So Thanksgiving break at Tami Swenson's house in Boscobel, WI rocked my socks!

I could try to go into a play-by-play and give every insignificant detail of the trip, but really... I'm not sure it's worth my time to type or your time to read. Perhaps a short list of highlights will suffice?

As for the highlights:

*a positively *loopy* drive to Madison in the van including me, Tami, Elizabeth Wong, Jack Nehlsen, Anna and Emily Holsclaw, and twins' parents, who graciously packed us all into their van and suffered through a 2 1/2 hour delay in Chicago, just to make sure we all got home safely (um, Jack?)

*the lovely traditional Arabic breakfast prepared by Mrs. Swenson -- menaaeesh -- yum!

*Risk... and Jaimi's strategy for systematic world domination (wait -- what happened to our alliance??)

*Thanksgiving Day with 34 other people in the Swenson household, perhaps more food than I've ever seen in one place that wasn't a buffet of some sort, beautiful piano music, Scattegories, and a video tape of Princess Nora's birthday party ("Where are all the kids?" "Maybe she didn't want kids at her birthday party" "I bet they didn't pass security" "Nooo... all the officials just wanted first dibs on the cake!") uh huh.

*playing the game Mafia for the first time in my life. I caught on eventually. And Mandi saved me a couple times, too. I like her. She's my friend.

*taking an ill-fated trip to Debuque, Iowa with Tami, Elizabeth, and Jaimi. But at least I got to go into cool stores I'd never set foot in before (Maurices, Deb), meet a couple of Tami's friends from high school, and see three states at once while crossing the Mississippi River! Sweet!

*church with the Swensons and the McClures at their church in Fennimore -- who needs coffee to stay awake during the service when you've got fruit falling out of the offering table cornicopia and rolling down the aisle?

*teaching Jaimi and the other girls a jig in the basement to Celtic Christmas music... ahh, I miss dancing!

*tractor pictures before leaving, watching Jaimi "jigging" on the front porch as we pulled out of the driveway, and driving away to the distinct sound of Alison's giggles in the seat ahead of me

Ok, so that doesn't even come close to covering everything, but there will be another blog -- soon to come -- which will be singularly devoted to our "Thanksgiving 2004 Quote and Unforgettable Moments" list. I know you're sitting on the edge of your seat already. But you'll just have to wait a little bit longer.

Wait anxiously. Check back persistently.
You will be rewarded.



But for now, dinner calls.

Loved the Michael Glud ("He's so humble!") cereal party at Niedfeldt on Friday night; corn pops, slap jack, fooseball, and a strobe light make for unexpectedly fun times! Anxiously awaiting Gludfest 2005...

Although our much-anticipated day in Ann Arbor was foiled by unforeseen complications which left us in a decidedly vehicularly-challenged state, Tami, Laurel, Jamie, and I took it upon ourselves to redeem our situation by creating our own cultural, culinary experience in the tiny (and ill-ventilated, may I add?) kitchen of Benzing. One fire alarm, two close calls, three fire fighters and a charred falafel later, we had a beautiful (and delicious) Arabic feast, complete with (edible) falafel, menaaeesh, sauteed vegetables, ground beef, couscous, and sparkling white grape juice! By the end of the night, the girls and I came to realize that our Benzing escapades, perhaps not as sophisticated and not nearly as far removed from campus as we had been expecting, were nevertheless just as enjoyable as any time we would have spent in Ann Arbor. Not to mention the money we saved. So next time, I say we try Thai... any takers?

The movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding makes me laugh. And every time I think I have my favorite character "for sure this time"... another one steals the show. The dad cracks me up with his whole "give me a word" routine. I LOVE the mom. The aunt is hilarious, the brother is so endearing ("yeah, that Dear Abby really knows what she's talking about"), and the Grandma who runs around cursing the Turks is so ridiculous and random... she just fits. I love it. If you haven't seen this movie, my friend, you're missing out.

Thanks to Kristin's sale shopping skills, we now have a super-comfy chair in our room for your lounging pleasure. Come visit us and sit in it. We like visitors. But not today, because we're up to our faces in homework. Well, Kristin is. I am, too, actually... I'm just in denial about it, which is why I'm blogging. That's Logic 101, Katie-style.

