Happy New Year!
technically, it's still new year's eve, but i figured i could jump the gun a bit. especially since there are parts of the world that are already into 2011.
year changes are about as weird as they come. it'll take me about four months to stop writing 2010. cause that's what i does.
today i can't help but think of the saying we have for the month of march: in like a lion, out like a lamb. here's to hoping that saying will work with 2011. especially since 2011 is being brought in with winter storms and blizzards...not much travel is being advised for the state of south dakota. yesterday was freezing rain followed by snow and wind. and the snow and wind are continuing today along with low temps. as in, single digits.
which means:
wind + temps in single digits + several inches of snow = icky blizzard conditions
if that doesn't count as a lion, then i don't know what would
that and i'm going to be staying indoors for a bit longer. didn't go out yesterday and have no intentions today.
add to that we have libby here. who is a riot. chatty little girl who speaks really well for being 2 years 2 months old. she's entertaining and energetic. and smart. really smart. and of course, the age where you say something and she repeats it 10 min later...
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas!
today is Christmas (nothing like stating the obvious). santa came last night and left a few stockings upon the little tree my mom sets up every year. although, mom got the tree out of storage and left it in its box, and technically kiana set it up this year.
the family gathered yesterday for a meal and to exchange presents. we all rolled into parkston by early morning of the 24th. and we all slept upstairs. slumber party! it's amazing how the five of us slept in our attic for years, let alone when you add a few more bodies. but we managed to have a bed (or at least a foam mattress) for everyone. it got really warm up there, which never happens. kendra and i didn't sleep very well, waking up at random times.
then i was officially woken up by libby. the little child started moving around and somehow discovered krissa's toy accordion.
use your imagination to figure out what came next...
i open my eyes to see the child leaning against the bed looking somehow innocent while holding the accordion and trying to figure out to play it. i close my eyes and waited. and she delivered some good music. kid's got talent, even at 7:15 in the morning
activities of the day: a few went to mitchell to take lunch to mom, who had to work at walmart until the afternoon. some set up the wii to play games. i know this because i came back from a quick trip around town to find trevor and libby tossing beanbags. and i'm pretty sure libby beat her dad. i also showed the boys how to watch netflix on my wii. of course, they were a bit overwhelmed but trevor and casey were fascinated with how many options there were for them to watch. at the end of the day, kiana, krissa, colten and i played some additional wii. turns out that krissa and i cannot play ski ball to save our lives but we kick butt at trivia. and colten is great at ski ball but not lawn darts.
animal updates: bill is comfy at home with most of the people and animals, but didn't like jack (libby's little rodent dog). jack was tiny and scared of the animals bigger than he was. no major problem with karma, but definitely did not know what to do about bill and gray, the rabbit and cat who are basically twice as big as he is.
meals for the day: kendra made chili for lunch with the evening meal comprised of turkey (i am so good at baking turkeys...), corn, mashed potatoes (trevor), gravy (casey), stuffing, and biscuits. it was a toss up of tradition as more males were in the kitchen than females. but it turned out really good.
we then moved on to exchange presents. our price limit this year was 53 cents (my theory in setting the limit was to encourage creativity by limiting it to a 50 cent item plus tax). so there was much creativity. for example, kayla gave mom items picked up that end up free with rebate and some old gift cards she had laying around (with no idea if there was any money on them). other highlights: mom tried to give karma back to trevor. trevor gave dad some old tools that he doesn't use for his job anymore. dad gave krissa stuff laying around the house. kendra gave kiana an old purse while kiana gave kendra a bag filled with some stuff she bought using up her money at the college store.
libby had no price limit. so she got books, shoes, finding nemo (to match a pair of shoes that look like clownfish), barbies, toy horse, and a giant purple dinosaur she can sit on and ride.
kayla opened up a bottle of wine she brought back from greece a couple years ago (kept forgetting to drink it at the big family events until yesterday). it was tasty.
then the troops started disbanding. kendra, trevor and libby went to trevor's family in wagner for the next round of meals and presents. casey and kayla to casey's family. and kiana and colten to pierre for his family.
which means that this morning krissa and i were the only children here this morning to see the stockings hung on the tree with care...
the family gathered yesterday for a meal and to exchange presents. we all rolled into parkston by early morning of the 24th. and we all slept upstairs. slumber party! it's amazing how the five of us slept in our attic for years, let alone when you add a few more bodies. but we managed to have a bed (or at least a foam mattress) for everyone. it got really warm up there, which never happens. kendra and i didn't sleep very well, waking up at random times.
then i was officially woken up by libby. the little child started moving around and somehow discovered krissa's toy accordion.
use your imagination to figure out what came next...
i open my eyes to see the child leaning against the bed looking somehow innocent while holding the accordion and trying to figure out to play it. i close my eyes and waited. and she delivered some good music. kid's got talent, even at 7:15 in the morning
activities of the day: a few went to mitchell to take lunch to mom, who had to work at walmart until the afternoon. some set up the wii to play games. i know this because i came back from a quick trip around town to find trevor and libby tossing beanbags. and i'm pretty sure libby beat her dad. i also showed the boys how to watch netflix on my wii. of course, they were a bit overwhelmed but trevor and casey were fascinated with how many options there were for them to watch. at the end of the day, kiana, krissa, colten and i played some additional wii. turns out that krissa and i cannot play ski ball to save our lives but we kick butt at trivia. and colten is great at ski ball but not lawn darts.
animal updates: bill is comfy at home with most of the people and animals, but didn't like jack (libby's little rodent dog). jack was tiny and scared of the animals bigger than he was. no major problem with karma, but definitely did not know what to do about bill and gray, the rabbit and cat who are basically twice as big as he is.
meals for the day: kendra made chili for lunch with the evening meal comprised of turkey (i am so good at baking turkeys...), corn, mashed potatoes (trevor), gravy (casey), stuffing, and biscuits. it was a toss up of tradition as more males were in the kitchen than females. but it turned out really good.
we then moved on to exchange presents. our price limit this year was 53 cents (my theory in setting the limit was to encourage creativity by limiting it to a 50 cent item plus tax). so there was much creativity. for example, kayla gave mom items picked up that end up free with rebate and some old gift cards she had laying around (with no idea if there was any money on them). other highlights: mom tried to give karma back to trevor. trevor gave dad some old tools that he doesn't use for his job anymore. dad gave krissa stuff laying around the house. kendra gave kiana an old purse while kiana gave kendra a bag filled with some stuff she bought using up her money at the college store.
libby had no price limit. so she got books, shoes, finding nemo (to match a pair of shoes that look like clownfish), barbies, toy horse, and a giant purple dinosaur she can sit on and ride.
kayla opened up a bottle of wine she brought back from greece a couple years ago (kept forgetting to drink it at the big family events until yesterday). it was tasty.
then the troops started disbanding. kendra, trevor and libby went to trevor's family in wagner for the next round of meals and presents. casey and kayla to casey's family. and kiana and colten to pierre for his family.
which means that this morning krissa and i were the only children here this morning to see the stockings hung on the tree with care...
Monday, December 20, 2010
comforts of home
i often wish that i spent far more time at home than i do. oddly enough, even when i come home (which is defined as the house my family has lived in for 20 years) i often go stir-crazy and decide to make mini-trips.
like yesterday. i get a phone call while driving from st paul to parkston from the baby sis asking if i wanted to go to a movie that night. i get home and spend a few hours there before taking off for sister bonding time with krissa and kiana.
or today, when some of us are going to drive to omaha to spend time with kayla on her day off.
i love being home.
i enjoy having the pets around. even if they are simply sleeping like they are right now. it's nice to know that i can pet something soft and fuzzy and likes the attention. karma may be yippy when we first walk in the house after being away for days/weeks/months, but he calms down. gray (our gray tomcat) meows and wants to be babied. chili (the cat's full name is chilixitive) blips in and out for attention. and bill (krissa's bunny, aka agent bill tickelmeister) hides but sometimes appears to remind us that he exists.
i enjoy being around family. currently i am blogging in a house devoid of life except mine and the pets'. the rest of my family is in mitchell, either working (parents) or running errands (krissa and kiana). kayla and kendra won't be back in parkston until christmas eve.
i enjoy not cooking for myself.
i enjoy the fact that i can relax and not be stressed out about schoolwork. because i don't study while at home during breaks (whether or not i have homework to do). and even when i do have homework, i don't stress.
i love home. i'm glad that i am home.
i think that i will be a copycat and take a nap like the pets.
like yesterday. i get a phone call while driving from st paul to parkston from the baby sis asking if i wanted to go to a movie that night. i get home and spend a few hours there before taking off for sister bonding time with krissa and kiana.
or today, when some of us are going to drive to omaha to spend time with kayla on her day off.
i love being home.
i enjoy having the pets around. even if they are simply sleeping like they are right now. it's nice to know that i can pet something soft and fuzzy and likes the attention. karma may be yippy when we first walk in the house after being away for days/weeks/months, but he calms down. gray (our gray tomcat) meows and wants to be babied. chili (the cat's full name is chilixitive) blips in and out for attention. and bill (krissa's bunny, aka agent bill tickelmeister) hides but sometimes appears to remind us that he exists.
i enjoy being around family. currently i am blogging in a house devoid of life except mine and the pets'. the rest of my family is in mitchell, either working (parents) or running errands (krissa and kiana). kayla and kendra won't be back in parkston until christmas eve.
i enjoy not cooking for myself.
i enjoy the fact that i can relax and not be stressed out about schoolwork. because i don't study while at home during breaks (whether or not i have homework to do). and even when i do have homework, i don't stress.
i love home. i'm glad that i am home.
i think that i will be a copycat and take a nap like the pets.
Friday, December 17, 2010
finals week
i really need to learn about time management skills, which i hear are intended for people who lack them...
but the challenge is that finals week happens the last week before a break. which is when i would much rather be with friends i won't see for a few weeks.
take this most recent week. i've already written about 30 pages for class. and i have another 30 to type up this weekend. but i still am being intentional about spending time with people. partly to avoid homework, partly cause i'm gonna miss em this coming month.
today is the best example. i have a massive final tomorrow. is it done? no. do i care? yes but no. i care because i want to be done and i want to get a good grade. i don't care because i'm choosing to spend the day with friends.
i had brunch with jess. then got my hair did (so i can be all savvy and look mature over break). then had coffee with kelli. taking a break from friends to think about school (or blog...). then i'm off to eat pizza with joel and melissa. then i'll come back and (hopefully) feel pressured/inspired to work on my final...
but i'm not worried or stressing out. cause i know that it'll get done when it gets done. then i will be able to enjoy my month off knowing that i worked and played hard during finals week so i can rest.
of course, my time off will be interrupted by my approval interview, but i'll deal with that when it arrives...
but the challenge is that finals week happens the last week before a break. which is when i would much rather be with friends i won't see for a few weeks.
take this most recent week. i've already written about 30 pages for class. and i have another 30 to type up this weekend. but i still am being intentional about spending time with people. partly to avoid homework, partly cause i'm gonna miss em this coming month.
today is the best example. i have a massive final tomorrow. is it done? no. do i care? yes but no. i care because i want to be done and i want to get a good grade. i don't care because i'm choosing to spend the day with friends.
i had brunch with jess. then got my hair did (so i can be all savvy and look mature over break). then had coffee with kelli. taking a break from friends to think about school (or blog...). then i'm off to eat pizza with joel and melissa. then i'll come back and (hopefully) feel pressured/inspired to work on my final...
but i'm not worried or stressing out. cause i know that it'll get done when it gets done. then i will be able to enjoy my month off knowing that i worked and played hard during finals week so i can rest.
of course, my time off will be interrupted by my approval interview, but i'll deal with that when it arrives...
