life is just a bowl of cherries...

I'm Feeling: well rested and peaceful
Background Noise: If You're Gonna Play in Texas by Alabama

Who can call their summer complete without seeing at least part of a parade created around the near-worship of a fruit? Mark and I took our annual anniversary trip to Traverse City this weekend, and as usual, caught the end of the National Cherry Festival - which is always fun/funny to witness. The parade is full of local organizations, including children dressed as Disney characters, adult men dressed as Miss Piggy and playing the trumpet, and every pageant winner from around the state that one could imagine - the Apple Queen, the Bavarian Queen... I think there was even a Queen of Asparagus... and of course, the National Cherry Queen.

It was a wonderfully relaxing weekend - Mark and I slept in, worked out hard, ate at Don's Drive In, bought some delicious cherry-flavored goodies, bought Mark a new shirt, went to the beach, ate at the Peninsula Grill, went to a movie, and slept in some more. I've found that my heart has a large soft spot for Traverse City - after six HOSA State conferences and three anniversary trips... there are lots of memories and smiles and fun times that took place in TC. Praise God for weekends like this one - I think we both needed to wind down and relax with each other.

On an altogether separate, but equally exciting (at least in the Burley household) note... only 5 more days til Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince comes out!!

take two

I'm Feeling: warm - I just hiked all over campus and Grand River Ave.
Background Noise: Over the Rainbow by Melvin Amina

I wanted to clarify yesterday's post - in no way was I trying to communicate that I am not a happy person. I thought about that as I was writing it, but was hoping it wouldn't come across that way. I think it did, despite my efforts. I meant to say that I'm not sure that one of the first things people notice about me is that I'm happy. I want it to be. Seems like an excellent thing for someone to notice. Correction noted!

On that note, I had a really good night last night. I got some much needed cleaning (perhaps purging is a better word) done in our bedroom, I had a long chat with Dana and Hammer, I got to drive Brooks and Backus to Mason High School (all the Greater Lansing Young Life groups are going to camp at Rockbridge this week in Virginia, so we saw them all off), and I got to talk to Katie, Chelsea, Shannon, Meredith, Joe, Drew and Tony while I was there - it was good to see them and even more great to talk to them. I think sometimes I forget how much I like interacting with people, learning about them and caring about them. Maybe it's because sometimes it seems like such hard work, and other times I think I feel like I barely have a grip on myself, so I'm in no position to offer anything to someone else. Ridiculous, and straight from Satan's mouth to my ears, I know... Hopefully the prodigious feeling I had last night will linger to remind me that those self-defeating thoughts are lies from the Enemy. I ended the night a little cranky, which is a grossly unfortunate and inappropriate cap to my evening - sorry, Mark. I'm all better now! :)

Thought for the day: My favorite restaurant in Traverse City is the Peninsula Grill - we go there almost every time we're up North, and we get to eat there this weekend - yahoo!! Where's your favorite place to eat on vacation?

Happy People

I'm Feeling: like being happy
Background Noise: Piano Medley III by Scott Rider

Don't Scott, Heather and Ashley look happy? This may seem like a stupid, thank you Captain Obvious kind of statement, but I like happy people. They're much more pleasant to deal with than cranky folks, and they tend to rub off on those around them.

I got to thinking about this last night (Mark and I were at Red Lobster for our anniversary dinner), and we were talking about first impressions of each other. One of his first impressions of me was that I was really happy. I wondered if that was something he (or anyone else) would still say about me... at least in a first impression. Made me feel kinda silly - why would I not want to put the happiest foot forward, and have people walking away from me, and whatever else they may be thinking about me - also think "That Kate Burley is a happy gal." Hm. My food for thought today. Phillipians 2:14 says to do everything without complaining or arguing, which is hard enough - but is that all I really want to strive for? Proverbs has 4 different verses specifically about being cheerful - not just "not whiny." It's easy to not think about the impact of your feelings on others... "I'M the one who's sad," right? I guess I'm saying I'd like to get back to where I was six years ago in this area - and be someone that others will see as cheerful and happy from their very first impression.

Thought for the day: If you could, in retrospect, thank one person for what they taught you, who would it be, and what would you thank them for?

No, not Italy

I'm Feeling: can't pin it down
Background Noise: Lucky 4 You by SheDaisy

We were in Venice, CA all weekend (Friday til Tuesday), Becker and Bibi (Becker and Mark were both Marketing majors at MSU, and both cheered together at State). It was really fun, although I am really tired. I want to stay at home, quietly, and get some things done. That's not really in the cards though... we're up to Traverse City on Friday for the weekend to celebrate our 3rd anniversary - which is today! I can't believe it's been three years already - sheesh. I know it sounds so cliche, but time really does fly by sometimes.

AOPed it again today - and tomorrow and Friday as well... I'll be happy when it's over, although I am having fun. I just feel like there is a lot of other stuff to get done that isn't happening because of AOP.

el pollo loco

I'm Feeling: crazily but happily busy
Background Noise: Carolina in my Mind by James Taylor

I found some pictures of chickens with their heads cut off, but they were a little graphic and disturbing. So I went for the goofy cartoon chicken, which is rather unoffensive. However, the chicken with its head cut off is the general feeling I'm having today. AOP took a solid 4 hours - constantly talking, repeating myself 9 times to 9 different people (of varying degrees of pleasantness), suddenly it was time to meet Mark for lunch at Flat's... then back to the office where I need to make 80 bajillion new folders for all the new students who've come to AOP in the past 3 weeks. Eeek! And - I'll be out of the office tomorrow afternoon, Friday afternoon, and Tuesday. And I thought the summer would be slow! It's better this way, believe me, but it sure does wear on me by the end of the night.

Today's word of the day is widdershins - it means "in a left-handed, wrong or contrary direction: counterclockwise." I think it's funny that left-handed is followed by "wrong." As if those two are synonymous.

Thought for the day: Would you rather have the day be over before you know it, or have it go by slowly but be able to notice every detail?

confession

I'm Feeling: like avoiding yucky tasks
Background Noise: Come Unto Me by Nicole Mullen

While I consider myself in general a reliable, hard worker; I must confess that I at times am only motivated by pressure and/or deadlines. Mostly this occurs when the task ahead is mind-numbingly dull. Today, for example, I need to work on degree certifications for Political Science students who are graduating this summer. Believe it or not, actually LESS interesting than it sounds. They have to be done by Friday, and at this point, I'm still not feeling sufficient temporal pressure to get these things done. I know they have to be done today, because the rest of my week is kinda busy, but sheesh. I do the same thing at home sometimes. Maybe I'll let the laundry pile reach my knees before I wash anything, or wait til every spoon is dirty before I do the dishes. Most of the time, I think I do okay, but everyone once in awhile the procrastinator mite bites me, and I'm down for the count.

On the other side, every once in awhile I get crazy motivated and go nuts getting things done (I prefer those times - feels good to be productive). I wonder if there's any way to bottle that energy and meter it out - like an innoculation when I'm feeling lazy. I think I'm motivationally bipolar or something.

