Birthdays, Dating, Writing, and Life Lately.

The last few months I've been riding the struggle bus to keep a regular writing pace here.
Summer has been fun and relaxing, and if I don't have really anything to say I don't want to clutter things with filler posts.
So turning 32 over the weekend seemed as good a time as any to reflect on the goings on around here lately.
On Saturday I turned 32 and celebrated my sister' Annie's baby shower. It was a beautiful day, but the highlight was most definitely being asked to be godmommy to #juniorschunior, my little niece or nephew. I started crying and told my sister this was the seriously the best birthday present I could get. 


















We all sealed the deal with a group hug along with my brother who is the godfather. Did I mention my Dad (who is a Catholic deacon) will get to baptize his first grandchild too!? #itsgonnabeapartyyyy #cannotwait
Later that night I went out with one of my dearest friends Sarah and we caught up on all the life things. Sunday my Mom came to Mass with me and we grabbed lunch in the city with my Pops afterwards. And later that night, I wandered over to Belle Isle for Mass 2.0 and a huge taco party with tons of young adults.
So yeah dating...is interesting. 
I feel so different doing from a perspective of healing and wholeness vs. insecurity and neediness. Counseling for the win!
I have been on a few dates here and there and even been awkwardky hit on by an old man in a coffee shop after church once. My favorite date story so far has been the guy that picked a wedgie within two feet of the table while en route to the bathroom.  Ummmmmmm no. 

BUH. BYE. sweetie pie.
While those lonely moments creep in every now and then, I know I am right where I'm supposed to be. I am just living my life without living to find someone. 
I had my first freelance piece published in America Magazine. You know its good when it ruffles the feathers of Catholic folks from the left and right ;)
I did a workshop at Blessed Is She on Boundaries a few months back and am preparing for a few talks I'm giving this Fall at two different parishes. I am hoping to start to do more writing and speaking on the side to bring in a little extra money and slowly work that inky stinky debt snowball.
Youth Ministry starts up again full-time this Sunday and will be more busy from now to about Thanksgiving. This Saturday the leadership teens wanted to have a king party together where we hang out, bake good food, and eat it together.  Sounds fun to me!
Its about 5 weeks till my marathon debut on October 15. I have gotten a couple long runs under my belt and was SHOCKED how good I felt after my 16 and 18 mile runs.  Extra Strength Bengay, you're my new bestest friend. 
Oh and bacon. All the bacon.
At the end of September, the Blessed Is She is getting together again for a retreat in Wisconsin and I cannot freaking wait to see these lovely women again.
Overall life is in a good, beautiful place. Perfectly the way I desire it?  No. But that is not how life goes.
One thing the Lord has been teaching lately in prayer is when I try to control Him it prevents me from receiving from Him. So I am gently trying to live out of that truth day by day...

Hope you're starting to enjoy some of the beautiful Fall weather too! :)