Workaday World

It is crazy how much I look forward to the weekend in this season of my life.

In college, even when I was not in class and had a moment to enjoy myself, I was never truly free to enjoy the weekend. I could not escape the subconscious thoughts of what I should be doing instead of hanging out with friends, taking a nap, going to a show, etc.

Fridays are the best days of the week in the office. There is an energy in the Loop. A man selling newspapers on the corner of where I work always yells "HAPPY FRIDAY" at the top of his lungs. He's voicing what we're all so, sooo thankful for.

I miss being in school 4 days of the week, Mon-Thur. But on Friday I question whether I really want to go back for my MA. Those 4 days out of the week that I get restless I remind myself of all of the perks I get to enjoy here and now. One of the best is not taking my work home with me at night and being free to fully enjoy my weekends!

So, wherever you are and whatever you have planned, have a lovely weekend!!

Taxes, films and getting locked out

It's been a little while.

Here are some random nothings, thought and facts about my life of late:

Saw a Swedish film that I highly recommend called Everlasting Moments. Seriously, the main character in this film (based on a true story) is incredible. Her quiet strength and determination amazed me. Please, do yourself a favor, skip He's Just Not That Into You and see this gem. (And if you're the type to think in terms of black and white, and happy vs. sad, take a friend with you and grab coffee afterward to process). P.s. don't watch the preview for this movie - It's far too "americanized" and twists the movie into something it is not at all while giving away a lot of key moments in the movie. Take my word for it that you should see it. But if that's not enough check out this synopsis.

Did my taxes allllll by myself for the very first time. I use "alllll by myself" very loosely here. My dad was just a phone call away. He picked up the phone 3 times before it was all said and done (thanks Pops!). I think that e-filing is amazing! It's free and you get the cash in your bank account in just one week! My ING direct account is loving me today.

Went on a run in my neighborhood and discovered parts of it I did not know existed. I found the most beautiful park and running path, just 1/2 mile from my doorstep. Who knew?

So thankful for the hint of spring. The degrees are attempting to increase, but sometimes Chicago winter is stubborn, and insists on having her way. This morning the sun was out. I cannot even tell you the world of good it did me!

Rachel and I graced the Golden Nugget the other night. A classic, I say. We went to see the long awaited (6 months, no kidding, is how long we've been anticipating) Sunshine Cleaning. I did like it. Who can't like Amy Adams? I can't say it lived up to the level of my expectation, but that's not fair seeing as how much time my expectations had to grow.

When Rachel and I got back to my place from the movie, surprise surprise, I forgot my keys. One roomie in NYC, the other roomie babysitting, we were stranded. We walked to Starbucks, just closed. We walked to a restaurant, closed. We walked to the Logan Square bar- open, but we decided we'd been more comfortable freezing on the sidewalk, than fitting in with the Friday night party crowd. It was Blockbuster for us. Laughing at lame-o movie titles til Mal came home and rescued us.

Made several invitations to an upcoming bridal shower. My friends are getting married, and that makes the world seem right. It started my sophomore year of college when my first close friend got engaged. It's been a slew of weddings since. The next batch of friends are engaged, so I feel at "home" talking weddings with them and helping with the planning.

Watched an amazing movie from 1984 the other night. Girls Just Want to Have Fun! This classic has Helen Hunt (not to be confused with Helen Keller) and Sarah Jessica Parker as high school students trying to land a spot on Dance TV! Think Hairspray mixed with Dirty Dancing and add all the 80's hair, makeup and leotards you can imagine and you have a pretty good idea of what this movie is like. Masterpiece!

Work has been crazy busy. The last few weeks have been more stressful than most. Unfortunately, I even dream about work at night. Yes, at 3:30 I wake up panicking about investments, original signatures, me losing documents, etc. I definitely need a plan to leave those cares behind when it's time for the Zzzz's.

Thrilled that Indelible Grace came out with a new CD! Thank you Sandra, Derek and friends! It has been my soundtrack since last night (along with Bon Iver's new EP and Denison Witmer's new album). Confession: I would be lying if I did not admit to the 3 R&B songs I downloaded too - This is really going to hurt my image :)

Side note - anyone heard the new Decemberists album? Worth buying?

Still just getting used to being a "grown up". Enough said.

Still LOVING the class I am auditing. Getting more and more serious about grad school too! Starting to take all those necessary steps to move forward in that direction. Slow going, but it will all happen in time.

