Do you remember the feeling that all of us got during finals week, when everyone was busy taking their room apart? People would move out their old beds and bring in the bulky college beast beds. They would take out their decorations. The rooms would echo more. The hall was loud. The air conditioner would compete with the opening and closing of doors. People would slowly announce their departure. "Alright, I'm going now," or the high pitched voice that was so popular freshmen year, "By Guys!" We would hug, and say "See you next year." We didn't acknowledge that each of these last weeks would lead us to the very last week we would ever move away from Tabor College.
The problem for me is that "last last week" didn't ever happen. Graduation weekend was so much of a crazy rush that I didn't have time to let the thought of leaving sink in. Then I student taught in the fall, and it felt like I had a job on campus. In the spring, I got a job on campus. Hillsboro got under my skin, and I got into Hillsboro.
I finally feel that "Last week" feeling again, but now I am in my office. I am leaving this week. Steve is leaving this week. Clint is leaving this week. The back four offices in our building are cleaning out. The air conditioner is fighting the opening and closing of doors. The rooms echo more. The hallway is loud. Steve announced his departure, "I'm Out! I'm Gone!" and on his way out Clint and Leda told him, "See you around campus."
I am leaving. I will come back to visit. For five years I have been home in this little town in the middle of the middle of the US. No longer will I walk across campus to visit the friends who I have met. No longer will I skip out on obligations to watch Soccer in the fall. No longer will I have late night play practices. No longer will I call people for the phonathon. No longer will I change addresses and update databases.
This is it. This is the break. This is the feeling that I have been waiting for since graduation last year.
Now I can embrace the memories. Now I can come back for reunions and home comings and feel like I am visiting with old friends. Now I can touch a new group of people, and tell them the stories that my Tabor friends already know because they were there when the stories began....
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
moving
College promotes moving. New jobs promote moving. Living as a twenty something in the 2000's promotes moving.
I am not only moving out of my apartment to a different apartment,
I am moving out of my office into another office at tabor, and then moving into another office when I get the keys to my new job.
I am also moving my sister from her apartment to my parents house and a storage building four or so days before I move myself.
I have been talking about scheduling a message for a long time. I might just have to actually make good on that promise to myself.
I am not only moving out of my apartment to a different apartment,
I am moving out of my office into another office at tabor, and then moving into another office when I get the keys to my new job.
I am also moving my sister from her apartment to my parents house and a storage building four or so days before I move myself.
I have been talking about scheduling a message for a long time. I might just have to actually make good on that promise to myself.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Girls in the summer......... (and one boy)
Yesterday was a Girls day in the summer. I took off of work an hour early, and went to Amy and Rachel's. We took care of the cat (I am cat sitting again), and took off south to N.
We ate Chinese food down town. It was so good. They had a wonderful crab salad, coconut shrimp, chicken and broccoli, and scallion beef. I tried the Vegetarian Loe Mein, but it had much too much peanut oil in it. Amy and I split this thing that was labeled butterfly shrimp, but the more I think about it the more I think that it must have been something else. It was like sausage wrapped in rice noodle paper and boiled. (like a dumpling) Not so grand.
After lovely Chinese, we hung out at 10 Thousand Villages. I found so many things that I would have liked to buy, but I restrained myself. Someday I am going back and buying some of the cd's that they had.
We went next door to the etcetera shop, and the buying began. I got a scarf, a large basket, and a corduroy blanket from the 70's. I might make a rug out of the blanket. It is pretty cool.
After that we drove down to an antique store/flea market. Amy picked up these dinosaur toys and started quoting "Firefly." (origionally I wrote The Land Before Time in the quotes.) I was shocked at how many word for word lines she pulled out. I still laugh when I think about it. Amy also found a chair for her parents re-enacting, Rachel found a cup for Laura and Muppet's Treasure Island, and I purchased two ginormous wind chimes. They are beautiful.
I can't imagine that there are people who have never shopped at a garage sale, thrift store, flea market, second hand store, or auction. It is so much fun going out in search of hidden spoils. I think if the average person went in search of this kind of Booty (pirates treasure) instead of the other kind of booty the world would be a much different place. (Unnecessary Wal-Mart shopping would also be cut down considerably.)
After scavenging we went to Josh's house and took naps. (Group nap time is a beautiful thing) When we woke up, Amy and I drove Laura's truck back to Hillsboro, Rachel Drove her car to Taiquando, and Josh and Laura drove out into the country and GOT ENGAGED!!!
Amy and I ate Hamburgers and then went to Justin and Elise's to watch Gilmore Girls and eat Nacho Cheese Doritos and Chunky Chips Ahoy. (Which I decided to forever call Chunky Chips OF HOY)
It was a wonderful day of Girls in the summer.
We ate Chinese food down town. It was so good. They had a wonderful crab salad, coconut shrimp, chicken and broccoli, and scallion beef. I tried the Vegetarian Loe Mein, but it had much too much peanut oil in it. Amy and I split this thing that was labeled butterfly shrimp, but the more I think about it the more I think that it must have been something else. It was like sausage wrapped in rice noodle paper and boiled. (like a dumpling) Not so grand.
