Great Book

A dear friend recommended this book to me....and then GAVE it to me....so I decided that maybe she was trying to tell me something and that I should actually read it.

I was reluctant at first....

Because, by reading it, I'm admitting to myself that yes---I am pretty darn insecure.

The first chapter was rough, but each subsequent chapter has been getting better and better. The one I read before falling asleep last night really cut to the quick. It's exactly what I need right now.

In other news, Tom and I watched a 2 great documentaries on netflix yesterday---a snow day. One was a National Geographic film on the Appalachian Trail--something I've ALWAYS wanted to experience. Watching it just confirmed my desire....hopefully I can convince my husband to trek three months into the wilderness without the luxury of his razor....

The other one was called "The Spirit of the Marathon" and followed 5 people from different walks of life as they prepared for the Chicago marathon. I know it sounds ridiculous, but tears were welling up as each one crossed the finish line. It is SUCH a statement of accomplishment....especially to those who never would've ever thought they could complete such an amazing distance. It was very encouraging to me...even as Tom and I are training for a 1/2 marathon. It might as well be 26.2 miles....it all sounds pretty daunting to me still! The farthest we have run is 7....and we have an 8 mile coming up next week. Considering I was about to die last week during our 5 mile, who knows how it will go!

It's a good thing Erin gave me that insecurity book....I think I need it now more than ever!

Happy Friday....

Wow

I've assigned myself a list of positive thoughts.

And for your reading pleasure....

1. My husband made dinner two nights in a row...and it was DAMN good.
2. My apartment is clean.
3. I get to take a fun trip to Louisville next week to check out a school.
4. I have a healthy body that can be pushed to physical limits I'd never dreamed of.
5. I am no longer an insecure teenager.
6. I have a day job that I love.
7. I have 6 amazing young ladies as flute students whom I get to teach every week. It warms my heart!
8. We are digging out of debt and watching in amazement as God provides.
9. I get to enjoy the wonderful gift of music God's given me.
10. I have food in my belly, a roof over my head, and a warm bed to sleep in. I am truly blessed.

I'm also looking forward to having some time to sew in the near future...and this blog added to my inspiration. It isn't so much of a sewing project, but rather a frugal decor project. Lord knows I've been jones'n for some CHAIRS in my living room. It's not a lofty goal in life...but it would make having company over a little less awkward. And to be quite honest, I love any kind of project that accomplishes what could be a rather expensive venture for a fraction of the price. I like it!

Funfetti

In case you are wondering where I have gone and whether I ever intend to come back...here is an update:

Things aren't very pretty in my life right now...and rather than writing a bunch of depressing "poor me" posts...I've decided to save those for my personal journal entries and long drawn out pleas to God Himself.

So, I'm unofficially signing off until I have nicer things to sprinkle through all the gloom and doom.

In the meantime, I will wait on answers from God...and attempt to muster up courage to forgive, trust, and love.

Babies and Diapers and Pumps! Oh my!

Please don't fret...

I'm not gone...just very, very busy.

I promise to post again soon.

I know.

You are biting your nails off...

anxiously awaiting my return...

Don't lie.

Really.

You're not fooling anyone.

Psalm 71

In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, o my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of evil and cruel men. For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you. I have become like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your spendor all day long. Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone. For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together. They say, "God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him." Be not far from me, O God; come quickly, O my God, to help me. May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace. But as for me, I will always have hope: I will praise you more and more, My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God., till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you? Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again brng me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again. I will prase you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you--I, whom you have redeemed. My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been but to shame and confusion.

In the times of Tschaikovsky....

So...I was nervous for NOTHING!!

Turns out, the Civic Orchestra is comprised of both professional musicians AND aspiring amateurs such as myself. So...when I sat down by the older gentleman playing the viola (did I see hearing aides?)...I took a deep breath and realized that I was, in fact, NOT in over my head. It was interesting to actually sit in on an orchestra rehearsal and observe string players. It's a WHOLE different world from band, that's for darn sure. The conductor is an oboist...so he was quirky...but with perfect pitch. And that, my friends, was a good time.

Nothing else new going on here...fighting off a nasty three week cold....trying to muster up motivation to keep our apartment clean and my husband fed...happy that it's finally turning cooler...

And SUPER EXCITED that after this week, I might actually, finally, get to spend more time with my husband! Yes, it's true. Marching band has ONE MORE WEEKEND. After which, we are planning on parking our happy butts on the couch with supreme nachos and some really great movies...

All

Day

Long.

It will be GLORious.

I have no idea what great movies...but we will, nontheless, find great movies.

Do you have any suggestions?

new opportunities...old problems

Today I get to rehearse with an orchestra for the VERY FIRST TIME in my life. Since I began playing the flute at age 11, I've dreamed of playing in an orchestra. Unfortunately, the next 12 years of my life were dedicated to BAND. Nothing wrong with band...it just doesn't give me goosebumps like a soaring symphony does. ANYway...here I go. I'm nervous...scared that I'm not in good enough shape...but going forth nontheless.

:)

Sewing for etsy has taking a backseat. Actually, it sadly got dumped out of the car. For the time being, at least. I'm too busy and have too many other things to do when I have free time.

Like selling a bunch of crap very useful things on eBay.