History All Around

Arwen has been super busy at work, so busy in fact that she had accumulated a lot of comp time that she needed to take.
I have been busy doing a lot of family stuff.  Today she took some comp time, I'm on vacation.
We had been discussing what to do, normally we are up for a big adventure, whether it's a hiking trip, or a getting lost somewhere in Boston.
We weren't really up for a big adventure, we were up for a chill time together.
Recently we were discussing how many major historical sites are right around us, but because they are so close we overlook them.  I thought, instead of a big adventure, we should explore some of the closer things we have overlooked.  I checked into a various and assorted sites near my Auntie's house.

Today we drove just a couple miles to Lowell, MA where we went to the Boott Cotton Mills.

 There is a pretty cool National Park there.  I remember learning about the industrial revolution in history class growing up, I remember reading about mill girls.

Today we saw the actual mills where it all started here in America.  We saw the quarters where the mill girls lived.  We saw the looms actually working.

I know I can be a total nerd with my love for documentaries and all, but it was pretty awesome to go see where major changes in our society actually took place, where inventions that directly affected the way our society functions today were first used.

It was also pretty awesome to have a really chill day with my BFF.

Of course we went into some random shops.  After taking in pretty much all that we could with the cold rain, we went to REI because who doesn't love looking at camping, hiking, snow gear?
It was really great to just be, and to have some conversations that just can't be had over the phone, and to bask in the reality that we live in the same timezone now.

Highway Robbery

$51.20
That is how much money I spent on tolls on the way up here.
Seriously.

I was expecting tolls, I mean, I've driven most of these roads before, but really?
Really Pennsylvania turnpike?

I took out $40 in cash before leaving Kentucky, just to be sure I would have enough for the tolls.
Yeah, funny, because I got to the George Washington Bridge and the toll was $12 and I had $4 left.  So there I am, sitting in my truck, counting out quarters and nickels and dimes that I had been saving for the little tolls when I am going from place to place around New England.  I can feel the drivers behind me getting mad.

"Do you have enough?  We can send you a bill if you don't" says the tollbooth lady.
I wanted to yell "I WOULD HAVE ENOUGH IF YOU PEOPLE DIDN'T CHARGE A BILLION DOLLARS TO DRIVE A MILE."
But I didn't, I just gave her my last couple dimes and said "there that's $12."
"Where are you headed?" she asked
"Massachusetts."
"You know there are going to be more tolls right?"

UM yes I do know that, again, I just didn't expect to have to pay $12 to cross a bridge, it seems like last year it was $6.

That is how my day Monday went.  I found an ATM to get more cash.  I made it up to my brother's town, and watched the parade as I walked to find my niece and nephew and sister in law.  I found them just after my brother drove by in his fire truck and the parade was over.  Oh well.

I enjoyed the quick visit with them.  I learned that my nephew's favorite lunch meat is pastrami, really.  My niece informed me that elegant is the fancy word for fancy.

I made it to my Aunt's before the traffic got so heavy it slowed down.  Arwen and her sister popped in for a quick visit on their way from Boston where they were visiting their grandfather in the hospital.

I was exhausted.  I was thankful to be in close enough proximity to so many important people to me that I could see them all in one day.  But all I could really think about was that I really need EZ pass, but should really wait until I have switched to a bank account and have a permanent address up here.  Oh EZ pass, I look forward to your presence in my life.

Where to after the jump?

Recently while talking with the girls in my Monday night Bible study back in Kentucky, I said that I had courage to step out in faith and trust God, partly because God is trustworthy, and partly because I had courageous friends who went before me.

I had the opportunity over Memorial Day weekend to spend some time with some of those friends.

I've known these friends since my freshman year of college.  She was in my Bible study, he was the cook at camp my first summer there.  They met and fell in love, that is it's own story.

They were living the typical American "dream" working, working, paying for the house, raising the kids, working.  Then God began to direct them in other ways.

They sold their house.

They moved to Spain for 6 months.

Then they ended up north of Philly.

I hadn't seen them since their now 8 year old daughter was just days old.  When I realized that it would be a perfect place to stop and visit on my road trip, I was excited.

It was such a blessing to hang out with them, catch up on life, meet their 3 kids, and mostly hear where God is leading them.

