30 Days Inspired: Day 6

Day 6: The warm sun and dear friends have melted away my internal ickiness, and I am thankful. I started out the day a bit on the grouchy side for a small plethora of reasons (yes, I already forgot yesterday's mission to focus only on the lovable parts of life).

In search of today's dose of inspiration, I headed to Oak Park to visit two lovely pals. We had a delicious brunch, and then they took me to the amazing Trader Joe's grocery store. Wow, that place is beautiful. So many wholesome, yummy foods!

They are amazing. I am so thankful.

Then I came home and took a stroll down to the lake. On the way I took a few snapshots of the St. Thomas statue at the Catholic church near the seminary. The lake's magnificence was like breathing in new life. There were laughing, smiling people everywhere! I heard at least 3 languages being spoken. It was a beautiful feeling sitting on the bench reading and writing.

I think circumstances have inspired me to learn several valuable life lessons in the last 24 hours. Most of these painful educational blessings center on the reality of human brokenness. People hurt people. Some people act without thinking of the consequences. Others manipulate because they haven't learned any healthier ways to get what they want. Still others deceive, betray, and mislead. And then there are the majority of us (like myself) who act in all these terrible ways at one point or another. And it stinks. Hurt hurts.

I'm learning slowly but surely that I can only control my own actions. I can't fix anyone else's brokenness. I can't change anyone else's patters of behavior. So with that being the case, I am inspired to start praying that God and the universe and experience will mold me into a life-giving person and not a life-sucking person. I want to be a person who is compassionate, open-minded, and truly concerned for the well-being of others. Loving Creator, may it indeed be so. Amen.

Photography Update.

I hope you are soaking in all sorts of positive vibes this afternoon! I just wanted to share a quick update. I have noticed that I am not doing a very good job at keeping my photos in order on my computer, so in order to fix that malady, I am going to be uploading and organizing my photos on Flickr. It's a pretty handy site. There's a link over to the left of this page if you'd like to check it out. I'll continue posting some photos here on the blog, but for a more extensive collection I will attempt to keep the Flickr page up-to-date. Happy weekending!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/theladypastor/

Checkmate taken May 30, 2009.

30 Days Inspired: Day 5

Day 5: This morning when I woke up (and after I visited the seminary yard sale), I turned on public television. The man speaking was Dr. Daniel Amen; he was discussing his book "A Magnificent Mind at Any Age." I only caught the last 10 minutes of the program. He said that one of the keys to keeping a healthy brain is to always focus on the parts of your life that you love. I really like that advice, and I especially like the idea that such an attitude can contribute to the long-term health of the brain!

So, as if I needed one more reason not to be complaining or whining (even when it's only internally) about my current joblessness/other random frustrations, now I have it! I want a healthy brain, so from now on, I'm going to try ONLY thinking about the parts of my life that I love. Some might call it denial, but now (thanks to Dr. Amen), I'm calling it the ticket to a magnificent mind.

To ingest today's dose of inspiration, I headed only 8.1 miles away from the seminary and visited the National Museum of Mexican Art in the Pilsen neighborhood. What a stupendous (to use my Turkish learning partner's favorite word) place! The walls are filled with beautiful, thought-provoking works. I can't believe this treasure is so close to where I live! Why haven't I been going here throughout the last 4 years? And amazingly, admission is free. I can't wait to go back and soak in more of those artistic vibes. Many of the paintings and photos have a social justice slant which really got me thinking about all sorts of intercultural issues. I want to learn Spanish, and I have no excuse not to! I took 4 years in high school, so I'm sure there's some foundation there. I just need to work at it. I should investigate possible Spanish classes I could enroll in.

Some of my favorite works at the museum are:
"Virgen de Guadalupe" by Michael Cabrera
"The Legend of the Volcanoes" by Jesus Helguera
"Mother Earth" by Salvador Rega
"Migrant" by Oscar Moya
"Blue Collar" by Oscar Moya

This morning's museum visit was a fantastic start to the weekend. My blood feels like it's flowing with gratitude and inspiration. I am very thankful for the deep cultural and religious histories in this city. Being here these last few years has been so transformating and enriching.