Thought for the day: What's your all-time favorite summertime treat?

not QUITE what my yard looks like

I'm Feeling: like getting things DONE!
Background Noise: Thank You by Dido

After I drove back to Mason from Chicagoland yesterday, I decided to take action in my front yard. About a month ago, we got some cute hanging flower baskets, and flower boxes to hang on the front porch railing. It looked fantabulous for about 4 days, then everything died. And the dead plants have been sitting there ever since, because I am a slacker when it comes to those things. So I went to Meijer and bought some new flowers, as well as 3 new shrubs to put in the front yard (evergreens that are supposed to grow BIG - so I won't have to plant much more), and I stayed outside in the 90+ degree day and dug holes in the dirt and sweated profusely. While not exactly fun, it was really rewarding to finally get something big done. Hopefully I won't kill this set of plants, and they'll look nice for the rest of the summer.

My weekend was fun - I hung out at home with Mom, Dad and Meg (and Adam and Melissa on Saturday for awhile). We played games and went to see Batman Begins. It was good to relax. Thursday night I got to visit Grosse Pointe for the first time - a swanky Northern suburb of Detroit. It was a gorgeous day, and I had ridiculous amounts of fun with Kelsey. The only not fun part was driving home, and even that went by pretty fast.

More transfer students at AOP today - hopefully we can get them done quickly this afternoon. Only 9 are supposed to be coming, so that's a good thing. I started reading a book recommended to me by Kristen - called Sacred Marriage. Holy cow, what a challenging and convicting book already!! It's almost overwhelming (because it sounds hard), but it's also really eye-opening. Hopefully I have the wherewithall to finish, and evaluate some things along the way.

In other news, my hubby is home from Nashville - which rocks! He was only gone a week, but I really notice a difference when he's gone. It was so nice to wake up this morning with his self all spread out over the bed, grumbling at the alarm clock and blearily saying goodbye to me when I left for work. Welcome home, darlin!

Thought for the day: I feel God tugging at me lately (okay, yanking REALLY hard) to change my heart about certain issues and attitudes. What is He doing in your life?

wild

I'm Feeling: a little bit drained
Background Noise: Lean on Me by Bill Withers

AOP was crazy this morning - we were short 2 advisors, and it seemed as thought there were perpetually at least 9 students waiting to be seen. I started at 8, and the first time I had a chance to check my watch, it was 10:57. Yikes. At least it goes by quickly, right?

Today I get to dine with my friend Jessica - we've been good friends for 5 years now, she was in my wedding and I in hers, but we fell victim to the classic move-away, don't keep that good of touch syndrome that can strike so easily post-college. Anyway, I'm pumped to hang out with her again - she's a sweet gal and I love her! Unfortunately, that means the guest room is gonna stay trashed at least another night or two... oh well. It will get done eventually, right?

Today is gorgeous - sunny and blue skies and green leaves waving in the wind... not exactly like my picture. In case you can't tell, a storm was moving its way through Paris (picture taken atop the Tour Eiffel). Just another awesome picture of the power of our God.

Thought for the day: Is there someplace in your life where you need to take a chance, but are too chicken to jump into the deep end?

funny stuff

I'm Feeling: like getting silly!!
Background Noise: Blowing in the Wind by Joan Baez

Everyone has a penchant for being struck by certain things. Some people like bright, clear summer days when everything around them is alive and rejoicing. Other people love raging storms; the raw power of our God leaves them breathless. Or when its raining and sunny at the same time, or when you can see the moon in the middle of the day. I feel like I've been given a peek behind the scenes... and that God has a wonderfully playful sense of humor. "I wonder how many people will notice if I stick the moon out there at 4 in the afternoon... hehehe."

About a week or so ago I talked about silliness, and I've decided that I'm gonna focus this summer on retrieving mine. Seriously, I used to be such a silly kid - I giggled hysterically with my friends, made up dorky songs and dances and did funny voices and faces all the time. Now, I still do some of that, but somewhere along the line, I got stodgy. I sing along with the radio in the car, but usually only if I'm alone. I'll crank the stereo and dance around my house, again, only if I'm alone. When I was a kid, I used to roll down hills in the grass, lie on my back for hours and look at the clouds, pick dandelions and blow the dust to the wind, run around the backyard for the sheer fun of running... why is it we stop doing those things as adults? In the past couple years I've noticed a disturbing tendency to get irritated around extremely giggly girls. Why?? It's an awesome thing to have such joy, and people with whom to share it. When did I become such a stick in the mud? I need to be kept accountable to live life lightly and with a joyous spirit - to appreciate funny things and relax in my life. Maybe I can turn this thing around yet! :)

Thought for the day: Is there something you really enjoy that you haven't treated yourself to lately? Or something fun and silly that you used to do?

I'm about to go pro...

I'm Feeling: curiously hungry for 10 in the morning
Background Noise: Share the Well by Caedmon's Call

I got to try my hand (and feet, legs, arms and back) at skiing again this weekend - haven't done that since last fall. For those of you who don't know, my water skiing ability (or lack thereof) ought to be studied. It took me FOREVER to figure out how to get up on the skis... now, I can't figure out how to stay up. I'll last 15 seconds or so, maybe 30 on a good day, then I'm out. Mark says I'm really close, but since I'm clueless, it's hard to tell what I'm doing right or wrong. I just keep trying things until something works. I got to wear a wetsuit for the second time in my life yesterday though... always a treat. Makes you feel like a human sausage. (On a semi-related nerd note... I like typing the word skiing... very rarely do I get to put 2 i's next to each other).

Today I have to do transfer orientation. Not as much fun as freshmen, because they're crankier (lots of times, for good reason). The nice thing is that my part is in the afternoon, so I didn't have to be here EXACTLY at 8 this morning... even though I was. Funny how that works out. I also get to have lunch with Katie today - I'm looking forward to that. Hopefully the day will zip right by, and I'll jet home to relax and get some stuff done. I emptied one of the guest room closets yesterday - it needed to be cleaned out, but now it appears that the green room has vomited random books, papers and boxes all over itself. Sigh - these things always get worse before they get better, but it's a little depressing in the meantime.

Thought for the day: The average ear of corn has 800 kernels arranged in 16 rows. Makes it sound like a lot more food than it is. Does anyone know why it's called an "ear"?

Kelsey NeeCole

I'm Feeling: so good!
Background Noise: Light the Fire by Fusebox

I just had lunch with my friend Kelsey - she is an awesome woman of the Lord, and she makes me laugh - a top notch combination, if you ask me!! She's also my manager (someday I'll be a famous actress) and my therapist. Woman of many, many talents. Hopefully I perform one or two valuable tasks for her as well - I can only hope. Lunch with Kelsey always makes me smile - it's really sad that she moved to Grosse Pointe, but I'm praying that God will keep our friendship alive and kicking, despite the distance. We're really only at the beginning of a relationship, and just thinking of the blessings God could bestow because of our interaction makes me want to jump up and down.

One week of AOP down, five to go. Overall, I'm having a lot of fun. I repeat myself about 6 times in a 3 hour period, but I get to meet a lot of fun new people, and they give me a lot to look forward to about the fall. I also got to have a nice chat with Dawn (she works a level up from me, in the College office) today - I like her a lot, and it was good to spend some time chatting with a professional colleague. I'm still getting used to being a career woman.

Thank the Lord for Fridays - I'm really needing this weekend!! Hopefully some good relaxing will take place. And since I won't be blogging again until Monday - Happy Father's Day to all the dads I know! The world is a better place because of you - and the Lord is blessing your children abundantly through your daily lives!

Thought for the day: What do you want for your life that you are afraid to ask for?

Who are these attractive people??

