It's been an interesting, rough week. Lots going on, and a lot of friends that are going through really rough times.
It started with this article: http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/crime/story/1048813.html
While I can't say why this is such a big deal, it was a pretty horrible piece of news to get last Tuesday. It pretty much consumed my thoughts for a good two days - it was very hard to focus on anything at work, and I constantly was checking the news for any updates. But God is good...
I then get the email from a good friend who is having a rough time with a relationship she is in, and have spent a good part of the week just listening to her. I'm not sure what to say half the time, but sometimes it's good to just be there.
I had a really long conversation with another friend who has opened a can of worms that is going to be pretty rough to face, but needs to face. Stinks for that friend, and again, I don't know what to say. I know what I want to say, but that's not always the best. I'm learning to just listen...God is good...
I got to work today and was catching up on weekend news on CNN.com.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/12/14/oregon.missing.hikers/index.html
As I was looking at the Mt. Hood hiker search, I saw the pictures of the folks missing. I thought to myself, "Wow - that looks a lot like Steve!" Then I saw the name: Anthony Vietti. Hmm...that's the same last name as Steve...So I looked at Steve's facebook page. Sure enough, one of the guys they are still looking for is my friend Steve's brother. Things don't look good, and they are running out of time to find the other two. The family still has hope, and is asking for anyone and everyone to pray for a break in the weather, and to keep Anthony and Katie safe. God is good...
So I've had a lot on my mind. While none of these things directly affect me, it's happening to people that I love. So, if you wouldn't mind praying for these friends, that would be amazing.
As the Newsboys have said, "When hope is lost, I'll call You Saviour; When pain surrounds, I'll call You Healer; When silence falls, You'll be the song within my heart."
Blessings
Monday, December 14, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Water to Wine + Preschool = Hilarious
It's been quite some time...not a whole lot has changed, and not much new is going on. But I do have a couple updates...
My replacement at JAMHI came! She has taken over my caseload, leaving me to be the first Clinic Case Manager JAMHI has ever had! It's pretty sweet being able to help form this position and giving my input. I am so incredibly blessed with this job - it's entertaining, fun, new, and I get to help people! Honestly, what else could I ask for? Ys, it is incredibly difficult being away from home, and I would LOVE to come home, but I am here for such a time as this, and that needs to be OK.
Winter came. There is snow and ice and everything. It's not nearly as bad as last year, but man alive, I still don't like it. It's crazy. Our house has the beginning of icicles. Welcome to winter.
In other news - the reason for my title - I have the best preschool story to tell!
This week's lesson was Jesus' first miricle - turning water to wine. How do you explain this to 3-4 year olds? What is a good visual aid? How do I show them that God is great? That God is a God of miracles? What a miracle is? Oh man, I was up for a challenge...
So for the visual aid, I got juice powder and put it in an empty cup. I then took a pitcher of water and poured the water into the powder cup and told them, "Jesus told the servants to pour water into the 6 stone jars, and then serve it to the party guests. You know what happened? The water turned to wine! And some of the guests said that it was the best wine they had ever had!" As I was telling them this, the powder water turned to juice - a miracle! The kids LOVED it! "Woah! It's like magic! That is so cool! Let me see!"
That wasn't enough. After that, each kid got to make their own "wine". They poured the water into their cups with the powder in it, and were simply amazed (Ah, to be a kid again...). They had juice with their snack and all was well...until the parents came.
The typical question for any parent to ask their kids when they get out of Sunday school is "What did you learn in Sunday school? How was it?" That Sunday was no exception:
-Dad: "Joey, what did you do in Sunday school today?"
-Joey: "We drank wine!"
-Dad: "You drank wine?"
-Joey: "Yeah! It was the best wine ever!"
-Dad: Looks at me with a questioning look. "Wow! Who else made wine?"
-Joey: "Um, the teacher!"
-Dad: "Oh yeah? Who else?"
-Joey: "Lola!" (She's another girl in the class)
By now, I am PRAYING that he gives the right answer - to show that I actually taught them something...
-Dad: "A long time ago - who made wine a long time ago?"
-Joey: "Um...." Blank stare...silence...more silence..."God!"
Close enough..
KIds are great. They love the simple things in life. Their understanding of things is so concrete and basic, and just when you think you're not getting though to them, they surprise you. At this age, it's not about the complex concepts. My job is to teach them that God is great. That God loves them. When was the last time I actually stopped and got that basic in my own walk? God - MY God - is great. My God is the God of love! Woah...
Blessings!
My replacement at JAMHI came! She has taken over my caseload, leaving me to be the first Clinic Case Manager JAMHI has ever had! It's pretty sweet being able to help form this position and giving my input. I am so incredibly blessed with this job - it's entertaining, fun, new, and I get to help people! Honestly, what else could I ask for? Ys, it is incredibly difficult being away from home, and I would LOVE to come home, but I am here for such a time as this, and that needs to be OK.
Winter came. There is snow and ice and everything. It's not nearly as bad as last year, but man alive, I still don't like it. It's crazy. Our house has the beginning of icicles. Welcome to winter.
In other news - the reason for my title - I have the best preschool story to tell!
This week's lesson was Jesus' first miricle - turning water to wine. How do you explain this to 3-4 year olds? What is a good visual aid? How do I show them that God is great? That God is a God of miracles? What a miracle is? Oh man, I was up for a challenge...
So for the visual aid, I got juice powder and put it in an empty cup. I then took a pitcher of water and poured the water into the powder cup and told them, "Jesus told the servants to pour water into the 6 stone jars, and then serve it to the party guests. You know what happened? The water turned to wine! And some of the guests said that it was the best wine they had ever had!" As I was telling them this, the powder water turned to juice - a miracle! The kids LOVED it! "Woah! It's like magic! That is so cool! Let me see!"
That wasn't enough. After that, each kid got to make their own "wine". They poured the water into their cups with the powder in it, and were simply amazed (Ah, to be a kid again...). They had juice with their snack and all was well...until the parents came.
The typical question for any parent to ask their kids when they get out of Sunday school is "What did you learn in Sunday school? How was it?" That Sunday was no exception:
-Dad: "Joey, what did you do in Sunday school today?"
-Joey: "We drank wine!"
-Dad: "You drank wine?"
-Joey: "Yeah! It was the best wine ever!"
-Dad: Looks at me with a questioning look. "Wow! Who else made wine?"
-Joey: "Um, the teacher!"
-Dad: "Oh yeah? Who else?"
-Joey: "Lola!" (She's another girl in the class)
By now, I am PRAYING that he gives the right answer - to show that I actually taught them something...
-Dad: "A long time ago - who made wine a long time ago?"
-Joey: "Um...." Blank stare...silence...more silence..."God!"
Close enough..
KIds are great. They love the simple things in life. Their understanding of things is so concrete and basic, and just when you think you're not getting though to them, they surprise you. At this age, it's not about the complex concepts. My job is to teach them that God is great. That God loves them. When was the last time I actually stopped and got that basic in my own walk? God - MY God - is great. My God is the God of love! Woah...
Blessings!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
DAT Team
Many of you saw my Facebook status about the DAT (Disaster Action Team) call we got last Tuesday and have asked questions about it. It's really not all that exciting...but it was my first call out - that WAS exciting!
I was at youth group watching my kids play the tapioca game on Tuesday night (side note: the tapioca game is disgusting! Way fun to watch, but way gross...) Amy said, "You know, Jessica (youth leader) would really be upset if we got a call tonight..." (Another side note...Amy used to get all sorts of fun calls when it was just her responding. When I started to be on call with her, there have been no calls.) I laughed, because I was on with her, so what are the chances of us going out on a call?
HA! So, back to the tapioca game. I was outside, Amy was inside. Outside = 38 degrees; inside = 77 degrees. Who do you think is the better servant? Just kidding. So I'm freezing outside when Amy comes out all decked out in her gloves, scarf, jacket, etc and smiles at me. I knew right then. "No way! No way!!!" Amy smiles and says, "Yup! We've gotta go." So we get in her car and drive.
