To Ponder...

Not much to say, so I'll leave you with this:

It's not a picture of him, it's a picture of you (...and me.)

Live in the Joy!

Tonight a friend and I took a walk along the canal after dinner at the Creation Cafe downtown. While we were resting, a gentleman passed us with a funky hat and a large innertube (the kind you pull behind a speedboat). He was clearly the operator of one of the Gondola's on the Canal. Curiosity got the best of us and we stopped to ask what he was going to do with his tube. (We could just envision him strapping a small child to it and pulling it down the canal at .05 miles an hour).

He explained that he had to park the Gondola under the bridge for the night and would be floating back to the platform on the tube. And then we continued to chat for the next 20 minutes. What an inspiring man!! While he did TALK about his love for life, he didn't have to- it was written all over his face and on every word he spoke. He talked of spending the last 2o summers, sharing in people's celebrations as they came to ride for anniversaries, birthdays, proposals... He talked about how soothing and historic the rides are and how they inspire hope in those who venture out. He talked about how much he LOVED living-in and sharing-in other people's joy, exclaiming: "you HAVE to live in the joy!"

When we asked what he did the other half of the year, we weren't at all prepared as he casually told us that he does "different things". "This fall I'm going to Miami to perform in the old folks theatre... they'll make an exception for my age". The year before, he spent the winter in Las Vegas working in a recovery center for young addicts (a few of whom returned to Indiana with him to complete a Gondola Apprenticeship!). The year before that, he worked as a singer in Japan.

What an amazing approach to life. Meet Golfrado the Gondolier:

A Tribute To Spring...

Maybe it was the unusually long winter. Maybe it's the extra stress at work. Or just my love of the east side city life. But whatever the reason- I have been absolutely relishing this spring. Here are a few reasons why...

Reason #7: New Growth! I love it when the earth comes back to life.


Reason #6: and with new growth comes COLOR!!! (Can everybody say "ahhhhh...")


Reason #5: The front porch! Need I say more? (If so- jump over to http://mljessup.blogspot.com/2010/05/this-old-porch.html to read a little more about my favorite space.)


Reason #4: New opportunities for Thrifty finds!


Reason #3: New Life.


Reason #2: Open windows & all the things that come with it: fresh air, cool breeze, the smell of freshly cut grass, the springy ambiance...


And the #1 Reason to love spring... HOPE!

Happy Spring...

Ode to 2010

Much like the year started off in this blog... here's a little look at that past 12 months!


- Started teaching the k-2 sunday school class at Brookside
- Got a Personal Trainer
- Lost 29 lbs!
- Was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and gained it all back with the meds
- Cut bangs for the first time since I was 11

- and grew those back, too.
- Watched Miss Alex graduate from High School and start her journey at Ball State
- Took a trip to California where I spent 3 days on the countryside riding horses through the wineries, 3 days driving up the coast in a convirtible along 101, and 3 days exploring the districts of San Francisco.
- Served as a 4-H photography Judge with my friend Danyele at the Tipton Co. Fair
- Finally finished my darkroom in my basement, which has been on my own bucket list since I was first exposed to one at age 15
- Had a surprise birthday party for my mother at Martino's
- Participated in the *Free campaign, Poverty 1010, and Cardboard Testimonies at Northview Church

- Took a trip to Corey Lake in Michigan with the McComish crew... for the first time in almost 20 years!!
- Had a TON of photo shoots... and finally started charging
- Attended the True Woman conference in downtown Indy with my Brookside Gal Pals
- Got back together (again.) and broke up with (again.) Cameron. ... for the last time (... I think.)

- Kathy & Mom conducted a "While You Were Out" episode in my office and gave it a total makeover
- Attended the Rockin' Worship Roadshow Concert and the Point of Grace Concerts with Kyndra
- Participated in the Annual Fehn-Jessup-Ungerer Talent Show (Evan & Gretchen Won!)
- Watched my Father retire after 17 years of presiding over Howard Co. Superior Court II
- The Chilean minors were rescued after 69 days
- Jean Simmons, JD Salinger, Corey Haim, Dennis Hopper and Gary Coleman died

- The Colts lost to New Orleans in the Superbowl
- The first successful 24-hour flight by a solar-powered plane occurred
- And, while the N1H1 epidemic was declared over, the world suffered numerous disasters: largest oil spill in history in the gulf, Record monsoon in Pakistan, Record Landslide in Mexico, 8.8 Earthquake in Chili, 7.0 Earthquake in Haiti, 6.9 Earthquake in China. Even my hometown of Kokomo experienced a 4.2 Earthquake and a couple of tornados. Oh yeah- and lets not forget to add that healthcare reform passed (arguably as tragic).

