The Joys of Autumn

I love fall. (Stop rolling your eyes.) I know I blog about this every year (sometimes more than once), but autumn is just awesome! The cooler temps, the crunchy leaves on the ground, the smell of pumpkins and apples in the air – it’s all good stuff.

This fall has started off with a bang in Indiana.

1. It’s been really cold already, and there has been a chilly wind almost every day. Plus the weather man is threatening snow this weekend. Hey, that reminds me. I need to make sure I can find my snow shovel. YIKES!
2. It’s been super rainy here of late. So those crunchy leaves I was talking about are a bit hard to find. You are more likely to feel a squish as you make your way across the soggy ground, but the trees are still pretty with their brilliant pallet of colors anyway.
3. Someone told me that there was a pumpkin shortage this season, and that if I found pumpkins, I should buy up quickly in bulk. Personally, I don’t usually use all that much pumpkin, but I do like to have a can or two on hand. Now before you make a mad dash to your local grocer, let me state for the record that I have not been able to confirm or negate this alleged pumpkin deficit. Both groceries I have visited this week have had whole pumpkins and canned pumpkin as well. So, it is quite possible that the lack of pumpkins might just be a rumor, but I do like to keep my dear readers informed.

Speaking of Indiana, the other night on the phone my Mom asked me if I was a Hoosier now. I literally gasped in horror at the suggestion, and she laughed at me. I don’t know why I continue to fight the status of becoming a Hoosier. I have been in this state for more than 13 years now, but somehow, I still like telling people that I’m originally from Michigan. After all, I was technically in Michigan for nearly 22 years, and so I guess it is only natural that the Great Lake State still has a piece of me and perhaps always will.

Anyway, back to fall. I’m glad it is here despite the chilly, wet conditions. This is my favorite season – the sights, the smells, the sounds (raking leaves, leaf blowers, rain pinging the window pane) and the tastes.

Even though I am pretty faithful to my Weight Watchers plan, I did nibble on some candy corn recently. I also learned a valuable lesson. Just because you like candy corn, does NOT mean that you will enjoy or appreciate every new candy corn flavor on the market. I tried the caramel apple and the sweet apple flavored candy corn varieties, and I think I’ll just stick to the regular stuff in the future. All candy corn is not created equal. It’s just a fact, my friends. Consider yourself warned!

Enjoy the season and savor some delicious candy corn for me, my friends!

Chronically Early

When my 15-minute Microsoft Outlook reminder pops up telling me that I have 15 minutes before my meeting, I pack my stuff up and head out right away. I’m usually the first one to arrive at a meeting, but I’d rather be too early than walk in late. In fact, I’d rather skip something altogether than show up tardy.

I hate being late for church, work, a project meeting or even dinner with friends. I have reoccurring nightmares about showing up late for class and getting demerits. I got demerits once for being late to a BJU Sunday morning service. Apparently, my one infraction caused more inner turmoil than I realized, and it continues to plague me even in my sleep. I am haunted by the memory. HA!

Today I had a funny thought while I was waiting on a meeting to get underway. Personally I freak out if I am going to be late, and when I arrive 2 minutes late I feel the need to apologize over and over for my tardiness, and yet, I don’t seem to be bothered much by other people being late to meet with me at all. I have friends who are typically running a few minutes behind, and it doesn’t phase me to wait on them. OK, 20-30 minutes is all right. I’m starting to wonder if I have the right location or not. Maybe I should call them? At 40 minutes late, without any phone calls or text messages, I’m starting to feel “stood up.” I’ll try calling again, and once we connect, I am just relieved to hear their voice and discover that they are alive and well. We’ll reschedule and move on. And yet, I would literally be flogging myself if I made any one wait on me like that.

Yet I don’t seem to have any problem making GOD wait on me...
I’ll get with YOU later, LORD. This is not a good time.
I’ll have to reschedule our heart-to-heart, LORD.
Not now, LORD. I am just not in the mood.
Wait a minute. I need to see how this movie ends, LORD.

OK, maybe I don’t say those things out loud, but that is exactly what I am stating with my actions. I owe HIM my all. Each second, each breath is a gift from HIM, and yet I struggle giving HIM 30 minutes or an hour of my time. Or I whine about having to get up early on Sunday morning to hear my pastor speak HIS Word.

