The Girl Who Loved the Coffee Bean

Once upon a time, there lived a girl in far away land.  It is said that this particular girl was a lover of the coffee bean.  Not just any coffee bean would suit her fancy, and she often stopped at a cafe called Starbucks.  One day, the girl and her prince decided to buy a puppy, and it was on that day the girl promised to quit her weekly visits to the cafe.  She loved her puppy, but she missed her Starbucks.  A friend heard about her loss and decided to give her a free trip to her favorite Starbucks.  It just so happened that on that particular day, the cafe was out of the cup size she ordered.  They charged her less for her drink, and sent her on her way with a coupon for a free coffee for the next day.  Quite excited, the girl realized she would get TWO Starbucks in one week!  She returned the following morning to cash in her coupon, only to be pulled aside by the barista.  He said to the girl, "You are my favorite customer.  This one is on me. Use your coupon next time." The girl blushed and said, "Thank you."  She had a hop in her step as she left the cafe, knowing that now she could have THREE Starbucks in one week!!!

THE END

Dry-Eyed Farewell

It has happened again.  This time the moment slipped itself into existence so gently I wasn't aware of it until yesterday morning when I couldn't get enough ideas jotted down onto my Holiday Season List.  A slight chill in the air has churned inside me the desire to pack away the pool towels, wash swimsuits and board shorts for storage, and say "see you next year" to my bright colors of decor.  Autumn has found herself sitting on my front stoop, and I'm welcoming her in. 

The ever-changing welcome signs on our front door is just a small sign that I'm a lover of seasons.  I relish in them.  Just when I think I've discovered my favorite time of year, a new season falls upon us, and I'm convinced it is my new fav.  Summer's toxic desire to be outside and enjoy the air that wraps itself around everything will be missed, but there are no tears in saying good bye.  She'll be back next year. 

Before we know it, these pretty little ladies will be dancing upon the branches once again.  But until then, we will relish in watching the earth hunker down and brace itself for the chill.  Soon, it won't just be random bark dust that Hutch will be after on our walks.  He will be bounding through piles of leaves.

The ideas are streaming with a vengeance--not even salmon could get through my current of inspiration.  Recipes are gathered and craft projects are forming.  I've even gone to the trouble of researching our local library's ebook check-out process in preparation for evenings spent cuddled up on the couch.

Thank goodness Jesse puts up with my desire to embrace the seasons--he just smiles and says, "The house looks nice."

Happy season transition to you all! 

(Hmmm...I just got a wonderful idea for a children's book about seasons!  Dad--feel in the mood to illustrate?)

Doing His Part...

Debris on the streets and my pile of unused candles are just about the only signs that Irene passed through our neighborhood.  Thankfully, our little neighborhood didn't suffer from any flooding or downed trees.  In fact, we only lost electricity for two minutes on Saturday night!  The storm was powerful, however, and our hearts go out to those who are still enduring the recovery from her strength.
Hutch was antsy to get outside (we realized he DOESN'T like to potty outside when the ground and sky are wet).  He did his part in street cleanup after the storm, and brought this home with him...

Our Friend Irene

The porch is cleared off, batteries are stocked, and a last minute run to the store for bottled water is in order.  Good ol' Hurricane Irene is headed our way, and our Tropical Storm Watch begins tomorrow.  It's a bit comical really.  While living in Florida, we experienced two severe storms (neither being hurricanes).  Friends warned us of shattered windows and weeks without electricity.  Home Depot supplied us with sheets of plastic and an emergency radio.  We never used any of it.  So here we are, living in Virginia, preparing for a hurricane.  We've been having beautiful sunrises and sunsets as the pressure drops and the clouds move in.  I've got my camera ready!

On My Heart...
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Matthew 6:34

It isn’t believing that God will take care of you, it’s KNOWING that He will. Surrendering your apprehensions about tomorrow or even the next hour means having zero doubt that He will guide you through it. We cannot begin to fathom HOW he might move us forward, but we can trust that He WILL.