So here's to 2011. Happy New Year & God Bless!!

An IKEA IDEA

I discovered that a trip to IKEA is not only an all day excursion, but one that also requires major strategic planning and, quite possibly, a self-defense class!

First of all, the place is like the mecca of home furnishing stores. It's very presence as you round the bend and it begins to dominate the landscape before you is easily as overwhelming as any amusement park I've been to. And once you get inside, it only get's worse. Truly, you need a map.

Inside, there's no one there to explain that upstairs is the showroom only. If you want something, you do NOT take it right off the floor and put it in your cart. No one, that is, until you notice the soccer Mom three feet away staring at you in shock and horror. With condescension, she informs you that you are to write down the model number and then you go get your merchandise yourself out of the stock room. Oh, and by the way? You're going the wrong direction... you're clearly not following the arrows on the floor. (I'll admit, I felt a little like Michael Keaton in the movie Mr. Mom). Nevermind that the woman's five-year-old is dripping his IKEA-brand chocolate icecream cone on said arrows.

Add to the confusion: a bazillion people, a mild case of clausterphobia and a complete lack of decision-making ability- and you can imagine the stress level. After four laps of "following the arrows" trying to find my way to the exit, I finally made a break for it and (gasp!) drove my cart straight through the middle of the bed display, under the closet organizers, and around the kitchen cabinets to the elevator. I finally found my desk parts in the stock room, loaded up on a flat cart, and made it to the check-out lines. Check out #78, to be exact. After he rang me up, my items just sat on the counter. When I asked if I could have a bag, he told me I'd have to pay for one. Never mind. I stacked the items carefully on top of the larger boxes- ready to be done. Come to think of it, I think these guys had the right idea! (I wonder where Soccer Mom was, here? A clear violation of shopping etiquette.)

So I get outside and, just for the record, the picture of the store above is deceptive. For starters, the parking lot stretches out for nearly a 1/2 mile. And unless you get there before the doors open, you'll be parked on the outskirts of it. But if you notice, there is nicely manacured sidewalk that stretches around the perameter of the building so you don't have to walk your huge carts (with your bagless items falling off every few feet, mind you) all through the parking lot. SUCKER!!!!!!! That sidewalk is only efficient if you plan on getting your daily laps in on it with no intentions of ever getting off. At least not with your cart. I got half-way around the building before I realized there were no "off ramps!!" It was about that time that I mumbled some explitives, eh-hem... twice.

I finally got back around to the front of the building where I was able to roll safely into oncoming traffic and angry driver's (who, by the way, were no match for me at this point! - I'd have dared any one of them to try and cross paths with me and my cart!). When I finally got to my car, I looked over and realized that I had conveniently parked next to a "cart-rack". But, alas, passive-aggression took over and I decided to stick it to the man by leaving it exactly four rows over in the opposite direction. That'll teach 'em.

On my way home, I wanted nothing more than a great big 32-ounce fountain sprite. I made a bee-line for the only gas station between the store and the highway and got super-excited when I saw their monstrous soda set-up. I won't tell you the thoughts in my head when I noticed the little sticker over the Sprite dispensor that said "please choose another drink"... but I can definately understand how one can cross over the line of sanity and end up on top of the bell tower.

It was already a busy day- I mean, even before the part where I decided it would be fun to drive to another state, pick out a desk, and come home to put it together. Can I just say I'm exhausted? (...and yes, 5 hours later I am still feeling guilty about leaving my cart for some poor fella who makes 5.25$/hr to haul carts back and fourth in 95 degree weather. In fact on my way home, I thought seriously about turning back around.)

So anyway, here is part 1 of 3 of the new desk. My friend Kyndra was going to go, but she and her family were out of town this weekend. I'm sure she can't wait to go back with me. It's big fun- and it clearly brings out the best in me! ;)

It's a great day to paint something!

