Some thoughts before I go to bed...
Visiting the nursing home yesterday was so utterly rewarding. To start out, I randomly selected two names off of the Concerned For the Elderly list as names of women I would visit one-on-one during my hour-long time slot. See, before this, I'd been going during the residents' dinner hour, which -- aside from being awkward for the residents because they'd inevitably offer me their roll -- made me feel uncomfortable for interrupting their mealtime to ask questions. Often, their multi-tasking skills weren't the best, and dinnertime conversation tended to halt once the main course arrived and they had to focus their energies on cutting meat, opening packaged rolls, and chewing thoroughly.
Anyway, I'm now visiting earlier in the day, so I had planned on developing a more personal relationship with one resident. Yesterday was my experimental day -- I was going to visit with two women for about a half hour each and see who seemed more receptive to (and in need of) a random visitor. Well, of all the names on the list, the two women I picked out ("These sound like nice names! I think I'll give them a try") just HAPPENED to live together in room 161 -- yes, they're roommates. Not only that, but it turns out that BOTH women have connections to my hometown; one has a son and daughter-in-law who live and work there, and the other has a son-in-law who went to high school at Stevenson, one of the three Livonia district high schools. These ladies are *fascinating* women; they're vibrant, social, and have senses of humor that haven't faded with their advanced ages. I am honored -- and in a way, saddened -- that they are so willing and eager to talk, share pictures, tell stories, and open up their lives to me -- a complete stranger. At the same time, I am convicted by their obvious desire for interaction -- they crave it -- and the realization that there are many people in these nursing homes, needing and craving human interaction just like these women, who will not be visited.
And someday, will I be one of them?
On a lighter note, we also had the SAI date party yesterday. I was accompanied by Sean Michael, and I must say, I had a *wonderful* time! (Thank you for coming with me, friend -- I hope you enjoyed yourself as well!) Kristin, Cate, Tami and I all coordinated by wearing our extremely fall-ish sweaters, and even got a *supercute* "sweater picture" before we left for dinner. King Chinese Buffet was delicious ("do you need some more Pesi?" UM. yes please?) The corn maze -- by the time we got to it -- was awesome -- even when we got lost going in circles and hit dead ends ("BAD DECISION #47... TAKE TWO") Not that getting lost isn't the point *wink wink* ("I will seduce you with an ear of corn!"... for original reference, see Kristin) Anyway... we all eventually made it back to the SAI House for the bonfire (beautifully constructed, I must say, by my date), which was also a success. The fire was pretty, the s'mores were yummy, the hot chocolate was perfect, and the company was top notch... ("Cate, can you imagine YOUR kids playing with MY kids?"... "Johnny, HTP -- you are OOC!"... "By the power of Poseidon...!" :: Cate's laugh :: I can't quote it, but it's definitely worth including somehow) Whoa. Good times.
Ok, well... with that, I think I need to go to bed... my pillow and I have some good times, too. Just not enough lately.
G'night, friends.
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Monday, October 18, 2004
The rejuvenating qualities of a much-needed weekend are numerous, and when some events, visits, and conversations seem positively *ordained,* it's more reassuring than ever that the Lord is indeed at work in our lives, no matter how hard we try to suppress His claim on our existence.
For numerous reasons, this past weekend could have been miserable. There was my test on Thursday, which didn't exactly go as planned. Well, so it sort of went as planned, but I definitely didn't like the plan. And I hadn't prepared for the plan. The plan stunk, ok? Then, there was the Gala, which flooded Hillsdale's campus with a ridiculous surplus of donors, gaudy chandeliers, and linen napkins. And I was sick, which automatically made the sky two shades grayer. And my voice two octaves lower. (hey, Baby. kidding.)
So I missed Ann Coulter. And I missed singing *and other such novelties* with the choir due to the distinct possibility that I may have started hacking in the middle of Battle Hymn or passed out cold on the risers. And, true to form, I missed Dan Quayle's speech on Saturday morning, as well. Rock on.
BUT.
