I've been going to church with some friends in ABQ when I'm in town (which happens to be enough that I could have been paying rent there instead of gas to and from Ruidoso). The pastor recently started a series he's calling Eros, going through the Song of Solomon. During the first session on Understanding Attraction the pastor talked about... Attraction, duh. No, the part that really made me think was how attractive it is for a guy to be respected. The pastor told a story of a time he and his wife were with a bunch of other pastors and the expected lame bible jokes ensued. The time came, when things were at a lull, for him to pitch in his own cheesy joke and as one might guess, it wasn't really funny but his wife just laughed and laughed. She genuinely thought he was funny and he said that affirmation from her in the middle of all these guys was so sexy.
How many times have I had the opportunity to affirm a man and instead of doing so I've thrown his ego under the bus? I remember a time when I was driving the family wagon of a guy I dated through a big city. He wanted to stop at some store and since he was being an ass to his brother I said I wouldn't take him. In front of his brother and father I did this. Yes, he was being a jerk which wasn't ok, but to disrespect him in front of the men in his life was not the best way to handle the situation. I also think of my brothers and times I've lacked respect for them. The kind of respect he was talking about wasn't based on something someone had done or would do in the future, it was a representation of your love for him. It was important to hear the magnitude of respect to a man from a man.
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
northern new mexico
This weekend I made the trek north. Arthur and Kristi brought ben and parker to ruidoso thursday through sunday and I took off Saturday afternoon to help liz move into her new apartment in Santa Fe. I stopped in ABQ to see Ashlee Hendrix and her new little man Avery - so adorable!
Sunday morning I joined Nik, Luke and Wilson for church at City on a Hill. This church actually made me think about moving to abq. We had a wonderful lunch on the patio of Gecko's in Nob Hill and as usual, the boys were entertaining and provoked many thoughts for my drive north to Santa Fe that afternoon. I met up with Liz, Hannah, Nate and Ruby for the moving fiesta but I had missed the bulk of it. I organized a bathroom and joined the girls for a celebration of every time Ruby stood up - We clapped and cheered for her and she LOVED the attention - cutie patootie, that little Ruby is! We made a seriously delicious dinner of sauteed shrimp, scallops and calamari tossed with spinach, grape tomatoes and crimini mushroms, topped with herbed feta! Yum!
Yesterday I visited Martha and Bradley in Taos for a few hours which was fun. Martha is doing an internship with the earth ship peeps in Taos which sounds really interesting. I came back in time for a killer softball game Marlo's bf Sam played in. Marlo, Liz, this fun girl Jessie and I were the most obnoxious fans ever. The boys went through the whole batting lineup almost twice before finally getting their first three outs - obviously due to the 4 cheerleaders chanting from the stands.
I would like to live in Santa Fe, or visit this place more frequently. Peace Corps sounds great right now but I need to pay off my Perkins loan and CC before I can feasibly take off on any extended adventures. There is a life-coaching job here in Santa Fe. hmmm.
Sunday morning I joined Nik, Luke and Wilson for church at City on a Hill. This church actually made me think about moving to abq. We had a wonderful lunch on the patio of Gecko's in Nob Hill and as usual, the boys were entertaining and provoked many thoughts for my drive north to Santa Fe that afternoon. I met up with Liz, Hannah, Nate and Ruby for the moving fiesta but I had missed the bulk of it. I organized a bathroom and joined the girls for a celebration of every time Ruby stood up - We clapped and cheered for her and she LOVED the attention - cutie patootie, that little Ruby is! We made a seriously delicious dinner of sauteed shrimp, scallops and calamari tossed with spinach, grape tomatoes and crimini mushroms, topped with herbed feta! Yum!
Yesterday I visited Martha and Bradley in Taos for a few hours which was fun. Martha is doing an internship with the earth ship peeps in Taos which sounds really interesting. I came back in time for a killer softball game Marlo's bf Sam played in. Marlo, Liz, this fun girl Jessie and I were the most obnoxious fans ever. The boys went through the whole batting lineup almost twice before finally getting their first three outs - obviously due to the 4 cheerleaders chanting from the stands.
I would like to live in Santa Fe, or visit this place more frequently. Peace Corps sounds great right now but I need to pay off my Perkins loan and CC before I can feasibly take off on any extended adventures. There is a life-coaching job here in Santa Fe. hmmm.
