Last week the National Symphony kicked off their Americana Tour in Kentucky with a performance in Louisville. They performed just one night in the Ville before taking off across the state on this educational tour. I'm a lover of the arts - theater, music - if I had an unlimited budget, I'd be at the theater every weekend. But I hadn't seen the National Symphony perform before, nor had I seen the now budget-strapped Louisville Orchestra perform in years. I was pretty geeked at the opportunity.
They played Beethoven's 4th Symphony, all four movements, Copeland's Appalachian Spring and other selections. I was amazed that the conductor, Hugh Wolff, directed this talented group of musicians without music through Beethoven's Symphony. Wow. The highlight of the evening were the three curtain calls. I've been to rock concerts that didn't have three curtain calls. There was a Copeland reprise, a Sousa number, and, my personal favorite, My Old Kentucky Home. I could have listened all night as I'm mesmerized by watching all the different instrumentalists play and blend together to form beautiful music.
As I sat there in anticipation for the music to begin, all the orchestra members were getting settled in their places. From backstage, out walked who apparently was the "first chair", the Concertmaster (or in this case, Concertmistress). She came out and stood before this group of musicians and began to lead them in tuning to prepare for the performance. The first chair violin is in charge of tuning before all rehearsals and peformances. They follow her lead. Wherever she is, they tune to her. Oh the power of being the first chair!
Those that know me best are aware that I look for Jesus in everything....even at the Symphony. It reminded me that Jesus is my "first chair." When I start my day, before I begin to "perform" my daily duties, I need to "tune" to Him and be sure I reflect Him exactly, in as close of a perfect pitch as possible. He is my leader, just like that Concertmistress, and if I don't follow His Lead, my life is out of tune. But, if I making tuning to Him a priority, the music He can make through me can be a blessing in a world full of sour notes.
May I be reminded every time I hear an orchestra tuning up and I see the first chair leading the way, that Jesus is the music of my life. And I should follow Ephesians 5:1, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." He has written the song of my life and as I follow His Lead, He will create a beautiful symphony through me.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Saturday, February 05, 2011
One Woman's Opinion
Ah, tis the month of February, that month where everywhere you turn, the air is full of talk of relationships, love and marriage. A friend of mine sent me a link to an article she found yesterday that seemed to be the answer to the age old question I receive, "So, why are you still single?" Thanks to Lori Gottlieb, I now know...I need to settle.
If I'm anything, I'm opinionated, and so it appears Ms. Gottlieb is also. After reading this article, which refuted her claims with real stats, I simply had to blog my ruminations on this after a day of digestion. From a 40-year-old single gal, here is my response to her suggestion that I've been too picky and need to settle...
1. Being "hypereducated" has given me the tendency to stay single too long - I wouldn't say I'm hypereducated, but I have completed a four-year degree and hold a management position. Many a man has touted that I can be intimidating due to my intelligence and confidence. This used to bother me, but I've since recovered from those assessments knowing that a man like that probably isn't a match. I was also told on a previous job that I needed to "dumb down" to do my job. That was my cue to exit stage left...which I did. Education or intelligence isn't a prohibitor of marriage. Finding like-minded men on the same plane as I'm on is the challenge. And, no, he doesn't need to be a Mensa, but he does need to be able to put together complete sentences and spar wits with me.
2. Waiting until you are past 35 to marry will leave you with an empty womb - Yes, my womb is empty, but I can reach out and grasp a "child" that needs my love and attention in such quantities that I'd never have been able to birth an equal number. Though I am past the age of bearing children, and if I marry, my hubby will get my 100% attention, I encounter young ones of all ages and stages that I can love on. Many come from loving families, but maybe need to talk to someone who is "like a Mom" but has more patience because they aren't under my roof 24/7. Or maybe they don't have a Mom that they can turn to and need someone who will befriend them and speak wisdom and love them all the same. Not having a child of my own was God's Plan. May I embrace the ones around me I can love and not consider it part of my failure to marry before the age of 35.
