So here it is

Break

It's Christmas break!!! I have survived my second quarter of gradschool. My break is off to a great start. The second I turned in my last final, I felt like myself again. I am really looking forward to spending some quality time with Patrick. I hate how busy we are during the quarter. This Friday we are going to see Pete Yorn. I am so excited. The best thing about the show is that it is only $5.oo.
This past weekend we celebrated Christmas with Linda, Rachel, Jav, Dan, Suzanne, Jaden, and Kevin. It was so fun and relaxing. I am convinced that I have the coolest in-laws ever. Friday night we went to Cleveland and saw Anathallo at the grog shop. They are so awesome. I suggest that you all check them out.

the unexpected

We wake up every morning thinking that we have our day all planned. Not thinking about the unexpected events that will dump out in front of us. This spill can change our day completely. It could even change your life.
Today I got up, got ready and my friend picked me up at 7:20, just like every other day. We talked the entire way to school. Our day was long but it was ok until my friend got a call that would make her day change.
The call was from her sister. Her sister told her that their mom had been in a terrible car accident and was in the hospital. They were to go to Cleveland as soon as they could. That's it. That is all the information she had to read into on our long drive home. I took over driving and the forty-five minutes seemed like hours. I didn't know what to say. I didn't know what to do. I knew that our religious beliefs are very different. All I could do is try to comfort her and pray quietly. Quietly Quietly . Quietly
I knew that everything I wanted to say wouldn't make sense to her.
I dropped her off at her sisters and drove her car to my house to sit until she returned. I have felt sick to my stomach all night. I am so sad for her family. The thought of them in a cold, stale hospital room looking over a woman they adore can't escape my mind.
Her sister was visiting from Georgia and was to return tomorrow. Their mom was in Columbus visiting them. They had a great time together. My friend stayed at her sister's so she could be with them this morning. I am so glad she did. Their mom was 20 miles from home.
My friend just called and told me that her mom did not make it. She asked if I would tell everyone at school. I find myself praying but this time it is out loud. I pray that through this she would see the truth. I pray that God would comfort her. I pray that I can be the friend she needs. I pray that she would find peace.
Today I have been thinking about life and how fragile it really is. One unexpected event could change everything.

My friend and her family need your prayers. Please take time to pray for them.

Elephant

I am hooked on Grey's Anatomy. Patrick and I have been watching all of the reruns and rented the DVD of season two. It is the only show we get that is worth watching. I can't wait until the new season starts.

Today I woke up feeling well like an elephant. I know my appearance does not resemble this rather large animal it's just how I felt. I decided to get rid of this feeling by going for a much needed walk. It was nice to be out before everyone woke up. It was also nice to spend time listening to music and praying. My relationship with God has been kind of stale. I know that I need to slow down and spend time reading and praying. I always push that to the end of my to do list. I hate this pattern of mine and know that it has to change. I started reading Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. I think that I am really going to enjoy reading Bell's thoughts.

"Over time when you purposefully try to live the way of Jesus, you start noticing something deeper going on. You begin realizing the reason this is the best way to live is that it is rooted in profound truths about how the world is. You find yourself living more and more in tune with ultimate reality. You are more and more in sync with how the universe is at its deepest levels." Rob Bell

This section made me think about when I started to notice something deeper. It is so hard to put into words, but I remember reaching the point of not knowing how I survived before. It is so hard to explain the discovery to those who do not believe.

Just so you know my day got better. Sarah came over for lunch and then she took me to Zen for late birthday tea. We were do for a catch up conversation. It was so fun to hangout as friends again and not roommates. Living with friends is great but it can take away from the friendship. We found ourselves never making time to hangout. Our hangout time was a quick conversation here and there. Our time spent was less intentional. Don't get me wrong I loved living with her its just that I am excited to have scheduled adventures again. After Zen we rummaged around a few antique furniture stores and boutiques. It turned out to be an inspiring day.
At 10:54 the thoughts of feeling like an elephant are out of my head.

Kindergarten Flash Back

I finished summer quarter on Thursday and have started babysitting again. Three of the kids I have watched for four years are starting Kindergarten this week. I am so excited and nervous for them. I feel so old. I remember my first day of Kindergarten. I remember walking into the bathroom to find little Janelle crying because she was scared. I then remember someone asking her on the bus if she cried and she said no. I kept thinking to myself but you did you did. I also remember two of my boy classmates kissing me on my cheeks at recess. After recess I ran up to my teacher who was sitting in her rocking chair on the red carpet. I told her what happened and them we had to have a class meeting. Hahaha wow what a way to start my educational career. What do you remember about your first day?

Patrick and I went to an art supplies store in the short north yesterday and bought two small canvases. This will be our third attempt to produce something we like. After a few swirls of paint I decided to blog instead.
Yesterday was great. I have really been trying to relax on Sundays. I love it. After going to the art store we took a blanket, strawberries and grapes to Goodale Park. It felt so good to lay under the clouds and watch the planes fly by. It also felt good to enjoy a free date.