Oh yes, and please be in prayer for me right now... I am trying to figure out whether the Lord wants me to be a part of the missions team going to Uganda this summer. I've never been on a missions trip before, mostly because I've never been 100% sure of my motivations for going. If you could pray that I would earnestly seek God's plan, that I would make His desires my desires, that He would make His will abundantly clear to me, and that my heart would have peace and contentment with whatever that is, I would be so blessed.

I have to make sure that I put myself where He wants me to be, not where I want to be.

Thank you, friends!
Hope you're having a lovely weekend.

It's been quite the busy past few weeks around here, and unfortunately, my blog has suffered for it. Better my blog than my GPA, though, right? In theory, at least. Too bad they might both go down together in this little thing called reality...

But honestly, it's good to be blogging again. It's therapeutic... in a different way than journaling... in this whole sense where I know that at least a few people will see (and some might even care enough to comment on) the words and sentences I string together in this little bit of webspace I call mine. Sweet.

The past few weeks -- months, really -- have been about discoveries, sort of. Discoveries about people and situations and experiences that push me outside of my comfort zone and stretch beyond my former points of reference. And I like it, at least once I recognize it and appreciate it for what it is... an opportunity to rely on Someone higher, put my faith utterly in Him, trust Him completely with the outcome, and grow because of it. And sometimes it's just a really good chance to try something new, challenging, or fun... and risk looking silly... and not let inhibitions stop me from gaining the experience.

Working on the Admissions Call Team (calling prospective students to talk to them about Hillsdale College), co-leading a Bible study, spending time at the nursing home, going to the Charity Ball, performing in a group act for the SAI concert, consulting "the enemy" (kidding, of course) and learning some Scottish Highland dance moves, dueling with duct-tape swords, Irish dancing again (inexplicable release, emotional high, flood of freedom, and pure joy... makes me wonder if I'll ever be able to DO anything with it), and trying out some wonderful new churches instead of settling for one that's within walking distance just because it's "easy to get to and more convenient" are really just the tip of the iceberg.


Ha! Like tonight, with Discovery #637.8 (approx)

Tonight I played Mortal Kombat for the first time EVER in my life at the Mu Alpha House. Besides being one of the most violent, repulsive, and horrendous video games I've ever had the displeasure of witnessing, it is also one of the most physically and emotionally draining to play. Unfortunately for all involved, including myself, it is also rather addictive. Quite addictive, in fact. And I think I almost liked it a bunch of times. Sort of.

At the very least, it really was invigorating.
You should try it.





I'll play you, k?

Speaking to me tonight...

There is an intimate relationship between joy and hope. While optimism makes us live as if someday soon things will go better for us, hope frees us from the need to predict the future and allows us to live in the present, with the deep trust that God will never leave us alone but will fulfill the deepest desires of our heart.

Joy in this perspective is the fruit of hope. When I trust deeply that today God is truly with me and holds me safe in a divine embrace, guiding every one of my steps, I can let go of my anxious need to know how tomorrow will look, or what will happen next month or next year. I can be fully where I am and pay attention to the many signs of God's love within me and around me ~Henri J.M. Nouwen

What a comfort it is to know that before we were born, God made His plan for us ~Corrie ten Boom

Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living ~Jim Elliot

The life of faith is lived one day at a time, and it has to be lived -- not always looked forward to as though the "real" living were around the next corner. It is today for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow ~Elisabeth Elliot

Lord, I give up all my own plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my life, my all utterly to Thee to be Thine forever. Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit. Use me as Thou wilt, send me where Thou wilt, work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever ~Betty Scott Stam

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit ~Romans 15:13






Father, may Your love alone hold the key to my heart's joy and contentment.

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.

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!

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!

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.

My heart hurts for the profound loss to our community which took place today.
The burial service was truly touching. And the turnout really wasn't bad, considering.
Many thanks to all who joined with us in mourning.

R.I.P. Savage, Sept. 2004 - Sept. 2004
Dear tankmate. Dear friend. Dear fish.
"He's not ugly, he's just black!"

Savage is survived by Killer and George Gaylord Churchill III.

Please send donations in lieu of flowers to the Kristin and Katie Mu Alpha House Fish Fund, from which all proceeds will be used to the benefit of the surviving marine life.

