Grownupville

I just got done reading this article, and I can't seem to figure out how to paste a link to it...so here is what you should copy and paste to read it. I know it requires a little more effort, but I really think you should read it.

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/whole-life/features/22216-9-things-to-know-before-you-turn-30

And however there isn't really any new or life altering information in it, just goes to show how far away I am from anything resembling maturity. I feel like my good friend Kristi will appreciate this post as we have shared life views. I love Disney movies, think farts are funny (I even have a fart machine app on my phone), like anything that is miniature, like to stay up late and eat pizza, and dance around my room to loud music. It is kind of like I'm on a journey to Grownupville and as each road sign passes me, I can't help but whine "am I there yet?".

I read "The Catcher in the Rye" by JD Salinger when I was in high school and I didn't like it. I know it is crazy to say it, as almost everyone I know LOVES it. I always thought that Holden was really whiny. Whatever my opinions about the book, the author said a few interesting things. He said:

"The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one."

Now, whatever Salinger was trying to say, it makes me re-think about what my 'cause' is. Then it makes me think how far from 'humble' I am.

The article referred to earlier in this post talks about the 9 things you need to know before you are 30. Seeing as how I've got a few years to go, I wanted to see if I in fact knew any of these things. Below you'll find the 9 things and my commentary.

1. Life is SO not about you- I think everyday I learn a little more how much life is NOT about me. At the same time, I struggle (greatly) with not thinking self-centered. It's a contradiction and so am I.

2. Credit Cards Are Dangerous- Duh! Learned this one before I even knew I knew it. My Mom struggled with credit card debt for a lot of my childhood. My Aunt and Uncle set a good example for me and educated me a lot about the dangers of credit cards. However, college happened. I did get a credit card for 'in case of emergencies'. Then one year, my junior year, when I didn't work because I rowed and had a few internships, that card became how I ate and paid my cell phone bill. Its not huge debt, by any means, but it is debt that I am still paying on.

3. Stuff Will Never Satisfy- I think this may be the lesson in life I must learn over and over and over and over and...you get the idea. It doesn't matter what I have or what I obtain it all loses its 'luster' very quickly. The stuff (I want or have) crowds my apartment, my car, my thoughts and my goals. Think of the space (physical and mental) I'd have to be able to breath and focus on what really matters if there weren't so much stuff in this world. It's distracting.

4. Save Now While You're Young- 401(k)'s, IRA's, retirement...those are scary words. Words that have little practical meaning when your in your 20's. But again, the wise words and my Aunt and Uncle echo in the back of my mind about this stuff. MUST SAVE. Why save when there are trips to go on, bills to pay, coffee to drink and cool things to have? Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) youth and good health are finite things. The benefit in this situation, of saving, far outweighs the perceived costs.

5. You Should Probably Read More- The author is right, I should read more. I've found that I actually enjoy reading outside of college and academia. You should probably read more too (and no, "Twilight" doesn't count).

6. Pay Attention To What You Eat- What?! I'm supposed to watch what I eat? Sarcasm aside, this one is a biggie. It is something I've spent a lot of thought and effort on in probably the last ten years, because anyone that knows me knows I wasn't blessed with a quick metabolism or picky appetite. Granted, I love food, and that doesn't help either. I think that watching what you eat is so important, but I'd also add that moving and staying active are just as important. I'm continuing to learn what an intentionally active and healthy lifestyle is in all facets. To be a good steward of what God has given me.

7.Stop Comparing Yourself To Others- I don't know if it is being a girl, or living in the culture that we do, or if it is just me (or all the above) but I have to actively remind myself not to do this. There are lots of things to remind me that I'm not married, don't own a home or car (or really anything else for that matter), still fighting off those 10 (or 15 or 20 or 30) extra pounds from college or that I may never have a family of my own. Learning not to define myself and my worth in those things is a struggle minute by minute and something I think only God can handle. I think the author sums this one up best in saying "There will always be people your age who are more successful than you, wealthier than you and better-looking than you". Enough said.

8. Get Used To Saying "No"- It is the simple things in life, right? Then why do we, specifically, why do I always try to complicate things by adding 'more'. More activities, more groups, more hobbies, more doing and less being. Remembering daily to live in the present is a simple and beautiful thing. That I need to do more.

9. Maintain Close Relationships- Out of all the things on this list, I feel like I've got this one covered. I've got amazing friends. Amazing friends that work hard at maintaining a relationship with me. We've gone through college, crushes, boyfriends, breakups, embarrassing and memorable moments, weddings and car troubles together. Entering into the stage where most are married or getting there, and starting families is a challenge, an exciting one at that. Something I'm confident we'll get through together.

If you've made it through this entire post, congratulations! I know it was long but I hope that if you read the article mentioned at the beginning you found something of use out of it and if you read my commentary you at least got a laugh out of it. Hopefully you're a little more mature, or a few miles closer to Grownupville now.