Monday, 12 May 2008
NYC
I spent this past weekend with my friend, Cody Willard. He lives in the center of the universe - or at least thats what some people call New York City. I'm not a very good tourist. I like to pretend I'm a local when I'm clearly not, but at the heart of my travels I think I just want to see life through the other person's eyes. Cody showed me HIS New York this weekend and I liked it more than I thought I would. I value Cody's eyes and his perseverance most of all. He sees things I have not and has pushed himself through numerous obstacles, personally and professionally, in order to keep moving with confidence and increased clarity. I admire his passion and it refreshed me to know that all the hard work and dedication really can help you reach your dreams. I need to find a dream. I have been fortunate to be in the presence of great thinkers and doers this past month or two. Cody is among those. He asks good questions and challenges my answers. I appreciate people who push back.
On a lighter note - we ate GOOD food!
Thursday night was asian - cool little warehouse-style restaurant with weathered furniture and hip staff. The lychee mojito was a hit in my book, as was the duck salad and something I couldn't pronounce. Conversation was tops, as expected.
Friday was a day of rain and finding my bearings. Cody has a TV show on Fox's business network (similar to CNBC) and it airs from the Waldorf Astoria's bar, Bull and Bear, during Happy Hour. He hosts a variety of guests in relation to finance and economics (my rough understanding of the showbiz thing) and at the end of the show they usually have a fun guest. Friday's "fun guests" were the Harlem Globetrotters - very fun in my book, and I made a short appearance as well! I got to chat with Curly before we went on air and I'm pretty sure I made quite the impression. Cody wowed the bar with his mad bball skills while maintaining composure and not missing his ques. Good-game high five to you my friend:) Afterward we went to the greatest Italian place ever - we decided it was in the 9/10 range based on several variables:
1. Lisa, whom we had seen outside Emack and Bolio's the night before, has had the restaurant in her family for the past 51 years! She had a crush on us and gave us t-shirts (will post a pic later).
2. They have a bathtub in the toilet. Apparently they can keep it there without needing to adjust it for code as long as they keep everything as it was originally. But really, a bathtub in a restaurant that only has one toilet?
3. The staff was amazing and recommended delicious food and wine - superb food, really.
Saturday was full. We went to Cold Spring for a picnicish afternoon with Cody's friend James' fam and friends. They have a great piece of land with an amazing house and garden. They were all wonderful, hard-working and joyful people. Cody's dog Lobo joined us on the outing and seemed to love the freedom of grass and roaming around (living in SoHo doesn't afford much grass, as you could assume).
We then went to visit my Great Aunt Margaret, on my mom's side, whom I had never met in person. She lives in the house my grandmother and she grew up in, along with my Great Aunt Caroline. Though Avenue T was a bit hard to find (it does exist:) we managed to meet my Aunt and spend some time with her before it got too late. Her energy was heightened because of our visit I think, which was a blessing for Cody and I as much as for her.
After that we went to Balthazar, this oyster bar by his office. Yummy oysters and fish. We sat next to this Italian couple - man in windsuit and paying with $100 bills... hmmm. No questions, but nice neighbors at dinner.
Cody and I outside Balthazar
At the crossroads near his casa.
Sunday was a nice day to leisurely walk through SoHo with Lobo and look around. I was in a funk and not the best company, but we (Cody and Lobo mainly) managed well and then I was off to homeland.
On a lighter note - we ate GOOD food!
Thursday night was asian - cool little warehouse-style restaurant with weathered furniture and hip staff. The lychee mojito was a hit in my book, as was the duck salad and something I couldn't pronounce. Conversation was tops, as expected.
Friday was a day of rain and finding my bearings. Cody has a TV show on Fox's business network (similar to CNBC) and it airs from the Waldorf Astoria's bar, Bull and Bear, during Happy Hour. He hosts a variety of guests in relation to finance and economics (my rough understanding of the showbiz thing) and at the end of the show they usually have a fun guest. Friday's "fun guests" were the Harlem Globetrotters - very fun in my book, and I made a short appearance as well! I got to chat with Curly before we went on air and I'm pretty sure I made quite the impression. Cody wowed the bar with his mad bball skills while maintaining composure and not missing his ques. Good-game high five to you my friend:) Afterward we went to the greatest Italian place ever - we decided it was in the 9/10 range based on several variables:
1. Lisa, whom we had seen outside Emack and Bolio's the night before, has had the restaurant in her family for the past 51 years! She had a crush on us and gave us t-shirts (will post a pic later).
