She's big stuff, I tell you what!I was so ecstatic to have been able to be there for this
phenomenal performance!
30 March 2008
Cat in all her splendor
She's big stuff, I tell you what!I was so ecstatic to have been able to be there for this
phenomenal performance!
Other changes
After contemplating for months how I should get my hair cut, hoping to branch out to layers or something other than the straight-across-the-bottom do I've had since I was three years old, I've taken the plunge. With decent results, I must say (though it is more high maintenance than I'm used to dealing with).
Ushering in Springtime
Today is the final day of my spring break. I've gone many places and seen so many people, but all within a 150 mile radius of my home. Here are some facts about the last 10 days.
Cities visited:
Cities visited:
- Rochester
- South Bend
- Fishers
- Indianapolis
- Greenwood
- Bowling Green, Ohio
- mom & dad
- brother & sister-in-law
- cousin and baby
- six high school friends
- four new friends
- one long-lost college friend and roommate (and her large family)
- car work (oil change, tires rotated, new air filters)
- random conversation with a truck driver from Toledo while waiting on car
- movie night with Sara W.
- birthday dinner and movie with dad & co.
- Easter service and game day with fam
- devastating LASIK consultation
- dinner & movie out with Liz R.
- massage
- tortellini at my favorite Italian place in Indy
- lunch with Elizabeth M.
- afternoon with Sara & Ava (including baking cookies and taking a walk)
- evening with Leslie D.
- Indianapolis Museum of Art (it's free!) & new downtown branch of the Marion Cty. Public Library with Liz B.
- dinner at Loon Lake Lodge with Matt & Courtney and the best server ever named Joe
- evenings with Kyle
- a heavenly voice recital performed by Cat Randall, my favorite vocalist of all time--with music so beautiful she brought tears to my eyes with the "Flower Duet" from Lakme and "Give Me Jesus"
- nearly 1,000 miles
19 March 2008
Delayed discovery
Anyone who's known me for longer than five years (specifically the last five years) will know that I spent the majority of my life (yea, 21 years) fairly quietly. I didn't speak unless spoken to. I didn't share in conversations, in class discussions, in debates because I lacked the desire to engage people.
When I emerged from my imagination around the age of twelve, and realized that people weren't as nice as I had imagined and created them to be and that life really wasn't all colorful and happy and musical; when I discovered that, I shrank away from the world, namely people, so that I could protect myself and my sensitivities from the constant assault of reality.
Obviously, that tactic doesn't work, and reality pushed me deeper and deeper into myself, into the darkness that I perceived from everything around me.
Living in a hole, one doesn't find much space for conversation, nor does one develop the skills necessary to interact with people. Thus I lived from twelve to twenty-one in somewhat of a self-imposed exile.
Upon turning twenty-one, being forced to deal with the foreign circumstances surrounding that time of my life, I became aware that I enjoyed people for the most part. I had ideas and thoughts that I wanted to share, and if I opened my eyes, there were people around to listen, who would hear me.
Since then, I haven't stopped talking. I began telling stories a few years ago, and have found that, in spite of my verbosity, my family and friends generally enjoy hearing them.
Now, when I'm quiet, I'm choosing it; it doesn't feel forced or impressed upon me. I always have words, though I don't always want or need to share them.
I wonder, had I not emerged from my silent darkness, would I have become a librarian?
Words are my life, quite literally. I am immersed in books, papers, articles, and lectures daily. I promote research and learning to discover what those who have gone before us have to say. I advocate education as a key player in rising above--anything really: ignorance, poverty, injustice, etc. Outside of work, words are my fuel. I write them, I read them, I vocalize them, I think them (constantly), I absorb them, even when I'm not trying.
Would I have known the beauty and significance of words had I not awakened from my decade-long stupor?
I can't answer that, obviously; we can't recreate the past (nor would I want to change the course my life has taken). But I continue to find it ironic that the silent girl, the quiet one in the corner, can be found talking, listening, sharing, and engaging with multiple persons every day. And loving it.
When I emerged from my imagination around the age of twelve, and realized that people weren't as nice as I had imagined and created them to be and that life really wasn't all colorful and happy and musical; when I discovered that, I shrank away from the world, namely people, so that I could protect myself and my sensitivities from the constant assault of reality.
Obviously, that tactic doesn't work, and reality pushed me deeper and deeper into myself, into the darkness that I perceived from everything around me.
Living in a hole, one doesn't find much space for conversation, nor does one develop the skills necessary to interact with people. Thus I lived from twelve to twenty-one in somewhat of a self-imposed exile.
Upon turning twenty-one, being forced to deal with the foreign circumstances surrounding that time of my life, I became aware that I enjoyed people for the most part. I had ideas and thoughts that I wanted to share, and if I opened my eyes, there were people around to listen, who would hear me.
Since then, I haven't stopped talking. I began telling stories a few years ago, and have found that, in spite of my verbosity, my family and friends generally enjoy hearing them.
Now, when I'm quiet, I'm choosing it; it doesn't feel forced or impressed upon me. I always have words, though I don't always want or need to share them.
I wonder, had I not emerged from my silent darkness, would I have become a librarian?