Sunday, December 12, 2010
quatschen it up on 12.12.2010
since i am the bestest i know at not doing homework, i decided to blog a bit. get those crazy thoughts that keep circling through my head out so i can focus on my finals (book reports for preaching and church leadership; proposal for intergenerational ministry; history essays; mission research paper; lifemap; prayer journal). i admit, some will be way easier than others. and all would be easier if i don't wait until the last minute to read course books. or if i didn't lose all my class notes from october and november (which, just for the record, totally sucks).
here is some quatsch (german for nonsense):
hanging out with jess and katie tonight. our conversation, which was not even an hour (ok, maybe it was), covered a lot of topics. from cankles (i thank my genetics that i am blessed and do not have these) to the rapture. from talking about the 17 inches of snow that fell yesterday to planning a weekly nora roberts reading (i love sappy romances). workouts to hair cuts. i think you get the drift that we hopped topics...
peter rollins' how (not) to speak of God is an awesome book. thought-provoking and something i would love to figure out how to implement. because i am beginning to realize more and more that the culture i find myself in the midst of needs to have a new way to talk about God. i like his emphasis that God is the one thing we cannot help but speak about while at the same time we can't speak about because we have no idea what we're talking about. i'm reading it because of my preaching class and i'm gobbling it up like it's chocolate (i'm a chocoholic and proud of it!)
praying the psalms has been an adventure and a half. i love being able to structure my day with an intentional time with scripture and journaling. i was really good at it for a few weeks. but as is my nature, i lost momentum. i'm beginning to realize more and more that i like to have constant change. somedays it's weird because then change becomes the constant, but i find that i struggle to keep myself in a one-track frame of mind. i have limited abilities when it comes to not multi-tasking.
i love my family. i miss not being with them, although having a great community at seminary helps to ease the pain of not being with my family. i'm looking forward to being home in a week. hard to believe that i could be hanging out with blood relatives soon. not that i'm starving for attention. i hung out with my aunt and uncle on thursday. not the best of circumstances since it was because he was having surgery to fix a ruptured disc in his back, but was a nice day overall. well, the weather was pretty bad. but i had a good time with my aunt. who in all honesty is more like a big sister in some ways. like the fact that she's nine years older than me. and her daughter is the about the same age as my niece (i think they're 6 or 7 months apart). makes for confusing age gaps.
i need to clean my apartment. it's really messy right now. i live in chaos. it's not dirty or unhygienic. but it could probably use a good vacuum. and some major organization skills. and some blocks of wood so i can put together a shelf i bought...
i have a problem. i'm addicted to escaping the reality of my world. this means i don't watch or read the news beyond the headlines (well, sometimes i do). it means that i prefer to read books or watch tv and films. anything for me to escape. some days it's easier to return to earth than others. but i'm learning how to connect what i experience through others' imaginations to the reality i live in. how to merge different realities in a way that will be able to enhance the here and now. it's taking some time and creativity, but i think that in our era of internet, video and constant visual/auditory barrage, we need to learn how to filter and focus. our learning styles will have to take into consideration that we no longer read one book at a time. instead we (well, i know that i do this) have three email accounts open while reading four blogs on the computer while watching tv (or movie, depending on if there's anything good on tv).
limitations and change. i'm hearing a lot about how our world is changing how leadership needs to change along with it. i think the way we talk about religion needs to change as well. as a future church leader, i have a vested interest in learning how to navigate these changes. i personally find great joy in being able to test out new theories and try new ways to experience God. which means i can butt heads with those who like the way things were. they don't like the way things are since things are changing and they don't like change. it's a challenge. that and the fact that i'm part of a generation that is becoming known for being tech-savvy (remember how bereft i was without a personal computer?), global (contacts everywhere), adapting/changing (new stats suggest that people are changing jobs and careers every few years), pluralistic and tolerant of others' beliefs and ways of living. sad fact is that those currently in charge are not enthusiastic about a complete bottoms-up reversal of power. with good reason, they are being cautious. unfortunately for people like me who want to experiment, we perceive this as old-fashioned, outdated and downright annoying. the times they are a changin. so we need to change as well...but i realize i need to learn about reflecting upon change, not just always going with the flow. easier said than done...
well, these are some of the big (and not so big) thoughts flowing through my head at any given time. there are more, but i think i'm going to work on a paper that's due tomorrow evening. or maybe watch something on netflix or hulu. not sure. should do the paper, but i hear the internet beckoning me...
here is some quatsch (german for nonsense):
hanging out with jess and katie tonight. our conversation, which was not even an hour (ok, maybe it was), covered a lot of topics. from cankles (i thank my genetics that i am blessed and do not have these) to the rapture. from talking about the 17 inches of snow that fell yesterday to planning a weekly nora roberts reading (i love sappy romances). workouts to hair cuts. i think you get the drift that we hopped topics...
peter rollins' how (not) to speak of God is an awesome book. thought-provoking and something i would love to figure out how to implement. because i am beginning to realize more and more that the culture i find myself in the midst of needs to have a new way to talk about God. i like his emphasis that God is the one thing we cannot help but speak about while at the same time we can't speak about because we have no idea what we're talking about. i'm reading it because of my preaching class and i'm gobbling it up like it's chocolate (i'm a chocoholic and proud of it!)
praying the psalms has been an adventure and a half. i love being able to structure my day with an intentional time with scripture and journaling. i was really good at it for a few weeks. but as is my nature, i lost momentum. i'm beginning to realize more and more that i like to have constant change. somedays it's weird because then change becomes the constant, but i find that i struggle to keep myself in a one-track frame of mind. i have limited abilities when it comes to not multi-tasking.
i love my family. i miss not being with them, although having a great community at seminary helps to ease the pain of not being with my family. i'm looking forward to being home in a week. hard to believe that i could be hanging out with blood relatives soon. not that i'm starving for attention. i hung out with my aunt and uncle on thursday. not the best of circumstances since it was because he was having surgery to fix a ruptured disc in his back, but was a nice day overall. well, the weather was pretty bad. but i had a good time with my aunt. who in all honesty is more like a big sister in some ways. like the fact that she's nine years older than me. and her daughter is the about the same age as my niece (i think they're 6 or 7 months apart). makes for confusing age gaps.
i need to clean my apartment. it's really messy right now. i live in chaos. it's not dirty or unhygienic. but it could probably use a good vacuum. and some major organization skills. and some blocks of wood so i can put together a shelf i bought...
i have a problem. i'm addicted to escaping the reality of my world. this means i don't watch or read the news beyond the headlines (well, sometimes i do). it means that i prefer to read books or watch tv and films. anything for me to escape. some days it's easier to return to earth than others. but i'm learning how to connect what i experience through others' imaginations to the reality i live in. how to merge different realities in a way that will be able to enhance the here and now. it's taking some time and creativity, but i think that in our era of internet, video and constant visual/auditory barrage, we need to learn how to filter and focus. our learning styles will have to take into consideration that we no longer read one book at a time. instead we (well, i know that i do this) have three email accounts open while reading four blogs on the computer while watching tv (or movie, depending on if there's anything good on tv).
limitations and change. i'm hearing a lot about how our world is changing how leadership needs to change along with it. i think the way we talk about religion needs to change as well. as a future church leader, i have a vested interest in learning how to navigate these changes. i personally find great joy in being able to test out new theories and try new ways to experience God. which means i can butt heads with those who like the way things were. they don't like the way things are since things are changing and they don't like change. it's a challenge. that and the fact that i'm part of a generation that is becoming known for being tech-savvy (remember how bereft i was without a personal computer?), global (contacts everywhere), adapting/changing (new stats suggest that people are changing jobs and careers every few years), pluralistic and tolerant of others' beliefs and ways of living. sad fact is that those currently in charge are not enthusiastic about a complete bottoms-up reversal of power. with good reason, they are being cautious. unfortunately for people like me who want to experiment, we perceive this as old-fashioned, outdated and downright annoying. the times they are a changin. so we need to change as well...but i realize i need to learn about reflecting upon change, not just always going with the flow. easier said than done...
well, these are some of the big (and not so big) thoughts flowing through my head at any given time. there are more, but i think i'm going to work on a paper that's due tomorrow evening. or maybe watch something on netflix or hulu. not sure. should do the paper, but i hear the internet beckoning me...
snow-nami lingerings
i don't think many people in southern minnesota (or wisconsin or iowa) are gonna be traveling too much this morning...i can't imagine how bad it was yesterday when the snow was both falling and blowing as opposed to just blowing today...and of course, it's subzero temps/wind chills today for much of the region
Saturday, December 11, 2010
snow-nami
old man winter,
i told you to bring it on (via facebook status yesterday) and you did. well done. thank you for the snow-nami that permitted me to be lazy and not venture out. i appreciate the day off. (even though i should be productive working on finals)
thank you
snow-nami is not my term, but i'm lovin it!
for those of you who don't watch the weather channel or live in minnesota/wisconsin area, we are having a wonderful winter!
i heard that it's the snowiest winter in two decades.
i'm not really complaining.
cause it's fun and pretty.
fun cause the city shut down. literally. minneapolis/st paul recalled all buses. hennepin county (minneapolis and its suburbs) pulled plows off the roads until the snow lets up a bit. i was unaware that the twin cities ever took snow days...snow day!!!!!!!!!!!
pretty cause the snow makes everything look gorgeous and fresh and clean.
highlight: the fact that my car is currently not covered by the snow drifts. want proof? here it is...
yay winter!
i told you to bring it on (via facebook status yesterday) and you did. well done. thank you for the snow-nami that permitted me to be lazy and not venture out. i appreciate the day off. (even though i should be productive working on finals)
thank you
snow-nami is not my term, but i'm lovin it!
for those of you who don't watch the weather channel or live in minnesota/wisconsin area, we are having a wonderful winter!
i heard that it's the snowiest winter in two decades.
i'm not really complaining.
cause it's fun and pretty.
fun cause the city shut down. literally. minneapolis/st paul recalled all buses. hennepin county (minneapolis and its suburbs) pulled plows off the roads until the snow lets up a bit. i was unaware that the twin cities ever took snow days...snow day!!!!!!!!!!!
pretty cause the snow makes everything look gorgeous and fresh and clean.
highlight: the fact that my car is currently not covered by the snow drifts. want proof? here it is...
from our window on the third floor
katie and i ventured out to investigate the snow drifts
and to play (well, katie did...)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
let the multitasking commence (again...)
so i've been without a personal computer for a week. it was rough but also educational.
rough:
1. no computer to sit on my lap while watching tv, reading books for class, writing papers. i had to go to the computer lab.
2. no hulu. cause my wii internet is not hulu-friendly.
3. checking email via wii. fun but not fun. fun because it's a wii. not fun because i could only check one email at a time and it was slow.
