All Things New

Thrilled to be in the sun doing what I love today and admiring spring bursting in bloom, words spoke clearly in my mind out of no where, "I make all things new."

It stopped me for a second and I had to process, what is new?

Springtime? A few other things came to mind and I wonder.

Time will tell.

An "Off" Evening

Once in a blue moon an "off" evening happens.

Work done, yard mowed, his stomach growling (it was 4:00 p.m. and he hadn't had lunch) and neither of us had an opinion of what to do for dinner.

No food in the fridge, we did have hamburgers. Nothing to go with it, we would have to have unhealthy mac & cheese [Frustration is easing in].

David on the grill, because we always cook dinner together, he came in to inform me we were out of propane.

Dinner at a halt, new propane tank bought. Plus, two new ice teas to sample. We like to get different flavors to split for tasting sake.

The grill is going, the mac & cheese in boiling water ... I realize there is no milk. Dump the mac & cheese in the trash.

After sampling the two new iced tea's, we agreed we didn't like either.

I found an apple and a banana. Chopped up, add raisins, splash with cinnamon and add honey, we have a yummy and healthy side dish.

As we plate up our food, realization hits us that the hamburger buns have mold on them [I can feel my resolve start to meltdown].

Flatbread hamburger buns, fresh fruit cups, carrots w/ranch dressing, dinner was pulled off and actually pretty yummy. Then, I realized I forgot the pepperjack cheese.

Finally full and satisfied, the big question was do we stay home or get out and do something?

Both of us were indecisive, which is a rarity.

We decided to go to a local winery and relax.

Driving across town, the winery has no sitting room.

Of course, this was the theme of our evening. I gave David options of two other wineries, to which he replied, he would rather buy a bottle of wine and us go home then run into further roadblocks that would make him feel how I felt trying to make dinner.

That is what we did.

Of course we came to a complete stop on the highway driving home. An accident had us in a sea of red brake lights in bumper to bumper traffic. I said to get in the left lane, because it was the only lane moving, he did against his better judgment. The right lane had the truckers. Who knew truckers had radio communications on the best lane to be in? Yep, the accident was in the left lane and we did have to merge.

A bottle of wine home, we turned on Netflix, laughed at a stupid show when I looked over at him with his eyes closed and realized everything was perfect.

In an "off" evening for both of us, being home together was perfect. Laughing with him over all things ridiculous was perfect. Looking at him with his head back against the couch and his eyes closed I just look at him, he is perfect.

He is so handsome and I love him so much.

I leaned over, kissed his lips a couple of times, simply because I do countless times a day.

In an "off" day for both of us, there is no place else I would rather be.

My Days at the Rescue Mission

My days at the rescue mission are a blur of activity.

When I pull in the parking lot they guys meet me at my car ready with a run-down of all that is going on. "She's here!" I hear from across the room before I get inside to my office door [I often wonder why they don't sense danger and just give me a minute to get inside my office. All I need is 2 minutes.].

The line begins with the "I need ..." and the "Can you's ..." and the feeding of the multitudes begins with generous donations, volunteers and workers.

Sometimes I am absolutely amazed at what we pull off every day. It is truly like running a restaurant, except we are based off of donations and 90% of volunteers and workers have zero experience. Thus the need for my mighty team, my assistant Ulonda and my kitchen manager, James.

It has felt like a full moon for the last month. Tempers flaring, attitudes piquing, several arrests made. They know my zero tolerance stance and I have put a couple safety measures in place:

1st:  A police officer comes in every evening for added presence.

2nd:  James, my kitchen manager, comes in several nights a week to be an added set of eyes and presence when I am outside handling issues, he has the inside [I am the only staff present when feeding up to 240 in an evening.].

The officer who comes in is a very large man with quite the presence. He said the behaviors we are experiencing at the rescue mission is the same all over our city right now.

He said he is much more hard-core at the public bus station because he has hundreds at one time there.