It is so amazing to see a couple who said they would go where He sends them, pick up, and actually go where He is sending them, no road map, no agenda, no master plan.

For now He isn't sending them to a hut in Africa.  For now He has sent them to a missions headquarters where he uses his culinary skills and degree to cook for missionaries about to go out to the field, and those who have given their lives overseas and now need a place to be.

And of course we did some hiking, and eating, and otherwise had fun times.

I don't know what you think, but I think water guns seem like the best way to water the garden.

One thing I really appreciated was the total lack of need to pursue stuff.  No need to eat out, or buy fancy things.  These are people who I know enjoy nice clothes, good food, but they have chosen to leave that behind.  It's not that they don't still enjoy those things, but they are committed to something greater.

.

Another really exciting part of this visit was a side visit out to Lancaster, PA where we were able to meet up with 3 special college girls.  The middle one was a camper in my cabin 12 years ago, she was 7.  It was amazing to chat with them, to hear what God is doing in their lives.

We heard about a recent trip to Uganda! And then of course we went to eat at a restaurant with dutch food and an Amish buggy.

.I loved the lack of awkwardness that sometimes comes when you see friends you haven't seen in a really long time.  I loved the conversations that left me with lots to think about.  I loved watching wheels turn in his head as he thought of guys he could set me up with.  I love that she takes pride in her clean vehicle (no small feat with small kids, I know) and spends lots of time focusing on the ways she can encourage her husband and kids.

I am so thankful that my community includes people whose lives look very different than me, and yet we find common ground in Christ.  I love that we have been able to mostly keep up with each others lives via technology over the years.  What a great weekend.

Somewhere In Between

I spent Friday May 25, 2012 driving and driving and driving.
I listened to some pods casts.  I learned more about the paleo diet, and was reminded of how much I love exercise physiology.  I know, I am a total freak.
I listened to some Dave Ramsey and learned more about financial planning.

I listened to some good tunes.

I listened to Boundless podcasts.

I am pretty sure I passed every single state trooper in Ohio.

I stopped at a Subway in Ohio where they didn't know how to ring up a salad.  True story folks.

I noticed these in the western part of Pennsylvania

I then passed multiple billboards about saving Pennsylvania coal.

I then passed a small field of solar panels, quickly followed by more billboards about Pennsylvania coal, followed by a billboard about Pennsylvania wind energy.  I don't know what you think, but I think there is a battle going on about how Pennsylvania should be powered.

I stopped at a rest stop in Pennsylvania where they had these...

I resisted the temptation to relive my high school days, for the sake of paleo and my disappearing eczema.
I did pay $5 for a coffee instead.

Another interesting observation, every single time I have driven through Pennsylvania, the following song has come on the radio.  Every time.

Caution: Adventure Ahead

It's been a while since I posted here. There has been so much going on in my life and I decided it was prudent not to post anything . In less than a month I will take off from this little west Kentucky town.

Where I am going I am not exactly sure.

Yes, if you know me well you know that this is completely out of character for me.

The back story is this: about 2 years ago I started praying for direction and clarity. I felt like my time here was coming to a close. I was tired of spending holidays alone, missing my niece and nephew's birthdays. I wanted to be close to friends who like to hike, who are up for random road trips and adventures. I wanted to be in a place where there might be some single guys my age. I know, this is a lot to ask for.

A year ago I mentioned this plan to 2 close friends, they jumped for joy and said "we have been praying you would come to this decision." I started looking for jobs and I put my house on the market. It sold very quickly. I moved in temporarily with friends and moved my stuff into storage. My parents took my dog for the time being. (I am now fearful they may keep her forever)

I still don't have a job lined up, but God has given immense clarity, it is time for change.

I have 5 weeks of vacation accumulated, I have been given the opportunity to use it before moving on to my next place of employment. I am going on a road trip to New England. I did do this last summer, but this time it will be different.

There are somethings I have set-up, like spending Friday night-Monday of Memorial day weekend in Pennsylvania with good friends, and meeting another friend in NYC for the day on Memorial day.

Mostly I will be enjoying time with friends and family, going to the beach, hiking Mt Washington, and learning to slow down and rest.

I am hoping that during those 5 weeks I will have interviews, and hopefully job offers.

I am hoping during those 5 weeks that I get to laugh with friends,

and eat meals with my family. I plan to randomly pull off the highway when I see signs for things like civil war battlefields, or random historical sites.

