Today at CPE during supervision, (a time shared individually with each student and the supervisor to talk about how things are going) Supa told me that I have an impishness about me; like a little mischieviousness just on the surface, ready to come out. It was said in a positive manner. I laughed.
My pal RuthRe posted about some news. Go over and check it out! WOOT!
I'm really digging this song, "Little Is Much" by downhere. If you have a MySpace page you can go to downhere's profile and listen. It's really got a good message.
With all the snow and stuff here in The Midwest, some fellow seminarians and I went and played in the snow the other day. It was incredibly fun, even though I got nailed in the side of the head with a snowball. Fortunately, my hood was up..
Along those lines-Apples to Apples is one of THE MOST FUN games EVER! ha. Thanks Erik.
My mom is supposed to have surgery on Wednesday, March 14th. She's having a radical cystectomy, which is a complete hysterectomy and bladder removal. They expect the surgery to last 4-6 hours if nothing goes wrong. I plan to miss my class that day and be with my family. She's supposed to be in the hospital for about a week, provided no complications arise. Cancer sucks.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Oh, the weather outside is frightful...
So, last night I was coming back to SeminaryTown from my day of working at the hospital for CPE. It was raining in CPETown, but the farther north I came, the more snow I started to see... By the time I got to SeminaryTown, I was slightly afraid because I couldn't really see due to the snow/rain on my windshield, the lights from all the cars, and the fact that there aren't little reflectors embedded in the road. But, I made it back here in one piece. The snow wasn't even really accumulating last night.
This morning I woke up and looked out my window. It was raining and snowing some. But, really, it didn't look that bad. I talked to my sister in law for a while, and even though I needed to go get something today, I thought that I would be fine with waiting because the weather looked like it was going to clear up.
Boy was I wrong!
After I finished talking with my sister-in-law, I got online and did some stuff. A few hours later, I looked outside and saw a whole bunch of snow everywhere! And the wind is blowing it all around, too. But, I needed to go get my stuff today, so I went to my car, spent about twenty minutes scraping the windows, and I took off. I drove very slowly, and made it. The roads aren't very good though. On my way back, I was almost to the seminary and my little car started slipping, I think. I was going really slow, and I didn't want to hammer down on my accelerator because that would make the RPMs go up and put the engine in peril... So, I just was patient and let 4x4 vehicles pass me like no other. I made it back, safe and sound. Yeehaw. But, it's still snowing, and we got an email from the "RA" who said that the power is expected to go off tonight. Maybe we'll have a party or something in the lounge! ha.. I doubt it, but who knows.... Stay warm out there.
This morning I woke up and looked out my window. It was raining and snowing some. But, really, it didn't look that bad. I talked to my sister in law for a while, and even though I needed to go get something today, I thought that I would be fine with waiting because the weather looked like it was going to clear up.
Boy was I wrong!
After I finished talking with my sister-in-law, I got online and did some stuff. A few hours later, I looked outside and saw a whole bunch of snow everywhere! And the wind is blowing it all around, too. But, I needed to go get my stuff today, so I went to my car, spent about twenty minutes scraping the windows, and I took off. I drove very slowly, and made it. The roads aren't very good though. On my way back, I was almost to the seminary and my little car started slipping, I think. I was going really slow, and I didn't want to hammer down on my accelerator because that would make the RPMs go up and put the engine in peril... So, I just was patient and let 4x4 vehicles pass me like no other. I made it back, safe and sound. Yeehaw. But, it's still snowing, and we got an email from the "RA" who said that the power is expected to go off tonight. Maybe we'll have a party or something in the lounge! ha.. I doubt it, but who knows.... Stay warm out there.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Wading out of the Deep.
Ok, so my last post was kind of...hmmm...I don't really know how to describe it. The news I broke was sad, but I tried to offer hope... So, I don't know. But, I just thought that perhaps I should post a new something to help wade up from out of the deep waters. I don't want to do something completely carefree because to me that seems a little disrespectful, so here is the compromise. I'm analyzing myself and my last post. A little less downery-ish, and so this post can serve as a bridge to more lighthearted posts. Now I'm all thinking of that song, "Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water." Good song. I like it, anyway. But then again, I like Weird Al, too...