3. Someone over 40 would be happier as part of a couple, even with a nice bore of a husband - Let's be honest here, I'm writing a blog post on a Saturday night when I could be sitting in my recliner reading or watching a movie in silence with my nice bore of a husband who can't carry on a conversation. Hmmm, yep, that's how I want to spend my evenings. Not. The excitement of marriage to me is the thrill of someone who challenges me on every level - spiritually, emotionally, intellectually - and that I can't wait to share every moment with. Many have told me I have high aspirations (as would Ms. Gottlieb if she heard my claims) and I'll change my tune the day I ever do marry. We'll see when that happens. Remember when you waited oh so long for something and once you got it, you treasured it like pure gold? Yeah, that's how I see a future husband. I've waited a long time...he'll be cherished and treasured.
4. You need to be selfless and humble in marriage - Hallelujah!! Ms. Gottlieb got one right!! So many times when I ponder being married, I really pray and ask God to prepare me to give up my selfishness and pour my life out first to Him and then to my husband. It has helped that as I've gotten older and matured, I've learned more about what being selfless means. You see, the picture of marriage is merely a picture of the gospel. Christ gave His all for the Church, His Bride. We honor our earthly husbands because they, like Christ, would give their lives for us. If my husband is seeking to please God above all else, and is willing to die for me, why would I not want to give up the "me" to be his helpmeet? Ms. Gottlieb, there is some wisdom in waiting to marry. We learn life lessons that will equip us to be better wives to the right husbands.
I suppose if I never marry, you can inscribe on my tombstone "She was the eternal romantic that never married." And, Ms. Gottlieb, maybe I have too high of standards and am too picky, but I've seen the fairy tale in real life and believe in it. So, I'll just enjoy the blessed life I have and hope that one day I'll marry my lobster.
If I'm anything, I'm opinionated, and so it appears Ms. Gottlieb is also. After reading this article, which refuted her claims with real stats, I simply had to blog my ruminations on this after a day of digestion. From a 40-year-old single gal, here is my response to her suggestion that I've been too picky and need to settle...
1. Being "hypereducated" has given me the tendency to stay single too long - I wouldn't say I'm hypereducated, but I have completed a four-year degree and hold a management position. Many a man has touted that I can be intimidating due to my intelligence and confidence. This used to bother me, but I've since recovered from those assessments knowing that a man like that probably isn't a match. I was also told on a previous job that I needed to "dumb down" to do my job. That was my cue to exit stage left...which I did. Education or intelligence isn't a prohibitor of marriage. Finding like-minded men on the same plane as I'm on is the challenge. And, no, he doesn't need to be a Mensa, but he does need to be able to put together complete sentences and spar wits with me.
2. Waiting until you are past 35 to marry will leave you with an empty womb - Yes, my womb is empty, but I can reach out and grasp a "child" that needs my love and attention in such quantities that I'd never have been able to birth an equal number. Though I am past the age of bearing children, and if I marry, my hubby will get my 100% attention, I encounter young ones of all ages and stages that I can love on. Many come from loving families, but maybe need to talk to someone who is "like a Mom" but has more patience because they aren't under my roof 24/7. Or maybe they don't have a Mom that they can turn to and need someone who will befriend them and speak wisdom and love them all the same. Not having a child of my own was God's Plan. May I embrace the ones around me I can love and not consider it part of my failure to marry before the age of 35.
3. Someone over 40 would be happier as part of a couple, even with a nice bore of a husband - Let's be honest here, I'm writing a blog post on a Saturday night when I could be sitting in my recliner reading or watching a movie in silence with my nice bore of a husband who can't carry on a conversation. Hmmm, yep, that's how I want to spend my evenings. Not. The excitement of marriage to me is the thrill of someone who challenges me on every level - spiritually, emotionally, intellectually - and that I can't wait to share every moment with. Many have told me I have high aspirations (as would Ms. Gottlieb if she heard my claims) and I'll change my tune the day I ever do marry. We'll see when that happens. Remember when you waited oh so long for something and once you got it, you treasured it like pure gold? Yeah, that's how I see a future husband. I've waited a long time...he'll be cherished and treasured.
4. You need to be selfless and humble in marriage - Hallelujah!! Ms. Gottlieb got one right!! So many times when I ponder being married, I really pray and ask God to prepare me to give up my selfishness and pour my life out first to Him and then to my husband. It has helped that as I've gotten older and matured, I've learned more about what being selfless means. You see, the picture of marriage is merely a picture of the gospel. Christ gave His all for the Church, His Bride. We honor our earthly husbands because they, like Christ, would give their lives for us. If my husband is seeking to please God above all else, and is willing to die for me, why would I not want to give up the "me" to be his helpmeet? Ms. Gottlieb, there is some wisdom in waiting to marry. We learn life lessons that will equip us to be better wives to the right husbands.
