my life...or something like it

Thank you cards for coworkers

2011-03-06T19:37:00.000-08:00

Still learning how to do the card making thing. These are early ones. At this point, I've only done cards for mom and Janna. These are cards 3 & 4 EVER. I think I did alright.

Janna's Mother's Day gift

2011-03-06T19:34:00.000-08:00

Janna's Mother's Day Card

Janna's Bookmark

Mother's Day

2011-03-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

Up comes Mother's Day next. I have started shopping around in these little antique malls, places like Stars Antiques and Monticello Antique Marketplace and seeing old vintage postcards. Surely there is something to be done with these delightful old postcards. So I think "I'll make a card out of one". I found this great old "Mother" tea cup (and a "dad" one for Father's Day) and a postcard and voila! Mom's gift. Oh, I also made her a bookmark, which I'm pretty sure she's yet to use. I put them in a bag I created (which mom then recycled and gave to Janna, shhhh).

Stephanie's bookmark

2011-03-06T16:22:00.000-08:00

I made a second bookmark for her but it looks like I didn't take a picture of it. Oops!

Charlotte's gift box

2011-03-06T16:20:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure Charlotte's gift box came next (i'm doing my best to try and keep them in order):

Paula's gift box

2011-03-06T16:06:00.000-08:00

I didn't make a gift for Paula on my first go-around. I could only get the towels for her mom made, but I did manage to make her gift box. Here's a little looksy at that:

Not that great but we'll keep trying.

My Attempt At Embroidery

2011-03-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

When I go visit my friend Paula and family, her parents have been bringing their camper over so I have my own space. I attempted to make a little "thank you" for her mom. I did a couple of tea towels for the camper. I put them in the gift box that I also made for her.

What Have I Been Up To?

2011-03-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

I have no idea. Do people even still read blogs? The answer is Yes. I still read blogs but I have not been doing a very good job of keeping up on my blog.

The one thing I can really share with the folks in blogland is that I have been trying my hand at making things and I've been promising friends that I would post my creations here. I've been taking pictures of the things I've made but have not bothered to post the pictures. So, I thought I would take a few minutes and get some things posted. Put on your seatbelt. :)

The pictures here are of a little bunting, I guess that's what you'd call it, that I made. It's hanging over my bed at this point. This is the first thing I made when I decided to begin my crafting experiment. Not too shabby for my first attempt, if I do say so myself.

What Should Be Next?

2009-08-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

I know that there hasn't been much happening here for quite some time. I'm not sure what I want to use this space for - or even if I want to continue using this space. It really isn't of any great importance to me if people are reading what I post here. I think we can all agree that blogs are really for the author in most cases. Maybe it would change for me if I suddenly became the Julie Powell of blogs(you know the one that's really famous right now for her cooking through Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking and then blogging about it - there's a movie out about it right now). I use her as an example because I just finished her book for my book club. Perhaps I would then worry about whether or not people are reading what I write but right now I don't. This space is for me. I have been ignoring it for quite some time. Does this mean I'm ignoring myself? Am I not asking myself the questions that are most important and challenging to me? Am I not exploring the thoughts floating around in my head?

Things have changed a bit for me in the last couple of weeks. I have a new job. I am no longer commuting to and from Salem - thank you God! I've been leaving my house at 7:30 and returning at 5:30! So great! BUT...I can tell you right now that this is the same unfulfilling job as the last and one that I'm sure is going to drive me crazy soon enough. I feel a lot like Julie Powell did when she started her journey of cooking her way through Julia Child's book in a year. She had a job she hated (temporary - like mine) and knew she did not want to spend her days working in a purposeless job. I, like Julie, want an adventure - even if it is a seemingly silly one like cooking your way through a cookbook. After reading her account, I certainly am not interested in cooking my way through French food for the next year. Yuck! I can't say marinating kidney's and calf brains is what I want to try at this point in my life. But maybe Julie Powell is on to something. Maybe I need to make this my space for an adventure - whatever that may be. Could it be something fun? Could it be something really important - like what I'm learning about human trafficking? Could I become the next voice for the abolishment of modern day slavery? Could I start posting ideas for a shop of home decor I've been throwing around in my head? Could I share my ideas about how I think we should be using our faith in the public square (that could cause a lot more hostility than I care to have)?

The possibilities are endless.

2009-04-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

2009-04-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Wow- it's been a really long time

2009-04-05T20:54:00.000-07:00

I just realized that it's been like a hundred years since I wrote anything at all on this here blog. I still feel like I've not got much to say but I thought I'd catch people up if anyone cares.

I HATE my job. I mean I really HATE it. I got an apartment in Salem for about 5 months and could never actually bring myself to move my things in. I slept on an air mattress the whole time. I had my kitchen and bath things there and a chair and my TV. I finally decided to give up the apartment and move back into my parents' house and I am commuting again.

The nice thing about commuting is that at the end of the day I get to leave the job I despise behind - in a completely different city. I don't run into crazy students when I'm out and I get to see friends on a much more regular basis.

I am actively looking for other work so if anyone has ideas - I'd love to hear them. :) It's kind of weird because, OBVIOUSLY, I am thankful to have work when so many don't but I'm waiting for my body to react to the stress like it did when I work for "satan" at the surgeons' offices - anyone remember that???? I don't really want my body to eat itself (unless it's my belly fat). I'm not looking for open wounds again!

What a strange time of transition for so many. It's so strange because all of my friends that are working at Cascade are in the same boat. I don't know if I'm glad I'm not there for all of the sadness of closing the school or if I wish I were there to be with everyone in the final days. Can't go back - can only look forward, right???

I solicit prayers for new work. I've got some apps out and maybe one of them will pan out. I'm trying to remain hopeful. I've also got another project up my sleeves. I'm praying desperately for this to be the thing that pans out. I know it would change my life in amazing ways. I don't really feel like advertising it here on this public forum so I just ask if you love me to pray that this thing happens! It would be really great - and something I need desperately! I would be empowered to move on in great ways with my life.

I did run into my friend James on the street Saturday near the Starbucks he works at. He suggested I consider going and teaching English in Europe for a year. Maybe that's the ticket! I could handle Europe for a year, I think!

I think we could all look at the history of this blog and see that I have been searching for something for quite some time. I'm tired of talking about it and want to take action. It's just hard to know which direction to go. I suppose any action at this point is better than sitting around and waiting for life to happen to me. Do you just go and hope that you're doing something good? Do you try to hear the voice of the Lord leading you in a specific direction? Wise readers I solicit your opinions...

call + response

2009-02-16T18:43:00.000-08:00

Please check this out. This is real - and it's happening in our neighborhoods.

nothing to say

2008-11-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

I don't like that I don't keep up with this blog. So much has happened in the last three months and I feel like I don't have any words to share about any of it. The good and the bad. I want to share my thoughts on the closing of Cascade, the election, my new job, the passing of a friend, my hopes and dreams for the future, and my fears and failures, yet I can't seem to find the words. I usually have plenty of words but I haven't had any lately. I'm not sure what that means. Hopefully it will change soon.

2008-11-06T10:35:00.001-08:00

YES WE CAN!!!!

Transitions

2008-08-14T09:18:00.001-07:00

Well Kids, it's official! My last day at Cascade is Friday, August 22nd. I have accepted a position in financial aid at Chemeketa Community College in Salem. In all of the crazy transitions my plan is to commute for now. I'm sure once I start paying for gas I will get over it real quick and will find myself moving to Salem. Thankfully little Timmy and Kori live there and some friends of mine just moved to Keizer. So I have at least a small social circle there.

I'm excited about this new opportunity. I've been waiting patiently for the right thing for a couple of years now. I'm thankful that I didn't have to move to Texas to find a new opportunity. An hour's not so bad when you think about Texas. :)

I will miss many of the beautiful people I have worked with for the last 6 years and of course I will miss many of our students. It just won't be the same ever again!