I'm Feeling: hungry!
Background Noise: That's When I Love You by Phil Vasser

Why, they're my family, of course!! Meg, Mark and David, lounging on a bridge over the Seine in Paris. It's so funny to look at pictures of people you see all the time, in normal places, doing mundane things - and see them hanging out in Paris. I mean, I know we were there, I know we saw cool things... but sometimes, when you come back home, it's hard to actually believe you were there and did and saw those things.

I love lists. Those who know me will not be the least bit surprised by this news. I make to-do lists of all sorts, and get a strange pleasure from crossing things off as they are completed. Sometimes (okay, a lot of the time), when I make a new list, I'll put a task on it that I just finished, just so that I can cross it off immediately. Lists just look better when things are crossed off them. I have a bunch at my office that are work related, some that are home - project related (that list, unfortunately, moves at a snail's pace... and no, not the pace of a Jamaican racing snail. A regular old sloooow snail). I also keep lists of personal goals and habits I want to keep up. Just something quirky about me - add it to your list of nerdy things Kate likes to do.

Thought for today: What could happen today that would make you jump up and down with excitement and anticipation?

Jardin des Tuilleries + silliness = good picture

I'm Feeling: encouraged
Background Noise: Free Fallin by Tom Petty

We visited the Jardin des Tuilleries in Paris, after soaking up some artistic history in the Louvre... Mark and David have a particular appreciation for sculpture, as shown above. :)

I'm feeling pretty happy today - nothing spectacularly over-the-top going on, just some good encouraging moments. And it's not even 2 in the afternoon! AOP began today, which was really fun - as I mentioned before, I really like incoming students, and it's fun for me to explain their requirements, answer their questions, and help them leave feeling less confused, more relaxed, and excited in general about what's on the horizon for them. And I feel like that happened today. I met some cool men and women, made them laugh (again, another really important goal of mine), and got to spend some quality time with other advisors - which I don't do very often. Then I got to talk to MaryBeth - I used to work for her, both for Orientation and in her house (I watched her children). It was nice to catch up and hear about her family. THEN I got to have lunch with Dana - it's basically been a year since we've hung out (okay, a couple weeks, but still), and I had a great time chatting today. My salad at Panera was delicious, and my company entertaining. We're still getting to know each other, and I think we are different in lots of ways, but I can see there being a lot for us to gain from each other. At any rate, it left me feeling cheerful and smiley, and like I have friends. Always a huge plus in my book.

Thought for the day: Are you silly enough? Sometimes I think (okay, I know) that I'm not. Or at least I don't let other people know how silly I actually am on the inside. Why is that? Silliness (when not inappropriate) is endearing, uplifting, and funny - all excellent things! I should be sillier...

Bushel and a Peck

I'm Feeling: a little damp (I just walked back to my office in the rain)
Background Noise: When I Praise by FFH

This was one of my favoritest parts of my trip to Europe - my sister and I got to see Guys and Dolls at the Piccadilly Theatre... and YES, that's Ewan McGregor in the picture with me (okay, it's a picture of him in the picture with me) because we saw him perform live on stage as Sky Masterson! It was sooo much fun - aside from the fact that I love the show in general, the fact that Ewan (and Jane Krakowski - who rocked!) were performing live, feet from me, was just totally fun. I was grinning like the village idiot the entire time. Never wanted it to stop. Plus, we scalped the tickets outside the theatre from two funny women who promised they weren't up to anything "dodgy." I love London.

This weekend we were in Spencerport, NY - a rocking suburb of Rochester - with our good friends Mike and Kristen and their 2 boys. I felt so at home all weekend - it was such a blessing to relax and catch up with people who know you well and love you. I ate a TON of food, played on the trampoline and in the kiddy pool, went to the playground, took a nap, went to Michael's with Kristen, ate more food, read the boys bedtime stories, played Euchre and UNO Attacks... it was such a good time. Minus the 6-7 hour drive it takes to get there... worth every minute.

Academic Orientation (AOP) starts at MSU today - meaning beginning tomorrow morning, the next six weeks will be full of me attempting to get new students class schedules they like, and helping them feel connected to MSU. I'm looking forward to it, actually. I really like talking to new and prospective students, and I think the busy-ness of it will resonate with me. Meanwhile, time to catch up on some of the slightly more mundane office-y tasks (filing, updating students' grades, etc...) Happy rainy Monday!

Thought for the day: I got to eat my first homemade twinkie this weekend (thanks Sarah!), and it was awesome. I don't like regular twinkies, I think they're nasty, but this was delish. Check this out though - makes me laugh.

I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles...

I'm Feeling: like a traveler!
Background Noise: I'll Join the Rocks by FFH

Paris, in my opinion, is a beautiful city. Like most big cities, there are times when it could be cleaner, or when it doesn't smell very nice... but it's gorgeous. Even the signs for the subway are fancy, see? (Black and white pictures always make things seem fancier, too). We were only in Paris for about 12 hours - rode the train in the morning, and back in the evening. But it was awesome - we saw Notre Dame, Jardin des Tuilleries, the Louvre, traveled to the top of the Eiffel Tower (which is really stinking tall), and a lot of the city just from walking around. I adore the cobblestone streets and wrought iron balconies and street vendors and architecture - there is so much to look at. My rolls of film are primarily filled with images that I thought were pretty or artistic - very few people in them (and if there are people, I tend to take candids). I think my newest ambition is to be a photographer - I have so much fun finding a subject, and making something fairly normal into a really cool picture.

Today, less than 4 days after crossing the Atlantic Ocean, Mark and I are going to cross Canada. I know, not quite the same, but I'm equally excited about this trip. We get to spend the weekend with Mike, Kristen, Timmy and Joshua in Spencerport, NY. I'm pumped! They moved away about a year ago, and Mark and I haven't stopped missing them since. We'll play with the boys, talk, eat, jump on the trampoline... I can't wait.

Thought for the day: Are you good at keeping in touch with friends after they move away?

Skiing, anyone?

I'm Feeling: not too stinking bad, thanks for asking
Background Noise: I Just Wanna Be Mad by Terri Clark

My husband Mark loves to ski - both water and downhill. In the summer, it's about all you can do to distract him from his desire to be out on a boat, "tearin' it up." Well today, his wish comes true - he gets to hit the lake with Brooks and Dana. He's pretty excited. Me - I'm a miserable skier, although it's certainly not for lack of trying. (Not sure if that makes it better or worse...) But alas, I can't go today - appointments and whatnot at the office... *sigh* What a bummer to have responsibility, right? :) Maybe I'll be able to go next time.

In the meantime, I have a whole evening to fill up by myself - this happens fairly frequently, so I'm pretty skilled at entertaining myself, but I'm not sure what I want to do tonight. LOTS of things on my list... drop off film from the trip, get a haircut, pull weeds from the flower beds, clean out either of our two junky guest rooms, sit and read a book... Any suggestions?

