What's a great Labor Day without a few photos to share? You'll notice some really intense game faces in some of these shots...mine is particular is hilarious.
9.07.2010
Bocce & Labor Day
I had an interesting afternoon yesterday with Kristin, Joe, and McKenzie. We played bocce. It has been a LONG time since I've played bocce, and I have to admit that I wasn't totally stoked about it being a major component in my Labor Day festivities. However, I'm happy to report that it was a blast; it always helps when you win. That's right, Joe and I (team red), whooped up on McKenzie and Kristin...twice! I think it was partially luck that we won because the tall grass prevented us from seeing the "paulina" (aka, the ball we're trying aim close to). It made the game much more fun for me, and I believe the others would agree.
What's a great Labor Day without a few photos to share? You'll notice some really intense game faces in some of these shots...mine is particular is hilarious.
What's a great Labor Day without a few photos to share? You'll notice some really intense game faces in some of these shots...mine is particular is hilarious.
9.02.2010
Screeching Halt!
The last couple of months have been going well for me. I've been pretty consistent in spending time with God, and I've been hearing from him on a regular basis as a result. After a rough start to this year, I was finally doing okay. I could say that and genuinely mean it when people have asked, "how are you doing?". Just as I was about to shift my life to cruise control, everything came crashing to a screeching halt last Friday.
I lost my job!
WHAT?
I became a casualty of the financial downturn in our economy. For some reason, I never thought it would happen to me.
I was definitely more upset by the shock of the whole thing than the actual loss of my job. It was effective immediately too and clearing out my office really sucked. I have to admit, I felt betrayed by the people who had known for two weeks and looked me in the eye each day like everything was fine. That's a killer on my ability to trust, but I'm making it.
All my eggs are in one basket...God's. I know that he MUST have a purpose for this and for the way this has happened. I'm throwing myself at him completely and fully, trusting him to come through for me. He knew this was coming way before I did, so I have to believe that he already knows where I'll end up. I feel like he's allowed this to occur for a reason. I have absolutely no idea what it is yet, but I'm waiting on him.
I'm not so good with patience, so you can imagine how this waiting thing is going. It has only been a few days, but I want to throw a temper tantrum and complain about how this isn't fair. I've worked hard and done the right thing...why, Lord? Then, I think of so many things that sober me...starving children, people without clean water, children without families, parents losing their children in war, being born with HIV, rape, geonocide, orphanages, and so much more. Does the loss of my job compare to any of these? No way! How can I even shed a tear when such things are happening in the world around me?
So, even though I want to scream at the top of my lungs and pump my fist in the air...I wait...on God. I'm eager to see what he has in store for me.
I lost my job!
WHAT?
I became a casualty of the financial downturn in our economy. For some reason, I never thought it would happen to me.
I was definitely more upset by the shock of the whole thing than the actual loss of my job. It was effective immediately too and clearing out my office really sucked. I have to admit, I felt betrayed by the people who had known for two weeks and looked me in the eye each day like everything was fine. That's a killer on my ability to trust, but I'm making it.
All my eggs are in one basket...God's. I know that he MUST have a purpose for this and for the way this has happened. I'm throwing myself at him completely and fully, trusting him to come through for me. He knew this was coming way before I did, so I have to believe that he already knows where I'll end up. I feel like he's allowed this to occur for a reason. I have absolutely no idea what it is yet, but I'm waiting on him.
I'm not so good with patience, so you can imagine how this waiting thing is going. It has only been a few days, but I want to throw a temper tantrum and complain about how this isn't fair. I've worked hard and done the right thing...why, Lord? Then, I think of so many things that sober me...starving children, people without clean water, children without families, parents losing their children in war, being born with HIV, rape, geonocide, orphanages, and so much more. Does the loss of my job compare to any of these? No way! How can I even shed a tear when such things are happening in the world around me?
So, even though I want to scream at the top of my lungs and pump my fist in the air...I wait...on God. I'm eager to see what he has in store for me.
9.01.2010
Wales
I'm not sure if I'd ever even heard of Wales before I ended up there in the summer of 2001. If you, like me, don't know where Wales is located...it's on the same island but to the left of England. It's a land of one lane roads, sheep, accents, hospitable people, and so much more...
I was on a backpacking team, and we would spent our summer traveling throughout southern Wales. During our orientation, I rolled my ankle playing soccer, so my hiking days almost ended before they really began. Thankfully, my three teammates helped me and my backpack over to our first hostel. That's right, I committed to staying in hostels for the entire time (if Sarah were reading this, she'd be cringing inside). I ended up enjoying it way more than I initial thought I would. I can't say that communal living has ever been up my alley, but I was so amused by all of the interesting people we met and spent time with. There was even this elderly lady who was more agile at getting into her top bunk than me at just a mere 21.
