Nutrition & Familiar faces!

Today was my first day of my second section and it went really well. I'm in nutrition & herbology for the next six weeks. I already feel like I can't eat anything anymore from what we learned today. I really would love to change some of my eating habits, but I'm sure that will take some major time to change. Our new instructor is a chiropractor, and is actually really funny, and makes learning all the information not all that bad. I was taking tons of notes, which was actually really nice. In my last section we didn't really do much note taking because we really only had the one big project. I like it this way much better.

After class I went home, changed and then headed over to Westside Family Church because some people from GCC were there setting up workshops for tomorrow. It was so great to see familiar faces again! I got to see Lindsay which was so wonderful! (Okay, so this picture is about 2 months old, but I didn't get a pic today, so this will have to do!) It was good catching up a little bit with her, but definitely not enough time at all. I helped set up the different rooms, and then was able to just hang out with everyone and catch up on how things are going back home. It was really fun seeing a few of the pastors outside of church (GCC), and laughing with them. I really had a great time helping Lindsay set up the different rooms, and feeling almost like I was back home working again. It was great. For those few hours, I felt absolutely at home. When I left, I felt like I was leaving home all over again. I mean for those few hours I felt back in my element helping to set things up for workshops, talking with fellow GCC staff, etc. I miss it so much. I know that I'm out here for a reason, as a few of the GCC folks took advantage of, but it's hard when you miss home so much. I mean, it's wonderful anytime that I get to see Melissa because I can totally be myself and not think about anything, but this is different seeing people that I used to work with. People I saw every week for hours, for almost 9 months...I love these people and miss them so much. Every time I walk into a church I have this small hope that I have opened the doors back to GCC and am home again. Maybe that's not healthy, but it's where I'm at right now. For whatever reason it's really hitting me right now. I'm sitting here almost in tears I miss it so much! I miss getting to work early, before anyone and walking around the building making sure everything is how it should be; I miss sharing life with my fellow co-workers; I miss our staff meetings; I miss hearing so many God stories all the time; I miss walking around talking to people from so many different departments and walking away from conversations that are amazing; I miss leaving work feeling like I really helped out in a bunch of different ministries; I miss talking with my boss, supervisor, co-workers, etc. and really listening to what each other is saying; I even miss running the trash all the way out to the huge trash can! Okay enough of that stuff...I don't want you to think that I didn't have a wonderful time with Lindsay, and everyone else from GCC because I did! I wish that she was in town longer so I could actually hang out with her, but I guess that will have to wait until I'm home for Christmas. Anyway, today was a really...um...I guess roller coaster sort of day. Over and out.

Lo

Driving...

Well, the majority of the day, or at least it seemed like it, was spent driving. Driving to church, driving back for dinner, then driving back to KC. Being that I wasn't in KC, I ended up trying a church near St. Louis called, Windsor Crossing Community Church which was really good. It reminded me of GCC a little bit which is always a welcomed thing in my world. They even did a Nickelback song! That was the first church that I've been to that would attempt something like that since I left home.

After church, and dinner, it was back on the road to head back to KC. The weather was kind of nasty but I've driven through much worse. Plus I had awesome company which always helps! It was raining most of the drive, but we were jammin' to music and talking about random stuff like always. Then I dropped Melissa off at her house, then it was on the road a little longer to my place. Once I got home it was time to get everything done that I normally do throughout the weekend. So I still have a little bit more that I need to get done, but I'm pretty much set for tomorrow and my first class of nutrition & herbology. I'm not exactly sure what to expect, but I think that's okay, then my expectations wont be shattered. Well, I'm beat from driving all day, so I'm off...Over and out!

Lo!

Zoo & randomness...

So being that I'm in St. Louis for the weekend, I made sure to take advantage of the amazing zoo here! Melissa and I headed over to explore and just plain have fun. I haven't been to a zoo in about 7 years...it was actually the St. Louis zoo last time too! It was really great walking around for hours looking at some of these wonderful animals! We went into a penguin habitat area which was frigid, but really awesome...they were so close you could touch them if they permitted it! They're like bullets in the water, it's really great to watch them swimming around playing with the other penguins. Then it was over to find the monkeys, but apparently they were too shy to come out and play today, so the only monkeys we saw were on the signs of where they would be. We decided to venture over to see the elephants, and giraffes...and along the way saw a rhino...dang those things are big! I mean HUGE! Unfortunately we had the wonderful joy of seeing one of them poo! They sure aren't shy about that!...we also so a couple hippos too...I think their head is the same weight of me, or darn close! Then we finally saw the elephants! They are amazing animals! So incredibly huge, but man they're beautiful! They seemed to be laughing at each other at one point, it was really awesome.

After spending a few hours at the zoo, we decided to head home, but we drove around the park near the zoo, and saw, get this....EIGHT...yes, 8 wedding parties! These were big wedding parties too! They were out to take pictures by fountains, gardens, etc. and it was a B-E-A-Utiful day out! There was maybe one cloud in the sky, mid 60's, light breeze! Amazing!

We then hung out at Melissa's parents house for a little bit before heading over to her sister's house for dinner and hanging out. We ended up watching Meet the Fockers, which I hadn't seen before...pretty good movie, but def. not for everyone...funny, but not for everyone. Seriously, hanging out with her family is hilarious! Well, enough randomness for now...Over and out!

Lo!

Road trip! & Goals

Well today was my last day in my first section! I officially have one section under my belt! Only 9 more to go! After finishing up at school, I went home and cleaned up my apartment a little bit before getting thing packed up, and heading over to Melissa's. We were going to take off for St. Louis for the weekend. So we got on the road, and between the lack of sleep (especially on her part from studying for neuro), and lack of brain power (mine...well that's normal, hers from packing so much in for her exams), it was a crazy road trip. It's only about 3 hours from KC to STL, which doesn't really seem that long, especially with someone else in the car. It was so much fun though...at a couple points, I literally was crying I was laughing so hard! (Now, I know that most of our friends don't get to see Melissa...well at all right now, anyway.) So this really is the first time that I've seen Melissa in over a week, and I get to spend the whole weekend catching up! I'm so excited! It's really great! Time for me to re-energize a bit, and re-focus. Time to get away from the norm of class and such, to really sit back and take in the last couple months. I don't feel like I'm really settled yet, but each day it gets a little bit easier for me to be so far away. Don't get me wrong, I miss so many things from home....family, friends, a church that I love, random things like local news, Martins, etc. I know that I'm here for a reason, and I know that some day it will be made clear to me, just not in my time, but in God's time. I have to remember that daily.

On a slightly different note, I'm going to post a couple goals on here, because then I can't just say, oh, I'd like to do that, or maybe some day I'll do that. I feel like if I actually write them down, make them known to anyone who reads this that it will be more of a permanent thing. So here are a few things....

1. Run a half marathon this summer (hopefully I'll be home for the Sunburst)
2. Run a marathon before I turn 26...so in no more than 2 1/2 years.
3. Compete in a mini triathlon (basically its half of what a full triathlon is) by the time I'm 35.

So in order to achieve these goals, I'm going to have to step up my game. No slacking off on working out anymore. I have to go through and log all of my mileage and times. I need to make sure that I am really taking into account what I am eating, as well as how much I am sleeping. This can't be put on the back burner. I am going into nutrition for my next section, so this should help me out some. Now as far as how well I do in these races, well that's up to race day, but honestly right now as long as I finish, I really don't care the time...I would like it to be decent, but I don't feel as if I have to win for these goals to mean anything. Yes, I realize that these are all "physical" goals, but that goes hand in hand with my spiritual life as well. Granted, I really do want to set goals for these too, but I'm not sure exactly these goals are right now, and I really don't want to make them, just to make them. I'll see about making these goals at a later date. Until next time...Over and out!

Lo!

UPS!, Dolls & Weather!

Oh my there is so much that I want to put on here, but we'll see if I can remember it all, and make it make sense too!