I digress. Forgive my wandering mind.
Today, CPE Supervisor (From here on out we shall come him "Supa") was sick. I was kinda bummed about that. He's a cool guy and being sick sucks, so... (BTW, I got special permission from the Bishop to say "sucks" so it's all good). (Actually, that's a lie. I just thought it was funny). But anyway, with Supa being gone, that makes two weeks where I've not had Supervision meetings. Last Tuesday they called and said "Don't come. The weather is too bad." So, I turned around and came back. Fortunately, I'd only been on the road for a few miles. Anyway, I've only really had one supervision meeting so far, and I like it, despite the wee bit of uncomfort I feel talking about what is going on in CPE, and my glaring ineptitude... :) Just messing. It's not glaring ineptitude; just moderate ineptitude...
Anyway, I suppose I just have a lot on my mind right now. That is why I like Supervision. Supa seems to have the art of pastoral care down pat, and talking with him doesn't "seem" like pastoral care, but I get the odd and eerie feeling afterwards that that is the point of supervision. I don't know... Maybe my fall this morning scrambled my last couple of brain cells.
Oh, I didn't tell you about "THE FALL?" Hmm. Long story short: Trish runs late, trish runs down dorm stairs, trish runs down to stairs outside to take her down to parking lot, trish starts running toward car, trish doesn't see ice, trish's legs fly out from under her in comedic fashion until she comes crunching down on her right side. Trish is very happy that she is no longer a cussing woman or the whole seminary community would have been awoken by an echoing, non-pastoral four letter word, and trish gets her wits about her after laying/sitting on the frozen ground for a moment until the pain lessens to a more manageable degree.
I'm always so cautious around ice and snow... The ONE freakin' time I'm not... I gotta go to bed.
I digress. Forgive my wandering mind.
Today, CPE Supervisor (From here on out we shall come him "Supa") was sick. I was kinda bummed about that. He's a cool guy and being sick sucks, so... (BTW, I got special permission from the Bishop to say "sucks" so it's all good). (Actually, that's a lie. I just thought it was funny). But anyway, with Supa being gone, that makes two weeks where I've not had Supervision meetings. Last Tuesday they called and said "Don't come. The weather is too bad." So, I turned around and came back. Fortunately, I'd only been on the road for a few miles. Anyway, I've only really had one supervision meeting so far, and I like it, despite the wee bit of uncomfort I feel talking about what is going on in CPE, and my glaring ineptitude... :) Just messing. It's not glaring ineptitude; just moderate ineptitude...
Anyway, I suppose I just have a lot on my mind right now. That is why I like Supervision. Supa seems to have the art of pastoral care down pat, and talking with him doesn't "seem" like pastoral care, but I get the odd and eerie feeling afterwards that that is the point of supervision. I don't know... Maybe my fall this morning scrambled my last couple of brain cells.
Oh, I didn't tell you about "THE FALL?" Hmm. Long story short: Trish runs late, trish runs down dorm stairs, trish runs down to stairs outside to take her down to parking lot, trish starts running toward car, trish doesn't see ice, trish's legs fly out from under her in comedic fashion until she comes crunching down on her right side. Trish is very happy that she is no longer a cussing woman or the whole seminary community would have been awoken by an echoing, non-pastoral four letter word, and trish gets her wits about her after laying/sitting on the frozen ground for a moment until the pain lessens to a more manageable degree.
I'm always so cautious around ice and snow... The ONE freakin' time I'm not... I gotta go to bed.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Harsh Reality.
