Tiny Little Update

Every so often I need some encouragement or inspiration to help me figure out what I want to write about on this little page of mine. Sometimes the inspiration hits and others I find myself logging in staring at a blank page with no real thoughts to share. I often find there is a desire to write, but nothing to say. It can be a frustrating place to find yourself when you love writing and yet struggle to put words together. 

I've used the image below occasionally to get my creative juices flowing and this time around I've found it very helpful. 

I was... thinking about writing a lengthy and in-depth blog about how things have been going, but I got lazy and lost motivation so I have this list for you instead ;)

I am... experiencing something new in life. Taking more risks and seeing some of them payoff. Time will tell if this lasts long, but I'm happy and excited for what's happening right now. I know that's vague, but for now that's how it'll remain.

I think... that I need to get a better handle on my room/car organization. It accurately reflects my current feeling: chaotic.

I wonder... what life will look like in a year. So many possibilities and things up in the air. I'm excited to see what God has in store for me though.

I wish... I could pause time and complete all the chores/annoying things and then push play and do all the fun stuff!

I save... way too many pictures of my boys on my phone. Seriously. Those Winchester brothers, Darren Criss, Mr. Styles....and various others take up way too much of my photo storage on my phone.

I can't imagine... being in the public eye and getting so scrutinized over every little (and big) thing. Not sure I could handle the pressure.

I believe... the Jesus I love would love Caitlyn Jenner as she is, as she was, and as she will continue to be in her life. I can only hope that we can love her and others better than we have.

I love... the Santa Monica Pier.

February Hopes and Dreams

At the end of each month you'll see a lot of posts reflecting on the month that is ending, but this month I want to instead offer some of my hopes for what the month ahead could include!

February:

I hope that you are a month filled with rejuvenation and renewal. I'm not sure if any co-workers read this blog, but it's kinda funny because at work the word "renewal" isn't always a good thing. I'll explain if anyone wants details on that, BUT! On this blog it is always a welcomed and often requested occurrence.  I pray that I find new ways to experience joy and find little things that make me happy each day.

I hope to grow deeper in my current friendships as well as learn how to get rid of toxic relationships in my life (personally and professionally). There have been a few new friends that I am hoping to spend more time with and grow deeper in our trust and friendship this month!

I hope to begin a more regular and constant exercise routine that is realistic as well as challenging! During my time in an urban internship back in 2008-2010 I kept a routine with morning workouts and I experienced an intense feeling of accomplishment as I continued to meet my goals and even saw some weight loss! Let's begin this pattern again in February!

I hope to gain more control over my spending by continuing to budget, as I mentioned in my previous post, and begin a savings plan for the long-term. I just had a conversation with one of my dearest friends about possible future plans and travels so I really need to get my shit together so these plans actually have a chance to happen! This doesn't even include the planned trips to Vegas in March and Dallas, TX in September of this year. When did I become such a traveler?

And lastly, I hope to grow in my relationship with God and practice more spiritual disciplines so that I can feel closer to God. It's perfect timing too because my small group study is learning about spiritual disciplines, so I already have an easy jumping off point to begin this habit. I can't keep circling around my faith and avoiding the hard questions about what I believe unless I'm willing to experience God in new ways and through new practices. This is more of a life-long hope/dream but I'll add a brief comment here: I hope to continue a dialogue about sexuality, gender, identity, and God's love for all people with God and not just the world around me. Christians and non-Christians alike want to give me their thoughts and opinions about what to believe, what is right, what is wrong, and everything in between. Well I'm ready for God to step in and give His twosense now. So let's hope and trust in a God that speaks and answers us when we call.

What hopes and dreams do you have going into this new month? I'd love to hear what you're hoping for in the comments below.

Things I Learned: September

I haven't written a post in a while, so I figure I would look back on September and see what lessons I've learned! My inspiration for this post is from Larissa Marks' post, which can be found here! The lessons can be profound, but most are mundane. In no particular order:

1. Having life rhythms keeps me sane: Moving to Fullerton has messed up all my habits and practices, and that's driving me nuts. I'm at the mercy of trams, train schedules, and metro rails just to get to and from work everyday and I'm exhausted. My goal for October is to find my new rhythm and hopefully my sanity will follow.

2. Trains can be fascinating research into human interaction: I take three different trains depending on when I wake up and when I need to be at work, but on each train there are the usual suspects. The "regulars" who know one another but on a strictly train-only basis, the bicyclists, the business men and women in tennis shoes and suits, and everyone in between. My findings so far: people are the weirdest creatures.

3. Concerts are expensive: Especially when you get to see Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, and Walk the Moon in the same month! #humblebrag

4. Netflix is the best boyfriend: No explanation needed.

5. Sam and Dean Winchester are probably my favorite characters....ever: Yep, bringing up Supernatural again, but can you blame a girl?

 

6. I'm definitely a cat person: Living with a dog is so much harder than living with a cat. I know Joon was the BEST CAT EVER, but still. #catsrule is my new motto.

7. Asking for help is harder than it seems: Especially when you're not sure who to ask or even what kind of help you really need. That's why friendships are so important. I didn't particularly "learn" this in September, but was reminded of it's value.

8. I've gained new-found hope in building bridges between LGBT and churches/christians: Participating in a reading group of Andrew Marin's book "Love is an Orientation" with a church in Fullerton has been a highlight of moving there. I really enjoy our weekly discussions and am challenged by it each week. <3

9. Working out is fun! But you actually have to do it: This is actually an on-going lesson for me. Ugh. Working out, weight loss, all of that.

10. Never thought I would say this, but: I miss living in LA. Not all the time...but sometimes.

What did you learn in September?