Obviously, updating my blog has been a high priority of mine in the past couple of weeks.
Obviously, my blog has been a high priority for others in the past couple of weeks, as well.

Obviously.

However, for those of you who have returned to read about how life is going for me:

1. Do I know you?
2. I like you already.
3. I'll like you even more if you leave a comment.

What can I say? I'm easy to please.

As for life... it's good. Here's a sample of what I'm thinking about tonight:

*The Relay for Life on Saturday was really wonderful. Our SAI team came together nicely after singing the anthem with the men of Mu Alpha. I walked for about 5 hours total, which actually isn't so bad considering we only had 7 official participants on our team to last throughout a 12 hour relay. And our team even won an award for its motto... "Cancer's in Treble Now..." (it's SUPPOSED to be dorky, ok?)

*The SAI Charity Ball ended up being one of the best nights of my life. Unexpected, that's for sure... but thanks to the encouragement of numerous friends and "sisters," the compassionate reassurance of two lovely ladies, and the completely unprecedented involvement and achievement of one Erin Ramsdell, I definitely made it to the ball with a renewed sense of excitement, sparkley earrings, and daisies in my hair. The Charity Ball itself was beautiful, the swing music was great, and everyone looked **stunning**. And I still can't get over how neat it was to have multiple dance partners who took my inexperience in stride and still managed to make me look like I knew what I was doing!

*The Rose Tea today was so pretty. It's late at night, my vocabulary is slowly depleting, and I'm running out of flowery adjectives. But it was really nice, and the tea was delicious. Yum!

*I'm trying to figure out whose idea it was to have the InterVarsity Barn Dance on a PATIO this year, and where I can send in my comments and complaints. Just kidding. But let's be honest here. Patios are for barbecues and such. The word "patio" does not send visions of square dancing and hay bales running through my head. Perhaps I'm being picky. But I think last year's venue was an excellent choice.

*My brother got called up to play for Varsity Soccer last week, played in half of his first Varsity game ever, and after being put in, promptly assisted on a goal to help the team win. I'm a proud sister.

*If you haven't heard yet, I have a goldfish. His full name is George Gaylord Churchill III (or just George -- Jorge, for any Spanish-speaking marine enthusiasts), and he's residing at the Mu Alpha house in a tank with Savage and Killer, my roommate's fish. If you stop by the MA house, you should go and visit our fish. You can tell which one is George because he's orangey-gold and looks normal. Kristin's fish are normal, too, but they don't look it.

*I'm really sleepy now.

Perhaps I'll do some more blogging soon, since my mind is *full* of some new ideas and deeper thoughts and random rants and raves I'd like to express... but for now, I think I'm off to indulge in some much-needed REM cycles. Finally.

Good.night. Friends.

It gnaws at my stomach that I will have to do laundry at some point in the very near future.

A wave of frustration washes over me as I realize that yet another day has gone by and I still have not called to renew my library book from home, which sits un-read and un-renewed on my dresser. I can almost hear the malicious librarians cackling at the thought of their slowly accumulating fortune. Blast.

Language defies me as I try to explain what it's like to get an email requesting guidance and friendly advice from one of my poor freshman mentees who is struggling to find employment while I, his all-knowing mentor, AM STRUGGLING WITH THE SAME DILEMMA FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW. There aren't words.

HOWEVER...

I am elated to report that after a twenty-minute interview with Judson this morning, I was given a position on the new Hillsdale College "Call Team" -- on the spot! Yes, I am bragging... but I am also merely reporting. And besides, this is my blog. And I can do that here.

My roommate and I (re)discovered the joys of kicking the soccer ball, cartwheels, and punching football "dummies" at dusk the other evening after going on a "roomie walk," and now I can't wait to frequent that field again and again -- to PLAY! It was a glorious release of energy and emotion and everything we cannot do in the classroom, and I would recommend it highly to anyone and everyone. If you are thoroughly confused or are inspired and would like someone to come PLAY with you, come talk to me. I think we all need a bit more PLAY and a little less stress in our lives.

And, finally... listen to The Blood of Cu Chulainn off of The Boondock Saints soundtrack. If it doesn't lift your spirits, almost move you to tears, and make you want to tap your toes -- yes, all in the same song -- I would venture to say that there may be something wrong with you.

So. About that laundry.

