That's what friends are for

I woke up with such joy in my spirit today and on my drive in to work I felt overcome with appreciation. Tomorrow is my birthday. I'll be a year older and with each day I feel more content with my life as it is, not the way it could be, should be or would have been, if only...

I celebrated the upcoming life anniversary with my closest friends on Saturday. I hosted a brunch and spoiled them with my signature Shrimp & Grits, some biscuits slathered in homemade cinnamon butter and strawberry mimosas. It was cold and dreary outside, but inside we were warmed by each others' company.

Toward the end of the afternoon when just three friends remained I started to open the gift bags that had collected in the dining room. I genuinely have parties just for the company. The camaraderie and quality time with my loved ones is enough for me. So the presents are just indulgent! But my friends picked perfect gifts. Things that were simple, inexpensive and extremely ME. I thought to myself: "They know me so well!" But that happens when you value the quality of your friendships more than the quantity.

Operation Backyard Oasis is a go

When we were house hunting, I insisted we buy a house with a yard, preferably a deck. What I got was a huge yard with a privacy fence around it, no extras. I like to entertain and I think it's just cool to eat, sit, drink and BE outside. However, when there is nothing but grass outside, the BEING becomes less appealing. As a result, we've been living in a house with a massive yard for 4 years now and I'm almost ashamed to say, we just don't make any use of it.

Our yard gets the most attention from our lawn guy/landscaper/handiman who cuts it every other week or so during the growing seasons. But all of that changes this spring. Today concludes Day 2 of my agricultural efforts. And now that I'm out there I can't figure out for the life of me what kept me from doing this sooner. Maybe it was a lack of funding, the distraction of parenting, newlywed excitement or a more interior focus. Whatever it was, I'm glad I snapped out of it and just delighted to be creating the outdoor living space I've always imagined. The goal is something like this:


Here is a recap of what's happened thus far.

Day 1
After work, I picked up a shovel and rake from a local general store, and a toy pair for my 3-year-old. Then we (and by that I mean "I") spent 2 hours raking, clearing and bagging the fallen twigs, branches and leaves. We learned that dirt don't hurt and I realized a child won't be afraid of the rustling in the trees and bushes if you just let her explore them freely. In fact, she may even say "Mommy, you make me so happy," just because you let her ruin her school clothes, and "bake" mud brownies.

Day 2
We (again that means me) started excavating a space for the pavers I'm going to put down as a giant lightbulb-shaped sitting area/patio. We discovered Home Depot thinks a wheelbarrow is worth at least $50, but a potted fruit tree can be acquired for a mere $9.99

*I've decided to document this entire process with daily entries, starting below.

Day 3 (5h)
We headed straight to Maxway when we woke up. I found a wheelbarrow for $20, managed to wedge it into the back seat next to my partner and her car seat. Then back at home I was on fire, hauling dirt, raking more leaves and after 6 hours of labor intensive I took 3 Motrin, soaked in a warm bath and had a wonderful restful sleep

Day 4 (6h)
Started early again, right after breakfast. I skipped church and a visit at my in-laws' I learned the night before that rain is coming this week so I have to keep going while my momentum is strong! More than half of the hole is complete.

Day 5 (2h)
I didn't realize how tired I was until I felt myself dozing off at work. All this labor is exhausting. My hands are sore and the back of my thighs ache. I'm almost there, no turning back now. And rain is coming so I'm in a rush to beat the forecasted storm that's scheduled to hit the day after tomorrow.

Day 6 (3h)
The hole is finished! What's G?
G is committing to back aching labor even after the sun sets because you can't stand the thought of one more day of digging.(Can you tell I've been drinking lots of Gatorade throughout this process) I hollowed out the final portion of my patio foundation, headed to Kroger sweaty and smelly with red dirt smeared all over my clothes and bought some Epson Salt and a couple bottles of Arbor Mist. Came home and did some Pilates stretching, then I soaked in the tub and sipped on the AM.

