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.

Outside my window, an empty porch waiting for Christmas decorations. I am thinking about the L.SAT- coming up soon! I am thankful for my home and excited to get it ready for the upcoming holiday. I am wearing my Dansko mary janes, black cable knit cotton tights, denim skirt, white v-neck t-shirt, black wrap-around sweater, rhinestone earrings; hair in a knot with a small bump. I am creating an Advent wreath. I am going to the main library to study and to First Church to meditate. I am reading "Dinosaurs in the Attic," by Douglas Preston; it's an amazing history of the American Museum of Natural History in New York. I am hoping the holiday decorating is completed soon! I am hearing "Will & G.race," on L.ifetime. Around the house, things are coming together. One of my favorite things is cooking dinner at home. A few plans for the week- study, study, study. L.SAT is Saturday!

Outside my window; drizzle, grey skies and wind. I am thinking about New Moon- Robert Pa.ttinson is on the Today Show. I am thankful for my home; for my kitchen and the loveliness of what I have created here. I am wearing M's old Diesel jeans, grey "Short North Arts District" t-shirt, grey cardigan with blue polka dots and white birds, black flats; hair in a knot with pink and blue headbands. I am creating (will be creating) cookies and assorted baked goods for the Pilot Dogs bake sale tomorrow. I am going to the library to pick reserves and maybe to Joann's to look for an Advent wreath base. I am reading "In Defense of Food," by Michael Pollan. I am hoping for a wonderful weekend with M's dad and friends; and an OSU win over Michigan! I am hearing commercials, which I mostly find annoying. Around the house, things are quiet. I closed the door to my craft room last night and this morning discovered that it is locked! I am planning to take it off it's hinges later. One of my favorite things is planning my Christmas decorations! I am ready, but always wait until after Thanksgiving. A few plans for the week- bake today; OSU v Michigan game on Saturday; start planning for Hilton Head trip!

be present.

remember how important it is to just be present in your life.

remind yourself of the wonderful things happening, focus on the ideas and thoughts that bring those to mind. be present in every moment.

Mini apple pies!

These are my mini apple pies. I made No Roll pie crust from Joy the Baker. It is so so so delicious and easy! Since there are only 2 of us, I decided to make mini pies rather than 1 big pie that we'd never finish and would probably go to waste. I figured I could freeze, or at lease refrigerate the little ones. I pressed the crust into greased muffin tins. The filling is a mix of Winesap and Goldrush apples we picked at a nearby orchard; cinnamon, sugar and lemon juice. I placed a small pat of butter and more cinnamon and sugar on top and put them in the oven. They came out wonderfully. The crust is crumbly and buttery, absolutely amazing for no rolling!

Outside my window, trees are bare and dried leaves cover the sidewalks. I am thinking about what my fall wreath is going to look like and whether I can use what I have, rather than buying new. I am thankful for friends and family; looking forward to celebrating our 3 year anniversary with J&A and heading to M's mom's in Hilton Head for Thanksgiving. I am wearing M's old Diesel jeans, a long pink tank with a white v-neck t and a beautiful pink, red and purple knitted sweater coat; fuchsia flats with a big button and a ruffle, dangly purple earrings; hair up in a loose knot. I am creating a new fall wreath. I am going to the library to return books and pick up reserves. I am reading "Cult Insanity," by Irene Spencer; her memoir of life as a plural wife with the LeBarons. I am hoping for inspiration for dinner! I am hearing my dog snuffling and snoring. Around the house, it is quiet and still. One of my favorite things, is cooking dinner and baking for my wife. A few plans for the rest of the week; BMV for a new license, start logic workbook for LSAT, complete the Kaleidoscope, contact Rev. Ahrens.

Less waste

I made the first step yesterday in our quest to minimize waste in the house. We used the last sponge; so instead of purchasing more sponges, I bought washable dishcloths! 2 packs, one soft cloths and 1 scrubby. Under the sink, I have a pan of water with Oxy dissolved in it. Once they've been used a couple times and are ready to be washed, they are tossed in there to soak, until it's time for laundry! Paper towels have been gone for a while (we keep a roll or 2 in the basement for dog accidents.) Once the paper napkins are finished up, we'll be switching to cloth napkins. They'll also go in the Oxy pan to soak once used. We've had this plan for a few months. Unfortunately, we tend to buy in bulk so it took a while to get through the disposables that we had on hand. I am so excited about this!

Outside my window, leaves are changing. It looks like fall, but feels like summer- high 60's! I am thinking about the tasks I need to finish today. I am thankful for my home, which is coming together beautifully. I am also thankful for the new neighbors, a lovely butch-femme couple moving in a few months! I am wearing my April Cornell, long black cotton skirt; grey "Short North Arts District" t-shirt and Clarks red leather flats. I am creating yo-yo's to embellish my cotton totes. I am going nowhere today. Maybe on a walk to the ravine. I am reading "Thunderhead," by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Childs. I am hoping to hear from potential employers. I am hearing a silly commercials for all kinds of disposable things. Around the house, rooms are waiting to be tidied. One of my favorite things is walking through the house, tidying with the windows open and Rosemary Clooney on my iPhone. A few plans for the rest of the week; Highball Halloween with Jessie and Amanda tomorrow; study for the LSAT; complete the application for Kaleidoscope Youth Coalition.

Outside my window, not much! It's a little early for action, especially living so near a university. I am thinking about the things I need to complete around the house today. I am thankful for my wife and her support of my leaving my job. I am wearing a ruffled nightgown and fuzzy slippers. I am creating tote bags from old t-shirts; in my head right now, trying to configure a different handle. I am going to the salon today for color! I am reading nothing right now. I am hoping for interview request and job offers. I am hearing cars driving by and my lovely dog chewing intently on his bone. Around the house, there are still boxes; lots to organize and tidy. One of my favorite things right now is my morning cup of tea, Tazo Awake with lemon in my pink Paula Deen mug. My plans for the weekend are apple picking and the pumpkin patch on Saturday and church Sunday morning. I'm sure more tidying and organizing will occur, along with at least one trip to the Goodwill with more things I find to donate.

Not surprisingly, most of my homemaking inspiration blogs are maintained by women who believe (most likely) that I am going to hell. Tips and ideas that have inspired me to become a better homemaker, for myself and my wife, are found on the blogs of Christian homemakers. The religions vary- Jewish, Baptist, Orthodox Christian, Presbyterian- but they are all stay-at-home moms, who believe in keeping a happy home for their families. I believe in keeping a happy home for my family, as well. My family right now is just myself, M and our dog. One day I hope to have children and stay home with them. I am queer and have known that my entire adult life. I also believe in God, I am a Christian. I want to be a homemaker and keep a loving, beautiful home for my family. But, I believe that these women would not see me as anything but a sinner, an evil person bent on ruining their world. The tips I have gleaned from these women are amazing. They advocate frugality and beauty. They recycle and reuse in ways I never would've thought of. The path I want, staying home for my family, is not typical; especially not in my community; but when I think about what I want to do with my life, what feels right for my future, keeping home is it.

We just moved into a new place and I am currently in job limbo, so I am spending a lot more time at home. Getting us settled in, cleaning, always tidying, finishing up some long overdue projects and making this lovely house a home for us to enjoy. So many things left to do, but it is becoming a comfortable, lovely place to live.