Hmmm

So I am at church (using their wireless...) I am approaching the half way done point of my last final. It is due tomorrow at midnight. How I would love to be finished but I am not. I have stared at the seven books in front of me since 10:30am.Not to mention the 3 hours I spent on it yesterday. WHY AM I NOT FINISHED.... I am so close yet so very far away.

As soon as this is done... my last semester comes to a close... but then there is J-term. That being predominantly reading. I prefer this over writing after just completing about 80 pages prior to coming home. J term because it is a few weeks away seems doable... finishing this paper on Baptism and the Eucharist seems so outrages.... I think I am bored.

I think I am going to Duluth tomorrow... My friend Mindy knows little about this mandatory training she has to attend other than the fact that it is indeed in Duluth. She gets her gas paid for and they put her up in a hotel room. She is sweet and is letting me come with. This will give her and I some long over due quality time as well as an opportunity for me to say hi to Duluth and those who live there. Pretty exciting... minus the lack of details.


I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO OVER BREAK.....PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO SEE.... WHEN WILL IT ALL GET DONE?

Home for the Holidays

Jewls

Today's blog is titled Julie....well Jewls but you get it.

I am choosing not to put her picture online because I value her friendship
****(not because she is unpleasant to look at)****
I like Julie very much and she has given me two beautiful children...(she however is raising them..not me)Her husbands not half bad looking either (i only say that to make her uncomfortable). She too complains about my lack of blogging... not quite as aggressive as Becca and Carol... but she checks faithfully. I feel as if I let her down. Sad day! I try to do right by her.I can tell you that she is on my "top ten people I have ever met list" and let me tell you she is NOT number 10. She is a real Hoot!

I miss her... but I am hopeful that we will have some quality time together soon. Over break perhaps. I'll be right on that!

MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE JEWL-STER:
10.) Her Husbands glasses
9.) Her love for cottage cheese
8.) The greatest things in her life happened when she was 12
7.) She is able to make fun of me in such a tasteful way (most times)
6.) She is one of my biggest fans and I hers
5.) She is Super MOM
4.) Heck she is SUPER WOMEN
3.) She loves the pottery barn more than I do
2.) Her hair
1.) She cuddles

No worries Julie.. nobody knows your last name... so there is no need to be embarrassed...
I LOVE YOU!

THANKSGIVING BREAK!

I am soooo excited for some time off... not that it will exactly be "off time." For I have well six significant papers I would like to tackle while in MN. It would probably be best to say that I am soooo excited for some time away. I have class all afternoon today and I am taking an over night bus to Minneapolis.... I am so excited to see friends, family, the surprises my parents have in store for me at home ( a baby brother perhaps...). HAHAHHA I will spend Friday and sat. with friends (we are taking in a sgroves concert) and then go home to my family for the holiday. The weekend after thanksgiving will be spent in Duluth to visit old friends and places I miss dearly. I can't wait...!

After Thanksgiving I only have two weeks of class and I hopefully then will have survived my first sem. of Grad School. It is looking good so far but the next couple weeks will indeed be rough. I also just accepted an on staff (youth and family ministry position at a church SW of the city. I look forward to integrating myself there and all that this PART TIME position will entail.

Not a whole lot else to share... probably good that I blog once a month...

The above is a picture of my favorite visitors! They came to see me a few weeks ago but this is one of my favorite photos from our adventures. This picture was taken in Millennium Park downtown Chicago.

Fall at seminary....

Here is a little UM pride for ya..... How do you like them pumpkins....???

This just in....

I don't know if y'all have heard this but... Did you know that on avg. ten people die a year from vending machine accidents.

Delayed Gratification

Last night I went to a bed later then what I like to... (11:30 instead of 10:00). I woke up this morning and realized it was 11:00.... there goes my day... might as well go back to bed. No worries I didn't.. but for crying out loud!!!!! I haven't slept that late since.... well I cant remember.

So i woke up and had a breakfast of chicken,peas, and a huge baked potato. I made a to do list that will take me from now until Thursday at 9:30p.m. It is kind of overwhelming and think i should have broke it into smaller parts..oh well.. I find lists to be so satisfying... especially those with boxes that i can check, x, or puncture holes though as a sign of completion... as for getting everything done I have this really great process.... I read from the New Testament World book then reward myself with a couple chapters of Diana Butler Bass (yeah its part of a class!!!). Then its back to some New Testament reading followed by a reward of checking my e mail or in this case I'm blogging. All too soon it will be back to New Testament and then I will press on to the Dictionary of Pastoral Care and Counseling (yes its a dictionary) YIKES... After reading that I like to reward myself by getting out of my apt. Perhaps today i will return Blades of Glory to my friend "The Red Box" where I rent DVD's for a whopping dollar!

My egg timer has binged... meaning I must go back to "The reading chair."

Oh but while I am thinking of it... I bought reading glasses... turns out I really needed them... I can read so much faster and i am not reading things over and over because i cant find the next line... its fabulous... they are black.... (the brown and blue ones looked funny)... not that these don't but whatever...

Susie,Suzy,Suzie,Sue-z

I wouldn't exactly say I qualify as a regular here at this particular coffee shop but I have been known to make an occasional appearance. Today sitting almost directly across from me as a woman named Susy. We will spell it this way because then it will be clear we are not talking about me.... (clear to those of you who actually know how I spell my name at least). Susy (whom I have seen on several occasions here) is wearing white tie shoes with purple and pink puffy paint polka dots. Coming out of these adorable shoes are knee high Nike soccer socks(royal blue). Her shorts are navy blue and yellow Hawaiian patterned men's swim trunks. Her shirt is a starfish and shell multi colored t-shirt over a long peach collared blouse. Over her sweet brown hair is a blue and yellow flowered scarf. She is by far the CUTEST LADY I have ever seen( I can say that cause my Grandma doesn't read my blog). Now I Hope you don't get the impression that I am making fun of her...for I am mearly describing.... I think she is adorable and I want to take her home. She knows almost everyone in here by name. She greets them and thanks them for doing nice things for her.

I don't have a relationship with her but the young man that just asked to join her clearly does. The gentleman sitting next to her (age range approx. 75+(the same age as her)) Just said "Susy, I have to ask... where do you find your wardrobe?" She responded "well Salvation Army of course." Then he said "you must love bright colors" she responds by saying " I am a parrot. I love bright colors, I like it hot, and I want to live until I am 100!"

I just thought that was great.... and worth sharing. Hope this lady is able to brighten your day too!

weekend review

Alright.... So I ventured two hours west of Chicago with a friend of a friend. We stayed at a retreat center comparable to (Luther Lodge @LPBC). It was a young adults retreat. Primarily people in there early thirties. and then me (nothing new)... Most all of them new each other so i was kidna the odd gal out...(once again... nothing new.. hahaha). It was overall ok.. I would have done it a bit different.... and well things are always more fun with friends.... Next time...right...