4. typing papers in the computer lab.
5. seeing my hdmi hookup to my tv look forlorn...
6. spending hours in the computer lab finishing up assignment paperwork.
7. not knowing what info i lost between the last back-up and the crash...
educational:
1. bringing back memories of freshman year of college which was the last year without a computer
2. realizing that there are poor unfortunate souls who don't multitask. which was rough for me (see rough #1) since i love to have multiple browser tabs open at once. prefer to have multiple activities going on at once. but for the last week, i was forced to slow down.
3. breathing space. i was disconnected from the world. technically, i had my cell phone where people could reach me. but it was not the same. i logged off for a short time.
4. realizing that my computer is not my life. no matter how much i like technology. i can live without (at least for a short time...)
but i'm now reconnected to the world.
with a brand-new computer recently purchased and started up (so exciting to see the screen that tells you that it's starting up for the first time...)
hope this one lasts more than two years...
rough:
1. no computer to sit on my lap while watching tv, reading books for class, writing papers. i had to go to the computer lab.
2. no hulu. cause my wii internet is not hulu-friendly.
3. checking email via wii. fun but not fun. fun because it's a wii. not fun because i could only check one email at a time and it was slow.
4. typing papers in the computer lab.
5. seeing my hdmi hookup to my tv look forlorn...
6. spending hours in the computer lab finishing up assignment paperwork.
7. not knowing what info i lost between the last back-up and the crash...
educational:
1. bringing back memories of freshman year of college which was the last year without a computer
2. realizing that there are poor unfortunate souls who don't multitask. which was rough for me (see rough #1) since i love to have multiple browser tabs open at once. prefer to have multiple activities going on at once. but for the last week, i was forced to slow down.
3. breathing space. i was disconnected from the world. technically, i had my cell phone where people could reach me. but it was not the same. i logged off for a short time.
4. realizing that my computer is not my life. no matter how much i like technology. i can live without (at least for a short time...)
but i'm now reconnected to the world.
with a brand-new computer recently purchased and started up (so exciting to see the screen that tells you that it's starting up for the first time...)
hope this one lasts more than two years...
Sunday, December 5, 2010
self-imposed snowday
it's so amazing how something so white and fluffy can affect moods, travels, temperature, and activities.
friday night was game night at the library on campus. i drove up cause i was not about to walk up the hill through several inches of snow that had fallen during the afternoon/evening. and i know it was quite a bit of snow since i had been out shopping in the afternoon/evening. after game night we made some snow angels with two fellow students from texas. the whole community will work on educating them about the differences between snowman/snowball snow and the sparkly, light, fluffy snow perfect for snowangels.
saturday was a snow day. theoretically i could have left my apartment. but i didn't. cause i didn't want to. so i watched tv shows and movies via netflix.
i liked taking it slow. of having a day of rest before the craziness of the week(s) to come. of having time to relax before i jump in and work on finals.
i miss not having a computer of my own so i can be multitasking. with only my wii for internet and movies, i'm so limited. i can either check my email (and only one account at a time) or watch tv. no flipping between tabs on the browser while having some movie going at the same time. no reading blogs while also checking the latest news. no playing music while researching for class. so limited...
i hope tomorrow i will be freed from my boredom. cause my computer is supposed to arrive tomorrow...
friday night was game night at the library on campus. i drove up cause i was not about to walk up the hill through several inches of snow that had fallen during the afternoon/evening. and i know it was quite a bit of snow since i had been out shopping in the afternoon/evening. after game night we made some snow angels with two fellow students from texas. the whole community will work on educating them about the differences between snowman/snowball snow and the sparkly, light, fluffy snow perfect for snowangels.
saturday was a snow day. theoretically i could have left my apartment. but i didn't. cause i didn't want to. so i watched tv shows and movies via netflix.
i liked taking it slow. of having a day of rest before the craziness of the week(s) to come. of having time to relax before i jump in and work on finals.
i miss not having a computer of my own so i can be multitasking. with only my wii for internet and movies, i'm so limited. i can either check my email (and only one account at a time) or watch tv. no flipping between tabs on the browser while having some movie going at the same time. no reading blogs while also checking the latest news. no playing music while researching for class. so limited...
i hope tomorrow i will be freed from my boredom. cause my computer is supposed to arrive tomorrow...
Thursday, December 2, 2010
formal complaint
dear God
you are truly almighty and lord of all
please shift your powerful gaze from me
i am in pain and turmoil
i have no more strength
chaos surrounds me
i struggle and am weary
but you are gracious and merciful
i desire only good from you
bless me
bring me out from my agony
give me life and sanity
restore me
for you are God
you are my God
and i praise you
note: this is my psalm
another note: psalms are not always just happy or full of praise
yet another note: i understand the psalmists' desires to cry out and have their pain purged once they give their concerns and rest them in God
you are truly almighty and lord of all
please shift your powerful gaze from me
i am in pain and turmoil
i have no more strength
chaos surrounds me
i struggle and am weary
but you are gracious and merciful
i desire only good from you
bless me
bring me out from my agony
give me life and sanity
restore me
for you are God
you are my God
and i praise you
note: this is my psalm
another note: psalms are not always just happy or full of praise
yet another note: i understand the psalmists' desires to cry out and have their pain purged once they give their concerns and rest them in God
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
craptastic
just as an update since my monday morning duldrums: life is not better
for some reason, life is against me this week.
monday afternoon: computer decides to be unfriendly and uncooperative as a way to let me know that i really should learn to be nicer to it instead of continually tossing it in and out of bags...
monday evening: computer reboots and i work on a paper til 1 am (due in class at 8)
tuesday morning: computer dead. lights turn on the keyboard but no whirs suggesting processing or thinking. cold, snowy and a bit icy. signs that winter has arrived and may stay around for a few months.
tuesday afternoon: out and about grocery shopping (and browsing computer selections with hopes of finding a cheap one to be a "throwaway computer") when check engine light comes on.
tuesday evening: spend hours in the small computer lab on the less than high quality computers. first time in years i spend more than 30 min on a computer that is not my own laptop. projects: assignment for class and paperwork for assignment.
wednesday morning: complete paperwork for assignment on computer. try to submit but fails (busy day for churchwide's server). cold morning. december greets us with a wind chill in the single digits. and a bit of sun to deceive us.
wednesday afternoon: forgot assignment and run back to apt. late for class. find out churchwide's server not happy. not a shock since today is the day hundreds of people are going to try to submit their rlp.
wednesday at 5:17 i submit my rlp successfully! rejoice! this means i officially submitted my name and information (bio info, ministry skills and interests) so that i can someday (hopefully this coming summer) be ordained as a pastor in the elca
tomorrow: appointment to have vehicle checked. plan to buy new computer and possibly get old fixed. hopefully get data off the old one even if it will be otherwise unusable (i really want my notes from the last few weeks of class. everything else is replaceable)
terminology defined:
- assignment: 1) homework due in class 2) process through which pastors receive a new call to a congregation 3) formal name for the "draft" of new pastors into the elca who are then assigned to regions and synods where they receive new calls
- rlp: formally the "rostered leader profile" that is the main piece of information submitted to the elca churchwide office for pastors seeking a new call through the assignment process
- submit: trickly little button through which the form is sent to churchwide instead of as an email attachment
for some reason, life is against me this week.
monday afternoon: computer decides to be unfriendly and uncooperative as a way to let me know that i really should learn to be nicer to it instead of continually tossing it in and out of bags...
monday evening: computer reboots and i work on a paper til 1 am (due in class at 8)
tuesday morning: computer dead. lights turn on the keyboard but no whirs suggesting processing or thinking. cold, snowy and a bit icy. signs that winter has arrived and may stay around for a few months.
tuesday afternoon: out and about grocery shopping (and browsing computer selections with hopes of finding a cheap one to be a "throwaway computer") when check engine light comes on.
tuesday evening: spend hours in the small computer lab on the less than high quality computers. first time in years i spend more than 30 min on a computer that is not my own laptop. projects: assignment for class and paperwork for assignment.
wednesday morning: complete paperwork for assignment on computer. try to submit but fails (busy day for churchwide's server). cold morning. december greets us with a wind chill in the single digits. and a bit of sun to deceive us.
wednesday afternoon: forgot assignment and run back to apt. late for class. find out churchwide's server not happy. not a shock since today is the day hundreds of people are going to try to submit their rlp.
wednesday at 5:17 i submit my rlp successfully! rejoice! this means i officially submitted my name and information (bio info, ministry skills and interests) so that i can someday (hopefully this coming summer) be ordained as a pastor in the elca
tomorrow: appointment to have vehicle checked. plan to buy new computer and possibly get old fixed. hopefully get data off the old one even if it will be otherwise unusable (i really want my notes from the last few weeks of class. everything else is replaceable)
terminology defined:
- assignment: 1) homework due in class 2) process through which pastors receive a new call to a congregation 3) formal name for the "draft" of new pastors into the elca who are then assigned to regions and synods where they receive new calls
- rlp: formally the "rostered leader profile" that is the main piece of information submitted to the elca churchwide office for pastors seeking a new call through the assignment process
- submit: trickly little button through which the form is sent to churchwide instead of as an email attachment
Monday, November 29, 2010
monday morning doldrums
i hate two things: mondays and mornings.
monday + morning = not fun
which means that right now (which just so happens to be monday morning) is not fun.
monday + morning - break = personal hell
which means that the monday morning removing break (my week off is over and done) is more than just not fun. it's horrendous. and hellish. and definitely not in a good way.
i mean, once i begin to interact with more people on campus, i'll be better. but for now, as i try to psyche myself up to get dressed and leave my apartment, i really hate monday mornings...
monday + morning = not fun
which means that right now (which just so happens to be monday morning) is not fun.
monday + morning - break = personal hell
which means that the monday morning removing break (my week off is over and done) is more than just not fun. it's horrendous. and hellish. and definitely not in a good way.
i mean, once i begin to interact with more people on campus, i'll be better. but for now, as i try to psyche myself up to get dressed and leave my apartment, i really hate monday mornings...
