Refresh

I haven't blogged in a long time due to many reasons. But I now feel I should.

I am excited to be home for good now. I'm done with classes, except for a final next Monday. I got really excited last weekend when I found out about a townhouse opportunity with three close friends downtown. Then, the landlord said no to 4 girls, and since I was the last one that decided to go in on it, I was the first one to get the boot. So, I'll be living at home for at least two more years then hopefully getting my own apartment or townhouse near the Detroit Medical Center downtown.

I have a feeling of refreshment for a number of reasons. Number 1 I am about to clean my room and I love the feeling of a clean room. On the outside, it looks really neat and clean but don't open my closet or a drawer, they will explode. I must get rid of stuff. Number 2 Summertime is finally here and my one summer class will start in two weeks, which means a new beginning. I'm hoping since there's just one class to worry about I'll be able to do well in it. Number 3 I just met a wonderful guy, Ryan. He amazes me in a plethora of ways. More to be blogged about him in the near future.

Okay, so.. I think I have to admit I am a shopoholic. In this economic climate, that is not a good thing. But, I did it anyways. I told myself it was okay since it was my birthday earlier this month and I had birthday money to spend. But, I ended up spending more money than I received. Luckily, I stayed loyal to my New Years Resolution to not buy any clothes, shoe, etc. (basically no money spent on myself outside of gas, food, limited entertainment) until now. And, since I stayed loyal for so long, I had some extra cash to splurge with when I went shopping. But still, I think I need to see a psychiatrist. If you look in my closet, you'd assume I lived in state that experiences a warm climate all year round. 75% of my wardrobe is composed of summer clothes i.e. shorts, short sleeves, tank tops, sandals. The other 25% is made of clothes that I actually NEED like jeans, sweatshirts, sweaters. To be honest, I hate winter clothes. They're SO ugly! Sweaters are itchy and make you look fat. I feel clousterphobic in long pants. Considering I live in Michigan, I don't know why I don't invest in winter clothes because when winter comes I wear the same outfits every week. When summer comes, I don't want it to end because I hadn't even gotten halfway through my summer wardrobe selection yet. Perhaps I should begin to donate some of my summer clothes that I don't wear as much to Africa. They have warm weather and not enough clothes and I have cold weather and too much warm weather clothes. Makes sense? I don't know though, I'm not one to trust charities that ship across seas. I once heard of a "Feed-the-Children"-like program someone I knew was involved with. They got a letter and picture in the mail of a child they were supporting and got to write letters to. It was pretty personal. Then they got  a letter from their orphanage saying that child got sick and died. A few years later they started supporting another child and got the same picture and letters in the mail. Ha. That's sad. 

I Dislike Colored Nail Polish

I painted my nails pink on Thursday afternoon.

It is now Saturday evening and they have been chipping since Friday evening.

I sit here and ask myself why I haven't painted my finger nails a colored polish for over a year?

I have been reminded of my reasoning.

I also wonder why I spent $10 on OPI (apparently the "best" nail polish brand) clear nail polish that also chips within 24 hours of application when my moms' off-brand clear polish she probably paid $1.99 for takes almost a week to chip.

I'd rather my nails look shiny with clear nail polish than chipped pink.

They (I) Never Saw It Coming!!

According to St. Peter Lutheran Church's attendance record, I've become a Christmas-Easter attendee. That's not really true in the broader spectrum, I've gone to church elsewhere. I kind of broke my ties with the Lutheran church once I started college. At this point I started a new job and the load of college swamped me to the point that I stopped attending church for a few months. I found a wonderful church - Restoration Church - a few months ago that has taken the place of my church attendance at St. Pete's. I had a number of reasons that I didn't like the Lutheran worship service, which made finding a new church so much better, i.e. no more yawner hymnal songs, repeating the same 10 creeds every Sunday, having someone tell the congregation that only "confirmed members" are allowed to receive forgiveness through Holy Communion sacrament, and the list goes on.

Sunday morning was Easter Sunday. My family was going to church at St. Pete's so I figured I'd tag along anyhow to be with them. Going into it I was confident that it was going to be another morning of "playing church": getting dressed up and doing the "routine" church things (10 creeds, hymn songs and a choir I can't seem to understand because they're more concerned with how loud their voices get than how clear I can hear their praises..) Anyways, I thought it was going to be just another Sunday recite-ship at the Lutheran church.

