…And just like that, it’s Saturday again.

It’s been a crazy week. I’m not going to lie. Last night I went to bed at 8:30pm and slept until 7am this morning. For those of you who know me, you know that’s not normal! I’m a night owl by nature, but lately (especially this week) I’ve been exhausted.

And you know that “To Do List” I had posted for 2007? Well, I’ve decided it’s a lot easier to write about things than it is to really live them. The first thing on my list was tested yesterday, when I was invited to a national co-workers brother’s wedding.

I wish I could tell you that I was thrilled to be invited and couldn’t wait for the opportunity to invest in these people and learn more of their culture. …I can’t. I didn’t want to go. After dropping H off at the airport that morning, all I wanted to do was unpack my things and finally settle into my own room. The introvert in me was screaming for some alone time, but the list I had written was telling me there’d be time for that later.

The list was right.

A few of us girls went to the wedding around 12pm and stayed until about 4pm. We even got to see the bride and groom (which doesn’t always happen unless you stay 7-10 hours). We danced for the small number of female guests (around 250 or so--I'm pretty sure they were impressed--Ha!). We ate a nice meal. We enjoyed the “fashion show” of the female attire. And I even learned two valuable lessons about this culture.

1. When at a wedding, the key to looking your best is this: Reapply…Reapply…Reapply! Your makeup that is. As if you weren’t wearing enough, it’s important (especially after you eat) to pull out your mirror, hairbrush and full-on makeup kit and reapply and re-do yourself. It’s even good if you bring a change of clothes and change after lunch into a second dress. This is your time to shine, ladies! Make a statement!

2. I figured out that this country’s motto, should they ever need one, should be this:
Without tea, the people will perish.
Seriously! My friends and I are always laughing as these people bring their tea thermoses EVERYWHERE! (As if you will ever find yourself somewhere without tea!) On the plane…to a wedding…wherever you go, don’t forget your tea!

All-in-all, I was happy that I went, but I was also happy to get home. I'm guessing I need a little bit of both in my life to keep me sane. Some going out and some coming home. One helps me appreciate the other.

Making a list...

2007
To Do's:
(I'm sure there are more to add, but this is a start.)

*Take every opportunity to invest in, & learn from, these people…even when you don’t “feel” like it.

*Kneel more. Bow more. Remember that you’re very, very small.

*Make one day a week “yours” and “His.”

*Live on less.

*Learn to make national food. You may not be here forever and there may be a day that you’ll come to miss it. Maybe.

*Take more photographs. (This place is too “photo-rich” to miss things.)

*Make a fool of yourself with language. It’s ok. You’ll have stories to laugh about later.

*Memorize one verse every week. Remember you want to be like Mary who “treasured up all these things in her heart” and not like the crazy old lady at the nursing home who can only remember curse words.

*Laugh everyday.

*Hug more. (Except the opposite gender. This culture won’t allow it.)

*Seek humility. Admit mistakes.

*Learn to live in the Ancient City. Enjoy it. This is the answer to your prayers.

*Make it a point to hang out on your rooftop. You can see the mountains...the stars…the
neighborhood….and for a bonus, you can even spy on your neighbors. ;)

*Don’t get mad at rickshaw drivers. They may very well be trying to take advantage of your foreign-ness. Remember: they have far less than you.

*Remind yourself regularly that it’s worth the risk. Always.

*Play hide & seek with a 4 year old at least once a week. You’ll laugh. They’ll laugh. The troubles of your day will seem meaningless in the end.

*Create. Create. Create. ...And then create some more. (Pictures, writing, scrapbooks, etc.)

*Be vulnerable. With others. With God. With yourself. You can do it.

*Find purpose in each day.

*Remember, you're going to be OK.

So what's on your list?

And the answer...

To all my friends who were concerned I may be moving to South America...or getting beat up...

Here's the answer to my year's theme.

2007=The Year of the Pinata

Also known as...."The Year of Undiscovered Contents--the surprises that come after life's kicked you around a bit."


(Thanks Felicity, for your inspiration.)

2007

2007
"The Year of the Piñata"

Any guesses as to why this theme?

Last Post of 2006

"It's been a long December and there's reason to believe
maybe this year will be better than the last."
~Counting Crows, "A Long December"

It's December 31, 2006. This time last year I was claiming 2006 as "The Year of Clarity." It's funny what hindsight will teach you.

If I could have known what was to come, I probably would have claimed 2006 as "The Year of the Rollercoaster." But I didn't know. I guess we never really do. And that's the amazing thing. I look back now and think of the uncertainty, doubt, frustration, joy, hopefulness, restlessness, sadness, elation, and all the other things that I experienced in 2006 and I just think, "wow." I don't think there's ever been a time in my life when I've been more up and down. I questioned when the "year of clarity" would actually begin and just like the people who wandered in the desert so long ago, I continued wandering...often missing the clarity and provision in each new day. Boy, I have a lot to learn!

Now I find myself on the cusp of 2007 and I finally feel as though I've gained some clarity. And when I say "clarity" I don't mean: this is what your life is going to look like until you take your last breath. But "clarity" in the sense that, I know I'm right where I'm supposed to be...no matter what rollercoasters I have to ride.

Of course my mind races to my new work...life in this place...personal growth, etc. and I'm struck with the fact that I'm definitely in over my head. Then again, maybe that's all the clarity I need?

