Jan 30 - The Day I Booked Our Birthdays

There's something about the northwest US that just sings to my heart. Husband and I have been trying to decide where we want to go for our birthdays (sort of tradition). So when I saw a deal for a beautiful seaside inn on the coast of Washington (complete with a bonfire & s'mores kit, bicycles and breakfast picnic baskets!), I jumped on it. 2.5 hours from Portland, 3.5 from Seattle, and right on the ocean, I couldn't think of a better place to ring in our coming years. Now to find plane tickets....

Highlights:
1) That whole productivity list I made on Sunday? Yeah...well, at least I stuck to part of it! No TV. We sat, ate at the dinner table and listened to music. May not be very "productive", but it was certainly fulfilling.

2) Speaking of dinner, husband made soup. It was italian chicken sausage & white bean, made with vodka sauce & cream. Light? No. Delicious? YES.

3) Taxes. Bane of my existence. Second place? Tax forms. Why, oh why, dear printer, must you stop working on the day before I have to get tax forms in the mail? What's that? A lesson on procrastination, you say? Bah. I won't procrastinate on throwing you out the flippin window, jerk.

Love & Long Beach, WA,

K

Jan 29 - The Day We Believed It (or Not!)

Sunday is tied with Thursday for the position of my favorite day. God certainly knew what he was doing with that whole "day of rest" commandment! Sunday was spent worshiping with my CLC fam, Chicken E, teenagers, grocery shopping, and the best broccoli I've ever eaten (and that's saying something considering that I don't really like broccoli!) The better part of the afternoon was spent with the aforementioned teenagers at Ripley's Believe it Or Not, and the Palace of Wax. The former: fun as always, and I enjoyed seeing the kids get weirded/grossed out. The latter: whose job is it to make those wax figures?! They should seek other career paths, I think...some of those things are downright creepy (and not at all accurate). I was particularly offended by the train wreck that was the Harry Potter crew. Sad. Who cares about how well you made Obama, WHAT ABOUT HARRY?! ahem.

 Highlights:
1) So, the broccoli: Toss florets in olive oil, sea salt, cracked pepper and garlic. Roast at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes. As soon as its out of the oven, sprinkle with lemon juice and parmesan cheese, and toss.Thanks, Pinterest!

2) Thought about blogging. Didn't blog. Was totally OK with this decision (see my very first post)

3) Made a list of how I can make my week more productive. We'll see how that goes, since I have a not-so-great track record of sticking to my own well-crafted plans.

Love & Roasted Broccoli,
K

Jan 28 - The Day I Danced In My Kitchen

Not exactly a perfect title, since I happen to dance in my kitchen quite often, but it sounded better than anything else I did that day, so there ya go. I had a rare Saturday morning off, which I savored - windows open to catch the sun, music playing, and me in my happy place: the kitchen. There's something perfect about making a lasagna from scratch while Rosemary Clooney sings "Mambo Italiano" to me. And, in my not-so-humble opinion, that was one dang good lasagna. I didn't get to eat it fully assembled (it was for another family), but the individual pieces were pretty tasty!

Highlights:
1) Its so nice to have creative people in your life. My cousin's best friend and I got together and made a sign for sweet baby Lake. Spending only $1 on supplies, I think the result was super cute! Of course, you can't really go wrong when you're using a combo of twigs, twine, cute ribbon and scripture.

2) I finished listening to Anne of Green Gables. Loved, loved, loved it! You know you're falling in love with a story when you find reasons to stay in your car longer so you can continue listening.

3) Husband was away Sat night staying with his dad, so I was on my own. As I usually do in his absence, I slept on the couch. I have yet to figure out my own logic regarding why it feels safer to sleep there, mere feet from the door, than in my bed in the back of the house.

Love & Lasagna,
K

Jan 27 - The Day I Was Accosted (and wrote another long post...)

Ok, so maybe accosted is a strong word...but it got you interested, yes? Semantics are the spice of life. :) So, on to what ACTUALLY happened...I work in a building with a gated garage, accessible only with an employer-issued badge. As I was returning from lunch and going to swipe my badge for entrance, I noticed there were two guys waiting in the exit lane, looking a little frustrated. Allergic to all forms of confrontation, I already started getting anxious. They asked me to let them out, and I (self-surprisingly) asked them how they got there in the first place. They admitted that they followed someone in, but now couldn't get out, and they'd really like it if I could just give them my badge to let them exit. I kept pressing, though, asking if they worked here, and they answered with a scoffing laugh and said with a smirk "No. We were looking for a car...not your car though." Well, now that was just irritating. I politely refused to let them pass, but told them I'd call someone to let them out. I pulled through into the garage and second later I heard squealing tires and watched in my rear-view mirror as they quickly reversed, hopped the curb and exited through the gate I had just gone through. Doh.