The sermon was titled "They Never Saw It Coming", referring to the people finding Jesus' tomb empty on Easter morn. To be quite frank, I never had once listened to a sermon in full at St. Pete's. One because I normally sat with my friends and had better things to discuss than listening to the good news of Christ, two because I never was that strong in my faith to realize the importance of the message and three because the pastor's never appealed to me as good story tellers. This Sunday I decided to change things up. I sat isolated with my family and payed close attention to the message.

God worked in me like none other. The meaning of the Easter message was clearly stated but that's beside the point here. The title of the message and the illustrations used in it made me realize that although I think the whole realm of the Lutheran church is plain and boring, if I actually pay close attention to the message maybe I'd get something out of it.

I still don't like the hymn sings or the idea of reciting the same creeds every Sunday. I like praising in music I enjoy more, like the type played at Restoration Church. However, I've realized it wasn't the church that made me fall away from it, it was my sinful nature. I had never had a faith as strong as mine is today while I was a regular attendee at St. Peter's. In fact, I was dead when I attended there.

I feel very strongly that God used Easter Sunday to invite me back into my Lutheran church home. I'm not sure how it's going to work out exactly. I'm going to give the "contemporary worship service" a try next weekend to see if the praise music gets me more involved in worshipping my Lord that so dearly deserves it.

I'm excited! "I Never Saw It Coming"

The Lord Taketh, The Lord Giveth

I was in the gym today after class, multitasking. I was studying my anatomy & physiology notes while on the elliptical. I figured they went hand in hand, I was learning what exactly was going on inside me while I burnt 200 cals.

As I was doing this I reminded about how good my God is. It's April 6, so like... it shouldn't snow. It should be mild, partly sunny, maybe a breeze. Not 6 inches of snow continuing throughout the day. But that was okay. Because the Lord can do whatever he wants whenever he wants to do it. Amazing. What was even more amazing was seeing the wrath of my Lord. One of the TV's had the weather channel on & they were reporting footage from a tornado that whipped through a home. The Lord is good... but the Lord is mighty!

Amen!

Oh, also, I'm really happy.

Soy Chicken?

I was wondering if someone could maybe tell me why..

..I had soy chicken for dinner & there was a bone in it?

Sunrise

God knows me all too well.  I was in a serious state of depression Friday evening/Saturday morning.  It did not feel good to be home from vacation in the least bit.  Going to bed in my own bed and waking up to my alarm was awful.  The rest of my house was sleeping as I awoke to get ready for my work day Saturday and walked into the kitchen to start it off.  The sunrise was definitely not a Michigan sunrise.  Believe me, I have woken up every morning for the past 5 years in this house, walked into the kitchen around the same time most of those mornings and there has never been a sunrise over my backyard as spectacular as the one I saw Saturday morning.  Never.  No joke.  It was shades of pink and orange and took up the entire eastern sky.  I think it was a love note from God saying "Yo I know you're back to reality but life can still be beautiful even when you're not on vacation." <--- Ok so those words I just typed totally did not come from my mind.. I just kinda typed them out and then realized God spoke to me again.  Wow.

Bonita Springs - Second Half of Trip

Tuesday

Leaving Disney was depressing (if I didn't clarify that in my last two posts..). Why is a 19 year old complaining about having to go to a beach over Disney? Anyhow.. we drove to Bonita Springs and I got to go to my all-time favorite restaurant.  It's hard for me to pick favorites in just about anything but the 'restaurant' category is an exception because of this restaurant: Sweet Tomatoes. It's not in Michigan, but I am happy for that.  If it were, I'd abuse my right to eat there and it would probably dwindle down my list of "Top Restaurants".  For those of you who have not had the pleasure to eat at Sweet Tomatoes you should.  It's cheap: $9.49 per person. No excuses next time! It starts off with a (50-foot?) salad buffet. HUGE. Pre-made salads, create-your-own, dressings galore.  I faired with a Won-Ton Salad & an Asiago Caesar Salad adorned with my own special touch of hard-boiled eggs and garlic croutons (this is Day 1 remind yourselves!). It gets better.. then there's an infinite amount of soups you can choose from.. noodle soups, chilies, chowders, the list goes on.. and then the bread. Oh my! Foccacias, muffins, rolls, warm loaves.. the butters! Honey Spread is my #1 pick. Pastas! Then dessert.. Fat free frozen yogurt, a lavish toppings bar & right out of the oven cookie bars. The drinks.. Strawberry Lemonade & Mixed Berry Green Tea.  Throw in some shopping (eh, browsing..) and the night was complete. Did I mention $9.49 is all-you-can-eat?!

