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Planes, Buses, and Automobiles
As I’ve mentioned before, I usually drive everywhere. I have my own car, so it just makes sense. But in California travel has looked much different. I’ve been in an Uber for the first time, I’ve taken a bus in LA, I’ve taken an airport shuttle, and I’ve walked numerous miles. It’s nothing Earth-shattering, but its weird to me. It’s been interesting navigating different parts of L.A. with the transportation I’ve had a hand in the moment. I’m so thankful for the chance to drive. I know I just wrote about planes, but my consistent conversation with others has been my missing my car, but being appreciative for local public…
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Just Imagine
I’ve talked a lot about creativity here on my blog. From what it can look like, to its value and what-not, but I think a good imagination plays a part in creativity. As I sit here in California, I realize just how important imagination is. It has created so many wonderful movies, shows, and entertainment options, buildings. So many people have to have such diverse and thoughtful imaginations to make the work from Hollywood – and Burbank – happen. Imagination is something every kid is encouraged to have, but I think adults need to make it part of their lives as well. It’s not just about thinking up stories or…
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Another Flight
So far I’ve taken four plane trips in my life, that fourth one being this morning and returning to Minneapolis in about a week. Today I have my first day of visiting a friend, touring the city, and seeing the ocean (finally!) in Los Angeles, California. That all being said flying in a wonderful freedom. I still remember each flight I’ve had so far quick distinctly. The first was to Disneyworld in Florida in 2005 my parents waited until we were old enough to go on all the cool rides and not just the kiddy ones, but booked the trip before I would’ve needed an adult ticket. It was a…
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Final Thoughts
What a whirlwind year, from spending the first part of the year at a contract role to joining Praxis, and taking trips for weddings, going to camp, enjoying holidays with family, and spending time with friends, to even being a political delegate. The new year is just that but January 1st is also just another day. What I mean by that is that it doesn’t have to be a threshold for everything from certain choices, to decisions, to changing habits, though I’ll admit sometimes it is helpful. I try to see it as both, it’s a helpful mental guide but it’s also just a day on the calendar, to some respect.…
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Left Out
Unless you’re ridiculously popular we’ve all been left out of something, whether intentionally or unintentionally. It’s hard. If you want to be a part of something and didn’t even get the chance to be. Social media makes this harder, I would argue. We are able to see every update that anyone we follow posts, whether it’s their lunch, homework, or a fabulous party, or a group of friends they had over for game night. I can’t imagine having social media any earlier in life. I would’ve been so frustrated with every other kid’s fun posts that I didn’t get to be a part of. Though honestly, it can be hard…
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Adopt Don’t Shop
My family has had a cat, five hamsters, a fish, a dog, and now, drumroll please: two guinea pigs. We’ve enjoyed having pets, and although we bought the hamsters and fish at a pet store, we’re definitely of the adopt don’t shop mindset. Our cat, Tiger, was a stray we adopted. While having a family garage sale, he was meandering around the neighborhood. It was raining and we left a little makeshift bed out in the garage. We took him in and enjoyed having him as a pet, he definitely was fun to have around, and we enjoyed having him as part of our family. We had him until we…
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While at the Plumbing Company
My current temp job is working at a plumbing, heating, metals, and fire sprinklers company west of Minneapolis. Although it’s not my ideal workplace/industry it’s been quite fun getting to know my coworkers and getting a sneak peek into the industry. Its been nice to have a consistent temp job until I take on my apprenticeship. They have a beautiful showroom that guests are coming into everyday, as well. It’s interesting to see another aspect of an industry that I only know of from trips to Home Depot with my folks. It gets me even more excited to think about my future home, and the furnishings.
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Unlikely Inspiration
Sometimes we can convince ourselves that we need the perfect setting for inspiration to hit. Whether we think we need a perfect library with a nice sitting area, or an art museum with beautiful old paintings. Don’t get me wrong, these are great spots for inspiration but they’re far from the only spot to get inspired. Just the other day I was inspired by one of my coworkers at my temp job with something to write about, I’ve also been inspired by my students at youth group. Not to mention the inspiration I’ve received from friends at swing dances. It’s been more than the blog too. This last month I’ve…
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A Traveler’s Notes
I just got back from Northern Minnesota yesterday. It’s the umpteenth trip I’ve taken there, but it reminded me of a couple of important things to remember while traveling. It’s one thing to visit it’s another to live. I’ve mentioned it before but I’ve lived in a tourist destination. That being said when you are looking for a place to live don’t make whether its a famous destination or not affect your decision too much. So at the end of your trip know that its okay to miss the place you’ve been, but that there is probably drawbacks to living at the place your visiting. Plan out more than you’ll…
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Merry Xmas
Sometimes this phrase is challenged as taking the Christ out of Christmas. In reality the “X” represents the first letter of the greek word for Christ. As long as you pronounce the Phrase as “Christmas” instead “ex-mas” I think writing out the shorter version is usually fine. I’ve found it’s not about the day even either, its about remembering Jesus’ birth. My family just made the five-hour trip back home today so we could see both sides of the family. It’s become almost tradition to take this unconventional route because, despite the odd timing of the drive, it means we see more people and celebrate more. We get more time…
