Once again it has been way too long since my last post. I was explaining to a friend that I feel like my life is on a treadmill. The problem is that the speed is set too fast and my feet cannot quite keep up. Do you get the picture?
Every day I leave my house just after 7:00 am and I usually don't get home until between 6:00-7:00 pm. Obviously, this makes for really long and tiring days.
But this post really isn't a complaint about life, it is just an explanation. I am loving all that I am doing right now! I love teaching and I am excited about my research.
What is keeping me sane, you may ask? My time with the Lord, friends, and running. Although I am busy, I make sure to get plenty of all the above.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Snow, Snow, Snow
I am making up for my lack of posting this past week with three today. :)
Yesterday it was above freezing here (YEAH!) and so the snow slightly melted. I saw these icicles hanging off of the building across the street from my house. Amazing!
What happens if there is a fire and they need water?
This is a bush in my neighbor's yard. See how much snow we have!
Yesterday it was above freezing here (YEAH!) and so the snow slightly melted. I saw these icicles hanging off of the building across the street from my house. Amazing!
What happens if there is a fire and they need water?
This is a bush in my neighbor's yard. See how much snow we have!
Jesus: The Gospel
I believe Jesus is
Lord of all
And judge of all
He came to earth
Died for the forgiveness of sins
Was raised to life
And is seated with the Father
We must
Believe in Him
Repent
And receive forgiveness
Lord of all
And judge of all
He came to earth
Died for the forgiveness of sins
Was raised to life
And is seated with the Father
We must
Believe in Him
Repent
And receive forgiveness
School
It has been over a week since my last blog entry. It was a very full, busy week. We started back to class and I am teaching an undergraduate course for the first time. So far I love it! But I am learning that it takes a lot of prep work. I am also taking one course and doing independent study with both of my professors. I think that it is going to be a very busy semester. Anyway, I just wanted to give a quick update about what is going on in my life.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The joys of winter
Today I spent over two hours clearing 3+ weeks worth of snow (it came up to my knees!) from my driveway...only to find the garage door frozen closed. I was too tired and cold to crack the 2 inch thick ice that is encasing the entire bottom of the door. All well, I guess I will not be using my car this week. Good thing I live in small town Ames.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Home
Today I left home (Arizona where my family lives) to go home (Iowa where my life is). It is kind of weird because I do feel like I have two homes.
Yesterday morning I woke up and pulled on shorts and a t-shirt, stepped out the front door, and went for my familiar 5 mile run. This is not the story now. When I got to my home in Ames, I needed to go to the grocery store because I had nothing to eat. Well I realized that I could drive my car because it is in the garage and there is a few feet of snow in front all up the driveway that is going to take a few hours to clear. So I decided to take the bus. I pulled on my boots, scarf, hat, winter coat, and gloves. As I was heading outside someone passed down my street on cross country skis! I guess that's one way to get around with all of the snow. Unfortunately I got to the bus stop about 10 feet too late. I decide to walk the 1/2 mile to the store. I trampled through knee-deep snow drifts! I managed to make it there with only one face-plant into the snow and luckily it was on my way to the store. :)
Anyway, now I am home safe. I always hate leaving AZ because I am so sad to leave my family. The Lord has blessed me with a family who really loves each other. So here I sit, wearing three layers to stay warm and eating a bowl of warm oatmeal (comfort food) for dinner.
Welcome to winter in Iowa!
Yesterday morning I woke up and pulled on shorts and a t-shirt, stepped out the front door, and went for my familiar 5 mile run. This is not the story now. When I got to my home in Ames, I needed to go to the grocery store because I had nothing to eat. Well I realized that I could drive my car because it is in the garage and there is a few feet of snow in front all up the driveway that is going to take a few hours to clear. So I decided to take the bus. I pulled on my boots, scarf, hat, winter coat, and gloves. As I was heading outside someone passed down my street on cross country skis! I guess that's one way to get around with all of the snow. Unfortunately I got to the bus stop about 10 feet too late. I decide to walk the 1/2 mile to the store. I trampled through knee-deep snow drifts! I managed to make it there with only one face-plant into the snow and luckily it was on my way to the store. :)
Anyway, now I am home safe. I always hate leaving AZ because I am so sad to leave my family. The Lord has blessed me with a family who really loves each other. So here I sit, wearing three layers to stay warm and eating a bowl of warm oatmeal (comfort food) for dinner.
Welcome to winter in Iowa!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Rebuilding
I have spent a lot of time the past few days reflecting on this past year and praying for this year. The Lord took me on an interesting journey last year. I spent many months feeling broken, discouraged, confused, lonely, defeated, and lost. I learned a lot about myself and the Lord. During these months there were times when I had nothing to cling to except the promises of the Lord. I know that He is true to His word and this was all I had. While I did not enjoy the journey, I thank the Lord that I can rest assured that He used it to make me more like Him, for this He promises.
