negative nancy's

I'm so tired of the negetive people in my life. I am here to learn and grow, and I enjoy my classes. I love listening to my profs talk about their experiences in the classroom. I'm sure I can learn just as much from their stories, if not more, than I can from my textbooks and I respect what they have to say. But, it seems that in every class I have this semester, there are a few people who tend to drag down the entire mood of the class by complaining constantly that we have to stay in class, or that the stories are boring, or that the material we are covering is worthless. I can't stand this. Find another major then. Although, these people probably would have the same attitude about any major, because it's their nature. It's so obnoxious. I've made a commitment to myself to learn and grow from every experience...to try to get something out of everything I go through. There has to be some good that could come from actually staying in class the alotted time. I don't know what would be idea for these individuals - go to class for half the time ? That wouldn't make me feel as if I was learning anything. I'm so sick of hearing their negetivity. It's frustrating. Two more weeks and then WINTER BREAK. YES!

I just realized last night that I get both Cartoon Network and Animal Planet on the television here in the dorm. You have to be smarter than the remote though and punch in the numbers 7 and 22. It doesn't automatically find them. I can't imagine why they would want to censor those two channels out. Perhaps a connection to campus violence? ha

I take the Praxis exam tomorrow. If I pass (which I will) I will be a certified teacher - I'm pretty sure. It's exciting because this is what I've worked four years for. Well, more than four years to be accurate.

I got one of those "create your own tumbler" cups from Starbucks as a bday gift and excitely created an amazing collage featuring my bf, cat, family and best friends....couldn't get the damn template back into the mug. that's my project for the weekend i guess. christmas tree is going up tomorrow. i know i was protesting about the deco around here, but it's actually what i need right now. brian and i bought a tree together, picked out ornaments. we have started our first "family" tradition, right? For the past nine years I've set up the tree pretty much on my own. It is going to be amazing to share this with him.

This time of year is always an emotional time. I'm trying to cope with it. This year will be different. In a way, it may be easier. In the past with so much downtime to be at home, memories flooded me. This time of year is when I have a breakdown of epic porportions. Usually only this time of year does that happen. Throughout the year tears are sporatic, but it seems like during the holidays if the tears get going, they don't cease easily. I love that Brian and I are building a life together.

I'm reading an interesting book: Perfume - The Story of a Murderer by: Patrik Suskind. Very intriguing thus far.

planes, trains and lawnmowers

It seems that I am unable to sleep lately without medication. Really frustrating. My room mate seems to stay up LATE every night. *sigh* Don't quite know what to do about this.

I am going to get a small Christmas Tree this week and put in the room. It's going to be lovely. I wish we could have candles, or at least that my roomie wasn't an RA. There's nothing I love more than Christmas/fall smells.

It's only Tuesday.

Oh Boy.

Praxis test on Saturday. Biggest moment of my college life. EEK.

this is not the north pole

the flipping christmas decorations went up in my dormatory hall last night. WTF? it's not even close to thanksgiving yet!!!! im really livid. you see, i love these holiday decorations when the time is APPROPRIATE. they fill me with warm fuzzies of excitement, BUT when put up too early, they tend to really PISS ME OFF. come on people!! not only that, but there's a local radio station ALREADY playing CONSTANT christmas tunes!!!!! what the crap!! boy has consumerism taken over. it's brainwashing us. i'm severely disappointed.

ugh

Man, I hate when I neglect this thing. There are thoughts pouring through my head everyday that I shoul be blogging about. There's too much going on. It seems like in every phase of my life there is "too much going on". I suppose thats the way I like it though. I don't like to be idle, usually. I volunteered last week at the local animal sheltar. It smelled, but it was really fun. I want to get more involved in the community. Need to get more involved at church, too. I should stop talking about it and just do it!

Sometimes I hate facebook. Idk why I can't seem to maintain friendships from high school like everyone else has seemed to do. I look on facebook sometimes and people are all hanging out with the same people, except me. Granted, I live in another city now, but you know what I mean? I almost feel like a failure. How did it happen? Was it that crappy relationship that destroyed all the ties with my friends, too? Obviously there is no turning back, but sometimes it hurts to see these people. I miss them. I'm sure they never think of me. Same with college friends. I know I left abruptly. That's why I never get invited back for homecoming or other events, I guess. that hurts too. I'm not trying to be a complainer, but it really is depressing sometimes. Feel like I'm missing out.

I am totally stoked about where I'm at. I just wish I would've been able to maintain some of my friendships better.

I need some sun in my life. I'm so sick of this drab weather. Maybe this is why I'm being all moody. I think I'm going to tutor kids at the local Lutheran school for like $30.00/hour.

3 Hours left to do at my practicum
5 weeks of school left
9 weeks til my student teaching application is due

We could play this game all day, I suppose. I promise my next blog will be interesting, insightful, happy, inspiring.

concertgoers

OMG, tonight Shiny Toy Guns came to LU. Boy were they fantastic!! I absolutely adore their electronika sound. The lead singer girl is amazing. I want to be her, actually. Can't pass up a FREE concert, right? The mid-week break from the stress that is my life was fantastic!!! AHH Cynthia, remember when Hellogoodbye came to NW? How fun was THAT?! My newfound friend, Ophelie from France and her bf joined me. It could only have been better if Bri could've made it!

FANTASTIC DAY!!

Taught my first lesson I was being graded on in my practicum! Got 100%. The one that really makes me nervous is Friday. My prof from LU will be there and I still need to come up with the assesment portion of the lesson. How will I have the students show they understand the concept of adverbs? I'm trying to think of something FUN that they can complete within one hour. That includes teaching time and independant practice time. I need to re-work my lesson plans so they are perfect. I give a lesson presentation to my Classroom Management class Monday night, and have an additional plan due for that class as well. I'm up to my ears in lesson plans. AHHH. I am going to take a break from them tonight.

