five seven five

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suitcase plane travel
Ireland and Tanzania
cousins godmother home

Today's Think Kit blog post prompt:

Five Seven Five

Write a haiku (or...multiple haiku!) about the past – whether it's a year ago, a decade ago, or from childhood. If you want to, give some background information about your simple scene. And then – write one that paints a picture of the present, or predicts the future.

Some people can whip out a haiku at the drop of a lotus blossom. 

Not me. 

It took me all day and a lot of counting on my fingers to come up with this one. 

I think it sums up 2014 pretty darn well for me. 

See you next year! 

travel

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Selfie snapped immediately after landing I arrived in Dar es Salaam 

Today's Think Kit blog post prompt: 

A Single Word

What one word sums up the past year? Now: unpack, unfold, and uncover it. What does it represent? What events float to the top when you think about your word? And, okay, if you can't limit yourself to a single word...use a (select) few

This was the easiest prompt so far! With out a doubt my single word was TRAVEL. The sentence "Now: unpack, unfold, and uncover it" resonates - I literally unpacked my suitcase, unfolded my clothes, and uncovered new adventures all over the world. 

2014 was a grand year! 

hashtag community

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Today's Think Kit blog post prompt: 

Shout At The World

If you could make a # (hashtag) take off...what would it be? What conversation do you want to have with the world? Who are the five people you'd want to hear from first...or last? Is your trending topic personal? Political? Lyrical? Or just random?

Oh, hashtags....I have like/dislike (I can't bring myself to declare #LoveHate about something so innocuous) of them, although I can't explain it. #NoIdea. 

Anyway, I've really been drawn to the idea of community this year. I've discovered that community is more than neighborhood or church or workplace or family or PEZ collectors. #NancyDrewFans

We all belong to a big old international bulging-at-the-seams community. And we're all in it together. The idea is simplistic, but swear that if we all could wrap our brains around the idea that we have more in common than our differences the world would be a calmer place. #Can'tWeAllJustGetAlong?

When I was in Tanzania and saw children I started to automatically bend over and stick my arms out in front of me so the kiddos could feel my hair and touch my skin. The laughter would start when I opened my mouth - I think the kids expected me to look different inside. #MaybeTheyWereLaughingAtTheFillings

So here's to the idea that we can be a part of peace making- let's help our local and global communities figure it out. #ItStartsWithYou #ILoveYou #ForReal

track it!

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Today's Think Kit blog post prompt: 

One Small Step

Set your sights on the next year: what's one step you can take to support a goal you have for 2015? Whether it requires a written plan, a list of supplies or ingredients, or even a flowchart: getting your plan down in words should help spur you into action.

I have two not-so-fun goals for 2015 and both involve tracking. 

I'm had great luck with Weight Watchers over the years. 

As it turns out, eating less and moving more results in weight loss! 

Who knew? 

I was cruising right along at a manageable weight for the last year or so and I let me guard down a bit and gained five pounds this fall. While the weight isn't terribly noticeable, I can tell. And I feel much better with the weight off.

And you can't go around gaining five pounds every three months or so. Actually, you can. And it sucks. 

So, I'm back to tracking my food and activity. It really does work. 

The second goal is to get my finances in order. At one time I had a giant savings account. Then I bought a house and other grown up things. All of the amazing travel in 2014 took a dent in my non-existent savings account. 

I've already made the spreadsheet and filled in my projected income and expenses and am ready to start recording, no matter how painful it might be. 

So here's to losing and saving!  

the year of the selfie

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Musoma, Tanzania
July 2014

Today's Think Kit blog prompt post: 

Show & Tell

Time to show off your handiwork: what did you make this year? Share something personal, like a song or art. What inspired you? Was the finished work what you initially imagined? Or a work project – what was the process? The end result? Share your vision...and your work!

I always say that my artistic vision outweighs my ability. 

I'm very creative in my mind. 

I try not to be egotistical, but I'm convinced that the idea of "selfies" was created for me. Before the cell phone camera technology I had to take photos of my feet. 

