Share A Story With Me

WARNING: This is a longish blog, but very important. Please, please read all of it and watch at least one of the videos. If you don't have time right now, come back to this later.

There is an idea that has been sitting in the back of my mind for quite some time. It is the idea of being a story teller. I think it would be fascinating to document people’s stories in different forms. I would take their picture, record their story and later write it out for people, such as my blog followers, to read. I could use the audios and pictures to create compilation videos. People from all ages and backgrounds, telling the same story; it’s just written a little differently.

You might ask why I want to do this, what’s the point. I think I have come to the conclusion that I feel like it could and will unite people. People you may know, others you may not. But there is something about stories that can make us feel a part of someone’s life. We realize that our own story is not much different from theirs and then we may feel a connection to this person, that otherwise would never have been created.

What types of stories should people tell? That is up to them. It may be about how they fell in love, how they were once inches from death, something they feel they can’t tell anyone they know but need to get off their chest, how one decision changed the entire course of their life, or a simple “everyday” story that leaves people thinking. It could be any of these and more. I just want people to tell a story from their life that is memorable or has affected them in a great way. And then I want others to hear those stories and know that there are people everywhere living through the same things. None of us are alone in this life we are living.

This is the message that I want people to understand. That we are all connected and together in life and there can only be one reason for that. There is a God who created us. He weaves our stories together just like he knits a baby in her mother’s womb. He knows what he is doing and he watches us as our stories unfold and create a truly beautiful masterpiece.

So with all that said, will you join me in becoming a part of each other’s stories? I will probably contact some people to start out with, but in the meantime, think of a story. What part of your story really had an effect on your life and is so important that you want other people to know? Already have one in mind? Contact me and we will go to work :)

I typed the above out earlier today, and I’ve really been thinking of how I want to go about collecting these stories. Do I record(just audio) them all in person? Do I ask people I don’t know/don’t know well/or live far away to write out and email these stories? And I guess I have decided that any of these ways work for me. If you are far from where I live, or don’t even know me, please email me a story. I want to hear it. Or better yet, send an audio or video file of you telling your story. If you live close by(or even in the same house) let’s do it in person and I can record it and write it down later.

I’m not sure what this project will end up looking like. I’m not doing it for work or school(because I am not currently enrolled or employed ha!). I am doing it for the sheer pleasure of doing something that interests me and excites me. My best friend texted me the other night asking when I last got lost and told me that we both needed to get lost. I thought she meant in a car and didn’t know what she was getting at. I asked her why and she said sometimes it’s just great getting lost in different things like a book or good movie. I then asked how a person is supposed to get intentionally lost. (I still thought she was talking about going for a drive and getting lost together)She responded with “Well you simply stop trying to be found or find yourself. Instead find yourself lost in your photography. Lose yourself in a passion. “

I knew then that she wasn't talking about driving. I think this is simply beautiful and I believe that I could get lost in this project.

So please, be a part of my story, by sharing yours.

Here are two sample stories to get you thinking.

Sorry for all the background noise. The local parrots were quite noisy today.

kristennix14@yahoo.com 

Talking to Myself in a British Accent

Holy Poo! I'm so sick of applying for jobs. I just spent who knows how many hours looking for jobs, saving jobs, and applying for jobs online. And I'm sooo done! I only completed applications for four different companies but hey I got something done. Near the end of it though, I went a little crazy in my probably 85 degree bedroom. I began talking to myself, and it merged into a British accent(which of course is more fun, but makes me sound slightly more crazy). The last application/survey I filled out was for the photo department at Sears. That's all fine and dandy but when I got to the last part that had you answer "basic" mathematic problems, I wanted to hit something! I had to go through and find the averages and add the fractions and percentages and yada yada. Good thing I was good at math in high school otherwise I probably wouldn't have been able to get the right answers on all of them. Anyway... I am so done. I don't want to see another job application. Although there are two that I have to fill out and take in to the store, but those can wait for the time being.

Sooo as I sit here typing, I am also speaking aloud in my awesome accent. I think of the rest of the day. The rest of the day was so much better than the last few hours. I got up at 6:30 this morning and went for a run to the park again. It was quite enjoyable seeing as how it was about 61 degrees and quite pleasant with the quiet car-less streets. I plan to do it again. It was quite nice. After I stopped at the park, and prepared to run home, I made a decision not to. Instead, I decided to walk home. The air was cool and brisk and I wanted to enjoy it as long as possible. I walked around the back side of the park and meandered through the lovely neighborhood that sits behind it. It was mostly shaded and everyone still asleep so it was quite peaceful.
I think it's funny that I walked home today. I sorta felt a nudging in my spirit that I needed to let go of my earlier plan(mentioned in yesterday's blog? I think) of trying to run all the way there and back with a break in between and just listen to what my body was saying and what my spirit needed. I needed that time of just relaxing and enjoying being outside in the quiet. I'm glad I listened and it just goes to show that God always knows what we need even though we have an alternate idea of what we think we want. That is something I've been thinking about lately and has been coming up in different conversations I've had.