After lovely Chinese, we hung out at 10 Thousand Villages. I found so many things that I would have liked to buy, but I restrained myself. Someday I am going back and buying some of the cd's that they had.
We went next door to the etcetera shop, and the buying began. I got a scarf, a large basket, and a corduroy blanket from the 70's. I might make a rug out of the blanket. It is pretty cool.
After that we drove down to an antique store/flea market. Amy picked up these dinosaur toys and started quoting "Firefly." (origionally I wrote The Land Before Time in the quotes.) I was shocked at how many word for word lines she pulled out. I still laugh when I think about it. Amy also found a chair for her parents re-enacting, Rachel found a cup for Laura and Muppet's Treasure Island, and I purchased two ginormous wind chimes. They are beautiful.
I can't imagine that there are people who have never shopped at a garage sale, thrift store, flea market, second hand store, or auction. It is so much fun going out in search of hidden spoils. I think if the average person went in search of this kind of Booty (pirates treasure) instead of the other kind of booty the world would be a much different place. (Unnecessary Wal-Mart shopping would also be cut down considerably.)
After scavenging we went to Josh's house and took naps. (Group nap time is a beautiful thing) When we woke up, Amy and I drove Laura's truck back to Hillsboro, Rachel Drove her car to Taiquando, and Josh and Laura drove out into the country and GOT ENGAGED!!!
Amy and I ate Hamburgers and then went to Justin and Elise's to watch Gilmore Girls and eat Nacho Cheese Doritos and Chunky Chips Ahoy. (Which I decided to forever call Chunky Chips OF HOY)
It was a wonderful day of Girls in the summer.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Lost Dog
For the past week there has been a great dog just wandering around Tabor's campus. The dog is male, medium sized, and speckled in brown and white. It looks like the kind of dog that people use for bird hunting. He is nice, does not bark, follows people around, but does not appear aggressive at all.
So, I want this dog to get back to its origional owner. I don't really know what to do. I don't want to call the police, because I don't want the poor dog to sit in the pound. I can't take it in either because I don't think that Fern would appreciate a dog in the house or even in the yard for that matter. So, I found a sight for lost and found pets as a link on kiddlive.com.
The link is:
http://www.petfinder.com/
I looked to see if his owner had posted an add about the dog, but they hadn't. The thing is that I don't feel like I can post an add about it, because I can't be sure that I could find the dog to return him at any given time. He hangs out around the college in the mornings, but I have no guarantee that I can find him when I need to.
For now, I will try to keep tabs on his comming and going. Hopefully someone with their own back yard will have a heart to help him out.
So, I want this dog to get back to its origional owner. I don't really know what to do. I don't want to call the police, because I don't want the poor dog to sit in the pound. I can't take it in either because I don't think that Fern would appreciate a dog in the house or even in the yard for that matter. So, I found a sight for lost and found pets as a link on kiddlive.com.
The link is:
http://www.petfinder.com/
I looked to see if his owner had posted an add about the dog, but they hadn't. The thing is that I don't feel like I can post an add about it, because I can't be sure that I could find the dog to return him at any given time. He hangs out around the college in the mornings, but I have no guarantee that I can find him when I need to.
For now, I will try to keep tabs on his comming and going. Hopefully someone with their own back yard will have a heart to help him out.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tie up loose ends
A couple of weeks ago a lot of things in my life went nuts. Well, some of them are righting themselves.
First of all: We found an apartment! It is larger than the one that we had before. The entryway is kind of sketchy, but the actual apartment is really nice. We are renting from Lenky (my fond entitlement of my new land lord). He is the guy who we were going to rent from the first time. He felt bad about not renting the original apartment to us, and so he told us that he would discount the rent $50 a month plus throw in a washer and dryer for $15 a month. I am glad that we will get our own washer and dryer. I don't want my clothes to smell like someone else's clothes.
Second: I am down to the last straw with my car. My dad told me to fix it and if I find something else that I want, he will drive my old car. I only have one more possibility. I am closing the doors after that. It may not work out anyway because of the length of the time that it will take for the deal to come through. But all in all, I will have a car sooner than later.
Third: I have actually made some definite headway in my packing efforts. I have reached a level where if I pack more, I may not have the things I need to function in my house for the last couple of weeks that I am here. I want to continue in my quest, but I need to get some of these boxes out of my apartment before I can actually see to pack anything else. Why do I have so much stuff? Where did it come from? Where will I put it?
All that I know is that I am not allowed to buy lotion until I use all of the stuff that I have right now.
First of all: We found an apartment! It is larger than the one that we had before. The entryway is kind of sketchy, but the actual apartment is really nice. We are renting from Lenky (my fond entitlement of my new land lord). He is the guy who we were going to rent from the first time. He felt bad about not renting the original apartment to us, and so he told us that he would discount the rent $50 a month plus throw in a washer and dryer for $15 a month. I am glad that we will get our own washer and dryer. I don't want my clothes to smell like someone else's clothes.
Second: I am down to the last straw with my car. My dad told me to fix it and if I find something else that I want, he will drive my old car. I only have one more possibility. I am closing the doors after that. It may not work out anyway because of the length of the time that it will take for the deal to come through. But all in all, I will have a car sooner than later.
