The tragedy of first position

cranky.

Today I woke up cranky.

It is a terrible feeling. It may have been because I went to bed cranky--for no accord. Or it might have been because I woke up too early--with way too many things on my mind. Or it may have been because of the rain, classes, or loneliness--. It may have been any of these things--but I still do not like the feeling.

Right now I am not cranky. I am excited. I am excited for the day to come, rain and all. but I wonder--why? Why do I have to wake-up cranky? God has given me so much and I wonder--does He find it annoying when I wake-up and forget? When I choose to be cranky? Thank-YOU God for being a God who loves even when we forget. Who is there to lift us up even when we are stubborn--and for being a God who can take me even when I am in the mist of all my crank-y-ness.

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."
--Marilyn Monroe

God COMPLETELY deserves my best--because He completely takes me at my worst.

right where I want to be.

This morning I spent my time like many other mornings: dreaming.

I browse through blogs, feast my eyes on creativity, and lust over the lives and adventures of others. But this morning I was reminded of something simply amazing: I have my life. I have a chance to live this life--not dream about others. I am right where I want to be, right where I should be--no matter what it looks like or compares to. I have a God who stands by me. Who puts me where I am to be.

Last night I slept on a hard roll-a-way bed--with a rock for a pillow. But you know what? I was perfect. For you see that bed was a bed and it was right next to my wonderful sister. And right next door--snuggled in a bed--are my ever-so-in-love-and-wonderful parents.

I woke up this morning in a suite--at the HardRock Hotel--but I could have woke up in a cardboard box--we never know what life will throw at us. But I know this: If I have my family tucked in around me--and we have each other--where ever that is--whatever the circumstances--that is where I want to be. Right there in that place is wonder. Is dreamy. Is worth all.

I was reminded yet again this morning--that all the riches in the world are meaningless--but the people you get to share life with--that is what matters. I am so thankful that I have the most amazing people to share my life with.

My God YOU are worthy of all praise--and this morning I praise you for giving us people to share with.

Nola.

I am soaking up this time with my family. This truly is what life is all about.

The Peaceful WOman

A peaceful woman seeks wisdom.

She loves to grow, explore, and change.

She finds truth and inspiration.

She remains authentic, yet glows with elegance.

She stops seeking perfection, and takes time to be.

She loves life and lives fully.

She draws you near to her soul.

-from a store front window.

may be all find a piece of this peaceful woman in us today.

miss you all lovely bloggers--I will be back as soon as I tackle all these finals! :)

Spokane's Best.

I just put together a list of my fav places in my home town Spokane for a friend. DO you guys have any other favorites that I have not included?

Eats:

There are some amazing eats in Spokane--here are just a few. I have included the websites--they really do not do them justice--but at least you can see the menu and location. There are lots of "typical" places and those are on here--but I tried to put things on this list that are more unusual--unique.

Coffee:

-Atticus: a cool little cafe located right downtown--next to a funky store called BooRadelies, I would say go into both of them! They are full of funky and interesting things.

-http://www.facebook.com/pages/Atticus-Coffee-Gifts/187042010221

=http://experiencespokane.com/booradleys/

-Rocket Bakery: http://www.rocketspokane.com/ delish coffee, tea and pastries

-Chaps--You should go here--really fun atmosphere and an amazing bakery--be prepared for lots of people..

http://www.chapsgirl.com/

The Usual:

-Twigs

-P.F. Changs

-Olive Garden

-The Melting Pot--

-Spaghetti Factory

Unique Finds:

-Mizuna: http://experiencespokane.com/mizuna/index.shtml

-Moxie: http://experiencespokane.com/moxie/index.shtml, not sure about their veggie options

-Scratch: http://www.scratchspokane.com/menu_dinner.html

-Wild Sage: http://www.wildsagebistro.com/dinner_menu/

-Luna--LOVE this place--!

http://www.lunaspokane.com/

-Queen of Sheba: I have not eaten here yet--but have heard NOTHING but good things--total experience

tp://queenofshebaspokane.com/ It will be an adventure and really unique :) because who really has ever had authentic Ethiopian food? Well I have some friends that lived in Ethiopia for six months and said this is really authentic--and you must have the coffee while you are there!

Looking for a quick lunch?

Here is a new market/cafe: Main Market--for the green at heart

http://experiencespokane.com/mainmarket/index.shtml

-Mustard Seed--nothing too fancy--but my favorite noodle bowls in town. They best sautéed green beans around. http://www.mustardseedweb.com/

-Herbal Essence Cafe: http://www.herbalessencecafe.com/?c=Lunch_Menu and rumor is they can do most things with tofu instead of meat.

Night Beats: Not my thing, the lounge scene--but here are what I have heard are the best.

Zola--rumored to have live music every weekend

http://www.zolaspokane.com/Home_Page.php

MarQuee--rumored to be the trendy hangout

http://www.marqueelounge.com/

Peacock Room--SO beautiful--very swank

http://www.thedavenporthotel.com/index.php?act=/dining/peacock

Sweets: SO my thing.

-Chocolate Apothecary--chocolates from all around the world

-Fresh new Yogurt place in town, FROYO: SO Delish--serve yourself, any flavors and toppings.

http://www.froyoearth.com/

-Lindamans--good food, but even better desserts. Seriously you must try the Coffee Mocha Torte is you are feeling something sweet--its my fav.

http://www.lindamans.com/

Stores:

-Wanna get lost in a book store? Check out this one--Auntie's Bookstore http://experiencespokane.com/auntiesbookstore/index.shtml

-Very cool shops are located over in the "Flour Mill" across the river--check them out! There is an amazing "Chocolate Apothecary," funky shops and a great Ethiopian restaurant.

http://www.chocolateapothecary.com/

http://www.thekitchenengine.com/joom/

http://wondersoftheworldinc.com/

EAT HERE: http://queenofshebaspokane.com/ It will be an adventure and is a really unique experience :) and who really has ever had authentic Ethiopian food? Well I have some friends that lived in Ethiopia for six months and said this is really authentic--and you must have the coffee while you are there!

There are SO many amazing stores in SPokane--so if thats on the plan let me know what you are looking for and I can point you in the right direction.

Entertainment:

-Knitting Factory--always has something playing.

http://sp.knittingfactory.com/

-Magic Lantern Theater--Serve the yummiest popcorn and always have offbeat interesting films. The Illusionist looks very cool--

http://www.magiclanternspokane.com/

-Walk down by the river--and for some old fashion fun, ride the Historic Carousel and take the gondolas over the river.

-The local arts museum--I have never been there, but hear its amazing

http://www.northwestmuseum.org/

-Check out this web address for some more happenings around Spokane:

http://www.visitspokane.com/visitor-info/calendar/index.cfm?showweek=1&cdate=3-11-2011

-If you are an animal lover, most of you like this-- :) you get to play with lions, and tigers, and bears! Oh No!

http://www.cattales.org/

heavy.

Death hurts. This past week two people around me have died.

I look on the Facebook of their loved ones and I cannot stop the tears from flowing--and just thinking I could not imagine the pain of loosing my sister or my mom.

I find myself pleading with God to not let that happen to me--Is that selfish? Sometimes it feels that way. All I know is that my eyes are like faucets and my heart in pieces for all the loss and death I have seen in these past few day.

God please come soon so no one else has to endure the pain and suffering of this world.