I hope that your weekend is filled with amazing adventures wherever you live. There are inspiring encounters to be had all over this bizarrely beautiful world: from your backyard in a small town to the top of the tallest sky-scraper; all of life is living, breathing inspiration. Breathe deep.

30 Days....Inspired. Your turn.

Per my mother's request, my 30 day project is being slightly altered (I think the old project was making her a bit anxious for my safety). So I headed back to the drawing board and did some tweeking. However, even with a new title and focus, I think the intent of the project remains the same: seek out ways to daily live and breathe life.

So instead of doing "scary" things every day(that really weren't all that scary), I'm going to seek out ways to be inspired every day: through people or exhibits or other random occurrences.

Thanks for sticking with me. I'm so thankful that you make time to read this blog; it means so much to me. To kick of Day 5 of this newly revised project, I need your help! What is one random thing/person/book/experience that inspires you? I'll go first: people who learn a second language.

Ready, set, go!

Fantastic Friday: "Check It Out" List

Blogspiration: STYLEMED: Mediterranean Style and Design

Listen Up: Aimee Mann (Where have I been the last few decades? She's amazing!)

Podcast it Please: The Fresh Air episode from 5.21.09; all about the bizarre & heartbreaking new memoir "The Lost Boy"

Take a Look, In a Book: Vegan Soul Kitchen by Bryant Terry (ordered it yesterday with my Amazon gift card! I cannot wait until it arrives!)

A Movie Worth Watching: The Wrestler (I'm watching it right now and crying. This is a very good movie. Complex and authentic. Gruesome and real.)

P.S. - I am already feeling much better from my tumble earlier today! Just an icky wrist scrape. My ankle is much less swollen, too! I am thankful.

30 Days Braver: Day 4

Day 4: It's only 11am, and I have already completed my mission of bravery today! I went on a run with two friends. Sadly about 3/4 of a mile into the run, I took a little tumble. Well, slightly larger than a little tumble, but smaller than the leg-breaking tumble I took last year while rock climbing. This morning was further confirmation of a reality I am all too aware of: I am, indeed, one of the world's clumsiest people. It's okay; I can handle it. But truly, are there some kind of anti-clumsy classes out there that I could enroll in? Why am I always falling down steps or twisting my ankles? Silly girl.

All in all, it could have been much worse. I fell on my wrist, so it's scraped up and pretty sore. I also scratched up my leg and sprained my ankle. Some quick injury pictures will follow this entry.

I told my friends to keep running; so they helped me up and I hobbled back to my apartment. And they called when they got home to make sure I was okay. Knowing that I had some things on today's to-do list that HAD to be done, I got my keys from the apartment and went to do those quick errands before I sat down to whine. I am now safely back in my apartment and plan to sit on my booty for the remainder of the day. Hopefully the Aleve will kick in and the throbbing will decrease. Though actually, I've really kept my whining to a minimum! I haven't even whined outloud to anyone! This blog entry will hopefully be a sufficient amount of complaining for me.

What did I learn today? I discovered the reality behind a saying we've all heard since elementary school: I learned that when we fall down, we have to get back up. Figuratively. And, of course, literally. This minor 'bump' in the road won't get me down; I'm onto more adventures tomorrow, even it it's with a little limp and an Ace bandage wrap.

Ouchy-wouchy.

Oops.

The cankle is just starting to form. How delightful.

30 Days Braver: Day 3

Day 3: Today I went up to the north side of Chicago to meet a friend for a yummy dinner at a Korean restaurant. It turned out to be a delicious meal and quite adventurous; I figured this would be my adventure for the day, but it wasn't! Instead, going into a random tea shop fulfilled my daily requirement of 'scary' for Thursday, May 28th.

(As an aside: To meet Eleanor Roosevelt's assignment: "Do one thing every day that scares you," I will be engaging in activities that push me outside of my comfort zone; not all of these activities will be scary/frightening in the same way as horror movies are. Instead, these daily adventures have the requirement of being at least mildly anxiety producing.)

