Fall...Why, hello there

I have never really been a 'fan' of fall. I love summer...the heat, popsicles, beaches, vacations, community events, outdoor grilling, tan skin, warm evenings, skirts, sandals, sunglasses, etc. But then Starbucks came along and rocked my world with "pumpkin spice"....I've never even liked pumpkin pie (and I dearly love the pie family), so this one took me by surprise. When all manner of coffee shops and book stores followed suit and created their own (and generally more affordable) versions of the pumpkin spice flavor phenomenon, my feelings toward the fall season were irrevocably and eternally altered. What once appeared to me as "spring's ugly cousin" now carries an allure and distinction that is quite attractive. I've checked it out...and I like what I see. Pair a tall glass of this with a cranberry bliss bar and you'll have me trading in a night on the town for a quite evening in..that's right, it's that good. Sure, it's not as universal as 'vanilla' or 'mocha', but against the backdrop of crisp air and football season it stands out of the crowd. Thank you for giving me a reason to perk up as I replace my sandals with boots and dig my scarves out of the closet...do that thing you do so well Mr. Spice, and sprinkle the days with deliciousness.

One of Those Days

Today my mind is fighting my attempts at sanity, and it has been an amusing day to view my thoughts and actions in hindsight.
It started when I arrived to my temp job and the front door was locked. I stood there for a good few minutes as though I could stare the lock into submission and the door would obligingly open itself. When this didn't happen I headed back to my car, called one of the people I work with (who informed me that if no one showed up they would be arriving in 20), and then tried to decide what to do in the mean time. I considered driving down the street to the post office box to send some letters, or heading to the gas station for an energy drink, and in the process got distracted by an oatmeal bar I found in my glove box. As I munched away a co-worker arrived and saved the day...and the remainder of my oatmeal bar.
At lunch I headed to the court house to find a date for Friday...oh how I wish I wasn't joking. I really went to get a form for adding pages to your passport. It took me longer than is excusable to figure out the maze that leads you to the metal detector machine, during which i actually got PASSED by a swift old lady and a kind-faced Hispanic family.
I made it up to the correct floor, got the form, and headed back to the ground floor where I exited the wrong door and found myself boxed in by security gates and a building on each side. About this time I was thinking "what kind of cruel genius architect drew up this place?". Thankfully two officers were there and kindly pointed out the clearly marked exit that had stared me in the face as I exited the elevator...I'm pretty sure they wanted to drug test me on the spot, but even in heels I'm quick and scurried away before they made a move.
The afternoon has proven uneventful, but it is amazing how a multi-line phone can out smart you...making you question the wisdom of your investment in a college education and our culture's continual push for "smart technology". With smarts comes sass, and I prefer to think I have the upper-hand in that relationship.

Abundant giving

Thanks to some overwhelmingly generous grandparents, fund raising for The World Race has begun with a BANG. In addition to all else they have given to me, they have recently become the first two fabulous people to financially support my upcoming trip. I could not adequately verbalize my appreciation to them...seriously, I tried and sounded like I was attempting to speak a foreign language for which I had only received an introductory course...I only hope to show them over the next few months how much their love, encouragement, and continual support means to me.

There are so many family members and dear friends who have given so much to me in so many ways over these past few years that I wish there was a way to let them into my head to see and feel firsthand how much it has affected me. All I can say is thank you, if it weren't for the strength, love, truth, prayer, and challenges you've given me I would not be able to pursue my dreams.

In the mean time...

Today I am writing from the receptionist desk at a local law firm. Hooray for my first temporary job assignment!! It is a scary transition as I regroup and resettle back in OKC after my time in Kenya and my recent visits to OH, AR, and GA, and try to gear up for 11 months abroad...but I'm taking it one day at a time.
My biggest fear is forgetting an important detail for my upcoming mission trip, or not raising enough money to go... but I try to remind myself that worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair...it occupies your time but gets you nowhere....Ok, to be honest I don't really say it in those words in my head, but that sounds more eloquent than what actually goes on in the dark recesses of my brain.
For now I am focusing on finding enough work to pay the bills for the months of Sept. to Jan., and enjoying the sunshine out the window. There is also a homeless man down the way that has provided some entertainment.