Girls Weekend Out--A.K.A. "More than just a pretty face"

Starting off the trip with my drink of choice for this summer--Java Chip Frappuccino


"The Girls"--Let the good times begin



Sippin' frozen fruit drinks poolside....Ahh, the life!



Dinner out on the town...This is my favorite Trix face! :)




Celebrating my new Mac!--OK, the hotel gave us a free bottle of champaigne because we bought the "Girls Weekend Out" special--not because I bought a new computer.

Camp Pics

So this is me...in Starbucks...sitting in front of my NEW MACBOOK!!!

Yes, I finally broke down and bought a new computer...and a Mac nonetheless. It's pretty much the coolest thing ever. It has a built in camera so I can take pictures like this whenever I feel necessary! ;)

And now that I have a laptop with a working battery and wireless capabilities, you can expect to hear from me on a more regular basis.....or not. I may be too busy playing!

I have a million things I could write about from the occurrences of the last week and a half. A million snapshots of joy. A million reflections of His goodness.

But as my brain is tired from waking up at 5:30am the past 3 days, this evening I will simply say this...

I should NEVER be allowed to own a karaoke machine...especially one that gives you an actual score. For if this should ever come to pass, I guarantee two things:

1. No one else would ever have a turn with the mic.

2. I would never leave my house, but rather, I'd be forever lost inside trying to get a higher score..trying to remember the lyrics to those songs long forgotten...and trying to live out all my childhood dreams of being a celebrity.

Campfire...vespers...dorm life...Friends Are Friends Forever...

Ahhh...All of these words are swirling around in my head as I take a moment to pause amidst the frenzied preparations for my first of a few weeks of camp that begin tomorrow.

I could be wrong, but I have a good feeling about this week. :) (And NO, it's not because I plan to get a boyfriend to walk me to campfire!) I really am excited about all the prayers and preparation that went into this time and I'm even more excited to see how God answers.

So while I'm in the middle of nature and a big group of high schoolers, I'll be working on my response to all of your topics of discussion from my last post. (P.S. It's never too late to send in your idea! ;) I was thinking I'd get things a little more...oh what's the word...light...so these other ideas need some time to percolate. Don't worry though, people, you have been heard. :)

And on one last note, I will leave you with a recommendation.

The free download this week on itunes is my new favorite! Corinne Bailey Rae's song, "Put Your Records On" is the perfect summer tune. A cross between Lauryn Hill and Norah Jones...what more could you ask for?

I'd actually heard this song on the Starbucks satellite radio station on the plane ride back from CA. I wrote her name down. Looked her up. And found nothing. Well, she's from the UK. Go figure! Her record comes out June 20th. I give it 2 thumbs up! Go download it...open your window...and soak in the summer. You'll be glad you did.

So I just read back through my last year and a half of blog posts and I have two thoughts...

1. On this day last year I was really missing everyone and everything here in the States and anxiously looking forward to leaving. (I find it funny that today I'm so badly missing everyone and everything in Ktown...OK, maybe not EVERYTHING...and if I knew when that date would be, I'd also be anxiously looking forward to leaving. )

2. After reading through my old posts, I feel as if I have digressed as a writer. Maybe it's where I am in life right now? Maybe I just don't try as hard? Maybe I'm zapped of the creativity it takes to adequately express myself? Hmmm. I'm not really sure.

SO to change things up a bit, I was thinking that maybe you all in cyber space could give me some topics upon which to write? Maybe I'll pick a day each week to highlight them? What do you think? This could be my chance at making it big! :) HAAA!

Seriously though, if you have thoughts, let me know. I'm trying to write more these days.

PS--Even if I don't know who you are...or you just randomly read this blog...feel free to comment.

A gentle whisper amid the chaos.

These are the words He's been speaking to me...

radical dangerous adventure
wonder community faith encounter love
broken dream untamed unpredictable wild dance mystery risk beyond believe

"I would believe only in a God that knows how to dance."

~ Friedrich Nietzsche

I love that quote. Maybe it's because I personally love to dance...therefore I imagine God does as well. ( OK, so I know there are some theology issues there!)