I am going from working with 300 students to a place where they serve over 60,000 each year. Crazy! It's going to be a totally different experience but I'm so excited to have it!

Happy Birthday Tim!

2008-07-28T09:30:00.001-07:00

Little Timmy turns 30 today! I thought about listing all of the things about Tim that I love but I couldn't think of any...just kidding!

I think I will just list my favorite things about Tim and then ask you to go wish Tim a happy birthday!

My favorite things about Tim
1. Growing up and into our young adulthood Tim always had this great childlike spirit about him. He was always so much fun. He was up for anything and was almost always willing to be silly - just for the sake of being silly. Sometimes it irritated me but I have to say that now that I don't see him nearly as often as I used to, I miss his silliness.
2. I love that when we were younger (like college) he let me call him Moth -you know, TiMOTHy. It was my name of endearment for him. No one else got to use it. It was a silly name but he let me use it anyway and, if I remember correctly, I once got a Valentine's Day card in my campus mailbox from a guy named Moth. :)
3. Tim has always had a very generous spirit. If he had it and someone else needed it, he shared it willingly. Back in 2001 when I moved back to Portland from Seattle, Tim was very generous in assisting me financially. It took a bit longer for me to find a job than I had anticipated and Tim got me through. I wouldn't have made it if it hadn't been for Tim.
4. Tim desires to do good. He wants to do honor God with his life. He, like all of us, doesn't always get it right but in his heart of hearts, he wants to do the right thing in all circumstances. He wants to be known as a Godly man - a man who is trying to be like Jesus. There's nothing better than that.

Happy Birthday little brother. I hope you have a great day! I love you so much.

Tony Campolo on The Colbert Report

2008-07-23T12:10:00.000-07:00

After Ryan Woods suggested that we check out Tony Campolo on The Colbert Report I had to see if he was on there more than once. I'm reading one of Campolo's books right now. I have been blessed to find Tony Campolo. He speaks to my heart in such important ways. I love God. I want to model my life after Christ - I often do a POOR job of it. And I don't feel like the conservative right has anything to offer me. I often feel embarrassed that they are what non-Christians assume we're all like and that we all think the same way. For most of my life I have felt a disconnect between my heart feels and what I hear in most churches and from many of my Christian friends. Thank you Tony for validating what I believe Jesus has written on my heart. As I read more and more of the book I am currently reading, the more I want to be like Christ, the more safe I feel opening my heart to Him. The God and the Jesus I have known most of my life is not what the world needs. The world needs a God and a Jesus who love them with unrelenting passion. I need a God and a Jesus who loves me with unrelenting passion. This is how we will change the world.

A couple of months back I read a book by Shane Claiborne called The Irresistible Revolution. In it he shared about the time he spent in India with Mother Teresa. He learned that Namaste, a Hindu greeting means "I honor the Spirit who lives in you." I am learning to honor the Spirit that lives in me and in all of those around me. It's definately a process, a journey, but I think if I look at all people as spiritual beings, self included, I will treat everyone better and see all people through Jesus' eyes. I don't think much of anything else matters. I think what I am learning about myself is that I haven't even been treating myself very well. I've struggled with the whole relationship with God thing. I think when you don't believe that He really, I mean really, loves you, what's the point of trying to do what He wants for your life??? Why would I honor the Spirit within me if I don't think He really cares about me or if it feels like the point of being in relationship with Him is only to do what He wants because He's a bully and will punish you for all eternity if you don't do things His way? It's not the point! He wants to be in relationship with His creation, with His people, His companions. He wants us to be companions of His. He wants us to choose Him because He wants to be with us - not to show power and domination over us but to love us and be with us, to be friends with us. I want that. I need that. My soul is crying out for that.

Namaste.

Also Watching...

2008-07-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

Monday nights are devoted to The History Detectives on PBS. I think this might be one of the most interesting shows on TV. If you're not doing anything on Monday nights at 9pm and you live in the Portland area, check out channel 10 for this hour of goodness.

Everyone Should Read...

2008-07-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

The Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyer. I never thought I would be interested in "these kinds" of books but I couldn't get enough. I was oblivious to the world for about a week and read the first three in the series. The last one comes out on August 2nd and I can't wait! So, if you are looking for an easy yet entertaining read I suggest these!

Feisty Sesame Street

2008-07-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love Feist...

What I've Been Watching

2008-07-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

I think a lot of people misunderstand So You Think You Can Dance. I love watching it every summer. The dancers are doing some really incredible things. I find so much beauty in what they are doing. Call me a reality TV junkie - I can't get enough. I wish I could do these things. Take a peek:

And then there's this couple! She is a trained dancer and it shows in everything she does. Joshua is a hip hop dancer. I'm totally blown away but what he is able to do every week.

I see the greatness of our Creator in these dancers. I see how beautiful He made the human form and I see how dancing is an outlet for worship. I think if I were a dancer I would feel totally and completely connected to God when I was moving because I feel it just watching them.

Urge

2008-06-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

This will probably be one of the most random posts I ever make.

I have had in recent weeks/months the overwhelming urge to move to New Orleans and be a part of the rebuilding of that city. I think I would go almost immediately if there was someone interested in going with me on a little adventure. I think I feel braver if I have a partner in crime. Any takers?

Peace Out Ol' Red

2008-06-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

My 1992 Toyota Corolla has been given to a new home and I have a new car. That's right. I am a full fledged grown up with a car payment! Yikes! What have I done? I might be living with my parents for the rest of my life but I have a nice car. I'm so excited to have something that I can get in everyday and not worry about whether or not it will start. I just got tired of putting money into a car that had so much that needed to be done. Now my money can go toward building my credit and investing in something which will give me some pride. :)

So, farewell, Ruby Dee. I hope some teenager treats you well!

I've included pictures of my new car(from the interwebs, not the actual vehicle - same color though). And I have to say, while she is a bit bigger than I really need, it was this or like a gramma Ford Taurus - no offense to those who might drive a Taurus - and this actually gets better gas mileage than the Taurus I looked at. It is smaller than it looks in the picture. She's more the size of a wagon than an SUV. Isn't she pretty???

OH YEAH! I need help naming her. Maybe we can play a game and everyone can help choose a name.

2008-06-04T09:38:00.001-07:00

YES WE CAN!!!!

Magic

2008-05-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wish I had a magic wand and I could make my life exactly the way I want it to be. I know, I know - it's totally unrealistic. Where is the joy in attaining what you want without the work? The work is what scares me but it's in the work that you find the satisfaction...

sicko

2008-05-09T16:58:00.001-07:00

I wasn't in the office today, which was nice. I was going to have the day to do what I wanted when I wanted but I developed a cold and didn't sleep well last night and have felt kinda foggy all day. So, lazy day it was. I've read, watched a great film called Crazy Sexy Cancer (not great because of the subject matter but great because of her choice to document what was happening to her and sharing her journey with all of us). If you need something to watch - this is a good one. I also watched a documentary called Escape Suburbia. This is the description in the OnDemand Info (presented by the Sundance Channel): "Half a century ago, suburbia was hailed as the solution to urban decay. Now, in the light of diminishing oil supplies, ecomomic woes and unsustainable lifestyles, many concerned citizens are rethinking their options."

So this is what I did with my time off. I think I'm going to go take a nap - if I can breathe while laying down.

distracted

2008-05-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

I am struggling with getting my head wrapped around any of my work. The students have left and I need to transition into summer projects which are important but BORING. I need to edit the student handbook, check final grades of students in postions where GPAs need to meet a minimum criteria. None of this is any kind of appealing to me.

My mind is in another place. I am processing so many things and none of them have anything to do with work.

I have been doing some online training and looking at potential improvements for the office but not getting any "needs to get done" work accomplished.

Wish me luck.

Challenges

2008-05-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

I'm at a place right now where I really feel like I am being challenged to evaluate my life and ask what it is that I want from it and how I can best be like Him while I'm here. With these feelings comes fear. I'm afraid that if I really look at what I want from this life and how I can participate in bringing the Kingdom of God to those around me in my community, I'm going to have to give some things up and I make some serious changes in the choices I make in my daily living.

