I Could Write a Book

the serious and the too-serious.

2007-05-02T16:23:00.000-05:00

Today, I ran into my friend Grant, who mentioned the fact that he checks this blog daily, in search of an update.

Sadly, my friend Grant has been disappointed for nearly five months.

As I sit here (putting off the sundry other things that appear on my many lists), I am 22 days from collecting my master's degree, 31 days from getting married, 33 days from my honeymoon, and 43 days from departing to Malawi, in SE Africa, for two weeks.

And there's more.

But, rather than go through what is arguably the craziest schedule of transitions I have ever faced (at once, anyway), I think I'll, instead, elaborate on other things.

First, bay windows.

I love bay windows. If you're in my family, this is the part of the entry where you interject the story of me, at a young(ish) age, attempting to store pizza (that didn't fit into the fridge) by the bay windows, since an outside wall would keep them cool. And then you'd laugh.

But you're not in my family, so you're not doing that. Thanks.

Anyway, I enjoy bay windows because, first of all, they bring more light into a room. And, they are a great place for a "nook" (if the windows are collectively small enough for a bench to sit among them). And, above all, they add tremendous character to a home.

This is on my mind, of course, because I'm sitting in the living room of the apartment that Joe moved into (and into which I will also be moving soon enough). "Apartment" is misleading because, in reality, we have overtaken the entire first floor of a victorian home that has since been converted. There is a young couple on the second floor, Beth and Adrian, and a single girl, Mindy, on the top floor.

We have lots of space, our own laundry, 4 fireplaces (none of which are functional, but they're all very interesting), and, most excitingly, it is our first home together.

There's something very strange about moving in together. Merging all of the "stuff" and, in one way or another, giving as much access to one's spouse to your stuff as you will likely assume you have to theirs. It's funny though--because I don't officially live here yet (though I've signed the lease and I have the keys), I still feel a bit like I should tip-toe around. I feel guilty taking any of Joe's food. And when I do our laundry (I picked that over dish-washing--a fine compromise, if you ask me), I feel almost as if I'm doing it at someone else's house.

But, the biggest shift in thinking, as far as I can see (apart from the obvious things like...you know...being married), comes in changing my name. I have had the same name for nearly 26 years.

Twenty-six years is a long time to be so attached to something, and then to watch it change in the blink of an eye.

It feels like (and in some ways, this is true) I will have an entirely new identity. A new name...heck, I have to get a new social security card, passport, driver's liscense, etc. And, what's more, I will officially be a resident of Pennsylvania. I never could've predicted this.

It will be a great hassle to become someone new. Change is tough; I rarely get the year right for all of January and, let's face it, you know the new year is coming...you know what it will be...and you have between 365 and 366 days during which to prepare. But this is different. This is new. This means that I'll have to wait longer to hear my name in alphabetical order. And, sometimes, when a group is split in half, I'll be with the second half of the alphabet. Strange--I've never been with the "Z's" and "Q's"

I'm not doing justice to the sort of feelings that changing my name has produced, but I'm not sure that I can.

Even still, I feel that it is incredibly important to make this switch. I think that it is one way of truly demonstrating my committment to Joe, and to our marriage. I believe that it is a tangible means through which our solidarity and family-ness will be proclaimed. Plus, it's pretty exciting. It, in a way, will make the true more true.

Ok, speaking of Joe, I promised him a sandwich when he got home from work. I'm going to make one. And while he's chewing on that, you can chew on all of this.

Bye! :0)

oh the weather outside...

2006-12-07T16:56:00.000-05:00

So, it is only the first snow-sticking day of the season, and I'm already scared to drive.

Let me back up: it wasn't always this way. 3.5 years ago at this time, I had no fear at all--caution. of course, but no real fear about driving in snow.

And, even now, it's not driving while it's snowing that gets to me. It's driving after snow and ice have already screwed up the roads.

I should point out, too, that I drive a Mustang. Not a snowmobile. And, 3.5 years ago, I drove the last Mustang under a semi. No, this wasn't a dare...nor was I an extra for Too Fast, Too Furious. I was just a casual driver who hit one too many ice patches on the highway that was supposed to get me from Nashville, TN to Oxford, OH. Apparently, I needed a stop in Louisville, KY on the way (oddly enough, at the hospital where I was born).

To further justify my feelings of concern, I should say that I was already on the road this afternoon; 45 minutes ago, I set out to get to the west end of town, knowing that, with weather, normal rush hour traffic, and the Steelers playing (and losing to) the BROWNS tonight, it would not be a short drive if I waited any later. However, as I went to go down a hill and found I was having a lot of trouble stopping and had lost most of my power to steer (fortunately, I was far away from the guy in front of me, and the van behind me was quite patient), I made up my mind to turn at the first place I could and get back to my apartment where driving is not required. Now, there's still a good chance that I'll go across town tonight--opting for a different, less hilly route--but I am glad I came back here to give myself some time to settle down. I didn't realize that I was quite as shaken by the sliding (it was only on the one road too...they'd salted the road that led to the hill, but not the hill itself--what sense does that make) until I got out of the car and couldn't get control of my apartment key in my hand to unlock the door.

All of this, and yet I have two things that I am holding on to:

1. There's no sense at all in allowing my fears to dominate my life. Sure, it is wise to drive cautiously all of the time--especially in yucky winter weather--but I can't put everything else on hold (which I'd have to do since I live 25 minutes from everything in which I'm involved...and from Joe [sheesh, I can't wait until we're married]).

2. I'm protected by God, who is bigger than snow storms, icy roads, and even possible car accidents. And even whatever inconvenience, injury, or death could result. Plus, I don't have any idea what the plan is for my life, but I'm going to operate under the belief that it is something significant and big and important because it is uniquely mine.

I still miss having my truck...

mooch

2006-11-11T12:39:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting at the Starbucks in Greentree right now and am mooching the internet off of the Greentree Library. I'm not even sure where the library is, exactly, but it is clearly not too far away.

I ought to be working on studying for my TH03 final--and I have been--but I think I deserve a tiny bit of a break.

I'm having a soy gingerbread latte right now. It is yummy. And tonight, we're going to a Japanese steakhouse to celebrate Tim's birthday.

It's raining and sort of "blah" outside, but Joe and the guys are playing football. Boy, he's going to be mudddddy when he gets back. Oh well.

I really like coming to Starbucks (or any other coffee place) to get work done. It's fun to do a bit of people watching, and I always like to get work done in a new environment. It saves me from getting bored, and allows me to really focus. Until, of course, I discover that my wireless card is doing its job. But, still, it's just nice to be in a different space.

Plus, I always feel like I might look like I'm doing something that's sort of important. Of course, someone's probably looking on my monitor right now and realizing that I'm only blogging, but that's probably okay too.

Last night, I felt like I had real confirmation as a part of the friends with whom I spend time now. Basically, this is a group of people who have all spent the vast majority of their freetime together for anywhere between 6 and 23 years. It's hard to make a lot of big connections as an outsider with people whose lives are so intricately intertwined. But, it seems I've "made it," because my name will be entered into the Christmas gift exchange this year. Of course, this makes me chuckle, because I think of my brother-in-law and his friends a few years ago (like...10 years ago, actually...sheesh), saying, "Shhh....he wasn't a part of the gift exchange." I know...not funny to any of you except for my sister.

Ok, being that I'm more tangential than normal, I think I should get back to studying so that I can channel my creative genius into theological substance...or something.

Bye! :0)

and another thing:

2006-10-06T10:28:00.000-05:00

I am still at work, and listening to my ipod as I write this.

One of my favorite Christmas songs, "With Bells On" by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton just came on. Now, I realize that Christmas is still 2.5 months away (holy cow, that's not far at all!), but I just haven't ever bothered to file the Christmas music seperately from everything else.

Anyway, that song came on, and I can't even begin to tell you how excited it got me for Christmas!!! I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I am now super-smiley thinking about all of the time that I'll get to spend with my family and be crazy and make cookies and decorate the tree and dance to crazy lights and Family Game Night 06...this year will be bittersweet, of course, having lost both Grampa and Joe's dad, but I think that we will find ways to honor them and to be joyous with all of the memories that we have.

This will be my last unmarried Christmas. That's a little bit weird, I guess. But it also brings with it a whole lot of excitement and hope for the future. :0)

Ok, seriously, enough from the peanut gallery for now! :0)

amusing musings.

2006-10-06T07:56:00.000-05:00

So, a few things (ok, many) have crossed my mind since I last wrote on here twoish weeks ago.

1. Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks: Starbucks has a lot of excellent seasonal beverages that pass through its doors each year. I'm confident that pumpkin spice lattes are my favorite. "What's this?" you ask; "I thought you were an eggnog girl--surely the eggnog latte is for you--and I've always known you had a penchant for mint chocolate chip ice cream, yet you don't pick the peppermint mocha?" While both the eggnog latte and peppermint mocha are both tasty treats, the pumpkin spice latte tops them both. Perhaps it's the sweetness with the subtle hints of a more robust flavor. Perhaps it's the fabulous orange shade that a bit of pumpkin syrup does when added to the milk and espresso concoction. Perhaps it's that soy milk tastes better with pumpkin spice lattes than with the other seasonal offerings. At any rate, it's probably ok--I don't feel like I'm doing a disservice to eggnog or peppermint and chocolate: I know that Jim and Dad will both consume their share of eggnog lattes, and that Mat and J will pick up the peppermint slack.

2. Bowling Leagues: As many of you know, and many do not, I am in a bowling league with my church. There are about 30 of us who get together every other week for 9 months or so and we bowl. 6 teams. 6 lanes. Lots of mayhem. On weekends when bowling conflicts with something else (i.e. the All-Church Retreat this weekend, for example), it is necessary to bowl off. That is, apart from the league, but with the purpose of fulfilling the league commitment, one must bowl their three games, the alley will keep the scores on-hand, and they can be included in the team's weekly total. After choir on Wednesday, Joe and I went to bowl off. It was just the two of us in Lane 1 at the alley. Now, Lane 1 is typically the worst lane in the alley because the wall of the building protrudes ever-so-slightly onto the walkway. Joe and I both bowled three games and we were finished in an hour. Power bowling at its finest. By the end, both of us were so exhausted (who am I kidding-we were exhausted prior to our arrival!) that we just sort of tossed the ball with no rhyme or reason. Of course, this proved to be an effective bowling method for Joe, who scored about 20 pins higher than his average in all three games. It was less effective for me, who just can't bowl very well at all. But I guarantee you I will remember the bowling scores for years to come, and Joe won't have a clue. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, he sings the songs and I tell the jokes--we're a regular Donnie and Marie...except, you know, not related and not a bit freaky. (Though, perhaps it's interesting [or not] to note that Donnie Osmond did play "Joseph" and ALW's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and I was also in that show. And Joe's name is Joseph. Oh, the connections.)

3. Wedding dresses: So, last night, I went to a surprise birthday party for my friend Amy, put on by her boyfriend, Adam. One of my favorite people ever, Mollie, asked to hear about my wedding dress, and then told me that I should draw it. Now, I'm not especially talented at visual art (except in the ways of videography, and I certainly wasn't going to cut a video to describe my dress!), but agreed to try my hand at this. However, when she came back with a Sharpie and a napkin as my materials, I realized the feat would be much more difficult to accomplish. So, I gave it my best effort and ended up with what looked something like a mermaid with a teddy bear on her chest and polka dots on her tail. By the way, if you were curious, here's what wikipedia has to say on the subject of polka dots:

While polka dots are ancient, they first became common on clothing in the late nineteenth century in Britain. At the same time polka music was extremely popular and the name was also applied to the pattern, despite no real connection between the two.
There were many other "polka" items some of which included "Polka-hats" and "Polka-jackets." Most disappeared with the fad of actual Polka dance. However only the polka dot fabric pattern remained popular and the name has been left intact over the years.

Anyway, I really wanted Mollie to understand how my dress looked, and that Joe wasn't at this gathering made it easier to talk openly about it. However, I fear she thinks that I'm going to be wearing something that Ariel (of The Little Mermaid fame) wore before she got her "training shells." C'est la vie.

4. SSX3: For my birthday, one of the gifts Joe got for me was this video game, which is the next in the series from the game Jennifer and Mat have, which I play a lot whenever I go to Chicago. It is a snowboarding game that involves halfpipes, trail-blazing, rails, racing, earning money and medals, and lots of tricks. I love it. The best part is this: it has to stay at Joe's house because I don't have a PS2, so I can't just play it whenever I don't feel like doing work (not to fear Procrastinator's of the World, Inc.--I have other ways of successfully delaying productivity!) Plus, the novelty of the thing lasts much longer when I don't have perpetual access to it. And, lately, my time at Joe's has been so short (because, oddly enough, I am ridiculously busy--wait, that's not odd at all) and my taking to the slopes has been much less frequent. More infrequent, even.

5. Babies: My dear friends Rachel and Nathan just gave birth to a precious son, Elijah. Now, to see Nathan and Rachel is to know that they will have cute children, but even still, I was so taken by how beautiful he is! Now, I've only seen pictures, which means I can't even begin to imagine the real deal, but wow...Of course, my niece Rachel still takes the cake for most beautiful baby ever, but Elijah is right behind her. Plus, it is just so exciting that Raibird and Nathan have a baby!!! This may, of course, affect their ability to come to my wedding, though I hope it does not...and it's still worth it to have that little cutie pie...who I'm sure will learn how to fart at will as soon as Nathan has the chance to teach him. Joe and I have talked a lot about our kids--sometimes I think he has a worse case of Babyitis than I do, but that's not such a bad thing. I love it when he points out cute kids or when he talks about wanting to be a softball coach for our daughter and a baseball coach for our son (apparently, he envisions a very traditional family). We've also talked very seriously about adopting, which is something that we both would love to do. It's nice to be on the same page about those things. And, by the way, when he holds one of the kids at the church (like Ella, who is just over one year old, and is so darling), it might be the cutest thing ever. Not surprisingly, he reminds me of Dad.

It may or may not interest you to know that I've written all of this while at work. It would certainly be of interest to my boss, but I'd rather he not find out...so, I think I'll get back to it. Have a good one! :0)

a class all my own.

2006-09-19T21:17:00.000-05:00

Life is absolutely full of craziness right now.

A frenzy, if you will.

I am getting married in 257(!!!) days. I will graduate with my master's degree in 248 days. I have 2 jobs, plus a volunteer staff position, plus I'm a fulltime student. Holy stinkin' cow.

I am so exhausted at the end of each day, but I'm really loving nearly every minute of it. I thrive in this sort of environment.

I wish I could see Joe more often, however. But, given that I have lots of homework and apartment upkeep and wedding planning and job-related responsibilities and all, it's tough to do so. And, when I do get to see him, it's frequently at CHUP activities...which is fine, but we need alone time too.

Next month, we are going to start our pre-marital counseling meetings with Dave, which is really exciting. Some people are, apparently, afraid of that sort of situation, but I can't wait. It will just make Joe and I that much stronger in our relationship, and will force us to deal with some big and important issues in a timely fashion. Plus, it will just be fun!

I'm enjoying my classes this term--the two that I like best are Church & Sacraments with Dr. Burgess and Adult Relgious Education with Dr. Foltz. They pull at two very different parts of my mind, but both are interesting and cause me to actually think. Plus, both of them are proving themselves to already be applicable in my current reality--in some fairly surprising ways.

My sister and mom are both going to be here this weekend......and we're going WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING!!!! WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm SO excited. Plus, there's CHUP bowling league, and the Browns play the ravens on Sunday which will, of course, be great.

Anyway, I need to get to bed, as Kelvonna and I have a 6:30 a.m. appointment with the treadmills. Bye! :0)

Birthday Season.

2006-08-14T10:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Joe!!! :0)

Yes, today begins yet another birthday season--Joe is 25, on Saturday, J will turn 30, 16 days after that, I will turn 25, 29 days later, Rachel will turn 4.

Hurray for birthdays!!! :0)

It will come as no surprise to you that my life is crazy. However, I am pleased to say that my plans for the week consist only of: working for 15 hours, cleaning my apartment, grocery shopping, doing some laundry, packing for Chicago, going to a picnic tonight, going to a meeting Wednesday night, saying goodbye to Stacey and Steve for 4 months, and, on Friday, flying with Joe to Chicago for a Smith Spectacular.

Also, Roommate will be driving in from Indy, and it will be the first time we've seen each other in 2 years and she'll get to meet Joe, which is good since she's in the wedding and all. I'm SO excited for this weekend.

Joe and I had an interesting talk last night, because I realized all over again that, after this year, my life will again go through major transitions in terms of my friendships. I mean, of course I will be getting married, graduating, moving to a new home, getting another job...and, just as with high school and college, so many of the friends I've made while being here will disperse. And, of course, I'll find myself in a weird situation where I need to find new and promising friendships. Given that Joe really wants to stay in Pittsburgh, it seems that these friendships will not be so easily truncated, and that's a good feeling. Of course, I really like all of the chuppers, but it's a little harder with them right now, as they've all grown up together and I can't/don't want to break in and sort of take over or anything like that.

Just something to think about...along with the wedding planning (291 days!), the honeymoon planning (any suggestions?), and the looming thought of school starting up again in 3 short weeks (hopefully it will fly at least as quickly as it did last year).

Ok, I'm off to Giant Eagle to buy food for the week and lots of stuff to put in the fruit salad I'm making for our cookout tonight.

Bye! :0)

ANNOUNCEMENT!

2006-07-31T23:23:00.000-05:00

For those of you who read this who haven't already heard (so, maybe one or two of you, frankly), I have this news to announce:

I'M ENGAGED!!! HURRAY!!!

Yes, Joe proposed on Friday night and so, now, we have begun the process of wedding planning. It's already stressful--mostly because I'm thinking about how much needs to get done for the wedding...and how that will happen in conjunction with being a full time grad student (I'll graduate a week before the wedding) and having 2 jobs. It is going to be quite a stressful year, to say the very least. But, no matter...fortunately, I have Mom, who is exceptionally good at being organized, and who knows how to find quality things at affordable prices. And my sister will be my matron of honor (even though she doesn't like the word "matron"), and will be as helpful as possible, though she's a few states west of me. :0)

I'm SO EXCITED! It's crazy...I just can't believe I'm getting married. Except that I can believe it. It was really fun today, too, when I got to have lunch with my dear friend, Dabney, and could ask her in person to be one of my bridesmaids--she lives a few states east of me, but I happened to be in her neck of the woods, so we got to hang out for an hour and a half. Talk about good timing!!!!!

Anyway, it's been a crazy couple of days, and the craziness has only just begun. But hurray for it all! :0)

Bye :0)

shock*

2006-07-14T07:59:00.000-05:00

*and awe.

Will wonders never cease? I'm updating my blog!

The question of it all is this: where do I begin?

I could write about my time spent wiling away the hours at the bookstore where I work. Or, I could discuss the fun that was my week-o-trips a few weeks ago. Similarly, there's softball, luaus, Chrysalis in Cranberry, and even caulking and spackling to mention.

But, I think that I'll start with one of the best things in the world: strawberry banana-flavored things. You see, at the bookstore, we have a basket of candy out for our patrons...and the other day, I was amazed to learn that, within that basket, there were several strawberry banana Starbursts. This was a new concept to me and, as it turned out, a rather enjoyable one. Of course, it does not quite meet the delight of a strawberry banana Edy's fruit smoothie popsicle. Or, even, Giant Eagle low fat s.b. yogurt. But, it was a treat, nonetheless. Oh yes, and yesterday, I had Berry Banana Cheerios. Delish.

Also, I have noticed something about myself lately: I rather enjoy poetry. I guess I've always had a sort of tepid relationship with poetry--some I liked and some I despised. In reality, even the greatest lover of poetry has some poems the s/he despises (maybe moreso). But, it seems that, for whatever reason, my appreciation for poetry as a literary form has increased. Maybe it's because I've been reading it for fun, not because it was assigned in this class or that. With that being said, I must admit that haikus, on the whole, really bother me. Don't get me wrong--many meaningful things are said in 17 syllables or less--but, there are a multitude of less meaningful things to say, and they seem to frequent themselves in the world of the haiku.

Third on my mind today is this: if I (or anyone, for that matter) had gone on to Israel for Zeitah this year, we would be getting back this weekend. Which means that a much tanner, blonder, more in shape Kristen would be roaming the streets of Pittsburgh, effective on Monday. While all of those things (mostly spending 5 weeks in Israel, though not as much lately) seem appealing, the status of things in my life now, having not gone overseas, is exciting in other ways. Ways that include a certain dinner conversation that will be happening a week from today involving a certain guy and two certain parents of mine. :0)

Word on the street is that, sometime next week, the lovely maintenance people are putting new windows into my entire building. Now, this is very nice and all...except that my air conditioner won't fit into the new windows. That is cause for serious frustration. Not to fear, however--I have two fans on reserve for my living room alone, and another one that is already on non-stop in my bedroom.

Also, training camp starts really soon for the Browns. OH! And...everyone who's a Browns fan should read the article in SI about Joe Jurevicius. It's so cute...and happy...and pro-Browns. There's a picture of his family allllll wearing Browns stuff--it's a full page of fans. And the article is all about how Jurevicius is soooo stinkin' happy to be living his dream and playing in an orange helmet. Woohoo!!! And, there are two pictures of him in Browns stuff, and, in the casual picture, he's wearing an Indians hat! He might be my favorite player. Ever. :0)

Ok, enough from me...you were excited about a post, and this is all you're going to get today. Nonetheless, I hope all is well with y'all.

Bye! :0)

Recover.

2006-06-26T07:27:00.000-05:00

I'm still so worn out--emotionally, physically, mentally.

I have sort of intentionally been withdrawn because I know I'm sort of on edge right now, and I don't want to snap at anyone. Plus, frankly, I haven't been feeling very social lately.

Of course, the irony of it all is that I saw lots of people this weekend...

Friday, I ran a few errands, then spent a relaxing hour and a half at Caribou, just reading a book. I think that's something I need to do more often, because it was so nice to just get away from it all and escape into someone's fictional life. Plus, I turned off my phone--I really need to do that more often, as my phone seems to ring off the hook. At 1:15 or so, I headed out to pick up Joe at his office which is waaaaaay out in the middle of nowhere. It sort of made Slippery Rock seem like a bustling metropolis. The drive was pretty though (once I got off of 79, anyway), and the rain, which was pouring down on me in Pittsburgh, had all but stopped by the time I got up to Boyers. However, I no sooner picked him up, and the rain started all over again--now coming down harder than before. But, we were headed to Cleveland and there was no stopping us (well, we did stop once, but you get the idea). We headed across 80 and got to Mom and Dad's house with relative ease, and even managed to relax for a little bit before they got home. Mom was surprised and happy to see us, and was also as exhausted and jet-lagged as one might imagine. We all talked for a little while, then headed out to Eddie's Creekside for dinner. I had not been there before, but it was tasty. Also, on the way there, Dad relayed his "Poseidon Adventure" story to us, wherein he was driving to Detroit from Toledo (and was minutes from the hotel), and it had been pouring rain, and he was slowed in traffic, so he put down his window to see, when along came a van in the fast lane, who proceeded to splash a tidal wave of a puddle...right. into. Dad's. car. He was soaked and not happy. It made for an entertaining story, however.

