Author Archives: Kris McGarvey

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About Kris McGarvey

It's not what I do that matters...it's who I am through the eyes of Jesus.

The Hungry Games

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My taste buds are excited about next week. The Hungry Games are coming to Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids Restaurant Week is March 1 – 6 and 29 area restaurants are going all out to draw us in and feed us great food, for a pretty inexpensive tab. Making it into a competition, participating restaurants are serving up special Hungry Games menus for lunch (only $10) and dinner ($25). They are hoping you’ll try more than one and then vote for your favorite. Check out the link to see all the restaurants and their offerings but, working downtown for the last 8 years has given me the opportunity to check out a lot of downtown eateries. So if you can’t decide where to start on your Hungry Games tour through food, I’ve compiled a Top 3 for various categories. I’m only listing those restaurants participating in Restaurant Week. Let the Games begin!

Top 3 Downtown Lunch Stops:

  1.  Need Pizza – so good that when my college kid comes home, it’s where he wants to go. They make your pizza any way you like it…truly.
  2. Rock Bar American Grill – great hamburgers, great price. FYI – The mechanical bull doesn’t run at lunch.
  3. The Lost Cuban – I’ve only been here once but really, really liked it. If the number of Rockwell engineer-types eating there is any indication, I’m not the only one.

Top 3 Outside of Downtown:

  1. Winifred’s – a special place to eat with special people. I have wonderful memories of my last time in the purple building along First Avenue. It’ll probably always be #1.
  2. Zeppelin’s – very good, very busy.
  3. Emil’s Hideaway – you’ve got to look for this one. It’s hidden behind the Taco John’s on First Avenue across from Lindale Mall, but it’s worth the search.

Downtown Top 3 I’m going to try (if not next week, sometime soon):

  1. Daisy’s Garage & Filling Station – ok, not right downtown, but I’ve been intrigued with this new restaurant since it opened last summer. The front door is a garage door which stays open on good weather days (which won’t happen here for about 4 more months). The menu is my draw: Steam pots, oil can burger, and Guinness shrimp.
  2. Popoli’s – more expensive and only open for dinner so it’ll have to be a “date night” try.
  3. Sauce – one of the many new restaurants in Czech Village. Located in a building slated for demolition after the 2008 flood, it was lovingly restored by the owners. I enjoy supporting local chefs who use as many local providers as possible.

I’ve personally eaten at 13 of the 29 restaurants participating in The Hungry Games so I have quite a few yet to sample. Probably won’t happen in one week but since eating is one of my favorite pastimes, I’m looking forward to a fun summer. Better get back to running!

A New Way

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I took a new route today. And I’m better because of it.

Most of you know I try to walk every day over my lunch hour. Today I needed to run an errand on the other side of town, so I took the time and opportunity to walk a new path in a new park. The path was crushed gravel, and with our recent thaw, was more like mushy sand. But I enjoyed seeing new trees, discovering differences in the beauty of the same city I walk in every day.

The walking path at this particular park was a loop of about 1.2 miles…a nice length to get in a pretty quick two mile walk. But I found a fun bridge crossing a little stream, and a delightful grouping of machines for a healthy break in the middle. Even did about five push ups before continuing on my way.

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The air was chilly, the breeze brisk, but I enjoyed myself immensely because I was seeing and doing a new thing. The only ruts I was in today were the bicycle tire ruts through the mushy gravel.

It really doesn’t take much to get out of whatever routine you’ve allowed yourself to get stuck in. Make the choice to search out a different park or a new coffee shop. Change your purse, throw a funky scarf over your shoulder, select an old CD for the car, call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, visit a museum, take a new route to work or shopping…or here’s a real risk: try out a different grocery store and spend a little extra time discovering some new food to try.

You will never know what or who you could encounter if you never take the risk of getting off your beaten path and selecting a new way. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. His still, small voice is saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Move It Like You Mean It

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office exercise

I’m going to tell you right up front. This blog is stolen. At least most of the suggestions in it are “borrowed.” Okay – now you know.

Spring is coming…spring is coming! Yes, it’s still 34 degrees and windy but hey! It’s only a week until March and March means spring! So – spring IS coming!

I don’t know about you but I’m so tired of being tired. I’m weary of dirty snow and wind chill in the negative numbers. I’m tired of using excuses to sit around and munch on whatever junk I have in my house, but it’s too cold or miserable to go outside. I’ve set March 1 as my date to get back at that running thing I try every year. The mornings will be a little lighter and I hope the ice and snow will be totally gone. I don’t mind running in puddles (as long as they aren’t 3 or more inches deep).

But until next Tuesday – I’m going to commit to more movement during my day. I work in an office so sitting is an Olympic sport here. I have to be creative to come up with ways to move around…and this is where I “stole” some ideas. If you’re like me, and need an excuse to get up and out of your chair, here are a few suggestions to get you up and moving:

*Instead of emailing someone, actually walk to their office for a face-to-face conversation.

