power of the same page

Last night, Dan & I had a brief, but powerful, conversation.  We've always been reading from the same book in life.  But after 10 years, I think we are finally on the same page. 
We've had so many opposite experiences in life, that it's been easy to see things from a completely different point of view.  Some are obvious differences (like me growing up white, middle class in the north and him a bi-racial kid in the deep south).  Others experiences aren't quite so obvious (like different experience with the police & in educational settings). 

In many ways, the differences have been our greatest strength.  We've helped one another see the world differently.  But I think life has forced me to take some significant steps toward him over the last few months, and vice versa.

So I celebrate today.  I celebrate our dedication to loving despite the myriad differences between us.  And I celebrate being on the same page.
 

small steps

Have been taking small steps towards a new happiness.  I've found myself grieving so much of what I miss from CA, that it's been hard to see new things to be excited about.  But I've decided that I've got to make it work . . . one way or another.  So here are a few small steps I'm taking . . .

• I've decided to get lots & lots of sleep lately.  Seems to be working.  Rough on the social side of life, but good for ye ole disposition.  Been heading to bed early, so I can consistently get a full 8 hours of sleep. 
• Taking daily walks - around the building at work, around the lake, to the park with Mahalia or around the block.
• Talking with Dan on the way in to work each day.
• Eating Dan's ridiculously good cooking - and requesting my favorites.
• Sharing things that I'm grateful for with friends.
• Scheduling a few days off for fun stuff - to have something to look forward to.

Grateful for small steps forward.

freakin' thyroid

Due to my thyroid acting up, I haven't been able to exercise (or dance).  And I won't be able to exercise until I can get my thyroid doing better.  I'm ordered to rest, rest, rest.  Walking is the only form of exercise I'm supposed to do for another couple of months.  I don't mind working hard (or rest, for that matter) at all.  But after the hard work, I need FUN people!!!

I need fun like flowers need sunshine, like a cowboy needs a horse, like a party needs balloons!!!  So as you can imagine, this massive restriction is killing me.  (Ok, it's good for me, but it's KILLING me!!!)  I've been to bed early every night this week (& I do mean early - like before 10pm early).  So I'm not falling asleep during the day, but the boredom is awful.

Sooooo . . . . I decided to put together a photo compilation of all of the fun things that have happened in the last 6 weeks to remind myself that I'm not dying after all.

Grandpa's birthday Dinner

Big Buffalo at the State Fair

Cotton Candy at the Fair

Nuts at the party

Ferris Wheel Ride

Love the bling on my new glasses!

Tony's 15th Birthday Dinner Party

Cowboys vs. Vikings

Hammin' it up on his 19th birthday

1st day of soccer

Daily fun with Daddy & Ronald

Date Night - check out Dan's new grill!!!

vista

At work last week, I was on the 40th floor of a building downtown Minneapolis.  When I got out of the elevator & past the reception area, I was stunned to find this view.  I got all emotional.

Given where life has taken me (what has been a downward spiral the last year), I felt like God was trying to show me a different view of life . . . like He was offering me a birds-eye view of what He sees.

I've been so far in the trenches, that I hadn't felt like I would ever be able to dream or see clearly again.  And just.  like.  that . . . . He gives me a new vista.

So I've been wondering, "what's this all about?"  Not sure I've got all the answers I want, but I know I'm still standing.  I know I'm taking small steps forward.  I know I'm not caving into other people's crazy-making.  I know I'm trusting God.  I know I love my husband now more than ever.  I know my daughter is ridiculously happy.  I know God is near.  I know people I wouldn't have expected have showed kindness is simple ways.  I know I've got a place to live.  I know I've got a job . . . at least for today.

I'm proud of myself - really proud.  I've been faced with unbelievable pain, been pushed under wave after wave of life's crushing blows, and yet still I have risen & gotten above water.  I am far more stable than I once was.  I am a great friend.  I have continued to tell the truth kindly - even in the face of harsh judgment.  I know I can survive anything.

So this deep knowing has brought back laughter.  Get a load of this . . .