Category Archives: life

October 28, 2011

It’s in the jeans

By rhonirenee

A friend of mine recently stated “I’ve only had one wish for my daughter – that she have long legs.”

I totally understood where she was coming from. I inherited my little stumpy legs from my mother who used to comment wistfully “That girl’s got legs up to her armpits.” Growing up around a dance studio, we saw a lot of that actually. My middle sister inherited my Dad’s long lankiness and her ballet extensions…wow… She was an elegant natural. Me? It didn’t matter how perfect my form was (although it never was)…I was never going to achieve those beautiful lines. Because my legs, they are short.

So. I went jeans shopping the other evening. I found a pair that I actually LIKED. I liked how they fit through the waist and hips. I liked how they felt. But the only length in stock was “Regular”….which was approximately 4 inches too long.

(Yes tailors, hemmed, blah blah blah. I needed a pair I could wear the next day.)

I finally found some that I didn’t absolutely hate. They were labeled as “average” length but they were okay. I purchased them, put them on the next morning and went to work where a coworker informed me that my brand new jeans had a rip in them. Actually it looked like they had gotten between a box and a cutter. I kept my jacket on the rest of the day and took them back last night to exchange.

This morning I put on my new-new jeans. The jeans that are identical in size, length, brand. According to the tag, they are exactly the same as the ones I picked up Wednesday (minus the tush exposing rip).

Annnnd….they’re too long by about an inch or two. I keep stepping on the hem. I hear them dragging on the ground when I walk.

Anyone (currently or formerly local) have recommendations for a good tailor in town?

Leave a comment | posted in life, me me me, Random

October 6, 2011

Little bits of Heaven

By rhonirenee

Standing at the air show (last month) there’s a gentle breeze and warm sun. I’m taking lots of pictures of awesome jets as well as my boys and husband. And I think “This is my version of heaven”

Sitting on the back patio, tossing the ball for the dog. It’s cool and relaxing. And I think “This is my version of heaven.”

In the kitchen hearing my boys giggle laugh and talk and take turns coming in to grace me with various commentary. And I think “This is my version of heaven.”

Laying in bed, cuddled against my husband’s shoulder, warm and comfortable and safe and drowsy. And I think “This is my version of heaven.”

Curled in my favorite chair, wrapped in the blanket. Purring cat in my lap, cup of coffee in one hand and my Bible in my other. And I think “This is my version of heaven.”

I’m not saying anything we experience here on earth can begin to compare with the joy and peace that will come from standing in God’s presence. I do think He chooses to bless us with tastes of that in the little moments if we only stop and soak them in.

Leave a comment | posted in life

October 5, 2011

Changing of the seasons

By rhonirenee

I’ve never hated fall but neither have I particularly looked forward to it. It’s nice enough with the crisp air and pretty leaves but it’s also a precursor to winter…and we know how I feel about the cold. Now spring…spring I can get behind with it’s flower buds & fresh air & promise of summer. And I big fluffy glittery heart summer.

But this year has proved odd.  I’ve actively ANTICIPATED the cooler weather. I’ve craved the chill in the air. I’ve felt actual disappointment every a few times the thermometer jumped above 80 in late September/early October. I want to bake apple bread and pumpkin treats and all sorts of fall goodies. I want soups and chili simmering in the crockpot. I want to bust out the fuzzy sweatshirts and cuddly sweaters and snuggle with blankets and hot chocolate and a good book.

So I was actually HAPPY about the overcast cooler weather this week! I opened the jar of Pumpkin Maple Butter spread that my coworker gave me for my oatmeal (YUM! Seriously.  SO GOOD!).  I started organizing my Christmas card/baking list. I’m embracing the change!

Here’s to a new season and all it’s joys!

Leave a comment | posted in life

October 4, 2011

40 days and 40 nights

By rhonirenee

Our church leadership has invited us to join together in a 40 day prayer & fasting initiative. They’re not asking that everyone participate in a full food fast but that we remove whatever distracts us from God in our own lives.

This was an “easy” decision for me. I will be stepping away from social media sites.