He shared as a police officer, they are familiar with local area businesses, but he is shocked at all we have going on at our rescue mission. He cannot believe that I do not have a police officer present all the time with the confrontations he has had with dinner guests since he has been with us for the last week and what I handle every day [Thank you for noticing, it feels overwhelming at times].

I laughingly explained that I can handle a lot, but there has been so many issues happening that I cannot handle multiple issues an evening and keep control inside the dining hall.

In the midst of bad attitudes really good things happen ...

My shelter guys are ready to take out one of my 30-something year old dinner guests, Andrew, for talking during devotions. The guys take everything personally when it comes to me. I motioned to Andrew last night across the dining hall with the mom finger that I needed to speak to him. Not understanding what he did now, he walked over looking like a 5 year old boy in trouble. My hands on his shoulders, "Andrew, I need for you to be respectful when I am doing devotions. You do not have to listen but I need to you to be respectful and quiet it is only a few minutes." I explained many are getting aggravated with him.

He apologized and agreed. Later, I was able to smile and give him a thumbs-up, thatta boy, thank you for sitting quietly and respectfully. He smiled.

I have a good relationship with him, but my gosh is he a handful. He responds very well when I am in mom-mode.

Many of my younger kids, 20's and 30's hang out in groups. Street kids, lots of drama, but good kids for me. They are a loving bunch for traveling in packs.

One of the boys just got out of the hospital from being jumped and stabbed multiple times. Pulling up his shirt to show me his battle wounds, they all laugh and know I don't look at wounds, but I will hug them and tell them how happy I am that they are here.

The girls see the hugs and ask for hugs, too. It is very much mom-mode that they love to stand in my arms like my own daughters and be hugged. I wonder if they have relationships with their own moms. They stand there in my arms, let me hug them and they each tell me how pretty I smell.

For the record, I colored my hair yesterday morning so I am certain I smelled like rotten-egg hair color and I worked in the mission for 9 hours and always end up smelling like whatever food is being made.

They said, "No, you smell like shampoo."

I love these kids and I care about them. For as ornery and rough as they can be at times, they all turn into 5-year old's wanting hugs and sharing their stories of their lives.

They respond well to me and I was especially pleased when the officer stands amazed at the population I serve and what I handle.

They are quiet a group.

I absolutely pray for safety and protection over our mission as well as know when it's time to call in for reinforcements.

Signs from Heaven

Yesterday would have been Keith's 53rd birthday. It crossed my mind on Sunday, but I chose not to remind Brooke because she would have been sad all day.

Last night I was out when something jolted the familiar in my mind. It was Shania singing the song we used to dance to on the dance floor that reminds me most of him. I haven't heard it in years.

The very song that triggered memories from 16 years ago and I couldn't help but wonder ...

Was it a message from heaven because his birthday was on my heart for our daughter?

I would love to think some day I would be able to send messages that pique that very question to the ones I love and I hope they would know that if it is possible to send messages from heaven, I would tap into every power imaginable to make it happen.

Their Independence = My Independence

I remember the springtime I walked away from corporate America. Sticking to my guns I was taking a minimum of six months off and my plan was to start looking for work in September.

September came and the weather was still beautiful. Oh, I do love October.

It was November when I went back to work. The timing, absolutely perfect.

Waking up each day I would smile and ponder, what do I want to do? And, I would do it.

It was one of the most freeing and liberating moves and I embraced each day.

My girls are running in different directions. Plans in their own lives with their friends. I couldn't be happier.

Suddenly, my life feels like that summer again.

Their independence = my independence.

Just Do It

When all words are exhausted, the horn bellows to those running excited to be in the race, it's "Go time!" You can only stand at the starting line so long just talking when your words fall empty on the ground at your feet.

There are those to talk a great game and there are those who run a great race.

Running Warrior Dash is all about the journey. Pushing yourself through exhilarating obstacles status quo doesn't afford. Muscles burning, running up hill and down hill, seeing that next obstacle up ahead and when you feel your lungs want to burst, somewhere inside you find hidden energy to make it up that next mountain of mud.