Okay, so yesterday after I got home from class I had lunch, checked my e-mail, nothing out of the ordinary and then it happened! What could it be!? Ah, well a knock on the door! I wasn't expecting anyone, (and by anyone I mean Melissa because seriously who else lives near me!?) so who could this mystery person be!? The wonderful UPS man! Why was I so excited to see him...ah, well that's because he brought me my new laptop! I was so excited, especially because I wasn't even expecting it until today at the earliest! So as you can guess I'm using it right now! First blog on the new computer! I did have to make a call to Dell support to get a few things worked out, and might need to call them again once I get home from class because my wireless keeps turning off, which I am not turning off! Hmm! But, props to them, because they really did help out last night!

So I'm in class right now but don't feel very well so I'm not giving a massage today, nor receiving one. Hence why I'm writing this now! Plus this is the last day of class really, because tomorrow its just hanging out and stuff before we move to our next section on Monday. Anyway, so I'm sitting here observing massages around the room and one of my classmates walks in...with a doll hanging out of his backpack! But this was not just any doll...it was the scary, Chucky doll! (Don't worry, I'm not going to put a picture up, I don't want to scare anyone else!) You know the movies were made about, the doll that comes alive and kills everyone! Yeah, talk about being freaked out! Yikes! I mean, why would someone carry that with them? Some questions I guess will never be answered!

Hmm... I felt like there was other stuff that I was going to write about but I can't seem to think of it right now...maybe later! Oh, wait! I heard that it snowed back home today! I know everyone back home isn't happy about it, but I miss it! We are supposed to get our first frost tomorrow! I slept with my windows open last night, so it was about 35-40 degrees in my room, it was perfect sleeping conditions under my warm down duvet! I even managed to actually wake up on time too! I felt like a bear coming out of hibernation...although, I really don't know what that feels like but I can imagine! Over and out!

Lo!

New CD!!!

So I got some awesome mail today! The new Matt Wertz cd, Everything in Between...but what I didn't know was that it was a 2 disc set! So I got a bonus acoustic cd too! Not only did I get the Matt Wertz cd's, but I also got a cd from awarestore.com called, Earsnacks, its a bunch of up and coming artists. Pretty sweet if you ask me! Anyway, I was listening to the acoustic cd and there is this song called Behind a Smile, it's...so true, so raw. I thought I'd post the lyrics on here, but if you get a chance to listen to the song, do it, it will be 3 mintues and 51 seconds well worth your time. **Oh, and if you are lucky enough to be in South Bend, October 18th, I believe, he is going to be at the Morris Civic with Jars of Clay...go check it out!**

Behind a Smile

Matt Wertz

Cause I don't know what I should do now
When I've exausted all I know how
Still all of my efforts, they fail me
Leaving me broken and empty
I can't go on, half living this life on my own
Cause I'm hiding behind this smile
No, I haven't come out for awhile
See there is this place so empty inside me
I keep hiding behind this smile
There must be some place warmer then here
Because my teeth just chatter and I live in fear
But every attempt I attempt just impails me
Leaving me broken and empty
And I can't go on, half living this life on my own
Cause I'm hiding behind this smile
No, I haven't come out for awhile
See there is this place so empty inside me
I keep hiding behind this smile
Cause no I'm not okay
No I'm not alright
Cause I'm hiding behind this smile
No, I haven't come out for awhile
See there is this place so empty inside me
I keep hiding behind this smile

Hopefully you're not hiding behind a smile, but that your smile is because you are so happy, and that you have a joy in your life that you can't really even explain. Over and out!

Lo!

Church on TV!?

Well, I just watched, "The New Adventures of Old Christine", this was my first time watching the show. I had seen some previews of what this episode was about and thought I might tune in. The show was about church, and why she was turned off when it came to church. She explained that when she was in middle school she was in search of who she was supposed to become and so she thought she would give church a try. After attending church for a while, she was completely turned off (more than likely by a human error from what I could tell). Anyway, so her ex took her son to church and he wanted to continue to go, so she decided to give it another try. She went, and once inside it was the whole thing of, singing too many verses, or reading along with the pastor when only the pastor was to be reading, cell phone going off, etc. I felt like they really hit the nail on the head, because I think that so many people are turned off from church because they aren't exactly sure what is going on. Anyway, the whole time she was at church she was searching for a sign, and I feel like so many of us have been, or are in the same place. It was really awesome to see it on prime time television. Who knows, maybe someone who watched the show wasn't thinking they would ever go back to church, but is thinking that they might give it another try. Over and out!

Lo!

Dell, Georgia & randomness!

It's been a couple days since I've posted last, so I thought I'd post a little something!

So my computer is really acting weird, and I don't know how long until it dies completely! About a month and a half ago it crashed and I had to have one of my friends reprogram my entire computer! Anyway, so my laptop is about five years old, and I've already replaced the dvd/cd drive, which I don't want to keep replacing things, so I bought a new computer last night.

"Dude! You're getting a Dell!"

I won't get it until next week, but I'm really excited about it! I will finally be able to to work on my computer without having to wait for programs to load. Waahoo!

My parents traveled down to Georgia to this past weekend to visit my nephew! I've gotten a few phone calls from them, and my gosh, everytime I end up cracking up! Part of it, is his accent, talk about a southern drawl! They went to Six Flags and went on roller coasters and water rides, which Montana got totally soaked from what he told me! Today I got a phone call from them and Tana told me that he had my mom eat a worm! I guess she figured that I'd eaten enough of my own so it couldn't be that bad! I guess she wasn't too fond of the taste, though! Tana thought it was hilarious though, so I guess it was worth it!

The rest of the week for class we'll be doing massage trades because so many of us are already finished with our projects, which is a really great thing! I helped type out one of my classmate's papers because she isn't that fast with typing and I had nothing better to do really, so I typed away! Tomorrow though, I have to remember to bring my supplies for giving a massage. I really need to work on my body mechanics for massages! I think I'll start doing squats to help out!

Sports this weekend...Notre Dame (4-1)won, in an outstanding game against Standford. The Colts (5-0) won, in a terrible game against the Titans. The Bears (5-0) won in an outstanding game against the Bills! Over and out!

Lo!

40,000 miles...& counting!

**Okay, first off, I know that it says 40,102 but when I bought the car it had 102 miles on it!**

So where all have I gone in 40,000 miles? Well, here are a few, along with some memories that can't be separated from the miles!

Ball State/Anderson - travels down to see friends, and catch a Dave Barnes/Jon McLaughlin concert! Awesome, fantastic, amazing times!

New Orleans - Right around Christmas I drove down to visit a few friends, and road trip back with one of my friends. It was an awesome road trip, some amazing conversations!

New Orleans & Valdosta, GA - I was only planning on going to GA, but decided to throw in an extra stop along the way.

Chicago Midway Airport - multiple trips to pick up and drop off Melissa. Of course Melissa and I had amazing conversations! One of the times (Labor Day weekend '05) we were up at St. Joe beach and stopped by Redamaks for burgers on the way to the airport. I found out that Redamaks burgers can be eaten while driving, but takes major skill!

Chicago (just the city this time) - multiple times to visit one of my friends from my high school days...a few Dave Barnes/Matt Wertz/Jon McLaughlin concerts.

Timber Wolf Lake - (a Young Life camp in MI) a few times for work weekends, and such! Love it up there!

Colorado! - (yet another Young Life camp) This was an amazing experience! 6 weeks of being out in the middle of the mountains...5 weeks of working, and one amazing week where I actually was out on the trail! While out there I made some great friends and awesome memories, and I even got a massive burn on my leg...2nd degree burn...Ouch!

KC - multiple trips...some late at night by myself...some with Melissa after visiting the Bend...but all were awesome, and well worth the long haul!

St. Louis - Goo Goo Dolls/Counting Crows concert for Melissa's birthday! Talk about an amazing time! About 13+ hours driving all together, 6+ hours waiting for the concert & hanging out at the concert! Yeah, it was awesome!

St. Joe/New Buffalo - ah, the beach...plus a beautiful wedding! & Of course Redamaks too!

Milford aka "the Cottage" - a few times throughout the summer hanging out down at the cottage... birthday celebrations, and just plain hanging out! Great times! Ah yes, fun times!

I can't wait for the next 40,000 miles and the memories they will bring! Over and out!

Lo!

PS~ I got some snail mail today! Yeah, I'm excited!

Our Greatest Fear...

Here is a quote that is amazing, so I thought I'd share it with you...

Our Greatest Fear

Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,

but that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.

We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,

gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking

so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.

