It's the Most Miserable Time of the Year...

Sooooo....Dead Week sucks. I've been exhausted, I have a headache, and I'm stressed. I don't have a lot of school work to do, which is nice, but I've just had a lot of other stuff going on that distracts me from the work I need to do.

Monday my car was towed, and that was bad enough. Once I got to the towing place, they revealed that my car was damaged. I'm pretty sure that it wasn't me, even though they blamed me. In fact, I'm very very sure it wasn't me. So now it's either I try to fight it and get compensation, or I spend money fixing my car on top of the ridiculous towing fee. Money that I don't have. Money that I needed for Christmas presents.

So now I am stuck gathering evidence and going through a process that I don't want to go through. This on top of the bit of school work I have left to do for the semester. Needless to say, I'm stressed, miserable, and tired. And unable to go anywhere with my car out of commission.

Where's the joy?

Inconceivable!

The idiocy of people never ceases to amaze me.

The Birds and the Bees

I was watching Tyra today (ugh....daytime television is definitely lacking in quality. Why can't I just turn off the tv??). She had an interesting show, however. She had around 10 teenagers and their parents on to talk about sex. These young'ens all had sex at an incredibly young age. One girl was in 5th grade! According to my calculations, that means she was like 10 or 11 years old. Oh my. Her mom couldn't believe it! I was appalled too. The students had all sat down earlier and talked about issues with sex, as well as if their parents had talked to them, knew they had sex, or if they wanted to talk to their parents about sex. Most of them said their parents knew they had sex, but all of them said they wished they could talk to their parents about it. The parents responded with shock that their teenagers wanted to talk to them about sex, as well as shocked that they did not know much about sex (especially STDs). When talking about STDs, the students knew virtually NOTHING about them and how to contract them.

HELLOOOOOOO parents!!!! Who's going to talk about sex with your kids if you don't? Who do you WANT talking about sex with your kids if you don't? Do you expect schools to do this? Let me tell you from experience, they won't get all of the facts from most schools. Plus, students don't listen anyway. Do you want their friends telling them about sex? This isn't the most reliable source for your kids to get information. Do you want a boy/girl pressuring your kids to have sex and THAT'S how they learn? Parents, talk to your kids! Seeing this kind of show and hearing how parents are neglecting to talk with their kids about facts of life makes me cry! And we wonder why we have so many young boys and girls with STDs, young pregnancies, etc. etc.

So, I actually learned a lesson from Tyra today. Parents: talk to your kids.

I was intrigued by the show until they got to a portion where Tyra and a sex-ed professor started role playing as a father/daughter talking about what sex is. Theeeeen I had to change the channel. TMI, Tyra. TMI.

Patience

"I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end."
—Margaret Thatcher

I have realized lately that I have been too impatient with life. I am constantly thinking and worrying about the future. I guess senior year of college makes you do that because I have talked to many other peers who are having the same issues. Scenarios run through my head constantly:

"Okay, so if I go to China and teach right away for two years, what's going to happen to my teaching license? If I stay and teach for two years until I get my full license, and then I go to China and teach for two years, that's a large chunk of my 20s gone. Do I really want to go teach overseas for two years? I have so many ideas for teaching right now, shouldn't I stay and teach here while my ideas are fresh?....."

On and on and on. Riding the bus, working, sitting in class. Scenarios go through my mind constantly. And that's just one of the things I'm contemplating. I'm also anxious for other unmentionable happenings in my life that I shouldn't be worrying about yet. So basically, I need to have patience. I need to just enjoy my time right now. Enjoy my friends. Enjoy my family. Enjoy this season of life that I can never get back, and not worry about the near or far future. That will eventually take care of itself. *Sigh* I feel better.

No Ordinary Driver

I wait impatiently at the bus stop. Where is the stupid bus? It was supposed to be here at 9:31! It's 9:36....grrrrrrrrr. I had looked up the bus schedule earlier, so I would know when it was to be at Kildee, so I could get home after class and relax. You see, my bike, my way of transport, my love, is broken. My tire got a hole in it after class last week, and it has not been fixed as of yet. So I am forced to take the dependable Cyride bus system. Cyride is good, don't get me wrong, but my bus is less frequent, and it takes about twice as long as a bike ride, so I would prefer to not wait hours for a way home. But this morning, I wait at the bust stop. I wait, and wait, and get more and more frustrated. I text Chaz my frustration at my late bus. I watch person after person board their buses and take off, but still not Blue 3.

Finally, at 9:41, my bus ambles up to Kildee and comes to a screeching halt. I board the bus, and at this point, the bus drivers change stations. Up the steps comes this smiling, bespectacled, older woman. However, this morning she is attired in a white wig, skull police cap, and skeleton gloves along with her Cyride coat and pants. This, I think, is no ordinary bus driver. As the bus takes off and heads home, I still am grumbling in my head. Man, I could've been home half an hour ago. Each screeching halt makes me more and more impatient for home. The bus driver, however, is sweet. She wishes everyone "Have a good day!" in a bright voice as they get off the bus. Most ignore her. I just continue to pout. At one stop, however, a woman on the street peaks into our bus, and tells our bus driver, "Lookin' good!" The driver replies, "Yup! From biker to bones!" It's at this point that I smile and realize what a jerk I'm being. This is a driver who has fun with her job. No matter the mood of others, she is true to her self and tries to cheer everyone. I am thankful for this woman.

As I approach my stop, I pull the chord, the bus stops, and I start to head down the steps. She tells me, "Have a great day!" And I reply, "Thank you very much. You have a wonderful day."

I Wanna Dance With Somebody...

I spent a morning last week watching television and doing Engl 420 homework. While watching a completely worthwhile show on fox (HAH!), there was a sitcom episode on about dancing at weddings. It was funny and entertaining, but the end particularly caught my eye. The large husband started dancing with his skinny, beautiful wife, revealing to her that he actually was a good dancer. He spun her around the room, seducing her with his fluid dancing movements. I was jealous. I want that. As a woman, I have no idea what the appeal is, but there is something sexy about dancing with a man. I don't mean grinding, dancing to hiphop, anything like that. I mean, dancing to old, big-band slow music, or a slow jazz, or some of that other good, old-timey music. Gliding as one body across a room, being only aware of each other and no one else. I don't know why, but I found that part of the show just, well, sexy. And it made the big, bumbling husband seem incredibly attractive and desirable.

What I'm saying is, I'd like to know how to dance like that. Not that I'm giving suggestions to anyone or anything, but it'd be nice.

Rocky Mountain High

Once again...I love road trips.

We drove 16 hours to Durango, CO Thursday night, and arrived at our hotel at 5:30 am their time. Then we got up for a 10:30 am wedding on Friday. I was completely paranoid driving through the mountains because I was exhausted, the road was curvy, and there were numerous signs warning of deer, moose, and mountain sheep. Not to mention the various blood stains and skid marks on the road from unfortunate animals. Oh my.

The wedding was gorgeous. Pale yellow leaves and brown grassy fields leading up to the majestic Rocky Mountains provided a beautiful backdrop for the wedding. The bride was gorgeous in her white gown with a white, 3/4 sleeve dress jacket overtop (for lack of better words). The men all were dashing in brown vests and vans. It was fantastic to meet a lot of Chaz's friends that have moved from Iowa to the wilderness of the West. It was even more fantastic to get to spend with weekend with Titus and Jolene. They are absolutely delightful.

After the wedding, we headed back to Denver to spend the night and spend the rest of the weekend with Titus and Jolene. That took off a large chunk of our driving for Sunday, which was really nice. Denver was fantastic...I really like that city. We were able to hike in the mountains at Red Rocks State Park, and then head to downtown for the evening to check out what the city had to offer. The perfect combination of outdoors and culture. We found an amazing little locally-owned café where we sat and had some Fat Tires...mmmmmm. This made me seriously think about moving to Denver. It would be a good place to have life adventures (after China, of course...which Jolene and Titus are going to come with us for...haha!).

Sunday brought a surprise. We had just been hiking in 80 degree weather the day before, but upon awakening at 9 on Sunday, we found a completely white world awaiting us, and more huge, wet flakes coming down. The drive home provided us opportunity for singing, dancing, faking paralysis, arguing, and seeing dads that haven't been seen in too long (Chaz got to see his dad in Omaha).