I brought the fixings to make choco tacos... This includes tortilla, penutbutter, mini choc chips, and mini marshmallows. All wrapped up in tinfoil and cooked over a fire. Nobody at the retreat wanted to have a fire or choco tacos... sad day... so I brought all the stuff back home... Tonight I am having a few friends over (they invited themselves because I have a T.V). Since I have the stuff, and a gas stove... I am thinking this could be good....

Sorry this is sooo random... my heart is not in blogging today.... wait is it ever....

Blog attempt number 3 of the day:

Turns out the weekends are the only time I will probably ever have to squeese in an update.

I do have faithful readers so I feel that I need to write something but I am frantic at the moment. In less then a half hour I will be departing on a weekend getaway. It will be somewhat of an adventure because I couldn't tell you who I am going with (other than a friend of a friend), or where it is that I am going to.... sounds dangerous no??? Well its not... I am going to be Presbyterian (Robyn would be so proud)for the weekend.... (yay for weekend retreats) I like them.... I hopefully will have exciting stories to tell on Sunday when I return. Its been a bit crazy because I haven't had a whole lot of (personal reflection/faith time) since coming here... which is sad cause well this is seminary.... That's not exactly true its just hard to keep up with spiritual disciplines when I am constantly stressed out... but I am happy folks.... NO MORE CRYING PHONE CALLS.... well for now. Its hard... not going to lie... but I have my eyes on the prize... and as my friend LeBec pointed out to me.... I could be doing Math.... and shes right.... It could be worse.... much worse...! Hope you are all well.... Happy weekend!!

whew what a weekend.

Wow! Yeah I know its been a while.... I have so much to do and so little time but since I just finished the first two of five papers due by Thursday I figure I can take a break to type something a little more exciting....

So this weekend was girls weekend.... just about what I expected minus the campfire. It was much to windy. Sad day:( !!! I had a blast though. We had a blast! It was so great to see each other. We played a pretty intense game of charades. My three favorite things to act out included
1.)Broke back Mt. (my mom acted out this one)
2.)Feathers, Boas, Puff Balls Galore! (yep this was me.... my group never got the whole phrase but somehow they were able to guess each word)
3.)Ave Maria (not sure who got stuck with that one)
We are an awkward bunch!

Anyway it was great fun... I flew and it was a breeze on the way home to MN but it took a while getting back. I made friends with a couple older ladies on the flight. One was really scared to be flying by herself (age 86) so I made sure to touch base with her once we got on the plane. I kinda wanted to take her home with me. Her daughter lives in St. Cloud so i am sure we could figure out an arrangement.

I learned that giving up an entire weekend to fun does not work so well with my load of reading and writing. I have so much each week that I am required to do. I am kind of scared that I wont get done.... but I have most of the day tomorrow to Finnish the rest of my work.....

Fun, FOOD, and Friends.... well worth it

Weekend O' Fun

This weekend was my first weekend of company... I say first hoping that more will come. We did a host of things including getting lost. I am young in my knowledge of the area... and well I have trouble with maps.... Fortunately I have friends who ain't half bad and some way or another aid me in getting to where I want/need to go. We crammed a lot into this weekend: State Street, Mil. Park, the beautiful temple down the road, we took in Wicket (which I highly recommend), Navy Pier, Bee Bops, etc... It was quite fabulous. Yesterday the bulk of our day was just hanging out on the rocks by the lake... I took them to my not so secret spot and we found a few other nice places to take it all in. We also spend close to an hour just taking shadow pics....

Sarah G Sara R me G me Route

In the Sky Lord in the Sky...

Another blog another picture.... today as part of orientation our class of 76 and some staff ventured into the city. we started and finished at the same place. This is a UMC right downtown. The sanctuary is on the first floor. They use floors 2,3,and 4 for their Christian education programs. A large part of the building is rented out and at the very top floors 29 and up I believe are 3 floors of parsonage and the top two floors are a small chapel with an amazing view..... Pretty Pretty cool... Today's speakers were finally speaking my language... this helps tremendously (did I spell it right Jim? I think I did). Anyway... wanted to share this with you.... keep in mind this picture is just of the top of this huge high rise building..../well.. its a church.. Pretty cool!

Cabin Fever

So there isn't a whole lot new to report.... I did however buy some tickets today.... I be flying to MN. Yes, I know its so close...why not drive?, or take the bus??, bike perhaps....? Welp... Its a quick trip not taking place for a few weekends yet but I am really looking forward to it. The original plan was to take the bus because it is so much cheaper... but as of today I have one class on Fridays. This means I no longer have the whole day to travel. So ____ airlines here I come... you all better be working that weekend!!!
Mid Sept. we always have a girls weekend. This consists of my Mom's good friends and their daughters....(Is that all inclusive...?) It doesn't matter there are no rules. I am a firm believer that it is (the daughters) that really make it a weekend(let me tell ya...). We will all arrive Friday evening at various times walk in to an empty cabin... ditch whatever we need to... get whatever we need to....and walk out to the front to join the others at the camp fire.... That's usually all I remember... Just kidding... I have always said I would drop anything for these weekends... well because I am unaware of what my academic work load will be at that time I am unaware of what I will be dropping.... All I know is I am SO there...!!!

I think I'll got for a walk outside now...

I went for a walk this morning. I packed my back pack with a journal,book,thermos of coffee,a dasani, and my cell phone for when I got lost... I planned on it. I did pretty well though... I think i could make the walk I did today a regular one... Its actually my walk to school really. Here are some photos from my adventure:

Pain is Beauty.

So yesterday I went on a quest to get my eyebrows waxed. This is something I do when they grow out of con troll(which they clearly are).ANYWAY... I went to several places that were either closed.... or booked... so I kept driving. I explored 4 different suburbs in a 3 hour expedition with the hope that someone would help make my face look a bit more presentable before I meet all these new people... I found myself at a Solon where they had room for me.... After walking In I quickly realized that what they were doing wasn't waxing but threading... this is new to me... needless to say I sat down.... why you ask...? BECAUSE THEIR DOORS AND WINDOWS SAID WAXING. Anyway... I sat down and said I would like my eyebrows waxed that's all....and she responded with "no you dint"..."I thread them for you." So she did... I was the closest to having a heart attack that I have ever been... I was scared.... i hate people playing with my eyes.... I twitch like crazy when my close friends help me with eye liner.... Yikes.... If you want to see what I experience or are interested in the adventure yourself check out the following links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK-QzPLgUTo

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-eyebrow-threading.htm

IM HERE

Its crazy that Im here... moved in and such... Its CRAZY because this has been a process that started years ago.. the planning the deciding, the declairing... not all in that oreder of course... Life has brought me here to Evanston IL at least for now.... mu ah ah ah.... I always say I will blog more... but I wont.... Ill just throw tid bits on for now and see what happens. Its been an interesting start. My apt. pics are below... I realize this is just the inside... I live above an old fassion barber shop and a delli. There is also a dry cleaner, italian resturaunt,coffee/bagle shop all below my building... I am within 50 feet of where I catch the L to go to the city or wherever I let it take me. I am about five blovks from campus and just a 10 min drive away from target. So far life is good... My friend tally would be up to two.. If only I could remember their names... met them in church this morning... we were the three white people at Sherman UMC. We didnt know we would be attending the all African American Cong. The ushurs wore white gloves and white uniforms and we sang from a book called songs from zion... lots of hand raising and amen shouting... some even waved bibles.... we knew the service started at 10:30 because we were on time... we didnt however know it ended at 12:30. The offereing plates went around once and were blessed then passed again. Thats funny because Pastor Ric joked about that last Sunday when I was home... we sang "if you have a dollar give it to the Lord give it to the Lord. I was right there with them for most of it.....

