On World Vision and Choosing Compassion

Kristen Howerton (as usual) sums it up: "this is yet another instance in which Christians are telling the world that their feelings about gay people are stronger than their compassion."

For several years, my family has supported World Vision USA. Studies have shown that child sponsorship has a statistically significant economic impact. When I was abroad in Uganda, I witnessed firsthand, fellow students who had been sponsored by World Vision USA's programs and were thriving because of it. 

Yesterday, World Vision USA changed it's HR policies. They didn't take a stand on "gay marriage" issue. They simply made an internal employee policy change.

Because of this, the lives of thousands of children hang in the balance. This is not a political or religious issue. This is a matter of life and death. Child sponsorship through World Vision USA is the reason many children are receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS. World Vision USA is the reason children are going to sleep at night, under their mosquito nets, with full bellies. World Vision USA is the reason children in developing nations are able to attain an education- an opportunity they absolutely would not have otherwise.

As the song goes,

Jesus loves the little children

All the children of the world

Red, brown, yellow

Black and white

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus loves the little children

Of the world

Will you stand with me in support of the blessed, life-saving work World Vision USA is doing? 

My goal is that in the midst of this sickeningly petty controversy, 10 more children will be sponsored. Will you help me?

Book Review: Let's Pretend This Never Happened

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Okay, let's get this all out in the open- I have two disclaimers.

Disclaimer Number One: I did not read this book, but listened to the audiobook version read by the author.

Disclaimer Number Two: As a blogger and a lover of funny, I really wanted to like this book.

But I didn't.

I'm sorry guys, I feel like if there was some kind of blogging corporal punishment, I would be publicly flogged for stating this, but it was just not my cup of tea. 

Goodreads describes this book as,

"Jenny Lawson realized that the most mortifying moments of our lives—the ones we’d like to pretend never happened—are in fact the ones that define us. In the #1 New York Times bestseller,Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, Lawson takes readers on a hilarious journey recalling her bizarre upbringing in rural Texas, her devastatingly awkward high school years, and her relationship with her long-suffering husband, Victor."

I get why people enjoyed this book. Jenny Lawson is quirky, snarky and a self-described misfit. With that being said, I really felt like she was trying too hard to make this book funny. And as I mentioned, maybe it's because I listened to the audiobook which made it much more pronounced, but if I had to hear one more sentence that started with "Probably because..." I felt like I was going to lose it.

I don't want to be overly negative, though, because this book did have some redeeming moments for me. The chapter in which she describes her pregnancy and birth of her daughter brought tears to my eyes. In these stories, I felt like there was nothing forced about Jenny Lawson. She was unbelievably brave and vulnerable and I loved her for it. 

Although, this book wasn't the right fit for me, it's impossible to deny that Jenny Lawson is entertaining. So while I gave this book TWO out of FIVE stars, I also need to admit that I totally went and followed her blog at the conclusion...and I will likely read her second when she gets around to publishing it :)

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So have you read Jenny Lawson's book? Did you love it?

Love is Hard to Do

If you were to ask me about my religious and/or spiritual beliefs, I would probably spout something off about how I believe Christianity is a manmade religion thats foundational principles have been warped and perverted to become a cult that seeks to discriminate against and exclude others. However, I like Jesus. A lot. 

I intentionally use the word "like" rather than "love," because if I'm being honest, I don't love Jesus like I wish I did. I spend probably 50% of my day thinking about my husband. If I'm lucky, 1% of my brain power is spent thinking about Jesus on any given day. I want to love Him because I so fiercely believe in what He stood for. 

I love that Jesus defended the most ostracized and marginalized people in society. I love that He saw profound beauty in each and every person. I love that He shed new light on the people who were broken, hurt and scarred. Basically, I love that He loved. And every ounce of me wants so badly to love like Jesus did.

But, you guys? Loving is so hard.

I tell my husband I love him multiple times a day. I try to make sure to tell my Mom and sister I love them every time we hang up the phone. I try to demonstrate my love for humanity by working for an organization that seeks to fill hungry bellies.

But some people are just so hard to love.

There is someone in my life who shall remain nameless. This person has gone through a lot and has thusly, been hugely affected by their trials and tribulations. This person is someone I see as being completely self-absorbed, disrespectful and borderline-sociopathic. This person has really truly offended and hurt me on multiple occasions and...I am called to love them. 

I want to love them, and I feel immense failure every time I try to look within myself only to find a pool of intense animosity. How on Earth do I swallow my pride, turn the other cheek and simply love? And how do I love knowing full-well that I am putting myself in a path of inevitably getting my feelings hurt again?