Saturday, November 27, 2010
post black friday events
i love black friday shopping.
i remember fondly the early mornings where my sisters (and sometimes their boyfriends) would drive to mitchell in our pjs to get some good deals.
and we've collected a few fond memories. like standing in line for a computer while kayla later sees someone put a computer down later. or being given lists by people who don't want to or are unable to go shopping who want some sweet deals. standing outside waiting for menards to open (this was one of the highlights as you stand in a huge line waiting for the store to open). the crazy lines to check out so we would retreat to a part of the store where no one was in order to simply chill while other customers go crazy waiting in line.
last year was on my own where i went out later and didn't worry about getting up early but went out leisurely in bemidji
but this current year was also a bit different. walmart started their crazy good deals at midnight. technically 12:01. so my sister kayla and i ventured out in omaha (which is way busier than bemidji) at 11:30 and started to find the deals we wanted.
our goal: movies (for me since i like movies) and toys for libby. we had success. oddly enough, most of what we wanted we found in piles people had discarded. most movies were on the cardboard shelves, but a few were not. and most toys i found were just laying around.
people are either crazy mean or nice during black friday shopping. this particular round was nice. we chatted with people in line. and because kayla and i were shopping together, we could tag-team it where one would stay in line but the other would roam around. this came in handy for those all around us in line. like one lady who accidentally picked up blue-ray instead of regular dvd. so i went off and found them for her. then later kayla by chance discovered a barbie doll that another lady was happy to find.
we were back in the apartment by 2 am with most of our black friday purchases. we slept in and ventured out after 9 to menards, borders and target. we didn't buy too much of anything. which is something to be proud of. in fact, we put a lot back in those three stores.
overall, my haul was primarily movies. which i'm excited about. cause i loves me my movie watchin.
the other highlight was kayla getting me hooked on the merlin tv series. it's a funny, witty bbc retelling of the story of merlin and arthur as young men.
but i watched all the episodes she had on hand. so now i've moved on to legend of the seeker.
i remember fondly the early mornings where my sisters (and sometimes their boyfriends) would drive to mitchell in our pjs to get some good deals.
and we've collected a few fond memories. like standing in line for a computer while kayla later sees someone put a computer down later. or being given lists by people who don't want to or are unable to go shopping who want some sweet deals. standing outside waiting for menards to open (this was one of the highlights as you stand in a huge line waiting for the store to open). the crazy lines to check out so we would retreat to a part of the store where no one was in order to simply chill while other customers go crazy waiting in line.
last year was on my own where i went out later and didn't worry about getting up early but went out leisurely in bemidji
but this current year was also a bit different. walmart started their crazy good deals at midnight. technically 12:01. so my sister kayla and i ventured out in omaha (which is way busier than bemidji) at 11:30 and started to find the deals we wanted.
our goal: movies (for me since i like movies) and toys for libby. we had success. oddly enough, most of what we wanted we found in piles people had discarded. most movies were on the cardboard shelves, but a few were not. and most toys i found were just laying around.
people are either crazy mean or nice during black friday shopping. this particular round was nice. we chatted with people in line. and because kayla and i were shopping together, we could tag-team it where one would stay in line but the other would roam around. this came in handy for those all around us in line. like one lady who accidentally picked up blue-ray instead of regular dvd. so i went off and found them for her. then later kayla by chance discovered a barbie doll that another lady was happy to find.
we were back in the apartment by 2 am with most of our black friday purchases. we slept in and ventured out after 9 to menards, borders and target. we didn't buy too much of anything. which is something to be proud of. in fact, we put a lot back in those three stores.
overall, my haul was primarily movies. which i'm excited about. cause i loves me my movie watchin.
the other highlight was kayla getting me hooked on the merlin tv series. it's a funny, witty bbc retelling of the story of merlin and arthur as young men.
but i watched all the episodes she had on hand. so now i've moved on to legend of the seeker.
thanksgiving
it's amazing how some of our holidays are meant to be spent with family.
well, most of them, really.
i didn't go back to sd for thanksgiving. second year in a row.
but at least this year i was able to be with my sister. i went to omaha and spent the day with kayla. we were invited over to jess' mom's place for the big meal. delicious roast beef. among other good foods like corn and apple pie.
i still kinda missed thanksgiving with turkey. since this is the first thanksgiving i went without turkey. and i like turkey. so maybe i'll have to make some turkey when i go back to st paul. so i can eat leftover turkey for the next week or so...
i would also like to point out that i managed to write "turkey" in six sentences in a row
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
pre-pastor jitters
here is something that i've been thinking about.
pastors have the weirdest conversations. much like the ones i've been having lately.
and i'm not even a pastor yet.
why is it that people hear that i'm a seminary student studying to be a pastor and decide that the time has come for the pastor-in-training to hear their confessions?
sometimes it makes me laugh. like having people assure me that they've read the whole bible. or that they go to church. i find it somewhat amusing when people insist upon assuring me that they do all the right things to be considered a good christian.
other times it makes me scared. like having people confess their dark, deep secrets. cause i have no idea what to do when i hear about the issues from people's lives - marriages/divorces, kid issues, job concerns, etc. and it scares me to think that my future will be riddled with knowing the tough situations people go through and yet not having any idea of how to help beyond giving all concerns back to God...
but i suppose, that's the main job for a pastor to do: figure out how God is working as we figure out how to live, loving God and neighbor...
pastors have the weirdest conversations. much like the ones i've been having lately.
and i'm not even a pastor yet.
why is it that people hear that i'm a seminary student studying to be a pastor and decide that the time has come for the pastor-in-training to hear their confessions?
sometimes it makes me laugh. like having people assure me that they've read the whole bible. or that they go to church. i find it somewhat amusing when people insist upon assuring me that they do all the right things to be considered a good christian.
other times it makes me scared. like having people confess their dark, deep secrets. cause i have no idea what to do when i hear about the issues from people's lives - marriages/divorces, kid issues, job concerns, etc. and it scares me to think that my future will be riddled with knowing the tough situations people go through and yet not having any idea of how to help beyond giving all concerns back to God...
but i suppose, that's the main job for a pastor to do: figure out how God is working as we figure out how to live, loving God and neighbor...
Monday, November 22, 2010
va beach
this past weekend i went to my cousin's wedding, which happened to be in virginia beach. our hotel was beachfront, which was awesome. saturday was 60s and sunny, which is about 30 degrees what i left behind in minnesota.
pics from our balcony on the fifth floor:
pics from our balcony on the fifth floor:
and on the beach itself:
and of course, can't forget the wedding party on the beach
More Pictures!!!!!!!
Here is a sampling of pictures that i (finally) took off my camera. Some are more recent than others...
Krissa's move-in helpers, aka the Vassar's Women Rugby team.
Note: the men didn't help haul anything...
Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis
Night of the Birthday Bash...traveled with the best sign and friends ever!
Winter Storm - Nov 13, 2010
Beautiful SD sunset
Three teepees built by the kids of Luther Seminary students
Friday, November 19, 2010
harry potter 7, pt 1
one word: awesome!
more words: i love the weasley family. fred and george in particular. so funny. was such a good movie. love the antics. and the relationships. i love the magic. and the struggle to do good and defeat evil. love the house elves. especially dobby.
of course, there were totally cheesy parts to the movie. which is to be expected in movies. cause that's what happens.
this was an enjoyable experience. saw it at midnight. waited for hours for it to start from the time i arrived at the mall/movie theater.
and of course, i can't wait until the final installment. annoying how i have to wait til june...
more words: i love the weasley family. fred and george in particular. so funny. was such a good movie. love the antics. and the relationships. i love the magic. and the struggle to do good and defeat evil. love the house elves. especially dobby.
of course, there were totally cheesy parts to the movie. which is to be expected in movies. cause that's what happens.
this was an enjoyable experience. saw it at midnight. waited for hours for it to start from the time i arrived at the mall/movie theater.
and of course, i can't wait until the final installment. annoying how i have to wait til june...
Thursday, November 18, 2010
big news
why is it that life seems to either be rushing by or moving slower than a snail?
the beginning of this week seemed like it would never end. five days of school and classes this week with a major project to be completed as well as three different papers.
but then next week is thanksgiving break. five days off from school. although i will be spending some of those days working on essays or paperwork.
the first three days crawled by. then today happened. and time sped up.
time really does fly when you have fun.
i found out this morning that the faculty has approved me to continue on my merry way towards ordination. this means that i only have to impress the candidacy committee. wish me luck in early january!
but i also had a bittersweet time with my preaching/worship lab. this was our last time together. our lab is over and done for the rest of the semester. we had a good time but it's sad to let that fun end. of course, we still have class for another month. but it's not the same knowing we won't be spending two hours a week as a small group.
and the other excitement is the new harry potter film. i'm going to see it tonight with friends. we'll be traveling all the way to edina, which means that we will have an extra late night. but i'm super excited...and if i get around to it tomorrow in between classes and flying to virginia beach for a wedding, i'll post my thoughts. warning: i'm gonna love it. no matter what. i'm a harry potter fan and i know i'll love it.
i really should be packing for my trip. still have to decide on what to take with to wear to the wedding. have an idea, but still debating. and the sad thing when flying is that you have to pay to bring more than one option...so i need to solidify my decision and throw it in my bag. well, not throw. cause throwing leads to wrinkles. so fold or roll nicely.
that is all for now.
so much going on and i'm loving it!
the beginning of this week seemed like it would never end. five days of school and classes this week with a major project to be completed as well as three different papers.
but then next week is thanksgiving break. five days off from school. although i will be spending some of those days working on essays or paperwork.
the first three days crawled by. then today happened. and time sped up.
time really does fly when you have fun.
i found out this morning that the faculty has approved me to continue on my merry way towards ordination. this means that i only have to impress the candidacy committee. wish me luck in early january!
but i also had a bittersweet time with my preaching/worship lab. this was our last time together. our lab is over and done for the rest of the semester. we had a good time but it's sad to let that fun end. of course, we still have class for another month. but it's not the same knowing we won't be spending two hours a week as a small group.
and the other excitement is the new harry potter film. i'm going to see it tonight with friends. we'll be traveling all the way to edina, which means that we will have an extra late night. but i'm super excited...and if i get around to it tomorrow in between classes and flying to virginia beach for a wedding, i'll post my thoughts. warning: i'm gonna love it. no matter what. i'm a harry potter fan and i know i'll love it.
i really should be packing for my trip. still have to decide on what to take with to wear to the wedding. have an idea, but still debating. and the sad thing when flying is that you have to pay to bring more than one option...so i need to solidify my decision and throw it in my bag. well, not throw. cause throwing leads to wrinkles. so fold or roll nicely.
that is all for now.
so much going on and i'm loving it!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
dear minnesota
i hate you with your winter storm and your crazy drivers, two of whom were sliding on the road in front of me.
thanks for making me waste precious hours of my life yesterday driving at 30 mph for 2.5 hrs and having to add an extra 60 miles on my way back home to south dakota, which greeted me with sunshine as soon as i passed the state border. i did not enjoy making my typical 5.5 hr, 330 mile trip to 390 mi and 9 hrs. not cool in my book.
and just for the record, having several of inches of heavy snow does not constitute an excuse. that is what plows are for: to push snow off the road so i can drive home.
sincerely
kara
thanks for making me waste precious hours of my life yesterday driving at 30 mph for 2.5 hrs and having to add an extra 60 miles on my way back home to south dakota, which greeted me with sunshine as soon as i passed the state border. i did not enjoy making my typical 5.5 hr, 330 mile trip to 390 mi and 9 hrs. not cool in my book.
and just for the record, having several of inches of heavy snow does not constitute an excuse. that is what plows are for: to push snow off the road so i can drive home.
sincerely
kara
Thursday, November 11, 2010
veterans and soldiers
happy day to remember, acknowledge and thank the many veterans who risk their lives to defend what the great nation stands for (aka freedom and liberty and rights)!
