It's another slow day at work. So, this is what I ahve been doing:
Listening to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Swell_Season
Perusing Etsy. Might have just found a new favorite (http://www.etsy.com/shop/hadleyhutton?page=1). I think I want all of her paintings.
Looking up new recipes. I may or may not be in the process of becoming a foodie. If so, hopefully not a snobby one. http://simplyrecipes.com/
DIY-craft & design exploring on http://www.designspongeonline.com/. I love all of their ideas!
Buy my favorite soaps and body products! I absolutely love this company and their mantra on being a small business. http://www.indigowild.com/index.cfm?&r=1
And lastly, I've been planning a tour to http://www.theroasterie.com/ where I am planning on creating my own unique roast.
Enjoy some favorites.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
and now for a life update
My left foot is currently recovering from being 'asleep'. I don't understand why that's what this horrible feeling is called.
Work is really boring as of late. The plants are switching production and as such we have nearly zero samples to analyze.
Confession: I have never been crafty. I remember in girl scouts making swap pins and absolutely HATING it. I thought it was dumb and pointless. Periodically I would try to change this and get obcessed with something until I burned myself out. I have a large collection of half-finished projects like friendship bracelets, nylon lanyard keychains, tote bags, latch hook rugs, and crocheted potholders.
Lately I have been exhibiting some strange symptoms. I have been found wondering local craft boutiques, actually working on the quilt I started over the summer, and perusing DIY/decorating websites (like http://www.designspongeonline.com/). I have this strange and intense urge to start making things with my own two hands. And maybe (hopefully) finishing them. I just don't know where to get started! There is so much that I could make. I'm going to try and stick with the quilt thing for a while and see where it takes me.
This has manifested itself into cooking as well. I love it! I don't really cook all that often, nor is it very elaborate, but I enjoy what I make, so...I'm trying to work my way through a cookbook. We'll see how this ends up.
And in other news, I've decided to volunteer with MOCSA again. I've had enough of a hiatus and it's time to serve.
And I'm listening to Blitzen Trapper. Ahh-sommme.
Work is really boring as of late. The plants are switching production and as such we have nearly zero samples to analyze.
Confession: I have never been crafty. I remember in girl scouts making swap pins and absolutely HATING it. I thought it was dumb and pointless. Periodically I would try to change this and get obcessed with something until I burned myself out. I have a large collection of half-finished projects like friendship bracelets, nylon lanyard keychains, tote bags, latch hook rugs, and crocheted potholders.
Lately I have been exhibiting some strange symptoms. I have been found wondering local craft boutiques, actually working on the quilt I started over the summer, and perusing DIY/decorating websites (like http://www.designspongeonline.com/). I have this strange and intense urge to start making things with my own two hands. And maybe (hopefully) finishing them. I just don't know where to get started! There is so much that I could make. I'm going to try and stick with the quilt thing for a while and see where it takes me.
This has manifested itself into cooking as well. I love it! I don't really cook all that often, nor is it very elaborate, but I enjoy what I make, so...I'm trying to work my way through a cookbook. We'll see how this ends up.
And in other news, I've decided to volunteer with MOCSA again. I've had enough of a hiatus and it's time to serve.
And I'm listening to Blitzen Trapper. Ahh-sommme.
the best way to spend an afternoon
#5
I find it overwhelming the ways in which I miss my time at Jewell. But two things stand out:
- I miss being continuously surrounded by such quality people. Each person I was blessed to meet on the Hill was able to teach me something or plant a thought seed in my life. The daily encouragement and support (for and between everyone) is something I wish I would have bottled up so I could carry it around now and share with the world.
- At Jewell I discovered how to truly appreciate individual moments and really be present in them. Some of my favorite memories are simply of lying in the sun on the Triangle or the quad, or sitting outside of Browning with a warm cup of tea. I have become very relational and it was in these places that I was able to develop my real communication skills.
(Most of all, I really miss Becky's scones).
