Once again I've been thinking about posting, even sat down to do it a couple of times, but obviously the follow through wasn't there. I've been struggling a bit about the content of my blog and how relevant (or not) it is for others. If it's just for me, I could do a journal. Many blogs that I see are theme based, like "Moving to Merida". It's true that the name of my blog suggests an informal chat that could be about a myriad of subjects depending on the day, mood or obsession of the moment! :) I just want it to be real but not boring either! My life is not fast paced. I'm very content in life, but is there interest for others about my general musings? There hasn't been much chatting on the blog but perhaps my writing does not invite interaction. If I wrap it all up in a package then what's to comment on? But then maybe that's not the point either! Perhaps the nature of blogs is just to put out the 'musings' into the cosmic void for whatever the result might be. Do I even need to know if anyone is 'listening'?!
When I started this blog I was a missionary in Poland. It was another avenue for people to get to know me and my life there, something other than the periodic newsletters. I'm not a missionary anymore, at least not one living in a foreign country. Since the purpose for which I started this blog is over, am I done?
I guess bottom line I wonder if any of this holds interest. I know I have to figure out what I think and feel about this. If people are reading, don't feel compelled to respond. Of course if you do want to write, please feel free!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
People
I changed my "about me" just a bit, made me think. Architecture school does seem so long ago! I suppose as one gets older that is the constant state of things, I'm sorry to say! :o I loved Arch school although it was exhausting most of the time. I learned a lot and felt like I was accomplishing something. I guess that's still true in a way and I won't take anything from that time. Absolutely no regrets even though I no longer work in the field, nor really have any desire to do so. I still love art and architecture but there's so much more to life. Back then (just to get through) I was consumed by it all. Now, I can just enjoy it, but people are where I'd rather put my focus. Do I get frustrated by people? Hurt? Shocked? Saddened? Oh yeah! But there's so much richness, things to learn (about myself and others), depth and soul involvement that it makes it all worthwhile.
There's no doubt I have my moments ... like just last week - I hate the feeling of being misjudged, written off - but it happens. I need to process through all those emotions. One of the reasons that God gave me the opportunity to marry Brian was so I could become a nicer person. :) Due to all of Brian's life experiences, he usually has a different way I can look at people. He is more gracious and I need him in my life!! Good thing I snatched up the opportunity and said - Yes!
People certainly make life interesting! I'm getting better at processing through all my feelings so I don't hold on to any hurt or disappointment. If I try to limit those feelings, block them or stuff them then I'm more likely to also limit hope and joy. Besides, I really do like people!!
There's no doubt I have my moments ... like just last week - I hate the feeling of being misjudged, written off - but it happens. I need to process through all those emotions. One of the reasons that God gave me the opportunity to marry Brian was so I could become a nicer person. :) Due to all of Brian's life experiences, he usually has a different way I can look at people. He is more gracious and I need him in my life!! Good thing I snatched up the opportunity and said - Yes!
People certainly make life interesting! I'm getting better at processing through all my feelings so I don't hold on to any hurt or disappointment. If I try to limit those feelings, block them or stuff them then I'm more likely to also limit hope and joy. Besides, I really do like people!!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Spending Money!
Well perhaps it's appropriate that I'm going to write about spending money after my previous post! We are doing a small remodel of the 2 guest bathrooms - a half bath downstairs and a full bath upstairs. It's nothing incredibly extensive. New countertops, sinks, faucets and lighting along with painting, those are on the agenda. I'm thrilled to make the half bath a little more functional, let alone to bring the look of both bathrooms out of the 80s!
Our taste in not dissimilar but I think sometimes we surprise one another with what we come up with. The choice of sinks is one example. OK, maybe you don't want all the nitty, gritty details of how the sinks got chosen!! Basically, Brian's choice got selected for the half bath and my choice for upstairs. His choice was so much better than mine would have been, and the upstairs is going to look great too!! It's fun and I can't wait to see the finished product. It's only lighting and paint colors left to chose. I'm so glad we are getting our feet wet with remodeling on a small scale. The master bath and kitchen need to be done but that won't be for a couple of years as we store up money for it.
If I remember maybe I'll post pictures!
