Perpetual Meanderings

The begining of the journey

2011-09-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

What an amazing adventure preparing for, going to and returning from Honduras has been! God continued to show himself at every step of the way. I hope that through these stories you too will see God’s mighty hand in our lives, our team members, supporters and the Honduran people.

The Day We Leave

2011-09-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

As we were packing and preparing Josh and I decided to run out and grab a quick bite to eat. We had given his set of keys to a friend who was watching our house. As we shut the door we realized we had grabbed only his set of keys and were locked out!! Suitcases, passports everything for our trip was locked in the house. It was about 5pm and we needed to head to the airport in about 3 hours. We frantically ran to the manager’s office, normally gone, and caught the maintenance man on his way out for the day. Praise God that we were able to get back into our apartment!

As we gathered at the airport we were sent off by all the family members of the rest of the team. Our team of 19 plus about another 18 family members we gathered with excited energy. The check in could not have gone smoother. As we visited one of the airport attendants took care of all of us in such an orderly fashion, with no standing in line. I guess that’s an advantage of leaving at 12pm! As the time arrived for us to head through we were immensely blessed as the families prayed over us and sent us off. I loved the bigger connection of all gathering together for God’s purposes. We felt the love of everyone else’s’ family as our team became a family for one week.

Rule #1 of Missions Trips is Flexibility

2011-09-19T15:55:00.001-07:00

After an uneventful flight, with little sleep, we landed in Houston for our 3 hour layover. We were all blessed to grab some grub, relax and play cards before our next flight. It didn’t take long to notice that Pastor Aaron was out of sorts, not his usual laid back, carefree self. His ears had not popped on the decent, resulting in pain, which later led to a numbing sensation in his ear and side of the face. He sought medical advice at the airport and after some prayer and consideration he decided to stay behind and go to the hospital. This happened minutes before we boarded. Money, instructions and farewells were exchanged. Our leader was not headed to Honduras with us. Later we found out that he had a double ear infection and his one eardrum was close to bursting. Praise God that he decided to stay! Later we also learned of God’s protection. Aaron had not meant to bring his own personal debit card, as he had the church credit card. Turns out he ended up needing the card at his hotel in Houston; the church credit card had been passed along in order for us to rent the vans. Coincidence or God plan?

Honduras and "Where's Bob?"

2011-09-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

Landing in Honduras was eventful. Apparently the airport is one of the most dangerous due to the mountain you have to angel around, the close proximity of buildings, short runway and cliff at the end! If you are interested here are some videos to give you an idea!

Example number one

Example number two

But we landed! After getting through customs we were ushered through a crowd of people and were being given hugs and hellos by all the Micah boys. Our bags were loaded into a truck and we were taken to lunch at the mall. It was all a whirlwind, or what I like to call controlled chaos.

Loading ALL the luggage

We had a quick pit stop at the hotel and then were off to see the Christ Statue. We were going to walk through the city park and admire the 65.5 foot tall + 12 meter pedestal statue that looks over the city. The city was breathtaking, we could see the landing strip, the soccer stadium and the streets were we would spend some of our time. The statue was also amazing. We got close to the statue as we all huddled under it when we were struck by a terrific rain storm, right when we reached the top of the hill. But we soon realized that we were missing Bob, one of our team members.

Some team members had more fears and hesitancy about this trip than others. Bob was one of those. One common fear was that our stomach would not be compatible with the Honduran food. Well, Bob had his fear realized as we were driving to the park. Upon arrival he hopped out and ran into the woods, without much notice. As we were in route to the statue Bob was on his way to relief. Because of the rainstorm our drivers decided to move the vans closer to where we were so we wouldn’t have to hike back in the rain. (This was not Portland rain people- it was torrential downpour!) When Bob emerged he noticed the vans were gone, but Brain’s truck was still there. He thought about walking to where he thought we were, but didn’t really know how to get there. He decided it best to just stay put. Meanwhile we were still huddled under the statue and as the rain subsided we had an impromptu devotional and geared up for the week ahead. Those of you who know Brain Wiggs, know that he is not short winded, so we were up there for awhile (maybe 45mins). As we got excited and revved up, Bob was anxious that we had completely left him. He attempted to talk to the park guard to ask if he should sit and wait or start to walk. With his limited Spanish and hand gestures the answer he received was “si” Finally when we loaded the vans to head back to the Micah house, Jamie (Bob’s son) let us know that we really had to find his dad. Brain drove around in the truck looking for him and found him on the road we came in on walking back toward the city! Day one and we had lost one of our members! Thank you Jesus for keeping him safe, and letting us find him before he reached the city! Later that night, I took Bob up to the balcony at the Micah House. I had him look up to the hills where you can see the statue towering over the city and told him; “Bob, I want you to meet Jesus. You were lost, but now you are found!”

Our group overlooking Tegucigalpa (minus Bob and Aaron)

The Micah House

2011-09-17T23:27:00.000-07:00

Dinner on the patio at Micah

The Micah house is the home to fifteen young boys, ages 13-19 plus at least one staff member that stays with them. It is a safe haven for the boys who have grown up on the streets or in impoverished homes. The Micah Project strives for the boys to become Christian leaders through discipleship, formal education and opportunities to serve others who are in need. The goal is to support these young men as they learn to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God” (Micah 6:8). While we were there the house was always abuzz with energy. There were often people on the patio playing soccer, wrestling or engaging in some other lively activity. In the den the boys can chill out by watching movies, and often someone was playing guitar or talking as well. The kitchen was busy with several amazing women cooking amazing food for MANY people. It is hard to find a quiet space amidst the small rooms. Which is why it will be amazing once Micah 2.0 is built!! The Micah project has the money to purchase 7 acres of beautiful land . . . once they are finished jumping through bureaucratic hoops! The land will allow them to have more room, maybe a separate school room, a place for the technical school, where the boys learn wielding and carpentry, staff housing, and lots of room for the boys to run! Plus the land is located in a small community, unlike their current inner city location. This would help to safeguard the boys from the draw to go back to the streets, hopefully keep the Micah house and van from being vandalized and in addition be a blessing to the community and these boys are strong and hardworking. Please pray for Micah 2.0 journey, and the teams that will go to Honduras to help build this dream into a reality.

Micah Staff admiring the 2.0 land and dreaming about the possibilities

An Answered Prayer

2011-09-16T23:28:00.000-07:00

Ana Reanos is an amazing women who has taught and cooked at Micah since the beginning. She has two young children that she raises in a very dangerous part of Tegucigalpa. Her continuous prayer has been to keep her and her family safe. Her other concern had been that she would no longer have a job once the Micah house moved, because she could not travel the distance out to the new site. Putting all her faith in Jesus she put it all in His hands and prayed. We were privileged to be a part of Ana’s answered prayer! Our big project while in Honduras was to clear land, digging an “L” shaped hole and creating the foundation and building up a retaining wall that will become Ana’s home. Our team was honored to present this gift to her, as she had no idea about this plan. It was an emotional presentation for all of us. She was overcome with joy and thankfulness. Denise, a team member, described it as one of those moments on a show like extreme home makeover or Oprah; the difference being this was a God moment!

Jesus, you're my firm foundation

2011-09-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

Day 1 of foundation; The Men

Since we spent so much time at the construction site, it became a theme for us. Our lives are so similar to a construction site. Our duty, along with the Micah boys, members of the community and a construction crew was to first attack the ground with picks and shovels and remove all the unstable soil and rock. Similarly, Jesus chips away at the dirt, and rock and obstacles that stand in the way of us truly knowing and having a relationship with him. The remaining hole was filled with stone and cement creating a solid retaining wall that Ana’s house would sit on. In 1 Corinthians 3:10 Paul tells us about foundations; “by the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other that the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Christ is the bedrock in which our life and character is built upon. Without this solid foundation all will crumble. Paul continues to discuss the importance of the material that we build with, noting that it will be tested. How important it is to build up our life with healthy solid materials, but it cannot be done when Christ is not the first layer. What a powerful metaphor this became for all of us on the trip and in our lives since being back.

Picking away the unstable ground

Removing Rock

What we finished in our time there

Chad showing off how wide the wall is. Chad is 6'5" (?)

CHECK BACK FOR MORE STORIES!

A little light reading

2011-01-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

Here are the books I read in 2010:

1. Dear John - Nicholas Sparks
2. Parenting from the Inside Out - Daniel Siegel and Mary Hartzell
*3. Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable love story of an Owl and His Girl - Stacey O' Brien
*4. The Boy who was Raised as a Dog: and other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook - Bruce D. Perry and Maia Szalavitz
*5. The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder - Rebecca Wells
6. The Wisdom Trail; In the Footsteps of Remarkable Women
*7. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
**8. Crazy Love - Francis Chan
9. Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert
10. Good Dog. Stay - Anna Quindlen
*11. Little Bee - Chris Cleave
12. Committed: A skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage - Elizabeth Gilbert (Ok so I didn't finish this one - because I disliked it with great passion)
13. Other People's Rejection Letter, Career Killers, and 150 Other Letters You'll be Glad You Didn't Receive - Bill Shaprio (more of a coffee table book)
14. Awkward Family Photos - Mike Bender & Doug Chernack (also a coffee table book)
**15. The Bible NIV - God

KEY
* Books I think you should read
** Books you definitely should read

On blogging

2010-07-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about blogging lately. Why no one blogs anymore, why I don't blog anymore. Wondering if Facebook has taken place of blogging? Do we really only have time to read one liners about someones life, do we only have time to write one liners?

Would anyone read my blog if I started writing again? Would I have anything to say? Why do I continue to read the blogs I do? Here are some more thoughts

I feel a lot of pressure when blogging, like I have to say something profound- something worthy of blogging - most of the time I don't have anything - that is also why I don't post on Facebook.
The blogs I read don't often have anything profound to say - they write consistently, usually about the day, thoughts, observations and the like. Or they have a purpose - like a daily recipe, craft or on the topic of faith.

I would like to say that I am now going to commit to blogging more, but I can not. I do however miss blogging and it gives me satisfaction, so maybe out of that enjoyment I will blog more . . . who knows?

Chinese Gardens

2008-10-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Our public library has this amazing cultural pass program where you can sign up and receive two free adult passes to various places around Portland. Several Saturdays ago Josh signed us up for the Chinese Gardens. We took a picnic lunch and had a great day!

Some of the beautiful greenery.

There is great texture and beauty throughout the gardens.

So if you are in the area sign up for a Washington County libray card and go somewhere!

Honeymoon - Part II

2008-09-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

Ok here is part two! A picture of us on the beach one evening.

Here we are at this amazing lagoon. Where we spend time snorkeling. While there we saw some amazing fish and a sting ray!

This is part of Tulum, some Mayan ruins.

We saw iguanas! They were awesome.

How much more touristy do you get?

Honeymoon - Part I

2008-09-13T14:07:00.001-07:00

I know this is long overdue, but here are some pictures from our honeymoon. We had an amazing time in Cancun.