I walked into work, wondering if I'd done the right thing. Its been a constant battle my whole life; my sense of justice/love of rules and my desire to not be a total dork are always at odds (think "hall monitor"), and this was no exception. Still, I proceeded to tell the receptionist about the encounter and she agreed that we needed to tell security. I was a hero (or a complete failure for letting them get away...)! Well, in my head, anyway. I forgot to mention that I passed two police officers right before entering the garage. I worked up quite a vibrant story in my head about these roustabouts and their unlawful ways. Alas, no news stories of "two guys in a car who look kinda suspicious" made the news.

Highlights:
1) Important lesson learned today: once you have one cookie at snack day, all hope is lost and you might as well eat 10.
2) Had an incredibly unsucessful lunch shopping trip. This included trying on a dress that fit me like a trashbag and some pants that made my lower body look like it was trying to escape the terrible torture trap I'd subjected it to. Naturally, I went and had another cookie.
3) Started a list inspired by this lovely gal: The Pilot's Wife. She's doing a "30 by 30" list, comprised of things she'd like to check off by her 30th. My head started swimming with THAT idea, so I settled for a "12 in '12". I am currently debating on whether or not to take this public....time will tell.

Love & Law-Defending Citizens(or badge-carrying, rule-loving employees),

K

Jan 26 - The Day Lake Brought the Sunshine

After visiting with Jeff & an officially induced Steph, we headed to bed on Wednesday night close to 11. Thoughts of soon-to-be-born cousins danced in my head, but little did I know how soon! I woke with a start around 3:45 to both of our phones ringing – things were moving quicker than expected and Lake was really on his way! I laid in bed for a few minutes, sleepily trying to decide if I was going to get up and go, but it was a rather short (and useless) debate, and within about 15 minutes I was headed out the door, while Jon slept soundly. The roads were empty and slick with rain, the skies still heavy with the storms from the day before. I got to the hospital doors we had entered through the night before, only to find them locked tight! Thank God, a hospital employee arrived at the same time I did and let me in. Dressed for work (in heels), I click-clacked through the empty corridors, walk-running my way to join Lake’s [arm-waving] welcome party. Two of my aunts (the third, grandma-to-be was in the delivery room), my uncle, and Steph’s best friend were there anxiously waiting, and the other set of grandparents soon joined our party. We eagerly watched through the small glass panes of the L&D hallway doors, jumping at any movement from anyone dressed in blue scrubs. We didn’t wait long, though: at 4:41, we got the text: HE’S HERE! The following moments were filled with hugs, near-tears, and photos, and soon, a very proud new Grandma, followed by an even prouder new daddy, emerged to tell us that sweet Lake had arrived, had a bit of trouble working out those new lungs, but otherwise he was doing great. Soon, the great-grandparents arrived to join the celebration. We got to see photos, we ooh’d and ahh’d, but we needed to see that little man in person! We not so patiently waited and were soon rewarded with a personal appearance and finally set eyes on our newest loved one. He is GORGEOUS! It never ceases to amaze me how God orchestrates that whole process. If that child only knew, and I hope someday he will, how many prayers have already been spoken for him, and just how much love welcomed him. Already blessed, indeed!

I decided to head to work a little early, to beat the traffic and make sure I could leave on time (to get back there!). After grabbing a very large, much needed cup of coffee, I was on my way. I watched the sun come up and the skies begin to clear. I sat at my desk, looking out on a bright morning and listened to co-workers chat about what a nice day it was shaping up to be, and I had to agree. The rain had gone, a new life had come and he brought a beautiful, sunshiny day with him. Welcome to the world, Lake Maxfield Brannon! May you carry that brightness with you all the days of your lovely little life.

Highlights:

1) Longest. Workday. Ever. Once the adrenaline wore off, I realized just how tired I was. It was worth it, but I had an incredibly difficult time concentrating on actual work! I much preferred trolling fb for new photos of Lake…

2) It was only AFTER I left that I stopped to realize I didn’t actually get to hold him! How did I miss that?! Naturally, we HAD to go back now.