I love the mountains.

Wakelessness

Wakelessness. This is my word for the period when you are between sleep and being awake. The fog you feel after staying up until 1 in the morning doing laundry, and awaking for class at 6:30 in the morning, after a pumpkin spice latté, and walking into class to sit in your seat. The weird point in the day when you're aware of what is going on around you, but you still feel as if you're in bed and need sleep.

I was definitely in wakelessness this morning. It was so surreal because I was definitely tired, but I had sucked down that pumpkin spice latté so I was also awake from the caffeine. The result? I was antsy. Antsy in a way that I haven't been for a long time. I could not concentrate in class, and time was moving slower than it ever has in the history of time. Check out my notes from class....all doodles. Mostly attributed to antsiness. So yes, wakelessness=misery for morning classes.

On another note...I'm off to CO!!

Road Trippin' Once Again

I can't wait. Chaz, Josh, and I are headed to Colorado this weekend. That's right! Who goes to Colorado for the weekend? I do. I have so much to do before we leave, but the trip is in sight. We leave Thursday. Ah! I love it!

I love the anticipation of a road trip. Getting everything done and preparing to leave. Making sure you have everything you will possibly need in any situation on the trip. Awaiting the long stretch of road, uncomfortable sleep, hours of music, laughter, and stories. There is nothing like it. There is nothing like the chance to escape reality for a weekend, leave worries and life standing still, and drive away to lands unknown and unexplored. A blank space in the map waiting for you to fill it with memories and stories...which I will inevitably come back with.

While I'm so excited for this road trip, the best road trips are with girlfriends (which will be lacking until I get to Colorado). Oh my: Scorty on the hill, East Dubuque debauchery, Scorty roadtrips period, Tourist Trap Tour of Iowa, To Hell and Back, C-stone, various trips to Ames/home/CF/D-port/etc.etc....Good memories.

I hold dear memories of hundreds of road trips, and I look forward to the memories from this roadtrip as well. Colorado...here I come!

Giving In

It's indescribable.

The way how I know for certain that this is the way God meant for a relationship to look. To work. To breathe. To function as an organism. The way He wants me to be cared for. I will never settle for less than this because this is what I know God wants for me. What I don't deserve, but He says I do anyway. I can feel it everyday. In the way he wants to provide for me. In the way he listens to my pointless stories, and actually says he cares about them. And I can tell that he does. In the way he never complains when I talk too much, when I know I'm talking too much.

It's not perfect, but I know this is right. We fight, yes. We argue. We're stubborn, and we miscommunicate. But then we reconcile. We talk through issues and speak our needs. Knowing that we need to hash them out before they take root in our selves and our relationship.

I'm probably the most stubborn of the two of us. I so love to hold on to the hurt and pain I've experienced in the past. To grasp hold of the anger and bitterness and harbor it in my body to fester, silently letting it eat me up until I'm mute and emotionless. But he doesn't let me. He comes after me, never forcing, but always willing. Pursuing me in a way that I can't resist. Gently and silently persuading me to give up my urge to deal with things myself (when I know I never will), the way Jesus pursues me daily to give up my sins and my issues.

It's hard. It's hard to be honest and it hurts. To have to tell someone what is wrong and what is hurting you. To let them know that they've done something to cause this pain. The initial yelling and the silent treatment are easy. They're just buffers I know I put up to avoid dealing with the real issues. I expect him to give up and let me be mad until my silence passes and then the issues blow over. But that never happens. He waits, yes, but then he wants to talk. He comes to me when I'm not ready to unmask the wound, but he waits anyway. And after my initial blunderings and excuses, I eventually give up my burden. And he accepts it. And he truly listens. Will things change immediately? Probably not. I can't see anytime soon that he'll stop falling asleep every moment he can. BUT he listens, and I know he cares and desires to change. And as we hash out problems, I realize that I need to change too. And this means everything.

Is he perfect? Not a chance. But am I? Not even close. But there is one who is perfect, and He's the one who holds us together. He makes up for the imperfections in the both of us, and no matter what road our relationship takes us on, He will be the one guiding us. He'll be the one gently persuading the both of us to give in more to each other and to Him.

Provisions

How is it that God always knows just what we need and He often provides it when we least expect it?

Today, for example. I worked at ITEC. Got 5 hours of sleep. Woke up at 5 am, and worked until 7:30. God provided energy for my entire day. Don't know how I made it through, but I did.

Driving to Des Moines. Rain. Scary. God provided safety for our drive.

Money short for the day. My mom was here. God provided her joy and company...and she bought me supper.

Cold room to sleep in (I'm staying in the creepy vendor booths). Didn't bring socks or a sweatshirt. God provided a vendor booth giving away socks (not even kidding), and extra blankets given to us by the Marriott.

How sweet is that?

Oh yes, and I saw Steve Wozniak speak twice today. If you don't know who that is...you should.

For my Intelligence

Last night, Chaz, Katie B, Renee, Tommy, Matt and I went to a high school homecoming game. It's fun to go to the high school events since Chaz is a teacher now. It's also fun to make fun of him about all of the high school girls being in love with him. Which is true. Then, it's fun to hear them ask if I'm his girlfriend, and have him respond with a resounding yes and a smile.

Going to the restroom last night, I walked into the bathroom and stood against the wall, waiting for a stall to open (since it always takes forever in girls' bathrooms. Well, there were two cute, high school girls standing by the mirror. One primping, one waiting for the primper. The non-primper whispered to the primper, "That's Mr. Engelkes' girlfriend." The primper responded with, "Where?" Then the non-primper proceeded to non-chalantly nod my direction. I smiled to myself, knowing full-well that these girls are checking me out. The primper turns around (completely obviously) to look at me. I merely ignore their game and continue to wait for the restroom, chuckling to myself and thinking about how I'm going to tell everyone about this. The primper gets finished and the two girls left the bathroom. Right outside the door, however (well-within earshot), the primper turns to the non-primper and says, "He must like her for her intelligence."

WHAT?!? I mean, I know I'm not this knockout, complete babe or anything, but I didn't think I was bad enough to get the, "He must like her for her intelligence," comment. Even from high schoolers. Now, no worries, people, I didn't take this to heart or anything. I'm not going to let my self-esteem be determined by some jealous high schoolers with a thing for their teacher. I actually think it is quite funny. This is what I have to look forward to in teaching. And I had forgotten what high school was like.

Oh high school.

Cop Show Addiction

I'm addicted to cop/law shows:

CSI, CSI: New York, CSI: Miami, Without a Trace, Shark, 48 Hours Mystery, Law & Order, Law & Order SVU...And right now, I'm watching Matlock. Oh Andy Griffith.

Even if the show is of poor quality, I can't help it. I get hooked. And once a cop show starts, and I start watching it, don't even try to talk to me. I'm hooked trying to find out what is going on. I need help with this terrible addiction.

The solution: Turn the TV OFF!! (but i'm having trouble...HELP!)

A year of memories

A year ago, September 19.
You and I embarked on a grand adventure.
What has resulted?
A year of memories.

You helped me to remember those memories on our "special day." I came home to a string of memories captured in pictures and words across my room...

fireworks at the State Fair

Kate and Chazland

2 a.m. at the bridge

sunset at Ada Hayden

wedding dances

bike rides (and doubles biking)

late nights at Stomping Grounds

road trips

adventures in Rwanda

Many more memories to come. Maybe we'll move to Carolina, own a cute cottage, and travel up and down the coast, having adventures everywhere we go. Maybe we'll travel to distant lands, teaching and loving people. Maybe we'll live in the Iowa countryside and co-teach English. Whatever we do, all I know is that I'm thankful it'll be with you.

The Art of Being a Woman

This one is probably not for the fellas, but eh, we have to learn to laugh at ourselves, right? So I'm going to share this story anyway...

I sit down at a table today, ready to start another wonderful class in the world of Hagge and History of the English Language. I plunk my bag on my lap to gather my materials to enhance my learning, and all of a sudden, my wallet starts to fall out of one of the font pockets. I catch it and say, "Ope...that would have been unfortunate, haha." Chuckling to myself (and to the stares of people around me), I get my book, notebook, folder, and pen out, hang my bag on the back of my chair, and begin class.