So thank you, Father, for "The Year of Wandering" in 2005 and "The Year of Clarity" in 2006.

"What will this year's theme be?," you ask. Oh, I'm not really sure. But there's reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last.

Happy 2007!!!

You know you are getting old when...

You can predict rain by the pain in your knee.

It happened to me. Yesterday. In the morning I told the girls that my knee was hurting and that it was going to rain. By about 8pm last night, the rain had begun to fall.

Maybe I should go into meteorology?

PS--Bearded: I think I have you beat on this one.

Eid Mubarak!

So this is me and what I typically (OK, always) look like in the reflection of my front door. (Yes, our house is basically mirrors.) Now, what wasn't typical about today was what I saw upon opening my front gate to leave. This...

2 Cows

So today marks the first day of Eid-e QorbAn (The Festival of Sacrifice).

According to research, Eid-e QorbAn is the most important holiday of the Muslim calendar. It marks the end of the Hajj or Pilgrimmage to Mecca. This Eid lasts for three days and commemorates Ibraham's (Abraham) willingness to obey God by sacrificing his son. Muslims believe the son to be Ishmael rather than Isaac as told in the Old Testament. Ishmael is considered the forefather of the Arabs. According to the Koran, Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son when a voice from heaven stopped him and allowed him to sacrifice a ram instead.

The feast re-enacts Ibrahim's obedience by sacrificing a cow or ram...and I even saw a poor camel that was probably going to be sent to the slaughter. It's a sad day for these animals. They have no idea what's to come.

So, as I sit here freezing in the cold, silence of the office, my mind is drawn to these sacrifices...and mainly to the sacrifice that was made for me so long ago. Gratitude overwhelms me.

The next few days will be filled with visiting our national staff...drinking lots of tea...and also celebrating our western New Year. There is much to take in at this time.

So wherever this finds you...I wish you the very best in 2007. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas everyone!

It's after midnight here in CA, so it's officially December 25th. I'm back in Ktown for a few days to celebrate the holiday and my friend H's 30th birthday (also on the 25th). It's been snowing heavily here for the past 12 hours and it doesn't look like it's going to be letting up anytime soon. (And to think one of my biggest disappointments about leaving the States was due to the fact that I hadn't seen any snow!)

So, no dreaming here...it's definitely a White Christmas! I think we may even try to go sledding. :) Whoot Whoot!! (Have I mentioned how much I love snow before?)

Well, I should head to bed. Santa won't come if we don't go to sleep. I have plenty to share about the last couple days and will probably add to that tomorrow.

I miss everyone there and hope that your holiday is filled with much love, joy, and celebration of Our King.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all...a good night.

Proverb #1: Yak roz dIdI dost, dega roz dIdI brAdar.

(Translation: The first day we meet we are friends, the next day we are brothers.)

I first met “Hannah” when I visited the Ancient City in February. She was (and is) the cook at the office. If I were to guess her age, I would say she’s in her early 40’s. However, I’m also aware of how life in this place takes its toll on the appearance of a person so I really can’t be all that certain. Hannah hails from the capital city and is a welcomed blessing when it comes to speaking the local language…as that’s the accent and vocabulary with which I’m the most familiar up to this point. Still…I have a long way to go before I reach the level she “believes” me to be. But bless her heart, she has a sweet spirit and as the proverb above states, after just a few weeks here, she has welcomed me in as her “sister.”

Today I was the last to finish eating lunch (no surprise) and everyone else seemed to have work they needed to rush off and accomplish. That left Hannah and myself alone to converse. It didn’t take but a minute before this sweet lady began to tell me a story. A story that lasted for about 30 minutes. A story about her family…her hardships. A story questioning God’s presence in the midst of these trials. “She’s not getting any younger,” she said. “If God is supposed to be helping, then ‘When?’” Tears were streaming down her face and before long, they were streaming down mine as well.

It’s interesting...this place. It doesn’t take much for a woman to cry. I’ve seen it many times. Whether it be from a burqa-clad beggar on the street asking for medicine money or from my neighbor sharing about the struggle of her day. Here, those tears being shed are her honor. It’s such a contrast to our western/American mindset. Just this week one of my female friends from the States said, “Crying is a sign of weakness.” Hmmm. At its core I disagree with that last statement. But I have to confess, there’s still a part of me that wrestles with its cultural ramifications. For I am one female that finds it difficult to cry. Especially in front of other people. But not today. Today was different.

Today my heart broke for Hannah. Today the tears flowed freely as I tried, with my limited language skills, to comfort her…to tell her not to give up. Today there is hope. While God may not take away hardships…He’s there in the midst of them. After all, His name is Immanuel.

For me it comes down to another lesson in vulnerability.

Vulnerability. God’s been teaching me a lot about it this past year and I’m guessing He’s not finished. Through trials and triumphs, conversations and conflict…allowing myself to be vulnerable is hard. I may get hurt. I may get bruised. I may get laughed at. I may get…hey wait! I may get another opportunity to be like the One who left everything to become one of us.

Vulnerability. There’s nothing more vulnerable than a baby, right?

“So the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” -Jn. 1:14

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” -Lk. 2:6,7

Vulnerability. Tears. Risk. Emotion. Sacrifice.
Learning. Compassion. Love.

These are the words He is speaking to me today. This is the life He is calling me to pursue. May His presence fill us, and them, as the tears fall and the laughter resounds.

