I have been thinking a lot about how to wrap up this section of my life. I finally did it. I hit 30 cities before I'm 31. This was such a fun time of my life and I would never ask to redo it. It leaves me thinking, now what? Some people need a "to do" list. They like the feeling of being able to check something off. I'm not sure how I feel about checking this item off my list. It kind of makes me sad. I have had some great memories and experiences this past 20 months. I know it doesn't have to stop. There are still so many places to visit and revisit. A day or long weekend in some of these cities just isn't enough.
But even in knowing this fact, it still leaves a "now what?" I've been asked that question from several people and my answer is always the same, "Do you have any ideas?" I've thought about reading 31 books. Or trying 31 new vegan recipes. It just doesn't compare. Then I think, well do you need to have a goal? Do you always need to be pursuing something? That just seems like you would settle for something, so I'm pretty sure I need something to work towards. So, what ideas do you have for me?
For some reason the past several weeks the question "now what?" has created a fear to come over me. Maybe it's my birthday and I look back and remember how great my 30th birthday was and how much love I felt that entire 2 week celebration. My mom reminded me that my 31st birthday probably isn't going to compare---but I want it to. I don't want this year to end. I don't want to cross off city 30. But no matter how much I don't want it to happen, it will.
So what I can do is write about what I learned.
My family is always going to be the best and will always be there. When I was younger I would sometimes wonder, "Why God did you put me in this family?" Here's what I say now, "Thank you God for putting me in this family." I am blessed more than I ever deserved. At a moment notice my family is there for me. I've grown closer to each person in my family this past year because I appreciate and love them.
When I was a jerk back in junior high, but Lauren still wanted to be friends and locker partners I had no idea that she would be my best friend. There is no one else that I would want to experience a lot of these trips with. In this year we realize that we no longer need gifts for birthday or Christmas, we need each other. We need to plan a trip on a yearly basis to just be us!
I've learned what it means to live in a city! I've made St. Louis work and I love it here. I've met and have some amazing friends here in St. Louis. I've never met anyone with a bigger heart than Amanda. She is one of the most thoughtful individuals I know and is always thinking about how to give to someone else. I've developed a passion for helping and serving others because of how involved Amanda is in St. Louis. There are so many other friends from church to running that just love me and I'm thankful for them. I hate to not write everyone's name, but you would need a snack in the process.
I've learned to always risk love because you never know when you might find that person. I have also felt heartbreak this past year, but it only makes you a stronger more confident individual. Here's the biggest piece I learned through that whole process, never lose yourself and I'm glad I didn't. Is it tough? Absolutely, but I kept my friends and my activities. My life didn't stop for someone else, they just fit into mine. Again, never good but I didn't start over. I just moved on which leads to my next lesson-- patience.
I've learned that God does have a great plan and a story for my life. I just have to slow down, be patient, and seek his plan. By no means have I mastered this and will never master this. I just hope that God looks at my heart and knows I'm trying. One day I'll look back on this positive experience in my life and it will make sense on why God is letting me love this time of my life. I mean LOVE it--I went to Europe for crying out loud. To stand in awe of God in Europe---sign me up to do this again!
What's one more thing I just love--running. I have no idea how that happened, but I might consider myself a runner now. Mostly it's because of the social aspect and meeting friends to run. It's a great time to also be by myself, pray, and clear my thoughts.
There have been some tough moments in this past year. Threats of layoffs, employees, relationships to name a few, BUT my memories far exceed those other moments.
So, if you are still reading here is my question still looming over me: "How does 31 get better than this?" Do you have to top each year?
Thank you to EVERYONE who made this experience one to always remember! I love you and each experience positive or maybe that's redo that!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
We Are Playing Basketball
March 1-3, 2013
Ty is in a rec league for basketball and since they live so close I had to make it to at least 1 game this year. I am his biggest fan! After work on Friday I headed up to Mahomet to check out the basketball game. Of course we had to warm up with basketball in the entry way of the house starting on Friday evening. It was getting a little rough, so somehow they decided P-I-G would work. There was still smack talk going on (Here comes the G) even before you shoot!
Saturday morning Rachel and I braved the elements and ran 10 miles. Yep, had a first. Rachel slide on the ice and I caught her. She wasn't so lucky catching me though. It was in slow motion (or so she says) and the next thing you know my face is on the ground. Yep, totally fell and that was mile .1. 9.9 more to go. We did finish and had no more incidents the rest of the run.