This was also at the same time that Foot and Mouth Disease was spreading through the area, so some of our planned hiking trails were closed. Bummer! We were basically on our own for about eight weeks to travel around from hostel to hostel, so we changed the plan. We met this guy Russ, and we ended up going with him to a different hostel to do some construction work. Normally, I wouldn't advise going off with strange men, but I was with three other people. Plus, we were working for Jesus. He would protect me, right? Ha! We didn't die, and Russ was actually a cool guy who took us to north Wales. We hiked a mountain there named Snowden, and it almost killed me. I was totally out of shape...ironic, since I was on a hiking team. :)
There's also a great museum in the capitol of Cardiff. They have Monet paintings that I could barely tear myself away from. They're so compelling up close (don't worry, Sarah, I didn't touch it).
I cannot mention it enough; the coast of Wales is gorgeous! I had an amazing time with God sitting out on a cliffs admiring creation in a temperate climate with the wind blowing through your hair and the waves crashing below. Amazing! You should definitely visit!
Prepare for next week...the Philippines! I spent two years there, so I might need more than one week for all my stories.
I was on a backpacking team, and we would spent our summer traveling throughout southern Wales. During our orientation, I rolled my ankle playing soccer, so my hiking days almost ended before they really began. Thankfully, my three teammates helped me and my backpack over to our first hostel. That's right, I committed to staying in hostels for the entire time (if Sarah were reading this, she'd be cringing inside). I ended up enjoying it way more than I initial thought I would. I can't say that communal living has ever been up my alley, but I was so amused by all of the interesting people we met and spent time with. There was even this elderly lady who was more agile at getting into her top bunk than me at just a mere 21.
This was also at the same time that Foot and Mouth Disease was spreading through the area, so some of our planned hiking trails were closed. Bummer! We were basically on our own for about eight weeks to travel around from hostel to hostel, so we changed the plan. We met this guy Russ, and we ended up going with him to a different hostel to do some construction work. Normally, I wouldn't advise going off with strange men, but I was with three other people. Plus, we were working for Jesus. He would protect me, right? Ha! We didn't die, and Russ was actually a cool guy who took us to north Wales. We hiked a mountain there named Snowden, and it almost killed me. I was totally out of shape...ironic, since I was on a hiking team. :)
There's also a great museum in the capitol of Cardiff. They have Monet paintings that I could barely tear myself away from. They're so compelling up close (don't worry, Sarah, I didn't touch it).
I cannot mention it enough; the coast of Wales is gorgeous! I had an amazing time with God sitting out on a cliffs admiring creation in a temperate climate with the wind blowing through your hair and the waves crashing below. Amazing! You should definitely visit!
Prepare for next week...the Philippines! I spent two years there, so I might need more than one week for all my stories.
8.30.2010
The Impact of Music
I went to public high school in a suburb of New Orleans, and I loved it, minus the actual schooling. I really appreciate that this school was racially diverse; it added so much flavor to who I was and was better preparation for real life.
I listened to a lot of rap music back then with bad language. My mom always complained that I shouldn't listen to music with questionable lyrics, but I was rebellious and continued enjoying Tupac.
It was only recently that I've realized what an impact music really has on me and my mood. I began listening to Magic 101.9 a lot at the office because the music was work appropriate. It wouldn't have been my first choice, but my first choice was not appropriate because of the content of some of the songs. After awhile I noticed that I was feeling down, and eventually I realized it was partially from this mellow, love music all day.
I changed what I was listening to, and it really helped improve my attitude. Here's a confession. I really like the beat of the Eminem song "Love the Way You Lie." It's about domestic violence, and the lyrics are questionable so no posting here. However, my friend, Cody, sent me an alternate version the other day that really cracked me up, so I wanted to share it with you instead.
Enjoy! I hope this brightens the beginning of your work week.
I listened to a lot of rap music back then with bad language. My mom always complained that I shouldn't listen to music with questionable lyrics, but I was rebellious and continued enjoying Tupac.
It was only recently that I've realized what an impact music really has on me and my mood. I began listening to Magic 101.9 a lot at the office because the music was work appropriate. It wouldn't have been my first choice, but my first choice was not appropriate because of the content of some of the songs. After awhile I noticed that I was feeling down, and eventually I realized it was partially from this mellow, love music all day.
I changed what I was listening to, and it really helped improve my attitude. Here's a confession. I really like the beat of the Eminem song "Love the Way You Lie." It's about domestic violence, and the lyrics are questionable so no posting here. However, my friend, Cody, sent me an alternate version the other day that really cracked me up, so I wanted to share it with you instead.
Enjoy! I hope this brightens the beginning of your work week.
8.25.2010
Juarez, Mexico
We went to Mexico to build houses. Most people here wouldn't consider a one-room dwelling a house, but the people we served that week were very grateful. For them it was home!
I remember a few distinct things about that week in Juarez...
I remember a few distinct things about that week in Juarez...