I plan to drop in on friends at work with coffee and a smile.

I plan on reading some good books and helping my Aunt and Uncle in the garden. I plan on finally eating at my cousin's restaurant.  I plan on watching the sun rise over the Atlantic. I plan on visiting my great aunt and meeting another cousin in Boston for fun. 

Mostly I plan on not having a really structured plan, and slowing down a bit, except when I go out for runs.

The family I am currently living with suggested that I update my blog along the way with pictures, silly stories, profound epiphanies, etc... I thought that was an excellent idea. So here it goes...

Cooking School

One of the things I love about my family is that when we do all get together, which isn't often, we do fun things. We try not to over plan, but we also try to have a few activities arranged in advance. We have learned from extended family gatherings in the past that it not healthy to sit around the whole time talking, debating, arguing.

So when my parents and I were planning on descending on my brother in San Diego for Christmas, my brother suggested that we spend one of the evenings at cooking school. It was an activity he had already done with his girlfriend and they had a great time.

He sent us a list of possible cooking sessions to pick from, and we ended up picking one that involved making cocktail party food and of course cocktails. Yes it's true that I don't drink, but the rest of my family does occasionally, and the food on the menu sounded awesome.

We booked our class, and on December 21, off we went.

It was a phenomenal family event. Everyone had a great time, we interacted a ton with each other and other people in the class, and we all learned some awesome new recipes.

It was our first night together as a family and it set the tone for a laid back, fun Christmas. I don't know what your family does when they all get together, but if you are looking for an awesome activity for the adults, I highly recommend cooking school.

How to order a cannoli at Mike's

Earlier today, a friend asked on facebook for suggestions on an upcoming trip to Boston and Maine. Of course those are two places I love.
I have a lot of fond memories in both places as a kid.

We spent a lot of time at my grandparents' cottage in Maine.

And we were always flying into Boston. We would go to the children's museum, or to the commons, or to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum when we were older. We almost always went to Filene's basement, for the push and shove shopping experience, and the deals.

For a long time my aunt worked in Boston, in Kendall Square. In high school I would come up from Philly for breaks, hop on the T to Kendall Square, and ride home with her. Sometimes if I got there early in the day, I would drop my bags at The Office (that was the name of her business) and then explore the city for a while heading over to Harvard, or to Filene's basement, till it was close to time to go home for her.

In college my friends and I often took random trips into the city for concerts, sporting events, shopping, whatever.

Somewhere along the way I was introduced to the North End.

And then somehow it became an annual tradition for Cate and Arwen to spend a day in Boston, eat at a particular restaurant, and then get cannoli's at Mike's.

I submit that there is no more decadent dessert in the world than a cannoli from Mike's.

One common thing that is said about New Englanders, especially by people here in the south, is that they are rude. I don't think they are rude, I just think that they are direct, and that visitors don't know the rules, so they struggle.

Take Mike's for example, there is actually a sign in the bakery, it says "Do Not Form Lines." Mike's is almost always busy, especially on weekends and in the summer. It's a rarity for it not to be jam packed. And if you stand there nicely waiting for your turn, you will continue standing there. You might never get a turn.

The reality is that if you are going to get a cannoli at Mike's, which I think it would be a travesty to not do, you have to elbow your way to the front. I mean it's not that you should be shoving people out of the way, you just have to know what you want, and slither your way to the front. And if you "cut" people, then you "cut" them. But there is no line, so technically you aren't cutting anyone. Then when the lady behind the counter says "NEXT" you step up, even if the person next to you has been waiting longer than you. It's just how it works. And you tell the woman what you want. She won't be patient with you if you hem and haw. Don't step up to order if you haven't figured out what you want, let someone else go and figure it out. Then the next time one of the ladies yells out, you step up and say "I want 3 cannoli's." I prefer the regular ricotta filled, dipped in chocolate, or with the chocolate chips, or the peanut butter. You can also just point at what you want and say "2 of those and 1 of those." It's best if you are in a large party to leave most of them outside and send 1 or 2 to order for the whole group.

Then the lady will place them in the box, and wrap the blue and white string that is hanging from the ceiling, and you will wonder how on earth she did that, and she will take your money, and come back with your change.