Back in the States

I'm Feeling: relaxed
Background Noise: Grace Flows Down by Heather Rider

Hello!!! It's good to be home - I actually missed blogging a little while we were away (although the trip was so busy, there wasn't much time to think about it). Once I get some pics developed, I'll start sharing a little more about the trip - suffice it to say we had fun, saw a LOT of stuff, and spent some money! :)

I woke up this morning at 3:30am or so to the sound of the guest room door being blown open and shut by the wind (it doesn't latch well on its own)... then I noticed lightning, and soon after, thunder. Now you know I love storms, but not quite as much when it means that I have to shut the windows in my un-airconditioned house (it actually reached 90 degrees inside our house last night - yucko!) The rain cooled things off for an hour or two, but the temp is quickly climbing back up toward 90. I really like summer, but I'm only a fan of sweating if I deserve to be sweating. And sitting in your living room reading a book is NOT an activity during which you deserve to sweat. Hopefully it will feel a little cooler today - but God bless the sunshine!! It's fantastic, and gorgeous to look outside - green trees and grass and blue skies. Gotta love it. Yesterday morning was one of those times that makes me wish I didn't have to do any work during the summer - just lounge around my house and get things done, play in the flower beds and work on some projects. Under a big tree (which we don't have) in the front yard (which can't really be qualified as a yard yet, although it's getting closer, much to the relief of our neighbors).

Thought for the day: No word in the English language rhymes with the month, orange, silver and purple. Seems hard to believe... what about trunth, blorange, dwilver and quirple??

USPS

I'mFeeling: like lying in the grass all day, reading a book
Background Noise: If I Stand by Rich Mullins

This morning I stopped by the Post Office on my way to work in order to pick up my passport - I had to send it off to get the name changed (it still had my maiden name on it - whoops!). Now, most POs open around 7:00am so that people who go to work can stop by and conduct their postal business. However, good old Mason PO's hours are from 9:00am to 5:00pm - exactly when I'm supposed to be at work! I'll have to leave a little early today to pick it up, I guess. It made me chuckle - got to love small towns! :)

I've always kind of wanted to write a book - I've loved to write since elementary school, and I've been told I'm not too bad at it. My main problem is that I have no idea what to write about. So today, I ask you, all 3 of my faithful blog readers, to help me come up with an idea for a book. I am not partial to fiction or non-fiction... at this point, all options are being considered. What do you think??

Spurtle the Sea Turtle

I'm Feeling: antsy
Background Noise: Your Body is a Wonderland by John Mayer

In our living room, we have a stuffed frog named Buttrub (nothing sketchy - it means that his butt is nice to rub) and a stuffed sea turtle. I got the sea turtle in Vancouver, British Columbia 4 years ago, and I never was able to come up with a good name for him. It was a conundrum - I like to name things (definitely stuffed animals, sometimes plants and cars and other inanimate objects). Well, my little sister recently graduated from college and received the Compact (ha) Oxford English Dictionary as one of her gifts. It's huge, with really really tiny writing - you need a magnifying glass to read it. We came across the word spurtle in some of our literary wanderings, and I decided that it was a great name for our turtle. Mostly because it's fun to say, and because it rhymes.

It's cold outside today, and I'm really starting to wish for summer. Maybe Belgium will be warmer - we leave a week from today!! Everyone keeps asking if I'm excited, but mostly it just doesn't actually feel like we're going. Monday night, I'll be freaking out. Ask me then.

am I truly the last?

I'm Feeling: delightful
Background Noise: hang on, I haven't turned on iTunes yet... Testify to Love by Avalon

Last night, I journeyed back to 1982 via the television set in our living room. With the rental of a truly inspired VHS tape last night (kudos to Mammoth Video in Mason for carrying the best movies!), Dana, Dave, Mark and I revisited our youth (because that's sooo far past, right?) as we watched The Last Unicorn. It was wonderful (and wonderfully silly of course, as it always is to watch movies you adored as a child). An excellent way to end a pretty stinking fun Sunday, I'd say. One of my husband's favorite sayings is "Take note of the moment, for this is your life." That makes me chuckle when I think of last night. My life rocks!

At any rate, I had a really good weekend - two birthday parties on Saturday (yay for Jamie, who turned 30 last week, and for James, who turned 2!!) , good times with our middle school friends at our last official Wyldlife event for the 2004-05 year, lunch at Bennigan's with some truly funny people, quality time with Dana, and realizing that the 2 of us have some a-mazing gourmet cooking skills! And that even though we giggle ridiculously whenever we have a truly inspired idea, Dave and Mark are still caught off guard. (Or at least they pretend, really well - thanks, guys).

What did you do this weekend?

troubled waters

I'm Feeling: anxious
Background Noise: I Just Wanna Be Mad by Terri Clark

I like watching water - it's one of those really weird things in life that we don't think about too often, but when one actually sits down to ponder 'water,' amazement and awe must follow. One of my favorite things about water is the ripple effect, and not just because it's kinda pretty. I think it echoes our lives so strongly - the idea that little things make a big impact. Sometimes the little things are heart-warming and affectionate... other times the little things are thoughtless and hurtful. Whatever the case, one little pebble can make a noticeable disturbance in the surface of the water. Of course, the ripples gradually fade away, and the water returns to its placid facade. But the pebble is still there, under the surface. Kinda wild.

One of my other favorite things to do is to try to make ordinary, everyday things into deep, meaningful allegorical anecdotes. How'd I do today?

the lovers, the dreamers, and me

I'm Feeling: I dunno
Background Noise: Independence Day by Martina McBride

What a week. I finally went to the doctor - turns out my malady is viral bronchitis - which basically means a nasty throat infection that they can't do anything about - it just has to run its course. On the upside, I got my tetanus shot updated today, so my left shoulder is achy. But if I step on a rusty nail tonight, I'll be totally safe.

This week's just been weird for me - I'm no good at being sick - lying still, getting rest, doing nothing. I get antsy and start cleaning the house and doing laundry and wanting to go out - makes it harder to get well quickly. I've been in and out of the office - canceling appointments (which I HATE to do) and catching up on email and voicemail as often as I can. We all whine about work sometimes, but I've really missed being here this week. Just goes to show.

I think the wise words of Kermit the Frog shed much needed hope and solace on my emotionally stressful week: Someday we'll find it - the Rainbow Connection. The lovers, the dreamers, and me....

libraries

I'm Feeling: quiet
Background Noise: Paper Wings by Gillian Welch

I'm trying to build up a library of sorts in my office - resources for the students and for myself. I've officially finished my first full academic year as an advisor, and (in my own grand fashion) now have about 8000 ideas of what I can do differently/additionally to improve my performance. One area our department is sorely lacking is in its literary resources. Books about careers, academic majors, law school, grad school and beyond - all stuff that is pressing impatiently on the minds of the students I advise. Having tangible, visible teaching aids has proven helpful - so I'm trying to build up my collection. Slow but sure. (It'll probably never look like that picture - that's the Long Room at Trinity College in Dublin where the Book of Kells is housed).

Most of my appointments cancelled for today, so I'm getting to start putting into practice some of the crazy brainstorms I've had in the last few weeks. I have to sift through the inspiration to nail down the ideas that are plausible (meaning, I can accomplish them and still maintain a modicum of sanity). Wish me luck.

Thought for the day: Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. Not a common warning, but for those of you who love pumpkin pie soo much you'd like to have an IV permanently attached - take note.

absence

I'm Feeling: moderately healthier than this weekend
Background Noise: Hungry by Heather Rider

So I apologize for my absence - I was in a conference on Thursday, then I got the nastiest sore throat/fever combo I've had in awhile late late Thursday night and have been down for the count this weekend. It stinks.

But I DID get to see my little sister Megan graduate from college - which was really awesome!! She's going to start a Master's program in the fall, and I'm totally proud of her. Meg rocks!! I just can't get over how quickly time is moving us onward. There are times I feel positively propelled through my life. It's cool, but a little unnerving - I have to remember to take note of the moments, lest they pass by unobserved.