Here is a thought - My prof said this the other night and it really put words to beliefs I already have. Don't you love it when someone is able to articulate that which you have been internalizing. She said (more profoundly than this) that the difficulties, disappointments, pain in our lives often stir up themes in our life that need to be resolved. What a gift that is. God uses the pain in my life to stir up themes that need to be resolved. Maybe this is so profound to me because it is so true for different pains in my life right now. Circumstances that I could not decide why I was bothered by them. Vague? Yes. Wanna know more? Call me. Glad to share.

God bless Sunday! It was 57 degrees and sunny! Thank God for giving warmth on a weekend. Church was wonderful. I am loving where I am at and am so encouraged. Was able to have lunch with dear Sarah Bear. Just enjoyed walking around. Why take the bus when it's so beautiful?? Also pulled out my bike (who still needs a good name) for the first time in 2009. Yes, and all was well with the world.

Had some friends over for dinner one night. I am always discovering my love of cooking. It never ceases to amaze me how much I love it and how much joy I get in cooking for others. Like food? Live in Chicago? Wanna come over for dinner?! I'll gladly cook for you.

OH! Found out that one of my first friends at MBI works one block from me downtown! What are the odds?! Dan Albright from the best brother floor in the whole world (Culby 18, who else?!) and I met for lunch last week. Crazy how when I am around friends I've known since freshman year all I can think is how "grown up" they are. I totally sound like a mom, yes! But, I can't help it. It's amazing the transformation you go through in just 4 years of undergrad - and then some on the other side.

The first day of warmth and relief I was struck by something simple. Isn't it amazing how sometimes the simplest of things impact us so profoundly. I was thinking about winter and how cold and harsh and bitter and painful it can be. But also about how it does not last forever. The spring does come (it has to). I was comparing that to painful seasons in my life. Times of disappointment, loss, apathy, loneliness, fill-in-the-blank. Those seasons do not last forever. The Lord sustains us through those times and shows us so much of Himself. But I am also so thankful that the spring does come! The Lord also allows us seasons of refreshment, joy, restoration, beauty, relationship, etc. Maybe because I am exposed to weather everyday in my comings and goings is why I think/talk so much about it and use it metaphorically - I refuse to accept it's because I am old and boring and have nothing else to talk about :)

I started reading the Secret Life of Bees. I am a fan of reading books before seeing the movie. I am enjoying it so far (about halfway done). Definitely a much easier read than the last 3 I tackled. Thankful for fiction and that I have the time to enjoy it. I think that I am going to venture to Steinbeck's East of Eden next... Thoughts? Also, if anyone has any recommendations for a good sociological study, I would appreciate that as well. And if any of you want a recommendation in that genre, read Unhooked by Laura Sessions Stepp (incredible).

OK, til the next urge to blaaaah-g comes upon me... As Rosie Thomas would say. Keep doing what you're doing. You're great. Even if you feel like you have no idea what you're doing or you don't know if where you are is where you're supposed to be - you're just where you need to be. Be encouraged, you're going to make it and be great! I know it!

Love love!!

Trader Joes, I thank you!!

It's the little things in life.

Last night I went to Trader Joe's (i love that place!!).

They were so nice to create something just for me. Seriously, I know that they had my name on the brainstorming board when they came up with this one. Alli McVicar, what could we create that would send her over the top?

I was walking through that blessed place looking for things on my list (I actually made a list this time) when I saw it.

Lights from heaven descended upon the end-cap.
Strings were playing in the background.
It was just me and one item before me.
Trail Mix with Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans!!!
I picked up the bag (there might have been embracing and twirling involved).
Let's just say we had a moment.

Sigh...

I would like to take this moment to publicly thank Trader Joe's and the brilliant people there who made this trail mix possible!!!

oh what a beautiful morning

It only happens in movies, commercials, etc...

Tuesday it happened to me.

It was quite a dreary day so I treated myself to Starbucks on my way to work (instead of making french press at the office).

I was waiting at the bus stop. I normally walk, but this morning I was meeting with a client first thing, so I wanted to get in earlier than usual.

It was taking longer than usual (In the Loop you normally take your pick of the buses lined up to get on during rush hour).

So, I take a few steps forward to the curb to look down the street to see how far away the bus is - a taxi races past - people start shouting expletives at the cab - This is when I realize I have been puddle drenched. Oh yes, puddle drenched. Head to toe covered in dirty street water. Ewww.