Then you will slither your way back out and find another place to eat them, preferably on the grassy area with the fountains.

or at the warf.

Rest

Just over a year ago my parents came down, collected me, and made me take an actual vacation. We went to Branson. I was so wound up that I had a hard time relaxing. I take after my dad a lot in this area but also there had been so much stress in my life that I just couldn't even laugh really.

I know that I have a tendency to be a workaholic. Part of that is my personality and upbringing, and part of that is my job description.

One thing I have really struggled with as a single woman is what to do with time off. Lots of my vacation time is taken up visiting family who live far away. While I love visiting them, it's not really rest and vacation.

Married friends, with or without kids, tend to take trips together to fun places just to enjoy each other, the sights, and relax.

Maybe because I am just naturally a fairly social individual, or maybe because I am insecure about my singleness in a few sets of circumstances, I have forgone actual vacation to fun, exciting, and relaxing destinations to do things I like to do.

The one exception is that my brother has a tendency, due to the nature of his job, to always be living near a beach, so visiting him is like a vacation.

Several weeks ago, maybe even over a month ago, I was asked if I wanted to take a trip for work over spring break.
I immediately agreed.

Then I spent the next week wondering if that was a good idea.

There was lots of stuff that I really need to get done at my house that has been neglected during basketball season.

It would be really nice to spend the week folding laundry and vacuuming, I thought.

I could go out to LBL and hike a little by myself, enjoy some quiet time.

I really needed to get back into a regular workout schedule, not that I hadn't been working out, I had, my workouts had just been incredibly varied and inconsistent in content.

But I had committed, and the trip did involve the beach. I knew that I would be working, some, but the thought of waking up early to watch the sunrise was exciting to me.

And so just a week after getting back from the last basketball trip of the season, I packed my bags and loaded up to head out on a trip with another team.

Before leaving I emailed a Master's swim team in one of the places we would be to see if I could swim with them, and low and behold, they were excited to have me join them at 5:30 in the mornings!

And I am grateful that I agreed to what was God's plan to force me into some rest, and laughter, and sun, and sand, and excessive picture taking.

Before we were even out of the state of Kentucky there was much laughter going on.

God's loving hand has been written all over this trip for me from the first morning, when the hotel desk person recommended this path for a quiet peaceful run.

One thing that has been different about this trip, when compared with trips I normally go on for work, is that this team likes to eat food that I like to eat. They are all about some California Pizza kitchen, and good organic salads, and smoothies with ginseng. I have really enjoyed that.

The second place we went was to one of my favorite cities in the south, and again an awesome run, this time through an unbelievably beautiful campus and down a well maintained city running and biking path that was busy, but again great.

It was about this time that I realized, unlike most trips, there wasn't going to be a moment when a caterer didn't show up on time, or a hotel messed something up, and I was going to have to deal with the high stress situation, because I am not in charge of any of that for this team.

The next stop landed us, in large part due to the extreme generosity of some parents, on Hilton Head Island.

These were taken from the roof of our condo building.

While I have had to work some, we have also gotten to play a bunch too.

I swam two morning with a group of master's swimmers.
I ran on the beach one morning for about 4.5 miles.

We road bikes into the sunset one evening.

We took a boat ride.

We ate dinner outside at twilight, twice.

I sat in a rocking chair talking with some old men about life as the team was practicing.

I have eaten all of the seafoods that I love.

And I ran some more. In fact I have worked out so much, because it's been so beautiful, and because to me, there is no better time to spend with the Lord than running or swimming as I pray, that I have had to do laundry, twice. Oh and yes there was free washer and dryer, no need for quarters, another gift.

I have had many quiet times with the Lord, reading His Word, and wondering at His creation.

I was talking to my dad on the phone and he said "I'm glad you are having such a great time. You deserve it."
While I don't think I necessarily deserve all the blessing that this week has been, I definitely am grateful to a loving God, who has in a sense reached down His arms and embraced me and kissed me on the forehead, and whispered in my ear to go ahead and rest this week.

I was reading the book I have been reading for a couple weeks now this afternoon. I was sitting out on the deck of one of the rooms, intermittently reading, napping, and basking in the sun. When I read this quote:

"Years of Christian discipleship, Bible study, churchgoing had been about me thinking about God; practicing eucharisteo (thanksgiving) was the very first I had really considered at length what God thought of me -- this ridiculous and relentlessly pursuing love, so bold. Everywhere, everything, Love!"