Our taste in not dissimilar but I think sometimes we surprise one another with what we come up with. The choice of sinks is one example. OK, maybe you don't want all the nitty, gritty details of how the sinks got chosen!! Basically, Brian's choice got selected for the half bath and my choice for upstairs. His choice was so much better than mine would have been, and the upstairs is going to look great too!! It's fun and I can't wait to see the finished product. It's only lighting and paint colors left to chose. I'm so glad we are getting our feet wet with remodeling on a small scale. The master bath and kitchen need to be done but that won't be for a couple of years as we store up money for it.
If I remember maybe I'll post pictures!
Saturday, May 07, 2011
M.I.M
The topic of money is bound to come up sooner or later. It's impossible to completely remove oneself from it's sphere of influence. I suppose someone might disagree with me but then I'm not a backwoods, living off the grid type of person! I do like my creature comforts, like indoor plumbing!! Money certainly can give varying degrees of freedom but at the same time can also twist us up in knots.
The aspect I'm zeroing in on is Money, Independence and Marriage, or MIM for short! : ) Surprisingly enough, or not, being one in finances was/is one of the biggest adjustments for me in married life. Why? Hmmm... At first, it was difficult to even remember that I needed to consult Brian on some purchases that were out of the ordinary. How were the monthly expenses going? Did it fit in the budget at this time? Brian isn't tight fisted at all but there is only so much money that comes in monthly! As a single person, if there was money in the bank - why not!? A budget? Only I had to suffer any consequences of irresponsible spending. I don't think of myself as irresponsible so whether single or married there aren't a lot of problems. This issue is really in my heart and attitude.
The concept of a budget is not an anathema to me, quite the contrary! Knowing limits for types of spending actually gives me more freedom and security. I think it comes down to someone else taking care of me. How is that a bad thing?! It isn't!!!! I just think it tickles at that age old issue of mine called performance based love. I'm not doing enough - guilt. How am I contributing? I can't be pulling my own weight. I don't deserve this because I haven't done anything for it. Peeu - all that stinks!! In reality, whatever Brian and I bring to the marriage of a financial nature really has come from God. I want to share with him just as much as he wants to share with me. I don't want to cheapen God's provision for both of us by keeping tally (of whatever it might be), being burdened by guilt, or the pressure of earning it. God freely gives. I just have to remember from where the blessing is really coming.
It's funny, in both a Ha Ha and strange way, the aspects of life that can trip me up. I can make things so complicated or just plain whacked. I've got to recognize these issues first, but thankfully God is the one to make the adjustments in me so my load truly is light. In addition, I can talk to Brian about anything, even if it's stinky! All in all, thank GOD! : )
The aspect I'm zeroing in on is Money, Independence and Marriage, or MIM for short! : ) Surprisingly enough, or not, being one in finances was/is one of the biggest adjustments for me in married life. Why? Hmmm... At first, it was difficult to even remember that I needed to consult Brian on some purchases that were out of the ordinary. How were the monthly expenses going? Did it fit in the budget at this time? Brian isn't tight fisted at all but there is only so much money that comes in monthly! As a single person, if there was money in the bank - why not!? A budget? Only I had to suffer any consequences of irresponsible spending. I don't think of myself as irresponsible so whether single or married there aren't a lot of problems. This issue is really in my heart and attitude.
The concept of a budget is not an anathema to me, quite the contrary! Knowing limits for types of spending actually gives me more freedom and security. I think it comes down to someone else taking care of me. How is that a bad thing?! It isn't!!!! I just think it tickles at that age old issue of mine called performance based love. I'm not doing enough - guilt. How am I contributing? I can't be pulling my own weight. I don't deserve this because I haven't done anything for it. Peeu - all that stinks!! In reality, whatever Brian and I bring to the marriage of a financial nature really has come from God. I want to share with him just as much as he wants to share with me. I don't want to cheapen God's provision for both of us by keeping tally (of whatever it might be), being burdened by guilt, or the pressure of earning it. God freely gives. I just have to remember from where the blessing is really coming.
It's funny, in both a Ha Ha and strange way, the aspects of life that can trip me up. I can make things so complicated or just plain whacked. I've got to recognize these issues first, but thankfully God is the one to make the adjustments in me so my load truly is light. In addition, I can talk to Brian about anything, even if it's stinky! All in all, thank GOD! : )
Monday, April 25, 2011
Anticipation
There has been a comment that this blog has been rather quiet lately. It's true! This means one of two things, generally speaking. The first - I'm processing something so I don't know what to write yet or it's too overwhelming to try and get it down in black and white. The second - I'm down and don't have the energy to write. April has been more of the first and a bit of the second.