Moiving Sale

To Becca and Carol with LOVE,

Don't get excited!!! I am this weekend without a computer... maybe longer depending on my computer man (a real looker my computer man );).

BECCA AND CAROL: I find your comments Hilarious! I am really excited for the day when the two of you meet. I am sure it will be a great day and the awkward introductions will not be necessary. So what event will it be (seminary graduation,ordination,wedding,my first Born's baptism) Hopefully in that order but anything can happen.

JIM: get a hobby!

I have been busy but not really the best excuse for not blogging. I am taking my last class (Video Game Entertainment) the Final paper consists of writing about my favorite video game ever played. Looking to receive a semi easy A. The challenge for me will be that I know very little of video games or how to play them.....

Crazy Transition is happening all around me. I just took in some fabulous 4Th festivity's down by the lake. Fireworks in my mind both pause and mark time. As I was watching fireworks I was thinking of how my life has changed in the last year what friends I have been distanced from and which ones survived me for another year. Pretty significant. A year from now who knows where I will be for the fourth. I was thinking it would be fun to always sublease in Duluth for the summer.... A thought I am seriously considering... but what do I know my world will change in two months.

Speaking of worlds changing I registered for classes this morning and received my housing assignment yesterday. I have a pretty fabulous apt. Friends are already claiming weekends and I am penciling them in on my ca lander. Make your reservation now!

Don't want to give you too much... just enough to keep you coming back for more!

I = bad at blogging

Don't bother checking for a while... Give me at least two weeks before I am used to the summer routine... Work, class, my rigorous social life, etc..

Other Peoples Stuff

WARRING: this blog was inspired by my excitement over finding left over napkins on my table from the last person who sat here... I needed one really bad and was very happy and so thankful.... So who knows what will become of this....

I have been in the business of other peoples stuff for years now.... I am not talking about other peoples personal stuff... (that can get messy). I am talking material goods. I have a lot of friends who are "givers" and I have received some A perfect example is having a garage sale ... we get so disgusted over how cheep we sell everything for. Everything that to us is quite valuable. But what do we do with it all at the end? all that doesn't sell.... we give it away. Either in the form of a free pile or a bag for EF. I love free stuff. I love the stuff of people I love receiving old back packs,posters,left over communion pita bread,hand-me-downs,etc... Even temporary gifts like loaner sweatshirts,flip flops,a shirt to wear for a big night out, etc...

Better than receiving (all though not by much)is giving. I feel like we are suppose to say that... so I am just trying to be realistic and admit that its not all that much better.. sometimes its hard...Every time I have moved and left(mostly transferring) I have willed my closest friends something.

I left my friend Risa from Waldorf my Chicago CD because we always sang it together so that was "our movie".I believe she also got my Wonder Woman poster..which was really amazing... not sure why I did that.

When I left River Falls I willed my fave. string of (Star Window Lights)and my precious Mikes Hard Lemonade sign to J & K(my neighbor girls and friends). I realize that to you this stuff might be worthless but its hard to give up.

Once I gave my friend Lauren from Camp my fav. C.D. of all time. This was probably the hardest thing I have ever given away...mostly because I didn't really want to.
(I loved LaRue and it was their first CD (self titled for those of you who will Google it.)) I think I actually cried when I gave it to her..... but it reminded me so much of our time together and I knew she would know its worth and treasure it. So it was no problem in the end. I think my motive was that I was sure she would forget about me. She is an amazing women and we live separate lives but we talk twice a year once on April 16th and once on June 6th. Its really very neat. SIDE NOTE: Just last year I bought the CD a second time after getting a birthday card from laur and crying.

Anyway the moral of all of this is... stuff is good. receive it and give it away. And leave your left over napkins on the table. You never know the person who sits there next might really need one!

Thought of the day....

This doesn't count as a blog but its a question for the general public.... I am not very good with social norms but am wondering if you are in a room.... (I am at a coffee shop) and everyone in that room (still in a coffee shop) is wearing headphones... is it then ok to sing?

Family tree...Family forest

My ultimate goal is not to offend..... that means you mom... but I am refusing to be bound by the boundaries of a biological family. You can say what you wish but I am not a fan of being limited to a bloodline. I Know this isnt new information because many people feel this way.....meaning I am not the first to declare the following information.
There is a quote that friends are the siblings God forgot to give us. I don't hink that God exactly forgot to give me siblings but the fact of the matter is I don't have any. For years I was angry about this. Almost mad. Mad at my parents for never giving me a baby brother. Mad that I need to marry someone loaded wtih siblings to ever be able to be an aunt. Mad that on snow days while other kids had siblings to play with I had to entertain myself. My Fresman year of college I wrote a paper that was to be the preface for the book I would write some day. "More Than One or NONE," was to be the title. My singaltoness has only made me stronger. It has only made me more creative, and I do beleive because of this, I place a higher value on love through friendship. Recently I have been rediculed by my choice of friends. Maybe ridiculed is a harsh word... its more or less teasing. "Susie hangs out with 60 year olds." " Susie has married friends, married friends with babys." Its funny really because I think nothing of it.... When I was a server at a small town cafe back home my boss often teased me about my relationtionships with the customers that we might clasify as elderly. Its true I have always swung with an older crowd. My friends last weekend went to a lake cabin for a college graduation party. I drove myself to the cities for a retierment party.
The retierment party was for my adopted father from my Holy Land trip (I blogged about him months ago). This Celebration was an amazing experience. During the service/celebration they had the retiree go sit with his family. Represented were his wife, son, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters in laws. He sat right next to me. Not only did he sit next to me but also he put his arm around me. The whole service whether he was sitting by me or not I was beaming with pride. I am so in love with this man that it was just a privilege to be there. After the service I was asked to go to the front of the food line with the rest of my family, or "go stand by your dad and I'll take your picture." Too Funny! The moral of all this is I claim this couple as my own. I know they love me in that way and believe me its mutual. It’s so hard to justify my relationship with them because I feel that few people understand the deep connection we actually do have.
My sister Claira whom I have blogged about before is a simmular example. We have had several conversations about how lying about it is just easier. As it turns out it actually is. If I say she is my sister... instead of explaining that she’s (like a sister) there are no questions. Its obvious why I would want to talk to her so often and its perfectly acceptable for us to end the conversation by saying "I love you."
Many of my friendships have also become sisterhoods. Most recently I have become so comfortable with some of my Duluth friends that I feel I can make demands of them and pull the brutally honest card. Conflict then happens sealing the deal that there is truly something worth fighting for.
I love my biological family very much..... But believe me if God gave us absolutely everything we needed in the form of our biological family we wouldn’t need all these other people in our life. So glad it is what it is...