Yet I know there are people out there who don't like to dance. (Don't worry, I won't give any names ;). In fact, I find it hard to imagine that there was not some point in everyone's life when they loved it too. Right? I mean, think back to your earliest years. You loved it...admit it.

Well, even if you didn't, here are some of my favorite personal memories...

in the playroom with my sister making up routines to "Flashdance" and "Fame." ...dreams of becoming a "Solid Gold" dancer (and yes, I just dated myself) ...watching Dirty Dancing at least once a day every day for the entire summer after my 7th grade year.(Who didn't have those routines, and famous lines, memorized?!)...high school dance parties...college dorm room dance parties...our team dance for the talent show back in 'Nam...dancing at my sister's wedding...dancing in our house in Ktown...the secret routine choreographed by myself and Suz...and the "dance off's" between Jenni, Cliff and myself...all just begin to name a few of my faves.

So maybe this is why the disappointment of the day was lifted off my shoulders as I watched the 2 hour premier of the new season of "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?" Although, without Cliff and Jenni, I missed our routine dance off's, I may or may not have twirled a few times on my way down the hall. :)

Did you watch it? Do you think YOU can dance?

Even if you don't think so now, I'm positive there will be dancing in heaven. Just you wait!

I found a quiet, private corner in Barnes & Noble the other day where I could indulge the needs of my monastic self. I could barely hear the music of the store. And as I sat down on the floor (which Trix thought was so funny) with my pile of magazines and java chip frappuccino, the rest of the world seemed to disappear.

I was transported to another place (or rather, places) for at least an hour. Then, out of nowhere (OK, it wasn't really "NO" where because obviously she was just walking the store), this elderly woman began perusing the books in "my" section. I hardly noticed her presence as I was deep into Oprah's decorating secrets, until I heard her soft voice say, "You look happy."

I looked up, a bit off guard as I was suddenly thrust back into the real world, and smiled. I was happy. I am happy.

Still, I wonder how she knew?

Simple pleasures...abundant life....
May your days be full of these.

It's funny to think that this time last year I was getting anxious to leave CA and head back to the States. I was dreaming of all the things I would be able to do and the people I would see. Of course the summer months (which meant July and August for me) flew by and I was a bit sad to think that I would not be around the coming year to accomplish more.

Well, here I am...nearly 11 months later and I'm still Stateside. Looking at my current situation, I realize I have a choice. I can either choose to be anxious now about leaving this place or I can be content with having another opportunity to soak up the blessings of yet another summer.

I decided to choose the latter.

So in honor of this decision (and as a result of inspiration from her posts about seizing the moments here in America), my new motto is...

"Anything and Everything Summer."

Here's a beginner's list of just some of the things we have to accomplish:

1. Concerts in the Park
2. Farmer's Market....followed by ice cream
3. Sand Volleyball
4. Baseball Games (plural)
   
5. BBQ's (plural)
6. Frozen Drinks
7. Millenium Park in Chi-town
   
8. Zoo trip
9. Road Trips with the perfect soundtrack and the windows down
10. Swimming, sunbathing, and pointless magazine reading
    
11. Shakespeare Festival
12. Eat popsicles

Any other ideas?

Philosophy 101...
(A note to my heart, for future reference when feeling down)

When life pours down rain, make yourself a bowl of steaming tomato soup...add oyster crackers...and drink up all the comfort and delight you can find in that moment.

Then, as the sound of the rain falls gently outside, remind yourself that this, too, shall pass. And yes, the sun will shine again soon.

Reflections

Did you know that if you "moo" when ordering a Moolatte you could get $.50 off your drink? Me either....until this evening.

It was just like high school...only we didn't walk the track and we were cruising "the city" in a minivan (In which we could have watched "Elmo" if we really wanted--How cool is that?).

Needless to say, times have changed a bit. I'm just sooo grateful that our friendship has withstood the ebbs and flows of life.

It's true that God is our strength and our portion (note: not buffet style helping!). He knows just what we need and He seems to always come through. Our prayers do not fall on a deaf ear.

So just when I think it's time to start shouting(in case He might have been in the other room when I was pouring out my heart!), He surprises me with just the right thing...Himself. And not just through His Word...but Jesus Himself. Living and breathing and speaking to me through the sweetness of fellowship with my brothers and sisters and very precious friends.

