wrapping up the random: april
So I've learned a few things about this month's random fact friday (RFF) around the house theme, in the lives of friends I've known for a while and then in the lives of some, that I've recently met. Two highlights to share with details following after:
one: I have a FEW friends (Robin, Trae, Janet) who have also made the unfortunate discovery that Pyrex glass can and will explode. Below is a story about my friend Robin's experience as a 21 year-old newlywed, cooking for her in-laws very first visit . . . yes, their first visit.
two: One of the things I share in common with BFF Jill, that I'd not connected the dots to until this month, is the fact that we both bring fun elements into our homes that are life enriching —sharing below a couple of regular activities she maintains with her family; one ongoing for some time now and one brand new this year. These are ideas you may want to pick up, especially if you have kiddos! Or even if you don't!
week 1: a new camaraderie, born of busted pyrex
On Tuesday of Holy Week, we planned a couple of ways to celebrate as a staff, and one of them was to celebrate the community we share through an Easter potluck lunch. It was the first I'd attended at work (won't miss another--yum!!), and I found myself at a table with 5 co-workers that serve on various teams. I see each of them here and there in different meetings, etc., but never all at the same time with a chance to sit and enjoy a meal with them.
Left side: Janet, Ryann, and Julia; Right side: Robin, my plate, and Hilliary
So, being the little question asker that I am, I shared about my blog and RFF, and my pyrex story . . . and my friend Robin, sitting next to me, shared that she not only saw the post, but ALSO had a pyrex casserole dish explode on her. In the same way. Sitting on a hot eye that she didn't know was on. Just like what happened to me. You can imagine my surprise and odd delight in learning this! ha :)
I mean, what are the odds?!?!
so, twenty seven years ago . . .
A recent picture of Bill and Robin
She and her husband, Bill, had been married less than 6 months and were in their very first home, getting ready to entertain her in-laws (driving from Florida to Alabama) for the first time.
Eager to make a good impression and a wonderful meal, Robin says she had worked (slaved for hours, were her actual words, ha) to "carefully craft a beautiful chicken pot pie, complete with lattice top crust." When they arrived, she left her handiwork to sit and cool on top of the oven, and walked into the living room to enjoy their company . . . ever mindful of being a good hostess.
In the midst of conversation, all of a sudden, everyone heard a LOUD explosion coming from the kitchen! To their shock, they found chicken and glass EVERYwhere. Evidently, she had been cooking on that eye and didn't realize it was still on. I asked her how everyone responded and fortunately, her mother-in-law was very nurturing and kind, encouraging her that "she could always make another one the next time they came to town." And if you know Robin, you know that's exactly how genuinely sweet she would be too, if someone else was in that very embarrassing spot.
Robin concluded her story by telling me, "So I think we just had peas for dinner???" :)
Sweet friend. She says she's learned her lesson and to this day, still checks to make sure the eyes aren't on when they're not supposed to be (as do I!)
week 3: around the house "quirks"
I love to see people doing the things that make them happy, especially when it brings joy to others in the process.
My BFF Jill has been married for 12 years now and has three beautiful children who I get the privilege of being "aunt chelle" to (the youngest, Charlie, just came this past November!) One of the things I admire about Jill is that she is SO good at investing into their lives in ways that matter, both big and small. One of the ways she does this is by keeping seasonal "bucket lists" for the fall and summer.
It's a pretty simple thing to do. All you need is a small poster board, markers, and ideas! Everyone in the family gets to put at least one thing down they want to do that season, and then they jump in with other ideas to fill the list. Sometimes they don't all get checked off, and that's okay too.
Holly Anne and Sam showing the brand new, "before" list and on the right, the completed "after" list
Last May, I got to be in town for one of their bucket list events and enjoyed checking off a summer goal to "attend a Bay Bears game" . . .
Love a night at the ballpark! Always feels like a treat.
And you know what else I've realized while writing this? I love the idea of being intentional as much as I love the idea of being random, and I love how sometimes, those two concepts meet :)
new this year: a time capsule jar
She started hunting for a container that could sit easily on her kitchen counter; something clear so they could see the treasures it contained, and something that could be used year after year. The idea is to drop in things that matter, #lifeaboutlife, everything from a spring break ticket stub to the New Orleans Aquarium of the Americas (my name is on a brick out there, by the way, thanks to my Granny and Uncle Bruce -- random fact bonus, ha), to a napkin from sweet Charlie's baby dedication lunch this past Sunday.
They'll open their jar on New Years Eve to remember and reflect on these simple, small and large blessings, and then start over for 2015 . . . I love this idea!!!
a summary and third lesson learned
three: I learned that it's kinda easy to ask questions to people you know, but it can be hard to ask people you don't know really well; BUT, if you want to, you should. Here's why:
Mid-month, I found myself around a table of strangers while serving on an events team project with my church. We eventually starting hitting a few lulls in conversation, and I thought, "I should practice my random question idea" . . . but I was nervous to. So after about 10 or so minutes, I finally talked myself into putting my money where my mouth was . . . and was so glad I did!
Once I finally worked up the courage to speak up and share that I had recently started a new blog and the whole idea behind RFF, I shared my pyrex story and kitchen question, and then the ladies began sharing some of their kitchen stories . . . it was really fun!!
Later, after another long-ish lull in conversation, our leader piped up and said, "So Michelle, what other questions have you asked on your blog??" Which made me super happy, and we all talked, laughed, and learned a little bit more about each others unique, yet connected lives :)
I hope that can encourage you too.