So let's get this out in black and white, shall we! I don’t mind asking the MAKER of the Heavens and earth to wait on me, but I can’t handle holding up a friend I’m meeting for coffee? I don't seem to mind taking time away from my LORD and MASTER, but I panic at the thought of delaying a meeting with my boss or co-workers because of my tardiness? AHEM! Hmmmm...seems rather out of balance, doesn’t it? I’m too much of a people pleaser. I should attempt to use my time wisely with everyone but not lose sight of WHO actually owns my time, my life, my all.

LORD, I’m sorry that I try to put YOU on the back burner in my life. I should be out to please YOU above all else. Please forgive me for taking advantage of YOUR patience and long-suffering.

Help me to make time for YOU.
Help me to need time with YOU.
Help me to want more time with YOU.

Jumping Back In

Reconnecting with friends on Facebook has brought back incredible memories about Camp Spearhead. It’s a good thing. My two years serving on a weekend ministry during my college semesters and then as a summer camp counselor were filled with immeasurable joy. It was hard work, back-breaking at times, but it was well worth the effort, and I am forever grateful for my experiences there. Camp Spearhead will always have a special place in my heart.

But all this reminiscing--recounting old stories and sharing pictures--has made me miss the experience even more. So much so that I decided it was high time I got back into serving those with special needs again. I’ve been thinking about it for years, but I hadn’t done anything about it until now. Shame on me! So recently I made a few calls and jumped back in with both feet.

It’s official now. I am now a volunteer with Lutheran Disability Ministries Inc. (LDM), an interdenominational ministry with a mission of “equipping the Church to minister with people who have developmental disabilities.” I will be serving as a camp counselor on a few upcoming SonRise Weekend Retreats, and I’m rather excited (perhaps elated is a better term) about this opportunity--interacting and bonding with new faces, meeting others in my area who have a heart for those with special needs, sharing GOD’s love, exploring the great outdoors, etc. I’m psyched.

I confess that I’m a bit nervous, too, since I am going into this blindly. My last summer at Spearhead was in 1996, and if you can do math, you can see that it has been a LONG time, a REALLY LONG time. So I feel a bit rusty now 13 years later, but I think I can work through it with GOD’s help. I’ll miss the familiar faces and dear souls that I was privileged to call my friends in South Carolina, but I’m optimistically hoping to gain new friends, stories and experiences along the way. It’s all an adventure, and I’m holding onto HIS hand with all my might.

I’m Buzzing…

No, I’m not on drugs or alcohol.

I am experiencing a new phenomenon in my life: an exercise high!

Eighteen moths ago, I would get winded going up a flight of stairs, let alone a walk around the block. I’d get heated just walking over to another building here at work.

Twelve months ago, I was able to walk a 2.5 mile loop path about once a week without too much grumbling. My feet would be numb half way through, and at times I thought I was going to keel over dead , but I could do the whole loop if I pushed myself. Of course, it usually took me a day or two to recover.

Six months ago, I was able to briskly walk that same 2.5 mile path without too much exertion a couple of times a week. In fact, sometimes I would walk a bit more along the path because I felt pretty good and didn’t want to stop. I was starting to test my limits.

About a month ago, I randomly started jogging a bit along the way. I’d start out walking along the path and get my pace going, and then I would move into a slow jog for a couple of minutes before resuming my brisk walk.

Recently, I have started to jog for longer distances on the same path. OK, I’m no marathon runner yet. HA! But I am jogging more and more each time. I start out walking, and then I can feel my body wanting more. So I turn my walk into a jog for a few minutes until I can tell it is time to back off a bit again, and I move back and forth from walking to jogging the whole way now. This is quite a big deal for me. I’m relearning how to pace myself and discovering how to breathe again and take it one stride at a time. And it feels so good.

I’ve always secretly hated those people that seem to love or crave a good workout. I just didn’t get it. They would talk about exercise like it was a drug or a need to them. Without it, their life was off some how. I would smile and nod, but inside, I thought they were crazy.

Well, I’m starting to understand their drive and motivation. No, I don’t get exercise in every day yet, and half of the time I still have to push myself to do it. BUT, I am starting to understand the exercise high—the physical buzz your body has when you regularly exert energy like that. It feels great to press my limits and push myself farther and farther. And when I am done with my walk/jog, I feel wonderful. I feel ALIVE. I’m pumped, ready to do a somersault and prepared to take on the world. It's an indescribable rush.

It's That Time of Year Again

It’s that time of year again. Come on, you know what I’m talking about -- that “don’t-get-attached-to-any-new-TV-series” season. The chopping block has already been activated. Don't get attached, Mel!

