curtises2congo

Two roads diverge in the wood...

2011-01-06T08:45:00.005-05:00

I have officially set out to find out exactly who I am. This certainly isn't about discovering whether my favorite colour is pink or yellow. It's about about the nitty gritty of why God chose to make me. I'm created in His image- what parts did he give me? And how can I flesh them out. I have a daughter now and it is always quite interesting to watch other babies and see what is very uniquely IVA and what is typical of a wee one her age. We all are very similar because we are human. But God is the master of creativity. We are all unique. I have met people who can show more love and grace than I can, and I can show a lot. I have met others who can make me laugh till I cry and my face hurts. Others speak words of honey out of their mouth and I am inspired. These wonderful qualities each come from a Father and Creator who designed us. My husband builds things and takes pictures, John and Jared paint, Beth sews, mom crochets, Aaron and Titus play music. All of these creations come from design. Not everything we set out to create turns out as we envisioned or hoped. But that is only the case with God when we are the ones who muck it up. I cannot help but wonder (more than I should spend my thoughts on) what God's true plan and desire for me was. But now it is different. I can say that with confidence because there are too many choices I have made that certainly did not come from a plan derived by God. This is when I thank God earnestly for the story of Joseph and His gracious reminder to us that He takes evil and uses it for good. His good. So, here I am. What is in store? I have never been more excited to know. I have finally stopped looking at people around me and I am looking to my Father, my creator. He knows me and cares about how He made me and who He made me to be. I believed with all my heart that God was done with me, ashamed of me and could not use me. But God does not make anything useless. We may break, but He is the ultimate repairman. He wants to make something of me. I've exhausted myself trying to become what I think someone else might appreciate more. That is not God's intention for me. What does He want from me, and how can I use the qualities He gave me to achieve it. There is one thing I do know about myself. I love nature. I worship God best in nature. This is one thing I learned about myself this past year. I was greatly discouraged and had a heart to heart with God about the fact that I am not an avid reader and yet His means of communication is the biggest book ever. Where do I start, how do I find what I need NOW?? God allowed me to understand that finding a quiet time with Him in a cool breeze with the sun on my face; stopping for a moment to appreciate how the sun is coming thru the trees, over the mountain, thru the clouds; being awe-struck at the way snow falls, a river runs, the leaves change; these are moments with Him. I can come closer to God studying His creations and He takes pleasure in that. Now. That does not exclude me from His Word. After all, how would I know to study nature...Go to the ant you sluggard, consider her ways and be wise...if it weren't for His Word. I have a responsibility to memorize His words, then He will use them in me. I love the movie the Book of Eli. Not only because it is awesome to know that God's Word can never be destroyed, but when the words themselves are in your head, God can use them in your every day life in powerful ways. Phenomenal.

midwife

2008-05-14T19:30:00.002-04:00

To a black lab. so much fun. saving lives is great, even if is a tiny puppy.

Sophie and her NINE squirmy squeeky babies.

Heeeeeyyyy......

2008-05-14T19:23:00.001-04:00

I am SO bad at names. dumb dumb dumb. so bad at names. so awkward.

The life and times....

2008-05-13T20:24:00.002-04:00

I suppose the beginning is a good place to start.
I hated Lafayette. Maybe it wasnt Lafayette itself, because obviously some people seem to be happy there. I didn't fit. at all. I was so frustrated I was becoming someone else. I finally got out of Purdue. That helped. I loved being a phlebotomist. Everything about it. The rigorous schedule, the varying places we went, the job itself, all the different people I met. but I was still in Lafayette. For New Years Abram and I, along with Titus and Kelly, met his family down in Daytona, Florida for the Curtis family Christmas and New Years celebration. It was a much needed time away and the beach was fantastic and even in a cramped little room meant for two, the 7 of us had a pretty good time. Conversation always revolves around the shop with Abram's folks and they were in a tough place with it at that moment. They had sold it to a friend and the friend no longer wanted it, after just a couple of months. We played "Cash Flow" a lot while we were there. (Haven't played it? You best get playing) It's the game of Life and Monopoly on steroids. Between the game playing and the shop talk, I ever so slightly jested to my father in law that I should buy the shop. He shrugged and said, Ya, you should. Back in Lafayette and sticking people with needles, I get an email from him a couple days later. "Dear Sarah, Would you consider purchasing Spill the Beans?........This is kind of radical, but think about it and maybe we can talk some next week. Of course we would work out a sweet deal for you to be able to buy it! Love ya both, Papa"
I chuckle and look at Abram. If this were a "deal" in the game I wouldnt blink an eye, I would buy it. I've always wanted to have my own coffee shop. I sure wouldn't mind moving, even if it is back to Greenville. We think, we pray, we talk. on the first of February I gave my two weeks notice at the Indiana Blood Center. Valentines Day, Abram is fighting a 104 degree fever and serious illness and I am packing up our entire house. Papa drives up and helps pack the Uhaul. We drive down to Greenville on the 17th, leaving Abram with a mattress, a pot, pan, plate and cup, a chair and cleaning supplies. And my cat. Yes, I let Abram keep Clive for the duration. We arrive Sunday afternoon, sign papers Monday afternoon and on Tuesday, the 19th, I walk into my shop and start learning the ropes. I pretty much had it in my mind that I was going to have to let all the employees go and start over, but turned out they were pretty decent and I still have most of them along with some great ones I hired myself. I've had to fire one just days after I hired him, one has quit b/c he wanted to meet "Mrs. Right" and there just wasnt time. ha ha ha and I've fought a few on training. One thing I like about myself is that I am a fast learner and when it comes to really simple things I wonder at people who dont learn quickly. I went to school to be a teacher and, thanks to Dr. Jacquot, I am finally applying a lot of things I learned. I've had a lot of jobs that I really hated, but it is phenomenal how all of them are playing into what I need to do with the shop. Whether you think of me as such or not, I am very laid back and I have found that is NOT a good quality in running a business. Ambition, almost aggression (positive aggression) is really necessary. I am really enjoying nurturing that quality. what I love the most are the people I meet - other business owners. I love that when interesting people come in - an entire soccer team from Liverpool, I have complete freedom to walk up to them and have a long conversation. This is my shop and I get to make them feel welcome and ask them questions and its not awkward. Back to the employee thing, I'm not exactly... well, bossy. Beth told me "just pretend like they are your little siblings" problem, not only am I the youngest child, but I'm used to bossing little kids who will shape up or sit in the hall way. Ya, you cant sit these "kids" in the street and my business depends on them. So there is a tremendous balance of being a great boss that they want to work hard for and fierce boss that they WILL work hard for. I'm getting better.
there are some intense difficulties that I am working through that I will not list in detail here. But all prayers are appreciated. Abram is a rock. I love that we are doing this together. It was tough, the 3 weeks without him, and the last week I thought I would fall apart, ok, so I did one time... when my cat got tossed outside by someone I wont mention (not Abram!!), nor will I go into the story, but Abram forged the freezing cold in the middle of the night and found him and a few days later they were both down here and the real chaos began. I was in this pattern of being at the shop. suddenly Abram was here and I was completely disregarding things I had been focused on! So, it took me a while to get into the groove of being with him again and keeping on the business. I do everything - from purchasing, inventory, payroll, schedules, hiring, stocking, to working the register, scooping ice cream, going to the bank, Sam's Club, etc etc etc. Many days I have opened the shop at 7am, worked all day and closed everything down at midnight, just to start again the next day. Somehow 17 hour days go by fast when you are running full throttle. My stress levels were definitely rising, but God's grace and a strong husband keep me grounded, and i have taken some healthy strides in becoming a peaceful person, resting in God.
We are moving the shop across the street to a much larger location with amazing potential and we are very excited. But it doubles the work right now. thankfully Abram can be in charge of that while I continue to run the shop.
so, come down and visit and have some coffee!
guess this is long enough for now :)