On another note, I went to a new church this morning. New for me, that is. Community Christian Center. One mile from my house. The worship was lively, full of claps, joyful noise to our God, complete with tambourines. The congregation was racially diverse, warm and friendly, often responding to the message with "amen"s, "praise God"s and the like. The pastor was encouraging, interesting, and easy to listen to. And I was personally invited to the young adults group on Tuesday nights. I'd say it was a good time in the house of God surrounded by his church. I plan on going on Tuesday night and actually look forward to going back next Sunday.

That is all for now my lovelies. I hope you are all having a splendid night.
Kris

Cookies and Other Things

So I said I was going to go to bed after playing cards with mom, but here I am, writing another blog.

Today was a different day. It was really hard, but filled with some nice times too. I was having a difficult afternoon. I was kinda cranky, real tired, emotional, and just had way to much floating around my mind. I texted Mel and her advice was to listen to some music and take a nap. How lovely that sounded. I tried to do just that, but my mind wouldn't let my body sleep. My restless thoughts got the best of me and led me to tears which led me to call someone I haven't spoken to in a while. That someone is Annie! Lovely Annie. We talked for a little while and I shared what was going on in my head and heart and just the overwhelming things I was feeling. And like the wonderful friend I know her to be, she listened to me ramble for a while and then gave me her input. Turns out she was in a similar situation last year. It's funny how things like that happen and God leads you to talk to the right people. She encouraged me a lot, giving me advice to lean into God's presence and allow his grace to cover me. It was so nice talking to her. Made me realize how much I miss my Ignite lovelies.

Changing the subject completely...To celebrate my parent's anniversary, they made beef stroganof for dinner! So yummy and haven't had it in forever! I also worked on some artsy stuff today. All because I had Melissa's voice in the back of my head telling me to do something creative. Well what I started to make today is going to be for her :) And I ended the day by making some super delicious cookies!!

The makings of some very delicious cookies

You can't really tell in this picture, but they are massive!

Not as pretty as the picture from recipe, but they tasted amazing and were well deserving of a big glass of milk!

Looking back on the entirety of the day, I guess I could say that it was a good one. I talked to an old friend, I made a delicious dessert, ran a bit this morning, watched some Olympics, and played cards with momma. God has blessed me with another nice day :)

Changes and Taking Time to Rest

It's time to write something deep, meaningful, interesting. Any or all of the above hopefully haha

I just got back from a run, same route I've taken the last two days but instead I ran in the morning. I realized that the last two nights I have stayed up way later and been restless in the early morning hours. Now I'm not sure if this is directly related to running in the evening, but I'm testing it out anyway. So I went for a run/walk this morning and I am hoping that it energizes me for the rest of the day. That's what someone told me before. Never run or work out at night because you waste the energy that your body gets after working out because you end up sleeping soon after. Something like that. So I am trying the morning. I left around nine which was wayy to late, but it was only 76, so the temperature was still comfortable.

I took off and headed onto the busy street right off of mine. I ran for a good while, but I think I ended up stopping to walk a little over half way to the park. Disappointing. I ran a tiny bit more and then stopped in the middle of park to take a break, stretch, catch my breath. I was really lagging on the energy this morning and was and still am so sore from the last two nights that I ran. After a few minutes of resting, I continued the path back to my house, but this time I had to stop twice to walk. As I reached the beginning of my street and began to sprint towards my house, I found myself feeling kind of angry and upset at myself. The last two times I ran went really well. I ran almost all of it and I always felt accomplished at the end of it. But this morning I was frustrated. I felt like I had taken a step forward each of the last two nights, but this morning I took three steps back. I know I haven't been doing this for very long(three days? haha come on!), and the fact that I ran just last night doesn't help either. But I feel like I'm supposed to learn something from this.