I suppose if I never marry, you can inscribe on my tombstone "She was the eternal romantic that never married." And, Ms. Gottlieb, maybe I have too high of standards and am too picky, but I've seen the fairy tale in real life and believe in it. So, I'll just enjoy the blessed life I have and hope that one day I'll marry my lobster.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Is The Shower Running?
Those that know me best know that I appear to continually be doing laundry. I'm not sure if that is a sign I'm extremely clean or extremely dirty. Though the taunting may come from friends that I never stop doing laundry, I really don't do it quite as much as it seems. I try to whip it all out on a Saturday, but when life gets too busy, my chore leaks over into the work week causing the "one load a day " syndrome to slow me down. This very thing happened to me a few weeks ago.
I had worked a long day, came home, finished dinner and decided to sit down and watch a movie while my final load of laundry was doing its thing. I loaded up the washer, started it up and headed to the den to wrap up in my blanket while Whirlpool did my work. I hadn't been relaxed for long when I heard the oddest noise. It didn't sound like the washer running, but the shower running. Since I lived alone I deduced that either a stranger had snuck in my house and was showering or there was something seriously wrong going on in the laundry room. As much as a stranger in my shower would have freaked me out, I think I'd taken that over what I found.
My laundry room is located between my kitchen and garage. As I walked toward the laundry room to check things out, right at the door I was greeted with a flood of water. Oh happy day, my washer is overflowing. I slopped through the water (thankfully it wasn't sewer water, which I have encountered in my laundry room before. One word: Ewww) to turn things off and check out the situation. The washer wasn't draining and being the non-mechanically inclined girl that I am, I had no idea why. So what's a single girl to do? Call Dad and ask him how I should troubleshoot. After some wise direction, I sopped up the water with a ka-zillion towels and my mop and inspected the drains to see what I could see. Moving a washer full of water and soaked clothes is like moving a mountain. I felt very Hulk-ish that I could budge it at all. Nothing I could see seemed awry, so step one was to clean up the mess and call the plumber to first check for plugs somewhere. If there weren't any plugs, chances were good I was on the road to purchasing a new washer. Granted my washer is 11 years old, but in my world those things should last for at least 30 years.
Two days later the very nice plumber came to check things out. I always try to act very confident about things when repairmen come calling. I figure if I play too dumb, they'll take me for an easy target to sell me ocean front property in Tennessee. Of course, this could be why no single, cute repairmen have ever asked for my digits. I appear to independent and strong. I probably should twirl my curls more or at least play up my sweet southern voice. But I digress. I explained to Mr. Plumber what had happened, what I had done and where things stood at the moment. He was very nice and as he drained the washer it didn't leak...like it was some magic plumber Midas touch that made Mr. Whirlpool too frightened to act up in front of a professional. After checking all the various drains and ensuring they were fine, he surmised that this was a fluke. He informed me that older washing machines were equipped with lint traps, similar to dryers. But, a few years ago they quit including lint traps in washers and sometimes a plug of lint will get stuck in the pipe drain and requiring a good flush to clear. Since he was able to run my washer through two cycles without a drip of a leak, he was pretty certain it wasn't the washer. I was relieved. And happy to pay the plumber's fee to not have to pay for a new washer. I've run the machine quite a few times since without any flood faux pas.
After the slight interruption to my life was over, I began to reflect on the experience. I see every experience as a great time for learning. Even in a flooded laundry room, I ask God, "Ok, what are You trying to teach me?" I was reminded that as I go through my life, if I don't have a good flow of the Living Water through my spiritual veins, I'll get plugged up. When I'm not spending time in prayer, in His Word and seeking His Will for my life, it's like the icky lint that got holed up in my pipe drain. That lint is like my sin that keeps the water from cleansing me and refreshing me...it just flows out and I get no benefit. Just a mess to clean up. Thankfully, His Living Water is refreshing and can cleanse me if I'll let Him really flow through me. From there, my heart is what overflows...in a very good way. Though our sufferings here are simply light afflictions, may my heart overflow with Living Water and be refreshed so that others may see Him.