For the first time in my life I don't feel like I need to make these changes out of guilt or shame but out of a heartfelt devotion to Christ. As He changes my heart I feel compelled to change my priorities.

I feel claustrophobic with all of my "things" around me but begin to feel anxious at the thought of purging them from my life - and that's how I know I have a problem. I know that there can be a healthy balance. I know that I have got to get my temple in better form to live out His calling for my life. I am no good to Him if I make poor choices and have to spend my time dealing with the consequences of those choices rather than being Christ to those around me.

I watch Extreme Home Makeover and see a family who intentionally moves into a neighborhood in need of love and they make a difference - giving so much of themselves to those around them. I'm challenged to think about what I am doing with my life and where I want to go with it.

I watch a documentary on the use of rape as a weapon in war (this one specifically about The Congo) and think "what am I doing???" There is so much need in the world and I know that I am impacting students at Cascade - or at least I hope that I am - but I feel like there is more and I am being called to something more. I just don't know what it is just yet.

I am being stretched and it's uncomfortable but I know it's good and healthy and necessary. The journey of life is hard and amazing all at the same time. I'm excited to see what is ahead for me. I'm unsure of where all of this will lead me but I'm learning to let go and trust in the Lord - and lean not on my own understanding.

Miracle of Miracles

2008-04-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

Graduation was on Saturday and the last of the students should be moving out today. We have a few sticking around for summer intersessions but intersession students are usually pretty mellow. I feel as if this year went very quickly. I have to say that I am thankful because I don't feel like it was my best year. I'm ready to try again next year. I call a do over!

Today I am taking a breather and moving slowly through my tasks.

The Lord's Prayer

2008-04-16T13:26:00.000-07:00

Manners

2008-03-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

I am reading a book for work called The Resident Assistant by Gregory Blemling and I've been amused at some of the things I've read. For instance, this morning I was reading an excerpt from a book written in the 50's by Irene Pierson giving advice to students on manners - check this out:

Question: What is the correct procedure when a girl has a Saturday night date and her boyfriend from out of town pops in a half hour before time for the date?

Answer: Tell the boyfriend you have plans for the evening and cannot break them as you do not want the reputation of being a person who is not dependable. The boyfriend was inconsiderate in not calling in advance. You could have been out to dinner and not have been located by him all evening.

WHAT??? How about "You're awful for dating behind your boyfriend's back and you do not want the reputation of being a cheater!"????

Maybe I'll share some housing rules from 1870 later.

Project Summary

2008-03-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

So there it is my friends. My 30 days of ridding myself of things I no longer want/need. I didn't spend nearly enough time in other places of my life like the CD collection or the books but I did get rid of a lot of clothes that I just don't need to have around any longer. I think there will continue to be more purging. I kinda got the hang of it. I found some pleasure in it. Wasn't nearly as painful on day 20 as it was on days 2 and 3.

I'm learning more and more about who I am and why I do some of the things that I do. I really believe that I have found security in having "my stuff" and it has gotten in the way of my relationship with God. He is my only security and I need to trust Him to provide it.

Now I'm going to go work. It's SO quiet around here. Students are on spring break and my boss isn't in the office. I think I got more work done yesterday afternoon then I get done in an average week! YAY for Spring Break!

day 30

2008-03-27T09:37:00.003-07:00

slippers - donate

day 29

2008-03-27T09:37:00.001-07:00

flip flops - donate

day 28

2008-03-27T09:36:00.004-07:00

blue hoodie - donate

day 27

2008-03-27T09:36:00.003-07:00

nightgown - donate

day 26

2008-03-27T09:36:00.001-07:00

old undies - trash

day 25

2008-03-27T09:35:00.001-07:00

3 old cascade tshirts - peace out - donate

day 24

2008-03-27T09:34:00.002-07:00

brown shirt - donate

day 23

2008-03-27T09:34:00.001-07:00

brown "leather" vest never worn - donate

day 22

2008-03-27T09:33:00.002-07:00

old sports bras - trash

day 21

2008-03-27T09:33:00.001-07:00

basket of toilettries - garbage

day 20

2008-03-27T09:32:00.002-07:00

blue sweater jacket - long - mom always asked if I was wearing a robe when I had it on. donate

day 19

2008-03-27T09:32:00.001-07:00

pink tshirt - donate

Do you see a trend here???? I parked at the closet trying to empty myself of the clothes I don't really want.

day 18

2008-03-27T09:31:00.002-07:00

light green tshirt - donate

day 17

2008-03-27T09:31:00.001-07:00

khaki cargo pants - donate

Playing Catch-Up: Day 16

2008-03-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

blue dress shirt - donate

Funny

2008-03-17T09:30:00.001-07:00

Thanks Mike for this funny quiz!

thoughts on project so far

2008-03-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

I actually feel quite liberated getting rid of the things that I'm holding on to that I just don't need/want. I believe with all of my heart that holding on to "things" has been some kind of security blanket for me. I think I have found comfort in my stuff. I can analyze it to death but I think what it comes down to is that I can't find my comfort in my stuff. Won't happen...it's not there. My comfort and my security need to come from Christ alone.

Now, don't get me wrong, I will probably never be a minimalist, it's not my nature (also not from nurture, as my parents like their things as well) but I will continue to work on purging the stuff that is blocking me from the growth I need to make.

Here's to healthy purging!

day 15

2008-03-06T08:57:00.001-08:00

stinky pair of shoes - only had them for a little over a year. Got a lot of wear out of them but now - peew, stinky! Toss.

day 14

2008-03-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

2 broken pairs of sunglasses - toss

Day 13

2008-03-06T08:55:00.000-08:00

shipping envelopes - toss/recycle (it's really amazing the amount of junk one can accumulate without realizing)

Day 12

2008-03-06T08:54:00.001-08:00

broke down a few shipping boxes that were hanging out in my room from various online purchases. Recycle.

Day 12

2008-03-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

broke down a few shipping boxes that were hanging out in my room from various online purchases. Recycle.

Day 11

2008-03-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

Simple shoes - too big - thought I could make them work but they don't fit. Wasted $20 on them (good price for Simple brand but when you can't/don't wear them, no price is good). Donate.

I know I know

2008-03-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

I'm behind in my posting. I have been doing a thing a day, just haven't been putting them up. Soon I promise I will get them up here for you to read.

A Thing A Day 10

2008-02-27T10:10:00.002-08:00

A tshirt and an old pair of shoes - donate.

A Thing Day 9

2008-02-26T09:29:00.002-08:00

found papers that really belong at work. I need to go through them but I think I will go through them at work - old articles and publications that I intended to go through in my free time but they've been piled for several months. Go back to the office.

Found 2 candleholders that I will donate to Campus Life.

A Thing Day 8

2008-02-26T09:29:00.001-08:00

bag of tea lights - donate to Campus Life

A Thing Day 7

2008-02-26T09:21:00.000-08:00

found old mini body washes in a box (with the old travel documents) - give away to students - smell good but let's get real, I won't use them.

found candle holder - nice, no use for it. Donate to Campus Life to use for things like Chinook, Winter Formal, etc.

A Thing Day 6

2008-02-26T09:19:00.000-08:00

recycled more papers - travel documents from a trip from a year and a half ago. Apparently I needed them for something really important...

white twinkle lights - donate to Cascade - Campus Life

Weekend Confession

2008-02-25T09:25:00.000-08:00

My weekend got away from me and I didn't do any - ANY - decluttering! Bad Rebecca, Bad! I will have to do four days worth of sorting tonight. Shameful, shameful.

A Thing A Day 5

2008-02-22T09:44:00.000-08:00

a pair of jeans that has seen better days - donate

I bet my list will be longer for the weekend. I have great hopes of going through some boxes under the bed. What I like about this concept is that I don't have to clean up everything TODAY. I can take my time, work on one small area at a time with no pressure to have amazing results.

