Rollerblading in January!

With the unusually warm weather this winter, Nate and I were able to use his Christmas present much sooner than we had thought.

We decided to get each other something for Christmas that we could use together. Back in October, I already knew what to get Nate!

Back in the summer, before we were dating, Nate and I went rollerblading with some friends on the Rail Trail. Nate has borrowed his dad's rollerblades and seemed to be fine for the whole two miles down, but when we turned around for the two miles back, he was struggling! Our friends went on ahead, but I hung back with Nate as he tried to get the rollerblades to cooperate. I was going so slow, and he was sweating bullets trying to keep up with me! I didn't know what was wrong - could he really be in that bad of shape that he can't rollerblade these four miles?

That's when Nate gave up trying to rollerblade and decided to just run with these awkward rollerblades on his feet! As I continued to slowly skate down the Rail Trail, I tried to keep from laughing - the whole thing was amusing!

Other people were laughing though, and Nate continued on despite their comments: "Well I've never seen that before!" coming from a lady walking as Nate was running in his rollerblades. And a little while later a little girl on a bike looked up and said, "That's not how you rollerblade!"

Nate and I ended up laughing about it, and he was a good sport. Something seemed wrong with the wheels on his dad's skates - they just would not move after the first two miles!

I rollerblade quite a bit, and I thought Nate would enjoy it if he had some skates that actually worked for him. So that's what I got him for Christmas - new rollerblades! We didn't think we would be able to use them until the spring, but today was warm enough to give his new skates a try - and he was able to keep up with me this time!

Finally Jump Roping

I bought a jump rope last February. It has also been in it's original box since February. Until today! I finally took that jump rope out and put it to use!

My friend, Heather, and I have been talking about various forms of exercise, and I told her to get a good jump rope. Although I have no recent experience using a jump rope, I hear they can provide very good cardio! I also figured if Heather got a jump rope, that would motivate me to use mine - and it worked!

I opened up the box and pulled out the jump rope this morning. I had to adjust it to my height, and then I had to find a place with space enough to use it! I was planning to go for a run, so figured some jumping would be a good warm-up. Well, after about 60 seconds, I was out of breath! Not wanting to tire myself out too much before my run, I decided that was enough for today. I was just glad I got that jump rope out of the box!

I went for my run outside. Yes, it's January, but it was 51 degrees, so I ran outside - in SHORTS and a t-shirt! This is not typically the case for January and the winter months, so that's why a jump rope is handy - for indoor workouts!

I found a website through another friend that has some circuit workouts you can do at home. The only equipment you need? A jump rope! I have not tried any of these, but most workouts are 25-30 minutes. Give them a try, and head over to Walmart if you need a jump rope - less than $7 and it will have your heart beating in no time!

No Recent Pictures

I haven't taken any pictures lately which means my Facebook albums and my blog posts have been lacking.

However! This lack of pictures does NOT mean I have not been doing anything! I have been adjusting to life in 2012:

• Back to Class - I am taking a course at the community college for my work. It's called Writing for the Media, and I'm hoping to improve my skills to benefit my newsletter, brochure, advertising, and website efforts. I go to class two mornings a week during work hours, and then finish my day in the office.
• People Interaction - Much of my day at work is spent at my desk staring at a computer screen. That has slowly been changing! Not only does this new class allow me to take some time away from my desk, but I have been taking on some responsibilities with our clients. I am now assisting with pregnancy tests, and I have enjoyed following up with the girls afterwards to see how things are going. I've also had some more interactive opportunities as I spoke in chapel at the school I went to growing up, and I attended a grant writing presentation the other day. I have appreciated these new experiences that bring me away from my desk!
• Nate's Schedule - Nate began working full time at Frito Lay the beginning of this month. Although he was hired as a truck driver, they pulled him into the yard to move trailers around and work full time as a yard jockey. He likes the yard jockey work and has a lot of experience with it, but right now he is working the night shift. This has been a huge adjustment for him, and I have had to learn some flexibility with the time we can spend together. He is not sure how long he will be in this position or have this night shift, as they might move him back to driving truck, so we are taking it a day at a time and praying for patience as we see what the future holds.
• Church Membership - I attended a two week class at my church to help me determine if I wanted to apply for church membership. I have been attending First Baptist since June and hope to become more involved in the ministry. I have appreciated the many relationships I have formed there - many of them encouraging me in my walk with the Lord. It would be great to officially be a part of the family!