Along the way, she says, "K, so we have three trees that fell on a house in Switzer." (For those of you who don't know, Switzer is a mobile home park in Juneau." The winds were howling, so it wasn't a big surprise. Apparently the family was fine, but since the winds were still blowing, they were afraid to stay in their house overnight. I asked if we had an address, and Amy said, "Well, I imagine it's the one with three trees on it! But yes, we have an address." Ha Ha, Amy...
So we pull up, and sure enough, you can't miss the house! Three massive trees just toppled over onto the mobile home. Funny thing was that you couldn't even tell if there was damage! We went inside, and the family is sitting around the table, someone is cooking dinner, three boys are watching TV, and they're all doing just fine! The father of the house was taking a nap earlier in the day when he felt the house shake. He checked if everyone else was alright, and everyone else seemed good, so he went back to sleep. It wasn't until their neighbors called a few hours later that they realized three trees were sitting on top of their house!
Our job was easy. We called the local motel and got them a place to sleep for the night. They were grateful and that was it! Here's the article about the event:
http://juneauempire.com/stories/101409/loc_504603915.shtml
So that's my story! Fun times in Juneau!
Blessings!
I was at youth group watching my kids play the tapioca game on Tuesday night (side note: the tapioca game is disgusting! Way fun to watch, but way gross...) Amy said, "You know, Jessica (youth leader) would really be upset if we got a call tonight..." (Another side note...Amy used to get all sorts of fun calls when it was just her responding. When I started to be on call with her, there have been no calls.) I laughed, because I was on with her, so what are the chances of us going out on a call?
HA! So, back to the tapioca game. I was outside, Amy was inside. Outside = 38 degrees; inside = 77 degrees. Who do you think is the better servant? Just kidding. So I'm freezing outside when Amy comes out all decked out in her gloves, scarf, jacket, etc and smiles at me. I knew right then. "No way! No way!!!" Amy smiles and says, "Yup! We've gotta go." So we get in her car and drive.
Along the way, she says, "K, so we have three trees that fell on a house in Switzer." (For those of you who don't know, Switzer is a mobile home park in Juneau." The winds were howling, so it wasn't a big surprise. Apparently the family was fine, but since the winds were still blowing, they were afraid to stay in their house overnight. I asked if we had an address, and Amy said, "Well, I imagine it's the one with three trees on it! But yes, we have an address." Ha Ha, Amy...
So we pull up, and sure enough, you can't miss the house! Three massive trees just toppled over onto the mobile home. Funny thing was that you couldn't even tell if there was damage! We went inside, and the family is sitting around the table, someone is cooking dinner, three boys are watching TV, and they're all doing just fine! The father of the house was taking a nap earlier in the day when he felt the house shake. He checked if everyone else was alright, and everyone else seemed good, so he went back to sleep. It wasn't until their neighbors called a few hours later that they realized three trees were sitting on top of their house!
Our job was easy. We called the local motel and got them a place to sleep for the night. They were grateful and that was it! Here's the article about the event:
http://juneauempire.com/stories/101409/loc_504603915.shtml
So that's my story! Fun times in Juneau!
Blessings!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Long Overdue+Downtime=New Post
It's been a while. So much has happened, and I don't even know where to start. I guess that's why I've been putting off writing for so long. It's as if I am at a loss for words...hmmm...
I started teaching preschool sunday school at my church. What an adventure. So the first Sunday was a "meet-and-greet" with the kids and the teachers. I was there, ready to meet some of the little ones. Scared to death...That Sunday, I met five little dudes. Some were shy, but two of them were chatty-chatty! It was pretty funny...I got to thinking that I would have my hands WAY full - and I only met five kids! I thought, "I can handle five preschoolers...that shouldn't be too hard. Heck, I was a nanny for seven kids under the age of five! I can SO do this!"
The next Sunday came. I had spent about three hours in the classroom Saturday to prepare, to get my wits about me, and to try and figure out what I was going to do. Sunday rolls around and kid after kid after kid came in the room. 11 kids later (thankfully I had Seanna there to help me!) we were starting Sunday School. Let me tell you, that was the most exhausting 50 minutes of my life! Maybe not of my life, but surely of my week. Preschoolers have the attention-span of a gold fish. That's not helpful when you have a room full of toys, a Bible story to read, a craft to do, and 11 kids to keep track of. What a morning! It was wild. I'm glad I'm doing it. I will learn a ton!
The following Friday was spend with my friend Crystal and her new puppy Copper. We went on a walk (in the rain!!!!!) and got soaked. When we got back to her house, we made tacos and played games with her sister-in-law. Towards the end of the night, I started getting an itchy throat. I went home and took some meds and tried to sleep. Not so good...
All through the night, I tossed and turned because my throat was hurting, I was achy everywhere, and I could hardly breathe out of my nose. The next morning (Sat) I felt like a train had hit me. I literally did not leave my bed all day. It was horrible. I think I drank a mug of chicken noodle soup - that was it. I debated whether or not to go to the ER, but I figured I had the flu and they couldn't do anything anyways. So I called Seanna and told her I was sick and would not be able to teach preschool (Again, I am SOOO thankful for her! She took it all!) Sunday wasn't much better. I called in Monday to work and only worked a half day on Tuesday. As I am laying in bed writing this, I am still sick and will be going to the doctor on Monday (hopefully...).
People are wondering if it is H1N1. To be honest, I have no idea. I do know that H1N1 is not being tested anymore up here because so many people have it. They are saying if you have at least two of the symptoms, you probably have it. If that is the case, then I have H1N1. But who knows for sure. I'm hoping it's going to be gone soon...
In other news, fall is here - kinda. We've gotten fresh snow on McGuiness and the three towers, and a bit on the other mountain near the glacier - not sure what that one is called...No fresh snow on Thunder yet. So we still have at least a month before the snow hits us. However, we did have our first frost! I woke up Tuesday morning and had to warm up my car and blast the defrost so my windshield would thaw and de-ice. It was pretty crazy. That's another sign that winter is coming...
I hope you are all doing well! I love you and miss you!
Blessings!
I started teaching preschool sunday school at my church. What an adventure. So the first Sunday was a "meet-and-greet" with the kids and the teachers. I was there, ready to meet some of the little ones. Scared to death...That Sunday, I met five little dudes. Some were shy, but two of them were chatty-chatty! It was pretty funny...I got to thinking that I would have my hands WAY full - and I only met five kids! I thought, "I can handle five preschoolers...that shouldn't be too hard. Heck, I was a nanny for seven kids under the age of five! I can SO do this!"
The next Sunday came. I had spent about three hours in the classroom Saturday to prepare, to get my wits about me, and to try and figure out what I was going to do. Sunday rolls around and kid after kid after kid came in the room. 11 kids later (thankfully I had Seanna there to help me!) we were starting Sunday School. Let me tell you, that was the most exhausting 50 minutes of my life! Maybe not of my life, but surely of my week. Preschoolers have the attention-span of a gold fish. That's not helpful when you have a room full of toys, a Bible story to read, a craft to do, and 11 kids to keep track of. What a morning! It was wild. I'm glad I'm doing it. I will learn a ton!
The following Friday was spend with my friend Crystal and her new puppy Copper. We went on a walk (in the rain!!!!!) and got soaked. When we got back to her house, we made tacos and played games with her sister-in-law. Towards the end of the night, I started getting an itchy throat. I went home and took some meds and tried to sleep. Not so good...
All through the night, I tossed and turned because my throat was hurting, I was achy everywhere, and I could hardly breathe out of my nose. The next morning (Sat) I felt like a train had hit me. I literally did not leave my bed all day. It was horrible. I think I drank a mug of chicken noodle soup - that was it. I debated whether or not to go to the ER, but I figured I had the flu and they couldn't do anything anyways. So I called Seanna and told her I was sick and would not be able to teach preschool (Again, I am SOOO thankful for her! She took it all!) Sunday wasn't much better. I called in Monday to work and only worked a half day on Tuesday. As I am laying in bed writing this, I am still sick and will be going to the doctor on Monday (hopefully...).
People are wondering if it is H1N1. To be honest, I have no idea. I do know that H1N1 is not being tested anymore up here because so many people have it. They are saying if you have at least two of the symptoms, you probably have it. If that is the case, then I have H1N1. But who knows for sure. I'm hoping it's going to be gone soon...