He is here. Immanuel. God with us.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

It’s 9pm and I’m already snuggled into bed. My head is a bit fuzzy this evening. I’m not sure if it is due to language study this afternoon or the propane gas fumes which are filling my house this evening. Perhaps it’s a combination of both? Either way, I’m feeling “off.”

Right now the voices of men fill the air, kids are yelling down the alleyway, Persian music is muffled in the distance and dishes clank in the background. The neighbors threw a party this evening.

Currently things seem to be winding down next door (at least that’s what I’m hoping is taking place). At this point in time, it’s probably a pretty good assumption that I wasn’t invited to said party. I have to admit, though, that part of me is tempted just to walk over there and see what’s going on. But since this is CA (and the Ancient City, at that), and the party may very well consist of only men, I think I’ll just enjoy the festivities from the comfort of my own room. I’m pretty sure there will be other days for parties…ones to which I’m actually invited. Until then, may the sugar plum fairies dancing in my head lead me softly and sweetly into my dreams.

Good night, World. Good night.

Even though I know that these temps are in Celsius, there's still something about seeing "3 degrees" that just makes me feel colder. Why did I not learn the metric system???

Sunday, Dec 17

More Details/AccuPop™

Sunshine and patchy clouds. Winds from the NNE at 46 km/h.

Realfeel®: 3 °C

High: 11 °C

One may wonder what there is to do for fun in this place after dark. Typically, that answer would be: Stay inside and keep warm with your housemates. Maybe watch a movie. Maybe read. Usually go to bed early.

However last night's answer read like this:

1. Invite all the singles over for naan pizza.
2. Chill out to some good music, good food, & good conversation.
3. Answer the door to hear the same singles who just left your house, singing "We Wish You A Merry Xmas" and holding a plate of frosted Christmas cookies.
4. Decide that we are going to collectively "don our gay apparel" (i.e. the long black sheet-like capes we wear on a daily basis) and head to our other foreigner friends' homes for caroling and the spreading of holiday cheer.
5. On more than one occasion, realize just how "odd" and comforting this feels, and that by spreading "cheer" to others, you've somehow just brightened your own spirit as well.

Even though I'd like to think of myself as a pacifist, this morning I was ready to kill.

Not a person, of course, but a rooster that has randomly joined our neighborhood. I've been here almost a week now, and I've never once heard it before today. My guess is that it came in on a flight from the States and is extremely unhappy about jetlag, seeing as how it's been making obscene sounds since about 4:30am!!!

Really I have no idea what it's problem is. All I know is that, lucky for "it," everyone here lives behind gigantic concrete walls and I have no way of accessing that foul creature.

Home Sweet Home...

As I type, the warmth from the afternoon sun is against my back. We just finished a yummy lunch of beans, chickpeas, yogurt, and pasta shells here at the office. My laundry is finished and hanging on our rooftop to dry. And H & I are already half-way finished with preparations for tonight's team dinner. (We are making a breakfast casserole with homemade sausage, my "wicked" french toast, a fruit salad, and homemade hot chocolate. Mmm!)

It feels good to be here and to be able to settle in a bit. A girl's got to have her place to nest.

And speaking of nesting....I think I may be a bit too in love with my computer. I know that the cold can be hard on the battery life and I can already tell that it's affecting mine. It makes me sad and I really don't want to have to buy another one by spring. But the truth is, I really don't have much of a choice here. My room is a balmy 45 degrees when I get up in the morning and it doesn't get much higher than 50 in the heat of the day. So what's a girl to do?

CONFESSIONAL: For the past 2 nights I decided that I would try to keep my computer warm....by putting it in bed with me. (I'm staying in the home of a couple who are out of the country, so I have this queen bed and there's plenty of room!) Last night I even filled up two hot water bottles--one for my feet and the other for my side. I kept the one by my side in between me and the computer and I'm pretty sure "Mac" was happy. The battery seems to be lasting longer already!

I know, I know...I've obviously lost my mind and this probably is a for sure sign that I need to get a husband before I go completely insane. But for now, I can't think of a better plan. Can you?

Fire & Feces

• Taxi ride across town=120 afs
• Pumpkin Soup at the French Restaurant=250 afs
• Coffee to warm up from the freezing temps=100 afs
• Falling into frozen feces up to my knees=PRICELESS

So I'm still here in Ktown. (We're hopeful that we may get out tomorrow, but there are no guarantees.) Today has been an interesting day to say the least. It started out at 6:30am...freezing cold in our room. The gas for our heater was empty and there was no way to warm up. I quickly got dressed and made sure my things were all packed up (just in case we were to leave). We ate breakfast and began the wonderful routine of calling the airlines every 30 minutes in hopes of an answer. At about 8:30am this morning we were told there would be no flight today. (Lucky for us, that was about 3 hours earlier than usual.)

