Okay...so I'm not the most committed blogger.

Sorry blog!

I've been writing on my own, and haven't been updating you as often as you should be...

Well, things are hectic this week with my moving this weekend, Sarah and her dad+brother visiting next week + getting ready to visit LA for a family gathering + work + weekend georgetown classes + korean classes + think tank evening discussions.  Who knew that deciding what kind of vacuum would be the most pressing issue in my mind? LOL  So, I've decided on a refurbished Dyson...hope it's a good choice!  After checking out how expensive furniture is, I now walk into restaurants in awe...I could never afford to open a well furnished restaurant/business.

So, what's on my mind other than vacuums?  The threat of North Korean nuclear testing + a Christian community here in D.C.  Two very different, but important issues.  I don't have much information on either, and must depend on God for guidance + wisdom + peace regarding both.

Word Challenge

I've been informally inspired and challenged to continue this blog from an unusual source: Sarah's father.

Upon his recommendation, I looked at a blog that challenged its readers to write every day.  The writing could happen via blogging, random diary writing, letters (no emails), etc.  The point is to write just to write.

Now I must admit I have not written for pleasure for a while (i.e. my last blog post was in October 2013).  However, the blogging continues!

I've already passed the 1 year anniversary with Washington, D.C. and semi-know what I'm doing at work.  My manager never ceases to remind me that he is like a seasoned and published professor while I am like a high school student.  Of course this is in all good fun, or at least I hope.

Being here in D.C. has provided the opportunity to make friends across all industries (who knew I would grow close to a World Bank financier or a Program Manager for the State Dept?)  The point of me sharing that is at the end of the day, people are people.  My friends love exploring new eats, playing basketball, running, watching movies, hiking, talking about our days, sharing prayer requests, and living life together.  I've grown to really embrace D.C. and all the niche neighborhoods here.  I can't wait for my Sarah to officially join me and do our thing here in the city.

I am moving from Chinatown, D.C. to Southwest Waterfront in a few weeks.  Chinatown is a 24 hour part of the city with incessant happy hours, bright lights, and noisy crowds.  Meanwhile the Waterfront is a quieter neighborhood just south of all the Smithsonian museums at the National Mall.  It's also 1 mile away from work (while Chinatown was 2...big whoopdeedoo lol).  Chinatown, it's been great!  Here's to a new beginning at the waterfront (yes, it's by the water and there's an outdoor seafood market...sweet!)!

Well, this has been a convoluted and distracted post.  Good night!

A team relay

On the first day of work, a coworker approached me and asked if I could run 5 miles.  After I said yes, things got rolling, and I signed up to joint the corporate team in Ragnar.  Found out later I would be running 3 legs of at least 5 miles over the course of 3 days.

The Ragnar Race Washington, D.C. is a 200 mile relay that starts in Cumberland, MD and ends in National Harbor.  My team of 12 was split into vans of 6 each, and each runner would run 3 legs of differing lengths and intensities.  My legs varied from running through a mountain forest trail in Maryland to a 1AM run on country roads in the pitch black.  With stops at a creamery for burgers, high school for showers and spaghetti, amusement park for hot chocolate, empty grass fields for sleep, etc etc...it was a medley of crappy and amazing moments.

Strangers end up friends, and friends become closer buddies.  You really have to rely on one another and support each other to make it through the race.  My favorite part of the race was running through the dark country roads at 1AM with only my flashlight providing light.  The cool breeze, refreshing air, and farms surrounding me made me realize who lucky I was to be able to run this.  Just 3 years earlier, I was wondering if I'd ever be able to run freely again...and now I was running quickly through Maryland in the wee hours of the morning.

Big picture, we had combined to run 200 miles.  That's amazing.

What's even better are the memories made on those 200 miles.

Yes, we may place 1st in corporate.  But what's best are the sweat and tears that went into finishing this relay.

For my memory: "it's gotta be in the van" "those jelly shots taste amazing"  "big hair spider"  "best 3 hours of sleep I've ever had"  "kill, kill, kill' "1 minute, 23 seconds"

Jason's pitfall

I seem to fall into the same trap continually.  It's one of the most dangerous things that creeps into my life.

Complacency.  

At least for me, it's a combination of comfort, entitlement, indifference, and arrogance.  Not sure what the order is, but the combination is there and silently creeps into my attitude, and eventually my actions.  Others may or may not be aware, but I am definitely aware of it.

