Adventures at the Dog Park

TGIF, guys! This Sunday afternoon my lovely dog and I will be traveling to North Carolina to visit my sister for a week. Aaron is doing some traveling so I spontaneously decided to make a trip for me, too.  I'm not psyched about driving the whole way by myself, but I have an excellent travel companion. :) Because I'll be a zombie in the car for 10 hours (OK - let's hope I'm a little more attentive than a zombie...) I plan to spend my Saturday reading, writing, doing an embarrassingly large load of laundry and hopefully not too much else. There are a lot of changes in my future, so I'm trying to slow life down just a bit in the mean time. 

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I just smiled thinking about my efforts to "slow life down," because as I write these words, a sleeping hound dog is curled by my side. Life was far from slow today when I tried to include her on my run for the first time ever. Yikes. This dog was meant to run, y'all. But apparently she was also meant to sniff every bush she walks by. Let's just say the run was not as peaceful as it could have been (and that I almost died a few times from this insanely awkward and clumsy pup!) Even though she has no intentions of slowing life down out in the world, we love this crazy mutt. We've been extra nostalgic lately of our sweet pup and how she has changed our lives for the better. In honor of Zoey's 2nd birthday a few days ago, enjoy these hilarious photos I snatched at the dog park.

Dear Orlando: Our First Month Update

Dear Orlando, 

uum.. you rock. 

Holy guacamole... have we really been here a whole month? WHERE has the time gone? No, but really, I feel like I've been half asleep, dreaming about cardboard boxes and bubble wrap filling my new tiny home. 

I'm not sure where to start, so I guess I'll fill you in on the beginning. We left our Houston home on a Friday evening, not without grabbing a bag of our favorite coffee house beans for a keepsake (which was not actually the most brilliant idea, considering we didn't get our coffee grinder + maker for another week). We drove - with two cats and a dog - to our new home in Winter Park, FL, stopping in Baton Rouge on the first night. The next full day and night of driving was pretty uneventful, and we finally made it to our lovely little town at midnight on Saturday night. To our unfortunate demise, our landlord forgot to leave a key, so we frantically searched for a hotel for the night that would take two cats and a dog on such late notice. I'm sure it was quite a funny sight to see - a sleepy, zombie girl with matted hair standing with two cat carriers half her size and a wide-eyed,  eager puppy with pent up energy while her husband sought out a suitable room. 

Oh yes, I'm sure it was a sight to see. 

The next morning we got the key situation worked out and we scoped out our new place. It was (and is!) a lovely (CLEAN!) home, which is more than we can say about our last place. Needless to say, we were happy - with or without our things, which would not arrive until the following week. Ha, that's right; you heard me! We waited a week before getting all of our belongings, included our beds, towels, etc. We bought the essentials on an Ikea run and pretty much told ourselves we would be camping. 

Zoey is ready to welcome new friends!

Our kitties settled in nicely. :)

Since I work from home, I did not take off for this major move. I worked at a folding table for the week and tried my best to muster up the energy to sort through boxes, once we got them, after work. In between work and settling in, we did get to enjoy a few moments of grace. Walking around the neighborhood, delighting in a few guilt-free nights out at delicious restaurants (Especially for our two year anniversary dinner, which we both almost forgot about because things have been so crazy) were all just a few perks to give us hope that this trip is all worth it. Even though we didn't have a lot of time to explore, we both had a great feeling that this was going to be home; that it's okay to endure a few sleepless nights - because this was home! We somehow remained positive, even though I was exhausted from working. 

Before we could catch our breath (fully) we were on our way to North Carolina for a week. My parents live in Oak Island, where I stayed and worked while Aaron enjoyed vacation. Luckily, working out of my parents' home is pretty great. Ocean fun on lunch breaks and I was even able to steal my dad's downstairs office for the week, locking myself up so I wouldn't have to feel jealous of my husband, who was on vacation and drinking yummy beach beer throughout the day. We were so blessed to be able to see Aaron's family for a short time as well. The whole clan was there, including baby Ezra, who is still in mommy's tummy. I got to feel my nephew kick and it was amazing - definitely a highlight. 

Zoey and my sister's dog, Sierra. Cousins were sleepy after a week of fun!