I've had great fun over the year snapping selfies all over the world.  

My week with the Immaculate Heart Sisters of Africa in Musoma, Tanzania was restful and quiet. I read and rested and took short walks while Sr. Janet taught a seminar to the young sisters and novices. 

The sisters and I were all fascinated with each other and found a common ground in laughter in photographs. 

Setting up this selfie was a feat in itself and it is my favorite one of the year, although the one I took with a monsieur in Ireland is a close second. 

kitchens and conversations

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Today's Think Kit blog post prompt: 

Goin' Places

What place stood out for you this year? Outdoors or indoors; a huge gathering or a tête-à-tête? Where were you? Who were you with? What feeling did you have when leaving? Were you inspired? Refreshed? Or...confused and glad to be gone? Whether it was exciting...or awkward: give us a hall pass out of our own room for a few minutes.

What? Choose just one one place that stood out this year? Yikkes! 

Actually there is one place that stands out - my godmother's kitchen in Morogoro, Tanzania. We had spent the day running errands and we were chatting as she prepared our dinner. 

Janet shared stories of her life as a young Sister and her Mom's visit to Tanzania and her childhood. I loved hearing about the journey the beautiful Ebony Crucifix she gave me years ago made from Tanzania to Indiana (with a tour of England in between) and seeing her beautiful face on the cover of a Maryknoll pamphlet from the 1960s. 

Spending that afternoon chatting with her was exactly what I'd come to Tanzania for -to be able to stand in her kitchen and have casual conversations and just soak in her life. 

See the corner of the rug on the right side of the photo above? I brought one just like it back with me and it is in front of my kitchen sink. Every time my toes touch that rug I am transported back to that glorious day. 

Merry Christmas

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Creche - Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Indianapolis
Midnight Mass, Christmas 2014

Today's Think Kit blog prompt: 

What's Your Tradition?

Today we'll keep it short and sweet. Share a photo from your year that highlights giving, thankfulness, traditions or finding peace. What does the photo represent to you?

I panicked when I first read this prompt - How could I choose one photograph that highlighted my whole year? I reread the prompt and the words "traditions" and "peace" resonated with me. 

I'm what some people call a "Cradle Catholic" - Catholic since birth. I really did grow up in the Church. My dear mother has worked at a Director of Religious Education in several parishes and it seemed like my handy father was always replacing roof tiles or building shelves at our home parish. They are both still very active in their parishes. 

I attended Catholic schools randomly - both the parish grade school and the -Girls Catholic High School I attended closed while I was a student - not my fault, I hope. 

Over the years I've come to realize that God isn't just in church, but truly in all of us.  And I was able to take time to witness that this year. In the faces of newly-met cousins in Ireland, in the volunteers at Second Helpings, in the good work of my godmother and the other Maryknoll sisters, in the love I felt at beach weddings, and the joy of the people of Tanzania. 

Merry Christmas to All! 

sixty-five

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Midtown Indianapolis, Indiana, meets Musoma, Tanzania

Today's Think Kit blog post prompt: 

A Dash Of Thanks

What are you thankful for? Maybe it's from this year – or maybe it's something in your past that resonated with you recently. And – we hold people, places, and things in equal regard: a sense of gratefulness can take many forms.

My HUGE dash of thanks is for all of the amazing travel that I got to do this year. I was healthy enough, I had the financial wherewithal (thanks in part to a grant), and had a job (jobs actually) and generous co-workers that allowed me to be gone for so long. 

Here is a rundown of my travels: 

January/February - 16 days in Ireland.
May - 4 days in St. Pete's Beach, Florida for a cousin's wedding.
July - 28 days in Tanzania
October - 8 days in Colorado for a conference and visiting friends.
October - 3 days in St. Pete's Beach, Florida for a godson's wedding.
November - 6 days in Sanibel, Florida with my brother and his family. 

That's 65 days of travel!

How incredible is that? 

funny you should say apple....