*Drink more water. (What?) By drinking more water, you have to use the bathroom more often! Then use the bathroom furthest from your office (or, if you’re like me and wait too long, then use the one you can get to fastest).

*Use the stairs instead of the elevator (and that’s all the time, not just in an office setting).

*Step outside for a breath of fresh air periodically.

*Take a walk at lunch instead of sitting with your sandwich and reading a book the whole hour.

*Park your car in the farthest corner of the lot.

*Do some laps around the building at regular intervals or walk around the block, if that’s allowable at your office.

According to Dr. Mercola on the fitness.mercola website, over 50% of American men and 60% of American women never engage in any vigorous physical activity lasting more than 10 minutes per week. Ten minutes a week! Come on, people – we can do better! Prolonged daily sitting can increase risk of diabetes and heart disease. Dr. Mercola goes on to say that the key is to make sure you move your body frequently throughout the day.

So get up and dance! Right now! Get up and move it…move it…move it! Or do that yoga pose with your toes on your laptop while taking a selfie and post it, please!

 

A Visit from Flat Stanley

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I’ve been entertaining a house guest this weekend. Stanley arrived a unexpectedly on Friday. I had heard of him from other people, but had never had the pleasure of meeting him in person. He’s a pleasant fellow, always smiling. He travels very light – no suitcase and basically just the clothes on his back (or more accurately, his front). He’s no fuss…he will go with whatever plans we have for him. Never a complaint and always that same smile.

It turned out to be a great time for Stanley to visit. We had plans for a weekend visiting family and friends, so I tucked Stanley in my purse and away we went.

Our first stop was in Ames to visit our son Sean. We hadn’t seen him since January when he returned to school so it was nice to hug his neck and take him out for breakfast. In all the excitement of seeing Sean, I forgot Stanley in the car. But he didn’t seem to mind – he was still smiling when we got back in.

From Ames, we travelled down Interstate 35 to Des Moines, Iowa’s capital. I picked up my good friend Danette and headed to the west side of the city to attend my future daughter-in-law’s first bridal shower. This time, I remembered Stanley and though he was the only male in attendance, he kept to himself and no one seemed to notice.

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While talking with Danette about Stanley’s visit, she suggested we stop by the beautiful Iowa State Capitol building before returning home. I’m so glad we did! Stanley seemed to enjoy the fresh air and open front lawn, though we had to prop him up with a fork to keep him upright. Maybe he was a little carsick from riding around in the backseat all afternoon?

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The next day was  Sunday and we saw no reason to leave Stanley at home, so he attended church services with us in Troy Mills, Iowa. It is a small but friendly congregation so I knew Stanley would be welcome. I even asked if he would help me teach the kids’ sermon and he gladly agreed, again with that same smile

.IMG_2180 I talked about the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives – that He goes with us wherever we go, comparing him to my good friend Stanley. I was curious to hear how Stanley would do singing unfamiliar hymns, and I did notice he was flat most of the time. Oh well…he stayed smiling through the whole service.

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With the weekend over, I wasn’t sure what I could do to keep Stanley entertained. My Monday morning routine begins with a visit to my local Curves for a 30-minute workout. Stanley slipped in, even though Curves is for women only. But no one seemed to mind and we didn’t stay long. I don’t think he even broke a sweat and always with that smile.

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I had to work all day and Stanley sat quietly watching me…never a peep out of him. But I wanted him to see a little of my city so we went on a walk through Cedar Rapids at lunch time. First stop was the new Cedar Rapids Public Library. I thought he’d enjoy seeing the city from the rooftop but it wasn’t open yet – too windy. Wind and Stanley probably don’t mix well.

IMG_2185 I showed Stanley the beautiful view from the 2nd floor windows overlooking our new Greene Square Park. He was impressed. He kept his face right up against the glass the whole time.

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IMG_2187 The next stop was the somewhat famous Five Seasons symbol on the banks of the Cedar River. Looks a little like a tree, doesn’t it? Stanley was impressed by the size of it – showing me it was “this big,” with his arms outstretched and another big smile. That guy loves to smile.

. IMG_2188 I had to get back to work soon so we moved pretty fast through the rest of our tour. I took him to see the NewBo City Market – a wonderful place for local, homegrown foods, art and events. We couldn’t stay though – time to head back to work.

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I’ve loved hosting Stanley for these few days. He’s a delightful guy, still smiling even after all the locations I placed him. I enjoyed his pleasant personality, and especially his willingness to embrace my Cub fanaticism during his visit. I hope he can come back again soon.

