bye, february

My February started with a stomach bug in Georgia, and today, it's waving g'bye with torrential rains and a tornado watch in Georgia.

Really, February?  Why so bitter?

I'll tell you what, I'm not bitter today, and here's why:

1. In three short days (never mind the 800-some-odd miles), I'll officially be finished with those dreaded year-end meetings.  YES.
 
2. We've enjoyed some spring-like weather these past couple of weeks, which has been so unexpected, and so welcomed.  (And, it's such a tease, knowing I'm heading into arctic forecasts in Kansas City next week.  Sixty percent chance of snow!)
 
3. I've just spent the most relaxing weekend ever, at home with my folks.
 
4. And I'm about to enjoy some of Dad's specialty seafood (and when I say "specialty," I mean "he has no recipe") to top it off.
 
5. I ate today at Marti's at Midday, a most favorite home-town eating establishment, with two very cool girls.  And was pleasantly surprised to see my aunt there, too!
 
6. Got to celebrate the birthday of a sweet second mom this morning at breakfast.  Such a treat!

Are you sad to hug February good-bye?  Or just plain thrilled to greet March, and the promise of spring?

thankful thursday #15

I've been hosting my Bible study gals a good bit lately, which I love.

And we love the LORD, but we do love some food, too!  So, snacks are always required, and I'm not gonna lie, sometimes I need a quick recipe in a pinch.

I'm thankful today for go-to recipes like this one, that have bailed me out more times than I care to admit!

Boatload of Sour Cream Awesomeness
(named by the lovely Nikol, who has an unhealthy obsession, but deep love nonetheless, for sour cream)

1 16-oz. container sour cream
1 package Ranch dressing mix (Did you know they sell that in bulk now?  Brilliant!)
1 package shredded cheddar cheese
Ruffles potato chips

Mix together the sour cream and Ranch dressing mix.  Add the shredded cheese, and combine.  Serve with your favorite plain potato chips.

Next time you're in a bind, and better yet, hosting picky eaters (ahem, Nikol), this is a good standby.

What are you thankful for today?  Go on, be grateful!

memory lane

"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live.  Teach them to your children, and their children after them."
-- Deuteronomy 4:9

For a God who remembers our sins no more, He is all about some remembering!

In Deuteronomy, the Israelites are standing on the edge of Canaan, about to enter the land promised to them generations before, by the almighty God.

After all they'd endured, after all the years of wandering, after picking up and moving their camps day after day -- with plenty of mistakes along the way, mind you -- they'd been on quite the roller coaster!  And here they are, finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  The land of milk and honey.  The opportunity to exchange their nomadic ways for a life of wealth, and a chance to settle.

Can you even imagine their emotional state?  Fighting exhaustion, but energized by what lay before them.  Anxious and nervous about the uncertainty ahead, but relieved to finally be there.  My heart races at the thought of it!

While they're chomping at the bit, Moses is very aware of the temptations that are on the other side of that river, and he is faithful to pause, and to remember.

He reflects on Israel's history, their journey together, and the LORD's constant provision in their lives.  They remember the Egyptian army's attack, and watching the Red Sea part at just the right time.  They remember starving and thirsting in the dessert, and the manna and quail, and water gushing from a rock, that satisfied.

As believers, we're wise to reminisce, to honor God's faithfulness in our own journeys, and thank Him for His provision and blessings along the way.

Change is a guarantee, but so is God's unchanging nature.  So whether I'm staring the proverbial promised land in the face, or whether I'm wandering in the desert, I want to be faithful to pause, and to remember.

Memory Lane is a sweet stroll!

dear baby

Dear Baby Felton,

On Friday night, your mom and dad started sharing with the world that, God willing, you'll be gracing us with your presence in about six months.  To say we are excited might be one of the biggest understatements of all time!

They live far away, and so they told Mom and me first on Skype (I wonder if you'll even know what that is by the time you're old enough to read this?), so they could see our reactions.  Mom squealed, I laughed, and it was such a sweet, joyous moment to share.