Back to the tea shop. Normally, I don't go into random, slightly strange-looking shops. But, since I'm trying to be brave for 30 days, I decided to go for it. Plus, I had a friend along. We stepped inside to find a store FILLED to the brim with tea-related goodies. A zillion kinds of tea along with all sorts of tea accessories. And a mini-grocery area with different Turkish spices and pickled goods. The man working was incredibly adorable with a balding head and an accent; I'm a sucker for an accent. And there was another very elderly man in the shop wearing a clerical collar (the kind pastors wear sometimes) and a giant cross. He was also adorable but lacked an accent. Mr. Pastor and the shop owner were chatting happily as my friend and I perused the store.

I ended up getting a few little bags of tea. I got one really bizarro kind. And I've been drinking it this evening. Drinking it definitely fulfills my scary quota for the day. It's called "First-Sight Love" tea (perhaps a hilariously translated Chinese version of "Love at First Sight Tea"). It tastes pretty strange and surprisingly kind of tasty. Check out all the special features of this tea in one of the pictures below.

Day 3: Mission Complete.

The alluring shop entrance.

Just one section of the store. Tea, tea, tea.

Yum, yum. First-Sight Love tea. Brightens eyes. Remedies dim color. Soothes nerves. Slows down aging process. Protects teeth. And much, much more!

Here's what it looks like when you buy it in a little ball.

Here's what it does when you add hot water.

Here's what it looks like after 1 minute in hot water. It opens up to reveal little flowers inside.

P.S. -Tomorrow I will still write up the usual "Fantastic Friday Check-It-Out List" in addition to an entry on 30 Days Braver: Day 4.

P.P.S. - Don't you think "First sight love" sounds much more fantastic than "Love at first sight." Let's just go ahead and start using this amazing new translation immediately. :)

30 Days Braver: Day 2

Day 2: Last night I completed the second day of my "30 Days Braver" project. Yesterday I went to sleep without any extra lights on! I know, for many, this is silly or ridiculous or childlike or bananas. But, for me, it was a significant life moment. I have actually been tremendously afraid of the dark for quite some time. I generally fall asleep with a giant lamp on every night. Well, I used to. I'm not sure if I still will. But, regardless - for one night - I overcame my fear of the dark. Check out the dark view! I made it!


I am hoping that I will find slightly more exciting ways to follow Eleanor Roosevelt's inspiring advice and "do something everyday that scares you" as the weeks proceed. I'm putting together a calendar this evening. Here's just a quick teaser of what the next 30 days will include: hold a snake, go on a hot air balloon ride, ride in a semi, and rock climb. I'm up for scary suggestions if you have any!

30 Days Braver: Day 1

Yesterday evening I began a new adventure! The name of this adventure is: 30 Days Braver. I've had a greeting card taped to my refridgerator throughout the last couple of years; it has been up for so long I don't even notice it anymore. It says, "Do one thing every day that scares you. - Eleanor Roosevelt."

When my brother was here visiting for graduation two weekends ago, he randomly asked me, "What did you do today that scared you?" Not realizing what he was talking about, I said, "Huh?" Then he said, "Like it says on your refridgerator." It has been about 10 days since he asked me that question, and I have been thinking about it ever since. The truth is, most days I don't do anything that scares me. I try to stay within my comfort zone. But, for the next 30 days, that is going to change. I am going to do at least one thing every day that scares me, one thing that pushes me outside of my Emily bubble. It is my hope that some days will include larger-scale activities(hoping to spend an afternoon with a grave digger within the next month), and some days will include smaller-scale activities (I've always been afraid to string my own guitar). Some days I will have a planned, organized activity outside of my comfort zone, and some days I will just "go with the flow," ready to encounter 'something scary' right when it pops up.

