Crazy Random Happenstance(s)

What a week it has been.

First I drove out to Minnesota for a short trip to be with my dad's side of the family after the passing of his mother. It was an emotionally draining three day weekend with a seven hour drive at the beginning and end of it. But, as usually is the case in these kind of situations, it was good to see family. Including my parents.

It was on the way back that things started going downhill. I got back to Chicago in good time on Sunday and my super awesome roommate, Amber, had ordered Thai for us to have for dinner while we caught up. I was so focused on getting out of the car and being done with my drive that I left one of my overnight bags in the middle of the street. And had no idea I had left it there until several hours later. Normally it wouldn't have been such a big deal, just a few clothes, but my camera was in the bag. With the memory card containing my photos from my recent trip to Haiti. This was what hurt me the most. I mean sure, I was a bit bummed to lose the clothes and other items that were in there (some of which I can't even remember) but it was the memories that those photos contained . Luckily, just the day before I had a few minutes to post a few photos onto my Facebook account, so they are present there. And I know that my friends from the trip will gladly share their photos with me.

I did end up posting a few signs right on my street just in case one of the neighbors had happened to pick it up, but I wasn't counting on that. I just wanted to be a bit proactive in trying to find out what might have happened to my bag. I also called the police and filed a report. And I talked to one of my neighbors and had a really good conversation with them that involved a few tears on my part and lots of soothing words from Carmen and Dirk. I really appreciated the conversation.

Then on Monday two things happened. First, my car door broke. And I about flipped out. I mean, common, really? On top of everything else, now I have to fix my car door too? On the bright side, at least I could still shut it so I could drive home. It just made things a bit complicated. But then the second thing happened. I got a call from a woman down the street who saw my sign and said she thought she saw my bag out behind the dumpster that goes along with her apartment building. I actually couldn't believe that I heard something from anyone. And so when I got home, I left everything in my car and went down the ally, which, mind you, is the one behind my own apartment building, and sure enough I looked into the dumpster, and there was my bag along with several of the lost items. Yay for having nice neighbors who pay attention to signs and strange things in their neighborhood.

Of course there was no camera, but at least the mystery was solved. My bag was stolen off the street. Taken half way down my own ally and gone through. Things of supposed value were taken. The rest was left behind. It's a crazy world out there.

And as for my car door. I am lucky to have a good friend here in the city who was willing to look at it and he was ultimately able to fix it. Thank goodness for him!

Now, in case you're wondering the whole week wasn't a total wash. And I have to remind myself of this. I had several great conversations with a couple of my best friends. I was able to get out and play tennis one night; beach volleyball out on Lake Michigan another night; and then the summer ultimate league I ended up playing for won their league championship game. Go Albino Death Wheel (aka: Fuzzy Bunnies).

Whew. Now if that is not a rather crazy random week, well, I don't know what is. And hopefully things will calm down next week. Or, hopefully at least I won't be as forgetful as I have been this week. I think that's all I can ask for.

Significant Event

So here I am back in the blog-0-sphere attempting to start again with writing down some of my experiences and thoughts. It seems the trend is that when something significant happens in my life I feel the urge to sit down on this thing and see what comes out. As a bit of an update, I've been working for the last nine months as a sales associate at one of the four REI's here in Chicago and for the last six months as a nanny to a super cute two year old named Harper. It actually has worked out really well because I need both jobs to get by and my nannying job is so flexible that it works in around my ever changing work schedule at REI.

Now on to the significant event. I just returned from a week in Haiti. And I realized a few things.

1. Working in retail is not exactly rewarding work. At least it's not for me forever.

Now don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with working in retail. I have actually really enjoyed my time so far with REI. And as far as retail goes, I'm glad that it is with REI. I enjoy helping people prepare to do cool things like hike the Grand Canyon, or travel to Kenya and many other cool destinations. For several months now I've been thinking of a bit of a time line for myself. Enjoy my summer travels that I had and have planned, work as much as I can when I'm here and then come fall start looking again at job possibilities. And in order to look for jobs I need to figure out what direction I want my life to take (and that's a story for another time).

2. At some point in the future I would really like to adopt if possible.

For awhile now I have had the thought process that I can't justify bringing another child into this world when there are so many children who need a loving home. On my recent trip to Haiti I was able to visit an orphanage and the children there simply melted my heart. And one of the guys on this trip with me has a little girl that he and his family adopted from Haiti (this was how we ended up at this particular orphanage). I will say that there was one good outcome of the earthquake that hit Port au Prince in January of 2011, it expedited the adoption process of many children from Haiti who otherwise would still be waiting clearance to come to the United States.