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If you’ve made it to the end of this photo journey of Flat Stanley’s visit with me, you’re a trooper. This was a class project for my beautiful niece, Morgan, and I wanted to make sure she got everything I could give her. She’s adorable and I love her bunches!

Morgan

Friends are Friends Forever

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old friends

I spent today with some of my favorite people – some family, some soon-to-be family, and some might-as-well-be family.

I hope you have people like that in your life. Friends you may see only sporadically but can pick up right where you left off, no matter how long you’ve been apart. Friends who speak your same silly language…who “get you”…who love you in spite of your flaws and foibles. Friends who think like you, which, in my case, can be a very scary thing.

I have a friend who is a sister-of-my-heart. We spent all afternoon together and now I feel so refreshed. She radiates the love of Jesus, full of fun and creativity (she was my Flat Stanley co-conspirator today). We laughed and laughed and laughed – all day.

She speaks her mind, but listens with such a tender heart. She cherishes my kids and truly cares for their welfare, just as I do toward her beautiful daughter. Our husbands are best buds and enjoy just sitting together drinking coffee (or, sometimes frappes).

I’m planning to grow old with her because if I have to endure gray hair, chin hair and the effects of gravity on my aging body, I want to do it with someone who’ll see the humor and help us get through it together.

Her friendship means so much to me and I’m already planning exciting adventures with her very soon. What do you think – maybe some tubing on the Wapsi River this summer?

The Winds of Change

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windy day

What do you do when you don’t have any great words of wisdom or advice or humor to share, but you’ve committed yourself to blogging something every day? Let me know when you figure it out…and soon please, because that’s me today.

I took a walk on this extremely blustery day and couldn’t decide which was harder: going into the wind or walking with it. When going against the gale, my leg muscles burned and I leaned forward further than was comfortable. Just when I thought I had a good rhythm going, the wind would shift and I’d almost fall face first. When the wind was behind me, the empty plastic cups raced me down the sidewalk, or just slammed into the back of my legs. I was forced to run or get my legs knocked out from under me.The sand hitting my face was not the beach sand I was dreaming about earlier this week.

It was certainly an adventure – navigating large stretches of watery sidewalks and chunks of thawing ice. This time of year brings mud and mess. I tracked all manners of refuse back into the office after my 2.5 mile trek but I wouldn’t change anything because…(here’s the moral of this rambling)…all of this means Spring is almost here! Though the winds and water are high, the birds are chirping and the air is a tad warmer. We just have to persevere a few more days.

So I added hope for Spring to my daily adventure. It’s just around the corner. Lean into the wind and give winter a chance to lessen its grip. By the way, for my baseball-loving friends, pitchers and catchers reported to spring training today. And for my Cub-loving friends – This. Is. The. Year.

 

 

Art Appreciation 101

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I work in an art museum.

Not really. But it looks like it and when you walk into the lobby for the first time, you sense the same atmosphere of an art museum. Quiet. Almost reverent.

I’m privileged to sit at the front desk of my company, in the midst of great art and collections, every weekday afternoon. And I take it for granted most days. Then someone walks in the front door – someone who has never been here before – and they gaze in awe, with jaws dropped, at the amazing displays of beauty and history in every corner and on every wall. Usually their first words to me are, “This place is so beautiful. You are so lucky.”

Yes, I am.

I took a walk through the building this morning and purposefully took pictures of some of the art we have on interior, hidden hallways. Photographs taken by family members. Original art from one of the company vice-presidents. Paintings. Prints. Mosaics. Pottery. Sculptures. Collage. Textiles. Native head dresses from South America. Wood, clay, and iron pieces. Even death masks (but those are my least favorite).

Most of us walk through these hallways every day, with our heads down, our minds on tasks at hand, and we miss the beauty, the originality, the creativity all around us. That’s why I took that walk this morning. To add art to my every day. And I’m going to do it every day through Lent. I’m going to search out pieces I’ve never noticed before and intentionally pay attention to the artistry and effort and creative minds and hands of each piece.

Your takeaway? You may not work in an “art museum” like I do. But take a walk today, or look up from whatever you’re doing long enough, to really see the beauty around you. It may the architecture of the building across the street, the finger painting on your refrigerator, or the smile of your spouse. It’s there – if you take the time to look for it.

 

What I Know About Fasting

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Nothing.

I should probably just stop right there. That would be the shortest blog ever.

Simply put, fasting is to abstain from food, usually for a certain period of time or for a certain purpose.

The discipline of fasting is not unique to Christians. In fact, many religions are required to fast, including Muslims who fast from dawn to sunset for the month of Ramadan. During Lent, Catholics are asked to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and to abstain from eating meat on Fridays (hence those awesome fish fry dinners at every American Legion hall in America).