We decided to head over to the coffeeshop, knowing it would be warm and in an hour or so we would be able to check email. Much to our chagrin, upon arrival we discovered that the fire in our favorite wood stove had not yet been lit. I decided to take it upon myself to start that baby. Well...that was until the cleaning lady saw me take out her MASSIVE piece of wood (along with a large number of other pieces of wood). She quickly came running over, yelling at me for taking out her wood...what am I doing...I'm not from here...I don't know how to light a fire...and other things of the sort. I tried telling her that she needed to start with the smaller wood and work her way up, but she was quick to prove me wrong. AND...after about 5 trees worth of cardboard...she did just that. The funniest part of the whole thing, was that after the fire was going, the lady tried telling me to put my hand in the fire...and then she grabbed my hand and tried to FORCE it into the fire...proving that I'm not accustomed to such a task. H, S (one of the workers) and myself tried to maintain our composure as I fought to keep my hand from being burnt. I sooo wish you all could have seen it!

And as if that weren't enough....

At about 11:30am, H and I headed into the city. Upon arrival to our destination, I got out of the taxi and within two steps I had come face to face with my greatest fear in this country. NO, it's not a suicide bomber. NO, it's not a landmine. NO, it's not a plane crash. And NO, it's not getting worms (I've already had those).

My greatest fear in this country is falling into the ditch (which, in this language, is called a "jew-EE") and is usually filled with raw sewage and trash.

YEP...within two steps from the taxi, I had fallen into one of the deepest "jew-ee's" in the city. It was covered in ice and dirt and with first glance, looked completely full. WRONG! I was knee-deep in "frozen feces" and had no idea how it even happened! H helped me out and the taxi driver and other bystanders got a good laugh. Lucky for me, I'm still new enough to this place that I was able to laugh as well. But unfortunately we had some other stops to make before heading back that afternoon, so for several hours I walked around with my bottom half wet, cold, and dirty. Yuck!

Would someone please cue Daniel Powter's song "Bad Day" now?!

Fashion Police

So I haven't been here that long. Not even a full week, when I think about it. But yesterday at the coffeeshop I saw this girl wearing a skirt over her khakis and thought it looked cute.

This morning, I put on a skirt that falls at my calves and...jeans. I looked in the mirror and thought, "Should I really think this is cute, just 6 days after my arrival into this country?" I asked H and she said she didn't even think twice about it. Hmmm.

I'm thinking I should write "InStyle" magazine and see what they say.

Winter

“In the winter it was easier for me to believe in God…” Donald Miller

It’s definitely winter here in CA. Last night, as we walked the slushy street trying to find a taxi home, the snow fell like feathers from the sky. The beauty of the night was in contention with my cold feet and heavy bag, but I’m positive that the glory of creation won out in the end.

After a few minutes’ walk, we were able to hail a taxi. Before reaching home, H & I stopped to pick up some kebabs for dinner. (Nothing like eating food from a street vendor to initiate your stomach to a new location.:) And as we waited for the meat to cook, the taxi driver and I conversed. We discussed the weather (it’s going to be cold and wet this year), how we heat our house (both in agreement that wood is the best), where I’m from (his guess was Germany—as is most people’s—I just like to remain a mystery), and the best location to buy kebabs (obviously the one we were at, since he had just purchased some there himself).

We arrived home 10 minutes later (after H had fully submerged her feet in a huge puddle of slush—ugggh!), to find that our hosts had not yet eaten. We ended up sharing our kebabs and they shared their re-heated soup and it wasn’t long before our stomachs were full and our bodies were warm. I even felt adventurous enough to take a bucket bath before bed, so I’m finally a little cleaner!

This morning it looked as though another foot of snow fell over night but right now the sky seems to be clearing. We still aren’t leaving Ktown today, as the radio tower “issue” has yet to be fixed. (Some are saying we may not leave for a week while others are saying December 31st!) So I find myself sitting here in the stillness of my room, looking out over the city street—with layers of glistening snow clinging to the otherwise bare limbs of the tree tops…smoke billows from the chimneys…men are shoveling their roofs…children, bundled in layers of clothes, excitedly walking to who knows where. I can’t help but reflect on D. Miller’s quote above. Personally, I’m not really sure that it’s any easier for me to believe in God in the winter, but right now I certainly see Him.

And right now I’m wondering if that’s not why I love winter so much? While others see winter as a time of darkness, I find it easier to see His light. And right now I'm asking that the people here will feel much the same.

Reality Bites?

Living overseas can be quite humorous at times. I'm definitely in the semi-honeymoon stage of arriving back to this land. And I say "semi" because it doesn't take long for me to remember the challenges as well. Things that, my first year here, may have seemed like fun, now are just re-adjustments back to the simple realities of life.

Realities like...

• Getting high on the gas fumes from the propane heater you use to heat your room.
• The slushy, muddy, unpaved streets that try their best to take you down if you're not careful.
• Not bathing for 5 days because (1.) it's just too darn cold (2.) the water is freezing (3.) why would you want to get undressed?
• Thinking you are going to fly out to your new home city on Sunday but receiving word 2 days later that flights are cancelled country-wide indefinitely. (The first day being because of snow....the second day being because they lost all radio contact and they have no idea when it will be fixed.)
  
• Extremely slow internet. (I'm currently wondering if I'll ever be able to download a song again.)

It's a choice here. Everyday I have a choice. I can laugh. I can cry. I can get frustrated. I can take it in stride. This is life. The choice is mine. Today I can't help but laugh.

The snow is falling hard and fast outside these coffeeshop windows. It hasn't let up for over 24 hours. It is wet and thick and beautiful. And besides the fact that our plane to the Ancient City wasn't able to leave today, I have nothing to complain about. (Except maybe for the fact that the internet has been problematic today and I can't upload pics for you all to enjoy the beauty with me.)