Here is the view from our room:

It also overlooked the pool

Our all-inclusive resort had several different pools and restaurants. It was awesome.

We saw Lenny Kravitz . . .

. . . and Kiss . . .

. . . at Coco Bongo, a club that does impersonations

Josh wrestled an angry Gypsy . .

and we took pictures with Spiderman.

Spiderman tried to steal me away and Josh almost had to beat him up!

Josh was leery of the native alligator

Stay tuned for some more pictures!

Lessons In Marriage

2008-09-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

In one month of being married I have learned a few lessons:

How to share the bed covers . . . . well I'm still working on this.
Not to expect left overs or my half eaten candy bar to still be there when I come back for them.
How much fun married life is.
Asking for what you want is more likely to happen if you ask nicely
Not to shut the bedroom door completely when I leave otherwise the hubby will be locked in (our apartment is old and the door is warped, so you can imagine his surprise when he woke up and could not get out of the bedroom!)
How to be patient and loving.

I'm am looking forward to all our years to come. To continued growing, learning and bonding. I love you Josh - Happy one month anniversary!

* More pictures and stories to come!

Good Weekend

2008-06-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

As summer nears we have started doing more outside activities. I love it. This last weekend we saw the fireworks that were apart of the rose festival. Unfortunately I forgot my camera. We were standing on the Morrison Bridge - front and center of where the fireworks were going off. Saturday we went hiking at Saddle Mountain with some good friends (Noah and Jessica) Who sadly are moving back to Alaska at the end of the month. Here are some pictures:

I was really pleased with the way this picture turned out. Can you see the forest through tress?

It was foggy, which made for some cool pictures

Josh and I on a bridge.

Can you count the rings?

Yea! Noah, Jessica, Josh and I made it to the top! There is supposed to be a beautiful view, but we couldn't see it.

Nothing to say?

2008-05-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

How can I have nothing to say in such a busy and overwhelming time in my life? Have you ever had so much going on that you have no time to process, digest and dish it out?

Engagement: such a strange, wonderful whirlwind. It has gone so fast! There is just over two months left. Which means we have been engaged for almost 6 months. We still have a lot to do/plan. I've realized that wedding planning is not my calling. It has been a lot of fun working to make our day special and unique, but I will be glad once the day is here. I cant wait to celebrate the day with family and friends, but most of all I can't wait to be married to Joshua Akers.

Internship: such a strange, wonderful whirlwind. Being in a high school setting is somewhat surreal. Being there brings me new perspective on myself and has caused me to relive memories and moments that seem like yesterday. I look forward to working with the students and their families. The challenges are many; drugs, gangs, depression, peer-pressure. The rewards/blessing vast; an amazing high school/counseling staff, amazing learning opportunities, closer to having a masters degree!

Classes: not bad right now. Which is good because I am paying a lot of money for them! All in all I am mostly done with classes. I have several left, but mostly I'll be able to just focus on internship.

Work: paying the bills. As I get closer to being done with school I get more antsy to stop serving people food and start providing therapy.

Life: is that what is flying by?

God: is teaching me so much. I am learning to trust, rely and depend on Him. It is a continually process that takes work every single day.

By the way - what's up with my sidebar? How do I fix it?

Seasons

2008-05-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 3. 1-8
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.

Unlike the weather in Portland the seasons of my life have been moving quickly. Very quickly. It seems that at times before I even realize I am in a season that time has passed. I have been meditating on this verse for some time now. It applies to all aspects of life right now.

One of which is: internship. As part of my graduate program I have to do an internship. Actual experience counseling people. Internship is the source of stress, anxiety and tears for many grad students. Just securing a site is an ordeal as you compete with your peers in interviews much like job interview, except you don't get paid.

The time between when I secured my site and my start date (about two months) has been full of fear and anxiety. Almost overwhelmingly so. I questioned my abilities and competencies. I was stuck in this place. It is not a good place to be at. It is not conducive to movement. A place of fear holds you captive and disables you.

About a week ago something shifted. I became unstuck. I realized that this is a new season for me. It is a season of learning and growing. It is a season of being vulnerable to "not knowing it all." A season to try and retry. I do have the skills and competencies. I am not a seasoned therapist . . . Yet. We all start somewhere.

This new place is a better place to be at. More free, open and rewarding. Not that the fear and anxiety has completely disappeared . . .

Plus more blogs to come . . *

* Hopefully

One Year

2008-04-16T16:09:00.000-07:00

Today marks one year since the heart wrenching event at Virgina Tech. How soon we forget.

The university president said "while the passage of time has helped us in many ways, we remain deeply and profoundly saddened by the events of that tragic day." Of course they would but what about those of us who weren't directly impacted? I have to admit that it wasn't on my radar. Who had time or energy to remember everything. That really isn't my point here. I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the lives that were lost, to join the mourners, lift up prayers for friends and families, and to look forward.

May God's providence be with those at Virgina Tech. May the blessing of peace be with families and friends.

Spring!

2008-03-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

I love spring time! I love the warm weather, the smell, the activities and of course March madness that all come with spring.
Here is a spring poem for you

Spring
by Robert Frost

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid-air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfill.

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

Wedding Updates

2008-02-28T21:03:00.000-08:00

Alright, I know I've been pretty bad about updating this blog. I have TONS to write and say, but very little time. But here is what I'll start with.

Our official date is August 9th, 2008. Here is our place! It has a big beautiful back yard and I am so excited to be married there!

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I think I have the dress picked out, but I can't post that here. Working on colors and such, and am hoping to send out save the dates soon.

Also our wedding website is: http://www.joshandkristi.us/

It is still a work in progress, but check it out! And sometime I will post about the rest of my life, thoughts and theories on Lost

The Year in Review

2008-01-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

I meant to post this on January 1st, but we have been very busy sharing our exciting news with others. BTW no exact date set, just sometime in August (maybe the 9th)

2007

JANUARY

1. Who kissed you on New Years? Josh - on the check because I was very sick

2. Did you have a New Year’s Resolution this year? To be the best I could be. (sounds like the army)

3. Does it snow where you live? Sometimes

4. Do you like hot chocolate? Yep, Land Of Lakes is my favorite .

5. Have you ever been to Times Square to watch the ball drop? Nope, but I'd like to do it once just for the experience.

FEBRUARY

1. Who was your Valentine? Josh. We went and saw Snow Patrol (a Christmas gift)

2. When you were little did you buy Valentines for the whole class? Yeah. One year I even made them. Or rather Mom made them!

3. Do you care if the groundhog sees its shadow or not? Yes

4. What did you receive for Valentines Day? Well Snow Patrol tickets were a Christmas gift . . .so maybe dinner?

5. Are you a leap year baby? No

MARCH

1. Are you Irish? Yes. And English, French, German, Swedish and Italian. What a mutt!

2.Do you like corned beef and cabbage? No way

3. What did you do for St. Patty’s Day in 2007? I don't think anything.

4. Are you happy when winter is pretty much over? Sad that snowboarding season is over, but very happy to see the sun!

APRIL

1. Do you like the rain? Not really. Maybe I'm living in the wrong city. .

2. Did you play an April fool’s joke on anyone this year? No

3. Do you get tons of candy for Easter? No.

4. Do you love the month of April? Its alright.

MAY

1. What is your favorite flower? Sunflower?

2. Finish the phrase “April showers…”:Bring may flowers. Duh.

3. Do you celebrate May 16th: National Piercing Day? Never heard of it.

4. Is May anything special to you? For now its around the time when Spring Semester ends

JUNE

1. What year did/will you graduate from high school? 2001.

2. Did you do anything fun during this Month? It's my birthday

3. Have a favorite baseball team? Not a big baseball fan

JULY

1. What did you do on the 4th of July? Went camping. Got eaten my millions of mosquitoes. There were immune to the bug spray - crazy!

2. Did you go to the fireworks? No

3. Did you blast the A/C all day? No I swam in the freezing river.

4. Is somebody's birthday this month? Oh, not that I can think of off the bat.

AUGUST

1. Did you do anything special at the end of your summer? Moved!

2. What was your favorite summer memory of ‘07'? Just hanging out with friends and family.

3. Did you have a sunburn?Yeah, I always do. But not as bad as Josh.

4. Did you go to the pool a lot? I took up swimming laps in my apartment pool. Very therapeutic.
SEPTEMBER

1. Will you be attending college/school? Yep, still working on the MFT degree.

2. Do you like fall better than summer? No.

OCTOBER

1. What was your last Halloween costume? This year I dressed up like a road.

2. What is your favorite candy?Skittles

3. What was your favorite thing(s) about this month? Going to the Roloff farm.

NOVEMBER

1. Whose house do you go to for Thanksgiving? Josh's parents

2. What are you thankful for?My friends and family. Good health, God and all the many blessings in my life

3. Do you love stuffing? Only Stovetop

4. Do you go shopping the day after Thanksgiving? No way!

DECEMBER

1. Do you celebrate Christmas? Of course!

2. Have you ever been kissed under the mistletoe? Not that I recall.

3. Get anything special last year? Can't really remember

4. What do you get this year? A ring! A new computer and a tent! I made out like a bandit

5. What do you love most about December? Spending time with friends and family and Christmas music

2007-12-17T10:02:00.000-08:00

We're engaged! It happened on December 15th at Snoqualmie Falls.

It was a complete surprise. Merry Christmas to me!

Tired

2007-12-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

I think there is a good tired and a bad tired. Good tired is the tired that you get from having a busy but productive day. It's when you lay your head on the pillow and can sleep soundly because you feel good about what you got done. Tomorrow will be a fresh day where you can tackle new tasks. Bad tired is where you just pass out at the end of the day. Where you know that you may only get several hours (3-4) before you have to get up and do it all over again.

I just finished my last class this semester and I am tired. Exhausted really. I thought it would feel better than it did to be done, but I am just so worn out. This semester beat and battered me. It took al ot from me. I'm too tired to feel excited to be done. I don't feel like I have anything else to give, and alas we have to holiday season.

While I am thrilled to have some time off, thinking about the busyness of the holidays makes me more tired. I pray that time with family and friends will renew and refresh me. I pray that in three weeks I am able to pull my battered self together and start the spring semester

A love letter to Andrew and Aimee

2007-12-10T14:50:00.000-08:00

I like love letters. They can convey so much. Writing can be easier than speaking feelings and emotions. I want to write several love letters, but my first is to my dear friends - headed to Africa.

Andrew and Aimee,

It's funny how you don't realize how much people mean to you until they are gone, or almost gone. I have been so blessed to know you over the past six (or so) years. You are honest and real with everyone. You welcome all into you lives and treat them like family. You share your family and yourselves freely. You are not scared to show your true self; be it silly, sad, tired, overwhelmed, happy, ext.

I have loved all the experiences we have had. Long days at PUMP, frustrating days at PSP, working at the dollar store with you Andrew. I remember our evenings with Brenda, Billy and Hershel talking about everything and nothing, watching the news or playing games or reminiscing after lifegroup.