I think the first step to putting worries aside is to simply pray. Talk to God, but then stop to listen. For anyone who’s made a decision on their own and has suffered the consequences, they know it’s far better to wait and listen for direction. I shudder to even think what life might be like if we decided our forward motion without God.

With upcoming decisions for Jesse's health and the ever-wanting desire to move back to the west coast, I find myself in the midst of my own tropical storm.  Hurricane Worry.  Jesse encourages me to pray when I begin to feel anxious about anything, and when I do, God lifts those burdens from my weakened soul.  This past week, I've found myself in constant prayer.  Brief sentences between tasks at work, and long conversations when falling asleep.  Prayer--my survival kit.

Ready for the Chill

We're ready for Christmas in Minnesota

Yes, we ARE still alive.  Our 5.8 earthquake definitely shook up the afternoon, and all DC Metro area freeways became parking lots.  Yesterday was an example of DC's lack of emergency evacuation plan.  When in doubt...WALK. 

Here are just a couple of photos I grabbed off my phone from the past couple of days...



After our lunch walk, Hutch promptly collapsed not ten feet from the door for a quick snooze.

This is the replacement bike carrier for Hutch.  I'm hoping it works...he certainly likes it!

Lord Baltimore

Imagine this: The air is as thick as thieves cut by the stench of steam wafting up from rusty manholes.  Piles of trash litter the unevenly paved streets, and bars cover every window and door in earnest need of protection.  Men and women, all unrecognizable, scatter the sidewalk, slumped over in a heap.  Their haunted, hollow eyes follow those who walk past. 
Her name is Baltimore (though perhaps it would be more appropriate to call the city a him, as it's named after Lord Baltimore).
Our experience in this city began on a light, almost jovial note, but ended with such an extreme desire to leave, that we laughed at ourselves.  As we entered Baltimore, both Jesse and I noted how pretty the city was, and we commented how strange it is that everyone says it's awful.  It didn't take more than driving a few more blocks into that beautiful city to realize what they were referring to.  Cities have rough edges, I know that.  But, Baltimore--OOFTA.  The poverty is overwhelming, and whole blocks look like they are literally emitting despair.
After eating a not-so-wonderful dinner, we walked back to our hotel.  By the time we strode up to the front door, our topic of conversation had turned to all the reasons why we should purchase a gun to have at home.  Perhaps that gives you a better idea of the neighborhoods we were strolling through.
I'd like to add here a sincere note about poverty and social qualms, but instead, I'm just going to say right now, it's good to be home...and we have no guns, for the record. 

Jesse's appointment went well. I'll update more later on after I'm caught up at work.

Friday Film Festival FLOP

I had every intention to post two candid videos this morning, but my office's Internet is bogged down.  DON'T THEY REALIZE I NEED TO POST A VIDEO???  Oh well, I suppose blogging isn't high on NES' priority list. :)

In lieu of this film festival FLOP, I shall simply say, Happy Friday, and put a smile on my face. After all, these videos most-likely are really only sweet to me...three minutes of nonsensical Hutch action.

Please keep Jesse in your prayers this weekend as we prepare for an appointment at John's Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.  Thank Jesus for doctors who are humble and who care about patients--Jesse's doctor wants him to receive a second opinion on how to move forward with "solving" his UC.  John's Hopkins is rated #1 in the nation (Thank you, again, Jesus!), so we are hopeful for the information we might receive in Monday's appointment.  Jesse has always had a positive outlook on his condition, and despite his daily struggle with an ever-growing amount of pain, he always reminds me there's a reason for it all.  Jesse is an inspiration to live life like there is no tomorrow and do with what you've got. 

"Happy Friday," she says with a smile on her face.

40+ Hour Home

 I'm finally moved in to my newly furnished office.  Not a fan of this new furniture they picked out, buy hey--everyone has their own taste!

Bringing a little touch of home...even have some Florida/Oregon sand and shells!

They didn't believe me when I said I needed two file cabinets...and sure enough...these suckers are completely FILLED.  That's what happens when you work for a boss who likes a paper trail rather than an electronic trail :)

Guest Bedroom

I'm just a tad bit tardy in posting these photos.  Here's a little peak into our guest room...though I have to say I'm disappointed with how the photos turned out.  This looks pretty blah...