"For as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so our comfort overflows through Christ." - 2 Corinthians 1:5
I had worked a long day, came home, finished dinner and decided to sit down and watch a movie while my final load of laundry was doing its thing. I loaded up the washer, started it up and headed to the den to wrap up in my blanket while Whirlpool did my work. I hadn't been relaxed for long when I heard the oddest noise. It didn't sound like the washer running, but the shower running. Since I lived alone I deduced that either a stranger had snuck in my house and was showering or there was something seriously wrong going on in the laundry room. As much as a stranger in my shower would have freaked me out, I think I'd taken that over what I found.
My laundry room is located between my kitchen and garage. As I walked toward the laundry room to check things out, right at the door I was greeted with a flood of water. Oh happy day, my washer is overflowing. I slopped through the water (thankfully it wasn't sewer water, which I have encountered in my laundry room before. One word: Ewww) to turn things off and check out the situation. The washer wasn't draining and being the non-mechanically inclined girl that I am, I had no idea why. So what's a single girl to do? Call Dad and ask him how I should troubleshoot. After some wise direction, I sopped up the water with a ka-zillion towels and my mop and inspected the drains to see what I could see. Moving a washer full of water and soaked clothes is like moving a mountain. I felt very Hulk-ish that I could budge it at all. Nothing I could see seemed awry, so step one was to clean up the mess and call the plumber to first check for plugs somewhere. If there weren't any plugs, chances were good I was on the road to purchasing a new washer. Granted my washer is 11 years old, but in my world those things should last for at least 30 years.
Two days later the very nice plumber came to check things out. I always try to act very confident about things when repairmen come calling. I figure if I play too dumb, they'll take me for an easy target to sell me ocean front property in Tennessee. Of course, this could be why no single, cute repairmen have ever asked for my digits. I appear to independent and strong. I probably should twirl my curls more or at least play up my sweet southern voice. But I digress. I explained to Mr. Plumber what had happened, what I had done and where things stood at the moment. He was very nice and as he drained the washer it didn't leak...like it was some magic plumber Midas touch that made Mr. Whirlpool too frightened to act up in front of a professional. After checking all the various drains and ensuring they were fine, he surmised that this was a fluke. He informed me that older washing machines were equipped with lint traps, similar to dryers. But, a few years ago they quit including lint traps in washers and sometimes a plug of lint will get stuck in the pipe drain and requiring a good flush to clear. Since he was able to run my washer through two cycles without a drip of a leak, he was pretty certain it wasn't the washer. I was relieved. And happy to pay the plumber's fee to not have to pay for a new washer. I've run the machine quite a few times since without any flood faux pas.
After the slight interruption to my life was over, I began to reflect on the experience. I see every experience as a great time for learning. Even in a flooded laundry room, I ask God, "Ok, what are You trying to teach me?" I was reminded that as I go through my life, if I don't have a good flow of the Living Water through my spiritual veins, I'll get plugged up. When I'm not spending time in prayer, in His Word and seeking His Will for my life, it's like the icky lint that got holed up in my pipe drain. That lint is like my sin that keeps the water from cleansing me and refreshing me...it just flows out and I get no benefit. Just a mess to clean up. Thankfully, His Living Water is refreshing and can cleanse me if I'll let Him really flow through me. From there, my heart is what overflows...in a very good way. Though our sufferings here are simply light afflictions, may my heart overflow with Living Water and be refreshed so that others may see Him.
"For as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so our comfort overflows through Christ." - 2 Corinthians 1:5
Monday, January 03, 2011
Ringin' in the New Year
I have spent New Year's Eve in a myriad of ways over the years. As a small child, I remember watching Guy Lombardo with my parents and thought that's what everyone did on New Year's Eve. As I got older, the evening's events got a bit more exciting. Except for the one year I had the flu and watched the ball drop while wrapped up in a bundle of blankets and robes shivering to death. I've danced in parking lots in single digit weather...I've videotaped the evening that would have certainly earned my cohorts in crime a shot at America's Funniest Video...and other assorted antics that would require blackmail money provided by one of my handlers who could provide the dirt (Right, Alisa?). Very rarely have two years ever been the same, and that makes for great anticipation of the fun to come.