I find it overwhelming the ways in which I miss my time at Jewell. But two things stand out:
- I miss being continuously surrounded by such quality people. Each person I was blessed to meet on the Hill was able to teach me something or plant a thought seed in my life. The daily encouragement and support (for and between everyone) is something I wish I would have bottled up so I could carry it around now and share with the world.
- At Jewell I discovered how to truly appreciate individual moments and really be present in them. Some of my favorite memories are simply of lying in the sun on the Triangle or the quad, or sitting outside of Browning with a warm cup of tea. I have become very relational and it was in these places that I was able to develop my real communication skills.
(Most of all, I really miss Becky's scones).
Friday, September 11, 2009
Aging
Today at work I spent a good ten minutes daydreaming about what I would look like when I'm 75. I still can't really imagine it.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
I don't like admitting when my life isn't going in the direction I think it should. I don't like submitting to the idea that things are less than ideal. I've always been optimistic and blissfully looking towards the future.
Well, my friends, my life isn't going quite how I had anticipated it would post-Jewell. It's hard to write.
I am not excited about my current job. I don't particularly enjoy getting up before the sun and heading to a place to do something that I'm not passionate about.
I think in my life so far I've always done things that I have been excited or passionate about. And that has kept me going. This time I'm doing something that, really, I have to do. At least for now. It's all very surreal. I haven't had this type of experience before.
I have been blessed to have little tragedy in my life. Granted there have been bad times and things that I have struggled with, but it has always seemed that there was a light at the end of the tunnel...something new and better was coming along to look forward to. It feels a little like that is missing right now. I know that I will not be at this place forever (honestly, I might not be here in six months), but somehow it still feels like the end for some reason.
I think part of it stems from Jewell as well. So much is expected out of students. Lead, serve, achieve. I felt kind of like a (somewhat) big fish in a (kind of small) pond. It's assumed that even more amazing this are going to happen immediately upon graduation. I feel a little bit like I've let Jewell down. I guess I romanticized my next step and I feel like I've fallen short somehow.
There are good things going on in my life and I need to remind myself of them. I HAVE A JOB. Two jobs, actually. I feel selfish whining about not having a job that I love, when there are literally millions of Americans who can't find any work. Not only is it a job, but I'm using my degree. Be thankful.
I do love working at the coffeeshop. It's a blast. I love my co-workers and my customers. I love Westport.
I love Jacob's Well. Even though Pastor Tim is gone, there is so much for me there. Small groups, second saturdays, potlucks... I also just bought Mike's cd. I love it! It's like being at JW wherever I go.
And the community center that I recently joined. I'm taking yoga starting next week.
So, I need to stop dwelling on what's getting me down and look out and ahead. I'm only 23 with a lot left to give (new mantra).
|As the eternal optimist, I am planning my next move(s). I'm going to take my GRE again soon and apply to grad schools for the fall of next year. I need some research in my life.
Well, my friends, my life isn't going quite how I had anticipated it would post-Jewell. It's hard to write.
I am not excited about my current job. I don't particularly enjoy getting up before the sun and heading to a place to do something that I'm not passionate about.
I think in my life so far I've always done things that I have been excited or passionate about. And that has kept me going. This time I'm doing something that, really, I have to do. At least for now. It's all very surreal. I haven't had this type of experience before.
I have been blessed to have little tragedy in my life. Granted there have been bad times and things that I have struggled with, but it has always seemed that there was a light at the end of the tunnel...something new and better was coming along to look forward to. It feels a little like that is missing right now. I know that I will not be at this place forever (honestly, I might not be here in six months), but somehow it still feels like the end for some reason.
I think part of it stems from Jewell as well. So much is expected out of students. Lead, serve, achieve. I felt kind of like a (somewhat) big fish in a (kind of small) pond. It's assumed that even more amazing this are going to happen immediately upon graduation. I feel a little bit like I've let Jewell down. I guess I romanticized my next step and I feel like I've fallen short somehow.