The big game was at 1:30. Ty suited up, stretched, grabbed his Gatorade, and headed for the court. He was the best player out there. He was great on offensive and defense. He blocked a shot and ran down the court doing a "muscle man". He's seen to many games! Of course he had to get a bucket also! Way to go Ty!
That afternoon I was able to cook for the Andrews. I'm not sure the carrot soup was a hit, but the pina colada cake was a-ok! One blender and one pot down, love you guys for forgiving me! We went to the Illinois game before all of Chris's employees came for dinner. What a great bunch of people!
Thanks Andrews! How fun!
Ty is in a rec league for basketball and since they live so close I had to make it to at least 1 game this year. I am his biggest fan! After work on Friday I headed up to Mahomet to check out the basketball game. Of course we had to warm up with basketball in the entry way of the house starting on Friday evening. It was getting a little rough, so somehow they decided P-I-G would work. There was still smack talk going on (Here comes the G) even before you shoot!
Saturday morning Rachel and I braved the elements and ran 10 miles. Yep, had a first. Rachel slide on the ice and I caught her. She wasn't so lucky catching me though. It was in slow motion (or so she says) and the next thing you know my face is on the ground. Yep, totally fell and that was mile .1. 9.9 more to go. We did finish and had no more incidents the rest of the run.
The big game was at 1:30. Ty suited up, stretched, grabbed his Gatorade, and headed for the court. He was the best player out there. He was great on offensive and defense. He blocked a shot and ran down the court doing a "muscle man". He's seen to many games! Of course he had to get a bucket also! Way to go Ty!
That afternoon I was able to cook for the Andrews. I'm not sure the carrot soup was a hit, but the pina colada cake was a-ok! One blender and one pot down, love you guys for forgiving me! We went to the Illinois game before all of Chris's employees came for dinner. What a great bunch of people!
Thanks Andrews! How fun!
The Many Faces of Achmed
Here is how we killed time in Pier 1!
Thanks Jordan for the wonderful name!
As you can see we progressively got more creative! What's your favorite? I love the scarf picture and motorcycle!
You might not see this as funny, but I guess it's you had to be there moment.
Thanks Jordan for the wonderful name!
As you can see we progressively got more creative! What's your favorite? I love the scarf picture and motorcycle!
You might not see this as funny, but I guess it's you had to be there moment.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Goal Accomplished
February 22-25th
North and South Carolina
My friend Stephanie lives in Greenville, South Carolina and we always talk about getting together and we never find the time to just book the trip. In trying to reach 30 cities by the time I'm 31, it was a perfect time to take a long weekend and go to South Carolina. We jammed so much into one weekend!
Friday: Greenville, South Carolina: I got to meet Stephanie's son Christopher who is 21 months! Jimmie and Christopher stayed home so Steph and I could have a girl's night out in Downtown Greenville. We had fried green tomatoes and pickles! YUMMY!
Saturday: Charlotte, North Carolina: Jimmie was coaching a basketball game that night, so we took off early and went to PF Changs and IKEA. I've got to get some furniture from there soon! We decided to stalk Emily Maynard (bachelor) house and the mansion where all the guys stayed. We found it!
Sunday: Greenville, South Carolina: It was beautiful weather so Jimmie and I went running on Swampy Rabbit trail. It was such a cool trail. I ran 8 miles with a 9 minute pace! I didn't want to slow Jimmie down to much! We hung out in the town all day by eating lunch outside and playing in the park. That night we had an Oscars watch party, but really we watched Shark Tank and Youtube videos.
Monday: Asheville, North Carolina: Stephanie and I went to Asheville which was very vegan friendly. I LOVED it there. We went to the Baltimore estate (got to go back to visit inside). We headed downtown where we had the BEST Chipotle Ranch (VEGAN) and Sloppy Jo (tofu). We finished the trip with manicures and pedicures before I had to fly home.
Stephanie has one of the best attitudes that is so contagious. She has the best heart and I love spending time with her and her family! It was a great ending to 30 cities (especially when you pack 3 different cities into one!)
North and South Carolina
My friend Stephanie lives in Greenville, South Carolina and we always talk about getting together and we never find the time to just book the trip. In trying to reach 30 cities by the time I'm 31, it was a perfect time to take a long weekend and go to South Carolina. We jammed so much into one weekend!
Friday: Greenville, South Carolina: I got to meet Stephanie's son Christopher who is 21 months! Jimmie and Christopher stayed home so Steph and I could have a girl's night out in Downtown Greenville. We had fried green tomatoes and pickles! YUMMY!