January 11

2008-01-11T05:57:00.000-05:00

All the way up until this last week I have wondered why people get so upset about turning 30. In fact, for the last few months, I would often say when asked how old I was "I'll be 30 in January". I dont feel old and its all a state of mind, right?....??? Or is it not so much a matter of "old" but more the fact that you are almost to the halfway mark of the average life span and you feel all in a rush to get another degree... or something like that. Or is it more that you are simply not in your 20's, the young, fun, exciting years and realizing you really have to be an adult now... for real. For me its been a matter of looking back on my life, while, yes, taking a big gulp that I am no longer in my twenties, and wondering what its been all about so far. I've consoled myself with things like - - in the last decade I have received my bachelors degree, gotten married, lived in three states, had several good... ha ha, that's funny that I even started to say that, I have really not enjoyed most of my jobs!!! Ok, so I had jobs that paid the bills and a couple good ones tossed in :); I have traveled to three countries, 11 or so states, bought a house, run a mini marathon, and hopefully some other valuable things that are just slipping my aging mind... groan.
But more than anything, I have really found myself reflecting on people. People that mean a great deal to me and whom I cherish. People I miss. This past year I have been so deeply thankful for the opportunity to reunite with old friends. Reconnecting with people who have known you intimately in the past is very healthy for the soul. It revives a person. I miss my friend Beth every single day for every reason in the world. I want to drive to Lakewood for the weekend and hang out with my college extension pastor's family. I would love to meet my friend Jes at a coffee shop because we have our own little book club. I wish Steve and Molly still lived across the hall. I want so much to be able to go over to my sister's house any time I want to or have all the munchkins for the weekend. I always miss my dad. More and more I miss my mom. She was 30 when I was born and although most of my young life while she was alive I didnt get to know her very well, I am grateful for the time I have had looking at pictures with my grandma and hearing stories about her. I miss the idea of her. I wonder if she was a better friend than I am. Abram loves the line from Dances with Wolves "Folks back home are saying - Why dont he write?" If good intentions were actually any good I'd be a great friend. but I find them to be quite worthless when I find time slipping by and realizing there are a whole lot of people who dont know how much I love them and how much I think about them.
A new year, a new decade in life. I believe the best is yet to come and I am excited about it. So to those whom i wish I could have over for coffee and cake but are tooo stinkin far away - Happy New Year.

check it out, 4 months have passed since I last posted.

awe, that's nice, huh. bummer. again

2007-09-12T12:35:00.000-04:00

Sarah, Thanks for getting back with me. I apologize it took me a little longer to get back with you. Since what we were considering was different than our original plan, I wanted to make sure we thought through (and discussed it) well. And to be honest, trying to get ready to open makes the days scream by, I should have been more on top of it.

I am happy for you that you found something that you can get behind and push forward, which is what I think you are after. Please do keep us in mind if something changes. I guess what it came down to is that we really need someone who has the spirit and passion to get behind what we are trying to accomplish and help us figure out how to make that happen, deep experience or not. You seemed to fit that. I wish you the best and look forward to seeing you someday dropping by the shop. Your first one is on me!

Ric

bummer

2007-09-12T12:08:00.001-04:00

Hello Sarah,

I hope this finds you well. I wanted to check in with you about the opportunity we have with Local Mountain. As I mentioned when we met, I had originally looked at the position we have that met you financial needs to be someone with coffee shop management experience but after spending a little time contemplating it, considering your energy and desire for an entrepreneurial opportunity, I would like to have an opportunity to speak with you if you have an interested in pursuing the position. If you could drop me a line or give me a ring that would be great!
I look forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards,

Ric

Oh well. things happened the way they did for a reason, right?
so,
A. he offered it to someone and they didnt' accept so he resorted to me, or
C. he really did contemplate me for almost two weeks and want me to run his coffee shop...
hmm, bets? guesses?

jobs and such

2007-09-05T12:10:00.001-04:00

Where did I leave off? Oh, yes, I had an interview Monday, the 27th with the Indiana Blood Center. No offense, but I've come to dislike the question "how did it go?" Unless they say "We hate you, never show your face here again" or "We love you, when can you start?" then I really have no idea how to answer that question. It was a typical interview. She asked me questions such as "How do you feel about diversity" and I answered all of them as though I were the most fantastic employee one could ever ask for. I even commented regarding that. "I sound like the perfect employee, dont I!" She responded, "this is an interview and you would be silly to not make yourself sound that way, but I am enjoying your answers"
It ended with "I have three more interviews and HR needs to do some background work and we'll let you know around the end of the week"
so, to the many questions I got throughout the week I simply replied, I dont know anything yet.
Friday I met with the coffee shop guy. We talked about my experiences and his needs and such and in the end he requested that I give him the weekend to think about it. He had really been hoping for a seasoned manager that could just step in and take over, but since I could not report such experience on my resume, he was unsure if he wanted someone so green. Understandable. fair enough.
I get home from the interview and there is a message on my phone from the Blood Center. "... we would like to offer you the full-time position of blood collection technician... please call us Tuesday to discuss this further..."
phew, the coffee guy has all weekend to think and so do I.
After much discussion and idea rolling around, Abram and I have decided that the Blood Center is going to be the best bet. The coffee shop would be an awesome experience but we are pretty hesitant about the location. Its in a little strip mall in the parking lot of Meijer. eh.
"dont worry, baby, some day you will own your own, and that will be a whole lot more fun and worth your time..." my dear husband assures me. :)
I'm pretty excited about my new upcoming adventure. I will be part of a process of saving lives. I will meet so many people and I will be needed, utilized and doing something worthwhile. Now that's a nice feeling!
oh ya, and I get to wear scrubs. that's really the reason I went for the job... :)
thanks for thinking of me, thanks for praying for me, thanks for caring about me. Abram and I have a lot to think about and work through and adjust to, but it will be a great adventure.
oh. I start the 27th with my training in Indy. 10 days of driving to Indy. could be fun. could get old... I'll let you know :)

here goes

2007-08-24T10:26:00.000-04:00

i have an interview with the Blood Center Monday. I'll let you know...

thanks James

2007-08-23T11:15:00.000-04:00

James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

I need to update... but there isn't anything to update. I ended up turning the LUM job down. I think about it sometimes and wish I could have taken it. But I have to trust that my God will supply all my needs and that wondering, fretting or stressing changes nothing except how I FEEL!
I called and emailed the Blood Center today to find out what's happening. Of course no one could tell me anything. So, in the mean time I continue to enjoy opening the coffee shop and spending those three quiet hours with Jesus. I am getting to know the regulars and will miss them when I have to leave. I cant wait till I have the opportunity to have my own cafe some day. If the Lord wills...
So, I thank those of you who are praying for me. I feel like the only wisdom I have right now is knowing that my hope is in the Lord and I can REST in Him.
I really struggle here in my position at Purdue, it is very dissatisfying, frustrating and trying. But it is a good lesson in self control and the love of Jesus.
Right before I was reduced to half time God provided a part time mail delivery job for Abram. He's really good at it and the people he works for/with love him. So, God supplies our needs but He makes us work for it!!! :)
We feel a little stuck b/c as long as Abram has to work random jobs here and there it keeps him from really putting his foot forward with the real estate investments. but until I get a full time job he has to. and I have to work until he gets the real estate investment going, but he cant until I get a full time job.
Yes, that was supposed to be repetitive and confusing. That's how it feel right now.
I need a vacation.

Dilema

2007-07-30T14:47:00.000-04:00

So, many know that I am in search of a new job as a result of being downsized where I am. This is a good thing. I need to move on and grow and learn and all that good stuff. but after a while of feeling pretty relaxed about it all, I am getting down to the wire and may have to make a choice. I have a second interview with Lafayette Urban Ministry as the Director of the After School Program. this would be such a great opportunity... but. It is only 25 hours, no benefits and mediocre pay. I would have to remain here at Purdue half time just to keep benefits and compensate pay. not something I want to do (remain in my current position). I also have a shot at the Lafayette Blood Center as a phlebotomist. I think I would really enjoy this as well. full time, pay is great, benefits included. (minus having a fitness center to go to).
SO, pray that God will either make things ridiculously clear for me or I will have wisdom in choosing.
Meanwhile, I'm opening at Euro Cafe and still working here at Purdue while having my jewelry business, while helping Abram with his business, while doing weddings on the weekend.
:)

Jax

2007-07-30T10:44:00.000-04:00

Jax doesn't care for the flash so the clear image Abram covers his face, so the others are blurry, but you get the idea. cute man holding cute baby.