It is not just in some; it is in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give

other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our fear,

our presence automatically liberates others.

-Marianne Williamson "A Return to Love"

Another quote that you should check out is on my friends blog. Check it out here. Over and out!

Lo!

Field trip! & Visa bills...!!!

Today, for class we went on a field trip! I haven't gone on one of those in...well, years! Anyway, we were going to a federal building to give chair massages. (I'm not a fan of chair massages, I'd much rather spend a little more money and time and get an hour long full body massage.) So we get there and the security guard tells us that we have to have picture ID with us. I had to go out to get it, but I had it, so no problems. However, there were a few students that didn't have their ID with them...at all! How do you drive around without your driver's license? So we signed in, and got visitor passes, then were off to where we set up for the massages. Being that I am only a "newbie", I was only allowed to clean and prepare the chairs. Most of the time though, I sat on the side because my blister was killing me! So that was class...

**I went and got band aids and Bactine!!! So now I have my blister all bandaged up! Hopefully I won't have to use the band aids often!**

**So I ate about a pound of carrots when I got home! Then for dinner I had about a pound of spinach! Waahoo for vegetables!!!**

Usually when I get home, I eat lunch, check my e-mail, do homework, etc. Then turn the tv on and watch a little bit. Today though, I decided to not turn the tv on until much later than I usually do. So instead, I picked up a book that I've been meaning to finish. I have a couple chapters left, but should finish it in the next day or so. What is this book you may be wondering...Waking the Dead. I highly recommend picking it up.

Alright, so my mom calls me to let me know that my Visa bill came, I still need to change the address. Anyway, so she tells me that it is "749". So I pause and think for a moment. She realizes this, and says, "7 dollars & 49 cents, I thought you weren't sure when you paused after I said it the first time." I was starting to go through everything that I've bought in the last month, and I couldn't think of anything, then phew! Anyway, I figured y'all could get a good laugh out of it, I sure did! Over and out!

Lo!

Randomness...

So yesterday I ended up going to bed really early because my headache was just too much too handle. I slept from 10 pm until 7:30 am! Apparently I needed some serious sleep! The great thing was that when I woke up, I didn't have my headache anymore! That was so wonderful!

I am finished with my business plan drawing!!! I have a couple more things to print off for my business plan, but that isn't due until next week. I think I should finish it up by the end of the week!

Waahoo! I went running today! I think I ran for about 3 1/2 to 4 miles! I didn't run very fast, but I was looking more for distance than time. I figure I'll work them both eventually.

The blister on my toe...well there is a blister under the blister now! OUCH!

Okay well I figured this would be a short blog....and I was right! I'm just so tired to throw more thoughts up here. Over and out!

Lo!

Projects & Temperatures!

So my project is really coming together! I need to print out a couple more things, but I believe I have my business plan pretty well put together. As far as my business drawing goes, I was able to get a little bit more done today, but it was killing my eyes, so I had to stop. I have about a day left of work, which is good because I have two days left to work on it. So if anything is taking longer than I expect, I don't need to worry about it. The drawing is due this Thursday, and the plan is due next Wednesday. We'll see how things go, but I really feel good about it all.

Okay, so all afternoon I've had a terrible headache....not quite a migraine, but still really painful. I don't know what the deal is, I think part of it might be the weather, which is crazy right now. Yesterday it was 94, which broke the record! Today 94, which tied the record! They're forecasting that it will be 94 tomorrow as well, which will break the record, which was set back in the late 50's I believe, and is 93. Well, as much as I would love to post more, my head can't take this much longer. Over and out.

Lo

Projects & Contacts!

First off, check out this story from 60 Minutes, if you have depression, or know someone who is affected by depression. It's really amazing, and shows promising results, which is awesome!

So the entire weekend I've been working on my project which still has quite a ways to go! Partly because I am drawing my business to scale, but that's because I'm a perfectionist and really wouldn't have it any other way! This means I need to get a few more measurements on chairs, couches, tables, etc. before I finish it. I can't wait to turn it in, but that's only because that would mean that it is done! I really wish that so many of my classmates would stop complaining about it though, it doesn't make it any easier! Oh well, it's not stopping me! I am hoping to have the drawing finished by Tuesday, and the business plan finished by the following Tuesday at the latest.

On a slightly different note, one of my classmates came over here yesterday evening to work on our projects. We went to the store to get a few things for her project, which gave us a little bit of time to talk. She told me that she had to work all day Sunday so she wouldn't be able to go to church with me this weekend. Hopefully next weekend though! Please continue to say some prayers!
So today is the first of the month, which means I get new contacts. I took one of my new contacts out of the factory sealed package and look at it to make sure that it isn't torn or anything. It looks a little weird, but I put it in anyway. It was really blurry! So I take it out to clean it off, and when I do that, there appears a second contact! That's right, there were TWO contacts in one case! So weird! Never thought that would happen! All good now though, one contact in each eye!

So if you're a football fan, as I am here are a few updates from the weekend...ND won over Purdue, AWESOME! INDY won over NYJets, SA-WEET! Bears, well they're playing right now, but I think they'll pull it off against Seattle! Okay, well I need to get back to my project! Over and out!

Lo!

Randomness...

Okay, so here are some more random thoughts for you...

For whatever reason my body won't let me take naps! I tried to take a nap after I got home from class because I wasn't feeling all that great, and an hour and a half later was still awake! Arrgh!

I almost hit a raccoon on the way home from Jack Stack, but don't you worry, I avoided hitting it, but I think it had already been hit once because it was walking really weird!

Some of the fountains in the Plaza are just plain weird! (You would have to see them because I'm not going to try and explain why on here!)

While walking around the Plaza there was a man and a few other people standing a corner, on a box of some sort, yelling that we are all sinners, and that the second coming is soon, etc., etc. Well, I'm sure his intentions were all well and such, but his tact just didn't seem to sit well with me. All I could think about was the Bullhorn Nooma. I wonder how many people he actually was reaching.

Jack Stack was amazing...and I actually couldn't eat much, which is really weird because that doesn't usually happen. This means I have a really good lunch for tomorrow!

After spending some time at Barnes & Noble, I ended up in the art section, big surprise I know, and finally figured out the name of the artist I had been trying to come up with since, the middle of August! Frida Kahlo, who was an incredible artist of her day, and was overlooked because she was a woman.

I have to draw up my business for my project, which meant going to Hobby Lobby to get some supplies, and after walking around getting the foam board and paper, etc., I came across the painting supplies. Oh how I wanted to pick up some canvas, paints and brushes and just indulge myself in it again. I miss it so much! Hopefully I'll be able to get back into some of it again soon!

Well before I spend way too much time on here instead of getting much needed sleep, I must go. Over and out!

Lo!

Dizziness & Randomness...

Okay, so for the past couple days I've been feeling dizzy, which isn't fun. It generally when I'm sitting down, so I won't fall over or anything. It's really weird though, I don't understand why I'm feeling this way at all. I think it might be that my iron is low, and I might be dehydrated as well, so we'll see if I can do something about that soon. I tried to lay down today to get some rest and hopefully help me to stop feeling so dizzy, but the maintenance guy came by to fix my balcony door. So I didn't get to actually lay down at all, and then my apartment smelled like WD40, which didn't help. Luckily the rest of the evening I was off to Melissa's for dinner, and Grey's! Melissa made amazing lasagna! YUM!

Some random thoughts...

Good news...I found my name tag! It was in my classroom!

Don't pull out the dresser drawer to its limits, it will fall, and injure your hand...this happened to me today! Ugh!

Hallmark, well it's my weak spot...I bought 9 new cards there today!

Complaining should be held to a minimum in a confined area....classmates shouldn't complain about class so much, they did sign up for it!

My blister is finally going away...so hopefully I can go for a run soon!

Well, I'd continue with my random thoughts, but I really need to lay down, this dizziness is really getting to me. I'll try and update a little more later. Over and out!

Lo!

Spasms & Name tag!