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Today's Think Kit blog prompt: 

Apple Of Your Eye

You've ranted. You've raved. You've freestyled, soapboxed, and even waved a magic wand or two. Today, let's keep it positive. Who (or what) is doing something good? Share a story of your positive action, whether it's a favorite charity, foundation, or nonprofit – or just an individual whose penchant for do-goodery makes you feel all warm and fuzzy.

It's like this prompt was written for me! 

I am lucky enough to have a job that combines my education, experience, and passion. 

I am the director of programs for Second Helpings, a food rescue, job training, and hunger relief organization in Indianapolis. In the next twelve months we will rescue TWO MILLION pounds of food, prepare and deliver ONE MILLION meals, and educate 50 ADULTS for meaningful careers in the food-service industry. 

How cool is that? 

Here is a talk I gave about Second Helpings a few months ago - I got to tell the story in only twenty slides that changed every twenty seconds, which turns out to be the perfect format for my can't-stand-still, jumping around, fast-talking personality. Click here to see it. 

cheers!

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July 4, 2014
Morogoro, Tanzania

Today's Think Kit blog post prompt:

Chef's Choice

Today, we're keeping it wide open – we want you to write. Write the thought ringing in your head this morning. Write what you can't forget. Write what you want to remember about _____. Write the everyday and the extraordinary. Let Frank O'Hara be your guide.

This morning I was drinking Tanzanian tea out of my Irish mug and thinking of how damn amazing 2014 has been. 

Seriously amazing.

The juxtaposition of the African tea in the Irish mug made me think of celebrating Independence Day in Morogoro. I love being at home for July Fourth - click here for a little piece about my affection of the holiday - but my international celebration was memorable. 

Janet and Sue and I celebrated Independence Day by drinking an African beer while eating pizza in a Maurtius restaurant with Chinese decor while watching the German - French World Cup game. 

It was awesome.

ahhhh.....

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Fresh from a swim in the Indian Ocean
- wearing Sr. Jean's bathing suit.

Today's Think Kit blog prompt:

Ooh! Aah!

What surprised you this year? Was it a jump-out-of-your-seat shocking moment? Learning something new that really flipped your wig? A moment in time that left you speechless? A friend or stranger's actions that really blew your mind? Leave us slack-jawed and standing silent...or at least thoughtfully quiet for a few seconds!

This is a tough one. Mostly because I'm not easily flummoxed or left speechless, and the two things that shocked me this year are not my stories to tell.

So I'll tell you about a moment that was the opposite. The moment that I felt a boatload of stress wash away. The moment that I felt at total peace and realized that I didn't have a care in the world. The moment that I felt absolute joy.

And I was wearing a borrowed-from-a-nun-bathing-suit.

I had arrived in Tanzania the night before and between little sleep and the chaos of traveling and lost luggage and spending the morning in the largest and loudest city in Tanzania, I was frazzled. I'd also figured out that what little Swahili I knew was useless, the US dollars I brought were in the wrong denomination, and apparently lizards in the house were a good thing.

I'd had tears behind my eyes all day, wondering what in the heck I'd gotten myself into.

My godmother, Sr. Janet, and I were spending the night at the home of Sr. Jean.  We arrived to her beautiful home - like living in an art gallery - and Jean loaned me an outfit so I could rinse out my clothes and a bathing suit for swimming.

We drove to a beautiful beach right before sunset. 

I'm not much of a swim in natural water kind of person. There is fish and stuff in there.That you can't see.

I loitered on the beach watching Janet and Jean bob along in the water and finally took the plunge, casting my scardy-cat thoughts (what if cut my foot, what if I get a cramp, what if an exotic fish bites me... blah blah) out of the way.

I swam out to meet them and felt more buoyant than I ever had. It took no effort to float and I felt like I could glide in the water. 

Laying on the back, watching the sunset, I felt fabulous. I could feel all of my worries and fear and stress fly out of my body.

The trip was going to be wonderful.

And it was.

wishy-washy

 Today's Think Kit blog prompt:

Wishy-Washy

It's true, we like you a lot – but let's be noncommittal for now. It's okay to be unsure! What are you on the fence about? Dig into the meat of both sides. Is it a big deal? A minor quibble? Are you leaning one way...or is the extended forecast just one big gray area? Yes – we're telling you not to make up your mind!

