Yesterday

Monday's can be surprising. Or they can be Mondays. Yesterday was a Monday. While getting dressed, I banged a hanger against my nose, and zipped up a chunk of skin along with my skirt. I made it to work alive, however, and things seemed to be looking up--for the first five minutes, at least. Then, I discovered a project with a looming due date. As in, due that day.

Some sharp nibbles inflicted by gerbil teeth (yes, we have gerbils in our office) confirmed my worst fears: This was a high-caliber Monday. Monday to the extreme. Not your ordinary manic Monday.

Yet, obviously, since I'm writing this on Tuesday, it would seem that I survived. In fact, a few highlights were thrown in to counteract the many other unmentioned Monday moments. A cheery note from my best friend started the upward trend. A picture of a hamster trying to stuff an entire baby carrot into it's right cheek turned stress to laughter. A photo shoot of the aforementioned nibbly gerbils reaffirmed our pleasant camaraderie. An I-love-you kiss from my husband cheered away even more of the Mondayness. A visit from a friend topped off the upswing, and I fell asleep thankful for another day.

So once again life has proven that things are not always what they may at first seem. I thought I was starting off a Monday, but I ended up with a fresh start on my work week!

Two became one

On September 28, 2008, Alejandro and I jumped for joy as we became husband and wife.

Take a deep breath

I've been breathing for the last couple weeks, but it feels like it's been a while since I've taken a deep breath. Go ahead, try it.

Breathe in. Fill your lungs to capacity. Then, slowly let it all out. 'Til you feel almost caved in.

Do it again.

How do you feel?

We can survive for a long time with shallow breaths. But, when we breathe in deep, our bodies get all the oxygen they need to thrive!

I'm usually a shallow breather. Especially when I'm feeling overwhelmed. I'm not just talking about my lungs, though.

In the past few weeks... months, really, I've had so much going on, that I've just been focusing on getting it finished. Rarely have I taken the time to call an old friend just to catch up. Or go for a walk just to enjoy God's nature. Or do something really nice and unexpected for someone. I'm missing those deep breaths that will give me renewed strength, and realign my perspective.

I've been a shallow spiritual breather, too. I've been reading my Bible. And, I have a Bible study every week, where I'll take a deeper breath. But most of the time, I'm just getting enough oxygen to keep from falling flat. I'll survive for quite some time this way, but eventually, I will fall flat. And, if I keep this up, I can never thrive!

So, my challenge to myself today, and you too, if you'll join me, is to breathe deeply. Physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

Meowing down the wrong hole

Got a minute? This will make you laugh, or at least scratch your head in wonder. It's got to be the strangest cat story I've heard: Catch of the Day