CONGRATULATIONS

2007-07-30T08:01:00.001-04:00

To Jason and Sundi.
Jaxxon Enlow joined us yesterday. For so long he has just been this secret that we could see moving behind skin :) now he's out and about and SOOOO cute. He is such a good baby and I'm so happy for Jason and Sundi.
Weighing in at 8 lb 8 oz, 21 in long, meet my new favorite kid, Jaxxon.

Sundi looked awesome just hours after labour and she is my role model. Her pregnancy was a breeze and her delivery was ON TIME, the day he was due, and... I certainly wont say a breeze, I think "the most excruciating pain I have ever felt" were here words. But she's awesome. Good job honey!!!

For Cathy and so Heather knows she doesnt want it.

2007-07-27T12:20:00.000-04:00

Thursday, July 19, 2007, 12pm. a friend takes me to lunch. I'm going to sit her cats while she's away plus we just want to catch up. After browsing the menu at Scotty's, a place Abram and I have frequented, we both decide a wrap sounds good. Its their best entre. I order the (I had to wait this long to post so I could actually talk about it) Kinney bacon skinny wrap with applesauce as my side. I've never had it before but a friend did and loved it. We have a lovely time and I'm back at work at 130pm. 3pm Abram picks me up and we head over the house we will be closing on the next day. We have some last minute pictures and things to do. I'm walking around with Abram taking pictures. the Realtor comes by, we chat. soon after she leaves and we start to pick up where we left off I suddenly feel very nauseous. I tell abram how sick I feel and he suggests I go upstairs and lie down on the carpet. I do so and lay their writhing in agony for the next hour while he finishes up. He practically carries me to the car and I go to my bed at home to lay there, cramping and feeling so completely miserable I could cry. Abram comes in to offer some comfort. Finally at 7pm while Abram is sacrificially rubbing my back for some relief, I jolt out of bed and to the bathroom. It all comes up. Food from seven years ago had to have been in there. Where did it all come from?? I felt instantly better. and only for an instant. I was soon back in bed, cramping up and feeling even more sick. Images of the Kinney bacon skinny wrap haunt me.
Abram leaves for a bit to run some errands. I call my dad b/c I'm sure he has the cure for food poisoning. Sure enough, he offers up his sure-fire puke recipe. Two tablespoons of mustard in a quart of water. stir it up and drink it down. "You need to get it all out of you" I go down stairs. I like mustard. I like water. surely watered down mustard cant be all that bad. I got as far as mixing it and then the very thought of it, mixed with the Kinney wrap images is enough. I bolt upstairs to the bathroom where more, yes more comes up. Where was I storing THAT?? So, Dad said I have to get it all out. and if more just came up, maybe there is more in there?? So, yes, I did. I drank the mustard water. tasted like mustard. easy enough to get down. Not so pleasant sitting in the gut. I wait. nothing. walk around. nothing. go back to bed. try to fall asleep... long story short. It was all out. I spent the entire night up every hour to hour and a half with the dry-heaves. My body was put through a beating like nothing else. every inch of me to my toes hurt. pain. lots of pain. I couldn't get comfortable. I laid in bed till I knew I needed to take my shower sooner or later since I had to be at the closing of the house at 11am. I sat on the floor of the tub and mostly just let the water run over me and I think I managed to wash my hair. abram picked out some clothes for me, I let my hair airdry and we drove to the closing. I was a mess. but got thru. I laid around the rest of the day. Saturday we went to the pool and while that was refreshing I was still very dehydrated and it took a lot out of me to just float around. Abram took me to Indy and the chicken noodle soup I had had for lunch kept taunting me and threatening to come back up. On our way home Abram had the audacity to suggest we call ahead to Scotty's to pick up dinner. Well, he had to go in and eat it by himself (which he did) I just got a strawberry smoothie, which sat nicely. Sunday I was all better, but I am a bit leery of food still.
oh, I had called Scotty's Thursday to inform them of my condition and they were, unfortunately not the kindest about it. too bad for them.
so, that's my story.
may you all be sparred food poisoning!!!!

Food poisoning is SO much worse than the flu.

2007-07-20T17:06:00.001-04:00

the proof

2007-07-18T14:24:00.000-04:00

So, here I am dabbing the bride.
LOVE this picture. Abram needs to photoshop me out tho, like Cathy said :)

Worth writing home about

2007-07-17T20:31:00.000-04:00

So, I dont generally believe in these gimicks, but I am a mess maker and also curious at the same time. I purchased one of these "pens" at Walmart one day, mostly b/c they were so brilliantly placed on the end of an isle and so convenient to grab. I tossed it in my purse when I got home and about a week later we were driving to a wedding rehearsal we were to shoot. I was drinking coffee (surprise surprise) and Abram hit a bump in the road (no fault of is of course!) and there went the coffee down my... yes, you guessed it, white shirt. drat. I grabbed the Tide To Go out of my purse and figured a ring of stain remover was better... maybe? I dont know... than coffee. so I started dabbing it on and lo and behold the coffee disappeared and ne're a stain-remover ring appeared. SOLD! I was pretty impressed with this little gadget. Is it a gadget?
Oh. but wait. It gets better. So, I've used this thing a couple of times and of course I'm in love with it. But here we are at Bethany's wedding and we are preparing to start the Bride's pictures. "Sarah, look" Bethany shows me a spot where she got make up on her satin wedding dress. right up front. "Can you edit that out in pictures? Do you think it will show up?" Well, lets see if we cant edit it out right now! I go and get the Tide pen out of my purse, but pause. Surely this will leave a ring on the white satin. I pull back a piece on the back where it wont be visible and start the dabbing. We wait till it dries. No ring, no sign its there at all. So away I go, dabbing at the spot right in front. And away the make-up goes. Brilliant. no ring. just a clean white dress.
Now, a side note... dont use green napkins to blot the wet stain remover, this, in turn causes the green to magically lift from the napkin and on to the very white satin material you are blotting. Dont fear. The Tide took the green right back out.
Yes. I am now a spokesperson for Tide To Go.
If only they'd pay me.
(I haven't tried it on colours yet, but I'm sure the time will come)
to coffee drinkers world wide. Get a Tide To Go pen for your purses, back pockets, glove compartments, you get the idea :)

One room down

2007-06-26T08:26:00.000-04:00

So, I think to myself the other day.... why didn't I think farther ahead 7 years ago? I totally should have gotten married on July 7th. then this year our anniversary would have been 7 on 7-7-07. That would have to be some kind of good somethin!
Well, nonetheless, its 7 on 6-24-07.
So, here we are penniless and car-less and worn out. :) After church we literally sit around the house trying to come up with something somewhat special to do for our anniversary. Drive to Indy? to do what? go to a movie? we are not fond of the theatre - having NOTHING to do with why our parents dont like it. :) Abram's 6'5" frame gets uncomfortable reeeeal fast in theatres, airplanes, cars and anything else where freedom is restricted. So, long story short, Abram was actually looking to see what movies were playing and I was laying on the bed contemplating. We tend to pass birthdays and anniversaries with "we'll celebrate when we have some extra cash" Doggonit. where IS that extra cash?? So, as I'm laying there, looking at my bare naked walls... which have been so for a complete year now... it dawns on me. We talk about what we want to do with our house all the time, well, lets spend our anniversary making our house a little more our home. I jolt into the office with excited eyes... Lets Paint!! Abram imediately closes his computer and is ready to go. We have not eaten lunch and its getting late. So, I sent Abram out to get himself a quick meal and to purchase the paint while I get the bedroom cleared out. He is concerned that I should go along to participate in the choice. But I remind him of every single time we are in Room and Board or Ikea or such the like, we are constantly voicing what we want in our house. So, I have no reservations that he will come home with something I like. Off he goes and to work I go. Two long hours later he's back with three paint swatches. He's going to test me. I quickly discard the lighter version of the colour knowing that's not it. but stare a bit at the other two. I'm afraid I'll pick the wrong one. I hold up the colour of my choice and a strange look comes on Abram's face. I say, "its ok, I guess I like the other one too" he asks why I chose that one and after my explanation he smiles and says "good thing that's the one I bought then :)"
so, here are some pictures of our fun anniversary. Abram is the master cutter-in-er. so, I did laundry and other things while he meticulously cut the room in.
Clive found other things to do as well....