This year I was invited to a couple of parties, but had a friend (Ashley P...the "P" because I have many Ashleys in my life...and because she is a "P"sychiatrist) call to let me know she'd be coming to town for the weekend and wanted to get together for the evening. I met Ashley back in the Spring and shortly after she unfortunately moved back to her hometown of Owensboro to take a job there. Much was my delight when she was game to spend some girl time with me and our friend, Christie, for the new year. Ashley misses Louisville and the city life here, so it was win-win for all of us. And so began another New Year's Eve unlike any other.
Ashley's only request was that she remain "blissfully unaware" that it was New Year's Eve. You see, for those of you out there that are married, or dating and haven't spent many New Year's Eves solo, this is much like the junior Valentine's Day. It's a very couples-oriented holiday. My celebrations have all been so random and quirky, I've not thought too much about that, but completely understood Ashley's request. You don't want a kiss at midnight to be from a family member or some stranger who is looking for a good time. If it's not a meangingful kiss from your beloved, you prefer the "blissfully unaware" plan. We started the evening at Macaroni Grill for some delicious Italian cuisine. What tops off a good meal? A trip to the Homemade Pie Kitchen. For those of you outside of Louisville, this wonderful local franchise provides delectable treats from pies to cookies to ice cream. We enjoyed some Dutch Apple with Caramel Pie, Chess Pie and Peanut Butter Fudge ice cream. Diets didn't resume until 2011, so we had a guiltless indulgence.
From our food ventures, it was a complete girl evening as we were off to the movies to see Tangled, the latest (and supposedly last...sniff, sniff) princess movie from Disney. In classic Disney style, this movie was well done. The story line was engaging and the music was simply beautiful. Disney seems to always get it right with matching voices to characters with Mandy Moore as Rapunzel and Zach Levi as Flynn Ryder. I could see it again, and bought the soundtrack on iTunes, if that is any indicator of my love of this movie. It was a wonderful way to ring out the old and bring in the new.
After the movie, we all parted ways "blissfully unaware" that in about 45 minutes the clock would strike midnight and a new year would be upon us. I drove home dodging drunks and made it home about 10 minutes before I watched Dick Clark countdown the last minute of 2010. Thanks to technology I was able to ring in the year via text and cell phone with those nearest and dearest to me that I couldn't be with at midnight. And another new year is here.
It was a great way to ring in the new year and different from all the rest. I strive to be unconventional. Look out New Year's Eve 2011!
This year I was invited to a couple of parties, but had a friend (Ashley P...the "P" because I have many Ashleys in my life...and because she is a "P"sychiatrist) call to let me know she'd be coming to town for the weekend and wanted to get together for the evening. I met Ashley back in the Spring and shortly after she unfortunately moved back to her hometown of Owensboro to take a job there. Much was my delight when she was game to spend some girl time with me and our friend, Christie, for the new year. Ashley misses Louisville and the city life here, so it was win-win for all of us. And so began another New Year's Eve unlike any other.
Ashley's only request was that she remain "blissfully unaware" that it was New Year's Eve. You see, for those of you out there that are married, or dating and haven't spent many New Year's Eves solo, this is much like the junior Valentine's Day. It's a very couples-oriented holiday. My celebrations have all been so random and quirky, I've not thought too much about that, but completely understood Ashley's request. You don't want a kiss at midnight to be from a family member or some stranger who is looking for a good time. If it's not a meangingful kiss from your beloved, you prefer the "blissfully unaware" plan. We started the evening at Macaroni Grill for some delicious Italian cuisine. What tops off a good meal? A trip to the Homemade Pie Kitchen. For those of you outside of Louisville, this wonderful local franchise provides delectable treats from pies to cookies to ice cream. We enjoyed some Dutch Apple with Caramel Pie, Chess Pie and Peanut Butter Fudge ice cream. Diets didn't resume until 2011, so we had a guiltless indulgence.
From our food ventures, it was a complete girl evening as we were off to the movies to see Tangled, the latest (and supposedly last...sniff, sniff) princess movie from Disney. In classic Disney style, this movie was well done. The story line was engaging and the music was simply beautiful. Disney seems to always get it right with matching voices to characters with Mandy Moore as Rapunzel and Zach Levi as Flynn Ryder. I could see it again, and bought the soundtrack on iTunes, if that is any indicator of my love of this movie. It was a wonderful way to ring out the old and bring in the new.