Okay. I'll admit it.

I'm feeling a little wishy-washy about this whole Think Kit thing.

I love the idea of blogging for a month and sharing posts with other bloggers.

I don't love the idea that it is in December.

December, the most overwhelming month of the year. The month of gift-buying, deadline meeting, party-going, and panic.

December.

That said, I'll see you tomorrow.

theme music

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Traditional Irish music session
February 2014

Today's Think Kit prompt:

Insert Theme Music Here

 
Strike up the band – what was the soundtrack to your year? Was it the music you listened to the most? A certain song that kept reappearing, or worse...that you couldn't get away from? Or maybe it wasn't music at all – maybe a podcast, voice, performance, or significant sound played over-and-over. Whatever you heard: we're all ears!

I listen to tons of music, but I'm always stymied when someone asks me what my favorite band is or to name a favorite song.

I can say that if the song includes pedal steel or an accordion I'm smitten.  

I adore seeing live music and my favorite way to hear music is during songwriter-in-the-round shows. It is where musicians trade songs and stories and I fall in love with the last song played.

Can I just say that my theme song is music? 

grant

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Today's Think Kit blog post prompt: 

+ / -

 
Have no fear – no numbers needed here. Who (or what) made a difference for you this year? Were they cognizant of their effect? Did it add to your life...or detract? Was it a momentary encounter? A year-long helping hand? Someone who took a chance on you, or vice versa? What would've changed if you'd had to go without, or go it alone? Imagine the alternative scenario.

There is no doubt about what made a difference for me this year: An $8,000 Human Services Renewal Grant from the Lilly Endowment (administered through the United Way of Central Indiana).

The grant is available to folks who have worked in the nonprofit arena for at least eight years. [Click here for more details here, if you're interested]

I was lucky enough to receive it last year and it enabled me to travel to Ireland and Tanzania this year. I tossed in some of my own money to make it happen, but I wouldn't have dreamed of trying to do it without the grant.

Applying for the grant made me really plan the the trips and make a budget and allowed me to dream big.

Thanks Lilly Endowment! 

migration

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Today's Think Kit blog prompt: 

Let's Get Physical

 
Time to go through your (actual) desktop, junk drawer, or coat pockets and share an artifact from your past. A half-torn ticket stub, once-washed receipt, coffee-stained map, anything in a frame: it's all fair game. What springs to mind from your artifact? The smells, sights, and sounds? A specific feeling? Hold it in your hand, close your eyes, and go back in time to a moment.

Okay, these artifacts aren't from my pocket or past, but I love looking at them on the corner of my desk. I move them around a lot - right now they're heading south for migration. Not that I know if elephants migrate or anything.

And yes, I know that they're not to scale and that several of them would eat each other in a second, but I don't care. I love seeing them on my desk (the holiday candle isn't typically there), they are a great conversation piece, and a fun reminder of my beautiful time in Tanzania.

news

Today's Think Kit blog post prompt:

Extra! Extra!

Take a moment to dip into the deep well of the past year's 24-hour news cycle. What world event moved you this year? What story, series, or moment fascinated you? Made you scratch your head? Brought you to the edge of tears...or past the edge of your seat? Did an outside perspective change the way you felt, or make you take action? Share the headline(s) that resonated with you.

While the first cases of  Ebola were reported in March, news of the outbreak starting hitting the States in July - the month I was in Tanzania. The area of the outbreak and and where I was are over 3000 miles apart, but in most people's minds Africa is one big blob. And before I traveled there, it was for me too.

The Ebola outcry here really frosted me. We were more worried about what might happen here than about helping eradicating the crisis. 

And I got tired of people asking me if I had Ebola.