Meet Mr. Moo-Cow

Cows are up there on my favorites list.  Not sure if it's their peaceful demeanor, their lovely eyelashes, or just the fact that they get to live on a farm.  Last year, I found this fun little cow in my Christmas stocking, and I just recently decided to share it with Hutch.  Low and behold, Hutch loves cows too!!!  He's already learned who "Moo-Moo" or "Your Cow" is and is able to go find him on command.  Such a smart little guy...

THANK YOU, Harris Teeter

Idle: (adj) habitually doing nothing or avoiding work; lazy.


The influx of online freedom has encouraged, if not forced, US citizens to become lazy. Gift shopping is literally done in as little as 1 – 2 – 3. Just look up at the top bar as you check out, and you’ll see it. Travel agents have been replaced with search engines offering super savings. Encyclopedia is just a long word that students don’t utilize anymore because of GOOGLE’s ability to retrieve answers in less time than it takes to say “I have a question.”

With all that said, I have a huge confession to make. I have taken this idle behavior one step further from the average Jo, and I participated in an activity that may cause some to shake their head. Ready for it?

Okay…I grocery shopped online!

It was amazing!!!! Oh my goodness, with the quick and easy click of the mouse, I "walked" down virtual aisles putting my groceries in my cart. No pushing or shoving to grab my favorite bread—no long lines at the cash registers. All I had to do was pick out my items online and drive to the store to pick them up.

I just saved one whole hour of my week! I can hear you thinking “She probably spent a fortune” …but NO! $4. Let me say that again…$4!!! Four buckaroos is well worth an hour of my time.

Call me idle, call me lazy. But most of all…call me one hour richer!

Did I mention it's curbside pick-up???? :)

Zzzzzzzzz

Hutch is notorious for finding odd places to sleep.  I documented this over the weekend, but unfortunately, most of the pictures are on my camera...here are a couple that I took on my phone...

I think this one is just because he was afraid Jesse might leave again...

You may have already noticed, but Duck tends to stay close to his pal Hutch...we introduced him to Cow this weekend, but it was still Duck he took to bed with him. 

Finally Friday

I've got nothin' this morning...I had grand plans to sit down and write something inspiring, but it's not coming.  So, I'll just leave a really good verse here instead:

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV


Jesse comes home tonight, and I can hardly wait!!!

Attacked with Love

Hutch must have thought I needed some extra love last night because when I got into bed, he attacked me with vigour.  Lots of licks and cuddles from this furry little friend. 

A cool thing: This morning: I left earlier than usual to get a head start to moving into our new furniture at work.  God had other ideas for my early departure.  The girl who parks next to us in the garage also has a dog, so of course we know her a little bit better than other neighbors because we run into each other for potty breaks.  I've never seen her in the mornings, but we were walking to our cars at the exact same time this morning.  She seemed down so I stopped her usual "how's the weather?" conversation and just asked if she was okay.  She proceeded to tell me some concerns for a friend of hers and how it's weighing heavily on her heart. Then we got to talking about her church (YAY!!!) and so we talked about the Christian family and what a support it is.  It felt so good to find a fellow believer!!!!  God is pretty cool in how he makes me think I'm leaving early for my own good...NOT.

Hutch says Hi

Quieted Soul

“In solitude, where we are least alone.” –Lord Byron


English Lit taught me a few facts about Lord Byron that undoubtedly cause me to question his ethics, but this quote rests heavily with me. It is when we slow down, set our worries and blundering thoughts aside, that we experience the magnitude of the Holy Spirit. Not until we physically stop ourselves do we become enveloped by the largest Presence there is.

I can remember the first time I meditated—the no distraction, no noise, no nothing type. Our youth group was participating in the 30 Hour Famine, and part of the evening involved a time for meditation. We were encouraged to seek a place of solitude, an area away from everything and everyone. The thirty minute segment was a struggle at first, and I seriously doubted its purpose, but after a five minute mind dump, I was able to focus on Christ. We’d been given topics to reflect, but I found myself focusing on just one thing. For the first time in my life, I experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit on a level I’d never imagined could exist. He surrounded me with Himself, and I sat there, staring into my corner, completely detached from any physical realm holding me.