Long and loud and clear

Let me first start out by saying I haven’t laughed as hard or as much in all my years of life than I have in the last two weeks. I have nearly tripled my weekly laughing quota and my out of control bursts of laugher are well…. out of control. In fact it wasn’t until the recent bite from the laughter bug that I even knew it was missing from my life. Everything has just gotten so much funnier. I believe the primary cause of this situation is the people I associate with. I have friends who are darn funny. I am taking a class with some of those darn funny friends right now and let me tell you my professor doesn’t find my obnoxious outbursts all that amusing. Today he had to stop me and ask what it was that was so funny. If only I could have stopped laughing long enough to tell him. After I composed myself (5 mins of self talk later) I was able to apologize to both him and the entire class. My relatives/and friends who are teachers and are reading I would imagine to not be to impressed. However I argue that it was a much needed interruption for all parties involved. Laughter is so healing… its is also very exhausting. I am not sure I can keep these ridiculous amounts of hysteria up for much longer… well not without taking a nap between episodes..

Busted

Turns out I have been busted by the Blog Police. You probably didn’t know that such a force existed but it does and the rumors are true…nasty little buggers! Not only has my phone been ringing of the hook but my e mail inbox is exploding with hate mail regarding my inability to commit to blogging. To save you some trouble the following excuses do not work:

“ I am taking a may term class…to busy!” (the response: Go in to school even earlier and do it when you check you e mail.)

“I don’t have Internet at my house!” (the response: type it in word and post it later (this is what I am currently doing.))

“Nobody reads it anyway…” the response: I do! and so does that Jim guy.)

It’s unfortunate that I have been caught. I have never been real amazing with commitment so it doesn’t really come as a surprise. Maybe that’s why I have attended 6 churches semi regularly in the last 5 years, 3 colleges in 4 years.
One of my favorite lack of commitment stories is that while attending UW-River Falls I was a member of the Figure Skating Club. Probably one of the proudest members the club had. I often bragged about being a part of it and just randomly dropping it as a conversation starter. I got the newsletter, the e mails, the event calendar but never once attended (no I didn’t order the t-shirt…who do you think I am anyway).

I must admit I do have a “facebook” account (to clarify: this is comparable to “myspace” or one of those other online networks you hear so many bad things about). This program however… I believe to be harmless. I enjoy the ability I have to keep in contact with people from my previous commitments. Friends from other schools and stages of my life. Within this page or community (my community being only people I know) is a group option. You are allowed to both create and join groups. I belong to various groups: cottonNstrings fan club, Knitting Fools, LPBC alumni, Sara Groves Fan Club, and the Yes I come from the center of the universe known as Paynesville group. I have decided and state very simply on my page that “facebook” groups are for me…. For the simple reason that they require absolutely no commitment on my part but at the same time I get the benefit of the label, and get to be a part of the big group.

Now that I think of all of this… Isn’t that why I played sports in Jr. High and High school. It wasn’t because I was good at it.. cause I wasn’t.. but I got to be a part of the team.
I am not asking to be captain blogging police. I am just asking to be a part of the team!!!!!! Is that so bad??? GOLLLL!!!!!!

I see the light!

I think I should feel more relived than I am. Today is Friday and the last "class" day of the semester. I imagine I am not feeling the light and free feeling simply because grades aren't in yet, finals still need to be taken, and a week from Monday I will start two May term classes... EEK! I know from last May term that this will be the most intense two weeks of my life. So I am pretty much expecting to fall off the face of the earth for a brief while.... My typical day will be class from 8:00am to 5:00pm followed by reading/homework until 10:00 when I pass out and sleep till 7:00am. Despite all that I am looking forward to it. I am oh so very done with Algebra, Bio, and Hist. and Systems. Very much welcoming the change of a new schedule and new classes... Along with the change in classes will also come yet another change in my housing situation. This too I am somewhat excited about. There is really something great about having your own room. I think the best part is the door. Looking forward to having that again... The moral of all this is that the end is indeed in sight.... Looking forward to June when I can just be. I will be working a lot of hours but fortunately I don't have job that requires much brain power... Gotta love jobs that allow you make a fool of your self and sing the hokey poky and the chicken dance... No I don't DJ at weddings.. I teach swimming lessons!

To Jim:
You can now share your snarky comments... I opened it to people like you... try again.

All Over The Place

I can’t take the time to blog because I am running off of productivity endorphins which are serving me quite well at the moment (wouldn’t want to slow down to think). It's amazing how much you get done when you are bouncing around Duluth with no real attachment to one particular place (I think its fair to say I am still homeless) .GOTTA LOVE HOST FAMILY'S/FRIENDS. I think Sunday I set the record by doing homework and doing some last minute prep before my sermon by bouncing between 3 coffee shops over the course of one day. I am getting sleep but never in the same place…(couch, floor, deck, chairs). For the record I am completely fine with this….. my sleep time is down, my wardrobe size is smaller than I would like, my space has significantly decreased but my passion for people and life is on the rise….. I should write a book…. Maybe title it… “All Over The Place” or “Life Unscripted” but tlc has already coined that one…..

Mr. Barkey Van Schauzer

I am a slacker… I once again am pulling the TOO BUSY card when it comes to bogging. Once again my apologies to those of you who check daily or even periodically and never see anything new. I am writing to you live from one of my favorite places in the world. I have a pretty decent view of my favorite lake and a hot cup of coffee and a good quilt. Life is good. Today there was a change in my Monday night plans. Instead of the usual selections from “Orbiting the Giant Hairball” (a must read), and driving around Paris via XBox I went for a run/walk/pull with my 90lb four legged friend. It was quite incredible. We make a pretty amazing duo. That was pretty much obvious from the start but tonight the deal was sealed. As I ran with the Frisbee in my mouth and he ran with not even his tongue in his we shared something. Something special. I have decided that I need someone like him in my life everyday to keep me going when I want to be slow and lazy and I think he would agree that he needs someone like me to….(still exploring my purpose in his life)(don’t read too much into that either). ANYWAY…. I have come to the conclusion that my attachment to this dog (and if you know me this is very rare) is yet another reason why leaving Duluth will be a challenge. I think when its time for me to leave I might just fall to the ground in his yard not willing to move for anything but food like he did tonight after our activities. I think the guy has it made!!!

Oh to Joy

"OH TO JOY" One of my favorite Hymns. At least it was growing up I can tell you its on Page 89 of the UMC hymnal. Joy is the theme. Joy for my dads birthday, Joy for my moms retirement, Joy for my friend who rearranged her life today, Joy for the birth of Alise, Joy for my brother in laws promotion, Joy to new gardens, Joy for the Science Museum, McDonald's coffee and oh so much more. I have been reminded by so many people lately what Joy is. Our capacity for it and the overall experience. I experienced great joy at my DCOM interview on Monday. Feeling the overwhelming support and excitement from my District Super and District Committee. This was experienced through much laughter and sharing. My need for Joy has allowed me to open my eyes to things like love and be even more receiving of love, support, and hospitality. This week I have learned so much about loyalty. I am so pleased with what I have done for myself. So grateful for the support system I have created and maintained over the years. Even more please that I don't have to tap into it as much as one would imagine. I know a lot of people from my home church and my family read this blog and I greatly appreciate all of your love support and prayers. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Screaming with excitement for what is in store for all of us!