The gal whose blog I stole the idea from said that as she's gone through the month, she has found this exercise to be easier with each passing day. I'm hoping this will be true for me. I hope at the end of 30 days I've blown myself away with how much decluttering I've done.

A Thing A Day 4

2008-02-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I rid myself of old random papers in my Bible. I've been doing a study and so I've actually been using my Bible daily - GO FIGURE - and these papers were irritating me so I went through to see what they were. I found old random post-it notes placed in my Bible that no longer made any sense to me, bulletins from months ago, drawings from my cousin that are probably 12+ years old - time to go!

I also went above and beyond and took two tired polo shirts out of my closet - you know when everyone was wearing polo shirts, I'm guessing, 3 summers ago. Not going to wear them again I'm fairly certain. They will be the start of a donation bag. 2 weeks ago I gave a friend two yard trashbags full of old clothes that I was no longer interested in. She didn't want to buy new clothes, I didn't want the bags anymore. Buh-bye! Looks like I'll need to start a new give-a-way bag.

A Thing A Day

2008-02-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

I was reading another blog and her goal for the month of February is to get rid of one thing every day. Her goal is to donate, recycle or toss. I thought that I could take on this challenge and so while I am already on the 20th day of February, I could still work on 30 days of ridding myself of the clutter in my life.

I have actually already done three days of ridding myself of unnecessary clutter:

Day One
Brought a pile of old stickers to the office to use for various Campus Life activities rather than have them sitting in a drawer taking up space like they have for a few years. Creepy clown stickers are a big hit with college students! I decided this counts because it's not in my house and I'm more likely to use them here at the office.

Day Two
Recycled old postcards from same drawer (and UGLY stationery- what was I thinking?). I've had them since college. I'm not going to use them.

Day Three
Gave extra 2008 calendar to a friend. She was pleased. I was happy to be rid of it. :)

So, friends, I will be posting A Thing A Day for the next 30 days. This will hold me accountable to purge my life of stuff that I don't need. I will either donate/give to a friend, trash it or recycle these items in a reasonable time period. I will tell you what I'm doing with them.

Just in time for Valentine's Day

2008-02-13T15:35:00.000-08:00

I think I'm falling in love with God in a way I never knew possible. I feel like a school girl - all giddy and annoying. I want to tell everyone about how much I love Him and He loves me.

Warning: Learning In Process

2008-02-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

I'm being worked on in ways I never thought possible.

I am thankful for the ways in which God is mysterious and indescribable.

I am thankful for the ways in which God is obvious and faithful...EVERY TIME!!!!

It blows my mind.

and yet, I've spent 31 years doubting Him and believing that His promises are not true for me.

I am done believing the lies I've been told. I am ready to live a full life!

I am finishing up my second week of a bible study with some girlfriends called Breaking Free by Beth Moore. There is so much I could share, insight that I am receiving from God but I don't think this is the time or place for it. Perhaps down the road it will feel right and appropriate to put everything out there for my faithful readers but not today. I'm not ready to feel that vulnerable.

For now, perhaps meditate upon:

Isaiah 61

The Year of the LORD's Favor

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

To quote Beth Moore: "I believe a person can receive Christ as Savior, serve Him for decades, and meet Him face to face in glory without ever experiencing satisfaction in Him on this earth..I was in my 30's before I understood the huge difference between salvation from sin and satisfaction of the soul. Salvation secures our lives for all eternity. Soul satisfaction insures abundant life on earth."

This is going to be a big year for me! I am ready to live a different kind of life. A life of abundance and true satisfaction!

vacation accomplishments

2008-01-04T09:01:00.000-08:00

Sorry that I didn't get back during my time off. I ended up in bed for four days with a nasty cold. I did get a few things accomplished:

* Read book for book club meeting: Fannie Flagg's Can't Wait to Get to Heaven

* finished Al Gore's book "The Assault on Reason"

* started new book on the nice "not so cheery" subject of self-injury called Cutting by Steven Levenkron

* also picked up Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

* had lunch with my dear friend Rebecca Marie

* saw family for holidays

* celebrated New Year's in a very low-key manner (still recovering from cold)

* made ornaments for everyone at church to signify the importance of believing in what we are trying to accomplish

* did in fact watch several movies - being sick doesn't inspire as much reading as movie watching

* joined the National Body Challenge 2008: comes with a free 8-week pass to Bally's and lots of helpful information about health, exercise, making better food choices, etc.

* did some thinking about the upcoming year and things I would like to see happen - more to come

Vacation

2007-12-22T19:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday began a long needed vacation from the office. I don't go back until the 2nd of January.

I do have to report for jury duty on the 3rd, but here's to hoping that I have nothing to offer and will promptly be dismissed. Several people have said that I should sit on a jury because it can be rather fascinating, but my luck would be sitting on some case involving the dullest topic and people of all time.

I'm sure that the next few days will involve reflecting on the year that I've had and what I would like to do with the year to come. Perhaps I will post some of those thoughts here.

I will definately be reading. There are about 4 books I would like to get finished by the end of the year - perhaps I'm being overly optimistic.

I will definately be watching movies. I just picked up Bourne Ultimatum, The Death of the President and Once. I also have endless OnDemand movies, thanks to my bunking with ma and pa! I'm sure there are several I would like to check out (Notes on a Scandal just released OnDemand and I will be watching it again!). I also think some cheesy Christmas movies are necessary over the next couple of days.

I have been trying to keep track of all of the books I have read this year and all of the films I have watched. I know that my movie list is longer. I can say that my first new year's resolution will be to have my movie and book lists be more equal.

I was nominated by a co-worker to review some christian women's books for a christian newspaper. We'll see if I am chosen. This could be really cool, or really awful. Maybe this will be my first chance to be "published" somewhere...one of my life goals.

I have been baking all day for church tomorrow. I'm tired! I don't know how women do this all of the time. :) I made lots of treats and am excited to share them with people I love.

Here's to a few days off! If I don't see you, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I pray God's blessings as you travel or stay home - seeing family and friends! May God bless you abundantly in the New Year.

May we see peace on earth!

Cool Blog Find

2007-11-11T15:56:00.000-08:00

I just found a really fun blog for me and added it to my list of blogs I read because I love me a to-do list (I am being too lazy right now to add a link in here for you).

I don't know about any of you but I really enjoy a list of things that I need to get done. There are days when it feels dauting and that I will never get it all done but then the joy I find in crossing things off of my list is incomparable! I even include the most ridiculous goals and "wish list" ideas - especially for work, the things I really, really, really wish I could do in my job that I think would just be cool, but know that the likelihood of it happening is pretty slim. I include them so I don't forget the idea and because you never know!

I am excited to check out the To Do List blog in hopes of finding inspiration and maybe some other weirdos who enjoy them a list.

Time Management

2007-11-08T11:54:00.000-08:00

Is there a way to make more time in a day?

No matter how organized I try to be, I can't get everything done. I leave the office thinking "What did I do today? I know I've been busy but I don't think I got anything done on my list!"

Disclaimer: I did just have a Mika dance party in my office with 5 students squished in here....maybe this has something to do with it. :) But having fun with students from time to time is also an important part of the job.

And then as that was done and I was moving back to work, I had a student come in who needed to complete his US Census questionnaire and was having difficulty figuring it out. So I got off track again.

Someday, just for fun, I will give you a play by play of a day at the office. Just for kicks!

What up, homes?

2007-11-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

I promise I didn't die - not that anyone reads this anymore!

I have been so busy this year. The semester is flying by and I feel like I am getting left in the dust!!!!! My days at the office are passing too quickly. I don't feel like I'm getting an adequate amount of work done in a day. We've had quite a bit of behavioral issues this year to address.

