Five Minute Friday: Begin

I tried to figure out when was the last time I participated in Five Minute Friday. I'm thinking it's been well over a year.
Wowsers.
I didn't realize how quickly time has flown by and how I've neglected my little piece of the virtual world. I'm glad to be back today. I woke up and felt the urge to write a little something about this day. When I logged on to see the word for Five Minute Friday, it became apparent that writing today is a must.

BEGIN.
Today is the first day of a whole new world for me. Just a little over a week ago, I spent my last full day as a full-time accountant working for a large corporation. Today, I start my new job as a full-time Creative Logistics Coordinator for a start-up that specializes in Social Media Strategy. In just a little over an hour, we are meeting at a co-working space located in the heart of downtown (close enough for me to bike or walk to!) to get started.

It is time to begin something new.

I've spent a lot of time over the past two years wondering what I should be doing with my career and if it was time to make a change. I've blogged about my frustration with work a few times here, but I wasn't really taking action. This opportunity was literally handed to me by a dear friend and I could not be more grateful. I am so excited about working for someone who is visionary, smart and cares about people. I'm so excited about working from home and working one on one with people. I'm so excited about having an opinion and LEARNING!! I can't wait to learn more and more about all the various aspects of social media and the importance in our world of business today. This is a great position for me to learn, grow and stretch my skills.

I've spent the past couple of days off of any type of work and just settling into a routine. I can't even tell you how happy it has made me. Getting up in the morning to read my bible by the sunrise with a hot cup of coffee, getting in a cool run and meeting friends for coffee. Showered and ready to go by 8:30- feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I've picked up on my Arbonne business and set up a home office to run all my work out of. I've reorganized and got back into some healthier habits. I've been walking around with a permanent grin on my face, realizing that THIS is how I should have been living all along- free from the confines of a job lacking the things that make me, me.
So, without further adieu, let's BEGIN.

I'm so excited about today! But I don't have time to keep writing here this morning as I have to get off to work soon :)
Check out all the ways others interpreted BEGIN over at Lisa Jo Baker's blog. And you can see all my prior Five Minute Friday posts by searching the label #FMF.

Happy Friday and cheers to new beginnings!!

5 Minute Friday: Mess

My work day started yesterday when I got home from GIM at 6:30. I had a voicemail from our technology partner saying our month end files failed. One of our inputs from a different team had bad data. Their team, much like ours, is being overloaded with projects and deadlines that even management can barely keep up with. We are all moving at an exponential pace that something was destined to blow up. I drove home last night about 10:45. It was a LONG, messy day.
Right now, I have a sink full of dirty dishes in my kitchen that are starting to get funky. There are 2 loads of laundry that need to be washed. There are shoes by the door, a yoga mat in the living room and piles of books on  my table. I have piles of emails, to-do lists pages long and a mind full of 'don't forge to's and 'make sure to's.
I'm working a ton of hours, trying to run a business with Arbonne, training (always), job hunting (did I  mention my 14 hour work day?), I just joined the mission team at church and all the while trying to maintain relationships, hobbies, passions and you know- sleep and eat. Some days it feels like I have all my balls in the air spinning and I can't quite keep them all afloat. I'm a little worried that they are all going to come crashing down.
My life is a little bit messy right now.
In our sermon series we just started with church and small group, Freeway, we talked last week about awareness and how distracted and busy we are all the time. It was like 'duh', I know. How do I stop? How do I get 'undistracted' and focused on things that matter? Who can teach me discernment? Why do I feel the need to do #allthethings? Then this week, in Jesus Calling, something stuck out to me:

The truth is self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success. Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as can life itself. Rejoice n your insufficiency, knowing that My power is made perfect in weakness. 

Ah.
There it is.
Maybe sometimes I should just stop. Let go of not making the goals and reading the books and attending all the things and take a minute and just focus on Him and say 'Hey Jesus? I'm sucking at life lately, but I know you got this. '
In all this mess of a life, He stands like a lighthouse in a storm.


So it's been a while (maybe a year??!) since I've partiicpated in 5 Minute Friday. I just happened to look today and, like so mnay things lately, the word was so timely.
Head on over to Lisa Jo Bakers blog to share and read what others have to say about 'Mess.'

How do you manage life when it seems everything is going at once? Do you reach out to Him for comfort? How do you unwind?

Hope you have a fantastic Friday.

Five Minute Friday: Broken

It's been a busy week.

One of those weeks where I never quite got my schedule down well and I've been running around.

It's also been a fun week.

One full of big city events, home parties and coffee dates. 

And it's not over! 

I have the day off work today to get some solo time with my youngest nephew- berry picking! 