OUCH! So last night after running and trying to relax I noticed that my back was in a lot of pain! I figured it would pass, nothing too serious, right!? Well, not so fast! My lower back was in spasm, and it stayed that way until I woke up this morning. It was terrible though, I was in so much pain, I could hardly walk! I tried laying down on my back to help it out, but that didn't help, it didn't hurt either, but no relief. I thought maybe in class I might be able to get it worked on a little bit, but we had a guest speaker come in and talk about a few things that will soon enough become second nature to us. Oh, and I was sitting in class with one shoe on and one shoe off because of my blister...OUCH!
So I have to wear a name tag for class, which has the school name, and my name on it. Well, they are magnetic, and I totally forgot about it, that is until I got home. I took my shoes off, and when I bent over to set them down, the back of the magnet falls out of my pocket and into my shoe! So I realize then, that I forgot to take my name tag off at the end of class, and it must have fallen off! I go out to my car to check there, and retrace my steps to my apartment, all 20 of them, or so, and am unable to locate the name tag. This means that it is more than likely about five feet from where I usually sit. Hopefully anyway, if not is somewhere between my class and where my car was! This could be interesting...I think that I can get a new if I have to though. Okay, well enough procrastination, time to get back to my business project. Over and out!

Lo!

Blisters & Shoes

Okay, first off...as requested...the websites to both churches referenced recently, just click on the name of the church you want to check out:
Westside Family Church in Lenexa, KS
Granger Community Church in Granger, IN

So today I decided to go drop a few snail mail items off at a near by drop box, then possibly go for a run. Well, after returning back to my apartment to drop off a few things, I decided to go ahead and run. I recently bought a new pair of running shoes because my old ones were, well way over due to be trashed. I mean the soles aren't even there in a few spots anymore! There isn't much traction left to keep me from falling if it's slick, etc.

So when I was out shopping this past weekend I went into the Adidas outlet store! Oh, I was so happy! See, I only buy Adidas brand shoes, and even prefer the apparel too, so I was very happy to find this place! I ended up getting a new pair of shoes for only $30, which is amazing!

I tried them out today for the first time, knowing that I need to break them in and will not be able to run as far as I would like because my feet aren't used to the shoes yet. Well after about 2 -2 1/5 miles, I had to actually stop, and take off my one shoe because I could feel the blister! UGH! No worries though, this is most definitely not the first time I've had blisters before! So after taking my shoe off I walked the rest of the way home with one shoe on and one shoe off, which I'm sure looked funny. There was actually a crew out working on putting up new power line poles and one of the guys asked me if my foot got hot! Well, not exactly! So tomorrow I think I'll give my feet a rest, and try and do some squats or something in my apartment, because I don't want to deal with an even worse blister than I already have. Over and out!

Lo!

An Amazing God story! & dvd drive....

Okay if you haven't read the entry from yesterday, you should it will help out in understanding this one...then come back and read here....

Okay so yesterday I wrote about how I wasn't feeling like I was saying much to the people around me about my faith, and what makes their heart beat fast, well get this! Today for class we had mock interviews, both as employer, and potential employee. I was paired up with one of the girls that I talk to everyday, and have gone out to lunch with before. She started the interview process as the employer, so I was answering a bunch of different questions for her. She came to one question in particular, "What motivates you?", so I said, my faith, my family and my friends. Then more questions from the interview. Then it was my turn to interview, yada yada. After all of this we did some other activities in class; figuring out our dream businesses and such, took a break, etc. I didn't think much of what I had said really, then about 10 minutes before class lets out she asks me what church I go to! I was like, uh, what!? So I told here where I've been going, and a little bit about the church back home. Thinking the whole time nothing of it really. So then she asked me who I go with, so I explain to her that Melissa comes if possible, but I'll generally be going by myself because of her schedule. I then decide to throw her a question to see where she goes with it..."Would you like to go with me sometime?" "Maybe, I'd have to check and see if I work, because I usually work on Sundays." AWESOME! So we keep talking about church and where she used to go back home. Then she said to me that she is ready to go back to church though, and that she wants to go back. So I figured that we might talk about it again some time and see if she still wanted to check it out, and then she said, "When we go to our cars I'll let you know if Sunday works out." AMAZING! So we get to where our cars are and she checks, and she doesn't work! So this weekend it looks like we are going to meet up for church! We're going to talk about it a little bit more near the end of the week, but it looks like we are going this weekend! I'll be sure to keep you updated! Please say some prayers!

On a different note, I just completely dismantled my computer, and put a new CD/DVD drive in! I'm talking I had about 40 screws out, keyboard off, back off (well almost), etc.! I never thought I'd do that! Just thought you would like to know that! It turns out, I'm still handy! I was wondering because I haven't been handy lately. Well until next time...Over and out!

Lo!

Church & extra thoughts...

Well today I went to Westside Family Church which is about 20-25 min drive for me. It's similar to GCC, but on a smaller scale, and not so "loud" with the music. The message was good, and I took a few things away from the service. The pastor said that whenever he leaves his mom's house she always says, "Be careful sweetheart!" and he wants to just one time hear her say, "Go out there, and live life to its fullest! Seize the day! Take all that you can out of each day!" That's it! Why do I try to be so careful all the time? I mean, it's okay to be careful, especially in certain situations, driving, surgery, etc. But why is it that I step back and take the safe road rather than ruffle a few feathers and really dig into peoples hearts. Find out what makes their heart beat fast. I really miss that from home. I know that I'm out here for a reason, but I feel as if I'm not stepping up to the challenge right now. Do my classmates even know that I'm a christian? They know that I love football, they know where I am from, and where I want to be going, but do they really know why? I'm not saying that I feel like I should stand up in the middle of class and profess my faith, but the classmates that I'm close with, that I talk to all the time, why not talk to them?

I feel blessed right now that I am away from home. Don't get me wrong, I miss being home dearly, but I am so blessed. I am away from so many comforts, which is in return having me rely on God more on everything. I'm realizing that now more than I have so far. I think it's good to get away from the place you are so comfortable around, and really stretch your faith, really let yourself grow, and be vulnerable. It's not easy, but it can be done; and when it is done the results are amazing. God does amazing things, if we only trust Him. This weekend was good, but I have tons of thoughts running through my head. (Partially why I'm not getting ready for bed yet.) Over and out!

Lo!

**Please say some prayers for a friend of mine. Thanks!**

Babysitting cont., Art & ND

Ah, well babysitting went well last night, which was nice. One of the girls, the 3 year old, was playing with make up, which we know is not my thing. Anyway, she was playing with some eyeliner and it was quite hilarious. She came out of the bathroom the first time with a "second" eyebrow from the eyeliner. Amusing! Then she comes out a little later with it all over her face, oh craziness I tell you! Then it was time to put this harness thing on her to play dog. Well, I literally was "walking" her around the house, while carrying the littlest one, the 1 year old, in my other arm. We were running around the house laughing so hard. It was great! They ended up falling asleep about half and hour to an hour before their mom got home, so I did get to read for a little bit.

Today I met up with Melissa and Micah at Melissa's house to head to the 75th annual Plaza art fair. This art piece is one of my own. The art at the fair was well, some good, some not so good, it's all up to your own taste of course. There was a lot of photographs, some pastels, a handful or so of pottery, then lots of random stuff in there. It was crazy down there though because there literally were a couple thousand people which means parking was nuts. We walked around looking at the different booths for a couple hours, but we were getting too hungry to keep going. So it was off to the store to get stuff to make dinner. After dinner I headed home because it was getting kind of late.

Once I got home I was able to catch the last half hour of the Notre Dame vs. Michigan State game. I really think it was the only part you needed to watch if you ask me! Well, if you are a Notre Dame fan! ND won 40-37, in an amazing come back! I don't know what the rest of the season holds, but I hope they keep up the wins! Well, until next time...Over and out!

Lo!

Midterm & Babysitting

Well today was my first midterm, and it went well. Some of the questions that were on the midterm were also on a couple of quizzes, so I thought that I did really well. I did well, just not as well as I thought. There were some major disputes on a few of the questions though. After getting the test back, I looked over the questions and then looked over the quizzes as well. There were a few answers that were correct on the quiz, but incorrect on the midterm! So after talking to our instructor a few of them were corrected, so my score went up!