My younger sister called me today. She took Ma to worship this morning. I asked YS how it went. She told me it was fine, but that a lot of people died this week in my home area. One man had been fighting cancer for a good long while. We'd been praying for him. He was not an old man, but wasn't a young man, either. I still feel for his family and friends. We're social people, accustomed to physical interaction, or at least the possibility of physical interaction. When that ability is gone, we grieve. We grieve for the opportunities we've missed out on, as well as for the love that was shared. Cancer is a frightening and thieving thing. It tries to steal so much from so many people: Good health, joy, the ability to think, and a multitude of other things. I find it sad that so often people do lose so much to cancer. Near the end, so many people are in so much misery that they welcome death, and the nearness of God's promises in Christ Jesus. We miss our loved ones, but we can continue with hope, knowing and believing in the truth and love of our risen Savior.
The other three people who died this week were teenagers. Two were students of my old high school, and one went to a neighboring high school. It was a car accident that took their lives. From news accounts and what I've heard, four of them were in the car while the roads were still perilous from the recent snow the area had received. A drift on the pavement caused them to lose control, hit another vehicle, and end up in a ditch. I've not heard how the person(s) in the other vehicle faired. I just know that three of the four kids in the one car died and one is in critical condition. I write all of this with sorrow in my heart; for these kids and the lives they lost, for their parents and families who have to face the agony of losing flesh of their flesh, for the friends and peers who all too often do not realize the fragility of humanity-and when they do see it, they are not prepared to deal with it (as none of us really are), and for the community as a whole, who yet again are called to muster strength, compassion, and empathy for those who are hurting.
My community is not a stranger to losing teenagers because of car crashes. The whole wider area has lost approximately twenty teens in the past three years. Even numbers of my own friends have died because of car accidents; one even, was a very good friend. And it saddens me to think that all these kids are having to face the loss of not one, but two classmates, and another friend of theirs, all at the same time. That pain is just so difficult. My prayers and thoughts go out to this community that is so near to my heart. I ask that you might offer a few words as well. It is my prayer that God would give them the ability to be weak at a time when many expect them to be strong. There is no shame in grief. This is a hard thing to deal with; perhaps one of the hardest things-to lose a friend, classmate, or peer. Our God of all consolation is with them; cries with them; mourns with them. But with Christ, there is always hope. May we all embrace that hope in the situations of our lives-when we can; in our own time. Prayers and Peace.
The other three people who died this week were teenagers. Two were students of my old high school, and one went to a neighboring high school. It was a car accident that took their lives. From news accounts and what I've heard, four of them were in the car while the roads were still perilous from the recent snow the area had received. A drift on the pavement caused them to lose control, hit another vehicle, and end up in a ditch. I've not heard how the person(s) in the other vehicle faired. I just know that three of the four kids in the one car died and one is in critical condition. I write all of this with sorrow in my heart; for these kids and the lives they lost, for their parents and families who have to face the agony of losing flesh of their flesh, for the friends and peers who all too often do not realize the fragility of humanity-and when they do see it, they are not prepared to deal with it (as none of us really are), and for the community as a whole, who yet again are called to muster strength, compassion, and empathy for those who are hurting.
My community is not a stranger to losing teenagers because of car crashes. The whole wider area has lost approximately twenty teens in the past three years. Even numbers of my own friends have died because of car accidents; one even, was a very good friend. And it saddens me to think that all these kids are having to face the loss of not one, but two classmates, and another friend of theirs, all at the same time. That pain is just so difficult. My prayers and thoughts go out to this community that is so near to my heart. I ask that you might offer a few words as well. It is my prayer that God would give them the ability to be weak at a time when many expect them to be strong. There is no shame in grief. This is a hard thing to deal with; perhaps one of the hardest things-to lose a friend, classmate, or peer. Our God of all consolation is with them; cries with them; mourns with them. But with Christ, there is always hope. May we all embrace that hope in the situations of our lives-when we can; in our own time. Prayers and Peace.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Who Knew?
Site Meter is an interesting thing. I have discovered that many people who do not know me or about my blog have found my blog by doing some sort of search for the musical piece, "A walk in the Black Forest" by Horst Jankowski. I didn't know that that song was so popular. I blogged a good long while ago about this song because I was reminiscing or something. I could find the post and link to it, but I'm too lazy. Forgive me.