3) Came back to see Lake, and his super tired trooper parents, and we brought the little guy his first birthday cake. Since we didn’t know what flavor he likes, we just got mom’s fav. :) Also there was the first little man in my life, my nephew Tavin. He’s got a little bro coming his way shortly, so it was so sweet to watch him with that baby. I think he’s going to be one heck of a good big bro! Just a few months til another long[er] post like this!!!

(Not a great pic of me, but I'm not really the star of this post!)

Love & New Life,

K

Jan 25 – The Day We Got Wet & Waited

4 ½ inches of rain = a wet, wet, wet Wednesday. Granted, we needed the rain, but sometimes I wish it would choose to spread itself out a little instead of purging the skies all at once. Am I really blogging about the weather?? Who does that…

Luckily, despite the deluge, good things abounded. Like, really good things! This post is a little boring because I’m saving all the good stuff for the next one! Anywho…         

Highlights:

1) Went to a stretch class at lunch – nearly fell asleep in the “self-relaxation” part at the end where you just lay still for 5 minutes. Hope I didn’t snore and interrupt someone’s zen…

2) COUSIN WAS INDUCED TODAY! Went and hung out at the hospital, grabbed the parents-to-be some grub, and I looked on with pity as her L&D room turned into somewhat of a boys club/frat house with all the men in our family + a few guy friends. Still, I think it’s worth a little noise to know that you have such strong support, especially as a new dad. 

3) Meanwhile, my other cousin (soon to be Aunt), guarded the waiting room with the fierceness that only Lily Jonas can bring. Armed with fig newtons and cheez-its, she kept a faithful watch over the long night ahead...

Love & Anticipation,

K

Jan 24 - The Day I Argued With Myself

The plan was to start the day off with a 3 mile buddy run. I, however, left my buddy stranded since I woke up 10 minutes before our scheduled meeting time. Still, I brought my running gear for a lunch run to make up for the morning. Then it just started looking so ominously cloudy and gloomy....I argued with myself for, no lie, at least 2 hours on whether I should run, take a nap, or go to the grocery store on my break. I had settled on the store option, mostly cause I like shopping for food, but decided at the last minute to take the plunge and run. A short run. With hills. AND run to the store to get a snack. I had to do some walking, but it got done. And I'm sure the folks at Sprouts loved that I graced them with my post-run sweaty presence. The good thing about arguing with yourself is that you still always win. :)

Highlights:
1) Found a yum post-run snack on clearance, something called a Barookie, made by Eoni. Of course, I also found a box of whole wheat fig cookies that were not on sale, but I bought (and ate) anyway.

2) Met with my favorite Tuesday night people (small group) to plan out the next few months of our meetings. Colossians, Italian food and girls nights, here we come!

3) At group, I had the chance to witness true friendship in action between a few of my friends. So thankful for people who listen, pray and talk, all with the heart of Christ.

Love & Longer Than Usual Posts About Nothing,
K

Jan 23 - The Day I Went Without My iPhone

Yesterday reminded me of that song lyric “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone”, except it was more like “you don’t know how badly you’re addicted ‘til it’s gone”.  Sing that one, Amy Grant.  I left my phone sitting on the kitchen counter yesterday, and I was kind of appalled at myself regarding how many times I reached for my phone, even knowing it wasn’t there. Kinda like when you check fb, then close out your browser, and then before you know it you’ve opened up fb again, like you’re on internet autopilot. Oh, you don’t do that? Yeah, me neither…    

Highlights:                

1)  Husband took advantage of my abandoned phone and changed my background to a sweet little note. I think I’ll leave it there!

2) We had a business meeting last night. As usual, it included food and a side of procrastination, with a dash of rabbit trails. All in all, though, I think we’re getting better. I think that more so every time. And our meetings are no longer fraught with OH MY GOSH HOW DID WE GET SO BROKE?! We only do that like once every few months now ;) Good things afoot for the Pie business!

3) Looked up ideas for our next adventure…can’t decide, can’t decide! Puerto Rico? Costa Rica? San Juan Islands? Portland? Italy? Dublin? All of the above? OK!