Situations like these are a blank canvas for our awesome Father, Who mercifully takes these opportunities to paint majestic masterpieces with whatever materials we'll give Him to use. And with every brush stroke, He made this weekend a more beautiful picture of His grace and provision.
On Friday night, the night my roomie had to go out of town so she could be in Lansing for her teaching test the next morning, Betsy Foster -- an alum, former leader of my Bible study, and a dear friend -- came to visit me. Betsy's strong faith, gentle leadership, and loving friendship make her *such* a wonderful role model and an even more precious friend. She and I had the chance to talk for as long as my voice would hold out, and I got the *distinct impression* that God was talking to me, urging me, convicting me... all through our conversations. It was a beautiful thing. As it turned out, Betsy needed a place to stay overnight, so she was able to sleep in my roomie's bed since Kristin just *happened* to be gone the night Betsy came.
This weekend was also a special weekend because another dear friend of mine, one Joy Hendricks, came to visit from the University of Minnesota Morris. She attended Hillsdale last year, became an SAI sister and official member of the, um, Prankster Princess Posse (in fact, she might be the President!), and promptly felt called to leave to minister on one of the most un-Hillsdalian campuses around. Seeing Joy this weekend has thoroughly refreshed my spirit in ways I can't even explain in words -- her bold faith and radiant love for Christ shine into every word and action -- she's not just a light, she's like a million watt bulb!
So on Saturday, after performing with choir for the donors, Kristin came back to the dorm with Joy and Tami. Having felt sufficiently un-social for the better part of Friday and Saturday morning, I was determined to participate in *whatever* adventure they might be embarking upon. This adventure's name was lunch. A bit disenchanted -- but not to be left behind with my cough drops and echinacea -- I hurled myself (ok, scooted) into Joy's car with the other three girls and we made our way to Oakley, where I enjoyed hot soup, a warm multi-grain roll, and the fabulous company of chatty, giggly, and *silly* friends for an hour and a half. (um, WHERE IS THAT RECEIPT???)
After we'd loitered in Oakley sufficiently, we prepared to head back to campus, but Joy had other ideas. So even though it was already lightly raining, we turned our little car and headed out to Allen to an apple orchard. Which could have been fun, if our teeth weren't chattering and our fingernails turning blue. So instead, we parked and ran full-tilt-boogie to the door of... a gift and antique shop. And with the wind howling outside and the temperature only *slightly* higher inside, we wandered around checking out cider doughnuts, fruit preserves, Earl Grey Tea, antique recipe books, vintage aprons, 35 cent books, Christmas ornaments, old hats ("Look -- you're the Queen of England -- and I'm your truck-ah!"), teapots, perfume spray bottles from when our grandmothers were young, strings of pearls, and silly knick knacks galore. We left with cider and a beautiful old hat for Joy, thanks to Kristin's bargaining skills.
Later Saturday night, the lobby of Koon became movie-night central, and we decided to introduce Cate Larsen to the joys of one of the ultimate girlie-movies -- The Princess Diaries. She popped the popcorn, I made the hot chocolate, we all got comfy... it was definitely a GIRL NIGHT. Well, until Ben showed up. But it was still great after that, thanks to Cate's toasting skills, among other things...
Church on Sunday morning was not what I originally intended. But that's the great thing... it's what God intended all along. See, I'd planned to go to Pine Ridge with Joy and Tami, but I got sidetracked and wasn't ready in time. So I went to United Brethren with Cate and Ben, rather reluctantly. But here's the thing. The Lord will speak to us through just about anything, as long as it's biblical teaching and if we're willing to give it a chance. And as bummed as I was about missing out on Pine Ridge's sermon -- if I hadn't been listening for it -- I could have *really easily* missed out on God convicting me through UB's message. Sure, it wasn't what I was looking for or hoping for. But some of the most pertinent reminders God sends us come from unexpected sources when we're tapping our foot, looking at our watch, waiting for someone or something else entirely.
Brunch on Sunday was an amazing donor meal, catered by chefs brought in from who-knows-where to feed the people who are supposed to give multi-million dollar checks to our school to fund our programs. They eat *extremely* well. And for once, so did we.