I plan to write about the 30 days here on the blog. The image at the top of this entry that will be the central logo for 30 Days Braver is a photo I took 2 weeks ago. It is of some small green patches of grass growing out of a narrow crack between two rocks down by the lake. These grasses are fearless. Against all odds and without the proper growing space, they push themselves, growing beautifully within a space that would otherwise be only rock. I hope that the next 30 days will be a time of increased personal awareness, courage, strength, and - of course - laughter and fun. I hope you'll join me. Here's my first report:

Day 1: Yesterday, I stopped what I was doing and trusted my gut. This was the first stop on my quest for a braver self. I was headed from the school over to my apartment when I encountered a fellow who is on what I would call "the periphery" of my general base of social contacts. We'd never had a real conversation before, but we always say hello to one another. Last night I said "Hello" and he responded without looking up, an uncharacteristic behavior for this generally-friendly guy. Normally, I would probably just have kept walking because I would be scared of saying or doing something awkward, strange, or offensive. Sometimes people are just having a bad day and they don't want to be bothered. But I said, "Hey, how are you?" He responded as I had anticipated,"Fine." We all say "fine" even when we are the opposite. *Brief silence.* Then I was really feeling like I should just get back to my apartment, but I felt that inner-gut squeeze telling me to ask just one more question. All I could come up with was to ask about the one person in his life I know anything about. So I did and asked, "How's your son?" Well, that was the ticket. We talked for about an hour. I won't go into the details. It was a conversation that I will always remember filled with laughter and a few tears. There is basically nothing I treasure more than real, authentic conversation, so I am so thankful I decided to just do something that scared me - and talk to him - even though I wasn't sure he'd really want to chat. Day 1: Complete.

I'm looking forward to the rest of today; I have no idea what I will do today that scares me, but I'm almost excited for it. Almost.

Poetry & Insight

"What We See": taken at the Art Institute in Chicago

This evening I met with my Turkish friend for our daily two-hour tutoring session in English. It was delightful. Apparently, he is filled with great insight in all sorts of languages. We had an interesting conversation about a poem by Langston Hughes, and I thought it might be fun to share the poem with you. The name of the poem is: BORDER LINE.

I used to wonder
About living and dying -
I think the difference lies
Between tears and crying.

I used to wonder
About here and there -
I think the distance
Is nowhere.

Any thoughts on what it means? According to the author, this poem just came to him without any effort. It's Langton's own favorite of his poems. During my conversation with my Turish friend we didn't come to any specific conclusions. We basically decided that it might be one of those poems that means all sorts of things to different readers. We also thought it might just be a nonsense poem that sounds very beautiful to the ear. My favorite part of our conversation was when my friend was describing tears. He said, "They are eye water, right?"

Brilliant. What a perfect description!

An assignment.

Image from: http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/images/iranian_freedom_2.jpg

Happy Memorial Day. I hope that you found ways to do some remembering today. Here's a quick link all about the history of Memorial Day on Wikipedia.

I heard an interesting interview on the radio today. The man being interviewed was talking about veterans and current military-related issues. He said something quite thought-provoking. He said regardless of what a person thinks about the United States' presence in Iraq or Afghanitstan or anywhere else, today, people need to think about what freedom means to them. The interviewee said that we all have different perspectives on freedom and that's a wonderful thing, but we should all make a genuine effort on Memorial Day to think about what 'freedom' means to us.

I've been struggling with this assignment. I've been thinking about what freedom means to different people around the world. But personally, I guess I don't think specifically about freedom often enough. It's a word that brings up all sorts of different connotations, many of them complex and related to political viewpoints with which I struggle to relate. But at its core, I think freedom is a really important concept and especially worth considering today. I hope that at some point during your evening, you find a moment to ponder your own perspectives on freedom and peace and courage.

In/Out/Of the World.

Today I went to church with my family in Iowa. The sermon ended with words something like, "So that we will not be of the world." The pastor was basically saying that we shouldn't get caught up in earthly things and perspectives. Then he briefly paused as if realizing that this might be a strange place to end, and then continued, "But that we wouldn't be fully out of the world either. Amen."

I thought his last statements fully exemplified a tension that many people who have spiritual/religious persuasions experience all of the time. We don't know how to strike a balance between the lives we lead now and the hopes we have for eternity & forever.