(And I know Dad and Patrick also responded in predictably hilarious fashion, but I didn't get to see them.)

That was all on the outside.

On the inside, I could barely process -- it's taken me two days! -- all that was swirling around in my heart and mind.

Because I'll forever be your practical aunt, I naturally began to wonder at what point I should book a plane ticket to Ft. Lauderdale to meet you.  You're scheduled to arrive sometime around Labor Day weekend, which of course is a busy work weekend for Dad and me, but I'm not stressing out.  We'll meet at exactly the right moment.

And oh, your parents.

Your mom and dad have treasured you in their hearts for almost three months, without telling a soul!  I know it was hard for them, because they are so excited to spread the news, but I'm so glad they got to share that secret together -- just the two of them -- for a spell.

They are one of my most favorite couples, because they love each other so completely.  They are best friends, they laugh together, they've cried together (or at least your mom has!), and they know that even when the other one messes up, forgiveness and commitment are never far away.

Baby, you've got parents who are keepers!

I'm equally excited for Mom and Dad (what will be their grandparent names?!), because they love their kids well, and they will love you just as well.  And I know you will love them back, in the way grandkids do.  And Mom and Dad deserve the chance to experience grand-parenthood.  They really do.

I worry for the world you're entering; it is broken and scary.  I'm not a mom, but I imagine it's a hard time to raise up children to be good and upstanding; to do the right thing, and to treat people well; to ultimately follow Jesus, despite our culture telling you that instant gratification, wealth, and material things will satisfy.

So we'll just pray hard over you, and for the people that will surround you.  And we'll pray that ultimately, God's the One who has the most influence over you.

Until you get here, we will anticipate, and decorate, and celebrate.  We'll wonder whose eyes you'll get, and assume you'll get the best DNA from both your parents, and of course while we can't know any of those things yet, Psalm 139 holds true, and God does know.

But really, we love you already, and just can't wait to meet you!

thankful thursday #14

This time of year is a heavy travel season for me.  In particular, I travel to each client university for year-end presentations and meetings.

Basically, lots of preparation.  Lots of miles.

These seven trips over three weeks are grueling for a homebody like me (two down, five to go!), but seriously, I work with some of the greatest people, and although many miles divide us, these trips give me the opportunity to hug their necks and visit with them in person.

I'm honored to work with these gals because they ...

exercise integrity, always seeking to do the right thing, even when folks aren't looking;

have a bad day, but put on a happy face anyway;

roll up their sleeves -- even in dress clothes -- and do the grunt work that someone's gotta do; and

are obscenely beautiful, inside and out.

Every one of them!  How can I not be thankful?

So despite my travel dread, I'm thankful today that I work with people who I consider friends.

What a blessing, indeed!

What are you appreciating today?  Go on, be grateful!

love at first sight

My aunt (and shoe-shopping mentor) laughs when I retell the story of a day several years ago, when I found a pair of shoes that I know was meant for me.  It was the last pair of its kind on the rack, exactly what I was looking for, just my size, and, most importantly, on sale.

I noted the light that shone down on them from the heavens, and heard the faint chorus of angels from above.  It was glorious.

In the land of retail, I'd describe myself as a practical shopper -- not impulsive, calculating the best possible bargain, and sometimes even requiring a little time to think on a purchase.

But every now and again, love at first sight is a reality.

And it was this weekend!

I fell hard and fast, and bought him right up.



Isn't he so bright and cheery, and welcoming, right inside my door?

Happy Valentine's Day to me!

And to you, too!

thankful thursday #13

Leviticus.  Oh, Leviticus.

As the book of laws for the priests of ancient Israel, it's earned the distinct reputation for being the book that breaks the souls of those folks reading the Bible in its entirity. 

Bible study groups across the planet fall to their knees in fervent prayer as they begin this book, pleading for supernatural strength to endure.

Mine sure did.

But glory to God, we have completed Leviticus, and have come out on the other side alive and well!

Not only am I thankful to be moving into Numbers, but how grateful am I, that I'm living under the new covenant?!  Y'all, the sacrifices required for sins in the Old Testament were in-tense!