Saturday: Charlotte, North Carolina: Jimmie was coaching a basketball game that night, so we took off early and went to PF Changs and IKEA. I've got to get some furniture from there soon! We decided to stalk Emily Maynard (bachelor) house and the mansion where all the guys stayed. We found it!
Sunday: Greenville, South Carolina: It was beautiful weather so Jimmie and I went running on Swampy Rabbit trail. It was such a cool trail. I ran 8 miles with a 9 minute pace! I didn't want to slow Jimmie down to much! We hung out in the town all day by eating lunch outside and playing in the park. That night we had an Oscars watch party, but really we watched Shark Tank and Youtube videos.
Monday: Asheville, North Carolina: Stephanie and I went to Asheville which was very vegan friendly. I LOVED it there. We went to the Baltimore estate (got to go back to visit inside). We headed downtown where we had the BEST Chipotle Ranch (VEGAN) and Sloppy Jo (tofu). We finished the trip with manicures and pedicures before I had to fly home.
Stephanie has one of the best attitudes that is so contagious. She has the best heart and I love spending time with her and her family! It was a great ending to 30 cities (especially when you pack 3 different cities into one!)
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| Our "friend" Emily's House |
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| Greenville, SC |
My Valentine
February 15-18th
Each year my mom and her sisters go on a shopping trip (usually to Minnesota). This year for whatever reasons they invited me, probably because the location was moved to St. Louis. Everyone loves to shop with me because they think my card is never ending. They just tell me I'm easy to shop for. I haven't learned "NO" yet. Well, no different my credit card was put to use.
Here was the best part, my mom and sisters were able to come. Grandma, Chance, and Regan also met up in St. Louis. Let the laughs begin. I couldn't wait until Friday when they showed up for lunch. It was so hard to get back to work for a few hours. In that short time, I already missed one of the highlights of the trip. Jordan was left at the mall parking lot. I'm still not 100% sure how that happens, but I guess it does.
We shopped until we couldn't shop anymore. Limited-score. New York and Company-score. Coach-score, Macy's-score, Nordstorms-score.
This year my valentine told me to live it up, and that is just what I did. When in doubt I would ask Valentine if it was appropriate and the answer was always YES! I think it's time to trade in that Valentine for next year, but for this year it will do. (Does anyone know of any prospects that would like to interview?)
Jordan and I didn't want to go into Pier 1. After a few cups of coffee we were looking for an adventure in the store. That is when Achmed came about (Jeff Dunham). We took a statue around the store and took probably 15 pictures until we couldn't laugh anymore. Quite possibly the best trip to Pier 1.
What a weekend, love my family! I couldn't find any pictures of Achmed on my camera, so I might have to do another post from pictures from my phone. Stay tuned.
Each year my mom and her sisters go on a shopping trip (usually to Minnesota). This year for whatever reasons they invited me, probably because the location was moved to St. Louis. Everyone loves to shop with me because they think my card is never ending. They just tell me I'm easy to shop for. I haven't learned "NO" yet. Well, no different my credit card was put to use.
Here was the best part, my mom and sisters were able to come. Grandma, Chance, and Regan also met up in St. Louis. Let the laughs begin. I couldn't wait until Friday when they showed up for lunch. It was so hard to get back to work for a few hours. In that short time, I already missed one of the highlights of the trip. Jordan was left at the mall parking lot. I'm still not 100% sure how that happens, but I guess it does.
We shopped until we couldn't shop anymore. Limited-score. New York and Company-score. Coach-score, Macy's-score, Nordstorms-score.
This year my valentine told me to live it up, and that is just what I did. When in doubt I would ask Valentine if it was appropriate and the answer was always YES! I think it's time to trade in that Valentine for next year, but for this year it will do. (Does anyone know of any prospects that would like to interview?)
Jordan and I didn't want to go into Pier 1. After a few cups of coffee we were looking for an adventure in the store. That is when Achmed came about (Jeff Dunham). We took a statue around the store and took probably 15 pictures until we couldn't laugh anymore. Quite possibly the best trip to Pier 1.
What a weekend, love my family! I couldn't find any pictures of Achmed on my camera, so I might have to do another post from pictures from my phone. Stay tuned.
Where Did 2 Months Just Go?
Have you ever looked back and had no idea what you have been doing, but it's been something?
I feel that is just what happened here in my blog. I know I've been busy for two months, but really THAT busy?