Thankfully, God is all-knowing and all-powerful, and finds ways to rebuke me and allow me to see how complacency is seeping into my everyday life.  It's a battle, but one that is already won with God.

In my complacency, I think I am secure with my plans and future outlook when in fact it is as though I have a piece of yarn tied around my waist connecting me to a small flower and I think I am safe from the typhoon.  It is false security.  And is way too dangerous.  

I may have incredible food to eat, a great house to sleep in, cheerful friends around me, rewarding work to do, comforting weather to walk in, even be in a great church community..These are all great blessings, but are MEANINGLESS if my relationship with God is left neglected.  I may hide behind these blessings and know the right things to say, but at the end of the day...it is my pursuit of God's heart that makes everything worth it.  Just as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes found all the joys in life to be meaningless without God, I can confidently say that in my life that the comforts were never the source of peace and joy in my life. 

There is one thing that must be #1 in my life for everything else to have its complete flavor and blessing.

The Fear and Pursuit of my Lord and Savior.

A Time for Everything (Ecclesiastes)

3 For everything there is a season, and la time for every matter under heaven:

2 a time to be born, and a time to mdie;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 a time to nweep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to odance;

5 a time to pcast away stones, and a time to qgather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to rrefrain from embracing;

6 a time to seek, and a time to slose;

a time to keep, and a time to tcast away;

7 a time to utear, and a time to sew;

a time to vkeep silence, and a time to speak;

8 a time to love, and a time to whate;

a time for war, and a time for peace.

The God-Given Task

9 What xgain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen ythe business that zGod has given to the children of man to be busy with.11 He has amade everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot bfind out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is cnothing better for them than to be joyful and to ddo good as long as they live; 13 alsoethat everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is fGod's gift to man.

14 I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; gnothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. 15 That which is, halready has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God iseeks what has been driven away.1

From Dust to Dust

16 Moreover, jI saw under the sun that in the place of justice, evenkthere was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness. 17 I said in my heart, lGod will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is ma time for every matter and for every work. 18 I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but nbeasts. 19 oFor what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity.2 20 All go to one place. All are from pthe dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows whether qthe spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth? 22 So I saw that there is rnothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for sthat is his lot. Who can bring him to see twhat will be after him?

I need not focus nor fool myself that I have control over my future.  It is in God's hands; thus, keep it simple: being a witness for Christ is the ultimate calling.  And this can be done in whatever you do.

Transitioning

It's been a little over a month here...wow, only a month.  I feel as though I've been here for years.

Over lunch with a coworker we discussed a lot of things, and we ended up coming to this: that it doesn't matter whether you are in the most desolate town or the the largest metropolitan city...what matters are the people in your life.  The people in your life make the city.  They make home, home.

That being said, D.C. is slowly transitioning from city of pure adventure to city of comforts and adventure.  For my own memory's sake, I'll be listing a few of my favorite things over the past month here:

1) Running to the Lincoln Memorial and standing in awe before the reflecting pool and the World War 2 Memorial...and asking myself, am I really here?
2) Biking to work in the morning and passing by The Hill
3) Boxing sessions in a run-down garage (injured my hand last week so I'll be off for a few weeks)
4) Finding a Texas BBQ grill 1/2 mile from my place, and bonding with a young couple from my church community group
5) Finding a church to call home and a community group I connect with on a weekly basis in the Dupont Circle Area
6) Washington Nationals ballpark
7) 4th of July fireworks in D.C>
8) Running along the Ptomic River on Saturday morning
9) Happy hours and enjoying burger+beers with coworkers
10) Dinner + lecture from a think tank
11) Jazz every Friday in the sculpture garden
12) the atrium in the National Portrait Gallery (my favorite place in D.C.)
13) Eating crabs from Maryland at a friend's house
14) and of course the hurricane of work that awaits me every day


Well, D.C. is quite the town, and it's been great.

But I do miss family, friends, and everyone who knows me before I became Jason Lee, United States Navy.

And I miss my other half, Ms. Kim.

Going to a beach camping trip tomorrow morning, so time to get some rest.

Just as we went over last week in community group, Philippians 4: 2-13.

New Home

So, life continues and I'm now a resident of Washington, D.C.