Sunday afternoon was lazy. I sat on Kristin's bed with her, under her "warmness blanket" (otherwise known as an electric blanket), ate M&Ms, and watched Pirates of the Caribbean. Although, it might be more accurate to say that we *recited* the movie, for it appears that my roommate and I have now seen "Pirates" so many times that we are now able to recount entire portions of dialogue on command, and it is completely unnecessary to have the characters say their lines for us to find the humor in them. We must simply project what they will say, when they will say it, and that will suffice. Kristin and I will laugh an inordinate amount, our stomachs will hurt, and tears may eventually fall. In any case, it's a good time.
Saga dinner on Sunday was horrendous. This is not shocking, however.
At 10:00pm on Sunday, Joy and I scurried up the hill (incognito, sort of) to Catacombs... it has been SO LONG since I've been to Catacombs with Joy... it was WONDERFUL! It was just like last year again... I could hear Joy harmonizing in my ear with every song, and singing the benediction was bittersweet because I don't *know* when I'll get to see her again after she leaves to go back to Morris! But at the same time, I'm so happy because I know God is using her for His glory and the furthering of His kingdom -- how exciting is that?
And the last thing we (Kristin, Joy, and I) did Sunday night (after introducing Joy to Killer and George and fixing a certain desktop to "I am that hero!") was sit in "the Box" and listen to Emo Phillips. Funny man. Funny jokes. Funny voice.
Oh, and in case I forgot to mention it... this whole time, the Lord was definitely healing me. Because I didn't really want to stop having fun with people once I started again. So it wasn't really the Vitamin C. It was God being cool. Unfortunately, I think my roomie might be getting sick now. I'm sorry, Kristin.
Ok, and before I'm done with this crazy-long blog...
* Kristin got me the Good Luck Care Bear! Yay!
* Adrienne and Dean totally rock for bringing me Oakley while I was sick -- thanks, guys!
* Sean Michael is a ruler-cool friend for letting me use his "warmness blanket" and making hot cider when I was feeling yucky on Friday night!
* Matt Macaulay is sick now. I don't know if I had anything to do with getting him that way, but I feel really bad and I hope he gets better really soon. *hugs*
* We now have a quote board in Koon. Come check it out. Add to it. You might already be on it.
Ok, now I'm done. I think. Yep.
Whew!
For numerous reasons, this past weekend could have been miserable. There was my test on Thursday, which didn't exactly go as planned. Well, so it sort of went as planned, but I definitely didn't like the plan. And I hadn't prepared for the plan. The plan stunk, ok? Then, there was the Gala, which flooded Hillsdale's campus with a ridiculous surplus of donors, gaudy chandeliers, and linen napkins. And I was sick, which automatically made the sky two shades grayer. And my voice two octaves lower. (hey, Baby. kidding.)
So I missed Ann Coulter. And I missed singing *and other such novelties* with the choir due to the distinct possibility that I may have started hacking in the middle of Battle Hymn or passed out cold on the risers. And, true to form, I missed Dan Quayle's speech on Saturday morning, as well. Rock on.
BUT.
Situations like these are a blank canvas for our awesome Father, Who mercifully takes these opportunities to paint majestic masterpieces with whatever materials we'll give Him to use. And with every brush stroke, He made this weekend a more beautiful picture of His grace and provision.
On Friday night, the night my roomie had to go out of town so she could be in Lansing for her teaching test the next morning, Betsy Foster -- an alum, former leader of my Bible study, and a dear friend -- came to visit me. Betsy's strong faith, gentle leadership, and loving friendship make her *such* a wonderful role model and an even more precious friend. She and I had the chance to talk for as long as my voice would hold out, and I got the *distinct impression* that God was talking to me, urging me, convicting me... all through our conversations. It was a beautiful thing. As it turned out, Betsy needed a place to stay overnight, so she was able to sleep in my roomie's bed since Kristin just *happened* to be gone the night Betsy came.