Bloody.  Repulsive.

Although many of the rules in Leviticus don't apply to today's believers as they once did, I am humbly grateful for the underlying principles that remain:

The unchanging character of the LORD.

Our need for forgiveness.

The opportunity we have for restored fellowship with God through his son, Jesus.

In other less serious news, I so, so love a good haircut.  Thankful that I got to sit in Candi's chair today!

What are you feeling glad about today?  Go on, be grateful!

go pack

The NFL is nowhere on my list of priorities, but as a food lover, the Superbowl does present a pretty terrific opportunity to break some bread with friends.

How cute are these little Pigs-in-a-Blanket, compliments of the lovely Lori?



The sausages qualified this menu item as our Pittsburgh dish.

And in honor of the 2011 World Champion (does anyone else think that description is a little bit over the top?) Packers, some Cheddar Beer Soup that earned a spot in my recipe file:



For those interested in trying it out -- and if you're like me, not knowing one bit about the kind of beer to use, but braving the beer aisle anyway -- here's the recipe:

Cheddar Beer Soup

4 Tbsp. butter
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
2 small carrots, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 c. flour
2 c. chicken broth
2 c. whole milk
12 oz. light beer (I used a white beer called Hoegaarden -- surely the Germans know?)
3 c. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)
1 Tbsp. sugar
salt and pepper, to taste

1. Melt butter in Dutch oven on medium heat.  Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic.  Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
 
2. Stirring constantly, add flour to the mixture.  Cook about 3 minutes (mixture will clump).
 
3. Continuing to stir constantly, slowly add broth.  Stir and cook until a thick paste forms, about 3 more minutes.
 
4. Slowly add milk and beer, continually stirring.  Cook until foam is gone and soup thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
 
5. Add cheddar, salt, pepper, and sugar.  Simmer on medium-low for 20 minutes.
 
6. Serve topped with extra cheddar as a garnish, and a torn piece of French baguette for scraping up the last bite of goodness in your bowl.

Hope y'all enjoyed the weekend, and topped it off with some tasty munchies, too!

hot and now in the cold and rain

When I was ready to run again, I knew the importance of a motivating goal.  I needed to register for a race that wasn't too long, one that had a little more spunk than your average 5K, and maybe one in a new city to see.

 

Krispy Kreme Challenge?  Yes, please.

It was a hard race for many reasons – coming on the heels of the tummy bug; battling the cold and rain; fighting the urge to yak at the sight of crazies devouring the doughnuts.

And the hills.  Oh, hills of downtown Raleigh, you were not friendly!

You can check out race details here, but here’s what you really need to know:

• Crazy people run this race.  As if scarfing a dozen doughnuts at the mid-point of a four-mile run isn’t enough, they’ll absolutely do it in the 35 degree cold and pouring rain, with their toddlers in strollers.
• The scent of those fresh-baked doughnuts takes on a whole new meaning when you’re running.  You don’t crave them the way you do when you drive by and see the “Hot and Now” sign at your local Krispy Kreme store.  I personally will never again look at a box of glazed doughnuts in the same way.
• The doughnut consumption interchange is complete chaos.  It really does look like this: 

• Post-race conversations with true challengers revealed the breaking point for many is about nine doughnuts.  Participants are feeling confident after polishing off the first five or six, but nine is where the rubber meets the road.  And eating them in stacks of three is, apparently, the way to shave minutes off your time.  (Gag.)
• The boxes do not hold up well in the rain.

Although I didn’t eat the dozen – I didn’t even eat one after the race – I did run the two miles back with the box in hand.

Mine lasted about a mile after the mid-point pick-up, and then as the box tucked under my arm began its disintegration, I felt a few doughnuts escape.  I hoped no one behind me tripped, and then I debated offering the remains to one of the police directing traffic.

I opted instead to push through, in the name of evidence to prove the insanity of it all. 