This place is quite surreal as I am minutes away from a street lined with embassies, the gathering place for congressional representatives, the home of the president, and countless breathtaking memorials.  The city is being developed quickly as you cannot walk one block without seeing a new luxury apartment/condo building being built.  And talk about culture!  People from around the world are gathered here and work at headquarters ranging from National Geographic to the Teamsters.  In the middle of it all are residents scraping by a living and many depending on welfare.  I guess it's a given in big cities.  But it makes you ponder possible solutions or circumstances that could improve the situations of the despondent.

I can see myself falling in love with this city, with the Metro system connected to almost every part of the city and the city wide programs of sharing bicycles and cars (just signed up for both programs).

On a tangent, my girlfriend recently made me think about the people in my life and how I've met my friends.  Sarah seeks deep relationships, and I later reflected on the relationships in my life and how most of them were not planned at all.  Of those I am closest to, none of them were people I met on the first day and said to myself...I will be good friends with them.  By God's providence, he's placed people in my life who I hold dear...and not by my own planning.

It comes down to holding firmly to your integrity.

Bring it on D.C.!

My time in Newport coming to an end.

Well, one month to go until I move on from Newport.

I've called this place home for the past 9 months, and have been molded and refined out here.  Newport will always hold a special place in my heart as it saw me through a transformation from civilian to officer, as well as meeting the love of my life.

This entry is for myself to recall the various memories I've had while here:

-Officer Candidate School...Marine Corps trained, Navy owned.
-Boston Thanksgiving trip
-Living in downtown Newport
-New York City New Years trip
-First Christmas by myself
-USS Constitution
-Sam Adam Brewery
-D.C. interviews, exploration
-Empire Tea
-The Deli #3 pastrami
-Pour Judgement
-Fastnet Pub Fish & Chips to-go window
-Corner Cafe
-International Pocket Cafe after every test
-Orange Leaf
-Perro Salado
-Mizu
-Newport Tokyo House
-Anthony's Seafood
-running to the Cliff
-Two Swords jiu-jitsu
-Evangelical Friends Church
-Officer's Club
-Sewall Inn
-Nemo Blizzard
-Shoveling snow
-Negative temperatures
-Smartphone
-Kios Chinese food
-Tattoo
-Supply Ball at Ocean Cliff
-Deer burgers
-IM basketball
-Coffee Mess duties

Beautiful Progression

 Stopping before I began the cliff walk...

  Beautiful...

  Thought it would be cool to run on the train tracks since the train is shut down for a week.

  Stopping by my favorite eatery in Newport..the Deli and the #3 pastrami

Well, Happy New Year Jason and whoever else reads this!

During church service today my mind started to wander (yes, that happens a lot), and I began to reflect on my progression and how grateful I am to God.

Immediately after college, I was a scared young man not knowing what was ahead and with others telling me that I had great potential and are not worried about me.  Little did they know that I worried every day...for my future family, job satisfaction, my happiness and satisfaction.

From immediately after to college to now, God has been gracious in his work in me.  And it's not because of any skill or intellect I have, but his providence and grace.

"Commit your work to The Lord and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16

I remember going through the  book  of Phillipians for sermon training with brothers at Community Christian Alliance Church (in Northridge), and two things really stuck with me.  First, in chapter 2 regarding not grumbling or complaining.  Secondly, in chapter 4 regarding Paul learning to be satisfied in Christ and knowing how to abound or have little.  Imagine, being satisfied in Christ in abundance or with little...more so on abundance since that is when I begin to have thoughts of being self-sustainable.

Well, fast forward to today, I am very thankful to be in a profession in my youth that trains me to serve my country as well as for future work in God's kingdom here on earth.  Thankful for great friends, family, and church.  Also for meeting an amazing girl who I might be able to partner with in life and ministry.

Something I was also reminded of today and was rebuked by.  Looking back, I could have been a much better religious body for my company at OCS, as I was put in a position of leadership for a reason.  I am sorry for not hosting additional bible studies or even prayer in the evenings with my shipmates, especially in a time of extreme stress.  Regardless, God is the one who changes and impacts hearts...I am a mere servant.  I will be the first to admit that I am a sinful being and have many faults.  To God be the glory forever and ever.

Psalms 23.

What? A tattoo??

The title of this post is not misleading...and yes, I now have a tattoo.