It has been a blessing to walk alongside you over the past years. To talk about struggles, fears, wants and wishes. To pray with you and sit with you. I have seen you grow so much. I have seen God bless you, stretch and grow you. It is amazing to look back and see how God prepared you to be parents and to be missionaries. Each small task, struggle, and success preparing you to handle and do more.

As you have prepared to leave I have been able to see how many other lives you have touched. How hard it was for everyone (not just me) to say goodbye. I am so excited about the work you will do. I have no doubt in my mind that you will bless, strengthen and encourage so many people. I pray for those who will be saved by your lives testimony. I am eager to see Anaiah grow, learn and blossom. God is good and will continue to provide so much for you and those around you.

Andrew and Aimee, as you travel today I ask for special providence over you. Safe travels, extra measures of patience and energy. I ask that He keeps you in good health, protects Anaiah's little body, and gives you smooth traveling. In arriving may you settle easily and may the Cashs' help to make Uganda feel like home as quickly as possible. May God lift homesickness, fears and weariness. God provides what we need when we need it, may you remember that.

I love you guys, am proud of you and praying for you.

Set Free

2007-11-15T09:39:00.000-08:00

Last week I had Josh put my spider friend outside. He needed to be set free because:

1. I was afraid he would get bored of the shower and decided to crawl into the bedroom and down my throat while I was sleeping. And
2. He didn't have a web or anything and so I don't think he was eating . . . (But Josh later told me - if he was hungry he would leave . .)

Anyways I kind of miss him.

The Room

2007-11-08T09:56:00.000-08:00

Remember floppy discs? Of course you do . . . you do right? I still have floppy discs. I still have some actual floppy floppy discs. Now there are memory sticks. These are much more efficient, hold more information, are smaller and are not as easy to break.

I found my floppies while going through a box in my spare bedroom. Can we talk about my spare bedroom? I love it! It may be my favorite room in the house. I do love my bedroom, where I keep all my clothes and get sound sleep (most of the time, but tonight is not one of those nights.) And I love the kitchen because the food is kept there.

But the spare bedroom allows for something that no other room does. It contains my scrap booking stuff, a desk, a grad school book shelf, and a newer big beautiful bookshelf. This bookshelf is the home to many lovely, colorful books. Sadly, most of these books are unread. I never realized how many book I have until I got them all in one place. The spare bedroom is also the home to all the boxes that have not yet been unpacked. Home to the box that contained the floppy discs.

I will share a picture of this room as soon as my camera battery is done charging. Which, by the way I found the charger, in the box with the floppies.

But here is what is so special about the spare bedroom. It allows for me to be. Be creative, be messy, be thoughtful, be me. It is messy because for now it is where I shove everything that does not have a home quite yet. I do hope for the room to become functional sometime soon though.

Whenever I enter the room something magical happens. I am surrounded by my favorite things - books, pictures, my Ipod and random other things. Soon the room will host my purses on a handy purse holder that will hang on the backside of the door.

When in this room I am inspired. Inspired to create works of art - pages of scrapbooks, ramblings such as this. Inspired to read these fabulous books I posses. And energized to live and be in this room.

I hope to share more stories and pictures of this wonderful room - but for now thanks for reading this babble.

The webs we weave

2007-10-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

For the past week I have had a spider living in the left corner of my shower. Before I tell you about this spider you need to understand the context of me and spiders.

I really don't like spiders. Actually I'm very afraid of them. When I first moved out on my own I was so scared of them that I could not even get close enough to them to squish them. So I would put a cup over them and wait for a friend to come over and kill it. Or I would get the vacuum wand and vacuum them up. (Although I would often fear that the spider would lay eggs in the vacuum bag and thousands of tiny spiders would come crawling out of the vacuum wand)

Being 25, I have decided that I need to grow up and evolve and be able to rid an unwanted spider from my house. I still freak out but I am able to (sometimes) grab a tissue and flush the little arachnid down the toilet.

Okay, so the spider in my shower. This spider is pretty little - not the smallest of the smallest - but not too big either. When I first saw him my first reaction was to kill it. But I didn't want to spray it because, I don't know if you have ever sprayed the ceiling in your shower, but it does not work out so well. So I made a mental note to get tissue after the shower and flush him. The next morning he was still there and I remembered what I had forgotten . . . but I couldn't bring myself to do it. So I made another mental note to have Josh kill it next time he was over. Well, I keep loosing my mental notes. So the spider has been there a week. Mostly he stays in that corner, where I can see him, but every now and again he moves over closer to my head - and you better believe that I'm extra attentive and ready to spray - when he does that.

But I have become comfortable with this spider. Every morning for about 12 minutes we share a shower and co-exist. I forget about him almost as soon as my shower is over, but every morning I am happy to see him still there. Now, I'm not personifying him by giving him a name or talking to him, but it is comforting to see him each morning. This may be crazy but I enjoy the company in the morning. I also know that I am being very self-disclosing, but it's the kind of mood I'm in.

*I was going to put a picture that resembled my spider but it creeped me out looking for a picture*

More stars and the missing battery charger

2007-10-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago Josh and I met Brandon Roy
of the Portland Trail Blazers. He was greeting and meeting downtown. There were not very many people there when we were so we got to chat with him for awhile, shake his hand several times and get several ardicograhps. He was laid back and cool.

Unfortunatly I cannot post a picture because my camera is dead and due to the move I cannot find the battery charger. So, frustrating!

But here is a picture of our carved pumpkins.

Josh's, Mine, and our friends - Kyle's and Nicole's (in that order)

Pumpkins

2007-10-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, we went to the Roloff Farm! Don't know what it is? It's the Little People Big World Farm!

It was sort of disappointing at first because the pumpkins weren't that great, there weren't very many of them and there were TONS of people . . . but then look who we met!

It's Amy! The mom.

We also saw Molly, the daughter.

Here are some other pictures!

Aren't we cute?!

"This one's mine- get your own!"

The Girls. The boys were too shy to have their picture taken.

Eight is great!

2007-09-10T15:27:00.000-07:00

Tag . . . you're it! I've been tagged . . . twice

Here's the rules:

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write a post on their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (If you don’t have a blog, email me)
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

So here goes . . .

1. I don't really like straws. I will use them but prefer not to.

2. I like kits. Kits give you all the things you need to put things together, build and create things.

3. I have these wristbands for tennis that I like to wear all the time. It feels good to have my wrists supported while driving, doing chores or all the time really!

4. Chi Tea is both energizing and relaxing to me.

5. As I have aged I have become more introverted.

6. I get on kicks when buying things. I'll buy purses for awhile, then Cd's, then makeup, etc.

7. I like pink. I used to have a pink room.

8. I like schedules and scheduling. It is the one organizational task that I enjoy.

Tag - Jenni and Necon, Amber and Jake, Ryan W., Jessica W., Tabitha, and Kay (I know you're out there . . blurking, I know you don't have a blog but email me!)

Update

2007-08-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

School started back today. It came sooner than I wanted it too. Here is what I have been up to the last several weeks.

Josh's Grandma passed away earlier this month, so we spent some time in Idaho. I didn't know her well but she was an amazing and beautiful woman of God. Her and her husband pastored for over thirty years and while in Idaho I was blessed to hear many wonderful stories from people whose lives were touched by Darleen and John Kell. John passed away several years ago and I never had the chance to meet him. A picture of Grandma Kell is below. She is bottom row in the middle.

Also while there I had an epiphany. I was speaking to a friend of Darleen's and he mentioned that many of his friends had been passing, as he was at that age. At first it was sad to me but then I thought about how neat it was how we go through life with others. God brings us to others that are going through the same things. Currently I am in the marriage and baby phase. Many around me are getting married and having babies. I see others who are raising their school aged children together. My parents and their friends are all going though the empty next phase. It reminds me of this verse (one of my favorites!):

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Also I moved. Most of my house is still in boxes, but this new place will be such a blessing. Thank you to: Randy Rice, Sarah Howsen, Danny Stift, David Rude, Shawn Garrett, Alyssa Miller, Naomi Hunsaker, neighbor #14 in new apartment and neighbor #23 of old apartment, plus BIG thanks to Josh and my mom.

And I finished Harry Potter book 7 - not my favorite one, but still glad I read it.

Come one, come all . . .

2007-08-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

To help me move!

The time has come for me to move! This saturday I am going to try to get the bigger stuff over to my new place. If you can help - load or unload that would be great! The rest of the week I will be moving stuff as well. Any help is much appreciated.

Go ahead and call to let me know if you can come anytime. Times are unsure at this time, and I don't know where I will be when - so give me a ring! Old place is out toward Gresham and new place is in Tigard

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

2007-08-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Since I have had more time on my hands lately I decided to read a book. ‘The Spirit Catches you and You Fall Down’ by Anne Fadiman caught me when I saw it was on the required reading list for my social and cultural class this fall. (So not only did I read a great book, I also got ahead for next semester!)

Fadiman’s book contains the true story of the clash between a Hmong family whose daughter (Lia Lee) was diagnosed with severe epilepsy and the American doctors that treated the little girl. Both parties desperately wants to do what they believe is best for Lia Lee. Unfortunately both ideas are polar opposite and their lack of understanding of each other leads to tragedy.

It was easy for me to have a connection with Lia Lee, who was born in Merced California on July 19, 1982. I was born an hour north of Lia just about one month earlier. While Lia and her family were struggling to understand and compromise with the doctors I was growing up in a very white town where such conflicts did not even enter the minds of most of its citizens.

Fadiman’s empathic story telling leads you to more fully understand both sides of the story. Her dedicated work is truly magnificent, eliciting years of her time which she spend with the Lee family, Merced doctors, social and state workers and Hmong educators, interpreters and cultural brokers. This unique book is a part historical, part cultural, part medical and part therapy book. In the preface Fadiman states “I am sure that if I had never met Lia’s doctors, I would be a different kind of patient. I am sure that if I had never met her family, I would be a different kind of mother.” Having read this profound book has made me a different kind of person.

Sugary Sweet August

2007-08-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of Jason Hill's monthly challenges , but inspired by my boyfriend I am not eating sugar this month. It is a challenge we are embarking on together. We know he can do it because he has done it before, me on the other hand . . .

Today is day six. The first few days I literally thought I was going to die. This did not happen. I am starting to feel better, but again it is only day six.

Note to the Reader: I am still using some artificial sweeteners. And, many foods contain sugars that I am still eating. So basically it's the candies, cookies, pop etc.

Schools out . . . .

2007-07-25T17:05:00.000-07:00

for the summer! I just finished my first year of graduate school (and my summer semester)! So I have one whole month to do before I start back again. One whole month to do whatever I please. Well beside work. So what should I do for this one month? What do people who have lives do?

P.S. Ikea opened in Portland today! Anyone want to go within the next month?

My New Passion

2007-06-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

Tennis; my new passion. Josh and I started playing last summer, and this summer I am hooked. I love the andrenaline that flows through my veins while playing. I love the feeling of power after hitting a difficult ball. I love the anticipation of a returning ball. I love the sound that the ball makes as it connects with your racket. And I love the sigh of relif after winning a point (although this does not happen very often for me.)