Looking forward to the end of this semester. It's gotten so stressful! No longer an RA which is wonderful!! I get to go stay at Brian's tomorrow night and NOT feel bad! YAY!! I do have to do some cleaning around the dorm to keep my scholarship but hey, that's not too bad at all!

love, hr

its good when today is better than yesterday

yesterday was an awful day. today was better. i got up early, got some stuff done. spent the time between classes working on projects and assignments. i was really productive. the insurance adjuster's called already about yesterday's accident - he'll be out first thing in the morning. spent some time at the library... lunch with a good friend. classes were even decent.

i'm on the verge of stepping down from my RA posistion. as much fun as it has been, the time demands are more than i really want right now. there are some other issues, but we'll just keep it at that! it will ultimately be a good thing for me, i belive. i will switch to a different work&learn that actually is only 10 hours/week and then i won't feel guilty for staying at Brian's. everything happens for a reason, so maybe the reason the RA thing worked out was so i could establish some relationships. pretty great relationships, at that and i am thankful for it.

i really want to bake something this weekend. i also am pining for some quality time with my love.

going to watch the movie "9". so excited for this, even though the review were not so hot.

the Lord is blessing me daily and i am trying to be very aware of that.

love to all
hrf
"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." — Eleanor Roosevelt


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnoJecu9e7c

boobies?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in case you weren't sure. I'm really stoked the NFL is making it a big deal this year. They get paid millions of dollars, they might as well help to spread awareness about something worthy. They are wearing pink shoes, gloves and other such items... pretty cool.

Fuze, the amazing healthy infuzion drink, has a breast cancer pink version out. I had to buy some, of course. 10/$1, that's a good deal and it's delicious and it's good for you. So, you should partake.

And, for real, check yourself. Breast cancer has affected too many close to me. Do what you can to support, k?

Sorry I've been alusive as of late. I've got so much going on. SO MUCH.

-h

the stand

This is by far, my favorite praise song. Incredible... I'm going to post the lyrics now, and the song if I can figure out how to do so... it's so inspiring.

You stood before creation
Eternity within Your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to stand
You stood before my failure
Carried the Cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand
So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You
So I'll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to stand
So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You
So I’ll standWith arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all
So I’ll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours

It's going to happen

I'm willing myself to have a good, productive day. So, if any of my comrades read this today, please check up on me and hold me accountable. I'm having motivational issues this week! Oh my! Paper due Thursday as well as a time-consuming assignment. Tomorrow's my bday, when will I get this stuff done?! Eek. More later... :)

Don't drink the water...

It's an absolutely gorgeous fall day today! It's cool and crisp, but not too cool. I so wish I was outside enjoying it! I'm ON DUTY here in the dorm world... fun, fun. I'm having fun looking over my planner - ha, not! Lots on it, lots to do and lots of "stuff" coming up.

I went to get water to make my coffee this afternoon and it looked real gross. I figured the heat of the coffee machine would sterelize any bacteria, righ? Anyway, the coffee is satisfying. I have my least favorite class this evening. I literally have to ready myself for it the whole day.

Started my practicum last Friday. It went okay. It's not how I expected it, but I think it will be a vauable experience.

I'm in an Atreyu kind of mood today.

Love to all!

lobbyists, joggers, and flavored tobaco

So, remember a few posts back when I accepted the challenge to "go to the cutting edge of my competance", experience a "temporary loss of security" (in Madeline Hunter's words) ? Well, I have done it. Today I called lobbyists for two hours. Boy was it uncomfortable, at first. Honestly, by the end of the whole deal it was a pretty good experience. All of the lobbyists I got a hold of were pretty nice guys willing to help. I'm sure I wouldn't neccesarily agree with all their issues, but I was happy to help out my local state rep (and future brother-in-law). The golf tournament stuff is going... well, it's going. Soliciting local businesses has turned out to be more difficult than it all sounded. I did get one guy to sponsor a hole for $500 which I feel is a great success. I got about 5 maybes for participation in the tournament itself, which would be another $500, or possibly $400/team. I'm happy to help. I love organizing, planning and assisting with all these events. I'm really adding to my experience by doing so. I love the fact that I started off young-adulthood with the internship in Kansas City. I feel like those experiences opened so many doors for me throughout the years. I hope this is a successful endevor for the campaign.

It's official. My paperwork has gone through all the higher-ups and I can start my second practicum THIS WEEK. Finally. I need to do a minimum of 3 hours per week for the next 8 weeks or so. I'm excited to get it going! I love spending time in the classroom, especially with a seasoned professional. I know I will learn a great deal.

Went to the gym tonight to do my cardio regiment. It felt good. Sooo good. On my way I see this girl, about my age, jogging down a side street at dusk. Come on, we've all seen CSI and know this is not a good idea, even if you live in Pleasantville. Why do women do this? It disgusts me. BE SAFE! Use common sense for goodness sake! I know it's kind of silly to drive to a destination to work out, but hey I always feel safe on my little eliptical. Next time I witness this, I may have to be the good citizen and stop and try to talk some sense itno these people.

What's this about the government banning flavored tobacos??!! The argument is that by flavoring tobacco, we are marketing directly to children. Let me just say that I am an ADULT and I really enjoy flavored tobacco. What has this world come to? Why is it that that government makes the most ludicrious laws which don't seem to really solve any issues but yet fails to put laws in place to settle other, legitimate issues. Last time I checked, most 10-year olds probably don't even know that flavored tobacco exists. SIGH.

Hitting up Denny's tonight with some of the dorm girlies - woot woot. A movie is to follow, most likely. Should be good times man. The to-do list is long and complicated but I'm making headway everyday.

Love, HR

Gettin' with it -and- "Withitness"

I've learned a new term in my Educational training here..... The word - withitness. One of my professors used it to describe the way effective teachers deal with and anticipate behaviors before they arise - by being completely aware of what is, or isn't, going on at any given moment in the classroom. I thought, oh how cute, this professor made up a cute little term. No, no, no, my friend. Withitness came up in not one, but TWO of my education textbooks. I was amazed. Educators can make up words that BECOME words! How neat is that?! According to WikiEd, withitness is: The Teacher's awareness of what's happening in the classroom/having eyes in the back of one's head :-p I love it! The term goes back to a Jacob Kounin in the 1970's. How about that.

Speaking of getting with it, getting to things, I finally partook in yoga class this evening. I've lived here a good 6 weeks and had yet to attend a yoga class. Disgraceful, I know. It meets twice a week, and I'm going to make it one of my weekly objectives to get there twice. I figure I can do yoga on Mon/Thurs and take care of cardio/weights Tues/Wed. It's ambitious, I know, but if I get into the routine, I'll be able to accomplish it. I already feel so much better. It will help with the stress. The stress is somewhat at a managable level right now. Well, it is completely under control. Brian is amazing, and this place feels better everyday. Feels more like home.