Their words are His words. Their lives, images of the King.

And tonight was no exception.

So, to my sweet friend, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Thank you for your reflection of the King. From the days of our big hair to now, I couldn't ask for a more precious sister to grow...more mature with! (Remember--30, Flirty, & Thriving) I can't wait to see what HE has in store next!

And K-Lo...You were sadly missed this evening, My Friend! Ctown just wasn't the same without you! We saw this guy at the mall while we were cruising the strip, get off his motorcycle and punch a guy. You soo should have been there! :) Come back soon, OK?!

Going Crazy

"Reading Scriptures, I find a history of people who were driven out of their minds by the living God. God would continually call them to believe things they could not see, become someone they were not, accomplish feats that were clearly beyond their abilities, and then hold them accountable for it."

"We have to learn how to see the invisible and hear the inaudible."

"Sometimes it's easier to believe in a love you can touch than a love that is real."

~Quotes from Erwan McManus' book--"The Barbarian Way"

"These are the days that I've been missing.
Give me the taste...Give me the joy of summer wine.
These are the days that bring new meaning.
I feel the stillness of the sun
and I feel fine."
~ Jamie Cullum, These Are The Days

Summer's coming.

Can you feel it? I can. Warmer temperatures. Longer days. Fireflies. Barbeques. Sun-kissed skin. Flip-Flops. Baseball games. Friends without jobs. ;)

It's coming. And while it's not yet arrived, the anticipation for what's to come is, at times, overwhelming.

This weekend I had a preview, if you will. A little pre-season summer grilling with some of my favorite people in the whole world. Stories, laughter, banter, reminiscing.

It was the perfect blend and exactly what I needed.

Thanks Friends!

In honor of "Operation Immaturity," the following is a list of this evening's events....(Cue MI III music NOW)
1. Drive to "the city."
2. Buy some beverages.
3. Wax nostalgia.
4. Buy some drugs.
5. Consume legal addictive stimulants.
6. Finish the evening with laughter, joyous tears, and...(To be continued)

Please Note: No animals were harmed during these events.

Also, for a list of insightful details, go here.

A precious sister just emailed me this evening and said that my "faith" is beautiful. I find that ironic (and sweet) seeing as how that's the very word...concept...idea...I've been wrestling with all day.

Faith...What does that look like? When am I just being stubborn and not wanting to face the "closed doors?" Or when is it that I'm supposed to keep running head-first into a brick wall?

These questions seem to be on repeat in my brain.

The other night as I was about to sleep, the best thunderstorm I've experienced in a very long time began. Quick bolts of lightning were in constant motion across the sky. The thunder roared incessantly...one sound echoing another. The rain fell with a steady patter outside my window. And I wondered along with so many others who've questioned the same...
If God can orchestrate such a symphony of His majestic glory, do I not think that He is capable of orchestrating the minute details of my life?

Hmmm.

My conclusion is that while God can not be controlled(moving to and fro at my every whim), He can be trusted. And while He so graciously listens to my "Whys?" and "Why nots?," He's also at work bringing all things together for His purpose and glory.

And so I'm rendered with but a few words left to speak...
As You wish, Lord. As You wish.

It's May 1st.

I'm sure this is not a shocking revelation to most, but I, for one, am amazed at how quickly the days are passing. And it's funny because most days seem to go on forever.

Confessional: I'm feeling antsy.

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience,
but shouts in our pains:
it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
~ C. S. Lewis, "The Problem of Pain"

Silence....
I've heard a lot of it lately.

And it is not a result of my 3 day retreat. (In fact, I went to the sea specifically to hear.) Yet, in my limited perspective, that's been God's response. Oh sure, I know He's been there. I haven't doubted His presence. I've just been wondering when I was going to get some answers. (And by answers, I mean, the answers I have all figured out in my head and am just waiting for Him to come through with, "answers.")

But He doesn't seem to be working that way. And so I find myself waiting. Waiting and watching and wondering what in the world He's up to.

And just when I've run out of words or ideas to help Him out (:-), He shows up. Not so much with "answers," but with Himself.

As I walked around the track tonight, He was there.