I suppose Jesus never said it would be easy. And if He could forgive the very men who brutally murdered Him, it stands to reason that I should be able to love a person who has disrespected me. But love is hard.

I guess that's all I wanted to say.

Love is hard to do.

Book Review: If You Ask Me

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This review has the potential to be the most boring and uncreative ever...simply because Betty White is the most freaking adorable person on the face of this planet, duh. It's no surprise that her recent memoir makes her even more delightful and endearing. Plus, as I listened to her musings (audiobook alert!) about her career and her love of animals, I had to constantly remind myself that I wasn't listening to my own grandma. My Grandma (aka. my role model) reminds me so much of Betty White that it was doubly sweet to listen to her thoughts on acting, marriage and Coco the gorilla!

Goodreads describes this book as

Drawing from a lifetime of lessons learned, seven-time Emmy winner Betty White's wit and wisdom take center stage as she tackles topics like friendship, romantic love, aging, television, fans, love for animals, and the brave new world of celebrity. If You Ask Me mixes her thoughtful observations with humorous stories from a seven- decade career in Hollywood. Longtime fans and new fans alike will relish Betty's candid take on everything from her rumored crush on Robert Redford (true) to her beauty regimen ("I have no idea what color my hair is and I never intend to find out") to the Facebook campaign that helped persuade her to host Saturday Night Live despite her having declined the hosting job three times already.

Betty White is a hoot and I would absolutely recommend this for a quick, light-hearted read. While Betty is no professional writer, her charisma and sweet nature completely won me over. Which is why I gave this book...

FOUR out of FIVE stars!!! 

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Are you a Betty White fan, too? Have you read any of her other books?

If you're on GoodReads, add me so I can steal all your book recommendations!

Wearing the Pants

This pretty much sums up our feelings about this month.

The last couple weeks have seen very little activity on this blog, and it's likely that this trend may continue for a while longer. The truth is, life is exhausting at the moment. Work has kicked into high gear as we prepare for the crazy busy summer months. Finances have still got us down. Last weekend, we traveled 15 hours round trip to help my Mom and step-dad as they prepare to close on their house. We've barely had a spare second to stop and relax and our poor house has been left seriously neglected.

In the midst of all this chaos, I've been in...a less than ideal mood. I don't want to be grumpy- I've just felt so overwhelmed. And if I'm being honest, Chuck was beginning to get on my nerves as he continued to remind me of how we couldn't afford to make the trip to see my family last week. I didn't need the reminder- I knew it was not a great choice. But I wanted to help my family as best I could, and I just gosh-darn missed them!

So yesterday, when we found ourselves in the midst of a financial pickle, Chuck brought it up again and I broke down. I didn't need to feel worse than I already did about the situation because I knew he was right. There was a lot of underlying emotion that I wasn't even aware of buried under the guilt of his continued reminders. I had a good, hearty sob session and I admitted to him that my desire to see my family likely clouded my judgment. I feel like sometimes he forgets that we're in his hometown, not mine. My closest friends and/or family are eight hours away. As I explained to him, 90% of the time I'm completely fine with being an independent spirit who doesn't need physical proximity to remain close to my loved ones, but 10% of the time, I'm not. There's no telling when that 10% is going to hit me, and when it does, it hits me hard.

Road trippin' to Upstate New York!

Once I got done pouring out my soul to him and consequently making him feel awful, I told him he was right to feel the way he did. If the situation were reversed and it was his family that needed help moving I would have adamantly opposed coming to their aid if our finances didn't allow it. To which Chuck responded, you wouldn't have just opposed it, we wouldn't have gone because 

"You wear the pants and I have a little pocket that I can put my hand in sometimes."

And at that moment- I laughed harder than I've laughed in a very long time. I pride myself in the fact that I feel like Chuck and I have a pretty egalitarian relationship, but when push comes to shove, I know who wears the pants. And to hear that Chuck was well-aware of the owner of the pants, as well, put a much-needed, ear-to-ear smile on my face.

Our life isn't always easy. We get on each other's nerves. We argue. But never for one second do I regret the commitment I made in September of 2012, because my man can always, always make me smile.

Ohio Bucket List

A few weeks ago, I saw this article on the 24 Reasons You Should Stop Underestimating Ohio circulating on my news feed. A repercussion, I suppose of living in my husband's hometown in the Buckeye State! As a self-admitting East Coast snob, I have a love/hate relationship with the state in which I reside. After reading this article, I was surprised at how many things on this list I've already done. I also decided that in order to help me get onboard with this infamous swing state, perhaps I need to check a few things off this Ohio Bucket List. So, based on the aforementioned list, here's where I'm at:

Our quaint, little Ohio home.

