Computers, Challenges, and Dead Deer

I'm liking the random thoughts/bullet point format of my posts this week. So, I'm going to keep it going today.

• Sometimes it takes me more than one try (like 2 or 3) to correctly identify and fill in the letters on word verification things. I'm not a computer. I swear.

• I successfully completed day 2 of my 10K training. I stepped it up a notch last night. I'm a little sore today. Part of that is due to the fact that I need to get some new running shoes. But the other part is because I am not used to challenging myself physically (or otherwise). Last night as I was running, I was trying to remember the last time I challenged myself in any area of my life. Sadly, it was probably 5 years ago when Rob convinced me it would be a good idea to do an 80 mile bike ride with him. I say sadly because it's been 5 years since I have really done anything that has made me uncomfortable - that has been outside of my comfort zone. This needs to change. The 10K race will be a good physical challenge. Now I need to find things to stretch other areas of my life.
• Rob is working 3rd shift for the month of January. It's going to be an adjustment for all of us. His first night was eventful. It included drugs, guns, and a dead deer in the back of the police cruiser. That's all I can say about that.

How I'm Wired

A couple thoughts for today:

I did my first training run (I use that word lightly) last night. I may have bitten off more than I can chew. But, I'm going to stick with it. I can do this. I may not like it, but I can do it.

Secondly, I heard this song on Sunday and it's been in my head ever since.

I've heard it many times before, but this time, it really pierced my heart. Here are the lyrics to the chorus:

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to eternity

These lines hit me like a ton of bricks. These are all things I've been praying for and here they are in a nice little chorus.

I have always had a thing for music. In middle and high school, I would sit in my room for hours reading through the song lyrics and liner notes of all of my cds. I never quite understood why I was so obsessive about music. I figured that it was because I started playing music at a young age and I had just grown into a music snob of sorts. But over the last few years, I've started listening to more worship music and it has become clear to me that God uses music to get through to me. He can tell me things over and over again, but when I hear it in a song, for some reason, I just receive it better. It gets downloaded directly to my heart. So, now I know why I've always been obsessive about music. I was made to. It's how I'm wired. Can any of you relate?

Monday Morning Update

Well, it's Monday and we're back from our vacation which means back to work for me and back to baby school for Harper. All things considered, we had a pretty good morning - meaning no major meltdowns from either one of us. I don't really have a proper post for today, just some things that are on my mind this morning. Here goes.

• Yesterday, I committed to running a 10K with my friend Allison. I am not a runner. I think running is silly. Furthermore, I don't really like to ride in a car for 10K, much less run it. I'm pretty sure I can do this, but I'm also pretty sure I'm not going to like it. I'm going to the gym tonight to start training on the treadmill.
• While I was in Florida, I read this book. It was really good. Here's a synopsis: God and sex go together. You can’t separate the two because this physical world is intimately linked to deeper spiritual realities. And so, in order to make sense of sexuality, at some point you have to talk about God. With beauty and unusual insight, Sex God explores this connection. Yeah, it's a book about sex and God but it's also about what it means to be fully human. It talks about how we really miss out on the life that God intends for us because of how we make connections with some things and choose not to connect with other things. This is a book about sex, but as I read it, I thought about just about every other aspect of my life. I would encourage you to read it. I think I need to re-read it.

• It was snowing when I walked outside to start my car this morning. I like the snow. It makes the 17 degree temperature slightly more enjoyable.

Harper Vs. The Orange

We are leaving sunny Florida today. But before we leave, Harper wanted to pick a fight with an orange.

Do You Believe This Is The Same Kid?

I love comparing different pictures of Harper. I'm totally amazed at how much she changes in such short periods of time. I guess I shouldn't be all that amazed. I am a developmental biologist. I should understand these things. But as a parent, I am nothing short of amazed.

Harper 6 months old

Harper 14 months old

Harper 22 months old

The Year Of Self Discipline Part 2

Ok, back to my New Year's resolutions. The above picture has nothing to do with my resolutions. I took it this morning at Flagler Beach. It was a nice way to spend the last morning of 2009.

Resolution #2 (click here to see Resolution #1): Like practically everyone else, I resolve to exercise more in 2010. In the past, the amount I exercise has been directly related to my self-esteem. When I start to feel bad about myself, I go to the gym, lose 10 pounds, feel better about myself, and promptly stop going to the gym. This is not a good cycle. I don't want my self image to dictate the regularity of my exercise. In 2010, I want being healthy to become a habit. This entails eating better and exercising on a regular basis - like at least 3 times a week. I owe it to myself to be healthy (mentally and physically). In addition, being disciplined about when I exercise will hopefully set a good example of an active healthy lifestyle and good self esteem for Harper.

Resolution #3: I want to learn how to knit. I don't know why. I think I might just want to make cute hats for my kid to wear. Learning a new skill always takes discipline. I hope I have the patience to make good on this one.

Resolution #4: This is something that has been on my mind for several years. I don't talk about it much. Actually, I don't talk about it at all. There are 2 reasons for this. It's not a pleasant subject. It's the exact opposite of pleasant. Secondly, pretty much every time I think about this, my eyes well up with tears. I'm afraid that if I talk about this subject, I'll end up crying and I HATE crying in front of people. Watch this video. It explains it better than I can.

Love146 History from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

This subject defines then phrase holy discontent for me. I can't think of a worse evil in the world. This year I resolve to get involved with an organization committed to ending child sex slavery and exploitation. I don't really know where to start on this one. I don't just want to give money. I'm sure these types of organizations could use my money, but just giving money would not be fulfilling to me. If anyone has experience in this area, please let me know. God is stretching me with this one. Being obedient to Him is going to take a lot of discipline on my part.

Ok, so that's it. Well, not really. I have a couple more. But these are the major ones. I'll try to keep you updated on my progress. And like I said before, I'm going to need a lot of help and encouragement this year. So, if you want to partner with me in any or all of these resolutions, let me know! Happy new year to everyone reading this. I am glad that I can share my life with you and I am thankful that you share yours with me.

Waddah (Water)

I'll get back to my New Year's resolutions tomorrow. For now, here's a little video that shows why Harper likes Pap best.

We're having fun here in sunny Florida. Today, Harper had lunch with a real Samoan princess. This evening, we are headed to St. Augustine to see their Christmas lights display.