me to squeeze that thing off my eyeBALL?  Several people had walked by and casually asked "how's it going?" I didn't respond and the tech receptionist said nice things like, "coming along."  I didn't see if she was rolling her eyes because I was too busy trying to take something out of my eye, without seeing my finger about to poke out my eye, without blinking.  Mercy.

At one point I got so nervous I started making jokes.  "It's a hot mess, that's how it's going."  or another, "It's a train wreck over here-- look away."  I was saying positive statements to myself like, "You've breastfed a baby, surely you can do this!"  I'm not sure their Gucci loving, Coach carrying crowd was ready for me.  At one point, the contacts were STILL in, and I had an appointment in my office in like 30 minutes.  So I sincerely asked if I could just leave and figure it out with my contact-knowledgeable husband at home.  The lady informed me this is against the law.  So I just bucked up and may or may not have rubbed my left eye really hard to get it out.  Then somehow got them back in and ran out of there.  But only before my Health Savings Acct card was rejected.  (I just remembered I need to call them.)

All day at work I was sure they were falling out.  And I was panicked about how to get them out at home.  But nevertheless, I got them out-- with an audience (Dave)-- who was actually very supportive.  At one point he told me I can't hurt my eye and apparently that's what it took.

Are they in today?  No.  Maybe they are "work" contacts.  I'm still not sure, but suddenly I feel like I need to call the bank.

On the journey,
Mae

Thankfulness

I am sitting here uploading photos to facebook and shutterfly and onto my computer and my heart is overflowing with thanks.  When I think back to 2010, my first thought is that it was a really difficult year, namely due to several infections and a long bout with mono.  And a job change that has been very demanding and difficult.  But what a shame to focus just on this, and miss all the wonderfulness that 2010 brought...

... like my baby turning one.
... our five year wedding anniversary.
... several fantastic nights of sleep and a little boy who is a champion sleeper.
... a commitment to bootcamp and feeling stronger.
... great friends and an awesome family.
... Monday Night dinners

... and so many more things.  I will do a better job at counting my blessings this year.  I have a friend who does this and it is so inspiring.

On the journey,
Mae

Eleven Goals for 2011

I know many people who are "against" New Years Resolutions.  I'm not one of them, specifically.  I see a resolution as starting something new that you aren't currently doing.  I see a goal as continuing to do something that you may or may not already be doing.  I believe in goals.  All the time.  Long term and short term.  In fact, almost every week I make a list of short term goals. 

Here is my list for this week:
* Call insurance to clarify eye and dental benefits
* Make eye appt
* Make dentist appt
* Frame quilt square
* Pay bills.

I never assign my weekly goals a day of the week.  Some days I have more time than others, sometimes I get surprised with a little extra time, and some weeks everything happens after bedtime :)  If something doesn't happen in a given week, I carry it over.

So I love new years.  It's simply a chance to set some long-term goals.  Sadly, in the purging of my office, I might have lost 2010's goals.  But I remember purging the office was on the top of that list-- so job well done.  So was decorating the hearth room, and PTL that is not on my list this year for the first time since we moved here.

Eleven Goals for 2011:
1.  Completely finish the office remodel.  Paint, floor, floorboards, hallway, desks.
2,  Repaint two walls in Master bedroom and decorate.  ("Hello, Kim Hazlip, it's Stef")
3.  Make a few necessary changes to my work.
4.  Take two outrageous risks. (like maybe... Apply for the Dr. Phil show, run a 1/2 marathon, call Bo Pelini's wife for an interview which will somehow make me famous and save her husband's reputation... ...)
5.  Go to the zoo and Children's museum.
6.  Take a vacation with just Dave.
7.  Think about expanding our family.
8.  Eat out less.
9.  Think about inner beauty as much as I think about physical appearance. 
10. Stay active.   
11. Blog more.

What are your 2011 goals?

Happy New Year,
Stef

Mid-day Strong Life thoughts

Let's start out with a great big PTL (Praise the Lord) for nap time.  I love this sweet boy and I equally love the few hours of peace and quiet I get every afternoon.  Sometimes I run errands, sometimes I clean, sometimes I nap myself, sometimes I do relaxing things like blogging, and I usually do a combo of those things.  And please know my husband works from home.  I'm not putting Dekker down and running to Target while he's alone in his crib.  I promise.

Well I am nearly obsessed with living my strongest life.  Aannndd apparently I'm not alone.  There is an entire culture out there of people doing the same thing and I know this because they featured this blog!!  How cool is that!?!  I'm trying to act like I've been there before, but I just can't shake my giddiness.  