Then finally at 930pm we headed off to TGIFriday's for our dinner... we had coupon :)

more Batman

2007-06-18T11:25:00.000-04:00

here are some pictures off my phone

I'm beginning to wonder if I'll get the pictures from our new best friend... :(

famous men

2007-06-15T12:23:00.001-04:00

Ok, so I've been feeling badly for leaving out one of the famous men who I admire and appreciate and think is just the bee's knees -
Here's to you Atticus Finch...aka Gregory Peck.

Batman

2007-06-11T09:17:00.001-04:00

Anyone who knows me well, knows I have a thing for three famous men. , and . any Batman, the *POW* *BANG* *SMACK* Batman of the eighties, to the films of the nineties from Michael Keaton to Val Kilmer and of course, George Clooney. My all-time favorite is probably no surprise - Christian Bale. he won my heart in Newsies and he took it over the top with Batman Begins.
Now, I have always crowed that were I to encounter a person of fame from Hollywood, I would not scream and act ridiculous as some do. Of course, I have never encountered a person of fame from Hollywood. But I find their "personal" lives far less interesting than that of my best friend's, of whom I actually participate in, and assume that they care nothing of mine either.
I wish this was a tail of my encounter with Johnny or Albert, may he rest in peace, or Christian....(the picture blurs and the goofy music plays)... we were sitting in the Corner cafe eating our chicken salad when C. B. walked in.... he ended up eating with us and paying for our lunch... blah blah.....
alas, no.
but we did spend the weekend in Chicago for a conference and Saturday we saw what was obviously a film being shot, the cameras, lights, green screens, etc. we watched for a bit and moved on. Later, on our way back to our car Abram suggested we go see if anyone famous was around, who the actors were. I responded with "na, who cares". when we came to the film set we paused for a moment and finally asked to fellows standing there looking like 5 yr olds that had just been handed lollipops what the film was. they responded with "Batman"
yes, we stood there for 3 more hours. we watched Christian's stand in set up for the lighting and the camera shot, then when Christian actually came out for the shot, I have to admit, my heart jumped and I wanted to run and hug him. My professional photographer husband had his camera right there and ready to shoot... oops, nope, he sure didnt. it was in the car. yep, he takes that thing everywhere, except today. we were doing our darndest with our phone cameras, but you can imagine... "no, really!! that blur IS Christian Bale!!!" He wasnt in his batman outfit which probably would have sent me over the edge, but he was in a fancy tux and looking pretty smart. The scene was he and Maggie Gyllenhaal at a fancy party. Love Maggie as well - she is the only person I know that can look all haggard and messy and hunched over and you seriously want to look like her :)
So, when you see Batman, the Dark Knight - look for the scene where Christian comes out of a party of sorts and is upset, for some reason, and tossed his wine out of his glass over the edge/railing. then Maggie comes out and talks to him. then whomever she is with at the party comes and gets her and C.B. is left standing alone. if they cut the scene from the movie I'm going to be ticked. boring scene, but we got to witness it, nonetheless.
At one point, Christian turned and saw us all gawking at him with cartoon hearts beating out of our eyes, he gave a smile like, hey, what's up and waved. Yes, my hand instinctively went in the air. Abram had a good laugh at that. I have to admit, I was excited. It was fun to watch in real life.
So, there you have it, my encounter with fame.
oh yes, while we battled with our camera phones for ANYTHING, we had been chatting it up with these two crazy gals from Missouri, out on the town, mother's away from their families. they were hilarious and the kind of people you are instant friends with. She actually had real camera, point and shoot. I asked her if she was getting anything good and she said, not bad. so, she eventually handed over the camera to Abram and I became his tripod. we were asked by the director himself not to use flashes as it messed up his film. so with it being dusk and all, Abram had to hold real still. the ladies got a real kick out of him using my head as his steady. so, eventually they are going to email us the pictures and I'll get them posted.
No batmobile, but we did see "Gotham Taxis" and ritzy cars with Gotham license plates.
Good times. Unexpected moments. things that make life fun.

2007-05-21T07:59:00.000-04:00

My two and a half year old neice practicing her violin. Come on. It doesnt get much cuter than that. :)

AWE

2007-05-17T07:54:00.000-04:00

I had the privilege of putting on a surprise baby shower for one of my closest friends, Sundi. She had no idea it was coming. Thankfully, with Abram being a chronic picture taker, it wasn't a clue that he snapped some shots before we walked out the door Monday night to meet friends for the shower.

just some more pics

2007-04-27T08:55:00.000-04:00

Paige chasing the psycho seagulls. they were actually pretty funny. It was so windy they couldnt fly, they would go backwards and walk backwards.
Paige making snow angels in the super "downy soft" sand

Abram after his stroll on the beach

yes, we are wearing jackets. the sun was wonderfully warm, but the wind was just tooo cold.

Tuesday

2007-04-23T08:51:00.001-04:00

Ahh, sleep in.. just a little tho. Tuesday we sat around the pool and played card games and just enjoyed our last day of sunshine. Devon and Paige drove us to the airport for our 6pm flight.

When we arrived home at 10pm Clive was so happy to see us I think he was even crying. He wouldn't leave me alone all night, literally hugging and kissing me. He is such a funny cat. Just like a little kid, he will come and stand on his back legs, stretch his front paws up on my leg and meow till I pick him up and give him lovin.

Monday

2007-04-23T08:44:00.000-04:00

If you ever have the chance, visit Siesta Keys, Florida.

Siesta Beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere in the world. At the "Great International White Sand Beach Challenge" held in 1987, it was recognized as having the "whitest and finest sand in the world."
Unlike beaches elsewhere that are made up mostly of coral, Siesta Beach's sand is 99% quartz. Even on the hottest days, the sand is so reflective that it feels cool underfoot.

The day was so windy that to sit on the beach meant you went home with an earfull of sand, sand embedded in your hair and I'm still finding sand in my things! It was a wonderful day tho and completely worth being sand blasted!!!

Sunday

2007-04-23T08:39:00.000-04:00

This was supposed to be the day we went out on the boat for water skiing and scuba diving. But at 7 o'clock that morning when Uncle Randy came out and mentioned we should come into the house b/c a tornado was coming we discovered the day would turn out quite differently. We watched the weather, floods and snow storms all over america, while the wind threatened to tear the house down! We figured it would be better after church, but the weather was still chilly and windy so we knew time on the boat wasn't going to happen. We opted for Homasassa Zoo instead. It was quite entertaining. I love watching wild life even if it is fenced in. Animals are just funny.
It was great to watch the Manatees under water. not the most beautiful animals, nor were they swift or playful, yet somehow we were all mesmerized by them.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.naturalbornhikers.com/Wildlife/manateeandfish,homosassa,florida.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.naturalbornhikers.com/Wildlife/Wildlife.htm&h=382&w=600&sz=63&hl=en&sig2=UrLbSA03Oi1VoQyprQeeQw&start=4&um=1&tbnid=XG0yrGlonByYtM:&tbnh=86&tbnw=135&ei=sRsmRsKZF7LGiwGHlZDHBg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhomosassa,%2Bflorida%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26sa%3DG

Saturday

2007-04-19T13:01:00.000-04:00

90 degrees outside, but we spent the day inside where things were really heating up!! :)

Papa and Uncle Tim stood up with Grandpa. As they were standing there waiting for the spring bride, Grandpa turned to Papa and said "Stand up straight!" Those of us that saw it got a good kick out of it!

They were precious to watch and I think we were all pretty proud to be witnesses at this wedding. We're wondering if they will celebrate monthly anniversaries!

Me and cousin Timothy. What a fellow. I adore him.

Some were missing and missed, but we had a great family get-together around the celebration of Grandpa's wedding.

