CHICAGO! So, last Wednesday we made a whole day of Chicago, left here around 8:00 and got there around 10:30. I was still not fully well, getting over a cold, but enjoyed the time nevertheless. We were very fortunate to be able to use someone’s parking space for the day. Our first stop was at a lovely grocery store that reminded me of Fresh Market. We were able to sample some of their coffee and chocolates and actually purchased some chocolate pear, cherry, and raspberry flavored candies. We walked up Michigan Avenue, were given a banana with some advertising stuck on it, stopped into Payless Shoes, took some pictures by the Bean and listened to a band (who knows who they were!-they weren’t half bad), stopped into a place to eat to look at their gelato then continued on our way….we ended up eating at a food court (lame, I know) where we got Panda Express Chinese and split a Chicago Dog (which tasted like a regular hot dog to me). We stopped in a huge forever 21 searching for a while for a nice skirt, we were very unsuccessful. Our shopping adventures continued in the land of H & M which ended in nothing again. Nearing the end of our time, we stopped in the American girl shop and stopped to get some awesome custard—Pomegranate with another delicious flavor I can’t recall—Ahh, it was delicious! :D Stopped into Ghirardelli Chocolate to see about ice cream—it was really expensive so we decided not to get anything, but ended up leaving the shop with a piece of chocolate (free!) and it was super dark! We headed back down Michigan Avenue to hit up the Descartes’ Coffee Shop where Spanish guys were manning the shop (which seemed kind of weird). I got a shot of espresso and Carissa got some regular coffee and we had some Pistachio and Nutella Gelato. The guys there had no idea what any of the Gelato flavors were which was pretty humorous. Around 4:30, we headed to the airport to pick up Rachel and her friend Amy. We made great time and got home around 9:30 after dropping Amy off at her house.
Let’s see….other highlights. Family birthday party at the Grahams for Carissa and Rachel—great dinner of Chicken Cordon Blue. Fever House dinner, just minus Fever house. Party of 6—love little parties. Great cooking by Nick—grilled chicken with peanut sauce and other goodness—ha, we didn’t eat till like 9:30 or 10.
And, I’ve been working pretty much every day. Things are going well. We have an excellent team of girls. And school goes on as well. I start two more classes in October which I’m looking forward to—it will keep me more motivated with more. :D
Oh, Rachel and I were able to go to Allerton Park in Monticello, IL. It was so great! It reminded you of Pride and Prejudice with the gardens, but it was also pretty quirky—with Fu Dogs and such. But, it was great. Very beautiful. Took her to a dentist appointment in the small town, walked around, had dairy queen, Rachel got a hair cut……
Started a wonderful Beth Moore Bible Study!!! More to share later.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
No fancy title
Well, I've at least inproved on keeping updates going, before a week has ended! :d
I think right now I'm missing the selection of activities I had back home, or maybe I'm just in the same place to much and need a little more variety, that's probably better. I go to work, I study at the house, I've been to a local coffee shop, I've been to the University a few times.
I guess I also don't have that freedom to just leave, or I feel like I need to go along with Carissa or I'd like to be with Carissa (her schedule is crazy right now!), and I don't really have any friends here other than her--though I have met some really cool people that are almost my friends :D It's not like I can just call them up---well, I really could but...haven't yet.
Owl City--songs: Fireflies, Saltwater room, and Hello Seattle. Some of their lyrics are interesting, but the beats and melodies are nice.
and leftover from the party the "Dancin' in the moonlight" song.....
So, we are going swing dancing tomorrow!!!! :D And before that we are going to a meeting at Newman's--the Catholic church and dorm---simply, to learn about the Catholic faith, why they believe what they believe. I think this week they will be talking about the Trinity.
Last night, Carissa and I went to Intervarsity Bible Study. The apartment was a little sketchy and when we found the room there was no "Hello welcome" we just kinda went in, and they said we were going around introducing ourselves--"Tell your name your major and your favorite disney character (or favorite cereal). After introductions, the leader (andrew) went over how the evening was going to look like, and then we got right into the Scripture--Acts 2:40-47.
Someone read it (Yes, there were people there from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints), then we all reflected on it, asked questions, answered the questions. Honestly we could have been there all night but we had to leave.
I found it very interesting that the topic of all the different denominations came up---exactly what I'd been thinking about this week after I got to talk with Matt and Nick more about the catholic faith. And this guy at the study was just reiterating that---how divided we are, and really what things we could do if we were all working together as the body of Christ without our seperate denominations---How similiar most of us really are, doing the same things!
Oh, if the body of Christ was truly unified! What great things God could do through us! Not sure if I'll return to that study, not that it was bad, but I'll have to consider it. There is a Beth Moore Bible study that I'll be starting two Wednesday's from now--hopefully that will be good, she usually is. I haven't gone to the church here yet, I went a few weeks when I was here in December but of course the services were a little different due to Christmas.
I will be with my family this weekend in Indiana!!!! :D Look forward to seeing them--Prayers need to go up for my cousin Nicki--who is in the hospital after having pnemonia and having a baby and I'm not sure of all the other details, possibly a blood clot. I guess we are going to see where my grandpa is buried too. He just died this past year, I can't remember what month. ;/
We ate really late again, like 8:30pm.
I think I've figured it out---I don't like just having one class. You know when I started talking in the beginning, I think that's it too. I just don't want to be focused on one thing, but then I kind of do, but I can't seem to focus on one thing without other things "distracting" me.
I guess I'm still getting used to this slow pace maybe. Man, my summer was crazy busy! I like slow but going from one extreme to the other can be interesting I guess. Also I don't like that I know that I need to be doing school but have no motivation to do it, am too tired, or simply don't want to think about it!
I need to peace out and school probably won't be happening tonight but that's ok with me.
Goodnight.....goodnight.
I think right now I'm missing the selection of activities I had back home, or maybe I'm just in the same place to much and need a little more variety, that's probably better. I go to work, I study at the house, I've been to a local coffee shop, I've been to the University a few times.
I guess I also don't have that freedom to just leave, or I feel like I need to go along with Carissa or I'd like to be with Carissa (her schedule is crazy right now!), and I don't really have any friends here other than her--though I have met some really cool people that are almost my friends :D It's not like I can just call them up---well, I really could but...haven't yet.
Owl City--songs: Fireflies, Saltwater room, and Hello Seattle. Some of their lyrics are interesting, but the beats and melodies are nice.
and leftover from the party the "Dancin' in the moonlight" song.....
So, we are going swing dancing tomorrow!!!! :D And before that we are going to a meeting at Newman's--the Catholic church and dorm---simply, to learn about the Catholic faith, why they believe what they believe. I think this week they will be talking about the Trinity.
Last night, Carissa and I went to Intervarsity Bible Study. The apartment was a little sketchy and when we found the room there was no "Hello welcome" we just kinda went in, and they said we were going around introducing ourselves--"Tell your name your major and your favorite disney character (or favorite cereal). After introductions, the leader (andrew) went over how the evening was going to look like, and then we got right into the Scripture--Acts 2:40-47.
Someone read it (Yes, there were people there from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints), then we all reflected on it, asked questions, answered the questions. Honestly we could have been there all night but we had to leave.
I found it very interesting that the topic of all the different denominations came up---exactly what I'd been thinking about this week after I got to talk with Matt and Nick more about the catholic faith. And this guy at the study was just reiterating that---how divided we are, and really what things we could do if we were all working together as the body of Christ without our seperate denominations---How similiar most of us really are, doing the same things!
Oh, if the body of Christ was truly unified! What great things God could do through us! Not sure if I'll return to that study, not that it was bad, but I'll have to consider it. There is a Beth Moore Bible study that I'll be starting two Wednesday's from now--hopefully that will be good, she usually is. I haven't gone to the church here yet, I went a few weeks when I was here in December but of course the services were a little different due to Christmas.
I will be with my family this weekend in Indiana!!!! :D Look forward to seeing them--Prayers need to go up for my cousin Nicki--who is in the hospital after having pnemonia and having a baby and I'm not sure of all the other details, possibly a blood clot. I guess we are going to see where my grandpa is buried too. He just died this past year, I can't remember what month. ;/
We ate really late again, like 8:30pm.
I think I've figured it out---I don't like just having one class. You know when I started talking in the beginning, I think that's it too. I just don't want to be focused on one thing, but then I kind of do, but I can't seem to focus on one thing without other things "distracting" me.
I guess I'm still getting used to this slow pace maybe. Man, my summer was crazy busy! I like slow but going from one extreme to the other can be interesting I guess. Also I don't like that I know that I need to be doing school but have no motivation to do it, am too tired, or simply don't want to think about it!
I need to peace out and school probably won't be happening tonight but that's ok with me.
Goodnight.....goodnight.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Since Wednesday...
Ladies and Gentlemen~
First, I'm very happy that I have today and tomorrow OFF! I now have plenty of hours today and tomorrow to press in to my schoolwork and get er' done. :) And, I might be able to have lunch with Carissa on campus.
Rachel is getting ready to leave for California today. She's off to see her love and will be back in 10 days.
Things have been pretty busy, as usual, here are a few of the highlights and the nitty gritty:
Thursday the 24th--
I had the day off and was with Carissa most of the day on campus. We started the day by going to the farm for a few hours and picked lots of tomatoes.
