Four New Things

When it comes to change, I'm a bit reticent. I tend to stick with the familiar and very rarely branch out beyond my little comfort zone.

But this week, I not only did something new, I did four somethings new. I'm not sure what's come over me. Please tell me if I'm getting too wild.

My new things include:

1. A new drink at Starbucks. I'm not much of a coffee drinker. And I get all nervous and weird at the counter, so I tend to just stick with the one I know and blurt out, "Tall decaf mocha!" (and then, almost apologetically) " . . . with half a shot . . ." 'Cause, you know, I'm not much of a coffee drinker.

Well this week I met a friend for coffee. The gentleman in front of me was taking quite some time, so it gave me ample opportunity to read the board and slowly analyze my options. When it was finally my turn, I boldly announced that I would like to try something different. I got really crazy and ordered a tall caramel mocha. Not just a regular old mocha. A caramel mocha. Aren't you proud of me? And guess what? It was super yummy. I think I like coffee now.

2. A new friend. Yesterday the kids came bursting into the house with letters in hand. Real letters, from the mailbox. I had one, too. It was from a dear friend in Alabama. A friend whom I've never actually met. We "met" through homeschool blogs and thought it would be fun to pair off our kids (and ourselves) as pen-pals. It was absolutely delightful to open the page and see the script of a friend, to hear about her cozy life and home, and to realize that she probably has a delightful southern accent. I'm so jealous.

3. New walking music. When I was sure that Drew was within earshot the other day, I gently hinted rather loudly that I might like to borrow his iPod while I walked. He was happy to oblige and quickly filled me in on the shuffle and artist and song buttons that I'd need to use. (I'm lost when it comes to such things.)

I skipped out the front door, eager to listen to new music. The first was a Phil Wickham song, which I love, but it wasn't great for walking. I shuffled and somehow landed on Queen's "We Will Rock You." Not quite what I had in mind, but it ended up being kind of fun to walk to.

The only problem with walking to music, however, is that I have an irresistible urge to walk in time to the beat. I had to really concentrate on walking normally, because I was pretty sure that walking to the rhythm of "Boom, boom, smack! Boom, boom, smack! We will, we will rock you!" might look a bit strange.

I found that it was most difficult to maintain my pace when I shuffled my way to "The Pirates of the Caribbean." That Black Pearl theme? So, so great. One of the best music scores. But. Written in three-four, it works a bit better for waltzing, not so much for walking briskly through the park. While trying to shuffle a strange iPod. And just about screaming when a girl zips by on her bike, scaring me half to death. Because I couldn't figure out how to shuffle. And I was starting to experience motion sickness. Because I was walking and shuffling and trying not to waltz while looking down at the thingy-ma-jig.

I finally made it home and probably listened to about five whole songs. I'm pretty sure that Drew was very impressed to see me walking through the door with Queen playing once again. "Did you really listen to that, Mom?" I nodded with a glint in my eye and charged into the room, "Boom, boom, smack! Boom, boom, smack!"

4. A new haircut. It's true. I actually did it. This is a big one for me. I usually go for a really, really, really long time without a cut. Like (blush) . . . a year. And then I think of a zillion other things I should probably spend the money on. But last night, I went and did it. And it felt so good. A weight was lifted, both literally and emotionally. I love my hairdresser. She blessed me and ministered to me and gave me a great cut. I feel like a new woman. I might even go back before a year is up. Talk about living on the edge.

Four new things in one week has me pretty wiped out. That's quite a bit of change. But good change. In fact, I might be open to branching out even more in the future. Maybe you could give me some pointers? Let's start with coffee. Any recommendations? 'Cause I might want to try something new. In a year.