Turning 40: 40 fun facts about me (part 5)

Now that it is the final facts, I will say this has been a fun and interesting reflection on my life. 

33. First country I ever visited outside the U.S.? France, well, technically Spain, but all I did was get off the plane, get in a car, and drive on the highway to the cruise boat. So I am sticking with France. 

In a town where I got to see Roman ruins outside of Marseille
(Sorry, can't remember name)

34. Most random anecdote: I have been licked by a giraffe... my best friend in high school, Karen, and I were visiting Six Flags Marine World, and they had this opportunity to take a picture with a giraffe. Well, from what I remember, my friend held the salt stick to get the giraffe to come over to us, but she held it closer to me, and it licked me. Not sure why, but I freaked out, and somehow their telling me it was good luck to be licked by a giraffe calmed me down (I wasn't a Christian yet, so maybe that really did calm me down).

35. Favorite Boston memory: Going to John Lester’s no-hitter on my 23rd birthday or doing the Freedom Trail with visitors and stopping for some cannoli. 

At John Lester's no-hitter

But in all honesty, I mostly just hung out with my friends and watched movies at their apartments.  It was here I lived life, grew in my faith, and found a support system. 

36. Favorite Houston memory (not family related): Seeing Reba McEntire at the Houston Rodeo

But I would not have gone to the Rodeo if it weren't for the wonderful friends I have made at PLI... so I should give them a little shout-out. 

37. Favorite comfort food on a bad day: This is going to sound random, but when I am feeling really crummy, I like to make rice and eat it with butter and sugar. We ate a lot of rice when I was growing up because it was cheap and easy to make. 

38. What has been the hardest season of your life, and what did it teach you? I have struggled with depression on and off since my junior year of high school. The time that stands out most was after grad school, when I searched for a job, and nothing happened. Whenever friends asked about it, I wanted to cry or shout—I felt useless, disappointed, discouraged. Other friends seemed to get job offers right away. I cried out to God, “Why?” My quiet time became a checklist. I remember walking home from the train and wishing a bus would hit me and end it all.

I felt like dirt—worse than dirt.

Moving to Houston didn’t magically fix things; my problems followed me. I still scrambled and called out to God. One day, driving to a babysitting job, I thought a pickup truck would merge into me. I swerved into an 18-wheeler. Somehow, I only damaged my bumper and had a headache. I walked away knowing God must have a purpose for me. I’m still living in that truth.

39. Do you have any irrational fears or phobias? Yes, ants, and my roommate thinks it is hilarious that I love Ant-Man. 

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And falling out of a roller coaster. 

40. Favorite role in life (thus far): Being "Aunt Blaire," if you spend any time around me in real life, you will know my niece and nephews are my favorite subject to speak about (after Jesus). I'm always so proud of them; they hold my heart, and watching them grow up has been one of the biggest blessings in my life.

After putting all of this together, I'm already thinking about what comes next. A friend in Boston had a beautiful birthday tradition... every year, she would ask two questions: What was your favorite thing about the last year? And what is one thing you want to accomplish in the next year? I love that. Simple, intentional, and worth sitting with.

I think that deserves its own post... Stay tuned. 🎂

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Life Lately: Tiny Travels, Family Fun, and Everyday Joys

 Dear Lovely Reader,

I’m tapping my pen and trying to think of what to write. It is April in Houston, which means it is the true beginning of the hot, humid season that will last till October (maybe till Thanksgiving).

Here is a pictorial update of my life:

Over spring break (early March), I took a couple of days and went to Round Rock, TX (a little bit north of Austin). I had never driven myself that far…Remember, I didn’t get my license till I moved to Houston.

I admit I got pulled over and given a warning for an expired registration (which, in Houston, no one cares about), so the first day I was a little hesitant to drive anywhere, but that was fine because the Airbnb I stayed in was near downtown, so I could walk around. I found Round Rock Donuts, which is apparently world-famous. I got some writing done at a little coffee shop, found the Round Rock Public Library (and, of course, took a picture). Enjoyed my quiet time outside on the porch (until the ants came), got some pretty sunsets, and took a lot of pictures of cute houses and flowers.

On my last day there, it was actually cool enough to wear a sweater and enjoy a hot latte while I walked around and found the rock the town was named for. All I can say is the park was really pretty, and it was bigger than Plymouth Rock (in Mass), which is not saying much.

{Plymouth Rock}

After getting back from Round Rock, my cat Beacon has needed lots of cuddle time.

I celebrated my nephew’s 11th birthday, where my niece and nephew decided my hair needed an upgrade—so they gave me a wild, gravity-defying comb-over.

Easter followed, and though I spent time with family, I somehow ended up with more photos of their pets than of people. My selfie skills have also gotten a workout lately—turns out, there’s a guy in Tennessee who enjoys a steady stream of my daily expressions.

Other than that, I have tried to make time to do creative writing, but sometimes things like laundry, talking to the guy, and helping a friend move have taken over my weekends. I did go to see The Gray Havens (website & Spotify)—they are a folk Christian band, I would say, with 289,496 monthly listeners; they probably have a cult following, but that makes tickets pretty cheap, and it’s fun. But it is a little different: people are not always standing or dancing around as you might typically do, but sitting and maybe seated-dancing, listening, and singing along. 

"Storehouse" The Gray Havens

Thanks for reading and sharing a piece of my spring with me—until next time!