Love & Technology Addictions,

K

Jan 22 - The Day I Got "Baby Arm"

There are some things in life you just can't resist. For me, one of them is holding my niece, Ella. She is just so darn cute and squishy! So, when I caught site of them in church on Sunday, I approached with outstretched arms and continued to hold her for an hour+, including a little walk-about when she started fussing, and of course, showing her off. I loved it, and I'd do it again. But....holy flippin' cow, my arm hurt SO BAD. She's cute, but that lil chick is HEAVY. I texted my best and told her the situation, to which she responded "You've got "baby arm". Its like Tennis Elbow, but cuter." I think it fits.

Highlights:

1) If I only had a dollar for every person who told me how good that baby looked on me, and proceeded to strongly hint/elbow my ribs/groucho marx their eyebrows at me... In fact, I think that I'd just prefer they pay me a dollar. They might get their wish a lot faster that way.

2) Went for an almost-4-mile run with my spouse at the park. It was a gorgeous day, and I love that we spent it being active instead of staying indoors, even if our allergies nearly drove us crazy!

3) Went out for a last-hoorah dinner for my 10 months preggers cousin & her spouse, with my bro and his (also preggo) wife, and another couple of friends. We ate at PF Changs, it was glorious, and all we could talk about was food (before, during and after our meal) and that arrival of sweet baby Lake in just a few days!

Love & Squishy Babies,
K

Jan 21 - The Day I Sang My Way Through

Music has 100% carried me through today. After a restless night, some personal frustration coming to its full fruition and a day of work ahead, I needed more than personal motivation to propel me to the finish line today. Isn't it great how music can do just that? Give you the boost you may need, calm you, bring your tiny human brain back in focus on what matters. I love knowing my God loves music and have no doubt he uses it with me, today being a perfect example. Some lyrics in particular that have been dancing 'round my head:

Here before Your alter
I am letting go of all I've held
Of every motive, every burden
Everything that's of myself

And I just wanna wait on You, my God
I just wanna dwell on who You are Highlights: 1) 1st Upward Basketball game of the season for my little bro! He's getting better, but if I'm being honest, it was more fun when the kids were 5 and just chased each other around the court, or better yet, stood still and cried.  2) My nephew said my name should be Fifi. Then he changed it to Caca and KKK. The more I tried to tell him these were not OK, the funnier it got to him. I prefer Fifi.  3) Had breakfast with my family and planned our meals for our annual ski trip, which is fast approaching. 3 WEEKS and we're on the slopes!  Love & Lyrics,K   

Jan 20 - The Day I Had Spring in Winter

Ah, Texas. How I love your seasonal identity crises and violent temperature swings. That's a lie. I know, God blessed you and all that, but sometimes my closet grows weary of your indecisive climate. Friday, however...I may forgive you for Friday. The 80 degree temps worked in my favor as I got a yummy taste of spring. In case you're wondering, it tastes like ice cream cones, cool breezes, driving with the windows down and the music up. Despite the fact that I'm writing this post while now donning a coat, I'll savor my moment in the [literal] sun.

Highlights:
1) I was half-way through what was to be a delicious sprouted grain bread, turkey & avocado sandwich, when I finally slowed down my chowing enough to figure out it tasted...off. Good save, if not almost too late. The turkey was a little...lacking in freshness. Which leads me to #2...

2) Now I was still hungry, and also out of food. Gift card in hand, I went to Sonic where I grabbed lunch, and because the sunshine was practically begging for it, some ice cream. Not a bad trade. :)

3) Went to the movies. Snuck in a burrito (dinner #1). After the long (intense, but good) movie, went with my love to our usual dinner spot (dinner #2). He says he hates and loves that we're so predictable, but when pushed for which side weighs out, he said loves. Type A, routine-loving wife FTW!

Love & Springy Winter Days,

K

Jan 19 - The Day That Seemed to Last Forever

Though the title might reflect a negative connotation, that's not exactly what I mean. It was just one of those days that by the time your head hits the pillow, the beginning of the day seems as if it was ages ago. It started with an early morning wake up call, which wouldn't have been bad, except I went to bed late, woke up several times during the night, then almost overslept. I met a friend for a 3 mile run at 6:15, which meant getting myself up, coffee and a small meal down, my stuff ready and all of it out the door by 5:45. Blech. Like always, though, there were no regrets once we were done. The rest of the day went by busily enough but I totally crashed by 9:30.