Words are my life, quite literally. I am immersed in books, papers, articles, and lectures daily. I promote research and learning to discover what those who have gone before us have to say. I advocate education as a key player in rising above--anything really: ignorance, poverty, injustice, etc. Outside of work, words are my fuel. I write them, I read them, I vocalize them, I think them (constantly), I absorb them, even when I'm not trying.
Would I have known the beauty and significance of words had I not awakened from my decade-long stupor?
I can't answer that, obviously; we can't recreate the past (nor would I want to change the course my life has taken). But I continue to find it ironic that the silent girl, the quiet one in the corner, can be found talking, listening, sharing, and engaging with multiple persons every day. And loving it.
13 March 2008
2008 Briefing
The whirlwind of my life since the year started has just caught up with me. And I'm worn out.
This brief recap is in honor of the Ides of March, which is in two days. What better time to pause and fill you in on the full gamut of emotions, travel, and thoughts.
January began with my first speeding ticket in four years; the state cop was a jerk and made me think my year was off to a fairly poor start. That all changed as I found myself on a ski trip in Michigan and then off for a quick jaunt down to Fort Myers to see my grandparents (who tried very hard to convince me to become a librarian at Gulf Coast U). Nothing better than Florida in the dead of Indiana winter. Much thanks to them for making that get-away possible.
February found me completely enthralled with this boy
and unable to concentrate on much else.
Mid-month, I spent nearly 35 hours on a short trip to Alabama where I interviewed for a job. Though I anticipated a completely nerve-wracking situation, it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. Met the sweetest woman on the plane who shared her life story and some incredible wisdom with me. I'm forever blessed by the woman who forgot her seat number, leaving an empty seat next to Betty Hughes.
As you may have seen on previous posts, Kyle and I went to the Exotic Cat Rescue Center and experienced a new-to-us fabulous dining establishment in downtown Indy called BARcelona Tapas. Delicious beyond comparison -- perhaps even better than Vito's (I know, Ev, please don't judge me).
March has me still running and trying to catch my breath. I took on the role of Slide Editor (with the help of Liz and Sara) at church, in order to make sure we're giving proper attribution to songwriters and to help lessen editorial distractions during the music portion of the service. During the first weekend in March, I entertained two out-of-town friends that I hadn't seen in months--reconnecting with them was essential and so much fun. Shortly thereafter, I passed out on my bathroom floor for no apparent reason. A strange set of symptoms accompanied the episode and lasted for over a week, leaving many of us pretty concerned. Add into that mix, the decision-making process for taking or leaving a job, trying to figure out current and life priorities...all the important things, and it might make sense why my TMJ is acting up.
Outside of major life decisions, throw in a weekly Bible study, a weekly small group, church, weekly late night of work, a bi-weekly writing group, working a few Saturdays, designing and sewing two aprons, dinners, movie marathons, and game nights with friends, two phenomenal concerts for artists I did not previously know, catching up with three very long lost friends, keeping up with Lost (the best TV show ever), and you may begin to see why I'm wiped out.
One thing has remained constant: I know God is faithful. I cling to that as if I have nothing else, because, really, I have little other assurance of anything. Each impossible choice I've had to make, each wonderful moment of discovering and drowning in new love, each step--forward or backward--has provided a "teachable moment" as we call it in academia. Though it seems the learning curve is fairly high this year, I know the lessons are applicable for a lifetime. That's some kind of reassurance.
I exist with blessings all around every day. Sometimes I forget to quit my navel-gazing in order to see them. Other times I'm so discouraged, so unsure, I forget to remember the promises: When I seek him, I will find him. When I make mistakes, he picks me up.
My constant prayer came from a verse that Emily sent my way in January. It's a great reminder that we are absolutely not in control:
"For we have no power to face this...We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (2 Chronicles 20:12)
Another encouragement sent my way: 1 Corinthians 2:14-16
Though I'm weary, I'm hopeful. And where there is hope, there is strength. This year has held more exciting and wonderful things for me than I imagined possible. I look forward to discovering what else it holds (as we're only 3 1/2 months into it)!
This brief recap is in honor of the Ides of March, which is in two days. What better time to pause and fill you in on the full gamut of emotions, travel, and thoughts.
January began with my first speeding ticket in four years; the state cop was a jerk and made me think my year was off to a fairly poor start. That all changed as I found myself on a ski trip in Michigan and then off for a quick jaunt down to Fort Myers to see my grandparents (who tried very hard to convince me to become a librarian at Gulf Coast U). Nothing better than Florida in the dead of Indiana winter. Much thanks to them for making that get-away possible.
February found me completely enthralled with this boy
and unable to concentrate on much else.As you may have seen on previous posts, Kyle and I went to the Exotic Cat Rescue Center and experienced a new-to-us fabulous dining establishment in downtown Indy called BARcelona Tapas. Delicious beyond comparison -- perhaps even better than Vito's (I know, Ev, please don't judge me).
