Day 10: Something to Think About

Today I'm cheating a little and posting a screen capture from a website and not a picture...but I think it still works!  : ) 

Yesterday, Jaime and I went to Calvary Church in Naperville to attend their Saturday service. The topic was a continuing series called "A Life That Works" from Pastor Randal Ross. I really enjoyed the entire message and believe that Pastor Ross is very engaging and keeps you focused on the subject at hand. There was one thing, however, he said that really hit me. I've been thinking about it ever since. 

Now, I don't remember his exact words, but the message is still the same, he said "If you are constantly looking and waiting for what God is going to bless you with and do in your life, you will miss what he is doing in your life at that very moment." After he said that it was like a light bulb had gone off inside my head and I finally saw what I had been missing all along. 

I know I am guilty, even recently, of not being patient and complaining to God why certain things weren't going the way I wanted. I have just been waiting, and watching, like someone waiting for a highly anticipated package to be delivered Priority mail, not knowing that the sender had chosen a much slower shipping rate. In the meantime, while waiting for this "package" I haven't been paying attention to all the other "mail" being delivered, and have been pushing it to the side never bothering to open it. 

I have been blessed with so much and when I sit back and actually pay attention, I realize God knows exactly what I need at the moment and what I can handle and is blessing me in more ways than I could imagine. This message has helped me realize that if you have faith and pay attention, the smallest envelope could contain the greatest blessing of all. 

Day 9: Back in Town

Pulling into the Walgreen's parking lot tonight, I was reminded by the Ferris wheel, many other strange looking rides, and numerous trailers that it must truly be summer. Every year around this time a "carnival" comes to town and sets up camp behind the Walgreen's in an open field, attracting all sorts of interesting characters.  

Years ago it was the thing to do in the summer right before the Fourth of July. Being just down the street from our house, my sister and I would get friends together and walk over and go on the rides, eat cotton candy and dippin' dots, and watch the fireworks at night. 

For about a week our little section of Roselle was taken over by this carnival. There were closed streets, blaring music throughout the day, bright lights coming from all the rides at night, and of course the carnie folk! You know what I mean, "small hands, smells like cabbage"? Ok, not really, but we always used to joke that the carnies were in town and were taking over because you would see them at the nearby grocery stores walking around buying a snack, taking a look at the locals. 

Now a days we happily stay away from the carnival ever since its been taken over by teeny-boppers wearing way too much makeup and way too little clothing. Fortunately, we can still see the fireworks, and we'll forever have memories of summers full of ice cream, cotton candy, and carnies. 

Day 8: Lots o' Trees

This Sunday for the first time in a long time, I went to the Morton Arboretum. Jaime and I had a blast riding the trails (in the air-conditioned car of course) looking at all the beautiful trees and meadows and their many lakes/ponds. I even got to see a few Ginkgos (my favorite tree!) It was so peaceful, except for the occasional enormous bug that would appear (gotta look at the website to understand). We went through the large maze, the children's garden with its fun tree house, and we even found the Morton family cemetery, which was very interesting. 

One of the funniest things we saw were two signs pointing to either the "Shrub of the Month" or the "Tree of the Month". The signs made us think of businesses that have "Employees of the Month" and we wondered what exactly did the tree and shrub do to get such recognition?!

Day 7: Disappearing Crime Scene

For the past couple days it has been a joy walking into work proudly passing the crime scene we recently created with a couple pieces of masking tape and some bright yellow caution tape. 

(See Day 5) 

Today however, was a different story. Rounding the corner into the office to smile at our handy work I was stunned to see that someone had picked up all the tape and destroyed our masterpiece! We all knew this day was coming, but I was hoping it would last just a little bit longer. On further investigation, however, I realized that whoever had picked up our "body" outline and caution tape, had, for some reason I assume we will never know, left the outline of the gun behind! Had they missed this minor detail, or was it intentional? 

And so, the mystery of the disappearing crime scene continues...

Day 6: Coffee Anyone

This is my faithful mug Sulley. I happily bought him in Disney World a couple years ago since Monsters Inc. is my favorite Disney movie of all time and also because you can NEVER find anything with Mike or Sulley on it. Every day he lovingly sits on my desk right next to my computer with that friendly smile and wave just waiting for me to get something to drink. Its amazing what can put a smile on a face!

Day 5: Murder at Work?

No don't worry, no crime was committed, just three creatives with a little too much time on their hands. 

For the past week or so at work we have been walking by a taped outline on the ground of two walls they are planning on building for an additional conference room right down the hall from our cubicles. Sue and I talked about how funny it would be to make a "chalk" outline of a body next to the wall outlines. Realizing our jobs may be in danger, we decided against it until, however, our boss approached us with the same idea! Needless to say it did not take long for us to round up some masking tape and quickly trace around Sue's "lifeless" body. We topped the whole "crime scene" off with some caution tape we just happened to have stowed away for such an occasion. 

This morning we heard a couple of comments about our secret, creative escapade, but not the shock and awe we had anticipated. To our surprise however, later on in the day we noticed someone had added a taped outline of a gun next to our "body"! Although slightly shocked, we were pleased that someone finally joined in on the fun. 

Day 4: Someone's Turning 60

Today is a very special day in the Anderson household! It is my mom's 60th Birthday! I called and sang "Happy Birthday" this morning and she is having a nice day relaxing and reading. Wanting to do something special since we already celebrated, she suggested we get Portillos, always a favorite. Looks like we'll be celebrating with hot dogs and chocolate cake! Happy Birthday Mom! (Ok, so this picture isn't from today, but I think a 60th birthday can be an exception: "The Ladies at Mill Race In" Lisa, Nana, Hannah, Mom, me, and Emma)

Day 3: Happy Father's Day

Today was Father's Day! It was another fun day with the family, appreciating all the dad's in both the Anderson and Greenberg families and remembering those special dads who are no longer with us (both Grandpa and Papa). Our family has been very blessed to have such wonderful Dads, Grandpas, Papas, Uncles, and Brother-in-laws. Thank you especially to my dad for being the type of dad who is there no matter what. Always available to talk and give great advice and of course plenty of hugs. I am so blessed to have such a great dad who loves me unconditionally. Happy Father's Day Dad! I love you! 

Day 2: Family

My niece Hannah has the greatest expression in order to sum up the day: happy!

Today was a great day filled with family, celebrations, and even a little shopping. Lisa and I took Mom on a surprise trip to 1154 Lill Studio for her 60th birthday to create her very own custom purse. It is so much fun, you get to pick the style of bag and all of the fabric. Nothing like a little creativity with purses to start out the day. After, we headed out for a light lunch and had a fun "Mommy/Daughter" outing. Even little Hannah had fun!

Later that evening the whole family went to Mill Race Inn in Geneva to have a fancy dinner to celebrate Mom's birthday. It was a great time with delicious food, wonderful family, and we even fed the ducks afterwards. What a wonderful day!

Day 1: Me

I decided to dedicate my very first post to introducing myself. This picture says it all, and for those who aren't sure what its saying I'll summarize: 27 years old, graphic designer, blonde hair, blue eyes, oh and likes to be goofy!