Garbage Men

2007-06-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

I consider the trash men a great blessing. Once a week they come to my apartment complex and take all the smelly trash away and I don't really have to think about it. But this morning, they were outside my house at 6:30am! I've been sleeping with the windows open because it has been hot. At 6:30 AM I hear the beeping, and idling and dumping. I was so irritated! I was just thinking about why they needed to be doing that at 6:30 in the AM. And if they did need to do it at 6:30am why don't they invest in some quiet machinery?! But all in all I consider the garbage men a huge blessing!

Isn't this a cool birthday cake!

Sleeping Patterns

2007-05-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

I feel like I should justify where and what I've been doing all this time. But I'm not going to, at least not at this point.

What I want to share with everyone now is sleeping patterns and behaviors. I have always been interested by sleeping. How people sleep. Do they sprawl out? Sleep with fans on? Snore? Sleep walk? Talk in their sleep? All sorts of things. Today I am going to share some of my sleep patterns. Some of them may be bizarre, some of them not.

I like to sleep (even in warm weather) with heavy blankets on. The weight is comforting.
I have been told that I talk in my sleep about everything from dead fruit bats in the pantry, to inquiring what someones name is.
I have on occasion been told that I snore, although I choose not to believe it.
Sometimes I am a wild sleeper and will wake up with blankets completely turned around, or pillowcases off the pillow.
I wear this heart ring with the point facing me. Every now and then I will wake up and the heart arches will be facing me. Which means that in the middle of the night I am taking my ring off, turning it around and putting it back on. Pretty weird, hun?
Last semester during finals I was waking up and my hands and fingers were so sore. After some time I figured out that I was clenching my fists while sleeping. I had to make an effort to lay my hands flat when going to sleep. I think this fist clenching had something to do with stress.
Most recently the balls of my feet have been hurting upon waking up. I think this is because I have been curling my toes while sleeping. So now I am making and effort to not do this. Very strange

Now that I just shared some personal sleep habits and oddities, what are some of yours?

Snow Shoeing

2007-03-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

The crunch of fresh snow under my feet. The misting of more snow falling and embracing my figure. The cool air whipping around me. Sounds of laughter, chatter and "where is the path?" When all is calm you can hear your breath and each flake fall. Peaceful, serene, magnificent. Enjoying God's creation. How beautiful this earth is, how can heaven be even more beautiful!? Oh, How glorious to imagine!

My friends thought it would be a good idea to stand under this tree and shake it. I thought it a good idea to stand where I was and take pictures.

The Crew. Kind of a goofy picture!

A couple of weekends ago I was able to enjoy nature, while snowshoeing. We had fresh snow, gorgeous weather and good company.

The Begining of the End of a Good Thing

2007-03-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I LOVE Grey's Anatomy! It is the best show ever (in my opinion). But everything is starting to go downhill. It all started with one cast member calling another cast member "gay." Or something like that. Ok, so it was not right and caused a lot of friction, but when you work so intensively and intimately you are bound to have friction. But now, Now, the greed, bitterness, and hostility has began.

First we have Katherine Heigl asking for more money. The media says she is upset because she does not make as much money as some of the cast members. If this is all true, it is ridiculous! Really people you did not even know if your show was going to succeed at first. And now that it has, you have to go and get all greedy! Really?!!

Next we have Kate Walsh who is supposed to be getting to star in a spin off show. First of all, have we not learned from history that spin off shows do not work? With the exception of "Cheers" and "Frasier" (although I did not like either.) Second of all, why is the whole cast mad about it? Well, I know why but I think it is just plain silly. Why would you want a spin off show that probably won't do well, when you are already in a fabulous show!? And why can't you just be happy for your co-worker and support her?

I will continue to watch but if the cast gets too much more ridiculous I will quite them! I will! The drama changes the way I view the drama.

Rock Out

2007-02-28T16:32:00.000-08:00

I love Concerts!I have lots of goodies in this blog for you about my last concert experience. We went to a really good one the other day. We saw
Silversun Pickups
(I had never heard of them but they were really good!) and
Ok Go
(if you don't know who they are check out the treadmill video below) and
Snow Patrol
(just plain awesome! Also a video below)

Josh and I anxiously awaiting the fun!

Snow Patrol singing "Chasing Cars"

Ok Go and their "Here it goes again" music video

One last picture of Snow Patrol rocking out!

New Neighbors

2007-02-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

I was gone over the weekend and when I returned I returned to the smell of french fries.

Why does my entry way smell like french fries?

Because while I was gone people moved into the apartment across from mine. I had been enjoying peace and quiet but now I have neighbors. Some of you know that I do not do well with neighbors!

It appears that they are a young family, father, mother and two children and a dog. So far there has only been one awkward encounter which went like this:

The father and I walked out of our doors at the same time. In a very chipper manner father says "hello."

Grumpy because I did not want to work, nor did I want neighbors I say "hello."

Father waves his hand in a broad, circular motion (somewhat like The Karate Kid, when learning to wax on and off) and says "We're your new neighbors!!"

"Nice to meet you" as I skirt past him and hurry to my car.

Anyways so far they seem okay, but this said dog barks every time I leave or return home. Really people, if you are going to have a dog in an apartment you need to learn to keep him quiet!

Oh, and also I had a dream that new neighbor family was really the Capital One Vikings and were after me, so that's not good!

* Note: This is not a real Capital One Viking because I could not find a good picture of them, so hopefully you have seen the commercials. Also I could not get a bigger picture so hopefully you get the point. You don't want a Viking as a neighbor, at least not in your dreams.

It's happening . . .

2007-01-28T22:03:00.000-08:00

It's starting to happen again . . . I am having writers block. I love my blog. I love other people's blogs. I just need stuff to put on my blog. Actually I need time to put stuff on my blog. I think of things from time to time but then never post. I want to post more. I find it very therapeutic. Sometimes I read other peoples blogs and think it is so thoughtful, funny, wonderful, etc. I want that for my blog!

Just felt I needed to share these feelings. I want to be interesting enough to have things to share and thoughts to reflect on!

Graduate School Made Me Boring . . . .

2007-01-10T21:02:00.000-08:00

If you noticed I have not posted in a long time. That is because grad school has made me boring . . . . At least I thought that it had.

I just finished my first semester of graduate school and it was rough (actually I just started my second semester.) The first semester was intense and I was wrapped up and involved in everything I was studying. I couldn’t really talk to anybody about anything other than course work, what theory I was considering or how to integrate spirituality, psychology and theology into my practice. Once I realized that this was all I had to talk about I realized that I was big dull dud. At least I had other grad students who were interested in my dudness.

Then came a glorious Christmas break. Having three weeks away from school blessed me in so many ways and by the end of it I was able to see that I am not boring! I realized that I am a creative, fun and interesting person. I had moments where I could carry on conversations about things other than grad school. I started to see good photo ops and remembered that I like to take pictures and have some talent at it.

I realized that grad school does not define me. God has created me to be many different things and with many different talents. School is one strength that I am learning to integrate into my whole self. I think that so often as people we define ourselves in these ways. “I am a mother.” (well, I’m not a mother, but you know what I mean) “I am a pastor, a social worker, a student, a whatever . .” We define ourselves by our roles. Yes, it is a part of who we are, but only a part. I am a child of God that has been created to do and be many different things. I am a student, a daughter, a girlfriend, a friend. I am creative, intelligent, one who serves others and serves God. I am learning more about who I am, but I am not boring.

So my prayer for this semester is that I can remember other aspects of myself and take time to be a develop those strengths and talents as well. I hope that I can include my academic knowledge into who I am, but that it does not take over my personality or my conversations!

One year . . .

2006-11-21T21:54:00.000-08:00

So I have read people's blogs and seen their truibute once they had been blogging for one year. I loved the idea of having a "happy birthday blog." I was going to do some fun and exciting contest or something but guess what? I missed my one year birthday! It was November 14th! At least I caught it before the month was over! So happy birthday to me!

Its a hot air balloon!

Tribute to my Neighbors

2006-11-11T23:21:00.000-08:00

My neighbors that moved in two summers ago just moved out. Hallelujah!! Its one of those situations where I don't really know who exactly lived there as there were people in and out of there all the time. And I didn't really see any of them, just heard them.

But there is this one guy who I had several odd encounters with. Not that he is odd, but I believe I may be odd.

The First One

I had been trying for about ten minutes to open this jar of minced garlic and for the life of me could not. I had whacked the lid with a butter knife, twisted it with ALL my might, used a towel to grip the lid and some other interesting techniques that I would not like to share here. After staring at the jar and trying to will it open with my eyes I decided I needed some help. Now I really did not want to be one of those neighbors that asks you to open jars or if you have sugar to borrow. But I had no choice. I timidly walked across the hall and knocked on the door.
Neighbor boy answers with blank stare.

"I am sorry to bother you but I can not open this jar for the life of me. Would you mind?" offers boy the jar.
Boy looks down at the jar then looks up at odd neighbor (me) takes jar and opens it with no problem. Hands jar back to odd neighbor girl.
"Thank you!" (Me) odd neighbor girl takes the jar and runs back across the hallway to her apartment.

The Second Encounter

After a great snow storm I realized I needed to get something out of my car. I open the door and neighbor boy is standing in the hallway looking down the stairwell at all the snow that had piled up down there. I step into the hallway and look down the stairwell as well.
Neighbor boy looks at me "Do you like all this snow?"
I look back at him, at the snow and at me feet and say "I think I need bigger boots" and turn around briskly, walk back into my apartment and close the door before anything else can be said.

The Third Encounter

One lovely Saturday I was doing laundry in the apartment laundry mat. The two washers and two dryers were surprisingly free (maybe because it was a lovely Saturday.) I had gone to take my two loads out of the dryer and put one load into the dryer. As I was doing so, neighbor boy comes to put his one load of wash into the dryer. I tell him that there will be one free dryer after I get my stuff out. So he is just standing there waiting for me to get all my stuff out and switch one load. I felt the pressure of silence and preceded to make small talk.
"Nice day hun?"
"Yeah."
I think he's still a little weirded out by me.
"I really like this sun a lot more than the rain. Are you from here and used to the rain?"
"I grew up here but just moved back and I don't really mind the rain.""It's funny how the clothes expand and get all fluffy after being in the dryer. And then they don't fit in the basket. "
Neighbor boy just looks at me and kind of nods.
"Oh opps" I say as I drop a bra on the floor and think about how awkward this encounter is.
As I start the dryer, grab my clothes and turn to leave I wish him "happy laundering!"

One last (of many) interesting encounters

One Sunday afternoon after taking a blessed nap I hear this knock on my door. I answer it and its neighbor boy. He is holding a cell phone. He lifts the phone slightly as to draw attention to it and asks if it is my phone. I look at him and at the phone and then behind me and then back at the phone and say "Yes."
He offers up the phone while I stare blankly at him, due to the fact that I had not even known the phone was missing.
"Oh, um . . . Where did you find it?"
"Just at the bottom of the stairwell." He points.
"Oh, well thank you." I say as I take the phone that he is now eagerly offering up to me.
As the phone passes hands it starts to ring and I am startled by it at jump slightly. I thank him again and close the door.