So... I painted some chalkboards in my kitchen! It's the most fun thing and totally brings out the kid in me. What's better then being able to draw on the walls?! :)

Crazy Beautiful Life

It’s a funny world we live in.

On my way to work this morning, I saw a man in a business suit, lying in a heap on the ground, just seconds after he was struck by a car downtown. (I later learned he lived, though I wasn’t sure as I sat in my front row seat at the red light). He stayed in the back of my mind all day and I was struck by the fact that there are no guarantees in life. We say that from time to time. In fact, we even use the example- “I could walk out the door and be hit by a car”- but we don’t really believe that will happen. I’ll bet that he didn’t either.

When I got to the office, I sat with a 10-yr-old little boy who’s birthday is just 2 weeks before my nephew’s. He came to us yesterday. Because of the risks, we couldn’t tell him where he was going when he was picked up from school and brought to the building where he would be met with the surprise news that he wouldn’t be leaving. And so it was left it to me to break that news and it was left to me dry the tears of fear and confusion that followed. And this morning, as I watched this little body play with his lego’s on the floor of my office- while listening to the angry boy next door throwing furniture and profanity against the wall- all I could do was pray that God forgives me if bringing them here was a mistake.

Next I listened to a distraught mother who’d been so emotionally beat down by both the adults and the children in her life that she simply needed someone to listen to her now, rather than attack her… yet again. Which is exactly what she felt I’d done the week before in my report. And so I listened. It wasn’t the time to defend my position or tell her that no one was placing blame or that this was just the start and that treatment is, in itself, an ongoing assessment. It wouldn’t have mattered. The heart wants what it wants- and at the moment- hers wanted a voice.

I went to the detention center to help another child begin to scratch the surface of shame, guilt, fear and embarrassment so that he can realize that the world won’t fall apart once he speaks his actions out loud. How do you convince a child that the world is not nearly as black and white as society sometimes paints it? But I watched in amazement as he gathered all of the courage he could muster and pushed forward in an act of bravery and confession that most adults I know couldn’t do. And the process began… again.

And then I got a phone call from a prior client. It was the first I'd heard from him in 8 months. If ever there was a time I had to check my boundaries and be careful not to get too enmeshed… it was when I was working with this kiddo. We were the only family he had and we raised him through his adolescence. At one point, I actually had to discourage him from referring to me as his second mother. (Earlier, I had flown him to New York so that he could say goodbye to his actual mother before she died.) He brought me up to speed and I'll admit- I was a little sad to see the path he's heading down- when I know he has the potential to change course. But when all is said and done- the misery of the unknown is worse than the known misery. Nonetheless, despite the dysfunction, he assured me he was happy.

On my way home, I returned an earlier missed call from my neighbor who’s nearing 80 years old. She just wanted to talk to me about the death of her best friend yesterday. Her husband passed away last year. I couldn't help but wonder how lonely life must be as you move closer to being the last one standing. And I wondered if a long life is more of a blessing or a curse.

I wrapped up the day by heading up to my church in Carmel to attend a class where 750 people have dedicated their Thursday nights to humble themselves so that they can simply learn how to love our Urban Neighbors at our church in Brookside. Amazing. The teaching pastor spoke of differences in perspectives and norms and challenged our ways of thought. He painted a beautiful picture of urban culture. And on my final way home tonight, I was struck by the irony of life and I was overwhelmed with love for people... for humanity. Funny how a day like today can actually strengthen faith. And then the song that's playing came on the radio. I'd never heard it before and it just... fit. Easily one of my new favorites.

(You know you want to go back and restart the song to listen again. Go ahead- it's totally worth it!)
[10th Avenue North- Times, in case the song has been changed]
Love ya! :)

This Old Porch...

When I bought my house- I had three conditions:

1) It had to be built before 1935

2) It had to have a basement with the potential to build a darkroom

3) It had to have a front porch

My front porch is easily my favorite room of the house. It is exactly what I had envisioned for as long as I can remember. It's got brick half-walls with concrete slabs- perfect for sitting, dining, leaning, laying, playing, or propping your feet up on. It creates enough of a barrier that you don't feel fully exposed- but it's still open, so you don't feel like you're still indoors. It's in the front- the way that porches should be. The epitome of "community". All of this to create the perfect ambiance for any summer-night occasion.

