Joy-gust Check In

We are almost to the half way mark of August! I can barely believe it. So I figure it was time for a quick check in on Joy-gust, my resolution of choosing and spreading joy this month.

1. Friends, it has been a challenge this month! Do you find that as soon as you make something a resolution it becomes twice as hard to do? Car problems, illness, set backs at work, everything taking thrice as long as you thought it would take...that has been my Joy-gust thus far. Part of this practice is to pick ourselves up each day and start anew without letting yesterday's failures drag us down. And that's what we aim to do today. Today...let's break it down even more...right now in this moment I choose joy.

2. Concrete goals (or something I can check off a list) are key in the success of resolutions for me. I took some time to sit down and write up some concrete things to do to choose and spread joy and it has helped immensely. I'll share some of them next week.

3. For this weekend I set some specific goals for each day that involve sharing my time and fostering some dear relationships. Since the wedding B and I have had a full plate which has left little room for community. We have some meals with friends planned and our parish picnic this weekend.

4. I set up a "Choose Joy" reminder on my phone to remind me halfway through my day to focus and get back on track if I've fallen off my path.

5. I also made a point when I realize that I have failed to apologize to those that were effected. It is very humbling, but a good reminder that my less than joyful attitude is putting myself before the good of others and it does take a toll on their day and their ability to be joyful as well. 

So dear fellow commuter from this morning, I apologize for grumbling about your driving abilities.

6. I have noticed that a good night's rest is a key piece to the joyfulness of the morning routine (where most transgressions occur); an earlier bedtime will be instituted.

7. This quote is inspiring me to choose joy today: “A joyful heart is the normal result of a heart burning with love. She gives most who gives with joy.” ~ Mother Teresa

How has your Joy-gust been?

What are your tips for choosing joy each day?

Have a great weekend!

Linking up with This Ain't The Lyceum

Full of Surprises, Flowers, Babies, and Brides

This week has been full leaving my heart humbled and with so much to be grateful.

 

---1---

 

B joined me this weekend for a short work trip and attending the Edith Stein Project conference at Notre Dame. It was so nice to have him with me to show him first hand a part of my job, as well as the conference which took up a good deal of my time in undergrad.

 

---2---

 

On Sunday, the girls and I attended a postponed Super Bridal Sunday event thrown by a family friend at her shop. We sampled some cake flavors, booked a block of hotel rooms, and purchased the flower girls' baskets and ring bearer's pillow, and finalized the invitation. Things are coming together!

 

---3---

 

 

I love my cousin.

 

---4---

 

My amazing co-workers threw me a surprise early bridal shower complete with shower games, presents, and lots of ribbons for the rehearsal bouquet (none of which I broke).

 

---5---

 

Yesterday morning, I was greeted by a picture of the adorable face of a friend's newborn daughter. Ever since she announced her due date was in February I had teased her about the baby sharing my birthday thinking the odds a little slim.

Well my new birthday twin is beautiful and I cannot wait to meet her!

 

---6---

 

I love musicals.

B has barely seen any and would rather watch a comedy or action flick.

A birthday viewing of The Music Man was a sweet birthday gift.

Musical lovers out there, do you have a hard time staying seated? I wanted to jump in to the song and dance, but I didn't want to ruin the experience for B's first viewing, so I was left joining Professor Harold Hill in conducting the music from my seat.

 

---7---

 

Surprise flowers made their way to my office this afternoon.

They're still waiting to bloom, but I think I'll keep them and the delivery boy too.

 

Linking up for Seven Quick Takes again.

Happy Friday the Thirteenth!

 

Hugs,

Christina

What I'm Grateful For...

I am joining Kelly for another round of quick takes on what I am grateful for this week.

 

1. Health after a nasty stomach bug

 

2. My co-workers and the lunch conversations which brighten up each day.

"Sometimes when I see a mother driving her mini-van and she is all put together, skinny, and perfect I wonder if she is on meth."

"What?! Why?!"

"Did you know how many women use meth to stay skinny? Tons of them!

I saw a documentary on it.

Sometimes in church my mind wanders and I wonder if I am sitting next to a serial killer.
I think I may watch too much crime tv..."

I think we all can agree with that statement.

 

3. The unexpected surprise of a grown up snow day this week.

 

4. Good news to celebrate with family and a good friend.

 

5. Meeting up with an old college friend that is new to the area.

 

6.  Honeymoon planning :)

 

7. For chiropractors and that I am not the age this oh-so-accurate quiz says I act.

 

 

 

I felt like I was getting old, but this is slightly ridiculous.