Anyway, we got back from dinner, I put in some laundry and we all changed into comfier clothes. Then, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was on Encore, and, for whatever reason, we all started watching it, so we eventually moved to the big t.v. and, except for Mom, we watched the entire movie (that's right--even Dad stayed awake for it). Dad went to bed then, and Joe and I stayed up for another couple of hours talking about things--some happier than others.

Saturday, we got up and ate at Sue's for breakfast (brunch, really), and I continued to do laundry. Also, Dad and I washed my car and swept the interior and cleaned the windows. It could really use a good waxing, but we didn't have time on Saturday. I cleaned out my trunk, which contained some interesting things: a shirt and skirt for Rachel, a mini bottle of cognac, a cd with several oldies on it, and a pay stub from two years ago when I worked at Starbucks. Now, I know my trunk hasn't been dirty for that long, so somehow, that whole melange of stuff must've been thrown in at once or something. Anyway, it's gone now.

Finally, all of us got showers and headed out to our respective weddings. Three of my friends walked the line on Saturday: Amanda, Katherine, and Megan. Joe and I went to Amanda's wedding/reception, while Mom and Dad went to Katherine's wedding and Megan's reception. Amanda and Riley were married at the Bertram, where the reception then followed. It was nice to see all of the Orange crew again, and Joe got a chance to meet/re-meet lots of people as well. The food was good, there were lots of laughs, and it was exciting that Amanda and Riley finally were married after 6 years. But, cheesy at it is, the highlight was dancing with Joe. Two months in, and we were still ridiculously giddy. Especially during the last song we danced to, "Unchained Melody." If you know me at all, you likely know that that's my all-time favorite song. So, to end our evening on that 'note' was nice. It was a strange thing when we danced together though--it was like there was no one else in the room. For 3 minutes (or however long the song lasted), there was nothing else in the world, there were no problems, there was nothing to think about except for us. Just Joe and me.

Of course, all good things come to an end, and such was the case with our evening. At 10 or so, we left the wedding, and Aurora, to come back here to Pittsburgh. Stopping for gas at Sheetz in Streetsboro, we managed to get back in just over two hours, which was great, as both of us were exhausted. Joe kindly stayed awake for the entire drive however, just to keep me talking and awake as well. And, it ended up that we talked about some really important stuff.

And, yesterday, we went to church, of course. And then there was the CHUP Luau, where I tossed a football with Scott and, later, Sandi...and where Joe and I were on a water balloon-tossing team (and we came in second place in the second round)...and where we all ate lots of picnic food, which was served just as more rain came down in sheets (fortunately, we had a pavillion). We went back to Joe's, slightly damp and still exhausted, and both of us slept for an hour and a half or so. Then we had to take several bags of clothing over to the church to donate. And then we ended up having a bit of a 'discussion' if you will...but everything was resolved by the time I headed out at 10:20 last night.

Today, I work for five hours, and then I have a meeting with Steve. Tomorrow, I work again, then I am driving immediately down to Joe's so that we can head out to Ft. Meade, MD for a few days (he has to go on business, and we'll also be going to an Orioles game). We'll get back on Thursday, and then Friday, I'll work again, and then we'll leave for Cleveland to spend the weekend with my parents and...J, Mat, and Rach!!! Joe hasn't met Mat or Rach, and only sort of met J back in October, when neither of them had any clue that it would be important to meet each other...so, really, it doesn't count. Anyway, it will be really fun to be together. We'll head back here on Sunday night, we both work on Monday, and then we'll celebrate July 4th at his house with a bbq, etc.

So, a lot of really fun things are coming up this busy couple of weeks. Somewhere in there, I'll need to get a good night's sleep though...

But, for now, I just need to get ready for work. Bye! :0)

considered.

2006-06-19T08:32:00.000-05:00

I'm sure that my fanbase is extensive, and I wouldn't want to be the reason that so many people leave their computer each day feeling a deep sense of disappointment...

And so, I will update for you today.

Of course, since my last update, life has been a whirlwind. I drove to Cleveland, flew to Seattle (via Detroit), cruised to and around Alaska, cruised back to Seattle, flew back to Cleveland (via Minneapolis/St. Paul), and drove back to Pittsburgh. And worked. And went to both a burial and a memorial service. And saw Nacho Libre.

So, there you have it...in a nutshell, anyway.

My cruise with the family was delightful. I got the opportunity to read books for fun (I read The Things They Carried and In Her Shoes), to take naps, to see a new film (The Producers), to play cards, to play penny slots...and, oh yeah, to spend time with my family in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka (and while we had a 'scenic tour' of Glacier Bay National Park).

Two highlights of the trip, of course, were kayaking in Sitka and going on a 7-part zipline (the longest of which was @ 765 feet, plus there were 3 suspension bridges) course through a part of the Tongass National Forest in Ketchikan. Beautiful scenery (The Forest of Endor and E.T. both came to mind), bald eagles, sealions, humpback whales, dolphins...they all were a part of my Alaska Experience.

Plus, my family's just awesome. And I get to see them all again a week from Friday! We're all going to Mom and Dad's for Independence Day, and, this time, I will be bringing Joe...(Dun dun dunnnnnnnnnn). J, Mat, and Rach haven't met Joe yet. Well, technically, J has, but it was last October when even I hadn't talked to him yet, so that doesn't really count. He and I will be driving up sometime that afternoon and staying through Sunday evening. We both work that Monday, and will be able to then spend the 4th with his family--we're going to have a barbeque at the house.

Which brings me to my second major event in the past two weeks (and the reason why it was tough to discuss Father's Day yesterday): Joe's dad died on June 9. That was the day I was flying back, so I didn't get to say goodbye, but I was able to get back to their house in Pittsburgh by early Saturday afternoon to help take care of things. I guess the thing about it is, it was a real blessing that he died in several ways. First, it took him out of his own pain--years worth--and it also was something that was a long time coming...so the family at least expected it, though that, of course, didn't make it easy by any stretch. But, his brothers and their families all came into town, and through everything, there was a lot of reconciliation that was able to take place.

Joe and I talked for a long time--several times--about how he is doing. And we both know that some days are going to be better than others, and that, at weird times, he'll think about something that will trigger a whole bunch of memories for no particular reason. And sometimes, he might be angry--it would be hard to know that your dad won't be at your wedding, won't meet his grandkids, etc. I am just glad that Joe has someone to talk to...and, of course, I'm also glad that someone happens to be me.

In light of all that, then, he and I have also sort of discussed "us." We talked about how dealing with this sort of thing only a couple of months into the relationship would likely end a lot of people. After all, this isn't about the giddiness and the butterfly-filled stomachs and all the other stuff that seems to exist early on. This is real pain. And real life. You can't sugarcoat this stuff. And it absolutely has required us to be open with each other in a way that would make some people uncomfortable with their newer girl- or boyfriend. For us, it seems that this event has propelled us rather than hindered us. And, for the first time, we'll be able to be "us" without having such an important "other-than-us" thing to worry about. Obviously, I'm not trying to say that I'm happy that Joe's dad died, and I hope the preceeding sentence doesn't sound horribly selfish, but Joe and I talked about it a couple of days ago, and it's just the truth of the matter.

On a sort of related note, both Joe and I were forced to come up with witty answers in response to the dozens of people (mostly his relatives) who made comments like, "Well, will the next time we see you be your wedding?" or "You two better hold onto each other," or "I'm glad Joe has finally found a special girl like you because he's a special, special, special boy and you had better take care of him."

We compared notes and realized that some people were trying to get information out of both of us at seperate times.

Anyway, today, I need to begin the hunt for another job. And I need to clean my apartment (which might even mean cleaning out lots of excess papers, a job I do annually, but really ought to do more than once a year). And the maintenance people are coming to do final window measurements, as they're putting new windows in all of the apartments in my building this summer. While it's nice that they're doing that, I'm super bummed that my air conditioner will no longer fit...but, apparently, there's some sort of compensation headed towards those of us in such a predicament.

So, admiring fans (all 4 or 5 of you), I leave you now to pursue all sorts of fun activities.

Bye. :0)

fast.

2006-05-30T04:16:00.000-05:00

ok, a rundown for those of you who wonder why I haven't posted in so long.

it's 5:14 a.m. EDT, and I am up now because I have 2 papers to finish by 5:00 p.m. EDT today. And, I will...

But, then, I have to return 10 or 15 books to the library, turn in a few forms to the financial aid office, do some laundry, wash some dishes, pack for alaska and drive to cleveland...all tonight.

in other words, the faster i can get done with the papers, the better.

i woke up with a giant surge of excitement and adrenaline, however, which is good for my productivity level. plus, before, i could procrastinate and procrastinate, but now it's crunch time. i always work to my deadlines.

it will be good to go to cleveland tonight, and even better to go to seattle tomorrow, and even better to meet up with j, mat, and rach on thursday. :0) of course, i am worrying about some things that will stay in the back of my mind for the entire trip, but there's really nothing i can do...so, hopefully, i'll still be able to relax some.

especially because, after today (in the words of Alice Cooper), schoooooooooool's outttttt for summmer! :0)

it's been a quick year. and, hey, after today, i'll be a...SENIOR in my master's program. woohoo!

but...that will not be the case if i don't finish the two papers of which i speak. and continuing to write on here is clearly counterproductive.

bye :0)

everybody hurts.

2006-05-10T07:42:00.000-05:00

Things are getting harder and harder around here.

Well, no...only one thing is:

Joe's dad isn't doing well at all.

I have mentioned to a couple of people that, as an eternal optimist, I have been looking for the good that is coming from this...and I have realized that there is at least one positive in the midst of so much difficulty.

Basically, I'm coming to learn just how deeply I care for Joe--and his entire family--because I am learning, too, what it is to be truly selfless. Now, I would not consider myself to be selfish by nature, but I think it's a fair assessment of all humanity that we are more selfish than we'd like to believe. But, with this, things are different--I am finding myself putting Joe before me, making his needs a priority over my own. I am still getting my work done, I am still maintaining the responsibilities that I could so easily abandon, but my priorities have shifted.

Looking back on this school year, it is hard to believe all of the things that have happened that have had a deep emotional impact, among other things. Katrina, and especially the way it impacted the Homans, really got to me. And all of this BRCA business and the MRI scares and long waiting in between appointments took their toll on me. And Grampa dying. And, now, Joe's dad dying.

But there have been some really amazing and wonderful things that have happened this year too. Field Ed. at CHUP has changed my life. Meeting Joe. Going to New Orleans and Chicago. SBL and the Tel Zayit Inscription announcement.

Wow.

I don't think I had any issues with maturity at the start of this year, but I see in myself lots of ways in which I have grown. And a few other people have pointed that out to me as well. And, with that growth has come the ability to more clearly figure out where I belong in life.

I never thought I would be staying in Pittsburgh. I wasn't even excited about moving here in the first place...Clevelanders don't move to Pittsburgh and Pittsburghers don't move to Cleveland. And yet, I feel more confident than ever that this is exactly where I belong.

:0)

As a side note, Mom, Dad, Joe, and I are going to lunch at Bahama Breeze on Saturday. That will be good. :0)

Bye.

analyze.

2006-05-06T07:59:00.000-05:00

Joe and I had a conversation (and have since referred back to it more than once) that absolutely intrigued me.

It all started because he is one of those people who can just fall asleep at the drop of a hat. I, on the other hand, lay down and ponder everything--what was my day like, what's on the agenda for tomorrow, and did I remember to put my Homiletics paper in the folder so that I can turn it in in the morning...and then, if I decide that my answer to #3 is "no", I proceed to check on said paper, confirming that it's in the appropriate place. And then, it's back to the thinking and pondering.

Of course, there are exceptions. Sometimes, I am so exhausted that I just hit the pillow and drift off. Such a thing is rare, however.

Anyway, from this, Joe and I began to talk about how his mind can just be a blank slate. This, of course, is not to say that he's dumb in anyway, but that he can just completely seperate his thoughts from the moment. If you know me at all, you know that this is not true for me. I overanalyze. I connect things that probably make no sense to connect. And, this, I believe, is part of the reason for my exceptional memory.

For me, life is a mnemonic device. I relate everything to everything. I am quite observant, and when I observe something and then relate it to another familiar thing, I am doubly aware of it categorically, and thus able to better recall it. This is why, for example, I was able to sort all of the clean laundry in Israel last summer, making sure that it was in piles for each individual to take back to their room...and all that after only the first week.

This is also why I sometimes have to act like I've never met someone when they introduce themself to me, as there are frequently times when I think to myself, for example:

"Ah, yes...Andy. Went to Miami. Works at MBNA. Likes fishing. 26. Birthday? Late August, because I remember it being around when J's bday is. Let's see....yes, I recall he celebrated 3 days before I went to J's, so around Aug. 16...hmm....lots of August birthdays. Johanna, Joe, Ashley, Brandon, Jen, Emily....I know I haven't seen or spoken with the last three in years, but their birthdays are still in August....I wonder how many other people's birthdays I remember....hm....I'll make a list."

Right. And there you see a tiny window into the randomness that is me.

Joe is coming over tonight, and we're going to cook dinner together and watch a movie. I am really glad that he's going to spend some time with is dad first, and I'm also glad that I know he'll tell me if he wants to talk about that situation or not. Last night, for example, he and I talked about it a couple of times on our own, but when we were at O.D. and out with the gang afterward, he wanted it as far away from his mind as possible. And that was good too.

It's been an amazing week in some ways, a really rough week in others...it seems as if there are so many people around me dealing with personal tragedy and loss right now, and I realized how much it was taking its toll emotionally on me yesterday. Of course, it's not at all about me, and I will continue to be the person I can be when some is in need and thinks I might be of some help. It's not in my nature to be selective about that. But I am just really grateful that there are people in my life, also, who are willing to let me lean on them too.

Take my family, for example. I know I always talk about how great they are, and this is just another on the infinite lists of reasons why...I called Mom yesterday morning, and, by my voice, I was clearly upset. She called back while I was at work and couldn't answer, then called back again a bit later and we talked for 3 seconds (I was still at work), and then she called back again after work and just let me talk and encouraged me and let me be upset and everything. I called Dad, too, and he stepped out of a meeting just to take my call, and then was with Mom when she called the third time, offering occasional background commentary (as Dad so frequently does). And I finally had the chance to call J, and she offered a successful blend of listening as I talked about the rough stuff, and letting me talking about the happy stuff too. And she made me smile. Plus, of course, I got to talk to Rachel, who told me all about her bandaids, her silver slippers from Oma, riding her very first roller coaster (with Buzz Lightyear), and swimming in the pool, among other things.

Yes, my family is fabulous. We're so good at supporting each other when stuff is happening in one of our lives, or when something is happening that directly affects all of us. We just love each other a whole lot, and that is clear to anyone who meets us. In really different ways, I realized again this year that my family is an anomaly...and a gift.

Anyway, I have sufficiently jumped around now...and I have work to do (though I am really tempted to go back to sleep for a little bit).

Bye :0)

frontiers.

2006-05-03T08:24:00.000-05:00

Wow...life is, at once, up and down.

I am stressed out about school, and wishing that there were at least 28 or 29 hours in a day. But, I feel that way at the end of every term, and I always get everything done and do well. Still, now that I have my newest job, which occupies an additional 15 hours of my week, and now that Joe and I are together, and I want to spend time with him, it makes all of the school work even less enticing.

Plus, there are so many difficult things happening with people in my life: April, Holly and Michael, Brian, and Bob have all lost loved ones this week, for example. And things aren't going well for a few others.

On the bright side, Rachel and Nathan are expecting and due in September, and Jansen and Jenifer are expecting and due in July. And Brian and Renee and Dabney bought houses. And Brian and Renee get married one month from today. And Jon and Jenny get married in 3.5 weeks. And I finally get to see Mom and Dad again in a week and a half, and J, Mat, and Rach a couple of weeks after that. Plus, I'll be taking a trip to Cleveland with Joe, Stacey, and Matt, and there meeting up with some other Pittsburgh friends and Cleveland friends (The Midnight Crew) for baseball. So many fun things are on the horizon.

Oh, yeah...and Joe and I. :0) I'll be honest, I have been doing a lot of smiling this week. Our communication is unbelievable. We're big dorks all of the time. We're both really excited about where this could go, and are thus being really careful to do things right. In the middle of everything, we've realized we're becoming each other's best friend. And we get to spend most of Saturday together. :0)

This is definitely unlike any other relationship I've ever been in.

Hurray! :0)

splash.

2006-04-26T08:32:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite people in the world found my blog and called me a "slacker" for not updating frequently enough.

I guess he's probably right.

But, I suppose I can lean pretty heavily on the "four jobs + school + volunteer work" thing to justify myself...

My life has been shifting around a lot lately. I'm certain that this is due, in part, to my general antsiness. I am ready for this school year to be through, I'm ready to get away from the city for a few days...I'm just ready for a break.

In a few weeks, I'm going with Joe, Stacey, and Matt up to Cleveland for a couple of days. We're going to see two Indians games, the second of which is against the Pirates. This is exciting in and of itself, but, for the second game, we will also be meeting up with Ben, Janet, Mo, Kira, Russell, Karen, Matt E. and possibly Matt B. I haven't seen any of those people (excepting Ben) since Thanksgiving or before. It will be nice to spend some time with them, and to introduce them to a few of my Pittsburgh friends, and to have a greater Tribe contingent than Bucco contingent in my group!!!

I feel like I haven't seen my family in centuries, though it's really only been a month and a half. Mom and Dad will be here in 2 weeks for Race for the Cure, and, of course, I and my friends will be staying with them when we go to Cleveland...and then only a week and a half will pass before we leave for Alaska!!!

I have to say that I am incredibly happy right now. Ever since Easter, my life has been a whirlwind of excitement, productivity, hope, and...well...cheesiness. Maria says I'm "twitterpated," Debbie says I have "Disney eyes" and pretty much everyone who knows me says that I'm acting differently about him than any of the others.

I am pretty sure there's good reason for that.

:0)

There are still a lot of things on my mind surrounding that particular situation, which is why I hesitate to say anything more on it right now...but, all in all, it's fabulous and exciting and indescribable.

Also, I have recently gotten back into touch with a lot of people from high school and undergrad. I found out that my college roommate, Rachel, and her husband, Nathan, are expecting (and now, of course, I'm planning a visit to their neck of the woods this summer), and I also got back in touch with my dear friend, Drew, from Aurora. He and I were always so close, and just drifted off as our lives went different directions. As it turns out, he comes to Pittsburgh somewhat frequently, so we're planning to meet up and spend some time together. We agree it will be like old times, which basically means we'll laugh a lot, he'll try to make fun of me and fail, I'll try to come up with good comebacks and I'll fail, and we'll laugh some more. I'd been trying to track him down for a couple of years, so I was really excited to hear from him.

I think I'm fairly fortunate to have built the kind of friendships that I did in years past, such that we can find each other now and wipe out the huge chunk of time that seperated us. I guess that's how one can identify true friendship.

Anyway, I must be off and doing some work...I am scheduled at two jobs today, plus I have class, homework, and giant piles of laundry with which to deal.

Bye. :0)

150.

2006-04-22T08:53:00.000-05:00

oh happy day...this is my 150th post.

I can't lie--originally, this week was going to be miserable because I had so much to do.

It has not been even remotely miserable...it has, instead, been shockingly awesome.

Of course, I still have a lot of work to do (which I will be doing allll day long today, provided I stop blogging), but I have plans tomorrow which keep me motivated in the meantime.

Last night was Open Door Fri. Night Rec, so I got to hang out with all the chuppers. Colton and I started throwing a football around, and ended up on the same side of the gym, fighting over the ball. I have a few bruises, but we really had a lot of fun. Plus, he got his when we were playing dodgeball.

That's right, slowly but surely, I'm becoming a dodgeball queen. I catch the ball and get people out. I throw the ball and get people out. I dodge the ball. Of course, I don't get as much ball time as I'd like since there are 20598203985 people vying for 8 balls, but that's ok. It will alllll come with time.

Today, I need to complete 3 papers, two of which will not take much time at all, the third of which will be quite time-consuming, but I don't think it will be that bad. Plus, I have to clean my apartment, wash dishes, do laundry. Essentially, it's not going to be a very fun day in the life of me, but it's good to have the entire day free to be able to get stuff like this taken care of.

In other news, I started my job at the bookstore on Thursday and worked yesterday as well...I love it. It's so much fun! Yesterday, I had Tom give me mock scenarios so that I could practice looking up inventory and whatnot. Plus, I got to do section counts both days, which means I get to cross lots of things off of lists. Hurray!

Anyway, as I've made clear, productivity is mandatory for me today, so I'm going to get to it. Hope all is well with y'all! Have a good one! :0)

sunshiney.

2006-04-17T13:29:00.000-05:00

I realize it has been eons since my last post.

That will happen.

I have been insanely busy--school is driving me crazy (but summer will be here in 6 weeks!), I recently got hired, and will be starting another job this week, and I have managed to fill up all of my free time with lots of excellent things...well, and meetings, some of which are great and some of which are...less great...dull as dirt, really.

Despite my business and the ulcers that should be resulting from the heinousness that is my life, I am happy.

Things are just going so well. I am happy with life right now. I feel like I finally am getting a sense of what I'm supposed to be doing, and where, and when, and why, and with whom. It's refreshing and rewarding to see the pieces of my "life puzzle" (*gag*) starting to fit together. Of course, I couldn't have created this set of circumstances for myself if I had to, but it's better than I could imagine.

I do miss my family though. Yesterday was Easter, and, while I had a fabulous day, there was a part of me that wished I could be in Chicago with everyone else. But, I get to see Mom and Dad in about a month, and then again the week after that (when I take some chuppers to Cleveland!!!!!!!!!!), and I'll get to see the Smiths in about 6 weeks. Hurray! :0)

Ok, I have lots of work to do, and I'm going to see Aunt Catherine, Uncle Dave, and the kids today for some hanging out and for some dinner.

But first, 10 reasons to be happy:

1. Sunshine
2. Getting back in touch with old friends.
3. Progress and patience... :0)
4. My out-of-the-blue note from Tom.
5. Rach referring to Dad and Mat as "the boys"
6. CHUP
7. Baseball season! (GO TRIBE!)
8. SOOO many fun things are happening between now and the end of the school year!
9. Looking at old photos.
10. Fresh flowers.

Bye! :0)

sunny.

2006-03-29T12:37:00.000-05:00

It is a glorious day here in Pittsburgh, PA.

The sun is shining, the breeze is mild, and I get to wear my flip flops...again!

It's remarkable what nice weather does to the people around here--but, then again, good weather is fairly anomalous around these parts, so I shouldn't be too surprised that it is so mood-shifting.

Things have been crazy around here lately. In some ways, I have been so happy about life, and, yet, I am also ridiculously bogged down with things to do, and, furthermore, there are a few things weighing on my mind that bring down the happiness level significantly.

Still, it's nice to have the weather acting as a pick-me-up.

Also, we're already almost through with week three of term 3. What does this mean? That there are only 7 weeks + finals left for me...and then...ALASKA!!!!!!!

I have been thinking a lot about my decision to not return to Israel this summer, and the more I think about it, the more certain I am that I'm doing the right thing. It's a good feeling to be so settled in such a big decision.

In fact, I feel as if, little by little, pieces of my life are starting to fall into place...not in ways that I could've imagined, of course, but who am I? I've been avoiding thoughts that revolve around me living in Pittsburgh on a more permanent basis, but I'm becoming more and more convinced that this is where I belong right now...and after I graduate in a year(!). Crazy...but that's where I am right now with things.