This weekend was also a special weekend because another dear friend of mine, one Joy Hendricks, came to visit from the University of Minnesota Morris. She attended Hillsdale last year, became an SAI sister and official member of the, um, Prankster Princess Posse (in fact, she might be the President!), and promptly felt called to leave to minister on one of the most un-Hillsdalian campuses around. Seeing Joy this weekend has thoroughly refreshed my spirit in ways I can't even explain in words -- her bold faith and radiant love for Christ shine into every word and action -- she's not just a light, she's like a million watt bulb!
So on Saturday, after performing with choir for the donors, Kristin came back to the dorm with Joy and Tami. Having felt sufficiently un-social for the better part of Friday and Saturday morning, I was determined to participate in *whatever* adventure they might be embarking upon. This adventure's name was lunch. A bit disenchanted -- but not to be left behind with my cough drops and echinacea -- I hurled myself (ok, scooted) into Joy's car with the other three girls and we made our way to Oakley, where I enjoyed hot soup, a warm multi-grain roll, and the fabulous company of chatty, giggly, and *silly* friends for an hour and a half. (um, WHERE IS THAT RECEIPT???)
After we'd loitered in Oakley sufficiently, we prepared to head back to campus, but Joy had other ideas. So even though it was already lightly raining, we turned our little car and headed out to Allen to an apple orchard. Which could have been fun, if our teeth weren't chattering and our fingernails turning blue. So instead, we parked and ran full-tilt-boogie to the door of... a gift and antique shop. And with the wind howling outside and the temperature only *slightly* higher inside, we wandered around checking out cider doughnuts, fruit preserves, Earl Grey Tea, antique recipe books, vintage aprons, 35 cent books, Christmas ornaments, old hats ("Look -- you're the Queen of England -- and I'm your truck-ah!"), teapots, perfume spray bottles from when our grandmothers were young, strings of pearls, and silly knick knacks galore. We left with cider and a beautiful old hat for Joy, thanks to Kristin's bargaining skills.
Later Saturday night, the lobby of Koon became movie-night central, and we decided to introduce Cate Larsen to the joys of one of the ultimate girlie-movies -- The Princess Diaries. She popped the popcorn, I made the hot chocolate, we all got comfy... it was definitely a GIRL NIGHT. Well, until Ben showed up. But it was still great after that, thanks to Cate's toasting skills, among other things...
Church on Sunday morning was not what I originally intended. But that's the great thing... it's what God intended all along. See, I'd planned to go to Pine Ridge with Joy and Tami, but I got sidetracked and wasn't ready in time. So I went to United Brethren with Cate and Ben, rather reluctantly. But here's the thing. The Lord will speak to us through just about anything, as long as it's biblical teaching and if we're willing to give it a chance. And as bummed as I was about missing out on Pine Ridge's sermon -- if I hadn't been listening for it -- I could have *really easily* missed out on God convicting me through UB's message. Sure, it wasn't what I was looking for or hoping for. But some of the most pertinent reminders God sends us come from unexpected sources when we're tapping our foot, looking at our watch, waiting for someone or something else entirely.
Brunch on Sunday was an amazing donor meal, catered by chefs brought in from who-knows-where to feed the people who are supposed to give multi-million dollar checks to our school to fund our programs. They eat *extremely* well. And for once, so did we.
Sunday afternoon was lazy. I sat on Kristin's bed with her, under her "warmness blanket" (otherwise known as an electric blanket), ate M&Ms, and watched Pirates of the Caribbean. Although, it might be more accurate to say that we *recited* the movie, for it appears that my roommate and I have now seen "Pirates" so many times that we are now able to recount entire portions of dialogue on command, and it is completely unnecessary to have the characters say their lines for us to find the humor in them. We must simply project what they will say, when they will say it, and that will suffice. Kristin and I will laugh an inordinate amount, our stomachs will hurt, and tears may eventually fall. In any case, it's a good time.
Saga dinner on Sunday was horrendous. This is not shocking, however.
At 10:00pm on Sunday, Joy and I scurried up the hill (incognito, sort of) to Catacombs... it has been SO LONG since I've been to Catacombs with Joy... it was WONDERFUL! It was just like last year again... I could hear Joy harmonizing in my ear with every song, and singing the benediction was bittersweet because I don't *know* when I'll get to see her again after she leaves to go back to Morris! But at the same time, I'm so happy because I know God is using her for His glory and the furthering of His kingdom -- how exciting is that?
