Oil Spills and Fish Gills

Today at the Bizzle I was jazzed to hear how all of my coworker's kids did on their first day. They were nervous on monday and it seemed like tuesday would bring some sweet stories. One of the ladies was telling me that her kindergartener was told to draw a picture of his favorite animal. So he drew a fish. Swimming in a sea of black. When the teacher asked him why the water wasn't blue, he replied, "because of the oil spill".

What is this world coming to?

RUNNER RUNNER RUNNER!

So last week I went for a little run right as it got dark (Mom and Dad don't worry-it was a stressful day and I needed to stretch my legs). So as I was running down a beautiful stretch of residential road, a group of cyclists was heading my way and they all started yelling "Runner Runner Runner". Well I got a little intimidated but thought it would be funny to just yell back "Bikers Bikers Bikers!". I was really happy that the whole group started laughing and didn't throw rocks at me or run me off the road.

I think next time I'll shoot for rollerblades..."Rollerblader Rollerblader Rollerblader" just sounds gooofy...

When love wears thin...

I have the pleasure of living across the street from one of the sweetest couples in Austin. In their late 60's Mr. and Mrs. Brown have lived here forever. They are constantly on their porch and I try to make a habit of spending a little time with them each week. I think they have a lot of wisdom to share, or so I thought...

Last week I was early getting ready for a little date and took a glass of water to catch up Mrs. Brown. I told her how excited I was, that he was a good guy, kind and handsome and yes, he was picking me up like a gentleman. In trying to gain some wisdom from my sweet neighbor, I asked her what her advice was, how she and Mr. Lewis had remained in love for all of these years. Her response?

"Well I think patriotism is the key"

WHAT?! I almost laughed out loud! It was followed by-

"And make sure he doesn't lie, like on his income tax returns and things like that."

Okay, I think that will be my last time really trusting the advice of Mrs. Brown. Never on my list of husbandly qualities is patriotism on the top.

At my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary a few years ago, I asked my grandma the same question. She responded with much more eloquence. She told me that they lived by the motto that it was going to get tough sometimes and it would be hard to love each other but that "when love wears thing, commitment kicks in".

I see that every day as she cares for my grandfather who is dealing with some health issues. She is so committed to him that love isn't an option-there is no way that she can't love the sweet, sweet PawPaw that she married.

Through all of this research, I'm quickly learning that love is sweet, that it is lasting that sometimes it's a choice. I think I'll choose love.

Handstands.

Dave and Teri were in town this week and I was yet again reminded of how blessed I have been by these incredible people. They are so much fun and love each other so so much. We had a blast eating (and drinking), playing cards (and Meixcan train) and just telling good, rich stories.

Teri and I spent a day at the Springs and a day at the Resort (Lifetieme). I was reminded that last time we swam together she told me I was too old to do handstands in the pool. WHAT?! Is that possible? Will I soon be too old to skip or perhaps eat a snowcone? I do think this time in life holds a large area of gray. My married friends sometimes seem like they are leagues ahead of me-saving for vacations and buying homes. While a group of my friends still partake in city league sports, others are contenplating babies.

Either way, I'm still doing handstands in the pool (Teri turn the other way!).

Be the Change...

Wasn't it Ghandi who said we should be the change we wish to see in the world? Today on my super hot run down Elm, there was the sweetest quote on the pavement, "Be the Love you're looking for." I thought about that for a long time today and it raised a few thoughts/questions-

1. What am I really looking for?
2. Am I even attempting to be the quality and character of the person that I'm looking for?
3. Is he looking for me?!
4. I really started to ponder if this works for Christians. How sweet if I could be Christ to others as I'm seeking Him?

Anyways, I think from all of these posts you can definately see that I live in a unique neighborhood...

LIVE SIMPLY is another phrase I'm trying to adopt in my life. Because of that my blogs will be more farspread and brief. I'm just hoping that Cooper starts his own blog so I can have more to read in my down time...

PLEASE?