Influenster VoxBox - Sugar 'N Spice 2013

I got all of these products free from Influenster for testing

Several months ago my friend Jacklynn posted on her blog about her first VoxBox from Influenster. That got me curious and so I signed up. Tuesday I got my first box called "Sugar 'N Spice" and was thrilled to find all kinds of goodies in it for me to try and review! Here's a list of what I got and my first impressions. Stay tuned for more details as I try out the contents!

Colgate 360 Optic White Toothbrush - I like the Colgate 360 toothbrushes and it's almost time for me to get a new one, so yay!
Colgate Optic White Toothpaste - Never tried it, but it's worth a shot!
Colgate Optic White Mouthwash - (Do we see a theme here?) Again, never tried it but it's worth a shot!

Nectresse - a sweetener from the makers of Splenda. First thought - "I need a cup of tea to go with this"

belVita Breakfast Biscuits Cinnamon and Brown Sugar. - "These will go perfect with my tea!"

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controling Towelettes - I'm probably most excited about trying this!

Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer Total Moisture - Not quite sure what to think about this one.

I also got several coupons for the Dickinson's Towelettes and a book of recipes for the nectresse. Based on the information contained in the box about the average/suggested retail price of these items, the value of the items in the box was probably about $30. I'll give more details on the particular items as I review them, but feel free to ask questions if there's something you want to know about first!

Alabaster Fire Department CPR Class

In all of the adoption preparations, we learned that we would also have to take a water safety class along with CPR and First Aid because we have a hot tub. While the water safety still needs to be done, we were able to take CPR on Saturday.

Our local fire department offers CPR classes pretty regularly (I think at least once a month) and it's super cheap - only $5 to cover the cost of getting your certification card. If you need the schedule or more information you can get it here.

Our class only had four people in it which really was wonderful. I got CPR certified almost 10 years ago but thankfully have never had to use it. I also know that the standards change and I was a little nervous about remembering everything and being able to do it right, but the small class size made sure we all got a lot of one-on-one help and supervision.

Our instructor (I didn't get his permission so I won't use his name) was absolutely wonderful. He not only made sure that we got all the information that we needed, but he gave it to us in a way that we could remember it. He also answered all of our questions and made sure we were engaged with all of it. Everything was very conversational and incredibly enjoyable. I know I'm a dork who enjoys learning new things, but classes like this are not normally my "thing." However, this one was really fabulous. You can bet that I'll be doing it again to make sure that my certification stays current from now on. As easy and enjoyable as the whole thing was, I'd be foolish not to keep it up!

It seems silly but the most helpful/applicable (and also most intimidating part) for me was "playing" with the EpiPens. We ALWAYS have campers who have them and I've never personally had to see one used or help use one (or even know of a camper at one of my weeks who needed it while they were at camp). We always get a description of how to use them, but we actually practiced using them on ourselves with the teaching devices (which didn't have needles or medicine.) Even knowing that there was no needle in it, I didn't want to even act like I was stabbing it into my leg and it took a little extra encouragement for me to try it. I'm glad that I finally did because I now feel that, if I do ever need to, I could use one on a camper (or anyone else for that matter!) I probably could have done it before if I had to, but it would have taken me a few seconds to talk myself into it and/or read the instructions and I would have gladly given over the responsibility to someone else! Now I think I could do it without too much trouble, although I would still prefer to do what I do best, which is holding hands and offering words of comfort and encouragement!

I believe the whole crew from one of the stations was there during the start (until they had to go to a call). I think the plan was for them to help out with demonstrations and with the actual practicing with the dummies but they were gone when we got to that part. In spite of that, I was so incredibly overwhelmed by the kindness of all of them and their appreciation of us for taking the class. There really are not words for how much I appreciate them and their interactions with us, however brief they might have been. Maybe I'm just overly sentimental these days, but thinking about them and my experience with them makes me tear up a little! They truly are ministers in their own right with an incredible calling and I am grateful for all that they do!

If you need CPR certification or it's something you are thinking about taking/doing, let them help you out! It's a fabulous experience and I promise you will walk away a better person!

Friday Five - Personal Maps

Today's Friday Five is all about looking at your life as though it is a map. Although I've looked at my life through lots of lenses and I'm typically an "image" person (especially if I can attach a story to the image) but this is a new one for me. However, given that I currently have a special attachment to the Voyage of the Dawn Treader movie and watch way too much Jake and the Neverland Pirates with my little buddy, I'm kind of digging the idea of my life as a map.

