How Do You Compare? Take the Typing Test

Here's a little insight into my life at work. I work with many men. They love competition (as do I, so it all balances out). Recently, Ryan was discussing this idea of productivity and making the point that if we all typed a little faster, we would be much more productive. I don't disagree with him, but here' s the catch, at least in my opinion: typingtest.com.

Do you know how many times several of us have logged in to improve our productivity recently?...

I'll speak for myself. Many, many times. And, I suppose that's why I am the current TypingTest Champion in the office. 86 WPM and 98% accuracy (cut me some slack, I missed one word). That's for you, Dan. Can't believe you're letting a woman beat you...

For those of you who have yet to experience the thrill of the typing test, log on today and take a typing test of your very own. www.typingtest.com

Rockin'.

Blizzard!

Well, not here in Boston, but back in Colorado my parents are reporting around THREE FEET of snow in their yard. Wow! I must admit, I'm a little jealous. Tomorrow the Boston area is expecting heavy rain and high winds... I think I'd rather it snow. I was supposed to head to the Cape with some friends, but needless to say, we're rescheduling.

It has been a great few weeks though. I am in my busy, busy season and have been working a lot, but I'm excited for the upcoming conferences. It will be encouraging to see the way that God moves in the lives of our students and staff in the next two months.

And, last week, I was excited to get down to New York to spend time with our team there. I enjoyed connecting with three new staff women and just listening as they unpacked their experience thus far in reaching students. Oh, how I remember those early days on campus (not that I'm THAT old or anything, but it seems like a long time ago). I sympathized with them as I remembered how difficult it can be to find balance in the midst of life -- I was thankful for the opportunity to get to know them. It was a great trip.

Blah

What do DVR'd episodes of BBC's "What Not to Wear," soup, lot's of liquids, vitamin C and "The Return of the King" have in common? All are things I've experienced today from my couch. Following my week of work and fun in sunny Colorado I came back home with a little virus. Super exciting.

All is not lost. Thanks to technology I've done a bit of work today and I did make it into the office for a couple key hours. (Not to mention a little trek out to my chiropractor - man, that works wonders!) And, well, I think I'll have a little more tea...

Snow!

This morning I woke up early to catch a flight... back to Boston. When I opened my parents front door in Colorado I was greeted by swirling, twirling, lovely snowflakes! Beautiful. It was the first snow this fall (for them, not in the high country, of course) and I was so happy to be there to experience it firsthand. Ahhh... Snow.

Mommy for the Weekend?

Yes, last weekend I became the "Mommy" - or maybe just the "Auntie." My friends were out of town and I watched two of their three kiddos, the dog, the snake, the bunnies and had out of town company of my own. It was really fun. I was really sleepy after staying up super late with my friends, but especially at 6 AM or so when the sweet doggie wanted to go outside; and, then again at 7 or 7:30 AM when the eight year old wanted me to, "Wake up, Miss Jess!"

I forget that going to Target to spend a gift card can be such an adventure, or watching an animated movie for the second time at the theatre such a big deal, going to McDonalds is super fun, and being picked up on time at school is so important. :) I realized how much work it is to keep a house clean (which I really do care about) with so much going on, getting everyone out the door on time for church, thinking through what other people need to eat - when it's just me I figure I'll get something eventually.... The list goes on and on.

I also loved that the dog followed me around the house. At one point I looked at him and asked, "Why are you following me around, Shel?" And then it occurred to me, "Oh, right... I'm the 'Mommy.'" So sweet. All to say, I can't help but be grateful for mom's! What incredible work they do caring for their kids and keeping their houses together. I'm thoroughly impressed.