Wednesday, April 6, 2011

It's the simple things

New growth is so exciting. Planting, pruning, blooming, and producing. There is a profound satisfaction that one enjoys after a hard day of yard work and upkeep. Here I sit on the back deck, admiring the vibrant colors of my begonias, impatiens, azaleas, marigolds, and lavender blossoms. And oh how I love to pause from cooking dinner to clip some fresh rosemary and basil for the meal, all the while sipping a mojito made with delicious fresh mint.

Yes, it's the simple things in life that seem to bring the greatest sense of satisfaction, peace, and contentment. Expensive things can be fun, exciting thrills are sweet for a moment, but there's nothing quite like the enjoyment we receive from the amazing blessings offered through nature and everyday life.






Tuesday, April 5, 2011

The video game battle

Last night B and I got into a "discussion" about a frequently recurring topic: video games. He loves them. I don't. He wishes I would play. I wish he wouldn't. He thinks they're awesome. I think they're nerdy and a waste of time. This is a battle that neither of us will ever win, I'm afraid. But I'm trying to convince myself that it need not be a battle at all.

I think the underlying problem here is that B and I are so compatible in just about every other aspect of our lives. So because we differ so drastically in this one area, it seems way more of an issue than it is. I feel bad because I'm not into that stuff and he feels bad because he is. I get annoyed when he's in video game world and he gets annoyed when I get annoyed. It's a stupid cycle and I've decided that it is ridiculous. It is healthy to have unique interests, and each individual should respect the other's individuality rather than attempting to change what he or she doesn't like (within reason - for instance, I'm not condoning 24-hr gaming binges by any means). Easier said than done. But like I said, I'm trying to convince myself. Good talk.


Sunday, April 3, 2011

Sunny Sundays

We have been searching for a new home church for the past few months. I think we found it this morning. I prayed before we left, for direction and guidance if this was where we should be. B and I both left feeling excited and right at home. I am so thankful and can't wait to check it out again next week.


We enjoyed a lovely breakfast, some Sunday driving, and beautiful beach time. I love Sundays with my husband. Short post today.. still relishing in this glorious day with my love.


Saturday, April 2, 2011

To be content...

Seeking true contentment in life seems to be a neverending pursuit of the human race. I think I may spend my whole life learning to "be content whatever the circumstances." Just when I feel that I am completely content, I am tempted once again to want something more, be something different, have something I don't. These distractions attempt to throw me off course in pursuit of temporary satisfactions, when all the while I already have way more than I need or deserve to be happy.


I found myself contemplating the last few years of my life, which have been far different than I ever planned, but far greater just the same. Challenging, yes. Frustrating, sometimes. Character building, absolutely. I've learned that I am not defined by a job. From public relations, to interior decorating, substitute teaching, home businesses, graduate school, modeling, catering, personal training, to real estate agent. You name it, I've pursued it or at least dabbled, all in the past two and a half years. Is this due to my lack of contentment with whatever I am currently pursuing? Or am I learning to be content with my seemingly "jack of all trades" personality and lifestyle? I believe (and hope) that the former is beginning to transition into the latter. Either way, I am finding how less relevant a job is to one's character and legacy on this earth. To me, life is about relationships and loving others. I would much rather be remembered in that way than as a success in the world's eye.


I met a new friend last night while out with hubby. After telling her about my various "jobs" in the past, and feelings about our beautiful, but rather career-limiting area, her response surprised me. She told me to enjoy this time in my life because I have the opportunity to work or not work thanks to the security of my husband's career. I take this for granted all the time. I am so blessed - and humbled by my unworthiness.


-Still learning to be content whatever the circumstances...


Friday, April 1, 2011

New Beginnings


Spring is in the air - along with new beginnings, growth, color, and excitement. Until now, this blog has served purely as a place for ramblings related to experiences as a military wife, and I generally only wrote during deployment times. Well not only is there more to discuss in life than deployments, but my passion for writing far exceeds the complacent status to which it has sunk in the previous months. So with the freshness of Spring, I find new goals and plans for the coming months in full bloom. For starters, I plan to set aside time every day for writing. Whether or not anyone is out there to read my ramblings, this is more of a personal process than anything. And as these ramblings are somewhat public, a sense of accountability ensues. Yes, these creative challenges are often cliche, but here we go, nevertheless. I generally have a lot to say, think about, write - even if just to myself half of the time. I dream of being an author someday, but have so much more to experience and learn in this life before I can even pretend to know what I'm talking about. And I have to start somewhere. So here it begins.