Meet Mac

So getting Oreo was pretty stinkin exciting for me...but this is AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL!!!! Bebo(my old chevy) served me well for the last seven years. He needed to retire a long time ago but I just couldn't get something new until I had a little stability. With some temporary help from mis padres I was able to score a 2009 CRV yesterday. Crazy, right? I have been coming up with every excuse possible to drive him in the last 24 hours. I feel like I have waited forever for such a nice vehicle though in the grand scheme of things I haven't hardly waited at all. Regardless, I am so excited that for a good while I won't be wondering if I am actually going to make it to my destination when I get in the car. Not only will Mac make it but it will be a comfortable journey along the way. YEAH!!!!! Oh, and yes HE has a name...which is Mac. This one didn't fall out of my mouth like Bebo and Norman but I think it suits him and corny as it may sound Grma Brough's maiden name was MacDougal. She'd like it too:)

fall festivals

There is one thing that I never did while I lived in Ligonier. Anyone familiar with Fort Days may gasp at this...I never went to the Fort Days parade. I was always working at camp(and honestly I didn't mind). I know it was/is a big deal and I know it would have been fun with all the kids and all the staff who came back for reuinions but eh. My favorite part about it was the lawn chairs literally lining the street the day before so people could lay claim to their spots. I wish I had a picture. This statement is on the Chamber of Commerce website "PLEASE, for safety reasons, do not place any chairs along the parade route before 6pm on Friday." Mind you the parade does not start until 11am on Saturday.
This weekend in Martinsville was the Fall Foliage Festival. I knew there would be a parade this afternoon because my girls from gymnastics were walking in it. Ironically I was working so I couldn't be in it with them or go. But this morning as I drove to church I noticed lawn chairs along the road in various places. Now, it wasn't quite as dramatic as good ole' Liggy, but it certainly took me back to my favorite little town. One of these years I will make it to a fall parade. We'll just have to wait and see what state that happens in!

"life giving"

I had an interview today...as the interview-er for a change:) It was a good interview. I hope she ends up coming. Something she said really left an imprint on me though I honestly don't even remember the context of exactly why she said it. It was the phrase "life-giving." Which probably doesn't sound revolutionary in itself but man it really hit me.
A friend/co-worker and I often talk about vision and how stress and politics muddy the once clear waters of why we do what we do. Listening to this young woman talk kind of cleared the waters for me again. She shared about being very interpersonal and how exciting it is to hear/watch participants have those 'ah-ha' moments. As I listened, I distinctly remembered writing my cover letter for the Woods. I wrote about my desire and passion to be a part of growth in others whether that be through adventure education, coaching gymnastics, teaching, a/o mentoring. Today I have been remembering how being a part of that growth in others is life-giving to me and how I need to look wide-eyed so I can recognize when it's happening no matter how small.
I have to admit it was a rough night at gymnastics, LOADS of energy spilling out everywhere BUT they actually trust me now. Three months ago they didn't want me to spot them, now they are nervous without me close by. Honestly it does my heart good to feel needed and well, wanted. The best part of the whole thing is this great cycle of giving life. In enabling/challenging others to grow, I am encouraged, rejuvenated, and also given the opportunitiy to grow. What goes around certainly comes around!

So what is it that is 'life-giving' to you?