“DISH HARDWARE” March 23, 2013

Its time to hit the boxes again this week.  10 are waiting in the garage.  This unpacking/repacking task is comical.

This  box is labeled “DISH HARDWARE – FRAGILE”

I thought we already opened the box with the hardware from our Dish TV, and sure enough we had.  This box was full of my Christmas dishes.  Next I opened a box labeled “hats” which JR had been hoping I we would find soon.  Sorry dear – it contained 4 straw hats, not your ball caps.    I’ve also opened a box with one lamp shade; unwrapped a paper full of rocks; and the best so far has been a thickly wrapped single chip clip.

So I don’t understand the packing world.

I also don’t understand the real estate world.  One more time we had an offer and one more time (last night) the buyers backed out.  Each time it has been for a completely different reason.

I thought a ‘contract to purchase’ meant we would discontinue owning a house we are still paying for though we are not living in.    “That’s it’s purpose”, you might say.  Well so far, those contracts are more like a tease than a truth.

Maybe I will box JR and I up and write on the outside:  HOME SELLER HARDWARE – FRAGILE.  Then I will ship us back to Colorado.

3 Confessions March 22, 2013

I’ve got 3 confessions and the last one is a doozy.  I’ve heard it’s freeing to put what is in the dark out there into the light.

If you are feeling “priestlike” and wish to comment, question, or grant absolution, please be gentle.

NUMBER ONE

I have not followed through.  Again.

I could dedicate this confession to numerous scenarios. So instead of specifics, let it be a blanket that covers both important and non-essential parts of life.   I am sorry for failing those who have counted on what I told you I would do.  I apologize to those who I have disappointed because my great idea and good intentions fell flat once again.  I am aware of my great burst of enthusiasm coming out of the starting blocks as well as my lack of stamina around the track.

I confess this knowing there are those who will encourage with the fellowship of  “me too.”  I confess this hoping there are those who have overcome the failure of follow-through with successful strategies and will share.

NUMBER TWO

I am discontent.

I ponder “what’s next, what else, what’s new”  more often than I soak in gratitude for “what is.”  I do find myself bordering on being happier with less – to have, to do, to want –    however I still view the status quo as lacking.

I confess this because I am just  over the hump of everything everyday feeling so new, and I wonder about where I go from here.    I am creating create my own chaos!  I wonder if this is due to the intensity of quitting a job; leaving my friends/family; coordinating the selling of our home; packing-unpacking-packing-unpacking, trying to find a temporary landing zone in a foreign land; saying goodbye;  reaching out to the unfamiliar; missing home and all my people at home; experiencing significant change; & learning a ‘new language’?   The intensity and pace have dwindled and my brain isn’t sure how to settle here.

Does the ‘why’ matter?  The fact is: I am swimming in discontentment.  Yuck.

Lifeline back to shore anyone?

NUMBER THREE

I can hardly write these words.  Some things are very personal.  This confession may actually humiliate me.  Yep it will.  Here goes…

I like my haircut.

Nearly 8 weeks post Turkish disaster, I must confess the crazy layers thinned my thick mop enough to keep me cooler.   The wild new doo doesn’t require much time under the blow dryer as there is not much to do with it.  I  will once again look at myself in the mirror without horror.   Who knew something so unfortunate could turn out alright.

Please no “I told you so’s.”  That is not an appropriate response for one who just bared her soul.

Ahhhhh.  I feel better already.

 

Adventure Invitation March 19, 2013

A month has nearly flown by.

In that time we’ve shared out 19 strides with people from Colorado, Iowa, University of South Dakota and Calvin College.  More proof, that what we have is enough, though it was mentioned by one guest I was lacking in ‘man mugs’.  True enough, but it didn’t stop him from enjoying rich dark coffee from The Boys.

In that time we saw a school of sharks jumping through the water like dolphins, but splashier.  Several of our guests saw a shark or two in the center of a wave, just before it crested – not 10 feet off shore.

In that time we’ve had Florida winter.   40-50 degree evenings 60 degree days with little to no humidity.  I’ll take it.  You can still go to the beach – the water never went below 72.

In that time I drove across the state to beautiful Naples and caught up with fellow twin moms.  It amazes me how quickly you can engage with people you once spent a lot of life with, but rarely see.

In that time, projects on our CO home were completed; the sign went back in the yard; and we got a solid contract.  We ask praying people to join us in asking the Lord to bless the process through the finish line this time.

I am most thankful for people with whom we have history and the chance to be face to face.  I am grateful for young people whose stage of life is so full of possibility and reminds me that mine still is too.  I am overwhelmed by the beauty of what comes naturally for Florida and that I have eyes to see, ears to hear and chances to point it out to those who come our way.

To our previous guests:  Thanks for coming into our Adventure.

To our future guests:  You’re Invited.