Highlights:
1) Lunch date with the handsome husband. We dined on Mexican food, al fresco since it was so beautiful, and topped it off with a walk to the library. Jon, chips and salsa, sunshine, cool breezes and stacks of books. Perfection.

2) Met with some friends to plan a super sweet welcome bash for my soon-to-be-here nephew, Roston! That kid, and his momma, are so loved, I can't wait to help celebrate his entrance into this world.

3) Got news of answered prayer related to another sweet family baby whose debut is just around the corner! Can't believe we'll be meeting my new cousin/almost-nephew Lake in less than a week, and I'm glad his momma got a little peace, though we're still praying for God's perfect orchestration in his arrival!

Love & Long Days,
K

Jan 18 - The Day We Farkled

There are moments in every woman's life (I hope, anyway) that she has to choose between laundry/housework and social gatherings. Yesterday, I just couldn't muster to dedication to go home and clean my house, which would've meant declining an invitation for dinner with my mother, grandmother and little bro. And you know what's funny? When I'm faced with this kind of fork in my day, choosing the friends/family option never leaves me with regrets. So we met, we ate yummy vegetable stew and cornbread, told stories, laughed, and at the almost-annoying-insistence of my little brother, we played Farkle. The laundry basket may still be full, but so is my heart, and I'm totally OK with that. Memories > A Martha-esque household.

Highlights:

1) In the midst of stomach-hurting laughter with three generations sitting 'round the table, I was overwhelmed with the thought of just how blessed we are. Note to self: do more of this.

2) My little brother is a mess, and I wouldn't have him any other way, even if he does sometimes drive me crazy. Also, he is Farkle king.

3) Had an interesting moment that called for immediate prayer, and those I called to responded with nothing but support. Again, so blessed.

Love & Proper Priorities,

K

Jan 17 - The Day My Abs Cried For Mercy

I think my body was under the impression it was being tortured. It’s the only reason I can see they decided to stop working, as an act of protest or defense, during my fitness class. There was a moment when I thought, “Well, that’s it. I guess I’m done sitting upright for the day”, as my core muscles gave me the proverbial finger. Rude, I tell you.  In other news, I‘ve decided I could not be a fitness instructor. How they stay so dang peppy, I’ll never know! However, I suppose it could mean you get more ice cream with all those workouts…pros and cons, pros and cons. Despite the rant, life on Tuesday did consist of more than gym pain.

Highlights:

1) Small Group – I said it last week, I’ll say it again: I love these people! They help start my week off right, especially when we plan dinners around Nacho Libre. And yes, I do expect the phrase “Get that corn outta my face!” to be yelled by various members at least 7 times.

2) I had a moment of {simple} revelation: it started with a sour attitude, and ended with surrendering something that wasn’t mine to carry in the first place. Here’s the summation: you won’t be everyone’s favorite. Everyone may not like you, and you may not get invited to all the cool stuff. SO. WHAT.  It’s not Jr High, God loves you with all his might (that’s A LOT of love, ya’ll), and there are friends who do want your time, energy and friendship. Laying this Isaac down again (and probably again, and again, and again).

3) Found new, lovely blogs. Like I really needed this one…(I did, I did!)

Love & Muscle Cramps,

K

Jan 16 - The Day My Mortal Enemy Returned

It’s funny how you don’t realize what actually feeling good really feels like until you don't. Seasonal allergies are the bane of my existence, and with their rude return to wreak havoc on my eyes and nose, I realized just how wonderful the months are when they stay at bay.  That tiny little unreachable itch and tingle in the inside of your nose and eyeballs is a surefire way to drive a person to the brink of insanity.  I’m pretty sure the whole mess is straight from the heart of Satan. But it’s my lot in life, so I resign myself to the itchy-eyed months ahead.  And despite all that, yesterday had its share of happy moments.

Highlights:

1) I got new planner refills! It’s almost silly how much joy this brings each year. Yay for organization!

2) Had some ciabatta rolls I needed to use, so I went to work making chicken parmesan paninis for dinner. Whipped up some homemade marinara, pan fried lightly coated chicken in olive oil and sprinkled on some grated parmesan, assembled and pressed on a panini grill. We ate it with some steamed veggies, and it was YUM! I love when simple, good-tasting meals come together like that.

3) Had a coffee date with a sweet friend. Note to self: do this more!

Love & Allergy Meds,

K