And the last thing we (Kristin, Joy, and I) did Sunday night (after introducing Joy to Killer and George and fixing a certain desktop to "I am that hero!") was sit in "the Box" and listen to Emo Phillips. Funny man. Funny jokes. Funny voice.
Oh, and in case I forgot to mention it... this whole time, the Lord was definitely healing me. Because I didn't really want to stop having fun with people once I started again. So it wasn't really the Vitamin C. It was God being cool. Unfortunately, I think my roomie might be getting sick now. I'm sorry, Kristin.
Ok, and before I'm done with this crazy-long blog...
* Kristin got me the Good Luck Care Bear! Yay!
* Adrienne and Dean totally rock for bringing me Oakley while I was sick -- thanks, guys!
* Sean Michael is a ruler-cool friend for letting me use his "warmness blanket" and making hot cider when I was feeling yucky on Friday night!
* Matt Macaulay is sick now. I don't know if I had anything to do with getting him that way, but I feel really bad and I hope he gets better really soon. *hugs*
* We now have a quote board in Koon. Come check it out. Add to it. You might already be on it.
Ok, now I'm done. I think. Yep.
Whew!
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
So, it's back to blogging. At the most inconvenient time possible. Naturally.
It's all psychological, really. I have a Sunny-D midterm in less than 24 hours and paper in less than 48, and yet I've managed to convince myself that my blog should somehow take precedence over them.
The pursuit of academic excellence is highly overrated.
And I am in dire need of cold medicine.
On the brighter side,
* I went home for Fall Break and saw my brother play hockey and soccer. I also went to my grandma's 80th birthday party. And I got to see one of my best friends. And go shopping with my mom. And catch a cold.
* Dried cranberries taste good if you give them a chance.
* Mitch Hedberg makes me laugh. He also makes me want to wash his mouth out with soap. Sometimes he does both at the same time.
* Cate Larsen made a lovely dinner for her advisees over at Ben's house last night, and I definitely benefited from her culinary pursuits -- well done, Cate!
* If you're ever having a bad day, you should go check out Dean's collection of wigs. Trying them on and taking pictures would probably help, too.
* Warm, fuzzy sweaters on cold, rainy days are a beautiful thing.
* My roommate made me some sort of ginger spice tea this morning, and it was super-yummy.
* Yay for finding out that a dear friend is coming to visit -- THIS WEEKEND!
* It's fun to have an inside, secret sort-of joke that makes people giggle and smile, even if it is in front of everyone. Because even if other people notice you grinning like a goofball, only those certain people really know what's so funny, anyway.
* Midterms do not make me happy. They should not count on this "on the brighter side" list.
Alright, I've avoided it long enough. I really should get some studying done.
Perhaps I'll be inclined to update at a more convenient, logical point in time.
But probably not.
Love!
It's all psychological, really. I have a Sunny-D midterm in less than 24 hours and paper in less than 48, and yet I've managed to convince myself that my blog should somehow take precedence over them.
The pursuit of academic excellence is highly overrated.
And I am in dire need of cold medicine.
On the brighter side,
* I went home for Fall Break and saw my brother play hockey and soccer. I also went to my grandma's 80th birthday party. And I got to see one of my best friends. And go shopping with my mom. And catch a cold.
* Dried cranberries taste good if you give them a chance.
* Mitch Hedberg makes me laugh. He also makes me want to wash his mouth out with soap. Sometimes he does both at the same time.
* Cate Larsen made a lovely dinner for her advisees over at Ben's house last night, and I definitely benefited from her culinary pursuits -- well done, Cate!
* If you're ever having a bad day, you should go check out Dean's collection of wigs. Trying them on and taking pictures would probably help, too.
* Warm, fuzzy sweaters on cold, rainy days are a beautiful thing.
* My roommate made me some sort of ginger spice tea this morning, and it was super-yummy.
* Yay for finding out that a dear friend is coming to visit -- THIS WEEKEND!