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1. Old Man's Cave- Hocking Hills is a major travel destination for Ohioans. It looks absolutely beautiful and is begging us to take a camping trip. Hmm...perhaps a second anniversary getaway?

2. Young's Jersey Dairy (April 12, 2014)- I've heard so many good things about this place and it's soo close. It's crazy that I haven't been there yet!

3. Lake Erie- Meh. I grew up on Lake Ontario so I could take it or leave it.

4. West Side Market- This sounds a lot like Reading Terminal Market in Philly which I loved when I lived in the City of Brotherly Love! If so, count me in!

5. Ohio State football- Please don't tell my in-laws, but honestly, I could care less. I'm not a huge fan of college football and seriously, OSU fans are way too intense.

6. Donato's- One I can check off the list! We literally live right across the street from Donato's and order out frequently. Granted, it's the best pizza in Ohio, but as a native New Yorker, I have very high standards. My favorite pizza is still in the rinky-dink NY Pizzeria located in my NY hometown and I have yet to try a slice that even compares. #pizzasnob

7. The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge- Another one done, although not intentionally. I distinctly remember crossing this and thinking, "How the f#$* am I in Kentucky right now?!"

8. Yellow Springs- Easily my favorite place in Ohio. When I first moved to Ohio upon graduating college a few years ago and had no friends I used to spend all my spare time just walking around this adorable little hippie town. I actually haven't visited since we moved back to Ohio in October, but definitely plan to once the weather warms up!

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9. Cedar Point- One thing you should know about me? I'm a rollercoaster junkie. Before I even moved to Ohio, Cedar Point, which is virtually the rollercoaster capital of the world, was on my bucket list. I will be making this one happen.

10. Skyline Chili (July 21, 2014)- If you've never had Cincinnati Chili, don't let the cinnamon and cocoa powder scare you off. This stuff is delicious. This was another love that pre-dated my Ohio days. However, all my experiences with the stuff have been homemade. I have yet to eat at Skyline!

11. The "Christmas Story" House- I feel almost ashamed to admit this, but I have never really been a huge fan of The Christmas Story. That being said, I can't deny the fact that it is a staple of American pop culture and should definitely be on my list of things to see.

12. Amish Country- I've lived in Pennsylvania for 6 years of my life. Is it rude to say I think I've had my fair share of Amish encounters?

13. The Ridges- An old lunatic asylum? This probably won't be making the top of my list anytime soon. I am such a wuss and hate being scared!

14. The River- I have to admit, I've had the privilege of viewing the Cincinnati skyline at night time from across the Ohio River and it is beautiful. I'd love to maybe do a dinner cruise someday if such a thing exists!

15. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame- How my Mom and step-dad have been here multiple times but I haven't continues to allude me. I'm a HUGE fan of classic rock, and really, any music in general. So this place is a must!

16. Graeter's Ice Cream- Coldstone lovers, beware. Graeter's totally lives up to its reputation. My favorite flavors? Their seasonal pumpkin and peppermint ice cream. It's seriously heaven in your mouth.

17. Warthers Museum- A museum of carvings? Sounds thrilling...

18. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park- Normally, a park devoted to aviation would not interest me in the slightest. But I've had several out-of-staters tell me what a cool place this is, so alas, I think I may have to check it out.

19. The Longaberger Basket- A giant building made to look like a picnic basket. I've actually seen this, although, not intentionally. I just happened to be driving by it and was completely perplexed as to why I was passing Yogi Bear's wildest dream.

20. The Pro Football Hall of Fame- This sounds like one for Chuck. Let's leave it at that.

21. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens- I haven't actually figured out where this is, but the mansion and grounds do look absolutely gorgeous.

22. The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium- I was just there for their annual Wildlights event in November. Because it was cold and dark though, I suppose I'll have to go back again at some point. Although, if I'm being honest, zoos kind of depress me. I'd much rather go on another African safari!

23. Johnson's Island- An island that held Confederate prisoners-of-war during the Civil War? I've never heard of it until now, but I can definitely get onboard and bring out my inner history nerd!

24. The Akron National Hamburger Festival- I'm all for healthy eating, but if there's one thing I love- it's cheeseburgers! How I've never known about this event until now is astounding. I am making this a Summer 2014 priority!

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If you ask me, 7 out of 24 isn't bad for this Upstate New Yorker, but I can't wait to check more off my list!

So what do you think? Have you ever been to Ohio? Are there any sites I should see that didn't make the list? What are your favorite local destinations in your home state?

The Spotlight's On Me

Most of you probably recall that I studied abroad in Uganda five years ago. I pretty much mention it every chance I get, after all.

Yesterday, the Uganda Studies Program spotlighted me on their blog. I was asked to write about how it changed me and how my experience influenced my career.