Third: I have actually made some definite headway in my packing efforts. I have reached a level where if I pack more, I may not have the things I need to function in my house for the last couple of weeks that I am here. I want to continue in my quest, but I need to get some of these boxes out of my apartment before I can actually see to pack anything else. Why do I have so much stuff? Where did it come from? Where will I put it?
All that I know is that I am not allowed to buy lotion until I use all of the stuff that I have right now.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Nap
I am so sleepy. It is impossible to work this way. It is a good thing that we had tea at ten today, or else I would have died. (tea at ten is a summer tabor tradition.)
I brought cheese, and it is all gone. I am going back to dale's and buying more this afternoon. After I nap.
Nap,nap,nap...
I brought cheese, and it is all gone. I am going back to dale's and buying more this afternoon. After I nap.
Nap,nap,nap...
Monday, June 18, 2007
Alma Mater
My Freshmen year in College the Tabor Choir did a concert of songs that they have been known to sing over the years. Each of the songs was popular under a different choir director.
The concert was extremely memorable for me, because Becky and I were almost late to it. We were coming back from KC and missed our turn and wound up about an hour due West of the burro about 1:10 minutes before we were supposed to be there. We made it back to our dorms, splashed water on faces and ran to the chapel. (We had been at Worlds of Fun all day, and had that wonderful sweaty amusement park smell.)
Anyway... the concert that evening ended with the old Tabor Alma Mater song, which is no longer sung at Tabor because it has been replaced with Redeemed of God (the Tabor Hymn). I was going through old alumni files and ran across a song sheet, and decided to show it to you.
As an emblem of our fathers, "To thy trust be true,"
Beams our haloed Alma Mater Rising toward the blue.
(Chorus)
Onward still we'll bear the banner, Gold and Royal Blue.
Hail, all Hail, dear Alma Mater, Tabor tried and true.
To a higher plain of vision And to truth and light
We are led within thy portals, Vigil of the right
(Chorus)
Glorious Mem'ries, Alma Mater, Thrill us at thy view;
We will hail thy name with rapture, Tabor we'll be true.
(Chorus)
This song is sung to the same tune that countless Alma Mater songs are sung.
I just thought that it was a fun, quirky bit of history that I would share with you.
The concert was extremely memorable for me, because Becky and I were almost late to it. We were coming back from KC and missed our turn and wound up about an hour due West of the burro about 1:10 minutes before we were supposed to be there. We made it back to our dorms, splashed water on faces and ran to the chapel. (We had been at Worlds of Fun all day, and had that wonderful sweaty amusement park smell.)
Anyway... the concert that evening ended with the old Tabor Alma Mater song, which is no longer sung at Tabor because it has been replaced with Redeemed of God (the Tabor Hymn). I was going through old alumni files and ran across a song sheet, and decided to show it to you.
As an emblem of our fathers, "To thy trust be true,"
Beams our haloed Alma Mater Rising toward the blue.
(Chorus)
Onward still we'll bear the banner, Gold and Royal Blue.
Hail, all Hail, dear Alma Mater, Tabor tried and true.
To a higher plain of vision And to truth and light
We are led within thy portals, Vigil of the right
(Chorus)
Glorious Mem'ries, Alma Mater, Thrill us at thy view;
We will hail thy name with rapture, Tabor we'll be true.
(Chorus)
This song is sung to the same tune that countless Alma Mater songs are sung.
I just thought that it was a fun, quirky bit of history that I would share with you.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Antsy
If I could be more antsy, I think I would be pacing the floors madly. I would walk up a path about two yards long, and then turn abruptly on my heels and walk back. There would be no nonsense in this action. I would probably whistle as I paced. Not a happy go lucky tune, but something like a fight song, or one of the battle songs of early America.
I think that we finally found an apartment. This may be contributing to my over zealous need to move, sway, pace, bike, and create. I think that if a team of psychologists studied my nervous behavior, I would be immediately put on some sort of calming drug.
It can not be contributed to change in diet or intake of caffeine. It must be Spring fever, compounded by the need for a vacation (out of state, country, or the such), complicated by the uncertain nature of my near future, and finally viewed by myself as somewhat of a quarter life crisis.
This may sound like a desperate state, but surprisingly I am happy, and do not feel the need to adjust my course as of yet.
All that I know that I need is to go swimming. I need a good afternoon at the ocean, on a beach, surrounded by no one who cares what I look like.
I think that we finally found an apartment. This may be contributing to my over zealous need to move, sway, pace, bike, and create. I think that if a team of psychologists studied my nervous behavior, I would be immediately put on some sort of calming drug.
It can not be contributed to change in diet or intake of caffeine. It must be Spring fever, compounded by the need for a vacation (out of state, country, or the such), complicated by the uncertain nature of my near future, and finally viewed by myself as somewhat of a quarter life crisis.
This may sound like a desperate state, but surprisingly I am happy, and do not feel the need to adjust my course as of yet.
All that I know that I need is to go swimming. I need a good afternoon at the ocean, on a beach, surrounded by no one who cares what I look like.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
?Quien? ?Donde? ?Porque?
So,
The duplex that I haven't written about, but thought that I might move into fell through. This has been a long line of falling through. I am going north again today to look at a couple more places. Hopefully new roommate and I will find something that we like that is available. (Thanks Lenky!)