Trying to reconnect with an old friend of mine, God. Not that I've been completely neglecting our relationship lately but I'm not near as connected or on-track as I should be. So, I'm working on that. Prayer-journalling. It's kind of like blogging to God. I did it for the first time last night and it was really helpful. I know it will be a good tool for moving forward, examining what needs to be worked on and then looking back and seeing what God has accomplished in my life. I'm excited about it.

Shadow of the Wind

I finished the more exquisite book I've ever read, Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Really a gorgeous read. The art of the novel is possibly a dying one. The shelves are full of mediocre, cookie-cutter novels with poor character development and bad plots. This book was refreshing...envigorating! I will recomment it to everyone I know! thank you, Cynthia, for recommending this book to me!!!

"On the dawn of a summer day in 1945, a young boy is taken by his father to a mysterious place hidden in the heart of the old city: the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. Here, Daniel Sempere will find a haunting book and with it a passion that will change the course of his life. Set in Barcelona in the first half of the twentieth century, La Sombra del Viento is a literary mystery and a tale of doomed love in a world of intrigues and secrets hidden in the dark soul of the city"

The visual bookshelf on facebook calls this the first in a "Cemetary of forgotten books series". I hope with all of my heart that is true!

The weekend was calm, restoring. It's lovely to spend quality time with the man. I'm not ready for this week ahead. Not ready. Eek.

banana-nut cheerios

So, I want to share this teaching method for reading. It's called Reader's Theater. I'm sure lots of people in the profession are familiar with the term. I experienced from the teacher's perspective for the first time last night. It was suprisingly effective and FUN! This is what you do - 1. Find a story with lots of fun dialogue. Stuff with !'s and such are great, because part of the idea is to teach children how to be a better reader. 2. choose a different color high-lighter for each character that speaks. It's best to choose a story without too many characters to avoid confusion. 3. Read through the story once together 4. Next, choose 1 character to highlight. Re-read the story and high-light everything that character says, leaving out the narrator portions. 5. Follow the procedure for all characters. 6. Assign the parts. As the parts are read, encourage enthusiasim and acting-out the dialogue. It's great for understanding dialogue, punctuation, etc. This can be such a fun activity for students!!!

I'm feeling the Wednesday-afternoon laziness setting in. ugh.

grand theft

Ugh we had a theft in the basement tonight. Some (international) student went to the bathroom and when they returned, their laptop was GONE!! I feel so bad for her. I'm also so thankful I didn't get anything taken. My room was open around the same time. We had to search all the rooms in the building, but unfortunately found nothing.

I'm getting ready to start on my latest project. We're planning a gold tournament for Brian's brother's political campaign. My main job is to find donation items for a silent auction. While I've done this a lot in the past, I've never done it for anything other than a Non-Profit. It's way easy to get items when people can get a tax credit, but it will be more challenging for a political fundraiser, I think. I welcome the challenge though and look forward to helping with another successful event. My resume's getting loaded ;)

Lots on my plate as far as school this week too. I have my first test - Religion. It's Tuesday at 11:00. Oh my. Hope it goes well.

I better start formulating a plan, as well as lists.

Love, HR

We went to the WWI museum today. It is, by far, the coolest museum I've ever been to. That says a lot, really, because my parents have drug me to every museum within 500 miles of this place. If you're ever in KC or passing through, you MUST go check it out! There was SO MUCH memorbilia and the displays were absolutely amazing. Maybe I'm just a huge nerd, but it was amazing.

This is where Brian and I spent the afternoon yesterday. It was absolutely glorious!!! He made a perfect picnic and we laid around... just chatting. I wish I could do that everyday. I've been lonely at school lately. I guess I've still not fully adjusted. It's hard to get comfortable when you know something is temporary. It's also hard because I really, really didn't want to be in the dorms. The financial benefits outweighed everything else, so I am trying to make the best of it. An apartment would be ideal. At any rate, I'm going to try to have a more positive attitude.

I'm home this weekend for the first time since I moved. It's SO nice to be here! I didn't really feel too homesick but now that I'm here, I think I must have been. I visited coworkers from both FUDC and Mcd's tonight and went to my favorite restaraunt with the fam. My dad and bro seem to be getting a long pretty well. That makes me feel a lot better about no longer living here. The kitties were so excited to see me!! I miss them! Tomorrow I'll be spending time with my bff's here, getting my hair cut and hopefully catching up with another coworker. It's going to be a weekend of restoration (emotionally) for me.

These are the things I'm struggeling most with: 1. Not having MY OWN space 2. Not seeing Brian nearly as much as I had hoped for 3. Hours of "on-duty" responsibilities for the RA deal 4. How am I going to pay my bills after these next few months? (The answer to all of these which I know is that God is in control here!!!!)

Uncertainty stresses me out. It's really hard to transfer. I'll figure it out. Brian's the biggest comfort I could ever ask for. I don't feel like I've been a pleasant person to be around lately. Or to talk to, for that matter. So stressed. I need to get it under control!

This was a pretty personal post, I guess. Needed to get it out though. Keep me in your prayers. I know this is where God has led me. I know this with all of my heart. It's just the adjustment that's difficult. Cynthia, I'm sure you can relate.

Love to all.
h.r.

not an ordinary day

Today is going to be aaahhh-mazing. I have to sit through an hour and fifteen minutes of Relgion class but then...... Brian's coming!!!!

He's packing a picnic and we're heading down to the river to hang out all afternoon!!!!

YAY!

blog This!

I thought my blog had been hijacked there for a moment. I went to it, as I usually do and this message popped up, "the restoration of property or rights previously taken away, conveyed, or surrendered"..... what a random, odd message to receive. I couldn't figure out what in the world the gibberish was. Then I remembered it was one of the definitions I was working on earlier for a lesson plan. I'd copied it and pasted it into a word document. NOT into blogger. I hadn't been on blogger dashboard all day.... So, the headline on the tab says, "Blog This!" and then there's this wierd quote that may have been left on my clipboard. There's really only one explination and it's a supernatural one. I'm not trying to be one of those ghost-hunter crazies, but there is no other explination! Mary Sibley is screwing with me. It's pretty fascinating, really. I loved living in Roberta Hall. It was so cool when Roberta would make her prescence known. This is kind of crazy cool!! Hi Mary! Ha.. Maybe she'll leave me more messages!!