So that's it for now. More to come soon.

Up North

I can now say that I've been to northern Wisconsin. I can also say that I really REALLY want to go camping. I've been invited to go up north to Eagle River Wisconsin now for about three years and this past weekend I finally made it. It was a relaxing weekend full of rest and good food. And bald eagle sightings. And a lone wolf making it's way across our path. And good use of pie irons. And starry nights. And campfires. And relaxing boat rides. And photography. And good company. Though the distance was far (about seven hours in the car each way) the trip was totally worth it! And I hope to make it back up to Eagle River sometime soon!

3 AM

It's three am on a Friday morning and I have found myself sitting here at the computer in my apartment which is a bit more empty in some ways and busier in others. My dad has been out here with me for a few days visiting here in Chicago as well as taking a mini road trip out to the Twin Cities of Minnesota.

And he just started making his drive back home to Virginia. At three in the morning! So things are a bit quite around these here parts now.

But somewhere there is a cat prowling around. Or maybe he's sleeping. But he's keeping his eye out! As of yesterday I became a foster mom to Festy, a two year old cat that belongs to a good friend of mine. And though he's not entirely sure what's going on (and neither am I for that matter), hopefully soon he'll settle into the new place.

Well, hopefully we both will!

It's Official...

It's official...as of today I'm no longer a volunteer. Three years ago I moved to Elgin from Bridgewater. And about three weeks ago I started moving from Elgin into my new apartment in Chicago. So now I find myself in uncharted territory. No clear path laid out for me. No one to say 'hey Sharon, you should do this!'

The only thing that I know is that I'll be living (well, am living in Chicago since I moved all my stuff out here a week ago) in Chicago on the north side with a good friend of mine. Beyond that, I'm not entirely sure. I'm looking for work. I hope to get involved with some of the Ultimate Frisbee that Chicago has to offer, whether it's through more pick up or league play. Experiencing city life through biking along the lake front, attending a Broadway musical or two (once I have a steady income of course). And simply experiencing city life.

Today was a bitter sweet day to say the least. Saying goodbye to a great community of colleagues and friends at the Church of the Brethren offices. Starting a new part of my adventure, my journey. Wondering how I will be able to continue connecting with a denomination that I love and continue to find my voice and figure out who I am and who I want to be.

And so a new chapter begins on this journey of mine. And here we go

Engaged in Conversation

Today I was able to spend a little bit of time connecting with a gentlemen at work. What started out as an intentional 'work' related meeting turned into a great conversation. After we got through the so called business, our conversation moved from personal experiences and what's coming up in the future to what we intentionally chose to have surrounding us in our own spaces to community life and relationships we have with one another. It was a really positive experience and an hour well spent I would say. There is so much to be gained by taking the time to connect with one another face to face whenever we possibly can.

I find that with my work so much of it revolves around conversation. And getting to know one another and what we like and don't like, and who we are as individuals and in relationship with one another. It's so important to take that time and to not be in a hurry to rush off to get something else done. But to really engage with one another.

I feel like I am constantly coming back to this idea. And it's interesting because I have discovered that while I am a very relational person I don't particular care to be around a lot of people at once. I prefer to talk with folks one on one and I can be fully engaged and responsive. When I am in a group of people I find that I typically sit back and let the conversation happen around me. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I'm not paying attention, it's just what I've learned to do. I enjoy listening to other people's thoughts and ideas and if I have something to add then I will, but typically I'm simply a presence without a lot to say.

My somewhat limited international travel has taught me some of this. To not focus on the work at hand, but to take the time to sit down and talk and discuss and learn and grow. You don't simply approach someone and ask them for a cup of sugar or an egg or for the latest report. But you take the time to ask how they are. How their family is. And their work. And then, maybe, you ask for that thing you initially came searching for.

In many ways this is our work, or at least maybe it should be. To show interest through, and to be engaged in conversation, is a way that we all have something in common with one another. The ability to show compassion and caring and love, and that ultimately we are all the same. To find common ground and then build on it. To be able to talk with one another and be open is the beginnings to...well, to almost everything.

Being Intentional

So my writing this year hasn't been the great. In fact, it has been almost non-existent! I don't know if it will change, but I'm going to try a bit harder to be more intentional about writing.

