Outside my window, lovely sunny weather. I am thinking about my tasks for the day; I am also thinking about how I need a better habit for scripture reading. I am thankful for the opportunity I had last week to spend at Heifer International's Overlook Farm with youth from First Church. I am wearing almost the same thing I was wearing last time I wrote! A scoop-neck white t-shirt, hot pink maxi dress, brightly patterned gypsy scarf and red flip-flops. I am creating thank you notes for the youth who participated in the mission trip. I am going on a walk to the ravine with Roscoe later- hopefully! I am reading a thriller by Raymound Khoury- The Sign, I think. I am hoping to develop a good scripture reading habit. I am hearing the dog destroying yet another toy! Around my house, lots of tidying and chores to be completed. One of my favorite things; getting ready for school! Supplies and schedules; I love it! A few plans for the week, call MTSO about financial aid forms; weed the back yard; clean off patio furniture; follow up on emails.

Outside my window, it's chilly! After the wonderfully warm spring weather, this grey chilly day is not fun (although it is a typical Columbus spring day.) I am thinking about how I don't want to go to my part-time job later. I am thankful for the green buds on the trees outside- it is lovely to see God's work in the blooming trees and flowers. I am wearing a scoop-neck white t-shirt under a bright pink maxi dress; paisley patterned flip-flops and, because of the chill, a grey wool wrap sweater. I also have my Ohio pendant necklace and curly hair! I am creating fixes, again! Lots of mending to be done, although I still need buttons for a polka-dotted thrifted dress that I love. I am going upstairs to tidy the part of my house people really see. I am reading "On Guerilla Gardening," by Richard Reynolds, still. I am hoping that my schedule for next week is less closing shifts. I am hearing "Gilmore Girls" and my lovely wind chimes from my porch. Around the house, my house is tidy and cozy and ready for warm, window-opening weather. One of my favorite things; right now- everything. I am in a very happy place at the moment! A few plans for the week, finish my statement for MTSO; follow-up with missing references; work on the plan for the community garden at First Church; Good Sam day coming up on Monday.

Outside my window, the Olentangy River and 315. We're dog-sitting for my parents, so we have a lovely view of the river. It may not be the prettiest river, but seeing water every day is lovely. I am thinking about community gardens and how to present the Sacred Earth committee community garden idea to the church board. I am thankful for my wonderful church that is committed to the environment and, at least, will consider a community garden on the property! I am wearing a thrifted turquiose linen skirt, a white v-neck t-shirt, amythest dangly earrings from World Mar.ket, hair in loose Princess Le.ia buns and beautiful coral nails, courtesy of Es.sie's "California Coral." (Although the color is lovely, this photo mostly illustrates how much work my cuticles need!) I am creating a community gardening plan. Lots of research and reading about amazing gardens created all over the world. I am going to sit outside on my parent's lovely deck and enjoy the spring weather. I am reading "Community Gardening," from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and "On Guerilla Gardening," by Richard Reynolds. I am hoping that M gets home early enough to enjoy the weather together this afternoon. I am hearing "Real Housewives of New York City." Around the house, dogs are sleeping and all is quiet. One of my favorite things, SPRING! Also, polished nails. A few plans for the week: hopefully hang out with J&A this weekend, continue our work-outs every day and keep away from restaurants and take aways!

Outside my window, sun peeking through. Cold and windy, though, so you can't imagine it's spring! I am thinking about my upcoming birthday and all the drama that's ensued just planning dinner. I am thankful for M's thoughtful present; she remembered how much I loved Pan.dora bracelets and took me to pick one out this past weekend. Lovely! I am wearing brown leather slip-ons, denim a-line skirt, brown tank and yellow scoop neck t-shirt, freshwater pearl hoop earrings, hair down. I am creating felt objects! Valentine's Day decorations and G.ood Night, Gorilla figures for my sister's to take to t a baby shower. I am going to the basement soon, to finish laundry. I am reading "Jesus for the Non-Religious," (book study on Wednesday) and "Too Much Money," by Dominick Dunne (which is overdue at the library!) I am hoping that M and I can get back on track with eating at home, after a weekend of take-away and restaurants. I am hearing the television, commercials. Around the house, items to take to the basement, laundry to be finished, lots of crafty projects to be started, finished, or just worked! A few plans for the week: schedule a hair appointment, finish reading for book study, make caramels and fudge, bake some bread.

Worship on Sunday morning is the most wonderful way to start my week. Melissa and I attend service together; we hold hands while we pray and listen to Rev. Ahrens' sermon. The reflection, prayers and community are such a wonderful beginning to a new week. Finding First Church was a turning point for me. I've begun to realize how important worship and a chuch community are to my life. I've rediscovered my love of ministry. I remember now that seminary is the way of my heart and my life. I have so much to learn. My application alone requires so much introspection, so much understanding of who I am and what I want to be as a minister. I am ready to be a student again. I am ready to truly study the Bible and theology; to open my heart and mind to the plan the Lord has for me.

Outside my window, there's snow everywhere! So different for Ohio winters; I'm used to ice and slush. It's been a wonderful , white winter this year. I am thinking about jobs and my resume. Not fun, but necessary. I am thankful for the Columbus library system, we're lucky to have the best library system in the country. I use my local branch so frequently. I just love it. I am wearing a dark denim skirt, white v-neck t-shirt, royal blue scoop neck cardigan and my house shoes (black Crocs.) My hair is still damp and wrapped in a towel. Silver hoop earrings and my silver Ohio pendant necklace. I am creating fixes! I have a pile of mending on the couch next to me. I am going nowhere today! I have some reserves I need to pick up at the library, but today is a home day. I am reading "Jesus for the Non-Religious," by John Shelby Spong. I have book study at church next week. I am hoping that I can keep up with my healthier eating and exercise plan! I'd like to lose about 20 lbs. I am hearing cars drive by and my dog breathing heavy. Around the house, lots to be tidied; items to be listed on Craigslist; clothes to be laundered and dishes to be done. A few plans for the week: Youngstown tomorrow with Melissa, clean and list my car on CL, hang more art around the house and finish a couple sewing projects.

2010

A decade is over and a new one begins. I have never written out resolutions before, but this feels like a year for change. Starting with my physical being: I resolve to go to the gym at least 3 days a week; I resolve to take a multi-vitamin, along with my B-12, daily; I resolve to eliminate high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils and as many preservatives as I can from our diet. In regards to my spiritual being: I resolve to read and study the Bible, from a critical and theological perspective; I resolve to become more active in my home church, as well as the local conference; I resolve to write frequently for my seminary application. For our home: I resolve to minimize our belongings and to purchase less; I resolve to recycle more effectively and use fewer disposable items. For my emotional being: I resolve to focus on the positive aspects of our life; I resolve to be more optimistic; I resolve to write at least 5 good things about my day before bed each evening; I also resolve to pray quietly before sleep each night.

Wow, it seems like so much! Most of these are things I have been trying (and succeeding, in most cases) to do for a while. Writing everything out is a way for me to make conscious choices to become a better person for myself and my family.