Today was sort of a blah day for me. I desk sat from 8-9 this morning and then from 12:30-4. Long hours... spent about five hours or more on homework. Classes are keeping me quite busy. I'd been feeling a bit withdrawn the past couple of days. I get that way from time to time. Sometimes it's just for a day, sometimes for a week. I just feel like I need to be alone. It backfires though because then I get down from being lonely. Ahh.. it's a balancing act.

It was gorgeous out tonight. We went to dinner for my roomies 21st. We walked to Quicktrip. Late night candy-run. Good stuff.

I'm waiting for this ambien to kick in. It's always like a race...what can I complete before i'm wiped out? I'm pretty sure I've got a nasty spider bite going on on my tummy. EW!

More tomorrow.
love

these are the moments.....

[pictures to come......]

Had an absolutely amazing weekend. It reminded me to stay in these moments of the present and to be thankful for each and every one of them. We saw friends Friday night and played games - just had fun. It's lovely when you and your sig-nif-o (significant other) can hang out with another couple... something I hadn't experienced until this one. :)

Spent Saturday around home, just spending time with Brian. It was lovely. He works on his book while I do homework or read. Currently Reading Shadow of the Wind and it is really incredible. Watched Role Models with the parents Saturday night...always fun.

The cabin trip was Sunday night/Monday and it was so wonderful to be out in the middle of nature. I have about come to the conclusion that my favorite place to be in the whole entire world is a swing in front of a fire!! With my boo!!! Ahh.. I tell you what, I had NO STRESS whatsoever in the arms of the one I love. There may be cause for some stress but everything melts away with him. Gee, I think that's the way it's supppppposed to be! It was so great to be surrounded by family and friends.

I can't believe I've lived here a month! A month, today! I do enjoy it.

Love you, Cynth. Hope all is well with you two.

7

I thought I'd get up at 7 this morning. I'd forgotten what it looked and felt like. It was early. It was crowded and cold. I have 1 hoodie here at the moment and nights in the 50's and early mornings are hard to handle without proper attire. I cannot believe how MANY of these college kids get up for breakfast. All these people, so EARLY in the morning. It was horrifying. The food tasted good at the moment. I instantly regretted it, however.

I spent the rest of the morning in bed (and elsewhere) trying to recover from breakfast. I thought breakfast was the most important meal of the day?? It seems the meal to avoid around here. Honestly though all the food around here is yucky. Good thing I won't have to endure four years around this joint. That would probably induce some sort of chronic intestinal illness.

It's another gorgeous day. A gorgeous day for a TB test! YES! Ha.. It's a requirement from the school district I will be working in this semester. They are going to stick this NEEDLE into my skin and INSERT medicine. If this particular area of skin happens to react - well then I think it's a bad thing. I wonder if they'll let me do the practicum still??

I wonder if the swine flu's going to come back in full force? I'm not worried but maybe I should get a vaccination? Does a vaccination currently exist? I should check into this. Or ask Anderson Cooper. I'm sure he would know.

I am teaching my first lesson tonight to my student in my Analysis and Correction of Reading Dissibilities Practicum. I'm terribly frightened that the plan I've come up with is entirely too low for the grade-level. I hope this student is not offended at my ignorance. How nerve-wrecking! I'm sure it'll go well. I obtained a wonderful quote which has helped with all the anxiety I was having with all this EDU stuff - "If you want to feel secure, do what you already know how to do. If you want to be a true professional and continue to grow, go to the cutting edge of your competance, which means a temporary loss of security. So whenever you don't know quite what you are doing, know you are growing" - Madeline Hunter. I think that's absolutely wonderful. I will apply it to all areas of my life!!

Well... love to all.

still adjusting

Another busy week of school is about to start for me. I'm really still trying to get adjusted to this new life. It's insane how much my life has changed in the past year. Beginnings are scary, fun, exciting, stressful. I'm feeling a whole range of emotions still. Still having problems sleeping as well.

I'm excited because I've joined Goodreads.com. It should be a fun way to keep track of what I've read and find new books to read.

It's beautiful out today.

I'm going to accomplish a lot this week. I just am.

"Life is indeed dangerous, but not in the way morality would have us believe. It is indeed unmanageable, but the essence of it is not a battle. It is unmanageable because it is a romance, and its essence is romantic beauty." - e.m. forster

calm...

I'm listening to Concerto Grosso in G flat major by Corelli. Wow... I'm so at peace right now. I'm sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by mounds of homework and piles of to-do lists but everything is absolutely glorious at this moment......

I may start off everyday in my classroom with this tune. It's giving me resolve... I'm melting into this Friday evening. I just saw Brian off to work. I packed his lunch like a good future-housewife. I'm hoping to accomplish a lot so I can bake him some cookies.

It was a really stressful week but I'm officially shaking it off. I had some tears, and now I'm fine. Tomorrow we are going to visit my grandparents. Being away from school for the weekend will be healing.

Crazy how a year ago I was starting at Park and figuring I'd be there. Funny how our plans never seem to align to what God has in store for us. It is truely amazing.

Right now the pieces fit.

where am i again?

I'm completely overwhelmed with my schedule right now. Wondering if I took on too much. Once I get this all figured out I think I'll be okay. breathe..just breathe.

My advisor thought I was a freshman.........oh my

cellar door

I have found a sleep aid that works for me. An over the counter one. This is great. Up to this point I couldn't use any of that stuff. It was ineffective. The anxiety has been pretty moderate to bad these past few days. It's unintentional. I try to pray it away. I'm sure it's just all these adjustments. It's natural.Unisom geltabs are now my best friend. "Non-habit forming", they say.

I sort of feel like I am living in a convent. The building's so old, there are all women here, the rules are so strict, we have an attached chapel. It's somewhat quaint and charming in a way. I mean, what sort of institutions run this way in this day and age? Visitation hours? It's kind of cute, I suppose. It certainly makes my job easier as an RA. Although the girls are still getting into plenty of trouble. I don't know what it is about girls and their catty behaviors. I was never like that. It's too complicated and unfulfilling and shallow. *sigh*

This building is so cool...doing my rounds I am finding secret little doors and staircases that go to "nowhere". It's fun to walk the quiet halls. There's something calming about it. Creaky. Unexplored. There's a rumor (of course) that this place is haunted, but I'm really not getting that vibe. I had an episode with a light in my room which I can't explain but, it's an old building so who knows, right?

My classes are getting off to a rousing (semi-stressful) start. I can't believe all the work it's going to entail. That's what I'm here for though, so it should be good. I'm thankful because most of these professors' philosophies on teaching match those at NW and I am comfortable and in agreement.