Snow...coffee..Christmas decorations...wood burning stoves. I'm pretty much in heaven.

The past few days here in Ktown have been full, but it's funny how I'm not quite sure how. I've visited with some old friends. Sorted through things that I had left behind and some things I will be taking with me to the west. Had a meeting at the head office. Decorated D's coffeeshop for Christmas (he's out of the country). Made dinner with some friends that included hamburgers and homemade french fries that rivaled McDonald's. And other than that, I've just pretty much been hanging out.

We're hoping that the "ceiling will lift" and our flight will actually take off tomorrow. But we'll see. It won't be long now before I reach my destination. It won't be long.

Almost There: Part 3

I arrived into Ktown yesterday afternoon. Fittingly enough, it was also the arrival of the first snow of the season. Welcome back to winter...and home.

Man, it feels good to be here. In some ways it feels like I never left. The Call to Prayer...the smell of kebabs cooking on the streets...the crazy traffic...the greetings from random children...the mountains...the reunion with old friends. It does a heart good. And even though the journey to this point has been long, it's definitely been worth the wait.

May I never forget His faithfulness or the joy I feel in this moment.

....With Jet Lag: Part 2

Uggh. It's 3:30am here and I woke up about an hour ago and couldn't sleep. I did everything "right" to fight jet lag--no naps, lots of sunlight, stayed on schedule...but it was to no avail. Now, in the middle of the night, I find myself doing a load of laundry and catching up on email. Hmmm. So much for that!

Some observations from my journey thus far:
1. Mat Kearney and Joe Purdy are perfect when traveling by subway into NYC. Perfect.

2. Emirates direct flight from NYC to this desert city is the ONLY way to go. I got on the plane in NYC and got off the plane at my semi-final destination. 12 1/2 hours...TONS of movies (and by "tons" I mean about 30 options of newer movies, 20 options in the "all-time favorites" category, and the list could go on), tv, & game options...great service...decent food....a foot rest. I'm convinced I will never be able to fly another airline again. Unless somebody sent me business or first class. :)

3. You know you are in another country when the waitress asks you if you want ice in your Pepsi. (Is there any reason you wouldn't?)

4. I love it that I am independent and adventurous enough to find my own way to the Consulate's office today. ...I hate it that I have to be.

5. There are a lot of things about this culture with which I struggle. An entire day when "ladies only" are allowed at the beach is not one of them. What's not to love about that?

6. It's crazy how one day I'm roaming the streets of Manhattan, checking out the Christmas lights in a sea of holiday tourists, and the next day I'm laying on the beach in the Persian Gulf. When you stop and think about it, it's really pretty amazing.

The Journey Begins: Part 1

What a whirlwind of a week this has been!

First there was the packing...and packing...and packing...and packing. Then, mixed in with that, were sweet times with family and friends, Thanks-mas-giving (as I packed in 2 holidays into 1 day), last minute "to-do's," Christmas decorations, packing (did I mention that?), and saying goodbye. It seemed to be a bit more stressful this time around. I haven't figured out why. I do, however, remember telling my mom to remind me that I never wanted to do this again. She happily obliged and I was sure to inform her that the "this" I was referring to was all the packing. (She knows me well enough to know that I wouldn't really mean the traveling.)


Saturday morning I said goodbye to my family (who was sweet enough to get up with me at the crack of dawn--literally--so that I could be at the airport by 5:30am!). It was hard to leave them, but I was/am also anxious to go where I've been longing to be for a long time now.

I had a 12 hour layover in NYC, giving me the wonderful pleasure of hanging out in the City with my roommie from college and her sweet husband. I loved catching up with them and roaming around the streets of Manhattan. We've all been there a ton, so we just walked and walked and talked and talked, until we'd happen upon something we wanted to see or experience. I'd never been in the City for Christmas, so I LOVED the sights of the season. What an amazing place! So alive...so many cultures...so much to take in.

Here are a few of my pics from that time. This is me...pretending to be a photographer. :)


Well, jet lag has set in and this post is just rambling, so I think I'm going to end it now. I'll write tomorrow from my new destination. 2 more days until I'm back in the land to which I've been called! Whoot!

If I had the super power gift of "Soundtrack," the song playing in the background right now would be The Fray's, "Over My Head." I'm pretty sure the title says it all.

2 days left to hang out with my family & friends on this side of the world! Whoot Whoot!

I'm a little bit sad today.

*Sad because the snow they thought was going to happen...didn't.

*Sad because I thought I was going to see my friend Jenni as she was passing through the area tonight...and I didn't.

*Sad because I tried to start a fire to enjoy while watching Grey's tonight...and it wouldn't start. (Wood was too wet.)

*Sad because I've been sick all week...and I'm still sick.

*Sad because some things are over...for good.

And the biggest reason for today's onset of sadness is this-

*I'm sad because the goodbyes have begun...and I hate goodbyes.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and this is how I know...

*Lights are already up in our town.
My mom and I took the "long way" (i.e. across the railroad tracks) back home from the video store this evening just to see the new ones that were added this year.

*I've spent all day listening to my favorite holiday music.
I'm almost convinced that Leigh Nash and Sixpence should make a new Christmas album every year. I LOVE her voice with this season.

*Holiday commercials are airing on t.v.
My all-time favorite is that Folger's commercial when that guy sneaks home to be with his family on Christmas morning.