Everything is Coming up Roses

Isn't Spring Great? Today spring is here.... tomorrow there might be 4 inches of snow on the ground but today it is beautiful out... and here I sit inside... I think it's funny that I chose today to be productive. Not Thursday or Friday when it was cool and windy out... but today....a glorious wind free sunshine filled day. I am blogging live from DB where I log the majority of my coffee shop hours... (Despite the fact that in the last two weeks I have been busted and the bix twice....)My loyalty to the DB is like no other. I am a little too comfortable here for I have striped off my sweater and shoes, opened the window by my little table and propped up my feet. The window ledge is full of my junk (calculator, cell phone, keys, my pencil box, pictures of my friends... jk to that last one). Today is one of those days I like homework. I think its because I have nothing better to do.... Although mother nature is beckoning I am at ease in the arms of the DB. Content with the upcoming two exam week, content with my to do list and the piling up of math assignments; all now posted for the rest of the semester.... ugh that's a stretch.. but just try and get me down... I dare you. Thank the Lord for delayed gratification.... upcoming weeknight fun makes weekend homework so doable. Everything is Coming up Roses!

Isn't Spring Great? Today spring is here.... tomorrow there might be 4 inches of snow on the ground but today it is beautiful out... and here I sit inside... I think it's funny that I chose today to be productive. Not Thursday or Friday when it was cool and windy out... but today....a glorious wind free sunshine filled day. I am blogging live from DB where I log the majority of my coffee shop hours... (Dispite the fact that in the last two weeks I have been busted and the bix twice....)My loyalty to the DB is like no other. I am a little too comfortable here for I have striped off my sweater and shoes, opened the window by my little table and propped up my feet. The window ledge is full of my junk (calculator, cell phone, keys, my pencil box, pictures of my friends... jk to that last one). Today is one of those days I like homework. I think its because I have nothing better to do.... Although mother nature is beckoning I am at ease in the arms of the DB. Content with the upcoming two exam week, content with my to do list and the piling up of math assignments; all now posted for the rest of the semester.... ugh that's a stretch.. but just try and get me down... I dare you. Thank the Lord for delayed gratification.... upcoming weeknight fun makes weekend homework so doable.

Repetition @ its best

So it is beautiful out. I really wanted to take the day off and go walking by the lake... (not sure it is that nice out...) but I am really itching to do the lake walk... run the lake walk even. This is a zest of motivation I haven't experienced in a while. Today is crazy in an excellent way. It is amazing how burden free I feel when I don't have math homework to do. I would rather do anything in the world before I would choose to do math. Some examples:

• Eat tuna (I despise tuna)
• Clean up after my roommates
• Hang out with my roommates
• Go to the dentist
• Dance for money(despite the need for it)
• Run for president
• Be probed by aliens
• Attend bio Lab (wow can't even believe it myself)
• Walk alone through the bad parts of town at night
• etc...

A math free day is a glimpse of heaven. A math free day doesn't require me to go to school 3 hours early to hang out with the tutors in the tutoring center. A math free day allows me to have the morning to watch a few episodes of full house. A math free day allows me to eat breakfast and even lunch! A math free day means time for coffee with a Friend (two if I am lucky). A math free day does require me however to go to class because most likely tomorrow will not be a math free day.

Quickly slow down

So I have this bad habit of wishing my life away. Everyday when I drive to school I say "yes its already Tuesday" **positive self talk that keeps me from turning the car around**. Could the week go any faster? Could the semester be done any quicker? Could it be may already? How about June? Not looking forward to July but Sept. I'll be settled and in a better place... or will I...I do this with other things too... Like planning. I am already planning what my apt. will look like in Evanston. I have already planned visits with friends and vowed to pick up their bus ticket to come see me. I have already decided what I will eat and drink to remind me of my friends in Duluth. When I miss LeBec I will make her orange sherbet/chocolate ice cream/ almond/whip cream combo, and when I need a Sara fix I will probably spend some quite time with Lemon tea/honey/and vinegar... (extra vinegar depending on the day). The Cheddar sour cream ruffles and dip will always take me back to times with Marisa... and I plan on having all of these things on hand at all times... for those desperate moments when I need them and can't have them. Its crazy that I do this because I pride myself in my ability to savor the moment. I know what I have and its amazing... I could linger over a cup of coffee or after church or on the porch just knowing how special and precious all of these times are. I think all of the hustle and bustle and my wishing away my life is a defense against what is to come... Bring it on I say....but lets cram as much in as we can until then....OK??

PeAcE

I am having trouble finding peace. I think it has a lot to do with sharing a small townhouse with four other individuals. That is 5 different definitions of peace and 5 people requiring different amounts of it. I have been on a quest for peace for some time now. Just last night I struggled finding a peaceful place to have a private phone conversation. I had to shut my door and turn up the volume of my TV just to have a private conversation with Clara (my sister). Two nights ago in order to not hear the music being blared by my roommates I turned my room radio on to block their sound and headphones and an ipod to listen to what it was I really could stand to hear (Grace Kelly). It’s interesting to me how we all have different requirements for peace. Mine change daily. Today I would settle for the girl next to me on her cell phone to just tone it down a notch. Last night I needed to be in another building with people not screaming and laughing loud enough that I can hear them behind closed doors(not bitter). This morning I got a text msg. from Clara. I am not even sure if she is completely aware for my search for peace but she sent me a quote by Max Lucado that is about just that. It said “Peace is promised to the one who fixes thoughts & desires on the King.” I don’t think peace and quiet was ever promised and I know life isn’t supposed to be a breeze. Fortunately for me I fall near the center on the introvert extrovert continuum. I am able most times to adapt or accommodate in any un-peaceful/uncomfortable situation. I am once again VERY BLESSED to have people who push and pull and even drag me various directions. We all need a handful of those friends who will “take you out for ice cream” to cheer you up. However as essential as ice cream is to our lives we need those people who will kick us around until you are facing the right direction( I mean that in a loving way. spoken with gratitude for those people in my life). In my favorite Ginny Owens song she says “you never said it would be easy. You only said I’d never go alone…” Thanks for all the quotes, kicks, and ice cream!!!