On Thursday night, we made our way over to Raleigh to get ready for one of my best friend's weddings. We stayed at another best friend's house and filled our time with late night conversations, fun rehearsal dinners and a fantastic wedding celebration. We headed back home on Sunday morning, a leisurely eight hour drive that is normally not so bad (unless you get a sinus infection, which, surprise surprise! This gal got!). We came home to two dramatic kitties who were meowing up a storm when they saw us and a house that is starting to feel like home. My mom came this weekend so the three of us could visit a relative in the hospital about an hour away from where we live. She is insanely organized and helped us whip this house into shape (and take care of a sick daughter and son-in-law, hello chicken noodle soup!). 

Bedford girls; four college roommates who love each other. 

We're excited to get a chance to explore; to meet people and find our church home. We feel about a million steps behind, but we're so blessed to be able to have the August that we have had and to embark on so many rich adventures. 

Since we've been here, we've roamed the neighborhood, gotten a membership at the community center fitness room (which is awesome!), enjoyed the farmer's market we can walk to and all of the other amazing shops on Park Ave. Pray with us, won't you, that we will continue to slowly chip away at this new transition of life? We are ready to jump into community and fully put down these roots. 

Farmer's market just a few blocks from home :)

Winter Park Farmer's Market

Our community center :)

Farmer's Market fun... 

Oh, also, come visit us..we will entice you with Disney and fresh squeezed orange juice. We've got plenty of room in this 900 sq ft house :)

<3 M

What I've Learned in An Eight to Five Job

I'm alive, friends! It's been a while because I've been juggling a new job, taking care of a big baby puppy and all other responsibilities that are really easy to neglect when you're actually busy during normal work hours. I feel really good and really exhausted at the same time, kind of like after you go for a nice run or (let's be real) a more likely picture - after you've had a good cry and you're eating delicious chocolate cake. No? Anyone? Anyway, it's been a weird month. It usually looks like me, grinning like an idiot as I clink away on my keyboard thinking, This is so great. I'm getting paid to write!

But then there are other moments of panic and eye twitches or sleepy evenings where I am completely drained from using my brain all day (hey-lo, not used to that). And then there are the times when I'm drained in a different way - the days when I finally get to vacuuming the house and then Zoey waltzes in covered in dirt and mud and I just want to cry because there's no way on God's green earth I could ever grow enough muscle strength to give her a bath by myself. It's difficult when Aaron's gone, especially when the cockroaches make an appearance or I need a good back massage because I've been hunched over my computer for eight hours. He's living it up in Denmark right now and I am so glad he gets to have this experience -- but I miss him so much. It's a six hour time difference and it's hard to go to sleep at night when I know if I just hold out until 2 a.m. he'll be up and ready to talk. And WHEW. It's just been a lot. But I don't want you to think it's been a horrible month, because it's really been quite wonderful. I've been trying to put myself out there and renew commitments with people in Houston because I know it's not a good idea to stay in every night, no matter how tired I am. 

Anyway, all that to say: I've been here -- just a few steps behind. And you know what? I'm okay with a few steps behind for now. Especially with everything that's been going on around the nation. Sometimes you just need to chill out, cut some fresh flowers from the backyard and make a second pot of coffee. 

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So I'm only going on a month (almost) with my new schedule and I plan on adding to this list often, but here are a few things I'm learning so far with an eight to five job:

Keep moving: In every sense of the word, I've found that when I keep moving -- either physically or mentally -- my life is a lot easier. That means stretch those legs on my lunch break by taking Z for a walk instead of sitting at the computer for another hour. Getting up even to walk around the room for a few minutes is so important when you sit at a desk all day. You'll have a more productive day when you stay active. Also, outside breaks are refreshing and we need those reminders to look past the screen every now and then.

Timers make life a lot easier: Here is my ode to the timer -- Oh how you make my day more productive! Timers are crucial, especially in this stage where I'm trying to write faster and gauge how much time I need for certain projects. They're great for making a little game out of it and giving you an extra kick to the challenge. I don't know, maybe that's just me. I've found that implementing timers in my every day life -- not just work life -- makes everything easier. If I am dreading cleaning the kitchen, I simply tell myself, fifteen minutes on the timer. I've found that when I put a time limit on doing things that are challenging to get through, I am more committed and actually follow-through, getting a lot more done than I originally anticipated.