2. They have a bathtub in the toilet. Apparently they can keep it there without needing to adjust it for code as long as they keep everything as it was originally. But really, a bathtub in a restaurant that only has one toilet?
3. The staff was amazing and recommended delicious food and wine - superb food, really.
Saturday was full. We went to Cold Spring for a picnicish afternoon with Cody's friend James' fam and friends. They have a great piece of land with an amazing house and garden. They were all wonderful, hard-working and joyful people. Cody's dog Lobo joined us on the outing and seemed to love the freedom of grass and roaming around (living in SoHo doesn't afford much grass, as you could assume).
We then went to visit my Great Aunt Margaret, on my mom's side, whom I had never met in person. She lives in the house my grandmother and she grew up in, along with my Great Aunt Caroline. Though Avenue T was a bit hard to find (it does exist:) we managed to meet my Aunt and spend some time with her before it got too late. Her energy was heightened because of our visit I think, which was a blessing for Cody and I as much as for her.
After that we went to Balthazar, this oyster bar by his office. Yummy oysters and fish. We sat next to this Italian couple - man in windsuit and paying with $100 bills... hmmm. No questions, but nice neighbors at dinner.
Cody and I outside Balthazar
At the crossroads near his casa.
Sunday was a nice day to leisurely walk through SoHo with Lobo and look around. I was in a funk and not the best company, but we (Cody and Lobo mainly) managed well and then I was off to homeland.
back in the saddle again
the title of this post is such for 2 reasons:
1. I haven't been posting as regularly, or in chronological order (ie this post is from a month ago), in a while and am back
2. The following post is about my adventure to Wyoming and Denver to visit my dear friend Hannah!
A month or so ago I finally made it to Chugwater, Wyoming, home of the Kirkbride/Westerman clan and my dear friend hannah, in particular. Hannah has been a model friend this year in what some may call a "ministry of presence." She is a joy to share space with and she's made a tremendous effort to meet people where they're at, literally. We have friends all over the world and Hannah has visited most or all of them within the past two years. She visited Michael in Italy, Jason and Sarah in the West Bank, met up with me in Germany, Mandy in China, her sister in India as well as the Faroe Islands and the list goes on. During her time in the states she has also made the rounds to all her North American amigos - Laura & Jacob in California, Carli in Charlottesville, aunts uncles and brothers in South Dakota, Wisconsin, Chicago, DC, etc., the whole JBU/SCLE crew in northwest arkansas and again, the list goes on. This is why I say that I FINALLY made it to Wyoming because my dear friend Hannah makes it such a priority there is no way I could let her leave the country (she took a job in Sudan) before making it to her homeland.
While in Chugwater we chaperoned a high school lock-in, discussed life, hiked three peaks around her families ranch and simply shared space for a week or so.
Her family is incredible. While we were at her Aunt Lindi's one night I told her how neat it was to see the devotion and discipline of her ranching family spill over into other areas of their lives. They drive an hour north and south to recycle as much as they can. The pursuit of truth and excellence is visible in their professional lives as well as personally, as seen in their conversations, relationships and family standards. Spending time with them challenged me to approach life from a different perspective and higher my standards. I like the Kirkbride/Westerman clan.
1. I haven't been posting as regularly, or in chronological order (ie this post is from a month ago), in a while and am back
2. The following post is about my adventure to Wyoming and Denver to visit my dear friend Hannah!
While in Chugwater we chaperoned a high school lock-in, discussed life, hiked three peaks around her families ranch and simply shared space for a week or so.
Her family is incredible. While we were at her Aunt Lindi's one night I told her how neat it was to see the devotion and discipline of her ranching family spill over into other areas of their lives. They drive an hour north and south to recycle as much as they can. The pursuit of truth and excellence is visible in their professional lives as well as personally, as seen in their conversations, relationships and family standards. Spending time with them challenged me to approach life from a different perspective and higher my standards. I like the Kirkbride/Westerman clan.
Sunday, 4 May 2008
Parker Blane Miller
March 29. 2008
Parker Blane Miller was born to my wonderful sibs, Arthur and Kristi.