Definitely looking forward to it. 

But before I do, I wanted to do a little Five Minute Friday with the ladies over at Lisa Jo Baker's blog.

Everyone is linking up on the facebook page so be sure to check it out!

The rules: 

1. Write for 5 minutes.

2. No stopping. No editing. (you can spellcheck at the end!)

3. Link up. Share. Read.

Today's word: BROKEN

In the Christian community, the word 'broken' is used a lot. 

Maybe a little overused, in my opinion.

To me, if something causes you to be 'broken', it's pretty severe. 

It just tears you to the core. Something that just can't shake. It's going to take you a long time to recover. 

I don't know that I've experienced something bad enough in my life to say that I've been 'broken.'

And I've been through my fair share of crap- bad relationships, a divorce, financial woes, loss of loved ones, etc. 

Maybe I'm just hardened to the world. Could that be the same?

There have been times during church or when I've been reading my bible that I've been just overwhelmed with emotion at the enormity of what Jesus did for me. THAT has rocked me to my core. It has overwhelmed and encouraged me all at once.

But it didn't break me. 

Jesus is the healer of the broken. The sewer of the torn. 

Hmm.

Interesting word today. I really struggled with where to take it. 

Can't wait to read what everyone else has to say.

Happy Friday!

Five Minute Friday: Present

Morning friends.
It is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL morning here in the DesMo.
I've already had some nice quiet time and felt like writing while the day was still young and cool.
I hope you have been enjoying my NaBloPoMo posts. I've really enjoyed writing about the prompts and sharing a little more about me everyday.

I've missed #FMF though. I love the idea of writing about just one word.
Enjoy.

PRESENT:
This morning after my 5 AM workout, I took a bike ride. 
I rode out around the lake and through the park. I took no headphones and just listened to the quiet sounds of the morning and watched the sun rise over the city. 
Often, when I am exercising in solitude, I pray. It's a time for me to be focused and in my thoughts.  I thanked the Lord for giving me a strong and healthy body to move and bike and run. I thanked him for my beautiful city- both urban and nature. Just then, I looked up and there was a deer just 3 feet away next to the path. Neither one of us moved as I rode by.
I smiled to myself because I felt like God was just reminding me- Hey, even though you forget about me sometimes. I never forget about you. I'm always here. 
I prayed for Breakfast and Bible buddies- one about to give birth, one about to get married, one about to start a new career, one a little overstressed and one on vacation. I prayed for T. I prayed for our relationship. I prayed for myself. I asked God to just help me be a little more focused on him. Just a little more present in this beautiful life He has given me.
I rounded the corner on the trail and another deer was next to me. We made eye contact for a split second. 
Then she darted off. 
Taking my prayer requests with her.

Try a little #FMF yourself this morning. And don't forget to check out all the lovely posts over at Lisa Jo's blog and share the comment love.

Happy Friday.
It's the freakin' weekend! (cue the R.Kelly...)

Five Minute Friday: Rhythm

Hey there Friday Friends.

It's the first day of summer. It's still 80 some degrees here at 8 PM and I'm thinking when I wrap this up I'm gonna celebrate with a cocktail or a treat. Just because it's summer and I can. :)

Evening Walk for a Sweet Treat in the Hill

My week started off strong and organized but sort of lost traction the second half. Seems to happen often...which is why I keep missing #FMF. I'm sorta bummed I missed last week because I really liked the word: listen. 

But instead, I'm writing about RHYTHM.

The rules:
1. Write for five minutes. No editing.
2. Share over at Lisa Jo's blog.
3. Read and comment on your fellow linked-up writer buddies. Sharing is caring.

I booked the DJ for our wedding today. He's a local guy who spins 45's of dance music from the 50's to the 80's. We've seen him a couple times around town and he is going to be so fun. T is not a dancer...well not much that I've seen except for when we are in the car. :) If in the right mood, I love to dance. Just relax and let loose. 
The rhythm we have is a little different. Not just in dancing, but the ebb and flow of our life. I like a steady, busy pace- days filled with work and writing and running and people and appointments and cooking. I like my time FULL and to feel utterly tired and spent in the best kind of way when it's time to hit the sheets. T likes a little bit of a slower pace- time to relax and recharge and just be- no agenda. I like that too- but a little less frequently than he does.
In the larger sense- the tempo of our life is the same. We both are achievers, travelers and lovers of life. We like to be spontaneous and adventurous  We like to spend time together listening to music, riding bicycles, talking and just being together. 
Coming together in marriage and building a life together has me thinking about what our conjoined song will be...how our rhythms will meld and possibly change. 
I'm looking forward to building a harmony. 