I am going to look at another car today. I am also going to call about a couple more. Every day I keep going back and forth about fixing little Timmy. Seriously, I wanna quit all of this madness!!! I know that it is crazy, but I keep praying that someone will just drop the perfect car in my lap. (I believe in miracles)
Despite all of the drama, I am remaining mostly worry free. God has given me a super amazing peace about the entire situation. I am still having problems with the whole patience part of things, but at least I am not dwelling on the Poopyness of the situation.
Fact: It is extremely hard to be motivated to pack up ones apartment, when one does not have a moving destination.
Fact: One should not write important phone numbers down on ones hand and then use the restroom which requires the washing of hands. One will loose the phone number.
The duplex that I haven't written about, but thought that I might move into fell through. This has been a long line of falling through. I am going north again today to look at a couple more places. Hopefully new roommate and I will find something that we like that is available. (Thanks Lenky!)
I am going to look at another car today. I am also going to call about a couple more. Every day I keep going back and forth about fixing little Timmy. Seriously, I wanna quit all of this madness!!! I know that it is crazy, but I keep praying that someone will just drop the perfect car in my lap. (I believe in miracles)
Despite all of the drama, I am remaining mostly worry free. God has given me a super amazing peace about the entire situation. I am still having problems with the whole patience part of things, but at least I am not dwelling on the Poopyness of the situation.
Fact: It is extremely hard to be motivated to pack up ones apartment, when one does not have a moving destination.
Fact: One should not write important phone numbers down on ones hand and then use the restroom which requires the washing of hands. One will loose the phone number.
Monday, June 11, 2007
The passing of time
So,
Last time I posted, I was pretty down about my life situation. Honestly, not much has changed since then. Somehow the passing of time has allowed me to be at peace with everything. I do have a possibility on another place to live next year. I am going to look at it tomorrow. As far as my car goes, I am just about ready to fix it. I have looked at cars on line as well as dealerships around my area, and haven't found anything yet. I have a couple more places that I want to check with, and if those don't work, then I will be shelling out the bucks to get Little Timmy fixed.
Subject change:
Lately I have been fascinated with a show that was released as a series of movies on A&E entitled "Horatio Hornblower" which surrounds the stories of a promising youth in the British Navy during the wars with Napoleon. Some of it is a bit graphic for me, but I close my eyes or use the restroom at these times. The show is not flashy or filled with high-tech frenzy as some movies are; Instead they used real ships and real ocean shots.
When I first started watching, I decided to affect a TV crush on our hero Horatio Hornblower. I didn't feel quite alright about this crush because when the film series begins, Horatio is a stunning 17 years old. Yet, to my surprise and (feigned) delight, the films proceed the and years pass. In the episode that I watched last night, he was the full age of 25. This completely justifies my affected TV crush. (I haven't had a TV crush since I was in love with JTT in the early 90's.)
My favorite character in the series is Matthews. He is a middle aged sailor who understands more about ships than most of his senior officers. He has a great sense of humor, and also seems to always be in the right place at the right time. I have also affected a TV Crush on him.
Who knew that this summer would bring me the delights of A&E Historical Fiction?
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Rough Week
Sunday: My car died
Monday: I got the depressing estimate
Tuesday: I have to decide weather to fix old car or get new car
Tuesday: I lost the apartment that I wanted in Salina
Wednesday: Has been a good day. I am praying it holds.
Monday: I got the depressing estimate
Tuesday: I have to decide weather to fix old car or get new car
Tuesday: I lost the apartment that I wanted in Salina
Wednesday: Has been a good day. I am praying it holds.
Monday, June 04, 2007
The Yard Sale
So... It happened.
The yard sale that my sister has been trying to get me to do for the past two years happened. I went home last Thursday night to finish getting things ready. We priced organized and were ready on Friday morning to get going. Too bad Friday morning wasn't ready for us. It rained, then drizzled, then stopped. We put things out (after the pre-yard sale lurkers had already given up on us) and stayed open for a little while. Then it rained and we covered with tarps. It stopped raining for a little while longer, and then it started to pour. We had a mad rush getting things onto the porch, and then we were done for Friday.
Saturday the weather was amazing, but people knew that we were already open the day before and assumed that our things had been picked over. They didn't come. The good part of Saturday was that I got to hang out with Leanna, a childhood friend who I haven't talked to in about four years.
So, Out of all of the work that I put into the project. I made about $25. Yep, I started with 6 boxes of things, and I ended with five boxes left. It goes down in my book as a flop.
Sometime in the near future, I will be going to the Good Will with my mom. At least I will completely rid myself of the extra baggage of The Yard Sale.
I will say this. It was fun sitting around on Saturday morning and afternoon with Leanna and my family. We had chilly dogs for lunch, and enjoyed the beautiful day.
The yard sale that my sister has been trying to get me to do for the past two years happened. I went home last Thursday night to finish getting things ready. We priced organized and were ready on Friday morning to get going. Too bad Friday morning wasn't ready for us. It rained, then drizzled, then stopped. We put things out (after the pre-yard sale lurkers had already given up on us) and stayed open for a little while. Then it rained and we covered with tarps. It stopped raining for a little while longer, and then it started to pour. We had a mad rush getting things onto the porch, and then we were done for Friday.