 

Check in tomorrow for a double feature.

I have two more posts to master our 7 in 7 challenge.

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Hugs,

Christina

7 Quick Takes or Things for which I am Grateful

Oh Friday!

I am so so so so glad you are here,

but let's focus on the good,

shall we?

 

This Week I am grateful for:

 

1. The beauty of winter and safety during the bitter cold.

 

 

Just getting to the end of the driveway was a feat at times.

I slid off the driveway,

two days in a row,

in the same exact place.

There are only one pair or tire tracks to prove it.

Of course I did not feel the need document such a non-brag-worthy moment.

 

2. The support of a good friend in my health goals.

It is nice to have a personal cheerleader.

It is even nicer when it is someone that has known you for over a decade.

 

3. Late night talks around the kitchen table with my mom, sisters, and aunts.

 

4. Our amazing wedding vendors.

They have been so attentive, helpful, and generous to us.

 

5. Finding a stunning dress for my mom.

It is so hard to find something that is modest and not a chiffon or satin blob.

 

 

6. A patient fiancé...

that allows me to exercise every woman's right to change her mind

half a dozen times...

in the same hour.

 

7. The anticipation of a relaxing weekend.

Meeting a friend's baby for the first time,

visiting with a dear friend over fancy coffee,

going to Church with the family,

and nothing, nothing, nothing else planned

equals gloriousness.

 

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

 

Hugs,

Christina

 

Linking up!

 

 

 

 

I am...

Thinking about...

 

my to do list, in particular, the wedding one.
 

Word from the wise,

Wedding Wire's check list is much less stressful to look at than the Knot's.

According to Wedding Wire, I am only three steps behind and have four left for the month;

according to the Knot, I need to catch up on eight and I lost count of the rest;

and according to me, those lists put too much into one bullet point.

 

Thankful for...

 

the people in my life that call me to be the best version of myself.

Craving...

 

Apples.
 

Johnny Appleseed is buried here which is something I forget until September.

The Johnny Appleseed festival is a highlight of my Fall.
 

My apple allergy, however, tends to put a damper on things,

but I do not let it rain on my parade.
 

I am sorry if you now have Streisand singing in your head.

Well, maybe  only just a little bit sorry.

 

Enjoying...

 

reading more.

In the past few weeks I have read two whole books!

Watching...

Notre Dame football.

Celebrating...

 

my Fall wardrobe.
Boxing up a season's clothes and pulling out the next is always exciting.
There is something so satisfying about having that "new" wardrobe feeling and knowing it did not cost you a dime (at least this year).

Loving...

October.



Have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,
Christina 

Linking up with Jenna and  Jenna and since there just so happens to be seven, Jen.

 

Seven Quick Takes or Failures Sevenfold

#FAIL

That was the name of the game this week.

The fact that this week of insignificant trivial failures followed a month of living and spreading joy is slightly ironic. I wish I could say that Joy-gust completely reformed me and I took each of these insignificant, trivial moments in stride and as cool as a cucumber.

The humor of them, however, did not escape me and the frustration did not stay long.

And because the least embarrassing thing to do 

with embarrassing moments is to share them on the www, 

I give you my week.

---1---

While getting ready one morning I decided to make hardboiled eggs. I filled up the pot, turned on the stove and set a timer to remind myself to check on the progress. Awhile later I realized the timer had not gone off. A quick check of the phone verified that I had started and stopped the timer after mere seconds.

---2---

I ran to view the progress of the eggs and found a happy pot sitting upon the stove at room temperature.

The burner was out.

And the pot, water and all went into the fridge for another day.

---3---

My dad asked me to pick him up some coffee on my way to meet up with the family.

I arrived to an empty house.

I called and discovered everyone was at my sisters.

For some reason I assumed "here" meant "home."

For another unknown reason I assumed "we're at your sister's" meant "we're at our house."

Fortunately, his coffee was just as good reheated. 

Or just as bad, depending on how you taste it.

---4---

I had every intention of going to the gym for the second time this week.

I scheduled time, 

packed my gym bag,

put it in my car,

remembered a water bottle...

what I did not remember was a bit more important.

One can workout without the socks I forgot to grab from the dryer.

It is much more difficult to workout without a shirt.

---5---

During a staff meeting it was brought to my attention that a question about the choice of agenda template used at our recent Fall luncheon had been used.

Apparently nothing says fall themed better than a marijuana shaped leaf.