*Cheesy holiday movies are coming out in theaters.
Which I'm a sucker for!

*Tomorrow I will attempt to complete my Christmas shopping
If I'm reeeally productive, I'll complete my purchases for heading overseas, as well.

*Starbucks is now decked out in red--selling my favorite treats (peppermint mochas).

And something that I hope will just add to the holiday "magic" that's abuzz all around me....

*SNOW is in the forecast for tomorrow night and Thursday morning!!!
I can't believe it! God has heard my prayers!!!

Let the celebrating begin!!

Driving Observations

Three random thoughts/observations that occurred to me while driving back from KY this evening:

1. I stopped off at this gas station (I'm pretty sure I was still in KY) to use the facilities. In the restroom was posted one of those framed motivational posters. Now, I'm not one to criticize bathroom art, but this just struck me as a bit odd. The theme?

TEAMWORK.

Yep, that's right. TEAMWORK. Really? Is this something I need to be reminded of in the restroom? Of course this led me to ponder all sorts of random questions like, "What kind of teamwork should take place in the restroom?" "Why is a poster on teamwork hung in a bathroom that's supposed to be for "one?" ...On & on the questions could go, but I'll stop there. Feel free to add your own...or answer mine. :)

2. It's funny how your eyes can play tricks on you while driving at night. This evening I could have sworn that it had snowed.

You see, somehow the light from the oncoming distant traffic hit the ground in just a way that I kept thinking that the hillsides were covered with snow. Of course it wasn't quite cold enough in that area for that sort of a treat, so I knew it to be an impossibility. Still I found myself doing a double-take on more than one occasion.

(Funnier even still, is that just last night I was running around barefoot in a park down by the Ohio River playing frisbee with friends...at 10pm...and it was still 65 degrees.) No wonder I can't keep my days & months straight right now!

3. Ummm...I can't quite remember what it was, as the Nyquil I took is now setting in and I'm feeling very groggy. I think I'll have to continue this tomorrow (if I remember).

Tonight.

Old friends. PF Chang's. Pain. Laughter. Christmas at Starbucks. Headbands at Target. Scrapbook dreams.

Feeling so blessed.

My life as a vagabond continues...

I packed up everything from V's house, loaded up the Eclipse, and moved back down to my childhood home last night.

Tomorrow I leave again for a few days.

Suitcases are everywhere. Nothing has a place. And my life will continue down this path for another 3+ weeks.

Honestly, I think stability is overrated.

16 days before I depart for the other side of the world!!! Whoo hoo!!

I could write out my list of excuses as to why I haven't been blogging and why those pics from the marathon weekend still haven't made it up on this site. I could tell you that our internet at the house hasn't been working properly or how the car I'm driving broke down last weekend, leaving me down south a little longer than planned. I could tell you how focused I've been with preparations to leave the country (which is probably exactly what I should be doing!) or how I've been trying to maximize my last week here in Btown to spend with friends.

I could write out all those excuses, but I really wouldn't want to bore you with all those silly details.

Instead, I'll just get right down to it and post some long overdue pics from the Windy City Marathon. Enjoy Babs & the fans! ;0)


We stayed at the W Hotel on Lakeshore for the weekend. I don't know if you've experienced the "W" but we like to say it's where rich people go to do naughty things. Their motto is "Whatever/Whenever" and as you can see here in the *mouth* picture, you can take that to be as suggestive as you'd like. Still, it's a trendy, upscale hotel with some cool (or not so cool) features.

Like...
A bathroom that's fully accessible to all parts of the room via the shutter window. Yes, that's me, posing on the toilet as Trix stands out by the bed. Warning: This room is not conducive for the faint of heart (or stomach). Seriously, there is NO privacy!


But besides the fun rooms, there's always the cool goody bags that the runners get during the Expo. And while I was not actually a "runner," K & V put together these fun bags for their "support team." They gave us all our own "bib numbers" and packed the bags full of necessities to keep us going during the race.


Contents included:
Ace heating pad--for sore muscles
Tums/rolaids--for upset stomach
Hand Warmers--Because it was freaking cold that day!
Aleve-to help rid the aches & pains
Chapstick--To prevent chaffing
Kleenex--For runny noses and emotional finishes
Candy & Gu--Energy food for the 26.2 miles
Starbucks Card--For hydration purposes


The morning of the race (early), we were escorted to the start line (err, I mean 2 miles from the start line) by way of this cool stretched SUV limo (I have no idea what kind it was) courtesy of the always swanky "W" hotel.


And then there was the running. Oh yeah. The running. They were running...and running...and running...and running. 26.2 miles worth of running. It was cold. It was gloomy. And my friends kept going. I was as amazed this year as I was last.


Fast fact: Did you know that only .01% of the world's population has run a marathon??? It's true. And my friends have now run more than one! Whoot Whoot!

While the girls were running, their support team was, well...following. We went by train and foot to catch up with these elite athletes. We managed to be there for them at mile 7, mile 15, and mile 25 (I think?)...all without a stop at starbucks and or the bathroom for about 4 hours! As Isaac said, "This was my marathon."





All in all, it was a great weekend. The girls finished in good time...braving the elements and fighting against their own minds to complete the race. They were amazing (have I mentioned that) and I'm sooo proud to be their friend! Great job girls!