In other news, today is Valentine's Day. Woopidy-Doo! Not. I've never been a fan of this holiday, except for the fact that I can go to the store tomorrow and buy a big box of chocolates in a heart shape for MYSELF at a discount! Yay! Although I won't. But, the possibility is there, nonetheless. And now, I must go because I need to write a verbatim. See ya later.
In other news, today is Valentine's Day. Woopidy-Doo! Not. I've never been a fan of this holiday, except for the fact that I can go to the store tomorrow and buy a big box of chocolates in a heart shape for MYSELF at a discount! Yay! Although I won't. But, the possibility is there, nonetheless. And now, I must go because I need to write a verbatim. See ya later.
Monday, February 12, 2007
I'mmmm BAAA-AAACK...
Well, I went home this weekend. I left from CPETown because I was there and it's closer to home. When I say "home," I mean Sis and BiL's house, because their house is more fun. We had tostadas on Friday night. They were AWESOME!!!! Yeah, I love 'em. Then Saturday night, we had my absolute favorite meal: Roast, (in the oven, done medium rare) homemade mashed taters and dark brown gravy, and a chocolate dessert which YS made. That was a family dinner of sorts, and it was good.
I also went shopping this weekend and got some groceries and other things I need. I found lots of really good deals, and I'm glad that I'm stocked up now.
On the way back to Seminary last night though, it started snowing. It wasn't too bad when I passed the exit to go to CPETown. I briefly thought about going to the CPE House so I wouldn't have to go another hour and change to get to seminary. I didn't. BIG MISTAKE. About 20 minutes later, the snow started coming down harder. I had to slow down a great deal and I couldn't see the lines on the road. I was behind a bunch of people and we were creeping along at about 35 mph. I looked in the rearview and saw a cop with his lights flashing coming up behind our caravan. When I got up further, I saw a whole bunch of cop cars and other emergency vehicles on the side of the road. I saw two cars that had been involved in an accident. I hope they weren't hurt too badly.
Shortly after this point, I was almost alone on the road, save for a semi who was ahead of me and one car behind me. The car got off, and then I was just really hoping the semi would keep forging ahead to SeminaryTown. Unfortunately, the semi pulled off at one of the bigger towns about 30 miles south of SeminaryTown. So, I thought, "I'll just have to go forth on my own." But, with no one making tracks for me to follow, I couldn't see where to go. About two miles later, I decided to get off at the last exit for that bigger town. I called Sis and BiL and asked their opinion and they resounded with me and I had to rent a hotel room for the night. I was bummed, but I really don't think I could have made it all the way back. And I'd rather spend the 50 bucks on a hotel room than a tow truck. So, c'est la vie.. Anyway, that's the generalization of my weekend. Maybe I'll tell a more in depth story later. Who knows. Later.
I also went shopping this weekend and got some groceries and other things I need. I found lots of really good deals, and I'm glad that I'm stocked up now.
On the way back to Seminary last night though, it started snowing. It wasn't too bad when I passed the exit to go to CPETown. I briefly thought about going to the CPE House so I wouldn't have to go another hour and change to get to seminary. I didn't. BIG MISTAKE. About 20 minutes later, the snow started coming down harder. I had to slow down a great deal and I couldn't see the lines on the road. I was behind a bunch of people and we were creeping along at about 35 mph. I looked in the rearview and saw a cop with his lights flashing coming up behind our caravan. When I got up further, I saw a whole bunch of cop cars and other emergency vehicles on the side of the road. I saw two cars that had been involved in an accident. I hope they weren't hurt too badly.
Shortly after this point, I was almost alone on the road, save for a semi who was ahead of me and one car behind me. The car got off, and then I was just really hoping the semi would keep forging ahead to SeminaryTown. Unfortunately, the semi pulled off at one of the bigger towns about 30 miles south of SeminaryTown. So, I thought, "I'll just have to go forth on my own." But, with no one making tracks for me to follow, I couldn't see where to go. About two miles later, I decided to get off at the last exit for that bigger town. I called Sis and BiL and asked their opinion and they resounded with me and I had to rent a hotel room for the night. I was bummed, but I really don't think I could have made it all the way back. And I'd rather spend the 50 bucks on a hotel room than a tow truck. So, c'est la vie.. Anyway, that's the generalization of my weekend. Maybe I'll tell a more in depth story later. Who knows. Later.