Though the Bible is full of references to fasting, from my observation, the practice is not a consistent discipline in an average  Christian’s life. Mine included. So yesterday, because I had a friend who desperately needs healing, I fasted and prayed all day. Well – most of the day. Well – from dawn until sunset…less than 12 hours. And I actually thought I deserved a medal or something.

This is my confession. I’m proud and arrogant when it comes to Christian disciplines and I have no will power when it comes to food. If I hadn’t left my normal lunch at home (and thankfully no one brought anything good to work yesterday), I probably would have caved by 10 in the morning. Why is it I think I’m starving after only one hour without food? Pathetic.

So – that’s my newest addition. I’d like to study the discipline of fasting, maybe read a book or two, and get into what the Scriptures say about this “doing without food” thing. I don’t anticipate any 40-day fast in my future…let’s be honest. It’s like telling me when I first started running that I would do a marathon that same year. Not going to happen.

But if the practice of fasting was a normal part of the people of the Word, it should be a normal part of my life as well. Thanks for reading – now, you can go back to your snacks.

Isaiah 58:6 – “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke.”

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A New Way to Lose Weight

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It’s mid-February and it feels like winter will never end. I can feel my stress levels rising and my temper closer to the surface. It takes less to make me upset so I eat comfort food everyday, which means more stress every time I step on a scale. I’m spending more brain power thinking of ways to cope with no sun or warmth. I’m sick of sweaters and leggings and fuzzy socks and boots. I’m in serious need of a vacation and my bank account says, “not anytime soon, sister!” So I’ve hit upon a solution (at least until I can see the sun again)…

Laugh! I’m going to try to laugh every day. If the normal life situations don’t give me enough belly busters, then I’ll go looking for some. Joke books, movies, old TV shows – there’s a plethora of resources for giggles. And if the comedians who make their living making us laugh can’t get it done, I can always turn to the internet. Facebook is rife with stories (true or not) of people who’ve done some pretty dumb things – always good for a chuckle or two.

I can’t get outside to run because I’m afraid of ice and snow and falling. So I’ll go with this  Norman Cousins quote for now: “Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors.” Wonder how much laughter it would take to offset a chocolate truffle?

Seriously (really? in a blog about laughing) – I know that laughter has more positive effects than just a quick dose of humor in my day. In an article from Health Guidance for Better Health, Mack LeMouse says “humor and  laughing are infectious and can bring people together and make them forget their troubles.” It’s one way to maintain a positive attitude and good health.

So if you’re feeling the winter blues today, pick up a joke book, or check out Netflix for comedies or search the internet for Red Skelton or Jimmy Fallon You Tube videos. Boost your mental health with a good belly laugh today.

 

 

 

Music Monday

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music-notes

Tonight is the annual Grammy Awards. In case you live under a rock, it is the award show highlighting the “best” music of the past year. I put the word best in quotation marks because I believe “best” is always an opinion, and I rarely agree with the music awarded a Grammy. But I do love music. Today I’m going to add to my Lenten 40-day journey by listening to more music.

I have a lot of favorite artists. Through the years I’ve spent money on music ranging from Alabama to ZZ Top, from Kenny Rogers to Kenny G, from Beatles to Wings to just plain Paul McCartney. I listen to praise & worship, jazz, pop, alternative rock, country (ish) and movie show tunes.  I love Bethel worship and Jason Upton (especially his latest album “A Table Full of Strangers”), but I also love pop stuff, like Ben Rector (I’ll be singing along with his latest tunes when he’s in Des Moines in March). Most of you know I’ve basically been a concert stalker for NEEDTOBREATHE (I think I’ve been to 6 concerts in 5 different states in 3 years). But at those concerts, I’ve fallen for the music of a couple of their opening bands, like Colony House and Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors. We like Drew’s music so much that I’m working on a way to see him while he’s in Des Moines in April.

The old stuff, from my teens and 20s, still have a hold of me. I recently purchased James Taylor’s latest album, Before This World, because he’s James Taylor. I don’t need any other reason. And it’s good. Really good.

Music is such a powerful influence in our lives. It can move us emotionally from the highest highs to depressing lows. I do try to avoid those types of songs. I’m not really into being depressed. The music and lyrics stay with us for most of our lives…I have no problem remembering the hymns I learned in my home town Methodist church when I was a child. I can sing the words to all the ABBA songs being played during my Curves workout.

Take some time today to fill your heart with good music…music to lift your soul, spur you to feeling good about yourself and others, music that helps you remember happy times.David was a lowly shepherd boy, who penned songs while watching over his sheep. He sang and played a variety of instruments. Music and worship became his training ground before being crowned king of Israel and called a friend of God.

By the way,  I do have a very favorite group- who do you think?

Psalm 18[a]

For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord. He sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:

1 I love you, Lord, my strength.

2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield[b] and the horn[c] of my salvation, my stronghold.