Anyway, in his book Marcus encourages us to "sweat the small stuff" as we search for "strong moments".  It's only by "catching and cradling" our strong moments, and looking into the details of them, that we can better identify them, learn about ourselves from them, and consider how that impacts our success-- in my case finding a job or rearranging my job so that it is more fulfilling and less draining.

Please note that the definition of a strong moment (and/or life) is this: Not what you do, but how you feel.  And you are searching for moments that help you feel effective and capable, hopeful, excited, joyful (a genuine "looking forward to tomorrow"), a sense of growth and focus ("time just flew by"), and knowing that your needs are being fulfilled.  Well, that's kinda several chapters into two small paragraphs but seriously, just by the book by Marcus Buckingham.

ANYWAY... I've been trying to think of strong moments in my life.  I took the Strong Life Test and my results came back as a "Weaver" and a "Teacher."  What are your results?  (Seriously, go take the test and post your results-- I'm super curious.)  Taking the test did help me narrow my thoughts and frankly, I think the test was spot on even though it very much surprised me.  The weaver is someone who likes to connect people and loves a web of relationships.  Well, this has me thinking.  I do love to connect people.  Like-- oh, you're traveling to Tampa where my cousin lives-- here, let me suggest a friend on facebook.  Or-- I know someone you should go on a date with.  (I seriously have long considered my gift of matchmaking a spiritual gift.)  So this fits me.  And it is part of what I love about counseling (I think... ...).

But as I have "sweated the small stuff" and tried to really think about things that I love doing, things that don't feel like work, things that energize me, I am certain that it is in the weaver-like things in me.  My sister-in-law Becky once told me I was a great "researcher."  She said to me, "I knew you were the right person to ask."  She was looking for something for her daughter, Ryleigh, who was in Kindergarten and is also diabetic.  I found an adorable little watch with a vibrating function which would remind her to tell her teacher she needed her blood tested.  Because the school nurse had 150 students to look after, you know.  (Don't even get me started!)  I looked and looked for that little watch.  It didn't feel like work, and I didn't mind the time I put into doing it.  I love this stuff!  That's a strong moment, right?  That's weaver-ish, right? PTL.  I need a beer.

Dear Marcus,
Are you reading this blog???  Can I be a weaver and connect people to people, but also to information, products, books, etc.  Can I make a living doing that?  Where??  Anyone?  Anyone?
Thanks, Stef

My secondary function was a teacher.  And, again, I know that is part of what drew me into the world of counseling and also why I loved the one credit I taught at Grace University this fall.  I intend to apply for some adjunct positions.  Teaching was a good fit for public speaking, another gift I love and feel energized doing.  Another love?  Writing.  Did you know my first declared major at UNL was Journalism?  I was on staff with the Daily Nebraskan for about a month and even had a few stories published.  But I hated the "beat."  I wanted to do feature stories.  Overwhelmed, I quit.  Those people slept under their desks.  Weird.

I am so overwhelmed by living my strongest life.  I'd like to say "forget IT!" and throw in the towel but that would be hurting only myself.  Like I said above, if even a few adjustments to my current job would help-- what's to lose? Maybe I do need to consider a new job, too.

In other news, the electrical inspector just came by and presto-- Dave passed!  So thrilled for him.  Another inspection for framing tomorrow and he might get to start insulation and drywall on the new office in the basement.  Soon he'll be able to work without wearing his winter coat... like he may or may not be doing today. :)

On the (strong) journey,
Stef

Random Ramblings

I have been away from this blog for so long now that I don't know how to get back.  It's like when you haven't talked to a good friend for awhile and resist calling her because you don't have four days to catch up.  But then my cousin Tisha sent me a sweet text asking about the ol blog, and my friend Kara offered a comment asking about it tonight, and my friend who answered the phone at NCC today mentioned it, and my friend Sara loves reading this and is literally waiting day-by-day for her baby boy to arrive.  Sara, if I can help the wait in any way, I will!  So to you four and the other three who read this, here is a little update. 

I have high-hopes for some regular posting here soon-- maybe even a little look back over some events the last several months.

