One Little Word | 2015

I've been trying to write this post for about two weeks now. It just hasn't seemed to grow into something of worth and I have just journaled about it just about every morning. The words I've scribbled on the pages in those early morning hours just haven't clicked until this morning. 

Many people I know pick one little word for their new year. This one little word becomes their mantra for the year. Sometimes the word finds them, sometimes they seek out the words. I had a word last year but didn't blog about it. My word for 2014 was BRAVE. This was fitting because within the course of 2014, we became parents. Childbirth was a daunting task. I knew I needed to be BRAVE. I knew there was no looking back once we reached that point. Being BRAVE as a parent is at the forefront of everything I have experienced in the past year. I also needed to be BRAVE when it came to quitting my job, the job I had for almost 6 years, and jump blindly into something new. BRAVE was a fitting word. I needed it. 

As I mentioned earlier, my word for 2015 just wasn't coming to me even though I was seeking it out. I wanted something positive but not cheesy. I wanted something that could be used in all areas of my life. I wanted something new. 

My word for 2015 might not seem like a very positive word when you look at the definition of it, but I think it carries a lot of power for this new year. 

My word for 2015 is.........

Less. 

LESS STUFF |  I want to go through everything we own and get rid of a lot of it. I'm sick of feeling like we are growing out of a house that should be just fine for now. 

LESS NEED |  I don't really need a new car, even if I want one. I don't really need 3 pairs of boots that are almost exactly the same. 

LESS WEIGHT |  I want to feel confident in my skin once more after having a baby. It will be a journey, of that I am sure. 

LESS MONEY |  We are moving into a season where I am not making the amount of money I once did. Frugality will need to be common place in our little home. 

LESS STRESS |  I want to wake up every morning and keep journaling. I want to know what is to not say "yes" to everything. I want more time spent with my kid and less time worrying about stupid things. 

LESS OF ME, MORE OF HIM | 

"He must become great and greater, and I must become less and less." John 3:30

LESS WASTING TIME | I want to make every moment count, especially when it comes to my family.  

Are you interested in finding your one little word? Check out this podcast and this blog. 

The End of an Era & the Beginning of Another

I think part of me never truly believed I would be writing these words. Part of me was so caught up in all the things that working in healthcare presents and supporting my family was found at the top of my list.

 

No more. There is a great deal of freedom now in my life. Last Wednesday, I walked through the hallways of a dental clinic as an employee for the last time. I turned in my keys, my sweaters, and my laptop. I said my goodbyes and gave my hugs. It felt strange, almost like a twilight version of my job, as if it wasn't really happening.

I worked at a dental office for nearly 6 years. That's a lot of years. That's a lot of time. That's a lot of paychecks, meetings, and to do lists. I learned so many things about the business world and working with people and I am so glad that I went in for that job interview all those years ago.

Had someone sat me down ten years ago and told me that I would be working in human resources at a pediatric dental clinic, I probably would have laughed at them and walked away. Ten years ago, I figured I would be playing a ton of music, traveling, taking a lot of photos, and living out a creative life as much as I possibly could. But then, life happened. Life happens. Good life happens. Becoming an adult had to happen and bills needed to be paid.

 

If I have worked with you over the last few years, thank you. You have taught me so many things about myself and my capacity in the business world. You have been a home away from home in many ways. You have helped me strive and helped me live. You have challenged me. I would be lying if I said it was always good. There were times that were tough, times when I wanted to walk away and be done with all of it, but I endured. Transitions come and go and so do people and now I'm on the the other side of it.

 

Just, thank you. You all are wonderful.

This past season has been one of lots of waiting and of wondering where it would all end up. I knew my time was coming to an end but I didn't know the hows or whys. This past season has not necessarily been easy but I believe that our little family have never been in such a good place like we are now. I am embarking upon a new job as the Events Coordinator at Vintage City Church. I am able to use my college degree yet again and use all of the things that I learned at the dental office. I am able to spend more time with my family and make my own schedule for the most part. I couldn't ask for a better opportunity. I was made for a job like this.

So, Toothzone, I bid you farewell. I will surely not forget that last 6 years of my life but I am very excited for the next years of our lives.

Farewell.

Baby Marin: Week Thirty Five

Fall is my favorite season of all and sharing it with Marin has been a blast. Today she experienced playing in some leaves for the first time. Her ultimate goal is to taste all of them and I have to watch her closely. She taunts Geoff, who is stuck inside, and he just looks out at us, pissed off that he is behind a screen. 

About an hour after we took these photos, I realized there is a massive raccoon just hanging out in our backyard. The raccoon is bigger than our cat. I think he's living underneath our porch. Great. 

We also had another first yesterday evening. Marin took a ride in a shopping cart for the first time sans her car seat. Target was a new land full of treasures (her mom feels the same way and so does her bank account.)  I think it's nice for her to not only be able to see the ceiling tiles whenever we go anywhere. 

Still no teeth but she's been pretty easy going the past few days. Nap time today has been awesome. We are currently on round two and she didn't fight either one of them. Amen and hallelujah. 

I love being able to experience simple, everyday things through the eyes of a child. 

Week Thirty Five. 

Breaking the Silence

It has been nearly three months since I have written here. I believe I have enough legitimate excuses to suffice for my absence in the passing days.

Case and point.

We bought a house. A real house. It boggles my mind. I feel so grown up.

Today, on this glorious Saturday, my band and I are releasing our new record, Bend or Break.

You can buy it here ! Or read a review about it here....

We have a band practice at our new abode nearly every night during the week due to all of the bands I participate in.

We have a cat. Never thought I would say that. He’s a pain, but we love him. I’ve come to the realization though that even though the kitten stage is adorable and all, I’m ready for the old, fat cat stage where they just chill and don’t crawl all over us and claw at everything in their path. (I’m a dog person. That is what I know. This is welcomed, new challenge that has sent my nose running and my eyes itching.)

Since this is turning into a “Summary of Our Lives Right Now,” I'll continue.......

I need to travel. I never have. I feel it burning in my bones. Even a simple road trip. Even a day trip for crying out loud. Or Europe. Which ever one comes first.

I’m currently obsessed with interior design blogs and all of the cheap, crafty like a fox ways I’m going to transform our house into something awesome. It’s slowly getting there.

I still have two rooms to unpack. Still.

My camera is broken. We’re hoping it’s an easy fix, but as of now, I’m scheming through all of the ways to get my hands on a Cannon 5d mkII, aside from stealing one of course. :)

We are a part of THIS and that make me very happy.

I’m trying to take much better care of myself...one day at a time. Jillian Michaels and I have become imaginary pals and enemies all at the same time. She kicks my butt.

I’m going to stop there. Hopefully in the coming days I will actually write more. I’ve been inspired a lot lately and I will hopefully post about that, maybe even some recipes or DIYs.

Today is a glorious day.

FINAL NOTE: SORRY FOR ALL OF THE IPHONE PHOTOS. ICK.