Then we went to County Market, changed and freshened up, had our small lunch of PB&J, and some Caribou Coffee. Carissa walked about 20 minutes to her class while I took her car to Twice as Nice Thirft Store. :)
Found some GREAT things at the thrift store: three dresses (2 old navy stripped-blue and maroon--and a cotton blue dress),
drove around the U of I forever trying to find the place to pick Carissa up. So many people were there! :)
found Carissa and headed to Howbowda bagel---we split a salmon one it wasn't half bad.
headed home, had dinner, then headed back to campus for Invervarsity. It was pretty good--it has potential. :)
bread hunting
lightning storm was intense!!!!! oh and did i mention we couldn't see hardly anything in front of us it was raining so hard!
then, we sucessfully made it home around 11pm
The Orchard had flooding from the rain (2 inches in 20 minutes!) so I went over to help mop and take off a few shelves of jams/jellies/preserves. I didn't get to bed till 2am
Friday the 28th-----
I worked 8:30-3:15ish
Went to pick up Julie with Rachel, went to Barnes and Noble, set up a bank account, purchased some insoles for my lovely shoes (ha).
We had the best dinner prepared by the lovely Carissa----homemade sun-dried tomato sourdough bread, salmon, brisket (prepared by me!), there must have been something else---and yes, we didn't eat till 9pm.
Carissa's boy Randy came in that night. Watched Elizabethtown so I didn't get to bed till late--probably 1am?
Saturday the 29th---
Worked from 9-4:20ish
Read very little of my reading assignments
Then I partied!!! :D Wore my lovely blue dress----the party was so much fun! And the best part, I knew everyone at the party! We made homemade pizzas with so many good toppings (avacado, goat cheese, bacon, to name a few). For dessert, we had Creme Brulee coffee and caramel flavored (so good!!! and my first) watched Lauren, Carissa, and Nick flame the sugar for them. Hung out for a while, then Lydia, Nick and I did the dishes----some people had to leave. AFter we were done we couldn't find Randy or Carissa. So we went to find them. In the dark. In the orchard. Blake and I went in the car and sure enough they were in the meadow walking down the lane. Got back to the house and Cameron (oh yes!! Cameron set up his SWEET sound system, fog machine (not so sweet) and DISCO BALL!!!!! It was so great!) had the music up and then we started dancing.....
then we left to see if we could find them and scare them (carissa and randy).....didn't really work since both of the guys shirts were light colored....
Got back to the house and had a lovely evening of dancing!!
Then Matt and I started talking about his pilot license and his flying escapade with Nick to the Ozarks. Which eventually turned into a conversation about his Catholic faith since Carissa and I wanted to go to their meeting on Thursday (it's during the same time as Intervarsity).
I ended up talking to Matt and Nick till about 2am.
Then stayed up another hour with Randy, Carissa, and Cameron.
late night but a WONDERFUL time!
I really can't keep going here, I need to start my homework assignments. But those are the main highlights for the week!!
First, I'm very happy that I have today and tomorrow OFF! I now have plenty of hours today and tomorrow to press in to my schoolwork and get er' done. :) And, I might be able to have lunch with Carissa on campus.
Rachel is getting ready to leave for California today. She's off to see her love and will be back in 10 days.
Things have been pretty busy, as usual, here are a few of the highlights and the nitty gritty:
Thursday the 24th--
I had the day off and was with Carissa most of the day on campus. We started the day by going to the farm for a few hours and picked lots of tomatoes.
Then we went to County Market, changed and freshened up, had our small lunch of PB&J, and some Caribou Coffee. Carissa walked about 20 minutes to her class while I took her car to Twice as Nice Thirft Store. :)
Found some GREAT things at the thrift store: three dresses (2 old navy stripped-blue and maroon--and a cotton blue dress),
drove around the U of I forever trying to find the place to pick Carissa up. So many people were there! :)
found Carissa and headed to Howbowda bagel---we split a salmon one it wasn't half bad.
headed home, had dinner, then headed back to campus for Invervarsity. It was pretty good--it has potential. :)
bread hunting
lightning storm was intense!!!!! oh and did i mention we couldn't see hardly anything in front of us it was raining so hard!
then, we sucessfully made it home around 11pm
The Orchard had flooding from the rain (2 inches in 20 minutes!) so I went over to help mop and take off a few shelves of jams/jellies/preserves. I didn't get to bed till 2am
Friday the 28th-----
I worked 8:30-3:15ish
Went to pick up Julie with Rachel, went to Barnes and Noble, set up a bank account, purchased some insoles for my lovely shoes (ha).
We had the best dinner prepared by the lovely Carissa----homemade sun-dried tomato sourdough bread, salmon, brisket (prepared by me!), there must have been something else---and yes, we didn't eat till 9pm.
Carissa's boy Randy came in that night. Watched Elizabethtown so I didn't get to bed till late--probably 1am?
Saturday the 29th---
Worked from 9-4:20ish
Read very little of my reading assignments
Then I partied!!! :D Wore my lovely blue dress----the party was so much fun! And the best part, I knew everyone at the party! We made homemade pizzas with so many good toppings (avacado, goat cheese, bacon, to name a few). For dessert, we had Creme Brulee coffee and caramel flavored (so good!!! and my first) watched Lauren, Carissa, and Nick flame the sugar for them. Hung out for a while, then Lydia, Nick and I did the dishes----some people had to leave. AFter we were done we couldn't find Randy or Carissa. So we went to find them. In the dark. In the orchard. Blake and I went in the car and sure enough they were in the meadow walking down the lane. Got back to the house and Cameron (oh yes!! Cameron set up his SWEET sound system, fog machine (not so sweet) and DISCO BALL!!!!! It was so great!) had the music up and then we started dancing.....
then we left to see if we could find them and scare them (carissa and randy).....didn't really work since both of the guys shirts were light colored....
Got back to the house and had a lovely evening of dancing!!
Then Matt and I started talking about his pilot license and his flying escapade with Nick to the Ozarks. Which eventually turned into a conversation about his Catholic faith since Carissa and I wanted to go to their meeting on Thursday (it's during the same time as Intervarsity).
I ended up talking to Matt and Nick till about 2am.
Then stayed up another hour with Randy, Carissa, and Cameron.
late night but a WONDERFUL time!
I really can't keep going here, I need to start my homework assignments. But those are the main highlights for the week!!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Ok, so every day didn't happen....
Now you get a VERY quick synopsis of the last several days. Man, I really wanted to keep up EVERY single day. I don't have a lot of time this morning so I'll try to be as brief and specific as I can (haha). Thanks for reading!
So, Cameron is listening to some sort of disco-ish/ raping sounding music super loud and it's vibrating the floor. :-/
Let's see, since my last post:
Things have been going well, however, I've been really, really tired lately. It's a combination of things I think. 1) I'm in a totally different environment that is a whole lot less stressful, slower pace, and it's beautiful here! 2) I keep going to bed alot later than I should, and since it's an hour later in Virginia, those first few days I was here really affected me I think.
I know what to do but sometimes I'm not quite sure what to do. I don't have several things pulling at me which is probably why I'm thinking I don't know what to do or that I should be doing something . It's nice, I suppose. :)
I guess I'll be in charge of making sure some sort of meal is put on the table Wednesday nights. Not sure how that's going to go down, I'm sure i'll figure out something.
Friday the 21st--I worked at the Orchard then I think Carissa and I went to make bread with this guy dushawn. It was pretty fun, I guess.
Saturday the 22nd--I can't quite remember but I think I worked at the Orchard again. That night we went to Blake's house and rode in his sweet blue 2004 Honda Accord. Played a game of pool and listened to Owl City. Then we went to County Market to get a few items for the Orchard. Came back to his house to watch Walle but the parents wanted us to come back due to it being so late. Oh yeah. And this was the night my host told me I smelled greasy and asked how many times I showered, if I wore lotion or perfume. All in love but yeah. Do you really say that to someone? This wasn't the first time.
Sunday the 23rd- Carissa and I went to First Christian Church right down the road. I tell you, I am so thankful for my church! This church was not alive at all. People just stood there and hardly engaged. Worship was fragmented. Communion was rushed. We had to leave early since Carissa is the head donut maker on the weekends. Got back home, talked to Mom for a while, then headed over to the Orchard to help make donunts with Carissa. We got to the University of Illinois mid-afternoon, around 2ish. Experienced Quad day :) Carissa's friend Nick came with us. Ran into another guy I met last time I visited, Luke. He's doing a program where you teach English to foreign students. Carissa and I wanted to go shopping for stuff for her upcoming party--headed to a place called World Harvest. Carissa's boy called her so she left me to remember the ingredients. In the end, we didn't buy any toppings and left with a single bar of chocolate. Then we went to another grocery store, Shnucks, where we were like "It's way to early to buy stuff what are we doing here!" We ended up buying some coffee for the party. We met up with Nick again later that day for some dinner at the Catholic church/dorm house and met up with their friend Matt. Nick helped Carissa find her classes, we took Nick home, and came back home exausted.
Monday the 24th--Carissa started classes and was gone most of the day. I really can't remember what I did, actually, this must of been the day I stayed home. Yeah, I was home most of the day by myself. Got online did the facebook/email thing, did some school work, oh yeah (now I remember), then we picked up Julie from school, went to Culvers to pick up some ice cream for the orchard, had a hamburger, headed back home to meet up with Mrs. Grahams friends. We were headed to the site of Extreme Makeover Home Edition! We got there around five, signed in, waited, waited, got some hard hats, ate some yummy barbeque from a place my family always went to when we lived here, and waited some more. Got to see Ty Pennington, the shows host, (woot woot!-haha) and decided to drift over to the house because know one was telling us where to go or what to do. We ended up being able to tour the whole house! It was really nice.