Last week I was considering this very issue – just not as a spiritually based fast. At one point I was just so disgusted that my mouse was hovering over the “Deactivate Account” link.  Little did I know as I wrestled with this (and a few other thoughts), that I was being prepped for Sunday.  I experienced no internal rebellion or push back. There was simply acceptance…and a little bit of relief.  This is a spiritual fast, yes, but there are several reasons to make this move:

  • Social media tends to feed any latent negativity and feeds insecurities/fears (for me).
  • Along those same lines – it’s as easy – or easier – to type before I think as it is to speak before I think. And that’s saying a lot when  you consider my mouth…although I’ve gotten better. But I have deleted more than my share of updates that never should have been posted in the first place. And there are plenty more that probably should have been deleted that live on.
  • I turn to social media before God.
  • It has replaced communication with my husband. We post and assume the other read it (or someone else’s post). It doesn’t facilitate conversation. It subverts it. (I should note that he disagreed with this assessment when I talked to him last night.)
  • It’s a huge time suck.

I never fully resolved my thoughts last week. I compromised by seriously trimming my contacts and spending very little time on those sites. I rationalized; I DO use Facebook almost as much as email for arranging events/meetings/appointments. And my “heart sisters” are on Twitter.

But. There’s always email. And text. And I will still blog because it doesn’t impact my life the way social media does.

I’m not totally deleting my accounts. I won’t rule out that possibility at the end of this but for now, they will remain open but inactive. I don’t expect this will be easy. These sites have become a huge part of my life…too much so.

Leave a comment | posted in faith, life, me me me

September 5, 2011

When you give a mouse a cookie…*

By rhonirenee

or when you give Rhoni a free day and no to-do list…

I walked into the kitchen this morning to organize stuff for baking…and noticed brownie batter on the cabinet door. So I went to wipe that up and noticed the rest of the cabinet doors were dirty. I went to clean those and realized the floor needed cleaning. I added that to my to-do list.

I went to the refrigerator to get out ingredients. I realized the refrigerator needed cleaning out. So I did. Then noticed the trash can needed emptying. While emptying it I noticed the carpet in the next room needed vacuuming. I added that to my to-do list.

Suddenly I have a to-do list. And it’s growing. On the plus side my house is clean. And there’s lots of baked goodies around.

*If You Give  a Mouse a Cookie is a very cute book.

Leave a comment | posted in life, me me me

August 31, 2011

Wonderful Wednesday

By rhonirenee

Since I have my photography blog up again, it seems like overkill to do a Wordless Wednesday over here. So  how about instead, we focus on something(s) wonderful going on in my life…and yours.

  • I got to spend yesterday afternoon with a wonderful friend. I love that she enjoys burritos and time next to the water as much as I do.  It was a relaxing, enjoyable and much needed few hours in the sun.
  • My husband is now the proud owner of a wonderful 4Runner. (It benefits the whole family but it’s what he really wanted and will be his primary source of transportation.) And this will allow us to make some nice financial moves soon.
  • I took TheKid to watch his wonderful girlfriend play her first volleyball game this afternoon. She is one of 3 freshmen on the sophomore team and although they lost, I thought she did a good job. And of course, I took lots of pictures.
  • About a year ago I mentioned to another friend that I might be interested in playing volleyball this year. She actually remembered and sent info to me yesterday. And…I signed up. I haven’t touched a volleyball in probably 15 years but it should be wonderfully fun.

So what about you? Comment. Tell me what wonderful things are in your life.

Leave a comment | posted in life, Wonderful Wednesday

August 29, 2011

Confession of an ah-ha moment

By rhonirenee

When we got back from vacation, I decided I needed to retain a fragment of my vacation self. I decided I need to be intentional about resting, taking days just to play, relaxing.

We’ve been back less than a month. Three and half weeks if you want to be exactly. I spent Saturday playing. I took pictures of TheBoy. I baked. We spent the evening at friends’. But the idea of being at church 11 hours Sunday weighed on me. I dreaded the next morning, the next month. Three and half weeks and I was already starting to feel the beginnings of burn out. I didn’t understand it.

I can’t emphasis this enough…I absolutely LOVE working on Sundays. And yesterday was no exception. Once I was there (after an initial stressful moment because someone had moved my stuff) and in the midst of it, I didn’t want to be anywhere else. But I was still exhausted.