i will never be a veteran since i will never be a soldier (me and the armed forces' training don't mix well)
but i do appreciate what many men and women sacrifice(d) in order to fight for our country
i especially appreciate those friends and family who have the distinguished title of veteran - especially those who fought in the conflict zones of iraq, kuwait, afghanistan
here is a sampling (and i apologize to any names i neglect but will add if notified i forgot someone) of those who have donned a uniform:
kendall
trevor
chris
bob
carl
scott
eric
jeff
don
craig
audrey
brett
cody
bryan
brett w
corey
sally
i will never be a veteran since i will never be a soldier (me and the armed forces' training don't mix well)
but i do appreciate what many men and women sacrifice(d) in order to fight for our country
i especially appreciate those friends and family who have the distinguished title of veteran - especially those who fought in the conflict zones of iraq, kuwait, afghanistan
here is a sampling (and i apologize to any names i neglect but will add if notified i forgot someone) of those who have donned a uniform:
kendall
trevor
chris
bob
carl
scott
eric
jeff
don
craig
audrey
brett
cody
bryan
brett w
corey
sally
Sunday, November 7, 2010
closing time...
why that post title? well, the weekend is coming to a close...that and i love the song "closing time" by semisonic
i have decided to be a little but reflective tonight. usually i'm one in favor of funny, uplifting and nonsensical posts. but today, despite being in a very good mood, i decided to switch things up
the last few weeks i've been taking a long time to think about my future. where God wants me to go, where i want to go. what i should do. what my strengths and gifts are and where they might be most useful. the big questions that every senior gets asked. cause that's what happens when you are in your final year of school.
and yes, i have every intention that this be my final year of school for a loooong time...at least 5 years. taking the optional course may be okay, but not full-time status.
but back to the deep questions.
a few weeks ago i had a meeting where i was suggested to figure out some steps and habits i can start to develop in order to better equip me in ministry. little things to do, think or say when i start getting frustrated with other people or begin to feel defensive when i feel threatened. because such events happen. i'm not perfect; i'm human. and i get upset from time to time. i love people and God and want to spend the rest of my life working and serving, but there are bad days and there are annoying people out there. so i need to eventually figure out some beneficial habits.
here are some of my current thoughts:
1. confidence - don't belittle myself just because others look down upon me (or at least seem to disapprove since i seldom really know what they think). this is very important. it's not about being overly proud but instead about having confidence. and i don't mean self-confidence. no. this confidence does not come from inside me. this confidence needs to come from God. because i really cannot do everything that people want me to without possessing the gifts from God. confidence in my skills, my talents, my gifts, my interests is nothing without the faith that God is the source. that God has a plan even when i don't. far too often i get caught up in telling myself that i'm not good enough, that i could do more and be better. but that should not be the focus. the main point is that i'm really not good enough, but God is greater. and to quote paul: i can do all things through christ who strengthens me...
2. skills. and i'm not talking skills that napoleon dynamite talks about. i'm talking about the gifts for ministry that i already possess. the gifts and strengths that balance out any weaknesses. cause i really like something i was told at the beginning of the year: don't focus on your weakness; instead, use your strengths creatively to balance any weak spots. granted, that was not the exact quote, but the gist of it. and i found that to be eye-opening. i'm someone who has been bogged down in my lack of skills and experience, when really i should be changing my view. like my weakness of procrastination. which is not actually the case. i've often assumed that i don't like to plan and prepare because i put things off. but a few different things constitute what gets labeled as procrastination:
a) lack of creativity or energy. i've come to realize that i can do a lot of things and with gusto when i feel inspired and creative. i love brainstorming. i love thinking outside the box. i love plotting and planning. i love details. i love all that goes into starting something new or switching up the old. sadly enough, all these loves of mine end up forgotten when i feel dried up. and when i'm not buzzing on a creative high, i do nothing. literally, i will do nothing until inspiration hits. which tends to be at the last possible moment.
b) lack of follow through. closely related to lack of creativity and energy. when i don't feel the energy or drive or motivation, i let projects fall to the wayside. granted, i can see projects through depending on what it is. i hate leaving things undone. but i may not be able to have continuous progress over extended periods of time. everything happens in spurts.
c) last minute. i work well under pressure. i am at my best when my world is chaotic. i work best under stress. my head clears and i always manage to do everything i need just in the nick of time. some people tell me that everything would be better if i could do things earlier then keep revamping or redoing or redrafting or re-whatever. in other words, not do things at the last minute. but that's not me. like papers or sermons. for some reason, no matter how much i try to start by writing early, the final project is never anything like early drafts. i tend to start from scratch at the last minute anyway. so i've learned to spend more time taking notes and reflecting before writing final projects. which means that my final project tends to be quite coherent in logic and flows because i write it all in one shot. there are always things to improve but that's life in general. nothing is perfect.
d) room to improve. everything i do is not perfect. i still have much to learn, i still have room to grow. but it gets frustrating at times when perfection is the expectation and i know that as an imperfect person i will never achieve perfection; i can only do my best. and my best will always have room for improvement. but i wouldn't want it any other way. because i believe that the day we stop learning and growing is the day we die.
3. future. i have no idea what this will look like. i'm not omniscient. i'm not a fortune teller. i'm not God. but i do possess a strong faith that God has laid out a future for me. i just don't know what it is. but i know a few things. i'm on the right path right now. i'm in the place i'm meant to be at this moment. and i'm doing what i should be. but i have no idea what the future holds for me. and it's terrifying to think about the unknown. but i'm also super-jazzed. cause i love chaos and possibility. i hate stagnancy. i hate being bored with routine when i could be trying and doing new things. when i can be traveling, meeting new people, creating experiences. life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and in my particular case, life is vibrant and changing. others get to claim the constancy and contentment. i'm jealous of people who are already where they are meant to be and don't feel any pressure to change. i'm still working on that. i feel as though i'm standing on the edge of a cliff ready to jump off. terrifying but exciting. cause i don't know what will happen. i could hit the rocks at the bottom (doesn't sound pleasant). or i could end up in water and will need to either swim somewhere or let a current carry me (may or may not be pleasant). or i could somehow start to fly. which would be awesome. and i'm thinking that someday i'll start flying. i feel as though i'm preparing to soar but just haven't taken off yet. i know i'm almost ready but have no particular destination in mind. i'm willing to travel anywhere and experience anything. it's both frustrating and freeing to be able say and know that the future is open. i want to know but at the same time i don't because God always has far more in store than we could ever imagine, i just need to be open to going where the Spirit leads...
and now that my brain hurts from thinking so much, i'm going to retire and reboot.
i have decided to be a little but reflective tonight. usually i'm one in favor of funny, uplifting and nonsensical posts. but today, despite being in a very good mood, i decided to switch things up
the last few weeks i've been taking a long time to think about my future. where God wants me to go, where i want to go. what i should do. what my strengths and gifts are and where they might be most useful. the big questions that every senior gets asked. cause that's what happens when you are in your final year of school.
and yes, i have every intention that this be my final year of school for a loooong time...at least 5 years. taking the optional course may be okay, but not full-time status.
but back to the deep questions.
a few weeks ago i had a meeting where i was suggested to figure out some steps and habits i can start to develop in order to better equip me in ministry. little things to do, think or say when i start getting frustrated with other people or begin to feel defensive when i feel threatened. because such events happen. i'm not perfect; i'm human. and i get upset from time to time. i love people and God and want to spend the rest of my life working and serving, but there are bad days and there are annoying people out there. so i need to eventually figure out some beneficial habits.
here are some of my current thoughts:
1. confidence - don't belittle myself just because others look down upon me (or at least seem to disapprove since i seldom really know what they think). this is very important. it's not about being overly proud but instead about having confidence. and i don't mean self-confidence. no. this confidence does not come from inside me. this confidence needs to come from God. because i really cannot do everything that people want me to without possessing the gifts from God. confidence in my skills, my talents, my gifts, my interests is nothing without the faith that God is the source. that God has a plan even when i don't. far too often i get caught up in telling myself that i'm not good enough, that i could do more and be better. but that should not be the focus. the main point is that i'm really not good enough, but God is greater. and to quote paul: i can do all things through christ who strengthens me...
2. skills. and i'm not talking skills that napoleon dynamite talks about. i'm talking about the gifts for ministry that i already possess. the gifts and strengths that balance out any weaknesses. cause i really like something i was told at the beginning of the year: don't focus on your weakness; instead, use your strengths creatively to balance any weak spots. granted, that was not the exact quote, but the gist of it. and i found that to be eye-opening. i'm someone who has been bogged down in my lack of skills and experience, when really i should be changing my view. like my weakness of procrastination. which is not actually the case. i've often assumed that i don't like to plan and prepare because i put things off. but a few different things constitute what gets labeled as procrastination:
a) lack of creativity or energy. i've come to realize that i can do a lot of things and with gusto when i feel inspired and creative. i love brainstorming. i love thinking outside the box. i love plotting and planning. i love details. i love all that goes into starting something new or switching up the old. sadly enough, all these loves of mine end up forgotten when i feel dried up. and when i'm not buzzing on a creative high, i do nothing. literally, i will do nothing until inspiration hits. which tends to be at the last possible moment.
b) lack of follow through. closely related to lack of creativity and energy. when i don't feel the energy or drive or motivation, i let projects fall to the wayside. granted, i can see projects through depending on what it is. i hate leaving things undone. but i may not be able to have continuous progress over extended periods of time. everything happens in spurts.
c) last minute. i work well under pressure. i am at my best when my world is chaotic. i work best under stress. my head clears and i always manage to do everything i need just in the nick of time. some people tell me that everything would be better if i could do things earlier then keep revamping or redoing or redrafting or re-whatever. in other words, not do things at the last minute. but that's not me. like papers or sermons. for some reason, no matter how much i try to start by writing early, the final project is never anything like early drafts. i tend to start from scratch at the last minute anyway. so i've learned to spend more time taking notes and reflecting before writing final projects. which means that my final project tends to be quite coherent in logic and flows because i write it all in one shot. there are always things to improve but that's life in general. nothing is perfect.
d) room to improve. everything i do is not perfect. i still have much to learn, i still have room to grow. but it gets frustrating at times when perfection is the expectation and i know that as an imperfect person i will never achieve perfection; i can only do my best. and my best will always have room for improvement. but i wouldn't want it any other way. because i believe that the day we stop learning and growing is the day we die.
3. future. i have no idea what this will look like. i'm not omniscient. i'm not a fortune teller. i'm not God. but i do possess a strong faith that God has laid out a future for me. i just don't know what it is. but i know a few things. i'm on the right path right now. i'm in the place i'm meant to be at this moment. and i'm doing what i should be. but i have no idea what the future holds for me. and it's terrifying to think about the unknown. but i'm also super-jazzed. cause i love chaos and possibility. i hate stagnancy. i hate being bored with routine when i could be trying and doing new things. when i can be traveling, meeting new people, creating experiences. life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and in my particular case, life is vibrant and changing. others get to claim the constancy and contentment. i'm jealous of people who are already where they are meant to be and don't feel any pressure to change. i'm still working on that. i feel as though i'm standing on the edge of a cliff ready to jump off. terrifying but exciting. cause i don't know what will happen. i could hit the rocks at the bottom (doesn't sound pleasant). or i could end up in water and will need to either swim somewhere or let a current carry me (may or may not be pleasant). or i could somehow start to fly. which would be awesome. and i'm thinking that someday i'll start flying. i feel as though i'm preparing to soar but just haven't taken off yet. i know i'm almost ready but have no particular destination in mind. i'm willing to travel anywhere and experience anything. it's both frustrating and freeing to be able say and know that the future is open. i want to know but at the same time i don't because God always has far more in store than we could ever imagine, i just need to be open to going where the Spirit leads...
and now that my brain hurts from thinking so much, i'm going to retire and reboot.