Saturday the weather was amazing, but people knew that we were already open the day before and assumed that our things had been picked over. They didn't come. The good part of Saturday was that I got to hang out with Leanna, a childhood friend who I haven't talked to in about four years.
So, Out of all of the work that I put into the project. I made about $25. Yep, I started with 6 boxes of things, and I ended with five boxes left. It goes down in my book as a flop.
Sometime in the near future, I will be going to the Good Will with my mom. At least I will completely rid myself of the extra baggage of The Yard Sale.
I will say this. It was fun sitting around on Saturday morning and afternoon with Leanna and my family. We had chilly dogs for lunch, and enjoyed the beautiful day.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Change
I am going Home Home for the weekend. I think that this is the new way that I am going to refer to my parents house. Home Home will be my parents, Home will be my burro apartment, and New Home will be my new apartment. (which will eventually be Home)
Yesterday I met with new roommate to talk about furniture and to look at a coffee table that she has. She didn't know if I would want to use it or not.
When entering college, I did not expect to leave college and get a roommate. I thought that roommates were for college, but after spending a year in my own apartment, I find that I am a roommate person. I spend most of my time out of my at other people's houses, or at the library...
1. because my apartment is in the basement and it doesn't have sufficient windows for my comfort,
and
2. because I like being in the same room with another person.
So, back to the roommate situation. I picture it as a merger of two people. You each tally what you own that would be beneficial to the relationship (such as appliances, dishes, furniture, and the such) and then merge these items to produce the likeness of a household. The problem with this situation is that the frequency of turnover of roommates is much higher than other relationships like family and spouse. So, if you move from roommate to roommate, it becomes evident that you buy and sell and store more of the aforementioned household items.
I have had two other roommates, (amy and panda), and New Roommate has had only one other roommate. These were all college roommates, so this is our first out of college roommate experience. I think that we will bring not only material things to each other's lives, but also support as we both start our first "Career" jobs. It will also be nice to have someone to rant with and to laugh with. I am sure that it will cushion the blow of leaving practically everyone I know and branching out to a completely new town.
Anyway.... This is for change, this is for the unknown.
Yesterday I met with new roommate to talk about furniture and to look at a coffee table that she has. She didn't know if I would want to use it or not.
When entering college, I did not expect to leave college and get a roommate. I thought that roommates were for college, but after spending a year in my own apartment, I find that I am a roommate person. I spend most of my time out of my at other people's houses, or at the library...
1. because my apartment is in the basement and it doesn't have sufficient windows for my comfort,
and
2. because I like being in the same room with another person.
So, back to the roommate situation. I picture it as a merger of two people. You each tally what you own that would be beneficial to the relationship (such as appliances, dishes, furniture, and the such) and then merge these items to produce the likeness of a household. The problem with this situation is that the frequency of turnover of roommates is much higher than other relationships like family and spouse. So, if you move from roommate to roommate, it becomes evident that you buy and sell and store more of the aforementioned household items.
I have had two other roommates, (amy and panda), and New Roommate has had only one other roommate. These were all college roommates, so this is our first out of college roommate experience. I think that we will bring not only material things to each other's lives, but also support as we both start our first "Career" jobs. It will also be nice to have someone to rant with and to laugh with. I am sure that it will cushion the blow of leaving practically everyone I know and branching out to a completely new town.
Anyway.... This is for change, this is for the unknown.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
I Liiii iiii iiii iiiiK My Biiii iiii iiii iiiiK
So,
I recently went on a long bike ride with a few friends round this little town I affectionately call "the burro." It was a great time! We kept reminding ourselves of the Butter Cream gang. Elise and I tried quoting the movie. (It didn't work too well since I haven't seen it in about four years.) The only line that I can remember is
"Is that a threat?"
"No that's a promise"
Anyway.... I realized how much I miss riding. I will need to find a safe place to ride once I move. After using my trusty cycle for about 12 years I am considering getting a new bike. There are some sweet Schwinns out there that are calling my name.
I have only owned Schwinn. My first adult bike was an old Schwinn. It was banana yellow, had three gears, and hand breaks. I hate to say that I was ashamed of it when I first got it, because it wasn't a cool new mountain bike like all of the rest of my friends had. Now looking back, it was a pretty sweet action bike.
I got my current bike right before my 12th birthday. We drove to W to the Schwinn shop, and I purchased half of a beautiful brand new Lipstick Red Schwinn Mountain Bike. I remember loving the fact that it was about 20 pounds lighter than my last bike. I picked it up and carried it around the store. I still remember debating between that color and a hunter green color. I also remember what the shop smelled like and what the floor was like. It was black and had little raised circular grips on it. It is interesting how much of the encounter I remember. I believe it is because of the significance of my first encounter with this particular bike. I was a proud owner.
The first time I wrecked that bike I cried, not because I cut up my legs (I still have scars), but because I scratched the amazing paint job on that fabulous bike.
Even if I do get a new bike I will still ride my old ones. Ahhh the memories...
(Wavy fade to me as a child with each of my Schwinns.)