That was really 6ish minutes, but I had to finish my train of thought. :)

And just because I can't get the word LISTEN out of my head, you get another one this week too:

I don't always listen that well. Often, when someone is talking to me, I find myself trying to form an answer or response in my head while they are still talking. Mostly because I want to remember what they are saying and what my reaction is, but then I can sometimes miss an additional point they are making because I'm wrapped up in my own response.
I especially don't listen well if I'm being talked at as opposed to talked to. I don't listen well if someone is sharing their opinion on a matter important to me in a way I don't agree. I don't listen well if someone is questioning a decision I made or am making that I've already questioned enough on my own. 
Last week, I had 3 different opportunities to listen well. To hear what someone else was trying to tell me and be open and value their views and thoughts. 
In all three instances, I failed miserably. I failed to listen to a friend who is struggling to find balance. Instead, I ended the conversation frustrated and confused because she couldn't understand my view. I failed to listen to a family member who was really trying to reach out for a friend. Instead, I let my emotions and my past resentment over a personal matter interfere and end the conversation. I failed to listen to my dearest friend when they were trying to help me see how I was a crappy listener. (Isn't that a kick in the ass). Instead, I got annoyed and angry and declared 'I don't want to talk about this anymore.'
I felt slightly justified in each case that my reactions were expected and okay. I tried to comfort myself with the thought that maybe they were attacking me and they deserved the snarkiness or blunt honesty I dished out. 
However, in all 3 cases, I think I was mostly to blame. I wasn't a good friend or family member. I didn't listen for the underlying concerns. If I had, I would have heard a friend who is on the verge reaching out for comfort and love. I would have heard a family member voicing honest love and reaching out for a listening ear, instead of getting defensiveness and snarky opinions  I would have heard my dearest friend just telling me he loves me and that maybe sometimes I should just learn to LISTEN. 


Eh...went over on that one too. Had to get it out!!
I'm working on the listening thing. I know I'm opinionated but sometimes I should learn to just bite my tongue, eh?:)

Happy First Day of Summer readers.
Hope you enjoyed the longest, most sunshiny day of the year.

Don't forget to link up over at Lisa Jo's blog and share the love. <3

Five Minute Friday: Fall

As always, I'm a day late.
But whatever, my blog, my rules? :)

The rules:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat on the chosen word.
2. No editing.
3. Link back and read and share and comment!

Today's word: FALL

Fall from grace.
This is a saying I just don't understand. It implies that you can make a mistake so big there is no forgiveness. But isn't the concept of grace itself repeating forgiveness? Unconditional love? I know there are bad people in the world. People that do horrible things to other people and children and animals. People that manipulate and hurt others. And there are also good people. People that love and care about people. People that are so good inside but lose their way. Make a mistake. Do things out of order. Get caught up. It happens.
But that's why we have grace. That's why we get picked back up and dusted off and forgiven. We may have hurt someone unintentionally (or intentionally I suppose), but that doesn't mean what we did is too far to receive grace. We are never too far gone from that unconditional love.
We can never fall that far.

Hmmm. Interesting word choice.
what are your thoughts on the saying 'fall from grace'?

Link up over at Lisa's blog and share the love. <3

Five Minute Friday: Imagine

It's been awhile since I've participated in Five Minute Friday.

I've missed it.

I've missed the people, and the posts, but most of all I've missed flexing my writing muscles.

So here I am. Ready to write about whatever Lisa has planned for the day.

The rules:

1. Write for 5 minutes straight on the prompt word.
2. No editing- just pure flow.
3. Link back to Lisa's blog.
4. Read, comment and share!

Today's word: IMAGINE

It's morning. 
Brisk, cool and not yet completely light. There is a quiet murmur along the sea of tired faces and athletic shoe clad crowd. Some jump to keep moving or shake their arms out, chatting among those around them. Some stare stoically ahead, concentrating on what comes next. You've had your coffee, your banana with peanut butter and your fifteen bathroom breaks. Shoes are double knotted, hair secured and race chip in place. Your number rustles against the synthetic fabric of your shirt as the breeze kicks up. 
It's a perfect day for a race. 
Everyone crowds a little closer together and gets a little quieter as a quiet voice sings the national anthem. You listen intently, mouthing the words and saying a little prayer of thanks for country, service, community and two healthy legs to run with. 
As the song crescendos, the crowd breaks out in applause and a few shout out in patriotism and excitement. 

You hear the pop of the gun as the crowd starts shuffling forward.
Take a deep breath.

It's time.