Here is the little man with his "Aunt Renee Bird" as his brother Benjamin calls me.
Benjamin being a proud big brother
Benjamin being a proud big brother
Maggie
This weekend has left me in a state of contemplation and a renewed zeal for life.
A good friend of mine, nik hook, is part of a family devoted to each other, their God, and a full life. Nik's grandmother Maggie was one of those women that, at first glance, you assume is rather fragile in her older years. She may appear that way, but she was one of the feistiest women I have met, at any age. I'm sure she only remembered her age when she looked in the mirror and saw wrinkles because inside she was still a spry and fearless 20-something. During the reception to her memorial service yesterday I watched a slideshow of glimpses into her life and the lives of those she walked alongside. We listened to her family and friends speak of the way she created a home for everyone, the love which was so apparent between her and Ward, the adventures her entire family has treasured from childhood on, and her legacy which inspires celebration instead of mourning.
This family has life. They are outspoken and affectionate, gregarious and joyful, tight-knit and unique. They have their faults, as every family does, but seeing who Maggie was to each of them kept her alive a bit more as we celebrated her this weekend.
Our friend Joe came down for the service. A combination of Maggie thoughts and conversations with Joe about his life over the past few years have sparked something inside that I pray stays with me in moments of monotony and self-doubt. There is so much fear to be absorbed if we let it. Sometimes I am overcome by the fear of taking risks in my professional life. I'm young and inexperienced, but I have lived 24 years and have much less to risk than if I wait till I'm 44 to try something a bit outside my comfort. I said I am inexperienced, but that doesn't mean I have no experience. I want to seek a challenge, even if failure may creep in against all my best efforts. God is good and He will honor my heart and teach me through failures or victories if I am willing to step down from my own calculated life.
There are goals to be set and fullness to be tasted through confidence in God's guidance and greatness.
sidenote:
The story of Nik and I becoming such good friends is actually kind of cool. He and I both went to JBU - he from Colorado and I from NM. One day my mom said she met someone at a social event whose grandson went to school at JBU. It was Nik! His grandparents have had a cabin in Ruidoso for a long time and apparently his dad, aunt and uncle ran around with my dad and his friends when they were in high school and now Nik and I have a history we never knew existed. he's been coming to Ruidoso for holidays and family gatherings since he was born. Crazy! He's a good friend and I was so blessed to be part of the celebration this weekend.
Last weekend he went to prom with me to see some of the girls that work for me.
This is our prom pose.
A good friend of mine, nik hook, is part of a family devoted to each other, their God, and a full life. Nik's grandmother Maggie was one of those women that, at first glance, you assume is rather fragile in her older years. She may appear that way, but she was one of the feistiest women I have met, at any age. I'm sure she only remembered her age when she looked in the mirror and saw wrinkles because inside she was still a spry and fearless 20-something. During the reception to her memorial service yesterday I watched a slideshow of glimpses into her life and the lives of those she walked alongside. We listened to her family and friends speak of the way she created a home for everyone, the love which was so apparent between her and Ward, the adventures her entire family has treasured from childhood on, and her legacy which inspires celebration instead of mourning.
This family has life. They are outspoken and affectionate, gregarious and joyful, tight-knit and unique. They have their faults, as every family does, but seeing who Maggie was to each of them kept her alive a bit more as we celebrated her this weekend.
Our friend Joe came down for the service. A combination of Maggie thoughts and conversations with Joe about his life over the past few years have sparked something inside that I pray stays with me in moments of monotony and self-doubt. There is so much fear to be absorbed if we let it. Sometimes I am overcome by the fear of taking risks in my professional life. I'm young and inexperienced, but I have lived 24 years and have much less to risk than if I wait till I'm 44 to try something a bit outside my comfort. I said I am inexperienced, but that doesn't mean I have no experience. I want to seek a challenge, even if failure may creep in against all my best efforts. God is good and He will honor my heart and teach me through failures or victories if I am willing to step down from my own calculated life.
There are goals to be set and fullness to be tasted through confidence in God's guidance and greatness.
sidenote:
The story of Nik and I becoming such good friends is actually kind of cool. He and I both went to JBU - he from Colorado and I from NM. One day my mom said she met someone at a social event whose grandson went to school at JBU. It was Nik! His grandparents have had a cabin in Ruidoso for a long time and apparently his dad, aunt and uncle ran around with my dad and his friends when they were in high school and now Nik and I have a history we never knew existed. he's been coming to Ruidoso for holidays and family gatherings since he was born. Crazy! He's a good friend and I was so blessed to be part of the celebration this weekend.