So I have no pictures to show for it, but I am doing well and trying to make the most of 2012!

Beauty of the Cross

I heard this song on the radio the other day, and wanted to remember it so I could share it here! Jonny Diaz sings Beauty of the Cross, and the words are just wonderful! I couldn't pick a favorite part of the song, so here are all the lyrics. Take the time to really appreciate them and listen to the song here.

At the cross I find the beauty of Your matchless grace
At the cross I see a King who died to take my place
It's the moment that You made me clean and pardoned my soul
Amazing grace that I would be allowed unto Your throne.
Not by my own will but solely by Your will alone
I'm unworthy of this love you have shown to me
I see my desperate need

The beauty of the cross is that there's One who has redeemed my soul
The beauty of the cross is that I'm finally free and letting go
The beauty of the cross is that Your grace has found me just as I am

Not by my own works that I may boast or I may come
But simply through Your Son the sinless and Exalted One
Only through the cross that I'm made clean to draw near to You
Saved so that You would receive all glory due Your name
Everlasting God from age to age You never change
A true love story remains for all eternity
That all the world would see

The beauty of the cross is that there's One who has redeemed my soul
The beauty of the cross is that I'm finally free and letting go
The beauty of the cross is that Your grace has found me just as I am

My sinful soul could only be
Redeemed by the blood of a sinless King
So You came to the world that You had made
Conquered sin on the cross and You rose from the grave

That's the beauty of the cross

Reality is Sinking In

This picture was on the front page of the newspaper last weekend. This picture is of my neighbor's house - their previous house. See the sold sign in the front yard? Many in our area have decided not to rebuild, but to sell their homes for much less than their original value.

What does this mean for our neighborhood? This picture was also featured in an article online that explains home owners' decisions to sell and what may come of the houses in this area. Check out the article here when you have time.

We decided to stay, but here is what we are realizing as we rebuild:

• Value of our Home - The value of our property will probably never be the same. When we sell our house some day down the road, we will not likely get a great return on our investment as this area will then be known for flooding. With our addition and now rebuilding, much time, effort, and money have been put into this house - what will we get back some day?
• Quality of Furniture - We are still making decisions about what couches, chairs, tables, desks, shelves, etc. to buy. The question is, do we buy quality stuff this time and chance having it all flood again? (Yes, we realized the possibilities of another flood.) How much money do we put toward this project?
• Use of Money - Rebuilding costs money. Lots of money. We have money, but this is not what we thought we would be spending it on at this point in our lives. So then it goes back to - how much money do you spend?

I'm sure deciding to "walk away" and sell your home for a fraction of the value was hard. It's also hard to rebuild. There really is no easy answer to all of those post-flood decisions. We will continue the rebuilding process and trust the Lord's plans for our neighborhood.

Words of Affirmation

A goal this year is to read ten books for fun, and The 5 Love Languages was the first one I finished. It discusses the idea that there are five primary ways to show love to others, and we all give and receive love in different ways. It is key to learn the primary love language of those you are closet to so you can "speak their language" and show them love and appreciation.

The 5 Love Languages that Gary Chapman discusses are:

• Words of Affirmation - written, spoken, emailed, in a text - you like to hear or read meaningful words
• Quality Time - undivided attention and "being there" without any distractions
• Receiving Gifts - especially ones that took effort and thought
• Acts of Service - easing the responsibilities of someone else by saying, "Let me do that for you."
• Physical Touch - hugs, pats on the back, gentle touches on the arm, etc. to show care, concern, and love

I remember hearing about the concept of The 5 Love Languages back in high school youth group. In college, some engaged friends had a Bible study looking at the book. I had an idea of what my love language was, but I was curious, so I took the online quiz, and then I asked for the book for Christmas.

