The sort of week where you come home to flowers on your doorstep

It's been an interesting few days. Thankful for a thoughtful surprise. 

And so begins the World Cup

Biking season at last!

13 miles, smoothies, and tadpole catching on the Monon

Life Lessons -- Find of the day

45 Life Lessons from some one who really knows

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland ,
Ohio

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled
Over to 90 in August, so here goes:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never
blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is
up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an
answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this
matter?
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
parents will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or
didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,
we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift

Urban Expansion: Glow sticks on a high ropes course

As I was eating lunch at Yats with my in-town-from-Chicago friend Ann last weekend, I saw a group of fit young people in green shirts that said something about a challenge course.

Being chatty and curious, I had to ask about it.  They all were grabbing a bite to eat after a morning working a high ropes course on Butler University's campus (10 minutes from my apartment.)  Since I kept asking questions, one mentioned that they were hosting a free community day on the course with glow sticks for a night climb on Friday.

I've finally been in town long enough to know a couple people who would be as excited about high ropes courses at night as I am, so I've just gotten back and have several glowing accessories to show for it.

Growing up in a summer camp-y community and an outdoorsy family, it wasn't my first ropes course, but it was the first time since early during undergrad and definitely the first time 25 feet up at  night.

Feels good to do something that made me nervous (other than parking) for the first time in a while.

http://www.butler.edu/hrc/challenge-education/high-ropes/

After three years cutting my own hair...

Today I had a proper hair appointment and chopped it all off.  It's been a long, long time coming....

At last, spring has sprung -- a walk around the neighborhood.

Went for a perfect walk down the Monon today. Inspired by Ann Ferguson and her visit, I bought out half the inventory of a fair trade shop near my house.

While there, signed up to volunteer at a couple events this season with the Peace Learning Center in Indy. Got invited to an event at the fair trade shop this Saturday and asked a random girl if she wanted to come salsa dance sometime. 

Then, walking home, I met two new neighbors who were out on their porch with guitars and assorted hand drums. #bunkhouseporchnostalgia

After forgetting their names a few too many times, they said I could refer to them as the "stoop guys" to make it easier. I returned the favor and told them I sometimes go by Laser.

"Laser, drop by the stoop with your uke anytime you like."

Might have to bring them one of the houseplants I've been propagating in the windowsill later this week.....

Carlos B was right. You do just have to walk out your door for things to happen and friends to appear.

Especially when it's April in Indianapolis.

#317