What I Thought I Wanted and What I Got Instead

Everything I seem to write down today is coming off a little more negatively than I would hope for it to. After all I am trying to kick that bad habit. OPTIMISM ALL THE WAY! It just seems that disappointment is the theme of the moment. A smart person would stop writing right here so I will continue. I think its fair to say we all experience disappointment Disappointment in places, people, situations. I surprise myself because I claim to be pretty set in knowing what I want to do and who I am therefor getting a bit thrown off when I am able to drastically change my opinion about______ (insert Noun here)so quickly. There is a song by Sara Groves that hits this all on the head (the title of this blog stems from there as well). It's crazy how we all make our minds up and then change them. It is scary when all of a sudden I am standing up for something that yesterday I knew nothing about. Tomorrow I will be defending someone I don't know today. YIKES... sounds like stress to me! Anyway... The most important part from this lyric is the lines after what I included in the title. "What I thought I wanted and What I got instead leaves me broken yet grateful." the yet grateful is substitute with peaceful and faithful as well. Those are what I am working on today. I am doing really good in the grateful category. I have found so much in the things I now deem insignificant. We learn from our mistakes and we usually can walk away with some good knowledge after a bad experience. I will explore these further in my head this afternoon... its off to change the world in my Algebra class!

Samurai Bob

Today DUNA bought two sweatshirts, a book, and a shot glass. I… well I bought Samurai Bob a Chicago T-shirt! He was real exited. So as you can see we both are ninjas. This may or may not be something you knew about me. If Bob wasn’t so short you would see me in full ninja garb. We spent a good hung of the day walking the streets of Chicago. We spent a good amount of time being tourists We explored the Art Institute, Millennium Park, and the Water Tower building??? Not sure what that’s really called. We ended our time in the city at the Hard Rock Café. Today wasn’t all fun… Bob and I devoted a good amount of time to ninja discipline. We spent a lot of the afternoon learning the way of the Samurai. After all of our devoted study and meditation we may decide to reward ourselves by hiking a few blocks for some Cold Stone. Bob really likes his Rockey Road. Me, I like the Birthday Cake Remix. Bob and Sus signing out… Hiii ya… Kee Ahh!

Evanston IL

So here we are DUNa and I. We are staying at the Best Western in Evanston. We took the red eye buss leaving Minneapolis at 11:45 yesterday evening and arriving at Union Station sometime around 7:00am. We went instantly to Evanston to visit Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. Where I had 2 meetings, a tour, and a lunch date. It is on the Northwestern University Campus and is right on the shore of Lake Michigan. It is two blocks away from where you can catch the train. It is quite pretty here. The city is much larger than I thought it was but still so very cute. It is known to be the suburb of Chicago with the good places to eat. DUNa and I didn't fully take in the experience tonight because we were so tired. After a 4 hour nap we got our dazed selvs out of bed and walked around peering in the windows of the cute shops and restaurants... Tomorrow DUNa is in control because today was all about me.... Did I mention I am accepted... It's scarier than I thought.... hmmm... more pictures athttp://www.garrett.northwestern.edu/

Life Soundtrack

How incredible is music... It is probably one of the most powerful things I know... There is nothing worse or greater than a song that reminds you of a good time or a bad time. A song has the power to transport a person to a place or time without you even giving consent. One minute you are driving in your car and the next minute you are one the lake fishing with your dad ( the song "we were nearly freshman" comes to mind).I love music. I like listening to music more than most things... It is crazy to me how there is a song for almost every moment or situation a person could ever find themselves in. There is music for when you are in love (Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have some of my fave. duets), angry (heal diggin, boot stompin songs), sad(Mindy Smith sends the tears), and happy(Pop! Goes My Heart... enough said!). How is it that songs have the power to be every emotion at one time... For quite a long time I have wondered what the soundtrack of my life would look like. There is no doubt in my mind that it wouldn't be all over the spectrum. I would need a few Jock Jamish songs to represent my energy. A significant amount of sappy songs to demonstrate that most often I am an emotional basket case. There would also have to be a few good dance tunes.. These could represent a number of things. For now we will have them represent movement/change.I would need one good angry song (it would have to be a hidden track because that's nothing I would really want people to hear/see). I could also make a bold statement with the album cover... and write a lot of witty things on this inside pamphlet definitely not a disclaimer for the lyrics. The question is... would it be one people would rip off the Internet... or one of those must buys from a store.... Who knows really... its so far from being finished!

Why Is Life Difficult?

So I just finished a test with some time left over for blogging. Why is Life Difficult? You are looking at the first question on my test. Its really quite funny to think of answer that question. Had I not done my research and read Scott Peck's explanations I would have had a host of answers. Maybe a few would be...

1. We are required to take classes that we have no interest in.
2. Because things change. People Change.
3. It's a mans world.
4. Gas is expensive and I can't stay in one place for too long.
5. I wasn't blessed with the academic gene.
6. My friends are too far away.
7. Relationships change/people change.
8. You have to buy the whole album.
9. We are emotional beings, I am an emotional being.
10. etc...

However the answer that I wrote on my test (the correct answer in the eyes of my prof.) Is that life is difficult because it is a series of problems. One after another. The most challenging thing for us as humans is to simply except the fact that life is difficult. Once we are open to this truth and see it as such life will no longer be difficult. I've been told that it is the wise person who welcomes pain and challenges. The growth that will result is of significant value. Its crazy but so true that my days are only as bad as I make them. I am only as stressed out as I allow myself to be. The mantra in my mind is "plenty of time, plenty of time" I also enjoy "I have no where else to be and nothing else to do but to be present here and now." If I make my day long enough I can get anything done. If I start my day early enough I will have significantly less to do in the evening. Delayed gratification folks!!! That is what I am selling today!

Fresh Air and SUNSHINE!

WOW... it feels so good to finally get out of my house... well... I made it to DUNa's in those white out conditons but to actually leave the parking lot in my car is AMAZING. Today is a good day.... You know how I can tell... well there are lots red flags....
First and foremost I have trashed my room looking for something great to wear for tonight... as much as I love themes they stress me out!!! Not sure I am there yet but it is so darn fun trying!
Secondly when the plow came this morning he did not dump snow on top of the fort we spent hours building yesterday! It is quite an elaborate piece of architecture. It was so funny throughout the construction process how much we thought about safety and solid design... Like we ever thought of arched ceilings and an emergency action plan when we were 8. We have lit all the halls and rooms in this 5-6 room fort. it is complete with the arched ceilings and the smell of Christmas/and berries.
Third and finally A family who I used to nanny for (the free braces people) are coming through Duluth this afternoon. We are going to hopefully meet for quick hugs and coffee I am excited about that.... then its off to the movie with some of my favorite people.

Shout out to Sarah G!

Applicable

I am taking a personal development class this semester. We are reading Scott Peck's book
"The Road Less Traveled." Today in class we came across his section titled "Love Is Separateness." This section (see below) is not by the author but by Kahlil Gibran It is something that really struck accord with me today. Just thought I would share it with you because I am so bad at blogging! There is a good chance that it may mean nothing to you but it had some relevance to me today!.