1. What is beyond your boundaries? - I really hope it is a wild and unexplored country known as "motherhood"

2. What are the cities or neighborhoods that need "redevelopment" or attention? - I definitely need to be more active. I'm not going to be hanging out with my little buddy anymore after next week which is going to be hard, but it's also a good opportunity for me to pay attention to myself in a way that I had intended to when I entered my "Season of Sabbath."

3. What are the verdant valleys? - My professional life finally feels alive and full of promise. I'm excited and hopeful and waiting to see what is going to pop up and move in! I know that I've planted a few seeds, but I also know that God has planted a few too!

4. Where are the deserts? - One thing I have learned is that, sometimes, on a map and even from a distance a desert looks barren and lonely and dead. However, when you are in the middle of it, you see that it is actually full of life and growth that is unique to that environment. That is definitely the way I see my past, particularly all the challenge and loss I have endured. From a distance, it's not pretty. But it's still rich and full of life that is unique to that environment. And once you've been there, you never forget it!

5. Where is the hidden treasure? - Well I can't tell you that now can I? Really and truly, I'm not sure. I've spent a lot of time digging for treasure in places where I thought it should be. Sometimes I find something and sometimes I don't, but it's rarely what I expect. At this point in my life, I would much rather enjoy simply exploring and then enjoy the spoils if I stumble on an X or a happy surprise.

Bonus: What is the coolest place you've ever been on the globe? - While not "cool" in the sense that it's exotic, I have really loved my trips to England and can't wait to go back for my birthday!

Party Girl

February was the month of parties around here!

First, we threw a surprise party for my step-mom's 60th birthday. I honestly didn't think it would end up being a surprise, but she didn't have a clue, which was really nice. The whole thing was lots of fun. Hubby and I did the cooking for our Mexican fiesta and it was great. My step-mom's best friend and neighbor, Betty, helped us pull it off. My favorite part was the cake. Our friend, Julie, (and the wife of Catherine's cousin Hank) was able to get her fabulous bakery to make a coconut cake with lemon curd filling, which is what Catherine's mom used to make for her birthday. Most of the decorations came from Party City, the invitations were from Walgreens, and we had the party at the family life center at the church. Although it wasn't super-unique or full of DIY cuteness, I was still proud of the whole thing. It was a great success, but we had a lot of food leftover. Still, I loved doing it and would have done it again in a heartbeat!

Next up was Jeff's 30th birthday. I knew that he wanted another surprise party (he had one when he was 16 that wasn't exactly a surprise) so I decided to put together a "beer tasting and barbeque" party for him. I was able to rent out Brother Zeke's BBQ and asked everyone to bring a few beers to taste and share. I got the invitations and tasting note cards from Michelle Purner Designs. I picked the colors and came up with the table settings. I also took some ideas from pinterest and made a centerpiece "cake" from beer cans. I also made little favors for everyone. We got cupcakes from Pastry Art Bake Shoppe and it was a great night. Although he had kind of figured out that SOMETHING was going to happen but didn't know exactly what or when, so it was nice that he was at least sort of surprised! We all had a wonderful time, and it was definitely a success.

Of course, now I have "party fever"! It's been kind of nice having other people asking me for tips and help with parties they are planning and I do have a few projects simmering. I like being "the party girl!"

Friday Five - Good Things

Today's Friday Five comes with simple instructions - list five things that are good. This task is not at all simple. It is important and profound and something that is incredibly necessary and really and truly should be done more often. This is not my reflections on life in general. This is my life at this very moment.

1. Hope and excitement about things to come - While I know the fears and challenges will make their way in, right now I'm thrilled to be moving forward.

2. Celebration - About two weeks ago my husband, brother, and I pulled off an awesome surprise birthday party for my step-mom's 60th birthday. I was honestly surprised that SHE was surprised, but the whole thing was wonderful and I had a blast planning it! On Monday, my sweet husband will turn 30 so we get to spend this weekend celebrating again. I'm a lucky girl to have so much love and celebration going right now!

3. Cuddles with my dogs - Because it's cold and rainy today, neither of the dogs want to be out, and I don't blame them. Instead, they are happy to sit with me. The little dog (a chihuahua) is happy to wedge herself between my leg and the armrest of the couch. The big dog (a lab mix) is on the floor next to my feet, occasionally popping up to place his paw on my leg or to put his head in my lap for a scratch behind the ears. I love these moments with these examples to me of unconditional love!