The quiz indicated that my primary love language is words of affirmation. A friend once pointed out that often you give love the same way you like to receive it. I have been known for writing notes to family and friends - affirming their importance in my life through written word. I easily give love this way, and that is how I appreciate receiving it too. I like when people write a thoughtful note in a birthday card, not just leaving it to Hallmark to express well-wishes. I like "just because" emails, and random texts make me smile. I love getting a phone call from a friend, and finding a note in my locker used to be the best part of my day!

Yes, I appreciate the other ways that love is shown, but usually words will stick with me the best.

So how about you? How do you most like to receive love? Learn your Love Language here by taking the quiz!

And then don't be afraid to tell others what is most meaningful to you. Clue family and friends in so they can "speak your language" and show you love.

Future Career?

When I was deciding what to do after graduation, my housemate, Katie, kept telling me stories about her student teaching. I secretly wished I had gone to school for teaching. At this point though, what would I teach? I wouldn't want to teach business, so that's when I thought it would be fun to be a home ec teacher!

I would try new recipes with the students, have a whole unit on crock pot cooking, teach some sewing/craft skills, and even use my business degree to discuss budgets and household management - it would be perfect! I did even take the time to look up information online and found a grad program in Washington State, but now that thought still just remains a dream.

In the mean time, I have been trying new recipes! I made my goal list for 2012, and one is "try 15 new recipes." A little more than one a month - totally doable! I'm ahead of the game as I have already tried three new ones.

I made Pear Bread the other day for my coworkers. It was something new and pretty tasty. Apparently my parents liked it too, because the leftover bread I brought home was gone the next day!

Yesterday, my friend, Sara, came over for lunch. We could have gone out to eat somewhere, but I suggested we make a new recipe together! We decided to make Spicy Fish Soup, and it was really yummy! It's very easy and quite delicious. Here's the recipe if you're interested:

2 cans (14.5 oz each) of chicken broth - I used bullion cubes and just realized I only did 16 oz total - oops!
2.5 cups of water
2/3 cup uncooked instant rice
1.5 cups salsa
1 package (10 oz) frozen corn - my bag was 16 oz, and we just used it all!
1 pound frozen cod, thawed and cut into 2-inch pieces - we used Tilapia

1. In a large saucepan, bring the broth, water, and rice to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the salsa and corn; return to a boil. Add fish.
2. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Sara is at Binghamton University for grad work in education. We decided she can be my home ec assistant and write my lesson plans! She is a self-declared foodie, and food was our main topic of conversation over lunch. We tried our hand at some dessert too - another new recipe from the back of a bag of craisins. We made Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies - a mouthful to say, but not too bad to eat!

I may never really become a home ec teacher, but I do enjoy adding to my portfolio in case that day ever comes!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Mom has been spending much of her time at furniture stores lately, picking up lots of fabric samples and testing out many couches and recliner options. She has also gathered several paint chips and looked at rugs, trying to coordinate everything for our new living room.

With a lot to still figure out for the back room, she was able to make a decision on the paint color for the bathroom and bought the trim needed for the bathroom and kitchen. Now the question is how many coats of stain do we need to get just the shade we are looking for on the trim...?

Mom has also been shopping for doors and organizing what we do have in our house - gearing up for phase 2 of this house project! Our Christmas break us over. The day after New Years Mom had us all taking down the Christmas decorations, saying it was time to get back into house project mode!

Killing Deer - Multiple Deer

I went hunting with Nate toward the beginning of deer season. We drove to his grandma's farm, ate a huge lunch, and then sat out in the woods for about 3 hours. We saw some deer, but nothing worth shooting at. We came home with nothing, but I enjoyed my first hunting experience!

Since we didn't get a deer that time, I wanted to go again - I wanted to have the experience of actually getting a deer! We headed back to his grandma's a couple weeks later. After another yummy meal, we sat in the woods. It was cold. We hardly saw anything. It was getting dark, and I was getting hungry. But then we spotted a deer! We watched it come down closer and closer to us, and then another deer appeared!

I kept an eye on them in my binoculars, while Nate had them in the scope on his gun. I knew I was not allowed to talk, so I kept quiet, wondering if Nate would decide to shoot. Then all of a sudden - BOOM!!! With no warning my ears were blasted as Nate shot the gun. I still had the deer in view with the binoculars, and it was running! What?! Great - he missed. There were two deer to chose from, and he missed. However, the deer only ran a short ways, and then fell over. Dead.