Next year, Paris? ;)




The day after the race we ate lunch at the Cheesecake Factory (our annual tradition) and then hit the streets for a bit of shopping before heading home.

O la dulce vita.

Please Note: Beginning today, the STL Cardinals have officially changed their name and therefore should only be addressed as the following....

THE WORLD CHAMPION

STL CARDINALS!!!!!!!!!!

I'm rendered speechless after tonight's game, People. Speechless.

I can officially leave the country now.

All is well in the world. ...Almost. Not really. But that's beside the point.

(Sis, I'm so glad *and jealous* that you and B were there!)

Game 3 of the World Series--Part 2

OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!
Can we just say that the Cardinals have a chance of winning the WORLD SERIES... like, TOMORROW??!!!

Side Note to my Sister: I hope that you guys don't get rained out again and that they WIN and you're there and you have a story to tell for the rest of your life!!...
(And thanks again for helping me cross off another thing on my life list.)

So anyway, back to my night at Bush Stadium.
Remember that time when I went to Game 3 of the World Series??...Me, too. It was AMAZING, I tell ya. AMAZING.

I'm not really sure what more I can add to that, but I still have more pics to share.

This one is of the flag (obviously) during the National Anthem. (Trix, this more than made up for that time when you wanted to re-inculturate me by listening to the Nt'l Anthem, but it was sung horribly by a group of kids.)


My friend, Kar-Kar (shown here), proudly displays the official rally towel of the series. We all got one upon entering the stadium. You know it's going to be good when you get a free towel, right?


In case you were wondering if I actually watched baseball...this is a picture of the players in action. So what if I was a little ways away? And so what if I had to keep turning around to the tv's in the press boxes to see what really happened?
I was there. That's all that matters.


After we won, fireworks lit up the night sky and confetti gently fell to the ground. It was like...magic.



And lastly, I leave you with this: a picture of two very happy girls after their favorite team had just won Game 3 of the World Series.



Hey K?...Remember that time?


The End.

P.S. Does anyone find it strange that we call this the "WORLD" series? Is the U.S. now known as "the World?" Just wondering.


P.P.S. I forgot to mention that K and I totally predicted the win for this game. We also predicted Tommy LaSorda and Ozzie Smith's presence, as well as K directed the double play action in the 8th inning. It was beautiful. I think we should get some credit for their victory. Just a thought.

Game 3 of the World Series--Part 1

Remember that time when I went to Game 3 of the World Series?
....I do! And the pictures here are proof!

It was pretty much A*M*A*Z*I*N*G! Amazing!

Here's a summary from the night (in no particular order, because I'm still too excited to think rationally):
*The Cards won!!!
*Carpenter pitched exceptionally well and our players continue to impress.

*My friend, Kar-Kar, came with--making it one of the first times I can remember going to a game with a true Cards fan. (KLo, you were amazing!...Remember that time?)

*We stood behind what seemed to be the real-life version of the "Fever Pitch" crowd so we felt like part of the baseball family.

*I flirted with the cute hot chocolate selling guy until he "caved" and gave me a "free refill."


*Two fighter jets came flying over the stadium at the end of the National Anthem. And while I don't believe in "fighting," I most certainly believe in the use of those things for a pre-game show. All I can say is, "Wow!"



*Before the game there was a party happening on the Plaza by the Stadium. There, music could be heard, a sea of red could be seen, and baseball bling could be purchased. It was awesome!



*Did I mention that the Cards won??!!




*I ate nachos and a hot dog for dinner (every child's dream). I figured, this is a once in a lifetime experience and I was going to make the most of it.



*The famed Clydesdale horses made an appearance at the stadium last night. They haven't done that in over 40 years (I think that's what I heard).
Also among the celebrities, were Billy Bob Thorton (who knew he was such a huge Cards fan?), Trace Atkin? (country singer), and Jo Dee Mecina (also a country singer). (Obviously I don't listen to country music.)

Perspective can come from a myriad of sources. Sometimes it happens while watching baseball...or sitting in the ICU with some of your oldest and dearest of friends...or while traipsing around the Windy City cheering for another set of amazing friends who are running 26.2 miles (on purpose).


I've experienced all three in the past few days and until I find a few minutes to write about the them, these pictures will have to suffice. Here's a sampler, if you will...

This is me and Isaac with our "support team" gear.
Please note Isaac's sweatshirt. He made it himself.
And I quote: "Yeah, I'm ready for the next "Project Runway."
As for me, I think I look surprisingly happy at 7am. (Trust me, it was fake.)


Here are the AMAZING runners before the race! Aren't they cute in their matching green gear?! :)





Alright, I'm out of time. I'm headed to BUSH STADIUM TONIGHT FOR THE 3RD GAME OF THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!! (courtesy of my wonderful sis and bro-in-law for Christmas!) Whoot Whoot!!! More to come soon.

Good things come to those who wait, but ?%*#, I wanted to win TONIGHT!!

For a brief second in the 9th inning I thought we were going to make a comeback.
Why do I get my hopes up only to get crushed the next second?

COME ON CARDINALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow night. PLEEEEASE don't disappoint!!

I've started training for the marathon.

Chicago.

It's this coming weekend.

A couple of my dearest friends are running it so I figured, "Why not?"
I'm pretty sure last year when I did Chicago, I logged over 7 miles...climbing stairs, quick pit stops, etc.
It was tough.