Friday

2007-04-18T14:42:00.000-04:00

All the cousins headed out Friday morning to Cocoa beach. It was a wonderful day for the beach. We all took turns on cousin Ben's boogie boards and a few got fried in the sun. We returned to a house full of people, a cool dip in the pool and a nice time out in the Florida air.

Abram and I had the honour of sleeping outside by the pool every night. it was fantastic. the air was fresh and since in Florida they completely engulf their pools/porches in sreened frames, we were not "bugged" all night.

I love the ocean.

A Wedding and a Vacation part 1

2007-04-18T08:31:00.000-04:00

Abram's Grandpa Curtis, 80 yrs, got married Saturday. How could we miss that? We bought decent tickets to Florida a few weeks back and greatly anticipated the get away. The trip started with chaos. I was dog tired Wednesday night and after packing and cleaning I went to bed around 11. Abram said he would stay up all night since we were getting up at 4 to leave by 530 anyway. I set the alarm regardless. About 1am I heard him fiddling with the alarm and I commented to him not to mess it up. next thing I knew Abram shot up in bed and looked at the clock. It was 630 am. We live an hour from the airport and our plane left at 8. After blinking and questioning what to do I just blurted "Lets GO!" We threw clothes on, and what things were left out of the bags... b/c we planned on showers that morning, and threw everything and ourselves in the car. Poor Clive was completely confused and thought we were insane - mainly b/c he got no food!! 636 we were on the road. Abram flew as fast he could safely and I called the airline. the next flight out was 330 that afternoon. We couldn't have that. We made a plan. It takes about a half hour to park your car and get to the terminal. impossible. I had checked us in on line the day before and I gave Abram his boarding pass. He dropped me at the terminal with all of our things at 730, I checked our baggage and went thru security. 20 till 8. Abram drove out to the long-term parking and grabbed the shuttle back. He called while on it. He said he was torn between just running for it and taking the shuttle, and there he sat, at the mercy of the shuttle driver. Meanwhile I stood at the gate convincing them that my husband would be there any second. 10 till 8 and Abram calls saying he's running toward security now. the Gate keeper makes the announcement "Final boarding call for Airtran flight 389 to Tampa, Florida, departing at gate C2" the man asks me if I'd like to board the plane. Not till my husband gets here. I see Abram on the other side of security and I call him to let him know the gate is right around the corner. Abram is ALWAYS asked to step aside and strip down and frisked. Plus he had his laptop, which you have to take out, and all his camera equipment. (yes, I should have taken that) wonder of wonders, he walked thru without taking any equipment out of the pelican case and without being searched. meanwhile an airline worker asked what he looked like and took off after him. 8 o'clock, they come around the corner the man at the gate chuckles and tells us its our lucky day, we board the plane, sit down and laugh and silently appologize to all the people on the plane who got up on time that morning and got to the airport like they should have. Arrive in Tampa at 1030 as scheduled, take in a deep breath of the warm Florida air, get some coffee in hand, warmly greeted by Uncle Tim, an hour drive to his house, hugs and greetings to the Florida cousins, the New Hampshire cousins and then... a shower please!!!

Aaaaaand here we are again....

2007-02-13T11:23:00.000-05:00

February 13, 2007

Purdue declares snow recess, cancels classes

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Ñ Purdue University has declared a 24-hour snow recess beginning at noon Tuesday (Feb. 13) and ending at noon Wednesday (Feb. 14). All classes are canceled for the remainder of Tuesday and for the morning on Wednesday.
Most employees have been requested to leave the university and/or not report for work from noon Tuesday (Feb. 13) until noon Wednesday (Feb. 14). Some personnel are required to stay on campus for all or part of the duration of the snow recess to maintain the university's essential operations. Those essential personnel are determined by their departments. They would include, but are not be limited to, key personnel in the residence halls, student health care center, foods stores, physical facilities, Memorial Union and transportation services.

Emergency housing and meals will be provided at university expense for those who are required to remain.

Any additional updates will be available on the Purdue home page at http://www.purdue.edu.

Let it snow Let it snow, Let it snow.... !!

He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. Psalm 147:16

2007-02-07T07:39:00.000-05:00

You know you've had mild winters when one real snow comes and everyone forgets how to drive.

I was supposed to work at the mall last night and just a few minutes before I was to walk out the door I got a phone call "dont come in, there's no one in the mall, I think they are going to close..."
I just had to laugh. I certainly didn't mind, I just jumped in my car and went to the video store - who was also getting ready to close early- .50 movies and a lovely blanket of snow on the ground, sounded good to me! driving there I wondered how these folks would manage out in Colorado where they were pummeled with snow storms every weekend for eight straight weeks. But, oh how it makes for good skiing!

My heart goes out to those where the temperatures have been freezing for so long they are without water, and the people up north where it was -46 yesterday.
You wont hear me complaining about one simple snow storm!!!

Why I'm glad the Colts won the Superbowl

2007-02-05T07:47:00.000-05:00

Coach Tony Dungy started the day - the day his team was to play in the Superbowl - with something that took great priority over any trophy or fame. He shared the Gospel of Christ with everyone at that Superbowl breakfast. We think its difficult to share Christ at our work places... imagine HIS work place.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=T8fEpvdHC40

http://youtube.com/watch?v=K3PUPCR7NFA&mode=related&search=

When they won, and he was handed the Heisman these were his words to the world watching ""I'm proud to be the first African-American coach to win this," Dungy said during the trophy ceremony. "But again, more than anything, Lovie Smith and I are not only African-American but also Christian coaches, showing you can do it the Lord's way. We're more proud of that."

I didn't care who won last night when I sat down to watch the game, I didn't know much about Dungy and had even forgotten about his son last year. but today I have great respect for him and his accomplishment. what a man. and what a great God!

update

2007-01-24T10:18:00.000-05:00

I had to remember how to do this.
I haven't posted b/c
A. someone told me they were reading my blog that I thought, hmmm, I dont care to share everything with that person. so it put a bad taste in my mouth. Kind of like my friend who feels that no matter what there are people around just waiting for you to slip up so they can rebuke you.
2. My husband has not been taking any pictures... :)
E. my dad says If you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all. :)

So,
The month of December I worked four jobs while participating in the church Christmas contada, christmas for Everyone outreach, planning for family coming for Christmas and I cant even remember what else. and while I thought I was handling it quite well, the sudden bursts of tears and upset stomachs proved otherwise. I still have the jobs but work MUCH less at two of them. with Christmas over and having sat out of choir two weeks, I'm feeling less resentful toward that aspect of life :)
The best things about December was our Christmas present from Titus and kelly. He is light orange, small framed, and crazy full of love and zest. His name is Clive and he is the best cat ever to exist. He will play like mad but as soon as you sit down he is in your lap for love and comfort. He is the best entertainment and so much fun. The other was having my sister, her husband and five kids in my house. It is interesting trying to invest in each little one. They are all so precious and so different. There was not enough time to talk with my sister. so much catching up to do. you can talk on the phone all day but there is always so much more to say in person.
January
I turned 29 and enjoyed looking back on this last year. It has been a doozy. Sin and rebellion in my heart, grace and forgiveness by the Sweetest Saviour and hope for His working in my life. A new house, Japan, and lots of added responsibilities in life.

"My kids"

2006-11-13T08:24:00.000-05:00

Eagerly awaiting their song to begin.