Sometimes...

Sometimes a Saga dinner can be a completely unrewarding culinary experience. Especially when you mistake sesame seed oil for balsamic vinegar and proceed to douse your entire salad with that most foul-tasting concoction ever produced. But at least it's still fun to people-watch.

Sometimes a hundred little conversations with Jesus throughout the day can make me feel closer to my Savior than one long prayer before I go to bed. He almost starts to feel like one of my best friends. And that's the way it should be; He's my Best Friend.

Sometimes a nap doesn't have to complete an entire REM cycle to be refreshing.

Sometimes dancing around the room with a hairbrush, belting out the latest Dashboard Confessional songs can be a major emotional release. Sometimes I use my waterbottle, and that works, too.

Sometimes you (ok, I) miss class because you're (I'm) kind of an idiot; like if you (I) just forget when the class starts, so you (I) keep talking to a professor outside of Delp and even think to yourself (myself), "wow, this is great -- I might even have time to check my email!"... but really, you (I) end up being 15 minutes late. Then it's really a pain because it's hard to say to your (my) professor, "I'm sorry, I missed your class because I'm kind of an idiot." I'm not sure how you (I) would do that. I hope that never happens to you (me). HA.

Sometimes Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream solves problems. Even the complicated ones... temporarily.

Sometimes some people make me wonder. But I guess maybe I make some people wonder sometimes, too.

I like this year so far. It's full of interesting people and situations and relationships and challenges and laughs and cries and hurts and smiles and friends and fellowship and worship and prayer and Saga meals and lectures and homework and papers and exams and parties and barbecues and movies and girls' nights and music and cosmic bowling and Oakley and Mu Alpha serenades and baking and The Gathering coffee and Catacombs and singing and SAI and study nights in the Snack Bar and long walks and porch monkeying.

And animal crackers. Yum.

So I'm twenty years old.
Yesterday was my birthday.
Sweet.

I'm twenty years old now. As in, I am no longer a teenager. My parents can no longer tell their friends and aquaintences "We have a teenage daughter" and watch in dismay as these uninformed ninnies roll their eyes, "tsk, tsk," and shake their heads in pity, as if they had just been informed of some sort of natural disaster. No more.

I'm twenty years old now. I've completed two decades of my life. And although part of me thrills to the knowledge that no one will make assumptions, unfairly judge, or automatically label me by my "teen" status anymore, another part of me trembles to think that that loathed term -- my safety net, my security blanket, my built-in excuse -- has been taken forever.

So I'm twenty years old.
Sweet.

This is going to take some getting used to.

It's Definitely Time To Go Back...

I want to have a structured -- or at least semi-structured -- schedule.
I want to have a 2 hour long conversation... in the Koon community bathroom.
I want to study while watching "Braveheart," "Finding Nemo," "Memento," "Emma," and other random movies in the lobby.
I want to have roomie pizza nights with Kristin.
I want to use a non-Neolithic computer.
I want to devote an un-tethered amount of time to prayer and devotions.
I want to spend an entire night remembering art history names, dates, and titles based on such non-sensical explanations as "one for each eye!" (love you, Leah)
I want to do cartwheels and round-offs in the quad after midnight and not care about grass stains or dirt in my fingernails.
I want to get back to a place where the word "Oakley" implies a sandwich, not sunglasses.
I want to sip tea and read in the library.
I want to take long walks and take pictures in the Arb with Christy.
I want to waste an hour wandering through WalMart just because it's there.
I want to bake cookies in the Whitley kitchen with Natalie.
I want to laugh with good friends in cozy dorm rooms.
I want to Instant Message with my roommate, as she sits at her desk, five feet from my own.
I want to sing the songs we sing at InterVarsity.
I want to nap in the middle of the day because I was up until 3 in the morning.
I want to *almost* set the fire alarm off using the Koon microwave to make popcorn.
I want to complain daily about the lack of mail I receive.
I want to conveniently forget the fact that there is no one to whom I send it regularly.
I want to pore over J.Crew catalogs with other monetarily-deficient Koonies.
I want to make late-night BK runs.
I want to regret spending money on late-night BK runs.
I want to cut across the KKG lawn.
I want to talk with the men and women at the nursing home and not just hear them -- but really listen.
I want to stand with my tray and look for a table of familiar and friendly faces.
I want to listen to Sarah McLachlan, Savage Garden, Michelle Branch, Jars of Clay, Evanescence, New Found Glory, David Crowder Band, Enya, Goo Goo Dolls, Josh Groban, and all the other ridiculously random cds in my collection.
I want to stay up until all hours with "writers' block" until every last word is written.
I want to dance in the rain with my shoes off.
I want to come perilously close to being late for class.
I want to paint my toe nails and read Alexander Pope at the same time.
I want to throw an all-night study session, cram instead of sleep, and ace an exam because of it.
I want to reach out to new friends while still holding old ones dear.
I want to post a blog from my dorm room.
I want to watch/assist friends in sneaking tea bags out of the dining hall. Sugar packets, too.
I want to sit on the benches around the quad and pretend to do homework.
I want to walk to the baseball fields at night and look up at the stars.
I want to discuss (and occasionally analyze) current events at the end of the day.
I want to drink coffee at The Gathering.
I want to dance on the stage in Markel with no one there and all but one light out.
I want to write -- sometimes for hours -- in my journal.
I want to brush my teeth, shower, study, and sleep with dear friends just steps away.