There are good things going on in my life and I need to remind myself of them. I HAVE A JOB. Two jobs, actually. I feel selfish whining about not having a job that I love, when there are literally millions of Americans who can't find any work. Not only is it a job, but I'm using my degree. Be thankful.
I do love working at the coffeeshop. It's a blast. I love my co-workers and my customers. I love Westport.
I love Jacob's Well. Even though Pastor Tim is gone, there is so much for me there. Small groups, second saturdays, potlucks... I also just bought Mike's cd. I love it! It's like being at JW wherever I go.
And the community center that I recently joined. I'm taking yoga starting next week.
So, I need to stop dwelling on what's getting me down and look out and ahead. I'm only 23 with a lot left to give (new mantra).
|As the eternal optimist, I am planning my next move(s). I'm going to take my GRE again soon and apply to grad schools for the fall of next year. I need some research in my life.
Monday, August 10, 2009
RHLuerding
#4
My grandpa loved (loves) me.
One of the most treasured relationships in my life (besides the one with my mother) is the one that I had (have?) with my grandpa, Robert Herman Luerding.
I wrote a biography of my grandpa when I was in 5th grade for grandparents day. I learned that he was born in 1922, went to Lutheran school day school, he went to the same high school that I eventually went to, he went to Dartmouth, and eventually became a VP with the Lee Rowen company in St. Louis. He married his high school sweetheart and had five children.
Robert Herman Luerding (known to his 16+ grandkids as Poppy) was never a very emotional person. He was stoic and reserved and only spoke when he had something to say. But his wit was razor sharp and he never missed the opportunity to make a joke. He told great stories that always held my full attention.
Poppy, like Scrooge, liked the darkness because it was cheap. He was always very frugal with his money. But, he did have room for one frivolity: music. He was quite the musician. He even wrote a hymn in his later life. He sang in his church choir for nearly 30 years and donated a sum of money for the choir to get new robes. He had a piano which he loved to play "like a Baptist".
My Poppy was the most faithful person I've known. We had great (semi)theological talks. When the end of his life was near, he reassured me that he was headed home. He wasn't afraid of dying because he knew where he was going: to be with his Beloved. I still remember the look on his face at my confirmation. He was so proud.
During my senior year of high school, Poppy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He opted out of treatment and spent his remaining time at home. That's when I like to think I got the best of him. He passed only two weeks later. I was there when he left us. I'll never forget that moment.
At his funeral I sobbed. Because I missed him. Because this world had lost a great member of mankind. Because the church was packed. And because the church choir came and surrounded his casket to sing the Battle Hymn of the Republic (one of his favorites) as well as the hymn that he wrote, Not Ashamed.
I was very sad that Pop had died, for selfish reasons: he didn't get to see me graduate from high school or start college. Academics were always very important to him. But I also felt at peace.
Tonight I was drawn to Psalm 4:
My grandpa loved (loves) me.
One of the most treasured relationships in my life (besides the one with my mother) is the one that I had (have?) with my grandpa, Robert Herman Luerding.
I wrote a biography of my grandpa when I was in 5th grade for grandparents day. I learned that he was born in 1922, went to Lutheran school day school, he went to the same high school that I eventually went to, he went to Dartmouth, and eventually became a VP with the Lee Rowen company in St. Louis. He married his high school sweetheart and had five children.
Robert Herman Luerding (known to his 16+ grandkids as Poppy) was never a very emotional person. He was stoic and reserved and only spoke when he had something to say. But his wit was razor sharp and he never missed the opportunity to make a joke. He told great stories that always held my full attention.
Poppy, like Scrooge, liked the darkness because it was cheap. He was always very frugal with his money. But, he did have room for one frivolity: music. He was quite the musician. He even wrote a hymn in his later life. He sang in his church choir for nearly 30 years and donated a sum of money for the choir to get new robes. He had a piano which he loved to play "like a Baptist".