"My kids"

2006-11-06T12:58:00.000-05:00

Every week I stress over what to do with my choir of ~sixty 6-8 year old boys and girls. There actually isn't a lot of music out there that is easily accessible, easy to work with and enjoyable. When we were asked to sing in church, the stress really started. I didn't want to sing any old song. I wanted it to be unique and leave an impression. Its not every day we get to sing in our huge church. After exhausting my resources, I decided I'd teach them my favorite song from our days in the Congo. Some doubted as to whether or not they could really get it and pull it off, but on the contrary, this age is when they can get another language quite easily. I would rather teach them than a choir of adults!!! After just three weeks of half hour practices, they pretty much had it down. Now - the worst and hardest part - the parents. I wrote a desperate and pleading letter to the parents to have their children there the night we were to sing. I spoke to each parent in person and even offered to pick kids up. We had no idea how many would actually show up at "5:30 in room 108" (I made the kids say it like a mantra). Slowly they trickled in till I was overjoyed with the turnout. The kids were so excited and some were actually nervous. A couple even dressed in what they felt to be "African" Two of my best singers were getting baptized that night and I worked it out for them to sing anyway - so they sang in their white baptismal robes. They were precious. Parents kept approaching me before hand saying how excited they were as their child "has been talking about this all week", "singing it around the house for weeks", "has been excited all week"... It was really fun. Needless to say, I was very proud of MY KIDS. They did very very well.
Now back to the routine stress of what to do each week... any good suggestions from experienced children's leaders?? Beth, come on, you've got some goods to share, eh?
I'm working on getting the video uploaded for all to enjoy.... stay tuned....

Just one more...

2006-10-26T09:22:00.000-04:00

Abram and I got another game of tennis in last night. We keep thinking each game will be our last for the year, then another sunny day will come and we jump in the car and head to the courts. We were even playing in shorts and t's. We have a lot of fun and I'm getting better just in time for winter... ah well. As cold and rainy as it is today it feels like yesterday was our last game, but we've said that before. so, maybe we'll get just one more!!!

Nonstop weekend

2006-10-23T09:47:00.000-04:00

Friday afternoon and evening we moved Steven into his own home and helped him set up house a bit. Saturday was jampacked - house shopping in the morning, Purdue football game in the afternoon, and bonfire that evening. I was beyond excited about someone giving us tickets for the game Saturday. I love football and to be there in person, is of course, the desired spectatorship. Unfortunately, it appeared that perhaps this was Purdue's first opportunity to practice.. as Abram put it. What a terrible game. I was cheering for Wisconsin before the second half. The marching band had things together. They were fun to watch. It helped ease the pain, that the tickets given to us were club seats, so my giant had a place to lean his back. Bleachers would have been killer at a game where we had few reasons to stand and cheer :( But who's complaining - it was a great time and I am grateful for the opportunity!
The bonfire was nice to enjoy some friends and even shoot some clay pigeons.
Sunday was full morning at church, then to our deacon's home for lunch then a quick nap before heading to Steven's house for chili and a chillin' time with friends.

A personal victory

2006-10-18T10:25:00.000-04:00

For Sarah Layer....and other runners out there.

I've never been a runner. I "tried" a couple times. but I couldn't breathe (go figure) and it hurt (again...). I had bronchitis, pneumonia and reactive airway disease and was hospitalized when I was three, then struggled with these sicknesses growing up. I just figured my lungs were too weak and I couldn't do it. A man on my extension one weekend in college, a runner, once told me I could strengthen my lungs, but I just figured he didn't understand and was OK with my state of being. I remember watching Sarah Johnson and Kelly (? shame on me... mk from Cameroon, long blonde hair) run cross country and I thought they were super-human. I walked. Well, around May of 05, I wanted to try again. I needed to "defeat" something, overcome something, accomplish something. I started with running around the pond in our neighborhood. I would come home and tell Abram "I ran FOUR laps this time!!!" ha ha. Then one day - let's see, it was about 90+ degrees out, I ran from my house to Sherry's, which at that time was two miles. I didn't make it, I had to walk the last half mile. When I arrived at Sherry's I was red as a beat and literally thought I was going to die. She gave me water and suggested I walk back and to wait till it cooled to try it again :) Well, I did try it again, and again and soon I could run there no problem. Then I ran 3 miles till I could do that with no problem. then 4. I remember the day I ran 5 miles without stopping. I felt like I had conquered the world! then I did 6 miles. 7. 8. 9. then 10. I wanted to run a mini marathon. These stupid things cost money tho. Abram said he would set up a mini marathon for me and all my friends could run with me and he would video and it would be just like the real thing! Well, then Sherry surprised me with a gift of paying for me to enter the Indy Mini. I was to run with her and Troy. One day I was excited, the next I was terrified and was that way for the six months till it finally came. May 6, 2006. Sherry was having problems with her knee and it scared me to think of running alone, but I was committed and there was no backing out. Abram was out of town working with Aaron,and the night before the race I was in Indy getting my packet, they called and said they might not make it the next morning for the race. hmmm, not a happy girl. But they said they would try. I stayed in a hotel room by myself in Indy. I passed the time shopping. I found a shirt that was unique - at the suggestion of Sherry, so friends could see me in the sea of people. I was so nervous I couldn't eat that night. Abram and Aaron showed up around 2 am. I got up at 5, showered and started my stretching for the race, starting at 7. My poor boys were exhausted, but were troopers and were ready to go on time. Aaron pinned my bib on me and they stayed at the starting line with me until it was finally time to start.
The anticipation was intense for me. I had many experienced runners offer lots of advice - one being to not jolt off at the start and lose my stamina by exerting all my energy in the first five miles. I told the boys that I was guestimating it would take me 2hours, 15 minutes to 2hours, 30 minutes. I had not run 13 miles yet and figuring 10 minute miles, I guessed that long. I had two goals in this run. 1. Finish. (I heard about the bus that picks up stragglers... not cool) 2. never stop running. I did NOT want to walk. when we finally got to the start line and I took off running, I was filled with so much purpose and single-mindedness that I knew I was going to accomplish this. I ran. and ran. and ran. I passed people left and right. I kept thinking I should slow down, but I felt so good, I didn't want to. I wanted to keep going. I remember thinking a lot - i cant believe I am doing this. and sometimes - we are stupid! we are all running for no reason!!! ha Mile 10, exiting the race track, my stomach was growling, I could feel myself running out of energy, but I wasn't even close to walking. Mile 11 my legs started feeling weak. mile 12 my feet were killing me. mile 13 I wanted to walk. People were passing me now. COME ON CURTIS, YOU CAN DO THIS. KEEP RUNNING!!!!! I did, I was half a mile from the finish line and it looked like a thousand miles away. Quarter of a mile left and I looked to my left and there stood my husband and brother, both with huge encouraging smiles on their faces - they had spotted my shirt :). Wow - talk about a burst of energy!!! I sprinted my way to the finish line, with Abram running thru the crowd off to the side to meet me. I crossed the finish line at exactly 2 hours on the nose. I got my metal, my bag of goodies and my sensor taken off my shoe, my picture taken then met the boys. We sat for a while and I stretched out and guzzled so much water and gatorade I about made myself sick. I did it. I ran a mini marathon. Some people there had done it a hundred times. But it was my first time and I felt on top of the world. When we left I called friends. I fell asleep in the car and was pretty well done for the day. The next day I felt fine! Hardly any soreness. Given the chance, I will do one again. Perhaps not the Indy Mini - 30,000 people is tooooo many for me. In retrospect, it was good that I ran alone. It was an outstanding experience for me. A personal victory. I know, I can do what I put my mind to. No excuses.

