Friday, August 20, 2010

Relocation...For the Most Part


Having more than one place in which to write my thoughts has begun to be a little more complicated than I thought. Mainly because I've only been writing on the other blog, as I'm sure you've noticed if you've checked the dates on this blog at all.

Now that I've made the transition from having a full time job, to working on my writing full-time (which, by the way is truly God-given and a HUGE blessing), I've realized that what I want to focus my thoughts on will be more of the food/travel side of things - thus the need to devote my time to the other site.

All that long winded-ness to say, you can start catching up with me at the Taste of Wonderland blog. I try to update this blog more than once a week, so if you care to drop in you can get your fill of what I've been filling myself with lately!

Taste of Wonderland

Oh, and please let me know what you think once you get there. I would really love any comments, criticisms, or suggestions!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

No Interruption, Just a Little Godly Detour

Lunchtime rolls around, and I've got food on the brain. In reality, I've had food on my mind since finishing my last bite of oatmeal for breakfast. Today it just wasn't enough and my stomach was loudly protesting, announcing to all coworkers that I had not been properly feeding it. Therefore, something to nosh on was the focus as I set off for lunch to retrieve something I could eat back at my desk and appease the powers that be; my belly in this case.

I began my journey by heading to Whole Foods, my go-to lunch spot, when suddenly Zoe's Kitchen came to mind (unusual for me, considering I can hardly eat anything on their menu). But I was already on my chosen course and didn't want to deviate. Before driving any further however, I spotted a roadblock at the stop light. It was actually construction work going on, and the road to take me to that organic mecca that is Whole Foods was closed. Taking it as a sign, I instead heading towards Zoe's.

Of course being me, I couldn't just walk into Zoe's and order something. I first had to park at Publix a few stores down, and go in searching for what edible delights they might be able to offer. If you've experienced my kooks around a mealtime, you'll have witnessed that in fact I honestly cannot just pick a dining venue and be done with it...I must seek out all my options first! Not surprisingly, there was nothing to be had at Publix, so I finally made my way into the overly crowded Brentwood location of Zoe's Kitchen to pick up something to go.

Unfortunately, they did not just sell sandwiches by themselves, so I was obliged to choose a bag of chips to accompany it. I walked out, food in hand, and headed back to the desk I had been perched at for hours already that day.

Fast forward to quitting time (finally!). Driving home, the traffic was more than averagely horrendous, and I was forced past my normal exit and had to go about 10 minutes out of the way. Getting off the interstate and approaching the stop light, I waited, along with many other tired commuters, for the light to change. That's when I noticed the bearded gentleman standing beside my car with a sign announcing he was a former Vet and in need of assistance.

I suddenly knew what all the detours of the day had been for! That unwanted bag of chips served it's purpose as I rolled down my window and gave the man some chips, a dollar, and a big smile. Thanks Lord, for little reminders that everything has a plan and purpose. Even those mundane tasks such as finding a place to grab a bite for lunch!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Will Plan...For Travel

Here I am, I'm pawning myself out. I have such a need to travel, explore, and research for my upcoming book that I am marketing myself to the general masses.

Have an upcoming trip you'd like help planning? I can do that!
Know of anyone that needs to book a vacation to Disney in the next year? Let me help!

Not even that, but I paint as well...have I mentioned this in the past? I believe I've said it a few times. I've decided that after our trip, when my head is full of information, my notebook full of ideas, and my fingers itching to get to work, I will keep them busy not just with pens but also with brushes. Hopefully the resulting paintings will be worthy of a spot on someone else's wall.

Jeremy and I both work in order to travel (and eat while on these travels!) But in order to explore, we gotta get some funds. Just last night we were discussing the inconvenience of money. Why must a flight cost so much? Isn't there a cheaper way to get across the pond?

If you come up with something creative (such as stowing ourselves on a shrimp boat or working our way across the water as Flamenco dancers on a cruise ship), send the ideas my way! I'm up for just about anything...somewhat ethical that is!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Boredom By Any Other Name...

...Is still boredom.

I contemplated the Shakespeare quote as I sat here trying to think of something to do at work. Juliet's musings of Romeo's name..."A rose by any other name is still a rose," made me realize that call it what you will, my boredom is not going to be resolved by finding something else to copy and file. I've checked out from this job mentally, having moved on to something a bit less tedious. What is that, you ask?

Well right now it's planning a trip to Europe! Shakespeare's words are even more appropriate with the realization that I'll be staying in a hotel next door to his birthplace for a portion of the trip. I can almost believe that with all that history and creativity seeping through the ancient walls, I'll only be able to speak in iambic pentameter and dream in visions of Midsummer Nights. Oh, how I love dwelling on things that revolve around new places, comfy hotel beds, and regional foods I haven't tried!

With less than 30 working days left here at the office, and an entire world awaiting me three days after that last Friday spent in boredom, I simply must research, plan and dream in the meantime!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

CountDown to Freedom

Well, I finally did it - I put in my notice at my job! I was very nervous, simply because there's always that nagging feeling that I'm disappointing someone, but I gave them an ample 6 week time frame to find a replacement, so I'd say that it pretty fair! Only 33 working days to go and I'm a free woman - able to write as I please and not listen to the harpies that dwell under these bright, glaring lights.

Maybe that's a bit harsh - either way, I'm excited! I know that God has placed me in this exact moment, with the time left here at the office being spent growing in areas of patience, tolerance, and forgiveness! (Things that I am currently lacking in, anyway). Come on July!