Thought for the day: Would you rather have time drag or speed by? Why?

I'm a storm girl

I'm Feeling: antsy
Background Noise: Beautiful, Scandalous Night by Bebo Norman et al.

It's supposed to thunderstorm today - and I heart summer storms. I know it's kinda weird - most people love sunshine and puffy, white clouds - not big scary noises and jagged bolts of electricity shooting down from desprate, ominous skies... but I love them both!! I've always liked to watch storms - there is such raw power. I stand in awe of our earth once again. The only downside - it makes my hair freak out (I am exceptionally susceptible to humidity). And I think one of the windows in our bedroom is a tiny bit open. Darn.

Thought for the day: A housefly hums in the middle octave, key of F. I wonder who bothered to take note of that.

springtime splendor

I'm Feeling: lighter (I cut off about 7 inches of hair today!)
Background Noise: Baby Boom Baby by James Taylor

I adore this time of year for lots of reasons, but today the reason is flowering trees. I was walking on campus this morning, and was engulfed by the beautiful fragrance of these trees - not only do they smell like heaven, but there are fantastically vibrant flowers everywhere too. Seriously - what could be better? I was really struck by the artistry of God - white and pink and red flowers in trees with vibrantly green leaves, all pasted against the brilliant blue of morning sky in spring. It was delightful.

Things are slower in the office now - which is fun and different. I like the summer pace - everyone seems happier. (It's probably because of those lovely trees outside!) Oh, and "happy last day of officially having college-student work to do" to my little sister Megan... you're so big!! :)

Thought for the day: Does short hair make Katie look older or younger? (so far, the score is tied, 1:1)

Happy Birthday!

I'm Feeling: really really good
Background Noise: It Is Well by By The Tree (with elevator-replacement noises mixed in)

Obviously, yesterday was Mother's Day - and hopefully we were able to take a minute and reflect on what our moms have meant to us. Today is my mom's birthday - she gets a back-to-back double whammy week here! My mom has given a lot to her family - she has always striven to be fair and encouraged us to strive for success. I'd say (if I may), that she and my dad did an excellent job - my brother and sister are awesome people - creative, funny and smart. Our family has its quirks, as all families do - but we have a rich, silly, emotional and profound history together - and I think that's really cool. So happy birthday, Mom! I love you!

Thought for the day: Saw Kingdom of Heaven last night with Dana and Dave. Save your money. (although I'd like to thank Dave for pointing out that there were times when a redeeming theme/idea presented itself in the movie) What was the last wretched movie you've seen?

I heart bookstores

I'm Feeling: just dandy, thanks for asking
Background Noise: Free Fallin' by Tom Petty

Yesterday on my lunch hour I went to Barnes and Noble... I could seriously spend hours upon hours there (and I have before). I am amazed by two things when I'm in bookstores:
1. How many cool books there are to read - I have a long way to go!
2. How many lame-o books there are out there - how do they get published?
I've always loved to read... at least, as long as I can remember. We'd go to the library almost every week in the summertime when I was a kid - and I'd check out up to 10 books each time! I know this makes me sound like a real dorky kid, but hey. We're all dorks in some way, right? My biggest problem now is finding the time to read all the things I want to read. On the other hand, what fun would life be if you had all the time to do everything you ever wanted, and then you had nothing to look forward to? (I know, I'm stretching it there, but we have to make ourselves feel better somehow, right? :))

It's beautiful outside today - I want to leave the office and take my book to some benches near the Student Services building on campus - it's kinda tucked away, and there's a fountain, lots of trees and flowers. Sunshine, warm air and a good book - sounds like a superb afternoon!

Thought for the day: A "jiffy" is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second. I don't think I'll ever purport to be back "in a jiffy" again... pretty sure doing much of anything that fast is impossible.

A lot happens in a year....

I'm Feeling: tired
Background Noise: Angel by Sarah McLachlan

A year ago, I finished my master's degree in Student Affairs Administration. I had no job lined up - no idea where I'd be. I've been the academic advisor for the Department of Political Science for almost 9 months now, and I'm really enjoying it. A year ago, Mike and Kristen still lived in town - although now, they've been in New York for almost a year (yikes!). A year ago, our living room and kitchen were not painted - today, they are pumpkin orange (I know that sounds funny, but I really do love it). A year ago, I'd never heard of YoungLife - today, we're so connected that I've no idea what the last year would have looked like without it. A year ago, our front and backyards were pure dirt. Today, they are pure weeds (although the ChemLawn guy is working on that for us).

In tribute to everyone's nostalgia at this time of year - I thought I'd reflect on some of the changes in my life. Many of them have hurt, some have been exciting, quite a few were uncomfortable and foreign - but all have woven together to give me a varied and beautiful life. I've met so many amazing souls - people with generous hearts, wide smiles, and passionate spirits. I've cried a lot, but laughed much more. I've been challenged and risen to that challenge -- I've also been challenged and failed. I've loved a lot of people - hopefully, the very best I could. There are people I'd love to see/talk to more often, and I have a long list of dreams and ambitions. Life sure is funny sometimes - hard, confusing, painful, exhilirating, peaceful, passionate and unique. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Wednesday is Wonderful!

I'm Feeling: giddy
Background Noise: Share the Well by Caedmon's Call

Super thing #1: We just booked our Europe trip!! I feel like a little kid - I told my sister I wanted to make squeaky noises and bounce up and down. Granted, it's a little freaky to go ahead and say, "Sure, I'll pay for a great big fat trip for 4 to Europe," but I'm sooo excited for Mark, David, Meg and I to go - it's gonna rock!!

Super thing #2: I get to have lunch with Kelsey today - and that always makes my day fun!!

Super thing #3: Dave, Dana, Mark and I get to go see Gavin DeGraw tonight at CMU - a fun little road trip, great concert, and terrific company!!

Super thing #4: It's actually getting warmer outside - maybe spring really will come after all!!

Super thing #5: Last night was awesome: we had some of the parents of our middle school friends over for dinner to thank them for all their support: they give us food, let us use their homes, and provide lots of prayer and emotional support for our team. It was so great to be able to return the favor, even just for a night, and let them know we love and appreciate them and their families. Plus Cranium is always a good time!!

Thought for the day: The muzzle of a lion is like a fingerprint: no two lions have the same pattern of whiskers. We really are all unique creatures - created to be our individual, incredible selves!!

wouldn't it be nICE?

I'm Feeling: cold and sleepy
Background Noise: Only Hope by Switchfoot

I know it's May, but here in East Lansing, we're supposed to maybe break 50 degrees today, and yesterday was even chillier. When we showed up to work yesterday, the heat wasn't working. They told us they can't fix it until next week (when, by the way, it's supposed to be 75 degrees). So our offices are pretty stinking chilly right now - I'm snuggling with my mug of chai for warmth. The ventilation system in our delightful old academic building is such that it's always blowing air - ideally, you get to decide whether the air is hot or cold. Not this week. So I've piled some big books on top of the vents, hoping to muffle the cold air blasting out, forming icicles on my nose. (okay, you're right, I'm being dramatic).

I seriously could have stayed in bed for multiple more hours this morning - my poor body is wearing right out! Hopefully I'll be able to hit the sack early tonight and catch up on my beauty sleep (inner beauty, that is, and I truly believe sleep plays a crucial role in that!)

To all my dear MSU students/friends out there: one day of finals down, four (or less, depending on who you are!) to go!! Hang in there!

