just between us...

Alright - so, I'm back. For now.

I'm going to pick up the writing experiement right where I left off. I've felt in a creative rut over the past month or so. Instead of staying there I've done a few things to break the mundane I was feeling. First, I purged my cubicle and started over. It's true. I took down all the eclectic things that were in my cubicle and started over with a more clean look. I'm enjoying that. Second, I went on vacation and experienced a different culture. Going away from the normal scenery always puts me into a more creative mode. Lastly, I started reading fiction again. Now, if you know me you know this one is huge. I honestly haven't read fiction books since high school. In fact, my life over the past 8 years has largely consisted of leadership books, church books, college text books, and psychology books. I started reading The Help and it's a great book that paints vivid characters. Gets the juices flowing.

The blog expresses creativity, but it also is a catalyst to create creativity. I don't think that makes sense to anyone but me.

Create. Express yourself. Be bold. Change it up.

Hey - my writing experiment is put on hold.
I had a crazy busy weekend, and a crazy busy week, and I'm getting ready to leave today for ATL.
So, writing.
Hold on for now.

In other news...
I've been thinking about relationships and the complexity of them.
Relationships are interesting - especially non familial relationships.
You have no obligation to anyone.
No guilt to have a relationship.
It's a gift to have great friendships.

Life would be easier if we didn't connect outside of our families.
But, life wouldn't be as rich and colorful.

Today, thank God for the friends in your life.
If you happen to cross paths with one of your friends - thank them for their relationship.
If you have a friend who you haven't connected with in awhile take time to build into them.
If you have a wall built up with a friend - take time to tear it down piece by piece.
Thank God for friends.

Sugarcreek, OH. Quaint. Cute. Wonderful.
Today, we had a special visitor.
His name? Jesus.
You may know him by a different name, but the clothes and beard give it away.
As I was standing there watching him parade down the street I could only think of 2 people.
My twitter/blogger friends.
@prodigaljohn and @jesusneedsnewpr

In fact, @mrsleeannmiller and I mentioned them at the same time.

All in all, a satisfying day for Sugarcreek, OH, the Swiss Festival, and Jesus impersonators everywhere.

You know, yesterday I posted my goals for the month, and I actually did read a book yesterday.
Now, the book is just over 100 pages in length, but it is meaty and convicting.

I have two for this month...

1. Start exercising 3x a week. I want to get more healthy.
2. Read a book a week. I am working on growing my skills in my job.

There ya go!

I have good memories of watching the old Adam West Batman and Batman: The Animated Series with my sister after school.

Batman.
The people's super hero.

Why is he my favorite?
He was a normal guy who did great stuff.
Plus, he had the coolest gadgets.
And the best girlfriends.
And The Bat Mobile?
Need I say more...

Ugh. I bite my nails.
Now, it's not the nail biting that leave 1/4 of an inch on my fingers.
I just bite the white part.
But, it leaves my fingers looking rugged and unkempt.
Ugh.

Wow.
I am SO thankful for the many different friends I've crossed paths with over my life.
I have so many people who've influenced me to be a better person.
So, here's a sample of some really great people.

Some people live near.
Some live far.
Some are in my life daily.
Some I talk to yearly - or even less.
Some I am still really close to.
Some pick up right where we left off.
But, they are all awesome.