Wednesday

Woke up to clouds. Boo. Floridians were getting all geeked up because it was suppose to rain. They had had a drought.  I was less than thrilled.  Lucky for me, and not so much for them, it didn't rain!  The clouds broke up and we drove down to Naples to enjoy the beach.  The clouds came back in less than half an hour after arrival but that was alright because it made for perfect sea-shell hunting weather.  We walked the pier and even got some dolphin footage.  We ate at a great seafood restaurant right on the beach where I got Jamaican Jerk Grouper. Yum.

Thursday

Round 2 in Naples. This time we walked 5th Avenue and felt very underdressed.  I came quip with my swimsuit & coverup.  I should have known stilettos & Gucci gear were the norm for a morning coffee stole. Whatev, I flaunted my American Eagle freebie beach bag with stains.  Floridian hopes narrowed as mine soared as the storm clouds broke up & I fried like a tomato.  No fear, Sweet Tomatoes round 2 was in store! Fast forward to dinner (since it was obviously the highlight of my vacation).  Let me note here that Bonita Springs is also known as Seniorcitizenville.  No joke.  I've never seen that many elderly folk outside of a nursing home! The buffet line went stagnant before we even got inside the building.  Apparently the 60+ crowd moves a little slower than the rest of us.  As we were approaching the doors an old women walks out to her car & comes back in with bike helmets.  Another old women behind us nudged to her wheel-chair ridden "gal-pal" and says "It must be getting rough in there!"  I bursted out with laughter.

Friday

Last day.. packed up and drove back up to Tampa.  But before all that I had my last meal in Florida, a make-your-own belgium-waffle from the hotel's continental breakfast. Did I mention that I had a Mickey Mouse shaped Belgium waffle the last morning in Disney?  I looked up Mickey Mouse shaped waffle makers on Ebay already.  Going for no more than $51.99!  Nudge-nudge, my birthday is in 12 days (..Jesse..)

Disney Visa

I must add this.  I am so excited for this one!  I am officially signing up for a Disney Visa card in preparation for my next trip to Disney.  I figure its kinda dumb to have a credit card if it's not one of those that rack up points that you can put towards something.  For example, when my parents built the house we're in now (they were their own contractors) they put every expense they could onto their Hilton hotel credit card.  My parents would even have to wait on purchasing things to build the house with until the next billing cycle came around because they'd put the maximum amount on that credit card every month.  We ended up taking an entire weeks trip to Florida for free (besides food and airfare) because they racked up points towards staying at Hilton hotels.  If you honestly have a credit card that has no points system that racks up points towards something you are stupid.  I'm serious, you're stupid.  You can get them for anything.. hotels, airlines, etc.  I guess I just called myself stupid because I have a credit card that doesn't have any type of rewards program.  My mom made me get it to start building credit (I'm not sure why she didn't have me get a better one..)  Anyways, Disney's is kinda lame because you only get $1 towards Disney for every $100 you spend.  That means you have to spend $10,000 to get $100 towards Disney (about 1 nights stay at a Disney hotel).  Oh well, you can't go to Disney and stay at a Holiday Inn, that would totally wreck the experience!  It's going to take me a long time to rack up points considering I have like a $600 credit limit.  But hey, by the time I have kids maybe I'll have enough points to stay at Disney for a night LOL