I recently went on a long bike ride with a few friends round this little town I affectionately call "the burro." It was a great time! We kept reminding ourselves of the Butter Cream gang. Elise and I tried quoting the movie. (It didn't work too well since I haven't seen it in about four years.) The only line that I can remember is
"Is that a threat?"
"No that's a promise"
Anyway.... I realized how much I miss riding. I will need to find a safe place to ride once I move. After using my trusty cycle for about 12 years I am considering getting a new bike. There are some sweet Schwinns out there that are calling my name.
I have only owned Schwinn. My first adult bike was an old Schwinn. It was banana yellow, had three gears, and hand breaks. I hate to say that I was ashamed of it when I first got it, because it wasn't a cool new mountain bike like all of the rest of my friends had. Now looking back, it was a pretty sweet action bike.
I got my current bike right before my 12th birthday. We drove to W to the Schwinn shop, and I purchased half of a beautiful brand new Lipstick Red Schwinn Mountain Bike. I remember loving the fact that it was about 20 pounds lighter than my last bike. I picked it up and carried it around the store. I still remember debating between that color and a hunter green color. I also remember what the shop smelled like and what the floor was like. It was black and had little raised circular grips on it. It is interesting how much of the encounter I remember. I believe it is because of the significance of my first encounter with this particular bike. I was a proud owner.
The first time I wrecked that bike I cried, not because I cut up my legs (I still have scars), but because I scratched the amazing paint job on that fabulous bike.
Even if I do get a new bike I will still ride my old ones. Ahhh the memories...
(Wavy fade to me as a child with each of my Schwinns.)
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Long Distance Relationship
So,
I have never used this blog to talk about my romantic relationship. I have used it to rant about almost everything else, but not very often about my personal personal life. Right now I am going to break my rule.
Last summer Chris (Boyfriend, but I hate that term because it sounds extremely high school-esque.) spent the summer in northern Indiana working an internship. It was my first long distance relationship stint. It was difficult, but we each took action to get involved in other friendships. I had an excellent time with my small group at church, family, and other friends. When Chris returned in the fall, I felt like I knew him better because of the experience. When the only tools that a couple have to communicate are the phone and the internet, they don't have the opportunity to just sit and enjoy each other's presence. (Which is a beautiful thing, but it doesn't really increase the amount that you know about another person.) When they are on the phone, they have to talk about life and important stuff, or what they did that day, or anything, or the entire phone conversation sounds like this:
(Note that the (Cricket) inserts are the sound that a cricket makes in the lull of conversation in movies.)
"(Cricket Cricket) So..."
"(Cricket) I don't know what to say...(Cricket)"
"(Cricket) Well..."
" I, (Cricket), I wish I had something to say..., (yawn) I already told you everything that I did today..."
"I should let you go to bed."
"No, (cricket) I want to talk... (Cricket) I just don't have anything to say (yawn)."
Anyway, Since graduation Chris moved back to W. I see him a few times a week, and talk to him about once a day. We have found that this is harder than him being far away. We do have the opportunity to see each other, but we can't afford to make the drive every day because of the simple enemies of time and money.
I am learning things through the experience, things that you wouldn't expect a person to learn from stuff like this. Like:
Take time to hang out outside/join a biker gang.
Do random things that you wouldn't normally do.
Don't set an agenda for everything; be spontaneous.
Don't be surprised by what blessings may come by phone.
Make the time that you have with the people you love a concentrated investment.
P.S. If you have any long distance advice, I would love to hear it.
I have never used this blog to talk about my romantic relationship. I have used it to rant about almost everything else, but not very often about my personal personal life. Right now I am going to break my rule.
Last summer Chris (Boyfriend, but I hate that term because it sounds extremely high school-esque.) spent the summer in northern Indiana working an internship. It was my first long distance relationship stint. It was difficult, but we each took action to get involved in other friendships. I had an excellent time with my small group at church, family, and other friends. When Chris returned in the fall, I felt like I knew him better because of the experience. When the only tools that a couple have to communicate are the phone and the internet, they don't have the opportunity to just sit and enjoy each other's presence. (Which is a beautiful thing, but it doesn't really increase the amount that you know about another person.) When they are on the phone, they have to talk about life and important stuff, or what they did that day, or anything, or the entire phone conversation sounds like this:
(Note that the (Cricket) inserts are the sound that a cricket makes in the lull of conversation in movies.)
"(Cricket Cricket) So..."
"(Cricket) I don't know what to say...(Cricket)"
"(Cricket) Well..."
" I, (Cricket), I wish I had something to say..., (yawn) I already told you everything that I did today..."
"I should let you go to bed."
"No, (cricket) I want to talk... (Cricket) I just don't have anything to say (yawn)."
Anyway, Since graduation Chris moved back to W. I see him a few times a week, and talk to him about once a day. We have found that this is harder than him being far away. We do have the opportunity to see each other, but we can't afford to make the drive every day because of the simple enemies of time and money.
I am learning things through the experience, things that you wouldn't expect a person to learn from stuff like this. Like:
Take time to hang out outside/join a biker gang.
Do random things that you wouldn't normally do.
Don't set an agenda for everything; be spontaneous.
Don't be surprised by what blessings may come by phone.
Make the time that you have with the people you love a concentrated investment.
