update

Well, you've probably all given up on me since it's been so long since my last blog, but here's what's going on with me:

1. Hannah- she laughed, the real belly laughter kind of laugh, a couple of days ago. All of a sudden, she finds our dog Schaeffer hilarious. I'll have to post a picture of him. But my goodness, her laugh....so beautiful, cute, and beyond words. She is teaching me to cherish and savor each moment.

2. Family- this last month, both my sisters came to visit. I love them so much and our time together always goes too fast. We always eat and shop too much.

3. Running- the mini-marathon is only 4 weeks away. It's been hard to get back into my running schedule. My shins and knee are giving me trouble, but I am going to finish this race, pain or no pain. I love the mental and physical challenge in running. My schedule with work and Hannah however have made it more difficult to find time to fit it in. I will definately not be as prepared as I have been in the past. Race weekend will be great. Vickie and I get to run it together, and it's mother's day weekend.

4. TV- ok, confession time. I watch too much tv. Actually, a lot of the time I keep it on for background noise during the day. This needs to stop for Hannah's sake.

5. Reading- Listening to DaVinci Code while I'm running....very exciting so far. I can't wait for the movie to come out. I am starting to read Donald Miller's Searching for God Knows What and Anne Lamott's Traveling Mercies. Isaac highly recommended them and I liked Blue Like Jazz. I hope this will refresh my faith. It's been a tough couple of years for me in this area. Maybe I'll blog more on this later.

6. Housework- um....what is it? I had this well organized system going until the baby came. Not that important in the big picture, but still bothersome.

7. Podcast- I'm addicted. Blue Dog Banter, Illinoise, Adam Curry, The Bitterest Pill....all nice company to have while working or running.

8. Traveling- we're headed to Isaac's Indiana grandparents for the weekend. It's always a good time, especially in warm weather. They own a small campground and fishing lake out in the country. Good food and a fun road trip with my sister-in-law and husband.

9. Money- I've realized that no matter how we are doing, I worry. I need to relax and shut up about it. So all of you have permission to remind me of this (except you, Isaac =) ).

10. Work- busy, but I'm grateful. Not many jobs allow you to work at home. Customers send the funniest things. I'll start saving them to share. I've gotten more cheesy salvation tracts than I can count. I am pulled between by my cynicism and the realization that these people have the best intentions.

That's all my rambling for now.

Links

I finally figured out how to put links on my blog. Well, to be honest, Isaac figured it out, but either way, check out my fellow bloggers.

Vickie and Laurie are dear friends and were my college roommates for a time....great memories of laughter, soap operas, and soap stealing.

Isaac is my other (more intelligent) half. I told him not to put me as a link on his blog....my entries are too "bubble gummy" for his readers. He also started podcasting with two friends. I'm not sure I could explain it well, but from what I understand, it's an audio blog. It sounds like a radio show.

And then of course, I must include a link for more Hannah photos. A must see!

just doin' my job

I work at home for a catalog landscaping company processing orders that come in the mail. It's been interesting to see what people will write or send with their orders. One of my responsibilities is to cross off any extra information the customer writes that isn't needed to process the order. Today is no different from any other....except for one order. This lady crossed out her husband's name on the shipping address and writes,"My husband died December 16th. I miss him so much my heart hurts."

What do I do? What CAN I do? Well, I do my job: cross off the unneccessary information so the order is processed.

But I am thinking about writing her. I haven't decided if this is stepping out of bounds.

How my heart feels

How my heart feels, originally uploaded by shmoopee.

Go Illini!

Go Illini!, originally uploaded by shmoopee.

Actually, we haven't been watching the games much, but tis the season!

Note to self

1. Eat more fruits and veges...the m&m's aren't helping you.
2. In the big scheme of things, doing dishes everyday won't kill you.
3. Remember when you listened to music all the time? Newsradio?! Are you 50?!
4. You are so lucky to have a great family and friends who love you. Don't take them for granted.
5. You are lucky you have legs to run. Don't take them for granted either.
6. God speaks in the everyday routines of life. Look for them.

braindead

My brain is tired from the events of the day. For a long time I have felt like I've been so consumed with a list of to do's, that I haven't taken time to challenge myself spiritually or intellectually. Any spare minute I have, I tend to sit in front of the tv and veg out. I'm definately not proud of this and long to read a reallly good book that makes me think and reflect. Any suggestions?

ramblings

well, I'm back after taking care of a sick baby and husband. The flu is going around here and really wiping people out for several days! To be honest, that isn't the only reason why I haven't blogged lately. Turns out, this blogging thing is harder than I thought it would be. I read other blogs and admire their way with words and perspective on the everyday elements of life. I find myself thinking about lots of things I could blog about, but am not real skilled at communicating into words.

I'm one of those people who can't seem figure out the comedic timing when telling a story. I envy those people who can paint a picture with words and make you laugh, or really think. I think my problem is that I try too hard. I want people to think I'm smart, funny, kind, thoughtful, etc. I make it more about me, yet I take myself too seriously. So from here on out, I'm not going to worry about it as much. Easier said than done, but my effort begins now.

much ado about pot roast

I cooked my first pot roast yesterday. Up until now, I didn't know what kind of meat that was or how to find it among other cuts of meat in the grocery store. But now, ladies and gentlemen, I actually used a roaster and a crockpot to make my ever tasty Italian beef. It wasn't as hard as I thought....but much more fattening than I imagined.

All this to say, little things like pot roast remind me of the new chapter in my life. Being a mom has made me say goodbye to "extra" pleasures, like dining out and shopping, and hello to cookbooks, crockpots, and coupons, but each time I look into her big blue I eyes, I'm reminded it's well worth it.

I'm addicted

I'm addicted, originally uploaded by shmoopee.

One of my guilty pleasures. The assortment bags are my favorite. Who knew such flavor could be packed into such a tiny bean?

speechless

I'm at a loss of what to say to my new friend. Her husband left her 6 months ago with 2 little children. Each time I talk with her, I learn more of the personal pain in her life. How can I be Jesus to her? I know this may seem easy to answer, but I am struggling with what specific things I can say or do that would be genuine and show Christ's love for her. It's hard to live in the midst of unresolved conflict. Any advice for me?

My sweet baby

My sweet baby, originally uploaded by shmoopee.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it.
Psalm 139:14

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

procrastinating

-editing my bundle of orders for my new job (more on that later)
-ironing that big pile of clothes (sorry, Isaac)
-reading from my pile of "must read" books
-cleaning my dog hair-infested floor
-working out with my new Pilates video
-figuring out how to post pictures on this blog....who wants to actually READ directions?!

Okay, here goes..

It's finally time to get this thing started. I've thought about many things to blog about, but to actually commit to something in writing is scarier than I thought. I haven't told anyone about my blog yet, but when you come to it, please be kind and patient. So here I am putting myself out there. I'm excited for the journey!

testing 1,2,3....

this is only a test