But let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you

Love one another, but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf

Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each others keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each others shadow.*

Sus Strikes Again

Ok... I have to share this story because it is just too good to not tell a friend. So thanks for reading. I am taking an online class this semester which I new from the start was a bad choice. The reason I am still in it is because it is one of the last classes in fact the last class I need for my major. Silly Psychology. The moral of the story is we have online exams. Way more stressful than regular in class exams because you have 40 Min's and you can kind of use your book ( so you frantically search for the answers you don't know... which is most). Basically it is a time set aside four times in the semester for one heck of a panic attack. Today I am suppose to take an exam before noon. Last night I looked online at the practice exams and this morning was up at 7 reading and sipping coffee. Off to a pretty decent start until... dun dun dun. I decide to take the exam. As it turns out in opening the practice exams last night I actually opened the real one. So the timer began and I didn't even know it. Then I proceeded to walk away from my computer to talk on the phone and engage in other acts of procrastination. Little did I no this morning when i logged on to take the test that I had already used my 40 Min's to take it. Thus giving me a whopping score of 0/56 or something... Pretty impressive. fortunately I let the timer go all night and maybe my prof can see that I took 9 hours to take the test and didn't fill any in. I am praying she lets me do something!!! EEEK! Have I mentioned how much I love Monday's?????

I call this Sus Strikes again because I quick took the first exam before my trip and even though i answered all the questions my score wasn't all that higher.

There is probably also irony in skipping yoga because I'm too stressed.... Math Quiz heck yeah!!

Woah Cap n' gown

Today my friend DUNa and I went to our schools Grad Fair. We walked around sampling a variety of unique food samples while filling our little goody bags full of all the free stuff we could get our hands on without being "those girls." I think overall it was a success. We left with some coupons, notebooks (the edgewater notebook is my personal fav.), also DUNa grabbed a basketball! PRETTY SWEET if you ask me. We also are now owners of these stellar little change holders that probably max out after about 3 dollars worth of quarters! So be looking for those dangling off of our key chains and backpacks! The real kicker of all this grad fair excitement was picking up our tassels. We are both equally disappointed with our tassel color. DUNa gets a really pretty brown ( I mean I actually like it and offered to trade). Mine is Gold... probably because when it comes to academics I receive the GOLD star ( that makes me like it a little )! I am thinking that perhaps my first protest will be that of equal tassel rights. Like "let me pick my own color for Pete sake!" I tell you what I would choose ... that of the cultural studies major. They have a beautiful peacock teal!

The whole topic of graduation is a real tense one for me.... basically because it doesn't seem real. I walked around the grad fair today feeling like oh... DUNa is graduating. She feels like she is going to graduate. I don't know why but I am still waiting for the bottom to drop out. Not really sure why... not a lot of bad things happen to me... mostly good actually...I'm pretty lucky... I am just concerned that something will happen to set me back. Why am i worried about time anyway.... (I want to get better at living life "in my own good time"). It will also be weird to walk for graduation only to the following Monday start taking more classes at UMD. I will be 6 credits or 2 classes short. I am completely fine with this however because that means at least an extra month in Duluth.....One time in conversation I measured that in Sundays. I said that will be another good four Sundays up here so that's OK.... WOW I am the definition of "special treat."

Blogging Slump

I have hit it. I have hit it all too soon. This blogging slump. Maybe it is because I have so much on my plate at the moment... or maybe its because I am just plain and simple... not inspired. I guess I have a lot to learn from those who are good at writing entertaining things for me to read each day. There is is a time (that being now)when we must fess up to the fact that... that person will never be me! I am thinking of what would best fill this page. Would it be free associating with words or perhaps ink blots left for your interpretation... Maybe some poetry that I wrote when I went through that faze of writing... Or maybe some words of wisdom from my friend Jack Handy. These all seem like reasonable solutions ... I'll stick with that.

A good way to threaten somebody is to light a stick of dynamite. Then you call the guy and hold the burning fuse up to the phone. "Hear that?" you say. "That's dynamite, baby."

~Jack Handy

Why do people in ship mutinies always ask for "better treatment"? I'd ask for a pinball machine, because with all that rocking back and forth you'd probably be able to get a lot of free games.

~Jack Handy

multi tasking

I am currently At Sara's Table where I am blogging, reading/writing a sermon, drinking coffee, and aggressively consuming a hummus sandwich. I picked off the tomato's.... I order them in hopes that I will have a little each time and maybe someday actually like them. I also am sick of being that girl who orders a meal but then asks for everything that is served with it to be removed. ( My many years as a waitress has inspired this movement.) I am getting good at eating the small diced ones but have yet to master the ginormous red round slices ( as seen on my sandwich). So for now I just leave them on my pizza but pick them off my hummus sandwich. I talk about this like you care....
Anyway the multi tasking.... It feels really good to be overwhelmed with things I enjoy for once. The post trip work load has been quite overwhelming and I am by no means finished. Last night there was finally a break in the action... I went out to eat with two of my roommates and then went home and was in bed before 8:00. Today I have been going strong since 7:00am and much to my servers dissatisfaction I have been in this large wooden booth since 9:00. Ill make up for it in my tip!
My sermon is going to be on temptation (Jesus in the wilderness etc...) I am in awe of all the amazing propositions Jesus received from the Devil....So many times Jesus could have took the money and ran if you know what I mean... I see this currently with my to do list... There is a lot of easy ways out like "An Offer Hard to Refuse" ( I think that's my sermon tittle). I would much rather be out singing karaoke, ice skating, or catching a movie with my friends but I cant do that! I wont let myself! Right now... I am forced to sit at my desk or in a coffee shop crying over algebra and biology. I however am optimistic.... My eyes are on the prize... This sermon writing business is reminding me of why I am finishing college instead of running away crying. I need to make it through this last semester so that I can go on to do what it is I believe I am called to spend the rest of my life doing.... make sense?

This is personal blog therapy today I think!

ommmm

Today I woke up at 4:30am. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that perhaps I am not yet back to my regular schedule. I can't decide if its left over jet lag or just anxiety about my first day back at school. I think its probably fair to say that both are playing a significant role in my status. I have Yoga in less than an hour. One would think that this would be a good thing. Relaxing, energizing, etc... However... I am a fool when it comes to Yoga. I have a bumper sticker on my desk that says "I'm Knot into Yoga"! There are very specific reasons for this. Each time I make a complete fool of myself. Its the tree pose that really gets me. I cant stand up worth a darn. Then I do that awkward I'm embarrassed laugh and in return get shot with eye bullets from the instructor. Turns out I'm not cut out for downward facing dog or the warrior pose either. I guess I am seeking meditation. Today I would kill for it. I am thinking that someday when I take over the world and start my own University it will be fully equipped with a prayer/meditation room. I think I am suffering from prayer withdrawal. Or as I come off the mountain from my trip I am longing for that thickness The Holy Land provided for me. Who knows really.
Today I am really sad that my friend Becca is leaving. It shouldn't be a big deal but I am making it one. Today the people at Walmart made me cry. Who knows whats next. Yoga probably... hehehe... Putting on my tough girl mask and going to face the the world of big mirrors and sticky mats. I think maybe later Ill crawl in my gym locker and have a serious discussion with God.

Don't Tell Ric

Pastor Ric and several others thought this trip would be an amazing experience. I has been. I only have two days of travel, exploration, and speakers left.. This trip has only scratched the surface of what I would like to know and understand about the political situation and just my history and everything else.

What I will take from this trip however is so far from what I came here for. So far from what I feel Pastor Ric wants me to take home.