It's seen parties and picnics. It's seen baby-showers and open-houses. It's held intimate conversations with my sister or my best friend- into the wee hours of the morning. It's heard prayers of joy, sorrow, peace, anxiety and about a million other emotions. It's brought relief after a workout or yardwork. It's seen the tears after my uncle passed away, after a client committed suicide, and after I stubbed my toe on an already-bad-day. It's been my resting place when I'm sick, my study when I worship, and my workshop when I'm feeling creative. It's been a playground for my nieces and a chatroom for my neighbors. The absolute perfect place to watch the storm and, oh, the books that it's read! It's my own personal sanctuary! :)

Twenty-Six Pounds

Well, I'm at 26 lbs lost. I actually hit that mark three weeks ago, but wasn't about to jinx myself by posting that just before I left for vacation! I went back to the gym today for the first time- and found I hadn't gained a thing!! It was hard to make it into the gym- but once I was there- I totally fell right back into it. I spent an hour on the elliptical and my heart rate didn't even go above 140.

It's funny- I've realized over the past few weeks, while I was "taking a break"- that my tastes have changed since January. I have NOT been dieting the last three weeks- in fact, I thought I'd done really bad. But when I inventory what I've eaten- it's still been relatively healthy. Comparatively speaking, anyway. Every time I give myself permission to go eat a greasy/unhealthy meal- it doesn't even taste that good anymore. I get a cheeseburger and wish I'd gotten the turkey wrap instead. Or I'll order Taco Salad with Beef and totally be craving the chicken. Subway sounds better than McDonalds- any day of the week. And don't even get me started on veggies- I can't get enough! How weird is that? I've always been pretty anti-"green". It's like I don't even have to try that much anymore. It gives me confidence for this whole "lifestyle change" I'm attempting to achieve.

So let's see what things weigh about 26 lbs:

A 25 lb & 1 lb Barbell:

My (smaller but full) luggage:

And a bubble-blowing toddler!

Just Another Manic Sunday

Wow! For the past 72-hours, I've been on some kind of manic-homeownership-productivity-frenzy. ... or something.

So far, I have effectively cleaned the entire house top-to-bottom, done all of the laundry, bought & assembled a storage cart for laundry supplies so I could finally clean off the dryer, bought new knobs and replaced the old ones on the bathroom vanity, set up storage tables in the basement, balance the checkbook, paid the bills, organized the computer room, filed all lose papers, built a shelf, painted a room, and cleaned the car inside & out (we're talkin' scrubbin'-the-floorboards-with-409-clean).

The three greatest achievements were, by far, the computer room, the painting and the shelf. The computer room has been a catch-all since I moved in. It began with the extra boxes that I didn't quite know what to do with, so instead of unpacking them- I stacked them along the wall. From that point forward, every time I have random items that don't "fit" elsewhere- they get stuck atop one of the growing mounds in the computer room. It really was untouchable and now wish I had "before & after" pics. But I don't. (On second thought- I'm not sure I would post them even if I did).

I do, however, have pictures of the bedroom that was newly painted. It was one of two remaining rooms left to be done. Clearly, it needs some "extras"- but here's a sneak preview:

Saving the best for last- the most satisfying project was definately the pantry shelves pictures below. Granted, they don't look like much- but I'm pumpin' my fists over here, so work with me. I feel like superwoman. I even used tools and stuff. ;) From scratch: (no snide remarks here) I went to lowes, bought wood, measured it myself, had the fella cut it into parts, brought it home, sawed notches in the corners for the utility pole in the corner, measured & leveled the shelves, used a cordless drill to cut holes, and then screwed the leverage boards in that hold the shelves!! Viola! Ok, so they still need paint- but it's pretty crazy how empowering it is to be able to fix common household delimmas without having to call a handyman!

Left My Heart In San Francisco

Just home from spending 7 days in Sunny California!!

Flew into San Diego where I met my Aunt & Uncle, whom I hadn't seen in about 11 years!! I stayed with them in their temecula home- which is apparently (and appropriately) considered "wine & horse country". We spent a few days touring wineries & vinyards and riding at the ranch. They have wonderful property with lots of fruit trees. It was so great to pick breakfast each morning. I also learned how to play cribbage and, I must say, gave Uncle Tom a run for his money (ok, with lots of help from Aunt Jeep!)














