Where am I?!

Two words that change my world this time of year....March Madness.  

It's not the brackets, not the teams, not even a single game result.  Nope.  For me it's what happens before the games.  Our 32 pre-game events keep me very busy this time of year, making sure all guests receive their tickets, all of the food is yummy and in abundance, and all of my staff don't go crazy with the details...  

Annnnd just when you think it's over two more words make it impossible to get back to normal.....Final Four.  

Stay Tuned.....

My Very First Tsunami Warning

The day was Friday, March 11.  The time was 5:11...in the morning.  I was awoken abruptly when my phone rang, flashing 'mom' on the screen. She knew I was on Pacific time, so calling this early must mean something is wrong. 

Mom: "Chrissi, where are you?  Are you ok?  What is going on?"

Me: "I'm laying in my bed.  I'm fine.  I was sleeping....what are you talking about?!"

Then I begin thinking 'oh my GOSH!  Was there an earthquake here?!  Did I really sleep through another earthquake?!"

Mom: "Your sister called and said they're evacuating California" in her defense, she was also awoken abruptly, so thinking the whole state was being evacuated was logical ;)

Me: "Hold on mom, let me turn the news on"....fumbled for the remote...."Mom, if they were evacuating someone would have knocked on my door, sounded an alarm, or something...."

I then turned the news on to see the devastation in Japan and was completely shocked.  Then I did start to panic a little....would there be an earthquake here?  Would there be some crazy tsunami come in?  I'm not from California, I have no clue how these things work! Needless to say, nothing major happened where I was in Cali, and I had one happy momma!

So what was the most logical thing to do the next morning?  Go for a run out to the Pacific Ocean, of course!  My boss told me about this great path that went through the hills and stopped right at the Pacific Ocean.  It was a GREAT way to start my Saturday, even if it was way too early & I had to get to the office right afterward.  Oh well, it was wonderful while it lasted!

So although I made light out of the fact that there was a tsunami warning, the devastation in Japan is no joke.  I can't even begin to imagine what the Japaneese people are going through. Boats, trains, people. Missing.  I pray I never have to go through something like that, but more importantly, I'm praying for the people of Japan.  Praying for safety, praying for comfort, praying for peace.  

PS, I totally have the best momma in the world, who cares so much for her children...even when they're all grown up!  Momma Mel, I sure do love you :)

Make it a great day, folks!

To give[up], or not to give[up]

Are you giving anything up for lent?  

Attending Methodist, and then Baptist, and then non-denominational, and then back to Baptist churches, I never practiced the art of giving up anything for Lent.  

I am not sure if this is a valid item to give up, but I choose laziness.  I am going to give up being lazy for Lent.  Going through various life trials, and being busy at work has kept me seated in my office chair, typing away at my computer, or on a string of conference calls.  While this can't change any time soon (hello, March Madness!), what I do before I open or after I close the laptop certainly can change.  Unlike the usual Lent process, I don't want this to stop on Easter Sunday!  In fact, I am hoping this gets me back into my healthy fitness habits, and gets me back on track to be a happier, healthier me.  The me who continually delights herself in the Lord and doesn't loathe the stress, or who she sees in the mirror.  The me who continues to find joy in the little things, and sees beauty in a run through the neighborhood.  The me who is able to focus more on becoming person God created me to be, instead of worrying about fitting into jeans, or making a deadline.  Life is just too short.

....can I get an AMEN?! 

So there you have it, I am going to give up being lazy, so that I can get back to the healthier, happier, more fruitful me.

I don't know about you, but I needed this!

If this doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will :)

Make it a great day!!