I can tell you this, I'm feeling restless. The fall brought undetermined stirrings; January brought a couple new research directions, and April an acknowledgement of restlessness. All in all, a good progression and I think I need to fasten my seatbelt because it seems a new adventure is about to ensue.
I think the biggest thing I'm learning at the moment is to live in the moment. Brian is much better at this than I am. For some aspects of life, I like knowing the major direction for down the road a couple of years! Then that affects decisions in the present. But if I don't know the plan then I (unnecessarily) handicap myself in present day decision making, i.e. purchases - Do I look for a piece of furniture that we need for this house? Because I don't know if we'll be in this house. Silly I suppose and I put myself in limbo - no one else. I don't know how to live in limbo because I'm not in the present or the future!
I love a good roller coaster. When I'm riding one, I'm never anticipating the curve and drop that's a 100 yards away. Rather, I'm fully experiencing the curve, twist and turn I'm on by being jostled about, holding on and screaming with delight! I've always said I love a good adventure which by nature means I'm never sure what's coming up! Here I go enjoying the anticipation and excitement while living fully in the present!!
I can tell you this, I'm feeling restless. The fall brought undetermined stirrings; January brought a couple new research directions, and April an acknowledgement of restlessness. All in all, a good progression and I think I need to fasten my seatbelt because it seems a new adventure is about to ensue.
I think the biggest thing I'm learning at the moment is to live in the moment. Brian is much better at this than I am. For some aspects of life, I like knowing the major direction for down the road a couple of years! Then that affects decisions in the present. But if I don't know the plan then I (unnecessarily) handicap myself in present day decision making, i.e. purchases - Do I look for a piece of furniture that we need for this house? Because I don't know if we'll be in this house. Silly I suppose and I put myself in limbo - no one else. I don't know how to live in limbo because I'm not in the present or the future!
I love a good roller coaster. When I'm riding one, I'm never anticipating the curve and drop that's a 100 yards away. Rather, I'm fully experiencing the curve, twist and turn I'm on by being jostled about, holding on and screaming with delight! I've always said I love a good adventure which by nature means I'm never sure what's coming up! Here I go enjoying the anticipation and excitement while living fully in the present!!
Saturday, April 02, 2011
A Transcendent Experience!
A truly great coffee is sophisticated yet unassuming, elegant, yet accessible, a transcendent experience to be had everyday - authentic, evocative and true to the moment.
Yes, I'm having my Saturday morning coffee! As discussed previously, that particular weekly coffee tastes better than all the others! Not sure why but... : ) I can't say that the description above is original. It was on the cup of the coffee I purchased yesterday. Thought it worth sharing though. A bit over the top but why not have a little fun!?
Yes, I'm having my Saturday morning coffee! As discussed previously, that particular weekly coffee tastes better than all the others! Not sure why but... : ) I can't say that the description above is original. It was on the cup of the coffee I purchased yesterday. Thought it worth sharing though. A bit over the top but why not have a little fun!?
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Revealing the Most Interesting Man in the World
This is just a fun post. I ran across this link in another blog but thought it "worth" putting here, too. It's not such a valuable video but it certainly has it's funny moments. It can be a bit long but some of his advice at the end is interesting, too. I hope you enjoy it! I don't usually promote commercials but... it does fit with the current Mexican theme!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Coffee and Colonials!
Do the two really go together? Sure! They seem to for this girl! :) By the way, when I talk about colonials it's not the typical American colonial architecture, that leaps to my mind, with a symmetrical front, perhaps a couple of columns and 2 stories. Like this... 
Actually colonial architecture has a few forms in America but the colonials in Mexico are quite different. The facade is generally very plain and flat which reveals nothing about the layout within. Here is one video of one such colonial. It is on the upper end to be sure but there are more expensive ones too. Thankfully there are less expensive as well! I don't know that this is my favorite but it's VERY nice and gives you a flavor of these houses.
Actually colonial architecture has a few forms in America but the colonials in Mexico are quite different. The facade is generally very plain and flat which reveals nothing about the layout within. Here is one video of one such colonial. It is on the upper end to be sure but there are more expensive ones too. Thankfully there are less expensive as well! I don't know that this is my favorite but it's VERY nice and gives you a flavor of these houses.
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