I am a paradox

Okay ... so my reading list is ever so long and I am just now starting a book Ryan read 4 years ago, but nevertheless, it seems like the right timing. Brennan Manning (The Ragamuffin Gospel) honestly admits, "...I am a bundle of paradoxes. I believe and I doubt, I hope and I get discouraged, I love and I hate, I feel bad about feeling good, I feel guilty about not feeling guilty. I am trusting and suspicious. I am honest and I still play games. Aristotle said I am a rational animal; I say I am an angel with an incredible capacity for beer." Somehow I was comforted and scared by this honest statement.

Stuff Mart

Yesterday I reorganized my kitchen cabinets. Just because, you ask? Nope. I needed to make room for more stuff! As I was reorganizing I came across a cookbook I was given years ago (Dining on a Dime Cook Book). It actually has lots of wonderful tips on how to save money as a home manager, and it also included a chapter on the importance of de-cluttering your home. She says, "Get rid of the junk you don't need. Half of what you have piled on the floor, the bed, the counter tops, and on your furniture is either trash or something you don't need." Isn't that the truth? Even before reading that statement I was in a de-cluttering mood and now ... watch out STUFF - out you go! And all this stuff talk reminds me of that catchy tune from that Veggie Tales with Madame Blueberry .... yeah, you know which one I'm talking about -- it's like a rap tune or something.

Planes, trains, subways and much more ...

N.Y. City was amazing. Although overwhelming at first, we eventually fell in love with the crowded streets, mass mix of culture and amazing night-life. We toured most of the popular sites, but most enjoyed hanging out at Union Square until 2 a.m. our last night in the City.
The wedding was fun and emotional. Sage twirled until 11pm, never once getting dizzy. While putting her to bed at midnight, she complained, "Mom, my legs hurt." Yuh think?
Flight back to L.A. was long, esp. after only 3 hours sleep. Slept most of the day Saturday and then woke up with enough energy to do some laundry and pack for Hume Lake.
Camp was amazing! My parents were more than awesome with the girls which allowed Ryan and I to work together -- which was so so so so fun.
And now we are back ... and I am so enjoying this day without any agenda or time schedule. The house is a mess and I could care less. We are home and we have been blessed beyond measure over the past two weeks. God is good indeed.
Some day I'll post more pictures ... maybe.

Retirement

My dad retired from the L.A. City Fire Department just last month ... I love this picture -- so much emotion.

Pismo.New York.Hume.Home

Alas the bachelor party (Pismo) has come and gone and N.Y. has arrived -- tomorrow to be exact. My list is getting crossed off ... just the last minute things are left. A mix of emotions has overcome me ... excited, anxious, curious, oh, and absolutely sick of packing (is that an emotion?). We fly back Saturday only to launder our clothes and re-pack them for Hume on Sunday for another adventurous week. Whirlwind.