7 Quick Takes

1. Last weekend, my college roommate, the one who blogs over here, came to visit for the weekend.  I picked her up from the airport…and it was basically like I had just seen her yesterday (ya know, minus the fact that we had a ton to update each other on).  We had our own girls night, full of wine, dinner at Outback (our tradition), laughing, catching up, and just falling back in sync with each other.  Good lord I’ve missed having that girl around.  The next night we had a few of our college friends over for even more fun.  It was an awesome weekend…now if only she could move back to being just a few seconds away (literally)
2. Have you seen this article floating around at all?  It really spoke to my heart.  I may have mentioned once or twice how I am slightly (read: very) shy.  I don’t do well in big group settings, and am just super awkward when meeting new people.  However, like most of us, I crave community, relationship.  This past weekend just reminded me how awesome it feels to be around some of the friends that know you best, that you don’t feel awkward around, and who you can just relax and be yourself with.  Since moving to our new town, I have so desperately wanted to join a young adult group – to meet other people who are around our age with a similar belief system…and there is a vibrant one in our parish.  But…that shyness comes out in me and every time I consider going to an event…I chicken out.  The thought of being outgoing and overcoming my “awkwardness” overwhelms me.  (Hey social anxiety, nice to meet you).  But the thing is, I know once I get to know these people, and feel more comfortable around them, I am going to be so happy I made that first step.  The notion of friendships taking time to build seems like one of those, “Well, duh” statements.  But in reality, when you’re there, meeting someone, and you realize after you leave that you didn’t just make another new BFF, you’re kind of like “oh.  Yea.  Right.  Time.”  Not to mention, now that I’m married, it’s almost like the people who are not married see me as “that boring old married woman who doesn’t know how to have fun”.   But it’s not true!  I can still bust a move and take a shot just like the best of the singletons!  Ok.  Let’s be real…no I can’t.  My “bed time” is around 10 and I don’t even remember the last time I took a shot.  But still…I can be fun!  Anyway, super long “quick take” short…making friends as an adult is hard.  And I’m hoping I’m not the only one out there who feels this way. 
3. I am still loving my new job.  I am getting a lot of practice with play therapy, which is awesome.  I'm hoping I'll be able to get more training, and maybe even become certified as a play therapist!  What is play therapy?  Pretty much exactly what it sounds like - I spend my days with my client's in play.  Play therapist believe that child communicate and learn best through play.  Want a little glimpse into what I do on the daily?  Here, enjoy "Belly Breathing" *wink*
4. Chris and I just finished reading Divergent.  I've heard mixed reviews about the movie, but I definitely liked the book.  People who said if you liked The Hunger Games, you'd like the Divergent series are right.  
5. We finally rented Frozen tonight.  I know there are a lot of theories, thoughts, etc. about the movie, but I gotta say I loved it.  A movie about a sisterly bond, sisterly love?  Yea, I'm sold.
6. How is Lent going for everyone?  I feel like Lent is getting away from me, Chris and I had decided to say a family rosary every night, and we did really well until the past few days when we haven't.  I know for most people saying a family rosary is nothing, but Chris didn't grown up in a household where they prayed together as a family, never-mind praying a rosary together.  My family did and it's always been something I wanted to be a part of my family...and for some reason I was scared to ask Chris, but he was fantastic about it, and he would often be the one to remind me that we had to pray.  Now, we just gotta get back into the swing of it.  My "no snooze button" for Lent has been tough, especially with my new schedule, but that's the point right?  Something to offer up during Lent.
7. My sweet niece is turning two this week.  It is so hard to believe our family's little miracle baby is going to be two.  And the next miracle baby is on it's way!  My niece is such a precocious, smart, funny, sweet little girl, and I feel blessed to be her aunt and godmother.  Happy birthday Eliana! 

Hope everyone had an awesome weekend, and will have a fantastic week!  Head over to Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

7 Quick Takes & WIWS

These  are my super late Quick Takes.  Thank you Jen for the link up - go check the other takes out!

This is what happens when you cannot find the cord for your camera and have a bunch of pictures of share.

1.  I've missed a couple What I Wore Sunday posts...but luckily for you, I saved the pictures!  So I"m retroactively linking up with FLAP (see what I did here?  killing two link ups with one post!)

Skirt and Shirt from Kohls, tank from Aeropostale, boot cuffs crocheted by moi

Jean - Limited, jacket and tank - Ann Taylor

2. Remember that baby blanket I posted about?  I finished it about a month ago (finally) and here is the final product!  Per the usual, I finished these hours before we were supposed to meet so I couldn't get the best pictures

Chose a light gray border - thought a dark gray would make the whole thing too dark

I loved making this blanket for our friends.  They loved it and I am so happy that I was able to make something for their precious little man (who made his debut a week ago!).

3. I started my new job this week and am loving it!  I had three days worth of orientation.  It was a bit of information overload but I am so incredibly grateful for a thorough orientation.  I did not have any sort of introduction to the company or my duties at my last job.  It was more of a "Well, here is where you are working - good luck!"  So, like I said, I am quite grateful for the orientation.  I even saw my first client this week!  I'm excited for this new adventure and opportunity.  I even decided to institute a "Positive Affirmations Jar" into each session for my clients.  I'm going to save 5 mins at the end of each session for my client to choose an affirmation and that is theirs to keep for the week - a reminder, so to speak.

some of the affirmations

4. Any prayers you could offer up for my mother-in-law would be fantastic.  She had surgery for a broken arm on Friday.  She is home now, resting with 4-6 weeks of recovery ahead of her.

5. Have you heard of arm knitting?  It's pretty much exactly what you think it is - knitting...with your arms.  I'd seen different "pins" about it and decided to try it for myself.  I "arm knit" a chunky infinity scarf...and I LOVE it.  I will definitely be adding this to my shop.  It's super cozy and adds a little "somethin', somethin'" to most outfits.  What do you think?

6. Did you know it takes an average of 3-6 months for a "normal" (whatever that means) couple to conceive?  I did not.  So does that mean if you go beyond 6 months you're no longer normal?  Well, lets be real, Chris and I have never exactly been considered normal *wink*  And no, this is not a pregnancy announcement.  According to one person, maybe it's because we practiced NFP at the beginning of our marriage and now God's showing us who is really in control...I'm not even sure I can get into how that made me feel.

7. Our priest yesterday gave a fantastic homily about the three temptations the Gospel talks about.  The temptation of security (the temptation of bread), the temptation to not trust in God's plan for us (hey, Quick Take #6) as illustrated by throwing Himself off a parapet, and the temptation to worship false idols (the temptation for empires/power) - which often manifests as a need to be a part of what "everyone else is doing" versus standing out from the norm.  This was one of those homilies I wish I had been able to either a. take notes or b. record it.

Since it is no longer Friday, I will say that I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and will have a great week!

If you could throw up some prayers for me and the new clients I will see this week, I will greatly appreciate it!