Cultivate a healthy life balance: It's easy to sink into the couch after a long day of work, but I've realized how essential it is to go out and invest in people and places. I am definitely not as extroverted as people think I am because I need the "me" time, but I still draw energy from other people and need that occasional "unwinding" time. It's crazy how staying out a little later than I probably should with friends makes me feel more rested the next day then if I stayed in. Maybe this isn't your experience, but I know that it's important to work at the other areas of our lives while we're working. 

Those are just a few of the aha! moments I've had recently about working full-time, especially remotely. If you have some tips to add for a newbie like me and it's just burning in your mind (come on, you know it is), by all means, leave a comment and share the goods! I am weirdly interested in different work habits lately. xo

Friday Letters: Good Vibes

Dear Houston, when you give me weather like this, it's hard to complain. Thanks for giving me tank top weather in February. I have to admit, I've been a whiny pants about not having fall and winter. But looking at what the weather is like elsewhere, I realized I'm okay with this. Dear five y/o Elena, when you told me I looked like Katy Perry and my place was like Santa's house, you looked pretty cute. I think it's safe to say that neither of those things are true. I also secretly love that you take pride in your baby chub. Declaring that you have sausage legs with a grin on your face makes you one special little monster. Dear eight y/o Sofia, telling you that my days as your nanny are numbered was so sad. I'm glad we got to have a goodbye fort party and take best friend oaths. Leaving my little tree climber and sausage girl is bittersweet. Dear new writing job, I'm ready for you, and I'm coming for you. I know being a copywriter and working from home will be challenging and fun. Being able to write all day with a cat in my lap is a dream come true, so cheers to you! Dear husband, you are my heart and you know me too well. Instead of buying me flowers you brought home sushi. Seriously, how did I get so lucky? Girl Scout cookies, too? I love how low key we are together. Dear sewing machine, you are pretty complex and I like that. I can't wait to finish our projects... I really think we've got a good thing going on. Dear sister(s), all of you are coming to visit so, so soon! I cannot wait. I did a happy dance thinking about how much fun we will have together. Thanks for dropping some serious cash to come see us. PARTY TIME! Dear Zoey, you're adorable when you bask in the sun. That is all. xo

What's Been Going On

Happy Monday! Today I am lucky to spend a slow, comfy morning with A and drink coffee snuggled by a kitty. I guess you could say it doesn't feel like Monday... and that is a good thing since it's rainy and grey out there. So today, I plan to do some sewing, writing, and insane amounts of laundry. I'm also reflecting on where we've been the last few days -- physically and emotionally. Jesus can teach you a lot in the "unknown" times, and I am thankful that even when I am faced with my rebellious heart, God calls us to understand that He is greater, and that He will never reject or forsake his children. Whew. That's one to hold on to, isn't it? 

Here are a few pictures that describe -- more or less -- where we've been lately, and the things that we hold on to during this waiting period. 

Aaron traveled this past week and I was reminded of what a blessing it is that he's been working from home a lot lately. I'm clearly not the only one in this house that misses him while he's away... 

We decided to get some fresh air and camp with our hound dog. Even though we were about an hour away from our home, I needed those trees and campfire cooking. Every now and then, it's important to leave the city and smog and just lay in a hammock. Looking up at a beautiful design of trees and night sky will do wonders for your spirit. 

If you ask what's been going on lately, there isn't a lot to tell. It's been pretty uneventful in my life, and that's because so much has been going on in the heart. I told you about this strange waiting season and how exhausting it has been to realize my control issues. Well, God's truth has been slowly chipping away at my calloused heart, and occasionally it's more like a heavy chunk of truth. In this particular devotional time, He didn't hold back. 

Here are the words I read: 

"Consider the lilies of the field.. They grow where they are planted. Many of us refuse to grow where God plants us. Therefore, we don't take root anywhere. Jesus said if we would obey the life of God within us, he would look after all other things. Did Jesus Christ lie to us? Are we experiencing the "much more" He promised?" 