I’ve had similar experiences since then, though I wish I could say there have been more. I don’t often escape, and I visit the gas station to fuel my car more often than I fill up my soul. Jesse is gone for work this week, and last night I felt lonely. But then, my mind surrendered to searching for the Presence, and I was less alone than I had been in a long while. I sat there, in solitude, praying, listening, stopping. The only thing keeping me from floating away was the tick of the clock.

In these moments, we realize how mighty God really is. He fills the skies, He fills the seas.

The Mark of REALLY Good Sleep...

Jesse slept in quite late on Saturday morning, obviously needing to catch up on some much-needed rest.  When he emerged from his dark den, I noticed something peculiar on his chest...

Either a scary monster from under the bed attacked him in his sleep, or he was sleeping so hard that his own hand planted itself in this one spot. 

Hi-Ho, It's Off to Read I go

With a passing storm forecasted for Saturday afternoon, Jesse and I tried to enjoy the outdoors before the rain decided to visit.  As mentioned before, we purchased a dog carrier for my bike so we could avoid being mindful of the time while biking, but in less than two minutes of using it, we realized the advertisement was anything but true.  Hutch loved his fifteen minutes of wind in the face ride, but the bag was no match for the ride.  Disappointed and upset, we reloaded the bikes on the rack and trudged home.  The remainder of our weekend has been spent RELAXING.  Here's a peek into our weekend...though I don't have a photo of how it all began...we took Hutch to an Irish Pub in Old Town Alexandria and ordered him lamb stew!!!  Everyone around thought he was the cutest thing, which of course I think he might be. :)

I'm still working on getting through my last two books before I can enjoy my nook.  I'm not complaining--a quiet morning filled with tea and pages is at the top of my favorites.

The cayenne peppers are ripening rapidly, so I will soon be taking the Field Produce Market to work to share.

No weekend would be complete without TOYS!!!!!  We've been playing a lot with Hutch, trying to get him back to his spunky little self...still not quite there, but he's getting better each day.

It may still be 95 degrees outside, but my inner clock is telling me that fall is on its way.  Don't worry, I haven't brought out the autumn decor yet, and we're still LOVING the pool...but I did hunker down and do some baking!!! 
SNICKER DOODLES!!!!

I had a little baking helper.

Minnesota mix for Rice Flour Muffins from Kara.  I added apple sauce, cinnamon, and fresh apples to spice 'em up a bit.  They're pretty good...of course not as good as Mom's apple muffins, but they'll do.  I'm sure my coworkers won't mind the breakfast and cookies tomorrow!

Focusing on God's direction right now.  Sometimes all it takes is to stop and listen.

Summer Fruits

Yummmmm.  Our office kitchen normally hosts plates of cookies or other sugary treats people feel guilty eating, but yesterday, it was full of fruit.  I brought a bowl of cherries, another lady brought a platter of watermelon, and then some unknown contributor shared sliced mango.  It was glorious!

My Own Little World

It should arrive today!

With plans to bike every weekend, we decided to make it easier by bringing Hutch along with us. This way we can be away for extended periods of time without watching the clock.  I informed Hutch a couple days ago that he too was getting a bike. :)

~

And now for my daily word dump--I apologize ahead of time to those who find my rambling quite boring. 

Monotony Mo-not-on-y (n.) wearisome uniformity or lack of variety.

Daily routines can be comforting, but they can also make the world seem like it’s on repeat. After all, I certainly can’t brush my teeth before I put my contacts in—the mirror might crack from the absurdity of it! Quite simply, routines can form ruts. I am a person who likes order, and I will admit that I thrive off routine. A whole month may pass before I realize I’ve done exactly the same thing each day, in order, and without falter from plan.

Yesterday at lunch, I vacuumed our apartment. Not necessarily because the floor needed it, but because it was one step outside my comfortable habitually ordered life that would throw things off kilter. Am I sounding totally insane yet?