Thought for the day: If you toss a penny 10,000 times, it will not be heads 5000 times, but more like 4950. The heads side of the coin weighs more, so it tends to end up on the bottom. That pretty much throws off all the math I've learned since 6th grade. Great. At least now I know what to call during a coin toss.

Yee Haw

I'm Feeling: pretty durn good, I'd guess
Background Noise: Seasons of Love from the RENT soundtrack

Dana, Kelsey, Beth, Dave, Mark and I went line dancing this weekend -that's us in the picture! :) Haha, right... well, we were nearly that good. We went to the Cactus Juice Saloon in downtown Lansing - and I can't remember the last time I had sooo much fun!! Seriously, it was such a riot to get dressed up in my cowboy hat (yes, both my husband and I own our own hats - we're dorks) and step from downtown Lansing into Texas on Saturday night. I've found my new favorite past-time. Although I desperately need lessons - some of those dances are crazy fast!! So if you're ever looking for me on a Thursday night, I'll probably be at the Juice, taking line dance lessons. Dana and I are planning to choreograph our very own dance, so at least once, we can be the ones who know what we are doing, and everyone else on the floor can try to follow us.

I still feel a little funk-y, but I'm snapping out of it. Sometimes it's really easy for me to get stressed out, and convince myself that things are harder than they are. I think that's because most of the time, I try to stay really low-key and laid-back (which can take effort on my part at times; I can be a little high-strung). I'm trying to find that balance that you need between growing/evolving and denying your actual personality. Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating changing yourself to try to be more like other people - but I have a strong drive to continually grow and become more the woman I was created to be. Maybe I took a small step this weekend.

Thought for the day: (it's time to brag a little bit) What part of your personality do you like the most?

Funkytown

I'm Feeling: sooo ready for the weekend!
Background Noise: Still the Cross by FFH

I like this picture for a couple reasons. One, because it is pretty blue and purple - excellent colors! Two, because it looks like if you spun it around and around, it would hypnotize you. I think that's kinda cool.

I've been in kind of a funk lately, but not in the way one normally means when using that phrase. Let me explain. My mood has been pretty good - I'm not feeling particularly cranky or upset, but I'm experiencing a weird blend of frustration and contentment. Both emotions at the same time, just about different issues. I'm also crazy busy, but with things that I generally like to do - I just really need 48 hours in a day instead of 24. Then maybe I could get all the things done that I want to do. But part of me still feels like it's getting lost in there - it's almost like my life is going through a funk, not me. I know that sounds really weird, but there it is.

However, my friends are fabulous, my grandpa is okay, the sun is shining today, and in 4 hours - my weekend begins! There are lots of things to be happy about! Hopefully my life-funk will run its course shortly, and I can go back to "normal" life (whatever that means - I don't think I'd recognize normal if it bit me on the kneecap).

Thought for the day: The word funk is really fun to say (I think). Got any other words that you think are really fun?

summer days

I'm Feeling: happy
Background Noise: Come Away With Me by Norah Jones

I put together a puzzle last summer that looked exactly like that picture - it was 1500 pieces I think... I was unemployed last summer, for those who don't know. I spent a lot of time sitting around the house, trying to make myself busy with funny things like jigsaw puzzles and projects. (yes, for those of you who didn't already know - I am a complete dork) This year - very different story. I have all kinds of things I'm dying to do around the house, and I'm going to have to be a master of balancing my schedule to get it all done. The school year is almost over... I'm happy and sad about that.

Happy because:
1. I'll have more evenings free to catch up with family and old friends
2. The nights get warmer and longer - I love summer!
3. I can work outside in the yard
4. Some of these projects can stop being dreams and start actually happening (I hope)
5. Travel!
6. I get to meet lots of incoming students at AOP

Sad because:
1. Lots of our new friends will be out of town
2. Lots of our new friends will be moving away - I don't like when people leave
3. There will be far fewer students coming into my office during the summer - and they are what keep my days interesting and lively!

Luckily, I have far more things to be happy about in the summer than things to be sad about - and really, I have no idea what is in store for me. Things that seem to be sad or unfortunate often turn out to be blessings, and we get to do things and meet people that we'd never have encountered otherwise.

Thought for the day: What are you looking forward to? What changes are you afraid of?

nothing but blue skies (and by blue, I mean gray)

I'm Feeling: a little under the weather
Background Noise: When You Love Someone by Bryan Adams

Here are some more flowers... it's another gloomy, chilly, wet day outside - but the weekend is supposed to be a little nicer, so maybe my flowers are doing the trick. Keep your fingers crossed!

I found out yesterday that my grandfather is in the hospital. He had a stroke about a year and a half ago, and has been in a nursing home ever since - he can't talk or move much anymore - but he's been doing well. He also had (has) prostate cancer, but when they diagnosed it, they said it wasn't really that life-threatening. I haven't heard the diagnosis yet today, but it sounds like the cancer has either spread, or some new cancer has popped up. It's really sad - I don't see him much anymore (they're about 5 hours away, in IL), but a lot of my childhood memories are set at my grandparents' house. I used to sit on his lap and read books, or even do nothing at all. And he always had a quarter or something for us when we came to visit, which is pretty stinking cool when you're 5 years old. He was a woodworker/carpenter, and I love that there are things in my house that he made - things that will always carry with them memories of my grandpa. I hope he's feeling better today. Nothing to do but wait.

Thought for the day: What is one of your favorite childhood memories/stories?

April showers...

I'm Feeling: pretty unremarkable
Background Noise: Raise Your Hands by Bon Jovi

My theory: If I put enough pictures of pretty spring flowers up on my blog, maybe spring will come faster. Yesterday was beautiful, although a tiny bit chilly, so I'm just gonna help things along a little bit.

The last couple weeks have been crazy in this office! I knew enrollment time would be busy - lots of people with lots of questions about their coursework and requirements. It's really fun most of the time - I like when people leave here feeling significantly better than when they walked in. I'm a strongly empathetic person (to my downfall, sometimes), so I am very much affected by others' responses to me - for example, it's really hard for me to shake it off when a student leaves my office in tears, even if it had nothing to do with me. On the flip side, it's a huge upper to have students leave smiling, saying that they feel so much better about next year. Yay - me too!! :)

Thought for the day: Are you good at putting yourself in someone else's place? Is it always a good thing to do?

what's another word for ridiculously busy?

I'm Feeling: slightly overwhelmed
Background Noise: Baby Boom Baby by James Taylor

Mark and I got back from Traverse City yesterday - and the 25th Annual Michigan HOSA State Conference was a smashing success!! We're tuckered out, to be sure, but it's good to know that all that hard work paid off so well. Check out some of the comments made about the weekend!! Our fantastic friends Katie and Kelsey made us a cake last night to celebrate the completion of the conference - it's good to be loved!!

Now I'm back at work - I played catch-up all morning, returning emails and phone calls and whatnot. It's good to be missed, I guess, but definitely overwhelming to come back to over 100 emails in just 3 days. I think we'll be okay though - nothing disastrous went down in my absence, so I chalk that up as success!! This is the last official week of class at MSU - next week is finals, and graduation is May 6 and 7! I know this will make me sound old, but time sure does fly!! It's been a good year, though - lots of changes (both good and sad) and new people (all good!) and new experiences.