Dreamy day with a dreamy date

2006-10-16T10:15:00.000-04:00

Although it didn't go as I had fore-planned in my mind, it was outstanding, nonetheless. The plan - awake at 545, make food preparations, pack the car, shower, dress and hit the road, be hiking by noon at the latest. Reality... missed the alarm altogether; showered, threw some food together, forgot the water in the freezer, drove to the office to reprint forgotten directions, left lying on the kitchen table, wait for printer to warm up, go back for coat, start down to Bloomington finally at 11 am. stop for coffee. stop for gas. Follow ridiculous directions taking twice as long to get there than needed. Stop for potty break. Creep thru Bloomington with the IU football traffic. Find Charles Deam Wilderness south of Bloomington. ahhhh, finally arrived. Eat quickly. Climb firetower. Now, lets set off for our hike.... should we bring food and water?? naaaaa. lets travel light. Quick swig o' water, three granola bars in Abram's back pocket, an apple in mine. 2:30 pm. The trail is easy at first, but pretty enough. Then 2.5 miles down a steep gully and up the other side. Abram reminisces about his horse riding days and educates me on how to make a good trail horse. 5.5 more miles to the lake. no mile markers, so altho we were close, we dont know it and I asked some hikers passing "much farther to the lake?" "nope, you're close." we were and we arrived at the lake around 5pm. One passer by said it was GORGEOUS, but perhaps he only goes to lakes in Indiana. It was pretty, but Abram and I were thankful we have experienced even better scenes! If you look closely, there is a dragonfly on the front of my shirt.
Well, of course, having taken two and a half hours to arrive there, and only one way back.... well we knew we were losing day light. Our legs were tired, Abram was parched, and we knew we had to turn right around and do what we had just got done doing. Abram ate two of his granola bars and we split the apple. We passed so many lucky persons with their tents set up, their fires burning and saw them sipping their hot coffee or whatnot. It was promised to be a "nice" day, but not trusting the weather men, we had brought a bunch of winter wear. We obviously didn't bundle up too much. You really couldn't have asked for better weather. The sky was blue and clear and the sun was shining strong. And at the rate we were hauling, we wouldn't have wanted to be heavy laden with winter accessories. When we finally saw a trail marker on the way back we pulled out our map and found out we are twice as far along as we thought we were. Nice feeling. Our legs were tired, as we knew it was a race against the fleeting sunlight, and we had no light of our own. we were deep in the woods and once we lost daylight there would be no seeing the trail. I had mental pictures of us huddling together thru the night to keep warm till we could find our way back in the morning. We kept each other entertained with stories of growing up - of course we had heard the stories from each other before, but it was fun, regardless. We knew we couldn't do the gully in the dark, the trail was hard enough to find in the daylight, so we cut down to what we thought would be a shortcut. We ended up on a gravel road for our last two miles. not easy on the feet, but at least with the swift approaching darkness we knew would be able to see the road. So, turns out, even on our tired old feet, we did 6 miles in 45 minutes, and thinking we were closer than we were, we dragged our last 2 miles, doing that in almost another 45 minutes. We were happy to see the firetower and our car. We guzzled some water, and I even talked Abram into climbing back up the tower to take a shot of the sun - tho already gone. Abram devoured his sandwich and we laughed as we drove out of the park. Our one hike we got in this year had to be a killer!!! We had a great time together and even tho I hiked most of the way with a pulled muscle in my right leg, we came out injury free. Our bed sure felt good that night!!

Kudos to Charbucks

2006-10-13T07:26:00.000-04:00

I received a letter from Starbucks yesterday. While it was a lovely letter, I must say, I think they should hire someone to proof their correspondence before it goes out! :) But, I'll let it go this time since they did take the time to write and include some free drink coupons! Just think, if that gal at the register had just offered the drink free that day, that would have been one cheap drink they "lost". (I'm no fancy-pants, posh, swanky-drink starbucker) Instead, now I have three coupons good for anything I like. "Most expensive thing you've got, please....throw a little bit of everything in there"
So how about that, customer service still has a pulse. I must admit, tho, I have a strong desire to show up at the establishment every morning at 7 juuuuuust to keep them.... you know... accountable!

Breath of fresh slash smokey air...

2006-10-11T11:07:00.000-04:00

Good friends, good fire, good fun.

Abram's hair is escew b/c he just got off the four-wheeler and dirt bike.

Our gracious hosts, Stephen, Rachel and Malachi

I believe this picture is right before they hauled off into the grass and wrestled to the death

Not a bad way to spend the evening, eh?

You try pouring coffee in the dark! huh, Troy :) - I still think you took the last bit.

Sherry Baby

2006-10-11T09:21:00.000-04:00

I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to know Sherry for 12 years now. It has been good to deepen our friendship, share excitement, disappointments, and even get in a little trouble together. Sometimes we even make each other mad, but it doesn't last too long. I always know where I can find a good hug. A friend is someone who knows everything about you and likes you anyway. That's my Sherry friend. And Troy is a perfect addition. He has taken me with Sherry. (Its a package, you know...) Just wanted to put it out there, that Sherry is a pretty cool friend... as if you didn't already know.

Malaria

2006-10-11T08:43:00.000-04:00

Abram's brother, Seth and wife Darla serve as missionaries in the DR Congo, Africa. Seth has been working diligently on building a home there for a year now... lots of hard work. Right now they all have malaria (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaria). Seth gets it every year, and Darla has been able to care for him, but they all have it this time. All - Seth, Darla, Corban, 4 yrs, and Lael, 1 yr. I believe Corban has had it before, but it is extremely dangerous for children. They are supposed to be out of their rented home this month, if I remember correctly, and this illness puts a hault on his building, I'm sure. Malaria is not something that passes quickly. Even after you start getting "better" it takes a good deal of time to regain your strength. Would be wonderful if everyone who reads this would take them before God in prayer. And thank God for your health, plumbing, electricity, walmart and peanut butter today.

2006-10-10T12:06:00.000-04:00

Since so many college friends have been blogging, I thought I'd put on this picture from Sherry's wedding last December 31. It was so fun to see friends from back in the day. Julie Churchwell is missing from our group photo as she was taking care of Sojourn at the time we all gathered for the picture. Several came to our house after the wedding to "celebrate" New Years. I put celebrate in quotes because none of us old fogies made it to midnight! Pretty pathetic, eh? I think we threw a movie in and Dave was the only one who watched it thru. Was so great to pick right back up after 6+ years... Good friends.

A good visit

2006-10-06T09:25:00.000-04:00

In August my parents finally came out for a visit. Six years we've been married and we thought they'd never come. But they did, and it was wonderful to have them!
Thanks for coming Dad and Mom! We love you and hope its not another six years before you visit!!!!

I have to give them this tho, who would want to leave THIS, for Indiana.....

Sweet Child

2006-10-06T08:11:00.000-04:00

This is Yuichan in Japan. She is three years old and the sweetest little friend you could hope for. She can sing absolutely phenomenally. She is smart, bright and funny. Tho we spoke different languages we seemed to understand each other just fine.
It was unfortunate she had parents. I wanted to put her in my pocket and bring her home with me.

Customer Service is dead

2006-10-06T07:49:00.000-04:00

A very unfortunate annex to my coffee admiration.
The Charbucks on campus here opens at 7 am. Its a few blocks away, its getting ever so fridged out, but I needed a cup of coffee. I arrived at 5 till 7. I browsed the paper till 7, when I anticipated the gate going up and I could taste my coffee already (unfortunately this is the closest option this early in the morning, an essay on Charbucks is probably necessary). The line behind me quickly accumulated, some stayed, some huffed, gave up and walked away. We stood and watched as the 7 employees behind the counter laughed, meandered and otherwise pretended to be doing something of value. 20 minutes after the "store hours" sign reports the establishment to be open, they, what seemed begrudgingly, lifted the gate and allowed us to enter. I asked for my Venti Misto (the only drink I can generally tollerate there), fully expecting to be apologized to and offered my drink free, but no such luck. I wished very much I had some remarkable thing to say to them that might encourage them to embrace the ever-dying customer service, but I do believe that no words would have been sufficient.
Rest in Peace, Customer Service, its every man for himself.

Coffee

2006-10-05T22:52:00.000-04:00

My Dad very openly hates coffee. He never had a good thing to say about it. So I had to keep it to myself that I secretly liked the smell of Grandpa and Grandma's coffee brewing. It wasnt' till I left the house and went to college... I bellied up to the dining hall table my freshman year with my brother and his friends. Their mugs were filled with steaming hot coffee. I thought I'd try the brew myself. Hold the cream and sugar, no acquired taste necessary. I liked it strong and black from the first taste.

Good things are better and difficult things are bearable with coffee. a movie, a book, conversation, sunrise, sunset, the paper, waiting in line, work... winter (spring, summer and autumn for that matter).

Some of my favorite moments are in a restaurant with a good friend, the meal is over and you are engaged in earnest conversation. But the moment is not complete without that piping hot cup of joe in your hand. "Warm your coffee up, ma'am? yes please...thank you."

Abram once accused me of being addicted. Well, its certainly not the caffeine, as I can drink a cup and go straight to bed. It is a comfort to me. Its just a good thing. And one I can't get enough of. When I'm sad, coffee can actually cheer me, when I'm happy, it adds to my pleasure, when I'm solemn, its a welcome companion.