Running is something that I love and hate. I hate starting out. If I haven't run for a long time, the first few times are horrible until you get into a regular rhythm and start making progress. But I love it at the same time, because eventually, I love the way it makes me feel. After getting to the point where I can run a full mile or even as much as two (people that run regularly probably think that's nothing ha) without stopping, there's this feeling I get where I push myself a little but I know I can just trust my limbs, my pumping heart, and the oxygen filling my lungs to carry me as far as I have to go. So, it's a love/hate thing. At the moment it is definitely hate until I get home and sit in front of the fan in my room and let the air cool off my body that is sticky and wet. I like that haha.

Anyway here's where I get deep, meaningful, interesting haha. In thinking about running, I realized that it's really similar to change. I'm choosing to run just like I can make decisions that will lead my life in certain directions. I may choose a path, just like I choose to run, and it's going to be uncomfortable for a while. I'm not going to enjoy it. The aches and pains from running(or the decision) will make me wonder why I am even doing it. But there is a goal at the end of it all. I know that I am not just running for something to do. I am running in order to get back in shape and to feel better physically, because being active(or not) really has an affect on that. My goal is a change. A change in my physical body which will hopefully lead me to having more energy, and maybe a better attitude or outlook. I make certain decisions for the same reason. I look at my future and think "what do I want", "where do I want to go", "what do I want to do?" The decisions I make are based off of that. Yea sometimes I will make the wrong decision, and sometimes I will have to make the really hard ones that seem like they are actually the wrong ones. But knowing that I'm a seed in the Lord's hand brings me comfort, because I know his good and perfect will will be the end result. Each day as I run, the aches and pains will ebb and flow, just like things in my life. But as I work towards a goal, I can see the change taking place. I can see the good in it all and I can see that I am doing the right thing, even though it is painful or annoying in the present.

Another thought before I sign off, I find myself wanting to just finish running, I just want to get back home. I take a break at the park each time, but this morning and even last night, I found myself taking a quick break with stretching and off down the road again. I think I've come to the conclusion that I don't need to hurry home, just to be finished. I need to be able to make it to the park and rest enough, that I can make it all the way back home without stopping. It's that resting part that I want to skip over and not pay attention too. I just want to finish. I have a task before me and as soon as I get home, I am done. But it's in that resting and waiting time that I am gearing myself up for the hard run home. (I am hoping that I will get to the point of being able to run all the way to park and back without stopping, and later to make the route two miles, but that is far off for now.) So at this point, I have to pay attention to the way I'm feeling. I need to rest and rest well in order to make it back home without stopping.

So now I continue on with my day. My stomach is empty and needs some filling. Oh and today is my parent's 28th anniversary! Hooray for them!




That's all folks.
Kris

Puzzles and Olympics

Today I received a package from my sister Bre which was full of lovely things. It was a sorta Christmas in July package. She returned a few things she had borrowed from me in June, and gave me a dress she got for really cheap. It's a cute green summer dress that I can't wait to wear!

Interruption: I'm currently watching the opening of the Olympics! There's a bunch of kids singing... it's kind of interesting. I don't remember much of any other Olympics so I don't have anything to compare it too. But it's cool I guess and some guy just quoted Shakespeare. Woo! haha

Back to my package... Bre sent me a couple books, one of which she told me to read a while ago and has been sitting on my book list since. It's called Bittersweet and talks about God's grace and how changes can be good. I've only read a few pages but I think I'm going to like it. She also sent me two CDs that are really cool as well. That girl knows what I like.

Mom and I did a fall puzzle today outside on the table on the back porch.

Once again interruption... this blog has been sitting open forever. Mom and I were watching the whole opening ceremony. I thought it was pretty cool. I liked that they incorporated all the history and what not. O and that guy in the top hat that I believe quoted Shakespeare(I think it's the same person) looked really familiar so I looked him up. Turns out he played Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter! Small world.

Anyway Mom and I worked on the 500 piece puzzle and finished it in a few hours. After we finished I decided to take a nap, which was once again needed. I woke up and mom and dad were skyping with Colie. I was half asleep so I didn't say much but it was fun seeing her. Daddy made some really yummy soup for dinner full of lots of veggies. Mom and I played cards for a while after that. Then I went for a run again! Ran to the park, took a five or so minute break, ran back home until I got to my street and walked most of the way back. I got home around 7:30 just in time to watch the Olympics start.

So this isn't a very interesting blog. Sorry it's all over the place but the Olympics are a bit distracting. Haha

Some more pictures from the day

Blehhh

Finished!

We did it!