Finishing up Time Traveler's Wife. I hear the movie is nothing like the book (isn't it always this way?). The book is incredible. It will go on my favorites list for sure. It's an extrachronilogical love story and it's so beautiful, in a very unique way. I haven't been able to put it down. I've finished it in 6 days. I've had a lot of reading time on my hands with all the desk-duty I've had this week. If you read this blog, pray I will get some desk-sitters during my shifts so I don't have to sit at the front door.

Community bathrooms, loud passers-by at night, stomping, screaming, late-night food runs, open-door policy..... hello dorm life! 2 semesters left. I should live it up while I'm here... and that's my intention. I love this place.

ascending.......

Sometimes it absolutely hits me like a ton of bricks, without warning. "I miss my mommy!!!". It's these moments when pain overcomes me and I feel at my weakest. As much as I love the way my life is going, despite my incredible support system, there is still one piece of me that is MISSING. It will be absent for the rest of my mortal life. I can't do anything to change it, get it back, bring her closer to me. If anything, the memories become fuzzier and that breaks my heart more than anything. Usually these moments come about in times of change. My life is 100% different than it was a year ago. Classes start tomorrow at yet another school. I'm meeting new people everyday (stressful for me) and I'm somewhat anxious about getting used to all these changes. It hit me this afternoon...the move went smoothly, I LOVE being near Brian. Mom wasn't here to help with this transistion again. This is one more life change that I'm having to endure without her.

These past few weeks I've felt like I was on a roller coaster. The part where you go up and up and up and up and today we got to the top of the highest part of the coaster. Tomorrow the descent begins. The dive into my new life. New school, new home, new friends, new family. Lots of new beginnings to look forward to. I try to focus on the future everyday it's just that once and awhile, I get pulled back and it's tough.

So, here goes nothing (and everything).

holding period

Ahh.. it's move in day. Parents are everywhere... my car is blocked in. That's fine though because I'm not allowed to leave until 4:00. I've been making the rounds getting aquainted with my floor mates. It's exciting to have people around; it's been so lonely the past couple of weeks. And quiet. It's kind of a hurry up and wait atmosphere around here.

It's 76 degrees today and beautiful out. I'm thankful for the bay window today. I'm reading my latest book, Time Traveler's Wife. It's sooooo good so far! I must see the movie once I'm done.

I joined the YMCA and that makes me feel good. My goal is to go at least 3 times a week. We shall see how that goes.

I'm really ready for it to be 4:00. Slept horrible and so a nap will be in order.

I'm thanking God for such a gorgeous day.

no corndog for u!

Somehow I went from a desk job to manual labor in a three-week period. I accepted a 'small' job cleaning a house today for my future brother-in-law. My body is sore...and I'm pretty sure I was high all afternoon from paint fumes. LOL. I guess it wasn't THAT bad but my back IS killing me.

The thing I HATE about relocating (and living in a small room) is that I never feel like I have everything I need. At home I have everything I could ever need, the creature comforts. Because I'm limited in space around here I can't possibly bring every necessity. I'm also strewn across three households right now, and that makes it hard to keep track of personal items. I wish I could just have three of everything... but I can't. I'm constantly thinking of things I need to run and pick up. Of course, without an income right now it's not that simple. *sigh*

Residents move in tomorrow 8-4 and Sunday 8-4. Boo... I'm anticipating a lot of questions and issues. I hope it's not too overwhelming. I'm real ready for classes to start. I long for a routine.

I've discovered the library here. It's absolutely amazing. That's what the photo is of. It makes me feel like I'm back in the 50's or something LOL.

23 more credit hours and I can move on! Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the experience here will be good. I need to learn to be okay with the present moment instead of longing for the future. The future is uncertain anyway.

God is in control! This much I know!

yesterdays bloggie.....

8.17.09
I can’t imagine how it would feel to be in a different country…just dropped off with no family, no friends, no resources. I don’t think I could cope. The loneliness, the feeling of isolation and fear.
International students moved in today. We have spent the day helping a few of them out. It’s got to be so humbling. Something as simple as a text to us is impossible for them. We have needs, we know where to go. These students are living in the United States for the first time and even basic needs are hard to fulfill. Where is the store? How will I get there? Where can I get food? Where am I in relation to… How do I buy books?
We have about 40 international students in this dorm. That’s quite a few. They don’t get to choose where they live, so I suppose it’s easy for the university to stick them in the non-air-conditioned dorm that has a bug problem. Can’t complain when there’s a scholarship involved, right? Right! I know that first-hand.
I hope I can help these students adjust. It is my job, after all.
I’m a little homesick, I’m not gonna lie.
It stormed today and it was amazing… off to bed to read.

It’s official. I’m the world’s most inconsistent blogger. I reeeeallly wanted to blog from Atlanta. Really was in the plans. I was just entirely too exhausted each day and used the few minutes before I passed out as relaxing time. I know it’s nerdy but I kind of feel like I should carry a tape recorder around to capture the stream of consciousness because I do develop a lot of brilliant blog material I just never go so far as to document it. It’s quite frustrating.
Atlanta (from what I saw, which wasn’t TOO much) is a pretty awesome city. We were able to explore a bit and it’s just super… got to the aquarium, saw the Coke headquarters and got to CNN Headquarters. There is so much to do there! It was hot. The convention was exhausting.
Oregon was an awesome adventure. I loved traveling everyday to new and exciting places. I got some amazing photos!
I now reside in a building built in 1856!!! Talk about character! I am loving my new home, and being close to Brian!!

I am going to do better at this!!!
Promise!

sigh

Hello blog of mine. It has been awhile. Convention time means hardley any idle time at the office, so that is one excuse for my lack of blogness.

Today I went with my two bff's to play board games with complete strangers! Apparently, there is a web site (I need to figure out what it is) where people look up people who have the same interests and then they meet up and share in their hobbies. Well, we met up with some interesting individuals and gamed it up all afternoon!! Pretty dang cool. Discovered some cool new games I'd never even heard of. I hope I can do that again... it was very fun.

Currently reading "My sister's keeper". It's wonderful, but heart-breaking. I hope to see the movie this week.

Leave for a few days for the doll convention....... It promises to be an adventure.

I move in 34 days! It will be so amazing to be close to my LOVE. Prior to that, I have my Oregon vacation to look forward to, which will be AWESOMENESS!!!!

I've been quite lonely as of late. A lot of times, alone time is good and neccessary for me but too much is just depressing.