Excuse me while I go fix my skirt, 

my naivety is showing.

---6---

This morning I could not find my phone, so I assumed I had left it at my parents' house. 

I did not have time to go over to pick it up, 

so I decided I would call to see if it was there once I arrived at work.

I got to the phone, put the receiver to my ear, and...

blanked on my parents' new number.

No big deal, I thought, I'll look it up in my contacts...

oh wait.

---7---

Wondering how take two of the eggs turned out?

Thank goodness for the microwave.

#TGIF

Hugs, 

Christina

Linking up with Jen.

Seven Quick Takes or Control, China, Colors, and Cardio

--1--

 

Some days it is hard to feel in control of, well, you.

 

It seems like everyone and everything needs something from you

and you do not have time to get your checklist done

and then you look in the mirror and you see

a very frazzled, sour puss with dark circles and caffeine induced jitters.

 

Sometimes we get lucky, because no one else sees her.

One time to be thankful for hallucinations, right?

Sometimes we get lucky, because people love her anyway.

 

One thing that I started implementing remind myself that I am in control of myself

and to help me get through my own checklist while assisting those I serve,

is not checking my email first thing in the morning.

Checking emails before checking my to do list makes me feel very overwhelmed

and my list gets lost in the urgency of answering everyone right away.

It is hard.

I am not so good at it, but now I have a voice in my head saying,

"Stop it!"

But I have noticed a difference

between the days I am successful at waiting until a specified time and those that I do not.

The next step is not checking email constantly.

 

--2--

 

Did you pick your china pattern?

Has replaced, "Do you know your colors?"

as most popular question of the week.

Thanks to B and the posting of this picture under the heading:

"It begins..."

 

I should have believed him when he said he was taking a FB picture.

 

So to answer both questions:

(1) No, we were at the mall for something else and looked for less than a minute,

but I am super excited to pick out china.

(2) Wedding planning is a bit overwhelming because of all the options and directions you can go and then there is actually being able to find what you have in your head in real life part.

All this being said, I am one hundred percent certain that my colors will be red or not red.

 

P.S. I am not complaining. I love every single bit about being engaged.

I think I was born for this. *wink*

 

--3--

 

Need a new workout for your routine?

Try learning a dance routine in a favorite music video.

I am taking a Michael Jackson dance class this month and I love it.

It is a lot of fun learning the moves and trying to keep up with the music.

Forty-five minutes of Thriller had me sweating.

 

--4--

 

Speaking of working out...

 

All you avid runners out there, I need your help.

Oh and all you asthma sufferers, too!

 

I am a baby runner,

as in, I struggle through running a mile at jog-like speeds.

My goal is not to run a marathon or anything,

I just would like to go for a run around the neighborhood a couple times a week

and not feel like I am going to cough up a lung.

My problem is, I have exercised induced asthma.

I know how to pace myself and get through it in other physical activities,

but I struggle with breathing while I run.

Any tips or things that helped you when you started?

 

--5, 6, 7--

 

And some inspiration for your Joy-gust:

 

 

Spread Joy:

Compliment a stranger every day.

 

Fill up with Joy:

Is there a color that makes you smile?

Add a splash of it to your outfit or wardrobe.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Hugs,

Christina

 

Linking up with Jen for Seven Quick Takes

 

 

 

 



Joy-gust

My year's resolution was to focus on joy.

 

Here we are on August 1st,

two-thirds of the way through the year,

and I can say I have done okay-ish.

 

Some days it has been easier than others

and then there have been those moments

(or days at a time if I'm being honest)

when I have completely forgotten my resolution all together.

 

With the approaching close of summer (where did it go?) and the start of a new academic year,

I wanted to re-focus and re-commit myself to finding and spreading joy each day.

So I decided to challenge myself this August to an outpouring of joy.

 

And Joy-gust was born.

 

Joy can be defined as a great happiness and giving happiness.

 

A gust is a sudden outburst or surge.

 

Joy-gust is about a surge of finding and spreading joy in my life.

 

For thirty-one days I am going to focus on the little daily acts that create joy

and to take the focus off of me, myself, and I, and find an act of kindness I can do for others.

 

Would you like to join me?

 

Check in for inspiration, ideas for fostering and relishing moments, and acts of kindness.

 

Let's get started.

 

Know Joy:

 

  

Spread Joy:

 

Annie tells us we're never fully dressed without a smile, so put that smile on today.

Attitude, tone of voice, and mindset can all be effected by the simple act of choosing to smile.