* It's fun to have an inside, secret sort-of joke that makes people giggle and smile, even if it is in front of everyone. Because even if other people notice you grinning like a goofball, only those certain people really know what's so funny, anyway.
* Midterms do not make me happy. They should not count on this "on the brighter side" list.
Alright, I've avoided it long enough. I really should get some studying done.
Perhaps I'll be inclined to update at a more convenient, logical point in time.
But probably not.
Love!
Sunday, October 03, 2004
Why do silly faces and sword fights and Shirley Temples and bumper-chairs and eating chocolate cake with our fingers make an already delicious dinner at the Olive Garden somehow more enjoyable?
Why do computers have to get viruses?
Why does Enya facilitate a good reading experience when even Nickel Creek fails to satisfy?
Why is the washing machine in Koon broken... again?
Why does cream cheese freeze when it's left in our fridge with no lid? Is it because it's Great Value brand?
Why does campus feel so big when you're trying to hurry from Koon to Benzing on a chilly evening, but feels so small when brushing your teeth in the morning becomes a Q & A session about the events of the previous evening?
Why are cute little black heels with pink stitching at Target so irresistible?
Why do people think that sucking a salted lemon beforehand makes tequila (or its aftertaste) sweet?
Why does a sense of accomplishment follow the completion of a laundry session? It's merely another beginning of the quarter-snatching cycle. I'm not bitter.
Why is it so much easier to talk about studying than actually doing it?
Why do some people know just what to say and just how to say it, just when you need to hear it most?
Why do daisies last so long?
Why does shampoo have to run out so much faster than conditioner? Herbal Essences should take a hint from Infusium 23. They know what they're doing. Check it out.
Why did I not let my AP12 English teacher know about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead while it was playing here? She would have loved it -- in fact, she probably would have brought her AP12 class. Bother.
Why did Kristin and I put a trash can behind my dresser and her desk?
Why on earth have we left it there this long?
Why do I want a hug, but not want to ask anyone for a hug?
Why does hot chocolate only really taste good when you're A. done sledding B. inside, cuddled up, reading a good book C. talking around a fireplace at night or D. somewhere cold, like an ice rink?
Why is it that when I specifically lack the free time to devote to it, the prospect of blogging is particularly attractive? Blast.
Why do I blog about things like these when I could blog about useful, meaningful, intellectual, or otherwise more important and interesting things?
Sorry, kids.
Why do computers have to get viruses?
Why does Enya facilitate a good reading experience when even Nickel Creek fails to satisfy?
Why is the washing machine in Koon broken... again?
Why does cream cheese freeze when it's left in our fridge with no lid? Is it because it's Great Value brand?
Why does campus feel so big when you're trying to hurry from Koon to Benzing on a chilly evening, but feels so small when brushing your teeth in the morning becomes a Q & A session about the events of the previous evening?
Why are cute little black heels with pink stitching at Target so irresistible?
Why do people think that sucking a salted lemon beforehand makes tequila (or its aftertaste) sweet?
Why does a sense of accomplishment follow the completion of a laundry session? It's merely another beginning of the quarter-snatching cycle. I'm not bitter.
Why is it so much easier to talk about studying than actually doing it?
Why do some people know just what to say and just how to say it, just when you need to hear it most?
Why do daisies last so long?
Why does shampoo have to run out so much faster than conditioner? Herbal Essences should take a hint from Infusium 23. They know what they're doing. Check it out.
Why did I not let my AP12 English teacher know about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead while it was playing here? She would have loved it -- in fact, she probably would have brought her AP12 class. Bother.
Why did Kristin and I put a trash can behind my dresser and her desk?
Why on earth have we left it there this long?
Why do I want a hug, but not want to ask anyone for a hug?
Why does hot chocolate only really taste good when you're A. done sledding B. inside, cuddled up, reading a good book C. talking around a fireplace at night or D. somewhere cold, like an ice rink?
Why is it that when I specifically lack the free time to devote to it, the prospect of blogging is particularly attractive? Blast.
Why do I blog about things like these when I could blog about useful, meaningful, intellectual, or otherwise more important and interesting things?
Sorry, kids.