Kindred Spirits

I just love the idea of a Kindred Spirit, of being a kindred spirit in someone's life, and having someone to be a kindred spirit in mine.

I receive a little "Daily OM" inspirational email, and about a year ago one was sent that has really stuck with me, about... you guessed it... Kindred Spirits! The friends that I have in my life right now are these. I could never have EVER imagined that I would have a best friend, let alone the six best friends in the world, let alone the tight-knit circle of friends that surround those six.

What am I getting at? Well, one- there's a gal at work in the new unit I'm working in; she and I have been trying to place how we know each other outside of work because we KNOW we must- there's too much that sounds familiar or that we already know about the other person. Second, I've recently been put in touch with a few very good friends, one from high school and one from college, and it's amazing how being with those people feels like no time has passed, almost like coming home to everything being perfectly imperfect and just right. With my friend from high school, no one at the party we were at could believe it had been TEN YEARS since we'd seen each other! With my friend from college, the same thing- it was like FIVE YEARS hadn't even happened!!

I believe that we are kindred spirits, meant to be in each other's lives for one reason or another, and I encourage you, who ever may be reading, to be just a little more aware of the kindred spirits in your life. Once you feel that awareness, I promise you, you will never be the same- it's quite an enlightening experience! I believe it's the Holy Spirit helping us to find like-souls when we or they are most in need. And yeah, maybe it's the nostalgia of the holiday season that makes it that much more magical.

Add the idea of kindred spirits to the feeling of coming home to a beloved friend, and throw in some twinkling tree lights? Perfection!

Ode to the Dryer Monster

This is supernatural, alright.

The dryer ate one of my pillow cases! Brand new freakin' sheets, 400 count, chocolate brown, egyptian cotton. Not only have I lost so many of my cool socks, but now a pillow case!?! I haven't even slept on the sheets yet!!!

*sigh* So, here goes...

Dear St Anthony, please come around. Something's lost and can't be found.

Okee dokee, I'll go ahead and keep you posted- St Anthony's a prankster for the patron saint of lost items... it'll probably show up under the couch or in the vegetable drawer in the fridge or something.

Good night, or rather, good morning!

Eat Mangos Naked, and Dance with the Pits!

This is the title of the 4th book by SARK that I own, and I couldn't be happier! She is the one "self help" author that I am not ashamed to own.

The books are colorful, laid back, and even the font is fun- it looks like she hand wrote the entire thing. There's doodles and scribbles and little side comments. It is real, and right in so many ways.

I'll add more to the blog as I begin reading, but please- check out more SARK at www.campsark.com

besitos amigos!

One Midnight Gone...

(actually, it's more like 365 x 28 midnights gone)

"Live your life and forget your age" ~Frank Bering


As my 28th birthday approaches, I'm finding it a challange to remember that I am almost 30! How am I supposed to act? I have been living my life, but lately my life seems to be lacking one thing that most women in their 20's are seeking, and that's love; being in love, having that someone who cares if you make it home from work alright, who will bring you cold medicine and chicken soup when you're sick, and call you just to hear the sound of your voice.


"Live your life..."
I get up, think about working out, get my latte at Starbucks, go to work, sometimes work out, and then go home and watch Law & Order or CSI until about 2am, sleep, and do it all again the next day. Is that living my life? I feel like there is something I'm missing, that there's something I should be doing that I'm forgetting. I would like to add more lindy hop to my routine, but was recently told that I should compromise my passion for fine & performing arts because it might intimidate someone who might want to ask me out, that the intensity of my passions may be scaring men away. I can't really go to a sporting event or watch all the games I want to, because my friends right now aren't into sports all that much- so I've already compromised my passion for sports, if I compromise my passion for the arts, then what's left? I refuse to give it up...

"...and...."
And? I don't expect to find the perfect man who will be into every sport and dance, well, I found ONE but he's a priest, so that doesn't work... but there's gotta be someone somewhere that will fit, and... And? Someday I won't be alone, and someday- SOMEDAY- I won't be alone at the end of the day. My swim coach in high school, our neighbor, family friends- I can't tell you how many times older men have said that I have a confidence that is intimidating to men and a maturity that is perfect for the girl to bring home to meet mother but nobody wants that right now, that scares men... ver batum! There's someone who won't be intimidated by my independance, who won't be afraid, who won't think that going on a date with me means being married with children in under 12 months- that's not what I want! and... And? And people will stop saying "It'll happen for you too, just wait..." and... And? And one day there'll be a man who won't say "I want to kiss you but don't want to ruin our friendship." I can't tell you how many times I have heard that in the last 10 years, and not just recently; so many times, and... And? It never gets any easier to hear. Translation: "You're good but not good enough." Someday there won't be a "but" at the end of "I want to kiss you, I want to be with you."

"...forget your age."
This is so easier said than done. I look in the mirror and sometimes don't recognize the woman staring back, the circles under the eyes, the white streak of hair at the temples, the aching joints and forgetful moments. Unfortunately, my age is the one thing that I cannot forget. My 10 year reunion's coming up, my friends are starting to be married with children, my brothers are closer and closer to being married with children, and I am alone.

Not that I'm totally focused on being married with kids, or desperate for a man in my life, I just feel like there is something missing, and I know it has to do with being so alone all the time, being the odd man out, being a third, fifth, or seventh wheel when I'm out with my friends or family.

If I had single friends, it wouldn't be so bad. I'd like to say I am content, and for the most part I am, but when I'm with my friends, and when I'm with my family, it's just one more reminder that I am alone. And the sad SAD thing is, I don't know that there's anything I ever could have done to change where I am. There wasn't a relationship that I messed up, there wasn't any time that I'd rejected someone who would have adored me... there hasn't been anyone TO adore me... I'm always good but not good enough.

I have lived my life, forgotten my age, but I fear it's catching up with me.

Joy is prayer. Joy is strength. Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. - Mother Teresa

As the Holiday Season approaches, let us welcome it with a beautiful image of JOY from Mother Teresa.

Joy is prayer...
What does this mean to you? How is your prayer joyful? Are you giving thanks in what you see every day, finding the little blessings that God is providing to you? When we're getting stressed, bent out of shape about family, friends, gifts, money, trees, decorations, and time management, let us challenge ourselves to stop, find just the slightest moment of joy, and pray.

Joy is strength...
Being filled with joy, a true, genuine moment of joy, is not always easy. It can almost mean admitting we have moments of weakness for us to find strength, and to find joy in that strength can pose a challenge. The strength comes from within. The joy comes from a sense of accomplishment in realizing that you are strong enough to handle whatever comes your way; and the strength comes from realizing how your joy fulfills you.

Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls...
Have you ever stood in the presence of another who is truely filled with joy? It is contageous! Their soul radiates a glory and energy, and in turn extends an invitation to all other souls to join in the celebration. Pure joy creates a net of love that will filter any darkness, and that is what truely captures the soul.

When you find joy, pray. As you're praying, find strength in that prayer of joy. Dare to invite others to share in that joy, and envelope yourself in Christ's love.

Introduction

Eventually I'll get it down, but for now, I've got a Xanga blogsite, VIRB, and myspace. I know, it's a lot... but sometimes a girl's just gotta try 'em all out! I think I may be liking this format and layout a little more than Xanga, and sometimes I want to post things for people who aren't on VIRB or myspace, and sometimes I want to post thing that are not for people on VIRB or myspace... We'll see how it goes. I'll post a few here, see how I like it, and then I'll share the page url.


So... here we go!