Thought for the day: If you could take a trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go? (Did I ask this one already? If so, sorry - I'm trying to brainstorm for our big Europe trip in May/June!!)

batting 1000

I'm Feeling: like I have a big week coming up!
Background Noise: Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble by Delirious

I'm batting a thousand for fun lunches so far this week - Dana yesterday, and Beth today!! It's really aweseome to have such good company - really amazing women that I look up to a lot. Everyone should have friends with such strength of character - and senses of humor!! :) Beth has such an open and honest personality - she shares easily and truthfully, and is a great listener with a b-e-a-utiful smile.

The picture is of Brussels, Belgium - we are trying to plan a trip to Europe, and are looking for someplace fun to go (fun = not everyone would think to go there, and not too expensive). Brussels looks beautiful, has tons of history and architecture, and is only an hour and twenty minutes by train from Paris! It has potential...

I won't be posting for awhile - I'm leaving tomorrow for the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, MI for the Michigan HOSA State Conference! Woo hoo!! Seriously - the resort is beautiful, and some of my favorite people in the world will be there - Becker and Dave and Jamie and Kelsey and Dana and Beth! It's always a lot of work and running around and late nights and stress, but in the best possible company!!

Thought for the day: The bloodhound is the only animal whose evidence is admissable in an American court. I just have a funny picture of a bloodhound in a suit and tie, sitting there chatting away about the crime scene. He has a big moustache too.

Happy Birthday

I'm Feeling: not really sure how I'm feeling...
Background Noise: Building a Mystery by Sarah McLachlan

Happy Birthday to my friend Katie! 22 whole years old today! Woo!! Katie is a beautiful girl with a big heart and I love her!

In other news - things are a little hectic today - no real good reason for that either. I had lunch with Dana at Flat's. Very good food and very good company - it was the first time Dana and I have hung out, just the two of us. She's a fun person - lots of laughing and smiling and funny comments. Dana is one of those people that everyone just wants to be near - people watch her and care what she thinks (me included). It's been really cool to get to know her better and see what kind of person she is: how much she loves her friends, her integrity and passion, and her beautiful soul.

Thought for the day: More people are killed annually by donkeys than die in airplane crashes. I never really thought of donkeys as a mortal threat. Guess that shows me.

River North Chicago Dance Company

I'm Feeling: tired, but happy
Background Noise: Grace Flows Down by Heather Rider

Tonight I get to go see the River North Chicago Dance Company perform at the Wharton Center on campus - I'm really excited!! I've pretty much danced my entire life - mostly ballet - although I am finding out that my passion is more modern/lyrical/jazz now that I'm a little older. I have an appreciation for the freedom of movement, I think. My friend Katie is coming with me, and we get to sit in the front row of the balcony, right in the middle - good seats!! I also get to go to YoungLife tonight, where my friend Brooks is leading our lesson, and I got to hang out with my middle school friends at lunch today. So chalk up Friday, April 15th as a pretty stinking good day! Oh - and yesterday, I talked to my friend Dana on the phone for the first time - a monumental step in our relationship! :) It's been a big week for me, that's for sure.

Thought for the day: There are approximately 75,000,000 horses in the world (in tribute to Mark's blog on Wednesday). That's a lot of horses.

ladies and gentlemen...

I'm Feeling: like I could go back to bed for awhile
Background Noise: Hands of the Potter by Caedmon's Call

Here are some of my top fives (in the grand tradition of Mark and Brooks):
Foods
5. green grapes
4. mashed potatoes
3. yummy salads (as opposed to yucky salads)
2. tacos
1. pizza
Movies
5. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
4. Goonies
3. About a Boy
2. A Few Good Men
1. Steel Magnolias (I know it's really sad, but it gets me every time - plus I love Southern accents!)
Songs
5. Angel by Sarah McLachlan
4. How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin
3. The World's Greatest by R. Kelly
2. If I Stand by Rich Mullins
1. When You Say Nothing At All by Allison Krauss
Quotes
5. What the fat?
4. May even your nights be filled with sunshine, the busiest of days end nestled in the provider of your sustenance and may you know your guiding light is present even when unseen.
3. The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.
2. Sometimes, it's not about you.
1. Nobody likes you any less.
Sweets
5. cookie dough ice cream
4. Snickerdoodles
3. anything with chocolate and peanut butter together
2. chocolate cake with chocolate frosting
1. apple pie
Qualities in People
5. motivation
4. wisdom
3. approachability
2. humor
1. sincerity
Physical Activities
5. trying to water ski
4. playing on a trampoline
3. hiking
2. tennis
1. dancing
Books (other than the Bible)
5. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
4. The Know-It-All by A.J. Jacobs
3. Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
2. Thursday Next novels by Jasper Fforde
1. All 5 Harry Potters by J.K. Rowling
Things to Do
5. workout - it makes me feel good!
4. go out to eat with friends (food AND good company - can't be beat!)
3. take long walks - the more scenic the better
2. read a good book
1. make things (quilts, blankets, cards, presents, etc...)
Restaurants
5. Qdoba
4. Flat's Grill (East Lansing)
3. Cosi
2. Olive Garden
1. Peninsula Grill (Traverse City)
School Subjects
5. Psychology
4. American Sign Language
3. Literature
2. History
1. Math
Electronic Device/Appliance
5. hair dryer
4. refrigerator
3. microwave
2. cellular phone
1. computer
Stores I Should Buy Stock In
5. Hallmark
4. JoAnn/Michael's
3. Meijer
2. Gap/Old Navy
1. Target
Defining Moments
5. getting dumped by a guy for the first time
4. moving from home to college
3. graduating from grad school/getting a full-time job
2. April 29, 1999 - up til 5:45am - that night changed my life!!
1. Hearing: "I Mark, in the presence of God and these witnesses, take you Katharine..."

Thought for the day: If you could ensure that your children never have one experience that you have had, what would it be, and why?

on this day in history...

I'm Feeling: a little drained
Background Noise: Still Voices by PW Gopal

On April 13, 1796; the first elephant arrived in the United States, from Bengal India. It's kinda funny to think of elephants being shipped across the world. What a process! And where was this elephant going? Some kind of preserve/zoo (it's funny to think of 18th Century people getting ready for a day at the zoo... ) or did some rich guy just want the biggest and baddest pet he could have? Check this out (from the Elephant Joy website.):

"Elephants often express what can only be described as joy in many different facets of their lives. Due to our lack of knowledge of their expressions only the most blatant responses can be partially understood.

Some cases in which Elephants show explicit joy are:
In the greeting of a friend or family member (even a human friend)
After the birth of a baby elephant
Playing games

Typically this expression of joy takes place in the form of a greeting ceremony. Obviously, there are may other aspects to this ceremony that goes without recognition, but joy is one of the most predominant factors. When family members or friends meet, they can be seen to become collectively involved in a joyous meeting. This is usually observed when a friend or family member is absent for a long time. When he/she returns, an incredible welcoming takes place. During this greeting the elephants involved will spin around, defecate, and urinate. With their heads held high, and ears flapping they fill the air with a symphony of trumpets, rumbles, screams, and roars. " What if we greeted each other that way? A little awkward, I'd think.

Thought for the day: The average person's hair grows 590 inches in a lifetime. That's almost 50 feet of hair. Yuck.

my mistake

I'm Feeling: kinda mellow
Background Noise: Flashdance - What a Feeling by Irene Cara

I must apologize - I skipped over the fact that yesterday, April 11, was Barbershop Quartet Day. I'm so sorry. Not sure what was happening in my brain that I missed that one. When I Googled "barbershop quartet" - I got 213,000 websites. Multiply that by 4 people in each quartet - 852,000 folks dressed up in stripey vests and straw hats. Interesting.