Well, I begin to while away my time in class. I'm fidgeting, I'm shuffling my feet, and all of a sudden, I step on something. I check under the table to be sure I didn't step on my friend's foot, and I see, there, laying on the ground, packaged neatly in white and yellow wrapping....A TAMPON! Yes, I had dropped a tampon on my classroom floor when my wallet almost fell out of my bag. I try and play it cool, but my heart is beating rapidly in my chest. I can't believe this is happening. Play it cool. No one's noticed. Just keep this up for the rest of class...oh no! There's still an hour left of class! Oh please, God, don't let anyone see it! Wait, there's nothing to implicate me. No worries. They'll think it was someone else's...yeah....someone else's.....Still, all I can imagine is that KATE'S TAMPON is scrawled in giant, black permanent marker on the tampon, or that THAT'S MY TAMPON ON THE FLOOR is scrawled on my forehead for all to see and gawk at. Oh my...miserable.

I barely managed to survive class without looking at it (I did check around to see if anyone was staring a few times). Then, I forced myself to ignore the feminine hygiene product lying on the floor as I left, and left my mark laying on the ground for the next class to deal with...I wonder what happened to it....

Hope that story made you laugh...how embarrassing, eh? That kind of stuff always happens to me when I'm having one of those "bad days." Ugh. Oh the art of being a woman...

Diligently Working

Yes, I'm diligently working. Diligently getting my schoolwork done. Diligently doing my reading. Diligently writing my responses. Diligently working on my online courses. Diligently getting everything done.

....And diligently procrastinating. I'm diligently working, just not until right before things are due....

Oh the inhumanity!

More Rwandaness

Check it everyone:

http://www.dewittobserver.com/

Click on the article to read the full thing.....oh wait, I'll just post it here. But still, go there to see the pics.

9/5/2007

Trip to Rwanda instills students with sense of spirituality, hope

By Kate Howes
Staff writer

When three area college students decided to help citizens of an impoverished, third-world country, they never expected to get so much in return.

Their mission began at the suggestion of University of Northern Iowa (UNI) student Nancy Umuhire, who originally is from Rwanda in east central Africa and has not been back to her homeland in three years.

Nancy often had spoken of her dream of returning home and taking other college students with her in an effort to help the residents of Rwanda.

When fellow UNI student Kelly Keegan of DeWitt and her good friend, Iowa State University student Kate Schmidt of Delmar, heard about the idea they wondered what was keeping Nancy's dream from becoming a reality.

"We said, 'Well, let's go to Rwanda,'" Kate recalled. "Nancy asked if we were sure and we said, 'Absolutely, let's go.'"

Over the course of the next year, a group of 13 students from various area colleges volunteered to go, including Kate's younger brother and fellow Iowa State University student, Ben.

The group worked diligently and was able to raise over $30,000 to cover expenses for their trip.

"It was amazing," Kate shared. "Just to have so much affirmation from people. We had a lot of people telling us, 'It's so great you're doing this.' We just thought it was great that we could be doing it."

So, in mid-July, the group traveled to Rwanda where they would stay for two weeks, helping to build a new home for three orphan siblings, ages 15, 20 and 22.

In hopes of being taken off the third-world country list, Rwanda has launched "Vision 20/20," a plan designed to help move poor people out of the capital city of Kigali and into their own homes.

The orphans' new home was part of that effort.

Although their main objective was to build the house, Kelly, Kate and Ben came away from the experience utterly amazed by the progress the people of Rwanda have made since the 1994 genocide and truly inspired by the sense of unity and hope which binds them together.

Welcomed to the family

Members of the group lived with different host families during their stay in Rwanda, all of whom warmly welcomed the students with open arms.

Kelly and Kate stayed with a mother and her four daughters, while Ben stayed with the Mubiligi family whose son, Eugene, is a student at Iowa Wesleyan in Mount Pleasant.

"The hospitality they showed us was amazing," Kate related. "They let us invade their homes, fed us, did Bible study with us. We felt such a connection with them."

In addition to helping build a new house in a small village just outside of Kigali, the students were able to take in a lot of the city's historic sights and culture.

Some of the stops on their itinerary included the famous Hotel Rwanda and Kigali's Genocide Memorial Center, which pays tribute to the nearly 800,000 people brutally murdered in 100 days by way of machetes and guns during the genocide.

"That was really heart-wrenching to see," Ben shared. "They had a children's section where you could see pictures of kids who died, learn how they died . . . that was really intense."

They also visited two orphanages, including the first such facility to open after the genocide. The orphanage is home to 180 children, with whom Kelly, Kate and Ben played games, teaching them American classics such as "Red Rover" and "Duck, Duck, Goose."

"Meeting the children was a great experience," Kelly shared. "We taught them games, they taught us games, we sang songs . . . the relationship we were able to build with the people in the village and the children was awesome."

"The kids all just seemed really happy," Ben noted. "We gave them bubbles to blow and they loved those. We also gave them a football, bags of school supplies, stuffed animals and candy."

The students made a positive impression on the older members of the village as well.

To build the new three-bedroom house, the college students worked with a crew of construction workers whose tools consisted of only shovels, pic axes, a wheelbarrow and hammers.

Ben made an instant connection with the workers, talking to them for hours at a time and not letting the language barrier stand in the way.

"We didn't speak the same language, but we were still able to communicate," he explained. "They wanted to learn English. I hated to say good-bye to them. They wondered when we were coming back . . . we told them, 'Hopefully soon.'"



A lesson in forgiveness

Many of the students who visited Rwanda, including Kelly, Kate and Ben, would like to return someday.

Known as the "Land of 1,000 Hills," the group found themselves fascinated by Rwanda's picturesque landscape.

Yet, more than the country's unexpected beauty, the students truly were amazed by the friendly and compassionate nature of the people.

Although it was just 13 years ago when over half a million people were brutally murdered - neighbors killing neighbors - the country has made tremendous progress and has gone on to become the most stable country in Africa.

Knowing how far the citizens of Rwanda have come and how much forgiveness they have shown one another has forever changed the way Kelly, Kate and Ben will look at the world.

Although they completed their mission of building a new home, the students believe they came away with far more than they gave.

"There's a huge need there, but they've made huge steps," Ben related. "It really was a spiritual thing for me. It helped me to see how God can do so many great things. There's so much hope there. The people all are trying to make things better - they're really united in what they're doing. They all work so hard together . . . together, they can do anything."

"Being there really expanded my world view," Kate shared. "The way they've forgiven each other has helped me realize I need to show more forgiveness and to be thankful for what I have. I'm going to try to be more giving and thankful for my family . . . after all, it's something so precious."

"It was really inspiring to be there and see how much those people have come together," Kelly noted. "They're setting a great example to other countries in Africa. It gives a person a lot of hope to see that. It definitely changed me. The poverty you see there; you can't see it and not want to do something about it. It makes me realize how truly blessed we are in America."

A night for amazements...

I witnessed an amazing experience tonight.
Steve and Chaz had recently both gotten the new Tegan and Sara cd, so Steve started listening to it, and then Chaz did as well. Then they spent minutes trying to get the songs to play simultaneously on their computers. They'd try and miss, and then try and miss again. And again. And again. Then, finally, they got the song playing in a seemingly sound-system harmony across the room. Such victory, screams, and fist pumping I haven't seen since the World Cup. Wo-ow.

I also had my first experience Skyping in "Skype Me" mode tonight.
After being propositioned for sex three times (after which I promptly blocked the creeps), I talked to a guy from New Jersey, Italy, Yemen, and a woman from Malaysia. How amazing that we have the world at our fingertips to communicate and share cultures. And just to have fun chatting.

rain, rain, go away

It rained today...again. For about the twentieth day in a row. I knew it was probably going to rain because, let's face it, rain has been predicted for the past two weeks. However, this morning as I was contemplating whether or not to bring my blue rain jacket with the sweet, gray-striped sleeves, I opted not to take it. After all, I only had class until 9:15. If it was raining later, I could always bring my rain jacket to my afternoon class.

At precisely 9:15, as class was letting out, rain started pelting from the sky. dang.