My Poppy was the most faithful person I've known. We had great (semi)theological talks. When the end of his life was near, he reassured me that he was headed home. He wasn't afraid of dying because he knew where he was going: to be with his Beloved. I still remember the look on his face at my confirmation. He was so proud.
During my senior year of high school, Poppy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He opted out of treatment and spent his remaining time at home. That's when I like to think I got the best of him. He passed only two weeks later. I was there when he left us. I'll never forget that moment.
At his funeral I sobbed. Because I missed him. Because this world had lost a great member of mankind. Because the church was packed. And because the church choir came and surrounded his casket to sing the Battle Hymn of the Republic (one of his favorites) as well as the hymn that he wrote, Not Ashamed.
I was very sad that Pop had died, for selfish reasons: he didn't get to see me graduate from high school or start college. Academics were always very important to him. But I also felt at peace.
Tonight I was drawn to Psalm 4:
Many are saying, "Who can show us anything good?"
Let the light of your presence shine on us, O Lord.
You put more joy in my heart than when their grain and new wine increase.
I fall asleep in peace the moment I lie down
because you alone, O Lord, enable me to live securely.
It's been on my heart lately. After I read this passage, I randomly flipped through my Bible. I found a single sheet of paper at the near the beginning, tucked between the pages. I pulled it out, realized what it was, and wept. That's really the only way to describe it. I wept. Big fat tears fell down my face.
It was an email from RHLuerding, my Poppy, who actually had email before I did. He wanted to tell me how much he loved the pictures I had taken on my recent voyage to France, being a world-traveler himself, he wanted to share his excitement. He wanted to congratulate me on my recent 4.o and offer to help my apply for scholarships to college.
And the very last sentence, that's what got me. He said he was proud of me, that he prayed for me everyday and that he loved me. Very much. Which means so much coming from him.
I can't help but think this was meaningful. I know that my Poppy is still praying for me. He still loves me.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
# 3
#3
As a general rule, I'm not a huge fan of summertime. I mean, it's always been great to be off of school and not have a lot of responsibility, etc. My birthday is even in the summer. But the weather! I'm a fan of the cool/cold/freezing variety, not this sticky humid mess. I generally don't enjoy warm weather clothes (i.e. tank tops, shorts, bathing suits) in lieu of sweaters, scarves, hats and winter coats. Historically I just haven't enjoyed it.
That being said, I should probably eat my words. So far, without little doubt, this has been the best summer I've had. Camp was great this year. I've gotten to spend time with great friends, people who make me feel truely alive. I have a job. Two jobs in fact. I finally feel like an adult (which is really scary, but I'm going with it). I'm truly having a blast. I couldn't ask for more.
In other words, I have a new-found appreciation for summer. Summer now means Boulevard, sun dresses, babysitting fun kids at the pool, driving with the windows down, drinking on the porch at night, best friends, basically: KC at it's finest.
This is terribley incoherent, but true.
As a general rule, I'm not a huge fan of summertime. I mean, it's always been great to be off of school and not have a lot of responsibility, etc. My birthday is even in the summer. But the weather! I'm a fan of the cool/cold/freezing variety, not this sticky humid mess. I generally don't enjoy warm weather clothes (i.e. tank tops, shorts, bathing suits) in lieu of sweaters, scarves, hats and winter coats. Historically I just haven't enjoyed it.
That being said, I should probably eat my words. So far, without little doubt, this has been the best summer I've had. Camp was great this year. I've gotten to spend time with great friends, people who make me feel truely alive. I have a job. Two jobs in fact. I finally feel like an adult (which is really scary, but I'm going with it). I'm truly having a blast. I couldn't ask for more.
In other words, I have a new-found appreciation for summer. Summer now means Boulevard, sun dresses, babysitting fun kids at the pool, driving with the windows down, drinking on the porch at night, best friends, basically: KC at it's finest.
This is terribley incoherent, but true.
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