We drove Nate's truck over to the deer. It was getting dark, but Nate got to work gutting it. Gross. It smelled. I was still hungry and feeling a little faint, so I wandered over to the truck looking for a snack. Nate still thinks I couldn't handle the gutting, but I claim that I was simply in need of some nutritional energy - he didn't know about my past history of fainting. I figured he didn't want to deal with me and the deer, so I found a granola bar to snack on while he finished the deer.

Tossing the deer in the truck, Nate was a bloody mess. That meant I had to drive the truck back to the house. The stick-shift truck that I had only driven two other times! I left it in first gear the whole time and really only had to deal with the clutch when I had to hit the breaks to avoid hitting some of his grandma's cows that would not move!

We made it safely back to the house, told our success story of the day, ate another meal, and headed back home. We were driving back roads at night and were blinded by another vehicle at one point. When we could see again, all we could see was a deer. In the middle of the road. About to be plowed over by Nate's truck. BOOM!!! For the second time that day, we killed a deer. Thrown to the side of the road, it was dead. Nate hated to see all that meat just sit on the side of the road, but we didn't have another tag to claim it. Thankfully, Nate's truck handled a deer just fine - if it had been my car, the deer could have been through the windshield and caused so much damage!

So there ya have it - my first successful hunting trip. Now Nate is asking about me getting my hunting license. I asked if that means I would have to gut my own deer - not sure I'm up for that...

Roomies Again

My college roommate, Michelle, now lives and works in Syracuse. She recently moved in to her own apartment, and I visited her the other night. She showed me her new place and explained her plans as she continues to make it her own. We enjoyed just catching up and spending time with each other again.

We went to Dinosaur BBQ for dinner and felt like we were back in college having a crazy adventure together when we couldn't find a good place to grab coffee! After multiple K-turns, we ended up at the grocery store and bought stuff to make a cake. Neither of us had our aprons, but we baked a carrot cake together and ate it that night.

I don't think Michelle knew this, but "bake something with Michelle" was on my list of goals last year. We never made time for it in the dorm, so it was fun to be able to finally do that together!

Michelle has a fireplace, so we enjoyed that and spent the evening talking until we went to bed.

Syracuse was a great stop along the way as I headed to Rochester for an appointment the next morning. After my appointment, I went to campus to have lunch with Jillian and visit with a handful of professors and staff. I also stopped by my aunt's house for a bit to talk, and then I redeemed my birthday dinner coupon and went to the Cheesecake Factory with Honna! Remembering how exhausting these trips to Rochester can be as I catch up with so many people, I kept the trip short and headed home after dinner.

I have enjoyed keeping in touch with friends from Roberts, and I was glad to spend time with some the past couple of days, and even feel like I was back in the dorms for one night! (It was a much classier dorm though, I must say!)

One Last 2011 Trip

By now you should know that I like to travel! I explored quite a few places this year:

• Ecuador
• Cleveland
• Pittsburgh
• Minneapolis
• The Bahamas
• Maryland and Virginia
• Delhi
• Syracuse
• Philadelphia
• The Bean in Chicago
• 4 Corners out west
• The Grand Canyon
• Rochester
• West Virginia
• Canandaigua

Wow! I didn't realize how many places I had been this year! It's fun when you have family and friends all around the country - you can check out new places while catching up on friendships.

My final trip of 2011 was to Niagara Falls. I had never been during the off season and didn't remember much about seeing it at night. Nate and I headed up for the day on Friday. I had never seen the Falls from the American side, so we started there. We hiked the Gorge Trail for a while and then viewed the Falls. The Observation Tower is free during the off season, so we checked that out too! There is a path that loops around to different look-out points by the Falls, so we enjoyed our afternoon walking around and exploring. Eventually, we headed over to Canada for dinner and more views of the Falls. They shine colored lights on the Falls at night, and we saw that from up high on the Sky Wheel! We exchanged Christmas presents while we were in Canada and stayed until the fireworks went off over the Falls.

It was a wonderful trip and a fun way to spend one of the final days of 2011!