Tuesday the 25th--Yesterday, Carissa's alarm went off once! But she didn't wake up. Julie had to come in announcing that she had only 20 minutes till that had to leave! I could tell that her day was going to be not as focused. I, along with Grandma and Grandpa Curtis, Rachel, and Mrs. Graham and Grandma Graham following in another car, headed out to Bloomington where we would all watch Aaron (Carissa's brother) and Sarah's baby in 4D! It was a great experience. Got back home mid-afternoon around 2:30, went to the Orchard with Mrs. Graham to start working on the schedule for the Cafe. I guess I'm going to be put in charge of it--which is great! Wrapped up around 6pm, tried to work on school when I got back, through some dinner together, didn't eat till around 8pm or so. Got in the hot tub last night with my dear friend---talked for a while. Got to bed around 11pm.
Up early today. Going to write a few more cards, work on my homework, go to the Orchard and work on the schedule, write a list of things to do for this week.....
So, Cameron is listening to some sort of disco-ish/ raping sounding music super loud and it's vibrating the floor. :-/
Let's see, since my last post:
Things have been going well, however, I've been really, really tired lately. It's a combination of things I think. 1) I'm in a totally different environment that is a whole lot less stressful, slower pace, and it's beautiful here! 2) I keep going to bed alot later than I should, and since it's an hour later in Virginia, those first few days I was here really affected me I think.
I know what to do but sometimes I'm not quite sure what to do. I don't have several things pulling at me which is probably why I'm thinking I don't know what to do or that I should be doing something . It's nice, I suppose. :)
I guess I'll be in charge of making sure some sort of meal is put on the table Wednesday nights. Not sure how that's going to go down, I'm sure i'll figure out something.
Friday the 21st--I worked at the Orchard then I think Carissa and I went to make bread with this guy dushawn. It was pretty fun, I guess.
Saturday the 22nd--I can't quite remember but I think I worked at the Orchard again. That night we went to Blake's house and rode in his sweet blue 2004 Honda Accord. Played a game of pool and listened to Owl City. Then we went to County Market to get a few items for the Orchard. Came back to his house to watch Walle but the parents wanted us to come back due to it being so late. Oh yeah. And this was the night my host told me I smelled greasy and asked how many times I showered, if I wore lotion or perfume. All in love but yeah. Do you really say that to someone? This wasn't the first time.
Sunday the 23rd- Carissa and I went to First Christian Church right down the road. I tell you, I am so thankful for my church! This church was not alive at all. People just stood there and hardly engaged. Worship was fragmented. Communion was rushed. We had to leave early since Carissa is the head donut maker on the weekends. Got back home, talked to Mom for a while, then headed over to the Orchard to help make donunts with Carissa. We got to the University of Illinois mid-afternoon, around 2ish. Experienced Quad day :) Carissa's friend Nick came with us. Ran into another guy I met last time I visited, Luke. He's doing a program where you teach English to foreign students. Carissa and I wanted to go shopping for stuff for her upcoming party--headed to a place called World Harvest. Carissa's boy called her so she left me to remember the ingredients. In the end, we didn't buy any toppings and left with a single bar of chocolate. Then we went to another grocery store, Shnucks, where we were like "It's way to early to buy stuff what are we doing here!" We ended up buying some coffee for the party. We met up with Nick again later that day for some dinner at the Catholic church/dorm house and met up with their friend Matt. Nick helped Carissa find her classes, we took Nick home, and came back home exausted.
Monday the 24th--Carissa started classes and was gone most of the day. I really can't remember what I did, actually, this must of been the day I stayed home. Yeah, I was home most of the day by myself. Got online did the facebook/email thing, did some school work, oh yeah (now I remember), then we picked up Julie from school, went to Culvers to pick up some ice cream for the orchard, had a hamburger, headed back home to meet up with Mrs. Grahams friends. We were headed to the site of Extreme Makeover Home Edition! We got there around five, signed in, waited, waited, got some hard hats, ate some yummy barbeque from a place my family always went to when we lived here, and waited some more. Got to see Ty Pennington, the shows host, (woot woot!-haha) and decided to drift over to the house because know one was telling us where to go or what to do. We ended up being able to tour the whole house! It was really nice.
Tuesday the 25th--Yesterday, Carissa's alarm went off once! But she didn't wake up. Julie had to come in announcing that she had only 20 minutes till that had to leave! I could tell that her day was going to be not as focused. I, along with Grandma and Grandpa Curtis, Rachel, and Mrs. Graham and Grandma Graham following in another car, headed out to Bloomington where we would all watch Aaron (Carissa's brother) and Sarah's baby in 4D! It was a great experience. Got back home mid-afternoon around 2:30, went to the Orchard with Mrs. Graham to start working on the schedule for the Cafe. I guess I'm going to be put in charge of it--which is great! Wrapped up around 6pm, tried to work on school when I got back, through some dinner together, didn't eat till around 8pm or so. Got in the hot tub last night with my dear friend---talked for a while. Got to bed around 11pm.
Up early today. Going to write a few more cards, work on my homework, go to the Orchard and work on the schedule, write a list of things to do for this week.....
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Day 4: Beautiful Outdoor Farm Adventure and Canning Extravaganza
"Goodmorning Goodmorning Goodmorning....."
late night last night, well, this morning I guess. Stayed up late working on some school and talking with Bethany on facebook. When I went upstairs Mrs. Graham was working on pressure cooking green beans and asked if I wanted to help. By this time it was about 11:00pm (mind you this is 12:00 am in Virginia!). Carissa was out with a friend of hers making bread and when 12:00 rolled around she still wasn't home. The parents got concernered around 12:30, called her, she didn't answer, so Mr. Graham called the bread place no answer, finally decided to go find her.
I didn't end up getting to bed till 3:00--Carissa and I talked and prayed for a little while--had warm milk with lots of cinnamon (kinda poured 2 or 3 tsp by accident), vanilla, and honey. Delicious.
Set the craziest alarms ever for 6:30 but didn't get up till probably 7:15. Quickly got ready to leave for the farm that Carissa works for about twice a week . Got there around 8:15, met Kenny who let me wear his boots which fit pretty well, and Zac the overseerer/boss, along with the other intern Lauren-- such a cool person!
We headed out to the field, stopping first to fill up a container of drinking water.
We started by picking green and hot peppers.
I talked with a volunteer named Dan who makes his own dark chocolate, and wants to start
a buisness.
Next we picked corn and then tomatoes.
Carissa and I sat and ate some of the sweet corn right in the middle of that field. Ahh, it was so very nice. Got to ride the golf cart which is always fun.
Then we headed over to the U of I on our golf cart (can't remember the building--somewhere where they process/make food)where we dropped off our goods.. Then we froze to death in the freezer area where we had to shuck all the corn we picked. I was sad I hadn't brought my jacket along with me. Went back to the farm where we packed up some tomatoes, green and hot peppers to take home with us. We were home around 2:15, 2:30.
Ate a delicious lunch of sandwhiches made with Carissa's delicious hummus, fresh tomatoes, green peppers, fresh basil and spinach, toasted on soft bread.
BTW, my dear sister Carissa makes some great sourdough bread and GREEK yogurt! :D And it's really pretty simple. I'm hoping that I can make some Brioche and Bagels while I'm here from a cookbook Carissa's friend lended her.
Let's see....took a nap in the afternoon after our lunch, wanted to go to Expresso up the road to do some studying but that didn't really happen---instead we listened to the alarm clock go off probably 4 times, then Rachel talked to Carissa about last evenings events--ended up chatting with her for a little while, before we knew it--when we attempted to leave, Mrs. Graham said dinner was almost ready, so we helped get that ready.
Ah, it was GORGEOUS outside today! This morning it was a cool when we drove in the wind, but so very nice. I will hopefully get some pictures taken tomorrow.
After dinner (that included LOTS of our fresh vegetables and fruit, hummus from lunch, and a green bean casserole thing), we started the fairly long process of cleaning the kitchen--included cleaning all the dishes, clearing and washing off the table, sweeping, (everyone had to help)...
and last but not least, we boiled and cut tons of tomatoes for canning---maybe we will do espresso tomorrow night. I start work tomorrow at the Orchard---I'll probably get off around 2:30 or 3:00?
It's 9:30 and I really need to get off, start reading for my class, and hopefully get to bed a little earlier this evening. ha, not sure that is going to happen.
late night last night, well, this morning I guess. Stayed up late working on some school and talking with Bethany on facebook. When I went upstairs Mrs. Graham was working on pressure cooking green beans and asked if I wanted to help. By this time it was about 11:00pm (mind you this is 12:00 am in Virginia!). Carissa was out with a friend of hers making bread and when 12:00 rolled around she still wasn't home. The parents got concernered around 12:30, called her, she didn't answer, so Mr. Graham called the bread place no answer, finally decided to go find her.
I didn't end up getting to bed till 3:00--Carissa and I talked and prayed for a little while--had warm milk with lots of cinnamon (kinda poured 2 or 3 tsp by accident), vanilla, and honey. Delicious.