These People are amazing. The people I am traveling with are sooo wonderful. They have just taken me under their wings and I am running with it like I always do. For some reason "Store up your treasures in Heaven" comes to mind. I have amazing connections. I already feel truly blessed with the people I have supporting me. That number has doubled this past week and a half. I can't describe these people and the amount of encouragement they have shared with me in this short time.

I have learned more about my United Methodist background than I thought I would. My roommates will be disheartened to hear that I am even more proud than when I left and they couldn't quite tolerate it. Most importantly I have learned that people are human. These People are human. A lot of things that I was unsure about have been made clear by them. Its Epiphany after Epiphanyor bonk on the head after bonk on the head. Linda... you may be disappointed in me... I have been enjoying the nights with these clergy to their full potential... (talk about putting my foot in my mouth) **Hopefully you are getting what I'm talking to you about in code here....** Michelle has probably figured it out... You are right.. Things taste better over here... I have learned to like new things...

Its Raining Men

wow... let me tell you... I have had some unique experiences in these last few days. Now I don't claim to be that drop dead gorgeous American but when you are traveling with a group where the avg. age is 50ish one becomes more appealing.

We have had a hard last two days... Yesterday we visited a refugee camp .. I met my friend and soon trouble Mohammad. He was my age and a student at the university... moving to china this summer.... :( Becca can relate....hehehe Anyway.. I was totally not interested but we began to small talk.. we had a lot in common. However... this became annoying when he was right over my shoulder all the time we were there.... So to me this was really no big deal.. on this pilgrimage we are encouraged to get to know the locals and have challenging conversations... we were discussing the ever so ridiculous wall that divides this country and its people. I also learned many things about his situation and life... deep stuff... but as we would walk through the camp other boys his age (our age) would laugh and point and say things to him at Hebrew..... There was no doubt in my mind that these laughs and comments were about me... you know the ol ooooOOOooo's and what not.... Fortunately for me I have adopted parents on this trip.... Fritz and Liz... Two amazing individuals who call me their own. ANYWAY... we were in the camp art gallery when I just began to feel really awkward/uncomfortable... other individuals in the group were noticing but were also laughing because lets be honest it was amusing. The moral of the story is i clinged to my daddy and he stared the boy down... it meant nothing to the boy because he obviously didn't get the msg when he asked me for my e mail address but I spent the rest of this adventure arm in arm with my dear Fritz.

To give you a little side note about Fritz: I asked him to take pictures of me two days ago swimming in the Dead Sea. He tool about five pictures of his face because he held my camera backwards... a real winner if you ask me!

Day 4

GOOD DAY!
This has to be a quick one because I shared my internet time..... We did Bet She'an it was the most ruins and remnants I have seen in one place thus far. We climbed a huge huge hill that is made of at least 20 old city's. AMAZING... We also st oped at the Jordan River followed by Tabgha where we went to the church of the multiplication (You know when Jesus fed the multitude with 2 McFish Pa ttys and 5 McDonalds buns...) We also when to the Church of Primacy -St. Peter... where Jesus made "the first breakfast after the last supper" My fav. quote of the day is Ken the Bishops Husband... here is a sample of one of our many dialogues today..
KEN: Hey Susie... do you know where the rock is that Jesus cooked the fish on?

Sus: Rumor has it is in the church I haven't been in yet.
KEN: Yeah... I totally would have choose that rock too (referring to a rock literally) You know.. nice rock with the gas hook up right there and all

HE is too funny! We also did Capernaum and then went sailing on the sea of Galilee... It was great it rained hard..
Tomarrow we are off to the wilderness and the Dead Sea... switching hotels so not sure of the internet situation.

Jet Lag

Still So tired... but making the best of my time here. Today we visited Megiddo. We were here for a very short time but learned of its long history... 25 layers of city's are here. The would be where Pharaohs army did a sneak attack to take over the city. This site is cited in Rev. 16:16. W

Today we had two lectures one was at the house of peace in Shfaram. We visited and were served Palestinian meal... i actually ate this one... rice beans, and the best hummus I have ever had. I feel in love with the founders granddaughter... she was sooo cute and we flirted with each other from across the room. Before I left she counted to ten in English for me and said I love you. That's all she knows... ADORABLE!!!

Our last stop for the day was the Mt. of the Beatitudes. Where we actually heard Jesus give us the sermon on the mt. hehehe just kidding.... There was a group of Asians walking around playing guitar and violin and singing... It was very beautiful... palm trees everywhere and kind of foggy.... SO PEACEFUL!

Overall a good day... im still sooooo ridiculously tired... My bed is a lot like those at camp. I tool to mattresses and stacked them but they are soooo firm.... Last night was full of crazy dreams of being left behind or forgotten... is that symbolic... hopefully not.... I am taking in all the smells. Most are good... its the ones of food that make me go... ugh... what am i going to have to eat.....

City on a hill

WOW... SO HERE I AM... feet away from the sea of Galilee. This is crazy excitement! Today we were all over. We were awake all night on the plain and spent all day touring near Nazareth. We saw some amazing art, and some amazing buildings and spent some time by the Mediterranean sea. I even got my feet wet... GOOD TIMES EH?

The thing that stood out most about today was the city's after dark... This is very hilly country and all of the buildings and lights are soooo close together. You can see a city for miles. There are many city's in this area that claim to be the city on the hill from the common scripture but not one surpasses the other in beauty.... It reminds me of the cute little song "you've got to stay bright to be the light of the world... so let your light so shine before men..." Great Tune.... Also there is a full moon tonight right above our little hotel room huts... IT makes the sea look marvelous!!!

As for food. I plan to loose weight... *wrinkles nose and sticks out tongue a little*
I am doing surprisingly well in the journal and photo department... I give myself three stars.... This is all for now cause I am timed online and I have no idea how much time I have left... I need to read you girls' blogs!

TTFN

In the words of my good friend Tigger.... Ta Ta For Now.... NOTE: I better clarify that statement for a few friends of mine.... Just because one quotes a character from Pooh and Friends by no means implies that they would ever be caught wearing a shirt with a Disney character (i.e. Irresistible).
Well.. Here I go... Soon I shall be driving to River Falls,WI where I will then meet up with my friend Jess. She will drive me to the airport tomorrow morning to meet a bunch of people I don't know... EEEK! I have no idea really what to expect because it hasn't really sunk in that I will be traipsing around in amazing places that I have heard so much about within the next 48hrs..
I have prayed about this trip since may when the seed was planted and the possibility was presented. I am full of nervous energy and am real anxious to find out what God is going to make this trip be for me....
I'm concerned about a few things... The politics, silly Americans, Bathrooms, Water... (cause I only drink bottled), men with guns on buses, and ya know all that other stuff.... HOWEVER... there is one concern that is stronger than the others.... this being "how am I possibly going to steal something sweet for Sara when I am traveling with two buses full of clergy... and in the HOLY LAND of all places.....
I only hope I can live up to all your expectations.... Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes my dear friends of the blog. I can't wait to see you all soon....

Ripples Peeps: The 10th it is... can we wear scarfs and ?baret's ?