- My Utmost for His Highest

I hope the words I read stir a similar passion and diligence in you. 

Pre-Christmas Fun

I hope this Christmas season brings you joy and peace. I hope you are able to set aside quiet afternoons reflecting on the sweet coming of Jesus, lazy mornings watching timeless Christmas movies, beautifully decorated Christmas cookies (and if you can't decorate them, that your artist sister-in-law does), and I hope you are able to visit family and friends - far and wide. If you can, gather around some tasty crepes and drink mint hot chocolate while you laugh and laugh. If you're lucky, your in-laws will make you delicious Brunswick stew and Wassle, your sister's puppy will play with yours, and your mom will show you a trunk full of volumes and volumes of a lifetime of photos that you can successfully trap your husband into rummaging through with you. 

Also, listen to my friend Allison's amazing Christmas soundtrack. It will make you very happy :)

A tribute to a lost dog now found

I've heard it said that couples need a third thing: a baby, a dog, a garden, a poem.. something they face, not facing each other but facing side by side. I do not know if it is true that couples need a third thing, but I will say the more precious things Aaron and I hold in folded hands - together - the more we learn about each other and how we grow. Aaron and I each have pieces of our individual lives that we enjoy continually working on - working with our hands and tucking away little moments to make it happen. For me, it is often writing. For him, it is often working on his motorcycle. But what we love to work on together, among other things, is taking care of our sweet pup, Zoey. We enjoy walking her together to catch up or day dream; we love pointing out beautiful houses that we would or would not live in. We love taking her to the dog park and watching her run in a pack. Correct me if I'm wrong fellow dog lovers, but watching dogs running as a pack in their element is an extremely fascinating and wonderful experience (call us weird, but we like it). The hair on her back stands up smoothly in a way that only her oil coat could do, and she tackles the lab puppy that is her own age because she somehow always knows her puppy-energy match. They simultaneously run the perimeter of the park and bite each other on the necks, only stopping to pin the other in the mud and roll around. We love taking Zoey to the dog park, and we love training her because she is a wild thing and truthfully does not care if you have a treat if there is another dog competing for her attention. But she loves us - oh does she love us! Her whole body seems to wag along with her tail, her skinny shoulder blades rocking back and forth like an boat without anchor, her long back swaying as she circles our legs. We have many "third things" or parts of this life that we share and enjoy, but when we look at our hound, curled up at night, we remind each other how worth it it has all been. 

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Zoey was missing for three days, and in that time, we realized just how much we loved her and love the dog life. When we found her, we were overjoyed with the blessings that God lavishes upon us! During the waiting period, we realized more than ever a little dream we had that contributes to the dog life and community. And now, friends, it is added to my life list: Create/own/start a dog park for our community. 

What are some "third things" that you and your family share? What are some interests or hobbies that you and a family member have, and how can you incorporate it into your life list?

Marriage Letters: If ever two were one, then surely we

Dear Aaron,

I tried to mow the lawn with that push mower and I think I broke it. Is it really possible that two loose screws can stop that hunk of plastic to move? Those weeds near the back patio just keep rising; they twist and shoot out of this dry Texas earth like jutted limbs - alive and ready to devour - reminding me of their purpose to kill anything that is growing.

I promise myself that I will let walks become therapeutic... so it must mean something that I'm becoming a part-time dog walker. You would laugh if you saw me - skinny arms extended, white knuckles grasping after a leash and a hefty dog pulling me along like it's his job. Even still, when those pink tongues flail like fish out of water and the leash loosens because we are both tired of fighting, I look up at the cave of trees above me - folded hands granting me shade and clarity. We picked the prettiest street on the block.

I am learning to trust more: Our sovereign God, the spider in the bathroom that I can't muster up the confidence to kill, Zoey with our mail when I go to the grocery store. She still runs to the window - tail wagging - whenever she hears a motorcycle drive by... not when it's whizzing down our street, but when the engine makes a slow, low roar and comes to a stop. She keeps me going when it's time for bed and I'm satisfied to fall asleep on the couch because our bed is too big without you.