Set the craziest alarms ever for 6:30 but didn't get up till probably 7:15. Quickly got ready to leave for the farm that Carissa works for about twice a week . Got there around 8:15, met Kenny who let me wear his boots which fit pretty well, and Zac the overseerer/boss, along with the other intern Lauren-- such a cool person!
We headed out to the field, stopping first to fill up a container of drinking water.
We started by picking green and hot peppers.
I talked with a volunteer named Dan who makes his own dark chocolate, and wants to start
a buisness.
Next we picked corn and then tomatoes.
Carissa and I sat and ate some of the sweet corn right in the middle of that field. Ahh, it was so very nice. Got to ride the golf cart which is always fun.
Then we headed over to the U of I on our golf cart (can't remember the building--somewhere where they process/make food)where we dropped off our goods.. Then we froze to death in the freezer area where we had to shuck all the corn we picked. I was sad I hadn't brought my jacket along with me. Went back to the farm where we packed up some tomatoes, green and hot peppers to take home with us. We were home around 2:15, 2:30.
Ate a delicious lunch of sandwhiches made with Carissa's delicious hummus, fresh tomatoes, green peppers, fresh basil and spinach, toasted on soft bread.
BTW, my dear sister Carissa makes some great sourdough bread and GREEK yogurt! :D And it's really pretty simple. I'm hoping that I can make some Brioche and Bagels while I'm here from a cookbook Carissa's friend lended her.
Let's see....took a nap in the afternoon after our lunch, wanted to go to Expresso up the road to do some studying but that didn't really happen---instead we listened to the alarm clock go off probably 4 times, then Rachel talked to Carissa about last evenings events--ended up chatting with her for a little while, before we knew it--when we attempted to leave, Mrs. Graham said dinner was almost ready, so we helped get that ready.
Ah, it was GORGEOUS outside today! This morning it was a cool when we drove in the wind, but so very nice. I will hopefully get some pictures taken tomorrow.
After dinner (that included LOTS of our fresh vegetables and fruit, hummus from lunch, and a green bean casserole thing), we started the fairly long process of cleaning the kitchen--included cleaning all the dishes, clearing and washing off the table, sweeping, (everyone had to help)...
and last but not least, we boiled and cut tons of tomatoes for canning---maybe we will do espresso tomorrow night. I start work tomorrow at the Orchard---I'll probably get off around 2:30 or 3:00?
It's 9:30 and I really need to get off, start reading for my class, and hopefully get to bed a little earlier this evening. ha, not sure that is going to happen.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Day 3: Frolicking about Champaign + flowers
I'm going to have to address this alarm situation with my dear sister. The alarm went off probably 3 times this morning!!!!
Good breakfast around 8 this morning (it included bacon--two days in a row!)
Mrs. Graham and I left around 8:45 and headed to the Kohler showroom to look at stuff for the new bathroom project that will hopefully be started VERY soon (downstairs next to Carissa's room). We are thinking it'll be an Italy or Paris theme. :)
I might move up to Rachel's room after she leaves, not sure yet.
Ran errands most of the day with Mrs. Graham--went to serveral different places, found some GREAT postcards and will have to soon determine who will recieve them. Went out to eat for lunch but can't remember the name of the place, it started with an M. The menu was like Panera, atmosphere not at all.
Extreme Makeover Home Edition is here and we stopped by the place (the ministry) called Salt and Light--not sure if they are doing anything there but that's where the family that was selected ministers. It was pretty busy, lots of volunteers (they never show them on the show so i never knew they had any)
Got home around 2 in the afternoon---made about 6 flower arrangements in the shed, enjoyed a lovely apple cider slush, took me about 4 hours total--3 and 1---it POURED down rain (lots of lightning and thunder too!! SO GREAT!) so I stayed in the shed for a while continuing the project
Ate dinner, continued the project,
got to talk with my family tonight, at least most of them. :-)
It's going to start getting busy VERY soon. Hopefully I'll be able to write every single day, but work and school begin this week.
Need to peace out as I need to get ready for bed and then begin working on my school assignments! :D
Good breakfast around 8 this morning (it included bacon--two days in a row!)
Mrs. Graham and I left around 8:45 and headed to the Kohler showroom to look at stuff for the new bathroom project that will hopefully be started VERY soon (downstairs next to Carissa's room). We are thinking it'll be an Italy or Paris theme. :)
I might move up to Rachel's room after she leaves, not sure yet.
Ran errands most of the day with Mrs. Graham--went to serveral different places, found some GREAT postcards and will have to soon determine who will recieve them. Went out to eat for lunch but can't remember the name of the place, it started with an M. The menu was like Panera, atmosphere not at all.
Extreme Makeover Home Edition is here and we stopped by the place (the ministry) called Salt and Light--not sure if they are doing anything there but that's where the family that was selected ministers. It was pretty busy, lots of volunteers (they never show them on the show so i never knew they had any)
Got home around 2 in the afternoon---made about 6 flower arrangements in the shed, enjoyed a lovely apple cider slush, took me about 4 hours total--3 and 1---it POURED down rain (lots of lightning and thunder too!! SO GREAT!) so I stayed in the shed for a while continuing the project
Ate dinner, continued the project,
got to talk with my family tonight, at least most of them. :-)
It's going to start getting busy VERY soon. Hopefully I'll be able to write every single day, but work and school begin this week.
Need to peace out as I need to get ready for bed and then begin working on my school assignments! :D
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Day 2: Indiana Beach
Woke up to a continum of alarms this morning, all of which were not my own. Eventually I rolled out of bed, read some Bible in bed, got ready.
"Come Home, come home, come home, I've waited so long..." One republic
Ate breakfast--eggs, bacon, panera bagels---left with the grandparents around 8:40ish
stopped to pick julie up from the doctor, she had something going on with her eye, but he said she was fine.
we then headed off to Indiana Beach i found out when i arrived that it was an amusement resort. :D
stopped in at a gas-station half way, had a delicious lunch in the car (homemade applesauce, ham sandwich, chips, cherries), got in to the park around 12:30 or 1:00
So, I'm not really a rollar coaster kinda gal, but thought that since this was the second time I'd actually been to a park, I might as well try again.
The first ride was GREAT, though it was a spinning ride which you will see was detrimental down the road.
The second ride, semi-ok, it was swings that went round and round high in the air above a large body of water, i came off the ride feeling a bit dizzy but fairly ok, kind of hot.
The third ride, (i was doing good so far!) was kind of like a boat, where it goes back and forth and up and over. Yeah, I felt really good when the ride first started, but then it picked up speed, and then the stomach dropped. I got off of this ride feeling not so great, so the girls said I should get some dramamine as they were very determined to have me continue riding the rides with them
:)
Went to the little store, ate the chewable tablets, and proceeded to the next ride
Well, ride #4 topped me over--it was called The Paratrooper and from the picture (which I will post soon) it doesn't look scary, actually the ride is fairly moderate. Swing style, round and round--but it moved up and down and side to side intermitintly. I was feeling pretty good till the very end. I told Carissa I wasn't feeling so good, actually I feel like I'm going to get sick.
Well, I got sick, and yes, the ride closed for a short time as a result of it. It was a little humilliating but I felt a WHOLE lot better after it. And the attendent was sweet about the whole thing.
The dramanine then had no effect after that point so the girls begged me to buy more so I could keep riding the rides. We ended up buying more, but I didn't take it.
I enjoyed watching them ride the next several rides. I felt pretty good the rest of the day, I was actually pretty amazed at how I felt about the whole thing. Maybe a third time around will finally break me. I'm not terribly anxious to see though. :D Spent some alone time with Carissa, went on the ski lifts, and the last story involves the ride "Double Shot".
It was the last ride of the day before they closed and the girls wanted to go. I decided to get pretty close to the ride instead of sitting near the benches......well, the attended INSISTED, and continued to INSIST that I ride the crazy thing. I didn't give in for a while, but he honestly wasn't giving in, He said he wouldn't let anyone ride unless I rode the ride. Yes, I rode the ride. And it was NOT terrible at all. My face def. showed it but it wasn't as horrible as I thought and I felt fine after it. :D
Watched Pride and Predjudice on the way home......Ate dinner at a wonderful little place called the Beef House.
Ready for bed now! I'm having to get use to the hour difference which isn't terrible, but it seems I won't be able to go to bed early, maybe, but probably not. So, its 12:15 in Virginia but it's 11:15 here. My first online class stuff is posted tomorrow will start working on that, will help Mrs. Graham with a few things, start working some this weekend (fri-sun).
OH, and Extreme Makeover is HERE, in Philo---hopefully, (I signed up tonight) they will need me as a volunteer next Monday, even if they don't, I'll go out and see what's going on. It should be great--hopefully, I'll be able to take some pictures.
Speaking of pictures, I've taken some, but maybe tomorrow I can use my friends camera to take some more---will post to facebook hopefully this week.
So long, thanks for reading the nitty gritty. : )
"Come Home, come home, come home, I've waited so long..." One republic
Ate breakfast--eggs, bacon, panera bagels---left with the grandparents around 8:40ish
stopped to pick julie up from the doctor, she had something going on with her eye, but he said she was fine.
we then headed off to Indiana Beach i found out when i arrived that it was an amusement resort. :D
stopped in at a gas-station half way, had a delicious lunch in the car (homemade applesauce, ham sandwich, chips, cherries), got in to the park around 12:30 or 1:00
So, I'm not really a rollar coaster kinda gal, but thought that since this was the second time I'd actually been to a park, I might as well try again.