WOOOOA... I have a bLoG?

I should work on this...........

Cinco de ya...

I vowed awhile back that I wouldn't blog until I had something to blog about. That must have been a lie, because here I am, blogging without cause again. How frustrating. I had some potential topics: Swine Flu Epidemia, People calling you by the wrong name, Corporate irresponsibility... I can't get enough material together though. I'm working a TON this week, which I'm getting used to. The extra $500/month is nice too. Can't complain! I've begun this video swapping madness at my second job. It makes for at least some decent conversations during the 4-8 hour shifts. I'd like to cool it down on the working, but now that I've adjusted I think I'd be bored.

Here's an update on my life:

1. To do list is NOT shrinking but GROWING

2. Have not yet finished current book

3. Have been successfully making my bed every morning

4. Have not tried any new recipes lately (not even had time to bake)

5. Busy planning Daniel's Graduation Open-house (OMG!)

6. Completely neglecting my friends and family (unintentionally)

7. Planning a walk-a-thon - not as easy as one would think

8. ALL ENROLLED FOR SCHOOL AND SET UP FOR HOUSING!

I've got a few accomplishments conquered but I've got more additions to the to do list everyday. I suppose that's just life though, huh? And, at least life's never boring!

NIN IN 22 DAYS!!!!!! YA!

Stupid website.....

For the past week I've had issues logging into this site. Crikies.... Real annoying. I had inspirations, and encouragement to share but now, alas ! It's all gone. It's only Tuesday and my mind is reeling. I actually feel dizzy. I don't know if it's lack of sleep, too much caffeine, or too much working. Really not sure but it's not a happy Tuesday feeling.

I am going to take a break from this silly blog for a bit. Maybe a week or so. I feel like all it's been lately is worthless, boring updates. My life is not that interesting. It's busy with mundanes.

The anxiety's starting to build.

Ummm... how about we avoid Somalia?

I'm so glad that poor captain got out of that hostage situation! Pirates, who would have thought?! At any rate, we need to get them in CONTROL! Scary stuff.

"The 'American life' is a hard life." I had a coworker say this to me last night. She is not from the U.S. so her perspective was interesting to me. Like many others, her and her family came here to work and have a better life for her children. She works a lot and is a hard worker. She has been able to send her kids to school in America and has overall improved her quality of life as a whole. She is contributing and participating in her community through church and relationships with friends she has made here. I think it's awesome. She is living the 'American Dream' in her own little way. When she said the comment to me, my first thought was "American life is a piece of cake!" But, the more I thought about it, it's really not. American life is full of many hours of hard work sometimes just to make ends meet. What kind of quality of life is that? I'm not just talking about people living below the poverty line here, I'm talking about the lower-middle-class. The LMC is growing by the year. You've got middle-class suburban families who rely on food banks to feed their families and it's not because they're slacking off. CEO's who abuse their power and destroy corporations are raping the economy...and other such issues.

Between yesterday and this Sunday, I am working 68 hours. It's hard work, some of it, and I will be physically beat by Sunday night at 10 PM. But, I am so very grateful to have two jobs, especially right now. Maybe that is the essence of 'American Life', a work ethic and the opportunities in themselves. Yes, it's not easy but no one ever set out to make life in America easy. In my opinion, if you're not willing to work your ass off at an honest job then you don't deserve all the other freedoms this glorious country offers. So, yes it IS hard.

It's 2009 and I am a young woman in America working two jobs and working towards a college degree. America's made great strides and its' citizens (especially through the recession) will continue to prove that it takes lots of hard work and determination to survive, thrive and be active participants in our communities. The tireless hours make us stronger people; makes us who are as a culture and when we can collectively contribute some effort, there's no stopping us.

I know I probably rant about how dumb we are sometimes as a society but it's time to do some bragging. I'm proud of all those Americans out there doing all they can in this frail economy and continue to provide for their families. High-fives all around my hard-working American friends.

p.s. if you're on welfare...................................................................... get a job. it's easy.

How do you spell Flyer?

Wow, sometimes we get some............... uneducated folks into the museum. How do you spell flyer. WELL...

I have a rant to expel before I begin the routine drone. At church on Sunday, the house was packed. It really disappointed me. Let me explain: I do not like fair-weather "Christians". Why attend church only once or twice yearly? Who's benefiting from that? You certainly aren't! The bible speaks of being "luke-warm", and God is clearly against it. Not only do these FWC's show up, but they usually do not know how to act in church. Yes, we are accepting of everyone however, I think it's silly to pretend one or two days a year. That's what these people are doing. Pretending. The couple in front of me, and family ahead of them talked throughout the entire service. Now, they're infringing on MY spiritual growth. So, that really burned me. Christ loves all, whether they are church attenders or not. Some people choose not to worship corporately and still have beliefs - that's fine! But why participate only partially? If you're interested in being part of a church, become involved and engaged on a personal level. Don't remain a stranger who visits when they feel "they have to".

Anywho - my three goals for this week are: 1. to decrease my sugar intake greatly (ouch) 2. to finish my book, "The Teaching Gap". and 3. to get back into daily devotions!

Sugar is evil. I usually do a good job staying away but for some reason I've craved it lately and found myself drinking real soda and snacking on chocolate. No good!! It isn't so bad if I'm working out regularly but sheesh, I barely have time to sleep let alone go to the gym. So, cutting out sugar is the goal.

The book is pretty decent. It's basically a summary of a research analysis project that took place which compared Germany, Japan and United States. Guess who's lacking? THE US! Who would've guessed. What is evaluates, more than anything, is the teaching methods in place which produce the results in the different countries. The methodology differs greatly between the three countries..... a good read for anyone interested in education. Everyone should be interested in education, in my opinion. It may be over-stated but it's true: our children are the future. When I'm done with this analytical joy I will move onto a work of fiction as well as Plath's poems. I could read and re-read Plath forever... literally.

The week promises to be busy as ever. I will be watching "Sunshine Cleaning" tonight. I really hope I am not disappointed. I've been waiting for it's release into mainstream theaters for awhile. We shall see.

mid-week musings

It has been hard to get back into the swing of work and other such responsibilities this week since my long weekend was so incredible. Did a lot of fun things with the boy... adventures and whatnot. I am so blessed to have someone to share life experiences with!