I'm ready to get back on campus.
I just know God's got some big plans for this year, and I'm ready to face new people, new emotions, and new situations by His grace.

May this year be filled with faith, obedience, and contentment.

August 01, 2004
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish my beloved roommate a very happy 21st birthday... Happy Birthday, Kristin!

Miss you, doll. Talk to you soon.
*love, hugs, and sprinkles*

fancy shmancy...
 
This is kinda cool. That I can make all these spiffy embellishments, I mean. Who needs a plain old boring blog when you can blog in style?
 
Or at least in color.
 
Whatever. I guess I'm not that impressed. And I'm certainly not compelled to apply a new font and/or color to every paragraph I type. That would just be a pain. In short, I suppose my blog will remain virtually the same, despite all the added options. Pity.
 
Ok, so... life. The abridged version.
 
*A tan would be nice. Really nice.
 
*Work is good. Days off are better. Paychecks are best.
 
*King Arthur, to be honest, was disappointing. The frozen-lake battle scene was impressive, but not worth the price of admission. However, if one happens to be of the male variety, the movie does boast incentives (blood, fire, weapons, body paint, and Keira Knightley) that might make a new hole in one's wallet a bit more bearable.
 
*Szechuan Empire (new Chinese place nearby) is super yummy. And I've discovered that although Hot and Sour Soup holds no appeal for me whatsoever, I'm a big fan of Won-Ton Soup.
 
*My friend's mother is recovering beautifully from surgery -- praise God.
 
*Re-connecting mid-summer with Hillsdale voices is a lovely thing... I only wish that more of my dear friends were reachable.
 
Well, there's more to say but no time to say it.
For now... Banana Boat, I will not give in to the temptation of the bottle. I spurn your fake-tan-orangey-ness.
HA.
 

I'm not really in a very good mood, and I'm not sure I feel like doing the blogging thing.

Spider-man 2 is sweet, though.
And Stratford was super-mondo fun.

Hmmmph. Now I'm sure.

Nope, I definitely don't want to blog now.

My twenty-two year old cousin, Drew, has been in Iraq since January. He wasn't here to celebrate his wife's birthday with her. He was overseas when Clayton, their first child, had his fourth birthday party. He was away when Carter, their other little boy, turned one and had his first piece of birthday cake. And, as it is with so many daddys in the armed forces, his family assured him of their love and appreciation by phone on Father's Day.

But Drew, who just got word last week that he did receive a scholarship from the army and will be going into the fall semester at Western as a sophomore, is on his way home.

From Iraq to Germany to Maine, Drew is finally back in the States. Soon he'll be in Fort Hood, Texas, where his wife is waiting expectantly for him. And by this time next week, God-willing, he'll be back here in Michigan surrounded by his loving wife, his precious children, and the rest of his absolutely thrilled family.

Praise our glorious King for His matchless mercy and unfailing provision!

He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones ~Proverbs 2:7-8

Interestingly Enough...