Some people believe that the world is 100% bad and sin-filled. They feel that the only 'realm' that matters is the spiritual and eternal. Other people believe that the world if 100% worthy and valuable of our human attention and care. They feel that it is only the here and now that matters. Then there are the majority of us who fall somewhere in the middle. We care about the world; we care about the people and creatures in it. We struggle with getting overly wrapped up in temporary stresses and worries. We long for and anticipate an eternity of peace and love, but we recognize that if earth had no purpose, then God probably wouldn't have been part of its creating force.

The sermon today and life in general really have me thinking. If anything, I probably err on the side of believing that what is most useful as peope of faith is to work for peace, harmony, and justice on earth now. I believe we can actively work toward ushering in the "kingdom of God." My focus is not usually on eternity and heaven. I wonder if my opinions will change depending on life circumstance and age. Probably so.

I wonder what it would mean to hear about being of the world vs. being separated from the world as a starving, impoverished, widowed mother in Afghanistan. I wonder what it would mean to hear the pastor's words today as the president of a country. I wonder what the words might mean to a soldier serving in Iraq. Life is so interesting, huh? Everyone comes to each new day with such unique perspectives, insights and experiences. I think what makes me most excited about congregational ministry is the opportunities I will have to truly hear people's thoughts on meaning and purpose; life and love and faith. I cannot wait to spend time with people everyday building relationships and journeying through a complicated world one step at a time. I sure hope I learn about a church where I can be a pastor soon, soon, soon!

Enjoy the rest of the the weekend. Peace.

And the winner is.......

Jennifer!!!! (creator of the fabulous blog Flesworthy)

Congrats Jennifer! You are the winner of yesterday's Friday giveaway! I can't wait to ship these fun items to you. Can you send a direct Twitter message to me with your address?

Have a great weekend, friends! I'll write more tomorrow!

First-Ever Giveaway Friday!

Happy Friday all! Welcome! Today I'm hosting my First-Ever Giveaway which includes 4 great treasures I've collected for you over the last few weeks. 1) A set of adorable puppy stickers, 2) a super-cute Korean panda notebook, 3) a Korean Story notebook, and 4) the book 40 Day Journey: Julian of Norwich. It's a wonderful book of wisdom, insight, and inspiration to read as you begin the terrific summer that is ahead. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow morning at 10am (Central Time), so just leave a comment by then! I will have it shipped to you tomorrow as well. Enjoy! I'm so thankful for you and your support of this blog!

And now our usual Friday routine: The Fantastic Friday 'Check it Out' List

Blogspiration: Boho Photography (This woman is a fantastic artist/photographer! I always leave her blog feeling inspired!)

Listen Up: Nomo (They've got a wonderful, unique sound; I learned about them last week.)

Podcast it Please: This I Believe (The series ended, but now they've revamped it in a fun way! They are using all sorts of old essays throughout the last 5 decades or so. I love it!)

Take a Look, in a Book: "The Secret Scripture" by Sebastian Barry (I got it from a friend yesterday, and I started it right away last night. So far I'm really enjoying it, and it has gotten amazing reviews).
A Movie Worth Watching: The Duchess (Originally I saw this in the theater with my friends Kristin and Paul; it's now out on DVD. Did you know Netflix has a category 'Emotional British Movies'? That's where I saw this movie listed. It's quite a good film, but be prepared; it is, indeed, an emotional British movie.)

Embracing the Unknown

Her:Photo taken on Saturday at the Art Institute in Chicago

It's Thursday morning; the sun is shining and it's going to be another fantastic Chicago day. The last few days, I've been trying to figure out how to start some kind of business to supplement my quickly dwindling back account. So far I'm pondering the idea of selling things on Ebay; I do have way too much stuff. Plus, I figure if things don't sell, I can just give them away.

I'm still tutoring and babysitting; but sadly, those jobs aren't quite enough to even pay the rent. I'm hoping I will learn about a congregation I can serve soon, but it might be awhile. In the meantime, I'll put some things on Ebay and try to brainstorm other entrepreneurial ideas. If only I got paid for blogging, twittering, and taking photos! :) I did recently get a digital recorder, so I might learn how to create a podcast this week or next. It seems like a fun idea. I could do interviews and learn things about people and life.