P.S. If you have any long distance advice, I would love to hear it.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Life Lessons
Recently I have learned some life lessons that I thought I would share...
1. Communication in all relationships is essential to the health of the relationship.
2. Never assume that you understand a person, even if you have known them all of their life.
3. Always take time to concentrate on the people who you love. (This means that you can not be distracted while you are taking this time. If there are distractions, remove them.)
4. It is better to stop talking about your worries and start praying about them.
5. Only God can truly change a person.
Beyond these things... Here are some life lessons that I am glad to share, but I do not know how applicable they will be to the general public.
1. If you choose to dress like a pirate and go out into public and smile at people you meet, do not expect them to smile back.
2. If you try to kick someone in the butt and actually miss and kick some one else (who you have never spoken to) in the butt, do not apologize immediately. Wait until the person has had time to process the incident and then admit to what you were trying to do and apologize profusely.
3. If you are going to be spending any length of time in Park City, make sure you Learn Spanish.
4. Sometimes you just need to blow off steam. If this means cramming 5 people into a TINY car and screaming "Move Along" while driving down busy city streets, then so be it.
1. Communication in all relationships is essential to the health of the relationship.
2. Never assume that you understand a person, even if you have known them all of their life.
3. Always take time to concentrate on the people who you love. (This means that you can not be distracted while you are taking this time. If there are distractions, remove them.)
4. It is better to stop talking about your worries and start praying about them.
5. Only God can truly change a person.
Beyond these things... Here are some life lessons that I am glad to share, but I do not know how applicable they will be to the general public.
1. If you choose to dress like a pirate and go out into public and smile at people you meet, do not expect them to smile back.
2. If you try to kick someone in the butt and actually miss and kick some one else (who you have never spoken to) in the butt, do not apologize immediately. Wait until the person has had time to process the incident and then admit to what you were trying to do and apologize profusely.
3. If you are going to be spending any length of time in Park City, make sure you Learn Spanish.
4. Sometimes you just need to blow off steam. If this means cramming 5 people into a TINY car and screaming "Move Along" while driving down busy city streets, then so be it.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Pirates
This evening I am going to watch Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. I will not hesitate to say that I am excited as well as skeptical.
When I saw the Curse of the Black Pearl, I loved it so much that I think I bought it at full price when it first came out. This action goes against my "six month movie rule" under which I am not allowed to buy a movie until it has been out for six months and/or the price has gone down approximately $5 or $6. I thought that Jonny Depp was wonderful. I loved how many of the scenes were so similar to the actual pirates ride at Disney World. I liked the way that it appealed to so many people, and how the plot made you pity Barbosa as well as want him out of the picture at the end of the film.
Last year when I saw Dead Man's Chest I was much less impressed. I thought that the effects and stunts were alright. The movie was well done, but I thought that it was extremely dark. The opening scene in the jail with the tortured screams of the prisoners was unnecessary, and for me it was unwanted. Also, Davy Jones and his crew contained no comical characters as the last movie's villain's had. I do have to admit that they did try to make Davy Jones character rounded. The only character on that boat who was dynamic was Bootstraps Bill, and he was still as dark even in his transformation.
On the positive side of the film, I liked Jack Sparrow again as always. I thought that it was a great Idea to bring back Barbosa at the end. It is good that they found ways to integrate the cast from the previous movie. Orlando Bloom was not nearly as annoying as Will Turner than he is as Paris in "Troy." I am intrigued to find out more about Tia Dalma. (The witch doctor character).
So after tonight I will have an opinion on the next film. I will not immediately write about it, so that I do not taint any one's opinion of the film. I am hoping that this series will be like most trilogies in that the first film and the last film will be the best films in the series.
When I saw the Curse of the Black Pearl, I loved it so much that I think I bought it at full price when it first came out. This action goes against my "six month movie rule" under which I am not allowed to buy a movie until it has been out for six months and/or the price has gone down approximately $5 or $6. I thought that Jonny Depp was wonderful. I loved how many of the scenes were so similar to the actual pirates ride at Disney World. I liked the way that it appealed to so many people, and how the plot made you pity Barbosa as well as want him out of the picture at the end of the film.
Last year when I saw Dead Man's Chest I was much less impressed. I thought that the effects and stunts were alright. The movie was well done, but I thought that it was extremely dark. The opening scene in the jail with the tortured screams of the prisoners was unnecessary, and for me it was unwanted. Also, Davy Jones and his crew contained no comical characters as the last movie's villain's had. I do have to admit that they did try to make Davy Jones character rounded. The only character on that boat who was dynamic was Bootstraps Bill, and he was still as dark even in his transformation.
On the positive side of the film, I liked Jack Sparrow again as always. I thought that it was a great Idea to bring back Barbosa at the end. It is good that they found ways to integrate the cast from the previous movie. Orlando Bloom was not nearly as annoying as Will Turner than he is as Paris in "Troy." I am intrigued to find out more about Tia Dalma. (The witch doctor character).
So after tonight I will have an opinion on the next film. I will not immediately write about it, so that I do not taint any one's opinion of the film. I am hoping that this series will be like most trilogies in that the first film and the last film will be the best films in the series.
Lightening is amazing
Yesterday I went to work and then back to Mac to work on the ever coming Garage Sale. Seriously, if I post about it enough, I just might have one.