I am currently reading (and almost done with) The Alchemist. It's a novel written by Paulo Coelho. It's become considered a classic over the years, and I've been interested in reading it for awhile. It was translated from Portuguese, which is interesting. According to Wikipedia, the book's been translated into more than 65 languages! It's about a Spanish Shepard who goes on a journey towards his "personal legend." It's really allegorical and I am really enjoying it. A lot of words of wisdom in this fairly short book. The next book I move on to will most likely be non-fiction. Good to mix things up.

So, pirates? Really? Why do we have such a problem with pirates lately? Strange... I hope the Navy can get them under control.

So sad about that poor little girl in CA. I can't believe how any human being can commit such an awful crime. It literally makes me sick.

Plans for the Walk-a-thon are coming along nicely. Working on forming a steering committee... Should be good stuff! I hope we get a lot of participation!

i could save some major $

I wish there was a light-rail here. It's disgusting that our only form of public transit is the bus. Nothing against the bus.....but they're dirty, and not enviornmentally-friendly. I can't believe we try and call ourselves a "progressive" city when we cannot even offer this simple form of rapid-transit. It's green...

The US automobile companies are failing. Let them fail. Let them deal with the consequences of their actions and business decisions. That may sound harsh, but all that fiasco comes down to is GREED.

I think it would be more effective as a culture to turn to public transportation options anyway. It's a win-win situation, really.

Plus, rush hour traffic is dumb. I'd rather catch up on my reading, or meet a new friend on my way to work rather than having to deal with idiot drivers. That's not a real positive way to start off the work-day.

I'd threaten to write the mayor, but he's too busy trying to get his wife un-banned from government buildings.

hr

in other news...

As far as new indie films go, I really want to see "Sunshine Cleaning".

metal - nin

We're in the building where they make us grow
And I'm frightened by the liquid engineers
Like you
My mallory heart is sure to fail
I could crawl around the floor just like I'm real
Like you
The sound of metal I want to be you
I should learn to be a man
Like you
Plug me in and turn me on
Ah, everything is moving now
I need my treatment it's tomorrow they send me
Singing "I am an American"
Do you?
Picture this if I should make the change
I'd love to pull the wires from the wall
Did you?And who are you and how could I try?Here inside I like the metal
Don't you?
All I know is no one dies
I'm still confusing love with need

Speed the Light

Pastor Jeff approached me about planning a walk-a-thon for Speed the Light this Spring. I'm excited about this opportunity. STL is a student-initiated movement to aid missionaries throughout the world, in over 280 countries. The funds go to provide transportation and technology for working missionaries. It's a cause that is near and dear to my heart. I give money, but donating time and effort into a project like this will be much more rewarding than writing a check.

I love event-planning. That's kind of why I wish I worked at a Non-Profit with a heart. Anyway, being involved with CORE has allowed me to do some event-planning and I'd like to organize a few more happenings before I move permanently. I'm hoping to get some sponsorship from local vendors and make a day of it. I drafted up an outline and a donor letter this morning already! I'M SO MOTIVATED TO SEE THIS HAPPEN!

I love volunteering!!! I want to instill this in the students too!

seasons..

i'm so very thankful for the amazing man God has brought into my life. now that i am experiencing true happiness, i am wondering how i have gotten through say, the past 9 years of my life. i've experienced a lot... and somehow i've come out of all of it alive. 7 of those 9 years i was involved in not necessarily fulfilling relationships and now that i've been exposed to how it's "supposed to be," i'm floored that i spent all that time oblivious. every situation we find ourselves in and every relationship we're given is for a purpose in God's plan. Somehow i was supposed to have these experiences. all i can really say is that i am blessed beyond belief...and extremely looking forward to our future together. the end. :0)

It's all about greed baby

I cannot believe how many stories I've heard lately of embezzlement, greed and just plain lack of ethics in America. What is it that drives us towards this greed; this need for money is seemingly never fulfilled. I don't even have to mention AIG's corruption. And now the government's trying to get involved, as if they can somehow convince these people to do the right thing when they enabled it partially. I just do not understand any of it. I just read a news story about a couple that embezzled something like $2million... What the hec? Money is not the answer to our unhappiness, our restlessness, our identity crisis, our rebellious children, our violence, our low test-scores.............

I think money is the root of all evil. I don't know who said this, but I agree with them. I would much rather have love and friendship in my life than loads of money and "stuff". I never want to feel as if I don't have enough money to survive, but it's definitely not something I want a ton of. It's hard for me to understand this fascination...... with a currency. We're surrounded daily by hundreds of people we can interact with, form relationships with and learn from, why in the world would money be so important? I'm much more of a relationship kind of person.

Wall Street drives our world, and our emotions too. Can we re-focus a little people? Because this addiction doesn't seem to be getting us anywhere positive.

march madness

I'll tell you what makes me "mad" in March... when the Executive Committee's in town. We're all on our best behavior this week, and dressed in our best attire. Schmoozing gets old. It drives me crazy that they seem to know all, while we continue to know nothing. Oh My Goodness.

'But I don't want to go among mad people,' Alice remarked. 'Oh, you can't help that,' said the Cat: 'We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad.' -Alice in Wonderland.... story of my life in this place.

The weekend will be a good retreat.

Please vote for me...

I saw the most amazing documentary last night called "Please Vote for Me". It was the story of a democratic election held in third grade class at a private school in China. Yes, I said democratic and I said China in the same sentence. These kids are only in third grade, but the documentary reveals they have the know-how to run a campaign, trickery and all. This adorable film captures these students lives in the weeks leading up to the big election as they learn what democracy is and promote their potential to be "class monitor". They prepare speeches, talents for a talent show and recruit "assistants" during their campaigns, and their parents coach them.

I think this is a ground-breaking (and potentially dangerous) move the teacher takes in initiating this democratic election. Very, very good film.

I can't get enough of documentaries lately. I need to make mention of Young @ Heart also. It is about a group of senior citizens who travel the world singing hits from artists like Hendrix, Cold Play and James Brown. It's an extremely touching documentary as well, and worth a watch.

spring cleaning... or not

I went to my trusty prompt generator this morning and this is what I find: "What needs cleaning in your house?". HAHAHAHAHA.... It produced a lot of laughter in me. The answer is simple. Everything needs cleaning in my house! I live with two men who choose to do nothing around the house. It's like living in a fraternity house...with much less booze and promiscuity though.

