“Son, I been in a relationship since you had a pony tail and were playing Dave Matthews on your mama’s casio. I’m a good boyfriend in my sleep. I can rock a killer foot rub with one hand, and brew a kick ass pot of chamomile in the other that would make you weep. Hell, I’ve forgotten more about microwaving fat free popcorn and watching Sandra Bullock movies than you’ll ever know, but thanks for your concern, rookie. “

stephen and i spent the day in atlantic city. seeing new places with him never gets old. he’s the only one that i wouldn’t mind being with, after pulling over on the side of the road for what seemed like hours because it’s raining too hard to drive. 

each day, i realize more and more, how blessed i am to have him in my life. he is more than i ever could have dreamed of. he calls me on my way home while it’s thundering just to make sure i’m okay. he texts me goodnight. he sees me for my heart, and understands me better than anyone. he is the most caring person i know. he puts everyone before himself. he works harder than the average family of 4. he lets me turn off the air conditioning when i get cold. he watches chick flicks with me. he never complains when i take a sip of his drink. he still loves me even though i’ve fallen asleep through every movie he’s ever wanted to show me. he tells me to shutup when i’m whining too much. (i need it.) he cooks for me.  he never makes me drive. he checks the fluids in my car. he lets me vent. he is okay with the fact that his shoulder is my favorite pillow. he always fills up my gas tank when he uses my car. he never loses his temper, even when i deserve it. he isn’t bothered by the fact that i call my parents approximately 12 times a day, because he loves them just as much as i do. he tries his hardest to sing me songs even though the only lyrics he remembers is the song title. he knows that ice cream cures everything. and he is the most faithful man you will ever meet. 

i am the luckiest girl alive.

i can’t get enough of them.

lately, i’ve been significantly more introspective than usual, and i think it might have something to do with this.

for about 2 months now, i have been working with children (i know, crazy, right?) on sunday mornings during service at a United Church Of Christ somewhat nearby. and every week, this church teaches me something amazing. i have been meaning to write something about this since the first week i started. 

before we take the kids to their classes, we always spend a little bit of time in the service. the beginning of the service is so beautiful. 

1. we begin with a time for greetings, joys, ans concerns. this is a chance for anyone in the congregation to come up and share what’s on their heart. whether it be someone in their life with a need, or just an announcement for next week’s potluck. it’s a time to connect.

2. next, we have a time for centering. i find this to be one of the most necessary components. all it is is a few minutes of quiet. to think, to listen, to center your mind and heart for what you are about to hear. to get rid of everything floating around in your head to make room for what truly matters. 

3. a little bit later on, is the prayer of confession. this is my favorite part. each week, there is a new prayer in the bulletin of confession to God of our shortcomings. here is this week’s:

Gracious and sustaining God, today we open our hearts to acknowledge and share what you have already seen in us- the broken things that seem never to mend, the empty places where we ache, those buds of faith and promise that have yet to flower. O God of love and grace, help us to accept ourselves. Lead us to new life, not compromising by anything within us. Mend us. Fill us. Make us bloom-to your greater glory. Amen.

This church is very different for me. and i love it! it puts things into perspective, and forces me to do the same. there are so many things i think we can learn from them. reverence, being the first. throughout my week, i find myself remembering what i learned on sunday. i find myself reflecting on the prayer of confession. i find myself living better, and with more compassion. and that’s how it should be. 

one thing after another this week. cancelled plans, good intentions with bad reception, and more cockroaches.

so tonight i took a nice little drive and used gas that i don’t have the money to pay for. 

good night.

june 4th was the day i had been anticipating for the last 8 years of my life. stephen and i headed to the heart of chinatown to see death cab for cutie. 

now anyone who knows me, knows that i have a special place in my heart for ben gibbard. now it may be because of his voice. or it may be because he’s married to the cutest girl ever. or it may just be that he is able to describe situations in the most beautiful way humanly possible. so much so that i named by stuffed owl ben gibBIRD. so much so that i cried. literally cried. when i thought for a second we weren’t going to be able to get tickets. so much so that the fact that we lost our car in the parking garage didn’t even spoil my night.

it was perfect. and beautiful. and beautifully perfect. 

and i couldn’t have spent it with anyone better.

learning so much about people. and the way they think. and the way they work. the moods they have. the things they say. the promises they break. the lies they tell. and the care they fake. 

that is all.