Fortunately, there was an umbrella in the lost and found in the CTLT, so I borrowed that and biked my merry way home looking much like Mary Poppins but riding a bike instead of floating down from the heavens.

Then, after work tonight (after bringing my rain jacket with me to avoid the same mistake as earlier), I began to bike in the cool, calm night air. About halfway home, once again, rain began to soak me. I stopped my bike, whipped on my rain jacket, and biked the rest of the way home, joyfully biking through puddles and lightly splattering my ankles, happy to be mostly dry.

While I was fortunate to have my rain jacket tonight, I do not wish to continue to lug it around with me everywhere. So please, rain, go away and stop bringing humidity to frizz my hair to bits.

Culturality

I love hearing about other countries...and I love sharing my stories as well. Not that I have a whole lot. I have yet to travel the world, but China and Rwanda are exciting conquests. One of the things I love to hear are stories about cultural faux pas people have made.

My co-worker Matt told me stories from Australia today. The best one was when he and some fellow Americans were sitting around the supper table and one of them mentioned, "I'm stuffed." Immediately the small children of the family clapped their hands over their ears, and the family went silent. The parents merely responded, "So, um, that's how you say it?" Then Matt and his friends were explained that "I'm stuffed" means a certain four-letter-word in English. Matt and his fellow countryment then assured them that they actually meant they were full and the meal was delicious.

Delightful! What a wonderful world we live in where we are able to experience awkwardness with other cultures that are so different from our very own. I love it!

I wish we all experienced culturality more often.

Oh glory of glories!

Second day of class....yessssssssssssssssssss.

I don't have a really big class load, which is sweet. However, the classes I do have will probably be a substantial amount of work. I'm winding down in credits to take, which is really exciting. 13 credits this semester, 15 next semester, and then student teaching.

But the most amazing, wonderful, fantabulous news is that I have class, yet again, from the fantastic Uncle John Jack. Oh yes, my friends. I am delighted to hear more jokes, laughter, and puns from this jolly human being. Unfortunately, I am unable to describe such a man. As Melanie said to me today, "John Jack is more of an experience." And it's true. All I can say is, I am filled with immeasurable joy at the prospect of his class this semester. And what makes it even better is the fact that the class is full of amazing people I have had the pleasure of being in other classes with. Oh my...it will be gloooorious!

zombies, vampires, and schoolness

I'm a zombie.
Kim's a vampire.

Well, not really, but sometimes we wish we were. But then again, not, because we get scared (well, I do anyway).

I watched "Shaun of the Dead" the other week, and I loved it. It was hilarious, scary, and sad all at the same time....which is a weird set of emotions to experience all at once. Ever since then I've been on a zombie kick. I've researched zombies and dreamed zombies...scaring myself. Kim and I watched "28 Days Later" the other night...and then I slept with her. I was too afraid that one of the infected would burst through my window and bite me. It was a good thing I slept with her too, booming thunder had us scared silly in the wee morning hours.

Likewise, Kim is obsessed with vampires. She read the first book in the Twilight series, and now she's on a vampire kick. Mostly because they're sexy. So last night Kim, Kenz, Sarah, and I watched "Interview with a Vampire." Sexy.

Basically, Kim and I are in a disturbing love affair with the undead. And we're going to have an undead party...which will be sweet.

On another note....school starts today. I only have one class today, which will be awesome. Chaz started school last week, which is way exciting. His classroom looks great, his students are sweet, and I think he's going to have a lot of fun. I'm so excited for him (as well as the prospect of helping him)! Hooray!

"As Mr. Sloan always says, there is no "I" in team, but there is an "I" in pie. And there's an "I" in meat pie. Anagram of meat is team... I don't know what he was talking about."

And I'm off...

We're leaving for Rwanda tomorrow. I can't believe it. I still have to pack, finish thank-yous, and TRY to get some sleep. EEK! I know that I'll constantly feel like I forgot something, but oh well, there will be nothing I can do about it come tomorrow morning.

I've been pretty cranky today, so I really pray that I get that out of my system before we go. urgh. On the plus side, I absolutely cannot WAIT to go on another grand adventure with Kel! And this time, my bro, Chaz, Steven, Kim, Katie Kula, Nancy, and many more fun, amazing people are going to be there too! Ahhh. So delightful! This will definitely be a learning and growing experience.

Well, I must go and pack now. If anyone reads this and hasn't yet checked out our Rwanda trip blog, I have a link to it on the side. Check it out! We'll (Steven and I) try to update it as much as possible.

Love to all!

Family Extravaganza

I love my family.

They're crazy, fun, and even though we don't always say it, we love each other. I felt that this weekend. Possibly one of the first times that I truly realized how much our family loves each other. It was my cousin, Matt's, wedding. He was the cousin who could really bridge the age gap. Even though my bros and I were so much younger than the rest of them, he could bring us all together. He would always include everyone in hanging out at family get-togethers. Even me who felt I had nowhere to fit in. Matt has a way of making everyone feel like he really cares about you and wants to know all about what you're doing and how you're doing. Everyone feels that way about Matt.

So his wedding was a true celebration. We had a party with an amazing Irish band (yay for Irish pride!) on Friday, wedding and sweet, sweet reception Saturday, and an open house with Mass on Sunday at my aunt and uncle's house. It was just a huge, Landers party. I danced and laughed the night away with my cousins and spouses/girlfriends on Saturday, and then was overwhelmed by the generosity of family on Sunday. What a beautiful weekend.

I am overwhelmed by the love and blessing of MY family.

What makes ME come alive?

He asked me what made me come alive. Whew. What a question, and not an everyday question either. It's a question I should probably know the answer to. But I don't. I mean, yes, Jesus makes me come alive. The Holy Spirit does, but he wanted to know what else. So I gave him an answer. It was a half-hearted answer, and more of a questioned answer than a statement.

"People?" I replied, "Um....people make me come alive. I mean, I love being around people, and when I'm with people then I'm happy and alive....."
"Does writing make you come alive?" He prompted.
"Well, yeah, but not in the way that I want it to. I don't think I do enough of it."
"You need to make a habit of it, huh?"
"Yeah, maybe, probably."
"What else?"
I struggled, "Well, grand adventures...the everyday ones and the foreign land ones. Yeah, that's what makes me come alive..."

While those are all valid answers, they don't suffice for me. I feel like I just gave the everyday answers that are programmed into my memory so I don't struggle or have to think. What makes me come alive? What makes me come alive? Not a question that we often get to answer or think about. We should, though. I thought I knew what made me come alive, but now I'm not so sure. I've changed within the past year. The things that motivate me are different from one, two, three years ago. What makes me come alive? Not just a question I can give a one word answer to. And that's what I did yesterday.

What I want to know, friends, is what makes you come alive.

Beat the heat right out of Iowa

It's hot outside. Extremely hot. So hot that I felt like melting into a puddle and wasting away into nothingness yesterday. So hot that all I wanted to do was swim. Anywhere. But I couldn't find that anywhere to swim. BUT I thought that before I got too complain-y, I should perhaps check and see what Rwanda's conditions are. I mean, we are, after all, going to be working under that African sun instead of sitting in a car in Iowa. I figured (well, after some suggestion from a wise friend) that I should maybe consider what I'm going to be doing in Rwanda before complaining about weather here.

But I can still complain.

• The sun shines nearly all year round, and, whatever the season, the mean daily temperature is close to 24 C (76F).
• The minimum night temperatures is around 10C (50F) and maximum daytime temperatures ranges about 34C (94F).

• During the dry seasons, which last from December to mid-March and from June to the end of August, frequent light cloud cover yields a pleasant, never stifling, temperature.
• Kigali , the capital city, is located on Rwanda ’s central plateau; its average temperature is 19ºC (66F) with 40 inches of rainfall annually.

(http://www.rwandagateway.org/article.php3?id_article=136)

...aaand another source:

(http://www.africaguide.com/country/rwanda/info.htm)

....aaaaand one more, just for fun.

"Elevation accounts for Rwanda's generally mild temperatures, which average 70° F (21° C) year-round at Kigali, for example, in the interior highlands."

(http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-40757/Rwanda)

Based on these extensive research findings, I conclude:

IOWA, YOU STINK!