So the rest of the evening I am going to babysit one of my classmate's kids! Which will be fun because it will be a huge change of pace and keep my busy at the same time. I guess a few of her friends are coming in town so they're going out for the night. She has two little girls, ages 1 & 3, which I love kids around that age! They're in the age of exploring and learning! It's great! I'm thinking that I'll end up playing dolls and such, but I'm hoping that I can read some books to them instead! Oh, or maybe Lego's or something! Old maid! Okay, I don't know, but it should be fun! I'll be sure to post anything on here if it's worth it! Over and out!

Lo!

Coffee & Grey's

So I was not thinking at all yesterday apparently! I was sitting around working on my business project, and studying for my midterm, and I had a cup of coffee. This was around 7pm, which is not a good thing! After working on my project and studying, I decided to call it a night. So I went to bed, right!? NOT so fast! I was in bed, around 10:30, ready to fall asleep, and I can't fall asleep! By this time it was 11:15, and I wasn't getting any closer to falling asleep! So I went ahead and pulled out a packet that I need to study for my midterm. After reading the entire packet, I still wasn't tired, ugh! By this time it was now 11:45, still not tired. So I went on the internet and read some blogs, etc. I was getting bored so I decided to just get to bed and hopefully fall asleep eventually. The last time I looked at the clock, it was 12:45! It wasn't going to be easy getting up for class! I need to make sure not to have coffee after 4:00!

On a different note, the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy is tonight! ABC 9/8 central! Oh, I can't wait! I'm going over to Melissa's to hang out, and watch the premiere with her! Yeah, we're excited! So, who will Meredith pick, Dr. McDreamy, or the Vet? Will Izzie return for any episodes? Will Dr. Burke regain use of his arm, and will he be able to perform surgeries again? Will George say "I love you" back to Callie? Will Addison find out about the affair? Oh man I can't wait! So exciting! Over and out!

Lo!

Picnics & U2

So after a pretty long day of working on my business project, I decided to go for a run. Plus, I actually felt much better than I had the past couple days. So I got ready, and went down to the trail near my apartment. It was great out to go for a run, close to 70 out, and not too much wind to really speak of. Well as I was running, I figured that I would run further than I had before because I really want to get back in shape, and get back into a routine as well. I ended up running to the state line, and then headed back. So the trail that I run on follows a creek, and passes buy a large amount of stores. There was a couple that had just went to the store (they had a couple bags of items with them), just walking along the trail. I thought nothing of it really. Then on my way back I was jamming to my ipod, and I look over near the creek and I see the couple sitting down on these huge rocks about to have a picnic! It was so adorable! They were probably in their 50's, and they were out on a date, how sweet!

Anyway, so my run was really nice. There were a couple other people out on the trail too, which is always encouraging! I was listening to U2 while I was running, which I wouldn't normally listen to them while I'm working out because it's just a bit too slow for me. For whatever reason they were my pick for the run. It was really great to listen to them again, and really listen to the words, because what else am I going to do while I'm running? I highly recommend listening to their stuff again, or hey, maybe for the first time. Amazing words! Over and out!

Lo!

A Mouse & tea!

Okay, so after getting home from classes today, I figured I would eat lunch, then relax for a little bit before going to the store. I ended up going to Wal-Mart because I had to get a bunch of random things. So I'm walking around getting my things, and then BAM! No lie, a mouse! Okay, not a little woodland creature, but a HUGE KC Chief's mascot mouse! I'm talking, at least 6 feet tall, and startled about 6 of us in the Coffee/Tea isle! It was really funny though because one of the couples said that if their daughter was with them it would have scared the crap out of her! We then decided that they shouldn't have the thing just walking around! Yikes!

So after the crazy mouse situation, I got some new tea! I figured being that I didn't feel well, I deserved to spoil myself just a little bit with some tea. I had heard about the new pyramid tea bags, but hadn't had them yet. I ended up getting the Black Pearl tea bags, and once I got home I made some tea. Amazing! Between the chicken noodle soup and the tea, bravo! Plus I'll get to have the fabulous tea tomorrow morning before class! Yippie! Until next time...Over and out!

Lo!

Snail Mail & Soup!

So today I went and checked my mail box and there was mail! I was excited! I was even more excited when I looked at it, and saw that it was real snail mail! Not junk mail! I got a card from my parents! I was so happy! Oh how I love getting mail from people I love!



To the soup...well after I got home from class today I really didn't feel well, so I thought I'd lay down for a little bit and see if that helped. No luck! Anyway, so I was thinking that maybe I would make some soup, but no chicken noodle soup! So after sitting around debating on whether or not to try and get to Panera. So after sitting around for some time, I thought now was the best time to go get the soup. Still feeling nauseous, I drove the mile and got my soup! I feel a little bit better, but still not great. Oh, and while out, I saw that gas by me is down to $2.09, amazing! Plus I need to fill up soon! Okay, well time to go and lay back down. Over and out.

Lo

Time to think...

So I had a lot of time to think this weekend. A lot about home, my friends, life, etc. It's weird being so far away from home again. This time is different though; I'm not running from anything, I'm running towards something. I miss being home, around the place I love, and the people I love, but I know that I'm here for a reason. I just have to keep that in mind, everyday.

My friends are a HUGE part of my life. I wouldn't be where I am right now if not for them...granted, I know that they aren't everything. My family has been huge too, and most importantly my faith. Seriously though, it's amazing how much support I have in my friends. People making me feel not so far away. It's the little things that go so far...plus they fit better on road trips! (Sorry, you know you missed my weird humor though!) The funny thing, is that some of the friends that are really helping me through this, I really haven't even known all that long. Don't get me wrong there are some friends that have been through a lot with me, and are helping me through this too. So...Thank you! To all of my friends, whether I talk to you everyday, or only every couple months, I appreciate your friendship! So, if you think of it, say some prayers, send me some comments, e-mails, or snail-mail just letting me know how you're doing and how things are going back home. I'd love to hear from you! Well, for now...Over and out!

Lo!

Two Thumbs Way Up!

So last night Melissa and I watched Madagascar, and laughed so hard! If you haven't seen the movie, I highly suggest you go and do that. You may be thinking, it's a cartoon...yes, that's right, but it's so funny! You know you liked Finding Nemo, Shrek, and The Indcredibles, just to name a few. The main characters are hilarious, but then you throw in these penguins too, which are so random and make you laugh so hard! It's great! Two thumbs up in my book! Over and out!

Lo!

Bikes and burgers!

Ah, the yack-pack! Well, okay, it's actually called a Camel Back, but a very good friend of mine, once decided that it was my "Yack-Pack" and well it stuck! Anyway, that short story to say that I went for a pretty long bike ride today! I'm not exactly sure how far I went, but I think close to 10 miles! I started off at my apartment, and went west, so after only about 2 miles, I was in Kansas! People give that state a really bad wrap, but it's actually quite beautiful. Rolling green hills, and awesome trees, with even some really great bridges and parks. I was riding along this trail, that I definitely need to explore further, but I wasn't exactly sure how far out I was and didn't want to venture out too far.

On a different note, class was short today because all the instructors had a meeting when we would normally be in our last hour. So a few of my classmates went out to lunch today! There is this grille and pub place really close to school, and my apartment, so we decided to check it out. It actually was pretty good, and it wasn't too expensive either. I ended up getting a bacon cheese burger...no Redemaks burger, but still good! I think we'll end up doing that throughout the program on those short Fridays. Oh, and Melissa is coming over tonight to hang out! YAY! I'm so excited! Not really sure what the plan is but, I really don't care! Well, for now...Over and out!

Lo!

Some random thoughts...

I just made 6 homemade cookies in my toaster oven...it did a pretty good job!

I should really start running in the morning before class.

Auto repair stores all seem to look just about the same.

I think all colleges should have wireless...what's up with not having it at an educational facility?

I miss my local news from back home...is that weird?

Why is it that when women are hanging out and there is a guy that one of the them is interested in, the others automatically start talking about what their kids would look like?

I could so go for some true Chicago style pizza...some Gino's East!

Although, a Redemak's burger sounds really good too! (If you haven't been there I highly suggest it! Once I get back, I'm making a trip to get me some!)

While I'm talking about food...I miss my Hacienda chips and salsa! Oh man that sounds good!

The sky today is gorgeous! Which is nice 'cause it's been really nasty the past couple days.

I'm so excited that it's football season! I love watching ND home games...I can almost see my house when they show the aerial view!