I saw Him in the sun's rays that pierced through the passing storm clouds, illuminating the sky. And as Coldplay's "Fix You" crescendoed into my ears, I realized it wasn't so much about the "answers"after all. It's about "Him."

Yesterday's thought on my "Utmost for His Highest" calendar said this:

Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life--gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. Leave everything to Him and it will be gloriously and graciously uncertain how He will come in--but you can be certain that He will come. Remain faithful to Him.

Lord, grant me that gracious uncertainty.

"Come away by yourself to a lonely place for awhile.

'Cause I'm sure you're tired, you know I can't even see your smile.
There's just too much confusion here. Why don't you come and be with me.
So He took my hand and we headed off to the sea."
~ Waterdeep (with some help from the Book)

I'm going on a trip and I'm going to take with me a....

Friends Are Friends Forever

"It is one of the blessings of old friends, that you can afford to be stupid with them." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sweetness

Much joy has been felt in the past few days.

Sunshine...warm weather...flip-flops...good friends...Cardinal's baseball...
Mat Kearney/Matt Wertz in concert...
Michael Jackson tributes...conversations...laughter...fountains...dessert...
getting lost yet being found...


Hope springs eternal.

"People are not crucified for helping poor people.
People are crucified for joining them."
~Shane Claiborne (The Irrisistible Revolution)

Everything I know I learned after I was thirty.
~Georges Clemenceau

It's funny because turning 30 was fun....new....adventurous. I know 30 is just a number, but it was a new number in the ten's place all the same. I loved/love the movie "13 Going On 30" and claimed it's famous line "I wanna be 30 and flirty and thriving," as my own . The Dairy Queen at the military base in Ktown had it's grand opening on that day (I'd like to think it was just for me), and then we had a big dance party at my house later that week.

Being 30 was cool.

And then yesterday happened. I turned 31. I'm no longer able to say, "I'm 30." No, now I'm IN my 30's! It brought a whole new perspective on life, age, etc.

So in honor of all that was wise and new, I drug my mom right down to the local tattoo parlor, made her listen to heavy metal music, and wait for me while I willfully let some 13 year old kid pierce my nose. (See pics below of the finished product.)

And just as the quote above states, I'm learning a lot after 30. Here's just the beginning of what I'm sure is to become a GIGANTIC list of life lessons....

1. Taking mom to a tatto parlor is an extremely odd, yet hilariously unforgettable moment.
2. Nose piercing hurts like h*## but goes away soon after.
3. Living in a small town, far away from friends, makes you do strange things with your parents.
4. TO BE CONTINUED...

Enough Talk...

Hypothetically Speaking

If someone were to want a nose ring...is there a rule as to which side it should be pierced?

Just a hypothetical question to a hypothetical situation should said person decide to do something crazy for her 31st birthday.

So...I'm back from "The Betty."

One week of introspection was plenty. Who knew I had so many stressors? Or that I've lost a lot in the past few years? Who knew that I could start crying on Tuesday and not finish until Saturday? Who knew that "unpacking" the last few years alongside of so many quality people would be "normalizing?" And who knew that I would leave there without any further clarity on my future, yet feeling refreshingly exhausted? (Yes, I know that doesn't make any sense, but it does to me, OK?!)

All this to say....it's been a good couple of weeks.

Side Note:
Kansas--Why do people say that you are ugly and boring? Traversing your land was about the most beautiful part of my drive. The rolling hills and the desolate prairie...the meandering clouds that floated above me...that huge expanse of sky that stretched up from the highway and reached out far beyond my mind's imagination...the tumbleweed that danced across the road...
No wonder some of my favorite people ever came from you!

Suffice it to say, you had me at your welcome sign, OK?

I have more to write but, for some reason, I feel like I have jet lag right now and believe I will save that for later. I hear the coffee pot and the washing machine calling to me now. Must go....







The picture above is my dear friend, T on our Saturday morning "hike" up the Rockies.

The picture below is of my new friends from "The Betty"..We're redefining the look of workers today!

More Pics

Alright, so I thought I'd try my hand at posting a few more pics from my recent trip.

I'd like to give a "shout out" to the two people you see here....
J--Thanks for letting me stay in your room and for solving the world's problems with me! Sweetness abounded in your friendship, coffee, nAn and cream, a fire, and tunes from your iPod.