It's Ann Voskamp, yes the same author and book that inspired me to start listing things I'm thankful for. To be totally honest, I think I might have overlooked some of the blessings this trip has been, had I not been constantly adding the the running list I have going on my iphone. For example, there is a heated lamp thing in the bathroom, so when you get out of the shower, it's warm. Small and seemingly insignificant, but none the less a blessing.

As I was half napping, have reading, I came to this section in the book:
"He chooses His children to fully live! Fully live the fullest life: the astonished gratitude, the awed joy, the flying and the free. The discipline of giving thanks, of unwrapping one thousand gifts, unwraps God's heart bare: I choose you. Live!"

My friend sent me a message this week. She told me she had made plans to go on a trip, that she was really enjoying the freedom that she has to do that. I thought, you know what, she is starting to fully live, single or not. Am I? Or am I sitting here waiting for God to show up, all the while He is right there, I just haven't taken the time to notice?

Am I willing to embrace this full life that He is given me? And by full life, I don't just mean the good times when I am laying out enjoying the smell of the ocean on the breeze and my hair is curling nicely and in a uniform manner. I mean the bad times too, when I am frustrated, or hurt, or disappointed, because He is there too.

I finished reading today with this: "I can't simply ignore his serenade because I'm unsure, uncomfortable, uninterested, thinking I've claimed Christ as my Savior already anyways. God is relationship and He woos us to relationship and there is nothing with God if there is no relationship."

I want that relationship, not that I don't or haven't had it before, but like any relationship, you have to grow, you can't just stay where you are. I want to grow in my relationship with Christ, I want to fully live, not just when I'm running on the beach, but when I'm at home too, folding laundry and vacuuming.

Almost over

I have to tell you that surfing is a lot harder than people make it look. I now know that for a fact. Today I spent the afternoon with my cousin Matt. First we went sea kayaking. We say sea lions and purposely got tipped over by the waves several times and it was a lot of fun. Then we went to the beach and he helped me at my first attempt at surfing. I was able to actually catch a wave, TWICE, however neither time was I able to actually stand up. This vacation has been so much fun. Friday night, while technically I was still at the convention, I went to Disneyland with my friends Chris and Benji. Chris was actually my instructor when I was in undergrad but now is more of a colleague and friend and he turned into a complete child a Disneyland and that was fun to witness. I have to say that I don't really like rollercoasters and they leave my brain feeling funny for about another day. Then Saturday after I went to my last seminar about athletic shoes and socks. (YES YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY) my cousin Matt and his wife TK picked my up. We took a tour of LA, went to Rodeo drive, saw the Hollywood sign and went to the Getty Museum. The gardens are pretty much AWESOME. Tommorrow I will layout at the beach all day while Matt and TK are at work and then Tuesday I will hang out with Matt before heading to the airport and flying home to Nashville. My mom is picking me up in Nashville so that will be great

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsKN6NU0Yx0

oops try this

Video of Zach

So it has been an entire week since I was last a work. I has been very relaxing, very peaceful, very fun. I have not answered my work cell phone. I have eaten lunch in the North End and gotten Canoli's from Mike's. I have ridden the T on a Red Sox game day and enjoyed the fanaticism that this city has for their SOX!!! I have purchased new Red Sox attire because I really have been longing to wear a Red Sox t-shirt in Kentucky. I have climbed 2 mountains that are each over 4,000 feet high with my roommate from college! We also hiked 20 miles on the same trip. Yes it was girls gone wild in the wilderness, with exhibitions of pure woman power and lots and lots of gorp. I have eaten lobster with my aunt and uncle to celebrate my aunt's retirement. I have played with my nephew who is 1 and taken him swimming. I also got to watch him deposit all of the contents of my aunt's tupperware onto the kitchen floor. I visited with my great aunt last night, her husband died on Saturday, his burial is today. This morning I sat in the sun on the deck reading while no one was here at my aunt's house but me. It was peaceful. I have showered twice in my aunt's rain shower! Tonight my grandmother is coming over for dinner so I can spend more time with her and tommorrow I will be riding into the city to meet my second cousin for lunch before flying back to Nashville.