You are waaaaay too stinking hot for your own good! You are even hotter than freaking AFRICA. Than Rwanda! 1 degree south of the EQUATOR!

I know, I know, you'll promise to get cooler soon. And that is the problem. Tomorrow it'll probably be 20 below zero out, while today it is 110 with a heat index of 157!!

Goodness gracious!

So yes, I can complain about the weather in Iowa, even though I am going to Rwanda, because, frankly, it's hotter here than there. I'm glad I'm beating the Iowa heat by going to Africa, as ironic as that statement seems (I know, I know, not all of Africa is on the equator, but people generally think of hot hot hotness when they think of Africa, so I am merely speaking of that stereotype).
*sidenote: a friend told me the other day that this is predicted to be the hottest summer on record.

I shake my fist at Iowa hotness!!!! On the other hand...I do get to go swimming today, thanks for the beautiful weather, Iowa!

Weekend Dreams

I went in a hot-air balloon this weekend.

Okay....so I almost went in a hot-air balloon this weekend. Kat and I had near adventure after near adventure this past weekend. It was grand! Small-town and large-town festivaling. BBQ pork to spongy, squishy fields. We cursed the low clouds and cheered the excellent pizza. But best of all this weekend was hanging out with Kat and her lovely family at her grandparents' cutest house ever, making an excellent breakfast and eating it on the screened-in porch with birds singing and accompanying us in morning feasting, and watching TWO sets of fireworks with her relatives. Zipping across country roads to make the second set.

I almost went in a hot-air balloon this weekend, but that doesn't matter.

A Taste of China

I FINALLY got to see Elsie last night. We talked for hours and hours about life, classes, our summer, and adventures. Amazing! Then, we inevitably moved to our favorite topic when we're together...food. We always talk about food at some point when we're together. Then, of course, we got hungry. I asked her where she likes to eat Chinese, and she told me May House. I'd always wanted to go there, but hadn't yet, so of course, we went. Oh, my, goodness! It was exactly the taste I had missed since coming back to the states almost a year ago. Sooooooo good! But the best part was being there with Elsie. She was impressed with my chopsticks skills, which made me proud. After the meal I had only finished 1/2 of my Beef Noodle Soup...the bowl was HUUUGE! (remember that dish, Kel? we had it a few times, but one of the times i remember was when we were at the place near Robert's...and yes, it had cilantro, i know how you looooved that!) YUM!

An Old Friend

She was a good dog. She was a good dog that we loved for almost 18 years. She was a troublesome pup, a sweet dog, a life-saver, and a loyal friend. My dad loved her and adored her. We all did. But we had to say goodbye to a dear, dear friend today.

Babe had gotten very sick the last year of her life. It was hard to see her in such pain, but she was a trooper until the end. Her many years of chasing cattle and chewing bones ended today as her tired, old body couldn't keep up with her puppy heart.

Here's a story that I wrote about Babe last fall.

* * *
It was so comfortable lying on this bench. It was Babe’s favorite spot to while away the day. There she lay, head on her front paws, her tail wagging lazily in the Iowa breeze. She gazed over the landscape before her, her eyes roving over the large, round-topped barn, plastic fence, and creaky swing set in the backyard. She let out a long sigh and closed her eyes. Babe thumped her tail on the worn, canvas bench seat. The edges were frayed from countless chewing and ripping with her claws. There was a nice worn spot in the middle cushion that was her favorite spot to lie.
Just as she was drifting off to dreams, she heard a whistle and a shout. Babe’s ears immediately perked up, and her tail began to wag furiously.
“Yeah, Babe, come on! It’s time for chores!” Brian yelled at her.
Babe sat up, her girth falling to the earth in folds beneath her as a result of gravity. She lazily slid off of the bench and slowly trotted over to the side of her master. Sitting crookedly, leaning on one paw, she gave her most pathetic brown-eyed gaze to her owner.
“Come on, girl, you won’t get off that easy today,” Brian scolded her, but softening, and giving her a pat on the head, “We’ve got a busy day today. How about you come in the truck with me?” Brian pulled open the squeaky white door of his Ford truck and patted the cracked leather seat. Babe wagged her tail, and jumped up into the truck with a wheeze and a grunt. It was getting harder to move every day. Brian slammed the door shut, climbed into the driver’s side, and gave Babe another pat on the head.
“You’re a good dog, Babe. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
* * *

We'll live without her, but she will always be missed. She holds a place in all of our hearts, as well as in our flower bed. Thanks for all of the years and memories, Babe, my babygirl!

Dog Days of Summer
The sunshine.
The fresh air.
The splashing water.
Picnicking today with good friends and an adorable dog. Burgers grilling, iced tea in plastic cups, and warm peach pie covered the picnic table. After we filled our bellies, we explored, splashing through creeks. Bailey kept us all laughing as she waded and jumped in the water. Struggling against the current, Kim tried to keep hold of her and prevent her from being swept downstream. Emerging from the water, she tried to shake her wet hair that plastered her body to get dry. She still looked like a rat. Adorable. With more energy than the rest of us, she kept us walking through tiredness, always wanting to run ahead, pulling Kim behind her. Getting back home, we all crashed for naps...even Bailey.
Beautiful summer days.

Beary Strange

Somewhere deep in Bear Country
Lives the Berenstain Bear family
They're kind of furry around the torso
They're a lot like people, only more so

The bear fact is that
They're just like you and me
The only difference
Is they live in a tree

This is an excerpt from the theme of the public television show "The Berenstain Bears." Now, I absolutely love the Berenstain Bears. I read the books as a child, and now Dennis and I watch the television show at work during our lunch break everyday. While I do love this show, I cannot help but note the falsehoods in the song. I know it's a children's show, but honestly, "They're a lot like people, only more so"??? "They're just like you and me, the only difference is they live in a tree"????? What do these statements even mean?? Who wrote this theme song? How was it seriously approved and used for the show? I'm all for using your imagination (I do everyday), but I just cannot understand how something could be more human than a human. Dennis and I just laugh and shake our heads everyday....crazy Berenstain Bears.

My name's not Alexander, but...

"Are you mad?"
"Yes!"
"Why are you mad?"
"Because I feel like it, okay?"
I wanted to laugh so bad when I said that, but something deep inside me forced me to scowl and grumble. Why was I acting like such a baby? Why was I acting like such a brat? The answer truly was that I just felt like being angry. I woke up too early with too little sleep, a tire on my bike was flat (and it had been going flat a lot recently), I had to ride Steven's bike to work, I didn't WANT to ride Steven's bike to work, I didn't have a rack on his bike on which to secure my purse, so it kept hitting me in the leg and falling off my shoulder, the bike kept switching gears on me when I didn't want it to....I was just mean. All of that stuff wasn't a big deal, but I forced myself to make it a big deal. I truly did want to laugh and shrug everything off, but my pride wouldn't let me. As my favorite childhood book would have proclaimed:

"It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day."

...But it actually wasn't all that terrible. It wasn't even all that horrible. After work, I walked out into the sunshine to find Chaz had ridden my bike to work and he had bought me a new tire. How I am spoiled. I am thankful for his grace and forgiveness when I treat him badly. Then, I had some much needed girl time with Kim last night. Shopping and Auntie Anne's pretzels (only for $1 because the high schooler working thought Kim was cute). What could be better?

"I guess everyone has bad days...even in Australia."

I Love My Bicycle...

I love the white paint, green and yellow John Deere written on the side, with green and yellow stripes. I love the white fenders accenting the skinny tires. I love the old, huge reflectors on the back and front. I love the large, worn leather seat that is hard as anything, but strangely comfortable. I love the girl-style of the bike (so I can wear skirts while riding...and of course I do!). I love the large handlebars that allow me to sit straight as I ride. I love the road-bike-like gear shift. I love the sweet, new brakes the Ames Bike Club oh-so-kindly put on my bike. I love the sweet, old-fashioned odometer/spedometer on the handlebars, I love the bike bar on the back which allows me to carry packages and purses without holding them. I love the amazing, loud, ringy-rusty bell on the right handlebar. I love the way the fenders squeak and the bike clicks as I ride it down the streets of Ames. I love the fact that this amazing, sweet, awesome, dream-bike of mine only cost $40!