*Ownership and maintenence of a bonzai tree is NOT all it's cracked up to be... AKA, I have a feeling that were it physically capable of doing so, mine would have legally emancipated itself from me and walked out on this sub-par botanical enthusiast weeks ago. I've forced the poor thing to go thirsty (unintentionally) numerous times, and at this point I'm forced to admit that perhaps foliage just isn't my forte. Shame.

*I read today in our store's little informative update-type newsletter that one of our sales associates somewhere in Tennessee recentely fixed up an order for a Betty Reese Witherspoon, mother of actress Reese, who asked her mom to tell our store and all its employees how much both women love shopping at our store in Nashville. Although I've been employed there for less than a month, I'm flattered and almost giddy over the idea of it in quite a superficial, idolotrous way. And I wonder if that counts as some sort of six degrees of seperation or something. Just kidding.

*I'm trying to decide at what point I must give up my pursuit of the beautiful summer suntan I've desired and, instead, resign myself to the idea of a more Nicole Kidman-inspired look. (Read: It's cold here, there's no sun, my ghostly, almost-translucent skin is beginning to testify to my Irish/Polish heritage while staunchly denying any Greek descent, and I'm losing any and all hope of improving the shade of my melanin-impaired skin.) Input requested. Encouragement appreciated.

Later, kids.

Goodness.
Dear faithful readers: I am truly sorry for allowing my extreme shallow enjoyment of a game like basketball to get in the way of my normal blogging patterns. Don't be fooled, I DO realize it's just a game, thank you. But it's a nice diversion from the stressful reality of two new jobs, recurring migraines, having to finish a class left "incomplete" from last year, impaired eyesight, and family issues, as I'm sure most of you can appreciate to some degree or another.
Anyway...
Apparently I've been devoting too much effort to expressing my Pistons-inspired enthusiasm. Now, at the request of a couple of dear friends, I'll proceed in the coming posts to enlighten you all as to how I'm "really" doing. No more Lakers trash talk, no more NBA chatter, no more scoring predictions, no more Finals fever, and no more Pistons fanatacism.
I promise.

So, as for me, I'm well. Holding up, anyway. I still have not been able to schedule an appointment with my eye doctor to get a new lens prescription for my glasses, so the sight out of my right eye remains impaired. Unfortunately, I won't be able to be evaluated until my pupil can completely constrict, but the doctor says it always takes longer for light colored eyes to recover from being kept dilated. This is frustrating because it is still hard to go out in sunlight for too long and I've been getting headaches virtually daily because of working and just normal functioning with bad vision. Now that I've spent an entire paragraph complaining, I think I'll stop and move on to something else. HA.
*I bet you're glad I stopped blogging about the Pistons for THIS*

A few random facts I've discovered to be true in the past few days:

*It is uber disappointing to call one of your best friends to wish her a happy birthday only to discover that you were off by three days... ESPECIALLY when you were also responsible for giving the incorrect information to at least two of her other girlfriends. Thank the Lord for creating a characteristic like graciousness.

*When working in retail and putting on a large semi-annual sale, there is absolutely no point in trying to promptly re-stock merchendise everytime it seems to dwindle, clearing out fitting rooms, neatly folding clothing, or avoiding a mess behind the counter. Simply paste on a friendly, if somewhat plastic, smile, ignore the burning blisters rubbing into your stylish black sandals, keep the store's image pristine by folding the top two shirts of each pile, dismiss the deplorable conditions of the fitting rooms, smooth back your hair, wipe the sweat from your brow, take a deep breath, and ask in your most sugary-sweet -- I mean, polite -- voice, "would you like your receipt with you, or in the bag?"

*Mosquitoes are evil things, and although temporary relief may be found in the form of Benadryl spray, that in no way redeems the agony and suffering inflicted by those tiny, bloodthirsty creatures. And welts really are so unsightly.

*There are a few scents at Bath & Body Works that I absolutely cannot abide. I really don't know if it's wrong to say, since I work there and all, but it is in my own personal (and perhaps, professional) opinion, that anything and everything "Cucumber Melon" positively smells like sin. "Warm Vanilla Sugar" is detestable as well.

*Sleep is a good thing... a good thing I need a bit more of right about now.

Hope that satisfied any readers who may have felt deprived over the past few posts. Never fear, I shall return soon bearing more insight and Katie-speak, but for now, my pillow impresses me as my most appealing option. Off I go. G'night all.