I Am A New Seed

Once again, I am reminded of the fact that God has blessed me with the best girl friend ever. The second half of our conversation she said that she had to tell me something. And she goes off on this crazy metaphor that she thought of. Her and her metaphors. All I could say after was "Damn, you're good." Haha I won't go into details about what she said because I want to keep it between her and me but the moral of the story: I am a new seed. I am not an old rotting piece. I am a new seed and will one day become a new rose.
She also gave me a "perscription": lots of smiles, work on art stuff and paint her something, and do what I can with what I have.

Throwback Thursday(had to): end of freshman year, five years ago

And a picture of us from last summer. Apparently we stopped being good about taking pics all the time when we hung out.

Exceeded My Expectations

Well today ended up a lot different then I expected. I played cards with my mom this morning. And later we found a baby bird that couldn't fly very well. We had to keep it out of reach of the dogs so we relocated him to the front yard. He's not there anymore so we are hoping that he was finally able to fly away. Mom read my blog and asked if I wanted to go to downtown Claremont and walk around. I think she hoped that I would see the green trees and cute houses and enjoy it more so than our neighborhood, seeing as how I was missing that aspect of Wisconsin. We drove down there and around through the neighborhoods, I didn't much feel like walking them. To be honest, it was nothing like Wisconsin but the thought she put into was just as wonderful. Thanks mom :)

We parked downtown and hit up a few shops before stopping for lunch at a cute diner. I ordered the biscuits and gravy combo and she enjoyed a barbeque beef sandwich. We continued walking around downtown and went into a few more stores. I showed her CK's but it had yet to open up for the day. We ended up going home earlier than she expected but that was ok with me.

A package with some of my things arrived today. I had been looking forward to it and was happy to get it but sad at the same time because it was a physical representation that I was no longer in Wisconsin. The thing that hit me the most, was receiving a few books in there that I had forgotten I/others had lent out. They weren't part of the stack that I had left behind. That's when it felt real and that's when it hurt. I laid on my bed surrounded by books and just did nothing. I just wanted to chill and not have to think about anything. I decided to take a nap at some point and slept for a little over an hour. After that, I got up and ate leftover mac n cheese for dinner. Yum. Then went back to my room and did random crap.

It's funny how dogs know when you need some extra love. Flapjack came in my room, hopped up on my bed and cuddled himself right next to me as I was lying there. And he actually stayed. I think he might have fallen asleep at some point too.

Around this time, my mom left to go to bible study and my dad went to Covina park to play in the band for the summer concert things they do. I thought I would use this time to call Melissa, but when I called the first time, she didn't pick up. I decided that that meant I should run to the park(I had been contemplating this earlier). I put a leash on Flapjack and was planning on running with him down there. We had barely started down the main road and he was cowering, turning around to go back home, and had his tail between his legs. I guess he was really scared of the cars and couldn't seem to find any courage so I took him back home quick and headed out towards the park again.

I ran pretty much all the way there and decided to take a breather before calling Mel. I went away from the crowds of people and sat on the grass on the other side of the community center. Mel and I talked for a little while and it was so nice. Apparently she has known since my first post that I was home. But she saw that I didn't feel like talking to anyone so she was respecting my privacy. What an awesome best friend! Some might think that a friend should have called or at least texted to let them know they were thinking of them but I think it's awesome that she actually listened to the way I was feeling. And then I was able to talk to her once I felt ready. What an awesome chick she is :)

Anyway, we got off the phone early because I needed to run back home before it got dark. Once home and breathing again, I would call her. But I haven't because I am writing this... Woops hehe and she just texted me.... haha O and the sunset was really pretty too :) If I hadn't gone for a run,I would not have seen it.

I wrote most of this sitting outside on the back porch in the cool summer evening breeze. The breeze felt really good against my body which was pretty drenched with sweat after running back home. I can't believe I ran the whole thing! In total it was about a mile and a half and I feel so good right now! When I first got home, I could barely breathe and then once I caught my breath I felt sick to my stomach, but it went away and now I feel awesome. I came inside a few minutes ago because I thought I would avoid the mosquitos if possible and the dogs kept barking at something so I felt safer inside.
So that was a very long recap of my day... it turned out much different and much better than I expected. Going back to running...I know that I had said I didn't even want to walk around my neighborhood because it was ugly, but there was something about running this evening that I really liked. Yea I ran on two of the busiest streets in our city, and yea the houses are drab and boring and don't have many trees, but my run was quite enjoyable. It felt good to be moving and active. I think I could get used to running in the evenings but perhaps I will try sometime in the morning as well. Because as much as I love sleeping in in the mornings, I really love being up and outside when it's early. We shall see.

This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it!