In other news, fall is here - kinda. We've gotten fresh snow on McGuiness and the three towers, and a bit on the other mountain near the glacier - not sure what that one is called...No fresh snow on Thunder yet. So we still have at least a month before the snow hits us. However, we did have our first frost! I woke up Tuesday morning and had to warm up my car and blast the defrost so my windshield would thaw and de-ice. It was pretty crazy. That's another sign that winter is coming...
I hope you are all doing well! I love you and miss you!
Blessings!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Can't Decide on a Title...
...So you can decide for me! The choices are:
-"Back to Real Life"
-"The Longest Post of All Time"
A lot has happened recently. Well, not a lot, but...well...yeah, it's been a lot. But it's been good! I'll start with last weekend.
I got off work around 2 pm on Friday to leave on a "vacation" with three of my girlfriends here. I came back to the house to grab my stuff and wait for my roommate to pack so we could drive to the ferry terminal to leave. The ferry was scheduled to leave at 3 pm. Did I mention that my roommate had not packed? Did I mention that she did not get to our house until about 2:20? Did I mention that we were supposed to leave at 3? Did I mention that it takes about 15 minutes to get to the ferry terminal? Did I mention that she had not packed yet? Did I mention that she didn't get home until 2:20? Did I mention that the ferry was supposed to leave at 3? Did I mention that this was a bit stressful for me?
Good news! We made it to the terminal with time to spare! Not much, but some. We went on board to stake our spot for the next sixish hours. Then we explored the ship. It was pretty fun! We went and watched "Kung Foo Panda" in the movie theatre on board, ate dinner, played Nertz, Hand and Foot, and Reversal. It got darker and darker as the night wore on, which made us really tired (besides the fact that it was Friday and we all had long weeks.) We pulled into Skagway at about 10:30pm, drove off the ferry into a town we didn't have a map for, that does not have street lights, and set out to find our hostel. Let the adventures begin...
The great thing about Skagway is that it is a small town. By small, I mean there are about 700 people who live there, it's about four blocks wide and about 22 blocks long. And, it is a grid layout, so no turns anywhere. We found our hostel fairly quickly. We go in, check in, and are told to go to room 2. (Side note - up to this point, I have no idea what it means to stay in a hostel.) I go up to room 2, open the door, and see a guy sleeping in one of the beds. I jump out of the room, shut the door, and say, "They made a mistake - there's a guy already sleeping in there!" The other ladies laughed at me and explained that is the way a hostel works. So I quietly open the door again and sneak into the room. We begin to unpack when the owner comes in and says that his wife made a mistake ("See! I told you this wasn't right...") and that we needed to move to a different room. So we move to the bunk house in the backyard. It's not much better...there are two people already sleeping in there, with two other people's stuff already in some of the beds. One of the guys came in, introduced himself as an Israeli who was making his way through Alaska. I'm thinking, I am not going to sleep with all these strangers in the room....
I was right. Didn't sleep well at all. I was up when Mr.-Sleeping-Next-To-Me came in at about 1am and again when Mr.-Sleeping-Next-To-Me woke up and left at about 5am. Every time Mr. Israel moved, I woke up. Finally, at about 7am I gave up trying to sleep, got dressed, and went to explore Skagway while talking to mom. What a fun town! It's an old western mining town, with old buildings with so much history, boardwalks, and semi-paved roads. Even the churches were tiny! When I went back to the hostel, the girls were just getting up. We packed our stuff, did our chores, and then went to explore Skagway. We got to the Presbyterian church (if you want the full story, call me - there is too much to write) and looked around at some of the other fun shops. We then decided to get a move-on to go to Whitehorse!
What a beautiful drive! The terrain and climate was so incredibly different than that of Juneau. It was so dry, there was dry dirt (not mud!) and some amazingly gorgeous trees! There were mountains everywhere, and lakes, and glaciers. Truly beautiful.
We got to the border and passed through with no problems. The border patrol laughed because we told them we were going for a "relaxing, quiet trip to Whitehorse". Apparently, Whitehorse is not known for being quiet...
Along the way, we all got to talking about our "expectations" for this trip. We learned that we're all broken ladies, with a lot going on, and were just looking for some peace and the sense and understanding that Jesus loves us - just as we are - and that we don't have to fight and work for that love. We can be kids - not adults that have everything figured out. Just a time to rest, to heal, to love, and to live. It was a struggle throughout the whole trip, and something I think we are all still living through. But we are going there, and we'll make it. This song became the "theme song" for the trip:
We arrived in Whitehorse, so excited to be in Canada! Anna, who went to college in Canada, was especially excited. We went and got our money exchanged, and then set off to find a map, and plan out our next two days. Our main focus was to find the Dairy Queen. So, you have to understand that in Juneau, there are really no fun options for food. So, when anyone who lives in Juneau goes out of Juneau, you look forward to two things: real shopping and real food. So, Dairy Queen is "real food". We got to the visitors center and asked where the Dairy Queen was and got devastating news: IT CLOSED!!!! Apparently, the owner got cancer and had to close it. I know - so not a good reason to close DQ, but such was life. So we went to Quizno's instead. Not as good, but still, different, real food! We putzed around Whitehorse, went hiking next to an amazing river, and then went to Pizza Hut for dinner (again, real food. I know, my standards have dropped...)
We stayed at the Hot Springs that night. We got to our campsite and began setting up our tents. We had two two-person tents to set up. As Anna and Kendra were setting up one of the tents, Anna says, "I think we can all fit in this one!" So, we put our sleeping bags in the one tent, and the sleeping bags fit, but I wasn't sure it was going to be the best night sleep...The other thing we didn't take into consideration was that we could fit four people in the tent if you put them in the short way rather than the long way. So, all night, my legs were bent because if I straightened my legs, they would have been outside the tent! We were cozy, and I don't think any of us were cold! We practically slept on top of each other. But, I did not sleep because we were in bear country...in a tent...and I was on the side. So, if a bear were to go after the tent, I would have been the first to go. Oh, and we had a campfire, but in Alaska, you don't wait for the fire to die down before going to bed because it's so wet, nothing will catch fire. But we weren't in Alaska - we were in Canada. So I was freaking out that the forest would catch fire. Not good.
We woke the next morning, shopped around Whitehorse some more, and then left for Skagway. We got cinnamon rolls at a bakery along the side of the road that had AMAZING cinnamon rolls! We got back to Skagway and decided that we wanted to sleep that night (seeing as we had to be at the ferry terminal at 6am the next morning) and splurged and got a real hotel! The hotel was typical old west with spiral staircases, leather chairs, old candelabras, etc. We went hiking around and saw some incredible scenery. Went to an old bar for dinner, and had a great night. And we slept SOOOO well!
Early the next morning, we got on the ferry (after not being able to find our tickets...) and were off to Juneau. We slept for half of the trip because we were so tried. We played games and continued to talk through the remainder of the trip. The captain cam on and said, "If you look out on your left, you'll see a baby orca swimming around." Sure enough, on the left, this little orca was just coming out of the water and in the water. It almost looked like a salmon spazing out, but it wasn't. Then, a little later, the captain came on again and said, "If you look on your left, you'll see a pod of humpbacks." Now, humpbacks are pretty cool, but when you see them all summer, it's not really all that exciting. But we looked anyways. Just as we turned to look, a full-grown humpback completely breeched out of the water - 100% out of the water - and plunged back into the water. It made such a huge splash!!! Way cool - loved that! Surprisingly, those two whales were the only wildlife we saw on the trip (other than eagles and squirrels).
All in all, it was a fantastic trip. We had a great time getting to know each other and loved spending time together. Loved seeing God's creation and learning to appreciate the simple things in life.
This week I start two new things. Well, one was last night. I am helping in the youth group at my church. I have a group of freshman girls that I care for. It was pretty fun being around kids again. They're so funny and love having fun with each other.
The other thing I start is teaching preschool Sunday School! I'm not sure about that one, but it should be fun, right? I'm excited, nervous, and thinking "What am I doing? I'm crazy!" So pray for me! I'll need it!
Hope all is well with you! Love you and miss you!
Blessings!
-"Back to Real Life"
-"The Longest Post of All Time"
A lot has happened recently. Well, not a lot, but...well...yeah, it's been a lot. But it's been good! I'll start with last weekend.