The back story to this tattoo goes like this....

In college I was very close to getting a tattoo of the letters I and V on my rib cage with a man kneeling before another.  The idea behind this was that I wanted to remind myself to stay attached to your IV (Integrity, Vitality) and to be a man looking to serve others.  I'll be first to admit that this isn't always the case as I fall all the time; however, I wanted it to be a daily reminder of what to pursue.  However, I didn't want to spend hundreds, so I ended up not getting it.

Fast forward to this month...

A friend of mine and I began to discuss possibilities for tattoos and how he had always wanted a tattoo.  I ended up recommending him to get a sheep dog (another story related to officer candidate school).  This led to the idea of a tattoo come alive again in my mind.  Well one thing led to another and I ended up getting a Rickson Gracie jiujitsu triangle with Psalm 23 on top of it.

The triangle:
Jiujitsu has taught  and continually reminds me on the importance to lose gracefully, win humbly, and the balance of attack, defense, and position.  I look forward to a future working in the art, and to improve not only in use of my mind and body as a unit, but as a person.
Psalm 23 is a chapter I repeat to myself every morning when I wake up and before I go to sleep.  The Lord is my shepherd and my peace, confidence, and whole-being comes from my identitiy in him.

I hope that this tattoo will not only be a daily reminder to me of my foundation, but also a starting point on which to discuss with others what is the source of my vitality, and ultimately the gospel.

Thank you God for my health, family and friends, opportunity to serve my country, and to taste the grace that you have revealed to me.  Praise God now and forever more.

Productivity

Productivity.  In my case, I pursue it, yet it is always out of my grasp.  Every day is inundated with task upon task, and you learn to enjoy any minute of relaxation you can find.  After a long day of classes, tests, etc, I got to relax at a local jiu-jitsu gym in the evening.  I love the physical exhaustion that results from a rolling session, but that is besides the point.  The title to this post is productivity, but I will stray away and began to recap 2012 as the month of December is upon us.

2012:

-GMAT
-UCLA Hospital Accounting job
-Brazillian Jiu-jitsu
-Tapestry-->Now, the House
-OCS
-NSCS

Man, what a year.  I seem to say this about every year, but I can honestly say this year was a year to remember.  First, finding a church I really loved and wanted to serve...and then being called away to Rhode Island for training.  Beginning a new lifestyle, and developing new friendships.  6 months from now, I could be anywbere....nothing is really cemented for 2013.  As I pour myself into my pursuits, I can only say one thing: Psalms 23.  I have it written across my room wall, and I recite it every morning...it is my life theme.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me.  Your rod and your staff they comfort me.  You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever."

This post may be convoluted and without good structure; however, I end this with a desire to become more consistent in my daily devotions and dependence on Christ.

Desires for the new year:
1) finish some writing projects I'm working on
2) compete in a jiujitsu tournament
3) play the harmonica confidently
4) get out to sea

The Lord is my shepherd.

New Life

It is approaching my one month mark of living as an Ensign in the United States Navy.

First, I want to make known my appreciation for all my brothers and sisters serving and fighting for the freedoms that we as Americans enjoy.  Much blessings and prayers go out to you shipmates.

I am now completing my second week here at Naval Supply School, and have enjoyed it thoroughly.  Admittedly, there are many times I am lost and overwhelmed by the influx (or should I say hurricane) of new information, supply systems, etc etc.  In addition, I am attempting to become more proficient in Naval History by way of reading historical materials.  If you should ever choose to join the Navy, be aware that it's all-in, or don't do it.  Almost everything I do now is about the Navy.  It's a blessing as I can see how everything I read, see, and talk about, I consciously reflect on how it is impacting my ability to lead sailors and become a better Naval Officer.  And I do this gladly.  I don't know many careers where this would happen.  I definitely understand now the talks from my drill instructor and chief petty officer on how being a Naval Officer is a 24/7 job.  It eventually becomes the very essence of your speech and thoughts.  It's kind of hard to explain it.  Let's just say I spend almost every waking moment with other Naval Officers.

On a side note, I've been trying to explore Newport in my spare moments, and have found some amazing sports bars, restaurants, tourist sites, cafes, and most importantly, a church and jiujitsu gym.  I've only been to the church once, but I really liked the sermon last week.  As for the jiujitsu gym, it has a connection to the Machado brothers and is led by a former Navy SEAL, so I am excited.  Well, I'm going to go back to reviewing a 2,000 page navy publication to try to get used to classes...