D--If it weren't for your help at the airport, I may still have been waiting in line outside! It was great to hang out with you (more this time than the collective past two years).

Thanks to you both for a fun night at "the French."



And this is when we "almost" got our book deal. (Details to be given only in person.)

Dear Muddy Streets--I look at you with fond memories. I remember my dirty coat, filthy pant legs, covered shoes, slippery walks, hanging on the side of the wall for dear life....my time there without you would have been so boring. So thanks!

Aren't these some of the cutest faces you've ever seen?! I love these girls!

My traveling companion, bodyguard, and friend...on the very first flight of our very LONG journey. (Let's just say I'll NEVER fly Lufthansa again!)

Guess Who?--Yep, that's me on tour with my sweet friend in her "hometown"

Back to Life

So remember that time when I took a blogging hiatus without warning or reason?

Yeah, me too.

It was fun.

Although I think I might be making a comeback. I'm feeling a bit pensive these days. And while, for the past few months, that pensiveness has made me want to run away from writing...people...trying to find answers... I think I'm beginning to come around.
We'll see.

Below are a few pics from my time in CA. Hopefully this will get me back in the groove again. I'm tired of messing with trying to upload them in some order though, so I think you'll just have to stop by again soon to see more....

Blank....

That's me, as of late.

OK, not really, but I haven't felt like posting what's really been happening in my mind. So instead you get posts like the previous one or like the one I'm about to write now...

RANDOMS:
**I watched Dancing With The Stars tonight. I may or may not be addicted simply from viewing one episode. (How does this happen to me?)

Anyway, A & K, I don't know if you girls caught it, but I was totally taken back to our CHS days. (I think you were both in show choir the same time I was? I don't even remember the year! Oh well.)

So remember when that guy from Nashville came to teach us our songs and those dance numbers? It was a Gloria Estefan mix. The guy was really cute. (Probably gay) ...We all danced long hours into the night singing One, Two, Three, Four...Come on baby, say you love me....Five, Six, Seven tiiimes. ...We were so cool. (NOT)...Good times. Good times.


**In a week and one day I will be headed back over to CA for a few weeks. As my excitement grows, my pocketbook seems to be shrinking. (It's just too fun not to buy things for people when I know even the smallest gift is greatly appreciated. --Sorry, Jtho, no guy was walking around calling your name today!)


**I'd like to give a shout out to my most amazing friend, Trix...and a big CONGRATS on selling her house!!! Does this mean we won't be needing a bunk bed at the Gaffs?


**Confessional--I've started tanning. (PLEASE don't lecture me on the dangers!...And Jenni, I'm blaming you for this! ;)...So the funny part of this whole scenario, is that I'm white. I'm very white. (Although I do tan pretty well for my complexion! ;)

So you can imagine my surprise, when last night (being my 3rd time in), the girl was programming the bed and without an ounce of hesitation said, "15 minutes right?" HAAAAAA!! I laughed and told her, "Umm, no. How about 5?" She was a little taken back, but reprogrammed in the new number and went back to her cleaning duties.

Now, do I LOOK like I could lay in the tanning bed for 15 minutes???? ...I don't think so.

Anyway, this really wasn't worth your reading time, so I'm going to quit rambling and just go to bed. I hope tomorrow I'll have something deep and worthwhile to share.

Good night....

Trends

So I've been reading in the latest magazines how the new "trend" in hairstyles is the ponytail worn high on the head. Of course they show you pictures of the stars who are doing this. And of course, being the trend-setter that I am (LOL), I decided to see what it looked like on me.

.....Well, let's just say I had visions of jr. high cheerleading (minus the different colored ribbons).

Let's also say, that I'm not so sure the public is ready for that side of me....yet!

Mates

So I haven't posted in awhile. I'm aware of this fact and I apologize to all who've returned faithfully day after day hoping for something new. I just don't seem to have much these days. I promise to write as soon as inspiration strikes. OK?

And even though I just apologized for my lack of posts in recent days, the following information is far from being "blog-worthy" material. But a girl has to come back with baby steps, right? Just proceed with caution.