Because it's still winter here in the Chi I was covered with my parka, galoshes, and a hat. Nevertheless, everything was soaked. All I could do was laugh and laugh. Oh boy, what a way to start my morning.

At least it made a great anecdote to share with the client.

(Check out what would have happened to the driver in the UK -They take these things pretty seriously. Yikes.)

Lent Lent

This is my first time participating in Lent.

Growing up I am sad to day I did not even know what Lent meant (rhyme). Anything that remotely had to do with what those Catholics was off limits for us evangelicals. Unfortunately, in our reactionary responses we throw out practices, disciplines, and rhythms for things that could greatly enrich our spiritual lives.

In this season of preparation for Resurrection Sunday it is good to remind ourselves of Christ's enormous sacrifice on our behalf. We don't give something up, or fast from something to attain God's favor in this time. Christ has accomplished it all. It is because of His finished work on that cross that we are redeemed and can be in relationship with Him. His favor rests on us not because of our merit, but because of Christ's work.

For me, at least this year, Lent is an opportunity for me to create more space for God. I chose/was led to give up all TV and movies. It has been my habit to watch Gilmore Girls, The Office, Lost or (my newest favorite from the BBC) MI-5. I am the first to say that I don't think there is anything wrong with that, but I am glad to change up my routine. Work can be crazy, busy. Maintaining the relationships I have take time and energy (time and energy well spent!). The weekly commitments I have take up time. The opportunities for alone and quiet I have are usually filled with the noise of my iPod, TV shows on DVDs, etc.

Silence and solitude are absolutely necessary for my relationship with God. It is humbling to be left with only yourself. I am so used to being distracted by a million different things that when I sit and look inward and see myself for what I really am, it unsettles me. Where to hide?

Here He comforts our souls with His words of tenderness and intimacy. Here is where we can hear God's voice gently prodding us to see our brokenness and acknowledge and own how we have sinned out of that brokenness. Here we see where we really are with the Lord. It's not in the doing - when we just be what we be we get a much better picture of where our souls are with God.

I feel like I am constantly re-learning how to be in relationship with God. I want measurable spirituality. I want an A - I want a progress report - I want to chart my improvement. (Sounds a lot like works...) It is challenging to ask myself not what I have done, but who I be. Do I truly long for Christ more each day. Do I have more affection for Him, His people and His Word than I did a month ago? Am I being formed in all parts of my person to the likeness and image of Christ? Are my inner most responses that of Christ?

So many thoughts - so hard to form sentences to give meaning to them. Very much in process, yes. That is definitely a theme of my life currently, and perhaps the rest of my days.

May I leave you with one of my most (recent) favorite quotes?

Discipline in the spiritual life is the concentrated effort to create the space and time where God can become our master and we can respond freely to God's guidance.

Thus, discipline is the creation of boundaries that keep time and space open for God.
Solitude requires discipline,
worship requires discipline,
caring for others requires discipline,.
They all ask us to set apart a time and a place where God's gracious presence can be acknowledged and responded to.

-Henri Nouwen-

Alli Needs

Rachel Monfette told me to type in my first name followed by "needs" into a search engine.
I copied and pasted the first 10 "Alli needs..." that showed up in this search.

1. Alli needs chocolate
2. Alli needs a loving home
3. Alli needs more good farmers to raise corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley, peanuts, cattle, hogs and sheep.
4. Alli needs a nickname
5. Alli needs to buy 12 fish
6. Alli needs a little help from the beauty shop
7. Alli needs some glowsticks
8. Alli needs to wear sunscreen
9. Alli needs a new lawyer
10. All needs to start being investigated by the DA

Come on, you know you want to try it too :)

Mini Vacay!!

I recently had the great privilege of going to visit my sister and her husband in FLORIDA!!! It was something I looked forward to for months, counting the weeks, days and final hours to sunshine!

It decided to snow her in blustery Chicago they day I left. It has snowed everyday that I have flown this year - my luggage has taken quite a beating from the salt as well.

Side note: May I just say that Chicago and I have had to come to terms on this whole winter thing. I told a few close friends back in Oct/Nov that I did not want to become bitter at winter this year. It starts small, but then just consumes you. All my years in the dorms I remember finding it difficult to endure those frigid, gray months. I truly do believe I struggled with acute Seasonal Affective Disorder. This winter has been different. I think the vow to not be at odds with winter and to have a cozy, warm, homey apartment to take refuge in despite the negative zero weather and countless snowfalls. Nothing like a good book, candles lit and coffee in a favorite mug to take comfort in despite the brutal wind. That and having the constant mantra of "spring will come. spring will come. winter can't last forever. one day it will end and spring will be here..." running through my head every step of my commute.