The first ride was GREAT, though it was a spinning ride which you will see was detrimental down the road.
The second ride, semi-ok, it was swings that went round and round high in the air above a large body of water, i came off the ride feeling a bit dizzy but fairly ok, kind of hot.
The third ride, (i was doing good so far!) was kind of like a boat, where it goes back and forth and up and over. Yeah, I felt really good when the ride first started, but then it picked up speed, and then the stomach dropped. I got off of this ride feeling not so great, so the girls said I should get some dramamine as they were very determined to have me continue riding the rides with them
:)
Went to the little store, ate the chewable tablets, and proceeded to the next ride
Well, ride #4 topped me over--it was called The Paratrooper and from the picture (which I will post soon) it doesn't look scary, actually the ride is fairly moderate. Swing style, round and round--but it moved up and down and side to side intermitintly. I was feeling pretty good till the very end. I told Carissa I wasn't feeling so good, actually I feel like I'm going to get sick.
Well, I got sick, and yes, the ride closed for a short time as a result of it. It was a little humilliating but I felt a WHOLE lot better after it. And the attendent was sweet about the whole thing.
The dramanine then had no effect after that point so the girls begged me to buy more so I could keep riding the rides. We ended up buying more, but I didn't take it.
I enjoyed watching them ride the next several rides. I felt pretty good the rest of the day, I was actually pretty amazed at how I felt about the whole thing. Maybe a third time around will finally break me. I'm not terribly anxious to see though. :D Spent some alone time with Carissa, went on the ski lifts, and the last story involves the ride "Double Shot".
It was the last ride of the day before they closed and the girls wanted to go. I decided to get pretty close to the ride instead of sitting near the benches......well, the attended INSISTED, and continued to INSIST that I ride the crazy thing. I didn't give in for a while, but he honestly wasn't giving in, He said he wouldn't let anyone ride unless I rode the ride. Yes, I rode the ride. And it was NOT terrible at all. My face def. showed it but it wasn't as horrible as I thought and I felt fine after it. :D
Watched Pride and Predjudice on the way home......Ate dinner at a wonderful little place called the Beef House.
Ready for bed now! I'm having to get use to the hour difference which isn't terrible, but it seems I won't be able to go to bed early, maybe, but probably not. So, its 12:15 in Virginia but it's 11:15 here. My first online class stuff is posted tomorrow will start working on that, will help Mrs. Graham with a few things, start working some this weekend (fri-sun).
OH, and Extreme Makeover is HERE, in Philo---hopefully, (I signed up tonight) they will need me as a volunteer next Monday, even if they don't, I'll go out and see what's going on. It should be great--hopefully, I'll be able to take some pictures.
Speaking of pictures, I've taken some, but maybe tomorrow I can use my friends camera to take some more---will post to facebook hopefully this week.
So long, thanks for reading the nitty gritty. : )
Monday, August 17, 2009
Day 1: The trip and chillin'
First, I woke up at 3:00 this morning. Right now, it's 9:42 in Illinois which means its 10:42 in Virginia. Bedtime calls very soon.
Anna and Mom came to the airport with me--happy times.
First flight went great--the guy that sat next to me didn't say a word, hardly looked my way (which was perfectly fine with me but you at least aknowledge the other person don't you?)
Second flight was great until, after picking up much speed and very soon approaching takeoff, we hit a flock of geese on the runway! So, the flight was delayed about 2 hours! Gave us a new plane and we were finally off...
Carissa picked me up in Indy. It was a very quiet, hot, and longish drive home. With a break for subway which really hit the spot. Oh, before the subway at 3:30 I had a bowl of Honey Nut Cherrios---by the second flight, around 7ish I had a Cinnabon (good cinnamon!) so, I was pretty hungry by 12 Illinois time, 1:00 my time.
Got in around 3:00. Chilled. Unpacked. Picked up application.
OH, i must say, it POURED. Sheets and sheets of rain. I wanted to frolic in it but I decided against it. Then it got dark.
It's been a pretty low key day.
Carissa and I made italian pizza. avacado was among the yummyness .
We are going to Indiana beach tomorrow. NEver heard of it. Should be great times with the grandparents. :)
Until tomorrow or the next day.
Anna and Mom came to the airport with me--happy times.
First flight went great--the guy that sat next to me didn't say a word, hardly looked my way (which was perfectly fine with me but you at least aknowledge the other person don't you?)
Second flight was great until, after picking up much speed and very soon approaching takeoff, we hit a flock of geese on the runway! So, the flight was delayed about 2 hours! Gave us a new plane and we were finally off...
Carissa picked me up in Indy. It was a very quiet, hot, and longish drive home. With a break for subway which really hit the spot. Oh, before the subway at 3:30 I had a bowl of Honey Nut Cherrios---by the second flight, around 7ish I had a Cinnabon (good cinnamon!) so, I was pretty hungry by 12 Illinois time, 1:00 my time.
Got in around 3:00. Chilled. Unpacked. Picked up application.
OH, i must say, it POURED. Sheets and sheets of rain. I wanted to frolic in it but I decided against it. Then it got dark.
It's been a pretty low key day.
Carissa and I made italian pizza. avacado was among the yummyness .
We are going to Indiana beach tomorrow. NEver heard of it. Should be great times with the grandparents. :)
Until tomorrow or the next day.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Short post. Lots of meat.
Intense time of intercession tonight at LHOP's Watch concerning the issue of pornography.
Give us your heart, Oh God. Break us. Reminded me again of the anguish of God video (EXCELLENT) I'll post a link soon.
Made waffles for everyone at Livingstone. I tell you, if you eat food with people, make food for people, you're family. Brothers and sisters. Unified together.
Lots of goodbyes this week. Not permanent goodbyes. I'll be back. But, the pressure is about to burst, probably tomorrow. Almost every day this week I said goodbye to someone. My little Nadia and Deema, lady and sir breland, emily and mike, the monastary and all it's wonderful people, and i've left a few out but yeah.
Leave for Illinois THIS monday.
Exciting adventures. Lots to consider.
God has given me a heart for women.
It's time for bed. The juicy details will follow in a later post, maybe not right away, but hopefully.
goodnight.
Give us your heart, Oh God. Break us. Reminded me again of the anguish of God video (EXCELLENT) I'll post a link soon.
Made waffles for everyone at Livingstone. I tell you, if you eat food with people, make food for people, you're family. Brothers and sisters. Unified together.
Lots of goodbyes this week. Not permanent goodbyes. I'll be back. But, the pressure is about to burst, probably tomorrow. Almost every day this week I said goodbye to someone. My little Nadia and Deema, lady and sir breland, emily and mike, the monastary and all it's wonderful people, and i've left a few out but yeah.
Leave for Illinois THIS monday.
Exciting adventures. Lots to consider.
God has given me a heart for women.
It's time for bed. The juicy details will follow in a later post, maybe not right away, but hopefully.
goodnight.
Monday, August 10, 2009
What's God doing NOW
Well, as I am usually VERY inconsistent with keeping up with updates online and in my personal journals, I have recently been thinking again about how I need to become consistant in both---or at least one. Though it might not be this blog, hopefully this year will be the year of consistancy. In every area. Spiritually, physically, And when things aren't consistant, or the way I think they should be, to not loose heart or worry about what I'm doing, but continue to press on, asking for God's grace and guidance in helping me to maintain peace and contentment (both of which are only found in HIM alone).
I desire to grow. I do not wish to be stagnant. Nor do I wish to be in a place where I look behind rather a place where I am continually pressing on--even in the dark times, weird times, places of dryness--
I'm looking forward to my new adventure in Illinois. Just the environment. Being with my dear friend and sister in the Lord. Working a consistant job. 1 job. Hopefully having time to think and maintain a lifestyle of consistancy. Growing in the Lord. Being used by God to work in the lives of others. Continuing school.
The hour is late. I hope to keep posting updates for the next two months ..
I desire to grow. I do not wish to be stagnant. Nor do I wish to be in a place where I look behind rather a place where I am continually pressing on--even in the dark times, weird times, places of dryness--
I'm looking forward to my new adventure in Illinois. Just the environment. Being with my dear friend and sister in the Lord. Working a consistant job. 1 job. Hopefully having time to think and maintain a lifestyle of consistancy. Growing in the Lord. Being used by God to work in the lives of others. Continuing school.
The hour is late. I hope to keep posting updates for the next two months ..
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Life in Color
How happy I am for my life. Literally, the LIFE living within me---the Sustainer of my life, He who makes me to enjoy life, He who heals my body when I am sick so I can again enjoy life and feel alive : ]
Being dog sick with a fever for 5 days this past week has really made me thankful for being well. Really made me stop to think--"Thank you Lord for sustaining me when I'm keeping myself going and running like a chicken with it's head cut off." Made me to realize that I really need to slow down and be still. That I don't need to keep talking about it, making lists that say I'll do it one of these days, or have it be some distant goal, but I need to make this time of rest a LIFESTYLE. For the current pace is wearing me out!
On another note, I was thinking about the various thoughts Amy Crane would have been thinking about when she committed suicide. I was also thinking about how desperate I would have to become to actually go through with such a thing. How decieved, how strung out, how hopeless, insecure, trapped, void of all hope. I thought of her while I was sick. How many people who were affected by the way of her death really think they will find themselves in the same shoe? It baffels me. It baffels me about how twisted her thinking really was. I find myself thinking of her when I read certain scripture verses that she probably took the wrong way. I think about one of the last times with her when she was so desperately in love with the Lord. I really think she wanted to see Him NOW, rather than waiting for her appointed time to see Him. Enough said. These among many other questions will be left un-answered for the time being, and maybe for eternity. This case rests in the palm of my sweet Father's hand the author and finisher of my life--who has given me such peace, who has drawn me so close, and has given me His assurance.