Immediately when I saw today's word, I simultaneously thought of 'Imagine' by the Beatles and Imagine Dragons since I recently saw them in concert and I love their music. My favorite song of theirs is called 'It's Time.' I listen to that song before ever race because when the EP first came out, I listened to it on repeat before my first out of town race in Nashville.
Start lines and Imagine Dragons are forever linked in my head and heart.
Also, every time I hear this line:

I don't ever want to let you down
I don't ever want to leave this town

I think about how much I love my city.
Tomorrow, I will run my 5th Dam to Dam 20K. It is the state's best race and a great way to see the city. It will also be the 5th anniversary of me 'officially' being a runner as it was very first race in 2009.
I just turned 30, celebrating 5 years of running and running my 5th big hometown race.
I realize I may be getting weirdly overly emotional about this...

Anyway...I guess you could say I had this on my mind. :)

Happy TGIF writing friends.

Five Minute Friday: Here

When you give up social media, you get a little out of the loop and completely space off stuff you normally do.
Like Five Minute Friday.
Instead, Six Minute Saturday?

Either way, I'm joining in.

The rules per Lisa Jo:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Today's word: HERE

I'm here. -Me
Be here now. -Ray LaMontagne
Lord, be with us here. - Prayer

I wonder how many times a day I use the word 'here'?
Often, I'm referencing my physical presence. 'I'm here', I IM T when I get to work. 'Hey, can you come here for a second?' I ask my co-worker when I want them to come to my desk.
As much as I may be 'here' in a physical sense, I think my mind is often anywhere but here.

I spend time in the morning reading the Bible and doing my devotion and I have to consciously remind myself to just be here.
I read out loud so I can stay focused and engaged. I pray out loud and ask the Lord to be here with me. To listen to me and hear my words.

When T and I have date night, I look at his face and watch his lips when he talks and try to just be here with him. Really listening versus just planning what I'm going to say next.

Here is a relative term.
You may be somewhere in body, but are you really here?

And because I immediately thought of this song...

Here With Me- The Killers

Wheels are turning; I remember when you were mine.

Now just to reach you, baby I'd stand in line.

But there's another world you're living in tonight.

And there's another heart that's fading in the light.

Don't want your picture on my cell phone. I

 want you here with me.

Don't want your memory in my head, no.

I want you here with me.

Spent the summer just laying out in the sun.

Time seems to move so slowly, When you're taking it as it comes.

Maybe we were just too young.

Your body was tan and your hair was long.

You shot me a smile and my cares were gone.

When falling in love filled my soul with fright.

You said, “Come on baby, it'll be all right.”

I must've been a fool to the bitter end.

Now I hold on to hope to have you back again.

I’d bargain and I’d fight.

But there's another world you're living in tonight.
Don't want your picture on my cell phone.

I want you here with me.

Don't want your memory in my head, no.

I want you here with me.
Well, I saw you in a restaurant, the other day, And instead of walking towards you, I ran away. (Ran away)

 

And I’ll keep on waiting for you – For you to come around, come around and say:
“I don't want your picture on my cell phone. I want you here with me. Don't need those memories in my head, no. I want you here with me.”
Ohhhhh Ohhhhhhohhhhohhh (Here with me) Ooooohhhhh ohhhhhhhhhh Ohhhhh Ohhhhhhohhhhohhh

 [ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/here-with-me-lyrics-the-killers.html ]

 

You're welcome.

Now go download the greatest album of all time and thank me later.

 

Happy Saturday friends.

Five Minute Friday: After

I'm so excited to joining Five Minute Friday again. At least joining in a timely manner. :)

I love joining here with another group of writers and weaving words and thoughts just for the love of writing. I love reading what other people have to say about the word of the day and discovering how our diverse backgrounds influence our thoughts and words.

Whether you are a writer or not, Fridays are so much better when you join up with Lisa Jo Baker and the wordsmiths of Five Minute Friday.

The rules:
1. Lisa Jo posts a word on her blog that is the theme of Five Minute Friday.
2. Write for 5 minutes on that word. No editing. No agonizing over each sentence. (you can spell check after though).
3. Post on your blog and link up with all the other writers on the blog.

Today's word:

AFTER

I got up this morning and had a big glass of water.
After that, I read the bible and said a quick prayer.
After that, I heated up old coffee and took my dog for her morning potty break.
After that, I lifted weights in my basement gym. 
After that, I got that same dog on her leash and we walked for a morning chai latte and stroll through the art park just down the street.

After that I will eat, shower, and head to work.

All the while I will be wondering what I will be doing after I get off work. After I get home. After I check the mail.
Oftentimes I find myself living in the after. Planning for what comes next after the toils and to-dos of this day are over. What happens after I turn 30? What happens after my lease is up? What happens after we get married?

