Thankful Thursday: Promises

I haven't written a "Thankful Thursday" post in awhile and today I realized I'm thankful for promises.

My history is, as I'm sure everyone's is, littered with broken promises. Some that caused tears, some that caused scars, and still others that resulted in a complete loss of trust.

The thing with broken promises, though, is they make the promises that are kept that much sweeter.

Today, I'm thankful that my friend who said she'd always be there for me when we were eleven is still one of the few people I talk to on a regular basis.

I'm thankful my husband has truly stood by me in sickness and health, richer and poorer, good times and bad, especially the sick/poor/bad.

I'm thankful that the promise I most doubted, the one that people I trust most uttered one after another, seems to be coming to fruition. I'm going to be okay.

Thankful Thursday: Present and Future

My very own cake wreck.
How many errors do you see?

Today is my last day as Development Assistant at LifeWorks NW. It doesn't seem real yet, but as the hours tick by I know I am getting closer to closing this three year chapter of my life.

This job was a blessing three years ago when I found myself 30 credits away from graduating with my Bachelor's, but my full-time job would not accommodate a full-time school schedule. I needed a job that would work with my school schedule. What I found was a surprisingly well-paying part-time job with flexible hours, PTO, and benefits. Life works when you get the help you need.

I continued my part-time schedule after graduation, with consistent encouragement full-time hours would become available, but unfortunately the agency was never able to deliver on this. During the three years as Development Assistant I honed my database skills, delved into the world of event planning, and expanded my knowledge of the intricacies of office work. Life works when you get the help you need.

Today is my last day. When I close down my computer and walk out the door it will be for the last time. I am thankful for the opportunities and skills LifeWorks NW provided me and I am excited for the future in store for me as a result of the lessons learned here. Life really does work when you get the help you need.

PS: Check out my guest blog at Rough and Rede.

Thankful Thursday: Just

I feel I could write a book on what I'm thankful for today. I have a home. I'm fed. My clothes are clean and dry. I have a car that will get me from place to place. I know where my friends and family are, and, most importantly, know that they are safe. The world is in chaos and uncertainty right now, and I feel that strongly as well, but in the midst of it all I see how blessed I am. It's the little things.

This song started playing in my head today. It's been my go-to song when life is filled with uncertainties.

Share In The Waiting by Greg Long

Thankful Thursday: Just Dance in the Rain

I received a special treat today - an introduction to a new music artist. I've always identified with music more than any other medium. My brother and I always joked, "Things too stupid to say are nearly always sung," (that is an actual quote from someone famous) and I don't think I'd have it any other way.



Between the depression I've had for the last year plus and the fact that it's winter in the Willamette Valley and that's always hard on me, I'm finding this song beautiful and encouraging. A huge thank you to A{muse}ing Mommy on a Pink Park Bench for sharing Rhyne McCormick's work with her readers this morning.

Just let the rain fall down and be free...

Thankful Thursday: Health

9 members of Monday Night Posse at White Canyon Trail

Today, I am thankful for health. I'm thankful that I can wake up in the morning and get out of bed without pain or assistance. I'm thankful my body is capable of running 4.5 miles without fatigue, even if I'm not as fast as I would like to be. I'm thankful that, despite my lack of coordination, I can follow a Belly Butt Thigh aerobic class without fainting. Tripping maybe, but no fainting.

I'm also thankful that for the first time in three years I can consistently take my wedding ring on and off easily, hike up mountains without feeling like I'm suffocating, and live an active lifestyle without wanting to throw up. I'm thankful to finally be seeing results as I consciously make decisions to improve my whole mind, body, spirit. I like the changes I'm seeing - physically and mentally - and I'm feeling very hopeful for the future and appreciating the now.

Tomorrow I will join my best friend in Bend, my husband, and several other crazies at the Riverbend Park. From there, we will plunge into the icy waters. I've never been one for cold water, but the cause is worthwhile. Special Olympics of Oregon is the beneficiary of the Polar Plunge Oregon events. I am healthy and getting more athletic by the day. Nothing moves me more than people with the odds stacked against them doing incredible things - Special Olympics of Oregon helps athletes with intellectual disabilities be the best they can be every day, in every season, at every age. (If you'd like to donate to this awesome cause, you may do so by clicking on the Polar Plunge link on the right side of my homepage or click here. Do it for the kids.)

What inspires you to be better/healthier?

Thankful Thursday: Blogs

I discovered blogs a few years ago. With the help of my professor, George, the blog world opened up to me in a whole new way in 2009. So, here is my thanks:

To you (and you, and you) who inspire me to lace up my running shoes - thank you.

To you who show me the beauty in the world - thank you.

To you who remind me to never give up on my goals - thank you. 

To you who create beautiful things - thank you.

To you, you, and you who make me laugh - thank you.

And thank you, Jordan at Southern Hospitality, for sharing this beautiful piece of encouragement today: 

I hope this year, when you are spreading your wings to reach for more, you remember embrace that there will always be people trying to bring you down. Those people who are jealous or intimated by you and your potential. Those people mistake their own insecurities for confidence and try to justify themselves by attempting to belittle another person's character. It's so important not to allow those people to influence your attitude. It's true when they say he who anger's your, conquers you, so rise above it and believe in yourself. The past is behind you, the future is looking promising and life is such a beautiful ride. You CAN do it!

The list could go on and on. The blog community is incredible and I have learned so much from each of you. Thank you.

Thankful Thursday: Horses

Scout (6), Toby (29), and Ruger (2) in their Christmas best.

Today I'm thankful for the healing powers of horses, the mountains I grew up near (those are the hills in the picture - not the same), and the refreshing purity of snow.