Life has been happening around me and it's mostly been good. I have participated in two book clubs this month. I read "They Like Jesus But Not The Church" by Dan Kimball with several people from my church. I also recently joined a book club that will be more permanent and we read "Stormy Weather" by Paulette Jiles. I was chosen to select the next book and I'm having some trouble figuring out which book to choose. There are so many I want to read - how do I pick one? I've been spending a lot of my free time reading and I'm really enjoying it! I know most people would agree that one feels more relaxed after unwinding in the evening with a book rather than vegging out in front of the telly all night.

I've gone to the art museum, the opera, out of town to visit friends. Life has been good since last I wrote. I am taking a class on finances with some friends which I'm hoping changes the way I think about money. So far, I've already made significant changes and am proud of my choices. The church family has been struggling. We have lost quite a few members in our current state of transition. I have had some hurt feelings and I am trying to work on healing those hurts and forgiving the friends who have decided to move on.

I am happy to say that I am engaging in my life. It may sound silly to some but it's something I've had to work on over the course of the last year or so. I have realized that it's been easy for me to be a passive participant and let life happen around me. It's something that I struggle with. I am trying to look for ways to not watch life pass me by!

Craziness

2007-08-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

Let the insanity officially begin. Soccer and volleyball players moved in this weekend. It's beginning...the madness...

I have this week to get everything organized for Orientation Week which begins on Friday with a staff meeting for all of my student workers - who basically do my bidding for a week and get a free trip to the coast out of it. I will now be working 19 days in a row - as are many people aroung campus. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be a martyr here, just sharing part of life that is this time of year. Somewhere in there I will be celebrating my 31st birthday. I have a feeling it will be a bit of a let down after last year's soiree!

Say some prayers for all of us getting our students here and settled. I know that there will be days that I will want to explode, sleep, cry, quit and punch everyone in the face...I can do the exhausted and the crying but I can't explode, quit or punch anyone in the face.

I'll see you on the flip side.

Generation Me

2007-08-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

I finished Generation Me a couple of weeks ago. The author is a generational psychologist and professor as well as a GenMe'er. The book gave me insight into some of my own tendencies and was very helpful in understanding the students I encounter on a daily basis. If you would like a good read on understanding people born from 1970-2000, I recommend this book. I want everyone to read it: those of us that fall in the category, people I work with, our parents, EVERYONE! She is funny and smart. Great book.

WARNING: If you're a big proponent of the "self-esteem movement" I don't think you're going to like this book. I do think you should still read it because she makes some fantastic points about the damage we're doing to children when we're more concerned about them feeling good over learning, behaving appropriately, and taking responsibility for their actions.

life updated

2007-08-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

As the end of a very hectic work week quickly approaches I am sitting at my desk eating lunch thinking how to update my fearless readers on the happenings of my life.

I've not been sure of whether or not it was time for me to move on from my current employment situation for a year or so. I love what I do most days. I consider myself to be blessed to have found work that I'm excited about, enjoy doing it and think I'm pretty good at( I say all of this to say that I have good days and bad days at work like everyone). I recognize that not everyone is afforded this luxury. I know plenty of people who have to work jobs they don't enjoy but need to pay bills. I digress.

I've been uncertain of the direction to take my career development. This summer I applied for three different positions at three different universities, two in Seattle and one in Texas. After a long summer of uncertainty, I was offered a position at the university in Texas - just last week. They wanted me to be in Texas by next weekend. After time of weighing my options I decided that it was best for me to decline the offer at this time. I struggled with this decision because along with a great opportunity for work was an opportunity for grad school. I would have been able to get the degree in Student Affairs in Higher Ed at a greatly reduced price. So, it was hard to say no but I didn't feel like I could get myself to Texas at the time requested and I didn't feel like it would be very fair to my current employer to leave during this time of year (I'm in charge of our new student orientation program that begins in 2 weeks).

After a long, anxiety- filled summer, I am at peace with staying where I am for now. There are some really exciting possibilities here for me. I am going to pursue a graduate program - you can all pray that I get accepted to one and that I will find the funding to finance the education. I will update you when I know more about what my position may look like here. Today I'm officially changing my mood on the sidebar to peaceful.

On that note, I need to go back to work because it's crazy around here. Making housing assignments has not gone smoothly this year. AT ALL!

2007-07-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

On a much lighter note than my previous one turned out to be: Big Brother is back!!! Good summertime fun! I love the opportunity this gives me to hang out with some girlfriends and escape the real world for a few hours each week. Yesterday was Breanna's birthday so we got together for cheesecake and Big Brother. What else could a girl want? It has been nice seeing Breanna. I think it was last summer when we last hung out for any great length of time. See, reality TV can bring people together!!! :)

Happy Friday!

JASON IS MY HERO!!!!

2007-07-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

So, I think I broke my template. I can't add a title to any new posts. What have I done? I do like that I found ways to change up my template a wee bit. I'll keep messing with and perhaps I will find a way to get titles back. We'll see.

I just finished Barack Obama's book and it was good. It wasn't until the epilogue that his readers find where the title of the book comes from:

"It wasn't just the struggles of these men and women that had moved me. Rather, it was their determination, their self-reliance, a relentless optimism in the face of hardship. It brought to mind a phrase that my pastor, Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., had once used in a sermon.

The audacity of hope.

That was the best of the American spirit, I thought - having the audacity to believe despite all the evidence to the contrary that we could restore a sense of community to a nation torn by conflict; the gall to believe that despite personal setbacks, the loss of a job or an illness in the family or a childhood mired in poverty; we had some control - and therefore responsibility- over our own fate.

It was that audacity, I thought, that joined us as one people. It was that pervasive spirit of hope that tied my own family's story to the larger American story, and my own story to those of the voters I represent."

I dare to take it one step further. The audacity of hope to me suggests that each American, dare I say human, has the responsibility to all humankind to restore a sense of community in the world, despite our differences. All of humankind should live life recognizing that we are more alike than we are different.

tricky, very tricky

2007-06-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

I'm in a really weird place. I don't know how to formulate my thoughts and don't know what to say. Maybe sooner than later I will be able to put some thoughts together to share. I have thoughts about faith, the world, my future...everything. Until then, I thought I'd say hello to the four of you who read this. HI!

I can tell you that I just finished reading Dead Man Walking by Sister Helen Prejean. What a phenomenal book! I have been processing how I view capital punishment. I think I always thought capital punishment didn't make sense but reading this text gave me words and reasons why I cannot support it. (This is one of the many things going through my head right now and why I feel like I could be going crazy! I am overwhelmed by everything I have been ignorant to in the world and I'm beginning to pay attention and I can't process all of it.)

SO...I'm medicating with a combination of reality TV and food! This is how I numb the pain! This way I don't have to think about all of the things I should be thinking about and discussing with the blogosphere. I think maybe I'm having the breakdown now that I thought would happen last year with turning 30.

On Being Sick

2007-05-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

Last night at home group our lesson was on peace. We read scripture about having peace and being at peace. It wasn't until we were almost done with our closing prayer that I thought:

"We haven't even discussed the turmoil going on in the world. Turmoil caused by others and turmoil caused by us."

We thanked God for giving us peace but we didn't even bother praying for those who are fighting in a war, those being murdered who just want to live their lives with a little dignity, or ask forgiveness for not paying attention to what is going on in the world.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matt 5:9)

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)

I want to vomit thinking about what we are doing in the world or not doing for that matter. I want to vomit because it seems that Lindsay Lohan's DUI is more important than murder and war. I am sad. I don't have all of the answers, I don't have a solution to the political agendas of either side of the issue. All I know is I am a Christ follower and I don't think he would be in Iraq right now. I take that back. I know he is there right now but I think we'll find him comforting those who have lost loved ones or weeping over the destruction. I'm fairly confident that he isn't driving a tank or torturing people to get information out of them. I don't say all of this in an effort to be unsupportive of the troops who are over there doing what they are told. We need to WAKE UP AMERICA and tell our representatives that this insanity has got to end! How can we justify what we're doing? THIS IS REAL...not a movie out of Hollywood. These are real people and real lives. Not only have 655,000 Iraqi's died but 3,728 coalition deaths have also occured. I am guilty of passivity. I can't do it any more. I refuse to do it any longer. I don't know how I am going to make a difference - I think this is what they want us to think- but I'm going to try. I also think about the crisis in Darfur, AIDS crisis in Africa, and poverty in America. I'm sick over everything going on in the world that hasn't mattered enough for me to stand up against it and cry out in disgust. Well I'm disgusted and the first place I am going to hang out is at the feet of God and ask him for forgiveness and then ask what I can do. He has heard my cry. He promises me this much.

