Year: 2008 (Page 1 of 8)

Every year for christmas my mother-in-law puts wonderful, practical things in our stockings. Top of the line shaving cream (something that is difficult to go generic, if you ask me), gum, chapstick, nail files, soap, and a toothbrush. This year was no different.
Now i’m not particularly particular about my choice in toothbrush. i like a soft bristle, that’s about my only requirement. some people are a bit more choosey – for years my sister only accepted purple toothbrushes. but for my lack of choosiness, i still have difficulty getting the new tool out of the packaging and throwing the old away. for years i avoided it completely by simply updating the toothbrush in my travel toiletries kit and keeping my favorite red brush near the sink. finally i acquieced and made the trade.

the new toothbrush has no negative qualities necesarily. the bristles are slightly firm, but not painful. it might take me a day or two to remember which one is mine (although process of elimination will tell me the pink one is not JJ’s). but i still lack motivation to make the change. which i think is the problem.

change. i’m sure my dental hygenist would tell me that i need to make the upgrade as it’s better for my teeth – less germs, new firmness is good for the gums, blah blah blah. but when i brush, it just feels… different. it’s outside what i’m used to. the handle is a bit ackward. i’m not sure of the angle to reach the backside of my lower molars.

but this being said, i know it’s something i need to do. i must progress. and i’m feeling a bit the same about new years resolutions. the changes i would like to make are not difficult. they don’t hurt and in actuality they are good for me. but they’re different. and i have a tendency to gravitate toward the comfortable.

i typically use my old toothbrush in the travel bag and toss out the old travel brush, thereby getting the option of old toothbrush out of my options in the morning. i think that might need to be my approach. what do i need to remove from my line of vision each AM so that i can make the necessary changes to my life?

but what a good feeling to know that at the end of 2009 i could be blogging that this currently new toothbrush has filled the shoes of “comfortable”. we can hope.

I have not yet fully put together my thoughts for this post, but it’s something that’s been brewing this holiday season. i’ve been overwhelmed with gratitude. this christmas was one that i we could honestly say we needed nothing. i came up with a list for those who asked, but there wasn’t a thing that i thought “well, if i don’t get it for christmas, i’ll use some of my special money and find a way to buy it.” jj and i continue to see just how blessed we really are. and yet, we’ve been put in a place in this world with so many generous people who love so freely. we’re just surrounded by it – we were overwhelmed by it all when henry was born and the cards and gifts and prayers just poured in. but it’s continued throughout this holiday season. our parents are endless in their giving. our church family (ies) show us sooooo much love.

i think it’s because i’ve been struck by the ungratefulness of others that i hope my gratitude shows. i hope i’m able to express how appreciative we are for everything that others do for us and not just come to expect it. our generation is one that feels like most luxuries are our “right” in life, and i hope that i don’t come across like that. i’ve made a concerted effort to say thank you, but there reaches a point that you can’t say thank you enough.

and if i’m like this with those that i see, about the things i can touch… how much more am i likely to skim over the blessings that God has showered me with? i know i do it… but i’d like to stop.

last year i made a list of things that would make 2008 better than 2007. i think i’ll make another similar list. butt, hips and thighs will remain on the list as i did not put forth much effort on that one (i’ll plead pregnancy). and this year i’ll add: 1) show more gratitude and 2) be more generous.

being the TTYD that i am, i think i need to make an action plan. this will require time with kristy and a good bottle of chilean wine.

So many fantastic things lately. i must list them so that i can celebrate appropriately. someday i’ll be both motivated and disciplined enough to list 5 of these each day so as to keep proper perspective, but for now, i’ll just celebrate what i have loved about life the past 48 hours:

1) met with Mark L. to discuss youth stuff. i can list the things that put energy and life into my soul on one hand, and talking about jesus stuff and how it can shape teenagers (or people in general) is one of them.
2) bath time. it’s become a family event. henry and i get in, jj helps hold henry or soap him. i’m sure talented mothers can do it solo, but i need help :). as well, henry does not scream mercy – he’s actually starting to like it (until we have to lift parts out to soap up… cooooolddd!)
3) random trips to kenton with my family. it was like a mini-reunion yesterday at Jolene’s Kozy Kafe (yup, that’s Kenton for you… tacky misspellings and all). kev didn’t have school so lauren came, my folks showed up, and the whole Crop Insurance office was there. then i went back to the office for a few hours to catch up with the cousins. i wouldn’t trade these days for anything!
4) visits from good people. Jim B. stopped by bearing gifts and just chatted it up. i’ve been semi-working with him for a few months and he’s just so… good. i consider myself lucky when i encounter such people, let alone when they take an interest in my life.
5) christmas spirit. i’ve finally started to catch it :). bought jj a small present yesterday (seriously small. like $12 small. but he’ll love it). it’s a good day when i can get past the fact we have very little money and just give things for the sake of the season. and today we’ll be quite merry because we’re going to finish the shopping at easton as a family. speaking of which, i’d better go dry my hair before the little fella wakes up.