It's the journey of Warrior Dash that is exhilarating and when you've physically had enough, running across that finish line soaking wet, covered in mud and out of breath one has bragging rights.

The party, the laughter, the fun and the memories is of the race for those brave enough to race.

To all those stuck on the starting line still talking about how you are going to race, what your going to do and how you are going to do it, please stop talking, you have zero credibility and everyone sees you still at the starting line, stuck and still moving your lips.

It's training season and I am excited for the challenge, the stimulation and the fun!

Race with similar mindsets or the journey will be totally frustrating.

A United Front

Someone messed with this momma's baby cub this week.

Ignorantly, this Pharisee undermined the power of a momma bear, messed in an area none of his business and made the statement, "I think I opened a can of worms."

Worms are harmless.

He knocked over a hornets nest and certainly did not think I was ready for confrontation.

Not only am I ready for confrontation at zero notice, I have a mightier force behind me, David.

What momma bear can not handle, poppa bear will finish.

I love him for so many reasons.

We are a united front.

2 + 2

Winter was far too long and far too cold.

My body longed for intense, physical activity in the sunshine that brings balance.

Sunshine and spring is the perfect segue for all things transitioning and welcoming summer.

I have lost 2 lbs in 2 days playing tennis and bike riding.

My muscles are tight and feel amazing.

It is everything I missed.

    Playing outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air.

       Moving.

           Increasing my heart rate.
         
               Feeling my muscles burn.

                   Sunshine warm on my skin.

Today is Sunday, sunny and 66 degrees.

Day #3 of sunshine and exercise.

Eat healthy and get moving, summer is coming!

A Day of Compliments

I was asked to speak on behalf of our rescue mission in front of what was approximately 100 business professionals through the Chamber of Commerce. In my mind, I was thinking around 20-some people and was quite surprised when I entered the large conference room.

Let me back up ...

Not knowing my audience, I play it safe and slip into my favorite black dress that is business, professional, classy and figure-flattering.

Black-strap heels and pearls, a classic look.

Suddenly, I realize my favorite dress which I once looked like a stuffed marshmallow in, then fit perfectly, is now way too loose. A wonderful surprise!

I have noticed a difference since beginning my 30 Days to Healthy Living with Arbonne and I have been exercising at least 5 days per week, but it was the dress that really made me see the difference.

It made me crave another Arbonne protein shake, my new favorite breakfast.

So, I get to the Chamber's breakfast meeting with a grand buffet of food in silver platters and pass on the delicious looking cinnamon rolls, the plump sausage, hash browns and eggs and go with fresh pineapple, clementines and a hot green tea.

As I sit down in this large conference room of tables, linens and strangers, a woman loudly states, "No wonder you are so skinny, you don't eat!"

World stop!

Thank you sweet woman for noticing, shouting and bringing attention as I feign blushing [for the record, I don't blush].

In an "Oh my!" moment of acting because everyone is now staring at me and my plate I am so proud they were looking at I share, "I confess, I had a protein shake this morning."

My eyes are checking out the heavy-laden plates of food the others are consuming. I know my black dress is fitting pretty loose and I appreciate this woman's notice more than she will ever know.

With a microphone in hand, at the front of the room, I started off with a powerful statement before I introduced myself and shared our rescue mission.

A lot of compliments followed.

Presenting at 7:30 a.m., driving to the mission to cover lunch to the pubic, I was happy to walk out the door at 11:00 a.m. and have the rest of the day open.

In comes compliment #2 that stunned me.

I get threaded. I go to an older Indian woman who finds it her job to educate, criticize and let me know everything I do wrong. I go to her because she is a perfectionist, which means I am subject to her professional eye and entitled opinions.

My first day with her, I swore I would never go back. Then, I started noticing everyone eyebrows and I decided she was truly the best. If she would only keep her opinions to herself.