Sundays used to be one of my most energetic days. I remember vividly the feeling of vivacity.  I never felt run down or exhausted. I would joke it was super natural energy. But perhaps I shouldn’t have joked.

Here’s my confession – my “quiet times” lately have been quiet. They’ve been peaceful. But they haven’t been particularly God centered. Oh I’ve read my two minute devotionals. I’ve bowed my head and talked at Him for a little bit. I’ve skimmed over a few Psalms. And all the while my to-do list for the day has been churning in the back of my mind or I get distracted by another email I check “just for a second” after the devotional or I quickly set my Bible down for my car keys…  I have been moving further from “getting out of the way and letting God do…” and more towards “here’s what I need to do…”  And quite frankly, I don’t have the energy to be the mother, wife, volunteer, friend and employee that I need to…should….want to be.

It’s time I start my days with “You’re gonna have to get this one God” instead of “Okay, you’ve got 15 minutes”.  Things work a lot better when I do.

Leave a comment | posted in faith, lessons to learn, life

August 26, 2011

Perspective

By rhonirenee

I don’t HAVE to get up at 4:30 – 5:00.

I GET to emerge from my warm comfortable bed to sip gourmet coffee and snuggle in my comfy chair to enjoy quiet time.

I don’t HAVE to go to the gym.

I GET to keep my fully functional body healthy.

I don’t HAVE to go to the office and deal with irritating people.

I GET the opportunity to interact with people God brings into my life…and help provide for my family.

I don’t HAVE to drink water.

I GET to enjoy fresh, clean, healthy water just steps from my desk. Or wherever I am.

I don’t HAVE to cook dinner or  make the boys’ lunches.

I GET to nourish my family with a variety of food that is both delicious, healthy & convenient.

I don’t HAVE to clean house.

I GET to maintain a nice, comfortable home for my family to enjoy and to welcome guests.

I don’t HAVE to do laundry.

I GET to enjoy a vast array of clean clothes.

I don’t HAVE to chauffer my boys all over the freakin valley.

I GET to spend quality time with them while transporting them to beneficial activities.

What do you GET to do?

1 comment | posted in lessons to learn, life

August 24, 2011

Time keeps on slipping slipping slipping

By rhonirenee

Time got away from me. Again. I really thought it had only been about a week since I posted. I didn’t realize it had been almost two weeks! So what have I been up to? Well. I did spend several days in an email discussion with a pastor friend of ours and that seems to have used my recent allotment of writing time & energy. Also:

  • TheKid started high school…and his language class is ASL. I might be more excited about that than him.
  • I celebrated my 35th birthday over a span of several days surrounded by love…and sugar. The final event was dinner at Tucano’s followed by cake and a viewing of “Zombieland” with some friends at our house. The cake? Was Twinkies. My husband is brilliant. (If you haven’t seen Zombieland then you won’t understand the impact of the Twinkies)
  • I spent this almost all day Saturday playing with my new camera. I lurve it. So much.
  • Classes started at BSU this week so work has been…crazy. I left Monday almost in tears and yesterday wasn’t much better but since we’re still on summer hours (until Labor Day) I left at noon. And had a very productive afternoon.
  • The younger two boys start school today – 2nd & 8th graders.

We’ve been busy but it doesn’t feel frenetic like it did before vacation. At some while we were gone I realized I like Vacation Rhoni so I’ve tried to be more intentional about relaxing now that we’re back – hence the photography Saturday instead of cleaning house. I plan to enjoy this Saturday too…either on a boat with friends or with my camera and the boys…and the evening at a friend’s to watch the UFC fights. Huzzah.

(Picture is clicky to get bigger)

Leave a comment | posted in life

August 2, 2011

Surreal

By rhonirenee

It’s almost surreal to me that three years ago I was in the midst of moving from Indianapolis, IN to Boise ID. That culture shock was only the beginning. It’s unreal to look back and see where I was/who I was and to remember my concerns and hopes and excitement. The past three years have been a whirlwind of changes that, when contemplated, leave me as light headed as when we first drove into Utah.

It’s crazy is what I’m saying. Fantastically oddly crazy. And I can’t wait to see what the next year brings.

1 comment | posted in life, Uncategorized

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