The call was from my mother asking if I had received my phone. So here is the back story:

Apparently neighbor boy had found my phone. Being the good citizen that we all now know he is he wanted to return it to its rightful owner. He browses through the numbers and runs across ICE (in case of emergency). And loosing your cell phone is defiantly an emergency! So he calls my mother; ICE. My mother had been enjoying a Sunday afternoon watching a program about young women being abducted from Washington when she receives a call that went something like this:
"I found this phone"
"What?" My mom is probably thinking that the voice on the other end doesn't sound like her daughter, but it's her number that showed up on the caller ID.
"I'm looking for the owner of this phone."
"Who is this? Is this Josh?" (a dear friend of mine) "Is this a joke?"
"Um . . No I just found this phone and don't know who it belongs to."
"Is this a joke, it's not funny."
"No, I just . . . Do you know someone who lives in (here is where he says my apartment name)?"
My mom who is slightly freaking out by this time say "Who is this? Are you a stalker?"
"No, I'm ____" My mom didn't quite catch his name.
So my mom reluctantly tells him I do live in those apartments and which number.
Neighbor responds joyfully "Oh, that's the apartment across from mine." I think he was joyful that he could now be done with the conversation with my mom.
So my mom had called to check that I was okay and had received my phone.

And those are my interesting encounters with my neighbor. So after these encounters I didn't really see him anymore. I think he was so freaked out that he avoided me like the black plague. But I did hear many other "neighbors" coming in and out of the apartment, moving gladiture, playing satanic music and other things. I'm just gald that there will be no more of that stuff and no more encounters.

Panhandlers

2006-10-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of political, emotional, satirically and other things that I could write below a title like 'panhandlers.' But all I have to say is this;

Today as I was waiting on the onramp I noticed one woman on the side holding a sign saying "Native American. Homeless and hungry. Please help."
On the exacte opposite side of the onramp was a man holding a sign that said; "Mexican. Homeless. Hungry. Gracias Amigos."

Here is my question; why excatly does it matter their nationality?

New Job

2006-09-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

After many hours of searching and sweat and tears . . . I have a job! I'm actually totally kidding. I put in one application and had two interviews, but there was some anxiety. Anyways, I will be working at the Old Spaghetti Factory. I am so excited! I have always wanted to waitress. Seriously! And if you post, don't tell me how difficult waitressing is. I'm really excited about it and many people have told me it's difficult, customers suck and so on. But I am excited and I think it will be great! They are very flexible with my school schedule, offer some benefits and I'll get tips! I start training this week, so keep me in your prayers. And come visit me and I'll serve you some delicious food, with a smile!

Alright!

2006-09-09T23:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, Ok I've been tagged. But this is starting to be, like the trendy thing to do . . .

A book that changed my life besides the Bible:
The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson

A book I've read more than once:
The Dream Giver
Cyrano De Bergerac by Edmond Rostand (A play)
And there have been other books that I have accidentally read twice!

A book I would take with me if I were stuck on a desert island:
The Bible
The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook

A book that made me laugh:
It was on Fire When I Lay Down on It by Robert Fulhum

A book that I wish had been written:
I don't know. It probably has been written.

A book that I wish had never been written:
That's not really a fair question.

A book I've been meaning to read:
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (again)
I actually have a whole book shelf full of them.

I'm currently reading:
Family Therapy: A Systemic Integration by Dorothy Stroh Becvar and Raphel Becvar
The Practice Of Family Therapy by Suzanne Hanna and Joseph Brown
The Family; A Christian Perspective on the contemporary Home by Jack and Judith Balswick
The Developing Mind by Daniel Siegel
Exclusion and Embrace by Miroslav Volf
Genograms
Tired of Trying to Measure Up by Jeff VanVonderen
Facing Shame by Merle Fossum and Marilyn Mason
Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen
A Testament of Devotion by Thomas Kelly
Tales of a magic Monastery by Theophane the Monk
The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris
The Skilled Helper by Gerard Egan
Becoming A Helper by Marianne and Gerald Corey
Praying Like Jesus byJames Mulholland
Spiritual Resources in Family Therapy by Froma Walsh
Integrating Religion and Spirituality into Counseling by Marsha Wiggins Frame
Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling by Mark McMinn

Yes these are ALL for Grad school, you people expect me to have time to read outside of school books?

Now it's your turn!
Tabitha Gentry - although I saw she had been tagged already by James
Josh Akers - but he doesn't have a blog. Maybe he should!?!
Rebecca Marie
And you know since this has become the popular thing to do, I'm not sure if there are other names that I have not seen yet. At least we will all have a list of books to read!

Workin' out

2006-09-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

So since I have more time on my hands (or at least I am more able to choose how I spent my time, until I find a job at least) I have decided to start working out again. I mean I have this gym membership and I might as well use it. So yesterday I set out for the gym, expecting to pick back up where I had left off. Well! That was not the case. It was more painful and difficult than I ever remember it being. I thought I was going to die! Not even kidding. And I took it easy this first time. But this will be good for me. By working out I hope to lose some weight, be more able to take care of others because I am taking care of myself and eventually use less lotion. And for you my friends there may be some interesting stories and pictures in this deal for you!

I even got a class schedule! It’s on my refrigerator being held up by the Pizza Hut delivery magnet.

I survived!

2006-09-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

I survived my first week of grad school. I have completed day 1 and 2 of graduated school. Monday morning I woke and drove and attended Principles and Techniques I. The class seems promising and informative. Enjoy the professor and look forward to what the semester will hold. Thursday I woke and drove and attended spiritual and Clinical Praxis I. This class leaves me with some mixed feelings and thoughts. While a great class, it is all overwhelming. Within the first five minutes the professor started lecturing. I felt somewhat lost and there was no foundation (in my opinion) for the lecture. I didn't see the big picture about how it was connecting to everything. So that was 9am to 12pm. Then I had an hour break and attended Human Growth and Development. I am very excited about this class and think I will enjoy it. That class ended at 4pm and then I had a two hour break, and went back for more. This class was with the same professor who taught my morning class, so I was a little worried. But I had done all 200 pages of reading that was required for the first day, so I should have been in good hands. This class titled Intro to Marriage and Family Therapy went pretty well. So at 9pm I drive home very tired and having a very full and mushy brain with words like systemic and integration floating around in it. Anyways just wanted to share my first week. I am excited about all this semester and journey holds, but a little nervous too. I'll keep you posted along the way.

In other news I am looking for a job. And a new appartment. Lots of change. And I hope to be more regular with my blog as I will be settled in Portland for some time. Josh and I had a great time visiting his parents two weeks ago. While there we got to celebrate their anniversary with them, see his brother and sister-in-law, attend a wedding of two of Josh's youth group friends (although they are not youth anymore) and get some rest and relaxation.

It has happened . . . .

2006-08-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

. . . . . . . I have had to add word verification to my settings. Due to two comments on my last blog I decided it would be a good idea to add this little tool. I am anti word verification because of the tough time I have with it. Sometimes it takes me three times before I get the "word" correct. But I gotta admit that blogspot's verification is much easier than ticketmaster's. So, if you too hate word verification, I am sorry, but the time has come and it is necessary.

The last month has been a whirlwind

2006-08-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

and has flown by. It seems like between work, church and fun I have had littel down time to even think. Last week was my last at work. It is difficult to express all the feelings I have about that. Some are of joy, some sadness. It is good to be done, yet part of me wishes I was still there. I really just need time to process and pray about all that has happened concerning work the last year.

Josh and I left for California on Saturday and are now here! I have looked forward to this vacation for so long and its finanally here! We had a nice drive down and visited several friends on the way. We have lots more fun things planned and I will post about them after the trip!

Just wanted to give a little update to let everyone know I am well and alive. Hope you are too!

Mini Vacation

2006-07-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

I've been a little disconnected from the blog world lately. And I really have missed it. Josh and I went to Washington for his brothers wedding. We were able to spend six days with his family, hanging out . . .

Getting dressed up . . . . . . .

Watching beautiful sunsets . . . . . . . . . . .

viewing and hiking great mountains (this is Mt Rainer, we didn't hike this mountain but we did another one) . . .

And seeing spectacular fireworks! It was a great trip!

Letting Go

2006-06-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

So now that I am leaving my job in 5 weeks or 20 days (oh my gosh it is happening soon!) I am dealing with the art of saying goodbye and letting go. We all deal with this at different times in our lives. Letting go of relationships, be it a romantic relationship, a friendship, loss of a family member, is tough. I am struggling to let go of the children and families I work with. I thoroughly have enjoyed working with, helping and getting to know these people. I have been in their homes at least once a month, listening, guiding and supporting. I myself have been encouraged and uplifted by working with these families. Now it is time to say goodbye. I know this will be good, grad school is a good idea, but it doesn't make it any easier.

On a lighter note Josh took me out to the Portland City Grill on my birthday! It was great! Very yummy food and a beautiful view.

Where does all the time go?

2006-06-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

I never talk about what I'm up to. Only thoughts that I have and revelations. So here is some stuff.

I will be attending Grad School in the fall. This is a big long story that I may talk about at some time, I don't know. Here's the nut shell. I went through the application process with Abliene Christian University like at the beginning of the year. I was accepted and that was cool. For about one month I agonized over whether I should go. Abliene is in Texas and that is very far away. God wasn't calling me to stay or go. I just kept hearing, "This is your decision to make and I will bless you wherever you go." I had to tell Abliene quickly because they only accept so many students and if I were to decline then they would offer the spot to someone else, I declined. Then I went through the application process with George Fox University here in Portland (well Tigard area). And I was accepted! So long story short (don't you hate it when people say that?) I will be studying Marriage and Family Therapy at George Fox starting in August.
My birthday is coming up! It's my golden (or silver?) birthday! Twenty-four on the 24th!
Last weekend Josh and I went to the Giants/Mariners game in Seattle. That was fun. I didn't know who to root for because they both were/are my home teams. (and you know you are supposed to "root,root,root for the home team . . ")
I'm tired of my job. Sometimes it is very frustrating, but I only have about 5 more weeks. (More thoughts to come on this later.)
Josh's brother is getting married the first week in July. I am agonizing over what to wear! I will meet a lot of his family and I don't have anything nice to wear! I think I need to go shopping.

Well, that's it for now. I may add thoughts about some of these things later!

Busy Fun

2006-06-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been able to do many fun things and go to some shows. Here's what I've been up to. Over Memorial Day Weekend I took a little getaway. I met my lovely mother in Ashland for the weekend. We had a great time. Did a little shopping and saw two shows. The first was at the Oregon Cabaret , called Tick, tick . . . BOOM! This was an autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson. For thoes of you who don't know this is the guy that wrote Rent. We first had dinner at the Cabaret which was yummy. The show was good (but of course it was no Rent.) Then at intermission the waiter brought us dessert which was double yummy!

