tomorrow

marks a big day in the current life of Tess.  Tomorrow, one year ago, I started my job in Maryland.  The job itself is not the big deal (I love my job and could not have asked for a better start to my long career).   but what had to come with the job.  I became an adult; not in the literal sense, that was 8 years ago (now 9...ouch!) but in the you-have-to-grow-up-whether-you-like-it-or-not sense.  Gone were the days of Tuesday afternoon coffee dates with friends, and long gone the days of bike riding around the vast world of my childhood neighborhood.  "So long Texas" she said, naively.  You see, up until this time I was only in Maryland temporarily.  It is easy to say that I will go somewhere for a specified time but the path I never stepped upon was the one right in front of me; the one without an end visible.  This year has been one of many insights and trials and triumphs.  Learning how to navigate my way here, both literally and figuratively.  Many great restaurants, a few good friends, and a strong, refreshing church are a few from the list of things I'm so very thankful for.  But many things still make me stop and think: where is my place?  who are my people?  [Happy] One Year.  The second will be full of surprises, I'm sure.

to live by

I can't believe that I'm writing a second blog entry in one day after the 10 month hiatus I have been on. Recently I have had some discussions bucket lists. I have heard all kinds of reasons for and against have them. I want you to know that I have one and I'm NOT going to share the specifics, but I was asked to share this portion with someone the other day. The first 17 items on my "bucket list" are a portion that I call "to live by". This section includes ideals that are completely feasible daily and I think will prove to be more fulfilling than any combination of bucket list items. I know you have seen some or all of them but I wanted to put them out there. Nothing too complicated; here they are:

1. Love God; Treasure the Spirit; Follow Christ.
2. Don't take yourself too seriously.
3. Don't be afraid to say no (or yes).
4. Pray about everything.
5. Make others first; you second.
6. Never lack a generous heart.
7. Be grateful in all situations.
8. Say "thank you".
9. Apologize and Forget.
10. Say "I love you".
11. See the best in people.
12. Make an impact.
13. Never stop learning.
14. Speak your feelings.
15. Hurt for the lost.
16. Do what is right not what is easy.
17. Take chances.

Your accountability starts now!!

almost ten months

of being in Baltimore and sharing with the world the ponderings of Tess. I'll try to categorize my thoughts but I apologize now for the ramblings:

realizations:

• I love my family and miss them very much
• God's people are everywhere
• Joy is a choice not a feeling
• I'm horrible at expressing my feelings; especially on the phone
• I'm more of a people pleaser that I thought. (see desires)

happenings:

• I'm living in my 3rd house in Baltimore since being here....Pigtown to Patterson Park to Upper Fells Point
• I got a full-time job at McCormick as a Sensory Analyst
• 5th roommate reunion (down-stairs only) in Baltimore!

desires:

• I want to be less of people pleaser and more of a God pleaser
• A place to serve. Not just a place that is easy but a place that I am called to and gifted for
• A "target" friend
• Have a better wine pallet
• Go hiking/biking more frequently (sub-desire - to get my tube repaired so I can bike)
• Be diligent at writing this blog
• Go sailing/take sailing lessons
• Get a tan; have buff arms; just seeing if you are still reading but really....

Would love to talk about mores; give me a call. Only two months and five days until one year in MD.