Monday, November 1, 2010
all saints day
i love november!
today is the first day of november, which is the best month ever.
happy all saints day!
today also happens to be the day we celebrate and remember the saints. generally we remember those who have passed on within the past year. tomorrow is all souls' day. not sure exactly what the difference is...
so today, i will not just celebrate my favorite month but also take time to educate.
saints =
a. dead people. anyone who has passed on
b. good people. anyone able to perform good deeds.
c. holy people. anyone able to perform miracles.
d. living people. anyone who makes a difference in life.
in other words, saints can be anyone. but we (b, c and/or d) mainly celebrate the dead saints (a, b and/or c) on all saints day.
note: this is not the catholic understanding of saints, who are a and c. souls (tomorrow's holiday) are a and b.
so here are some saints (a, b and/or c) that i've said good-bye to this year and remember today:
derik
mabel
today is the first day of november, which is the best month ever.
happy all saints day!
today also happens to be the day we celebrate and remember the saints. generally we remember those who have passed on within the past year. tomorrow is all souls' day. not sure exactly what the difference is...
so today, i will not just celebrate my favorite month but also take time to educate.
saints =
a. dead people. anyone who has passed on
b. good people. anyone able to perform good deeds.
c. holy people. anyone able to perform miracles.
d. living people. anyone who makes a difference in life.
in other words, saints can be anyone. but we (b, c and/or d) mainly celebrate the dead saints (a, b and/or c) on all saints day.
note: this is not the catholic understanding of saints, who are a and c. souls (tomorrow's holiday) are a and b.
so here are some saints (a, b and/or c) that i've said good-bye to this year and remember today:
derik
mabel
halloween weekend
so i'm pretty much lovin life right now. ok, not just pretty much. i am lovin life. i'm having a great time and have been back to a bubbly, smiley, happy personality.
here's the rundown of this past weekend, which was highly enjoyable.
friday afternoon (after class, of course) i relaxed. if i remember correctly, i either napped or watched movies or bones episodes. or any combination. then i went to watch the first harry potter movie being shown at seminary in one of the high tech classrooms. then walked over to my former abode, bockman hall, to enjoy rock band. it was weird to be back in the dorm after being gone for a year and a half. to be walking around halls that are familiar and yet being unable to walk in the stairwells cause i'd be locked out. things have changed. but j made delicious food and d had a new keyboard for rockband, so it was a good time. and i left sometime around midnight because i was tired. it was getting to be a long day. that or i'm getting old.
saturday. slept in til 9:30. which may seem late to some but i had been hoping for 10-11 am to be my wake-up hour. watched more tv and movies (common theme in my current life, in case you haven't noticed). realized just after the rally to restore sanity ended that it was on. so i missed it. sad day... but i went over to the other dorm, stub, for pizzas and fun times with friends. we had a game of hangman going on. halloween themes, which included pop culture (witches, vampires, songs). then a bit o bananagrams. and i was surprised that i managed to win a couple rounds. also watched others make and decorate sugar cookies. felt old once again because i was tired by 8:30. but managed to stay up til 10:30.
sunday. woke up at 7:30 to get ready for church since i was told to meet at 8:45. turned out that jess (who i had to drive and pick up) and i were ready before the three boys. and had to wait around about an hour since the one who wasn't ready by 8:50 wasn't ready because the meeting time was supposed to be 9:45. which is a big difference. then went to church to celebrate reformation day. and will probably not go to that church, which is for all intents and purposes catholic with a little bit of martin luther tossed in. including the incense and kneeling while behind the altar for holy communion. ate at panera (delish). went to kohl's a bought a twins shirt. spent the afternoon watching bones. oh, how i love that tv show. so fascinating. also lxd (league of extraordinary dancers) which was both fascinating and disturbing. few words and a lot of amazing dancing. extraordinary dancing. also watched new in town, which is really cute. don't always like renee zellweger, but i love harry connick jr. and the fact that it was in minnesota complete with the awesome accent that exists in pockets of the state.
in the midst of all my tv watching and food making in the evening, there were also trick-or-treaters. so i passed out chocolate. cause chocolate should be passed out on halloween. actually i chose my candy based on one criteria: would i eat the leftovers?
and i said yes to chocolate. because no halloween is complete without chocolate.
nor was halloween complete without seeing little kids dressed up. and there were some cute outfits. even some older kids dressed up. some didn't, but they had fun going around and collecting candy. so i gave them some.
but i'm okay with the fact that hallowwen is over. cause it also means that october is over. which means that november has started.
i love november. best. month. ever.
here's the rundown of this past weekend, which was highly enjoyable.
friday afternoon (after class, of course) i relaxed. if i remember correctly, i either napped or watched movies or bones episodes. or any combination. then i went to watch the first harry potter movie being shown at seminary in one of the high tech classrooms. then walked over to my former abode, bockman hall, to enjoy rock band. it was weird to be back in the dorm after being gone for a year and a half. to be walking around halls that are familiar and yet being unable to walk in the stairwells cause i'd be locked out. things have changed. but j made delicious food and d had a new keyboard for rockband, so it was a good time. and i left sometime around midnight because i was tired. it was getting to be a long day. that or i'm getting old.
saturday. slept in til 9:30. which may seem late to some but i had been hoping for 10-11 am to be my wake-up hour. watched more tv and movies (common theme in my current life, in case you haven't noticed). realized just after the rally to restore sanity ended that it was on. so i missed it. sad day... but i went over to the other dorm, stub, for pizzas and fun times with friends. we had a game of hangman going on. halloween themes, which included pop culture (witches, vampires, songs). then a bit o bananagrams. and i was surprised that i managed to win a couple rounds. also watched others make and decorate sugar cookies. felt old once again because i was tired by 8:30. but managed to stay up til 10:30.
sunday. woke up at 7:30 to get ready for church since i was told to meet at 8:45. turned out that jess (who i had to drive and pick up) and i were ready before the three boys. and had to wait around about an hour since the one who wasn't ready by 8:50 wasn't ready because the meeting time was supposed to be 9:45. which is a big difference. then went to church to celebrate reformation day. and will probably not go to that church, which is for all intents and purposes catholic with a little bit of martin luther tossed in. including the incense and kneeling while behind the altar for holy communion. ate at panera (delish). went to kohl's a bought a twins shirt. spent the afternoon watching bones. oh, how i love that tv show. so fascinating. also lxd (league of extraordinary dancers) which was both fascinating and disturbing. few words and a lot of amazing dancing. extraordinary dancing. also watched new in town, which is really cute. don't always like renee zellweger, but i love harry connick jr. and the fact that it was in minnesota complete with the awesome accent that exists in pockets of the state.
in the midst of all my tv watching and food making in the evening, there were also trick-or-treaters. so i passed out chocolate. cause chocolate should be passed out on halloween. actually i chose my candy based on one criteria: would i eat the leftovers?
and i said yes to chocolate. because no halloween is complete without chocolate.
nor was halloween complete without seeing little kids dressed up. and there were some cute outfits. even some older kids dressed up. some didn't, but they had fun going around and collecting candy. so i gave them some.
but i'm okay with the fact that hallowwen is over. cause it also means that october is over. which means that november has started.
i love november. best. month. ever.
Monday, October 25, 2010
day off
oh, how i love having days off.
like today. where i basically did nothing except loaf around, watching tv and movies.
of course, there are some things that i should have been doing. like organizing my room. which i was going to do today until i realized that i only have one hour of class tomorrow. and one hour on wednesday...which means i have a lot of free time this week so i decided to take one day for vacation.
and i loved my stay-cation. first real day off in quite a while. there is something so refreshing about being able to not leave your apartment at all in a 24-hour period. my very own version of a sabbath.
like today. where i basically did nothing except loaf around, watching tv and movies.
of course, there are some things that i should have been doing. like organizing my room. which i was going to do today until i realized that i only have one hour of class tomorrow. and one hour on wednesday...which means i have a lot of free time this week so i decided to take one day for vacation.
and i loved my stay-cation. first real day off in quite a while. there is something so refreshing about being able to not leave your apartment at all in a 24-hour period. my very own version of a sabbath.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Post 115
it's sunday evening. and i'm completely relaxed. loving my weekend. having fun with friends.
here's the rundown of the past few days:
friday - worked on and completed an 8-pg paper reflecting upon the church organization in a small, rural congregation. internship panel (see previous posting) where i was cleared to move on to my faculty interview as the next step in my process towards ordination. faculty approval means that i'm smart enough and able to understand theology well enough to be a pastor. made some beef stroganoff even though i added a bit too much sour cream. watched tv shows and movies via netflix. and netflix is totally addicting and awesome!
saturday - slept in. somewhat. i woke up at 9:30 (a whole half hour after i usually get up), did some laundry, cleaned the bathroom (technically i got the shower/tub, toilet and sink while my roomie katie scrubbed the floor), picked up and rearranged our living room. the two of us moved out a lot of the junk and katie vacuumed. now we have too much space and don't know what to do with it...except play with the wii. which i did with friends. made homemade mac n cheese (thanks to my sis kayla for the uber-simple recipe). jess whipped up monster cookies. watched "cloudy with a chance of meatballs" via netflix with friends. awesome movie for those who haven't seen it.
sunday - up early as i got ready for church. jess had spent the night so we could get up early and go to church at mt olive, which is a high liturgy lutheran church. complete with processional and recessional where people bow as the cross passes them. full liturgy and i loved it! turns out that i really do like traditional service. later, as i was chatting with katie, i began to realize that my issue with bethel's traditional service last year was that it was not really traditional. i guess i associate traditional with being able to do it well with pastors who are extremely formal and in church buildings that are old or stone. bethel's building was simply too new and contemporary for me to worship with high liturgy. after worship, jess and i went shopping. kohl's, k&g (i think that's what it was called...), staples, and lunds & byerly's. got so wrapped up in the time that i completely forgot about a mandatory apartment meeting. whoops. then finished the day watching percy jackson and eragon (such good movies, especially since i really am a kid at heart who loves fantasy, adventure and good defeating evil) among other entertaining activities since i don't have class tomorrow. this means that my second set of 6 week classes doesn't start quite yet.
on other side notes and reflections from my life, i have a few random activities up my sleeve.
1. cooking various recipes. i like to bake
2. cleaning and organizing my bedroom. i've been avoiding it, which is not good...
3. working on slimming down (exciting fact is that i fit into clothes that i haven't worn in over a year!) and keeping healthy. i even joined the healthy leaders thing for luther in an attempt to work on my well-being
4. planning a trip out east for a cousin's wedding. cause i have made it to all but one of his sibling's weddings, and that was because of events out of my control since i was but a wee lil child when he got married. i would love to be there since i love family get-togethers. and i've never been to virginia beach. plus i really love seeing men in uniform, which i would expect to see (and enjoy) often since the wedding is going to be at a navy base...
5. volunteered to be an assistant wedding planner. again. it seems like i'm on deck with providing ideas and opinions, whether or not i should or the others are even listening...i just like to toss out ideas and plan. i can go overboard at times, so i'm going to do my best to be supportive and creative.