The next day we saw Shakespears The Winters Tale. This was very good . . . I loved it! It was a great weekend, full of fun times with my mom.

Last weekend Josh and I went to see Cirque Du Soleil's Varaki. This was very cool. I had wanted to go when it was in Portland, as am not sure why I didn't. But then Josh bought me tickets to the show in Seattle as an early birthday present (what a great boyfriend!) The show was great!

Here comes the sun . . . . . not!

2006-06-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

I miss the sun. In Portland we have not had sun for some time. Several weeks ago we got a taste of summer and of sun. But it was just a great big tease! Everything is better when the sun is out. I feel better. Food tastes better. Life is brighter. I look better. Am healthier. Words sound more beautiful. Birds chirp. Grasshoppers hop. Children laugh. Life is beautiful. WHERE IS THE SUN!?!?!

Turtles

2006-05-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

It is World Turtle Day ! I heard this on the radio on the way to work. I like turtles so I thought I would celebrate this day! The website above tells me that I can honor turtles by protecting and advocating for them. If I see a turtle crossing the road I should brake for it (I have never seen a turtle crossing the road in Oregon, or anywhere for that matter.) And I can help by keeping the beaches clean!

Some random turtle facts:

There are about 270 species of turtles, tortoises, and terrapins worldwide.

The Galapagos tortoise is the largest living species, weighing in some cases, over 570 pounds.

The oldest known tortoise may have been a radiated tortoise from Madagascar (Astrochelys radiata), which died in 1965. She was at least 188 years old, having been given to the Tonga royal family, by Captain Cook in 1773 or 1777.

Some female turtles produce eggs four years after mating.

Many snapping turtles have been known for biting for no reason at all and not letting go. (ouch!)

Happy World Turtle Day everyone!!!

Random Thoughts and Happenings

2006-05-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, so a pet peeve of mine is when professionals talk to you. Let me clarify. I don't like it when my dentist or doctor or eye brow lady talk to me. When I go to see one of these people I don't want a play by play. Just do what you gotta do. There are some graphic examples of this but I'll give you the not so graphic one. The other day I go to have my eyebrows waxed. Call me, sadistic, but I really enjoy having my eyebrows waxed. But not the other day! The lady talked to me the WHOLE time. "Opps, I missed two little one, have to go back and tweeze." "Ummmm, and I should get that hair . . . . must shape them nice and even . . . . . . . . now a little cooling cream for your brows" STOP TALKING!! Please just wax my brows!!

I've been eating healthier lately. This is a good thing. It's been a strange experience though. I feel very trendy (as many Portlanders are vegetanians or vegans and know exactly what is in everything you are eating.) I even went to Wild Oats the other day. For those of you that don't know what this place is they sell all natural food or what "they" affectionately call organic. (See definition 3b.)

The other day I was driving to work and at the stop light next to be was a car full of teenage boys, but in the back passenger seat was a dummy. A red sweatshirted man made dummy, with garden gloves duct taped on as hands and duct tape for two eyes and a mouth. Very interesting.

Inventions

2006-05-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've been thinking about this invention stuff. While cleaning this weekend I thought of something that would be very useful. I would like to invent a small vacuum that connects to your broom or better yet your dust-pan! You know how you have to scoot you dust-pan back like 5 times just to get all the dirt in it? Well I think it is annoying and want a little vacuum to suck all the dirt up. Maybe it could be a whole other tool. The kitchen floor vacuum!

Random Thursday

2006-05-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about the randomness in this world. All of the random ideas and thoughts. Recently I have watched several episodes of American Inventor It really is an interesting and random show. The things that people think up! Here are some random inventions

The Twirling Spaghetti Fork

Noodle Fan

Umbrella Rain Tube

Plunger Hat

Water Cooler Clock

I got tell you that I think the Plunger Hat is awesome! It stops your head from bobbing around when you fall asleep.

Oops!!

2006-04-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

So on Saturday I went to graduation. It started raining and the reception had to be inside. After making the rounds Josh and I decided to take off. We wanted to make a quick escape so that we didn't get too wet,so we ducked out the back door. About halfway down the wet, slick metal stairs my feet started to come out from under me. I slipped down two steps and then slid with my arms at my side and finally stopped hitting my back pretty hard on a step toward the bottom, all the while screaming "the scream of death." Josh quickly came to me to see if I was okay and tears instantly came streaming down as I told that I had hurt myself. As I inspected the battle wounds I began to cry harder. People had heard the "scream of death" and began to look down the stairs to see what had happened. Shortly after the fall (but still on the stairs, crying, in the rain) an old professor came down the stairs telling us to be careful and that the stairs

were slippery and we should hold on to the railing. Well, thanks for that!

Could they go all the way?

2006-04-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

Yeah Kings! Keep up the good work!

Beer Meanderings

2006-04-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

I felt like I needed to write a profound and meaningful blog. I have written them before Really, I have! The problem with a meaningful blog is that it takes thought! So here is what you get today!

Today I was driving on a main road and had to take a detour through a small quaint neighborhood. As I twisted in and around all these nice house I thought how it really was a strange detour. In front of me was a Budweiser truck. For some reason a Budweiser truck driving through suburbia was humorous to me. Then I though about how if we were driving through
Springfield and past the Simpson household that Homer
would start chasing after the truck. So here I am, on my way to a very important appointment picturing Homer chasing the Budweiser truck. So how about that for your meaningful blog?

Easter

2006-04-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

So I had been hassled about calling Josh "my special friend." I have also been hassled for other reasons that I will not go into detail now. So my response is to post these pictures! We had a great time in California and a wonderful Easter!

My Favorite picture!

I know this picture is so far away, but I didn't have a stand and had to set it on a rock. I've made a copy of it closer but couldn't post that one, so this is what you get!

Eating the Easter Bunny (Chomp!)

Random Thursday: California

2006-04-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

It is California Day!! Well, at least the day that I get to go to California! It also happens to be random Thursday! So here are some random California facts. And who knows you may be able to use these on Jeopardy someday!

California is known variously as The Land of Milk and Honey, The El Dorado State, The Golden State, and The Grape State.

More turkeys are raised in California than in any other state in the United States

California Caverns claims the distinction of being the most extensive system of caverns and passageways in the Mother Lode region of the state. (I worked in one of these Caves!)

If California's economic size were measured by itself to other countries, it would rank the 7th largest economy in the world.

The highest and lowest points in the continental United States are within 100 miles of one another. Mount Whitney measures 14,495 feet and Bad Water in Death Valley is 282 feet below sea level.

STATE:
Flower: Golden poppy
Tree: California redwood
Bird: California valley quail
Animal: California grizzly bear (1953)
Fish: California golden trout (1947)

Have a great day and a Happy Easter!

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

2006-04-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

I get to go to California on Thursday!! To visit my family! It has been about 4 months since I have seen them, and I miss them. My "special friend" Josh is going with me and that is very exciting! Now if it could only be Thursday! This week is just slowly ticking by.

(If you look closely at the map; just southwest of the crook at the green mountain looking county called Tuolumne. That is where I am from and will be in a couple of days!)

Random Doggie Daze (Thursday)

2006-04-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

FYI: The last post with the pictures, came from typing "random" into the tool bar of google images.

I WANT A DOG!!!!!!!

I want a dog so bad! It's all I think about. Anytime I see a dog I have this deep longing for one. On the Today Show they talked about training dogs. I could train a dog! As the weather gets nicer I am finding myself daydreaming about taking my (fictional) dog to the park and playing Frisbee with him. The reason I do not have a dog is because I feel that I do not have the time for a dog. I work 10 hours four days a week and am generally very busy. I have an apartment with no back yard. That would be unjust right? And I can't keep house plants alive.

NOW SOME RANDOMNESS

There are approximately 65 million owned dogs in the United States.

Thirty-nine percent of U.S. households (or 40.6 million) own at least one dog. (I want to be a part of that 39%!)

Some Jokes:

What is more amazing than a talking dog?
Sent by Lee, age 10, Texas USA

Answer: a spelling bee

Where should you never take a dog?
Sent by Joseph, age 8, Vermont USA

Answer: a flea market

What does a dog call his father?
Sent by Lyndsey, age 10, Ohio USA

Answer: Paw

Why did the dog wear a watch?
Sent by Amber, Age 12, Kansas USA

Answer: He wanted to be a watchdog.

What do you get when you cross a dog and a phone?
Sent by Tyler, age 8, New York USA

Answer: a Golden Receiver

Why did the Dalmatian go to the eye doctor?
Sent by Ben, age 9, Michigan USA

Answer: He kept seeing spots.

How does a dog stop a VCR ?
Sent by Abigail, age 7, Connecticut USA

Answer: Presses the paws button

I found this great website about how you can be a puppy raiser. During the first year of a puppies life you get to take care of it and socialize it, but then you give it back for advance training. Too bad the organization is in Virginia.

So, people I shouldn't get a dog . . . right?

Random Thursday

2006-03-29T13:00:00.000-08:00

Adulthood

2006-03-29T11:12:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been saying things like: "When did I become an adult?" "How come I have to be an adult?" and "I want to quit this adult life."

Really! I don't know when it all happened. All of a sudden I have to pay bills, work all the time and make tough life decisions. It really is not very fun and I don't like it one bit!

When I first got my apartment I was so excited. My first place! Now I dread paying rent, I hate it when the toilet gets clogged and keeping it clean is a whole nother story.

For the first several months it was exciting getting bills, writing checks and sending them off. (Or paying online). Not anymore.

At first a real job was great! I felt very grown up and loved getting a paycheck. Now . . . I dread having to go to work. Why can't I just sleep in!?!?! And my paycheck just goes to bills.

I don't feel prepared or mature enough to be an adult. I don't want to take my car in when it is not working properly. I don't want to make doctor apoinment when I am not working properly. I don't want to make important decisions about my life, i.e. grad school, moving ect..

How do I get off this adult life track?

New Post

2006-03-25T10:18:00.000-08:00

It had been mentioned to be that I needed a new post. Some of my friends are having a dry spell. I however are not. I have plenty of things to blog about, but no time to do it. There are many stories floating around in my head that will make you laugh, cry and think. So I promise that soon I will tell these stories. SOON!

Some Travel Stories

2006-03-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

Traveling can be a love hate relationship but mostly I enjoy traveling and all the quirky things that happen while traveling. Here are some stories from my latest journey! FYI I flew from Portland to Las Vegas, Vegas to Dallas, slept several hours then drove from Dallas to Abilene and back slept for a few more hours then flew from Dallas to Denver and Denver to Portland all in about 2 and 1/2 days!

This is what I heard over the load speaker in the airport “would the man who ate at Gustav's and ordered chicken noodle soup and a baked potato with extra butter please return for a lost item. The man who ordered chicken noodle soup and a baked potato please return to Gustav's for a lost item.”

I swear I saw both Moana from the bachelor at one airport and the e-harmony guy at another.