I got off work around 2 pm on Friday to leave on a "vacation" with three of my girlfriends here. I came back to the house to grab my stuff and wait for my roommate to pack so we could drive to the ferry terminal to leave. The ferry was scheduled to leave at 3 pm. Did I mention that my roommate had not packed? Did I mention that she did not get to our house until about 2:20? Did I mention that we were supposed to leave at 3? Did I mention that it takes about 15 minutes to get to the ferry terminal? Did I mention that she had not packed yet? Did I mention that she didn't get home until 2:20? Did I mention that the ferry was supposed to leave at 3? Did I mention that this was a bit stressful for me?
Good news! We made it to the terminal with time to spare! Not much, but some. We went on board to stake our spot for the next sixish hours. Then we explored the ship. It was pretty fun! We went and watched "Kung Foo Panda" in the movie theatre on board, ate dinner, played Nertz, Hand and Foot, and Reversal. It got darker and darker as the night wore on, which made us really tired (besides the fact that it was Friday and we all had long weeks.) We pulled into Skagway at about 10:30pm, drove off the ferry into a town we didn't have a map for, that does not have street lights, and set out to find our hostel. Let the adventures begin...
The great thing about Skagway is that it is a small town. By small, I mean there are about 700 people who live there, it's about four blocks wide and about 22 blocks long. And, it is a grid layout, so no turns anywhere. We found our hostel fairly quickly. We go in, check in, and are told to go to room 2. (Side note - up to this point, I have no idea what it means to stay in a hostel.) I go up to room 2, open the door, and see a guy sleeping in one of the beds. I jump out of the room, shut the door, and say, "They made a mistake - there's a guy already sleeping in there!" The other ladies laughed at me and explained that is the way a hostel works. So I quietly open the door again and sneak into the room. We begin to unpack when the owner comes in and says that his wife made a mistake ("See! I told you this wasn't right...") and that we needed to move to a different room. So we move to the bunk house in the backyard. It's not much better...there are two people already sleeping in there, with two other people's stuff already in some of the beds. One of the guys came in, introduced himself as an Israeli who was making his way through Alaska. I'm thinking, I am not going to sleep with all these strangers in the room....
I was right. Didn't sleep well at all. I was up when Mr.-Sleeping-Next-To-Me came in at about 1am and again when Mr.-Sleeping-Next-To-Me woke up and left at about 5am. Every time Mr. Israel moved, I woke up. Finally, at about 7am I gave up trying to sleep, got dressed, and went to explore Skagway while talking to mom. What a fun town! It's an old western mining town, with old buildings with so much history, boardwalks, and semi-paved roads. Even the churches were tiny! When I went back to the hostel, the girls were just getting up. We packed our stuff, did our chores, and then went to explore Skagway. We got to the Presbyterian church (if you want the full story, call me - there is too much to write) and looked around at some of the other fun shops. We then decided to get a move-on to go to Whitehorse!
What a beautiful drive! The terrain and climate was so incredibly different than that of Juneau. It was so dry, there was dry dirt (not mud!) and some amazingly gorgeous trees! There were mountains everywhere, and lakes, and glaciers. Truly beautiful.
We got to the border and passed through with no problems. The border patrol laughed because we told them we were going for a "relaxing, quiet trip to Whitehorse". Apparently, Whitehorse is not known for being quiet...
Along the way, we all got to talking about our "expectations" for this trip. We learned that we're all broken ladies, with a lot going on, and were just looking for some peace and the sense and understanding that Jesus loves us - just as we are - and that we don't have to fight and work for that love. We can be kids - not adults that have everything figured out. Just a time to rest, to heal, to love, and to live. It was a struggle throughout the whole trip, and something I think we are all still living through. But we are going there, and we'll make it. This song became the "theme song" for the trip:
We arrived in Whitehorse, so excited to be in Canada! Anna, who went to college in Canada, was especially excited. We went and got our money exchanged, and then set off to find a map, and plan out our next two days. Our main focus was to find the Dairy Queen. So, you have to understand that in Juneau, there are really no fun options for food. So, when anyone who lives in Juneau goes out of Juneau, you look forward to two things: real shopping and real food. So, Dairy Queen is "real food". We got to the visitors center and asked where the Dairy Queen was and got devastating news: IT CLOSED!!!! Apparently, the owner got cancer and had to close it. I know - so not a good reason to close DQ, but such was life. So we went to Quizno's instead. Not as good, but still, different, real food! We putzed around Whitehorse, went hiking next to an amazing river, and then went to Pizza Hut for dinner (again, real food. I know, my standards have dropped...)
We stayed at the Hot Springs that night. We got to our campsite and began setting up our tents. We had two two-person tents to set up. As Anna and Kendra were setting up one of the tents, Anna says, "I think we can all fit in this one!" So, we put our sleeping bags in the one tent, and the sleeping bags fit, but I wasn't sure it was going to be the best night sleep...The other thing we didn't take into consideration was that we could fit four people in the tent if you put them in the short way rather than the long way. So, all night, my legs were bent because if I straightened my legs, they would have been outside the tent! We were cozy, and I don't think any of us were cold! We practically slept on top of each other. But, I did not sleep because we were in bear country...in a tent...and I was on the side. So, if a bear were to go after the tent, I would have been the first to go. Oh, and we had a campfire, but in Alaska, you don't wait for the fire to die down before going to bed because it's so wet, nothing will catch fire. But we weren't in Alaska - we were in Canada. So I was freaking out that the forest would catch fire. Not good.
We woke the next morning, shopped around Whitehorse some more, and then left for Skagway. We got cinnamon rolls at a bakery along the side of the road that had AMAZING cinnamon rolls! We got back to Skagway and decided that we wanted to sleep that night (seeing as we had to be at the ferry terminal at 6am the next morning) and splurged and got a real hotel! The hotel was typical old west with spiral staircases, leather chairs, old candelabras, etc. We went hiking around and saw some incredible scenery. Went to an old bar for dinner, and had a great night. And we slept SOOOO well!
Early the next morning, we got on the ferry (after not being able to find our tickets...) and were off to Juneau. We slept for half of the trip because we were so tried. We played games and continued to talk through the remainder of the trip. The captain cam on and said, "If you look out on your left, you'll see a baby orca swimming around." Sure enough, on the left, this little orca was just coming out of the water and in the water. It almost looked like a salmon spazing out, but it wasn't. Then, a little later, the captain came on again and said, "If you look on your left, you'll see a pod of humpbacks." Now, humpbacks are pretty cool, but when you see them all summer, it's not really all that exciting. But we looked anyways. Just as we turned to look, a full-grown humpback completely breeched out of the water - 100% out of the water - and plunged back into the water. It made such a huge splash!!! Way cool - loved that! Surprisingly, those two whales were the only wildlife we saw on the trip (other than eagles and squirrels).
All in all, it was a fantastic trip. We had a great time getting to know each other and loved spending time together. Loved seeing God's creation and learning to appreciate the simple things in life.
This week I start two new things. Well, one was last night. I am helping in the youth group at my church. I have a group of freshman girls that I care for. It was pretty fun being around kids again. They're so funny and love having fun with each other.
The other thing I start is teaching preschool Sunday School! I'm not sure about that one, but it should be fun, right? I'm excited, nervous, and thinking "What am I doing? I'm crazy!" So pray for me! I'll need it!
Hope all is well with you! Love you and miss you!
Blessings!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
There's a reason it's called Jumbo...
It's been a while, and I've truly been meaning to write about my weekend. However, since I am so late in writing this blog, that "weekend" was about two weeks ago! I'm recovered now, and actually set some time aside to write.
It all started Friday night. I got home from work, was exhausted, and really looking forward to eating some simple dinner and then going to my room to watch a movie. I had just finished dinner, taken a shower, and was crawling into bed when my friend Crystal called asking me what I was doing. She said that she and Amy were going to go out to the Boy Scout camp and hike around. Even though I was exhausted, just had a shower, and really looking forward to that movie, I said I would go. So here it's 7pm and we're just starting out on a hike...let the adventures begin...