There is a saying that about the present being a gift. I tend to forget that TODAY is happening while I'm always living in the future, wondering about after. 

Today, while the sun is shining and birds are chirping and spring is in the air, I'm going to forget all about the after. I'm going to live in today- enjoying each second as it occurs. 
I don't want to look back years from now and think 'Why was I so worried about what happens after?'

Stop.

I really like this word today.
I have an inclination that many of us will be writing about not living in the moment as much as we should. In this hustle and bustle world we live in, it's nice to just take a break from planning and mapping out each step and just BE.


Take a deep breath readers.

It's Friday. And the sun is shining. :)

I hope you take some time to enjoy living in the moment today!

This and That

How was your Easter Weekend?

We were busy living life so today you get a little bit of what I would have done had I been paying attention to what day it was. 

#FMF

My Friday morning routine changed a couple months ago and since then I've pretty much fell off the Five Minute Friday wagon. 

BUT, you  are getting it now. On Tuesday (or Wednesday when most of you will probably read this).

Broken

I was getting a mug out for hot tea when one of my favorite antique teacups fell off it's hook and tumbled onto the counter- the handle flying off in multiple pieces.

Broken.

I found each of the pieces and set them and the mug to the side. 

One of these days I'll find the super glue and put it back together.

It may not be as sturdy as it once was and it will have some visible seams but it will still be useful. The design is not marred so even though it's repaired, it's just as beautiful as an original unscarred cup. 

I think of myself as that cup sometimes.

I've fallen and all of me has felt scattered and lost about.

But I think that is where Jesus comes in. 

He finds all those little bits of us and puts us back together. He might not do it right away, but eventually he'll help us to glue all our bits back together. Maybe we won't be exactly the same- we all wear scars of decisions gone wrong. 

But just as beautiful as when he very first created us. 

I love that 'broken' was the word for #FMF. Perfect for Easter weekend when we think of how broken we are, but also how whole we are because of the gift God gave us through his son Jesus. 

Speaking of Easter....

Sunday 7 3-31-13

1. We had an awesome service on Sunday.

The message was really good. Powerful. 

And we were all dressed up in our Sunday best!

 2. We celebrated Easter on Saturday with my family.

It was a great day. 

Love this picture of the kids. Can't wait to get a big one printed. 

Also, it was my Grandma's 75th Birthday. She's awesome. 

3. Friday I took the day off work to hang out with these ladies.

Being an aunt is seriously the best. :)

We even baked their mom a birthday cake. Hopefully it tasted better than it looked...

4. I really loved this article on finding your passion. And this one on the future sustainability of Earth. I haven't been adding a lot to Pocket because I've been pretty absent from Twitter....

5. I got some good news this week so I celebrated with a cookie dough tornado. It was well worth it. 

6. Lent is over and I get to have coffee again. But I also have a lot of thoughts about what I learned during Lent about fasting and the lack of self-discipline I have...more to come on that.

7. These are the last 2 weeks of tax season. I. cannot. wait. to be back to normal. I'm pretty burnt out on being a #2job lady.

I've been doing a little writing over at Thought Circus. You should check it out. And read all the other posts too- so much good, thought-provoking stuff out there. I feel very blessed to be a part of it!

AND- since you didn't get a meatless munch from me this week- you should just make this. Trust me- it's good.

What have you been up to? How was your Easter weekend? Did you eat ridiculous amounts of chocolate and go to church with your family?

Five Minute Friday: REST

So last night I worked on this beautiful post all about my 7 experiment and then Blogger decided to crash and I lost the entire post.
Meh.
And I tried to start over and then I really lost my train of thought and now it's just sitting.
I'm hoping by sometime this weekend I can wrap it up and share.
And also give you a February recap and March goal post. I mean, we are halfway through the month already...geesh!

So as a consolation prize, you get my Friday ramblings courtesy of Lisa Jo Baker's word 'o' the day.

How it works:
- Lisa provides a word.
- Write for 5 minutes about that word. No editing.
- Link back up on her blog and read what everyone else wrote!
- Writers. Community. TGIF.

Today's word: REST

My mantra for 2013 is #restisbest (yes I created my own hashtag).
If I learned anything the last few months of 2012, it was that I have the tendency to say 'yes' to a lot without thinking about time that  my body, mind and soul need to just REST.
Recently, I lost my license. I can drive myself to work and home. This has proven to be a blessing in disguise. I can't say yes to so many things because I'm not the only person responsible for getting me places. I have to arrange rides and be on time. 
It's only the first week and I'm sort of loving having this free rest. 
I've spent a lot of time walking around my city with my dog and thinking. I've taken naps and done yoga and watched the first two seasons of Downtown Abbey. 
Tonight, I took myself to dinner and for a special vegan mint smoothie to enjoy on my springy, almost balmy walk home.
My mind is quieter. My heart is listening. My senses are more alive. 
I'm no longer feeling rushed and overwhelmed because I can't fight time right now.
I'm just taking a rest.