Ok, I have a quiz tomorrow and studying to do in the mean time.

Bye :0)

in medias res.

2006-03-25T07:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, the conference went well...but I had a very long day. I worked from 9-8:30, then went directly from there to Open Door for an hour or so, then needed some time to relax and wind down, which resulted in splitting apetizers at Sharp Edge with Stacey. Also there with us were Steve, Tim, Erlina, and Joe.

Good people.

Today, I plan on working for close to 12 hours again, but at the end, I will probably go directly to bed--no passing go, no collecting $200. I am reaaaalllllllly tired right now.

And, of course, I have homework and all, but I'll just have to do that tomorrow night.

In other news, I spent some time with the friend I spoke of in my previous entry and s/he is noticeably different in demeanor, but seems to be doing all s/he can to be positive. His/her faith is definitely strong, which obviously helps. Still, one can only do so much in the way of "preparation," and life still brings a million surprises...

Also, congrats to the Smiths (Eric and Janeane) (I'm sure I just butchered her name)...they delivered a new baby girl yesterday....little Zoe Evelyn! Mat and J are, of course, thrilled...and they're an aunt and uncle for the first time (since, of course, I have no kids.........)

Ok, enough stalling, I need to get ready for 12 hours of excitement...orrrrr busyness and mayhem.

Bye :0)

call.

2006-03-23T19:33:00.000-05:00

So, life can be pretty frustrating sometimes.

I'm not in a bad mood, per se, but I just have a lot of stuff running through my mind.

First, I can't wait for this conference to be out of the way. It is tomorrow and Saturday, and it has been a giant headache for me...blech. But, if I'm honest, I really think that it will turn out well. Still, it will be nice to have it over with.

Second, I wish I could figure out one piece of my life. Do I stay here or do I move away? Do I get a PhD or do I pursue another avenue? Do I stick with CHUP or do I look elsewhere? Do I write an honors thesis or do I take interesting electives? Do I stay with TUMC or do I consider PCUSA? So many questions...but, as yet, no answers.

Third, and biggest on my list of frustrations right now--how do I help someone in need? I don't mean someone who needs a quarter or a ride to the airport...but how can I be a friend in the truest sense of the word to someone who is struggling deeply, whose pain is potent, who feels the weight of intense burden on his/her shoulders?

How can I say anything when words can't capture my feelings? How can I express the genuinness of my concern? How can I make him/her feel better, when s/he can't come up with a good reason to do so?

I want to be the shoulder for him/her to cry on. I want to have the open arms for him/her to rely on. I want to be the one who wakes up at 3:30 a.m. to get that sleepless phone call. I want to provide a calm in the midst of such a treacherous storm.

Obviously, I am not going to mention the person in my life who is suffering so greatly at the moment. S/he has asked me not to reveal anything about the situation. But it is so hard to not be able to do anything. I feel powerless...and I imagine that s/he probably does too--on an even grander scale.

Anyway, I haven't eaten dinner yet, I have mountains of homework, I need to get some serious sleep tonight, and I haven't talked to Stacey in awhile, so we need to catch up!

Bye. :0)

truth.

2006-03-14T07:56:00.000-05:00

When someone compliments me, I'm not very good at accepting it and, certainly, am not big on advertising it. However, I got back my final from Dr. Nelson and I appreciate her comments because she is particularly thoughtful in her writing--I'm certain that she responded uniquely to each final she graded. Here's what mine says:

"Kristen--most delightful. You speak authentically in your own voice, write consistently and with great verve, and draw together a wide variety of resources. Now let's do this again next year!"

Dr. Nelson, too, responded to my writing in a genuine way, and I appreciate that about her, though we don't agree on many of the issues at hand. :0)

__________________________________

Secondly, I had lunch with Dave yesterday and, at that point, received my official invitation to return to CHUP for a second year. I wasn't entirely worried about it, quite honestly, but it still felt good to be asked, and I enthusiastically agreed. Plus, while this year was a sort of "potpourri" of activity in order to be faithful to the contract, next year I will get my own big thing--programmatic or otherwise--to spearhead and see through. Hurray! I have to start brainstorming about what that will include.

At any rate, as I said to Stacey, there is no way I could've ever predicted my life right now, but I'm really happy with where I am and what I'm doing, and that is a good feeling. :0)

__________________________________

Thirdly (but related to number two above), I am really excited about the friendships that have been developing in my life over the past few months. I have some really good friends at PTS, of course, but I have also grown rather jaded because of the way others treated me after I voiced my thoughts (the horror!!) last term. At any rate, it is a great relief to have a support system not attached to school...I don't always have to talk about theology and polity. Sometimes, I just talk about eighties music and Strawberry Shortcake and other non-PTSish stuff. Plus, the chuppers in particular are becomming people who will likely be in my life for a long time. :0)
__________________________________

Today is busy: 4 loads of laundry, 3 classes, 2 meetings, 1 trip to Giant Eagle, and plenty of writing to do. It will be a good day though. :0)

and stuff...

2006-03-13T22:16:00.000-05:00

Quotable moments of the past few days:

1. "You really should play the field."
2. "I just learned 6 new ways to bake a chicken."
3. "Ohhhhh......I saw your booootay."
4. "I contacted Lorenzo first."
5. "Frozen squirrels. *click click*" / "Break it down squirrels. *click click*"
6. "And jump and flip. And flip and jump."
7. "What is that poodle in front of you?" "That's my hair!"
8. "Who says attractive?" "People who are older than 13."
9. "Rose in Facoon."
10. "She went to Thailand." (Pronounced [thigh-land])

ch-ch-ch-changes.

2006-03-12T23:23:00.000-05:00

I have so many things about which to talk.

A wedding, a funeral, 2 vacations...all in a 2 week period.

Of course, most fresh in my mind is Grandpa's funeral. He died on Wednesday night, at only 78. I want to say more about it all, but my mind is going so many different directions that it's hard to know what, precisely, to say.

And Marne's wedding was beautiful (once Dabney and I got there, that is!), and it was such a thrill to see Dabney again...she went with me to the Open Door that Friday night (seems so long ago), then we went to Kings with Brian, Tim, Adam, Steve, Scott, Joe, and Stacey, which was, of course, lots of fun.

And New Orleans. Mardi Gras. Po Boys and shrimp etoufee and beignets from Cafe du Monde. And beads...lots and lots of beads. And the Homans: Therese, Michael, Kalypso, Gil.

And Chicago. J, Mat, Rach. Ben. Tricky. Michgan Ave. Moody. Gino's. And flip and jump.

Tomorrow, I begin a new term. I have CHUP things every day this week, except for Thursday. Stacey's coming over that evening. I'm not sure I'm ready for another term, but I think I will be soon enough. I can't wait for the WMI conference to be over, that's for darn sure. Oh, and I'm not going to Israel this summer anymore. Big decision. And important. And will be explained later.

For now, I'm exhausted in every sense of the word.

All I can say now is a glorious comment for my dear sister: Frozen squirrels (*click click*) :0)

Bye. :0)

zehn

2006-02-25T11:39:00.000-05:00

1. Dabney is here! It is so great to catch up.
2. Good times were definitely had by all at Open Door/Kings last night. :0)
3. I'm going to New Orleans tomorrow!!!
4. Packing for two climates was not as difficult as I'd anticipated!
5. It's super-sunny outside today.
6. My roses are still alive and pretty after a week and a half.
7. Marne's getting married...today!
8. Quoting movies and someone else following up with the next line.
9. I get to see J, Mat, and Rachey in 6 days! :0)
10. I'm wearing my turkey shirt right now and it's truly awesome.

:0) :0) :0) :0) :0)

After having such a stressful second term, life is so wonderfully happy and exciting now! Hurray! Hope all is well with y'all!

Bye! :0)

woooot.

2006-02-24T01:25:00.000-05:00

1. I'M DONE!!!!! (And, as it happens, I rock).
2. I got to hang out with Stacey tonight. We have too much fun together.
3. Dabney will be here in under 17 hours!!!!!
4. Um, it's Spring Break. Helllllooo!
5. T.O.D. tomorrow night (though my stay will be shorter than normal).
6. I'll get to have fun bonding time with Tom on the way to the airport on Sunday!
7. Oreo milkshakes with extra chunks of oreo on the bottom.
8. Singing along (and, for me, harmonizing) to a really great cd.
9. Hot pink dresses.
10. Giddiness. To the max.

Smile! :0) Bye.

2*5

2006-02-22T23:47:00.000-05:00

More reasons to be happy:

1. 2 finals down, 1 paper only moments from completion, 1 paper to go
2. 2/3/4/9/11
3. people who give really thoughtful and genuine compliments
4. when underdogs are successful
5. solid (if surprising) connections
6. hearing a piece of music in a new and meaningful way
7. my dishes are clean! yes!
8. glasses that are always at least half full
9. sunshine
10. laughter that comes straight from the gut.

bye! :0)

11-1.

2006-02-21T23:09:00.000-05:00

Ten more:

1. One final done, and, tomorrow at this time, I may have only ONE PAPER LEFT!
2. 3/4/5/10/12 (you should know what these numbers mean by now)
3. Great conversations.
4. Peg and Rick didn't make too much fun of me when they saw me trip in the courtyard...
5. The weather's supposed to be reasonable enough for me to not have flight delays this weekend
6. People who know me well enough to interpret my smile.
7. More NO logistics are figured out!!!
8. I got to talk to J and Rachey today (who, apparently, is going to watch "The Puppet Show" with me when I'm in town)
9. I might be done with my papers and finals by Thursday night, which means I could hang out with some chuppers!
10. I have been doing my Happy Dance over and over again! :0)

oxnwieln.

Bye. :0)

les dix choses.

2006-02-20T22:12:00.000-05:00

Happy. And here's why:

1. spinach artichoke dip (oddly enough, i've had spinach in some form everyday since thursday).
2. ben and i just played the "my family's better than your family" game over AIM and i won!
3. this time tomorrow, i'll be done with my first final!!
4. my weekend was a-ma-zing. i have new people, and they're faaaaabulous.
5. dabney: 4 days; wedding: 5 days; New Orleans/Homans: 6 days; Chicago: 11 days; Ben to Chicago: 13 days....dude. this is going to be the best break ever.
6. i've had permagrin since friday evening.
7. surprising dad last night at asbury :0)
8. dave's generosity
9. my stress level is relatively low, given that it's finals week!
10. life is just happy and sunny! :0)

bye :0)

dodgeball.

2006-02-18T12:35:00.000-05:00

Last night was oodles of fun. Yes, oodles.

I went down to The Open Door at 6 and got to shoot a few hoops, play some dodgeball (I got hit in the face...twice...) and laugh a lot. It was a good night for me to show up, too, as they were short volunteers (thanks to the 30-Hour Famine across the street). Stacey and I, of course, took time to debrief on everything (she got stuck in Arts & Crafts while I got to play games), and we talked about silly things, as per usual.

At 10, a group of us decided to go to the Sharp Edge on 60, and our group ended up being: Kayla, Scott, Kelly, Steve, Stacey, Joe, and me (plus Adam and Jessica were there too, but at a different table). We had a great time...oh-so-much laughter. There was actually a point where Stacey and I exploded with such laughter (and, so, snorting) that we got Steve to start crying he was laughing so hard at us. Also, Joe has promised me that, based on terms that we established, he will wear Browns clothing next season...of course, the Browns have to go at least 9-7...but I wasn't about to be anything other than confident. I also told him I'd go shopping with him for all of his new brown and orange apparel. Yes indeed.

As it happens, I also managed to get a fair amount of work done yesterday, and am writing this to take a break from the work I happen to be getting done today. Hurray! I am going bowling later on this evening with the chuppers, and then some of us are going to hang out (and possibly watch Zoolander...so hot right now).

I have to compensate for my embarrasing showing the last time I was at the lanes...or else they might not let me come back. Well, they will, but I'm far too competitive to settle for the lackluster performance of two weeks ago... :0)

I might be driving to Cleveland (well, Asbury) tomorrow to surprise Dad. I hope the weather holds out because he would be so thrilled, I think. :0)

Ok, back to work...or finding another way to procrastinate.

Bye! :0)

joke.

2006-02-17T11:09:00.000-05:00

Remember that joke (if you're my dad, it's the best joke ever) that asks, "Why was six afraid of seven?" And the punch line is "'Cause seven eight nine" and all that jazz?

Well:

7 days until Dabney
8 days until Marne's wedding
9 days until New Orleans
(and 14 until Chicago/16 until Ben comes to Chicago, though those aren't actually a part of the joke).

Here's what I have to do:

1. PS02 Journal--> 15 pages, due when I leave
2. TH02 Final-->1 page of typed info, review all books, and the final's on Tuesday afternoon
3. OT02 Final--> Wednesday morning
4. OT41 Paper--> 8 pages, due when I leave [and all the research it necessitates]
5. Work-->next Tues. and Thurs.
6. Pack!
7. A bit of laundry
8. Dishes
9. CHUP on Sat., Sun., Tues., Thurs.
10. Clean before Dabney arrives
11. Community Life committee meeting--> Monday
12. Giant Eagle/Bank/etc.

Actually, this list isn't too scary. I've had much more stressful finals before, and I've finished with a great timecrunch. (Last term, I was actually bored all day Thursday because I finished by Wednesday and just had to sit around, waiting for Ben to arrive).

Wow...this blog may be the most exciting of them yet. And by exciting, I clearly mean boring (to all of you anyway). But, I love lists, I just can't help myself.

Ok, bye :0)

7:30.

2006-02-16T21:10:00.000-05:00

today began on a pleasant note: i got to talk to conor! we only spoke for about a half an hour, but i was still nice to catch up briefly, especially given that he left for japan shortly after. as it turns out, he's moving in november....to VIRGINIA! that's much more convenient than either Korea or Guam. mom and i had a conversation about him the other day. it was an interesting one...but we both concluded that, weird as it is, my friendship with conor is really cool. :0)

now i'm waiting for miss xander and/or mr. lignos to call me. and we're most likely hanging out this evening. woohoo! :0)

byeeee :0)

decision.

2006-02-15T23:20:00.000-05:00

Ok, here's a question (or several): when does practicality lose its weight? How much should a possibility be assessed for its practicality when so many impractical things about it make so much sense in their own ways? how much does practicality actually do? is there really a whole lot of merit in planning way out into the future if we refuse to live in and for the present? can it ever be okay to do things on a whim? or to interrupt what seemed like a great plan to go for something that, initially seems outlandish, but might ultimately turn out the be the best plan? how much caution should be thrown to the wind? does giving something up now have to mean giving it up entirely? is putting something "on hold" a recipe for disaster and failure? if i'm meant to do something, won't i ultimately get to doing it at some point anyway?

these questions, and more, are floating through my head. i keep talking to people whose opinions i trust and they all offer incredibly compelling and thoughtful responses to my predicament--and fall on both sides of the issue.

i'm tired and confused. bye. :0)

parades.

2006-02-15T16:26:00.000-05:00

Ok, now I am really starting to get excited about Spring Break.

Don't get me wrong, I've been excited for quite awhile, but now that it's only 11 days away, the thrill is all the greater.

This is all especially true because Michael and I have been exchanging emails today, figuring out the details of how I will meet up with everyone!!!! Hurray!! I am so excited to see them! And it doesn't even end there! Because, right after, it will be off to Chicago! Hurray!

Clearly, I now have lots of energy.

But, let's take a look at things: I get to see Dabney, who I haven't seen in almost 2 years (whoa!), Marne, who I haven't seen in longer than that, the Homans, who I haven't seen in various amounts of time, and the Smiths, who I haven't seen since December (and they're mi familia, after all). Brilliant!

I realize that I'm becoming slightly redundant, having mentioned my upcoming trips and the people I will see as a portion of the content in several blogs. I don't care. It's my blog and I'll repeat if I want to! :0)

Is it a bit ridiculous that I am now more interested in packing than I am in finishing my finals/papers/etc.? Probably. Oh well. This is how things always are--I always have to get through finals, and then I have some fabulous event following immediately on the tails of a crazy academic week. And I still manage to get all of my work done. Woohoo! :0)

(As an incredibly lame sidenote: the chain of emails between Michael and me lacks a subject. So, right now, it says "re: re: re:" which reminds me very much of when Garth Algar stabs Mr. Donut Man in Wayne's World which, of course, is an intertextual echo that harkens back to Psycho. I hope somebody, besides me, can follow that logic. If not, I'm satisfied knowing that I've at least amused myself).

Hurray! 5 terms (almost) finished! Only 4 to go!!! :0) Bye. :0)

sooo...

2006-02-14T23:43:00.000-05:00

Ok, here are a few things to say:

1. Valentine's Day: Not a total bust. Brian was oh-so-thoughtful and got me 2 roses and took me to dinner. :0)

2. I got 3 new movies for $26. I win!

3. Suddenly, this huge and potentially life-changing possibility has come before me, and I don't know what to do (so J, I'll be calling you!). It could completely alter every goal that I have right now, but it would really be reverting back to some goals I had in previous years.

4. My chupper friends are great. It's nice to be forming some incredibly solid relationships there. It makes me smile. :0)

5. I'm watching "Hero" right now.

6. 12 days to NO, 17 days to Chicago.

7. I'm no longer doing my IS with Dr. Tuell. Instead, I'm doing a different one with Dr. Creach. Apparently, the entire OT dept. has been having meetings and exchanging emails about my topics and ideas, and they're all really excited about things. This is both encouraging and fabulous.

8. Good night. :0)

a.d.d.

2006-02-08T15:59:00.000-05:00

On Brad Listi:

Brad Listi is the author of a newly-released book, Attention.Deficit.Disorder. He is an unbelievably talented and engaging author...though I haven't even read the book yet. I follow his blogs closely, and have been in contact with him on a number of occasions. Also, on the cover of the book is a sillhouette, cut from a road map. Directly in the center? Cleveland, Ohio. He told me that he requested it on purpose. He later informed me that he has a soft spot in his heart for Cleveland, given our affinity to losing athletic battles in a clinch (or, just losing them outright, as the case may be). I have always stood for supporting the little guy, so I figured I'd give Brad a free advertisement for all...uh...10 people (maybe) who read this blog. Read his book. He recently finished the manuscript for a second one. I'll probably promote that one too.

On Job:

ADD isn't just relevant because I wanted to offer Brad some publicity. Indeed, I think I was afflicted with the disorder temporarily this afternoon. I think, further, that Josh B. and Josh S. (to my left and right in class, respectively) were also dealing with this particular situation. While the following events will not be listed in chronological order, they are a summation of things that happened between 1:30 and 4:00 this afternoon:

1. Josh S. hits me while I'm taking a drink, causing me to almost spit out my water onto my computer.
2. Josh B. purposely knocks my nalgene off the table, onto the level below us.
3. I knock Josh B.'s pen off the ledge in retalation for #2.
4. I turn toward Josh B. while taking a drink of water, at which point Josh S. screams my name loudly into my ear, thus making me spit out water...so, it appears, his mission in #1 was accomplished.
5. I played lots of hearts and minesweeper. At various points, both Josh S. and Josh B. had comments.
6. Josh B. pointed out a passage in the OT and told me I should preach on it. The passage had to do with complacent women needing to strip down and beat their bare breasts.
7. The three of us attempted to come up with a complete list of all words that are modified in spelling by the British (i.e. saviour, colour, behaviour, etc.).
8. Josh B. invited me to go to dinner with him tonight at some place in Polish Hill...He doesn't know how to get there and he can't even remember the name of the place (he said, "uh...it's like gish...gash....it starts with a 'g'). I told him that, sadly, I wasn't able to make it, but we both agreed to eat at Gish Gash another time...hopefully, he will have figured out the name and location by that time.
9. I learned that Josh S. and his brother were once tied up by their mom because they wouldn't stop fighting. Also, Josh B. got a brick thrown at him by his brother. It missed him, but then Josh pulled out a weed eater and proceeded to weed eat his brother's hand. They were both grounded for 2 weeks. On another occasion, his brother hit him with a shovel.
10. Dr. Gowan told us a story about shrews and hummingbirds only because there was a remote chance that Jen, in our class, had actually been a part of the particular incident of which Dr. Gowan spoke, and an even more remote chance that she remembered it...It happened in 1987. She does not remember it.

All in all, it was an entertaining class. And, even with all of those mishaps, I did manage to pay attention and take several pages worth of notes.

On AD:
My dad signs his emails in various ways, but they almost always involve "ADtM" or "AD (OtM)". Of course, most people would conclude that AD are his initials. However, they are not. ADtM means: "Awesome Dad the Magnificent" and OtM means "Opa the Magnificent." Dad is very fond, it seems, of giving himself epithets. This, of course, does not surprise me, given my own affinity for doing the very same thing. My sister, on the other hand, has a record for creating some weird nicknames...somehow endearing, but weird nonetheless. The three weirdest that come to mind at the moment are: "Bob Baryshnikov," "Pooka Mooka my soda cracker," and, of course, "Kristenita Mostachiolli Barf Breath." Now, the second name was derived from Chubby Checker's song, "Hooka Tooka." This makes sense because, growing up, Chubby Checker was my favorite singer. And, the third name makes sense because there was actually a time when I barfed mostachiolli. Of course, that shouldn't necessarily earn me a nickname, but there you have it.

Anyway, my family is nuts. Every last one of us. But, I rarely hear of any other family who has as much fun as we do. I mean, we make up weird dances with alarming frequency. We have weird rules about butt-hitting, wherein J and I must both say, "I agree to it." We do a lot of flapping. And, of course, we try to get Rachey to say "Ben Roethlisberger" as much as we can. (On a side note, she thinks that Ben Roethlisberger is the one coming to visit with me in March. J tried to correct her by explaining that there are 2 Bens, but Rach only came back with, "I want the two Ben Roethlisbergers to come visit!" We'll have to work on that).

They're my family. And I will be seeing two of them this weekend (Mom and Dad), and the other three in 23 days (J, Mat, Rach). Hurray! :0)

Dinner and service at CHUP tonight. And packing (I, of course, will take plenty of laundry with me to Cleveland). One and a half classes tomorrow, then I'll leave early to drive to Mom and Dad's house, meet up with Mom, we'll drive down to UH, and we'll hopefully get pleasant results!

Ok, bye. :0)

beverages.

2006-02-06T19:52:00.000-05:00

On drinks:

So, really, what is it about drinks? Why is it that some drinks are considered more appropriate for summer than winter, and visa versa?

For example, I had a conversation with a friend about Jack and Coke versus Rum and Coke. We both agreed that Jack and Coke is better in colder weather, while Rum and Coke is the clear choice in July. Neither of us could really explain why...they're both cold. 50% of the ingredients are identical. I ultimately decided that, perhaps, that rum is a "summer alcohol" because it's flavor is reminiscent of the Caribbean.

Right now, I am enjoying some Crystal Light Raspberry Lemonade. While "guilty" doesn't exactly summarize my feelings, I must confess that lemonade in the early part of February seems a bit out of place. It doesn't taste any different. I could even pair it with foods like grilled chicken or a burger or a salad (typical summer fare that also seems to be widely accepted in the winter months), and, still, it would seem a bit anomalous.

Perhaps I'm feeling a slight twinge of guilt because, in drinking lemonade, I'm neglecting the tea bags and hot cocoa mix that are sitting in my cabinet...on the very same shelf as the Crystal Light. This seems a silly reason for guilt, but stranger things have happened, I suppose.