Anyway... after pricing all of my pre-sorted items and neatly placing them back in their corresponding boxes, I settled down with my sister to watch a couple of episodes of Reba. These were the first two episodes of the series. I have seen a lot of the episodes, but never had I seen these two. I give that show a lot of credit. It is funny and for the most part incredibly clean for the television of today. Plus it is a show that my sister and I both like. That is saying something.
After my insistence my family got carry out Chinese. I ordered Chicken fried rice, (The Chinese food staple in my life) and we all sat around and enjoyed our meal. Then we started talking about the future, and everyone got all stressed out and dinner did not end well. (At least there was Chinese food.)
Later, I went grocery shopping and headed for home. All around me was incredible lightening. There were cloud to cloud bolts, cloud to ground bolts, and the kind of bolts that you can't see because they are too high in the sky above the clouds. Although the lightening accompanied a flash flood that made it impossible for me to get through the water by my house without taking off my shoes and rolling my pants to mid calf (wasn't high enough), I loved it. I like the spring storms in Kansas.
Anyway... after pricing all of my pre-sorted items and neatly placing them back in their corresponding boxes, I settled down with my sister to watch a couple of episodes of Reba. These were the first two episodes of the series. I have seen a lot of the episodes, but never had I seen these two. I give that show a lot of credit. It is funny and for the most part incredibly clean for the television of today. Plus it is a show that my sister and I both like. That is saying something.
After my insistence my family got carry out Chinese. I ordered Chicken fried rice, (The Chinese food staple in my life) and we all sat around and enjoyed our meal. Then we started talking about the future, and everyone got all stressed out and dinner did not end well. (At least there was Chinese food.)
Later, I went grocery shopping and headed for home. All around me was incredible lightening. There were cloud to cloud bolts, cloud to ground bolts, and the kind of bolts that you can't see because they are too high in the sky above the clouds. Although the lightening accompanied a flash flood that made it impossible for me to get through the water by my house without taking off my shoes and rolling my pants to mid calf (wasn't high enough), I loved it. I like the spring storms in Kansas.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Graduation weekend
Well,
All of the students (but a few who are working in the 'burro this summer) have left campus. It is a quiet atmosphere. There is not as much urgent work to do at work either.
Graduation week and weekend was great. All of the things that I had helped plan went well. Christopher, and Justin's reception went well. I don't think that Justin's family will ever be able to eat all of the left over food that they took home. Planning on 200 people may have not been the best idea.
At Katie's (Chris' Katie) reception, we did have almost 200 people. We all worked so hard to keep it running smoothly. We ran out of punch, and Mexican layer dip. Chris' dad came up with an alternative to Mexican layer dip that has similar ingredients because we ran out of cheese and tomatoes.
I went to work on Monday and worked on a large mailing. On Tuesday, I went to the Dr.'s for a check up for my job next year, and on Tuesday evening I went to Wichita to see Chris. We went with justin, elise, and doc to shop around then to Apple Bees. Becky met us there for just a short time.
All in all, I am exhausted. I think I am going to sleep the rest of the day. I have no goals, and no aspirations for the day. I want to start packing up things here in the burro for my move soon. I will have to be inspired.
I am thinking about trying to write a short book in a month with Doc, but I am not going to try it if I don't get some good ideas.... We will see.
All of the students (but a few who are working in the 'burro this summer) have left campus. It is a quiet atmosphere. There is not as much urgent work to do at work either.
Graduation week and weekend was great. All of the things that I had helped plan went well. Christopher, and Justin's reception went well. I don't think that Justin's family will ever be able to eat all of the left over food that they took home. Planning on 200 people may have not been the best idea.
At Katie's (Chris' Katie) reception, we did have almost 200 people. We all worked so hard to keep it running smoothly. We ran out of punch, and Mexican layer dip. Chris' dad came up with an alternative to Mexican layer dip that has similar ingredients because we ran out of cheese and tomatoes.
I went to work on Monday and worked on a large mailing. On Tuesday, I went to the Dr.'s for a check up for my job next year, and on Tuesday evening I went to Wichita to see Chris. We went with justin, elise, and doc to shop around then to Apple Bees. Becky met us there for just a short time.
All in all, I am exhausted. I think I am going to sleep the rest of the day. I have no goals, and no aspirations for the day. I want to start packing up things here in the burro for my move soon. I will have to be inspired.
I am thinking about trying to write a short book in a month with Doc, but I am not going to try it if I don't get some good ideas.... We will see.
Friday, May 18, 2007
One Minute post
So I am doing this as an experiment. I am going to post all that I can in one minute.
GO!
Ok, Yesterday was a great day. I went to W with Chris and we went shopping. He was looking for something to wear for Graduation. I found four shirts. He found one tie and borrowed a shirt from his Brother.
Then We listened to Katie have a concert. She did a great job!
All in all
STOP!
This is my one minute post.
GO!
Ok, Yesterday was a great day. I went to W with Chris and we went shopping. He was looking for something to wear for Graduation. I found four shirts. He found one tie and borrowed a shirt from his Brother.
Then We listened to Katie have a concert. She did a great job!
All in all
STOP!
This is my one minute post.
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