After the movie, we all parted ways "blissfully unaware" that in about 45 minutes the clock would strike midnight and a new year would be upon us. I drove home dodging drunks and made it home about 10 minutes before I watched Dick Clark countdown the last minute of 2010. Thanks to technology I was able to ring in the year via text and cell phone with those nearest and dearest to me that I couldn't be with at midnight. And another new year is here.
It was a great way to ring in the new year and different from all the rest. I strive to be unconventional. Look out New Year's Eve 2011!
Monday, December 27, 2010
2010 Reflections and Lessons Learned
It seems like just yesterday I was composing the 2009 year in review, yet here I am reflecting back on the year that almost is history. I haven't blogged as much this year because my life has seemed to accelerate to mach 10 speed with my hair on fire (thanks to my writing mentor, Amy, for that visual) But just because I didn't blog as much didn't mean my life wasn't as full and glorious as ever. To recap it would take way too much time for a wordy gal like myself, so I'm going to hit the highlights. For those that are faithful readers and active participants in my life, some of these may be a memory for you too.
I was privileged to speak at conferences twice this year and published in my first book - One of my dreams has been to do public speaking on a regular basis and to write more (books, devotions, etc.). This year I saw that dream come to reality. At the very time I really wasn't pursuing it. I spoke at my church's women's conference in March and at a Women's Brunch at a friends' church in Knoxville. I never tire of speaking to and teaching women. I am blessed FAR more by their stories afterwards of how God is working in their lives than they will ever be blessed by what I say. If I ever questioned my passion, it got squelched in September after the brunch. I talked to women who were in tears, sharing their hurts, sharing how God was breaking them to make them better. I sat for over an hour listening, crying and praying with those women. I am blessed. This summer, I was published in a Psalms devotional published by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I am May 23! Not only was that a blessing, but an honor to be on the pages alongside seminary graduates, professors' wives, and women much farther along their journey than I. Lesson learned: Give God your dreams and He'll make them reality in His Time.
My office moved locations in March - Newsflash: I love my job!! Anyone who knows me is fully aware of my adoration for what I do even though there are days when I'm ready to lose my mind. But the one downside of my job was the downtown location. Not a downside for everyone, but for me, the 30-45 one-way commute was a buzz kill. Our offices are now located 10-15 minutes from my home and we have our own parking lot. Having your own parking lot is taken for granted when you park in a parking garage everyday and have to walk down a wind tunnel passing Mrs. Gulch and Toto flying by you. We now have a beautiful office with "real" furniture and more space. Good thing because for 2011 we're projecting to grow revenue by 30%. Lesson Learned: Never take for granted the little things or the things that you love, even when they are frustrating at times.
I have traveled 6 out of 12 months this year - When I looked over my year, I was shocked to see how often I traveled. Granted, they weren't all week-long epic excursions, but still wonderful trips. I went from Virginia to Florida and many points in between. I had one trip to Alabama I canceled or I would have traveled 7 out of 12 months. Some business, some pleasure, but all trips were enjoyable and full of funny stories. (Welcome to my life!) I used to travel a lot for my job about 10 years ago and that got wearisome. But I now am trained to pack quickly and actually get antsy when I don't have a trip planned, no matter how quick a jaunt. Being the competitive soul, I suppose I'll be trying to shoot for 7 out of 12 this year. Lesson Learned: There is no place like home, but a good trip can be refreshing for the soul.
I became a bit more gadgety this year - In June I ordered a Kindle. I love to read and unless I want to have my own library, all these actual books are taking up way too much space. I love the Kindle for travel (see above) because that one device can hold a ton of books. I also became the lucky recipient of an iPod Nano Touch at our company Christmas lunch. I've been too cheap to buy an iPod. I listen to Pandora, so I find no need to "buy" tunes when I have that variety. Now that I've won this iPod, I owe iTunes my next paycheck, I think. I admit freely that I'm a tech geek, and each year, I seem to get a bit geekier. Lesson Learned: The world as we know it is changing and we'll be like the Jetsons in no time.