March has me still running and trying to catch my breath. I took on the role of Slide Editor (with the help of Liz and Sara) at church, in order to make sure we're giving proper attribution to songwriters and to help lessen editorial distractions during the music portion of the service. During the first weekend in March, I entertained two out-of-town friends that I hadn't seen in months--reconnecting with them was essential and so much fun. Shortly thereafter, I passed out on my bathroom floor for no apparent reason. A strange set of symptoms accompanied the episode and lasted for over a week, leaving many of us pretty concerned. Add into that mix, the decision-making process for taking or leaving a job, trying to figure out current and life priorities...all the important things, and it might make sense why my TMJ is acting up.
Outside of major life decisions, throw in a weekly Bible study, a weekly small group, church, weekly late night of work, a bi-weekly writing group, working a few Saturdays, designing and sewing two aprons, dinners, movie marathons, and game nights with friends, two phenomenal concerts for artists I did not previously know, catching up with three very long lost friends, keeping up with Lost (the best TV show ever), and you may begin to see why I'm wiped out.
One thing has remained constant: I know God is faithful. I cling to that as if I have nothing else, because, really, I have little other assurance of anything. Each impossible choice I've had to make, each wonderful moment of discovering and drowning in new love, each step--forward or backward--has provided a "teachable moment" as we call it in academia. Though it seems the learning curve is fairly high this year, I know the lessons are applicable for a lifetime. That's some kind of reassurance.
I exist with blessings all around every day. Sometimes I forget to quit my navel-gazing in order to see them. Other times I'm so discouraged, so unsure, I forget to remember the promises: When I seek him, I will find him. When I make mistakes, he picks me up.
My constant prayer came from a verse that Emily sent my way in January. It's a great reminder that we are absolutely not in control:
"For we have no power to face this...We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (2 Chronicles 20:12)
Another encouragement sent my way: 1 Corinthians 2:14-16
Though I'm weary, I'm hopeful. And where there is hope, there is strength. This year has held more exciting and wonderful things for me than I imagined possible. I look forward to discovering what else it holds (as we're only 3 1/2 months into it)!
07 March 2008
Because I don't want to lose these phenomenal links
Have any of you ever wondered how it is that men know how to hug in the way that so many of them do? Have you ever contemplated whether it's an innate skill, or a learned one?
Look no further for answers. At a hilarious site that I know you all will come to love (Video Jug), I have been introduced to two videos that may be very important learning tools for you.
Video Jug is a large collection of professional and amateur video tutorials, how-to videos, and advice discussions. Well worth a perusal.
And now, the two that have seriously changed my life:
How to Give a Great Man to Man Hug
How To Give A Great Man To Man Hug
Dance Moves: An Emergency Guide for Men
Dance Moves: An Emergency Guide For Men
Look no further for answers. At a hilarious site that I know you all will come to love (Video Jug), I have been introduced to two videos that may be very important learning tools for you.
Video Jug is a large collection of professional and amateur video tutorials, how-to videos, and advice discussions. Well worth a perusal.
And now, the two that have seriously changed my life:
How to Give a Great Man to Man Hug
How To Give A Great Man To Man Hug
Dance Moves: An Emergency Guide for Men
Dance Moves: An Emergency Guide For Men
03 March 2008
Not that I use this as a forum to promote libraries all the time...
...but everyone knows I love libraries.
I recently came across an article revisiting the purpose and usefulness of libraries engaging in virtual worlds like Second Life--an online role-playing community that is hugely popular.
While the author calls herself "a 30-something, forward-thinking librarian", she also admits she has reservations about promoting libraries in virtual reality to people who have probably "never set their Nikes in a brick-and-mortar library". How will a virtual library have any meaning, any significance to them?
For many of us, we love libraries because they make us nostalgic. We began our quest for knowledge by reading series like The Boxcar Children and Ramona Quimby and Ralph S. Mouse. The worlds we entered through books found in our libraries changed us, developed us. And that stays with us.
The most eloquent explanation of this nostalgia, a brilliant argument for maintaining physical library spaces came near the end of her article:
"There are many great libraries that are not just places full of old books and new computers--they are sanctuaries for imagination, intellectual and creative thought...The power of place cannot be underestimated."
Forrest, Lisa. (2007) "Overvaluing the Virtual: Second thoughts about Second Life." American Libraries. March 2008. p.11.
I recently came across an article revisiting the purpose and usefulness of libraries engaging in virtual worlds like Second Life--an online role-playing community that is hugely popular.
While the author calls herself "a 30-something, forward-thinking librarian", she also admits she has reservations about promoting libraries in virtual reality to people who have probably "never set their Nikes in a brick-and-mortar library". How will a virtual library have any meaning, any significance to them?
For many of us, we love libraries because they make us nostalgic. We began our quest for knowledge by reading series like The Boxcar Children and Ramona Quimby and Ralph S. Mouse. The worlds we entered through books found in our libraries changed us, developed us. And that stays with us.
The most eloquent explanation of this nostalgia, a brilliant argument for maintaining physical library spaces came near the end of her article:
"There are many great libraries that are not just places full of old books and new computers--they are sanctuaries for imagination, intellectual and creative thought...The power of place cannot be underestimated."
Forrest, Lisa. (2007) "Overvaluing the Virtual: Second thoughts about Second Life." American Libraries. March 2008. p.11.
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