A Meme
You
Can
Only
Type
One
Word
1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend? Potential
3. Your hair? short
4. Your grandma? cute
5. Your father? gone
6. Your favorite item? chocolate
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your favorite drink? caffeinated
9. Your dream car? Focus
10. The room you are in? Dorm
11. Your ex? prison
12. Your fear? failure
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? fulfilled
14. Who did you hang out with last night? Sibs
15. What you're not? stimulated
16. Muffins? Type? chocolate
17. One of your wish list items? cards
19. The last thing you did? yawned
20. What are you wearing? orange!
22. Your favorite book? Bible
23. The last thing you ate? Fig
24. Your life? interesting
25. Your mood? tired
26. Your friends? scattered
27. What are you thinking about right now? food
28. Your car? dirty
29. What are you doing at the moment? contemplating
30. Your summer? busy!
31. Your relationship status? Liked
32. What is on your tv? dust
33. When is the last time you laughed? yesterday
34. Last time you cried? recently
Can
Only
Type
One
Word
1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend? Potential
3. Your hair? short
4. Your grandma? cute
5. Your father? gone
6. Your favorite item? chocolate
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your favorite drink? caffeinated
9. Your dream car? Focus
10. The room you are in? Dorm
11. Your ex? prison
12. Your fear? failure
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? fulfilled
14. Who did you hang out with last night? Sibs
15. What you're not? stimulated
16. Muffins? Type? chocolate
17. One of your wish list items? cards
19. The last thing you did? yawned
20. What are you wearing? orange!
22. Your favorite book? Bible
23. The last thing you ate? Fig
24. Your life? interesting
25. Your mood? tired
26. Your friends? scattered
27. What are you thinking about right now? food
28. Your car? dirty
29. What are you doing at the moment? contemplating
30. Your summer? busy!
31. Your relationship status? Liked
32. What is on your tv? dust
33. When is the last time you laughed? yesterday
34. Last time you cried? recently
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Random Ramblings...
Today, I got to leave the hospital early on account of the weather. I thought on the way home that I should have stayed because the roads weren't THAT bad... But, I was on the state's roadway conditions website tonight, and they said the road on which I travel was mostly/completely covered. Considering I don't know many people up here who could come drag me out of a ditch, I took up the supervisor's suggestion and hit the road to get back here.
Then I took a nap.
When I woke up, I sat around for a while, checking my email and reading some stuff. Although, not the stuff I SHOULD be reading. I really don't want to do that whole "not reading the material" routine like I did in college. I really do want to learn this stuff, and not just pass the tests. I also called my mom, and I also talked to YS.
After reading and yakking on the phone, I went downstairs because I was suffering from some cabin fever. I drew a picture on a friend's dry erase board, talked to her for a few minutes, and headed to the kitchen. I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing meals with others. It's a wonderful practice that the people in this place do. I'm grateful.
But, I am very excited to be going home this weekend. I miss Sis, BiL, Howard, YS, and pretty much everyone. I haven't been terribly homesick for a little while, and I'm just hoping that going home doesn't undo all the good feelings I'm having about this place.
Ok, now I'm going. Have a wonderful day, and stay warm!
Then I took a nap.
When I woke up, I sat around for a while, checking my email and reading some stuff. Although, not the stuff I SHOULD be reading. I really don't want to do that whole "not reading the material" routine like I did in college. I really do want to learn this stuff, and not just pass the tests. I also called my mom, and I also talked to YS.
After reading and yakking on the phone, I went downstairs because I was suffering from some cabin fever. I drew a picture on a friend's dry erase board, talked to her for a few minutes, and headed to the kitchen. I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing meals with others. It's a wonderful practice that the people in this place do. I'm grateful.