We get way out the road to the trail. Oh man, was it beautiful!! There was a thick forest of trees, the river right beside it, and a little island thing on the other side of the river. There was a huge tree that fell down on the island that cast some shadows. Me: "Look! There's a bear!" Amy: "There's no bear over there." Me: "Yes there is! Look!!!" Crystal: "That's just the shadow of the tree. There's no bear." Me: "Oh yeah. I see it now. Just kidding!" Amy: "Wait, there really is a bear over there!" Me: freaking out a litlle..."No there's not! It's just a shadow!" duh! Amy: "No, really, there's a bear over there!" Crystal: "I see it! Oh look! It's fishing!" Me: "I don't want to look." But I look anyways. Just then, this bear (yes, it was there!) picked up a salmon out of the river and began to eat it! It was pretty cool. But I was still freaking out.
We continue walking, making loud noises so that the bears wouldn't come to us. We got to a beautiful clearing and there were meadows everywhere. The sun was beginning to set, the mountains in the background, and the ocean right in front of us. As we kept walking, there was a stench about us. It was bad. As we kept walking, we saw the reason: there were so many dead fish, laying there, rotting!!!! I don't know how they got on land - I probably don't want to know - but there they were, dead and rotting. Well, here's a picture of that...
We hung around for a while, and then decided it was time to go back to the car. Crystal: "See Laurie, there are not many bears around here..." As she is saying this, I look to my right, and about 50 feet away, this bear pokes its head up out of the grass and just looks at us. Me; really freaking out at this point..."YOU MEAN LIKE THAT ONE RIGHT THERE?!?!?!!" Crystal: "Yeah! Oh, he's cute! Get your camera out!" Me: "WE ARE NOT STOPPING FOR A PHOTO OP!!! THAT IS A BIG BEAR, IT IS CLOSE TO US, AND WE ARE LEAVING NOW!" Amy: "He's eating, he's happy." Me: "I don't care. We're leaving now." Crystal got my camera, started taking pictures, but they didn't come out. As we're walking back to the car under the forest of trees, we are talking and laughing (me - I'm still scared to death that there are more bears around). We get so close to the car, and I hear something in the bushes right next to me. I look over, and Crystal puts her hand on my back and says, "Just keep walking." Two things I notice at this point: 1. She is not letting me look at what it was = not good. 2. She is talking louder than usual = not good. We get back to the car, and I say, "That wasn't a small animal. What was it?" Crystal says, "It was about a 1 year old bear." Amy: "We didn't want to tell you cause then you'd really freak out." So, all this to say, I was standing 4 feet away from a little bear!!!! Oh man. Then Crystal tells me that the Boy Scout trail is known for the bears. Not cool.
Here are some more pictures from that trip:
So the following day, some co-workers and I decide we're going to hike Mt. Jumbo. I'm thinking, it's a decent hike - the hike book says it's a "most intense" hike, and the round trip should take around 10 hours. So we get our water bottles, juice, lunch, home-made granola bars (thanks Jenn!) and start the trail around 11 am.
The trailhead is in between two houses - no joke. There's this little sign that says it's the trailhead. Welcome to Juneau...So we begin the hike, and it's a little steep in places, but overall not bad at all. I'm thinking, yeah! I can do this! 10 hours of this - no sweat. Soon we get to this amazing waterfall with a little bridge. So peaceful! We're all still pretty happy at this point. As we keep on walking, we come to what we fondly named the Stairs of Death.
Once you get past the stairs of death, you get to the board walk. The boardwalk is at a steady incline, but nothing too unbearable. It goes through this meadow. It reminded me of the Lord of the Rings, in the Marshes. There was this quicksand type stuff everywhere, beautiful flowers, and grasses and small trees. Beautiful! So we hike through the marshes and get to the trees. Now the fun starts...
I kid you not, this was the trail - for about 2/3 of the trip! Intense hiking all the way up! My friend and I kept saying, "K. I think I can see the top! Almost there!" We get to the "top" and see that no, there is another mountain. Oh man. This went on for about 4 hours or so.
When we broke timberline, we kept thinking, "There is a big rocky stump up there. We can't possibly be going that far up. There's no way!" Oh yes, let me tell you, that is in fact the top, and yes, you hike to the top. And what an amazing view it was:
I was in awe of God's artwork! Simply amazing.
So after being up there for a while, we started the crazy hike down. I always think that going up is so hard to do, but it is going down that kills! It took us a little over two hours to get off that dumb mountain! Well, when you have trails like this, you'd understand why:
When we got to the bottom, we could hardly move. We staggered into a pizza place, sat down, and none of us were very chatty - we were so tired! Let me tell you, for the next week, I could hardly move! My legs hurt so bad! But what an amazing experience! Lesson learned: When a mountain is called Mt. Jumbo, it's called Mt. Jumbo for a reason!
I miss you all!
Blessings!
It all started Friday night. I got home from work, was exhausted, and really looking forward to eating some simple dinner and then going to my room to watch a movie. I had just finished dinner, taken a shower, and was crawling into bed when my friend Crystal called asking me what I was doing. She said that she and Amy were going to go out to the Boy Scout camp and hike around. Even though I was exhausted, just had a shower, and really looking forward to that movie, I said I would go. So here it's 7pm and we're just starting out on a hike...let the adventures begin...
We get way out the road to the trail. Oh man, was it beautiful!! There was a thick forest of trees, the river right beside it, and a little island thing on the other side of the river. There was a huge tree that fell down on the island that cast some shadows. Me: "Look! There's a bear!" Amy: "There's no bear over there." Me: "Yes there is! Look!!!" Crystal: "That's just the shadow of the tree. There's no bear." Me: "Oh yeah. I see it now. Just kidding!" Amy: "Wait, there really is a bear over there!" Me: freaking out a litlle..."No there's not! It's just a shadow!" duh! Amy: "No, really, there's a bear over there!" Crystal: "I see it! Oh look! It's fishing!" Me: "I don't want to look." But I look anyways. Just then, this bear (yes, it was there!) picked up a salmon out of the river and began to eat it! It was pretty cool. But I was still freaking out.
We continue walking, making loud noises so that the bears wouldn't come to us. We got to a beautiful clearing and there were meadows everywhere. The sun was beginning to set, the mountains in the background, and the ocean right in front of us. As we kept walking, there was a stench about us. It was bad. As we kept walking, we saw the reason: there were so many dead fish, laying there, rotting!!!! I don't know how they got on land - I probably don't want to know - but there they were, dead and rotting. Well, here's a picture of that...
We hung around for a while, and then decided it was time to go back to the car. Crystal: "See Laurie, there are not many bears around here..." As she is saying this, I look to my right, and about 50 feet away, this bear pokes its head up out of the grass and just looks at us. Me; really freaking out at this point..."YOU MEAN LIKE THAT ONE RIGHT THERE?!?!?!!" Crystal: "Yeah! Oh, he's cute! Get your camera out!" Me: "WE ARE NOT STOPPING FOR A PHOTO OP!!! THAT IS A BIG BEAR, IT IS CLOSE TO US, AND WE ARE LEAVING NOW!" Amy: "He's eating, he's happy." Me: "I don't care. We're leaving now." Crystal got my camera, started taking pictures, but they didn't come out. As we're walking back to the car under the forest of trees, we are talking and laughing (me - I'm still scared to death that there are more bears around). We get so close to the car, and I hear something in the bushes right next to me. I look over, and Crystal puts her hand on my back and says, "Just keep walking." Two things I notice at this point: 1. She is not letting me look at what it was = not good. 2. She is talking louder than usual = not good. We get back to the car, and I say, "That wasn't a small animal. What was it?" Crystal says, "It was about a 1 year old bear." Amy: "We didn't want to tell you cause then you'd really freak out." So, all this to say, I was standing 4 feet away from a little bear!!!! Oh man. Then Crystal tells me that the Boy Scout trail is known for the bears. Not cool.
Here are some more pictures from that trip:
So the following day, some co-workers and I decide we're going to hike Mt. Jumbo. I'm thinking, it's a decent hike - the hike book says it's a "most intense" hike, and the round trip should take around 10 hours. So we get our water bottles, juice, lunch, home-made granola bars (thanks Jenn!) and start the trail around 11 am.