It does make me feel better, however, to know that I have met the "yang" for my "yin," if you will. Inasmuch as I drink cold beverages on even cold days, my dear friend, Ashley, drinks hot beverages on hot days. We lived together my junior year of college and, on the days when we were actually speaking to each other (so, basically, second semester), she would knock on my door and offer me something hot to drink. She seemed surprisingly bothered to hear me say "no" every single night. There was one night--a single, solitary night--that year when I said "yes." Indeed, something hot to drink sounded good. I think Ashley was about to pass out.

On post-it notes:

I think that post-it notes and other adhesive paper devices (it's much easier to stick with the well-known brand name here, I think), are fantastic. Their uses are many. I am borrowing approximately 15 books from a dear friend of mine, and I can tell exactly which ones he bothered to read because they're positively covered in post-it tabs. When I was in high school, another friend brought a smile to my face one day by decorating the interior of my locker door with several post-it notes. Similarly, when I was going through some rough stuff while studying in Luxembourg my senior year of undergrad, my housemate, Christina, left positive notes on the door into my room, on the mirror in and both bathroom doors, etc. I still have a few of them. Oh, and they proved exceptionally useful in the costuming department of the movie Office Space (also thanks to them, we can purchase red swingline staplers). Also, because I'm slightly OCD when it comes to administrative stuff, the various colors of post-it notes come in quite handy. Having several multipacks allows me to create oh-so-many combinations: yellow with pink highlighter, yellow with blue highlighter, blue with pink highlighter, blue with blue highlighter, for example. I'm going to stop though, as listing out the various combinations possible has taken be back to stats...and I don't particularly care to go back to stats (though it is representative of my favorite kind of math).

On candles:

Here's something frustrating: Why, when a wick is carefully positioned in the center of a candle, does the circle of melted wax surrounding said wick tend towards one side of the jar? It is troublesome to have such wax "buildup" on one side. I am especially disappointed in this because, currently, I am burning a two-layered candle. According to the packaging, the top layer in its entirety is supposed to melt down before the second layer is touched. Alas, this is not the case. So, I am sitting here, enjoying the smell of apple cinnamon, when I'm only supposed to be smelling "pecan dream" or whatever it is. Sigh...I suppose life will have to go on anyway.

On the OT:

Lately, I have been very encouraged, despite my own doubts, about being able to successfully complete my PhD. It seems that, suddenly, people have taken a notice to my interests and abilities, and are pointing to ways in which they can work together. Today, for example, I got an email from one professor who has asked me to help him in a grant-funded research project to try and make sense of the violence that exists in the Bible. Why is it in there? How can we understand it, especially in light of the fact that Christianity touts things like "love" and "grace" and "justice," though there are clear moments where violence seems to step in the way of such "warm and fuzzy" things. To me, this is a fascinating opportunity. Also, I recently got the "ok" to pursue an independent study next term, under the tutelage of one of the OT professors here. We have decided to call the course "Life After Death in the Hebrew Bible." While my research will be slightly off kilter because I haven't yet taken Hebrew, I will be starting with a makeshift word study of "sheol." Is it hell? Is it more like purgatory? Who goes? Who knows? Also, I have started to teach myself the basic grammar behind the Hebrew language so that I'm not completely lost. It's not too hard, so far. I just have to not get too involved with it right now, as I have other classes on which to focus between now and the end of finals week.

On horseback riding:

I have to say it--I am much better at horseback riding than I'd anticipated. Now, of course, I realize that I was on a horse trained specifically to put up with first time riders like myself, but I still think I did a good job. Ariel, Amy, and I braved the rain and the cold on Saturday afternoon, all atop our horses (Midnight, Enoch, and Chippy, respectively), and we had a blast. Of course, none of us had very much success that evening when we dragged our sore bodies to the bowling alley...Fortunately, I had Joe on my team, and he made me feel much better...And, there's always next time (when I will dominate the alley).

Ok, back to Amos.
Bye :0)

40.

2006-02-05T23:01:00.000-05:00

Never has this city felt so lonely.

I drove home from watching the Super Bowl down at Dave's house...fortunately, people were relatively forgiving, and they even let me cheer the two times that anything having to do with the Browns came on t.v. And I was the sole cheerleader whenever someone uttered "Miami University."

But, now this entire town has erupted in fireworks, beeping horns, screaming, and an onslaught of terrible towels too enormous and depressing to describe.

I sure could use a good dose of Brown and Orange right now.

But, at least no one can call me a bandwagon fan.

Go Browns!

addendum.

2006-02-04T10:04:00.000-05:00

apparently, ben's boss told him that he was allowed to go to chicago once he told her he was going with me.

what can i say? the people of duquesne love me! :0)

today:

1. horseback riding...for the first time ever...with Ariel, Amy, and Stacey

2. bowling...for not the first time ever...with Steve, Tim, Dave, Matt, Brian, and I have no idea who else.

3. making the great decision...i've been invited to 4 super bowl parties. 3 will have mostly steelers fans, one will not. 2 will require some mapquesting, as almost all of the "main drags" in pittsburgh are being closed off at 9 tomorrow night. where, oh where, shall i go?

trip.

2006-02-03T16:54:00.000-05:00

This just in: Ben's coming to Chicago!

How fun.

And there was still an open seat on my return flight, so we'll both be on it.

He has already warned me that he's going to be a huge tourist...and has already asked if we can go to the top of the Sears Tower or Hancock building. And we've already decided that a trip to Jamba is in order (duh).

So many fun things in the next 33ish days! :0)

Bye.

#1!

2006-02-02T00:26:00.000-05:00

MIAMI REDHAWK HOCKEY: #1 IN THE COUNTRY!!! :0)

For love and honor. <3

why.

2006-02-01T12:27:00.000-05:00

When people hear that I'm still going to New Orleans, they often ask why...

Especially when I tell them that I'd made these arrangements prior to Katrina.

Here it is:

1. Of course, I'm still going to visit the Homans. Staying with them will be such fun--getting to catch up with Michael, surprise Kalypso, and finally meet Therese and Gil.

2. I will get to participate in what will probably be one of the most important Mardi Gras celebrations that the town has seen. It will be a much-needed sign of vitality and economy in a town so desperately in need of both.

3. I will get to actually see what news clips, photographs, and articles can only attempt to convey. In talking to several people from the area (and friends of mine who have already been down to help in other regions of the Gulf Coast), it seems that the devastation is grossly underplayed. I don't know that this is necessarily the fault of any person or group--it's just impossible to visualize something while remaining so distant from it. This is, of course, true for anything. Tel Zeitah as an example--after all, I took oh-so-many pictures to show people, and yet I know that they still don't understand the exact nature of it. It feels, to me, as if most people have sort of just forgotten about everything that has happened.

So maybe that's just it--maybe that is why I'm (still) going to New Orleans this month(!):

I haven't forgotten.

paper.

2006-01-24T20:57:00.000-05:00

I am half way done with my Job paper that's due tomorrow.

Actually, it's my second paper, as I decided that the first one (which was also nearly half-finished) stunk.

I am hoping to use bits and pieces of it in this paper however.

However, I'd rather be watching the American Idol auditions. They are lame, but they're also mindless, and they make me laugh.

Which is more than I can say about writing a depressing paper on a depressing topic.

And I'm tired and cranky anyway...

On the bright side of things, I have the following things coming up:

1. Calian Gala on Thursday!
2. Horseback riding this weekend (for the first time EVER)
3. 31 days until Dabney gets here!!!
4. 32 days until Marne's wedding!!!
5. 33 days until New Orleans!!!
6. 38 days until Chicago!!!

:0)

See, life's not so bad.

I am still sick of this paper, however.

Bye :0)

stop.

2006-01-21T23:21:00.000-05:00

A few reasons why I will move out of my apartment as soon as I graduate:

1. A fellow student was mugged this week.
2. I spent at least a half an hour rubber necking from my very own home. Why? There were between 5 and 10 cop cars/paddy wagons on campus at any given time...and lots of profane shouting...lots of asking (read: shouting) "Where's the gun?!?!?" and commentary on the quality of the drugs. And the K9 unit was on the scene. And several people walking around the perimeter of the parking lot (where my car happens to be parked) with their flashlights, seeking out...a person? the gun? more drugs? all of the above? That remains to be seen (as does the condition of the cars).
3. I was appalled to turn on the 11:00 news on three different stations, and all of them spent the first 10 minutes (i.e. 1/3 of the show) with a package on the game tomorrow....Now, I understand that this is "Steeler (err...'stiller') Nation" (ugh...I cringe to even type that silly thing)...but there are so many things that are so much more important...which leads me to my next point:
4. I can't stand the way that Steelers fans have been. Sure, every town has some of them, but they are a rare breed of obnoxious in this town. I can't wait until their season ends.

I'll have more to say later, but I'm too tired at the moment. Bye :0)

sudoku.

2006-01-16T18:03:00.000-05:00

I am exhausted, and I have a paper to write and a midterm for which to study before the night is through. Technically, I have a whole host of other things to do as well, but I'm aiming for the first two, and will allow myself a "break" only if it's to wash dishes or do some other equally productive form of cleaning the disaster that I call an apartment.

I just wish I could get my brain to function in a way that allows my paper to flawlessly write itself, and the stuff I need for Wednesday to just be securely locked into place with only one glance. Alas, such is not the case.

And, to add two horrible insults to such an injury, both the Colts and the Bears lost. Of course, the Colts had no excuse, especially given the horrible play calling (all of which "shockingly" went in their favor), but even still...ugh. So, as it stands right now, I want Seattle to win the Super Bowl. Why? A few reasons:

1. I hate the Steelers.
2. I hate the Broncos.
3. I hate both AFC teams in the running (See 1 and 2).
4. The Seahawks have never been to the Super Bowl. As a Browns fan, I know how that feels.
5. The Seahawks have been a more consistent team than the other 3.
6. If the Steelers win the Super Bowl, I will move. Heck, if they beat Denver, I'll consider it. I just don't want to be in this town if that happens.

Ugh. I am repulsed by the Steelers. I wish they had never made it to the playoffs. Sick.

Ok, I have to do work before I get all riled up and in a frenzy.

I <3 my Cleveland Browns!!! :0)

"ribble"

2006-01-15T01:26:00.000-05:00

What a weekend it has been...and to think, it's only Saturday! I love that my weekend feels as if it should be coming to a close (as it began on Thursday evening), and yet, it's only halfway through! Monday, of course, is the day that we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A worthwhile event.

But, for now, a few details on my weekend:

Thursday, Debbie and I drove up to Cleveland and spent the evening hanging out with Mom. That included: sudoku-solving, hot tub-soaking, and tv-watching, among other things. It was relaxing. The rule for Debbie and me was that we were not allowed to do any work that evening...Little did I know that so little would be done yesterday or today.

Friday, the three of us woke up and ran a few errands: Verizon (I have a new phone! Hurray!), David's Bridal (I have shoes for the wedding! Hurray!), and Cracker Barrel (I have 2 new Yankee car scents! Hurray!) We headed home after that and I ended up zonking out for a long nap, while Debbie "studied" (ok, she slept too, she tells me) and Mom packed (she was leaving that evening for a retreat). Eventually, Mom woke me up (by pouncing--a very cruel way to awaken a very crabby girl) and said goodbye. Debbie and I proceeded to get more stuff done, then J called and we chatted for a bit. Also, I did laundry somewhere in this whole thing. Then, Debbie and I ordered dinner from The Boneyard and couldn't resist a stop at Handel's as well. Alas, homework became a necessary evil, so we did some of that, while managing to catch two episodes of "What Not To Wear."

Saturday (today), Debbie and I woke up and packed up the car to head back to Pittsburgh. Of course, lest you be deceived, we did not drive immediately back. No, we drove through Aurora, so as to give Debbie a somewhat-official tour. Of course, the snow delayed things a bit, but she saw some of the good stuff. And, I picked up my new frames from Dr. Tomko. They're fabulous. Also, we (of course) made a stop at Starbucks--Lauren was working, and Lindsey, Laura, and Mrs. Weaver came in, so I got to chat with each of them. Then we headed out. By about halfway through our trip, I looked at my gas tank and decided to fill up...so we exited at Boardman. Of course, I couldn't resist a stop at Peg and Ash's house, so we went there for a "five minute pitstop." Well over two hours later, we left again, but not until having plenty of tea and laughs. Finally, at 5:30, we returned to Pittsburgh, all set and ready to begin homework--for real this time.

At about 6:00 my (new) phone rang, and I got to it just in time to see that Ben had called. I called back and he wanted to go to dinner and to see Glory Road. The arm-twisting commenced, and, eventually, I concurred. I managed to get a surprising amount of work done in between him calling and him showing up, and felt even better about my decision when I learned that Brian and Debbie were joining us. Dinner was at the Outback down in Robinson. It was yummy and we had a great time. Plus, I have leftovers, which is always an exceptionally exciting situation. Ben and I went to see the movie, while Brian and Debbie opted, instead, to see Memoirs of a Geisha, which they said was excellent. So, all of us enjoyed our respective movies. Around 1, Ben rolled up to the curb, and the other three of us piled out of the car...which brings me to right now. I have to get up in under 6 hours, the wind is blowing furiously and, while I'm incredibly tired, I'm also rather wound up.

Tomorrow, I have church, then I really am going to get work done all afternoon. Then, in the early part of the evening, I will drive back to Boardman to meet up with Peg, Jay, and Rus. We're all going to drive up to Asbury, which will be fun. I'll most likely stay the night in Boardman, then, and drive back here on Monday morning.

Until then...bye :0)

ginger

2006-01-10T07:37:00.000-05:00

On Breakfast:

I don't eat breakfast everyday though, of course, I should. However, I will perhaps be more inspired to eat breakfast right now because I have a new favorite cereal: Zen something-or-other. It involves dried cranberries, ginger, and a variety of flakes/rice puffs/brown All Bran-eque sticks/etc. It's really quite good. Yesterday, I found myself very much in the mood for an omlet from Bob Evans. I decided against going because it was rather silly. Of course, I ended up at Caribou doing homework again...and then ended up getting Subway for dinner. However, I have made an important discovery at Subway: the wheat bread is quite good! It will be a very healthy switch for me. Also, the chipotle sauce is fantastic, and half the fat & calories of the ranch dressing. Woohoo! I do enjoy eating fresh. But, this is no longer on breakfast.

On a related note, however, I noticed this morning that I need to do dishes, as I am out of bowls. Now, the interesting thing is this: I have a multitude of spoons. Now, I recognize, of course, that the use of bowl and spoon are not directly correlated. Also, I have more spoons than bowls. But, I also am well aware of my own eating, and I know for a fact that I have used spoons on a few occasions when no bowl has been necessary. Take, for example, cottage cheese. I have cottage cheese in my home (small curd, reduced fat), and can find absolutely no good reason to transfer it to another holding container before I eat it, so, I eat it direct from the container. That involves a spoon and no bowl. Similarly, each time I eat yogurt (strawberry banana, Danon Light), I use a spoon and no bowl. I am shocked and confused by the sheer surplus of spoons in my drawer...Moving on...

On Mail:

Last year, I learned the lesson that it's easier to ship things to campus than to have them shipped here to my apartment. Why? Because, when the shipping company is unknown, and then it results in UPS or FedEx, they invariably require a personal signature if they're going to leave a package in the apartments. Now, I understand, of course, that they must cover their butts. However, I am, for the vast majority of their working hours,not at home. I ordered a book last year (NIB Commentary: Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians) and had it shipped here...I ended up taking a mini-road trip with Josh to a scary UPS warehouse to pick it up. While Josh and I had a most enjoyable time on that trip, it would've been a much more productive time going...anywhere else, I think. All this is to say that, of course, I am eagerly awaiting all of my deliveries, and hope they arrive sooner than later.

On Organic Food:

I love organic food. If I had the money to afford it, I would shop exclusively at Whole Foods and stores that are comparable (Trader Joe's, Mustard Seed Market, or, if I'm ever near Fairfield, OH again, Jungle Jim's). I just like it better. Even things that taste exactly the same are improved because they are all natural (read:healthier) and, often times, they are products being traded fairly. Working at Starbucks, surprisingly, increased both my awareness of and passion for fair trade. Now, if only I could integrate that into my clothing purchases.

I do realize that I'm sounding more and more like a "granola girl" and that I sound more and more like a candidate for the Tri-Delts at Miami, but oh well. I still own leather products and eat meat.

On Hand Lotion:

I love hand lotion. I have several kinds that I use at various times in the day. My Aveda Hand Relief (a breast cancer awareness product, generously placed in my collection by my sister) gets used most frequently because it's in my living room/dining room/family room. It just sits on my tv stand, beckoning me to use it. And it's scent is quite subtle and pleasing to the olfactory sense. I also use my Ahava (means "love" in Hebrew) hand lotion that I brought back from Israel relatively often. It troubled me greatly to see that some Ahava products are now available at Costco, but I own several things that are not. At any rate, regular Ahava products have a delightful fresh scent--the Ahava Dermud products (for sensitive skin) are unscented.

I love lotion in general. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least 14 kinds of lotion that are in my bathroom right at this very moment. Some have shea butter, some are citrus scented, some decrease the frequency of needing to shave (though the existence of winter seems to do the same, to an extent), and one even has gold shimmer. They are all good at what they do, and I frequently select a lotion based upon my mood, so it's nice to have such a diversity.

This is a random blog, to be sure, but I don't especially care. Not too many people read this (I don't think, though I'm learning of more with each passing day), and it is my blog, after all. :0) Ok, bye.

throwback.

2006-01-06T18:53:00.000-05:00

Things to be happy about:

1. 851 calories less today, after spending some time on the elliptical and treadmill. :0)

2. I, rather hurriedly, made a purchase today. Actually, three of them. In thinking about some of the best books that I've ever read, I recalled three that I had somewhere around 1991. And I hopped on Amazon.com and ordered them, to be shipped sometime next week. They are: The Westing Game, Mandy, and The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles. I assure you, these are the cornerstones of life. Or, at least, they are all fantastic (and fantastically imaginative) books. I can't wait to reread them.

3. I have been in correspondance with this guy, Brad Listi. Now, it's probably true that none of you has ever heard if him. However, he has a new book coming out in February called Attention.Deficit.Disorder, and it looks phenomenal. He's a creative, talented, young writer. And, as it happens, he's hilarious.

4. Tonight, for the first time in awhile, it does appear that we are going to play cards. And the alternative for that is just as thrilling: we're going to watch...Zoolander!!! How very brilliant.

5. J called and left a message. That always makes me smile.

6. Clif Bars were on sale at Giant Eagle. So, I purchased two flavors: chocolate mint and oatmeal raisin. Of course, I blame my interest in said product completely on the Smith family. And that's ok.

7. Despite my very pronounced lack of motivation this week, I'm no further behind now than I was a week ago!

8. I threw away an entire garbage bag filled with old papers and stuff that I don't need anymore and whose only use was occupying much-needed space in my apartment.

9. Every single BCS bowl game went as I'd hoped.

10. I listened to "Wizards of Winter" today while I was working out (it was one of many songs, of course) and it made me smile. And I even did the ending as my family does it--fortunately, no one else was in the room to witness it all, or to hear me laughing.

lobsters.

2006-01-03T23:42:00.000-05:00

25 things that make me happy:

1. The messages on the inside of Dove chocolates
2. Hearing an old song and remembering all of the lyrics...and associated memories
3. Finding a few minutes to relax in the middle of a stressful day
4. Unexpected compliments
5. Stick-to-itiveness
6. Automatic lifts
7. Hope
8. Hand lotion
9. Pigtails
10. Uncontrollable laughter
11. Indian food
12. Lush bath products
13. Photographs. Especially candids where someone looks unexpectedly gorgeous
14. Writing
15. Having direction in my career path, and being able to defend it when someone thinks there are better alternatives for me
16. Orange Julius
17. Diet Coke with a real twist of lime
18. Clementines
19. Luxembourg
20. Looking at my passport
21. Making lists
22. Crossing things off lists when they're accomplished
23. John Cusack movies
24. Flip flops
25. A great bargain

25 random facts about me that you may or may not know:

1. My sister and I used to picket our parents. We would make signs that said "unfair parents" and/or "we hate our parents" etc., and we'd march around the house carrying them.

2. I never take corn on the cob the first time it's offered.

3. Sometimes, when I want to go somewhere but don't feel like getting gussied up, I wonder if Stacy and Clinton might be secretly filming me for "What Not To Wear."

4. At one point, both Miami and PTS were my last choice schools. I almost didn't apply to either. I have now attended both.

5. I have been to, eaten at, and taken my picture in front of the original Cracker Barrel in Lebanon, TN. My roommate and I drove almost an hour outside of Nashville specifically for that purpose.

6. I have had my yahoo email account for 9 years.

7. Sometimes my good memory bothers me, as there are a few things I'd rather forget.

8. The lowest grade I've ever gotten was a 38% on a 5 point exegesis quiz last year. It was curved up to a B. I got an A in the class.

9. I am no longer allowed to donate blood, as I've spent too much time out of the country. This makes me very sad, as I'd only donated a handful of times and I'm an O-.

10. I would love to go to Bagel and Deli in Oxford, Ohio and have a Random Bagel, no tomato right now. I'd wash it down with a UDF peanut butter milkshake.

11. In some ways, it seems like college happened long before high school.

12. My family likes to sing very weird things. There is a place on St. Thomas called Bolongo Bay. After having driven past it several times, my family began to sing "Stars and Stripes Forever" with the only lyrics being "Bolongo Bay" over and over again.

13. My sister requires that any guy I date be dorky enough to be ok with things like #12.

14. Despite the fact that living with her our freshman year was absolutely crazy (though we never fought), I still think it's kind of cool that Jayna and I sat next to each other at graduation, and that we're still in touch.

15. Though my grades are quite good, I still don't always work up to my potential, and that frustrates me so.

16. I wish I could ice skate and play kickball more often.

17. I remember when Mr. Caponi, my art teacher in 6th grade, wrote on my report card that I had outstanding ability. I still think he was lying.

18. I played the percussion in band for 3 years. Then, one day, Mr. Brookhart called and asked if I'd switch to baritone. So I did. It was much easier to talk during class in the lower brass section.

19. I hope that my high school class has a ten year reunion. But, I still have to wait 3 more years.

20. When I was in eighth grade, I had a conversation with Pat Gillen in homeroom about trying out for the football team. I wanted to be the kicker. Pat told me that his girlfriend, Kate, was going to be the kicker instead. Neither of us tried out, but I'm pretty sure I would've won.

21. I think it's fun to do nice things anonymously.

22. When I was young, I thought that everyone in the Army had to shave their heads. So, when I wanted one of my Barbies to join the Army (though this was the Barbie and the Rockers one with the blue eyeshadow), I cut off all of her hair. I actually had two Barbie and the Rockers barbies because one was Tara Coleman's. She had been my babysitter and she left it there. I never gave it back.

23. One of my favorite elementary school memories is that I got to walk on the bikepath every day. If you're from Aurora, you know about the bikepath. I also felt cool when my sister and I would walk on it to go swimming at the country club. The bikepath is awesome.

24. I never want to be a politician.

25. I used to never think I could live in an urban environment until I moved to one.

Ok, time for bed. Bye! :0)

mr. waterford.