There is a song called “My Own Little World,” by Matthew West. He sings about how his focus on his own life causes him to blind himself from everything going on around him. I focus on my life patterns and forget my life passions. I’m positive Jesus didn’t wake up to the same routine every day of his life, allowing the seasons to melt away like an ice cream cone on a hot day. (mmmm, ice cream sounds really good right now!)

I often blog about my struggle with To Do Lists, and perhaps monotony falls under that same category. Clearly I'm still struggling with it because here I am dumping it on ya' all over again.  Yesterday's abnormal vacuum schedule sparked something anew in me.  What would life be like if I stepped outside my own little world to meet people where they are at?  Cleaning my home has nothing to do with people, I understand that, but I needed to do something to jolt me back to reality--something to push me back into this chaotic world we live in to leave behind my safety net of monotony.  Before I left work yesterday, I pulled a friend into my office and asked how she was doing.  Knowing she's struggling with some marital issues, I knew her heart was hurting, and just maybe she needed someone to reach out to her.  I'm jolted--hello chaos, hello people, hello needs.  Good bye to my own little world.

The Road Ahead

Something we learn when we are too tiny to reach the counter tops is that we get “in trouble” when we do something bad. Bite your sister, you will be spanked. Talk-back to Mom, you’ll find yourself with a bar of soap in your mouth. Parents discipline their children to keep them from repeating their poor choices (for many of us, it takes more than once to learn).

Consequences don’t stop when you turn eighteen and become an “adult.” There aren’t many forty year-olds sitting on the bathroom counter with a bar of dial in their mouths because they said stupid, but there are plenty of adults suffering the consequences of their poor decisions. Without sharing too much detail, I made a very poor choice about a year ago. Instead of trusting God and seeking after His will for me, I listened to my selfish heart and ran in the opposite direction God desired. Now, ten months later, the consequences continue. What I’ve come to understand is I haven’t learned my lesson yet. I haven’t repeated my mistake, but God knows my heart. He knows there is yet to learn.

I never liked being sent to my room, but I sure am thankful my parents stuck to their guns. Enduring the consequence is part of the healing. I can’t be upset with anyone but myself for what consequences lay ahead. Thank you, Jesus, for your forgiveness and grace. Please open my eyes to what it is you want me to see. Amen.

Psalm 119:33-40

Seeking Adventure

Piles of work sit here waiting for my attack, and yet I'm distracted, still running off fumes from the weekend.  Anyone who watches the news or Weather Channel would know that half our country is experiencing extreme temperatures of the abnormal sort.  Alexandria is no exception, and I find myself wondering if George Washington ever had to deal with this sort of heat.  Heavens, I sure hope not!  The air is thick--filled with tiny droplets of moisture that cling to anything in their path.  Florida is wet, Virginia is humid.  One might think that two Oregonians living in a hot and humid climate would escape to the land of AC, feeling like fish out water.  But not these Oregonians...
We braved the 100+ temps this weekend to seek adventure.  And, as most north westerners know, adventure must begin with a trip to R.E.I.  Okay, so that may be a bit untrue, but we happened to NEED this starting point.  Jesse and I have been wanting to go bike riding since moving here.  The metro area is known for its bike trails, but most are located far from our home.  We purchased a bike rack, and then found ourselves perusing the bike section, our fingers trailing along the new handlebars and seats.  After a night of thinking it over, we returned to the store to purchase two bikes, as Happy Belated Birthday gifts to each other.  Yay for extending birthdays!!!
Our adventure went from assembling the bike rack in 108 degree weather (at least that's what the car registered) to riding the next day in 101 degrees.  Might I just insert a little fact?  My body doesn't think that biking and 100+ degrees goes together too well.  (Understatement of the week).
Anyways, our weekend, despite the head aches that come with dehydration, was WONDERFUL.  Both Jesse and I hit our pillows last night feeling full and content.  It's amazing what a little outdoor activity will do.

Hutch enjoying some Saturday morning sun seeping through the window

Jesse after our EXTREME heat ride

 And prepare yourself now for something that flaunts with vulgarity, but when looked at closely is just plain funny.  We think maybe Hutch is trying to tell us something...