So when you start thinking about yourself remind yourself to smile and see what happens.

 

Be Joy-filled:

 

It is often a lot easier to recognize the big blessings in our life before we can see little ones.

Writing a list can help

(for me seeing a list is a joy in itself)

 

This spring and summer have been filled to the brim with busy-ness and it does not look like an end is in sight. I am not complaining, however, because this full schedule has brought with it so much joy.

 

So here is my quick list of big joys.
And since it's Friday, I'm linking up with Jen for Seven Quick Takes.
 

1. In May, I finally donned my cap and gown and hood and walked for my M.A. graduation ceremony. It's funny, I knew I passed my comprehensive exams, I heard the professor say I passed, I already had my diploma, and yet, the fact that I had my master's degree never really sank in. It wasn't until my mom put on my hood before the ceremony that it all became real.

 

2. Right after such an eventful weekend, I hopped on a plane for St. Louis and made my first solo trip to a work conference. It is amazing what a week out of the office environment does for lifting your spirits even while you work remotely. The chance to meet with others working in your field from all over the states is invaluable. It is so helpful to be able to speak with someone that understands the challenges and triumphs of ministry.

 

An added joy was that I found myself in the same city as one of my college roommates. It was hard to believe we had not seen each other for almost six years, conversation was so easy and fun. We hope it won't be such a long break between visits.

 

3. And then it was time to head down to Georgia for the wedding of a dear college friend. The over twelve hour drive was a challenge, but good company and a great book made the trip go by relatively quickly. A summer cold treated by sleep inducing "non-drowsy" medications didn't hurt either.

 

4. On the way home, we made a day trip to Charlotte. We got to visit with some good friends and share their one year anniversary cake with them. What a treat!

 

5. While in Charlotte, we also visited my godparents and cousins, Natalie of the Busy Budgeting Mama and Valerie of Blanqi. We got a sneak peek tour of the Happy Mommy Box shipping room, but more importantly was all the snuggles with the little ones, late night and early morning chats, and being introduced to Heads Up.

 

The drive home also brought with it my debut drive in the mountains. I have been in a car that is driving in the mountains many many times, but never had I ever been the one behind the wheel. To make matters worse I was in an unfamiliar car with the Mountaineer nursing a cold, asleep in the passenger seat. We survived, but there were a few moments that I felt like a truck was going to push us over the edge or into the mountain wall.

 

6. Fourth of July brought a trip to West Virginia to visit B's family. He grew up in a lake town so it was the perfect atmosphere for a long weekend with relaxation and the small town holiday parade and lakeside fireworks.

 

7. In the midst of all this, my family is gutting my childhood home in preparation for luxury apartments to take its place. It makes it easier to grieve the loss of our country oasis to strip malls and hospitals when you get to take a piece of it with you. It will be rough seeing what remains knocked over, but at least the beautiful things inside will be put to good use and make another house more homey.

 

And a bonus, because I ran out of numbers while saving the best for last...

 

I said, "yes."

 

 

Have a joyous weekend!

Christina

 

 

Seven Quick Takes or Couch Ridden Thoughts Volume 22

This week has been anything but quick and easy. I can barely believe it is Friday and yet, how can it be Friday already? Either way, it is Friday and a good day to choose joy and be thankful for another full week. 

---1---

I think I can count on my hands how many times I have left my couch since 4:00 pm yesterday. The lovely bug visiting my family decided it would like a bite of me. Fortunately, I am already feeling a good deal better, but extremely worn out. It is funny how a little illness can make you appreciate simple things. My cracker and Gatorade lunch seems like a feast today.

---2---

Wednesday we celebrated my go-to-guy, St. Joseph. It is hard to pick a favorite saint, but St. Joseph is the cream of the crop in my book.

I taught a class to Catholic educators on Wednesday and to celebrate the feast some brought in goodies to share. One of the early arrivals asked what the special occasion was and I explained that it was the feast of St. Joseph and when such a special day falls in Lent we can celebrate and not observe our Lenten fast. After that he got up, grabbed a cookie from the buffet of sweets, and vocalized his love for St. Joseph.

---3---

Speaking of Lenten fasts...Two weeks in and my lack of caffeine headaches have died down. My cravings, however, have not.

I have noticed some other developments. The first week I was constantly nursing herbal or decaf tea; having a warm beverage in my hands was comforting and helped me think less about how physically I felt I needed caffeine. The beginning of the second week I could substitute caffeine free beverages in place of the normal coffee or tea break. And the past few days I have had something in the morning and in the afternoon I have not had the same "must have something now" feeling.