In the end, the box score looked something like this:

Miles traveled: 1,200 round trip

Race day temperature: 35 degrees

Rainfall: a lot

Personal calories burned: 400-ish
Doughnuts consumed: 0

Doughnuts remaining in the disintegrated box: approximately 7

Ugly-girl laughs: 1

Other giggles: too many to count

War wounds: a little doughnut glaze matted into my fleece 

Worth it?  Yes.

Although, tomorrow the body might tell a different story!

civility

Back in December, I read Choosing Civility by P.M. Forni.  The author is a professor at Johns Hopkins University, and he has spent much of his career studying the significance of civility – how it’s defined, how it’s misunderstood, and how it looks in real life.

It was fascinating.

How do you define civility?  Minding manners?  Following the Golden Rule?  Respecting authority?  Honoring your elders?  Speaking kindly?

I thought all those things qualified as civil behavior.  And they do.

But they don’t define it.

Civility is understanding that every word spoken, and each action executed, has consequences for those living around and in community with us.  With a little bit of foresight, we can conduct ourselves in a way that allows us to live well among others.

At its core, civility is an expression of love. 

Today I traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina, and I’m here to tell you, air travel is where rules of civility are tested beyond imagination.  In Nikol’s words, “I’ve about had my fill of humanity.”

Stay with me, because my goal is to find expressions of civility – seek them out – and share about them on this blog, because civility is good.  It is right.  It is Godly.  It should be recognized.

But after today, I’ll have to share about lessons learned in incivility.  I have to start somewhere.

1.      If you are jamming to tunes on your headphones at the flight gate, and people around you are giving you questioning looks, your volume is too loud.  For the love of all that’s right and good in the world, scale it back.

2.      For all you folks who refuse to check bags, when your “carry-on” doesn’t fit in the overhead bin, newsflash: You hold up the boarding process in unnecessarily annoying ways.  And when you have to return back down the aisle, past all the poor souls in Zones 4 and 5, “bottleneck” doesn’t begin to describe that scenario.

3.      I’ve read that in the world of airplane etiquette, you don’t have to ask permission of the person behind you to recline your plane seat.  Given that civility is about understanding the consequences of your actions as they relate to others, I wholeheartedly disagree.  A polite heads up is considerate.  Heads can be whacked.

4.      It’s just. Not. Necessary.  To have your cell phone on the loudest volume setting while waiting to deplane.  There is wisdom in moderation.

5.      Baggage Claim.  Oh, Baggage Claim, why must you bring out the worst in people?  Friends, note that at baggage claim, every person standing at your carousel is also waiting for a bag, with their own destination, after a long day of travel.  Inconsiderate cut-offs don’t spread the love.

What about you?  Tell me your air travel civility (or incivility) stories.  Come on.  You know you’ve got ‘em.

And keep checking back, because I know there's some civility out there to be shared.

I'm looking forward to finding it!

thankful thursday #12

Twelve weeks of Thankful Thursdays!  It's been a good three months.  So much to be thankful for!

Today I'm snuggled up under warm covers, listening to the freezing rain falling outside.  How happy am I, to be inside, with a roof over my head, and feeling the heat blowing through those vents?  So happy.

Yesterday I was in Atlanta for a catering meeting, with one of my favorite catering partners.  I love them for their great attitudes, their creative minds, and of course, their tasty food!  I was excited to recap last football season over some specialty munchies.

You can imagine my horror when I woke up yesterday with an uneasy tummy and no appetite.  Talk about bad timing!

Turns out, I picked at my food, talked about tailgating food, and battled the nausea as long as I could, but eventually got too sick to stick around.

I'm so thankful for my unexpected visit with Emily, as she took me in for a couple of hours while I recovered from the stomach bug!  It's good to have family strategically located across the southeast, so when you need to duck in and sip a Coke to settle the stomach, they're there to take you in!

And today, not one bit of nausea, praise the Lord!  I don't want to jinx it, but I'm hopeful the bug has passed.  I really need it to be, because I have a Krispy Kreme Challenge to run in two days!

Your turn.  Go on, be grateful!