But he took note of their distress when he heard their cry. (Psalm 106:44)

2007-05-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of unsettled business in life right now. Things are a little strange at church - we are going through another transition. I'm finding it difficult to remain commited and enthusiastic about everything. I love everyone but it's hard to keep thinking positively.

I am in the process of figuring out some things that are exciting and promising opportunities for me. I will know more in the next few weeks but I would love for everyone to pray about these things for me. I will be happy to share more when I know more. I am thankful for new opportunities!

I am listening to Rick Atchley's sermon series on Heaven. It is AMAZING! Makes one excited about heaven rather than hopeful to avoid hell. A better way to live life. Gotta go listen!!!

Peace!

Bragging for a minute (or like 10 seconds)

2007-05-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

I got an A in my stats class. I'm pretty proud of myself, if I do say so myself. :)

Sunshine

2007-05-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

I am sitting at an internet cafe on the campus of Pepperdine University looking out at the ocean, not working. There's not much else to say. :)

Bivariate Statistics, Crosstabs

2007-04-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

Does anyone want to do my stats quiz for me? Anyone, anyone? I promise it won't be fun.

Time Flies When You're Having...Fun?

2007-03-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

Has it really been a month? I suppose so. What have I been doing? Let's see...

Went to the opera on Thursday night. Saw Wagner's The Flying Dutchman. It was on the dull side. Depressing.
Dropped off a bunch of students and three faculty members in Seattle for a class trip to the east coast. I stayed and hung out with Jean and her husband for the weekend.
While in Seattle Jean and I went to a fashion show at Macy's hosted by Clinton Kelly from TLC's What Not To Wear. The fashion show was for us rounder ladies. He is ADORABLE! We had a good time.
Spring break this week. QUIET at work. I got more done in one day than I get done in a typical week.
Went to the dentist on Monday. Fun times.
Saw Sarah Mac and several other college friends a couple of weekends ago. We hung out at Rici's and had a blast. It was fun to see everyone. There seems to be a common theme among young adults: our lives aren't nearly as glamorous as we'd hoped for. We're all getting a wee bit boring in our older age (older age being in comparison to college). Some are busy being married and having babies. Some of us are not married but don't have very exciting lives. It was fun to love on each other and remind one another that we are still cool people. :)
I've decided that being single would be a lot more fun if I had extra money to do the things that every married person says they would do if they were single. Like traveling. If I could fund the excersions, I would be traveling all over the world and taking weekend trips to nearby cities. Instead, I work for no money and end up at home depressed by my boring life. HELP! Anyone want to fund my trips?
Thanks Sarah for the advice on Diva. I think I may be a convert.
Went to dinner with mom on Monday night. I was still in the process of coming off the novocaine from the dentist so it was interesting trying to eat my dinner. We went to the new Macaroni Grill at Clackamas. Yum! It was nice to hang out with momma. We don't do it much because she works most evenings.
I have to go back to Seattle on Friday to pick up the travelers. See you Friday, Jean!

Well, that's it for now. Not a super exciting life but I'm managing. March has flown by. Only one month until all the students depart. I'm ready. I am going to Pepperdine for the Lectureships this year. I'm excited! I've never been.

Hope for Tomorrow

2007-02-28T09:36:00.000-08:00

Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence.
The bliss of growth,
The glory of action,
The splendour of achievement
Are but experiences of time.
For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is only a vision;
And today well-lived, makes
yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well therefore to this day;
Such is the salutation to the ever-new dawn!
~Kalisada

A student brought this poem to me yesterday because she thought it was beautiful and she wanted to give me some encouragement (I really do have a pretty amazing job, for all of my grumblings) as I make life decisions and struggle making them. I'm not doing well with life right now. I want to pull my head under the blankets and avoid all decision-making necessities. Do I go to grad school? Do I stay at my job? Is this what I want to do long term? Is it a reality that I may never get married and have a family of my own? Can I find a way to be at peace with God about that reality, because I certainly don't want to be at peace with it? Do I pick up my life and move to Texas or stay in Portland? I mean, my family and friends are here. I feel comfortable and safe here but I'm not happy here, nothing feels like it's working. I'm not doing my job as well as I could be. I'm not living my life the way I should be. I'm disappointed in myself.

I was having dinner at a friend's house last night and we were watching an Oprah from a couple of weeks ago when they were discussing "The Secret". One thing that I took away to ask myself is if I feel like I truly deserve to be happy, to have the things in life that I want, deserve to be treated well (including treating myself well) and whether or not I deserve to be loved (including loving myself). These are important questions to ask. I can't say that my answer to these questions is yes. Here is my problem. I'm not convinced that I deserve these things. I mean if I respond quickly (and with the right answer) I would say yes but if I reflect and take time to think about it I can't say yes to these questions. I haven't been treating myself very well. I have not taken time to give thanks to God for all of the blessings that he has given me. In my selfishness, I have looked mainly at my flaws and misfortunes, which compared to most people in the world, my misfortunes are laughable. A lot of what the teachers of "The Secret" was more new agey than I am interested in but the principles got me thinking about how I treat myself and made me think about the things that God wants us to get about ourselves. One of the teachers said that Jesus taught that the "Kingdom of God is within us" which gives us the power to live a full life. Now, I don't remember reading that anywhere but I get the idea. I mean technically, the kingdom is within us because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We have the power of change because we have God within us. He gives us the power. I am praying for a miracle and a change in my thinking. I need to be made over and renew my spirit. I'm tired of being tired. I've been working on my physical health and I thought taking these steps would help (and I think they have) but there is another piece to the puzzle that is missing. My spiritual health is weak at best and I can't continue functioning this way.

I covet your prayers. We all deserve the best life that we've been promised through Christ. Why am I not claiming this as mine too? I want others to claim it yet I forget to claim it daily for myself. This isn't how I was made to live.

Dr. Maya Angelou - In the Flesh

2007-02-26T12:09:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of seeing, hearing, absorbing Dr. Maya Angelou last week with my friend Laketa (thanks to mom and dad for my Christmas present)! All I can say is that she is amazing and her two hours of speaking felt like 5 minutes (So I felt like I was shorted but I know she really did speak for two hours).

Dr. Angelou challenged us to think of the influence we each have. She suggested that our influence may be greater than we will ever realize. She told stories about her uncle who was crippled in a small town in Arkansas and his influence was felt across generations and in powerful places. She said that she runs into people, like the Mayor of Little Rock, or the State Senator who have been touched by the life of this man who would have never imagined this as a part of his story. We sell ourselves short too often. We need to have the courage to imagine the possibilities. Dr. Angelou challenged us to practice the virtue of courage because without courage, you cannot consistently practice any of the other virtues.

Good stuff...

The most fun part of the evening was going to the Heathman Hotel for coffee and dessert after and having Dr. Maya Angelou come in for dinner!!! Laketa tried to figure out a way to meet her. We are still arguing about this part of the evening because she got all crazy and weird. She says she would have been totally appropriate. I wanted us to leave her alone (because she shared stories about how she has had to stop traveling by airplane and train because people get all weird and start freaking out and poking her, etc). I thought Laketa was headed down that path. It was fun to see her in person up close, though. I am thankful that Laketa didn't orchestrate a "chance meeting".

Upcoming Interfaith Services

2007-02-12T09:14:00.000-08:00

I have had a couple of requests to post the upcoming interfaith services after my last post on the prayer service for peace.