On a completely different thread, I'm looking forward to making more dish clothes for friends and family. I also can't wait to hear what my friend say's when she recieves the package of Small Meadow Press notecards I ordered her. I really love this delightful little store! However, my piles of wonderful things need to be put to use very soon. It's awful. I usually like them so much I don't want to use them. Or, I'm not creative enough and can't figure out what to do with them. Which was the case with the notecards--I just had to order my friend a whole set for herself. I am looking forward to completing some new projects this year which will include lots of collage.
May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
I need to continue to rest as I'm not fully well and have a long day of studying ahead. Mmm. I look forward to the day when I am not a pressured learner. :0
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Movie Insights
I really love how I think--this time after seeing the movie "Bolt".
I usually try to find the positive in everything and how things really relate to God.
Well, we can look at Penny kind of like God, Bolt a lost and confused person who doesn't know who he is in Christ---his true identity and purpose is shaped by that of the world (the movie industry in this case), and Mittens the Cat as the people God puts into our life who have been hurt by the world(owners), and those who can really see a situation for what it really is (Mittens really saw that Penny loved Bolt). You know in real life, it sometimes takes someone like Mittens to "snap us out" and bring us to reality. I find it cool that God can use people to speak the truth to us and in the process changes them as well! It's great to be able to see such truths in a movie like this.
It's funny that I was sharing again this morning with Mom how I really want to help people understand who they are in Christ and why they belive what they believe.
I need to go rest now. Blessings!
I usually try to find the positive in everything and how things really relate to God.
Well, we can look at Penny kind of like God, Bolt a lost and confused person who doesn't know who he is in Christ---his true identity and purpose is shaped by that of the world (the movie industry in this case), and Mittens the Cat as the people God puts into our life who have been hurt by the world(owners), and those who can really see a situation for what it really is (Mittens really saw that Penny loved Bolt). You know in real life, it sometimes takes someone like Mittens to "snap us out" and bring us to reality. I find it cool that God can use people to speak the truth to us and in the process changes them as well! It's great to be able to see such truths in a movie like this.
It's funny that I was sharing again this morning with Mom how I really want to help people understand who they are in Christ and why they belive what they believe.
I need to go rest now. Blessings!
Friday, February 13, 2009
shall we study any more?
Well, you'd think I'd have this studying thing figured out (well, I've got the whole this is what I like to do figured out) and that I would stop doing this to myself, but, no.
I studied today from about 2:30 till maybe 8:30. I did take maybe 4 or 5 small breaks.
So, I still read out loud. I'm trying to not read everything out loud as much because it's so straining on my voice, but sometimes it is necessary.
I've figured out that I need to begin writing my study sheet much earlier, after each class, so I'm not writing all my notes for the second (sometimes third) time in one or two days. But, it is so helpful to re-write notes!
Goodness, I had a nervous breakdown (well, almost) in class the other day. During the quiz, I just felt so overwhelmed and confused. You know when one peice of information is missing, you know all the formulas, but you can't really see the whole picture, oh and then there is the time limit--killer! I started feeling like I was going to well up, thinking I was actually going to cry right then and there, cus' I just knew I didn't have the time to figure it all out and wasn't going to get a good grade.
I decided to go on a major fast of sorts that includes
~ no fast food eating out (i'm hoping to save a lot of money this way and get healthier in the long run!)
~no sweets, including chocolate, hardees cinnamon raisin buiscuits, and panera bagels.
then I'd like to start excercising every morning by walking and running for 30 minutes, and stretching another 30 minutes.
have a set quiet time in the mornings and evenings.
Please pray that finances will come through for dental work that needs to be done. It's been on the back burner a little too long. I have receeding gum tissue on all four of my corner teeth. I am so thankful that the Lord has spared me of the great pain this should be causing me! Just in the last few months, my wisdom teeth are finally starting to come in. Thankfully, I only have two on the left side of my mouth. Oh, joy!
Pray for wisdom in how to condense my schedule that includes figuring out where I am supposed to be continuing my education, how many jobs i'm supposed to be working, and how to carve out solid time with my family.
I've been meditating on the verse, "I will keep you in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon Me, who trusts in Me." I'm not sure where it's found but it's popped into my head a lot this week.
I'm going to hopefully visit Mrs. Lesley Austin in Walkerton, Virginia. She owns "Small Meadow Press" a delightful home based buisness that sells "beautiful useful papers for everyday life". I just love the prints! I met her at the homeschool convention in Richmond, and she is a delight! I love the way she writes. Maybe I'll be able to take my sisters and a few friends one of these days.
Which reminds me that I'd still love to go to Prince Edward Island! Sometime very soon!
but, my bed calls, along with my Bible, and sleep.
peace, rest, hope, and joy to all of you my friends!
I studied today from about 2:30 till maybe 8:30. I did take maybe 4 or 5 small breaks.
So, I still read out loud. I'm trying to not read everything out loud as much because it's so straining on my voice, but sometimes it is necessary.
I've figured out that I need to begin writing my study sheet much earlier, after each class, so I'm not writing all my notes for the second (sometimes third) time in one or two days. But, it is so helpful to re-write notes!
Goodness, I had a nervous breakdown (well, almost) in class the other day. During the quiz, I just felt so overwhelmed and confused. You know when one peice of information is missing, you know all the formulas, but you can't really see the whole picture, oh and then there is the time limit--killer! I started feeling like I was going to well up, thinking I was actually going to cry right then and there, cus' I just knew I didn't have the time to figure it all out and wasn't going to get a good grade.
I decided to go on a major fast of sorts that includes
~ no fast food eating out (i'm hoping to save a lot of money this way and get healthier in the long run!)
~no sweets, including chocolate, hardees cinnamon raisin buiscuits, and panera bagels.
then I'd like to start excercising every morning by walking and running for 30 minutes, and stretching another 30 minutes.
have a set quiet time in the mornings and evenings.
Please pray that finances will come through for dental work that needs to be done. It's been on the back burner a little too long. I have receeding gum tissue on all four of my corner teeth. I am so thankful that the Lord has spared me of the great pain this should be causing me! Just in the last few months, my wisdom teeth are finally starting to come in. Thankfully, I only have two on the left side of my mouth. Oh, joy!
Pray for wisdom in how to condense my schedule that includes figuring out where I am supposed to be continuing my education, how many jobs i'm supposed to be working, and how to carve out solid time with my family.
I've been meditating on the verse, "I will keep you in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon Me, who trusts in Me." I'm not sure where it's found but it's popped into my head a lot this week.
I'm going to hopefully visit Mrs. Lesley Austin in Walkerton, Virginia. She owns "Small Meadow Press" a delightful home based buisness that sells "beautiful useful papers for everyday life". I just love the prints! I met her at the homeschool convention in Richmond, and she is a delight! I love the way she writes. Maybe I'll be able to take my sisters and a few friends one of these days.
Which reminds me that I'd still love to go to Prince Edward Island! Sometime very soon!
but, my bed calls, along with my Bible, and sleep.
peace, rest, hope, and joy to all of you my friends!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Fed up
after a day of mood swings related to the feminine way.....
Ok, so I'm a little T.O at Public Partnerships, LLC for making my life just a tiny bit more crazy than it should be. Of course, I should have been keeping up with my hours LONG before now, but I haven't and have paid the consequence. But it makes it no simpler that they have weird ways of paying you, ie: after working 2 months you get your first paycheck, ok. not so brilliant.
I'm also tired of waiting for abortion to end. for women to turn away. for people other than Life Ministries (the 5 of us) to come out and pray on behalf of these children! when will the church wake up to the stark reality that murder of innocent lives is happening EVERY single day!!!??
oh, and I'm feeling the continued sadness of the loss of a dear friend back in march. i look forward to the day when the pain isn't as heavy and the memory is faded to where i can fully reflect on the good. i also look forward to the day when God shows me the good that has come out of all of this.
decougpauge. it's a delightful thing, however, don't spend 4 or 5 hours working on it! You really do go crazy, like I did. Of course it never helps to know that the time you spent on your craft ate up into precious time that could have been spent on "more important" tasks such as writing a tithe check, or figuring out stupid pay checks. but, it was needed. and I need to not worry about doing fun things! that are needed in life.
did i mention that i'm a bit tired of having 3 different jobs, with money flow that is a wee bit "inconsistent"? I'm so negative, forgive me. I'm THANKFUL that Lord has placed me in these positions and I continue to try a find the joy through it all.
ever have the feeling where you thought you knew what you were supposed to be doing, had some peace about it, thought it was what God wanted you to do, then you are blasted with new information (or in my case not as new) where you start to re-evaluate your whole route entirely, how to get from where you are to where you want to be.....um, yeah. I think I'm feeling that a wee bit.
I want to be: able to worry about NOTHING, able to stay home more than ONE or TWO days a week, fully content.
signing off.....
Ok, so I'm a little T.O at Public Partnerships, LLC for making my life just a tiny bit more crazy than it should be. Of course, I should have been keeping up with my hours LONG before now, but I haven't and have paid the consequence. But it makes it no simpler that they have weird ways of paying you, ie: after working 2 months you get your first paycheck, ok. not so brilliant.
