Stuck

threesixtyfive day:203, originally uploaded by bigcrustyape

Natalie has learned to say "stuck." As it turns out, this is a terribly useful word for a toddler to know. She manages to get herself stuck in all kinds of places and now she can tell us about it so that we can get her out.

I was also feeling a bit stuck recently, in my career. Although my day-to-day tasks have changed drastically, I've been working in essentially the same position for nearly three years, the longest I've ever stayed in one job. I actually love that job, and I'm good at it, but that's kind of the problem. I was too comfortable; essentially spinning my wheels, doing the work but not moving forward.

So it was the perfect time for a promotion! I'll be taking on a more challenging role, with greater responsibility and more visibility with the company. I can't wait to get started! Now we just need to hire someone to do my old job...

Happy Easter!

"He is Risen!!", originally uploaded by Jim Vail Photos

And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him."

-Mark 16:6 (NASB)

House (for sale)

Our house is on the market again. Would you like to buy it? It will look like this again soon. We're getting into that beautiful spring growing season and many of our flowers and plants are already popping out of the ground.

D&D Game Day

An elaborate dungeon setup, originally uploaded by Benimoto

Warning: nerd talk ahead!

I've been DMing 4e Dungeons and Dragons, on and off, with various family members for about a year now. I enjoy running these games, but I've also been anxious to try playing from the other side of the table. Last weekend I got my chance during Worldwide D&D Game Day.

I invited my youngest brother and his girlfriend (my two most consistent players) to join me at The Source so that we could play together. After a hilarious sequence of events, I arrived late, with only two open spots remaining. I signed up, sat down, and then... they were nowhere to be found. They were waiting for me to show up before they registered. Ironically, if they had, then I wouldn't have been able to participate. Instead I bumped them out. Too bad about that, but on to the game!

We played through three encounters in as many hours with a group of six PCs and one DM. Playing one role was a much more relaxing experience than orchestrating an entire game world while keeping tabs on everyone else. With a full group I also got a feel for the intended application of different class types, and understood why combat is so awkward with only two or three PCs. Overall, I had a blast, and I hope to do it again soon!

One Year Ago

Natalie, originally uploaded by craftstravaganza

The 5th Annual Craftstravaganza is approaching fast, faster than I realized. It always seems so far away until, BAM, it's just around the corner. I'm excited to get started and then drag in the middle. Hopefully I can shake off months of lethargy and sprint to the finish line.

Yesterday afternoon we returned to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for our annual site inspection. We like to preview the building, note any changes, and plan accordingly. Of course last year was the first time that Natalie accompanied us (outside of the womb) and I was suddenly struck by how much she has changed since then.

She was just a wee babe in 2009, happy to be carted around in her stroller, and taking frequent naps. On this visit she took off into the big empty building, running and shouting and climbing, boldly dashing around corners out of sight. Even after she slipped and smacked her head on the concrete she didn't allow herself to be held for long, fighting back tears so she could continue exploring. What a difference a year makes!

We Love Food

buttermilk scones (80), originally uploaded by fruitcakey

The weekend: I baked some scones with a recipe from the Joy of Cooking and they were not as good as the ones from Vegan With A Vengeance. What's up with that? Cream is supposed to make everything better.

For dinner Saturday I made our favorite mushroom and goat cheese frittata. It is always so good but since I had the time, I sliced the mushrooms thinly like the recipe says, and it came out even better than usual. On Sunday it was so beautiful outside that I had to grill. We used the leftover goat cheese on a pizza and cooked it over charcoal... delicious.

Jenna made a double batch of chocolate chip cookies that should last us a few weeks. Plus I started preparing our second batch of homemade ice cream. Anyway, I really like making and eating food, that's all.

Day of Prayer: Sext

St. John's Abbey, originally uploaded by axoboy

At noon we returned to the abbey church along with the monks for midday prayer. I didn't know all the Catholic catch-phrases or cross myself at the right times, but it didn't matter. In my few short hours there, I had relaxed into the routine enough to feel more like an active participant instead of a tourist, as I had in the morning.

Afterward we returned to the guesthouse for lunch, more discussion, and another group lectio divina. Far too quickly, the day was over. I promised our monk to pay online and said goodbye.

One member of our group is a St. John's University graduate who returns to the abbey frequently for retreats, and I understand why. Overall, the Benedictine Day of Prayer was a fantastic experience. I would love to participate in another. In fact, I wish I could be there for all of them!