The Good Captain

Tonight, the Discovery Channel is going to air the last episode of "The Deadliest Catch" with Captain Phil Harris. I've been watching this show since it began 6 seasons ago. My old roommate in college and I would watch the show every week, it was an event. We loved the extreme conditions, extreme work and extreme people.

Captain Phil was someone that I never actually knew, but had the awesome experience of meeting once. Captain Phil, of "The Deadliest Catch" fame, was in Albany Oregon a little more than a year ago doing some promotions surrounding a coffee brand he was selling, random, right? A friend that my roommate and I know had heard that Captain Phil was going to be in Albany and of course we raced to the store where he was going to be. Of course we got there too late to do the meet and greet and autograph session. But that didn't stop us from standing around watching everyone else meet him and talk with others. We bought the coffee and commemorative mug too.

We got news that there was going to be a showing of that nights episode at a theater in town. So, we got some pizza and beer and headed to the showing. We waited out in the drizzly weather, filed in to the small space filled with people of every different type, and found some prime spots for the showing. Moments later, who sits in the row in front of us? None but Captain Phil himself! He was there with his son, Jake and what appeared to be some other friends. We tried not to freak out, but wanted to squeal with delight. None of us wanted to hound them and ask for one more autograph or picture as people had been doing all day. We we sat there in ecstatic silence. My friend, Emily got enough courage to ask for a picture and boy did I kick myself for not asking too! It was an experience to remember to begin with and now that he is gone, it is something really special.

These last couple weeks as they have been advertising the last few episodes with him, I've found myself profoundly more sad than I ever thought I would be. I think it hits me because he wasn't just some character on a show, but a real person, who appeared to live with transparency and for others. He had a family, friends and a full life.

I ran across this quote from him that really stood out to me as rather poignant. It is in reference to his children.

“I don’t know if there’s one lesson, but in general, if I died tonight and was gone, I hope they’d have the integrity to do what they say, be honest, and do honest work for an honest wage and not short change themselves or anyone else. To be honest about how they live and work. Don’t sidestep things or try to cut corners. Do an honest hard job, and do it to the best of their ability.”

This type of thing reminds me of some people I've lost and some really painful feelings. However, it serves as a wonderful reminder. A reminder, seeing those shots of him lying in a hospital bed, of what life really is about. Or, of what life is not about. That in the end it's not all about those things that we work so hard for. It's about the memories, what we choose to do with our time, about those relationships we build. That what we should be working so hard for is to live, to enjoy what this life has and those who we share it with.

Check this out,
Farewell to our Capt. Phil

Some Assembly Required

I assembled a barbecue today, by myself. It was a bit of an adventure. I'm the type of person that does not want to look at the directions and just do it, I don't want to waste time on directions, geeze! However, 99% of the time this does not lead to an enjoyable experience, and usually a few expletives are involved too. The barbecue was no exception. Alas, I completed it and it stands. The true test will be when I attempt to cook something in it.

After this experience I've determined that I either need a) a legitimate tool kit, b) a boyfriend to do it for me, or c) not to barbecue or attempt to buy anything that needs assembling. Learning to do this 'adult' thing comes with real challenges. And laugh if you will, but it's hard, like having to assemble things on my own.

I guess the experience wasn't that traumatic or frustrating but it is just one more thing to add to the list of becoming an adult. Assembling things, however, are the least of it. It seems like a simple equation. Go to school, do well, find someone- fall in love and get married, buy a house, have a kid (or two, or three, etc), work and live happily ever after. It is not so simple, though. So far I've checked off 'go to school' and I'm trying to go back for more. This is the point in this entry where I could continue to complain and gripe about how hard being an adult and life is. But, I'll spare you. Instead, I think I'll just challenge myself to live in the present and not judge or compare myself with what culture and society tell me I should do 'next'. I think I'll just go along for the ride, try my hardest to be honest and love those people that I've been blessed with.

Bermuda Shorts and Hot Tubs

It is currently 96 degrees in Portland, Oregon. And in case you didn't know, that is really freaking hot. My apartment stays pretty cool because the windows face North/South, avoiding the direct heat of the East/West sun! However, outside of my apartment and in my car is like an easy bake oven that was wired wrong. Reminds me of these little ovens we build when I was in 5th grade and roasted weenies in them (I'm laughing remembering this). I remember it was hot outside when I was making it, and I got spray paint all over myself because, come on, I was in 5th grade spray painting something! If I remember correctly, and I'm pretty sure I do, mine was pretty rocking and heated things through really well. I was a model student. Maybe I missed my calling as an inventor or mechanic or something like that.

Being FROM Portland, there are always a few days each year that are like this. Last year there were like three weeks in a row (not normal, nor ok). And, dare I make a generalization, but most people in PDX don't have air conditioning. Because, just like the fact that we get snow two days a year- nobody knows how to drive in snow. We don't have air conditioning because we only have really hot weather a few days a year.