The trailhead is in between two houses - no joke. There's this little sign that says it's the trailhead. Welcome to Juneau...So we begin the hike, and it's a little steep in places, but overall not bad at all. I'm thinking, yeah! I can do this! 10 hours of this - no sweat. Soon we get to this amazing waterfall with a little bridge. So peaceful! We're all still pretty happy at this point. As we keep on walking, we come to what we fondly named the Stairs of Death.
Once you get past the stairs of death, you get to the board walk. The boardwalk is at a steady incline, but nothing too unbearable. It goes through this meadow. It reminded me of the Lord of the Rings, in the Marshes. There was this quicksand type stuff everywhere, beautiful flowers, and grasses and small trees. Beautiful! So we hike through the marshes and get to the trees. Now the fun starts...
I kid you not, this was the trail - for about 2/3 of the trip! Intense hiking all the way up! My friend and I kept saying, "K. I think I can see the top! Almost there!" We get to the "top" and see that no, there is another mountain. Oh man. This went on for about 4 hours or so.
When we broke timberline, we kept thinking, "There is a big rocky stump up there. We can't possibly be going that far up. There's no way!" Oh yes, let me tell you, that is in fact the top, and yes, you hike to the top. And what an amazing view it was:
I was in awe of God's artwork! Simply amazing.
So after being up there for a while, we started the crazy hike down. I always think that going up is so hard to do, but it is going down that kills! It took us a little over two hours to get off that dumb mountain! Well, when you have trails like this, you'd understand why:
When we got to the bottom, we could hardly move. We staggered into a pizza place, sat down, and none of us were very chatty - we were so tired! Let me tell you, for the next week, I could hardly move! My legs hurt so bad! But what an amazing experience! Lesson learned: When a mountain is called Mt. Jumbo, it's called Mt. Jumbo for a reason!
I miss you all!
Blessings!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Here Fishy Fishy Fishy!
I never thought I'd actually enjoy fishing. I mean, seriously. Who likes sitting on a boat for hours, with a piece of string in the water, waiting for the CHANCE to actually catch a fish? Why would anyone do this when there are mountains to climb or planes to jump out of, hikes to go on, people to meet for coffee? I don't get it. Let me rephrase that...I didn't get it.
Then I went fishing for the first time in my life in the wide open ocean on Sunday! No, it wasn't "Deadliest Catch" style, but it was crazy. I actually have a licence and everything! So Amy and I get on the boat with Dick (captain) and wait for the rest of his family to get there. We start up the boat to get it warmed up. Pretty soon, there is white smoke/steam coming from the back of the boat. Dick looks at the boat, the engine, etc, and can't find anything wrong, but decides to turn off the boat until his family gets there. And we wait...And wait...And I'm thinking, "The waiting has begun even before we get in the ocean!"
So the family gets to the boat after some time waiting. Dick goes to turn on the boat and it doesn't start. No good. All the lights and radio and GPS things work, but the engine won't start. (Sound familiar? I think this problem follows me...) After dinking around with a few things in the engine compartment, there is still no engine starting. So, they decide to use the little engine that goes on the back of the boat - the reserve engine - instead. That one works just fine, but it can't make the boat go fast and it's much more difficult to steer. But hey, we're going fishing, and nothing can stop us!
We leave the harbor, and immediately cast the lines. I've never done that, and it was quite entertaining to learn the "fishing jargon". They baited the hooks (I wasn't about to get smelly right away...) and we were off...at about 2mph. We trolled our way towards a few islands around Juneau with not one fish biting. This was going to be a LONG day...
Then, we started to see some eagles flying around and diving down toward the water. It was very cool! Then Nicole (one of the family) yelled, "WHALES!!!!" Way off in the distance, there were lots of spouts going off, and we could see the backs and tails of many Humpbacks. Very cool. Immediately, Nicole and I became much more interested in the whales way off in the distance than the fishing going on right below us. Nicole begged her dad to get closer to the whales (at 2 mph, mind you). So we trolled toward the whales. We realized that they were feeding - I have yet to see bubble feeding up close, but from far away, it looked very cool! We followed the whales (at 2 mph) for a while, and then they left. But in their place was a small pod of porpoises! They were pretty cool to see too. Nothing like what they have at Sea World, but very cool to see in their natural environment.
Still no fish. It's been about four hours, and we've seen some beautiful islands, whales, eagles, fish, and are just enjoying the sea breeze. I'm up top of the boat when Dick yells, "Laurie! You've got one!" I tell him that he can reel it in, but he says I have to do it. So I hurry down the ladder, grab the reel, and start reeling. I have no idea what I'm doing and have about four different people trying to explain to me what I should be doing. Pretty funny. The fish gets so close we can almost net him, and his gills rip and he gets away. It was fine - it was only a pink - and I can say I've reeled a fish! It was pretty intense! I then began to think that fishing is kinda like working in an emergency room: it's hours of nothing to do followed by minutes of intense, fast-work to do! Pretty fun.
So we continue to troll around islands (I learned a lot about the islands and the ocean on this trip!) and saw a few seals, more eagles and whales, and just enjoyed the time on the water. About three hours after my near-catch, Dick yells out, "Amy, you better get down here!" So Amy, being the experienced fisherman she is, goes down and proceeds to reel and net a pink salmon! It was very cool to see the entire process all together.
All in all, it was a very fun day! I think I enjoy fishing! At least, I enjoy going out on the boat and relaxing on the water...
Hope you are all doing well! Love you and miss you!
Then I went fishing for the first time in my life in the wide open ocean on Sunday! No, it wasn't "Deadliest Catch" style, but it was crazy. I actually have a licence and everything! So Amy and I get on the boat with Dick (captain) and wait for the rest of his family to get there. We start up the boat to get it warmed up. Pretty soon, there is white smoke/steam coming from the back of the boat. Dick looks at the boat, the engine, etc, and can't find anything wrong, but decides to turn off the boat until his family gets there. And we wait...And wait...And I'm thinking, "The waiting has begun even before we get in the ocean!"
So the family gets to the boat after some time waiting. Dick goes to turn on the boat and it doesn't start. No good. All the lights and radio and GPS things work, but the engine won't start. (Sound familiar? I think this problem follows me...) After dinking around with a few things in the engine compartment, there is still no engine starting. So, they decide to use the little engine that goes on the back of the boat - the reserve engine - instead. That one works just fine, but it can't make the boat go fast and it's much more difficult to steer. But hey, we're going fishing, and nothing can stop us!
We leave the harbor, and immediately cast the lines. I've never done that, and it was quite entertaining to learn the "fishing jargon". They baited the hooks (I wasn't about to get smelly right away...) and we were off...at about 2mph. We trolled our way towards a few islands around Juneau with not one fish biting. This was going to be a LONG day...
Then, we started to see some eagles flying around and diving down toward the water. It was very cool! Then Nicole (one of the family) yelled, "WHALES!!!!" Way off in the distance, there were lots of spouts going off, and we could see the backs and tails of many Humpbacks. Very cool. Immediately, Nicole and I became much more interested in the whales way off in the distance than the fishing going on right below us. Nicole begged her dad to get closer to the whales (at 2 mph, mind you). So we trolled toward the whales. We realized that they were feeding - I have yet to see bubble feeding up close, but from far away, it looked very cool! We followed the whales (at 2 mph) for a while, and then they left. But in their place was a small pod of porpoises! They were pretty cool to see too. Nothing like what they have at Sea World, but very cool to see in their natural environment.
Still no fish. It's been about four hours, and we've seen some beautiful islands, whales, eagles, fish, and are just enjoying the sea breeze. I'm up top of the boat when Dick yells, "Laurie! You've got one!" I tell him that he can reel it in, but he says I have to do it. So I hurry down the ladder, grab the reel, and start reeling. I have no idea what I'm doing and have about four different people trying to explain to me what I should be doing. Pretty funny. The fish gets so close we can almost net him, and his gills rip and he gets away. It was fine - it was only a pink - and I can say I've reeled a fish! It was pretty intense! I then began to think that fishing is kinda like working in an emergency room: it's hours of nothing to do followed by minutes of intense, fast-work to do! Pretty fun.