After all, I’m still stunned at the cancellation of Eli Stone and conflicted that The Unusuals is gone for good. At least I still have Castle and Fringe to keep up on, too. They survived somehow. Now I totally understand why Cupid wasn’t renewed even though it did have some good moments, but come on, The Unusuals and Eli Stone were both quirky and filled with brilliant writing, etc. They will be missed, and I’m not sure that the Vampire Diaries, Parks & Recreation, and Community can fill that void, my friends. Fingers crossed!

In other news, I'm starting to lose interest in The Office. GASP! I know, it's rather shocking! I used to love that show, but something was off last season, and I'm sensing more of the same this time around. Hmmmmm... Anyway, I am glad I still have a bazillion crime shows to watch.

OK, on the flip side, I might consider cutting some shows myself or rather eliminating them from my DVR list. I have started considering the possibility that I might be watching just a wee bit too much television. GULP!

Recent Gratitudes

I am thankful for milder summer temperatures this past season. The air conditioner in my car still acts up once in a while—quitting when it feels like it for a few minutes, blowing stale air around the car at whim, and then working again a few minutes later as if nothing happened. Can you say ANNOYING!!

But twice now in the past 2 years when I have taken my car in for a diagnosis and fixing of the problem, my dear little Maddy (short for Madison) has acted like a perfect angel for her check-up, and so the dealership keeps telling me to bring her in when the AC isn’t working so they can see it happen. Right! Let’s see:

1. Even though my car is definitely a female, I don’t know what is going on under that hood of hers, and I certainly can’t predict her mood (her desire to shut off the AC) or what triggers the prompt shut down of cold air. She has a mind of her own, and I don’t usually interfere or judge. As long as she moves when I press down on the gas pedal and brakes when I tell her to, we get along just fine.
2. It (the missing-in-action AC) typically happens on very hot days, and there haven’t been many hot days this summer so that I could take my car in for the said diagnosis and repairs.
3. My car now makes a slight fizzle noise right before the AC clicks off, but I realize (in hindsight) that explaining that to my mechanic made me look even stupider. I’m sure he and the guys in the shop had a good laugh discussing the nut job who called talking about her fizzling car.
4. This is further proof that we need more women in this mechanic industry. [Janet: please tell me that you are thinking about opening your own garage some day where women can feel comfortable relaying their car issues. PRETTY PLEASE??]

So to sum up, I am thankful that we had a cooler than normal summer because I haven’t had much to complain about with Maddy. The AC has worked for most of the summer, and when it has been less than stellar, I was conveniently rushing off somewhere and didn’t have time to take her in for a check-up. HA!


I have only had to kill one spider in my apartment since March. The eradication of the said vagrant actually just took place this morning. In March, I installed electronic pest repellents, which get plugged into your wall outlets and make some noise or pitch that only bugs and spiders hear. In theory, this apparently makes bugs and spiders keep their distance. Naturally, I have my less-than-scientific theories and conclusions about how it all works and how effective it really is.

1. The particular aforementioned invading spider who met an untimely death this morning was near the sliding glass patio door, which is way across the room from the electronic pest repellent. Thus, I think a smart spider can get around the system by staying on the other side of the room clear from the annoying system.
2. I have killed several pill bugs and other smallish insects, near and in the same room as the electronic pest repellent. Thus I theorize that the bugs higher on the food chain are the only ones affected by the system. The lower class bug citizens don’t seem to be affected.
3. I’m concerned how long the electronic pest repellents work. Since fall has just arrived, I’m hoping the system keeps the spiders from making their way indoors, but my fingers are crossed on that score, and only time will tell how well my plan for an arachnid-free zone is coming along.

I am thankful for my time in the legal department. I have been privileged to work with some great people, build friendships that will last a lifetime, and gained experience that I can't really measure. Plus without my time spent here, I would never have been prone to use phrases like “the aforementioned invading spider” or the “said vagrant.” HA! Truly, I feel my vocabulary has blossomed in the past 5 years, hopefully for the better.

However with all that being said, I will be transitioning to a new position in January. I’ll be staying within the same company, just moving into a different department and tackling new areas. I’m excited about the change and looking forward to new challenges and growth opportunities. I will still be working with some of the same people just filling a new role, and I will also be doing more writing on the job, which thrills me. WOOHOO!!

Precious Time With My Dad

I had a fabulous 5 days with my Dad. It was all great – our stimulating conversations; doing crossword puzzles together on the drive; the wit and sarcasm flying around; exploring Asheville with him, my niece Janet and her fiance Chris; watching him interact with his younger sister my Aunt Laura; introducing him to Cades Cove; etc. To quote my 4-year-old-niece Grace, “It was amazing!”