Orlando - First Half of Trip

Sunday

We flew into Tampa super early in the morning (5:45 flight) which was even earlier considering I only got an hour and a half of sleep prior.  At our connector in Atlanta we ran into some family friends, the Bohms.  It was crazy that happened because three years ago we ran into them at an airport and ended up having the same flight as them.  I got so happy driving into Walt Disney World.  It reminded me of Easter vacations every year from the time I was 1 to 10 years old staying at Fort Wilderness (Disney's campground).  I was like a little kid in a candy store once we got there.  I must have taken a million pictures (realistically, 50ish) of everything.  I wanted to buy every tourist souvenir in the gift shop.  But then I realized that Disney is expensive.  That was the reason we weren't staying there all week.  I faired with a Minnie Mouse coffee to-go mug and two postcards to add to my collection (the only thing I collect religiously).  My mom & I laid by the pool and swam for about 2 hours then got ready to go to Downtown Disney.  We met up with Karen, my moms BFF from high school/maid of honor and her son Andrew, they live in Florida.  It was great to see them reunited after almost 10 years without getting together.  We ate at Rainforest Cafe and strolled through Downtown Disney.  Let me add, Legoland is impressive.  We also met up with my moms cousins Ralph & Trudy and chit-chatted again, they were on vacation, too.

Monday

Epcot!!  Since Disney theme parks are super expensive ($74/day to be exact) we decided to only do one.  I had a hard time picking.. Magic Kingdom is Disney's trademark quip with Cinderella's Castle, the Spinning Teacup ride & all of the characters walking around the park to take pictures with and get autographs.  But that seemed a bit too childish from what I could remember.  Animal Kingdom is practically a zoo with some rides thrown in.  I wasn't quite in the mood for Hollywood Studios & Universal Studios since most their attractions are shows not rides.  So, I decided Epcot would be the one!  We spent half the day in Futureworld riding the rides.  The later of the day we spent in The World Showcase, where 11 countries are represented around a lagoon.  Each country has its own area with a small village allowing guests to experience authentic stores and restaurants (the architecture is accurate, too!).  We ate dinner in Morocco, had dessert in France, a pretzel in Germany and Sangria.. somewhere.

Tuesday

It made me sad to think we were leaving Disney this day.  All I could think about was how I probably wouldn't be back until my kids were young.  I stopped and did some souvenir shopping in the gift shop for my men back home (Dad, Chris, Jesse).  Hopefully one day I can come back with my kids and enjoy all the theme parks again.  I remember when I was younger I'd have the official Disney autograph book and pen and get all the characters at the theme parks to sign my book.  We'd stay at the Disney campground where Chip & Dale would walk around greeting the campers.  My parents spent a week in Florida before a cruise on their honeymoon and went to Disney for a few days then.  Maybe I'll come back then since waiting until my kids are a few years old will be quite some time.  I still can't wrap my head around the fact that Jesse has never been to Walt Disney World.  Here is a boy that goes on vacation at least twice a year, whether that be Florida or a cruise.  He's been on about 10 cruises, if not more!  Why hasn't he gone to Disney?  He thought I was ridiculous talking about how much I love Disney when I called him while I was there.  He thinks it overrated and stupid.  I think he's wrong.  But he's like that.  He thinks everything is overrated.  But you'll never catch him saying that about anything he's done before, only things that he hasn't done.  I think he's jealous.  Bonita Springs/Last half of my week to come (soon!)

Why Do I Live By Murderers?

When I was describing the town I came from to my college roommate this past summer before we moved in, all I had to say was "Stephen Grant" and she knew.  Yup, just about 10 minutes east of that ordeal.

Last Saturday evening I heard sirens blaze by my house and also up on the main road in eyesight from my house.  The next morning my parents and I were on our way to church when my mom was complaining of all the trash in the ditches and on the side of our street.  It just looks awkward in such a rural area.  That's when my dad commented "Hey, there's a brand-new boot!  What's that doing out here?!"

As most typical college students can relate, the closest thing to "news" I get is an update entailing what my friend did last night via Facebook albums.  Jesse normally fills me in on the Obama administration and my brother lets me know about sports, but I rarely care enough to stay focused the entire conversation.  Beyond that, I'm clueless.  So, my mom filled me in this evening on what those sirens were all about..