- I was a team leader for the building of a house. What were they thinking? Me, read plans and build a house in one week? Thankfully, I had some rocking adult guys on my team and my co-leader, Michael, who made it happen.
- As mentioned above, I didn't spend much time working on the house. I spent most of my time playing with children. One child in particular stole my heart - Adrian (at least I think that was his name). He was very shy, but for some reason he liked me. Hanging out with him and showing him love was the highlight of the trip for me.
- Those six November days in Juarez were the coldest ones of my life. We slept in Army tents on cots, and it was 14 degrees outside. No many how many clothes I layered on, I couldn't get warm. Many of my friends were taking bucket showers in this type of weather...not me, I refused. I do not dump ice cold water over my head that then causes my hair to freeze! That's insanity! So, I didn't shower the whole time we were there. Thankfully, as mentioned above, it was very cold which meant there was little to no sweating, and baby wipes kept me decent. It was perfect because I'm sure most of those families we were building the houses for didn't have access to showers either. A big shout out goes to my best friend, Libby, for braiding my hair when it was so nasty.
- Stucco is hard work! I give mad props to anyone who manually mixes and lays stucco. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention...no electricity meant no power tools. Good times! This one of the times I did help, and boy was I sorry. :)
- We went home a day early. We were all so cold that we decided to forego shopping to head home. Eighteen hours home.
8.24.2010
Shadows
Shadows are such an intriguing thing. They can be lurking and creepy or distorted proportionally by where the sun is located in the sky.
As a designer, I sometimes create shadows on logos or lettering. I have a hard time figuring out the length and angle that makes it look natural. I know there must be some sort of mathematical solution to this, but my brain doesn't function that way.
Last weekend, I went out to take some photos with shadows in mind. I didn't find as many really interesting ones this time because I was in suburbia, but I still had a great time.
As a designer, I sometimes create shadows on logos or lettering. I have a hard time figuring out the length and angle that makes it look natural. I know there must be some sort of mathematical solution to this, but my brain doesn't function that way.
Last weekend, I went out to take some photos with shadows in mind. I didn't find as many really interesting ones this time because I was in suburbia, but I still had a great time.
8.23.2010
Happy Monday!
It's Monday again, which means the start of another work week. Usually, I dread Mondays. However, I've discovered in my wiser and older years of life that my attitude drastically affects my mood and view of the day.
As a result, today is going to be a great day! In honor of this happy Monday, I'm posting a feel-good song to begin your week.
As a result, today is going to be a great day! In honor of this happy Monday, I'm posting a feel-good song to begin your week.
8.19.2010
Par-ty!
I had a fun time at Joe's party. There were lots of peeps there, but alas, they didn't make it into most of the photos. The pictures will have to do the talking for this particular post. Story time was my favorite part of the evening! Credit to Joe for taking the third picture of Keith. Peace.
8.18.2010
2nd Stop: Taiwan
Taiwan was my second trip overseas, and I spent a whole summer there in 2000. Let's just say that it wasn't my first choice (I actually think it was Thailand), but it turned out to be the best summer of my life.
My team consisted of me and three other girls, and we lived with an amazing couple and their daughter. We were the "True Love Waits" team. I know what you're thinking...and yes, they wanted me talk to young Taiwanese youth about abstinence. Needless to say, I was mortified when I discovered this was our objective for the summer! Talking about sex or even NOT having sex is such a taboo thing in the church, so I felt really under prepared for this task. Despite my inadequacies, God was with me. He equipped me to do so many things that summer. I taught abstinence, taught English, led VBS, danced in church, hosted a youth rally, and all through a translator. I couldn't have done any of this on my own, but God really showed me what could be accomplished through me and in me when I let him have control of my life. When I look back now, it is hard to believe I did even half of those things. I survived by God's strength alone and the funny thing is...I had the time of my life in the process.
I also fell in love with Asia and left my heart there. As you'll see in one of the photos, I had a camera in my hand even back then. Look forward to next week and Mexico!
My team consisted of me and three other girls, and we lived with an amazing couple and their daughter. We were the "True Love Waits" team. I know what you're thinking...and yes, they wanted me talk to young Taiwanese youth about abstinence. Needless to say, I was mortified when I discovered this was our objective for the summer! Talking about sex or even NOT having sex is such a taboo thing in the church, so I felt really under prepared for this task. Despite my inadequacies, God was with me. He equipped me to do so many things that summer. I taught abstinence, taught English, led VBS, danced in church, hosted a youth rally, and all through a translator. I couldn't have done any of this on my own, but God really showed me what could be accomplished through me and in me when I let him have control of my life. When I look back now, it is hard to believe I did even half of those things. I survived by God's strength alone and the funny thing is...I had the time of my life in the process.
I also fell in love with Asia and left my heart there. As you'll see in one of the photos, I had a camera in my hand even back then. Look forward to next week and Mexico!
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