I am missing you something fierce and I promise I am fighting to be the kind of wife I want to be to the kind of husband that is away and working hard for our family. It is harder in quiet moments, when I feel empty here. I had to throw away bananas again, and I won't buy them again until you come back.

But sweet love, there is always a silver lining. I was listening to this song in the middle of the day when I noticed that our window has the best view and the deafening sound of rain can drown out everything else. I was overcome with a sense of comfort, safety. How He draws me in! His irresistible love pierces me, and I pine after you, because "if ever two were one, then surely we."

The easiest way to kill weeds is to keep them from gaining a foothold. If I can't stop them in my yard, I intend to rid them in my heart. 

loving and missing you, 

<3M





The Weed

I dreamed that dead, and meditating,
I lay upon a grave, or bed,
(at least, some cold and close-built bower).
In the cold heart, its final thought
stood frozen, drawn immense and clear,
stiff and idle as I was there;
and we remained unchanged together
for a year, a minute, an hour.
Suddenly there was a motion,
as startling, there, to every sense
as an explosion. Then it dropped
to insistent, cautious creeping
in the region of the heart,
prodding me from desperate sleep.
I raised my head. A slight young weed
had pushed up through the heart and its
green head was nodding on the breast.
(All this was in the dark.)
It grew an inch like a blade of grass;
next, one leaf shot out of its side
a twisting, waving flag, and then
two leaves moved like a semaphore.
The stem grew thick. The nervous roots
reached to each side; the graceful head
changed its position mysteriously,
since there was neither sun nor moon
to catch its young attention.
The rooted heart began to change
(not beat) and then it split apart
and from it broke a flood of water.
Two rivers glanced off from the sides,
one to the right, one to the left,
two rushing, half-clear streams,
(the ribs made of them two cascades)
which assuredly, smooth as glass,
went off through the fine black grains of earth.
The weed was almost swept away;
it struggled with its leaves,
lifting them fringed with heavy drops.
A few drops fell upon my face
and in my eyes, so I could see
(or, in that black place, thought I saw)
that each drop contained a light,
a small, illuminated scene;
the weed-deflected stream was made
itself of racing images.
(As if a river should carry all
the scenes that it had once reflected
shut in its waters, and not floating
on momentary surfaces.)
The weed stood in the severed heart.
"What are you doing there?" I asked.
It lifted its head all dripping wet
(with my own thoughts?)
and answered then: "I grow," it said,
"but to divide your heart again." 

Elizabeth Bishop

time with Aaron

I <3 my dinosaurs :)

Even though it's getting difficult here, I am so happy to have Aaron for the next week. He doesn't have to go into work until Thursday! We're scheming for amazingly awesome days filled with grilled cheese & tomato soup (even in this hot weather) while watching an endless supply of Netflix, going out into this City and exploring, adventures on the Heights bike trail and a cold beer at the Boneyard park, making bread and cookies, and spending lazy mornings with coffee & the Word. I am so excited for the week to come... and now to convince the husband to make a day trip to Austin or Galveston.. 

Dear Houston: To New Beginnings

Dear Houston, 

I cannot believe we are finally here. I can't believe how humid it is already, even though Felipe says it will only get hotter. I can't believe how big the grocery store is, how confusing the toll roads are on the highways, and how many lizards I've seen on our front porch! I can't believe we're across the street from the coffee shop I am sure to fall in love with, and I really really can't believe how hard it is to unpack your life into a tiny old house that seems like it would rather keep you busy with broken water heaters, refrigerator, dishwasher, and bad plumbing problems (yes, we've had our hands full). 