This year's going to be different.
I'm planning for a better time.

It requires discipline. (It was rainy & cold today though, so today doesn't count.)
Eating right. (Carbs, carbs, carbs...for energy, of course!)
The proper training schedule. (I plan to hit the trails at least once before Sunday.)
And lots of commitment. (Painting my face counts, right?)

They say marathon participation is more about mind over matter.
I say...I've got the mind. I'm just not so sure about the matter.

So if you need me this week...
I'll be in training.

Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness!
I don't know how many more of these playoff games I can handle!

THE CARDS WON TONIGHT though and that's all that matters!!!!

And I misspoke...we did not win because of Chris Carpenter. He was definitely not on his game this evening. The win was a team effort. Besides the homer by Taguchi in the 9th, my favorite part was the funny run-off by Encarnacion and the 1st and 2nd basemen for the Mets. It was like gradeschool all over again.

Needless to say, I was screaming and clapping all the way to the end!! (Sorry Neighbors. :) I'd just like to say: Way to come back, Team. Way to come back. I knew you could do it.

I bought a super cute new hat today.
I LOVE hats, scarfs, & gloves.
They make me happy.
And this one does just that.

Did I mention that it has matching gloves?
It's like happiness times two!

(Of course I'll only get to enjoy wearing these two items of joy a bit longer. Before I know it I'll be covering my head in a completely different way. A way, that I must admit, doesn't quite bring the same joy. But being in that place does, so I'll take the good with the bad I guess.)

But I digress. As I've mentioned once or twice before, I also love Starbucks. For the majority of my time here in Btown, I've always preferred the drive-thru 'Bucks as opposed to the other one in the other direction...and definitely over the one inside Kroger.

Well, I've changed my mind.

Today I went to the other 'Bucks in the other direction. And I fell in love. Not so much with a particular drink (although my extra hot vanilla latte was wonderful). Today I fell in love with my Barista.

Dark, curly hair. Brown eyes. Scruffy face. Probably still in college. C*U*T*E.

And get this...The feeling was mutual. You wanna know how I know?

Upon handing me my drink he said this...

"You look really cute in your hat."
OK...not really. I had wanted him to, but if a guy is complimenting you on your teal blue hat, he may not be that into you (or girls at all, for that matter). JK! --I'm totally stereotyping!

Alright, this is what he said...

"The stars will be jealous of you tonight."
Yeah right! That was in a movie.

OK, give up? This is really what he said and the moment I knew he was in love...

"You try and stay warm out there."

SEE?! See what I mean? Let's face it: He totally wants me. So let me just put myself on the line here....

Dear Mr. Cutie Patootie Starbucks Barista,

We were meant for each other. You work at Starbucks. I love Starbucks. What more could you ask for? Let's not deny our feelings any longer. Call me! Or...I'll just come by sometime. After all, you are employed at my new favorite place of escape. Either way, we'll talk soon.

Love,
Your Favorite Girl

"Into every life, a little rain must fall."

"Soft days, the Irish call them. When precipitation gathers around, the patter and hush of rain creates a music of its own. Here are some favorites to accompany these days when drops refract the light and the world is washed clean."
--iTunes Rainy Day Music Intro

Today was an ideal day in my world. It was rainy. It was cold. I drank Starbucks. I ate at Panera Bread. I wore a hat and scarf ensemble (Yes, I know it's only October, but it was 39 degrees!). AND I finished an update letter to my supporters that had been hanging over my head for quite some time. Whew!!

I love rainy days!

And while rain may very well create a music of its own, I like to accompany it with my very own "Rainy Day" playlist on my iPod. There's just something so "right" when clouds and music collide.


So here's a sampling of some of my favorite sounds for my favorite kind of days...
1. Banana Pancakes--Jack Johnson
2. Raining in Balitmore--Counting Crows
3. Tears & Rain--James Blunt
4. Another Rainy Day--Corinne Bailey Rae
5. Puddle of Grace--Amy Jo Johnson
6. It Don't Matter To the Sun--Rosie Thomas
7. Amazed--MoZella
8. January Rain--David Gray
9. All I Need--Mat Kearney
10. Fix You--Coldplay

Quote of the Night (so as not to forget):

"Cheerleading is just dancing gone retarded."
--Bring It On

Tonight Tricks and I watched the cheerleading movie "Bring It On" (while flipping back and forth to the AL series game). About half-way through the show I had this urge to gather all of my "cheerleader" friends together and rewatch the whole thing. I loved it!

Unfortunately Tricks had consumed Nyquil about an hour before the ending because upon completion, I was all ready to make up our own cheer. But that's alright. She *promised* she'd be up for it tomorrow. My response to that: BRING IT!

So now an hour and a half later, I find myself thinking about the randomness of my mind and interests. One minute I'm debating how the US should respond to North Korea and the next minute I'm engrossed in a cheerleading movie. I wonder if I don't have multiple personalities?

So if you're wondering what happened to my celebrity look alike pics, here's the truth...
I deleted them. I was bored and they took up too much space. Besides, who really wants to be compared to Ashton Kutcher? ;)

Guess What?

The CARDINALS WON!!!!!!!!!

And I'm pretty sure I'm giving myself an ulcer.

(I promise baseball isn't the only thing going on in my life. It just seems like it at times.)

I am leaving the country in 49 days! Details, details.