Maryville: My Aunt Laura and her husband Leon were fabulous hosts as always. She and I got out walking in a local park during our visit. We also enjoyed visiting their church and hearing them sing in the choir. It was great to just catch up with them as well as listen to my Dad and Aunt recount stories from days gone by. I sure enjoy a good story, and I got to hear several I hadn’t heard before.

Asheville: My Dad and I met Janet and Chris in Asheville. We took a stroll in the historic district and had lunch at the Corner Kitchen. The food was good, and the restaurant was rather charming. We visited a few shops and then headed to the Botanical Gardens of Asheville. The gardens were not very picturesque on our visit, but I still managed to take some photos of the newly engaged couple. Cute couple!

The Smoky Mountains: They were even more beautiful than I had remembered. Our drive into Cades Cove was quite eventful. I don’t recall there being so many potholes on the loop in the past, but it definitely kept things interesting this go-round. We toured some of the cabins and churches in the cove as usual, and again, I was just struck with the magnificent views that those settlers had. They sure picked an optimal spot to set down roots and build their community. It didn’t last long, but it sure must have been nice while it lasted. Before we left the national park, we stopped at a roadside park along the river, and I got to run across some rocks again. I do love my rocks, and I sure do enjoy the Smokies. I'm so glad that I got to spend those few days with my Dad. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I love you, Dad!

Hours in the car: fourteen
Miles on the rental: A LOT
Number of time we were almost lost: once
Priceless memories: TOO MANY TO COUNT!

The Short Week Blues

It is ironic how short work weeks can be filled with such mayhem. You know what I mean, right? Four-day work weeks always seem fraught with crunching 5 days of work into 4, and 3-day work weeks are just more of the same, which is just nutty! HA! This week just happens to fall into that latter category, and since today is my last work day of this 3-day-week, I’m making myself laugh through it.

I’m laughing because:
a) it beats the alternative, which is getting sucked into the melodrama;
b) it is necessary to find humor when things get like this; and
c) it is my attempt to stay sane and keep a level head in the midst of stress.

It is also helpful to remind myself of the blessings all around me:

1. I have a good job, which helps provide for my needs like food, shelter, clothing and cable. Yes, I’m very thankful for my job.
2. I am going on vacation for a few days starting tomorrow. I’ll get to spend time with family members I haven’t seen in a while – like my Dad, my niece Janet and her fiance Chris, and my Aunt Laura and husband Leon. Lots of hugs!
3. The latest test confirmed that I don’t have a sinus infection anymore after fighting it off for the last couple of months. We’re done with that, and now I’m just experiencing seasonal allergies again for the first time since I moved to Indiana. HA! Now, THAT I can handle!
4. This weekend, I get to see more of the Smoky Mountains, revisit Cades Cove and get as close as I can to the Biltmore Estate without paying for admission, etc. WOOHOO!!!
5. Did I mention that I’m going on vacation in just a few hours? Hee hee!

I don’t mean to be all “Pollyanna” about life here. I'm a realist, too. I know it is tough out there. Our economy, unemployment stats, the government, the housing market – it all seems to be about doom and gloom right now. Every week there seems to be more bad news, but there is always something to be thankful for. There is always hope, a rainbow or a silver lining if we just look for it. We just have to remind ourselves where to rest our faith and confidence. It doesn’t reside in relationships, in money, in the government, in the economy, in employment or other things. True hope comes from THE ONE – JESUS CHRIST! And I have to ask myself often...am I passing that hope on to others? Does it shine through in spite of the rough day I'm having? Hmmmmm...

LORD, keep my eyes open to see things clearly amidst the confusion, keep my mind stayed on YOU despite the drama, and keep my heart tuned to YOURS always.

Going On A Roadtrip...

This weekend, my Dad and I are taking a father-daughter long weekend excursion to visit his sister, my Aunt Laura, in Tennessee. Neither of us have seen my aunt in about 3 years, and so we are overdue for a visit. She lives near the Smoky Mountains. In fact, if you walk to the top of her street on a clear day, you can see some of the majestic peaks in the distance. It’s lovely.

There is just something magical about the Smoky Mountains that beckons me to visit again and again. Now I like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for a couple of hours, but those places are so busy and fast-paced. I realize I’m going to get tons of hate mail after this comment, but it has to be said: there are limits to how much shopping a girl can do! [GASP!] I know that was harsh, but I needed to say it.