Thankful Thursday: Compassion

The last couple weeks have been really difficult and therefore difficult to find things to be thankful for. I made a short list yesterday...

I'm thankful for friends that will listen to my deepest darkest secrets without judging.

I'm thankful for friends that upon hearing those secrets will come clean my house, make me dinner, and rearrange my office. It doesn't fix the problem, but I felt very loved.

I'm thankful for my babysitters. As ridiculous as it is to need a babysitter, it's good to know no matter how unloved and lonely I feel sometimes there are people who will step in and ease that ache.

I'm thankful for my husband who doesn't yell back when I start to verbally vomit, left work during the busiest part of the day so I could make it to my counseling appointment, is always supportive, and gives the best hugs in the world.

No, things aren't easy right now and I'm getting to the point I can't pretend otherwise. But amidst the darkness I've found an amazing support system and the freedom that comes from being honest about how difficult things are. As one friend lovingly told me, "You're going to be okay because we all love you and we're going to help you through this. You just have to let us."

Thankful Thursday: Funny Christmas Songs

I'm having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year. Lame, I know. Especially since I *big puffy heart* Christmas. It's my fave. Pandora just blessed me with this song so I'm passing it on to you... 

Thankful Thursday: Rainbow

Dear Rainbow,

Thank you for brightening the dark storm and reminding me I'm not alone in my own storm. Your appearance always reminds me of the promises. I'm not going to drown in the flood. 

All the best,
Nike

Thankful Thursday: Secrets

Dear Secret,

Thanks for popping up at random times and bringing me joy. I've always been a fan of you, Secret, and today you made one of the most joyous appearances of all. While you don't really affect me directly, you affect someone I love very dearly and I am bubbling with happiness. That's what makes you so fun, as adults we can't really go around saying, "I have a secret, na nah na nah na...." but we can still smile a little knowing we know something no one else does. 

Keeping my lips sealed,

Nike

Thankful Thursday: Little Brothers

Dear Little Brother,

20 years ago, and maybe even in the last 10, I never would have thought we'd end up as good of friends as we are. Talking to you or getting a funny message from you always makes my day. I appreciate that we can always pick up right where we left off and you always seem to get me. You're the best little brother in the world.

To the moon,
Nike

Thankful Thursday: Eggnog

Dear Eggnog,

Thank you for only appearing for three months out of the year. I think I might get sick of you if you were more available. It seems blasphemous to say that, but it's probably true. Your absence for most of the year makes it justifiable to be a bit gluttonous while you're present.

And when did you get so dynamic? I used to just drink you cold in a class. Now I can mix you with my other love - chai - or coffee, or eat you in the form of icecream. Way to keep with the times, Eggnog.

We're going to have a beautiful three months together.

Much love,
Nike

Thankful Thursday: Tea

Dear Tea,

Thank you for being warm, delicious, and the perfect excuse to get together with my girlfriends on a Saturday. Our new favorite place, Tea Thyme & Lavender, is an amazing blend of all my/our favorite things: tea, antiques, lavender, and tasty homemade treats. You're alright, Tea, you're alright.

With fondness,

Nike

Thankful Thursday: Sushi

Dear Sushi,

First of all, you're awesome and definitely at the top of my favorite foods list. What I'd like to thank you for today, however, is for your uncanny ability to help build relationships. When I learn people like sushi they instantly become one of  my new favorite people. Sure, it's completely possible all we'll have in common is sushi, bu you know what? While we're eating together that time is precious and relationships are deepened.

I'm pretty sure you're the sixth love language.

Love,
Nike

Thankful Thursday: Black Fleece Pants

Dear Pants-I-Bought-to-wear-under-snow-pants-for-Snowshoeing,

Thanks for being awesomely cozy and not making me look too slovenly if I happen to leave the house in you. My legs appreciate the fleecy softness, I appreciate your zipper pockets and comfort. Best Bi-Mart purchase ever.

You rock,

Nike

Thankful Thursday: Ugh

Dear Days-When-there-Doesn't-Seem-to-be-Much-to-be-Thankful-For,

Thank you for being few and far between. I know I'm blessed, even when it doesn't feel that way.

Peace,

Nike

Thankful Thursday: Seasons

Dear Fall,

Thank you for providing an awesome array of colors. Sure, you're chilly and smell like burning fields and dust, but without you we wouldn't have winter, spring, or summer. Changing of the seasons is kinda exciting - like a fresh start every 3-4 months.

All the best,

Nike

Thankful Thursday: Running

11 of the Speedy Turtles. Also my greatest fail as Captain.

Dear Running,

Thank you for sucking less when I'm surrounded by people I love. Even the ones who make me batty. Let's meet up more often. We'll be friends one day. 

All the best,
Nike

Thankful Thursday: Marriage

Mr. & Mrs. Bentley. September 8, 2007

Three years ago I sat in the Bridal Suite of Old Laurelhurst Church, anxiously awaiting 6:00 pm and surrounded by my best friends. At 22 years of age I had found the one I knew I was meant to share my life with. Jason was everything I had dreamed of - patient, funny, a fair fighter, compassionate, and supportive - and I couldn't wait to embark on our next adventure: marriage.

Anniversary dinner at Benihana's. My first time.

Yesterday marked our three-year anniversary. In November we will have been married longer than we dated. Neither of us knew what the future would hold when we said our vows before our family and friends, but we both entered into the union knowing we would face whatever came our way together. I believe that has been the cornerstone of our marriage's success: we talk about everything and do everything together. We seek the best for each other in every decision we make, both as individuals and as a couple, and the joy in our marriage is testament to that.

I still don't know what the future holds for us, and I'm okay with that. What I do know is I am blessed beyond measure to have Jason as my husband and as long as we keep choosing each other every day our adventure will only get sweeter.