I find myself referring to many things that I hope to do as 'intentional.' I don't know why or when this shift has changed. But I find myself saying things like "when I live in the city I hope to be more intentional about..." this or the other thing. You know, like not eating out as much, buying my groceries more locally, being more aware of how to live a green lifestyle, walking or taking public transportation as much as possible and finding work so that is possible. The list could go on and on.

I think this is one thing being in BVS has showed/taught me. By being introduced to people who care about being intentional with one another, with the world, with life, with creation. All those individuals played a part in shaping the person I am now, and the person I want to be when I'm not longer officially a volunteer. So I am hoping to take this with me and introduce others to this way of living as well. Including my future roommate! It will be an adventure to see how our lives connect and how we are able to push and encourage one another in the different lives we've been leading. But I'm looking forward to living intentionally with one other person, who happens to be a good friend of mine. And to set up shop in the city of Chicago. It's gonna be a good time. :)

Story

The story of our lives, particularly my own, has been on my mind as of late. The other week we were at a BVS retreat and spent a day talking about call and vocation and where we see ourselves down the road. For the first time we looked at this idea in terms of our lives as a story.

Who is the main character of the story of your life? Is it you? Is is someone else? Are you in a supportive role in this story? Is there a plot to your story? And what is the main conflict in your life?

So what do you think? I know that my story is still being developed. The plots written and maybe written again. But what about your story? If someone would make a movie out of your life right now, what would it be about? What is the conflict? The climax? The outcome? What does your life say about you?

Chicago on the Horizon

I flew back to Chicago bright and early this morning, leaving the safety of the valley behind on a small regional airplane. My time at home was chaotic and short. There's just not enough time to do everything and see everyone when you visit the place where you grew up, and went to college, and your entire family lives. And on top of that trying to get some work done! But this is exactly what happens every time I go home and it always seems to work out!

This morning as I was flying back I saw the two gentlemen who were sitting in front of me on my flight into Chicago turn and glance out of the window looking behind us. And so of course me being the curious person that I am I turned myself to look. And there it was: the Chicago skyline that I have come to love so much.

Chicago is on the horizon in more than one way. This summer my plan is to move into the city, specifically the north side, and live with a close friend of mine and find work and continue to explore this great world that we live in. Very little is certain but I feel as though this is the right place for me to be. I've been having lots of great conversations with folks that revolve around this time of exploring that I'm in, and while they haven't always been easy, they've been helpful in one way or another. Conversations to help guide me on my journey.

So yes, Chicago is on the horizon and I'm looking forward to what it brings.

The Open Road

So I'm on this trip. And it's a driving trip. One where I get to listen to all sorts of fun music and sing at the top of my lungs as I drive from place to place. Visiting with all sorts of amazing folks and promoting an organization that I think is one of the best things out there.

But while I'm in the car singing along to all these fabulous songs I am constantly thinking of other people. This is because much of the music that I listen to has been recommended to me, or given to me, or I first heard it at a specific time in my life. So on the first leg of my trip I listened to music and I thought about friends from college and from living at the BVS house. I thought about when my grandfather passed away, to the girls who lived on the same hall as I did my freshman year. I thought about several of the most amazing women that I know, who also happen to be some of my very closest friends. I was reminded of my travels through Europe and Nigeria and throughout the states.

I could go on and on. But the point is that to me, each of these songs that I listen to...it means something. These songs are connections to various aspects of my life. Of the journey I'm on. Where I've been and where I am presently. I am so thankful for these songs as reminders of the events of my life. And whenever I hear a song that reminds me of a certain person or place or time, I find myself thinking about that person or place and by being in thought of them, it is as though I'm lifting up a prayer for them.

Music has a way of connecting all of us all the time. And for that I am incredibly thankful.

On Holiday

Sometime or another last fall I told myself that I should go on a vacation. And for one of the first times in my life that I can think of, I was finding myself drawn to the coast for a time of rest and relaxation. I called up my dear friends Jim and Alice, whom I had met a year ago this time on my trip to Nigeria, and asked them if I could come and visit. And well, long story short here I am. In Sarasota, Florida.

Now while it might be a tad bit cold down here, mid 50's, it definitely beats the snowy weather and negative wind chill that is in Illinois this time of year!

And so far, my time away is going well!

Being Inspired

This past week it was my turn to lead chapel at the office. It's kind of neat because each week, on Wednesday, chapel is led by a different staff person at the office and there are no guidelines. At least none that I know of! And everyone takes a different approach and can use their own gifts and talents.