Trips to coffee shops have also gone down, obviously this helps me stay caffeine free, but I have noticed a small change in my bank account that I must admit is nice. In fact, I have only visited an official coffee shop twice this Lent. Once during a freezing business trip and once with a good friend. This is much better than the whenever-I-had-down-time-between-appointments-habit I was in.

So all in all, my Lenten fast from caffeine is helping in more areas than one. 

---4---

Emily joined me for my first trip to a coffee shop this weekend. It was so good to sit and talk for hours about everything and nothing. Although we never did get to blog-storming, our time was well spent and we both came away refreshed. Raising Barnes got a post out of it! I am also loving her new look!

---5---

After my date with Emily, I went on to a successful Lia Sophia party and recruited my hostess (yay)! I am so excited to help her start her business and follow her dreams with Lia Sophia. I also learned a valuable lesson at her party that I am excited to share soon.

---6---

After the party I drove home and began unloading my car. It was bitter cold and windy, so I loaded my arms with as much as I could carry, came in, and turned up the heat. As I walked by my house keys on my kitchen table for a second load, I thought, "Should I grab those? Nah, the door is unlocked. I don't need them." I got to the door and noticed that it was not closed and on my way out I made sure to firmly shut it. You can probably guess what happened next. With my arms full of my purse, computer bag, and such, I returned to the door to find it locked tight and no amount of wiggling was going to change the button lock's shift to block the way.

Luckily, my phone was in my purse, and my little brother came to my rescue. 
Unluckily, there was only one key to the button lock and it was safe on my kitchen table. 

Luckily, one of the kitchen windows was unlocked. 
Unluckily, the previous renters had painted over all the seams and the window would not budge from the outside. 

Luckily, I could stay at my parents' and raid my sister's closet for something other than a dress and heels. 
Unluckily, what I thought was a light switch was an emergency alert button.

Luckily, we contacted the company and they called the police to inform them of the false alarm before we had to explain that we had already failed to break into one house and I was wearing stolen clothes.
Unluckily, B had the fun of replacing the doorknob.

---7---

Spring is here!

And there is snow on my driveway.

Make sure you visit Jen and the rest before you head out and have a fantastic spring weekend!

Hugs, 
Christina

Seven Quick Takes or Better Thing to Read Volume 21

 I have been gathering links all week to share for Quick Takes, only to be greeted this morning by the same sort of post from dear Emily. Imitation is the best form of flattery, right?

So here are some things that I have been reading and thought were worth passing along.

---1--- 

Thanks for all the support and prayers after sharing my prayer intentions last week. My cousin is doing so much better. I cannot wait to plan a visit while she is well.

If you are a runner and want to run for a reason, you should check out Joan's idea of creating a prayer network of runners. This has really motivated me to get back to the gym. 

Running for a Reason 

 

---2--- 

 I was introduced to Call Her Happy recently. I love her sense of humor and her blog.
Keeping with the imitation theme, her post on content ideas is awesome! 

Content Secrets 

---3--- 

A good friend's sister-in-law was interviewed about what she is doing for Lent!

Knowing this young woman makes me even more inspired by her simple Lenten challenge. 

Paint the Mirrors 

---4--- 

Grace shared about the charity, Sister India today. I love how the platform promotes sisterhood between all women. It is worth a watch. 

Sister India 

---5--- 

Tomorrow is International Women's Day. I thought this article from Verily about why observing this day is still worthwhile was well written and thought provoking. 

Why International Women's Day is Still Relevant 

---6--- 

A friend shared this article about Edith Stein's advice to single women. I have read snippets of her work over the years, but I had not read this quote before: 

"[The priest] spoke to the temptation of the person in their twenties or thirties to measure their life in a linear way: to measure their worth and success by whether or not they had achieved certain standard markers that they felt they “should” have arrived at: obtaining degrees, landing a dream job, getting married, having a set number of kids by a particular age, and buying a house. The priest said that we ought to measure our lives vertically, like the corpus on the Cross. We should measure our lives by the depth that we enter into the present moment and how much love we are putting into it." ~ Edith Stein

---7---

I thought this buzzfeed article was worth sharing. Okay, I happen to know half of the ladies in it, so maybe I'm biased, but it is cute.

Things SAHMs Want to Tell You

Have a wonderful Friday friends!

Hugs, 
Christina

Post 5 for Seven in Seven.