4. Rest - It's been a busy and challenging week, but today is my day of rest. It's much needed and even more appreciated!

5. Chocolate - I'm about to finish off the last of my Valentine's Day candy and it has been fabulous!

Moving Forward

This week has been a busy one for me, particularly in the professional realm.

First, I was on call at Children's on Sunday. It was a long, busy day and it really took a toll on me. I know it's part of the job, but it's still tough.

On Monday, I had a meeting in Atlanta with some folks at McAfee to talk about D.Min stuff. Although it wasn't exactly what I was expecting and I wasn't as on top of my game as I would have liked, it was generally a good experience and I came away very excited about the whole prospect.

After that, I had the chance to talk to the pastoral care department director at UAB. I'd already talked to my former CPE supervisor about the possibility of doing a senior (research) residency as a part of the D.Min and she was very supportive so it was nice to talk to him about it as well. He was also very supportive and it's nice to have good people in my corner who are willing to do whatever it takes to make this a good experience for everyone involved!

After that conversation, I came to the realization that it was time to make some contact with the folks at the conference office and inquire about my current status and my options going forward. After a very positive meeting, I now know what is needed for me to get back into the process of things. Although there are some mixed emotions, for the most part I think that I am ready to start taking those steps.

I really have needed these past several months of rest, peace, and reflection to get to this place. I'm more excited about the prospects for the future than I am intimidated by them. I don't necessarily have a timeline for what I want and when I want it, but I can tell that is a huge sign of growth for me! For the first time, I feel like I'm finally doing something I'm really excited about doing because it's completely for me, not because someone or some group is telling me that I have to do it.

I know it will be a lot of hard work, but I also know that it is work that will all make a difference, both to others and to me!

Academy 34 - Session 3

Another session of the Academy for Spiritual Formation has come and gone. This time I had a new experience of arriving very late on the first day because of our GPS class. I don't like being late. Ever. For anything. I didn't like missing out on the excitement of arrival time. I really didn't like missing our first worship service and my covenant group's first meeting. I got there Monday night around 10:15pm and went straight to bed, but it definitely took me a little while to get my bearings the next day.

As always, the week was wonderful. It was full of lots of laughter and tears. Our lecturers were great and I learned a lot and thought about a lot of things I might not have otherwise. I even wrote a psalm! I may get brave and share it here at some point. Although the week was filled with lots of intense emotions, thankfully my nudgings from the Holy Spirit (and there were plenty of them) were quite gentle. I don't know if it's because God knew that I could only absorb so much or that I'm simply paying closer attention so I don't need to be beaten over the head quite as much.

I did have the chance to share with my entire Academy community about our adoption stuff and I was just absolutely overwhelmed with all the love and support I got from everyone. I truly cannot put into words how much it has meant and continues to mean to have this community in my life, especially right now. I keep trying to express how much it meant to me to have so many people share their own experiences and to get so excited with and for me and to know that Jeff, I, and our future child (or children) are all being wrapped and held in prayer by so many people!

I've also been doing a lot of reflecting on where I stand professionally. Being with this community and in an environment where I get to learn again reminds me of how much I really did love school. I didn't love all the stress and the tests and the classes I had to take because they were required, but I did love the learning and growing. I still love learning and growing. I will probably always love it. I really and truly would be a career student if I thought I could get away with it. At the same time, I've been really hesitant to pursue more education because I'm not sure how it would benefit me in terms of getting a job. It's not necessarily something I "need." Still, the more I think about it the more benefit I think it would be to me to go back to school and perhaps pursue a doctor of ministry. It may or may not directly benefit me in terms of getting me a job, but I feel as though I would be a better person because of it, and that is my goal. I'm not going to do anything immediately, but it's kind of liberating to think about the possibilities. It also helps having support in that vein.

There are lots of changes happening in lots of different areas of my life and I'm so blessed to have this community as a support system. Knowing that this is a time-limited experience and that we're now almost to the halfway point, I'm already starting to grieve for the loss of this community. Maybe it's just grieving the end of this last session, but I also can't help but do a little bit of anticipatory grieving for the time that I know we will be leaving and not all coming back together in another 3 months. But for now, I will choose instead to celebrate this amazing blessing in my life!