So far in this crazy city, I've already witnessed a bizarre (and awesome) turtle race at Little Woodrow's Ice House, a dog park + bar in one, and more billboards in Spanish than I ever imagined. Other than that, my contact with the outside world has admittedly been limited. We've been overwhelmed with the amount of work it has taken to get settled in this little bungalow. It was a complete mess when we got here and we were pretty discouraged. But every day we try and remind each other to take it a day at a time, and that we are in fact making progress.. it has character, right? Today as I walked Zoey at 8AM and came back 20 minutes later drenched in sweat (did I mention the rumors are true, it really is hot?!) I became convicted for the first time of my lack of trust in the Lord during this transition time. I don't understand it, but it is so easy to set aside intimacy with Jesus when small and sometimes big tasks weigh you down. It is so tempting during a stressful and busy move to put Him and scripture reading time at the bottom of your "to-do" list. It's funny how a small thing like losing your keys on a morning walk can bring you to pray, but building a new life? Not so much. I am praying -and would greatly appreciate your prayer as well - that the Lord would draw me close to him, and teach me how to cling to Him and rely on Him in the everyday challenges that I am likely to face in the future. I do feel a bit of "emotional paralysis" when I think about Aaron's first work rotation away from home... how will I do it? I rely on him for so much... who will check to make sure the doors are locked when I'm spooked in the middle of the night? I get the same "deer in headlights" kind of fear when I think about Library School in August.. what if I can't do it? What if it's not me and I don't have what it takes? But then I remember I am not called to a Spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline {2 Timothy 1:7}

Anyway, you'll have to excuse my scatter-brained post... being in such a new transition makes it hard to interpret exactly what it is I'm feeling. But I will say, I've never felt a stronger Texas welcome. A friend in Raleigh connected me with a woman here named Jody. Before we moved, we emailed back and forth and she was so helpful and intentional about being here for us. I was so humbled by her willingness to help us feel at home. When we arrived after a 20 hour car ride (with two cats and a dog!!) we were completely exhausted. About an hour after we got there, Jody and her husband and a team of several people showed up ready to help us unload the truck. I was speechless. In an hour, the truck was completely unloaded, there were a few women in my kitchen on hands and knees cleaning, and Jody was passing around drinks and snacks. She brought us toilet paper, paper towels, watermelon, and more. I know that the Lord is so good - there is no way we could have done it by ourselves, and thanks to His provision, we were welcomed by a group of people who truly live out what it means to serve and take on the mindset of Christ. I am so thankful!

Also, speaking of thankfulness, we could not have done this move without my sister, Hannah. She just made a move from Raleigh to small country town in Carthage, North Carolina.  She rode the whole 20 hours with us, became Zoey's babysitter while we tried to find a couch and run all of our errands, scrubbed the bathtub and more, ate PB&J's with us, got more bug bites that first night than all of us combined, dealt with the craziness of our animals in a small hotel room, and helped us with so much more. It was so fun to hang out with her and experience new things with her (like said turtle race and Tex-Mex awesomeness) even though I wish we could have had her for a few more days.

So as of right now, no new house pictures... we haven't quite ventured into the 'unknown' but as soon as we do and I'm able to grab my camera, I will document our time here in this big city. But, one thing is for sure, the food is incredible and the weather is hot.

Amazing salad at Onion Creek: Ranchero Cobb;

 mixed greens, poblano chicken, bacon, cotija cheese, mango, avocado, tomato, green onion.... YUM!

morning coffee walk with Zoey & the twin

we were so excited to see the city of Houston after driving through Alabama and Louisiana for what seemed like FOREVER..

On a different side of things, we are dealing with missing Raleigh.. especially when I think about our friends and family, Mediterranean Irish coffee drinks, being able to do a three point turn in the middle of downtown, and of course, finding Lone Star in place of our beloved PBR {what we like to call the 'People's Beer of Raleigh'} 

But Raleigh, you are so dear to us. We miss and love you! Just to show you how much....

    one last hurrah at The Raleigh Times before our departure with great friends

    goodbye apartment...

    Aaron drove this for 20 HOURS....

    The cats were pretty anxious in the hotel room...

    Zoey didn't seem to mind... ;)

Magic

                                                 Early Morning at Camp Greystone

                                             the rain is spilling out over this tin roof

                                             and we are underneath blankets and

                                             wooden beams that stretch wide and low

                                             you walk across ancient floors to start that fire

                                             we've been waiting for

                                             and when I see you - 

                                             hound by your side as you crinkle paper, 

                                             I know that you don't keep anything from me.

                                             the flame rises with pockets of blue - 

                                             crackles and smooths out, 

                                             leaping to life with the echo of thunder.

                                             the light grows with the watercolor egg sky, 

                                             and we remember just how many secrets of God

                                             lay bare beyond this submarine window.

** Just Write **