Mostly, I love that Chaz bought this beloved bike for me because I did not have enough money...I still have to pay him back (I also love that he doesn't charge interest...hehe).

A definition of marriage and weddings

Steve and Chelsi's wedding was yesterday. Widely anticipated by myself, it came and went all too quickly. It was probably the most beautiful wedding I have ever been to. Was it because everything was meticulously planned down to the last iota of a detail? Was it because thousands and thousands of dollars had been spent by all involved? No and no. It was beautiful because it was simple, lovely, and all about the couple's love. It perfectly suited the two getting married.

It was a day-long celebration. At dawn, the couple got baptized together a few yards from where they would later be married. The rest of the day was spent eating, sleeping, and fellowshipping with the couple and others involved in the wedding. It was so nice to actually get to spend some time with the bride and groom. It was a gorgeous day, so exploring and playing games were all options. At six, all of the guests arrived to eat supper. The tables were beautifully decorated with fresh wildflowers the family had picked up earlier. The wildflowers were all from a garden and arranged by the family. At 7:45, it was announced that the wedding ceremony would be held outside. Then, the couple was married under a beautiful canopy decorated with vines, with the ground scattered with colorful rose petals. Chelsi looked absolutely gorgeous in a simple wedding dress her and her sisters had made. It was beautiful! Steve looked handsome in a light brown suit. The bridesmaids looked beautiful as well, in dresses they had all picked out. Brown was the only stipulation. The guys wore suits with brown ties of their choice. The couple served the guests communion, praise songs were sung, and they were announced just as sun was setting. After the ceremony, there was dessert and dancing, toasts and talking. It was delightful.

One of the best parts, however, was the message on love Josh, the pastor, shared. Marriage is often taken too lightly these days. It is often gone into too lightly and broken even easier. Weddings, while beautiful, can be commercial and plastic. Gorgeously planned and perfectly executed, but without feeling. Josh told us that sometimes people even change their vows from "as long as we both shall live" to "as long as we both shall love." However, God ordains marriage as a physical symbol of His relationship with us. The way a husband and wife are to love each other and be committed to each other is the way God feels about us. Josh said, "Isn't it nice to know that when times get rough, God doesn't commit to us only 'as long as we both shall love'?"

It was absolutely refreshing to see these two beloved people come together as one in such a simple and lovely way. They committed to each other to be together for life, and I know they will honor that commitment. They didn't need a fancy wedding to do it, either. They focused on their love as opposed to the decorations and look. And this is what made that wedding the most beautiful one I have ever been to.

cranky worker

Working for the summer has left me exhausted. The work's not hard...it's actually fun. I love the CTLT family. It's just those early mornings that are really cramping my style. Oh well, I suppose I must get used to it for teaching. By 9, I'm cranky and ready for bed. It's 11, I'm gonna head to bed now. I'm getting unbearable to be around, so it must be time to go.

Oh, I went for a run tonight with Chaz. Yes, that's right. I went for a run. I hate running. Loathe it, in fact. I like him.

My Trip Home

mommy and daddy picking me up, driving sleepy, sleeping in, brothers jumping on me, grilling burgers, eating food, baby bunny, skinny Babe, crazy Ozzie, mischevious Leroy, dressing up, wedding, mommy/daughter time, shopping, tv watching, more sleeping, bloody noses, punches, bruises, brother beating, church going, brother teasing, radio singing, eating eating, grandma's jokes, money for Rwanda, apple pie, stories, laughter, "pathetic brushes with greatness," driving home, brother secrets, hugs and kisses, family love, driving back...missing them

Roomies

Kim's my new roommate. It's exciting! It's nice to come home and see her beauty in my living room. It's nice to decorate and girlify our apartment. Amy's slowly moving out, and that is sad, but it is time for my next stage in life. Well, by slowly I mean that she's preparing for marriage at the end of the month. *sigh* another one bites the dust...lucky girl.

I look over the roommates of my past. They've all only lasted a year (with the exception of my family....but that just goes without saying).
First there was Mikala—she was delightful. We were so different, but we got along so well. We watched ABC Family all day long, including many "Prince of Bel-Air" marathons. 8 AM to 12 AM full of Will Smith.
Then there was Allison—Dancing Fridays, "Worst Song Ever" times, singing, cuddle raping, etc. etc. All around good times. I now consider her one of my greatest friends. Our friendship made a large transition over the course of that year, and I am so thankful that we keep in touch and still enjoy each other's company.
This year I transitioned to an apartment and life with Amy—With opposite schedules, it made it hard to see each other. I'm a night owl and a sleeper-inner, while she's an early to bed, and early to riser. We still had good times, however. Chatting it up, girl-style, and preparing for her wedding. It's been an amazing first apartment experience.
And now....Kimberly—Who knows how long we'll be together? However long it is, I know it will be k-razy! Good times of laughing, chatting, decorating, and giggling are sure to ensue.

So yes, there are my history of roomies. There have been good times. I miss the past, but I am excited for the future. Who knows who my next roomie will be?

I want me some girl awesomeness

ALL I want to do is watch BBC's 5 hour version of Pride and Prejudice. But the DVD the library so graciously let me check out is SCRATCHED and will not play. All I want to do is watch Pride and Prejudice. But I can't. argh.

Coming Through

He came through for me. As always. Before I even asked for it. He knew. But of course he knew...he knows everything about me. He knows more about me than I know about myself. It's crazy to think about but absolutely wonderful all at the same time. He knew what I needed, and he provided for me. All I had to do was take the time and listen. Then this morning, I met him again on my bike ride to work. Beautiful morning. I started singing to him. About the skies, and the early morning dew, and the trees, and the sun. I swerved my bike back and forth across the pavement and sang to the heavens. He always comes through for me. Even though I don't deserve it. I just need to take time for him.

(p.s. Yes, Steven, this is about Jesus.)

Bad Mood

I've been cranky lately.
I've been moody. I've been downright depressed.
Maybe you didn't know that. Maybe you didn't even notice...except I've made it pretty obvious. That's why I've needed you around more. That's why I've been silent when you call me to say you're staying longer, you need more time, you're busy, tired. That's why I've shut my mouth and scowled when things haven't gone the way I wanted them to. It's why I've yelled and grumbled.
It's why I've tried hard to make special time for us.
Because I'm lonely. And I've needed you.
It's why I've dressed up, put makeup on, tried to smell good, cooked. Just to be around you. Just to have some special time with you after all of the stress of schoolwork is done.
Don't tell me we have all summer.
I know we have all summer.
But right now is when I need you. There will be a time soon when I will be fine with you not being around for a little while. Fine when you want to hang out with someone else. Fine when you have to sleep. I won't bother you with sighs and silence when you can't be around. I know I'm being selfish. I don't like it. But I've just...needed you.
That's why I've been cranky.

And that's why I need you to remind me of the only one who can never make me feel lonely. ever.

People trust me with scissors

I cut Steven's hair tonight.

Like....really cut it. He let me. Kim supervised. First Chaz trusted me with his head of hair, and now Steven with his beautiful, precious locks that he cares oh-so-much about.

...People should know better. I've never cut hair before. My bros and dad wouldn't even let me. Well...I might have buzzed Sam's hair once, and I've clipped cattle, but not cut, cut hair. But, I guess after two attempts, I'm getting better. I always start with a mistake and then gradually improve my cutting ability. But that mistake is what kills it. I cut the side of Steven's hair grossly short and straight. It's because he psyched me out. I couldn't fix it. I wanted to just continue the cut and make his hair look like a monk's, but he wouldn't let me. I also wanted to do a bowl cut, but he wouldn't let me do that, either. Instead, I resigned to butchering his hair.

But now he just told me that it might actually be one of the better haircuts that he's gotten. I feel a little better.

You like doing that??

Today has been the longest day ever, but at the same time, it's flown by. I was up until 5 this morning trying to finish my multigenre research paper on the genocide in Rwanda. Goodness. Talk about looooong hours of work. However, I am tremendously pleased with the final product. After Chaz slapped a big, red handprint on the front of the book, and I painted my name and the title of my piece, I picked it up, examined the cover, and declared, "I think this is the best thing I've ever done." (strictly in terms of schoolwork).

