Blogging is sort of like exercising. When you get out of the habit it is hard to get back into a routine. That is where I find myself. So I decided on a quick summer recap followed by ignoring my two month lapse in blogs. :) Summer had some great highlights including visits from both family and friends, a trip to Tahoe with my mom, the Angels clenching the American League West, and making my first apple pie. The downfall of the summer is the recent passing of my cousin Chris. With so many events it is hard to jump in and have anything to say. As I mentioned I spent some time at the end of summer in Lake Tahoe with my mom (hence the photo above). I decided that everyone has a place in this world that brings them peace and restores their soul. Tahoe is this place for me. Whether it is childhood nostalgia, God's beautiful creation surrounding me, escaping the city lifestyle, or a combination of them all something about the lake is good for me. I hope you each have a chance to visit the place that brings you peace and restores your soul.
Fountain Pepsi and Goldfish Crackers. Pavlov was onto something when he discovered and researched the idea of conditional reflexes. I realized recently that whenever I eat Goldfish crackers (I keep a stash in my desk at work) I crave Pepsi. I trace it back to a couple years in high school of after school snacks of Better Cheddars and Pepsi with my sister, Lyndsey, while watching Days of Our Lives. Anyway, this new awareness of my conditioned craving led me to thinking about Ivan Pavlov with his research with dogs (though I agree I have grossly simplified his research and scientific intentions). All this thinking has made me aware of these reflexes randomly throughout the day. There are numerous menial responses all the way up to more serious ones, for instance, how I respond when I'm hurt by someone (or even predicting being hurt) by putting up walls with people. It makes me wonder where else I may respond this way. I want to live a life that is intentional and not conditional. I pray that God will make me aware of these responses and lead me to live an intentional life, each day. Though I do anticipate consuming the occasional fountain Pepsi and Goldfish cracker. 