So Monday night came and I found myself completely uninspired. Oddly enough, while I might not have been inspired, I was motivated. I wondered to myself, how is it that I am supposed to get put together a 15 minute time of devotion and prayer when there is very little to inspire me at this moment. At least nothing that I was coming up with. I tossed around ideas of focusing on the contrast of light and dark and showing some of my photos that portray this contrast, or playing the song "True Colors" and diving a little bit deeper than that. But nothing was really pulling me strongly in one direction. And, as I think happens to the best of us, I was coming up with ideas and then needing to go in search of scripture, rather than having a text to form the rest of the idea around.

Then after looking up the text of the day on textweek.com I found a scripture that spoke to me. One that resonated with me. One where I could use photos to back up the idea I was hoping to get across. Using excerpts from Isaiah 60:1-5, and photos and music, I created a meditative slide show to create a space where my colleagues could come and rest and relax and listen to the spirit moving in their own lives.It was a place where I could use my gift of photography to inspire others in a time where I was struggling with finding my own inspiration.

Photography is something that I greatly enjoy. I was one asked by a close friend if there was anything that I do that I can get lost in. I think about this question often and I always come back to photography. To seeing things in a different light. From a different angle. And then capturing that moment. And then being inspired by it. As it turns out, though it took me awhile to get there, I was able to inspire others using what inspires me.

Hoarfrost

We don't see it very often. I'm not sure that I've ever even seen it myself. I think the only time I've really heard much about it was when I was younger reading the Little House on the Prairie series. It seems to me that it came up a few times then!

Yesterday I was out driving through the countryside with my dad and a friend and all the trees were covered in a white substance and I couldn't remember there being any freezing rain to fall the night before that would have covered the trees with anything. Then my dad said he thought it was hoarfrost, something he'd never seen before. It happens when white ice crystals are loosely deposited on the ground or exposed objects, and these crystals form on cold clear nights when heat losses into the open skies cause objects to become colder than the surrounding air. It's absolutely beautiful to see! Breathtaking actually. Luckily I had my camera with me.

Go Sally Go!

This week we got, oh I don't know, maybe four inches of snow, before the temperatures plummeted into the single digits. Which of course was accompanied by high winds, with a wind chill of negative 20 or so. It's hard to say really. Anyways. I've got Sally out here with me these days and, well, this was a hard first round for her. She just isn't used to these cold temperatures. Virginia can get cold, but it's fairly mild, especially when compared to this!

Tonight I needed to take her out and I knew it would be a bit of a challenge, but goodness it took me a good thirty minutes to scrape all the ice off and to dig through the snow so she could actually get somewhere. Luckily for me, one of my housemates, Cheryl, came to my rescue and she was such a huge help! It probably would have taken me at least fifteen more minutes if she hadn't come out and helped me out! I should have known it was going to be a bit of a task when I tried to open the door and it was frozen shut on that side! I had to get in on the other side and crawl across. Not the easiest thing to do, and also not the first time I've had to do it!

Slowly but surely we made progress and finally Sally was able to beat the weather. And now she's resting safely in the garage. But just to be on the safe side, here in the next few days, I think I'm gonna take her in and have her checked out. It's best not to tell her, she doesn't like heights.

More Weekends Like This

I have decided that I need more weekends like this one in my life.

Friday spent with one of my closest friends in the city. Sitting. Laughing. Talking. All over pizza and a movie in the comfort of her home. Knowing that I'm welcome there anytime.

Saturday spent sleeping in. Lounging around. Venturing downtown to the Field Museum with another friend that lives in the city. Having a carefree afternoon. Getting all dressed up for a friend's birthday party. Going and relaxing and letting go and being myself. No stresses. Just plain ol' good fun.

Sunday spend sleeping in (again!). Relaxing. Being in no hurry whatsoever. Having no agenda. Nothing planned. Just being and doing.

Yep. A girl could use more weekends like this one.

But then again, if every weekend was like this, then it wouldn't be so special when it does happen. Or would it?

Cooking!

Tonight I prepared my first meal in my newly set up kitchen! It was a bit hard to get started when I first got home, but once I got going it was a ton of fun! I cooked up a bit of pasta with pesto. And then sauteed mushrooms in garlic and olive oil and added a few diced tomatoes. Throw those together and top it all off with a bit of Parmesan cheese and voila! A fabulous dinner! One of the best parts was I think I ended up cooking more mushrooms than pasta! Which might not seem quite right, but for me it was perfect!