...And I think it is. Despite the fact that it has caused me massive amounts of sleep deprivation over the past few months (late night finishing daily writing, late night learning journaling Sunday, late night finishing the thing last night), it has truly been a joy. It is one of the best projects I have ever done. I've had fun. I've learned. I've researched and written more than any other paper I've done. I've stretched my limit. I enjoyed learning and writing and putting together the final product. I'm proud of my work. And I worked hard in the process.

And that, my friends, is what education should be.

Blasé

He's out at "Guys Night." I'm supposed to be doing homework. But I'm failing miserably, as usual. Did horrible on a test today. Tons to do for next week. But I'm blogging, and checking things on the internet, and reading "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," and doing dishes, and anything else that can preoccupy me from doing the work that looms over me. As Rachel Vickers' Music History class does, so does my homework loom loom loom. haha. That girl makes me laugh.

Drove to CF yesterday. Wanted to see Kel, but I didn't. Chaz bought a car. Crazy. My little man's all grown up! Art for Africa this weekend...should be an amazing time.

Eh, who am I kidding? I'm not getting anything done tonight...I'm going to bed.

A Girls' World

A weekend with the girls....delightful. Funny thing is, they weren't really "my girls." Allison and Ab were the only two who could really count for "my girls"..."the girls." The rest of the gang was made up of delightful young women Allison and Ab had gone to school with. I am readily adopting them as "the girls." Because I can...I think.

Last weekend I headed up to Minnesota for a time of singing, dancing, eating, and just being...girls. I haven't spent real time with Allison since prolly in our room last year, so needless to say...I was excited.

Allison's house is absolutely beautiful! She lives in a woodsy area, and we got to explore by the river that pretty much goes through her backyard. We heard a beaver smack the water and watched Eddie try to be brave for us. We got to meet Patrick...Allison's mom's friend. He's sweet. He bought us wonderful chocolate eclaires for our morning "healthy" breakfast.

Saturday we met with lovely women in Minneapolis and spent our day exploring the city. We went to a Global Bazaar and enjoyed ethnic foods...I found "Shrooms" at an Asian Market!!! (Kel and Louie get this) Our fav snack from China. Then we headed to the sculpture gardens in the middle of the city. So amazing! We walked around enjoying the nature as well as the artwork. I thought of Chaz, but time spent with these girls was well worth it! Supper took us to Annie's, a delightful burger place by the U of M. Allison and I split an amaaaazing Chocolate Mint Oreo Shake. Sooooo good! I'd like to explore the U of M and Minneapolis more. There are some VERY neat sites to see. After a full day, we weren't ready to head home quite yet. We picked up another girl and headed to Mystic Lake Casino for my first experience with gambling. Fun times. Definitely an experience to be done with experienced gambling friends. I walked away having lost (and spent) $3. Hey, cheaper than a movie. Kelsey went crazy after her dollar won her $4.60. Danielle was the big winner going away plus $8. Allison, sadly, was the loser of the night. $10 out. Ab, Allison, and I finally headed back to Allison's place where our adventures continued with the power going off...which sent us to bed. I was knocked out immediately.

What I found to be the most fun of the weekend, however, was the sheer girliness with which we spent our time. We were laughing, giggling, screaming, dancing, singing at the top of our lungs, obnoxious, wonderful girls! We belted toons out of open windows in downtown Minneapolis, and squealed goodbye to girls as we dropped them off for the entire world to notice our friend's beauty. Delightful.

My reunion with Chaz on Sunday after not seeing him for four days was definitely sweet. So incredibly wonderful to see him, but I would not have traded my weekend in MN.

Biking

Wind running through my hair and tearing my eyes. Tires whirring and clicking. The sound of rubber making that distinct vibration against the pavement. Flying by all of the walkers and joggers for their evening exercise. Feeling that tightness in my chest as I breathe. Overcoming the stretch and complaining of my muscles as I force my way up a hill. These are reasons I love biking (okay, maybe not the last one...still...).

But what I miss more than anything is biking in East Asia. Definitely an experience unlike any other. I miss the crowds of people biking as a group. I miss "the flow" of the bikers. I miss the silence of electric bikes and then the sudden *whoosh* as they fly by me so close I can feel a woman's skirt graze my feet. I miss taxis coming so close to me that my handlebars almost scrape the windows. I miss the blasting horn of a bus as it almost obliterates me on my puny bike. *sigh* The danger.

Chelsi and I took our hangout time to the road tonight and just spent time leisurely biking around Ames and chatting about life, love, happiness, sorrow, worries, and the future. It was grand. She was so cute peddling on the bike she borrowed from Steve, talking to me about her excitement for her upcoming marriage. Beautiful words of God's love showing through couples and marriage filled the night air. The sky grew dark and soon we were biking in complete blackness. Then the rain came. It wasn't a hard one, just a nice, easy one. Perfectly refreshing after a long ride. Drops soaked my pants and sweater and fogged my contacts as they splashed on the lenses. Hair curled uncontrollably. We made it back to shelter with frozen fingers and damp clothes to enjoy hot chocolate coffees made by Steven.

Do you know that I miss you when you're gone?

Last night...was awesome! haha! I got home from class, and Kimberly asked me to accompany her to Olde Maine. We first had to wait up for Amy to come to my house to dry her hair (that cutie), and when she showed up...lo and behold up walks Amy with a girl who teaches at the school I'm doing practicum at! She's an aide for the teacher I'm observing in 8th period...so we hang out then and talk. It was CRAZY! SUCH a small world. Apparently her and Amy worked together and Younkers, and Amy lived with her last year. Whoa-ness.

Speaking of other craziness....we get to Olde Maine, and once we walked in the door, who should I see but DAVE OLSON! Hooray! haha. That crazy kid...then he tells me that our friend Colton, long-lost friend I met almost two years ago and haven't seen since, is coming to town! So, the girls went and hung out for a bit, and when we were leaving, I got to say hi to Colton and catch up for a bit. Delightful.

And yes, my friends, even MORE craziness happened. As we were walking to the car in the parking lot, who should I see getting into a vehicle herself? That's right, none other than the wacky, crazy, loveable KAT! That was our first reunion after spring break. She gave me a delightful, ginormous hug....good to see her.

So anyway....good times and friends brought together last night. Wonderful.

Even more wonderful....I'm going to spend the weekend with Miss Gorgeous Allison Crowley...hooray for that!

Pathetic

My baby left for Vegas tonight for four days.

oh the sadness.

Beautiful Break

...aaaaand Spring Break ends and I resign myself to the endless amount of schoolwork that has amassed over the semester. But first...a recap:

Hell was....delightful. Ironic, no? The people were friendly and fun. The landscape was beautiful (surrounded by lakes and woods of rural Michigan). We me the mayor of Hell (of course....we always meet awesome people!) who gave us advice on a quaint town by Lake Michigan to stop at before we left the state. The sunset on Lake Michigan was absolutely breathtaking! Chaz made it up a hill to watch the last rays of sunlight vanish over the horizon with me. Beautiful. The trip to Hell was, in a word, wonderful. Being with Kel and the gang from last year (plus Chaz) was delightful.

The rest of break was relaxing and fast. I didn't do too much. The weather, however, was magnificent for a couple of days. So magnificent that Chaz and I biked around town quite a bit. I love to bike! Now if only I could acquire a bicycle....

St. Patrick's Day was.....crazy. It was Kim's b-day, so we spent the entire day making it special for her. Beautiful Katie Kula came to hang out and celebrate with us as well. And Kim got a little......fun. haha! Oh 21st b-days on St. Paddy's day......

So yes, as I said, I am now working diligently (or not so much) on the massive amount of writing I have to do for tomorrow. Ridiculous. Why do I have to procrastinate...?

I'm off to Hell (and back)

So....I'm in Chicago right now at a very amazing Super 8 motel (only the best for our spring break trip to Hell). Yes, my friends, I have embarked on the first leg of my trip to Hell...Michigan, that is. Hell, Michigan. Kel and I got lost for a bit (i.e. we missed our exit to our hotel and had to find an alternate route), but our amazing navigational skills led us to our very nice, blood-stained, thin-walled Super 8. Glorious!