As I pray for this year, I am continually reminded of Nehemiah when he was rebuilding the Jerusalem's wall. There were many people who were trying to discourage him and distract him. Like Nehemiah, I too feel like I am entering a year of building. I am going to build my life around the solid foundation of Jesus Christ for then I shall not be shaken. I am going to do the work that He has called me to do; I am going to be who He made me to be.
Jesus, I am yours.
As I pray for this year, I am continually reminded of Nehemiah when he was rebuilding the Jerusalem's wall. There were many people who were trying to discourage him and distract him. Like Nehemiah, I too feel like I am entering a year of building. I am going to build my life around the solid foundation of Jesus Christ for then I shall not be shaken. I am going to do the work that He has called me to do; I am going to be who He made me to be.
Jesus, I am yours.
Shoes and Pearls
Last night Carina and I went to see The Lion King, the off Broadway production. It was fantastic! The costumes were spectacular and the music was amazing. It makes the list of my favorites.
Anyway, back to the shoes and pearls. Yesterday afternoon we went to go get our tickets for the performance. (This is one time when it pays off to be a student because we got great seats for half price!) On the way home, we were trying to decide what to wear; who was going to wear what dress, etc. We were laughing because I knew what shoes and jewelry I wanted to wear and was planning the rest of my outfit accordingly.
So not only did we get to see an outstanding production, but I also got to wear my brown shoes and pearls. :) Yes I can be silly.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Goals for 2009
Spiritual:
1. Memorize the book of Ephesians - I want to work on being more consistent with my scripture memory. A friend and I are going to work on putting this book to memory.
2. Spend one day a month with the Lord - I spend time with Him everyday, but I love to get entire days with Him. Unfortunately I don't set aside a whole day very often, so this year I am making it a goal.
Exercise:
3. Train for a half marathon - goal time 1:45.
4. Strength train 3 times a week - yoga, weights, and pilates.
5. Hike the Grand Canyon - I have been wanting to do this for a long time, so this year it is going on my list.
School:
6. Publish an article - I am going to begin work on my dissertation this year and would like to publish an article of my initial research.
Pleasure:
7. Read six non-statistical books - The list of books I want to read is always growing longer.
8. Finish 3 paintings - I just got some new canvases and so I'm all ready to start painting.
9. Print, frame, and hang 5 photos
Food:
10. Eat meat at least once a week for 4 consecutive weeks - I generally don't cook meat for myself, but I know that it is beneficial to my body. I thought about making a goal about eating vegetarian but I decided that would be too easy because I tend to eat that way most of the time.
11. No microwave use for 3 months - A friend was telling me about the dangers to them, so I want to see if I can avoid using it for a time.
12. No chocolate - I woke up this morning and thought of this one. I had many stressful months this past year and ate too much chocolate during them. Time to give it up.
13. Drink Kefir everyday for 4 consecutive weeks - this will hopefully help with my stomach and intestine issues.
Random:
14. Keep email inbox to 20 - except when on vacation.
15. Blog every day for a month
16. Send a card in the mail to one person every week - who doesn't love to get fun mail?!
17. Learn to drive a manual car - A few weeks ago I went to start my roommates car and didn't know how to because it was manual. Now I know how to start the car, but I want to learn how to drive one too. It is probably a good skill to have.
1. Memorize the book of Ephesians - I want to work on being more consistent with my scripture memory. A friend and I are going to work on putting this book to memory.
2. Spend one day a month with the Lord - I spend time with Him everyday, but I love to get entire days with Him. Unfortunately I don't set aside a whole day very often, so this year I am making it a goal.
Exercise:
3. Train for a half marathon - goal time 1:45.
4. Strength train 3 times a week - yoga, weights, and pilates.
5. Hike the Grand Canyon - I have been wanting to do this for a long time, so this year it is going on my list.
School:
6. Publish an article - I am going to begin work on my dissertation this year and would like to publish an article of my initial research.
Pleasure:
7. Read six non-statistical books - The list of books I want to read is always growing longer.
8. Finish 3 paintings - I just got some new canvases and so I'm all ready to start painting.
9. Print, frame, and hang 5 photos
Food:
10. Eat meat at least once a week for 4 consecutive weeks - I generally don't cook meat for myself, but I know that it is beneficial to my body. I thought about making a goal about eating vegetarian but I decided that would be too easy because I tend to eat that way most of the time.
11. No microwave use for 3 months - A friend was telling me about the dangers to them, so I want to see if I can avoid using it for a time.
12. No chocolate - I woke up this morning and thought of this one. I had many stressful months this past year and ate too much chocolate during them. Time to give it up.
13. Drink Kefir everyday for 4 consecutive weeks - this will hopefully help with my stomach and intestine issues.
Random:
14. Keep email inbox to 20 - except when on vacation.
15. Blog every day for a month
16. Send a card in the mail to one person every week - who doesn't love to get fun mail?!
17. Learn to drive a manual car - A few weeks ago I went to start my roommates car and didn't know how to because it was manual. Now I know how to start the car, but I want to learn how to drive one too. It is probably a good skill to have.
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