I should really go for a run tonight...I feel kind of guilty for eating those cookies and just sitting here! Maybe tomorrow morning though! We'll see!

I'm sick of election commercials! Mud slinging isn't any fun unless it has to be hosed off with cold water, while standing in the grass!

Grey's Anatomy season premiere is in one week! Saaweet!

This totally makes me smile...there is a grown man out in the parking lot playing with a remote controll car...make that truck! Ah, guys never grow up!

Okay, well enough randomness for now...Over and out!

Lo!

Happy 26th anniversary!

9/13/1980 to ????

Well, 26 years ago today, my parents said, "I do!" So happy anniversary, and may many more years find you!

I Do

To the happy times,

and the sad times.

To the birthdays and graduations,

and the times of grief.

To the sledgehammer and drywall,

and the bandaged thumbs.

To the sunkissed hair,

and the salt and pepper hair.

To the times of laughing so hard tears roll,

and the times of tears rolling only to be taken away by laughter.

To all of these times, I do!

Well, there's a little poem to my parents. Maybe I'll get to say those at some point in my life. Okay, well I guess I should get back to my project. Over and out!

Lo!

A massage or two...

This one's for you Lindsay....

Well now that I'm in the middle of my second week there are of course a few perks to going to massage therapy school. One of them, massages! So last week when we first were trading massages, I was receiving the massage. I was totally relaxed and in the zone...I almost started drooling! Then, the person giving me the massage says to me, "I'm going to massage your butt now." (Now, understand that this will be done with a sheet between me, and the massage therapist.) So I'm getting this butt massage and all I could think of was, "I didn't even have dinner, or a date, yet!" Seriously though, it was fine, but I was like, well I've never had that before!

Today we were trading massages again, and I was paired up with a guy. I have never given a full body massage to a guy before, so this would be a new skill for me to learn. So I was giving the massage first. I tell ya what, guy's have hairy legs! I think if you are going get a massage, you should do the massage therapist a favor, and shave! Haha, just kidding! It was kind of weird at first though. Then when he was giving me the massage, I felt like the thought he would break me if he applied any pressure! I guess in time we'll all get there! Okay, well hopefully you've laughed through this fun entry! Over and out!

Lo!

5 years ago...Never Forget

9/11/01...I remember everything...

I was upstairs at my old house getting ready for classes that day.
My mom screams, "OH MY GOSH!"
So I ask what's the problem?
She tells me that a plane hit the World Trade Center.
I ran down the stairs, probably faster than I ever have done.
I stand in front of the television looking at the news feed, and watch "live" the second plane hit. I couldn't believe what I was watching. I wasn't sure what to do.
I continued about my day as best I could, very confused.
As I made my way on campus, I was told that we were to meet in the main auditorium, and that classes were cancelled for the day.
We all made our way into the "ER" and sat and continued to watch live news on a huge screen. Many people were crying, others were almost unable to find emotion.
We then broke out into small prayer groups and prayed...for the families effected by both the WTC & Pentagon tragedies, as well as the tragedy in PA.
We sat there for hours unsure of what to do next.
I met with the rest of the cross-country team hours later at the gazebo.
We sat around only to talk. No practice today. We were mostly silent not really sure what to say. I remember my mom telling me that day that she got a call from my sister in South Korea, telling my mom that if anything were to happen, where she was (at the DMZ), that her life expectancy was 11 seconds. I remember being very scared for my sister.
I remember fearing that my dad, being a firefighter, might head to NY to help his fellow brothers & sisters. But at the same time I wanted him to go, so he could help, and support the teams down there already.
I know that every firefighter felt their heart break just a little bit when they knew their fellow brothers & sisters running in as people were running out. I know that any firefighter would do the same thing that the 343 firefighters who lost their life, to save the lives of others. It's in their blood. With every heartbeat, courage, strength, honor, & duty run through their veins.
I remember my mom telling me that my uncle Steven, who lived in DC, went to the Pentagon to help out in anyway that he could. He had a beautiful soul. Only a little over 4 months he passed on.

I pray that I will never forget what happened that Tuesday morning, and how it changed the world forever. Over and out.

Lo

32 PSI & football...

(A few photos from the weekend & that go along with this post.)

Well back to the grind of things I again. My parents left this morning when I left for class for the day. It was a nice visit, but honestly it's good that they were only here for a weekend. Don't get me wrong, it was really great that they came out, but I felt that I was delaying getting things moving in KC. Yesterday we visited Westside Family Church in Lenexa, KS and really enjoyed it. It reminds me some of GCC, but on a much smaller scale than what I'm used to. They are starting up a college age group tomorrow so I'm hoping that I can go out and check things out...but that partially depends on my tire. Let me explain...so I thought that I would go out and check my snail mail. As I am walking to my mailbox, I notice that my passenger front tire looks low. So I get to my mail box, nothing exciting, then I decide that I should check the pressure on my tire. Get this...it was 13 PSI, it's supposed to be 32 PSI not good! So I need to go and put air in my tire, and then monitor the tire for the next couple days, and go from there. Grr, makes me mad! On a different note...both Notre Dame, and the Colts won this weekend! Well I guess I should get going and put some air in my tire...Over and out!

Lo!

Jack Stack...& costumes!?

So my parents, Melissa and I went to Jack Stack for dinner tonight, and it was AMAZING! I completely expected that though, so that was nice. This was the first time that my parents had been there though, so it was awesome to have them taste KC if you will. We had great service, along with a side of....uh, what!? Well, see there was this couple that was sitting about 10 feet from us, with another couple from what I could tell, which well I'll try and explain. The one couple looked totally normal, but the other, well they were wearing costumes! Seriously, I'm talking an Amish get up, and a Scottish Celt, head dress, etc. I was like please tell me they were in a play of some sort and decided to stay in their costumes the rest of the night!? (We'll revisit this shortly!)

So after we finished dinner we decided to head down to the Plaza because it was beautiful out and we wanted to walk around and let my parents see what I talk about often when I talk about KC. We walked around to different stores, mostly window shopping because most stores were already closed. There were horse drawn carriages all over the place tonight...as were limos! We ended up sitting outside Starbucks enjoying each other's company and a little caffeine as well. After talking about the night, and what our plans are for tomorrow, look up and gaze at the beauty of the moon, etc. we see another horse drawn carriage. No big deal right!? Wrong, it was the couple that we had seen earlier at dinner! Still in their costumes, and now riding around in a carriage! I couldn't believe it! I tried to get my camera out to take a picture, but they were out of focus by the time my camera was ready to go. Seriously though, who goes out on a Saturday night in costumes!? Well, now that my stomach is more than full from dinner, and I'm getting a little sleepy, I guess I should go. Over and out!

Lo!

One week down...

Well today class went really well! We actually received hour long massages, and then gave one to the person that gave us one. It was really awesome though because this was the first time I've officially given a full body massage. Plus the person I was giving it to, who finishes up her program in the next few months, said that even though I haven't learned techniques yet, I have a really great touch, very confident of what I'm doing! Which was a HUGE compliment! Apparently I'm a natural...which some of you know this already! Other than today classes have gone well, just slow right now, which I guess I was expecting it to pick up a little faster already. Oh, but at the end of class today we did Chi-gong (I'm not really sure on the spelling), which is similar to Tia-chi (once again with the spelling), its a type of stretching really. We are now going to start out every class doing that! Which is awesome because it really wakes the body up, and gets the blood flowing!

On a different note, my parents are on their way down to see me. They left a little later than expected, but oh well! Things are going well from what I've heard the couple times I've talked to them. They'll be here all weekend, which means that we get to go down to the Plaza and go out to dinner, set up my apartment a little bit, etc. Maybe we'll even play a few games of Skip-Bo! Wawhoo!

A different note, yet again! So since I've been away from almost all of my friends, I've had some time to think about the friendships that I have. I read a friends blog the other day about leaving teethmarks, talking about Flashbang, and it really got me thinking. In my friendships do I leave lasting teethmarks? Good ones? Am I the type of friend that will go the extra mile even if there is no advantage for me? Am I surrounding myself with friends who leave teethmarks? I think so, at least I know quite a few people who have definitely left their marks on my heart. I hope that when I leave t world that people feel changed from when I was in their life. At my cousin's funeral a little over a year ago, Legacy by Nichole Nordeman was sung, and honestly it could not have been more appropriate. I hope that I leave a legacy of love too.