2006-01-03T00:10:00.000-05:00

approximately 30 seconds ago, i got an email confirming my flights to and from chicago!

so, as it stands right now, i have a flight to new orleans, then a return flight from new orleans that will arrive after midnight. so, then, i will fly at 6:20 a.m. that same morning to chicago and will be there for 5 days. 10 days. woohoo! hopefully, all will work out accordingly.

also, i'm currently watching wvu and uga in the sugar bowl. i'm glad i caught a nap this afternoon, so as to be awake and alert for this game. it may haunt me a bit at my 8:30 class in the morning. i'll get over it.

boy--that steve slaton can run. and he's a true freshman. he just ran for his 3rd td and has 187 yards...and there's still 8:30 in the ballgame!

hail, west virginia, hail! :0)

i am desperately trying to get back into the swing of things. having had only one class today, and no absolutely pressing work to do this week, makes it rather difficult. i'm sure i'll be fine after a couple of days. i did meet with dr. tuell today to begin preliminary discussion for my independent study next term. he's really letting me sort of develop my own "curriculum" of sorts. also, i got information to begin thinking about my honors thesis for next year. 9 credit hours to research and write an 80-100 page thesis on a topic of my choice. yes!!!

anyway, there are under 6 minutes remaining in the game, so it's too intense for me to write while trying to watch. let's go mountaineers! :0)

bye :0)

1/4 of a century.

2006-01-01T23:18:00.000-05:00

Ah, 2006.

A year that promises excitement, adventure, a winning season for the Browns, and much, much more. Right?

Well, at any rate, I know that there will be weddings. At CHUP, there are already two funerals. And I plan, at this point, to find myself in New Orleans, Chicago, Alaska, D.C., and Israel at some time in the next twelve months. Also, this will be the year of Master's Thesis-writing, PhD school-hunting, Hebrew-learning, and, of course, turning 25.

I'm rather ambivalent toward new year's resolutions. I think, after all, that one can be resolute about something at any time. But, as for me, I didn't come up with any new thing to which I hope to work toward. I had a list of things already without needing Jan. 1 to guilt me into coming up with another.

The past two weeks were a rare mix of relaxation and chaos. It was truly good to be with family. It was certainly an emotionally-charged holiday. My sister had all of us fighting tears around the dinner table on Christmas Day. It was a special moment for the 24 of us to share. Also, I saw lots of movies. And I am still cavity-free after all these years.

I am not even remotely prepared to begin classes again tomorrow. I have read for one of my four classes. Fortunately, I will have some extra time tomorrow that I hadn't originally been able to schedule. I know I'll get everything done as it needs to be done, but I am severely lacking in the motivation department right now.

By the way, for all of you cynics out there: THE BROWNS WON TODAY! That's right. All of you who dared to think that my Brownies wouldn't have a win in the AFC North this season better think again. And we beat the Ravens. Those filthy birds. Ah, it was marvelous. And our record improved by two wins this year (6-10). I am quite confident that, with a reasonable draft, we will be on the winning side of the game next year. I can't wait. I am truly bummed that the season has already come to a close. :0( But, there's still the Cavaliers and Indians for whom to cheer. And the Force, of course.

I am sorry for those of you who expected to read this, my latest update, and laugh. Apparently there are some who get quite a kick out of my entries. I think I am just exhausted right now. But don't you worry--I will be funnier in 2006 than ever before.

And now, at 11:15 p.m., I'm going to consider the merits of productivity. Bye :0)

Game 9.

2005-12-21T19:18:00.000-05:00

I'M GOING TO THE BROWNS GAME ON SATURDAY!!!!!! AND WE'RE GOING TO WIN, BEATING THOSE CRAZY STEELERS!!!

Oh, yeah, and my seat? It's in section 109. Where is that in the stadium, you ask? Well, I'll show you:

That's right...that will be my view of the game.

And, Dad and I are going downtown early so as to meet up with my fellow Pittsburgh Browns Backers for some pregame enjoyment. YES!!!!!!!!! :0)

(I'm so excited that I'm currently wearing two Browns hats on my head). :0)

Ok, bye. :0)

7.

2005-12-20T09:54:00.000-05:00

You would think that a 7 a.m. phone call might annoy the snot out of me...particularly on a day when sleeping in until 9 or 9:30 was perfectly acceptable...and normally, you would be right to think that. I am not, as they say, a morning person. I like to sleep in (though I hardly remember what that's like), I like to wake up on my own, and the only person who can wake me up without fear is Rachel...Because, let's be honest, you can't get any cuter than Rach. And, she has proven herself to be rather persistent with her repetitious "Wake up, Aunt K. Wake up, Aunt K. Wake up, Aunt K!" :0)

This morning, my phone rang at 7. I'm surprised, in all honesty, that I managed to gain enough coherence to understand, first, that my phone was ringing and, second, that I needed to answer it. I stumbled into my living room (where my phone was charging) and offered a half-hearted hello. And it was Conor!

Ah yes, Mr. Guam himself called to chat, and it was good. We talked for just shy of 2 hours(!), which is fairly typical...of course, I don't count the first 15 minutes or so of the conversation, as I was still sleeping (which why I made a comment that military time involved dividing by twelve, rather than subtracting twelve). We're weird. We give each other a hard time about everything, but manage to take it all with a grain of salt. He spoke of the possibility of going to Iraq in May. Of course, I never like to think about that, but I know it's what he wants--he really wants to make a difference--so I have to be happy for him. I'm just pleased as punch (who says that, really?) that he has only a year a change left in the AF, and then he'll be in the states on a more permanent basis.

I have begun the process of getting my laundry together. Because I will be journeying to Cleveland on two different occasions over this break, I only plan to take half of my clothing. But, lest you think that minimizes anything, be not deceived: the "half" that I'm not taking this time fills two laundry baskets to capacity. It's sad, really, how much clothing I have. And I just gave away a whole bunch of it!

Also, last night, I went through all of my classes to see what work I need to do over the next two weeks. While it can certainly keep me busy, nothing is quite as overwhelming as I'd initially feared it might be.

Anyway, it's nice to start off my day on such a positive note.

Time to finish packing (I have to get out some games for our 4th Annual Family Game Night!!!), then a shower, and I'll be off! I wisely filled my gas tank and went to the bank for toll money yesterday, so I should be able to just take off from lunch. It will really be good to be with my family again. :0) Bye!

chilis

2005-12-20T00:35:00.000-05:00

Tom and I had a thrilling evening, which included a trip to Giant Eagle, a stop at NCB, and purchasing some vino at the liquor store (by the way, it still frustrates me that one can't purchase alcohol in the grocery store...silly PA liquor laws). Then, we went to Chilis for dinner--it has only opened within the past week or so, and it was packed. So, rather than giving our name, etc., we marched up to the bar and enjoyed dinner and drinks there.

The waitress/bartender was annoyingly shmoozy. To illustrate:

She, of course, carded both Tom and me, and when I gave her my liscense, all she could say was, "Oh my gosh, you look so totally happy!!!"

As it happened, I ordered a Jack & Coke, while Tom got his usual Captain and Coke. So, Shmoozy Waitress (herein S.W.) made all these comments about how "silly" it was that I ordered the typically male drink and Tom ordered the female drink.

Later, S.W. tried to make all of these jokes about how she was so hungry waiting for our food to come out. Yeah, we were hungry too. And then, she kept stopping by and asking if we could share our meals. No, we can't. And we don't want to. And we came to spend time with each other, not with you.

Even with S.W.'s amateur attempt at tip-earning, Tom and I managed to have a very enjoyable time. We talked about pretty much everything under the sun, in some sense or another. And I even got him to admit that there are some very good players on the Browns (Tom is, as it happens, a die hard Steelers fan...we won't be talking this Christmas Eve). We spent a couple of minutes noting the changes that have come upon me in the past year...i.e., I'm not high-strung like I used to be, I don't put up with peoples' crap like I used to, and I don't actually feel like I have to be friends with everyone.

I spent this evening looking at PhD schools yet again. I looked at several schools, and have started to get a good sense for the kinds of programs that are out there. The two schools that stand out thus far are Johns Hopkins and Michigan. Of course, it violates many moral principles to be interested in either. After all, JHU is in Baltimore...and we don't like the "football team" of convicts out there at all, and Michigan is...well...Michigan. Other schools that I've looked at in some capacity so far include Yale, Harvard, Georgia, Chicago, UCSD, OSU, and others. Chicago was pretty ideal until I learned that it takes an average of 14 years to matriculate. Yuck.

I'm rather excited because I have come up with a topic for an independent study next term with Dr. Tuell. I emailed him this evening with my brainstorms--hopefully he will take a liking to most of it, though I was honest when I told him that I am open to tweaking in whatever ways are necessary. It's right up my alley, however, to study ANE death/burial rites and systems. I want to integrate those findings with relevant biblical texts and discuss the implications therein. Hurray!

Anyway, I will be leaving in under 11 hours and I have yet to pack (and, of course, I need to sleep tonight), so I think that sleep is in order!

Bye :0)

break.

2005-12-19T17:45:00.000-05:00

Break is very uneventful so far...and I'm loving that about it.

Last night, for example, my evening consisted of vegging out, watching the "What Not to Wear" Marathon (or, as I call it, the "what not to wear-a-thon") until Ben imed me and wanted to go for a drive to look at a couple of condos in the south hills. So, away we went, literally just driving for over 2 hours.

I went down to Crafton today--it was good to meet with Dave. In about 10 minutes, I'm going to hang out with Tom...nothing special--we're eating at Chilis and running several errands--but it's always good to spend some time with him since our free time is so limited this year.

Tomorrow, we have our staff Christmas lunch at Mad Max's down at Robinson. The plan, weather pending, is to then drive up to Cleveland straight after. We'll see what happens. If I go home tomorrow, then I will likely be able to see the Orange crew, which would be nice.

It's cold! Brrrrh.

Ok, off to hang out with Mr. Moore! :0)

Bye :0)

Huh?

2005-12-17T16:46:00.000-05:00

Did you know that I have lived in the city of Pittsburgh for a year and a half and have only recently learned that I never knew which state it was in which I live?

That's right. You see, I was under the (sorely misguided) impression that I live in Pennsylvania. In actuality, I live in Pennsuwwwhvania.

Yes, Pennsuwwwhvania, land of Iron City and Yueing Ling beers, offroad courses that they try to pass off as "highways" (err...excuse me, "parkways"), "buggies" instead of grocery carts, and, of course, those blasted Steewers.

Ah, yes, Pittsburgh is quite an interesting place. Mullet (muhwet) hunters aren't people who go around in search of mullets to amuse themselves. They're actually people who hunt. And have mullets.

And the things people say in this city. The letter "L" doesn't exist. Come to think of it, there are several letters that seem to be dropped in casual conversation. Let me create a typical Pittsburgh conversation (there will be a Northeast Ohio/The Rest of The World translation following):

Me: Hey [insert Pittsburgher's name here], are you going to watch the Browns/Steelers game on Christmas Eve?

Pittsburgher: Weaowh, I'ow see the first haaaalf for sure, but I have tickets to see the bawwet tonaught'n'at. How 'bout yins guys? Err youze guys goin watch the Steewers beat your Cwevewand Browns?

Me: Actually, I think the Browns could pull off a win--just you wait. Or, if not, it will only be because the Browns are wisely opting for a higher draft pick!

Pittsburgher: Oh reawhwey? Yinze guys over der in Cwevewand don't have a chance cause yinz river caught on fire. [chuckle chuckle snort snort]

Me: Huh...Interesting. What does a fire that happened well before I was born have to do with anything?

Pittsburgher: Uh...weww, Myron Cope towd everyone that it burned and that's reawhwey funny to us.

Me: Great. Myron. Oh well...Go Browns and Merry Christmas!

***The translation will only include the lines of the Pittsburgher, as I'm quite sure you could understand what I was saying:***

1. "Well, I'll see the first half for sure, but I have tickets to the ballet tonight and that. How about you guys? Are you guys going to watch the Steelers beat your Cleveland Browns?"

--> I should here note that "and that" is an expression of extreme superfluity that is used here in Pittsburgh. It is extremely annoying and I cringe when it ends a sentence. Usually, if it creeps into one sentence, one can plan to hear it in 75% of the sentences that follow.

2. "Oh really? You guys over there in Cleveland don't have a chance because you're river caught on fire."

3. "Uh, well, Myron Cope told everyone that it burned, and that's really funny to us."

--> And now, I will venture to explain to you the local "legend", Myron Cope. Myron Cope was a Steelers announcer on the radio for years--this is the first year he has not filled that role. Even locals will readily admit that, for the better majority of his time over the air, Myron was drunk. Possessing the voice of Gilbert Godfrey, the vernacular of a true Pittsburgher (see above), the stamina of a distance runner, and the intellect of Gilligan (i.e. Gilligan's Island), Myron is one of the most obnoxious radio personalities EVER. And, it's true, there are countless individuals who would watch Steelers games on mute and listen to Myron on the radio simultaneously. It's sick, really.

Anyway, I have Christmas decorations to put up and dinner to make and vegging out in which to take part. Bye :0)

:0)

2005-12-16T01:29:00.000-05:00

Using the word of my dear sweet niece, I'm happy to report that all is well regarding my sister.

What was found?

NUFFING!!! :0)

(Not Ben Roethlisberger, right J?)

I have spent the past 11 hours breathing heavy sighs of relief.

And I watched Kinsey tonight. Really interesting flick.

Speaking of "flick," I signed up for Flickr today, so I officially have an online photo bucket.

And, I'm on Christmas break, which means the amount of thinking I will do over the next 2 weeks is rather limited. Hurray!

Ok, bye :0)

j.

2005-12-15T08:04:00.000-05:00

I wish I could be in Chicago right now.

I know that, being there, I couldn't change anything...and I know that my entire family wishes we could all be together right now, but we all have confidence that we're being as supportive as we can from our own respective homes...And I can hardly believe the outpouring of care around here--everyone I talk to says that my family is on this prayer list and was brought up in that church's prayer time last week and in her Bible study. I've been given phone numbers of people who have been in my position.

I hope my sister feels it--I hope she knows how many people love her. Especially me.

I am so glad that my entire family gets to be together next week. With everything that has happened of late, I think this is going to be a really important, special, and emotional Christmas. I'd even hug Mat with two arms...:0)

I'm off to class now...and remaining ever-optimistic.

Bye :0)

dilute

2005-12-11T22:15:00.000-05:00

In a rare incident of sanity, I am drinking eggnog that is approximately 60% milk and 40% eggnog. No, J, you didn't read that incorrectly...more milk than eggnog.

Perhaps I should back up for those of you who aren't in my family (so, most of you). You see, my family has diluted our eggnog for years (with skim milk). Even when we were buying the light eggnog, it, too, was only permitted to fill 50% of a glass (and, usually, Dad would put our eggnog in the little ridged brown glasses which were not big enough to truly enjoy the beverage at hand, but whatever). Of course, this rule, it seems, never applied to Dad. Dad has always cheated his way out of the 50/50 rule and has amended it so that he can have 70% eggnog and 30% milk for larger glasses. For juice glasses (which he also has used for casual wine intake, as it happens), there is no diluting necessary. Just straight eggnog. Now this, of course, is a travesty to my sister and me. Why can't we enjoy the bliss of straight eggnog? We're both adults, after all. I'm the youngest at 24!

Alas, I did the unthinkable--following closely in the footsteps of my father, I ventured to try eggnog...without milk...direct from the carton. This is the joy of living in my own apartment. Not that I abstained from jug-to-mouth milk drinking when I lived with my parents, but that's beside the point. Anyway, I learned that it's not much better to drink it straight. But, in trying to create an equalization between the remaining eggnog and milk in my kitchen, I am now enjoying 60% milk in my drink...Really, it tastes quite like 50/50.
____________________________________________________

And another thing: why is it that envelope glue is so gross tasting? Let's compare with markers. Now, there are many markers that smell bad...absolutely disgusting. But, then again, there are markers that smell brilliant. Everyone from my generation must remember Mr. Sketch markers. Those were the ones that came in a variety of colors, and they were all scented. Most people had a preference for dark blue or pink. I was a light blue fan, myself. Now, clearly, it's not the best habit in the world to go around sniffing markers, but it was still nice of the people at Mr. Sketch to think of those children in the world who would, indeed, participate in this act of ink-inhalation. In the same way, I'd suggest that an envelope company take the bull by the horns--let's have a variety flav-o-pak (haha) of envelope tastes. In a way, this idea is quite reminiscent of Willy Wonka ("The shnozzberries taste like shnozzberries!") Like marker-sniffing, envelope-licking is not necessarily the best use of one's time, but perhaps people would be more inclined to write a letter or pay a bill if they didn't have to deal with the treachery of the nasty envelope.

And before any of you comments on the ability to use a sponge, paper towel, or other envelope-wetting device, I will say this: yes, that's true and a valid point. But, do you drive up to an ATM and make a deposit there with an extra damp paper towel on you at all times?

No, you don't.

_____________________________________________________

And finally, slipcovers.

Are slipcovers named as such because:

1. They slip on to one's couch, love seat, or other furniture accesory with ease
2. They are made from slip-like material.
3. They are covered in a type of slip ("slip" here being a paleographic term that describes the sort of makeshift glaze often used on pottery in the Iron and Bronze periods, and that often differentiates one timeperiod and/or region from another. I know I'm a dork)
4. They slip and shift around and never ever stay in one place.

I would submit to you here and now that, indeed, the correct answer is #4. It doesn't matter what I do, how many times I readjust and readjust--even if no one has sat on my couch--my slipcovers are everywhere! I see the flowers of my couch and loveseat (formerly J & Mat's couch, and they got it from Jim and Jane) peeking out from beneath the khaki covers that are meant to completely alter the look of the furniture. The khaki does it's job...until you look at the floor and see a good 6-8" of flowers on the bottom.

Maybe someday, when I'm all grown up and people call me Dr. Kristen (or whatever other names people have for me by that time), I'll be able to afford couches that don't need slipcovers. Until then, I'll just be thankful that I have a couch and loveseat and an apartment with heat.

I still have more Christmas cards to finish, and plenty of homework after that.

Bye :0)

mingle.

2005-12-10T12:38:00.000-05:00

This week has gone from bad to worse to fair.

Without going into all of the details, my family is finding several new reasons to be a support system for each other. It's hard for me because I don't live near my sister, who could really use all the strength she can get right now (though we're working to remain optimistic) and I don't really live that close to Mom & Dad, or even to Grampa and Gramma to be of any help there...and even though that's at least a reasonable distance, I am so busy all of the time that it's just very difficult.

On the other hand, I am very grateful to be surrounded by so many people who care. People are just bending over backwards around here because they know I've had a lousy week...it's really hard for me to accept help from anyone, but it's really great to know that so may people are willing to give it in whatever way is necessary. I wish everyone here could split up--half going to WV and half to Chicago, and then things would really be good. :0)

In terms of good stuff that's going on: I got my grades yesterday and have managed to get myself a 3.9167. Not a 4.0, but not really anything to cry about either. Silly A-. I guess I can be okay with that. It's funny because my gpas just get higher and higher the longer I'm in school (which bodes well for PhD work!) I'm a big fan of rising gpas! :0)

Also, I got paid yesterday, which is a ginormous relief. And I'm expecting a check in the mail sometime in the near future, which will also be quite helpful.

The mambo last night was a fairly good time. It was good to catch up with some people who aren't in any of my classes this term. After the mambo itself ended, Grant, Allen, and Allison came over for awhile--we played cards and talked and whatnot. It was very fun. Of course, I didn't get to bed until nearly 5, but who's counting?!? :0)

This afternoon, I'm going down to Market Square with Keith, Derek, Rick, and others, and we're doing this giant outreach thing. I am in charge of the clothing...because there's a lot of it to hand out to various homeless people, and I have several bags of it sitting in my closet right now. Keith tells me he has some more with him too! I'm looking forward to it.

And, Grampa's birthday is today. I called him and sang--I think he was happy to hear from me, but he had to go because his nurse was waiting to take him somewhere. Still, I was glad to talk to him for a couple of minutes.

Anyway, that's all for now. Bye. :0)

Dashing.

2005-12-08T13:33:00.000-05:00

I have successfully shown myself to be the root of all things controversial in Christology.

Maybe that's not exactly true, but it was due (almost entirely) to my paper and related comments that our section was all in a frenzy this morning. There was actually some yelling that occured. Yelling, I tell you!

I don't mind being a "dissenter," as it were, but I was frustrated after class when I talked to a couple of people who thought they disagreed with me until I was given the chance to speak more on the topic. There were people in there who interpreted my comments through their own lenses (as it goes), and a couple who, in trying to reformulate my thoughts, completely jumbled them up.

But, I was told at the end of class that I was very "courageous" for bringing forward the conclusions that I had drawn. I do wish that everyone in the class had read the same three articles as I, and perhaps I would have been able to spend more time discussing my thoughts, rather than trying to explain those things on which the articles focused.

Such is life.

I have to work this afternoon, then I'm meeting up with the Badgers and Wickers for dinner, and then we're all going to go hear Dr. Tappy and Dr. McCarter give their presentation yet again. After this, I might be able to give the presentation myself! :0) Even still, it will be exciting to hear...and, I'm sure, it will further instill in several PTSers the interest in going to Israel with our lovely Zeitah crew this summer!

I am SO excited to make my return trip! Plus, I can get another tshirt since one of mine has a hole in it :0( (I'm not entirely sure as to how that happened...oh well!)

So, I must be off as work is in under 20 minutes, and I want to check my mailbox on campus in the meantime.

Bye :0)

comments.

2005-12-07T23:53:00.000-05:00

I don't have anything lengthy or important to say, only a few brief comments:

1. I can't believe I came home from Lux 3 years ago. I can't believe how much of my life has happened in 3 years, and how I hardly know the pre-Lux Kristen anymore!

2. My senior year of college, I used the word "hardcore" far too frequently. How did I not notice?

3. I wrote a paper today that is bothering me because I sound very feminist and whatnot--I'm not anti-feminism or anything, but I sound much more radical than I actually am. That wasn't my intention, but, at the same, time, I did get rather riled up when reading the three papers that "inspired" my own thoughts.

4. Today, Allen, Doug, Rich, Elaine, Dr. Purves, and I practiced the Dashing White Sargeant (a Scottish dance). We were awesome. Brian was lame and didn't show up, even when I tried to pull him in. Plus, he left me with a bruise on my arm.

5. I am really glad tomorrow's Thursday. And, it will be Amy's birthday! :0)

6. I wonder who actually reads this?!?

Ok, bye. :0)

feel good.

2005-12-06T18:41:00.000-05:00

Grampa had some surgery today and is in recovery...he's improving, but still has a long way to go.

Lisa Bell's husband was killed in Iraq last week--he was one of the Marines killed in the bombing...even though the Bells haven't really been a part of our lives for several years (though I did just see Mrs. Bell over Thanksgiving), it's still really sad to hear that kind of news.

In keeping with my quest for optimism and feeling good in the midst of rather yucky times, I am going to here mention two compliments. One came as a little surprise--I was looking at the myspace page of Lindsey, one of the girls in the youth group at BUMC. On myspace pages, there is a section for things like favorite music, favorite tv shows, and heroes. As it turns out, Lindsey listed me as one of her heroes!

The other one came from Michael. Now, of course, he didn't mean for it to be a compliment at all, but this was what he said after answering a series of Bible-related questions that I emailed him: "You should study more interesting things like American Idol on TV or you will wind up being a total loser like me."