My trip to Hell appropriately started with a day from you-know-where. Kat and I met at SG to have coffee in the morning and have some hang-out time before break. We sat and enjoyed life....had a couple of drinks.....chatted. Then we get the check and go to pay for the bill. It is at this point that Kat looks at me and says, "Oh no! I lost my card!" My response is, "Oh no! I did too!" Yes, my friends, we had both gotten drinks and had no money, and I mean absolutely NO way to pay for them! It was rather comical. Thoughts of me having to wash dishes for the day, John banning me from SG, and Chaz getting fired because of my idiocy ran through my head. Of course, none of that happened. Kat instead ran home quickly and grabbed a check and graciously paid for me. I owe her TONS!

Anyway....it's actually quite a funny story. So now, I must get ready for bed and prepare for a fun-filled day prior to the day we go to Hell.
Goodnight!

Family Goodness...

I love my family. They simply crack me up. I mean, sometimes they say some pretty embarrassing things, but don't all families? Heck, even friends embarrass us at times. That's mostly on purpose. But then again, my family embarrasses me on purpose a lot of the time as well.

I awoke to a phone call this morning from my mother at 8:30 telling me that her and my father were coming out to visit today. Why? Well, apparently one of my youngest bro's friends decided to try to "sell" Sam's singlet and wrestling warm-ups and ended up leaving them at the hotel they were staying at for state wrestling. The problem? Sam needs that stuff to wrestle for Team State Duals...tomorrow. So, my parents (being the good parents they are) took a special trip out to Des Moines (3 hours...6 hours total trip) to get Sam's clothes which the hotel fortunately still had. Amazing, aren't they?

So we met my parents at 2:00 for lunch at Hickory Park. My mom, dad, Aunt Denise, Steve, Uncle Craig, Ben, Chaz, and I settled down for some feasting and laughter and storytelling (three things my family do best).
For example...

My dad was talking to my mom and I about movies, and he started asking me a question:
"Kate, have you seen...um (struggling to think of the title)....Good Things?"
Mom and Kate stare at Dad trying to figure out what he's saying
"No...that's not it...Good Tidings?"
Still no idea from Mom or Kate
"Oh! *slams hand on table* The Pursuit of Happyness."
Kate and Mom crack up (along with Dad who ends up crying from laughter) at Dad's thought process.

Okay, so it was definitely "more funnier" (as my dad puts it) in person, but you get the point.

It was a good time, and my parents, once again, were way too generous to me. I am so very thankful for all that they do for me. I definitely don't deserve it, but I am so thankful the Lord has blessed me with such amazing parents.

Snow days, snow days.

Last night Kim, Steven, Chaz, and I braced ourselves for a blizzard. It was nice just to snuggle and eat snack foods (not to mention amaaaazing chili made by Steven!) and watch movies. Classes were cancelled after one yesterday. How often does THAT happen? Didn't like "The Departed" that much, though. I know it won an academy award, but I wasn't all that impressed.

Today was another sort of snow day. I had my class this morning, but practicum was cancelled because my school was cancelled. Yipee!! Caught up on sleep today, then went to Kim and Kenzie's for a night of tv and movie-watching. Way fun! We watched "Stranger than Fiction" which is probably one of my favorite movies. I've watched it thrice so far....many more times to come, I hope. It just leaves me with such a warm, fuzzy, good feeling afterwards. Makes me smile like crazy.

I love snow days.

She was short and pleasantly plump, wearing a puffy turquoise winter coat that came down to about her knees covering up most of her legs, making her seem shorter than she already was. It looked like a coat I would've worn in elementary school. Same style, same color scheme. Black pants tucked into tall, yellow rubber boots added to her ensamble. Her wispy, wirey black hair contained bits of beautiful gray which stuck out under her black Blossom-style hat.

I first saw her struggling with an armful of books. Her brash voice punctured the silence of the library. Asking for a couple of sacks to put her books in, she shuffled toward the exit. One of her sacks floated to the ground. I picked it up,
"Excuse me, ma'am, you dropped your bag."
"Oh, thank you!"
"Would you like some help bagging those up?"
"Yeah, I would!"
She sat on the bench and shoveled books into the plastic sacks I was holding. She controlled the conversation,
"I probably shouldn't have gotten these, but they were free books. I can't resist free books! I'll keep some of them, but I'll give some of them away too. Make sure these sacks aren't too heavy, I don't want them to break. It'd serve me right if they did break, though!"
I helped load her up with package after package and sack after sack. She probably had six bags in all to carry with her. We left the library, and she left me with a quick, "Gotta catch my bus!"

And that was it.

I smiled to myself as I watched this unique women cross the street and head to the bus stop. Shuffling in her rubber boots and Blossom hat with her packages banging together, I realized I had met someone who was completely and wonderfully herself. She was who she was made to be.

We need more of that in the world.

Nerdiness...

I'm turning into the BIGGEST teaching nerd ever to exist in the profession.

I love it.

I absolutely love what I'm doing right now. I love my methods classes. I love practicum. I love reading my teacher books for class. It's incredible! I wish for everyone to be as happy with what they're doing as I am. At practicum yesterday, I got to help a girl with her speech for District Speech Contest on Saturday. It was so incredibly amazing! I felt like an actual speech coach, and I felt like an actual teacher! I also went off on a rant about the 5 paragraph essay yesterday, which was equally as amazing. haha. wo-ow. Nerdy, I know. But I'm proud of it.

Now I know things aren't always going to seem so wonderful (after all, there are all of those students to deal with). And I know I'll get frustrated with my lack of ability to convey themes and ideas to students (lesson plans....curriculum....tough). BUT I'm resting right now in the fact that I still have another year before I actually have to start handling a class pretty much on my own.

Adventures and Weather

It is crazy outside.

And I am at work.

I can peek through the window and see the branches of trees and bushes bowing and cracking under layers of snow and ice. It truly is breathtaking. But not so fun to drive in. As Chaz was driving me to work, the whole world seemed to be transformed. We noticed trees we had never seen before. The only reason today was different from other days is because of the layers of white, heavy, wet snow coating the landscape like frosting. It almost seems as if someone took the trees and dipped them in a white chocolate fondue. How sweet would that be? How come I don't see God's beautiful creation daily? I only seem to see it when something is abstract about it (i.e. snow, blooming spring, fall, etc.)

Last night it snowed like crazy. Well, first yesterday we got a thick coating of ice which is to blame for power outages all over Eastern Iowa (including at my parents' home). This also let the snow stick better and thicker to the trees, as well as caused many limbs to snap, including the tree in front of Kim's house. Then last night it snowed like crazy. This morning before work our drive and parking lot hadn't even been cleared. Chaz came to the rescue and cleared the way for my wimpy little car to get through. What a sweetheart. And an adventurer. Which is something I like a lot about him.

Friday night Chaz and I went to the mewithoutYou show in Iowa City. Threats of bad weather didn't stop us, and we were kept safe most of the way...except for a patch outside of Des Moines. We were going 45 for a good amount of time. The drive took us 2 1/2 hours, and we arrived there only to discover that the show was sold out! What to do? We sat there as two dejected fans for a decent amount of time. We could hear the throbbing bass of the music through the floorboards. I was bummed and a bit cross and not at all optimistic about getting into the show. Chaz was patient. I waited with him because I trust him. His patience and my trust was rewarded...

(guy walks up to us sitting on a bench) "Lemme guess...you drove a long way and the show's sold out."

(us, sheepish) "yes"

"How far did you come?"

(chaz) "We're from Ames, but it took us 2 1/2 hours." (me chiming in) "We ran into ice!"

(guy thinks, nods his head toward the stairs) "Give the man ten bucks and get upstairs...As the owner of a bar, I hate to have people upset!"

(us...in shock) "Thank you!!"

We laughed and jumped for joy once we got into the show. Things like this always seem to happen to us, and it is so amazing! I was once again doubting and proven wrong, and I was also once again thankful for Chaz's patience. It was probably one of the most fun shows I've been to in a good, long while. We also gave it up for the Big Guy upstairs. How are we so deserving of what we are given in life? And while we are not deserving, why are we still given even the small things we desire in life (like seeing a show)?

I'm glad that I can see God in the small things. Like in safety in driving. And miraculously getting into a show. And snow. And beauty in creation. And work, I guess (I am getting a lot of studying done, after all).