So we continue to troll around islands (I learned a lot about the islands and the ocean on this trip!) and saw a few seals, more eagles and whales, and just enjoyed the time on the water. About three hours after my near-catch, Dick yells out, "Amy, you better get down here!" So Amy, being the experienced fisherman she is, goes down and proceeds to reel and net a pink salmon! It was very cool to see the entire process all together.
All in all, it was a very fun day! I think I enjoy fishing! At least, I enjoy going out on the boat and relaxing on the water...
Hope you are all doing well! Love you and miss you!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Life in a Northern Town...
Yes, another song. While this is probably not the best song to give a glimpse of life in a small town, it's one I like. So bear with me...
The 4th of July. At home, it's not really that big of a deal. You may barbeque, may swim, probably will get a sunburn, and maybe watch Rubidoux burn. You may even wear red, white, and blue. But it's certainly not as big as, say, Christmas or Easter or Thanksgiving. At least not in my family. There's nothing wrong with that! Everyone who knows me well knows how much I don't like fireworks. I don't like the heat or the sun, so staying inside is just fine with me! But we forget, don't we. We forget the reasoning behind the 4th. On facebook, some friends put quotes about the 4th and freedom up. I was blown away:
"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." ~Erma Bombeck
"Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker. But if we had not, our fathers have earned and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood." ~ John Adams 1765 Thank you to all our troops who sacrifice all of the above to ensure freedom. Happy 4th of July! Let freedom ring!
The 4th of July is the biggest holiday here in Juneau. Maybe it's because it's the only holiday that has a CHANCE of decent weather - no snow or rain...Well, the no snow is a guarentee...People go all out. Cars are decorated, families match in their red, white, and blue outfits that they can only wear this time of year, and barbecues are going everywhere!!!
The festivities started July 3. In Juneau around this time of year, it doesn't get completely dark. So, to set off fireworks, they wait until midnight on the 3rd (I guess that's technically the 4th...). So we went to Amy's aunt and uncle's house for hotdogs and to hang out until it was time for the fireworks. We had a great time. Then the fireworks. They shoot off the fireworks off a barge in the middle of the channel here in Juneau. There's mountains all around, so the boom echos through the mountains. The fireworks weren't anything to write home about, but the way cool part of it was the echo. I wish you were here to experience that with me!
Then, we had the 4th of July parade. It was similar to the one last year, with the floats and the bands. They had one alum high school band that was so fun. They were all playing, trying to keep in step, and taped a piece of yellow duct tape to their skirt/shorts/pants so they were all "matching". And, there were bagpipers! That was my favorite! It was great. Again, people in the parade stopped along the route to say hi to people along the sidelines. Welcome to small town! Everyone comes to this parade. There's serious street closure downtown and families come out early in the morning for a prime spot. It's very fun. As we walked back to the car, we walked through the old graveyard downtown. It was very interesting, and VERY old. We found the graves of Joseph Juneau and Richard Harris - two of the founders of Juneau! I put the pictures in the blog above this one, so hopefully this isn't too confusing...
Amy and I then went to her house and made shish-kabobs. We make mean shish-kabobs, let me tell you! We both got sunburned (yes, we get sunburned in Alaska too...) and were so tired. We watched a movie and then went to bed. Getting up for church the next day was tough, but even that was good.
I'm so glad for freedom. We are so blessed, and we don't even think about it! I truly hope your 4th was safe, enjoyable, and memorable. You are loved and missed!
Blessings!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Real Life Revised...
I've done three blogs in about two weeks...needless to say, there's been a lot of life changes happening. It's been crazy here, but I think it's good. Only time will tell. I just have to trust (and we all know how much I love to trust...)
The house thing is the same! This is a good thing. I have three of the four roommates staying fairly consistently at the house. It still seems really strange to me to think that someone is paying for rent, and then doesn't stay at the place they are paying for. Does this make sense to anyone else or am I on my own in this?
The weather has gone back to "Juneau weather". That means it thinks it's sunny, but there's enough cloud cover to not quite need the sunglasses, and then it rains. Actually it sprinkles, but if you're from SoCal, it rains! But it's not consistent. I rains for about five minutes, quits for ten, rains again for ten, quits for an hour, you get the point. I must say: when Juneau doesn't get rain in a while, the people here get pretty grumpy! They need the rain! I find that I miss it too. I love hanging out in the rain!
I was supposed to start my supervisor position today. Instead, I went to group therapy with my girls and let them know that I was resigning from JYS. They were not happy with me, and cried a little. I tried to explain that I truly do care for them and that I am not quitting because of anything any of them had done, but that it was something that I needed to do for myself. I also told them that I would be checking up on them, and wanted to come by weekly to play games with them and read a book or something. We'll see if I'm a friend or foe tomorrow...
So, I quit my job because I got a new job! I'll still be in Juneau, but working for JAMHI (Juneau Alliance for Mental Health Inc). It is working with adults with psych problems - depression, schizophrenia, psychosis, dual personalities, etc. I'll be a case manager over there, working on treatment plans, getting them to and from appointments, teaching them how to function, etc. Should be interesting and a challenge! If you have more questions, please call me and ask! There's too much to write in a blog...
More changes! This week, I've really been praying and asking God to give me wisdom, endurance, and understanding for all these crazy things in my life. Then, on the radio, a song came up (yes, another song!) Third Day's, "Take It All". Recently I've been struggling with the reality that people are expecting too much of me. I can't be everything to everyone, and it's feeling like that is what is happening. I am so tired of trying so hard. I am tired of people assuming that since I am a "strong" person, I can handle a great deal of things at once. I can, but sometimes (in the midst of life changes...) it's too much. And then I think and wonder how much of this I bring on myself. How much of it is my own expectations of myself? Like I said, it's been a struggle. All that to say, this has been my theme song for the past few days...
Love you and miss you all!
Blessings!
The house thing is the same! This is a good thing. I have three of the four roommates staying fairly consistently at the house. It still seems really strange to me to think that someone is paying for rent, and then doesn't stay at the place they are paying for. Does this make sense to anyone else or am I on my own in this?
The weather has gone back to "Juneau weather". That means it thinks it's sunny, but there's enough cloud cover to not quite need the sunglasses, and then it rains. Actually it sprinkles, but if you're from SoCal, it rains! But it's not consistent. I rains for about five minutes, quits for ten, rains again for ten, quits for an hour, you get the point. I must say: when Juneau doesn't get rain in a while, the people here get pretty grumpy! They need the rain! I find that I miss it too. I love hanging out in the rain!
I was supposed to start my supervisor position today. Instead, I went to group therapy with my girls and let them know that I was resigning from JYS. They were not happy with me, and cried a little. I tried to explain that I truly do care for them and that I am not quitting because of anything any of them had done, but that it was something that I needed to do for myself. I also told them that I would be checking up on them, and wanted to come by weekly to play games with them and read a book or something. We'll see if I'm a friend or foe tomorrow...
So, I quit my job because I got a new job! I'll still be in Juneau, but working for JAMHI (Juneau Alliance for Mental Health Inc). It is working with adults with psych problems - depression, schizophrenia, psychosis, dual personalities, etc. I'll be a case manager over there, working on treatment plans, getting them to and from appointments, teaching them how to function, etc. Should be interesting and a challenge! If you have more questions, please call me and ask! There's too much to write in a blog...
More changes! This week, I've really been praying and asking God to give me wisdom, endurance, and understanding for all these crazy things in my life. Then, on the radio, a song came up (yes, another song!) Third Day's, "Take It All". Recently I've been struggling with the reality that people are expecting too much of me. I can't be everything to everyone, and it's feeling like that is what is happening. I am so tired of trying so hard. I am tired of people assuming that since I am a "strong" person, I can handle a great deal of things at once. I can, but sometimes (in the midst of life changes...) it's too much. And then I think and wonder how much of this I bring on myself. How much of it is my own expectations of myself? Like I said, it's been a struggle. All that to say, this has been my theme song for the past few days...
Love you and miss you all!
Blessings!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace (How sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!
Thro' many dangers, toils and snare,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall profess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be for ever mine.
I think I've known this song my entire life. I can't remember a time I haven't known this song. When I was young, I remember really didn't like this song: it was too old, the melody was the same, it was LONG, and I didn't really understand the words. I used to cringe when the music people at church started to play this song. When I had to learn it on the piano for piano lessons, I think I practiced this song the least. I really hated this song!