So last night I was watching the "E channel's" new reality show with Lisa Loeb called #1 Single. (You remember L.L.? ...She sang that song in the early 90's, "Stay" and wore funky glasses?) Anyway, she's in her 30's now and single--funky glasses still in tact, mind you. She's not happy about her marital status and we meet up with her as she steps out and makes changes in her effort to meet a man. (Confessional: I was pretty much instantaneously sucked into this!)

Well, she said the funniest thing that I'd like to dedicate to all my British loving friends out there...(J, are you reading this?)....This is what she said...Ready?

Deep thoughts by Lisa Loeb...

Why is it that all cool things have a mate?
...Earrings, shoes, boobs, British men.
Think about it.

So You Think You Can...Parent?

Note to Self--
You are not, and I repeat, NOT ready to be a parent. After just a few days with your sister's 2 dogs, you've come to the sudden realization that you really do enjoy your freedom. When you leave your house, you do not have to worry about when you will be coming home. When you get home, you do not have to worry about anyone/thing else other than what you would like to do next. Your life is very much your own (and God's) right now.

This is a reminder....
ENJOY YOUR SINGLENESS.

New Year's Eve 2005/6

Well, Weekend...

You were good to me. Very good. And, while I know that we had this little pact that "What goes on in Chicago, stays in Chicago," there are a few memories I wanted to say thank you for.

So...
Do you remember that time when everyone received the "Train Memo" and all of the sudden we had to go from packing in the 31 inch suitcase, to a small carry-on?

Remember that time, then, when we arrived at the W hotel and for the first hour our whole gang acted like we'd never been inside a hotel before?

Then, remember that time when just a few hours later, reality struck and we realized that this super cool hotel was really just some "dirrttie" little place within which we would find dissatisfaction for all the hours to come?

Oh, and remember that time when Krista was falling asleep and kept saying, "I'm dizzy"?

And yeah, remember that time when we slept with the window open in ILLINOIS on the last 2 days of December because inside was like a sauna??

Shoot, I almost forgot...Remember that time when, the night before we were going to leave, Trickie earned her name by cohersing L & K into "buzzing" each other, thus giving Trix the winning ticket in "Scene It?!"

Then, remember that time the next night when Scott knew EVERY single answer to the game, thus leaving dumb people like me in the dust?

Remember walking on State and Michigan...State and Michigan...State and Michigan?

Remember yelling, "HAPPY NEW YEAR" along with the rest of the city who couldn't get a cab at 2am, January 1,2006?!

Remember the special "purchaseable items" in our hotel room? The leaky upstairs bathers?

Remember the laughter? The conversations (how we solved the world's problems)? The "Hey are those girls with you?"

Remember the loss of sleep? The good times? Trying to get our money's worth?

Well, for all those "things to remember," I just wanted to say...Thanks.
I have a feeling 2006 is going to be a great year!

So, whatever 2006 may bring...I hope it's filled with as many good memories with which it has begun.

I'm ready for you, 2006.
Let "The Year of Clarity" begin.

The Location for Fun

Tricks livin' the HIGH life...Well, almost. If you count what we did for 2 nights the "high life"

This was the Chi-town Crew...I'm so glad we actually went through with these plans!

I'm not sure, but I think Big Papa was trying to tap in to Shirley McClain in this pic.

The Gangstas

The Wild & Crazy...showing off their "mad dance skills"

Take 1...This is the first of 3 shots I tried to take by myself of our whole group. (Who knew that I had the camera zoomed in 2 x's it's normal distance?!)

Take 2...Almost got all of us in the pic

Take 3...This is the best shot I could get of all of us (with my own photography skills)

2006...The Year of ????

Well, Happy New Year to you, too!! (This is one of my favorite Krista faces!) :-)

A kiss to ring in the New Year...and to be seen on the world wide web.

This is the beginning of the new club that's being formed. It's called "The Red Boa Society." Instead of hats, we'll be wearing these as we traipse across the country...and maybe even the world!

Nearing the end of a wonderful weekend...Isaac & Krista enjoying the view...and the phone calls from Tricks.

We're just J & V from the block...some got a little, but we've got a lot...(This is also on the train ride home.)

Scott...sleeping (or ignoring us) on the train ride back to the 'burbs.