February:

Sunday, February 18th 4:00-5:30pm
Topic: How Do We as People of Faith Protect Our Earth for Future Generations?
Location: Soka Gakkai International, 1895 SE Ankeny, Portland

March:

Sunday, March 18th 4:00-5:30pm
Topic: How Do People of Faith Help Bring Peace to this World?
Location: First Unitarian Church, 1011 SW 12th, Portland

April:

Sunday, April 15th 4:00-5:30pm
Topic: How Do We as People of Faith Support Religious Tolerance?
Location: Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 Peaceful Lane, Portland

May:

Sunday, May 20th 4:00-6:00pm
Topic: How Do We as People of Faith Support Families?
Location: Muslim Education Trust, 10300 SW Scholls Ferry Rd, Tigard

Peace

2007-01-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to an interfaith service for peace at a Lutheran church in Northeast Portland. I was blessed to hear the perspectives of many people from many different faith backgrounds. I sat on the pew and took in all they had to say. These people were all so gentle in spirit and had deep devotion to God and to humanity. Their perspectives were new and refreshing. While these faith leaders have fundamental differencesin their beliefs, they were able to share things and agree that what we are doing in Iraq and aroung the world is not noble nor honorable. These spiritual leaders prayed earnestly for the troops serving in war and for the people we are attaacking. They want healing and reconciliation. They want people of faith to stand up against violence.

I am still processing and may have more to share at a later time. In the meantime, I encourage anyone reading this to contact your Congressmen/women and let them know that you want the insanity of this war to end!

Snow Day

2007-01-16T13:01:00.000-08:00

Today I am stuck at home because of the sudden onset of snow. I am already battling a cold so I'm thankful for a day of rest and a boss who said "Don't even bother trying to come in later, just stay home and get some rest". Ok, twist my arm.

I've been laying on the couch all morning watching the news, flipping through other channels and reading.

Today I'm glad that I don't work at home like my dad, because he is still working. :) No travel excuses for him. He is currently out taking a walk up to the grocery store so that we have some food for dinner. Yay dad!

Hopefully we will melt and all will be normal tomorrow.

Alrighty, back to the couch for reading and relaxing. I am glad that my throat is no longer on fire and I can swallow like a normal person. Simple pleasures people, simple pleasures.

Being LAZY

2007-01-02T11:48:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of being out of the office for 11 days and I LOVED every last stinkin' minute of it. My week consisted of lots of movie watching, old TV show watching and book reading. When I say that I watched a lot of DVD's I don't think that I am actually portraying with much accuracy. When I think of it, I will have to get a list of all the things I watched during my week off.

Some that I do remember are:
*Kate & Allie (Season 1)
*24 (Season 4)
*Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
*Bewitched
*Millions
*Prozac Nation
*House of D
*Felicity Season 3 (first three discs)
*Brooklyn Lobster
*World Trade Center
*The Excorcism of Emily Rose
*Heavenly Creatures
*The Black Dahlia
*The Skeleton Key
*Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont

I know, I know, it's a ridiculously long list of things to watch but it's not exhaustive and I don't get to this very often. I justify it all by saying that I also read (or completed) three books during this time. I FINALLY picked up Running With Scissors and finished reading it. I kept pushing it back to read other things. THanks for letting be borrow it Breanna! It was good and weird all at the same time. I've never read anything like it. I feel like the next guest on Oprah is going to be Augustun Burroughs (the author) calling him out for making up his stories like James Frey because how can this be real???!!!! I also finished a book related to work: College of the Overwhelmed, and the second volume of Maya Angelou's autobiography, Gather Together In My Name. There are still too many books to read in the amount of time that I have in a day! I am on a mission to get through as many volumes of Ms. Angelou's autobiography as possible before she comes to town in February. My brilliant parents got me tickets to see her for Christmas! I went to see her a couple of years ago with Jean and I loved every minute of it. I wanted to be sure and see her again.

My break was refreshing and restful. There haven't been many vacations where I really just did whatever I wanted. I loved every minute of it. Now, I am back at work scrambling and trying to get ready for the students coming back next week. I am always filled with mixed emotions when they come back. I want to see them but I like the quiet. Back to work I go.

World AIDS Day

2006-12-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

I realize that I am a bit slow in getting this post written, considering World AIDS Day was Friday, December 1st. I was blessed to be a part of planning, what I thought turned out to be a beautiful day. A colleague, and friend, felt convicted that we as an institution need to acknowledge this event. She worked hard to be sure that everything came together.

We received 200 pictures of children from around the world who have been affected by the disease. They could have lost family or neighbors. We attached these pictures on stakes and placed them around campus, under trees wrapped with red ribbons. We also posted HIV/AIDS facts on the trees.

Our chapel program was phenomenal, if I do say so myself. We commissioned one of our amazing drama students to write three monologues to be performed in chapel. She wrote powerful testimonies, one was a sister of man who died, one was a mother and wife who discovered that she and her baby were positive, and a young woman who discovered that she, too, was positive and dealing with the abandonment by her family. I was blown away by the performances of the three talented actors who played these women. We interlaced the monologues with a slideshow of people who are living with AIDS and those who have passed on. My friend, C, gave a little information about each person's story in the slide (name, age, diagnosed in ..., lost spouse in...etc.). We carefully orchestrated music and read two excerpts from two stories. To end the program and lace all of the pieces together, one of our professors stood up in silence for as long as he could keep the attention of the students. He quoted UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, saying about the AIDS crisis "silence is death". As Christians, we cannot remain silent. As humans, we cannot remain silent.

This day challenged me and I pray it challenged our students. We are responsible for those around us. We are called to love those around us and show compassion for them. We are not called to judge or decide who is worth of our attention. I think if Jesus were on earth today, he would be in the AIDS hospices and in villages ravaged by this non-discriminating disease. He would be loving them and telling them that his Father loves them. I hope I can do the same.

I am challenged to find my voice to fight for those who need attention. I don't know what this looks like in my life but I feel called to not remain silent.

Silence Is Death.

Where Have I Been????

2006-11-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

I realize it has been quite some time since I have had anything to say. I will give you a quick rundown of life's happenings. Perhaps in the near future I will actually have something interesting to say.

* moved in with the 'rents (not the most exciting thing at 30)
* spoke in chapel twice the week before break. Once to the women and once to the entire student body (we told stories of Thanksgiving/Thankfulness)
* working on a AIDS Awareness chapel with 3 colleagues for World AIDS Day (Fri, December 2nd)
* had last week off for Thanksgiving. I was in desperate need of vacation.
* looking into grad school for next fall (this is why I moved in with mom and dad)
* went north this weekend to visit Jean and her husband
* read A LOT last week
* helped Mike and Janna move into a bigger place
* spent Thanksgiving at Mike and Janna's new place. I had so much fun with my neice and nephew. They are amazing!
* went to a book signing and had the pleasure of saying hello to Ellyn Burstyn (she is SO beautiful and classy)
* went to a show with a friend (I always forget how much I enjoy live theatre)
* went to NW 23rd with a couple of friends last week. We had lunch and shopped around. I was inspired into Christmas spirit. Also, I love Moonstruck truffles. YUM!
* I can't believe that it is approaching December rather quickly. Another year flies by!
* I'm sure there is more but I need to get back to work! Another entry soon I hope.

Lots of Me

2006-10-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There are:
1,458
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Post Number Two From The Road

2006-10-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

I am getting myself ready to head back to Portland in the morning. I will sure be glad to sleep in my own bed! I had a great trip. I enjoyed seeing others who do this work with students and being affirmed in the work I do. I am blessed to have some allies on campus who know what kind of work I do and in a lot of ways, I think I have it better than other campuses simply because we're smaller and we aren't fighting so many battles with administration and faculty. I do however feel like we've used our size as a cop out to not do the best work we can do for our students. I know I have. I've used a lack of funding and resources as my excuse to not come up with creative solutions to our problems and have not felt entitled to fight for what is good and right for our students.