I will admit, after two decades of constantly being in school - it's a little weird to be no longer a student. I am a lover of structure and schedule. I don't have much of either at the moment. However, there must be a way for me to embrace and appreciate this new found state of non-studentness. If only I knew how to savor the unknown. Instead, I just get a gag reflex from the unexpected. The mystery of this transitional stage makes me quesy and unsure. But whatever! Enough of that! It doesn't have to be that way!

We are all constantly transitioning, right? This is part of the human experience. Even when our lives are surrounded by structure and schedule, there are still unknowns, and life is going to stink if we constantly live in fear of the twists and turns in the road ahead. The unpredictable is not to be feared; the unpredictable can be where grace and love and authenticity are discovered! Life is filled with mystery. And that can be a great thing; not a scary thing. We are all in this together.

What I am suddenly realizing as I type, is this: I need to dive into this day (and all days) with my whole self present, confident that I am truly ready to swim. It is time to get off the diving board; there are other people waiting in line and I've got an ocean of limitless depths to discover.

Graduation Weekend Pictures

At the Point in my neighborhood; city in the background.

Youngsik, Yoojin, Eunbhin, Yoojin's mother-in-law

Entering the graduation service

Joshua, Pamela, Jeffry

Joy and I outside the church

Favorite Silly Television Show

Greetings all! Here's a quick picture from graduation. I took it from my friend Maggie's facebook page: Thanks Maggie! My mom emailed me a few other pictures, and I will try to get them posted today or tomorrow. It was such a wonderful graduation day; I'm so thankful for seminary! I am especially thankful for all of the amazing people. It still feels a bit surreal. And I sure hope to learn about a first call possibility soon!!!!

In other news: Last night a new season of The Bachelorette began. Because I was so disgusted with how last season's The Bachelor ended, I promised not to watch it ever again. But I'll admit, I get sucked into silly television shows so easily! Today's blog question for the masses is: What is your favorite ridiculous television show? (You know - the kind you feel a little embarrassed about watching). My two are: Super Nanny and Days of Our Lives. Your turn!

A few pictures of the weekend.

Outside the new Contemporary Wing of the Art Institute on Saturday

Joshua beside the Bean downtown.

Mumz and Jeff downtown.

Joy and I at our senior class dinner/party.

Silly picture of a portion of the seniors after our last worship in the chapel.
(This one is not from my camera; I'm not sure who it belongs to but I love it.)

Country of the Week: Afghanistan

Inspired by the documentary Beyond Belief, this week's country is: Afghanistan. Here's a map of the region: A few helpful pieces of information on Afghanistan:
-Capital: Kabul
-Population: 33,000,000
-The last several decades have been filled with violence, poverty, and war
-Poppy fields (later turned into opium and heroin) make up a giant chunk the country's economy and are a very challenging and complicated issue to battle (warning: article is sad): NPR Article
-Lots of civilians are dying daily: NPR Article
-President elected in 2004: Hamid Karzai

Other Links:
Article of Afghanistan's Refugee Camps
Afghanland
Interview with Gretchen Peters

In Honor of Time

Today I graduated from seminary! I'll post pictures soon. Thank you (multiplied by a billion) to my friends and family who attended; you warm my heart. I cannot believe how quickly 4 years raced by. It is bizarre. I am so thankful. I have no idea what's next; but I'm sure it will be an adventure.

A poem I wrote last night in honor of these years:

Time

Its pace eludes me.
This aching for more minutes and more hours overwhelms.
Tell me tomorrow will come and its contents will be familiar.
These digital clocks have no ticking arms, but I still feel them slipping.
There is no net to catch these moments.
I cannot preserve these hours in jars of glass.
Memories and photographs are fragile substitutes.
Time whispers always "hello" and "goodbye."
Please help me absorb it all in gratitude.

A Good Documentary: Beyond Belief

Trees & clouds. Taken last weekend.

Happy Saturday, friends. I'm watching a great documentary at the moment. It's Beyond Belief. It's about two amazing ladies and the power of hope. Here's a link to check it out. It's definitely worth adding to your Netflix Que. But, be warned, it's quite sad. But happy, too.

And a quote for today:

"What oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life."
Emil Brunner