Give Thanks

This year for Thanksgiving I did things a little different. For starters I didn't go anywhere. I decided to stay here in Elgin to celebrate the holiday with those I have met who have become my family. When I first moved out here in the fall of 2007 I was adopted by a family at the Highland Avenue CoB, and over the past several years we have enjoyed spending time together and getting to know each other, and they truly have become a second family to me. I enjoy every opportunity I have to spend time with the Chapman's. So this year in deciding to stay around for the holiday, I knew I had a family to spend it with. As it turns out, I was also invited to the Shively home as well to celebrate the day with them. So I had not one, but two full meals in one day. AND, a friend from back east was passing through town on Thanksgiving, so he was also more than welcome to join me at both places.

So then this morning I was talking with one of our project directors for Brethren Volunteer Service and Thanksgiving came up as it tends to do this time of year. We were exchanging greetings and asking how the holiday went. And he was telling me how he realized this year just how important the relationships we have with one another are, especially during a holiday such as Thanksgiving. And I got to thinking about it and I agree. I mean everyone talks about the food, but there is so much more to the holidays than what you're eating. This may seem obvious, but it's important to actually connect the dots, even on a picture that seems obvious without the lines.

So this is me being thankful for the many relationships that I've been blessed with over the years. And for the relationships that I'm blessed with now.

Sunny Side of Life

Let's face it. I'm an emotional person. And when I haven't seen the sun for a few days, watch out! But then when the sun comes back out again, things become more even keel. Especially when I can actually enjoy the sun's warmth while being out doors.

This fall I feel as though we've been so incredibly lucky. I mean here it is, the middle of November, and I am still able to be outside (well when I'm not working at the office) in short sleeves and enjoy the beautiful blue skies and the warm sun. And I just absolutely love it. Yesterday I drove from Virginia to Pennsylvania and it was a gorgeous drive. Blue skies with whisps of white clouds strewn across it. Brilliant reds and yellows and oranges scattered along the road sides in the trees. While the peak of fall may be gone, there are definitely still remains left to appreciate and enjoy.

This weather is also helping me to have a more positive outlook on life. It's like the song says: "keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side. keep on the sunny side of life!" It's definitely not an easy thing to do. Sometimes it's easier to focus on the negative things in life, but I'm trying to keep on the sunny side as an intentional effort.

It definitely helps.

Taking a Mini-Vacation of Sorts

I was asked the other day what are things that help me to relax and allow me to take a mini-vacation without actually going anywhere. Things that initially came to mind were active things, such as playing Ultimate Frisbee, running, and walking.

Then it struck me that being in nature is how I escape and take a load off for a few hours is what, in many ways, revitalizes me. Whether it's walking along a river, hiking through a wooded area, watching the sunset, going to a forest preserve, picking apples, or whatever. I haven't been able to spend much time out and about in nature these days. And I think it's taking it's toll on me and my sanity level.

One of my closest friends asked me if there are things that I do that I get lost in. I think this has come up before. But playing Ultimate Frisbee is definitely one of those things. If I just let myself go and have a good time and focus on the game and simply being in the moment, it's just awesome. And it's a good feeling to let everything else go for a few hours. Another thing is photography. I absolutely love taking photos. Often times even when I don't even have my camera, I look at something and wonder how I could possibly capture it. I want, and in many ways need, to get back into photography.

I'm beginning to realize that it's good, and healthy, to find those things in life that allow us to take care of ourselves, of our mind, body and spirit. If we're not taking the time to replenish ourselves then how is it that we can be expected to give give give. It can turn into a vicious cycle if we're not careful. This was inspired by my friend Aaron who asked us to be intentionally aware of how we are taking care of ourselves. And I really appreciate that and am incredibly thankful for the reminder!

Seeking the Ever Present Joy

So I've got a personal goal. To seek joy in this life that I have surrounding me. I've had a bit of a negative outlook on life for, well awhile now, but it's been much more serious and obvious the last week or so. I have found myself laughing jubilantly one second and breaking down in tears the next. It's not that anything has really been wrong, it is more that nothing has seemed right. My outlook on life had been turned upside down and I'm attempting to make an intentional effort to right it. To change my perspective; my attitude.

There are so many positive things in life, specifically in my life. But lately I've found myself focusing on the many unanswered questions and missing what is not in front of me, rather than rejoicing in what is. It's been exhausting and I'm ready to move forward in a more positive light. So here it goes. Wish me luck!