new city, new resolve to blog

yep, that's right. I'm here in a new city (which means a new coffee shop) and a new chance to make good on this whole blog thing. wish me luck....

Jeff and I are now living in our nation's capitol. Actually, that's a slight lie. We sold out and live in Arlington, Virginia. It ended up being a better choice for our commutes into work and back. I'm happy with our cute little apartment. I'll put up pics soon. It's a one bedroom that's been recently renovated and it's TINY! Even though we left a bunch of stuff with our friends in Denver (including our big queen bed made by my grandfather and one of our couches and a bunch of books and much much more) it will still be a tight fit. We're close to a metro stop so I'll walk a few blocks and ride the metro into DC for my job.

Since we have none of our stuff, preparing meals will require a great deal of creativity. How does one cook without pots and pans and spatulas? It will be an interesting challenge for a week or two.

Because all of our money will be going in to rent, we will be simplifying our lives -- affecting our eating habits more than anything. We will eat out only on very special occasions and limit meal planning to more basic recipes that don't require fancy condiments that we can't afford. Meals will be simpler. Lots of stews and pastas. And just like anything, simplifying our meals will help us to appreciate the "little things". The earthiness of wheat bread with a little butter, the power of sea salt on my tongue, the crispness of a granny smith apple.

I hope to sense the Spirit in all of these things.

I pray for courage this year. Jeff and I are both stepping out and risking quite a bit (namely financial security) to shape the careers we are passionate about. We are so fortunate to have an opportunity like this.

And with my new sign off....
May your stomachs and souls be full.