However if you think about it, air conditioning or heating systems for that matter are quite a luxury, even in our own culture. I was thinking about this while driving, and I was sweating like a pig (how much do pigs really sweat and how do we know?). I tried to suck in up and not use the A/C...but gave in rather quickly. As the cool air started blowing in and on my hot skin, I realized as I drove past a number of individuals holding up signs explaining one plight or another. Some homeless, jobless, and down on their luck for one reason or another. As I drove past them, in my A/C box on wheels. I thought of my good fortune to be born into the family I was, to be given the abilities and opportunities I was. Sometimes I take way too much credit for what is good in my life and don't give much thought to He who has gifted me. This reminds me of the second half of verse 48 in Luke chapter 12, "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." I hope that when much is required of me, I'll be humble and willing to give, as I know I've been given so much as evidenced by the relationships I have and the comforts I've been allowed for now.

I spend way to much time focusing on 'getting' or 'doing' or 'achieving'. Thinking about getting into grad school so that I can get some great job, and make money. Make money for what? To buy a house, a nice car, nice clothes, take nice trips, and have a nice life. I work to buy those stylish bermuda shorts to wear in the summer and hang out in hot tubs in the winter. Not that any of those things are bad or not worth working for. I just get way to caught up in it, caught up in wanting to be comfortable.

Comfort is a funny thing to me. I work so hard for it, yet I crave adventure, uncertianty, danger and challenge. When I see those hearts on the streets, the faces of kids I work with, and the pain in the lives of so many. I think it is God's gentle way of reminding me what we are all really here for. That relationships are worth all of the really difficult stuff. That working for nice things isn't bad, but when we focus on it entirely and make an idol of comfort. We're really missing out. Missing out not only on God but we're missing out on all of those messy and beautiful things like relationship, adventure, life.

So, in conclusion, I guess I'm really thankful for what I have and strive to make an idol of nothing (and fail a lot). To work and love with and for the world.

Graveyard

It's 4:41am. I'm watching the sky just begin to light up on the horizon. I'm at work, doing my first (and hopefully, only) graveyard shift. I have been dreading it all week as I've been trying to alter my sleep pattern over the last few days. It hasn't been working. However, with the help of a 5-hour-energy-drink, McDonalds McCafe beverage and a couple Starbucks Doubleshots...I'm doing pretty good.

I have never considered myself a morning person, and I have many people that could agree with that. But, there is something sort of special about watching the sun rise. Maybe it's because I'm usually never awake to appreciate it. Or, maybe because of what it signifies. You know, the begining of a day, starting over and all those opportunities that lie just ahead.

I'm anxious because I'm on the alternate list for a graduate program this year. The second year I've applied, to the only school in the state that offers the program. I just got information from the Director of Admissions that they are going to make a note in my file that I am open to both the 2 and 3 year programs should a spot open up. This makes me dream a little, that maybe there really is a chance of still getting in this year. That maybe God has a purpose in the waiting. I know He does, I just fail (over and over) to remember it on a minute by minute basis.

So, as I sit and watch the sun creep up over the horizon, the crystal clear sky that reminds me it is a new day. A day that He has made. A new day to breath in the possibilities of of what this life may hold. Or, to dream about the life after this one.

However, I am dreaming a little of what my bed is going to feel like in a couple of hours. Glorious, I imagine.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

For Kristi-Rumpelstiltskin

Not only are these for Kristi, but they are for all of you. Hope you laugh a little.

The Power of Love

I am sitting at my church's office, helping out with the reception. Its a slow Thursday. So, I catch up on all those blogs or news stories or facebook status updates or new recipes I want to try. In my scouring of the internet I read this one today by an author that I really enjoy. Hope you enjoy too.



The Power of Love

The best thing since sliced bread?

Coffee, has to be one of the single greatest inventions/discoveries of all time. Not only is it delicious in many forms, but it also provides a wonderful 'side effect' that provides a little boost of energy.

Growing up my mom would drink coffee everyday. I always loved the smell of the beans before being brewed, but then again I always loved the smell of her cigarettes before she smoked them. So that may not be the best logic, but I digress.

Going to McDonalds was a special treat (classy, right?), and the single greatest memory I have of that experience (other than the play structure or delicious hash browns) was pouring in the two pre-portioned cups of half and half and watching them swirl around. You know what I'm talking about, right?

Nowadays, I'm into coffee (but not cigarettes). Iced coffee, brewed coffee, french press coffee, espresso, lattes, and even the Starbucks instant coffee. However, generally speaking if coffee comes in a large tin can from the megamart I'm not a huge fan. I have to admit that the best cup of coffee I've ever had, and consistently have is that from Stumptown Coffee Roasters located in Portland. I'm not an expert in coffee and probably don't have the most discerning of taste, but I really enjoy me a cup-o-joe.

So, I just thought I'd share my joy and love of coffee with you all and hope you can enjoy a cup of Stumptown's finest.