bucket lists and friends for life in the most random of places

today was great--i was able to get up at a decent hour, even though i didn't really want to. but it was worth it. i was able to contact carmen, who lives here in lebanon. we've know each other since i was in 6th grade and she was in 7th and have been friends through that time. i am grateful for that, because it's a comfort to be able to have that much history with someone. it's been years since we've been able to catch up in person, so our time together was precious. we will certainly be doing this again. her family is family to me-that's the way missionary families work. and i love it that hers all live so close-next time hopefully we can arrange it so that we can all get together, because i think the world of her parents, and i absolutely adore chris' wife, robin-we've only met in person once, but i'd choose her for a friend any day of the week; she's one of those people who just has a certain charisma that attracts people to her! and carrie-i miss that one too-sassy with an adorable family!

carmen is one of the sweetest, kindest friends that i know. she has a tender heart and is a positive influence on so many of her friends and students she works with. i am honored to call her friend!

we had a lot of catching up to do, and i brought up something that i'd actually been thinking about on the trip here, and she kinda' had the same inclination toward it as i did-and for good reason-

bucket lists. i love the idea, but i have never made one...at least not physically. maybe it's because if i actually put it out there on paper, it becomes a commitment and a personal expectation and i don't want to disappoint myself by not getting around to it......well, i really don't know why. there are tons of things that i'd love to do and see, but i suppose, i just don't put a ton of stock in major events. don't hear me wrong, i LOVE events and doing things, but in my experience, life is more about the small moments that happen than the big event in-and-of-itself. i think it's because i am highly relational. for me it's the car ride, the plane ride, the jokes, the serious moments, the laughter, the random facts, the waiting in line, the accidents, the frustrations, the sincerity, the music, the art, the food, the relaxation, the exhaustion...it's the authentic moments that make up the best parts of my life, not so much the big events.

as i was thinking about this tonight, my recent trips came to mind. when i visited HONDURAS, it wasn't the trip in and of itself, and seeing home and feeling home, it was the moments with yani, juan pablo, sheryl, carolina,  erika and their loved ones that made the trip...visiting carrie in va...there are tons of things to do in va and dc, but truly just sitting at their table, drinking coffee was heaven, and sitting around the fire pit watching the fire and the embers die-that's where the memories were. miami with karla, jacy and hellen-dinner time..then just running errands with hellen and enjoying her presence doing the daily routine-full heart. orlando-brandy...putting pictures on the wall, eating, driving around...lots to do in orlando, but you know what? i was more content just to share time, memories and conversation...now shea on the other hand..she loves to do! so we did a ton! but even with that, it was the laughter and personal time that made all the difference.

that said, i think i may actually create this bucket list, but the most important part of this endeavor will be getting the right people to be part of the adventures, because that's where the magic happens. relationships are bigger than events. events are more fun with the right people. and i have a lot of 'right people', they're just a little spread out.

what else did i do today? well, i got to shoot.

got new ears- now i'm seriously wanting a rifle...i know...i know, let's not get crazy.

need to tighten up my shots (did fine with the 9mm, but when i went down to the .22, i was a little hasty and the gun is lighter, so my adjustment was not ideal..)

my dad always tries to set me up to shoot when i come home. this time he figured the wood pile behind several wooden boards, and a tin door from an old freezer....and a piece of plywood on the back side...and well... it still wasn't enough....

so...some of the shots must've sneaked through the holes in the wood pile, because i'm pretty sure these bullet-sized indentations were not there prior to my practice...oops. good thing it was just the back of the garage...and better thing that dad is such a good sport and really laid back about stuff like that! we have a little researching to do! 

fun fact: carmen and her husband enjoy going to the range to shoot as well!! maybe we'll make a fun day of it next trip to town!

and back at the ranch (that's not a ranch..just an old house in the country with no cell service for me), we also got some father-daughter bonding time in today, as we began to work on some shelves-my dad is pretty much jack of all trades-he especially loves woodwork, and has the tools to play. so he enjoys helping me make things! this is a great thing! we measured it all out and got started, then the electricity went out in the workshop area, so we delayed for a bit...tomorrow i continue with the sanding and possibly staining the wood--thinking dark...or light...or natural...(does that narrow it down?)

love the power tools

nothing beats a good power sander!!

so we're getting it all prepared, pre-drilling holes, finding the right hardware, and basically it will be ready to piece together when i return home to dallas. i just had an idea for it that makes it even more exciting--not sharing...until it's done!

may your days be merry and bright!

julie