Apparently, there was a truck on fire about a quarter mile down the road from my house Saturday night.  It belonged to an elderly women, about 85-87 years old.  The truck was parked near her home.  The woman hadn't been sited for the next few days.  Tuesday, she was found stabbed to death on a bike trail just minutes from her home.  Police report they found some of her belongings including a new boot not far from her home.

Sad.  Apparently the guy who killed her lived across the street from her.  Which is like, a quarter mile from my house.  Why on Earth would anyone want to kill someone that elderly with so much wisdom to share?  God rest her soul..

Another eerie factoid: I was driving home from school today and saw a dead dog on the side of I-94.  It was pretty sick.  This evening, I went to see Watchman with Jesse.  Besides the fact that I don't recommend the movie at all unless you're in to super-hero's and blood, there was a dead dog in that movie that looked exactly like the one I saw on the side of the road.  SICK.

Quote of the Week

"There's no recording feature on your iPhone?  The iPhone should be making breakfast by now!"

-Dr. Vecchiola

I Love Joyce

I don't know Joyce, yet, but I love her!  At the start of this semester I bought a digital voice recorder so I can record my larger lectures.  It wasn't super pricey, but I spent a pretty penny on such a little device.  On Thursday in my Anatomy lecture I left my recorder.  I felt so irresponsible when I realized it and by that time I had already come home for the weekend.  For one, I go to school in Detroit, anything worth more than a dime is going to be picked up if left unattended.  But, I love my dear roommate, Kierstin, she gladly grabbed some friends and trotted over to the auditorium to search for my recorder over the weekend.  No luck.  So, I thought I was out the money and I'd just have to buy a new one.  I figured I would send an e-mail to the class, first, asking if anyone picked it up, but I wasn't getting my hopes up.  I actually forgot I sent the e-mail until a few minutes ago. (Yes! I am so excited about this that I had to blog immediately!)  A precious women named Joyce e-mailed me back saying she saw the recorder and since no one took it she picked it up and planned to ask around in class the next week.  Thank you Joyce.

I feel it's a blessing for more than one reason.  First off, there's not many people willing to do such a good deed in this world today.  Second, I have never met anyone named Joyce since my grandma (who's name was Joyce) passed away eight years ago.  This name has got a good rep in my book! Perhaps it will debut again one day tucked between my daughter's first and last name =)

I Hate Drive-Thru's

I don't like complaining but I need to write these things down so they stop bothering me so much.  Things that people do (patients) at work make me hysterical, whether that emotion be anger or amusement.  Today, and unfortunately at the very beginning of my day, someone made me so angry I couldn't stop thinking about it.  So I'm going to write it down here to express my anger (since punching her in the face would have gotten me fired) and then end on a lighter note..

First off, if you're going to come get your prescription filled at ANY pharmacy, please don't use the drive-thru.  It is so annoying.  Get off your butt, walk in the store, have the opportunity to smile at others as you walk around.  It doesn't surprise me that most drive-thru regular's are menopausal women picking up their Estradiol's.  Anyways.. part of the reason I hate the drive-thru is because we use the "drop-box."  It's a box that slides in and out of the wall so we can transfer money, bags, etc.  So anyways.. this women comes through the drive-thru and I pass out the clip-board with the papers she must sign to verify she picked up her prescriptions.  Note here that I also get very frustrated with people who have no sense of sense (or balance).  I purposely clip the pen in the clip-board clip so it doesn't fall onto the ground outside.  Well, this women, like so many others, didn't clip it back in, just sets the pen on top.  She overturns the clip-board as she puts it back in the box and the pen goes flying.  Now, most people will apologize, open their door, step out and get the pen.  But no, this lady did not take the initiative.  So, with a smile on my face, I asked her nicely (I'm not exaggerating!) if she could get the pen for me.  She looked at me and said "Absolutely NOT! I'm sure you can come up with another one." in a less-than joyful tone. I was thinking to myself, "In fact, we CAN'T because there is only 2 left back here and now only one! Anyways, what's so hard to get out of your car and pick it up?"  Instead, stick her head way out her window like a panting dog (which probably took just as much energy as it would of to open the door), swings her arm down the side of her car out her window and makes a comment about how many pens are down there as if she was surprised.  "Well DUH!" I thought!  Ugh!  So instead of her using a fraction of the time and energy to pick up the pen I now had to run out into the front store, grab a pack of pens, document a mess of information, page the manager so he can document it and in the works I leave a line of customers inside while I do this.  But I had to, they needed something to sign their papers with, too.  Moral of the story: never use the drive-thru at any pharmacy (unless your nine months and one week pregnant or just gave birth within 24 hours) and if you're one of those exceptions pick up the pen.