Click here to see what I said!

Circa 2009: Rural Uganda

 

No Backing Out Now

I really wish I did not look like this while working out.

A couple weeks ago, a co-worker sent out a mass email inviting all his fellow employees to join him in running in the local, upcoming half marathon and 5k. Although it piqued my interest, there is no way I will ever pay $70 to do what I could do for free on the bike trail near my house. One of my bucket list goals is to run a 5k and then maybe one day, a “whole” half marathon, but I’d resigned myself to not participating simply because of the financial aspect. 

 

Last week, a follow-up email was sent last week that said our employer was going to sponsor anyone who was interested in doing the run. I knew I could do a 5k no problem. A runner friend once told me “if you can run two miles, you can do a 5k.” I know I could easily complete a 5k, so my eyes lit up a little when I saw that there was a ¼ Marathon option. 6.55 miles. At my best, I’ve run 8 miles. That was years ago, and I was in tip top shape. For the last month, I’ve been making it a point to hit the treadmill 1-2 times per week. I want to do more, but even once or twice is a vast improvement to what my lazy butt was (not) doing prior.

 

As you can imagine, the prospect of running 6.55 miles has me a little nervous. But I’m glad I’m pushing myself. I know it may not be easy, but I’m up for the challenge. As of today, I have exactly two months to prepare. Now I just need the weather to warm up, so I can begin training. There’s no backing out now, so wish me luck!

500

If you're wondering about the title of this post, that's the number of blog posts I've written. 500.

If I had been a little more prepared, I might have organized a giveaway or something. But perhaps, low-maintenance is more my style anyway. I'm just so thankful for this opportunity to write and am so thankful for those of you who have returned time and again to read my words. It truly makes me feel so extraordinarily blessed.

Given the spirit of the occasion, I thought I'd ask those of you who do regularly stop by this place if you have any questions. Is there anything I've written about that you'd like to know more about? I'm an open book, so ask away, friends!

And just for fun, I thought I'd take this fun little quiz that's been floating around the Blogosphere.

500! I still can't believe it!

18 Months as Mrs.

...and just like that, I've been married for a year and a half.

I'd like the record to show, that Chuck and I don't actually celebrate our "monthly" anniversaries. The bi-monthly timeline just so happens to be convenient for regular posts on our marriage! Please believe that I am not that girl.

Since my last post at 16 Months, things have been kind of rough. Not because Chuck and I are having problems or anything like that. But you guys, I get so damn miserable in the winter. I've had bouts of seasonal depression in years past, and truthfully, I haven't been immune this year. I feel awful because I hate subjecting Chuck to my grumpy personality 24/7. It's not fair to him so I really have to be intentional about not being a total you-know-what toward him. So with that in mind, here is where we are at 18 Months in...

money

Chuck's employer (a bank, mind you) made a mistake and overpaid him during his holidays. Having realized their mistake, they reimbursed themselves by taking money from his paycheck this month. Awesome. An employer he worked for last year part-time didn't withhold any federal taxes, so now we're about to owe a butt-ton, when we were counting on a refund. Doubly awesome. Not to mention we've nearly drained our emergency fund repairing a crack in our windshield that was caused by the shoddy workmanship of the guy who repaired a minor chip a few months before. Triply awesome. I don't think I need to say more on this. Ugh.

vacation

As I mentioned, this winter has definitely been rough so it's helped us to have something to look forward to in the summer. Chuck and I are both in dire need of  vacation, which is set for mid-July at my favorite place in the world- Cape May, NJ. My family vacationed there every summer as I was growing up and is where Chuck wound up proposing to me back in 2011. Just thinking about it gives me such peace. Now we just need to figure out how we'll pay for it, and we'll be golden!

babies

Whenever our finances are particularly rough, my uterus pretty much shuts down. The baby fever is over, folks (at least for now). Chuck and I have been talking lately, and the fact is, neither one of us feels at all prepared to bring another human into this world. We aren't anywhere near financially stable enough, and frankly, we're just enjoying our freedom together for now.

and speaking of freedom

Man, do we love having it. Chuck is much more of a social butterfly than I ever will be, so it really works that we allow each other grace in doing whatever the heck we want to do. Chuck often times will go out with his friends and family on a Friday night, and I'm content to stay home numbing my brain with a Netflix binge. There's no guilt, no resentment. I'm just so thankful that I married a man who gives me such grace.

Before we know it, it'll be a whopping two years. And if the last six months have been any indication, bring it on!

I love you, Boo.

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Catch up on my previous months as Mrs:
16 Months
14 Months
One Year
10 Months
8 Months
6 Months
4 Months