I almost missed my connecting flight form Las Vegas to Dallas. I was on the same plane but I decided to get off to stretch my legs and get some food (see the story below) After getting some food and seeing the door was shut to the runway I decided I needed to play the slots. After playing $5 and winning $5.25 I thought I should check on the flight again to see if we were boarding. As I approach the gate I hear “Passenger, Kristi Beeman, this is your last and final boarding call.” As I approach the front desk they ask where I’ve been. I sheepshly asked if all the other passengers were on the plane already. And they were, so I had to walk the hall of shame, all the way to the back of the plane where my seat was.

I was grabbing some food at a popular fast food restaurant (side note: it was the same restaurant my car got towed from a week ago) so I get to the counter and order what I would like and they tell me they are out of that. The woman precedes to tell me everything they are out of, which includes just about half the menu. Many of the things she named were ingredients that would be included in many different orders thus knocking them off the eating menu. So this is me, “Uhhh . . . Well then . . . . Can I have. . . . . Uhhhhhh . . . . You said you were out of __________ (ingredient)? . . . So then . . . . I think I will have . . . . Ummmmmmmm . . . .” All the while I’m trying to figure out what I can orddoesn'tat doesn’t include the 10 ingredients she sdidn'tthey didn’t have. I finally figured out what I could order and did so. But here’s the thing. As I sat and ate, somewhat indignantly, I listened to her tell other customers what they were out of and ALL of them ordered something else without missing a beat. So I guess the moral of the story is that I am slow.

In Denver there were birds in the airport. I’m not kidding actual birds. How they got into the airport I have no idea. Did they sneak in before the runway could attach to the plane? And they flew down the runway into the airport? It’s a mystery to me. But these birds flew right by me. As I let out a small scream many individuals looked at me. Sheepishly I looked back at them, pointed and said “birds.” No one seemed at all phased that there were birds in the airport.

In a public restroom in Texas they had these turbo hand dryers that said "feel the power!" I tried them and man were they powerful. They actually moved the skin around my hand. I was tempted to put my mouth on the thing and see if my cheecks got big like a dog who has his head out of the car window. But then I thought that was probably not sanitatry so I didn't do it.

Where's the sparkle???

2006-02-20T10:45:00.000-08:00

I'm not a completely messy person. My my house, like everyone else's gets messy. And it seems like the busier I get the messier my house gets. So lets just say that I have been very busy lately. So most of my Saturday was spent cleaning my house. Now I'm not just talking about picking up my clothes and bills that are scattered througout the house. I am talking about DEEP, under the surface, music blaring cleaning. I don't think you understand people I got down on my hands and knees to scrub the floors!! I picked the moss out of my plants with a fork (you know from all the Portland moisture.) I mean I cleaned this weekend!!

And after I was done I was exhausted but I was so proud of myself. I spun around taking in the clean smells, the apartment in all its glory and sparkle . . . Wait . . There was no sparkle.

"WHAT! NO SPARKLE!?! My house is supposed to sparkle after I spent hours deep cleaning it!!! June Cleavers house sparkles when she cleans it!!! WHYYYYYYY????? It's not fair!" (This was the inner monologue that went on inside my head)

So how come her house sparkles and mine doesn't? Does your house sparkle when you clean it? I feel very disillusioned.

See the sparkle in this kitchen?

Mine does not sparkle like this

AHH MY EYE!!!

2006-02-15T17:57:00.000-08:00

For most the day the whole world seemed off. I didn't know why. Then midday, maybe three-ish I looked at the white board outside of my office and across the narrow hallway and it hit me!! I was not seeing clearly. I closed one eye and then the next and sure enough the right eye was very fuzzy. So I took my right index finger stuck it in my eye and drug my contact from far left outer space to the center of my eyeball and Voila! I can see!! I can't believe I've gone practically all my work day with a sideways contact!

P.S. I had much trouble trying to figure out how to spell voila. It was quite humorous trying to Google the word and use the dictionary. You should have seen some of the spellings I came up with, vwhalla, wiola, vwalla, all sorts of things! You know those crazy French words!

Happy Valentines Day

2006-02-14T11:03:00.000-08:00

Yeah Yeah I've heard it. Valentines day is a fraud. It's a waste of time and energy and its only for the marketers to make money. Blah blah blah. While I do half believe this and I'm sure Americans spend millions of dollars on useless Valentines stuff, I don't hate Valentines Day.

I think that Valentines Day is fun whether you are single or with someone. Last year I spent Valentines Day with a group of 15 or so single ladies. It was so fun. We had food and games and I didn't even think about being single. (But I was also comfortable with my singleness)

Here are some things I hate:

Calling it V-Day

The large crowd in the Valentines card isle. Seriously people just pick a card and get out of my way! Yesterday when I went to get a card for someone special I had to navigate and weave in and out of people to find a card. I feel like I had to end up settling because I just couldn't take the people that were parked/camped out in the card isle.

Today on my way to work I noticed a large a popular pizza chain (I would say their name but then I would feel obligated to put a link) with Valentines stuff out front. It seemed odd to me that a pizza chain would be selling things like flowers and bears. And it couldn't have been a vendor who was selling outside their store, because there was no vendor in sight. And here is another strange thing; there was this HUGE bear on the table that was holding these flowers (that's not the weird thing) but it was raining! Can you imagine coming home to your wife with this soaking wet, flower holding bear? "Happy Valentines Honey. I hope you enjoy squeezing the water out of this HUGE bear I got for you!"

And call me crazy but I've noticed the color red more today!

Happy Valentines Day!

He IS Here!

2006-02-10T15:11:00.000-08:00

Here in Portland we have been blessed with SUN! Sun brings many other things also. The squirrels have been running about, I pass bicyclists on the way to and from work and I can now see the glorious Mt. Hood.

I was thinking about how great and beautiful Mt. Hood and the other mountains/hills that surround this area really are. I was happy to see them as it had been so long. And I thought to myself about how I had forgotten about them. I mean I've known all winter that they were there but since I couldn't see them I wasn't thinking about them.

Very often my relationship with Jesus and God the Father is like this. I can't see them so I forget they are there. I know in my heart that they are, have always been and will forever be there, but I just mentally forget sometimes. Why do we do that? What is not seen in forgotten. Just like some old clothes shoved under the bed that I have forgotten I own.

Realizing this in myself has made me sad and frustrated with myself. I thought about how in order for me to remember, I mean really remember and know that the mountains are there even in the winter time I would have to consciously make a choice to think about them. I would have to think about them in order to remember them. I feel this can be applied to God. Sure I think about Him and go to church and pray, but I don't take enough time to know that HE REALLY IS THERE. I'm not sure at this time how to accomplish "knowing he is there" and making Him real in my life. Maybe it is prayer, maybe solitude , maybe I need one of those cheesy Jesus pictures. (sorry if you're offended by the comment or the picture below)

Insightful Morning

2006-02-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

Typically on my way to work I am consumed with getting there. I ponder which way will be the quickest and have the least traffic, what I need to do as soon as I get there, what the day holds for me and WHY IS THIS CAR IN FRONT OF ME DRIVING SOO SLOW!!!!

This morning however, was a breath of fresh air. As I sat in traffic I watched two men working on a car together on the side of the road. The two men were working so cooperatively and I admired them as they demonstrated teamwork, friendship and comoradery.

As I pulled to the side of the road to let a hurried fire truck go by, I was not irritated by the loud sirens but thought about the men inside who were off to save the day! Hopefully they would put out the fire, saving a home and some lives. I wished them luck as they went whizzing by.

I pulled up beside a Fedex truck at the next light and was inspired by the thought of millions of packages being delivered far and wide. I thought about those taking their children to school and others headed off to work. I wondered what all of their days had in store for them. What days tasks were these individuals focused on? How long did the individuals at the bus station have to wait for their ride to arrive?

As I pulled into the office I noticed the "power-men" high above me and was thankful that they were working on the lines, because I know how irritated I get when the power doesn't work properly.

As I unlocked my office door I was covered by a great peace. I was not stressed out over the day that had just begun. It felt so good to reach far beyond myself and into the lives of others. At least to for several minutes stop being consumed with myself and notice others around me.

Happy Groundhogs Day! (And Random Thursday!)

2006-02-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

Ok I know I haven't posted anything about anything in a long time. But Groundhogs day deserves the time to post!

So today is Groundhogs day. This year the groundhog has seen his shadow, which means there will be six more weeks of winter. (I however choose not to believe this.) Ever since the tradition has started there has been a 39% accuracy rate. Since 2000 the groundhog has seen his shadow ever year. To see every year go to the Stormfax Weather almanac page

Some History

The tradition started in the 1800's in Punxsutawney, Penn. when friends would go looking for groundhogs. The group of friends soon became "the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club." February is the Groundhog month because it is midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. For more great info go here: http://www.infoplease.com/spot/groundhogday1.html

Also FYI, a groundhog is also called a woodchuck and is a member of the squirrel family. Remember the woodchuck riddle?

How much wood would a woodchuck chuckif a woodchuck could chuck wood?He would chuck, he would, as much as he could,and chuck as much wood as a woodchuck wouldif a woodchuck could chuck wood.

Here are some fun groundhog songs I found! For more go to: http://ourworld.cs.com/DonaldRHalley/ghdsongs.htm

Spring Is Coming

Spring is coming, this I know

For the groundhog tells me so

The snow is deep and it's ten below But he did not see his shadow
Yes! Spring is coming

Yes! Spring is coming

Yes! Spring is coming The groundhog tells me so

Joy To The World

Joy to the world! It's Groundhog's Day! May he glad tidings bring

Let every cloud get in his way

So that we may have spring

So that, so that we may have spring

May you all have a happy Groundhog day and a merry 6 more weeks of winter!

Random Thursday: Food for Thought

2006-01-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

Another Random Thought! I am a three second rule kind of girl (unless it's toat, butter side down, or pizza topping side down!) In college I was a 10+ second rule. Ironically enough it is probably safer for the 10 second rule now, than it was in college. So where do you fall (when your food falls!)?

Picture found on USA Today's website

Delurk

2006-01-11T16:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, So while I was lurking on someone's blog (I'm not going to add a link because I am scared they will find me!!) I read that it was delurking week. Which means that you should post a comment. But this is as close as I can come to delurking; is to admit that I am a lurker. All you can get from me now, is that: I AM A LURKER!! To my fellow bloggers, maybe someday I will break my bad habit, but I am just not ready!

Random Thursday

2006-01-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

105.1 the Buzz does this thing called Random Thursday. Listeners just call in and report any random thought that they have. It is quite entertaining. Here is my random thought on this Thursday. I would like to be a plastic surgeon, just because I think it would be fun to draw on people. You know how they draw lines indicating where to cut. But I guess when I have these urges I could go over to the Graul Household and their children would be happy to oblige and let me draw on them! So I guess I won't be a plastic surgeon after all.