On a lighter note, here's a funny tale of the pharmacy:

It's New Year's Eve and a guy calls up, I answer the phone.

Patient: "Hi, I'm wondering if it be possible if I could skip out on my seizure med tonight, I want to drink."

Me: "Do you get seizures frequently if you don't?"

Him: "Oh yea! If I don't take it I'll get one for sure!"

Me: "I heavily recommend you take your medication then and don't drink."

Him: "But I want to drink."

Me: ".. then you'll have a seizure."

Him: "But can I not take my medication so I can drink?"

Me: "Honestly, you can do whatever you want but I personally would take your medication today and not drink later."

Him: "So if I wanted to not take my medication and drink later, I could?"

Me: "Won't you get a seizure then?"

Him: "Yeah.."

Me: "Well, there's your answer."

Him: "Ok, I won't take the medication then."

Me: "Ok sir, you have a nice evening."

Why I Hate Spring

I hate Spring.  I don't care that summer is coming.  I don't care about the flowers that are blooming or the rabbits hopping around.  I hate it.  Hate is a harsh word, but it makes a cute couple with Spring!

Today is the reason I hate Spring.  When I check my "48096" forecast (Armada, Michigan), I notice it is 66 degrees out.  When I check the Indian Rock Beach, Florida forecast, I notice it is 68 degrees there.  I hit the "Back" button at the top of my screen to get a double take at what I just witnessed.  I scroll down the 48096 page and notice there is snow showers scheduled next weekend.  Ha. I hate Spring.

I went on a bikeride today and was happy it was warm enough to do so.  I heard the gravel being obturned beneath my spokes and the smell of the Spring air.  I hate that smell.  That smell of gravel.  It reminds me of my eleven Springs I spent on a softball diamond.  I liked softball.  But I hated Spring.  I hated how one day I was stripping down in the outfield and the next day I wore a headband and insulated mittens.

Today I hated Spring because I know it won't last.  Thanks Spring, for giving me high hopes of warmer days.  Thanks for letting me down every one of those days, too.  Spring is kind of like Jason Mesnick, the previous 'Bachelor' who picked one girl then dumped her to go back to the other.  Yea, Spring, take that.  Go be hot one day and then hale the next.  Go right ahead!

I love Fall.  I love it because it won't let you down.  I know the intolerable winter is on it's way.

So when Fall days are hot and then cold (kinda like Katie Perry, ha), I'm not let down.  I'm not anticipating anything better to come.  Fall does it's job, it keeps its promise.  Spring on the other hand..

I hate Spring.

Welcome To Marshall

When I first made my blog I promised to post some of my writing.  It slipped my mind until now, but there's a paper I wrote at the beginning of the semester about my first (current) college roommate, Kierstin Elliott.  The assignment involved writing about location and identity.  The draft below is my first draft (my English teacher disagreed with my comments about Detroit and made me saturate my final copy with her ideas of Detroit, so I refuse to claim the revised version as my own)  Regardless of my improvements thereafter, I was still 'awarded' a B-  You read it, you decide.

I've never taken a dance lesson, but when I heard her style was "too pure", I knew what it meant.  But what was I to expect? She grew up in a small town.

Kierstin Elliott, my first college roommate, grew up in Utopia, half way between Jackson and Kalamazoo, Michigan.  If you can't find it on a map, drive westbound on Interstate 94 and look for a "Welcome to Marshall" signpost.  During my first visit to Marshall, I was enthralled by the town's quaintnance.  There was not a single time we left her house without running into an acquaintance.  We ran into family friends walking into the grocery store, a set of friends at the checkout and yet another friend walking back to the car.  Kierstin explained that this, and the way people sometimes waved to us as we drove downtown, is due in part to her being directly or indirectly acquainted to half the people in town.  That would make sense.  Marshall is knowing for being a solid community strongly devoted to the arts.  Kierstin performed in every musical put on by the local company since she could walk.  Her and the majority of the town.  She believe growing up in Marshall was the sole reason she chose to major in theatre and dance.