Legacy

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me

And I enjoy an accolade like the rest

And you can take my picture and hang it in a gallery

Of all the Who's Who's and So-and-So's

That used to be the best at such and such

It wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights

We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"

But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides

The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy

How will they remember me?

Did I choose to love?

Did I point to You enough

To make a mark on things

I want to leave an offering

A child of mercy and grace

Who blessed Your name unapologetically

And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile

To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy

It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile

Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soonenough destroy

I want to leave a legacy

How will they remember me?

Did I choose to love?

Did I point to You enough

To make a mark on things

I want to leave an offering

A child of mercy and grace

Who blessed Your name unapologetically

And leave that kind of legacy

Not well-traveled, not well-read

Not well-to-do, or well-bred

Just want to hear instead

Well done, good and faithful one

I want to leave a legacy

How will they remember me?

Did I choose to love?

Did I point to You enough

To make a mark on things

I want to leave an offering

A child of mercy and grace

Who blessed Your name unapologetically

And leave that kind of legacy

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me

Well there you go, it's a song that means a lot to me, and after reading Flashbang I think it has an even deeper meaning than it did before, which is hard to do because it already meant to much to me. If you get a chance go listen to it. Really listen to the words. Let it resonate with your heart. Well for now...Over and out.

Lo

A few more pics from the Bend...

So here are a few of my wonderful friends...
Me, Jeanna, Lindsey, Melissa, and Brette!

This was so much fun!

Gosh I miss them so much!










Melissa laughing so hard, she is practically falling on me! Haha! I love it! Makes me smile so much!!!












Yes, I'm a gangsta...riight!

So I'm throwing some signs up; have a Detroit hat on; not to mention the real deal vintage Six Flags t-shirt! Riight!

Did I mention that I'm at my grandparents house!? Only the amish frequent that area!

Amish Paradise baby!










Gangsta Lo, Micah, Tara, and Jeanna at the Cottage! What a beautiful day!










Mom, me and dad...I think this was actually about a month or so ago, but hey, it's still fun!














HEY!!!!! Yeah, there really isn't an explanation that can go with this...it's just me being, well me! Okay, well there are a few more pics from the weekend, and a few that go back even further! Over and out!

Lo!

A few days in KC...

Well I made it through the first couple days of class...so far nothing too exciting, or hard for that matter. I'm going through my business class right now, but believe me, massage is still incorporated in the class. Our tables for class are actually massage tables! I have to come up with a business plan for my own massage clinic/spa/etc. Including the location, name, etc. Should be very interesting, but I think it should be a lot of fun. We get to use as much money as we want, because hey, it's just a dream! So my possibilities are endless! If you have any ideas, please let me know! This is due near the end of the month, which needs to include at least a 25-35 page business plan, and room specifications....which I need to draw up a diagram (that should be the fun part if you ask me!).

Oh, and I got my schedule for my breaks...so get out your calendars!

Thanksgiving - 11/23/06 to 11/26/06 (Sorry, I won't be able to make it back to the Bend for this one!)

Christmas - 12/21/06 to 1/2/07 ...This one I'll be in the Bend for, just not sure exactly when I'm planning on getting there and when I'm taking off again.

MLK Day - 1/15/07 I'll be staying in KC for this as far as I know, there just isn't enough time to travel back and forth.

Memorial Day - 5/28/07 Same as above...sorry!

Summer Break - 7/1/07 to 7/8/07 I'll be home for this week as well...I'll probably get home early, early Sat. morning on 6/28/07...taking off right after my class on Friday.

Okay, well there you go, hopefully I'll get to see y'all sometime in there! If you happen to be out in the KC area, please let me know I'd love to see familiar faces! Okay, well I guess I better get going for now. Over and out!

Lo!

Pics from the Bend!

YAY! It finally worked! So this is a picture of me and Lindsay after a crazy day at work! Yes, I actually went in and worked some while I was back home. Well, okay, I was just helping out, but yeah, it was great! Anyway, so it was a sweet way to end a crazy day! Thanks for an awesome week!!!







Aw, how cute is she!? So this is Scruffy, the newest member of our family. Yes, she is up on the back of our couch, and yes, I realize that most dogs don't do that, but get over it! I had to! Haha! She's a sweetheart, and I miss her already!









Momma's so happy in her new, official chef jacket! Now all she needs is the people to feed...too bad I'm so far away! I'm sure my friends back home will do their best to eat whatever she happens to whip up! I mean, hello, she made a peanut butter-chocolate cake, with peanut butter whipped cream frosting!

Watch out...The Ivy Cottage is soon to open up!











This is @ BW's (Buffalo Wild Wings) after church on Thursday! How cute are we!? So much fun! Plus, the Bears were playing, boneless wings were only .50 each, and hello, my friends were there! Awesome! Fun times! :-)











This was Saturday night after church, and I figured, we better take one of our classic "Melissa & Laura" pictures. That was so awesome to be back in the Bend with my friends, and have my best friend join us for the weekend! So fantabulous! Okay, well those are all my pics that I have right now, but if I get more, I'll be sure to put them up here! Over and out!

Lo!

SB...a little longer.....

Well I'm back in KC again. I had an AMAZING week in the Bend. It was wonderful to see so many people, and really hang out again. So I'm going to try and re-cap some of last week, so here goes....

Wednesday I meet up with a friend and had lunch, which was amazing...buracho burrito! Yum! Then I meet up with a friend of mine at home who I haven't seen in about two months! It was so good to catch up on what's going on in our lives. After she took off, another friend came over and then it was time to head to Lula's which...YUM! It was fantastic hanging out with her, catching up and talking about what's coming up in our lives. Then it was off to Starbucks to meet up with another friend. Seriously, I was running around like a mad woman! It was awesome though!

Thursday I went and meet up with a friend for lunch which was so fantastic! Then I went to church to help in the bookstore/cafe for a little bit. Next it was home to get ready for church, then back to church for new community. After church a bunch of us went to BW's for some wings! It was so great!

Friday I went to church to help out with numbers for workshops and such. It was actually really great being there, hanging around people that I love. That night I went over to a friends house to hang out a little longer, then it was off to hang out with another friend at Starbucks. A little bit later it was off to the airport to pick Melissa up!!! YAY!

Saturday totally slept in! My mom made breakfast which was great! Then we really just hung around for a while which was nice. I little later we went to Starbucks....gosh I went there a lot! I had 3 shots of espresso!!! YIKES! Then it was back home to get ready for church, which was awesome!

Sunday it was time to head down to the cottage! Nothing to exciting going on just a bunch of people hanging out and relaxing. After hanging out down there for a while it was back home to have dinner and a bonfire! Yay! I had to finish packing up a few things too! It was awesome hanging out with everyone one last time before taking off Monday morning.

Monday my mom made German pancakes! I packed up my car and then a few friends came over to see me off. It was a pretty good drive, nothing too exciting I guess. I got in about 9 1/2 hours after I left. Then it was time to unpack and get ready for classes the next day.

Well I'm sure I'll post more on here about my classes but I need to get going and get some stuff done for tomorrow. Over and out!

Lo!

Here We Go!...

Well here I am, sitting at Granger, trying to take it all in again before I leave for KC, and classes start up. I’ve had a migraine for the past 2-3 days. It actually left me yesterday night, but its coming back and there isn’t much I can do. So I’m sitting here rather than lying in my bed, because I’m not going to let this take hold of my life. I’m really trying to make the most of my time here, and I can’t believe that I’ll be leaving here in a few short days. But I can’t think about that now, I need to live in the moment. Much easier said than done, that’s for sure! I wish there was a sure fire way to not have these migraines, but it’s just something I have to deal with, and have dealt with for a long time now. Sorry, I’m jumping all around right now, I realize this, but this is just how my mind is today. I was able to work on a few things while I was here, which needed to get done, so I feel like at least I was here for a reason. Not just running away from being lonely. Yes, that’s right, I’m throwing this out there! I was really lonely out there. Although, I don’t think it’s because I wasn’t around people really, I literally had nothing to do; nothing to get done; nothing that needed my attention. So what did I do, I read, watched a few movies, went online, etc. But there just wasn’t anything for me. Only coming home and refocusing. That was really the only option in my mind. Maybe I was wrong, but I felt like I literally was going to go crazy…put me in a straight jacket kind of crazy. I don’t really know what this new adventure is going to hold for me, but it’s an adventure, and I feel like I’m ready to take it on. I guess we’ll find out soon enough if that is actually true. Am I scared? I don’t know that I could be more scared actually. But, I know that I’m where God wants me, so I just have to keep Him in front, helping me along the way. Am I excited? Yes, I am excited, but part of it is that I’m excited to move on with my life. I don’t want to just continue to watch things pass me by. Hopefully I’ll continue to see that, because I know I’ve said that before and then I end up at the same place I started. Hmmm, we’ll see I guess.