So back to the Florida bliss story. My sister had hoped to come and visit me in Chicago for her b-day. She decided instead of flying here to the windy city in the dead of winter, I should fly to the sunshine state as a gift to her. This clearly worked out in our favor for the both of us.
For the record, even if Amanda lived in Alaska, I would be so thrilled to visit just to see her - but I will admit that her location in a place of sand and sun was the icing on the cake :)

I arrived in Pensacola quite late in the evening. I was consumed in a book the whole way there. A very depressing book, actually - The Unbearable Lightness of Being - (but that's another story). Talked to a guy from some Southern State on the plane. Amazed that we had an entire conversation without him asking me a single question. He was not at all shy to drop all sorts of details about himself, his expensive "toys", his business and his success, however... Sheesh.

Finally I was off the plane and into the arms of my favorite sister!! Who would have thought we would even be half as close as we are now?! I treasure every moment with her, every minute on the phone. I have missed her more than I thought possible. Sometimes I even feel like a part of me is miles away.

I was amazed at how much Amanda went out of her way for me. What a hostess! She filled my room with, yes, candy!! Had everything that I could possibly need, so that I would not have to pack liquids and only bring a carry on. She even found out my favorite blend of coffe (Sumatra, for those of you who were wondering) and had that awaiting me. On the bed she had laid out a sweet white T-Shirt with NAVY spelled out in pink letters. Awww, sweet. I really feel like part of their family now.

The next morning was delightfully low key and relaxed. We took their wonderful dog to the beach to play with a dog of their friends. Franklin was a little too rambunctious for the little bitty lab puppy.

It was so wonderful just to live life alongside my sis and her hub. We made spicy, spicy thai stir fry and a cobbler for guests that night. We got to play some games with some of Amanda and Drew's good friends. So so so much fun. Each of the games required creativity (drawing, making up origins of phrases, more drawing). The evening included so much laughter. So good for the soul, so not a cliche. It did my heart, my whole person so much good to just laugh uncontrollably that whole evening and enjoy the presence of these dear friends who love my sister and Drew so well.

Some of the highlights included going to Destin, trying not to break things in a blown glass store, PF Changs, shopping at an amazing vintage store, another game night with friends and yummy cupcakes, visiting the awesome local artsy coffee shop, and last but not least, Confessions of a Shopaholic. Movies like these are infinitely better with my sister at my side. We made quite a ruckus in one scene because we nearly hyperventalated due to our laughing so hard. To date, funniest scene I have seen in a movie - perhaps it struck a chord because I could so see myself doing the same thing!!

The saddest thing - I did not take a single picture!! I am horrible at actually pulling out my camera and snapping a few. I just love being in the moment and savoring it all I can. The pulling out the camera seems to interrupt that to a degree. This is something I need to improve on, to be sure. Next time... I hope!

Ready to leave? Never. We are trying to come up with a 5 year plan (ever the planner) so that we all end up in the same place at the same time. Our current destination is Denver (Why? I say, why not!! Sun, mountains, beauty, clean air). I hate to picture the rest of my life living so far away and only having weekend visits once or twice a year for the rest of our lives. I just need to figure out grad school, and the rest of my life for that matter, and in 5 years we can all merge in Denver!

Since being in back in Chicago... Mmm, how to say this without sounding whiny? I came back with the flu. Who goes on vacation to the beach and then comes back sick?! Had to go into work everyday because my boss was in Mexico and we still had clients coming in so I needed to meet with them. Then my hard drive at work crashed so I was trying to get all my work done from my boss's computer. Thankfully it was still under warranty so it only took about 36 hours to get a new one up an running. What a week it had been . Still, the Lord is gracious to us and gives us all that we have need of. He is the One who sustains us.

It decided to snow (again- but that's OK, because I am [trying to be] resolved to winter and let it have its way) this weekend. I keep repeating the mantra - spring is coming... winter will not last forever... one day spring will be here and i can walk outside of my house without boots and a parka... it will come!!

Thanks for making it this far through this most tedious update. More to come soon, I promise!

xoxo!