I'm also tired of waiting for abortion to end. for women to turn away. for people other than Life Ministries (the 5 of us) to come out and pray on behalf of these children! when will the church wake up to the stark reality that murder of innocent lives is happening EVERY single day!!!??
oh, and I'm feeling the continued sadness of the loss of a dear friend back in march. i look forward to the day when the pain isn't as heavy and the memory is faded to where i can fully reflect on the good. i also look forward to the day when God shows me the good that has come out of all of this.
decougpauge. it's a delightful thing, however, don't spend 4 or 5 hours working on it! You really do go crazy, like I did. Of course it never helps to know that the time you spent on your craft ate up into precious time that could have been spent on "more important" tasks such as writing a tithe check, or figuring out stupid pay checks. but, it was needed. and I need to not worry about doing fun things! that are needed in life.
did i mention that i'm a bit tired of having 3 different jobs, with money flow that is a wee bit "inconsistent"? I'm so negative, forgive me. I'm THANKFUL that Lord has placed me in these positions and I continue to try a find the joy through it all.
ever have the feeling where you thought you knew what you were supposed to be doing, had some peace about it, thought it was what God wanted you to do, then you are blasted with new information (or in my case not as new) where you start to re-evaluate your whole route entirely, how to get from where you are to where you want to be.....um, yeah. I think I'm feeling that a wee bit.
I want to be: able to worry about NOTHING, able to stay home more than ONE or TWO days a week, fully content.
signing off.....
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sweet and Short
Well, since I've been online this evening far longer than I anticipated (hmmm...this seems to happen quite frequently actually)...I'll give you the short version of the semi-long version update.
I've been up a total of 15 hours now.
Got up at 6:45 am this morning, talked to mom about my weird dream (yes, the dream including marrying people who were already married, thinking i was supposed to marry someone else, and various other weird things), got a quick bite to eat (cranberry sauce and ezekiel bread english muffin! delicious!) then headed to VWW (the first abortion clinic of the day)
was at VWW 7:30-9:00am,
stopped in at the lovely Wawa (great coffee for really cheap! and they even have string cheese!! ) ,
traveled to the second abortion clinic, Ingleside, stayed from 10-12pm. We think a baby was saved! Yes! I talked with a couple who were really interested in what I had to say (walkers) and they went in then came immediately back out. Awesome praise the Lord! Emily and I talked about wanting to memorize Psalm 119. Looking forward to that. Thankfully, on my way to Ingleside, I didn't run any read lights this time, yes, I ran a red light and didn't really know till I was halfway though the intersection. On Virginia Beach Blvd mind you.
after this clinic, I went to the lovely Miss Teagle's home where we had our staff lunch of delightful grilled sandwiches (and kiwi), we prayed, and talked, and bundled up again for the last and final clinic of the day, Hillcrest! (over the hill we went!...har har)
Hillcrest lasted from 1:30-3:30, prayed, had some great conversation with Mike (as usual), some other interesting converstion which is not worth noting, got a little emotional over disturbing signs from someone who comes out to protest with us....good to be reminded of it though, you can get so "hard" and used to it.
and then, i went home. got online for a little while, ate a great hamburger made by my mom and corn salad, updated mom on the day's events, got ready for the evening with the girls...
we went to panera, was able to take melody c. with me which was nice, we got to talk in the car about good things, good fellowship with everyone, productive conversation.
this is becoming the long version and so i will say goodnight.
Blessings and peace ~elaine
I've been up a total of 15 hours now.
Got up at 6:45 am this morning, talked to mom about my weird dream (yes, the dream including marrying people who were already married, thinking i was supposed to marry someone else, and various other weird things), got a quick bite to eat (cranberry sauce and ezekiel bread english muffin! delicious!) then headed to VWW (the first abortion clinic of the day)
was at VWW 7:30-9:00am,
stopped in at the lovely Wawa (great coffee for really cheap! and they even have string cheese!! ) ,
traveled to the second abortion clinic, Ingleside, stayed from 10-12pm. We think a baby was saved! Yes! I talked with a couple who were really interested in what I had to say (walkers) and they went in then came immediately back out. Awesome praise the Lord! Emily and I talked about wanting to memorize Psalm 119. Looking forward to that. Thankfully, on my way to Ingleside, I didn't run any read lights this time, yes, I ran a red light and didn't really know till I was halfway though the intersection. On Virginia Beach Blvd mind you.
after this clinic, I went to the lovely Miss Teagle's home where we had our staff lunch of delightful grilled sandwiches (and kiwi), we prayed, and talked, and bundled up again for the last and final clinic of the day, Hillcrest! (over the hill we went!...har har)
Hillcrest lasted from 1:30-3:30, prayed, had some great conversation with Mike (as usual), some other interesting converstion which is not worth noting, got a little emotional over disturbing signs from someone who comes out to protest with us....good to be reminded of it though, you can get so "hard" and used to it.
and then, i went home. got online for a little while, ate a great hamburger made by my mom and corn salad, updated mom on the day's events, got ready for the evening with the girls...
we went to panera, was able to take melody c. with me which was nice, we got to talk in the car about good things, good fellowship with everyone, productive conversation.
this is becoming the long version and so i will say goodnight.
Blessings and peace ~elaine
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
so later tonight turned into two more days
Oh posh, updates.
Today was my first day of classes. I'm taking Principles of Microeconomics this semester with the same teacher I had last semester because I really enjoyed her teaching style and learned alot. Unfortunantly, she warns us that Micro is not the same as Macro, so......I left the class feeling fairly good about it, not really looking forward to the graph section, but am very up to pressing through and learning something difficult. For some reason, everyone I talk to feels sorry that I'm taking it. I really enjoyed most of the class last semester---for various reasons I guess. 1) she was the only teacher that semester I could really understand, follow, and learn from, 2) i was able to understand a little more about the economic state, 3) still learning that i need to start reading, watching, or listening to some sort of news ( i didn't last semester, still gained a lot just by the class, but i should probably start consistently reading certain section of the news to keep informed) I dropped the online class I had originally been fairly excited about--Survey of 20th Century culture--mainly because I've really been stirred to do more in the home (keep reading, i'll go into depth on this), 2) it looked really extensive--i love challenges but seeing that my schedule is so vexed (is that the right word) and stretched in a lot of ways, it was going to be a lot of work, and online classes can be confusing--it was vague, and noting the caliber of students from their introductions it would have been very similiar to English 111 and 112 (not very challenging, me helping everyone--which i enjoyed--but me really not learning from everyone else) and so. I dropped it! Yeah for making that decision. I believe i'll be very satisfied in the long run.
To update many of you on what I'm currently doing this semester:
~taking the one class tuesday and thursdays
~watching nadia and deema tuesday evenings--this has been a great experience! in the beginning, i had the priveledge of depositing into the life of their 13 year old foster child, i thank the Lord that she was put in my life for a short time which helped me grow and made me feel like i really did make a difference in her life.
~cleaning for an elderly couple on Friday afternoons--this also has been a great ministry (even though I do get paid) I've kind of been "adopted" in their eyes as the daughter claudia never had, they take me out to eat, want me to stay and have dinner or snack before i leave....and i've also been a sounding board and a true comfort ( i feel) to a lonely soul and have been able to minister through prayer and just caring enough to listen. it's been great!
So, I've talked to a lot of you about the movie I watched (Return of the Daughters) and the book I'm slowly (but surely, and plan to finish it, and re-read it) reading entitled "So Much More"-- both sources by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin. It was a few semesters back after watching the movie that I was just so stirred to jump very much on board with the biblical plan they were living out. However, I kind of put it off--set it on the back burner-- and figured I'd finish my associate degree and then begin to put into action these things I had been so stirred to do. In doing so, I became very busy, somewhat stressed, still had some peace in most areas, but specifically in one area (that of my education) wasn't settled about where to go for the next two years of my schooling. Well, my friend who is also reading this book e-mailed me with a few questions she had about a particular section they addressed in the book about college. I read over it, not extensively, but in this question/answer format came across a few questions that made me re-evaluate why I was doing what I was doing. Yes, I have goals like being fluent in Spanish, goals of teaching Worldview and or English, but the re-occuring goal or desire always went back to this Return of the Daughter stuff I'd been presented with---ultimatly to get this information into the hands of every young woman I met, to assure them that they have a purpose and are worth so much, that they can be content without competing in this world, doing the things God created in each of us as women to do. But, honestly, I had gone into last semester ( i believe it was then), wanting to be able to minister to the people, be a light in the darkness, really i had gotten to the place where i didn't care how long (well, at times i guess i cared a little) it took me to complete the two years for my associate degree, maybe for a few reasons one of the biggest being that i really wasn't sure where I wanted to go to finish my bachelor and i just didn't want to finish at this level till i really knew ! haha, drawing it out till it couldn't be drawn out anymore. another reason being that I really wanted to be more prepared spiritually--i was getting so busy, this just wasn't happening getting in the Word everyday, praying, seeing exactly what the Lord wanted to me to say and do while on the campus. Just the whole thing about getting so busy, I wasn't able to really do the important things like cleaning my bathroom and doing the dishes. SO, there were a few things that popped out to me as I skimmed this section on college in the book---the word minister and the word christian college. One of my "excuses" which might not be an excuse, because i really do feel it was my heart to minister on the college campus, but rather more of a reason to not put into full action--really to put off till i though it was time-- to do what the Lord has stirred in me. Am I really called to be a beacon of light on the college campus when I'm not able to fully devote my entire being to seeking God, which will thus prepare me for ministry? And is it really where He wants me to be? Am I the one called to minister there? So, the whole Christian college thing really made me evaluate the choice and uncertainty I was feeling about where to go after community college. Regent University was the main college I was considering, I even took one class there and loved it know a lot of people there, etc, but still just didn't have a peace about it. So, I came away thinking that maybe the Lord doesn't want me to go to Regent or any other 4 year universtity, which is why their wasn't peace.