It's really frustrating. Kinda of a joke at this point, I suppose. I love my family, I really do. All this frustration may turn me into an anal housewife who doesn't allow people to breath in the formal dining room or use the mirrors. It's been a good time living back at home for awhile...it will be fun to re-visit dorm life and one day my own home will be beautiful.

If I had two days off work to clean what needs cleaning in my house this is what I WOULD clean:
1. Carpets (I'd hire this out)
2. Basement
3. My brother's bathroom... this is scary territory but it would make me feel a lot better to have it done!
4. the garage... eek

I can't do it all on my own with no help. I work a minimum of 53 hours a week and travel most weekends.

pretty hate

I have to say that after a long, stressful work week listening to some good old NIN makes everything better. And yes, OLD :) It's amazing to me that one of my favorite bands is as old as I am.... I can't get over the musical genius that is Trent. They are coming here, unfortunately I am broke. I'm making a pact to go for sure next time though!

I'm spending the day de-stressing by watching as much NIN footage as I can on Youtube. I know once the officers get in this weeks going to be ridiculous.

p.s. above is my favoritist song ever!! second favorite video, first fav is Perfect Drug but it's hard to find online

Around Town

I want it to be SPRING so I can go on adventures around town! There is soooo much to do around KC and I LOVE it!! These are some things I want to do and see around KC SOON:

1. Truman Library

2. River Market - FARMERS MARKET!! (cheap/fresh veggies, what could be better?!)

3. KC Symphony

4. Peruse some local galleries in the Crossroads District

5. Go to Lucky Strike Bowl down in P&L

6. Go walking at Burr Oak Woods, and find other neat trails to explore around KC

7. ROYALS GAMES!!

www.visitkc.com has some awesome coupons!! I see a lot of dates in my future... :)

What would you do

Because I work in an office full of women, I hear about a lot of shows. I don't have the opportunity to watch much tv these days, except The Office and Iron Chef America, and I really don't have much of an interest in "reality" tv. However, there's an ABC series I hear about called "What Would You Do". The show intrigued me, so I looked it up.

It's essentially a series of social experimentation. Actors are hired to go into public places and see what sort of reaction they get from standers by. It's a test to see who will call for help, who will actively help and who will continue to walk by. It's eye-opening as far as what kind of culture we live in, and of course the reactions vary. It's a very interesting idea, and I like it.

Who does stop and try to intervene? While these scenarios are staged, I wonder how many times these things happen throughout our country and I wonder how many citizens really step up and try to help? I think of the individual who got hit by a car while onlookers did nothing. He laid in the street and died because no one could even pick up their cell phone and dial 911. Three numbers...three buttons could have saved their life. I want to know what motivates us as humans to assist or ignore.

The human inclination these days is so narcissistic. It's disgusting...

The hopeful thing about this show is that some do stop to help.

Advice - from some divorce attorneys...

I found these tips for couples with differing political views. I think they're good stuff for any couple out there who have a difference in opinions. I don't know any couples personally, but Blogger's got a lot of readers, right?

1. Agree to disagree -- and have that talk openly and soon.
2. Set some ground rules -- that both of you can honor. For instance, should or should you not talk about politics? If so, what are the boundaries for discussion? Should you post yard signs or shouldn't you?See if you can come to terms with some guidelines. Having specifics in place will preserve both your sanity and your relationship.
3. Host your own debate -- with a "non-partisan" friend or family member (even one of your children) as the moderator. Time this debate. When it is over, it is over.
4. Refrain -- from any discussion about politics. Many couples who are staunch about their political beliefs are wise to refuse to discuss political points of view (especially if alcohol is involved!). Refraining is something you both have to agree to though and when you make such an agreement, keep it.
5. Employ a sense of humor -- at all times if you do get into heated discussions over your personal political preferences. Humor has a wonderful way of breaking tension and allowing your communication to hit the "refresh" button.
6. Set time limits -- for any political discussions and make sure each of you has equal time. When the timer goes off resist the temptation to carry the discussion any further.
7. Focus on what you have in common -- immediately after you run out of breath spewing your political viewpoints. This election will come and go, but hopefully it will not take your relationship with it. Realize that disagreeing over politics is not a relationship-breaker. Focus on those aspects of your relationship that indicate you belong together.
8. Promise to make equal donations -- or agree not to make any donations at all to either political party. Couples tend to resent one donating more than the other. Be fair, upfront and honest, or risk having such silly deception impact your relationship adversely.

At your service

I definitely have a heart for volunteer work. I think it's rooted in the strong sense of volunteerism that my mother had. She was constantly at my elementary school doing everything from working in the library, to working on displays, to serving food in the cafeteria for special events... Her presence there wasn't just because me and my brother were there and she wanted to be part of our lives; it was because she was genuinely compassionate and concerned about the well-being of all the students there. Her kindness and always-giving to others spirit instilled in me values I will carry the rest of my life.

It was probably my Junior/Senior year of high school when the volunteer bug actually bit me. It started out with a required number of community service (specifically tutoring) hours I had to complete for Missouri's A-Plus scholarship program. It was a fifth-grade classroom in the school I attended. I never had an interest in tutoring or teaching of any kind. I thought I wanted to major in Marketing/Management and become a real estate agent. Anyway, the experience of volunteering 100 hours in a classroom was life-changing and I realized I had a passion for public service.

My sorority once I got to college offered many opportunities to serve others, and all the opportunities I had to serve were impacting to me as they were to others. We spent time at the local nursing home, animal shelter, elementary schools, etc. serving others in many ways. While it was required, it was an amazing experience to bond with my sisters and to affect others. I became the Philanthropy Chair and was able to lead others in many acts of volunteerism. I was also part of an organization called K.i.d.s. (Kind individuals dedicated to students), which was a college-student mentoring program which impacted the community where I lived. These memories and experiences were great blessings to me. I continue to try to do my part where I am and I know that community service and outreach programs will always be something I am involved with no matter where I am.

The pastor at Brian's church is doing a series called "Servolution" all about how we can (and are called to) serve others and impact them through our service. It's been so inspiring. If I can figure out how to post the audio on here, I will. God commands us to love and help others. Sunday, I learned that if every member that attends Destiny Church did ONE hour of outreach/community service per week, the church would have over 33 DAYS of service per week! Isn't that incredible? It seems to me that 1 hour is potatoes... and when serving is so beneficial for everyone involved, I don't see why we don't all try to volunteer at LEAST that much.

There's a cool website: WWW.Volunteermatch.org which can help get you connected to opportunities in your area.