Back to SB...for a few days...

Well it's been really great being back home and being able to hang out with my friends a few more times before my classes start up. I was able to surprise a few friends, which was really awesome! Their reactions were priceless! I wish I could have video taped them! Church was really great on Sat. and it was really wonderful to be back there.

Sunday I hung out with some friends from high school, which hasn't happened in a long time, so we got to catch up with each other and just enjoy each others company. I ended up staying up until almost 1am talking with two of my girlfriends about life and where it's taking each of us, and looking back at the past year. Wow how things seem to be changing so quickly! Ah, but we, the five of us, decided to adopt a little Chinese girl...which we will name her, Helen of Troy asparagus Ulga Taco Pong. It's a mouth full, so we'll shorten it to Taco Pong when we're just hanging with her. So, we'll each have her for two months, and we'll of course have to home school her because it would be too difficult to transfer schools every couple months. So far none of our parents seem to back the idea....I can't figure out why!? Ha!

Monday I made lunch for a friend of mine, then took my new puppy (okay, so she's about 5, but she's new to me!) around to see a few people. Because of the inclement weather I decided to stay in and watch Teenwolf with my parents, and Scruffy. Then I was out to find a few things that I needed to pick up for school. After getting back I made pasta sauce! Yep, home grown tomatoes, fresh garlic, basil, oregano, etc.! It was so much fun!

Tuesday (today), I went with my former co-workers up to a camp to help get things spruced up. So I got to trim hedges, move rocks, mulch, more rocks, etc. After our long day of working we went and got some amazing ice cream! I couldn't believe how much I ate! I literally was eating ice cream for about 45 minutes! That's a lot of ice cream! Then it was home to clean up, then I took my pasta sauce to a friends house to have dinner and hang out, which was really wonderful...yum!

So, I'm home now, and about to turn in because I'm beat! Tomorrow I get to hang out with a few people that I haven't even really seen in a couple months, so that is very exciting! Well, I better check out before I fall asleep here! Over and out!

Lo!

Running & Realizations...

Well today I decided to go for a run! There is this trail just a little bit from my apartment complex that I figured I would check out. It goes all the way in to Kansas (Okay, so that really isn't all that far from me, but apparently it goes pretty far both directions!)! Anyway, I thought it would be good to get out and start running again. Also it's always been an amazing thing for my spiritual life to work out, but especially running. I ran about a mile and a half, and walked some...I haven't gone running in a while so I need to work back up to a solid mileage count. So literally the entire time (yes, the ENTIRE time) I was running, I was also praying. While I was running and praying I had a light bulb go off! I wasn't sure at first, but then I knew it! So here goes...

I was praying that I would find a church out here that I could consider my home church.

Then it hit me!

BAM!

Even though I miss my church back home, it's just a church!

(I know what you're thinking...Hello! Of course it's only a church!)

It's just bricks, windows, wood, mortar, nails, steal and bolts.

That's not all that it is to me though...its so much more:

An extended family that I dearly miss...it's hard leaving a place you love to work at!

I have grown so much in my relationship with God, as well as friendships and relationships with my family.

This was the first place I really felt connected, that I really felt like I mattered to God and the people around me. I made a difference! WOW!

But then it it me again!

BLAM!

It's just a church...

God is still with you, wherever you go!

Your friends will be your friends because you're to stubborn to let that dissipate.

Your family....well, you're stuck with them...and I'm glad I am!

It's just a building...

that I will remember has made some amazing things happen in my life.

It's just a community...

that has touched many lives...mine being one!

It's just...that's just it...it's only these things...

God is very present in my home church, and in my relationships, but He won't let go of me now, and I couldn't be more thankful for His promise to hold me tight to Him.

So there you go...that was my realization as I was running/praying. I'm hoping that I stay diligent to running...not only to physically get back in shape, but also to spiritually get back in S.H.A.P.E.! (For you Granger people you know what I mean there.) Well I need to go replenish my body & soul...so off for some lunch and Jesus time! Over and out!

Lo!

Here goes nothing...or is it something...

So I'm sitting here not doing too much really...Okay, I'm totally starting to freak out. Okay, let me rephrase...I'm not freaking out, but I'm really starting to realize that I'll be in classes soon and that I'm really getting into a lot real fast. I'm scared of what's to come.....studying is a very scary thing for me, I was never good at it, and I'm honestly afraid of what is going to come with it. I'm scared that I'm going to commit to too much and then something will have to go on the back burner....and I'm afraid of what it will end up there. I'm scared to be so far from home, the people I love, the church I love and feel at home at. I know that by being so far from home, and back in school, this is a HUGE leap of faith. I just rememeber the past times that I was in school, Bethel, WTA&M, IUSB, and now here. I was never a good student...okay other than art...and that is a huge fear of mine. I'm going to have to be very diligent about studying. I'm rambling, sorry. I just need to get this out, even if it only makes sense to me...and I don't know that it even does that. In all this though, I know how blessed I am that I can even go to school. I'm blessed that I have parents, family and friends that support me through this. I just need to keep those things in mind and keep chugging away. Over and out!

Lo!

Hello again!

Yes, I know it's been, well forever since I've posted anything on here, but I figured I'd write some on here. That and that I'm not using xanga so much anymore. So I'm now out in KC, and getting ready for massage therapy classes to start up, but that wont happen for almost two weeks! I've been here in KC for a week now and well...I'm bored. See it's not that the city doesn't have some fun stuff to do, its just that I'm also broke, so that creates a little bit more of a problem. I did however go out to dinner with Melissa and her family, which was amazing! If you're in the KC area, and you aren't a vegetarian, check out Jack Stack! It's pretty much the most amazing barbecue you will ever have.

This is Melissa and I at Jack Stack before dinner....We were a little slap happy because we were really hungry and you could practically taste the delicious food just from the smell coming out side! YUM!!!

Yes, I know I have a ton of pictures with her, but hello, she's my best friend! I would think anyone would have a ton of pictures with their best friend....Well that, and we're hott, so hey! Sorry, I'm making myself laugh at the moment!


Anywho...After a week of not having internet access at my apartment, I finally am able to stay here and check my e-mail, blog, etc.! Makes me very happy, especially because it makes it much easier on the gas tank too!

Well I should make a HUGE shout out to my momma today though! See today, August 22nd, is her birthday! You are welcome to guess her age, because I'm sure you won't get it! I'm waiting to get pictures of her wearing her new chef's jacket that I got her for her b-day, but it won't get to her for at least another 2 weeks! That's what happens when you make a special order! I was a good daughter though, and made sure to give her a call to wish her a happy birthday! Okay, well I guess that's all for now! I hope you've had as much fun with this as I have! Over and Out!

Lo!

Okay, well I know I haven't posted on here in a very long time, but I think I might give it a try again. Plus I thought I'd post one of my new favorites of me and Melissa!

This has got to be one of my favorite birthday celebrations by far! Between being left completely speechless, and stuffing my face with cake, it was absolutely AWESOME! Thank you to everyone who helped to make it so amazing!

Well that's all for now....maybe I'll catch you again later!

Over and out!

Lo!

Okay, I just thought I'd put this up here, I really think it is one of the greatest pictures of Notre Dame. Maybe it's just me, but wow! I think that the ND campus is absolutely amazing in the fall, don't get me wrong, I love it in the spring too, but there is just something about it, maybe it's in the air, but I think fall wins in my book!

OK, catch you later! Over and out!

Lo