7 things in (almost) 7 days

Ever look back at your week and feel like nothing really significant happened, and yet so much happened? That's me, if not on a regular basis, then for sure this past week. It's easy in our fast paced world to see only the busyness before us or the craziness behind us, not recognizing the significance of the moments past or ahead. So often I am baffled by how much I feel I've been through and how much I've grown, yet not being able to verbalize all the things I have learned.

Initially when I looked back at the past week I thought, "eh, nothing really happened." And then all of the sudden my mind drug up, one by one, all the significant and insignificant moments that made my week into one worth remembering. One day I'll probably look back at the week and think only of one or two significant things, but right now when I think of this past week it feels like a perfect snapshot of life at its current stage.

And with that, here are seven things that happened in (almost) the last seven days and the thoughts that came with them. Not that I think they are all great or that you (whoever you may or may not be) care, but to me these things felt worth writing, even if just for myself as I process through them.

Thing 1: I drove to Barstow (yes, Barstow) and went to the drive-in for the first time. 

In all my years, travels and adventures, somehow I never made it as far as the drive-in. After 2 weeks of being held up hostage in my apartment with a cold, and an insane 2 weeks of back-to-back camps for my roommate/friend/travel buddy, we were both itching for adventure. With little money to spare and only a few hours to fill, we came across 2 things, one right after the other, that turned out to be one of the highlights of my summer. First we went to Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch where we explored the eclectic mind of a sentimental artist who turned out to be just the sweetest, friendliest old man (worthy of a post in itself). Then, after a trip to the local grocery store where we purchased the fixings of a picnic dinner, we ventured to the Barstow Drive-In where we sat, ate m&m's, propped our feet out the windows while laughing, chatting and occasionally letting the outdoor air, twinkling stars and bolts of lightening catch our wandering eyes. As I sat, feet propped out the window I asked my roommate/friend/travel buddy, "do you ever end up somewhere and wonder how the heck you got there?" Well, that was me and this was exactly one of those days. And it was perfect.

Thing 2: I ate macaroons from the frozen section of Trader Joe's. 

It may not sound all that thrilling, but when you have the itch to travel, even the smallest things and slightest flavors have a way of transporting you to another land, and for a heck of a lot cheaper than a plane ticket. I've had this crazy urge to travel lately (more than normal anyways, which is already significant). With a tight budget and plenty of unexpected bills lately I can't imagine how to pull of a trip in the near future, but until that day does come, I will eat macaroons, watch movies about France, read books about Berlin and ask friends, "if you could be anywhere in the worlds right now, where would you be and what would you be doing?" (all of which I have done recently). I may be practical, but I can still be a dreamer.

Thing 3: I danced in the living room, by myself, twice. And I liked it. 

Sometimes you just need to let loose, be silly, and laugh at yourself. This is the perfect way to do just that, and if you can find a few minutes with the house to yourself, I strongly encourage you to try this.

Thing 4: I turned down the opportunity to go to Kenya. 

*Gasp!* I know I know. Why would I turn down the opportunity to go to Kenya when I've already admitted having the travel bug? Well, the truth is, I don't really know why. It was definitely not an easy decision, but one I put a lot of thought and prayer into. My rational reasons include finances and, well, mostly finances. The other part of me just had a gut feeling it wasn't the right timing. As in, YES--go, BUT not right now. I'm choosing to be OK with this answer, trusting there is a reason why and at some point it will make sense. I can't say I am totally happy with my answer, although I am confident I made the right decision. I also can't say I'm not struggling with a bout of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). Insert sad face.

Thing 5: I spent a LOT of money on my car. 

This summer alone I've probably spent at least $1500 on my car. As you can imagine, I don't exactly have that kind of money lying around in the form of spare change around my house, nor do I have a secret sugar daddy to spot the bill. As the expenses first began to arise I was feeling OK. I was being responsible to take care of my car and would make the necessary payments to pay off the debt it took to make the repairs. And then something else came up. And then something else. And then something else. SERIOUSLY?? At this point I've dropped two month's worth of rent on my car and have almost another month's rent left to go. Sorry...I'm venting apparently. Point being, I've spent a lot of money that I don't have and it's actually made me start questioning why I am in ministry and making absolutely no money.  I realize now this is probably exactly what Satan wants me to think, so I have good reason to keep fighting the good fight, trusting God will somehow provide. I'm scared. I am worried I won't ever be able to pay it off nor get "ahead." But in this moment I am choosing to trust. Eventually the truth with sink in...right?

Thing 6: I went to a conference. 

I went to a conference for work and it made me think and question a lot of things in my life. What do I need to let go of in life? How should I be structuring my life in order to have a healthy and balanced life? What new things am I being called to? What is God trying to show me right now? Sure, these are always questions I have, but some of them started to sink in a little more deeply. Like, maybe I should actually pursue the answers to these questions. This one is definitely a TBD...

Thing 7: I forgot to bring a promised dish to a potluck. 

I went to a potluck this morning and previously replied to a group Evite that I would bring dessert. As I picked up a friend and she hopped in the car she asked, "aren't you bringing something to the party?" to which I immediately replied with curse words and burying my head in my hands out of shame and frustration. Then I had two options of what to do. The old me would have freaked out, stopped at the grocery store or closest place to get a semi-nice/presentable dessert, buy a platter to put it on, and spend money I don't have to cover my failure. Instead, the new me texted the hostess, kindly apologized and let her know I forgot the dessert, and asked if it was worth me stopping to pick something up on the way. Thankfully she replied graciously and said not to worry about picking anything up on the way, that we would have enough food without my addition, or lack thereof. CRISIS AVERTED. See? Look how far I have come in 26 and a half years. *Pats self on back* "Way to go, Allison. Way to go."

There you have it. 7 things in almost 7 days. So much from an otherwise uneventful week in my life.

What happened in the last seven days of YOUR life?