What does 'rest' mean to you? How do you like to spend your down time?

I like a hot drink, warm blankie and a soft light to read or knit by. 

Try out #FMF on rest and don't forget to link up over at the blog!

Five Minute Friday: Home (late edition)

Whoops.
I totally spaced Five Minute Friday this week.

But I'm doing it anyway.
On Sunday.

Here's the deal:
- Write for 5 minutes on a chosen word from Lisa Jo Baker
- No editing
- Link up with all the other amazing writers at Lisa's blog and spread the writing and reading love.

home

Home is where the heart is. Or that is what people like to say. I currently reside downtown in a condo that I've grown to love and has become my home. Before that, I lived in the same house for almost 7 years. As of now, that place is home to someone else. In fact, I don't even refer to it as my home anymore.
But can a physical place really be a home?
If all these walls were stripped away would I really be without a place to land? Without that feeling of belonging and comfort? Because isn't that what a home really is? A place to stay. A place to belong. A place to love and be loved.
7 short months from now, I'll be in a new place. Getting settled into a new physical space with my husband. Making wherever we are living- our home. But to be truthful, I already feel home. When we eat dinner together. When we chat at work. When we discuss our day and funny stuff we read on the interwebs over a craft beer. When we hold hands. When we walk the dog. When we curl up at night to sleep. Home is wherever I'm with people I love and care about and when that feeling is mutual.
So maybe it really is true.
Home IS where your heart is.

stop.

All I could think about was this song the entire time I was writing.

What's 'home' mean to you? 

More of a physical place or a feeling?

Five Minute Friday: Ordinary

I've gotten completely out of my morning Five Minute Friday routine.
I used to meet with some girls EARLY for coffee and #shereadstruth on Fridays but it became impossible with our schedules.
So now I sleep in, leisurely work out and you get Five Minute Friday at night.
Sorry, folks.

If you are new to Five Minute Friday #FMF, here's the dealio:

• Lisa Jo picks a word
• Writers everywhere write for 5 minutes on that word
• No editing
• Link back to Lisa Jo's blog 
• Read everyone else's posts and share the love!

Today's word...

ORDINARY

I've never considered myself ordinary.
In fact, I strive to be anything but ordinary.
I want to look different, have different interests. Anything to make me unique. As long as I can remember, I've been unique. Or found ways to have that something that just stands out. I'm not a particularly 'look at me' type of person, I just like knowing there is no one out there in the world like me.

But so many things are ordinary. Jobs. Going to the grocery store. Houses. Being an adult.
As I plan to enter a marriage this fall, I think a lot about what it means to have a 'regular' relationship, an ordinary relationship, if you will. I've had so many messed-up relationships, that of all things in my life- I sort of wish my relationship could be a little ordinary. No drama. No fighting. Just be.

And it is, a little bit ordinary.
But in so many amazing and perfect ways- it's not. The way I operate with my future husband and the life we create together will always be OUR life. Not fitting a mold. Not following a rule. It's going to be a happy, love-filled, messy, forever union.
In fact, it will be anything but ordinary.
Just the way I like it.


That was an interesting word to write about.
Lotta deep thinking happening in my head these days...

What do you think of when you hear the word 'ordinary'? Do you consider yourself unique? What is your favorite EXTRAordinary trait?

Give Five Minute Friday a go and link up over at Gypsy Mama!

Five Minute Friday: What Mama Did

Hi Friends.
I'm back.
After a brief hiatus during the worst couple weeks of my life (if you didn't know- I can be dramatic sometimes), I'm ready to catch up with #FMF!

A little about Five Minute Friday:

Each week a bunch of writer ladies and lads write for five solid minutes on one word.
No editing.
No fancifying.
Just real writing.

Then we link up over at Lisa Jo Baker's blog- Tales from a Gypsy Mama and we read each other's posts and comment and make new virtual friends.
It's quite fun.

Today's word is a little different.
It's sort of a topic:

What Mama Did

My mama.
My mom is loud. She laughs wide-mouthed and full of life. Contagiously.  
She loves reality TV, red nail polish, jewelry and laying by the pool.
Her favorite snacks are chips and salsa and ice cream.
Time with my mom is like time with a girlfriend. We catch up on the latest family news and chat about whatever is going on.