I want to go into this next semester with some very strong goals for my education, the purpose i have as a daughter and sister in the home, and most importantly my spiritual walk with the Lord. It won't be perfect, but my heart is to really know the will of God and walk in it, and I've felt so stirred about these things that are so biblical, why not start there! I want to begin to carve out time to reflect, time to read and engage in stimulating education and learning from my home, be able to help mend what has been broken, and impart what I'm learning to others!
Essentially, I feel like this is a time to set right and put into action what has been put off far too long. Does this mean I won't be involved in society? Absolutely not! There are times where we have to really get back to what's important, re-evaluate why we are doing what we are doing, look at life from the lens of the Word of God, sit back and observe what God has done, not assume anything....I'm ready to pursue righteousness and want to be used by the Lord wherever He sees fit to use me, starting in the home!
Some goals:
~ One of my main goals is to start getting into a very serious study of the Word
~Begin to pray, being very specific in my requests, and also engaging in corporate prayer with others.
~Begin reading various different books (that will help me grow spiritually, mentally) that have been put on hold as I've tried to pursue an associate degree. Not like these books couldn't have been read then, but I just got so busy, it didn't happen, and really, I found myself (probably like a lot of people) not able to do those simple things that I knew I was supposed to do, like cleaning the toilet! It just didn't get done because I didn't make it a priority and found myself occupied with things that would fulfill what I wanted and or thought I needed at the time. posh!
~Start at some time a discussion group for young women, a place where we can talk about the Biblical commands and duties we have as women, how we can relate to our culture, what we can do to change things, etc. The backbone to this group would be pure Scripture and the resources provided by the Botkin sisters (which have been so revolutionary in my life!).
Since I've been typing about 45 minutes, I think I'll take a break. For those of you who read all of this: Bravo! Thank you for reading!
Today was my first day of classes. I'm taking Principles of Microeconomics this semester with the same teacher I had last semester because I really enjoyed her teaching style and learned alot. Unfortunantly, she warns us that Micro is not the same as Macro, so......I left the class feeling fairly good about it, not really looking forward to the graph section, but am very up to pressing through and learning something difficult. For some reason, everyone I talk to feels sorry that I'm taking it. I really enjoyed most of the class last semester---for various reasons I guess. 1) she was the only teacher that semester I could really understand, follow, and learn from, 2) i was able to understand a little more about the economic state, 3) still learning that i need to start reading, watching, or listening to some sort of news ( i didn't last semester, still gained a lot just by the class, but i should probably start consistently reading certain section of the news to keep informed) I dropped the online class I had originally been fairly excited about--Survey of 20th Century culture--mainly because I've really been stirred to do more in the home (keep reading, i'll go into depth on this), 2) it looked really extensive--i love challenges but seeing that my schedule is so vexed (is that the right word) and stretched in a lot of ways, it was going to be a lot of work, and online classes can be confusing--it was vague, and noting the caliber of students from their introductions it would have been very similiar to English 111 and 112 (not very challenging, me helping everyone--which i enjoyed--but me really not learning from everyone else) and so. I dropped it! Yeah for making that decision. I believe i'll be very satisfied in the long run.
To update many of you on what I'm currently doing this semester:
~taking the one class tuesday and thursdays
~watching nadia and deema tuesday evenings--this has been a great experience! in the beginning, i had the priveledge of depositing into the life of their 13 year old foster child, i thank the Lord that she was put in my life for a short time which helped me grow and made me feel like i really did make a difference in her life.
~cleaning for an elderly couple on Friday afternoons--this also has been a great ministry (even though I do get paid) I've kind of been "adopted" in their eyes as the daughter claudia never had, they take me out to eat, want me to stay and have dinner or snack before i leave....and i've also been a sounding board and a true comfort ( i feel) to a lonely soul and have been able to minister through prayer and just caring enough to listen. it's been great!
So, I've talked to a lot of you about the movie I watched (Return of the Daughters) and the book I'm slowly (but surely, and plan to finish it, and re-read it) reading entitled "So Much More"-- both sources by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin. It was a few semesters back after watching the movie that I was just so stirred to jump very much on board with the biblical plan they were living out. However, I kind of put it off--set it on the back burner-- and figured I'd finish my associate degree and then begin to put into action these things I had been so stirred to do. In doing so, I became very busy, somewhat stressed, still had some peace in most areas, but specifically in one area (that of my education) wasn't settled about where to go for the next two years of my schooling. Well, my friend who is also reading this book e-mailed me with a few questions she had about a particular section they addressed in the book about college. I read over it, not extensively, but in this question/answer format came across a few questions that made me re-evaluate why I was doing what I was doing. Yes, I have goals like being fluent in Spanish, goals of teaching Worldview and or English, but the re-occuring goal or desire always went back to this Return of the Daughter stuff I'd been presented with---ultimatly to get this information into the hands of every young woman I met, to assure them that they have a purpose and are worth so much, that they can be content without competing in this world, doing the things God created in each of us as women to do. But, honestly, I had gone into last semester ( i believe it was then), wanting to be able to minister to the people, be a light in the darkness, really i had gotten to the place where i didn't care how long (well, at times i guess i cared a little) it took me to complete the two years for my associate degree, maybe for a few reasons one of the biggest being that i really wasn't sure where I wanted to go to finish my bachelor and i just didn't want to finish at this level till i really knew ! haha, drawing it out till it couldn't be drawn out anymore. another reason being that I really wanted to be more prepared spiritually--i was getting so busy, this just wasn't happening getting in the Word everyday, praying, seeing exactly what the Lord wanted to me to say and do while on the campus. Just the whole thing about getting so busy, I wasn't able to really do the important things like cleaning my bathroom and doing the dishes. SO, there were a few things that popped out to me as I skimmed this section on college in the book---the word minister and the word christian college. One of my "excuses" which might not be an excuse, because i really do feel it was my heart to minister on the college campus, but rather more of a reason to not put into full action--really to put off till i though it was time-- to do what the Lord has stirred in me. Am I really called to be a beacon of light on the college campus when I'm not able to fully devote my entire being to seeking God, which will thus prepare me for ministry? And is it really where He wants me to be? Am I the one called to minister there? So, the whole Christian college thing really made me evaluate the choice and uncertainty I was feeling about where to go after community college. Regent University was the main college I was considering, I even took one class there and loved it know a lot of people there, etc, but still just didn't have a peace about it. So, I came away thinking that maybe the Lord doesn't want me to go to Regent or any other 4 year universtity, which is why their wasn't peace.
I want to go into this next semester with some very strong goals for my education, the purpose i have as a daughter and sister in the home, and most importantly my spiritual walk with the Lord. It won't be perfect, but my heart is to really know the will of God and walk in it, and I've felt so stirred about these things that are so biblical, why not start there! I want to begin to carve out time to reflect, time to read and engage in stimulating education and learning from my home, be able to help mend what has been broken, and impart what I'm learning to others!
Essentially, I feel like this is a time to set right and put into action what has been put off far too long. Does this mean I won't be involved in society? Absolutely not! There are times where we have to really get back to what's important, re-evaluate why we are doing what we are doing, look at life from the lens of the Word of God, sit back and observe what God has done, not assume anything....I'm ready to pursue righteousness and want to be used by the Lord wherever He sees fit to use me, starting in the home!
Some goals:
~ One of my main goals is to start getting into a very serious study of the Word
~Begin to pray, being very specific in my requests, and also engaging in corporate prayer with others.
~Begin reading various different books (that will help me grow spiritually, mentally) that have been put on hold as I've tried to pursue an associate degree. Not like these books couldn't have been read then, but I just got so busy, it didn't happen, and really, I found myself (probably like a lot of people) not able to do those simple things that I knew I was supposed to do, like cleaning the toilet! It just didn't get done because I didn't make it a priority and found myself occupied with things that would fulfill what I wanted and or thought I needed at the time. posh!
~Start at some time a discussion group for young women, a place where we can talk about the Biblical commands and duties we have as women, how we can relate to our culture, what we can do to change things, etc. The backbone to this group would be pure Scripture and the resources provided by the Botkin sisters (which have been so revolutionary in my life!).
Since I've been typing about 45 minutes, I think I'll take a break. For those of you who read all of this: Bravo! Thank you for reading!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
to catch up
Well, that picture maybe isn't the best to put up there but it will do for now. :0
There is so much to talk about and so little time! I plan on keeping up with this--as it's a great way to express in the written word how I am feeling, process what I'm doing, and keep everyone up to date. So, I hope that actually happens. :/
I'll update later tonight.....
so stay tuned
There is so much to talk about and so little time! I plan on keeping up with this--as it's a great way to express in the written word how I am feeling, process what I'm doing, and keep everyone up to date. So, I hope that actually happens. :/
I'll update later tonight.....
so stay tuned
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