This year went by blustery fast and sprinkled along with unexpected blessings - Last Christmas, I took my team of three out to lunch and told them that according to the plan, I wouldn't be manager to all of them in the coming year. That all changed. As I took my team of four out to lunch this Christmas, I recounted that statement (with the additional person) and the fact that I'm hiring three more people for 2011. Never in my dreams would I have expected that, but it's a very good thing. That is just one example of the year I've had in 2010. Life moving along like a stream of water that flows, and though some ripples flowed over craggy rocks, it just made the journey more exciting. In the end, I've had a great year...one of the best yet. Were there times I wouldn't have said that this year? Most definitely. As I face 2011, I can face it with fear and trepidation thinking about the unknown, or with high expectations knowing that no matter what the road, in the end, it will be a great year. Lesson Learned: God uses all things - the bad and the good - and works them together for our good. In that, I truly find comfort.
I was privileged to speak at conferences twice this year and published in my first book - One of my dreams has been to do public speaking on a regular basis and to write more (books, devotions, etc.). This year I saw that dream come to reality. At the very time I really wasn't pursuing it. I spoke at my church's women's conference in March and at a Women's Brunch at a friends' church in Knoxville. I never tire of speaking to and teaching women. I am blessed FAR more by their stories afterwards of how God is working in their lives than they will ever be blessed by what I say. If I ever questioned my passion, it got squelched in September after the brunch. I talked to women who were in tears, sharing their hurts, sharing how God was breaking them to make them better. I sat for over an hour listening, crying and praying with those women. I am blessed. This summer, I was published in a Psalms devotional published by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I am May 23! Not only was that a blessing, but an honor to be on the pages alongside seminary graduates, professors' wives, and women much farther along their journey than I. Lesson learned: Give God your dreams and He'll make them reality in His Time.
My office moved locations in March - Newsflash: I love my job!! Anyone who knows me is fully aware of my adoration for what I do even though there are days when I'm ready to lose my mind. But the one downside of my job was the downtown location. Not a downside for everyone, but for me, the 30-45 one-way commute was a buzz kill. Our offices are now located 10-15 minutes from my home and we have our own parking lot. Having your own parking lot is taken for granted when you park in a parking garage everyday and have to walk down a wind tunnel passing Mrs. Gulch and Toto flying by you. We now have a beautiful office with "real" furniture and more space. Good thing because for 2011 we're projecting to grow revenue by 30%. Lesson Learned: Never take for granted the little things or the things that you love, even when they are frustrating at times.
I have traveled 6 out of 12 months this year - When I looked over my year, I was shocked to see how often I traveled. Granted, they weren't all week-long epic excursions, but still wonderful trips. I went from Virginia to Florida and many points in between. I had one trip to Alabama I canceled or I would have traveled 7 out of 12 months. Some business, some pleasure, but all trips were enjoyable and full of funny stories. (Welcome to my life!) I used to travel a lot for my job about 10 years ago and that got wearisome. But I now am trained to pack quickly and actually get antsy when I don't have a trip planned, no matter how quick a jaunt. Being the competitive soul, I suppose I'll be trying to shoot for 7 out of 12 this year. Lesson Learned: There is no place like home, but a good trip can be refreshing for the soul.
I became a bit more gadgety this year - In June I ordered a Kindle. I love to read and unless I want to have my own library, all these actual books are taking up way too much space. I love the Kindle for travel (see above) because that one device can hold a ton of books. I also became the lucky recipient of an iPod Nano Touch at our company Christmas lunch. I've been too cheap to buy an iPod. I listen to Pandora, so I find no need to "buy" tunes when I have that variety. Now that I've won this iPod, I owe iTunes my next paycheck, I think. I admit freely that I'm a tech geek, and each year, I seem to get a bit geekier. Lesson Learned: The world as we know it is changing and we'll be like the Jetsons in no time.
This year went by blustery fast and sprinkled along with unexpected blessings - Last Christmas, I took my team of three out to lunch and told them that according to the plan, I wouldn't be manager to all of them in the coming year. That all changed. As I took my team of four out to lunch this Christmas, I recounted that statement (with the additional person) and the fact that I'm hiring three more people for 2011. Never in my dreams would I have expected that, but it's a very good thing. That is just one example of the year I've had in 2010. Life moving along like a stream of water that flows, and though some ripples flowed over craggy rocks, it just made the journey more exciting. In the end, I've had a great year...one of the best yet. Were there times I wouldn't have said that this year? Most definitely. As I face 2011, I can face it with fear and trepidation thinking about the unknown, or with high expectations knowing that no matter what the road, in the end, it will be a great year. Lesson Learned: God uses all things - the bad and the good - and works them together for our good. In that, I truly find comfort.
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