Although Marshall bears a unique quality, it lacks diversity, making college in Detroit not only a culture shock, but also a thrust into an ill-natured town Kierstin has yet to become accustomed to.  Growing up in a cradle of trust, she was unconscious of the heartless soul the big city embodies.  Intrigued by Detroit's diverse nature and the number of opportunities at hand, it was hard for her to pass up an invitation.  In fact, she has yet to turn one down.  This was to be expected, of course.  The only social gatherings to look forward to in Marshall were cast parties after the annual Nutcracker performance or ice cream socials following the spring musical.  I was afraid for her at first.  She would bounce out of bed in the early hours of the morning to accept an invitation to a local, or unlocal party.  She trusts easily, just as she was able to in Marshall, embracing every new 'friend' in her circle of trust.  As a suburban Detroiter, i knew the city was not a place to let my guard down.  But I had to hold myself back from warning Kierstin of these dangers.  In fact, I'm glad I have because she has undoubtedly benefitted from accepting every invitation that has come her way.

To an aspiring dancer, exposure is key.  Although Marshall pledged itself to art appreciation, dancers from the town's studio were given no chance of exposure beyond city limits.  In Detroit, Kierstin appreciates the amount of exposure she has attained not only to a broader audience but also to guest residents.  In contrast to dance majors who grew up in the limelight, who tend to take an audition for granted, Kierstin takes every opportunity that comes her way seriously.  Although her style may be "too pure" and homegrown compared to Detroit's raunchy hip-hop brand or competitive atmosphere, her purity in dance and willingness to except opportunity as it comes her way will only allow her to broaden her horizons as she continues her education in dance.

Next time your driving westbound on Interstate 94, look for the "Welcome to Marshall" signpost.  Let the town enchant you.  On your way out, look for the "Now Leaving Marshall" signpost.  Take a peek at the fine print near the bottom and it may read something like "Proceed with Caution!"  Kierstin took that risk and has ran with it.

Simply Praising

There was an overwhelming amount of anticipation for today.  I haven't been going to church regularly for the past 6 months or so.  That changes today.  I love the new church I'm attending =)

Church today was wonderful.  Singing, Praising, Praying.. the way church should be.  No "Playing Church".  Giving more than getting.  Simply praising.

www.myrestoration.org

He Speaks

Something amazing happened tonight.

I was driving home, praying.  Asking for forgiveness, and for some reason I felt as if I couldn't accept it.  I felt as if my sins were so great that forgiveness was out of reach.  Why would anyone want to forgive me after doing the things I do? I mean, c'mon?

I just about gave up.  I really thought He won't forgive me anymore.  I felt as if forgiveness had run out.  We just talked about this in Bible study last night so I have no idea why I felt the way I did.

I clicked on a radio station to get my mind off of the matter.  The Dave Matthews Band song that goes "Where are you going?" was on.  It was at the part in the song that that phrase is repeated over and over again.  I felt as if God was saying that to me.  Where am I going?  He wanted to forgive me.  He poured it out and set it there on the table for me.  I just wasn't using it.  Wow.  I felt amazed and ashamed all at the same time.

Better yet, I'm pulling in my garage and (now I'm listening to a Christian station) a song that constantly repeats something like (Urr.. I forgot the exact lyrics already and it's only been 15 minutes!) 'Nothing you do will stop me from forgiving you... my arms are opened wide'

He speaks. He knows when, too!

Amazing

So now I see what He was up to..

I now get all day Sunday off this coming weekend - what more could I ask for? Church & time to get some stuff done during the day!! (Can not thank Melissa enough!)

Confused

It's pretty easy to go from a state of excitement to disappointment.  I was very giddy the past few days because I finally found someone to work my Sunday shift!  My prayer had finally been answered!

Until today when I came home and found out the girl who was going to take my hours decided against them.  Putting me back in Square One.