My stock response: I have a better chance of marrying Rush Limbaugh than getting Ebola.

twenty-six

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Lucky Numbers

 
Time to get mathematical – and yes, you may use a calculator. Was there a significant number in your year? A birthday? A first? A personal record? A date now carved in the annals of time? A number that represents a streak, whether winning or losing, good or bad? A bellwether or a lagging indicator or just...three.

I'm not sure if it can be considered my lucky number, but 26 is always on my mind. Twenty-six is the number of daily Weight Watchers points that I am allowed. Forty-nine is the number of weekly points (the ones that you can spend however you like, not just on chips and beer as I am wont to do). Five is my goal for activity points - points earned above my typical day-to-day activity.

I'm a big (not as big as I used to be - get it?) believer in Weight Watchers. It really does work. I've lost 25 pounds and basically kept it off. Except for the five that I gained since September.

So here's to being back to keeping 26 at the top of mind (and off my waist).

I've been Gilmored

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Today's Think Kit blog post prompt:

Look Outward, Look Inward

 
By telescope or microscope, or no scope at all – what did you discover? A new aspect of yourself? A favorite artist, musician, or variety of cheese? Did you discover something about a loved one? A familiar or new-to-you place? Be broad, be narrow, or be surprising.

Sure I found long-lost relatives in Ireland and spent a month in Tanzania with my godmother, but the first thing that came to my mind when thinking about what I discovered this year: Gilmore Girls.

Between not watching television as a child - one hour a week, always Brady Bunch and The Partridge Family - working a lot of nights, not having cable, and never having a great television, I never considered myself a TV watcher.

Until Netflix streaming came along. I enjoy binge watching shows on my iPhone. I don't care much about how big the picture is, I enjoy listening to programs just as much. And I can carry the phone from room to room and listen where ever I like.

I discovered Gilmore Girls last month when I saw people posting about it on facebook. I can't believe how much I'm enjoying it. The dialogue is fabulous and the stories are just the right amount of silliness.

And I promise that I did discover lots of swell things about myself and the world during my travels....

penwomanship

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Today's Think Kit blog post prompt:

Put Down Your Blog...

 
And pick up a pen! Or pencil. Heck – we'd settle for a crayon.
You don't have to stay in-between ruled lines, but we do want you to write something by hand. Sure, a letter comes to mind. But so does a recipe you discovered this year. A poem. A series of tweets that is a poem. A contract with yourself – or someone else. Whatever you get on paper – write it, then photograph & blog it. Cursive or manuscript, we promise not to grade on penmanship.

Being behind in publishing the blog posts I've started worked out well in this case. I wrote this note to a friend who was having surgery on the day of the prompt, photographed it, and didn't get it posted.

This photo is much better than the one I took because my friend is holding it! On the front of the card was a photograph from the 1950s and featured a car from that era with the hood up and women in uniforms tinkering with it.

how do you say "mulligan" in swahili?

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Today's Think Kit blog post prompt:

Mulligan

 
We've put another quarter in the slot – free play! Hit the reset button on a moment this year: what would you do over? Whether or not you analyze your actions – how would you act differently? Would the outcomes shift, or stay the same? From a single sentence to a whole day (and everything in-between), feel free to explain your choice, from how you felt immediately after the moment passed, to any thoughts that ran through your mind beforehand. Take a mulligan!

This is an easy one - I would have done a better job of learning Swahili. I spent a few months casually learning some words and phrases. I read a book and downloaded a few apps and recorded myself saying some key phrases and thought I was good to go.

First of all, I was cocky. I didn't practice listening to Swahili phrases. I could say some stuff, but had no idea what people were trying to say to me.

Secondly, I didn't learn anything practical. Sure, I knew how to say "dress," but I had no idea how to bargain and I didn't have a good grasp of numbers, which is critical since there are no prices on anything.

I also didn't learn phrases like, "Oh no! The bus is pulling away from the market with my godmother on it and all is have with me are some coins and a roll of toilet paper!" My mistake.

Finally, all of the things I was confident is saying were the EXACT SAME THINGS that most Tanzanians could say in English. Once we got past hello and how are you, it was downhill.

If I could do it all again, I'd invest more time and effort into learning Swahili.