6. wii. love it! i've purchased a couple new games recently, which means that i now have various games where i can throw darts, play beer pong (technically it's ping cup...), toss a lasso, and race a cow. of course, these are in addition to the other sports, games and fit activities i already owned.
here's the rundown of the past few days:
friday - worked on and completed an 8-pg paper reflecting upon the church organization in a small, rural congregation. internship panel (see previous posting) where i was cleared to move on to my faculty interview as the next step in my process towards ordination. faculty approval means that i'm smart enough and able to understand theology well enough to be a pastor. made some beef stroganoff even though i added a bit too much sour cream. watched tv shows and movies via netflix. and netflix is totally addicting and awesome!
saturday - slept in. somewhat. i woke up at 9:30 (a whole half hour after i usually get up), did some laundry, cleaned the bathroom (technically i got the shower/tub, toilet and sink while my roomie katie scrubbed the floor), picked up and rearranged our living room. the two of us moved out a lot of the junk and katie vacuumed. now we have too much space and don't know what to do with it...except play with the wii. which i did with friends. made homemade mac n cheese (thanks to my sis kayla for the uber-simple recipe). jess whipped up monster cookies. watched "cloudy with a chance of meatballs" via netflix with friends. awesome movie for those who haven't seen it.
sunday - up early as i got ready for church. jess had spent the night so we could get up early and go to church at mt olive, which is a high liturgy lutheran church. complete with processional and recessional where people bow as the cross passes them. full liturgy and i loved it! turns out that i really do like traditional service. later, as i was chatting with katie, i began to realize that my issue with bethel's traditional service last year was that it was not really traditional. i guess i associate traditional with being able to do it well with pastors who are extremely formal and in church buildings that are old or stone. bethel's building was simply too new and contemporary for me to worship with high liturgy. after worship, jess and i went shopping. kohl's, k&g (i think that's what it was called...), staples, and lunds & byerly's. got so wrapped up in the time that i completely forgot about a mandatory apartment meeting. whoops. then finished the day watching percy jackson and eragon (such good movies, especially since i really am a kid at heart who loves fantasy, adventure and good defeating evil) among other entertaining activities since i don't have class tomorrow. this means that my second set of 6 week classes doesn't start quite yet.
on other side notes and reflections from my life, i have a few random activities up my sleeve.
1. cooking various recipes. i like to bake
2. cleaning and organizing my bedroom. i've been avoiding it, which is not good...
3. working on slimming down (exciting fact is that i fit into clothes that i haven't worn in over a year!) and keeping healthy. i even joined the healthy leaders thing for luther in an attempt to work on my well-being
4. planning a trip out east for a cousin's wedding. cause i have made it to all but one of his sibling's weddings, and that was because of events out of my control since i was but a wee lil child when he got married. i would love to be there since i love family get-togethers. and i've never been to virginia beach. plus i really love seeing men in uniform, which i would expect to see (and enjoy) often since the wedding is going to be at a navy base...
5. volunteered to be an assistant wedding planner. again. it seems like i'm on deck with providing ideas and opinions, whether or not i should or the others are even listening...i just like to toss out ideas and plan. i can go overboard at times, so i'm going to do my best to be supportive and creative.
6. wii. love it! i've purchased a couple new games recently, which means that i now have various games where i can throw darts, play beer pong (technically it's ping cup...), toss a lasso, and race a cow. of course, these are in addition to the other sports, games and fit activities i already owned.
Friday, October 22, 2010
internship is over!
3 months after i left my internship site, i finally can say that i'm done!
here is a quick rundown of why it's taken three months:
- submitting evaluations and signature pages. took a while to actually get all of em sent to the synod. which finally happened just this week.
- panel review to discuss and make sure that internship was a "success" and does not need to be repeated. happened a bit late since we're pushing time deadlines, but it's over and done in time to continue with the rest of the steps for ordination...
here is a quick rundown of why it's taken three months:
- submitting evaluations and signature pages. took a while to actually get all of em sent to the synod. which finally happened just this week.
- panel review to discuss and make sure that internship was a "success" and does not need to be repeated. happened a bit late since we're pushing time deadlines, but it's over and done in time to continue with the rest of the steps for ordination...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
20.10.2010
i just really wanted to write today's date in the format i had to get used to while in europe where the day comes before the month before the year...
today was a big day. i woke up at 6:30 in omaha, where i had driven to yesterday from minneapolis/st paul to visit my sister kayla (and her boyfriend casey by default, who is now a proud owner of a ginormous tv). by 7:15 this morning i was on my way out of omaha towards parkston, where i arrived at 11:00. daddy changed the oil in my car, we loaded up the recycling from home into my vehicle, and i headed up to mitchell, where i met mom on her lunch break before heading to renew my license.
i now have a fancy new drivers license. which required not just birth certificate (or passport in my case) and soc security card but two bills/statements with your address to prove that i am a south dakotan. which i totally am. which i can prove by showing off my fancy new license
after doing a bit o' shoppin' in mitchell. i bought a pretty green purse and some new scarves (cause i like scarves...).
i also bought some purple windshield washer fluid that is both deicer, since it is october and winter is approaching, so i figured i should splurge and get fluid that will not freeze until -25 degrees F. plus it's a repellent of some of the yuck that will inevitably end up on my windshield.
said good-bye to momma, then i took off down the road and saw my dear friend megan, who has been released from the hospital after quite a scare. was really good to catch up with her since we seldom manage to see each other. it seems like each time i try to visit she gets sick. not a good sign...
then i began my last leg of driving back to the twin cities and school. made it back and am exhausted and ready for bed.
nothin like spending a solid 10 hours on the road today (6 yesterday) and covering 4 states on what should have been a reading day...cause i got midterms to finish up...
today was a big day. i woke up at 6:30 in omaha, where i had driven to yesterday from minneapolis/st paul to visit my sister kayla (and her boyfriend casey by default, who is now a proud owner of a ginormous tv). by 7:15 this morning i was on my way out of omaha towards parkston, where i arrived at 11:00. daddy changed the oil in my car, we loaded up the recycling from home into my vehicle, and i headed up to mitchell, where i met mom on her lunch break before heading to renew my license.
i now have a fancy new drivers license. which required not just birth certificate (or passport in my case) and soc security card but two bills/statements with your address to prove that i am a south dakotan. which i totally am. which i can prove by showing off my fancy new license
after doing a bit o' shoppin' in mitchell. i bought a pretty green purse and some new scarves (cause i like scarves...).
i also bought some purple windshield washer fluid that is both deicer, since it is october and winter is approaching, so i figured i should splurge and get fluid that will not freeze until -25 degrees F. plus it's a repellent of some of the yuck that will inevitably end up on my windshield.
said good-bye to momma, then i took off down the road and saw my dear friend megan, who has been released from the hospital after quite a scare. was really good to catch up with her since we seldom manage to see each other. it seems like each time i try to visit she gets sick. not a good sign...
then i began my last leg of driving back to the twin cities and school. made it back and am exhausted and ready for bed.
nothin like spending a solid 10 hours on the road today (6 yesterday) and covering 4 states on what should have been a reading day...cause i got midterms to finish up...
Friday, October 15, 2010
splurge-onification
i like to make up words. i think that being able to add various endings (and using somewhat correct grammar to do so) shows that i understand my language.
anyhoo, i splurged this past week. my roommate and i have been without a tv that fits our living room.
katie had a small contraption. you know, the dorm-room tv/vcr combo. very effective in small spaces. but we don't have a small space. and when trying to do various activities with the wii, the tv was just a bit too small...
then her fiance brought over his old tv, which was a great size but unfortunately lacked the capacity to hook up either a dvd player or wii to it. antenna or cable tv only. so i'm rejecting it.
i hope that you are beginning to realize that i'm an elitist when it comes to tvs. i do like to share my opinions.
so i went out to peruse and possibly purchase a new tv. actually, i went in search of a computer monitor because they tend to be cheaper than tvs. but alas i was informed that my wii would be unable to hook up to a monitor and also that most monitors don't have built-in speakers. both were key decisions for me to report to the tv sections and scope out the possibilities. so i looked at different sizes and even upped my price range. i had wanted to spend 200 but reluctantly let myself bump it to 250 so that i could get one bigger than 20 inches. cause 20 inches is small for a tv. but the tvs costing 280 were still just out of my price range.
i found one on clearance at target and bought it. granted, had i been willing to spend a bit more, i could have gotten one whose brand i recognized, but i liked this one well enough.
and of course, while perusing in the electronics section of target, i also saw that they had wii play on sale...so i added 45 to my total spending of the day.
which means that for a total of 316 dollars with tax (literally 316, not 316.01) i have a new tv, new wii game and new wii remote.
anyhoo, i splurged this past week. my roommate and i have been without a tv that fits our living room.
katie had a small contraption. you know, the dorm-room tv/vcr combo. very effective in small spaces. but we don't have a small space. and when trying to do various activities with the wii, the tv was just a bit too small...
then her fiance brought over his old tv, which was a great size but unfortunately lacked the capacity to hook up either a dvd player or wii to it. antenna or cable tv only. so i'm rejecting it.
i hope that you are beginning to realize that i'm an elitist when it comes to tvs. i do like to share my opinions.
so i went out to peruse and possibly purchase a new tv. actually, i went in search of a computer monitor because they tend to be cheaper than tvs. but alas i was informed that my wii would be unable to hook up to a monitor and also that most monitors don't have built-in speakers. both were key decisions for me to report to the tv sections and scope out the possibilities. so i looked at different sizes and even upped my price range. i had wanted to spend 200 but reluctantly let myself bump it to 250 so that i could get one bigger than 20 inches. cause 20 inches is small for a tv. but the tvs costing 280 were still just out of my price range.
i found one on clearance at target and bought it. granted, had i been willing to spend a bit more, i could have gotten one whose brand i recognized, but i liked this one well enough.
and of course, while perusing in the electronics section of target, i also saw that they had wii play on sale...so i added 45 to my total spending of the day.
which means that for a total of 316 dollars with tax (literally 316, not 316.01) i have a new tv, new wii game and new wii remote.