I know everyone thinks I’m a city girl, but remember I grew up in a rural area, and I’m a small town girl at heart. So when I visit the Smokies, I prefer the outdoor scenery in the park itself. Truthfully, I love driving through the mountain pass -- marveling at the sharp turns and steep dropoffs and trying desperately not to dwell on the stories my aunt is recounting...you know, stories about how a rock slide wiped this part of the road out last year, etc. WHAT? No, Mel. Don't think about that. Just focus on the yellow lines. Hee hee! I love stopping for a picnic at one of the many roadside parks along the way, seeing the waterfalls, climbing on the rocks along the river, exploring the trails and breathing in that fresh mountain air. There is so much to see and do.

Anyway, I can hardly contain my excitement already, and it’s only Tuesday. My Dad will be driving to my place from my hometown in Michigan on Thursday, and then on Friday, we’ll be on our way...

Saturday: My Dad and I will drive to Asheville, NC, to meet up with my niece Janet (my Dad’s oldest grandchild). She recently got engaged, and my Dad and I want to meet this “fella.” Asheville is about the halfway point between my Aunt’s home and Janet’s apartment, and so it is just coincidence that we just happen to be meeting in another one of my favorite spots. Yes, it’s like I’m coming home in a way, although we probably won’t be visiting the Biltmore Estate. [BIG SIGH!] Actually, it's probably for the best (and even I can't believe I'm saying that), but tickets are a bit pricey for 2 college students, and I can’t justify spending over $200 on tickets for all of us. YIKES! But our purpose for this secondary roadtrip is to meet up with Janet and Chris, catch some lunch, grill Chris a bit, and maybe visit the FREE Botanical Gardens of Asheville and take some engagement photos. OH and I confess, I’m already scheming how to fit in a visit to the Biltmore gate house gift shop – just because I can. Hee hee!

Sunday: We will be going to church with my Aunt, and I’m quite sure that some of us will probably get out and go for a drive, and if the weather is nice, I'll want to be out walking.

Monday: My Aunt and her husband Leon are taking us into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A few years ago, my Aunt Laura introduced me to Cades Cove, and it was love at first sight for the cove and me. We bonded quickly over some incredible scenery and interesting run-ins with the local wildlife, and I enjoy each and every visit. It's history, outdoor beauty and old buildings all in one place. I love it!

Tuesday: My Dad and I will drive back to Indy.

I guess you can tell that I’m really looking forward to this time with my Dad. I have 4 siblings, and so it will be nice to have some father-daughter bonding time on my own. I'm excited to catch up with my Aunt as well, give Janet a big squeeze and meet Chris all in the same weekend. I can’t wait. Have camera, will travel...

Mel’s World Update

I held a snake again for the first time in 5+ years. He was about a 10 inch garter snake, and he was pretty cute. WAIT! Maybe cute is not the right word. Snakes aren’t actually cute; bunny rabbits are cute. Anyway, I held the slick snake for just a couple of minutes when we all noted an odd smell and then the presence of slime on my hands. Yes, the snake opted to poop on my hands, which was quite interesting and generally excited my niece, nephew and the neighbor boy who were with me. They all thought it was cool, and while I didn’t freak out or anything, I confess that it wasn’t altogether pleasant either. I’ve not had it happen before, but I can now check that experience off my list. WOOHOO!!

I taught my youngest nephew (19 months) ring-around-the-rosy last weekend. He was adorable and constantly requesting that we go around in circles again. He really started getting into the whole and “we all fall down” thing. Almost 4-year-old Grace and I also tried to teach him London Bridges as well, but it might be a bit too soon for that.

I’m getting psyched about my Tennessee trip with my Dad next weekend. Just the two of us are heading to the Smoky Mountains to visit my Dad’s sister, my Aunt Laura. Naturally, I’m hoping that we can visit Cades Cove again and drive through the Smoky Mountains National Park and explore a bit. I love it there. Of course, I’m hoping we can also swing South a bit and visit my oldest niece Janet and her fiance in the Carolinas, but we’ll see how it all works out. I’m thrilled to just have this father-daughter bonding time, too. I don’t often get time with just my Dad, but I’m looking forward to it. The sarcasm will definitely be free-flowing. My Dad has a dry sense of humor, and I confess that his eldest daughter is a lot like him in that regard, and then of course, we’ll be visiting my Dad’s sister, and she has those sarcastic genes as well. Hee hee! Can't wait!