I'm definitely getting older...I sleep by 2230 every day, and wake up...early.

Thoughts of the day:
1) God must be number one in your life
2) Treat everyone with respect
3) Never underestimate the eating ability of 20 young officers, and always come to class equipped with at least two boxes of cookies.

Commissioning

And so, one day after my commissioning as a Naval Officer, I am trying to process what happened in the past 12 weeks.

Today was the first day I put on a regular pair of pants with a shirt, slept under my sheets, walked around with nobody watching me, and not really stressing about anything.

So the inevitable question awaits me...what was it like?

To be curt, it was hard.  

That first week was probably the most difficult week in my life.  The combination of mental, physical, and spiritual stimuli led me to question my motivations, pursuits, and perceptions of the world around me.  

The following weeks ushered forth new medleys of stresses; including academic classes (engineering, navigation, naval seamanship, naval history, etc), drill, billets, physical training, inspections, and more.  

Spending every moment for 8 weeks with the same 27 people brought it's own set of incredibly joyful moments as well as moments of frustration.  

First impressions matter, but in our case...ending impressions mattered the most.  People I disliked in the beginning I grew to like....I was reminded of the need to reserve assumptions for inconsequential situations.  

Started with 45, ended with 27 (after some roll-ins).  What an amazing journey.  Now we are off to different parts of the globe.  Japan, Bahrain, Florida, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Virginia, San Diego, and New York are only a few of the places we are all headed to.

The moments of desperation always ended with laughter, and for that I am thankful.  Let us never forget the sweat and tears we shared on Prichard Field, the track, in the pway before RLP, rose garden, suya, and cookie jar.  The smiles at Hi-Moms and our firm handshakes and mutual respect as we swore in together as Naval Officers.  

Class 02-13 Golf Company will always hold a special place in my heart.  Despite all the suck, it was well worth it.  Would I do it all over again?  First, I would cry.  But there is no doubt I would do it again if I had to in order to be commissioned as an officer.

All praise and glory goes to God for comforting me in dire moments and surrounding me with the right people.  But most importantly, saving me from my sin so that I may join him in heaven.

Quick Update

Today is Friday, Week 6.

Days here are like weeks, and weeks are like days.  Basically, days go by very slowly, but the weeks pass quickly.

Life after 4th week has improved exponentially, with showers at will, access to email, blousing of boots, academic classes, etc etc.

Indoctrination week was the most difficult and stressful week I've ever had in my life.

Notes:

-Chow hall highlights: peanut butter (w/ apples, cucumbers, bananas, etc), yogurt (w/ everything).

-The sand pits suck.  really suck.  There have been times when I thought I was dying..literally.

-There have been many times in the beginning when I felt like my body was shutting down.

-You get used to living on 4 hours sleep.

-Always be ballistic.  Except when speaking to an officer.

-I wear a glow belt 24/7...even to sleep.

-Walking by the dessert section every day torments me.

-I really suck at hand eye coordination activities without being able to practice beforehand.  (i.e. sword manual)

-Every day provides excellent and hilarious stories.  Especially when we get beat.  Everyone hates everyone while getting beat, but we all enjoy recapping afterwards.

Gotta go now...time to lock on again.

dream day

I feel like I'm in a dream.

Flying from Los Angeles to Dulles to Providence.  O the irony.  I ended up in providence haha.

Looking out the window of my taxi as I drove into Newport, I became so excited to see the concrete sign, US NAVY NEWPORT , but also scared that I would wake up and this wouldn't be real.  What the heck am I doing in Rhode Island?  This is a surreal reality for me right now.  Talks of what jets you want to fly, where in the world you will be stationed, and of course the ridiculous stories I've been hearing.  I feel as though I've joined a fraternity, with all my fellow servicemen and women being my brothers and sisters.  For our last dinner, we ordered some Dominoes and enjoyed some pepperoni pizza in the hotel lobby while finding out a little about each other.  It's a strange feeling.  The calm before the storm that is to come tomorrow.  Sitting in my hotel room with seagulls right outside my window and the smell of the ocean filtering in, I keep telling myself...game time.

