Stealing from an old Lady

I feel like I just robbed a bank, or a yarn store, more appropriately. After a pretty terrible 2 days, the weekend outlook is brightening, thanks to a lady who loved to knit, craft, and create. Details of my crappy days are not important to this story; this is a story of unexpected gifts.

In the midst of a pathetic and undeserved pity party for myself, I thanked God for my friend who gave me extra napkins at lunch (because soup after a load of Novocaine is just a bad idea) and only laughed a little. Is the root of the word and main ingredients of Novocaine related to cocaine? Because I don't see why anyone would EVER do cocaine if they had been to the dentist. She also taught me how to "M1R" and "M1L" (insert knitter gang sign here ____) and then assured me that although "St st" did not, in fact, mean "Stuper Stitch" I could call it that if I wanted to.

At the end of the party, Rosa jumped on my face and poked me in the eye with her wet nose so I thanked her, too. "Get over it," she says. "Let's play. Meow." So, before I could sit down to type, we had to play Rosa's throw-the-toys-and-I'll-chase-them-but-won't-bring-them-back game, which might be more fun for her.

This morning I was gifted with a man who asked me to watch his computer while he went to the bathroom. The end. Just kidding. We chatted and I was able to share with him some experiences from Korea and the mission trips in Boracay and Bangalore. A photographer recently interviewed on NPR described photo opportunities falling into her lap as "gifts from God" and I felt the same way about this man. A special conversation in an ordinary setting and crappy week. Thanks.

I was starving for perspective this week, and as it turns out, I did not get it. However, I did get a box from a garage sale. Craigslist has never failed me, and the promise of "knitting and crocheting items" sounded like a good idea. A box of yarn stuffs, a ton of needles, and packet of 1985 knitting patterns later, my soul felt mended. The woman who's crafting empire I was taking over had died earlier this year. Her nephew was selling her life in increments of $1 and 75cents stickers. Proudly hauling my box out of the sale, I asked her name; "Avis," he said. "Hmm, ok, I'll think of her when I knit."

So thank you, Avis for your passion for creating pieces of love for your family. Thanks for keeping some of it for me, too.

Minnesota Pride, sort of

I guess I'm a Minnesotan. Or am I? Do I really have to claim a state? My driver's license says I'm a resident of the Land of 10,000 Lakes. My birth certificate says I was born here. I drive around a vehicle that has a Minnesota license plate. Ew.

Despite the relief of coming home to a place that smells likes Christmas rather than trash, it has been harder to embrace my new home than I imagined. Some people in my new neighborhood could use a lesson in manners and a time-out..."Don't even think about coming out of your room until you have picked up all of the trash you threw in my yard and you have something to say that doesn't involve the f-bomb." I feel the same way about some people in this country, but that is for another blog.

As I'm getting ready to move into this place, to be someone's wife, to really dig in the ground and plant some roots, there are things that I am beginning to appreciate; my new neighbor, Mike, always stops to ask about wedding plans and our bike rides, give me advice about living in an urban area, and always accepts our invitations for some beer and conversation. My friends are making it easier too; Emily from high school has quietly forced me into some new knitting projects, and Emily from college helps me dream about home improvements. My newest Emily in Korea sends emails and facebook messages to let me know she misses me. And MY Emily, related by blood, had her first day of school last week. She can tell me all about it in person in one month, when she walks down the aisle as the flower girl at our wedding. (The 'in-person' part is the most exciting for me.)

This summer contained birth, death, marriage, and divorce. Some of these things are by choice, others are not. I choose to be a part of this neighborhood, to plant flowers and my heart in this state. It will take some patience (like when I have to explain to a nice lady that Korea, is in fact, a developed country and comfortable to live in) but I am committed. Watch out North Minneapolis, Meredith Bird chooses to love you.

Levi, the smallest and newest nugget

Brandon's bride

Nuggets

The oldest nugget