I realize that's not even remotely a compliment, but I still interpreted it as such because it means that I was asking the kinds of questions that get me classified as a "nerd" or, in a much nicer way, as an "academic." Yay me! :0)

I have a meeting tonight. I have to leave in 15 minutes. I'm not too excited about it.

Bye :0)

eyes.

2005-12-06T11:40:00.000-05:00

This just in--another grade returned. This time, Doctrine. Grade? A! :0)

So, I am now forced to admit something rather troubling because far too many people have been pointing it out lately...

So...here goes: My eyes give me away 100% of the time. I couldn't lie if I wanted to! Everything I think, everything I feel, everything I wish to say but, out of respect or whatever don't--it still gets said with my eyes.

Some people express themselves with their smile or their eyebrows or their entire face as one entity. Apparently, I could as easily explain my thoughts even sans other facial features.

Most recently, I got an email asking if something made sense to me, followed up with the comment, "I can't see your eyes, or I would know." A little over a month ago, I had a little game wherein I thought of a set of certain things and a friend of mine would actually be able to tell which thing I was thinking about and when, based solely on the look in my eyes. I guess they keep me honest.

I am not in an especially good mood today--I've been thinking a lot about Grampa and Gramma--but I'm trying to be optimistic. After all, there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. I think that Field Ed. has really been helpful for me in dealing with this because I have done a good bit of visitation and it's somehow made things seem to be a little bit easier. I don't know if I'm less afraid and/or more confident or what, but I'm grateful for whatever it is that is helping me to feel more at peace.

Also, having Christology and Pastoral Care back to back is fantastic. I am very envigorated by that dialogue!

Anyway, off to MS02 and work.

Bye :0)

:0(

2005-12-05T20:50:00.000-05:00

Grandpa's in the hospital and not doing well. I just talked to Mom a few minutes ago, she will head down to Masontown tomorrow morning. I am planning to drive down there on Friday morning to spend some time...Hopefully, he will be stabilized and improving by that time. I don't like to think about any of the other alternatives.

I have so much work to do, so now the challenge will be finding a way to concentrate...

Bye.

grades.

2005-12-05T16:36:00.000-05:00

Actually, the title of this should be just "grade" but oh well.

I got my NT01 paper and last quiz back today. And, yes, I got an A. :0)

Soooo, so far, I have 9 credit hours worth of As (6 for Israel and 3 for NT01). I now eagerly await the results of the other 9 hours (3 each for Ethics, Education, and Doctrine).

Not a bad start though. :0)

I have an SA meeting in 20 minutes; I must skidaddle. Bye :0)

100.

2005-12-05T00:19:00.000-05:00

My 100th entry, and I've had this for less than 5 months.

I love to journal though...and sometimes my entries are rather trite (to say the very least), and sometimes they have very little meaning to anyone else, but sometimes I think they might possibly contain little nuggets of wisdom. For me, it's easier to allow myself to be honest and, in some sense, vulnerable, when I'm writing. It's a helpful tool for clarity.

I'm currently reading William Willimon's book Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry which is not something that I necessarily thought would be overly helpful given that I don't feel called into parish ministry.

I'm not too far into the text (about 60 pages), but I'm pleasantly surprised thus far. It's a rather technical manual, jazzed up with various stories from the author's experiences, etc., and many of the things about which I've read seem to be somewhat elementary, but there are also some good points. I wish he had reconsidered his use of words in a few spots, but on the whole, it's proven to be worth my time.

A particular text is sticking out for me right now, so I want to write it here, if for no other reason than to remember it for later (since I'm borrowing Brian's copy of the book and I don't want to mark it up). It reads:

"We live in a culture with an extravagant faith in the potency of counseling combined with a relentless interest in self-help techniques for human betterment. In such a culture, the pastor as therapist is a risky image for pastoral work--a possible capitulation to the infatuations of capitalist, bourgeois concerns rather than specifically Christian ones."

I think that I agree with Willimon's statement here, but I can't decide yet. After all, I don't believe pastors are only called to work with Christians, and, regardless of the historicity of the gospel accounts, it must not be ignored that Jesus' ministry was largely involved with 'human betterment,' and I think there are things which, Christian or not, ought to receive our attention. I don't think that Christians (ordained or not) can exclude themselves from some sort of service opportunity because their work isn't inherently "Christian," and I think, furthermore, that working with and for people who don't share that belief system is perhaps a better testament to what Christianity entails. After all, Christianity isn't meant to be some sort of secret sect, it's not an exclusive club (though it sometimes feels like it, but more on that later), it is, rather, some manifestation of grace, lived first and foremost through Jesus Christ, but echoed in humanity through the ages, thanks to the work of the Holy Spirit in and through us. Even Paul, with whom I sometimes have big questions, even he points out the necessity behind helping widows and orphans, for example. Ah yes, I must think more on this since, clearly, I don't have it figured out yet.

PTS has been interesting for me because I'm learning to throw certain cultural definitions out the window. I'm learning that there really isn't a "status quo", per se--or, rather, there are infinite perspectives on what the "status quo" actually is. I'm also learning that there are a lot of things that I believed because they were the only things instilled in me while growing up. Finally I'm in a place where those belief systems are called into question. Growing up in my suburban, white picket fence lifestyle, then going to undergrad with a bunch of other people who grew up in similar picturesque towns did not especially call my beliefs into question. As I think back on my Miami days, however, there is one moment that characterized me at that time: confronting Dr. Strauss.

Dr. Strauss is a professor that I will not forget any time soon. He was the head of the French & Italian department at Miami, and was my French Novel instructor (an upper level French elective). The French & Italian department at Miami was, at the time (and possibly still is), the number one program of its kind in the country. It was no small thing that I had the chance to study with Dr. Strauss in a class in which only 10 or so students were enrolled. We read several novels that term, and we wrote a variety of papers. Also, we each had to give a thirty minute presentation (in French) over some text-related subject. I remember very clearly my characterization of the two main girls in Anne Hebert's Les Fous de Bassan. But, even more vivid was my response to Christine Angot's semi-autobiographical book, L'Inceste. Yes, it transliterates into English to mean what you might suspect. Now, this particular text was so patently offensive (yes, it would qualify as "obscene" under the appropriate clauses--thank you, COM 447, Mass Media Law) that I could not complete it. I read the first 50 pages (about 1/3 of the novel) to truly give it a chance. My quest for open-mindedness had met its match. I was so bothered by the gross nature of this material that I confronted Dr. Strauss. I expressed to him my disgust and he asked if I thought others in the class felt the same way. I polled the other members and they all said that, yes, they too were horrified. However, none of them wanted to risk losing points and possibly getting a lower grade, so they refused to say anything. I was deeply troubled by that.

I talked to my parents, sister, and my boyfriend at the time...all of them were very supportive of me. My parents, in particular, made me feel better, confirming that they believed in me and my decision to "rebel," even if it meant I failed the class.

I talked to Dr. Strauss again. And again. I told him that I refused to complete the book and would thus be unable to write a paper about it. He challenged my stance saying that it was "that sort of subtle refusal to listen that led to the Holocaust." Offended, angered, hurt, and more convicted than ever, I debated with him and debated with him. Eventually, he told me that he would give me a different assignment. Instead of writing on the book in question, I had to write a paper (twice as long), in French, on why I shouldn't be compelled to read the book, though it was assigned in an elective class in which I chose to participate.

I got an A on the paper and an A in the class, which gave me a newfound respect for Dr. Strauss (though his Holocaust comment still enrages me). But, more satisfying was the feeling I had inside because I had done the right thing; I had stood up for myself, defended my beliefs, and maintained a sort of level-headedness that is sometimes a struggle for me.

The following year, 6 people raised their voices about Dr. Strauss (and others in the department), calling their morals into question, and a series of editorial letters from both sides of the issue found themselves in our campus newspaper. In the middle of that, Dr. Strauss wrote me a recommendation and thanked me for my maturity and candor.

Since coming to PTS, I have realized that the "conservatives" think I'm more liberal and the "liberals" thing I'm rather conservative. All of this has led me to conclude that those are silly titles that really mean nothing. I think it's more important to approach things as being right or wrong, than it is to worry about where I fall on the political/relgious/etc. spectrum.

I'm sure that even making an assertion like that probably categorizes me with some group, I can be labeled with one stereotype or another. Oh well.

It's after 1 a.m. I must be off to do other things. Bye :0)

making waves.

2005-12-04T00:30:00.000-05:00

I truly had a ball at the Duquesne Holiday Ball last night. I got to Ben's place at 5:30 yesterday evening and got home at 2:30 a.m. We spent our time with 3 couples, the women in each being Ben's coworkers (Sharon, his boss, was among them). We laughed and laughed. After leaving the ball, our group of 8 headed out to Cecil to this club of which the other 6 (excluding Ben and me) are members. We got a couple of drinks and played Euchre into the wee small hours (as noted above). I should here note that I played Euchre with the 3 men and Ben played with the 3 women because I am so stinking awesome at that game! :0)

There were, as with any multihour function, several quotable moments...none that I feel compelled to mention here...but it was fantastic overall.

When I got home, I was all wound up, so I ended up reading for class until 3:30, then finally sleeping. I awoke this morning to the heinous mess that was my apartment. I began cleaning and, with only a couple of breaks, continued through until my aunt and 2 cousins showed up at 5:45 or so. We went for dinner, then Aunt Catherine dropped us off here and we have been hanging out ever since. My how things have changed with the two girls...we're having a good time though.

I know that I have plenty of other things to say on here, but I will be waiting until a later time, as it's well past midnight right now, and I have a 7:30 wakeup call!

Bye :0)

theodicy.

2005-12-01T21:37:00.000-05:00

I'm reading this article for Christology (actually, it's the first chapter out of a book) that is particularly poignant for me right now.

The book is entitled Tragic Vision & Divine Compassion: A Contemporary Theodicy, and the name of the chapter is Tragedy, Suffering, and the Problem of Evil. It pushes me to the edge. It brings to mind a conversation I had in Philly (which, actually, was the product of a conversation I had several months ago), in which we discussed the the nature of suffering and, simultaneously, the inability we have to "walk in someone else's shoes." It all began when Michael shared stories and endless insurance-related facts all relating to his post-Katrina life. Time and again, I hear--we all hear--that one cannot even begin to appreciate the destruction without seeing it first hand. Even then, it becomes at once more and less clear what the magnitude of the hurricane--wait, no--the levee breaches--actually was.

It is really painful to know that someone is suffering, to want to do something about it, but to never be able to truly understand that person's condition. Naturally, no one will ever understand the conditions of someone else in their entirety--even spouses don't experience every last thing together, or, at least, didn't for the first 20some years of life.

I haven't yet completed this reading, but there are already several quotes that stand out and cause me to really think. For example:

"The phenomenon of human suffering continues to bleed thorugh the explanations that attempt to account for it...Hopes in future vindication do not make hunger, racism, war, and oppression theologically irrelevant."

"But justice cannot tolerate a cosmic harmony whose edifice is maintained on the unavenged tears of tormented children."

"Without denying the legitimacy of eschatological hopes, theology must seek a historical response to evil. Otherwise, consolation and hope may degenerate into excuses for remaining passive or indifferent in the face of radical suffering and injustice."

In the words of Josh Snyder, this stuff is pretty "heavy."

But I think there's another problem with which I'm trying to deal in trying to understand the age old question of why bad things happen to good people...I need to figure out what my motivation is for being helpful...for wanting change to occur, for having this drive to eradicate "evil" in all of its forms from existence (despite the fact that many of those forms are altogether uncontrollable).

Of course I want to truly be helpful, of course I don't want to see people constantly in the thick of suffering and despair. But how often do I do things to feel better about myself? To possibly get just a little bit of attention from someone who I'd like to impress? I don't think that I'm concerned with meeting a "quota" or anything like that, but I do know that sometimes, it is all about me, whether or not it should be.

I think I just need to get over myself.

Last year, I made a goal for myself--I wanted to do at least one thing every week that was a truly "good" deed--something that took me out of my comfort zone, even--and that made a positive difference in someone's life...but the challenge was, I was never allowed to tell anyone that I had done it. I'm not going to discuss the success of this quest, but rather, I think that it was really a good thing for me. If I'm honest, after all, then of course I love to be the center of attention. Of course I love for people to call to attention my good deeds or my talents or my intelligence or whatever. But it's not all about me, even when I want it to be.

And, when it all comes down to it, that stuff doesn't necessarily matter.

Michael's intelligence and sense of humor didn't keep his house from being destroyed in the hurricane.

Mom's unbelievable singing ability and enviable organization skills didn't prevent her cancer.

My Coach bags, trendy new glasses, cell phone, or even my cat blankie--my prized possession of 24 years--none of this stuff is going to save me either. Nor will the 12 committees that I'm on. The gpa. The Christmas cards that I've been dutifully filling out since coming back after Thanksgiving. It's all trite. It's all silly. It's all expendable.

My mind is racing right now. I want to stop writing and try to catch up.

Bye. :0)

duquesne. [doo-kane] not [doo-quez-nee]

2005-11-30T00:35:00.000-05:00

I just got back from Duquesne--I went there to study at the Starbucks with Ben while he worked on a final project. After we got sick of our productivity, we went back to his place and talked for awhile. We are both such nerds--we talked all about Ohio (mostly about why Cleveland is so much better than Pittsburgh), about PhD programs, about schools where we'd ultimately like to work, cities in which we'd ultimately like to live, and our respective trips to Europe.

Also, Debbie called somewhere during that time and complained to Ben that he stole her friend (me).

It was a good day...I had both Dr. Purves and Dr. Nelson this morning, and I am like a little child, I'm so giddy about those two classes. I can't wait!

I'm quite tired right now, but I am just not really in the mood to go to sleep yet. I feel like maybe reading myself to sleep with some class material, but it's all too interesting! Today, I read part of our Joseph Blankinsopp book for OT02 and I was so excited about it all. Several people have complained about that particular text, but I tend to think their complaints directly correlate to their lack of technical knowledge in this particular subject. There are plenty of ANE buzz words floating about, which could be somewhat burdensome for someone taking this course as an introduction to the second half of the Old Testament (essentially).

I'm writing a paper for Christology that will be due next week. In addition to our two required readings, Dr. Nelson gave us 4 readings from which we must pick one. I chose the one that she specifically said would push and challenge the reader the most. I am always up for a challenge and I appreciate the opportunity to be pushed and pulled and stretched as much as possible. Having the ability to coherently articulate the opposing arguments to whatever set of beliefs I happen to be defending will be an important skill. Plus, if I want to consider PhD work for even a nanosecond, I must be consistently sharpening my critical thinking skills. I need to be better at probing and creating depth in a text. I have noticed that I'm much better at literary correlations between texts, however. That is definitely something that has improved thanks to PTS...and, probably most specifically, Dr. Gagnon. He does love his intertextual echoes.

I had a discussion not too long ago with a wonderful person here at school with me. She and disagree on nearly everything theologically speaking, but we have a healthy understanding of each other, I think, which always makes our conversations satisfying. We did learn, on that particular day, that we share a distaste for much of the seminary vernacular...I am leary to use many of the common words of this community because they are steeped in ambiguity.

Here are a few of those words:

*unchurched
*liberal/conservative
*contemporary worship
*post-modern (are we really there yet...and well enough established in it to have a sound definition of whatever "it" is?)

Give me a sound definition of these terms...I don't want arbitrary, I don't want an extensive amount of flexibility...I want to know what these mean, or I don't think they should be used. As far as the term "unchurched" is concerned...it's easy enough to understand what that means, but it's just annoying. I can't stand that term, and I wish it hadn't been adopted.

I've come to the sobering conclusion that I am really a nerd. I thought I could escape it, but, in fact, my "nerdosity" exudes from every pore. My eyes give me away on everything...and the fact that my eyes sparkle and dance because I get to read about a bunch of dead guys who, for whatever reason, made it into Scripture, or because I get to read about proclamations that were recognized "from Dan to Beersheba," or whatever, is just sad. I can't be all there, can I? And, let's face it...I have Greek letters tattooed on my foot. Maybe I'll show my tattoo off to my students someday in the middle of the semester.

I can't wait to teach. Teaching will be so exciting. Of course there will be stresses--every institution in the world has its own special beauracracy, for example--but I know there will be people who are somehow inspired. I'm also really excited to have a family...I'm not anywhere close to that point right now (and fairly relieved to not be, if I'm honest), but I think it will be such fun. I sort of sound like I'm wishing to be 5 or 10 years ahead of where I am right now, but that's not true either.

I would say that I have wanted to just forget about seminary at least 150 times. I have thought about the "what could have been"s in my life on a daily basis since I moved to Pittsburgh 18 months ago. I don't like my 8:30 classes and I get frustrated at my lack of income because I don't have time to get a 4th job, and don't get paid for the 3rd job, and only get 10 hours per week in the combination of the 1st and 2nd jobs. Sometimes the people on this campus annoy and frustrate me to no end. Some of them annoy me because they act as if they're better than me, some of them annoy me because I get it into my silly mind that I'm better than them. I think some of the faculty members on staff here are egotistical, and, despite their many accolades, they really have to reason to be.

The smartest 5 people I've ever met are likewise 5 of the most humble.

I could learn a good lesson from that.

Anyway, with all of that being said, I love it here. I'm glad I'm here, even if it's Pittsburgh. I think this is where I'm supposed to be right now, and I wouldn't change a thing about my situation (except I wish I didn't have to be so dependent on my parents for financial support, but that's for another night). I'm happy with the choice I've made to be here, and I'm even more happy with the other choices that came my way that I refused. This is a good place, and I truly believe that the vast majority of the people here have good hearts and really care and really want to be the best that they can be.

Regardless of the stumbling blocks that fill this campus ("the devil's playground," as one friend calls it), I am thankful for this place.

And now, I must go to bed. Bye :0)

list happy. happy list.

2005-11-28T04:25:00.000-05:00

I love lists. They make me smile. I am in the process of making a detailed list that indicates all of my activities, meetings, etc. through Dec. 16. It is gratifying to make the list, indeed, but even moreso to cross things off!

Perhaps that is why I'm busy all of the time--I like to be able to cross off as many things as I possibly can!

Anyway, today has been fantastic so far, and it's only 1 p.m.! I woke up to shower and whatnot, and had a few extra minutes before needing to leave for class. I checked my email and had stuff from 3 wonderful people, so that was exciting.

**brief interupption: Elaine just imed me to let me know she had a dream on Thanksgiving that I got married! Her subconcious must know something I don't...:0)**

Then I went to class and had a great time--Prophets & Psalms with Dr. Creach. I know I'm a nerd, but I'm really excited about this class...and Job (which meets on Wednesdays).

This afternoon, I'm going down to Mercy Hospital to visit one of the people that Dave and I have seen on several occasions. It will be my first solo visitation experience, but I think it will be good.

Then, I'm going to seek out Jim, who emailed me to tell me that he'll be on campus this afternoon! It will be the first time I've seen him since Israel, so it will be nice to catch up for a few minutes. He's going to be here next Thursday as well (for Dr. Tappy's presentation), but I am fairly certain that our conversation will be somewhat limited at that time.

Later on, I have a meeting at the Beehive down on the Southside with Keith and...I don't know who else. He invited me to be on the planning committee for an upcoming event he's planning. I'm really excited about this outreach opportunity, so I was pleased that he offered. Then, of course, I will finish my homework and continue on my Christmas cards!

I'm sensing that it's a good time for me to list 10 things that make me happy...though it might be an extended list this week, as I'm very happy. So, here goes:

1. Being back here (I didn't think I was ready for it, but, as it turns out, I am!)
2. My new hair
3. All of the fun things coming up
4. Making lists
5. Spending time with family
6. Rach saying "That's you...That's mullett."
7. Making plans for New Orleans
8. I get to go back to Israel!
9. Pumpkin ice cream
10. Christmas cards :0)
11. Holiday festivities
12. Getting back in touch with people
13. When Harry Met Sally
14. Laughing from the gut
15. Finally having a clue about my future, and being excited about it
16. Finally having a clue about my master's thesis/possible advisor, and being excited about it
17. I don't have to drive in the snow today! Hurray!
18. Christmas is coming!!!
19. It's almost December, which means that it's just over 10 months until my birthday (yes, I keep count for that long).
20. I had yum leftover Thanksgiving food for lunch again today.
21. My apartment isn't a total disaster...yet
22. Michelle & Lauren here this Saturday, Johanna next Saturday, and possibly Alyssa, Marcy, and Lindsey here the Saturday after that!
23. It's sunny right now. :0)
24. My 2 book purchases at SBL were great choices
25. I have well over 25 reasons to be happy! :0)

Ok, off to go do fun things. Bye! :0)

Crumbs From Your Table

2005-11-28T03:14:00.000-05:00

I just got into one of my "contemplative" moods, so beware.

I had to go back through emails I've gotten from Michael to get the address where he and his family have been living ever since Katrina messed up their home, and I ended up scrolling back through the entire series of emails we'd exchanged prior to that event, which ended with a shockingly sobering email from Michael (though it was meant to be humorous at the time), which read, "If I die in this hurricane coming, you can have my trowel." Obviously, he was not serious, but it got me thinking back to those first several days after Katrina hit--I knew that Michael was in New Orleans the entire time, though his family had evacuated, and I was very afraid that he had died. Let's face it, I've spent 6 weeks with the guy and his daughter, but at that moment my fear was so real--it was as if I'd known the Homans for my entire life.

Of course, when I was in Philly last weekend, I got a healthy reminder of why I grew to respect that entire family so much, and why I connected with Michael and Kalypso more than most anyone on that trip (excepting Ben). I have gone through my entire life always carefully thinking about who I would let in, about who I would let stretch me and challenge me, and it seems as if there's been a surplus of that sort of person in my life this year. Over the past several months, the biggest positive (non-family) influences in my life have been:

1. Michael Homan
2. Kalypso Homan
3. Dave Carver
4. Keith Kaufold
5. Conor McCarthy
6. Brian Wallace
7. My Sunday School kids (Robbie, Tyler, Carly, John, David, Cody, Josh)
8. Lauren Hughes

Everyone with whom I come into contact has some sort of an impact on me--that's the nature of relationships, whether good or bad, but these are the people who have touched me in some particular way, or who have boldy challenged me to become the best person that I can be. These are the kind of people who motivate me to be strong because they, themselves, are such fine exemplars of strength in their own ways. None of them is like the others, but they are all amazing people.

And one of them just IMed me. :0)

Bye.

"break"

2005-11-27T22:32:00.000-05:00

My week off of school was good, albeit, busy.

I feel as if I ought to write some lengthy recounting of all of the hilarious moments that have occurred over the past several days, but I don't really want to. Some moments are best as memories, and are silly to try to convey to someone not involved anyway.

I am back in Pittsburgh now, but I don't really feel like being here. I don't know where, exactly, I'd like to be, but I'm certainly not ready to begin the grind of Term II. Even still, it was good to be back at CHUP this morning--I've missed my time spent, especially talking with Dave. I have many exciting things to which I can look forward...I have to get through only 13 weeks, and then I am going for a surprise visit down south. Only 2 people know I'm coming, and it is going to be an absolutely marvelous time--I'm really looking forward to it.