Here is some more random thoughts related to plastic surgery and the way we look: these were found on USA today's website

1. You can buy a pair of jeans, pantyhose or walking shoes that promise to reduce the appearance of cellulite, that cottage-cheese-under-the-skin gunk that women get in their thighs.
2. You can go to a tanning salon that uses a solution infused with "cellulite fighters" to "reshape" your figure.
3. You can smear on glosses that claim to temporarily puff up your lips by irritating them with chemicals and spices.

How interesting! And Happy Random Thursday!

Christmas Day

2005-12-26T18:59:00.000-08:00

Me, my mom, my stepdad and the dog (OT)

Christmas Quiz

2005-12-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Mmmm...hot chocolate. Every year I think I am going to like egg nog, so I have some, but never like it.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them around the tree?
He just sets them out. And then stuffs the stockings also.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
No lights at my house this year. And no tree.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Depends. If I find some and if I'm around someone I want to kiss.

5. When do you put your decorations up?
I didn't this year.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Rolls

7. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
What Truth? I think I was really old. My parents had to sit me down and tell me about Santa, the Tooth Fairy and everything else. And I didn't believe them. I had them explain how this happened . . . and how this got built and, and and ... see #12

8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Growing up we did family gifts on Christmas Eve and Santa gifts Christmas morning.

9. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him?
Whatever kind I make!

10. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love it, when inside looking at it, or snowboarding. Dread driving in it.

11. Can you ice skate?
Yes (Ever heard of Kristi Yamaguchi, I'm not her, but I can skate)

12. Do you remember your favorite gift?
One year my parents built me a treehouse. It was the best surprise ever! They planned it perfectly. We were gone all day, while it was being built then they parked in our lower driveway so I would not see it when we got home. Then Christmas morning I had tools under the tree and was very confused, until they took me to see my very own TREEHOUSE!

13. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Family and friends

14. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Dessert! My dad makes the best fudge n the world!

15. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Every year my mom gets me an ornament. When I was little I got to pick out my own, but now she gets me a daughter one.

16. What tops your tree?
An angel, she beautiful!

17. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving?
I get Really excited about both!

18. What is your favorite Christmas Carol?
Little Drummer Boy

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum, When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum, On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum Me and my drum.

19. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
Yum!!

20. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving. It is just the one holiday that is about being with family and being thankful!

The Meaning of Life

2005-12-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

I recently saw the movie I heart Huckabees I had heard good and bad things about the film and decided to check it out for myself. Overall it is a good film that raises many interesting and thought provoking questions. If you have not seen it this is the premise: Existentialism. A man hires these “existential detectives” (Dustin Hofman and Lily Tolman) to investigate a man that he “coincidentally” ran into three times, this sets off a serious of events leading to finding the meaning of life, figuring out purpose and connection, and how to solve the worlds problems. If you haven’t seen the film you may want to but, film watcher beware there are some explicit scenes and some severe bad language.

So existentialism! If you are not familiar with this concept this is a BRIEF overview of what it is: Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes our freedom to choose what to make of our circumstances. It revolves around a process of searching for the value and meaning in life. The view on human nature is that humans are in a constant state of transition, emerging, evolving and becoming. The focus is on self-awareness, freedom and responsibility, creating identity and establishing meaningful relationships with others, as well as searching for meaning and purpose. The concept also deals with anxiety as a condition in living and the awareness of death and nonbeing. (adapted from Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy notes).
Existentialism is the questions such as “who am I, and who do I want to be?” “Are humans and the events around us all connected?” “Are we alone in this universe, just floating atoms?’ and “does anything really matter?” I think it is human nature to ask and ponder these questions and I think it is healthy.

Here is my answers to these questions at present time (but if we take into account the philosophy of existentialism we will remember that Humans are never steadfast but constantly recreating themselves through new experiences and projects.) I do not believe that we are here on random, nor do I believe everything is random and meaningless. I believe that I am here for a purpose; to do God’s will. (Isn’t that a cliché answer and phrase?)

I think that God has a plan for me, however I do not think or believe that it is as specific as what I am eating for breakfast, or that he cares about which way I travel to work (although by random “coincidence” or the “divine hand of God” I have missed accidents that I have not know about by traveling a different way and by being earlier than usual.) I know for sure that I am meant to love and serve God with all my heart, soul and mind. And I know that I am to follow Him no matter what. Ultimately how I follow Him is up to me (at times I may be called to go or do something specifically, or I may be lead to independently choose). Through serving Him I am “transitioning, emerging, evolving and becoming.” He is my creator, my sculptor, my savior, my all.

I also do not believe that Humans are just randomly bumping into and against each other. Others are here for the same purpose I am; to serve God and to serve each other. As I look back I can point to people and tell you the specific reason they were in my life. I can name series of events in my life that have occurred for some reason that at the time I did not understand but now know the purpose the event(s) served and how it has effected me. I could go on and on about what it means to be human.

I know not everyone has the same viewpoint as me and if you actually got though this meandering I would love to hear you thoughts, comments and views on human nature and existential philosophy.

The Meaning of Life Pics

2005-12-15T10:32:00.000-08:00

I tried to include these in the last post, but had great difficulties. Enjoy!

Gym Meandering Part II: Hip Hop

2005-12-07T17:29:00.000-08:00

So the other day I took my first hip hop class at the gym. This was my first hip hop class ever. Now, I have taken actual dance classes before and I have rhythm and know a few things about dance, but hip hop is a whole other world!

The first half of the class was spent “learning” the routine. I say “learning” the routine, but I was the only one who was learning it. The rest of the class had been a part of it from the beginning. So the rest of the class had already learned the dance and was very good. Now, I wasn’t terrible, overall I got the dance but I wasn’t very good either. The hardest part was the shoulders. I don’t know how our instructor moves his shoulders like that. It reminded me of the PUMP kids and their amazing talent to dance and move in ways that I just can’t. (Anyone who saw Julie and I challenge the dancers at PSP in 2002, know what I am talking about.)

So anyways I stuck with the dance but every now and then I would get lost (especially when we danced to tempo!) When I was lost I would result to just jumping around, moving my body and throwing my arms around (nice picture, hun?) At one point the instructor commented on my improvisation and joked that he would include it in the routine (whoops! Everyone can see what you do in the big mirror in front!) Anyways, I had fun in the class and got a work out and was able to release some energy. After the class the instructor induced himself and told me that I did very well. What? He told me that they had been working on the routine for 5 or 6 weeks now, and I did very well for just jumping in. Well at least there’s that!

Funnies!

2005-12-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

Many of you know that I am a huge fan of corny jokes. Here are some good ones that were sent to me from a friend! In my opinion these are some of the best!

1. How Do You Catch a Unique Rabbit?

Unique Up On It.

2. How Do You Catch a Tame Rabbit?

Tame Way, Unique Up On It.

3. How Do Crazy People Go Through The Forest?

They Take The Psycho Path

4. How Do You Get Holy Water?

You Boil The Hell Out Of It.

5. What Do Fish Say When They Hit a Concrete Wall?

Dam!

6. What Do Eskimos Get From Sitting On The Ice too long?

Polaroids

7. What Do You Call a Boomerang That Doesn't work?

A Stick

8. What Do You Call Cheese That Isn't Yours?

Nacho Cheese.

9. What Do You Call Santa's Helpers?

Subordinate Clauses.

10. What Do You Call Four Bullfighters In Quicksand?

Quatro Sinko..

11. What Do You Get From a Pampered Cow?

Spoiled Milk.

12. What Do You Get When You Cross a Snowman With a Vampire?

Frostbite.

13. What Lies At The Bottom Of The Ocean And Twitches?

A Nervous Wreck.

14. What's The Difference Between Roast Beef And Pea Soup?

Anyone Can Roast Beef.

15. Where Do You Find a Dog With No Legs?

Right Where You Left Him.

16. Why Do Gorillas Have Big Nostrils?

Because They Have Big Fingers.

17. Why Don't Blind People Like To Sky Dive?

Because It Scares The Dog.

18. What Kinda Of Coffee Was Served On The Titanic?

Sanka.

19. Why Did Pilgrims' Pants Always Fall Down?

Because They Wore Their Belt Buckle On Their Hat.

20. What's The Difference Between a Bad Golfer And a Bad Skydiver?

A Bad Golfer Goes, Whack, Dang! A Bad Skydiver Goes Dang! Whack.

Gym Meanderings Part I

2005-11-30T17:24:00.000-08:00

*DISCLAIMER-some of the comments made in this post are stereotypical. I am merely making observations NOT judgment calls. If you are at all offended by this post I am sincerely sorry.*

Recently I joined the gym. A good and healthy thing to do in my mind. But it has occurred to me that I am not a Gymite. The definition of a Gymite is as follows:
Gymite verb, adj. Noun Someone whose spare time is spent becoming trim, slim and “beautiful.” They live to go to the gym and can’t wait till the next time they get to go to the gym to hang out with all of the other Gymites. They would define themselves as health conscious. Gymites are “with it,” they take their vitamins and research all the latest health articles and frenzies. I am not one of these people.

My first gym class was titled “Powerflex.” I was running a few minutes late, but from past experience with class you could just jump right in. When I got to the class it had already started and everyone was already set up and I quickly realized that I could not “just jump right in.” Each "Gymite" had more equipment then I knew what to do with. They had their mats (one cushy for laying on and one flat for the equipment to lay on (don’t ask me!) They had dumb bells and a stair and a bar (you know the long ones used for bench press and the likes) and they had different increments of weight for the bar.

I did not let any of this discourage me. So I spent the first 20 minutes or so running around the gym like a mad woman gathering all of the necessary supplies. I built my stair and guesstimated to what weights I would need, and got two mats (one for my equipment and one for me!) I did all this while the Gymites, who were trying to enjoy an evening of Powerflex, watched and occasionally flashed dirty looks. Once I got ALL set up I joined the workout only to realize that some exercises I did not have the proper weight (either too much or too little) so I was continually running back to the corner which held the weights and guesstimating how much more of less weight to get. The whole class continued this way until I had huge pile of weights and dumb bells lying on the flat mat (and think I got the best work out just by running around to set up and then put it all back!)

My Blog

2005-11-25T10:26:00.000-08:00

Two years ago en route to China I met a man who introduced the blog concept to me. (Here comes the bunny trail story) This man and I talked the whole flight and he not only introduced me to the blog concept but also lifted my spirit and eased my nerves as I prepared to be in China for the next four months. As I told him about my trip he told me that I should create a blog to post stories and pictures for all my friends and family to keep up on my journeys. I said to him “what is this strange blog thing you speak of ?” And hence my first knowledge of the blog world.

As you may have guessed I did not set up a blog while in China, nor when I got back. And now two years later I can hardly go anywhere without hearing the world blog. I quickly realized that just about everyone I know has a blog and there is a whole blogmunity! I have become enthralled with blogs, reading them whenever I get a spare moment and work (sshh don’t tell anyone!) And for several months now wherever I go, whatever I do I eventually think up blog topics. So I have been writing them down and just now am starting to present them to blogrld (aka blog world). So I am very glad to finally present to you my blog!

2005-11-14T15:54:00.000-08:00

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