Here are some highlights on what has been occurring since January:
Trivia Nights
Dancing with Individuals with Disabilities: Dancing for 3 hours straight. Great workout
Birthday Parties
Movies
Girls Weekend (more to come)
Snowstorms
Running, Running, Running
Cooking---yep, no idea how or why!
Trips (more to come)
Each day is busy and I'm thankful for my busy schedule. Just hadn't found the perfect moment to blog, but I'll try not to have this happen again.
I feel that is just what happened here in my blog. I know I've been busy for two months, but really THAT busy?
Here are some highlights on what has been occurring since January:
Trivia Nights
Dancing with Individuals with Disabilities: Dancing for 3 hours straight. Great workout
Birthday Parties
Movies
Girls Weekend (more to come)
Snowstorms
Running, Running, Running
Cooking---yep, no idea how or why!
Trips (more to come)
Each day is busy and I'm thankful for my busy schedule. Just hadn't found the perfect moment to blog, but I'll try not to have this happen again.
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| Cinnamon and I |
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| Paul and Jodi (soon to be moving and I'll miss them) |
Saturday, January 12, 2013
City 29.....Check
January 4-7th, 2013
San Diego here we come. What better way to spend a weekend! While it's chilly in the Midwest we headed for a warmer destination. My Mom has wanted to travel to a city with me for awhile and it happened to be my Dad and Mom's 35th wedding anniversary. It turns out that we found cheap tickets and didn't hesitate for a second to book the trip. Zack and I just got to tag along.
Friday we met at the airport and headed for Coronado Island to visit the Del Hotel. We talked through the shops until we found the best Mexican restaurant there is, Miguels. Oh so good, but let's not talk about what I ate. TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE!
Saturday morning, Dad and I got up to run (much needed from the night before). We googled a place to eat for lunch and settled on a place from Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives Luigi's Pizza. We were the first customers and the guy making the pizza started off by saying, don't ask any questions I have no time for answers. Well alright then. We ended up with 11 slices of pizza and 3 drinks for $20. I think we found a deal! We headed for the USS Midway that afternoon, Gaslamp District, and Balboa Park before heading to a Fish Market for dinner.
Sunday morning we headed back to Coronado Island for an eight mile bike tour. This tour was on and off again several times. They only do tours of 6 people or more. We only had four, but they made an exception. We had so much fun riding all over the island. Only one mishap on the bike. At one point Mom thought she had the wrong bike, but once she turned the handlebars around it was hers again! Afterwards we had a HUGE lunch before Seaworld. Seaworld was a cross between an amusement park, Disney World, and a zoo. It was actually pretty fun! For our last meal we headed back to Miguels where of course I ate TERRIBLE again. How could you not?
What a quick fun trip! Thanks Dad, Mom, and Zack!
San Diego here we come. What better way to spend a weekend! While it's chilly in the Midwest we headed for a warmer destination. My Mom has wanted to travel to a city with me for awhile and it happened to be my Dad and Mom's 35th wedding anniversary. It turns out that we found cheap tickets and didn't hesitate for a second to book the trip. Zack and I just got to tag along.
Friday we met at the airport and headed for Coronado Island to visit the Del Hotel. We talked through the shops until we found the best Mexican restaurant there is, Miguels. Oh so good, but let's not talk about what I ate. TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE!
Saturday morning, Dad and I got up to run (much needed from the night before). We googled a place to eat for lunch and settled on a place from Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives Luigi's Pizza. We were the first customers and the guy making the pizza started off by saying, don't ask any questions I have no time for answers. Well alright then. We ended up with 11 slices of pizza and 3 drinks for $20. I think we found a deal! We headed for the USS Midway that afternoon, Gaslamp District, and Balboa Park before heading to a Fish Market for dinner.
Sunday morning we headed back to Coronado Island for an eight mile bike tour. This tour was on and off again several times. They only do tours of 6 people or more. We only had four, but they made an exception. We had so much fun riding all over the island. Only one mishap on the bike. At one point Mom thought she had the wrong bike, but once she turned the handlebars around it was hers again! Afterwards we had a HUGE lunch before Seaworld. Seaworld was a cross between an amusement park, Disney World, and a zoo. It was actually pretty fun! For our last meal we headed back to Miguels where of course I ate TERRIBLE again. How could you not?
What a quick fun trip! Thanks Dad, Mom, and Zack!
Happy 30th Amanda
December 28, 2012
Amanda is joining the 30 Club and had a great evening planned. The exciting part about the birthday party was the fact that Lee Ann, Miranda,and Lauren were all coming to St. Louis for the celebration. We arrived to St. Louis around 4 PM, quickly changed, and met Amanda at Sub Zero. She rented out a room and provided food for her party. After the party we went to see Wicked at the Fox Theater followed by Cafe O in Central West End. It was a great evening!