I have been blown away and feel undeserving of the love I have been shown the past few weeks by family, church, friends, and colleagues.  It finally hit me last night during my final dinner with family.  As we clanged our wine glasses together, I started to cry.  Mind you, I haven't been really emotional during the entire goodbye process, but it all caught up to me.  I would no longer be living life on a day to day level with so many who I care so much about...my only response was to cry.  After excusing myself from the dinner table because it was "too hot," I went to my bathroom to turn on the sink and let the tears flow.  Putting myself together, I returned to the table and enjoyed a wonderful final meal.

God has blessed me beyond measure, and tomorrow I will begin quite possibly the most difficult 3 months of my life.

Psalms 23.

The Weight of Departure

I have begun to realize the weight of my approaching departure.  Not the weight on others, but the weight on me.  Although I am thrilled and excited for what is to come, I will deeply miss what I am leaving, even if it is only for a few years.

I cannot assume that once I come back my existing relationships will be the same.  People develop, change, and enter new stages in their life.  It is certain that I will also not be the same man that left.

My parents will age, friends will get married, and new beginnings will arise for many of those whom I am close to.  It deeply saddens me that I will miss many moments and developments in the lives of those who I care significantly about.  I visualize it perfectly through the children I teach in Sunday School.  The five-year olds will be ten years old, and the twelve year olds will be on the brink of graduating high school.  

Hopeful, I wish for things to pick up exactly as I had left things...but that will not be the case.  

I am and will always be grateful for the blessings God has provided through the amazing people in my life.  But gratefulness doesn't make it any easier to leave.

Taking an oath

On my way...

"I, Jason Lee, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States...{insert rest of oath}.  So help me God."

It all happened so quickly.  Taking my oath of enlistment, signing the documents, and learning when to report to Rhode Island.  Best way to describe the turn of events would be: whirlwind.

I am ecstatic.  For something to come to fruition after years of waiting, overcoming obstacles, and self-development...it's hard to articulate what feelings I am feeling.  When it comes time for action, you act. When it comes time to reflect, you reflect.  Although I am attempting to reflect, I'm still in action mode.

All I can say is that I'm thrilled to be given an opportunity to join the fleet, and will serve my country to the best of my abilities and aptitude.

At this point I must give thanks to my family and friends who have supported me along the way.  And a special thanks to my buds who came to witness me swearing in.

And the ultimate thank you to my lord and savior Jesus Christ.  My life is a testament to the sovereignty of God at work, and I am beyond blessed to accept the grace of God in my life.  I am no better than anyone.  Just a very fortunate man.

The love of a dog

I should be finishing up some accounting homework, but I felt it was necessary to blog about my family's new dog.  

Honestly, it never entered my mind that my family would be getting a dog.  With me potentially shipping out soon, classes, ministry, and work, I just didn't think I would have time to care for a dog.

For those of you who don't know, I like to make sure most Sundays are spent at home after church.  I believe in making it an official family tradition to spend time together intentionally on Sunday.  Well, last Sunday I came home expecting to take my usual walk in the park with my parents.  Instead, my parents told me they would be going to their friend's house for dinner (yup, my parents were the ones who left me to go hang out this time).  They ended up coming home with a super sweet Cocker Spaniel.  My intial reaction: what the?  We better find a good home for this dog because I'm definitely not going to have the time to take care of him!  

Boy, was I mistaken.  Cocoa is now a part of our family and I try to spend any free time I have with him.  We go on evening strolls around the neighborhood, star gaze at night, and play catch in the backyard.  When I sit in my lounge chair outside, he either jumps into the chair next to me, or just sits at my feet. Driving to work on Monday morning, I couldn't concentrate because I kept thinking about Cocoa and what he would be doing right now.  I ended up driving past my usual carpool meet-up spot and going through downtown.  I realized what I had done, and drove quickly back to the carpool spot and apologized when my carpool partner came into my car.  

Cocoa was a very unexpected new relationship in my life.  He makes me wonder if I'll be the same way with my children (wanting to go home as soon as possible).  He's strangely super excited every time he sees me.  Truly, an unquenchable love.  He doesn't really care if I don't dote on him; he just wants me to be near him and spend time together.  Even stranger is that he shares this type of relationship with everyone he meets.  What an amazing animal!  I could learn a lot from Cocoa.  We could all learn a lot from Cocoa.