2. When it comes to travel are you a last minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you.
Oh I plan wayyy in advance...it is half the fun for me...putting together outfits...trying everything on...deciding on the perfect shoes...getting all organized! Packing cubes have been very helpful for sure!
3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level?
I do BUT my hubby LOVES Grilled Cheese. He has ideas for a "Grilled Cheese Retirement Plan." The girls always love when he makes them a grilled cheese too :) For me, I prefer a Gourmet Grilled Cheese with a white cheddar, fig jam and arugula...I know fancy ;)
4. There's a well known quote that says-
'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd
Is constant growth necessary or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life?
What a great question! I am all about growth...making yourself uncomfortable...moving towards change even when you don't want to. I hate change but I force myself all the time to keep changing and growing and moving...so important in life.
5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that-
lemonade or iced tea
gardening or hiking
ladybugs or butterflies
umbrella or raincoat
floral patterns or polka dots
Tulips
6. Insert your own random thought here.
Reminiscing a lot nowadays...especially as I go through pictures for all of the upcoming graduation things...anyway, I found an envelope of pictures in my night table and gasped when I saw what they were from. The summer after I graduated from high school, I went on a mission trip with my church. My mom and I thought it would be a great time to do something like this before I headed off to college. Friends? I am so glad I did. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Together, with a group of kids and adults including our favorite priest, made the trek down to West Virginia in a van. I think it was like a 16 hour trip when all was said and done. I don't remember anything being rough or miserable- I enjoyed every part of the adventure. When we got there, we stayed in the rectory next to the community parish and where some sisters resided. We camped out in our sleeping bags in the basement. We made our meals together there and attended mass daily there. Then we got to work. We ran a program for kids for the week. We also went on hikes. Then we helped to rebuild a home for a family who had a disabled Dad. I learned how to use a hammer and nails for the first time.
Lots of the experiences this week were eye-opening. One of the things that happened was that we were coughing up black matter. No joke. When we blew our noses, not to be gross, there would be black stuff all over our tissues. This was because we were in the mountains and very close to the coal mines- so scary and uncomfortable. I remember thinking and asking myself, how can these people live here in these conditions but alas, you realize, how lucky you truly are when you are not forced to be somewhere so threatening to your health.
Regardless, I felt so grateful on our way home- for the experiences- the people we met and spent time with and for the ability to serve others all week. I even got depressed when I came home. I didn't want to think about myself and my trivial problems. I wanted to serve others. I remember begging my mom to let me go somewhere and volunteer for the summer. That wasn't in the cards though. I kept going to my job at McDonald's- spending time with friends and then heading off to college in August- kicking and screaming by the way. It did end up being four of the best years of my life so there's that ;)
It was so wonderful to look at these photos and remember this very special time- I still treasure it today.
(I am the one with the very big...frizzy...curly hair...in case you were wondering)
12 comments:
What a great story about your mission trip- it really ties in with the "deep" question as well about growth. The pictures are all so good- your hair didn't look frizzy, just well coiffed for the early 90's!! What I really liked was what you wrote about the experience and what it meant to you. It sounds like it was really eye opening and planted the seed of service that has grown and flourished in you. I also love that you and I both worked at a McDonald's the summer before we went to college! Have a great day, friend!
I loved reading your answers and the story of your mission trip. Experiences like that certainly make us have perspective and a better appreciation for what we have. Enjoy your day!
How fun to see the pictures of teenage Holly : ) I think these experiences can be life altering and help form us into compassionate adults. On another note...I bet a grilled cheese food truck would go over big. Maybe that can be your hubs retirement gig. Have a great day!
Oh my gosh we have so much in common- do you know when all was said and done, I ended up working at McDonald's for 7 years? Definitely taught me my work ethic! You are too kind with your hair comment too- ha! :)
So true Marilyn! :)
Great idea on the truck- will present that idea to the hubby :)
It sounds like a big job dealing with all the senior year things. I hope it all goes well and you soak up every moment.
That grilled cheese sandwich looks so good, I miss not eating proper cheese.
Oh wow! Your trip after your graduation sounds amazing! What an adventure. Fab photos!
Thank you Kim!
Oh I can't really say anything as I feel like Evan and I slacked off so much once those college acceptances rolled around... and honestly when I was in high school I dropped 2 math classes and packed my spring schedule with 4 art classes, a study hall, and some other "easy"/fun classes myself since I had all the credits I needed to graduate and had already gotten acceptances too.
Oh I get it believe me! It is kind of funny but concerning all in one!
I loved hearing about your mission trip experience. How sad about the coal in the air. My hair looked very much like that back in the day. Is yours naturally curly? Mine is wavy, but I just HAD to get a perm on top of that to make it extra curly!
Naturally curly yes :) That is so funny about getting a perm- that is what everyone did right?
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