I feel empowered to develop my own skill set and focus on my own professional development. No one is a better advocate for myself than myself. I want to be better equipped so that I can better equip. There is much for me to process and I will be able to this on my journey home tomorrow. Please pray for traveling mercies as I venture back to the beautiful city I love.

Portland, here I come!!!

Note Number One From Trip

2006-10-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

Two quick notes about online mapping:

1. Be thankful that rental car man asked to look at directions before you left Detroit so that I didn't end up in downtown Detroit without a clue as to where to go because they've closed the road you were told to take!!!

2. Don't assume directions are accurate. It's always hit and miss. They got me to and from Target with ease this afternoon (to get contact solution that was confiscated at airport) but this evening when trying to meet the rest of the group here for the conference, totally dropped me at the wrong location. The directions left out about 10 miles of the trip. Awesome. :) Clearly I figured it out when I called the other hotel. They got me to them and we had an excellent evening. I am now back cozy in my hotel room. Praise Jesus.

Had a great first evening with everyone. We were able to catch up and meet new people who have joined the club.

Off to see the Wizard

2006-10-06T11:30:00.000-07:00

I know I know it's been quite some time since I last posted. Life has been crazy and weird. There is much I could say about what has been going on with me spiritually and emotionally but what I can say right now is that I am doing better.

I am heading to Rochester College in the Detroit area for few days. I am attending a Student Service Conference where I will be hanging out with several people who do what I do. It's a great time to learn from each other and receive encouragement for our work. It's a fun time. This is my first trip by myself. I usually have my boss with me. I'm kind of glad because then I don't have to come up with random small talk while we travel. Thanks!!! This gets to be down time to read and relax. I even brought season 5 of Gilmore Girls, just in case there is a DVD player in my hotel room.

Tag You're It

2006-09-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

Big Mike tagged me to play the booklist game:

A book that changed my life: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Totally changed the way I understand God's love for me and all humankind.

A book I've read more than once: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (romantic and girly); Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding (hilarious and more like my life, except for the sex, someday maybe); Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers; Sacred Romance, Curtis and Eldridge

A book I would take with me if I were stuck on a desert island: Celebration of Disciplines by Richard Foster (this would be an excellent opportunity to practice them)

A book that made me laugh: Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs (I'm not done with it but I have to say that most of my laughing from this book has been more nervous and horrified laughter)

A book that I wish had been written: The story of my life written by God so that I knew what my life would be like. I'm still hoping He will publish soon.

A book I wish had never been written: Anything by Rush Limbaugh (that guy is a troll)

A book I've been meaning to read: Well, let the list begin...currently on my to be read list, there's always more:
Confessions, Augustine
Lighting the Way: Nine Women Who Changed Modern America, Kareena Gore Schiff
Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities, Alexandra Robbins
College of the Overwhelmed, Kadison and DiGeronimo
Generation Me:Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled--and More Miserable Than Ever Before, Jean Twenge
No Perfect Christians Allowed, John Burke
I could keep going so I'll stop now...

I'm currently reading:
Running With Scissors, Burroughs
Streams of Living Water, Foster
Devotional Classics, Foster
Best Friends: The Pleasure and Perils of Girls' and Women's Friendships, Apter and Josselson

Tag, You're It:
Rebecca Marie
Sarah Parker
Breanna
Amy Fennell (eventhough I know you don't have a blog that you use)
Jean

My People Are The Best Gifts

2006-08-31T22:05:00.000-07:00

I don't even know how to begin to describe the feeling of love I felt as my friends and family celebrated my 30 years with me. I am blessed beyond words with the most amazing people God could ever give to a human being. At a time when I needed love and affirmation most, my people met me there.

What an amazing night. I spent a week doing new student orientation, I was tired and spent. I got home from the Oregon coast around 2pm and went and had a manicure given to me by my parents tp relax and shift from work to personal life. I went home and got ready. I put on my pretty party dress and was picked up by mom and dad and off we were to the party. They drove me to an undisclosed location (a home of some friends). We pulled into the driveway only to be met by a beautifully decorated yard. I opened the door to everyone yelling "Hooray!!!!". I was overwhelmed!!! Totally and completely blown away at this beautiful site. Now, I knew that Paula wouldn't mess around but HELLO!!! Her husband greeted me with a freshly made beverage and I began hugging and saying hello to my friends. I got a plate of food (YUM everyone!!!!) had a seat and began having great conversations. People kept arriving as the next hour or so went on. My mother told us later that she counted 45 people present. Eric wrote me a fabulous birthday song (Paula, you were a wonderful mic stand) and after blowing out the candles on my gorgeous birthday cake (thanks Rici!!!!), I got to open my presents. FUN!!!! I was humbled by the generousity of all of my friends and family. I want everyone to know that I DID get the KitchenAid mixer that I have been asking for for several years now (thanks Paula and her clan). I was so touched by the celebration of me. I've always known that I am loved but I knew, really knew, that night how much I am loved by the people in my life. It is easy to forget because the world is always screaming words of inadequacy. I don't say I felt loved because they gave me fantastic gifts. The gifts were an amazing bonus but my heart was so touched by the heartfelt words written in the cards and the words and stories shared in conversations. I was so overwhelmed while sitting on the deck and looking down at all of the people who are in my life. I am so blessed to be loved by so many wonderful people. The timespan represented all of the years of my life. My family, college friends and cherished relationships that have developed in the last few years talking to one another, coming together all in one place.

My soul was satisfied that night. My heart overflowed with joy and peace. I felt calm, serene...content. I imagine it must be what we will feel when we are reunited in heaven. For me, my 30th birthday was a preview of what I will feel when I am reunited with all of my loved ones in a more beautiful and precious place. I thank God for the people who were with me that night. I thank God for the friends and family who were unable to be with us. I know that the same love is shared with them. For as much joking as I made about turning 30 and wanting to be celebrated like those who marry, I am serious when I say that every person deserves to feel the way I felt that night. Every human should have their souls touched the way mine was that night. What an amazing and overwhelming feeling. I imagine this is the way one feels when they meet the person they choose to spend their life with. There is no doubt in my mind that I am valued and important to people in this world. There is no doubt in my mind that those who share Jesus have a much deeper connection than those who do not. In a world where selfishness is prized, I pray that we spend our lives trying to make others feel the way I did on my birthday. If we each made this our goal, I think the world would be a better place because more people would know Jesus.

Thank you to all of my amazing and wonderful friends and family who worked so hard to make me feel so special. Words will never adequately express the way I felt and still feel. I am still wiping away tears so that I can see to type this post. These thoughts do not do justice for what you deserve to hear. Thank you. My heart is overflowing.

TTFN...

2006-08-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

I don't think that I will have much opportunity to post here for the next few weeks. Life gets crazy this time of year with the students returning to campus and all that it requires. I hope to have moments here and there to update you on how life is going for me.

We are adding a new element to our freshman orientation program this year. We are requiring them to do something academic! I know, I know. You would think at an institution of higher learning it would be a given but there aren't many schools that use a book as a part of their orienation program. I am reading through the text right now. We are using Donald Miller's Searching For God Knows What. I am enjoying it. He focuses on the relational aspect of God and how our relationship (separation from Him) changed in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve were deceived by Satan. In some ways it reminds me of a book I read last year by John Piper called Don't Waste Your Life. Both authors focus on the fact that we were created to be in relationship with God and because of the separation that occurred, we look to other things to meet that natural need. Miller talks about how devastated Adam and Eve must have been. Think about it: You were in the presence of God. There was no need for anything else because you could talk to God face to face at any and all times. He was your companion. The Creator of the Universe and then stupid conniving Satan deceives you and immediately, IMMEDIATELY your relationship with God is forever changed. How they must have felt! To go from being with God to being separated. Miller says he can't even begin to imagine what they must have felt. I could keep going and I'm only half way through the book! I look forward to hearing what the students have to say about it. College students always have interesting insight. I think we've chosen a great book for them to read.

Ok, off to make nametags and other exciting things!