I'm not sure why this is happening.  I'm not sure why God wants me to work on Sunday mornings rather than go to church and worship Him?  I trust that He knows what's best for me and is leading me down the exact path I need to take.  I'm just a little confused as to why this is what He wants.

Motivation

I was listening to a Christian music channel on the way to work today (103.5) They were playing some song and one of the lines went "Help me be kind to all man kind"  Let me tell you, when you're about to spend 9 hours in a pharmacy serving unruly customers, this is DEFINITELY the motivation you need to get through your day.

My Restoration

You want to know what one of the most wonderful things about God is?  He knows what you want even when you don't tell him.  I'm not trying to say "you don't need to pray", but even when you don't, he still knows you fully & completely.  After all, he's all-knowing!

The reason I bring that up is because for the past few months I've had this idea in the back of my mind that I find a new church home.  I've grown up a Lutheran, attended a Lutheran grade school, high school school & done all the routine Lutheran things.  For some reason, and I'm not putting a blame on the Lutheran church I grew up in or anybody affiliated with that church, I haven't experienced faith: God living in me, through that denomination.  I've sat through the sermons at 6 different Lutheran churchs throughout my life and none did anything to inspire me as a Christian in any way, shape or form.  So my amazing story about God in this is that although I never prayed to find a new church home, not even once, he's set one out on a silver plater for me & I am so pumped to experience this new church!

This new church is called My Restoration.  Jesse's family recently became affiliated with it, but I haven't been given the oppurtunity to attend yet.  In fact, at first I thought I wasn't going to be able to attend.  Worship, like most churches, is at 10:30 on Sundays.  I work at 10 on Sundays (but am trying and praying very hard to somehow work something out to get Sundays off!).  But oh no, God wasn't going to let me down!  I was sad I wouldn't be able to attend on Sundays, after all, I thought this was the answer to what I've been looking for.  But God spoke to me in the extraordinary way he does & just earlier this week I found out about Thursday night Bible study.  Jesse is going tonight & I can't wait to hear from him about it!  Next week, I am going. I AM SO PUMPED!

I love how God has the ability to make things so conveinant!

Wonderful Things & Overwhelment

Today was a day FULL of blessings!  First off, I didn't have to do any homework.  That's right.  After class I got to drive home to see my wonderful boyfriend Jesse & we got to go to the Pistons game!  Not just any normal Pistons game, that's for sure.  His dad has some pretty amazing season tickets that include the Caesar Windsor Club, an up-scale restaurant in the Palace with tons of food at our disposale, including dessert!  We had a great time & can't stop thanking God for allowing us the ability to do things like this.  We are truly blessed!

On the other hand, my life has recently become the most overwhelmed situation I've lived through thus far through my life.  There is no need to go into great detail, but the gist of it is that I am working WAY too many hours on the weekend & going to school full time (and not to mention having to keep a GPA to stay in the Honors program I'm in, and not to mention, the fact that I was even considered for that program (& then actually got into it) is a major blessing in and of itself, but is a MAJOR reason why I am almost always stressed out).  I know "work and school" is what most college kids put up with.  But for some reason, it seems like it's much more overwhelming for me than the people I am surrounded by.  But maybe I just don't know their situations.  Nonetheless, I am making noteable strides to "fully rely on God" over the next two and half months.  Although sometimes it seems like life is overwhelming & I'm going to get through this situation, I need to fully rely on Him.  Only He can be my path: my way, my truth & my LIGHT.  Amen.

Let's end with a blessing.  Actually, I think this is so important I'm going to give it it's own post.  Coming soon.

Mission Statement

I am the type to start things that look appealing then totally forget about them later.  That is my counter-mission to this blog.  I've started numerous blog sites in the past in high hopes of becoming a regular blogger.  Since, I've come to the realization that regular blogging is weak.  Often, there is nothing to blog about.  Life gets busy, the blog can wait.  This blog will encompass a plethora of ideas.  My life.  My faith.  My faith is my life so I suppose that is just one aspect, not two.  My writing.  Although I am a pre-pharmacy major, good writing is my hobby.  Maybe I will tell tales of the pharmacy.  I have a wonderful boyfriend, I might talk about him, too.  Maybe I'll blog about none of the above, we will see.  To God be the glory.