But, let's back up, because there are several fun things that await me much earlier than that...Allow me to include in this entry a brief list:

1. 12/2: Holiday Ball
2. 12/3: Lauren & Michelle here
3. 12/4: Friends & Family Day
4. 12/8: Dr. Tappy's Big Announcement finds its way to PTS (and dinner w/ 2 Badgers)
5. 12/9: Mistletoe Mambo
5a. 12/10: Ice Skating, etc. (???)
6. 12/13: Dr. Humphrey's installation, etc.
7. 12/16: Dr. Calian partaaaay
8. 12/20 or 21: Back to Cleveland again (for a whirlwind of appointments, etc.)
9. 12/24: Back to Pittsburgh...Christmas Eve!
10. 12/25: WV with the whole family...Merry Christmas!
11. 12/27: Back to Pittsburgh
12. 12/31: A variety of possibilities...

See? A bajillion things to which I am looking forward, and that's only within the next month! Plus, I'm sure I've forgotten some stuff...

As for right now, however, I am trying to write out at least some of my Christmas cards...If I can get most of them done over the course of the week, plus get my decorations up, plus take care of the usual stuff, I will be pretty happy.

Also, I hope to get the results back on my various finals/papers/etc. It would be lovely to do the "Happy Dance, Version 4.0" (Get it? Like my gpa? I kill me). :0)

Ok, back to the productivity.

Oh, p.s.: I got new glasses (they'll be sent to me sometime soon) and my hair is all now back to its natural color (i.e. much darker, no more roots) and I got 6" cut off. Yay me!

Bye :0)

pictures

2005-11-22T21:22:00.000-05:00

For pictures relating to the Tel Zayit Inscription (read: the abecedary that we found in Israel this summer), go here: http://www.haventoday.org/goingdeeper/59

As a side note, it's not pronounced "ab-seh-dairy" but, rather, "aye-bee-see-duh-ree," in case you were wondering.

The Smiths will be here in approximately 3 hours! Woohoo!!! :0)

Bye.

kiiiiiirsten.

2005-11-22T16:13:00.000-05:00

What a weekend. I'm not sure how to begin or where to end, but there's plenty to say, that's for sure.

I finished all things school-related on Thursday morning, then spent the day not cleaning, though that had been my plan. Instead, I ran around, giddy and stupid and listening to Christmas music.

Ben got into town at 8:30 or so, and we were both hungry, so we went to Rotellis for dinner. Yum. We got back, watched some t.v. and talked for awhile, then decided to go to bed since the van was picking us up at 6:30 a.m.

Dr. Sunquist arrived as scheduled, so Ben and I joined the rest of the gang (Dr. Burgess, the Beckers and Matt Bell) and we left for Philly, but not before making a much-needed stop at Starbucks. We got to Philly and I got checked into the hotel with no problem. Everyone dropped their stuff in my room temporarily, and we went to hear Dr. Purves speak. It was a talk on Tom Torrance, and it was really fantastic. Quite interesting, very involving. Afterwards, I went with Ben to get him checked into his hotel, which took no time at all. In the middle of that, I received phone calls from both Jackie (and Suzy & Rich, with whom she was driving) and Erin, wanting info about the hotel and key pickup, etc. So, Ben and I waited in the hotel lobby until the Vitales and Jackie showed up, at which point we did the whole key thing and Jackie got settled. The other PTSers arrived as well, and we headed out to dinner. But, when Erin called, she mentioned a get together with the ASOR folks at 7, so Ben and I made plans to grab a taxi and go down there...especially when we learned that both Erin and Michael would be present. Also, Dale and Dave ended up coming.

It was inexplicably great to see everyone again. We spent a lot of time talking about Israel and laughing about people and silly moments that happened over our 5 weeks together, but we also talked about new stuff...creating new memories and whatnot. Of course, I was particularly excited to see Michael since he had such an enormous impact on me in Israel, and since his life is now completely different (what with the hurricane and all). We spent a few hours at this place, Sugar Mamas, then headed our seperate ways...all in hopes that we might randomly run into each other on Saturday, but satisfied knowing that, if nothing else, we would all meet up again on Sunday night.

Saturday arrived, and I went to a few lectures, then somehow found Dave and Dale. Almost right after, I saw Michael walking by (seriously miraculous given that there were thousands of academics roaming about in a poorly-designed convention center/hotel). He suggested meeting up for dinner, so we all did so and enjoyed an evening at the Philly Hard Rock. Then, a few of us went back to Sugar Mamas, with the expectation of meeting up with Michael again. However, when he didn't show for an hour, we left (we found out the next morning that he arrived within 2 minutes of our departure).

Sunday, we woke up at went to hear Dr. Tappy's presentation about Zeitah (the very general presentation, as opposed to the in-depth discussion of the abecedary that would follow that evening). The room was packed, but most of the Zeitah people made it in there...and of course, we were all excited to see our picture on the slideshow! Later in the morning, Ben, Jackie, Dale, and I went over to the Liberty Bell to be a bit touristy, but headed back soon after so as to avoid missing any football. Of course, the Browns weren't on and the Bengals came on after we had to leave, so Ben and I were both bummed. At least the Brownies won! AND the Steelers lost! Hurray!

4:30 came about, so Ben, Jackie, and I headed to Caribou Cafe to eat dinner with all of the PTS people (for free! Yes!). It was really quite good--French cuisine, etc. The presentation was really very stunning. Because we were so antsy, the three of us left early to get to Dr. Tappy's presentation. We arrived at the convention center and saw Madeleine and Connie, then, shortly after, found Michael, Dave, Dale...and...DAN! No one but Dr. Tappy knew he was coming into town, but there he was! It was good to catch up. Then, a bit later, I was headed to the restroom, but that was averted when I saw...ERIC! Soooo, 11 of us from this summer's Zeitah team all sat together to hear about the big find...and we all felt a bit of satisfaction since we were a part of it all. Plus, Dr. Tappy gave accolades to both Michael and Dan, which was so good for him to do--especially for Michael as he interviews for new positions across the country. Any school would be lucky to snag him.

After Dr. Tappy's presentation finished, and upon some very good advice, I decided to make my rounds and talk to whomever I could. I was reintroduced to Dr. P. Kyle McCarter, an epigrapher at Johns Hopkins, by his friend who remembered me from our earlier meeting in Pittsburgh. I met Dr. John Strong from Missouri State, who is good friends with both Dr. Tuell and Dr. Creach (2 of my profs at PTS), and who taught Erin when she was working on her masters there. Plus, I chatted with several of my own professors--Dr. Purves volunteered his time to help me figure out all of this PhD stuff, and was particularly anxious to discuss the possibility of my studying somewhere in Europe (namely the UK for him, as he's Scottish). Both Dr. Tuell and Dr. Creach (and his wife Page, who's fantastic) suggested that I look into the program at Harvard--they both said they were convinced that I could handle it, and that it seems to really fit the kinds of interests that I have.

The long and short of it is this: I am feeling incredibly encouraged to move forward with this PhD business--it's one thing to receive affirmation from my friends, but to have 5+ professors do the same, and/or to volunteer their advice and time to help out is really encouraging.

The night, I thought, was going to end at the Independence Bar with many of the Zeitah crew members. Ben, Michael, and I talked for an hour or so, then both Michael and I decided to leave. We hugged and said our goodbyes (though not for too long--it looks like New Orleans may be a "go" after all), and I walked home smiling, so thrilled with the chance to be able to spend some time with everyone.

Snuggled into bed, I awoke with a start when Erin came in...followed by Dale, Ben, and Dan. They all attacked me and demanded I joined in on all of the fun. Once I had the chance to actually wake up, I wasn't so angry.

But, it was a very late night.

Finally, I slept, but was again woken up--this time, by my phone ringing at 7:30 a.m. Imagine my surprise and excitement when I learned that it was CONOR...calling from GUAM! It's a local call! Yes!

So, I proceeded to sit in the Marriot hotel hallway for an hour and a half, and we managed to talk about everything--as per usual. It was really great to hear from him again.

Then, Ben and I found Dave, and the 3 of us left for Pittsburgh. A relatively uneventful trip, we found ourselves back in Pittsburgh by 3:30, then Ben was off to go be with his Grandma by 4. Then, I contacted various people who had expressed interest about the weekend (Brian, Brian, and Debbie), got myself packed up, had some dinner, then drove up to Cleveland. I got here at 9:30 or so, and got the chance to talk to Roommate en route. I'm doing laundry now, and J, Mat, and Rach will be here sometime this evening!!! Hurray!

Ben (Williams this time) and I are going to hang out sometime this week too--I think we might go to Janet's on Friday night, so that will be fun. Finally, I'll get to see people I haven't seen since June or even longer.

Hurray!

What a weekend. SBL '06 (in D.C.), here I come!!! And PhD...I'll see you in 2007. :0)

Ok, bye :0)

hurray!

2005-11-17T03:04:00.000-05:00

Just so you all know...I'M DONE!!!!!!! TERM I IS OFFICIALLY OVER!!! :0)

That is all (but only for dramatic purposes, I actually have more to say that will come in another update)

:0)

fiddler.

2005-11-16T13:25:00.000-05:00

There's something amusing about the fact that I was just listening to a track from Fiddler on the Roof (The Bottle Dance for those interested) while writing a paper about Jesus.

Haha.

I'm feeling better today--the medication doesn't seem to be having the same effects that it did last night. And I'm able to focus to that I can finish everythin today, I think. Hurray!

Also, my family's cute. They just are. They make me smile. :0)

Ok, back to E.P. Sanders.

Oh, I should mention one of my most favorite comments of late. Yesterday at lunch, I asked Dr. Humphrey about the man in whose name she will be installed (she'll be the James D. Orr Assistant Professor of NT or something along those lines). She isn't actually familiar with him, but had this to say about their differing theology: "It's okay if our theologies didn't agree. He's up in Heaven, and they'll be sure to correct his mistakes there."

Haha.

Only in seminary are comments like that funny. It's a truly sad life we lead. C'est la vie.

Bye :0)

accentuate.

2005-11-16T02:37:00.000-05:00

Well, I tried to go to bed nearly two hours ago, but I'm up and sick--I'm not sure if it's from dinner or from the new medication I got at the hospital today, but either way, I'm incredibly uncomfortable. This would be less of an issue if I didn't have a final at 8:30 tomorrow morning.

With all that being said, today hasn't been such a bad day, though it was rather disappointing towards the end...Actually, today hasn't been such a great day either.

I woke up bright and early, and was incredibly productive for the first few hours of my day--laundry, paper-writing, etc. I went to lunch and to do a couple of on campus errands, and my day quickly went down hill. Basically, after conversations with Mom, Cathy (Dr. Neides' nurse up at the Cleveland Clinic) and a couple of other people, the decision was made that I needed to have my foot looked at. Of course, because stuff like this just happens to me, going to the doctor meant I did not get to go hear James Dunn speak. GRRRRR!!! I was so excited to begin my full-on nerdosity before SBL even arrives (this weekend) but noooo...I have to go and have a dumb foot issue.

So, I went to the hospital (thanks to Debbie, my chauffeur) and, after a few xrays and a couple of trips in the wheelchair, I received my diagnosis: Plantar Fasciitis, which basically means I have small tears in the tissue of my foot...The treatment: an exceptionally fashionable boot thingee that I'll get to wear all over Philly, medicine that (so far) makes me miserable, and the charge to soak my foot 3+ times/day and walk as little as possible. Ha. Ha. Ha.

On the plus side, I finally have wireless back in my apartment! Yesss!!!

Also, on a fantastically bright note, I'm currently chatting with ROY!!! This is the first time I have heard anything from him since Katrina...he's now living in Houston and commuting to U of H for the time being. Roy is a great guy--he's one of those guys who you know is going to make such a difference in his own corner of the world, so you just hope that his corner of the world is a big one. There are a few people I've met in the past year about whom I feel that way...it's 11:30, so I can't promise a complete list, but the people who come to mind first that would absolutely be in that category include: Roy, Michael, Ben, Dave C., Matt B., Keith, Elizabeth, Ron G., and others.

Oddly enough, I just got an IM from Katherine--haven't talked to her in centuries.

Now I'll never get to bed.

Bye :0)

stats.

2005-11-14T14:41:00.000-05:00

Ok, now I want to feel better. In lieu of comfort food, I've chosen a healthier alternative, comfort stats:

Here are the teams over whom the Browns have a all time winning record in the regular season:

Cardinals, Falcon, Bills, Bears, Bengals, Cowboys, Texans, Colts, Patriots, Saints, Giants, Jets, Eagles, Steelers, 49ers, Buccaneers, Titans, Redskins.

Yes! :0)

letter.

2005-11-14T14:25:00.000-05:00

Dear Steelers fans,

A brief note to clarify a few things with you:

1. Yes, I watched the game last night.
2. Yes, I know the outcome.
3. No, I don't appreciate the commentary...I didn't talk smack to any of you, after all.
4. Wait a couple of years, then we'll talk again.

By the way...the Browns and Steelers have now faced off a total of 105 times in the regular season. The record? Cleveland Browns 55, Pittsburgh Steelers 50.

Direct from the Dawg Pound,

Kristen

p.s.--Thanks to those of you who, while not being Browns fans, at least supported the Browns in their quest last night. Now, contrary to everything I used to believe, I just have to root for the Bengals to win the AFC North. If my team can't do it, they are certainly the second best option.

little peggy ann mckay

2005-11-10T19:16:00.000-05:00

Last day of classes! (Except for one on Monday)

I feel like the term has flown by all too quickly to be that excited about its coming to a close. After all, I really like the people in my classes, so it's never that fun to do the old "switcheroo" every ten weeks. Oh well, nonetheless, the time has come.

Doctrine was fun today...first, we listened to this woman talk about the Wesley family for awhile (read: Doug and I wrote back and forth to each other on his laptop). Then, we split into groups to discuss John Wesley for awhile...George, in trying to "mix it up" a bit for the last day put Arnie, Jon, Keith, and I into one group. He really should have known better. So, we spent way too long doing nothing and not very long doing what we needed to do. So then, we got back to class and George sent all of us on a 20 minute break.

At that point, Keith proceeded to create a life story for me since he didn't know anything but has decided that I am rich (I made that decision about him too, so we bicker back and forth about it all the time). Whether or not he's right is, of course, not the point...plus, correcting him doesn't seem to help. The story is as follows:

Apparently, my grandparents (both sets) traveled here from Ireland as a result of the famine. They struggled to survive, but eventually hit upon the gambling industry. As that was profitable, my dad (apparently, his name is Sam) decided to take on the family business. One day, as he was out scanning other equally seedy joints, he met a waitress and used the following pickup line to win her heart: "Is your dad an astronomer, because I can see stars in your eyes." While this wouldn't normally work, it was hugely effective on the woman who, we find out, is my mom, because her name is actually "Star."

Unfortunately, class resumed, so Keith was not able to finish telling what proved to be a brilliant and almost accurate story...(or not).

For the record: the grandparents were all born in the states, have never worked in gambling, and my parents are Steve and Susan, not Sam and Star.

Anyway, the weekend has officially begun, and with that, I will be doing oh-so-much reading, writing, and studying.

My plan is to finish all things academic by Wednesday, and then I will use Thursday to clean my apartment, begin decorating for Christmas, and Ben will arrive sometime that evening, I imagine. Hurray!

Also, I am going with Tom, Keith, Josh, Allen, Matt, and possibly Dr. Humphrey to hear James G.D. Dunn speak on Tuesday evening about the Quest for the Historical Jesus. Fascinating stuff...plus, I'm currently reading a book on the subject by E.P. Sanders...I'll elaborate on it once I've finished reading (if you're really lucky, maybe I'll even post my paper).

Ok, bye :0)

finally!

2005-11-09T11:44:00.000-05:00

Ok, finally, after four months, I can say something.

We had a great big huge ginormous find in Israel this summer.

And it's in the NY Times today (page A 11...I know because I bought two copies, and it's also available online for subscribers), being announced in a press conference this afternoon, and the most in-depth announcement will come in Philadelphia next week. And, that's right, I'LL BE THERE! Woo hoo! :0)

Ok, more on this later, but I'm too excited about it to really type at the moment (plus, I'm enjoying my Venti Soy No Water Chai!) :0)

Random.

2005-11-08T23:39:00.000-05:00

I have decided to do a post wherein I run the splices and, without worrying about context or if it makes sense, I will select the default word that is offered.

I, Kristin, am 24 years old. I was born in Louisville, KY, but really call Aurora, Oh my home. I live in Pa now--my third state (diarrhea).

I think splices is funny because it's so frequently wrong.

Using it (ever) reminds me of the days when Jane (my freshman roommate) would arbitrarily select a word without having any idea what any of them meant. How did she do so well in school?

Earlier today, Brian and I had a conversation about me being ditzy. I really think he ought to meet Jane if he wants to meet a "ditzy" in the absolute truest sense of the word.

Ok, on to splices! Yah!

:0)

(pooh--I'll go back and bold all of those things that are changed, though it should be fairly clear, I think).

Now that that's over...I'm rather amused. :0)

Bye :0)

respite.

2005-11-08T23:29:00.000-05:00

Ten reasons to be happy today:

1. Our MS02 potluck was a success...shockingly enough, our group is really bonding (we have a sort of motley crew in there, but having Dr. Creach and Mike Hoyt as our advisors helps a great deal).

2. Dr. Son has extended the due date for our final project (mostly because he hasn't bothered to explain any part of it and it was originally due on Thursday).

3. Dr. Hainsworth liked the draft of my paper so much that I don't need to resubmit it!

4. Today, Brian stopped by my office while I was working...just because. It makes me smile to have friends who are that random, and that fantastic.

5. Dr. Tappy's making "the announcement" tomorrow! And, I'll be going to Starbucks in the morning to pick up some coffee and two or three copies of the Times!

6. Two weeks until I get to hang out with the Smiths and Henthorns in Cleveland! Plus, I'll have a hair appt., get new frames, and won't have to worry about any homework the entire time!

7. Just over a week until Ben gets here, and one day beyond that until SBL!!! Hurray!

8. I talked to J today for a little bit. If I need a smile, I can always call her and get it. Even if we're both having crappy days, it seems like we always find reasons to laugh. And frown smile. :0)

9. Over the past day, I've gotten emails from: Conor, Caleb, Barb, Gramma, and other random people with whom I don't get to have conversation on a very frequent basis.

10. Matt Bell is (most likely) Person #6 for the Vietnam trip!

Yay. Things are good. And, despite my insane business at the present, I am feeling as stressfree as I can. Hurray! :0)

Ok, bye.

Hoo Hoo!

2005-11-06T20:13:00.000-05:00

Here we go Brownies, here we go...HooHoo!

The Browns won, beating the Titans 20-14. Hurray!!!! :0)

Now, what would be even more brilliant is if, somehow, the Steelers lost to Green Bay. It does help that Ben is out today (all Browns fans are hoping he is still recuperating next Sunday when we face them here in Pittsburgh). The Ravens went down to the Bengals. Miami won. WVU won. Aurora won! Brilliant weekend for the Henthorn Favorites!

It is critical that the Brownies not lose their focus however. Next Sunday night. The Cleveland Browns face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh. Bring it, Cowher!

Ok, I have a ridiculous amount of work to do, and Browns gear to flaunt. Hurray! :0)

thoughts.

2005-11-05T14:38:00.000-05:00

I have had several random thoughts going through my mind lately, none of which are even remotely helpful in completing the myriad of tasks that eagerly await my attention between now and two weeks from now (less than, really).

Take, for example, my male friends. After having a discussion yesterday with one of my favorite guys ever, who ended things by telling me, "I need to poop," I came to the conclusion that a startling majority of my male friends (at least 86%) are obsessed with butts. They feel the need to frequently engage other much less interested parties in their stories of defecation, and seem to be more observant as to the length, size, color, and curvature of their "dump", than they are about anything important: their girlfriend's birthday, their parents' phone number, their history final on Tuesday. None of these equates to the glory and import that bodily excretion holds.

But, that's not all...I find that, in addition, some of my very favorite guys have another rear-ended joy--they LOVE TO MOON PEOPLE. I remember a time when two friends, who shall here remain nameless, felt so inspired to bare their derrieres that, in fact, they jumped on the hood of my vehicle (at that time, I was driving a 94 Ford Ranger) and, because mooning wasn't enough, they left for me the gift of two rather large butt prints on my windshield. I'm here to tell you that washer fluid does not elminate butt prints. Perhaps it's the fact that oil and water don't mix. Perhaps it's that the prints were all too well engrained into the glass. Or, perhaps, this was further evidence that God has an incredible sense of humor, and wishes to encourage all of us to embrace the bodies we've been given.

However, I have a bit of advice for some of the men in my life who have this urging, but wish to not be the "butt" of jokes:

1. If you have zits on your butt, don't bother to moon. Wait until next week when it's all cleared up. This brings to mind an experience I had in a Jerusalem hotel. Gathered with 6 or 7 friends, all was well with the world, until one of the two guys felt compelled to go out on the patio (with a sliding glass door). Seconds later, we got a shot of his butt...One girl among us (more brazen than the rest...at least, in this instance) begin to sputter, then, with all the grace she could muster, stated, "That's disgusting (insert name here), I was sitting so close, I could see all the zits all over your butt." Don't let this happen to you.

2. Should you feel the need to moon, be sure that people who might take offense to the situation, and thereby take action against said mooning, are not present. Like, for example, parents...(In my case, one parent would laugh and the other would cringe).

3. If you're with your girlfriend, don't moon your ex. I can't think of any circumstances wherein this is a good idea, unless, of course, you have a particularly bad butt, and your ex won't leave you alone, and you feel the need to share with her just how bad your butt is so she won't try to call you again. Even then, you may want to run it past your current attraction...I imagine she won't be too excited about the idea.

4. How do you increase the impact of your moons? Moon less! People will be more taken with your behind if they don't see it every day. You wouldn't want to desensitize them to the experience, thereby rendering it useless, would you?

I've had other random thoughts lately as well, but given that I've now allocated a full 23 minutes to the authorship of this profundity, my other thoughts and queries need to be put on hold.

Thank you for your time. :0)

Bye.

good news bad news.

2005-10-31T15:07:00.000-05:00

Good news: I just got another email from Ryan! We are officially reconnected after a 2-year hiatus!

Bad news: Within his email, he informed me that Fito, the professor among professors in the mass comm dept, known for his crazy style, his daring technique, his hilariously thick accent, and his overtly gay...everything...Fito (Dr. Rodolfo Vidal-Gonzalez) has died!!! He was in a car accident in late May, and sustained head injuries that were ultimately the cause of his death 2 days later.

Good news: (As of right now) The STEELERS ARE LOSING!

Bad news: The Ravens are winning...

Good news: I had a very productive day today.

Bad news: I have to have 17 more productive days to actually get everything done that needs to be done.

Good news: I get to see lots of fun people in just a few weeks!!!

Bad news: I'm sure I won't get to spend as much time with them as I'd like.

Good news: At least one team I dislike is going to lose tonight.

Bad news: The suspense is killing me (Steelers/Ravens)

But seriously, I am pretty bummed to hear about Fito. He was crazy--he ran around like a chicken with his head cut off most of the time, but he really truly believed in his students. I actually even have a picture of him (with me, Meghan, and Heidi) when we produced one of our shows. Anyway...life is precious!

Bye.

pumpkins.

2005-10-31T12:19:00.000-05:00

My day has began in a rather upbeat way.

I checked my email, and first, got a response from Brian, expressing his amusement with a previously sent email from me. Then, after skipping about on the internet, I returned to that same email account, and had a message from......Kalypso!!!