But, I am very excited to be going home this weekend. I miss Sis, BiL, Howard, YS, and pretty much everyone. I haven't been terribly homesick for a little while, and I'm just hoping that going home doesn't undo all the good feelings I'm having about this place.
Ok, now I'm going. Have a wonderful day, and stay warm!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Holey Socks!
Tonight at dinner, we had appetizers of sorts... And when someone calls salsa "death sauce," it would be a good idea to take it in severe moderation! Woah!
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Week 1 recap...
Well, week one of Seminary study is over. I'm only in one class, but I firmly believe that is a good thing. CPE has been very interesting so far, and I'm feeling better about that, too.
My one class here is a church history class. The teacher seems to be pretty cool, so that's a plus. Pretty much everyone I've met has just been phenomenally awesome. I'm feeling less homesick, and that, too, has me feeling more optimistic. Because I'm feeling more at ease, I'm allowing myself to go home next weekend. I miss "Howard," and Sis and Bil, and pretty much everyone. And Sis let me pick out the menu for the weekend, so I'm pumped! Tostadas, Roast, and Beef Stroganoff! Yeehaw! Three of my favorite foods.
But to be perfectly honest, another reason I'm going home is because my sister in law and other nephew are coming up and we're meeting with someone about my mother's care. She's not doing well, and we are thinking that her care is going to have to involve others pretty quick. The intravescular chemo she had didn't kill her cancer, and they've decided to do "Big Surgery." So while that sucks big time, it has to be done. There are a several things to do before that happens, though. So, I think it is important that I be there for that meeting because I am the one who knows the most about her care and situation. I am usually pretty good with dates, so I know at least the approximate times of her other problems and procedures. Also, I was the one who had been driving her to all of her appointments for the past year or so. And the fact that I was the last to leave the nest put me in the position of being around her and seeing what was going on more than my other siblings. My other siblings have stepped in beautifully in my absence, but I really think that it would be a good idea for me to continue being involved in her care because it can offer some continuity, instead of me knowing her care up to now and someone else knowing from x time to x time, and so on and so forth. So, that is another reason I'm going home.
I suddenly feel like I'm writing a persuasive paper! ha.
Anyway, things are going pretty well. Like I said, I'm meeting great people, and I'm optimistic. Except my soup tonight is not a flavor I like. Bummer.
My one class here is a church history class. The teacher seems to be pretty cool, so that's a plus. Pretty much everyone I've met has just been phenomenally awesome. I'm feeling less homesick, and that, too, has me feeling more optimistic. Because I'm feeling more at ease, I'm allowing myself to go home next weekend. I miss "Howard," and Sis and Bil, and pretty much everyone. And Sis let me pick out the menu for the weekend, so I'm pumped! Tostadas, Roast, and Beef Stroganoff! Yeehaw! Three of my favorite foods.
But to be perfectly honest, another reason I'm going home is because my sister in law and other nephew are coming up and we're meeting with someone about my mother's care. She's not doing well, and we are thinking that her care is going to have to involve others pretty quick. The intravescular chemo she had didn't kill her cancer, and they've decided to do "Big Surgery." So while that sucks big time, it has to be done. There are a several things to do before that happens, though. So, I think it is important that I be there for that meeting because I am the one who knows the most about her care and situation. I am usually pretty good with dates, so I know at least the approximate times of her other problems and procedures. Also, I was the one who had been driving her to all of her appointments for the past year or so. And the fact that I was the last to leave the nest put me in the position of being around her and seeing what was going on more than my other siblings. My other siblings have stepped in beautifully in my absence, but I really think that it would be a good idea for me to continue being involved in her care because it can offer some continuity, instead of me knowing her care up to now and someone else knowing from x time to x time, and so on and so forth. So, that is another reason I'm going home.
I suddenly feel like I'm writing a persuasive paper! ha.
Anyway, things are going pretty well. Like I said, I'm meeting great people, and I'm optimistic. Except my soup tonight is not a flavor I like. Bummer.
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