So, I know, I'm not so good at the regular blogging thing. I wake up every morning at 5am and am struck with multiple brilliant ideas for blogs on my way to work. (The sun is still not up at this point.)
The drive home from work is another story...hmmm... "Dinner ideas? Do we have any more bread for lunches or do I need to stop at the store? Oh yeah, Jeff needed me to get an oil change...darn it, we need to get our tire checked to see if it has ANOTHER nail in it" (I now know all of the managers at Discount Tire at Dublin and Academy because we've been living there for 2 months: Jeff, Michael and Jason. I'm thinking of inviting them over for dinner some evening.)
By the time 8 o'clock rolls around, I'm exhausted and laying on the couch, not wanting to even glance at the computer. (I admit I do check my facebook page when I first get home but that is generally mindless.)
I'm also aware that I have now become one of the least cultured persons in America. With intentions to read "Girls Gone Mild" by Wendy Shalit, plans to work on a couple of book ideas, and grand schemes to visit art museums on the weekends, I have resorted to watching TV. I have a favorite show each night of the week:
Monday - One Tree Hill
Tuesday - Fringe (hard to give up Scrubs but this one wins)
Wednesday - Lost
Thursday - The Office & 30 Rock
Friday - Supernanny
Pathetic, I know. Please don't hold it against me. I'm hoping that this is just a season!
With all of this said, I do have one regular hobby: new pilgrim press. (I know you're all sighing with relief that I'm not a total loser!) We meet at my house every Wednesday night for meetings. (Yes, this means I must watch Lost on the internet now). The work we are doing on npp is my passion, encompassing so many of the things I love and long to spend my life doing. If you have a chance, please check out our Web site: http://www.newpilgrimpress.com/go/.
Someday, I will spend time telling you about the history of npp and how I got connected. For now, feel relieved that I actually wrote on this page and join the almost 200 subscribers to new pilgrim press!
I fight with words.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Season of Grief
Nothing has been the same for about 6 weeks.
I sat at the same desk with the same view and the same teammates for 3 1/2 years. Somehow there was comfort there. We had been through a lot in that amount of time. One woman survived cancer treatment. Another had a house fire. A gentleman struggled with a prodigal daughter who received some inpatient treatment. Another guy welcomed a new daughter into his family, as did I. Let's face it. I'm sure I wasn't a picnic on most days as my tummy grew bigger and I grew more uncomfortable. Somehow they walked with me through that time and supported me.
It wasn't just the team either, it was also many friends in the department.
Life is different now.
About 6 weeks ago, we were split into new teams, given new managers and moved to a new building (where one wonders if the sun has risen yet come 10 am). My purpose here is not to complain, just to state that life is drastically different.
I didn't realize it was possible to grieve in transitions such as these, but it has definitely taken a toll. On my first day moving, I found myself fighting back tears as I carried my box of personal belongings across the street. I was physically exhausted by the end of the week and ended up grateful for a day to rest as my daughter fell ill on Friday, and I stayed home to care for her. I spent the day processing.
We've settled in alright to the new area. When an old friend comes for a visit or we venture across the lot, it's like a reunion with the hugs and greetings.
Unfortunately, another wave of grief has come. In the form of layoffs. It's hard to say 'goodbye' to friends. People that walked with you on the hard days and had a kind word or prayer for you when you felt you just couldn't go on anymore. I had lots of those days in the last year and now I am hurting for those forced to go. They won't be there any longer to offer their encouragements.
At this point, I must acknowledge that they served their time as God's instrument in my life. I don't want to see them go or let them move on. I also have an ache in my heart, knowing that leaving is not their choice, and they are grieving in a place where I can't just walk by and offer my prayers with them and my support on a daily basis as they have done for me.
I know this is a season. But it is a difficult season of grief. A season of contemplating what 'ordinary' individuals do to move us along in our lives. A season of dealing with life when those precious people are no longer around.
Yes, nothing is the same. I am not the same because of their presence in my life.
"Thank you for that, dear friends."
My team - "Team 4" (Looking back, I really think we should have come up with a cooler name than that!)
"Home Sweet Home" for 3+ years, also complete with a perfect view of the mountain range
I sat at the same desk with the same view and the same teammates for 3 1/2 years. Somehow there was comfort there. We had been through a lot in that amount of time. One woman survived cancer treatment. Another had a house fire. A gentleman struggled with a prodigal daughter who received some inpatient treatment. Another guy welcomed a new daughter into his family, as did I. Let's face it. I'm sure I wasn't a picnic on most days as my tummy grew bigger and I grew more uncomfortable. Somehow they walked with me through that time and supported me.
It wasn't just the team either, it was also many friends in the department.
Life is different now.
About 6 weeks ago, we were split into new teams, given new managers and moved to a new building (where one wonders if the sun has risen yet come 10 am). My purpose here is not to complain, just to state that life is drastically different.
I didn't realize it was possible to grieve in transitions such as these, but it has definitely taken a toll. On my first day moving, I found myself fighting back tears as I carried my box of personal belongings across the street. I was physically exhausted by the end of the week and ended up grateful for a day to rest as my daughter fell ill on Friday, and I stayed home to care for her. I spent the day processing.
We've settled in alright to the new area. When an old friend comes for a visit or we venture across the lot, it's like a reunion with the hugs and greetings.
Unfortunately, another wave of grief has come. In the form of layoffs. It's hard to say 'goodbye' to friends. People that walked with you on the hard days and had a kind word or prayer for you when you felt you just couldn't go on anymore. I had lots of those days in the last year and now I am hurting for those forced to go. They won't be there any longer to offer their encouragements.
At this point, I must acknowledge that they served their time as God's instrument in my life. I don't want to see them go or let them move on. I also have an ache in my heart, knowing that leaving is not their choice, and they are grieving in a place where I can't just walk by and offer my prayers with them and my support on a daily basis as they have done for me.
I know this is a season. But it is a difficult season of grief. A season of contemplating what 'ordinary' individuals do to move us along in our lives. A season of dealing with life when those precious people are no longer around.
Yes, nothing is the same. I am not the same because of their presence in my life.
"Thank you for that, dear friends."
My team - "Team 4" (Looking back, I really think we should have come up with a cooler name than that!)
"Home Sweet Home" for 3+ years, also complete with a perfect view of the mountain range
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Finding Time to Dream (without American Express)
I've been meaning to start a blog for awhile. My desire to do this mostly stems from the swirling thoughts, ideas, and daily inspirations that come to me and the outlet I need to get them out. I love that American Express commercial with M. Night Shyamalan where he's sitting in a restaurant observing people and thinking of new storylines for his movies. I can totally identify with him. Thanks for joining me in my writing journey and allowing me to share my heart with you.
In case you haven't seen it, you can check out the commerical at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skw-rKYsXOY.
In case you haven't seen it, you can check out the commerical at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skw-rKYsXOY.
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