Saturday was a slow start to the day, but we headed to the Zoo for Wild Lights and dinner. Afterwards we went to Bailey's Chocolate Bar before calling it a weekend!
What a great time with wonderful friends!
Amanda is joining the 30 Club and had a great evening planned. The exciting part about the birthday party was the fact that Lee Ann, Miranda,and Lauren were all coming to St. Louis for the celebration. We arrived to St. Louis around 4 PM, quickly changed, and met Amanda at Sub Zero. She rented out a room and provided food for her party. After the party we went to see Wicked at the Fox Theater followed by Cafe O in Central West End. It was a great evening!
Saturday was a slow start to the day, but we headed to the Zoo for Wild Lights and dinner. Afterwards we went to Bailey's Chocolate Bar before calling it a weekend!
What a great time with wonderful friends!
Try My Hand At Cooking
December 27, 2012
Mom had invited a family over for an Italian dinner during Christmas. If you remember a few posts ago I had taken a vegan cooking classes and I couldn't wait to "try" to cook for my family. I brought all my recipes, encouraged everyone to help me out, and started the big task of cooking. Everything turned out wonderful from the pesto, tomato sauce, and eggplant. I really enjoyed everything! I'm pretty sure my Mom didn't enjoy me being in the kitchen. She is probably still finding tomato sauce everywhere! I just keep reminding her that she loves when we come home!
Mom had invited a family over for an Italian dinner during Christmas. If you remember a few posts ago I had taken a vegan cooking classes and I couldn't wait to "try" to cook for my family. I brought all my recipes, encouraged everyone to help me out, and started the big task of cooking. Everything turned out wonderful from the pesto, tomato sauce, and eggplant. I really enjoyed everything! I'm pretty sure my Mom didn't enjoy me being in the kitchen. She is probably still finding tomato sauce everywhere! I just keep reminding her that she loves when we come home!
Catching Up
This time of year it's always great to catch up with friends that you don't get to see very often. Lauren came over one evening and showed us her "30 by 31" book. Brad met us for lunch at Chick-fil-A one afternoon. Katie Stetson was in town visiting family and just moved to Orlando. It was so great to see her and Shawn again. They have 2 babies now, so it was so much fun catching up!
"A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself." Jim Morrison
"A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself." Jim Morrison
Home for the Holidays
Sunday, December 23rd
Early on Sunday morning the boys, elf, and I loaded up the car and finally got to head back to St. Joe. I could hardly wait to get home this year! First stop was of course Abuelo's where you eat until you are sick. That was going to be my one terrible day of Christmas. Wish that was the case, but I was on vacation.
Rachel reminded me that last year we volunteered at the Food Kitchen on Christmas day. There were several volunteers already that day, so we chose Christmas Eve this year. We started the morning off by serving. Christmas Eve we headed to Frederick Inn where we met Grandma and the extended family. We headed to Grandma's for presents and dessert before Christmas Eve service at Grace.
Christmas morning came quickly and found that Santa had made a visit. This year Santa got us some gift cards and a new Bible. Christmas is all about the family and we just have a wonderful time with each other. We can make anything entertaining. We took our time opening presents, eating appetizers, big dinners and laughing!
Thank you everyone for a wonderful Christmas! It comes so fast, but I love when we get together. Before we know it, we'll be doing it again!
Merry Christmas!
Early on Sunday morning the boys, elf, and I loaded up the car and finally got to head back to St. Joe. I could hardly wait to get home this year! First stop was of course Abuelo's where you eat until you are sick. That was going to be my one terrible day of Christmas. Wish that was the case, but I was on vacation.
Rachel reminded me that last year we volunteered at the Food Kitchen on Christmas day. There were several volunteers already that day, so we chose Christmas Eve this year. We started the morning off by serving. Christmas Eve we headed to Frederick Inn where we met Grandma and the extended family. We headed to Grandma's for presents and dessert before Christmas Eve service at Grace.
Christmas morning came quickly and found that Santa had made a visit. This year Santa got us some gift cards and a new Bible. Christmas is all about the family and we just have a wonderful time with each other. We can make anything entertaining. We took our time opening presents, eating appetizers, big dinners and laughing!
Thank you everyone for a wonderful Christmas! It comes so fast, but I love when we get together. Before we know it, we'll be doing it again!
Merry Christmas!
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