For now we'll go with my fav style, the very complicated "bullet" look:

* I am having a crisis of career.  I work Tues/Thurs at a private counseling office as an independent contractor.  I don't talk about work on this blog hardly ever, and that is a conscious and ethical decision on my part.  But for the record let me say that I do love my job, but the hours are getting really hard.  I work with a lot of kids and families (which I love, love, love), which means a lot of after school and evening appointments.  Most days when I drop Dekker off at daycare at 9:30AM my parting words are "see you tomorrow, honey." That's because Dave picks him up from daycare in the evening and he is in bed when I get home at 8PM or later.  During the day I do see clients here and there and I try to stay very current on my paperwork.  Sometimes I have a little extra time and I take Dekker in late after we play for awhile.  Anyway, it's hard.  I once heard someone say that a person spends their 20's searching out what they want to do and enjoys their 30's doing it.  Well crap, I just turned 29 and it's not looking so hot folks.  Then again, 30 is the new 20.  So maybe in my 40's I'll have this figured out.

* My crisis of career can largely be blamed on this years Women of Faith conference and Marcus Buckingham's book "Find your strongest life."  I highly recommend you read this book.  It is totally worth the $12.  But don't read it late into the night.  Or you might-- just might-- stay up all night worrying about not finding your strongest life and stifling back tears.  Trust me, it's a long and lonely night. 

* I have a few fun Saturday nights planned.  This Saturday night my bestie Beth and I are going to Nebraska Christian College's Colors of Christmas program.  Should be fun.  The following Saturday I am going to "Roommate Reunion" with Beth, Kara and Natalie.  These are the girls I lived in "Big Blue" with in Lincoln-- truly the "glory days" of college.  Can't wait to get together with them.  How God arranged our schedules so that Kara from Utica, Natalie from Holdrege, Beth from Omaha who manages retail (and it's the holiday season!!) and myself could all be available and in Lincoln together is beyond me but amazing.  I think God knows what he's doing and I need this.  Thanks, Dave, for parenting alone two Saturday nights in a row.  I am so blessed by you.

* I had more bloodwork done before Thanksgiving.  Turns out mono takes awhile to get over :)  I knew this, but didn't fully understand what it means in the real life.  I feel much better, but my immune system is shot so I constantly feel like I have a cold and feel run down, tired, etc.  And I am battling pink eye round 412 as I type.   This does not help the career crisis mentioned above.  Actually, I think the career crisis might be part to blame for a low grade depression, feeling worn out and frazzled, etc which can lead to medical issues such as mono.   Or at least Marcus thinks so.

* I finished up an incredible Bible study a few Sunday's ago.  We tackled the sin of an undisciplined thought life and examined how our self talk can have lasting impact. 

* I am in bootcamp round 2 and fully intend to do round 3.  I feel great and love the resistance training emphasis.  The mornings are getting easier and I am almost to the place where I don't mind getting up.  I also am encouraged by a running book and am considering a half-marathon late spring. Though I feel stronger, my clothes fit well, but the scale ain't budging.  I need a little self discipline in what goes in my mouth.  Super hard this time of the year so I better start running!

* Finally, though I haven't written on this blog lately, I think about it often.  Like in a "when I feel well enough to be caught up but to not nap during nap time and maybe if I ever get caught up at work and write a blog post I will write about that" way.  So the other day the fb status of several friends without children caught my attention.  I had my "glasses" on where one only sees what they want to see.  You know them-- you have a pair too.  Anyway, people were writing about the lovely, relaxing day they were having watching TV, movies, putting up Christmas decorations, baking, shopping... what-have-you.  I had a twinge of jealousy as I literally chased Dekker around and tried to keep him out of everything non-stop.  I try not to be bitter, but its hard sometimes.  Just as this blog post was forming in my mind... we went to Lincoln and watched the nieces and nephews in their fantastic Christmas production.  It's a full scale 90 minute dramatic musical.  Awesome.  We took Dekker and he sat on our laps.  Risky.  But can I just say that he is the CUTEST kid.  Oh my goodness my heart overflows.  He broke out in enthusiastic clapping and cheering at the end of EVERY song.  He also cheered and clapped during dramatic pauses in the speaking, which wasn't as cute to everyone else but made my heart sing.  When the huge tractor came in at the end of the production, I didn't see a thing because I couldn't take my eyes off Dekker and the little "o" his mouth was making.   For me and my life right now, this was a reminder of God's goodness as if He was saying, "Enjoy this season of life."  Not that I wouldn't enjoy a season of  my DVR, but you know.  Mercy.

I have at least 30 minutes to find my strongest life here before I try and wind down for the night. 

Good to be back.
On the journey,
Stef