This was the first time she has been able to directly contact me, and her message was full of insight and creativity...all revolving around her plans to build a system of igloos when it first snows in Nebraska. Her grand scheme involves waterproof furniture (which she confesses will probably be destroyed by Gil, her brother) and five igloos, each one smaller than the next, but all connected to one another. It's a bit like nesting dolls all in a row, I suppose.

Regardless, it was certainly wonderful to hear from her, and nice to know that she is still as hilarious and imaginative as ever. When I see Michael in a few weeks(!), I will have to send a note home to her... :0)

Anyway, I have made my "Official Schedule" for the next three weeks, so it's necessary that I get back to it!

Happy Halloween! Bye! :0)

mellowed.

2005-10-31T00:18:00.000-05:00

I have had a most interesting week.

I can't even begin to discuss all of it because, quite frankly, so much of it has escaped me. Perhaps the reason why will reveal itself in a moment.

I suppose I'll begin with last Monday. After having had a wonderful weekend with J and Rach in town, I was overwhelmed with sadness when it came time for them to leave. But, of course, life needed to move forward, so I cried on the drive home from the airport, but still managed to get to my 7:30 a.m. SA meeting with a couple of minutes to spare. Really, for as quickly as it went, the weekend was fantastic. Rachel just amazes me--she's 3 and funny and adorable and smart and fun and contagiously bubbly. Nothing brings a smile to my face like talking to her on the phone for a few minutes about princesses, kitty cats, Opa's funny picture, and pink candy. Or when she tickles me over the phone (and thankfully, narrates, as I don't exactly feel the "tickled" sensation...) I can't help but laugh and smile. I particularly enjoyed when she was showing me a picture of this little boy, Isaac, and told me, instead, that his name was "Ipod." Hmmm...isn't she an "early adopter?"

Anyway, the rest of the week is really a blur, highlighted with a few phone conversations, a couple of less-than-productive evenings, and 2 100% grades. Also, we had a shockingly successful "coffee house" sort of thing on Thursday evening in the Shak, I had a fantastically un-seminaryesque conversation with Eileen at Starbucks on Wednesday, and I officially submitted my Vietnam application on Tuesday. Uneventful, I assure you. Enter Friday.

Friday morning, Suzy and I made plans to have coffee together at her place, so we met up and had a lovely time. We drank our java, enjoyed some cookies (homemade by her Oma), and generally appreciated taking some time to catch up since we see each other on such infrequent and inconvenient occasions. Eventually, we came the one certain topic: What did I think of Debbie and Brian living together because they're not yet married?

I gave her my thoughts on the issue (I personally don't agree with their decision, but they know I feel that way, and I don't think I should stop being their friend just because I have a different viewpoint), and she proceeded to tell me that some people on the campus were so bothered by the fact that the two of them were in campus housing pre-wedding that they were going to report it to the Housing Office.

This bothered me because:
1) If you have a problem with Brian and Debbie, you go to Brian and Debbie,
2) If you don't feel you can do that, it's probably because you're not close enough to them
3) If you're not close enough to do that (or adult enough), then mind your own business...Don't expect things to change unless you're willing to be proactive about them!

Anyway...I had already made plans with Debbie to drive out and meet up with Brian for lunch on his break...So, I decided I'd spring this information on the two of them and see what happened. I talked to Debbie in the car, and she then relayed everything to Brian. What did they ultimately conclude? That they would get married.

Now, it's important to mention that they were already engaged at the time, that their wedding was set for next August, and that they had previously discussed eloping just to save money.

Debbie called Beckie (her pastor at Edgewood) because she and Brian were supposed to be going to her house for a party that night, and she (Debbie) wanted to discuss what she and Brian needed to do to elope. Beckie said, "well...why don't you just show up tonight and get married?"

8 hours, two bottles of champagne, one wedding cake, and several off key, unpracticed choir members later, Debbie Duckworth became Debbie Saxe. Yup--they got married the very same night.

I was, in fact, in the wedding...and will also (still) be in the "celebration" ceremony that will (still) take place next August--so all of the family and friends can participate.

Needless to say, it was a crazy night. As Ben said, "I definitely didn't wake up this morning thinking I was coming to a wedding tonight!"

Also, I just have to mention that, when Debbie and Brian kissed, Beckie said something like "Get a room," to which I quickly responded, "Better yet, get an apartment." Indeed, I think I am hilarious.

Saturday, I slept, thought about homework a little bit, then went over to Ben's place for dinner and 2 movies.

Today, I went to church, came back here, watched a miserable Browns game, and am now working on a paper to give to Dave tomorrow afternoon.

But, I'm glad that yesterday and today were not all that eventful. Friday was sufficient enough, I think.

Also, I had a dream last night that I was at my own wedding. I married someone named "Patrick Stutzman" or something like that. It took place at 3 different churches (all of which were familiar to me) and, throughout the dream, I had different perspectives...I mean, I was always me, and it was always my wedding, but there were times when I was sitting in the congregation, times when I was up front, etc. Very interesting, indeed.

Ok, I think it's safe to say that I've officially gone off my rocker. Good night! :0)

a(U)ntsy.

2005-10-22T11:20:00.000-05:00

I'm so jittery and excited for J and Rach to get here. I've been following FlightTracker on Southwest, and so far, so good! I just want to go and get them right now. Alas, I will have to wait for a bit. At least I can pass some time by stopping for gas and the bank and, possibly, Caribou (yum). For a grand total of 15 minutes or so. But still, that's better than nothing. It only take around 30 minutes to get to the airport, and since they have checked baggage, there's really no reason for me to leave until around 10:25...but, that's in 65 minutes. I can't possibly be expected to wait that long.

Yay! :0)

I'm SOOOO excited.

Oh, and also, yesterday, I got to try on my stuff for Debbie's wedding...I don't mind telling you, I looked fantastic. :0) Plus, I saw Debbie in her top picks. She looks fabulous.

Ok, I can't handle it anymore, I'm going to go see how long I can take getting from here to the airport. At least I brought a book in case I arrive ridiculously early! Ha! :0)

Byeeeee.

doctrine.

2005-10-20T18:29:00.000-05:00

So as to avoid forgetting the hilarity of the day (despite that fact that it will not be funny to anyone else), I feel the need to write a short ditty.

Basically, Methodist doctrine has never been so hilarious. It usually starts out with a devotion of some sort. Today, the person who was supposed to "devote" decided, rather, to discuss alcoholism and drug abuse. Normally, we take 5-10 minutes for that, then sing a hymn. Today, we didn't get to the hymn, and our AA meeting lasted for 25 minutes. Now, I have no problem with understanding the stance on this stuff, but for 25 minutes? Really? It go SO bad that, when I looked over at George (the teacher) I saw him trying to avoid laughing. And Keith, Brenda, and I all made eye contact...Bad idea. We all had to put our heads down, and even still, erupted in laughter. It was ridiculous.

Then, later, George told me that he kept looking at his watch as a signal to move on, but the person speaking never looked at George to get that hint.

Also, George referred to us as a "fun, peppy class." Then, Jon and I were walking back to our apartments after class let out, and the aforementioned class member drove up beside us, asked us if we were "stuck on campus" and proceeded to give us half a cheese pizza from somewhere called "Nappies." First of all, who drives around with a free pizza and just gives it away. More importantly, who buys pizza from a place called "Nappies"? Of course, Jon and I were laughing so hard, and in my laughter, I sort of stepped of the curb a bit and tripped. This set us off even more, and, truly, we were in tears.

And, I have officially turned in everything that was due this week. Plus, I got back my test from NT01 (the one I took yesterday morning) and (drumroll please) I got a 100%!!! Woohoo! :0)

Now, I'm doing a bit of preparation for Sunday, beginning the miserable task of cleaning up my dreadful apartment, driving to CHUP for a meeting, and doing other stuff that requires a limited amount of thinking. Hurray! It's the weekend! :0)

J and Rach will be here in under 42.5 hours!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!

Ok, bye :0)

late.

2005-10-20T01:06:00.000-05:00

The time is now 11:06 on Wednesday night. I am plowing through to complete my fifth and final school-related project/paper of the week. It is 3-4 pages, I'm almost through with page 2, and I have plenty more to say. I just lack motivation and energy.

I am very tired.

At least I'm on the last paper, not the first.

And I have so many things to which I am looking forward this weekend. Bridesmaid dress fitting fun, makeover fun, Chinese with the girls fun (all Friday), then J and Rach fun (tied in with meet PTS people and community dinner fun) on Saturday, and who knows what else will happen.

The thing is, despite the fact that I have been working on these in a rather short time span, I really think I've done well on all of them. At least I know I've put in my best effort, and that's all anyone can ask of me, right?

Also, both Dr. Humphrey and Dr. Gagnon sat with me at lunch today. We had a hilarious conversation. It reminded me why I so greatly enjoy being at a small school--it's so nice to have actual discussion with people, rather than getting caught up in the fact that they're professors who at least are good at fooling their students into believing that they know something. I like when professors tell funny stories around the lunch table. It can be easy to forget that they're real people with real lives, problems, emotions, and...of course...funny stories.

Anyway, back to my paper! :0)

Bye.

Events.

2005-10-17T11:50:00.000-05:00

I have only a few minutes to discuss the weekend, so I guess elaboration is out of the question for the moment.

Basically, it was just fun. WV: fun, church yesterday: fun (we all got $10!), Browns Backers: fun (despite losing the game...I met a VP from Geneva who knows both Dave Badger and Dave Carver!), talking to J and Rach on the phone:fun, and even my time at the library yesterday was fun.

And productive!

I am somewhat overwhelmed this week with things to do, but I have sort of created a schedule for myself, and I think that I will be ok. I will just have a couple of longer nights and earlier mornings.

Lest I forget, I am in grad school.

Also, I have now met my quota for the year: Today I set off my fire alarm at 7:45 a.m...how, you ask? By taking a shower that was too steamy. Yes, you read correctly. The very thing that puts many types of fires out was responsible for the deafening shriek of my alarm this morning. Again. I guess I'll consider that my reminder--showers are not to be too hot or steamy ever.

Lunch today at Sharp Edge with Dave and Mark, followed by visitations of some sort. Then, I will put all of my time and effort into the completion of 3 papers by midnight (we hope).

But for now, I must be off to class. 5 days until J and Rach get here! :0)

Bye :0)

foundation.

2005-10-15T12:05:00.000-05:00

I now feel like I'm a bit more of a Pittsburgher, as I have now been to Kennywood. For those who may not be familiar, Kennywood is an amusement park that flaunts its "old-time charm," which basically means, "We know our rollercoasters aren't anything like those at Geauga Lake, King's Island, or (especially) Cedar Point, but we want you to come here and have fun anyway." And, in fact, I did enjoy myself.

It was the first in a series of "Fright Nights," meaning that the park was supposedly fraught with spookiness. The rides had extra amounts of fog and lights, and there were haunted houses, graveyards, and even a fort throughout the park. After driving to Ben's apartment for dinner, he, Debbie, Brian, and I drove out to Kennywood at around 8 or so...I don't think it would've been much fun to spend an entire day there, so I feel as if my quota is sufficiently met. Anyway, we arrived and rode on a few rides. Allow me to explain, for a moment, why "Old Fashioned Rides" aren't conducive to tall people or people who aren't sticks. The rides just don't have room. Ben and I shared a car and Brian and Debbie shared a car on most rides (except when we rode the 'Matterhorn' sort of ride and Debbie and I so greatly enjoyed watching Ben and Brian smoosh each other that we insisted they ride together both times). Ben and Brian are both at least 6'4. Neither Debbie nor I wears a size 2. So, basically, we got to be very close last night, whether or not we wanted to. Although, it was sort of amusing that Ben felt the need to duck down really low on the roller coasters, for fear that he would otherwise be decapitated!

Amidst the fun of the rides, we thought we should partake in some of the more festive segments of the park, so we made our way to "Fort Despair." (*Insert bone chilling music and spooky voices here*). Now, I am a fairly jumpy person--I am ticklish and sensitive to touch, but I don't scare all that easily. I do hate when people invade my personal space without being welcome to do so.

That being said, people were led into the "fort" in groups. The four of us were the last in a group of about 15 who were going through together. We were all in line until we realized you had to be single file to walk through the doorway. Somehow, I ended up being last. So, naturally, the "dead people" ganged up on me. I squealed a bit at the beginning, but got over it quickly. Until Ben, being the "wonderful" guy that he is, said something along the lines of, "Don't be scared, Kristen." At which point, all sorts of ghoulish creatures out on a Thriller Night descended upon me and began whispering my name and screaming my name and chanting my name. And a couple of them (not touching me, at least) got right up in my face and, though I wasn't scared, it still made my skin crawl. I don't know these people. Blech. Anyway, it all became much funnier when someone (clearly not a veteran ghoul) started saying, "I had a dog named Kristen...it died." Um...so? Here is an abridged list of the problems I have with that statement:

1. You're a ghost. You're dead too.
2. Dogs die. It's not scary, only sad.
3. It's not like you were talking about Kujo. And really, how many dogs do you know named Kristen?
4. You're 16 and clearly did not think through your responsibilities. Rather than doing a "ghostly" job, you did a "ghastly" job. (Haha...I amuse myself).

Anyway, we had some good laughs. The one part that freaked all of us out was at the end of the fort, however, when we entered a pitch black room that was lit only by a red strobe light that flashed only once every 2 or 3 seconds. I did grab onto Ben's sweater then.

In about 5 minutes, I'm going to drive down to Morgantown for the football game, but not until after we (my parents and I) tailgate with several of Dad's frat brothers. Apparently, Joe called Mom yesterday and told her that his goal was to get her drunk. Then it came up that I was going to be there, and he said, "Oh, well, she can't tailgate with us, huh?" And Mom said, "Joe, do you realize how old she is??" And he said, "Well...she's still 4 to me." Haha...As Mom said, he'll be in for a surprise today! It should be fun though.

Ok, bye. :0)

opus.

2005-10-14T02:35:00.000-05:00

Ah...Friday. And the crisp cool of autumn in the air.

It's a great day.

Yesterday was also good--I didn't do all that much, but it was just nice to have fun with people.

I had classes all morning and afternoon (and managed to turn in my midterm and give a little presentation in Doctrine), then I went home for a few minutes to change clothes, but ended up sitting on the grass with Mike Beckstrom and Dan Thayer for awhile, then finally left and worked out for awhile. I did the bike and treadmill. My knee was bugging me though, so I cut things slightly short...but a little bit is better than nothing.

I went home, showered, and my sister called. We talked for awhile--mostly we were just big dorks though. Everything from the "Miracle Mile" (I meant the "Magnificent Mile" in Chicago) to "themed wardrobes" to haircuts and colors to my attempts at explaining who the Bens and Brians are in my life. Also, I became the middleman in a conversation between Tom and J...mostly consisting of "Oh, Tom--he's the one who wears girly lotion, right?" and Tom responding, "It's not girly lotion!" (Secretly, it is girly lotion). I hope they get a chance to meet next weekend.

Anyway, then Tom, Nick, and I went out to dinner and caught up--almost a year to the day from when the three of us first went out and I laughed too hard to contain my cranberry juice, so it landed on Nick The Germaphobe's hand. Shoot.

We had a good time though--it's always nice to just sit back and talk about life and be weird. I was just making my way through the gate from campus to "The World Beyond" (read: my apartment), when my phone rang, and it was Ben! He was driving down 28, having just made a return at H&M, and we concluded that it was a good night for him to come hang out...so, 10 minutes later, he showed up...Fortunately, I had almost enough time to throw the ridiculous piles of clothes from their happy homes on my couches and dining room chairs, and managed to get them into my bedroom, where they could be safely enclosed until later when I was forced to deal with the terror on my own. Ben and I decided to get some ice cream, so we headed out to the Eagle, then, as we were getting back (I was at the gate again...what is it about that spot?), I got a phone call from Ashley, one of my college roommates. We hadn't gotten to talk in a couple of months, so we spent a few minutes getting each other back on track with our respective lives. Not wanting to be rude to Ben, nor wanting to miss out on any of the intricacies of Ashley's life (like her brother, Aaron, marrying Mildred the Mexican in February), I requested that we take a raincheck on further discussion. Ben and I talked some more, then decided to watch a movie. He picked Mr. Holland's Opus, which, in my mind, was a fantastic choice, as I simply love that film. Though I proceeded to cry...again...while watching.

Debbie and Brian called on their way home from seeing Wallace and Grommit... and stopped up at my place upon their return. The four of us are supposed to do something tonight, and we sought to make plans accordingly...we're still trying to make those plans today.

The movie ended at about 12:45, and everyone left. Being that I was wide awake, I opted to fall asleep to the "soothing" Ethics reading for my paper due next Thursday. It's not actually soothing--when I couldn't handle reading the UMC stance on the Juvenile Death Penalty, I switched to the reading on the global predicament of children...not light reading by any stretch. Despite that, I eventually was off to sleep, and I dreamt about taking an extended trip to England--but I was only at the airport saying goodbye to my family, making sure that I had everything, and wondering whether or not I was in the group that got to take a train in from the airport, or if I was in the boat group. Also, I (for some reason) saw on my boarding pass that, in fact, I had won a free eraser from Euston Station in London. Much celebration.

I have strange dreams.

Anyway, I was so sad at the thought of saying goodbye to all of my family (though it was nice of my sister and her family to fly in and surprise me!) that I woke up...So far today, I have reviewed about 75% of the reading I need for next Wednesday's NT01 quiz, I have read about half the Ethics reading I need for my papers (both due Thursday), I had some lunch, I ran out to the bank to make a big old deposit, and, upon completion of this blog, I will venture to define all the NT01 terms, read 100+ pages of my Education book (for a paper due Tuesday), figure out stuff for Sunday, work on my sermon, and begin to write my Ethics paper...all in 4ish hours. Hurray!

Tomorrow, I will head to Morgantown to hang out with Mom, Dad, and a slew of Dad's Delta Tau Delta buddies. We're going to see the WVU/Louisville game too...and Uncle Charles again! I'm driving back here Saturday night, then Ben and I discussed possibly hanging out, though I'm not sure if that will happen or not. Sunday, I'll have church, of course, then the Browns game, of course, then I will seek to finish everything that I don't get to today (i.e. writing my papers that are all due next week+ a sermon)

soliloquy

2005-10-10T20:11:00.000-05:00

I'm listening to Les Miserables right now, and preparing to work on (and hopefully complete) my TH49 midterm. I don't know why I'm listening to this, as it always makes me one of two things: 1. Sad and wanting to sing along or 2. Exhilerated and wanting to sing along. Either way, I'm in the computer lab, and not allowed to sing along. At least I can sort of bob my head.

And type to the beat, which I just noticed that I was doing without even realizing. Thank goodness it was "At The End Of The Day" and not some other slower song.

Anyway, I can only delay the inevitable (i.e. homework) for so long by discussing Les Mis.

Bye :0)

Cure.

2005-10-10T11:54:00.000-05:00

Things I'm supporting today in my wardrobe:

1. Breast Cancer Awareness
2. The Cleveland Browns
3. Kaiser Permanente
4. Race For The Cure
5. Columbia

I'm using my "Be Your Own Cure" bag from Race For The Cure (this past Saturday in Cleveland--the weather was shlocky, but it was still good to be there with Mom and Dad), which is sponsored by K.P. (which used to be my favorite medical facility in all of Cleveland because I liked the name so much). I am wearing a Columbia fleece over top of a brown sweater. And I'm wearing my new shiny brown shoes (they're like little ballet shoe thingees that are brown with brown sequins...I bet they sound ugly, but they're actually very cute) and my new Cleveland Browns winter hat. Which they said is "Youth" sized, but it fits over my melon quite nicely. And, I'm wearing my watch with an orange face.

Clearly, the Browns won yesterday. Hurray! Now if the Steelers happen to lose tonight against the Chargers (*crosses fingers*), we will be tied in the AFC North. How wonderful that would be!

I have class, then I have a multitude of papers on which I must work. Dave called last night, and I have been relenquished from CHUP-related responsibilities. Of course, this saves me some gas, some time, and allows me to go to a Community Life meeting I would've otherwise missed. So...all good things.

Also, Mom and Dad took me shopping this weekend (yay sales!) and I now have new fun things. And the Browns Backers have switched locations--we're now on Carson St. just across the bridge from Oakland. This is even more convenient. Yes!

Ok. Bye. :0)

effects

2005-10-08T00:03:00.000-05:00

I am in Cleveland this weekend for the first time in a couple of months. Chloe has been as purry as ever...she hasn't left me at all (and is laying right next to me as I type this, in fact). I haven't done very much today--I worked on my take home midterm for Doctrine, I finished up a mini-presentation for next Thursday, and I read a little bit for NT01. Also, I added somewhere around 450 songs to my itunes...to be transferred to my ipod upon return to Pittsburgh.

Apparently this is the weekend for activities. I have gotten 7 voicemails so far--3 from people who were rather random in their wanting to hang out. Brett, for example, called to play MarioKart sometime this weekend. I thought this was more weird until I recalled that Sarina (Brett's wife) is in Mississippi this weekend helping clean up. Also, Rus called and wanted me to meet up with the gang at Hemingway's. And April called about some shindig at the Kellers' house. Obviously, I'm here and uninterested in attending any events.

Race For The Cure is tomorrow morning...we will depart in the wee small hours...It's always a good experience.

Then, I'm going to head back to Pittsburgh, but not without stopping in Boardman for a couple of hours to catch up with Peg. I saw both she and Ash last night at Charge Conference (and met the new D.S., Orlando Chaffee), but a meeting doesn't exactly create a "catching up" sort of atmosphere. So, I'll stop by tomorrow, then get back sometime in the early evening. And, as Brian is out of town until Sunday sometime, Debbie and I are going to have a girl's night. A much-needed one. It's midterms, and everyone is feeling it.

I'm all for some sort of cheezy movie and comfy clothing and something dangerous for dinner. :0)

My sister and niece will be here in just over 2 weeks, and nothing is more exciting than that right now! I just can't wait. :0)

People on campus are funny. The type of interaction I have with some of the people on campus this year is markedly different from last year...for the most part, this is a positive thing.

Oh, and Tuesday is National Coming Out Day, which has the campus all in a frenzy. Apparently people are surprised by the fact that people disagree on the merit (or not) of this particular event. Um...duh.

Mom and I are now playing "Name That Tune" with my playlist. Soon, we'll watch a movie. Ahh...bumming around...

funny.

2005-10-05T18:36:00.000-05:00

I got this from howieluvsus' blog (linked through Michael's, which is linked through mine). And I actually laughed out loud. :0)

Donald Rumsfeld is giving the president his daily briefing. He concludes by saying: “Yesterday, 3 Brazilian soldiers were killed in an accident.”
“OH NO!” the President exclaims. “That’s terrible!”
His staff sits stunned at this display of emotion, nervously watching as the President sits, his head cradled in his hands.
Finally, the President looks up and asks………. “How many is a Brazillion?”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RACHEL!!! :0)

2005-10-03T11:11:00.000-05:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Rachel!!! :0)

Where in the world has time gone? I can't believe how much has happened in three years--how quickly too. If life goes this quickly at 24, how much faster, then, must it go at 34, 44, 54, 64, and 74? Good grief.

I already had a meeting this morning, wrote some EOC/Mahoning District emails, and I have a wealth of things to keep me busy for the rest of the day.

Of course, the best part will be singing to Rachey! :0)

Anyway, no real reason to update, except to extend my Happy Birthday wishes over the internet.

Bye :0)