Resolute

Resolutions.

I feel like they can be too easily broken.  I almost don't want to make one afraid that I won't keep it.  But as more than one person has asked me what my resolutions are, I really have to think about it.

This sounds cheesy.  It is what we all say, right?

We list.

Well, I do want to lose weight, but more than that I at least want to continue to work out at the gym at a regular basis like I've been doing for a few months now (although some weeks are better than others).

I do want to attempt to run another half marathon.  I've been saying this to myself for about 2 years and still haven't gotten around to doing it, but there is a group from church that is running the St. Louis Go! that raises money for Team Living Water.  That just might be the motivation I need.

But more than just losing weight or accomplishing a list of things just to cross off, I truly just want to better myself.   Not necessarily for myself though. 

For you. 
For family. 
For him. 
For friends. 

Maybe I just want to think about my actions a little bit more and how they impact those around me.  I don't do that enough.  Usually, it is all about me.  Sometimes, it is tiring no matter what way you lean - towards yourself or others.  But I think know one is more rewarding in the end. 

The Mexican

Relationship.

Well, it's awesome...and when I say awesome, that is really vague because awesome can mean so many different things, but just take it more as a word like "speechless" because there are so many words that could describe your relationship that you can't pick just one.  I am in a relationship and it is amazing.  Amazing because I see where I've come from and different circumstances and it is amazing that he was put in my life.

And he is infatuating. Maybe I'm still in this stage with Jose. He is studly inside and out.  But I realize that I'm okay if I forever just feel infatuated with him.  I could spend 24 hours a day with this guy and I'm pretty sure I would be fine.  Well, he might annoy me eventually, but I just enjoy hanging out with him and getting to know the things he enjoys and how he works and just watch him in his elements.  He definitely has sparked some of his interests in my own life: like healthy eating, physical activity and sports.  Just the other day I carried a small conversation with him about sports and actually sounded like I knew what I was talking about.  The reality...I did know what I was talking about and in some ways, I'm glad I could take something that is more of "his thing" and engage with him about it.  I'm not someone to give up parts of myself, but I am willing to take interest in what others enjoy and I think it's a good thing.

But we can be independent.  It seems weird that infatuation can work with independence.  No doubt I would be happy with Jose by my side all the time, but I also like that we can be independent of one another - that he can do his thing and I can do mine and we both know it is good for us.  And it is nice when people say they appreciate how we can spend time with other people and not be all over each other.  I'm not going to lie, I could be all over him all the time...I just like him that much, but I'm glad I'm not that person and I'm glad it isn't hard to not be that person.  Knowing who I am apart from Jose is a blessing because I'm confident in who I am and who I was made to be.  Not to mention, it is amazing to have a man who also is steady and secure in who is and who he was made to be, which only makes me more infatuated with him as a person.

Then there is constant discovery.  Dating is fun.  You laugh.  You do things you never really make yourself do on your own.  You enjoy what is around you a little bit more.  Everything about dating is fun...okay...well maybe shove weird or awkward or anyotheradjective...but always a time of learning and discovering.  Discovering more about yourself.  Learning more about someone.  Discovering what is enjoyable.  What works, what doesn't work, what should work.  Learning what you both enjoy and what you need to work on about yourself.  Discovering ways to serve or encourage or just to have fun.  I never want to stop discovering more because it is there you grow.

Alright...so maybe this post is just infatuation :-)

Birdie

This is my college roommate, Suzanne:

As you can see, Suzanne is expecting and looking fabulous (she was 6 months at this picture)!  It is weird to be in this stage of life where not only are my friends getting married (well, who am I kidding - most are married) but now they are reaching the baby stage.  And although my 25 year old body is reminding me I'm still young and have plenty of time for these things, I truly get excited for each one of these little bundles of joy that make me a pseudo aunt!

Suzanne has always been a special part of my life since we met in college.  During our sophomore year, I think we hung out everyday.  She was my lunch break buddy, work-out partner, co-worker, and during our junior year, she and I lived in a house and were literal roommates.  We had too many dance parties, I heard her make-out with her then boyfriend (now husband) way too much in our shared room, and she always always always was an endless source of fun.

So when she revealed to me she was pregnant and that little June-bug would arrive in August, I couldn't wait to see how she was going to decorate her nursery.  Suzanne is the queen of flea markets and garage sales.  She knows how to get the deals and she is able to take something that may seem like junk and make it function as an awesome decor piece.  I'm pretty sure she will always be my antiquing partner for life and a source of wisdom as I take the old and make it new. 

Well, I knew I wanted to do something a little different in addition to her shower gift, so I finally let my creative juices take control and whipped out the paintbrushes.  I wanted to make something that fit into her bird-themed nursery and colors so I took some note and began my art project.

So here it is:
Watercolor with black ink overlay



I thought it turned out pretty cute!  I had four birds that I did but only ended up using two.  Next time I would do the same thing but probably try using separate frames for each bird and going with a square size rather than a typical 5 x 7.

Can't wait to meet June!