But my most favorite thing about my mom?
The gift I feel like she passed onto me?
The ability to comfort and encourage.

She can take one look at me and know if something is wrong.

Then she'll listen, pat my back and 'oh honey' with tears in her big round hazel eyes because she can always empathize with whatever thing big or small her strong-willed middle daughter is working through.

For as long as I can remember my mom has always written me notes.
Cards for the first day of middle school.
Hand written notes for turning into a teenager.
A card for when I got my very first apartment all by myself.
A card for when I got divorced and started life again.
Cards for graduations.
Cards for birthdays.
Thoughtful and heartfelt thank yous.

I have every single one.
They are one of my most treasured possessions.

And just like my mom- I like to send notes to my people.
Maybe an email or a text but I especially love a handwritten card just letting someone know that I love them and think the world of them.

Just like my mama did for me.

DONE.

I love this topic today.
So much.
I don't know that I've ever told my mom how much those cards and notes mean to me, but I hope she reads this.

What did your mama do that influenced you?

Spend 5 minutes writing about your mom and if you are up for it, share and read what others wrote too.



Five Minute Friday: Bare

Thank The Lord it's Friday.
2 days to recoup, recover and rest from the insane hustle, bustle and craziness that was this week.
And 5 minutes before bed to write your heart out.

BARE

I put it all out there.
I'm not a fan of sugar-coating, beating around the bush or skirting the issue.
What you see is want you get.

I bare it all- my heart, my soul, my dreams, my fears- laid out for all to see.

Exposed.
Desolate.
Vulnerable.

I have been there too.
In situations I didn't intend to be in or I readily chose only to regret later.
But even then- I've put my sins out there- laid out for all to see.
Words of shame and regret pulling out of my mouth.
Admissions like bare skin exposed to the hot rays of the sun.


Well 5 minutes was up before I really could wrap up a good thought here- but 'bare' is such a heavy word- so many different emotions associated with it.

What does 'bare' make you think of?

Don't forget to link up over at Lisa Jo's! 

Five Minute Friday: Afraid

I'm a little later than usual with this post...had a little bit of a hard time getting up this AM.
Blah.
(See previous post about the #winterblues)

But here goes!

1. Write for five minutes (unedited) on the word 'o' the day.

2. Link back up at Lisa Jo Baker's blog and share the love.

Today's word...

Afraid

There is a set of stairs in one of our favorite bars that terrify me.

They are 'open' stairs with no backs. Thin and metal. You can see right down to the floor.

Every time we walk up them I have to lean on the wall and grip the handrail, eyes locked straight ahead. Because if I look down, I'll get dizzy and freaked out.

About stairs.

It's the most absurd thing to be afraid of.

I have nightmares about these kinds of stairs detaching from walls, or me falling through them.

This all coming from a girl who seemingly has no fear.

I have multiple tattoos. I've had piercings. I ran a marathon. I've flown multiply times. I've moved myself more than once. I've traveled alone. I run in the dark all over my city solo.

For all the things I should be afraid of, I'm most afraid of stairs.

But, despite all these seemingly fearless things, the thing I'm most afraid of?

That somehow I'll become someone that isn't me.

That growing up and growing with God will somehow take away some of my 'Nicoleness'...some of the rebel and fight in me that makes me, 'me.'

That giving it up to God means I won't always be me anymore.

Well...how's that for honesty? Yikes.

I think I better think a bit on this one..

Can't wait to read all your comments.

Give today's #FMF a try and link up over at Lisa Jo's Blog.

TGIF friends.

Five Minute Friday: Again

My favorite way to end the week and start my Friday- Five Minute Friday!!

Here's the rules:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Today's word: AGAIN

Start again.
Begin again.
Do it again.
my life has been a series of 'agains'. How many times have I started something only to stop and start it again? How many times have I been in circumstances I didn't like, only to escape and reinvent myself again? 
Even now, as my life is in a good place and I'm finally starting to figure out who I am- I still start again- a book, a project, a friendship. And even though my life is happy and good and content, that rhythm of escaping and reinventing again is something I'm so familiar with and find myself missing occasionally. What would it be like to go somewhere and start again? New friends, new jobs, new interests. 
No matter how many times I've become a newer version of me, I'm pretty much always the same. I'm that girl who likes lists, needs a lot of hugs, tries really hard to do her best and is un-admittedly sensitive. I'm that girl that loves music, can't sing, but dreams of being a badass drummer. I'm that girl that is simultaneously tattoo'd and conservative. I'm this girl. This me girl. 
So when life throws a curve again, (because it always does happen), I know now that no matter where I end up or how my circumstances land- I'll always end up just being the same old me.
Nic Marie. 