Anyway, I am in the chair. On her turf. In her field of specialty when she asks in her thick accent, "What are you coloring in your eyebrows with?"

Her opinions should not matter in my life, but I find I tense up waiting for criticism. I told her an eye shadow [instead of an eyebrow pencil]. She says, "It is very good."

"What kind of eye shadow are you using?" I named the brand.

"Is it loose powder or compact?" It is loose.

"Where do you get it?"  Finally, I have let my eyebrows go untouched where she has reshaped them into evenness in height and width, I am filling them in for youthful color and I have successfully chosen a product that intrigues her.

There has been a shift.

Her personality rubs me wrong, but she is a perfectionist and that is what I pay for.

I laugh when I think of my eyebrows months ago. Over-tweezed, uneven in different directions and naturally thinning in my 40's.

Let go, threaded to correct height, width, length and especially colored in has transformed my look.

Every time I step out of her chair I am amazed with her and my eyebrows.

There is a significant difference under the care of a specialist/perfectionist than those who tweeze and worse yet wax.

I cringe when others say they wax. I immediately look at their eyebrows and can clearly see that they do. It is wrong on a million levels. You cannot come close to perfectionism with slathering on waxy-goop and yanking it off with a hard pull. It absolutely does not shape the eyebrow well and every cosmetology student thinks they know what they are doing.

They. Do. Not.

It was a day of compliments that rang success in my mind.

My skin looks so much better and feels better kudos to Arbonne. My eyebrows are now what they should have always been and my body continues to slim and shape.

I am ready for summer and I still have 1-1/2 months to perfect.

He is So Perfect!

We are both glad we took the road trip to meet our new little guy. His coloring is beautiful and we didn't expect his fur coat to be a richer color (we both loved) and his eyes are a deep blue. 

Photos do not capture his brilliant coloring. 

 

He cried, what a little baby! When I pulled him up to my neck to snuggle him, it felt so good to feel his warm, little body and he began to purr. 

He is so perfect! Driving 11 hours round-trip to hold him for 15 minutes was totally worth it.  

The names we were considering prior the trip are gone. He is none of these names:  Finn, Rascal, Oscar, Toby, Jasper, or Maxwell.

He is going to have a much more significant and grand name. 

I know what it is, but it won't announced until he comes home in seven weeks.

He is the sweetest, little guy and has no idea what love and attention will be his in less than two months.

It was a long day on the road. We stopped at Ikea in Pittsburgh, grabbed lunch and had near anxiety attacks trying to drive out of Pittsburgh (Yuck!). 

Traffic was awful, the entire way there! We were racing the clock to make our 3:00 p.m. appointment and I swear from Pittsburgh through West Virginia to Virginia traffic was so heavy we couldn't pass anyone. Neither David or I have seen anything like it. 

We were 45 minutes late which is an absolute no-no for us both being prompt & punctual. 

Just as we were getting off the exit and breathed a sigh of relief thinking we could gain 1-2 minutes time [We are now obsessing over each minute] only a couple miles from our destination, a farm tractor held up traffic for nearly a mile.

Adrenaline was running and at this point it was pure principal David made the executive decision he was passing the tractor even though we were a 1/4 mile from our turn. 

It was quite the day trip to meet our little boy, but it is unanimous it was worth it.  

We both fell in love on Good Friday and we cannot wait until he comes home.

A Road Trip Visit

Our new little family member was born on February 27th and today David and I are taking a road trip to go meet him in Virginia.

I cannot wait to pick this little guy up and feel his warm little furry body in my arms and smell his sweet kitty scent.

This little guy is a Seal Mitted Lynx Ragdoll completely different coloring than my Sammy Blue who was a Seal Mitted traditional. It was a unanimous family decision to choose different coloring.

We get to meet him today (5 weeks old) and bring him home when he is 12 weeks.

I am excited for our road trip today.

For our adventure with stops along the way.

Happy Good Friday.