What to do Today

This morning as I lay in bed in my dark room, I thought of today and what I will do to pass the time. I asked myself "What do you want to do today?" Honestly, I don't feel like I came up with good answers at all. Nothing that sounds satisfying at least. I'll probably read a book. I need to call Melissa. I get the feeling that that will be good for me. Maybe I'll apply for some more jobs. I think I might finally make those chocolate chip oreo cookies. Basically it's a giant chocolate chip cookie with an oreo inside of it! And maybe watch a movie. None of this sounds truly appealing though. I'm not sure why that is. Goes back to my blog yesterday, being content in your circumstances. O how hard of a lesson that is going to be for me. Well praise the Lord that I have my own room to live in and decorate and have privacy in. Praise the Lord that I am living with my parents, who love me. That's all I got today... Hard lesson to learn...


Mom and I walked to the store last night to pick up a couple things. The evening was surprisingly cool and I would have been more comfortable in jeans than the shorts I was wearing. I'd say the hotness of the summer is worse in Wisconsin. So much worse. You don't realize truly how bad the humidity is until you're somewhere where you don't have it. Not to say that I don't like Wisconsin because of the weather, because in fact I find myself kind of in love with the place. I don't want to go on walks here because our neighborhoods are dry and boring. Nothing interesting or pretty to look at and the streets are busy. Walks there were so nice. Yes it was hot and humid but the beautiful green trees and cute houses made up for it. Anyway, it was nice having a store right around the corner from us that we could walk to.

It is cloudy again this morning. It's been like that most mornings with it clearing off and getting warm and then real hot later in the day. It's nice and makes me wish that the whole day would be cloudy and overcast.

Well it's time to eat some breakfast, my tummy is growling.

Saw this on a website. Thought it was funny>>>

New Look?

So as you can tell, I changed my blog's appearance. Not sure if I'm fully satisfied, but I needed a change and this will do for the time being.

I thought about writing something to go along with this, so it's not a pointless blog... but I'm not sure exactly what to say. So I'll just leave this for now.
Goodnight

Do Not Be Anxious

I woke up at 7 something this morning. The house was dark and quiet and my parents were still asleep so I decided to just stay in my room and lay in bed. After a few minutes of my thoughts going wild and getting out of control I decided to try to chill out and spend some time with the Lord. I ended up picking up the book Calm My Anxious Heart which I thought I talked about in my last post, but apparently not. I read chapter two which is called Content with Circumstances. I knew this was going to be a hard one for me. How the heck am I supposed to be content with my current circumstance? A short exercise from the chapter said to make a list of all the positive and negative aspects of circumstances that God has allowed in your life at this time. I jotted down a few things and read the next question. Which list do you dwell on most? I came to the conclusion that the most honest answer would be the negative list. It's easier to just list off the negatives and feel sorry for myself and ask God "Why why why??" but the whole point of the exercise is to help us realize that our focus needs to change. And in doing that, we can start down the road of learning how to be content. At this point, there is a big part of me that doesn't even want to be content. I want to have my pity party, be upset at God and at myself and wallow in that. But what good is that going to do for me? How much better would it be to give the Lord my anxious thoughts and thank him for the positive things in my life? This will make me a much happier person. And really, thinking about it, I want to cry. Maybe it's too soon after everything to try to be content in my circumstances. I don't want to be. I still need my time to grieve and wrap my head around it all. I'm really going to need the Lord's help to keep my focus on the positive things in my current situation and to learn how to be content with that.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

Have Hope

I am writing this on the lovely day of July 24th, laying on my teal colored sheets, my shades down, my room dark and only sorta cool. I haven't been up to much the last few days. Finally unpacked yesterday and got my closet organized. I bought a blue thing that hangs in my closet and holds neatly folded up clothes(for now). I took my closet curtains off and plan to use my pinkish tapestry as new curtains once I make holes in them for curtain rings and what not. I've watched a few disney movies and talked with my mom a lot. I never knew it could be so nice talking to her this much.

I've come to the realization that I really don't feel like talking to anyone. My mom and sisters sure... But anyone else I just don't feel like it. Nobody knows I'm home. My best friend will probably kill me when she reads this. But I just don't want to talk to anyone. I don't know when I'll feel like it. I don't know how to go about it. I don't know where to go to church. I don't know how to get there. I don't know where to work. I don't know how I'll get there. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself. The only thing I am clinging to is that my God has me in the palm of his hand and that he cares so deeply for me. He sees my tears, my sadness, my fears, and my questions. He is the only hope I can cling to. "I will always have hope" is tattooed on my back. It's a beautiful reminder to me that through the hard times I can have hope that my God will carry me through.