I only have nine appointments today - practically nothing! I switched back to my good old half hour appointments (I had bumped them up to 20 minutes for "busy season" ie. enrollment), so now I have slightly more manageable workloads.

Thought for the day: The average person is about a quarter of an inch taller at night. Wild. I always feel shorter at night, mostly because I'm all slouchy with sleepiness.

what the fat?

I'm Feeling: pretty stinking good
Background Noise: Beautiful One by By The Tree

This is the group of people Mark and I went "up North" (only to Houghton Lake) with this weekend. It was awesome! I had a spectacular time getting to know some of them better; building new friendships. We ate candy necklaces, delighted in made-to-order omelettes, spent time learning about arara, tamarisk and broom trees (desert plant life), and generally enjoying the company. As is generally true with trips like that, the ride up and the ride home had to be the best parts - I'm continually amazed at how we are provided with people with whom to share our lives, and how much fun you have when you relax and get away for the weekend!! Thanks to James, Katie, Brian, Steve, Marty, Mark, Dana, Kelsey, Beth, Audry, Emily, Jillian, Katie, Brooks and Mark for a truly memorable weekend!!

On a separate note, we are closing in on the countdown to the end of the semester - only 3 more weeks of class left for MSU! It's starting to feel like spring is here to stay as well, which makes an obvious difference on campus.

Thought for the day: The average American will eat 35,000 cookies in his/her lifetime. What the fat? - that's a lot of cookies!!

pretty as a picture

I'm Feeling: cheery! :)
Background Noise: If I Stand by Rich Mullins

That's Houghton Lake - I'm going there tonight with a bunch of friends from Young Life - I hear it's going to be a life-changing weekend, so I'm pumped! It will be fantastic to get away from normal life for a night and enjoy the company of some truly encouraging and faithful people. Let's hear it for the weekend!

On a less interesting note, I went to the dentist today for the first time in nearly 3 years (I know, I know, but I didn't have dental insurance as a grad student!!) Luckily, my mouth is very "boring" - meaning no cavities, no decalcification, no crowns or root canals needed. Phew!! To celebrate, I took my newly clean mouth to Panera to have lunch with Kelsey - tasty food and belly laughs - what a good combo!!

The sun is shining today, and that makes my life great. I hope your Friday is blessed with good friends and high spirits!!

Thought for the day: A person uses approximately 57 sheets of toilet paper a day. Hmm... there are about 20 of us going to Jillian's cabin tonight - I hope there is enough to go around!!

it's all fun and games until...

I'm Feeling: sooo stinking tired!!
Background Noise: random clanking and clunking from the elevator - I haven't turned on my music yet

We visited our new friends, Kate and Sid in Ann Arbor last night. Kate is a law student at U of M, and Sid teaches high school. We ate our first grilled dinner of the season - burgers (thanks, Sid!), walked to the park with their dog (a Rottweiler named Radish who is totally scary looking but actually a really sweet dog - as far as we can tell) and then played Scene It, which Mark and I have never played before. Although we got home waaay too late, we had a really good time with them.

Ever feel as though your life is like a treadmill that is keeping a certain pace (or speeding up) - and somehow, you are strapped to it and can't get off, but you're really tired and don't know how much longer you can stay on your feet? I'm starting to feel like that - but in an exhausted-I-need-a-break kind of way, not a depressing-I-hate-my-life kind of way. Because I love my life. And I love all the things that are keeping me so stinking busy. But I tell you what, a break would be FANTASTIC right now. I just need one day to sleep - straight through. But I really hate to miss things, so let's face it, I'd never actually do that. I'll just have to suck it up. This too shall pass.

Thought for the day: Every square inch of the human body has an average of 32 million bacteria on it. Ewww - wash your hands, people! :)

green pastures

I'm Feeling: thoughtful and content
Background Noise: Where Everybody Knows Your Name by Gary Portnoy (Cheers theme)

I took this picture last summer in downtown Chicago. It just seemed like a neat snapshot of life - nothing spectacular or exciting - just companionship and a moment's rest. I'll be the first to admit, sometimes people drive me crazy. But there are other times (like today), when our humanity strikes me, and I just feel so compelled by the people around me. I love being taken unaware by that feeling. Yes, sometimes people are selfish, rude, impatient, and proud. But just as often, people are considerate, sincere, brave and humble. We are capable of so much - today I am reassured in the potential of humanity.

ANOTHER beautiful day too - although rumor has it that it's supposed to rain. That's okay with me, as I'm a HUGE fan of spring/summer storms. Just as long as I don't get soaked.

Thought for the day: The king of hearts is the only king without a moustache on a standard playing card. Weird.

hoops and yoyo

I'm Feeling: just fine
Background Noise: Bright Caroline by PW Gopal

I like to send e-cards, and Hallmark.com is my favorite place to send them from... and Hoops & Yoyo are my most-favorite-EVER cards to send. They're hysterical. Always make me laugh. Go to Hallmark's website, and bookmark the Hoops & Yoyo page, so that whenever you are bummed out at work, you can click on it and laugh.

I have 13 appointments today - gonna be a busy one! I left my house at 7:40am, and I think I won't be back there until after 11pm. That's a looong day - but it's filled with good things, so hopefully, when I wind up back at my abode late tonight, I come in high spirits. I get to hang out with Katie, Katie and Jillian again; which always rocks my socks. AND - it's supposed to be 75 and sunny today. Yippee!! Happy Tuesday!

Thought for today: What three words best describe you?

conjunction junction...

I'm Feeling: a little on the worn-out side
Background Noise: Hakuna Matata from the Lion King soundtrack

Remember when you were a kid, and you had all those great encyclopedia-like books with answers to every question (and lots of pretty pictures?) I'm wondering why those are in the kids' section of the bookstores - most adults I know (myself included, to be sure) have forgotten a lot of what we learned in elementary school. I bet a 4th-grader could kick my butt on a science test. Since I left high school, I spent six years filling my head with "higher learning" - stuff about business, advertising, and higher education. Not that the stuff I've learned in college and grad school wasn't important; I just feel like actual knowledge about the world has fallen out of my head. My exhausted, fuzzy state of mind is probably not helping either.

Life is busy right now - lots going on at work, lots going on for Mark at work, and lots going on outside of work. Busy is good - I prefer busy - but I wouldn't turn up my nose at a night of laying around my house with a good book and going to bed early. (Why is it that sleeping in is so much preferable to going to bed early? If it's the same amount of sleep, what difference does it really make?)

Thought for the day: Are you attracted (not necessarily in the romantic sense) to people whose personalities are very different from yours, or very similar?

I'm Feeling: so good!
Background Noise: more elevator beeping

I took the morning "off" today... although I didn't exactly sleep in and lounge around. I woke up at 6:30, did a bunch of housework, ran to Meijer, ran home (not literally), couple more errands, lunch with Kelsey, then to work. I was busy from the second I woke up, but I can see a distinct difference in myself at work today. I guess taking a breather is helpful - just a tiny break from my regular routine, and I'm happier, friendlier, and more patient -- which I'm sure my students appreciate!!!

Beautiful weather, fantastic fun friends, and a weekend with my family - all reasons to be happy! Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

Thought for the day: My life and my happiness are my responsibility - what am I doing to make the most of today?