Friends,
This year has been full of blessings. A long holiday vacation has been one of the many. It has afforded me the time to ponder the moments of impact, good and bad decisions, and fun times of 2008. Here are just a few... Top 10 of 2008 in no particular order.
Mount Fuji, Japan: Visiting a new land was fascinating. Spending time with my brother and family was even better. The trek was a physical challenge...which I love. The weather was brutal. I already forget how high we climbed, what we ate, how we hurt. The only thing that really mattered was the entire day spent with my brother from 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
New England in the fall: A whole new appreciation for nature. A whole new appreciation for the USA. A whole new relationship with my parents....my travel buddies for the trip!
Life as a vegetarian: On July 13, 2008, I read Skinny Bitch. Nope, this isn't a joke. Due to both health and environmental concerns, I gave up meat. It is actually rather easy. Mom and Dad didn't even notice the lifestyle shift during our 10 day vacation together.
UofI football games: The three UofI football games in and of themselves weren't really all that monumental. However, the company of Jeff Hoerr was quite special. Jeff and I hit it off on the trek to and from Champaign on Sept 6, and have been falling in love ever since.
Weeping Willow Cards: Bored on Saturday mornings during the summer in Peoria? Head to downtown Peoria to find me at the Farmer's Market selling greeting cards. Profits are low, business is slow, and repeat customers are few and far between. The people at the market are friendly, sharing a craft with others is fun, and you get the freshest produce early in the morning. I give the proceeds from the cards to one of five causes: -Sharing of the Gospel to all - Care and nurture for children - Provisions for those in hunger - Science education for women - Preservation of the earth Approx. $40 bucks in donations this year...gotta start somewhere! Special thanks to my sister and Crystal for the support early on with the card business!
Economic downturn in the 4th qtr: I don't have profound explanations on the global economy and what will cure the current recession we are facing. I do know that I have grown in many positive ways as I have considered my own spending and lifestyle over the past months. Couldn't we and shouldn't we all get by with just a little bit less? Well, lets be honest, a lot less!
The B - I - B - L - E: I have started reading my Bible daily, with the encouragement and support of the previously mentioned boyfriend. Hmmm...pretty amazing what you will find inside the text when you read it with consistency and an open heart.
H2O: I know, I know, seems silly to mention water as a significant event in 2008. But, I started drinking more this year. I am never without a water bottle and often turn down soda in preference for water. Save money, feel better, simple. Confession: I still take in quite a bit of coffee on a daily basis too!
Maid of Honor: July 19, 2008. What a day! I had the honor of standing next to my best friend, Jennifer Mellon, as she married Jason Keffeler. I laughed, I cried, I danced all night long. It was an honor to stand in support of the woman who encourages me on a daily basis.
Friday night fun: Every Friday night I host a Bible study at my house. Not exactly the happy hour most fun single girls opt for these days. It is great fun and fantastic spiritual feeding after a week at work. Many kudos to my two roommates who often help me pull together the event each week.
Economic downturn in the 4th qtr: I don't have profound explanations on the global economy and what will cure the current recession we are facing. I do know that I have grown in many positive ways as I have considered my own spending and lifestyle over the past months. Couldn't we and shouldn't we all get by with just a little bit less? Well, lets be honest, a lot less!
The B - I - B - L - E: I have started reading my Bible daily, with the encouragement and support of the previously mentioned boyfriend. Hmmm...pretty amazing what you will find inside the text when you read it with consistency and an open heart.
H2O: I know, I know, seems silly to mention water as a significant event in 2008. But, I started drinking more this year. I am never without a water bottle and often turn down soda in preference for water. Save money, feel better, simple. Confession: I still take in quite a bit of coffee on a daily basis too!
Maid of Honor: July 19, 2008. What a day! I had the honor of standing next to my best friend, Jennifer Mellon, as she married Jason Keffeler. I laughed, I cried, I danced all night long. It was an honor to stand in support of the woman who encourages me on a daily basis.
Friday night fun: Every Friday night I host a Bible study at my house. Not exactly the happy hour most fun single girls opt for these days. It is great fun and fantastic spiritual feeding after a week at work. Many kudos to my two roommates who often help me pull together the event each week.
