Wrapping Up Grad School And Listening To Podcasts

Posted on December 23, 2018 by Coco

It’s hard to believe that 23 months ago we drove through a southern snowstorm to take my son to Clemson to start his graduate school career. This week, it was pouring rain when we packed up his apartment to bring him home, Master’s Degree in Mathematics in hand. On our first drive to Clemson we listened to the Hamilton soundtrack I had downloaded from Amazon Prime Music; this time we listened to compelling podcasts. I’m not sure I could have coped with so much driving over three days without such good entertainment.

Wrapping Up Grad SchoolWe are so proud of our boy genius! 😉

Thursday was quite a day. We picked up the UHaul at 9:00 am, packed and loaded it until noon, quickly changed for the 1:30 graduation ceremony, enjoyed that for 2 hours, and then finished packing and loading just in time to change again for our celebratory dinner reservations. Phew!

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Stopping For Death

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Coco

It’s a dramatic title for a weekly wrap post, but it’s what I did this week. My uncle passed away on December 6, and I rearranged a few holiday plans and stepped away from my year-end in-box to attend his funeral.

stopping for death

All the while, this verse from Emily Dickinson’s poem was running through my head. I don’t stop for much, but I guess I do stop for death to pay my respects and spend time with loved ones.

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2018 Jingle All The Way 15K Race Recap

Posted on December 9, 2018 by Coco

Today I ran the Jingle All The Way 15k for the second time. I was less prepared this year than last in several ways–including forgetting that the 15k starts at 8:30 even though all the race information emphasizes the 8:00 am start time for the 5k. That cold wait aside, it was a great race.

I did not wear the festive race hat, but I think it’s a cute idea!

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You’re Perfect For The Job

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Coco

There’s a nonprofit organization in the D.C. area–Melwood–that provides job training and employment opportunities for people of “differing” abilities.  They run commercials with the theme “I’m Perfect For The Job.” They are a moving reminder that everyone has something to offer, even if they don’t fit our preconceptions of the “perfect” job candidate.

Perfect for the job
But the message goes further than that. Not only are these people capable of doing the job, they are perfect for the job. Hiring them wouldn’t require you to compromise your standards. They will meet your expectations and make valuable contributions to your workplace.

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Posted in My Faith | 7 Comments

Getting Ready For Christmas

Posted on December 2, 2018 by Coco

All the stores wanted us to start getting ready for Christmas last weekend, but today is the first day of Advent, when we start getting ready for Christmas at church and in our spiritual lives. For most Christians, Advent has a dual meaning: we remember the first Christmas when Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds rejoiced at the birth of Christ, while we also await and prepare for Jesus’ promised return.

getting ready for christmas tree

I try to observe Advent with a focus on “the reason for the season”–sharing the love, hope, and joy that comes from knowing God is with us.

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Posted in Fitness, Life | Tagged , , | 27 Comments