I rented a car and spent the next couple of days driving up Highway 1 through Cambria, Big Sur & Monteray. Talk about a beautiful, breath-taking drive!! I'll be honest though, I didn't get pictures from the highest point on the cliffs though because I couldn't stop or even look over. In fact, I could do nothing but white-knuckle it through. The yellow signs with little stick people under falling rocks along the way were NOT helpful. I spent the night in a great little town of Cambria on Moonstone Beach.

I finally ended up in San Francisco where my cousins live across the Bay in Sausalito. I absolutely fell in love with the city. It's a big city feel on a really small scale. It's beautiful, and colorful and full of character. It's an outdoor city and, let's face it, the weather is awesome. It totally rocked my socks off. Since my cousins had to work, they shipped me off on the ferry each morning with directions to different neighborhoods and districts. Then I walked and explored and took pictures. Great place for people-watching. Marcus & Susan usually met me in the evenings for dinner or a play or something. In fact, they thought it was great fun and suggested I "stay and play longer". They would just continue to deposit me in different sections of the city and come and find me later. Their own interactive version of "Where's Waldo". Any excuse to escape to the city for another evening. Since they both work from home now, they don't make it over there nearly as often.

The week was great and I love California. But the best part was reconnecting with my awesome family. Marcus & I hadn't seen eachother since we were little, little kids and I think was about 12 the last time I saw Scott. I can remember, at one time, feeling especially close to my Uncle Tom. That was lost somewhere along the way- and it was so great to get reconnected. I've missed them and am, again, reminded of the importance of making family priority.

If you want to see the rest of the trip pics- go to http://sliceoflife1.shutterfly.com/ and request access. I'll need to approve you, if you aren't already a member. :)

Broken In...

Do you remember in high school when you begged your parents for that amazing pair of jeans at the GAP for months on end? And then, when you finally unwrapped them on your birthday- you could barely get through the rest of your gifts before you ran upstairs and immediately took a pair of scissors to them- and then tossed them directly into the washing machine with a half a jug of bleach? Your parents just couldn't understand why in the world we had our hearts set on that particular pair of jeans, if we were only going to turn them into something else entirely... especially when they were no longer fit for public with the back pocket half-torn off, and all. They never did get that boxer shorts were sufficient coverage.

My poor Mom thought she was finished with those days. She took it upon herself to make a bed for Reilly, after feeling bad for her for sleeping on a towel in her cage. She actually did put a lot of effort into this little bed- and, amusingly enough, the dog seems to like it better. She does spend more time in her cage- even with the door open.

But apparently she, too, had to break it in and make it hers. For as much of a handful as she was her first year- chewing has never been her thing. (Notice the unscathed chew toy). Nonetheless, this is what I came home to mere 24-hours later. We like to call it character.

And The Saints Came Marching In

Ok- so despite my hand-tremors, soar throat, and tear-stained cheeks... this is the only team I could bare to see beat the Colts in the Superbowl. As first time participants, and a team playing to rebuild their city after the forgotten Hurricane Katrina, they did more than win the Super Bowl... they restored Pride. It's been said that they've gone from the "aint's" to the "saints"... the Cinderella of the NFL. Rightly so, they had a lot of well-deserved support. The country was rooting for the Saints because they were rooting for New Orleans. And the Saints came marching in. Congrats to the Blue for another great season and AFC Championship. And congrats to the Saints for the ring.











(Reilly, on the other hand, may not make it through this one)

Go Colts

Superbowl XLIV

GO COLTS!!!!

(we're totally ready!)

(The girl's went to a new groomer: Doggie Spa. Awesome prices and she did a great job. Check it out http://www.shirleycooley.com)

Thirteen Pounds

Well, it's the end of month 1 and I am thirteen pounds fewer!! Thirteen lbs doesn't really sound like much until you compare it to some things that actually weigh thirteen lbs... like a bowling ball or a butterball turkey. So what else weighs 13 lbs?!

A 12 pack of pop & a 1/2 gallon of milk:

6 Large Books:

And a 3-month old baby:

(who recently found his thumb, btw! Happy 3 months Drew!!)