That went a whole different way than I thought it would.
All I could think about at first is the scene from 'The Cutting Edge' where they keep practicing their finale over and over and the coach keeps saying 'Again!'
HA!

What do you think of when you hear the word 'again'? Have you reinvented yourself numerous times only to find that you never really do change? :)

Give FMF a go and link up over at Lisa Jo's  Blog!

Five Minute Friday: Cherished

The weekend is upon us.
I'm looking forward to date night with T (Thai food and movies!) plus church and fellowship and hanging out with friends.
It's been a busy week!

One of my favorite parts of the end of the week is FMF!

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. Please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. That is like the one rule we all really care about. For reals.
Fingers ready?

Today's word is: Cherished

To be 'cherished' is to hold something close to your heart. A memory. A person. An object of affection. It's to look fondly upon something or someone, reveling in the love and admiration you have for them.
I often think of 'cherished' as an 'old-timey' word. An adjective worthy of the soothing vocals of a jazz singer of yore. Or of a young child and their doll, the way it will never leave their side- often held on to tightly day and night.
To me, cherishing someone is the most beautiful way to love. To hold someone is esteem so high they are closest to your heart. That to think of them is to feel your heart swell with love and adoration.
I cherish my husband to be. And all the memories we have made and will make.
I cherish my God, the way he also cherishes me- holding me up, adoring me, remembering me with love.

This was a hard word for me...not something I use in my regular vocabulary that's for sure.

What feelings does the word 'cherish' evoke for you?

Give FMF a try and link up over at Lisa Jo Baker's blog.

Five Minute Friday: Dive

Hey ya'll.
Happy Friday!
I think this may have been one of the first weeks in the past month I had to work every single day? So exhausting. HA!
I'm glad it's the weekend- looking forward to relaxing and maybe having some fun adventures.

I'm linking up today with Lisa Jo Baker and the ladies of Five Minute Friday.

This is a little flash mob of bloggers writing on the same word for five minutes- no stopping, no editing and then linking up together. My favorite part is reading what everyone else though of when they heard the word- so many talented writers out there!

Feel free to try this out! It's a fun little exercise.

Timers ready?

Today's word: dive

I love water. I love swimming. I love spending time in the sunshine soaking up the rays and then jumping into a cool body of water.
I remember learning to dive when I was a kid. Trying to spring off the edge of the pool and arc my body just right so I didn't end up doing a belly flop. Even now, I'm not that great of a diver. But something about attempting a dive feels so graceful and carefree. That moment when you push off your feet, arms extended, body gliding in the air to slip quietly into the cool depths.
Most likely my dive looks nothing like that but I like to think it does.
I like diving into things too. I like getting really excited about an idea or the proposition of something that I'll take that leap to jump right in. But often, the execution ends up looking a lot like my water dives- a flop.
But once I'm immersed and my body adjusts to the temperature, I find that maybe my dive wasn't as bad as thought.
The sting of the flop eventually wears off after all.

Done!

Take a minute to check out the other posts over on Lisa's blog. And link up your own!

 

What does the word 'dive' make you think of?

Are you a water person? Do you often dive into things with a little lack of grace?

 

Now that I said that I just thought of a whole host of other things I could write about related to grace and diving...for another time perhaps. :)

Five Minute Friday: Opportunity

TGIF Friends!
Five Minute Friday with Lisa Jo Baker is back for the New Year!

This is a little writing exercise in which I write for 5 straight minutes on one word. No editing, no stopping. It's a great way to work on writing skills and also hone in on what specific words mean in your life. We link up at Lisa Jo's blog and spend a little time reading what others wrote. I love reading the different perspectives.

So here goes.
Today's word is....

OPPORTUNITY

I have opportunity everyday.
Opportunity to learn more. Opportunity to meet people. Opportunity to do various things.
I actually think of work when I hear this word. It's used a lot in the corporate world. Not a mistake, a learning opportunity. Not a new position, a job opportunity. Often it is used to turning something negative into something positive.
I prefer to use it differently.
I see each day as an opportunity to be my best self. Seeing as we are within a week of the new year, this is a perfect word to describe me right now. I'm waking each day looking forward to the opportunities that will come into my life this year. For me, opportunity is almost synonymous with chance. Each day is a chance to do the right thing. To be a better person. To try again. To love more. To give more. To do more.

So there you go.
Obviously I'm a little out of practice with this...HA.

What do you think of when you hear the word OPPORTUNITY? Share in the comments below or if you blog- put a link to your post and don't forget to link up with Lisa Jo!

Happy Friday!