Day 7 (2h)
I realize my hole is actually probably much deeper than I needed it to be. Some portions are actually 6 inches deep and I think 3 will suffice. I realized this half way through digging this 25' x25' hole so I had to put some dirt back into the section I decided to start with. Then I went to Lowe's to pick up some of the pieces I needed. My ego was boosted when the male sales associates seemed fascinated by the fact I could lift 20" x 20" pavers on my own. They decided to help me (and slow me down by getting the crane lift out and driving the pallet to my car) but we managed to get 12 of the large stones inside my hatchback. When I reached home and my husband helped me unload those. I began placing them in the ground and managed to get one row complete. This is going to take some time, but I'm committed.

Day 8 (1h)
This massive project is creeping into my dreams now. I had a nightmare of sorts where some "professional" assured me that my work was in vain and that it wouldn't turn out right. How horrible. I started to doubt my layout and the pavers I selected. I took some time to just sketch and rethink and decided to forge ahead. I laid down another row of pavers last night and will pick up more supplies today.
Go me!

Facing it

I've gone and done it. I joined Facebook. Around the time my daughter was born in 2005, I became mildly aware of these internet networking sites: MySpace, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc, but I was too tired or too busy to care.

I figured there wouldn't be anyone out there looking for me and I'm not looking for anybody in particular, so I just let the phenom pass me by.

My only exposure came from my teenage sisters or some random and atrocious media coverage, like the mom who drove her daughter's enemy to suicide by posting a bogus and malicious MySpace in the victim's name or the shoot out that resulted when some undesirables crashed a party they learned about on Facebook. Why on earth would I want to mingle with boy-crazed teenagers or expose myself to a bullet brigade? I was content to stay LinkedOUT.

The World Wide Web can be a dangerous place so I've remained cautious with my involvement. It took me 2 years to even commit to blogging. But anyway, one of my un-book club members started her "Force Chaundra to Join Facebook" campaign around Christmas and it was clear to me that it wouldn't cease until I was sworn in as the newest member of the Facebook community.

It's been four days and I have 38 friends, I've seen people I loathed and others I loved, some I figured were lost forever and a few I couldn't lose if I tried.

I've been reminded of how awkward I felt through out high school and how much assurance I gained in college. But ultimately, I've just been facing the fact that you can't go back. I'm reminded to just continue making the most of the here, now and later.

Turning over a new leaf

It's a tea leaf to be exact. Those who know me well, are also aware that I've been suffering from an addiction as of late. It started after the birth of my daughter three years ago. I began to drink coffee almost daily, the long nights and increased work load had me drained and caffeine became my supplement.

But the habit was moderate and under control. I'd drink a cup a day on weekdays in the office. Then, well, I just got carried away. I was at Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, even the gas station cappucino machines whenever the whim hit me to drink. If I missed my daily dose, massive headaches would set in. So I started sipping on the weekends. Then I started to drink multiple cups each day and into the night and that's when the heart palpitations kicked in.

Yep, my heart was fluttering like a fish. I took myself to the nearest doctor for a full check up. I had heart monitors, blood work, etc. And everything came back normal. In fact, the doctor said the results proved I was exceptionally healthy. My cholesterol was story book, my heart was strong and had the rhythmic patterns of an "athlete" she said. (I'll take that!)

And her only diagnosis was to lay off the caffeine. Really?

Really.

I took a week off, then gradually and carefully began to drink just 1 cup per day. But the hiatus helped me realize I don't need it anymore and I felt fine without it. The withdrawal symtoms (i.e. headaches) were brief and I was completely detoxed.
So drinking it again felt a little foolish, my breath felt bitter, it's hard on my teeth and it leaves a bad after taste.

I bought some flavored tea and I must admit I feel cleaner. My mouth isn't pungent and it goes down a lot smoother and there's really no need to add any sugar. It's delightful.

It's beginning to look a lot like...spring time?

This is my view of the snow falling into my backyard on Sunday. I'm really ready for spring and yellows and pollen and heat; however, I couldn't help beholding the beauty of this snow. It fell so peacefully and covered everything in blanket of white. And although it was freezing, everything looked brighter and more pristine. So I'm just reminded that God is in control and I should just slow down and enjoy the view.