So, sorry Dad, but in your greatest efforts to turn us all away from the strong drink, your son and youngest daughter hold coffee in a very high regard.

SuperSize Me

2006-10-05T10:35:00.000-04:00

As much as we despise McDonalds, it would seem that Ronald exceeds all language barriers...

(our friends Yuri Tanii and Isaku Tanii)

Clouds

2006-10-05T10:15:00.000-04:00

The end of September brought us some magnificent clouds. We would be outside and just have to stop and admire them. I have always been enamored by clouds and these were no exception. We had valiant intentions to take pictures of them, but they will simply remain snapshots in our minds as intentions are never as worthy as actions. It brings my favorite poem of all time to mind, The Cloud, By Percy Bysshe Shelley. I memorized it years ago and love to recall it still. It is a splendid picture of the detail that such a simple, over-looked and taken for granted entity achieves...

I bring fresh showers for the thirsting flowers
From the seas and the streams;
I bear light shade for the leaves when laid
In their noonday dreams.
From my wings are shaken the dews that waken
The sweet buds every one,
When rocked to rest on their Mother's breast,
As she dances about the sun.
I wield the flail of the lashing hail,
And whiten the green plains under;
And then again I dissolve it in rain,
And laugh as I pass in thunder.

II

I sift the snow on the mountains below,
And their great pines groan aghast;
And all the night 'tis my pillow white,
While I sleep in the arms of the Blast.
Sublime on the towers of my skiey bowers
Lightning my pilot sits;
In a cavern under is fettered the Thunder,
It struggles and howls at fits.
Over earth and ocean with gentle motion
This pilot is guiding me,
Lured by the love of the Genii that move
In the depths of the purple sea;
Over the rills and the crags and the hills,
Over the lakes and the plains,
Wherever he dreams under mountain or stream
The Spirit he loves remains;
And I all the while bask in heaven's blue smile,
Whilst he is dissolving in rains.

III

The sanguine Sunrise with his meteor eyes,
And his burning plumes outspread,
Leaps on the back of my sailing rack,
When the morning star shines dead:
As on the jag of a mountain crag
Which an earthquake rocks and swings
An eagle alit one moment may sit
In the light of its golden wings.
And, when Sunset may breathe, from the lit sea beneath,
Its ardours of rest and of love,
And the crimson pall of eve may fall
From the depth of heaven above,
With wings folded I rest on mine airy nest,
As still as a brooding dove.

IV

That orbed maiden with white fire laden
Whom mortals call the Moon
Glides glimmering o'er my fleece-like floor
By the midnight breezes strewn;
And whenever the beat of her unseen feet,
Which only the angels hear,
May have broken the woof of my tent's thin roof,
The stars peep behind her and peer.
And I laugh to see them whirl and flee
Like a swarm of golden bees,
When I widen the rent in my wind-built tent, --
Till the calm rivers, lakes, and seas,
Like strips of the sky fallen through me on high,
Are each paved with the moon and these.

V

I bind the Sun's throne with a burning zone,
And the Moon's with a girdle of pearl;
The Volcanoes are dim, and the Stars reel and swim,
When the Whirlwinds my banner unfurl.
From cape to cape, with a bridge-like shape
Over a torrent sea,
Sunbeam-proof, I hang like a roof;
The mountains its columns be.
The triumphal arch through which I march,
With hurricane, fire, and snow,
When the powers of the air are chained to my chair,
Is the millioned-coloured bow;
The Sphere-fire above its soft colours wove,
While the moist Earth was laughing below.

VI

I am the daughter of Earth and Water,
And the nursling of the Sky:
I pass through the pores of the ocean and shores;
I change, but I cannot die.
For after the rain, when with never a stain
The pavilion of heaven is bare,
And the winds and sunbeams with their convex gleams
Build up the blue dome of air,
I silently laugh at my own cenotaph, --
And out of the caverns of rain,
Like a child from the womb, like a ghost from the tomb,
I arise, and unbuild it again.

MT. FUJI!!!

2006-10-05T09:18:00.000-04:00

I wanted so much to see Mt. Fuji while in Japan. We went to Kofu for a couple of days to spend time with the Tanii family. Tanii Sensei drove us all over showing us all sorts of wonderful things. It rained all day but we explored nonetheless. On this, our last day with him, we were driving home, content to have taken in what we could, TaniiSensei started swerving the vehicle and shouting"APPEAR! APPEAR! APPEAR!". He kept looking over his shoulder and hollering what we couldn't decipher was English or Japanese (Generally he spoke Jenglish at best anyway).... But finally, in his excitement, he was able to manage "MT. FUJIIIIIIII!!!!!!" We turned and there she was, in all her beauty, Mt. Fuji.

He found a place to pull over and we spent a good deal of time just standing there admiring and appreciating the fact that we were allowed a time with Mt. Fuji. As you can see, the clouds parted just enough. It only lasted about a half hour, but it was enough, we were all excited and had a great time.

a sampling of Japan...

2006-10-05T08:56:00.000-04:00

Fresh off the plane... or not so fresh

Good friends and good sushi

teaching the kids "cups"

tourists...

Scramble Square

I was forced to eat him

Pictures dont do it justice

Sweet TaniiSensei and his ceremonial tea and cake serving

Our little house in the Village

2006-10-04T14:10:00.000-04:00

Our House

2006-10-04T12:27:00.000-04:00

In January this past year Abram and I got news that our rent would be increasing. At that point we started looking for another place to rent. We only found that any "decent" place to rent would cost the same as the increase where we already were. So, we figured if we were going to put out this money, we should start thinking about buying. It was fun to look for a while, walking thru houses and dreaming of our own place and what we could/would/should do to it. Loooong story short, we ended up building in, what I recall an aquaintence once calling it - a "cheap new house neighborhood"- in reference to someone else who lives there. I wonder what she thought when she found out we were building there :) Ah well.
The end of March we moved all our packed up belongings to some dear friends' house into a spare bedroom and we set up our space - our bed and clothes - in another spare bedrooom. We camped out here for two months while our house was built. We thank God for Jason and Sundi and their selfless sacrifice of allowing us to overtake their peaceful living!
It was definitely fun to watch our house go up. My perfectionist husband was even pleased with the process. I was proud of him, as he wants to be hands on, and this time we had no say in how things were done. Next time!
So, here are some pictures of our place coming to fruition:

It was completed 20 June and we moved in, after a very frustrating closing affair, 27 June. Just two days before our trip to Japan. We have much to do yet, but are taking things slowly as it all costs $$$$$$!!

To Cathy and Shannon

2006-10-04T11:55:00.000-04:00

It seems that in my excitement to create my own blog, I attached myself to Abram's therefore messing his up a bit. So, in his efforts to fix things he had to detach me. In doing so I lost your comments to my post. I only got to read them briefly. So, from what I did gather:
We want very much to come up and see you Cathy! and WHO is getting married???? (yes, we do weddings!) thank you so much for your note!
and of course I remember you Shannon! thanks for writing! I hope you are well and all is well with you!

If you can't beat em, join em

2006-10-04T09:51:00.000-04:00

I didn't figure I would give in to the blog nation, but then too, my folks never thought they would get much into email, that new fangled mumbo jumbo. I am all for change, so, as times would have it, it appears that if I am to keep in touch with long lost friends, this is the way to go. It seems that none of us will ever need to visit each other again. We can simply log on and read the latest updates and even see a picture from this very mornings goings-on. So, not only can we order a tasty Mangosteen (www.xango.com) via the internet (which we thought could only be obtained in the Congo... silly us), but we can also participate in each other lives from miles apart.
Autumn is the perfect time to become sentimental, so I gladly jump aboard the blogboat and allow my fingers to to the talking for me to my friends and loved ones who are not available to sweep great mounds of leaves with or take a jog in the country or hike a mountain, or go out on the boat... not that any of this is possible, were they here anyway..... then again, anything is possible with the written word.

So, it begins. Welcome to our life. Simple as it may be, it is now available to the public.... (Abram just got a little nervous :)