Monday, October 11, 2010
silly columbus day
seriously. i went to the post office this morning. woke up early so i would have enough time to walk to st anthony village, which is mere feet from the campus of luther seminary, so that i could mail a postcard.
but failed when the doors were locked because today just so happens to be a holiday. columbus day. really?
i count that as my exercise from the day.
of course i feel bad since the postcard really should have been mailed last week to my cousin reanna, who's doing a school project with her class trying to gather postcards from across the world. and at the rate i'm going, she's going to get at least one postcard from overseas before mine even gets in the mail. which it would have been today if it weren't columbus day. grr.
but i really shouldn't be complaining. i mean, columbus did crash into an island and "discovered" the continent that i call home.
but maybe i should be complaining. cause if i attended a public school, i'd probably have the day off. but no...i have class today.
don't get me wrong, i enjoy today's class. chuch organization. sounds boring to just hear the name, but it's really nice to have a class that discusses the nitty gritty of church work. like basics on how committees and councils operate (well, how they ideally work), what are different types of budgets, and where to look for some additional resources when trying to (slowly) bring about change that happens directly as a result of leadership and organization.
plus i have a small group meeting for pastoral care. where we try out different methods to discuss feelings and needs and try to find a peace of mind that comes from knowing what's bothering you and why.
speaking of my small group, it's time to meet so off i go!
but failed when the doors were locked because today just so happens to be a holiday. columbus day. really?
i count that as my exercise from the day.
of course i feel bad since the postcard really should have been mailed last week to my cousin reanna, who's doing a school project with her class trying to gather postcards from across the world. and at the rate i'm going, she's going to get at least one postcard from overseas before mine even gets in the mail. which it would have been today if it weren't columbus day. grr.
but i really shouldn't be complaining. i mean, columbus did crash into an island and "discovered" the continent that i call home.
but maybe i should be complaining. cause if i attended a public school, i'd probably have the day off. but no...i have class today.
don't get me wrong, i enjoy today's class. chuch organization. sounds boring to just hear the name, but it's really nice to have a class that discusses the nitty gritty of church work. like basics on how committees and councils operate (well, how they ideally work), what are different types of budgets, and where to look for some additional resources when trying to (slowly) bring about change that happens directly as a result of leadership and organization.
plus i have a small group meeting for pastoral care. where we try out different methods to discuss feelings and needs and try to find a peace of mind that comes from knowing what's bothering you and why.
speaking of my small group, it's time to meet so off i go!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
oh october
i'm still in shock that the month of september is over. it was gone in the blink of an eye and i really don't have much to show for it.
except for some purchases (like a bookshelf and new futon), it doesn't seem like much is going on new in my world.
oh, and i got a new haircut last weekend. 14-15 inches go to locks of love.
like yesterday was 10-10-10. And I did nothing to celebrate! I did make brownies with Jess and topped it off with Madagascaran vanilla ice cream (delish), and I went to a youth/young adult picnic with church here in the Twin Cities, and I went shopping, but that was about it...pretty much a slacker day...
weather has been fantastic. absolutely beautiful. nice, warm temps so i've been able to pull out the tanks, shorts and sandals to enjoy before retiring them for the winter. plus being able to go on long walks to enjoy both the temps and the scenery. and the leaves have been simply stunning. autumn is truly my fave season. crisp, clean air and rich colors. what more could i ask for?
except for some purchases (like a bookshelf and new futon), it doesn't seem like much is going on new in my world.
oh, and i got a new haircut last weekend. 14-15 inches go to locks of love.
like yesterday was 10-10-10. And I did nothing to celebrate! I did make brownies with Jess and topped it off with Madagascaran vanilla ice cream (delish), and I went to a youth/young adult picnic with church here in the Twin Cities, and I went shopping, but that was about it...pretty much a slacker day...
weather has been fantastic. absolutely beautiful. nice, warm temps so i've been able to pull out the tanks, shorts and sandals to enjoy before retiring them for the winter. plus being able to go on long walks to enjoy both the temps and the scenery. and the leaves have been simply stunning. autumn is truly my fave season. crisp, clean air and rich colors. what more could i ask for?
Thursday, September 16, 2010
next stop: procrastination central
I'm am a procrastinator.
I hear that admitting it is the first step.
Which is where I'm going to stop. (cause i procrastinate. get it?)
Examples of what I do while not doing the overwhelming amount of reading I'm already behind on:
- skipping the third and fourth days of school (for a good reason, aka my grandma's funeral)
- not doing homework last weekend and instead spending time with my family, playing apples to apples
- watching tv shows online (hulu rocks!)
- reading books not on any booklist from class
- going shopping yesterday (ikea, target, dollar tree, barnes and noble) to pick up various supplies for the year like a pocket calendar, plunger, wall clock, cleaning supplies, groceries, etc
- chatting with friends (which is far more important than any course work)
- cleaning and organizing the apartment
- cooking meals and doing the dishes
- blogging
It's hard to believe that I'm back in school again. I mean, it's amazing how easy it is to tell people that I'm a senior M.Div student.
But saying it and having it sink in are two separate things. Because really owning up to it would mean that I ought to be reading for class and writing papers and working on sermons and doing self-care journals. Just to name a few of my assignments.
Because if I were a good student, I would not be procrastinating. But at the same time, I am more than willing to let myself really enjoy this school year and learn what I can. I'm just not going to be all perfectionistic and read everything that I deem unnecessary. It's all about priorities.
And for this procrastinator, being with people and relaxing are far more important than being stressed out because of deadlines.
I hear that admitting it is the first step.
Which is where I'm going to stop. (cause i procrastinate. get it?)
Examples of what I do while not doing the overwhelming amount of reading I'm already behind on:
- skipping the third and fourth days of school (for a good reason, aka my grandma's funeral)
- not doing homework last weekend and instead spending time with my family, playing apples to apples
- watching tv shows online (hulu rocks!)
- reading books not on any booklist from class
- going shopping yesterday (ikea, target, dollar tree, barnes and noble) to pick up various supplies for the year like a pocket calendar, plunger, wall clock, cleaning supplies, groceries, etc
- chatting with friends (which is far more important than any course work)
- cleaning and organizing the apartment
- cooking meals and doing the dishes
- blogging
It's hard to believe that I'm back in school again. I mean, it's amazing how easy it is to tell people that I'm a senior M.Div student.
But saying it and having it sink in are two separate things. Because really owning up to it would mean that I ought to be reading for class and writing papers and working on sermons and doing self-care journals. Just to name a few of my assignments.
Because if I were a good student, I would not be procrastinating. But at the same time, I am more than willing to let myself really enjoy this school year and learn what I can. I'm just not going to be all perfectionistic and read everything that I deem unnecessary. It's all about priorities.
And for this procrastinator, being with people and relaxing are far more important than being stressed out because of deadlines.
Reunion at a funeral...
The funeral for my grandmother was a celebration of family in the midst of grief. I know that a lot of tears were shed at the prayer service, funeral and graveside. Personally, I both loved and hated the music since the songs were what caused me to tear up.
But it was a true joy and blessing to be able spend time with our family members. We imposed upon my aunt and uncle since they live close to the town where we spent a lot of time going to services at the Catholic Church.
Why were we so pleased with our family? Let me tell you
There are nine living children of Frank and Mabel.
Yup, nine who then had an even larger next generation of 27. That's right. 27 grandkids. And of course, I have never been with all 27 of us. Because, just like for this recent funeral, at least one is always missing.
But it is very exciting indeed when 26 of 27 are there. So we had a photo opp:
But it was a true joy and blessing to be able spend time with our family members. We imposed upon my aunt and uncle since they live close to the town where we spent a lot of time going to services at the Catholic Church.
Why were we so pleased with our family? Let me tell you
There are nine living children of Frank and Mabel.
(left to right)
Kendall, Teresa, Mark, Laura, Evelyn, Cletus, Eileen, Clyde, Loyson
Yes, Kendall (who happens to be my dad) is much taller than the rest of his family as he is actually standing on the same step as Laura...
Yup, nine who then had an even larger next generation of 27. That's right. 27 grandkids. And of course, I have never been with all 27 of us. Because, just like for this recent funeral, at least one is always missing.
But it is very exciting indeed when 26 of 27 are there. So we had a photo opp:
(starting in front left)
Rachel, Kara, Kiana, Kendra, Abbie, Sarah, Denise, Robin, Fran, Nicole
Kayla, KrissaMarie, Gina, Lisa, Brett, Josh, Heidi, Carl, Heather
Corey, Craig, Chris, Brian, Matt, Jack, Eric
not pictured: Scott
And the next picture we even let the great-grandkids in (not all were present). And no, not all of the kids are being held by their own parents. Some were claimed by other cousins...
add in Kira, Libby, Owen, George, Addison, James, Alison
not pictured: Cody, Nate, Katie, Lane
Don't we all look spiffy? We clean up good...
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
another long day
today started at 7:16 am. that was when i got a phone call from my mother. and yes, it woke me up. i love the confusion when waking up and thinking to myself that i was way too tired for my alarm to be going off and then slowly realized that the noise was actually my ringtone. the phone call informed me that my grandmother passed away. update since last posting: sunday she took another downturn. she likely suffered a stroke before she was taken to icu. then taken out of there since icu is intended for helping people get better and get out of their slump. but we (and by this i mean the family members who are in the medical profession) felt that she was not likely to make a recovery plus she signed the dnr. so they decided to do more to control pain and keep her comfortable. and sunday night, after the bad turn, they put her in hospice.
then i tried to go back to sleep but quickly gave up and decided to start packing since mom wasn't sure when the funeral was, but she thought it would likely be friday. and it is. so i'm glad i started packing and was actually almost ready to go before my class this morning at 10. and i also had to make phone calls to krissa to help her figure out when she would be flying back. so we set up a phone date for 11.
then off i went to class.
but don't remember anything since i was so exhausted and distracted.
then i called krissa and booked her flight for tonight. nothing like the poor girl getting her tickets ordered an hour before she had to start driving to the airport.
then i ate.
then i went back to my apt to finish packing and to load my stuff in the beast (aka the family's expedition). and i also unloaded a bookshelf i bought at ikea. and am super proud that i was able to move it in by myself. since the other day i could barely shift it. just no strength left after moving all day monday. which is when i moved back to seminary. and the same day i went shopping. but my strength returned for me to unload the beast since it was going to be heading home. cause i picked up krissa.
then i went to discipleship group and afterwards went to the internship debriefing. which i left early so that i could try to beat the bad traffic in minneapolis and get to sioux falls in time to pick krissa up at the airport. of course, the last hour was in the rain.
and i timed my arrival in sioux falls perfectly. rolled up to the airport as the plane landed.
then krissa and i took off on down the road to get home in parkston. in the rain and dark. not a fun combination. but we made it back home shortly after 10 pm
now we just get to wait for kiana to roll in sometime in the wee hours of the morning from wyoming.
then i tried to go back to sleep but quickly gave up and decided to start packing since mom wasn't sure when the funeral was, but she thought it would likely be friday. and it is. so i'm glad i started packing and was actually almost ready to go before my class this morning at 10. and i also had to make phone calls to krissa to help her figure out when she would be flying back. so we set up a phone date for 11.
then off i went to class.
but don't remember anything since i was so exhausted and distracted.
then i called krissa and booked her flight for tonight. nothing like the poor girl getting her tickets ordered an hour before she had to start driving to the airport.
then i ate.
then i went back to my apt to finish packing and to load my stuff in the beast (aka the family's expedition). and i also unloaded a bookshelf i bought at ikea. and am super proud that i was able to move it in by myself. since the other day i could barely shift it. just no strength left after moving all day monday. which is when i moved back to seminary. and the same day i went shopping. but my strength returned for me to unload the beast since it was going to be heading home. cause i picked up krissa.
then i went to discipleship group and afterwards went to the internship debriefing. which i left early so that i could try to beat the bad traffic in minneapolis and get to sioux falls in time to pick krissa up at the airport. of course, the last hour was in the rain.
and i timed my arrival in sioux falls perfectly. rolled up to the airport as the plane landed.
then krissa and i took off on down the road to get home in parkston. in the rain and dark. not a fun combination. but we made it back home shortly after 10 pm
now we just get to wait for kiana to roll in sometime in the wee hours of the morning from wyoming.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)