Last weekend he went to prom with me to see some of the girls that work for me.
This is our prom pose.
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
5 months back. 9 months forward.
I have been back in the US for a month now. the five months of london adventures is complete. I have new friends, music, tastes, memories, etc. but New Mexico is home once again.
I have these friends that wash windows in town. On separate occasions I have heard many of them say how much they love their lives. To the Wal-Mart exec. life as a window-washer may seem really lame amongst other things, but to one of my friends it is his dream job. There isn't much stress. They work on days when the weather is nice and you'd want to be outside anyway. They manage their own hours so if they need to take off for a round of disc golf they go do it.
My friend Craig said he had the best year ever and I asked why, seeing as he had recently left a business as a partner in this great bike shop/import store. He said, "you know I just got really specific. I was specific with what I needed to make and what I wanted to do this past year." He went sky-diving, explored Banff and Vancouver. He said he didn't think he was as effective when he tried to multi-task and window-washing is perfect for that.
Charlie is great too. He bartends with me at Landlocked. When we swap shifts we do the small-talk "how was your day" sort of thing. He always says, in the most genuine way each time, "Leah, you know I'm really lucky because I can't complain about my life. I played a great round of disc golf with the guys yesterday. We washed windows for a few hours today. I really enjoy my life."
Have you heard the parable of the Mexican fisherman? It makes me wonder what all the push for money and status is for if we end up wanting the simplicity we had in the beginning. I am trying to figure out if I need to make a "career-move" or stay where I'm at for a bit. My heart jumps at adventure, experiencing another culture and eating new foods but does that mean these things need to be part of my career? Or do I find a job that accommodates those things as pastimes? Am I being a poor steward of my education if I don't work for some big company for a bit? Where will fulfillment be found? Is it more a matter of my own heart being content? If I were to get really specific about 2008 what would be involved?
- pay off CC bills from the expensive London sabbatical
- save money to put in an IRA or something like that
- learn about the "something like that" options - investments, etc.
- commit to mentoring one or two girls (maybe from LL or the high school)
- mountain bike more consistently (once a week at least. ugh)
- increase spanish skills - go to language school for min 3 weeks or take classes here
- go on an adventure with megan
I have these friends that wash windows in town. On separate occasions I have heard many of them say how much they love their lives. To the Wal-Mart exec. life as a window-washer may seem really lame amongst other things, but to one of my friends it is his dream job. There isn't much stress. They work on days when the weather is nice and you'd want to be outside anyway. They manage their own hours so if they need to take off for a round of disc golf they go do it.
My friend Craig said he had the best year ever and I asked why, seeing as he had recently left a business as a partner in this great bike shop/import store. He said, "you know I just got really specific. I was specific with what I needed to make and what I wanted to do this past year." He went sky-diving, explored Banff and Vancouver. He said he didn't think he was as effective when he tried to multi-task and window-washing is perfect for that.
Charlie is great too. He bartends with me at Landlocked. When we swap shifts we do the small-talk "how was your day" sort of thing. He always says, in the most genuine way each time, "Leah, you know I'm really lucky because I can't complain about my life. I played a great round of disc golf with the guys yesterday. We washed windows for a few hours today. I really enjoy my life."
Have you heard the parable of the Mexican fisherman? It makes me wonder what all the push for money and status is for if we end up wanting the simplicity we had in the beginning. I am trying to figure out if I need to make a "career-move" or stay where I'm at for a bit. My heart jumps at adventure, experiencing another culture and eating new foods but does that mean these things need to be part of my career? Or do I find a job that accommodates those things as pastimes? Am I being a poor steward of my education if I don't work for some big company for a bit? Where will fulfillment be found? Is it more a matter of my own heart being content? If I were to get really specific about 2008 what would be involved?
- pay off CC bills from the expensive London sabbatical
- save money to put in an IRA or something like that
- learn about the "something like that" options - investments, etc.
- commit to mentoring one or two girls (maybe from LL or the high school)
- mountain bike more consistently (once a week at least. ugh)
- increase spanish skills - go to language school for min 3 weeks or take classes here
- go on an adventure with megan
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