I watched the movie this morning for the second time. What an incredible testimony! Both for William Wilberforce and for John Newton. They changed lives and changed history! Their honesty and determination changed lives and made them better. I want to be like them. I want the endurance and the honesty and the will to change lives like they did.
I could sit here and pick apart the verses of this song. They are so true; so solid; so deep; so beautiful. I look back and realize that my hating this song really did nothing for me. All the times that I missed out on singing with those that have gone before me: "Amazing grace! How sweet the sound! That saved a wretch like me!" But as I sing them now, I stand in amazement of God's grace. His love, His grace, is what has saved me. I am not worthy, but I am so thankful. As John Newton said in the movie, "I am a great sinner, and God is a great Savior." Save me.
If you haven't seen the movie, I highly encourage you to! Especially to the end. At the very end of the movie, there is a beautiful version of the song. I can't find it on youtube, so you'll have to watch the movie yourself. It's pretty incredible!
I'll update you more on life in a later post. For now, rest in His grace. It's pretty amazing...
Blessings!
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!
Thro' many dangers, toils and snare,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall profess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be for ever mine.
I think I've known this song my entire life. I can't remember a time I haven't known this song. When I was young, I remember really didn't like this song: it was too old, the melody was the same, it was LONG, and I didn't really understand the words. I used to cringe when the music people at church started to play this song. When I had to learn it on the piano for piano lessons, I think I practiced this song the least. I really hated this song!
I watched the movie this morning for the second time. What an incredible testimony! Both for William Wilberforce and for John Newton. They changed lives and changed history! Their honesty and determination changed lives and made them better. I want to be like them. I want the endurance and the honesty and the will to change lives like they did.
I could sit here and pick apart the verses of this song. They are so true; so solid; so deep; so beautiful. I look back and realize that my hating this song really did nothing for me. All the times that I missed out on singing with those that have gone before me: "Amazing grace! How sweet the sound! That saved a wretch like me!" But as I sing them now, I stand in amazement of God's grace. His love, His grace, is what has saved me. I am not worthy, but I am so thankful. As John Newton said in the movie, "I am a great sinner, and God is a great Savior." Save me.
If you haven't seen the movie, I highly encourage you to! Especially to the end. At the very end of the movie, there is a beautiful version of the song. I can't find it on youtube, so you'll have to watch the movie yourself. It's pretty incredible!
I'll update you more on life in a later post. For now, rest in His grace. It's pretty amazing...
Blessings!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Real Life
Vacation has officially ended. Real life has started once again. So sad...
Linda left on Monday. It was very sad to see her go! I didn't like it one bit! We had tons of fun, and she helped me move (yet again!) Next time, I'm going to help her move up here! Wouldn't that be so great!
Like I said, Linda moved me all in. I have a new house, new roommates, and a whole new adventure waiting for me. This house has a full front and backyard - so good! I mowed and worked on the front lawn yesterday. Four nasty, itchy bug bites and a sunburn later, I decided that morning is the best time to work on the yard. It's actually been really warm here the past few days! I've been really surprised! The people here in Juneau are starting to get cranky because there hasn't been rain in almost a week! Everyone has tans - it's pretty funny!
Work is ok. I recently got promoted to supervisor, which is a new adventure too! I start in two weeks. I'm nervous, because there is still so much that I don't know. But, it will be experience and a new adventure.
I've decided that I can't ease into things. I can't make just one change at a time in my life - it's all or nothing! I did it last year: graduated, new house, new job, new roommate, new state all in one month. This year: new house, three new roommates, new position, new friends all in one month! Won't it be interesting to see what happens next year?!
I miss you all! Hope all is well with you!
Blessings,
Laurie
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Hike of Insanity
Well I’ve been here in Alaska for a week now and I’ve enjoyed every minute. It has been so much fun spending time with Laurie and seeing the part of the country she has been living in for the last year. It is absolutely beautiful here and I’m struck anew by the awesome majesty and splendor of the Creator each time I venture outside. Mere pictures cannot compare to the glory of trees, the magnificence of the snow covered mountains, or the beauty of Mendenhall Lake, smooth as glass in the early morning. I knew Juneau was beautiful, but I wasn’t prepared to have my breath taken away looking at the horizon from the top of a mountain. In short: I love it here!
Here are a few things I’ve noticed about Juneau and a small (at least smaller than Riverside) town:
1. Traffic consists of seven cars on the road at one time
2. People actually make eye contact with you and say hello here
3. The road goes through parking lots
4. You can’t see the air you’re breathing
5. Where Riverside’s freeways are decorated with graffiti or, on occasion, wall art, Juneau roads are adorned with waterfalls and lined with trees
6. Folks here’s don’t know what a flyover is and are mystified by the thought of an octopus of freeway overpasses
7. Folks don’t buy much meat here… they hunt for it (and have the antlers or heads to prove it)
8. Drinking hot chocolate in the middle of May because it’s cold outside is fantastic
9. Juneau summers are like Riverside winters – hallelujah it’s not hot here!
10. And some total strangers feel like friends the minute you meet them
I’ve defiantly done things here that I never thought I’d do. I ate moose. I kissed a glacier, but more on that later, and I’ve seen it light outside at 10:30 at night. That was bizarre. I’ve only seen it dark here once and that was only because we stayed up to watch a movie. I went outside at 12:30 in the morning just to see what the dark in Juneau looked like. Let me tell you – it’s dark. I couldn’t see the backyard. There were a few lights from other houses, but other than that it was pitch black. Alas there was a cloud cover so we couldn’t see the stars but it was pretty neat nonetheless. I never imagined I’d have to lock up my garbage. Yup, here they have latches on the trash barrels and then they lock the barrels in a tinny compartment to keep the bears form getting into it. Crazy I know.
Now, about this glacier business. Laurie and I are pretty level headed and have a fairly good hold on common sense, but last Friday we did something rather stupid but incredibly fun. Mama, stop reading here. I went to work with Laurie on Friday and a co-worker of hers suggested that we hike out to the glacier. Great! Sounds like fun. She told us about a trail that is harder, but shorter with “only a little rocky area you have to climb up.” No problem right, little rocky area, no sweat. So the two of us got back to her apartment and packed up the backpack. Water, check. Juice for lows, check. Lifesavers, check. Chocolate, CHECK. Cameras, check. Food, naw, we won’t be that long (let the stupidity begin).
We made it to the trail, checked the bulletin board just to make sure there were no recent bear sightings, said a quick pray that the Good Lord would keep any hungry bears away from us and set off. The trail was beautiful. It was green, cool and crisp. Rather than hearing the sounds of the freeways in the distance our ears were tickled with the sounds of the birds and the river. We meet a group of kids returning from their fieldtrip to the glacier jumping down the trail on their way back to the bus. With grins as big as open sky they reported with pride that they had kissed the glacier. Apparently that’s the thing to do here in Juneau.
After about half an hour of walking we found the trail that Laurie’s co-worker had told us about. As we went along, the trail got increasingly difficult. Clearly this trail wasn’t well traveled because the overgrowth made it impossible to walk upright in parts. But did that stop us, no sir. Undeterred we continued on. Crossing rivers proved to be a mite bit challenging. My sister just tromped through the river in her ExtraTuf boots but me other the other hand did not have the luxury of rubber boots, only a pair of running shoes. Cautiously, I hoped from one stone to the next. Blisters as a result of hiking in wet shoes did not sound appealing to me. At one point the trail became a nearly straight down rocky drop. This must be the part Laurie’s co-worker was taking about (insert sarcastic laugh here). Slowly we worked our way down and continued on our way.
Eventually we ran out of trail and still hadn’t found the glacier (Hmmm… no trail, red flag right? Well if it was the two Hubbard sisters ignored it completely). Instead we found the side of a cliff. Correction, that must be the rocky part Laurie’s friend was talking about, we decided. Half way up we decided to take a break and called Mama and Daddy to tell them we were on the side of a mountain, brilliant I know. Gathering our strength once again we made our way up the cliff convinced that the glacier would be on the other side. It wasn’t. Instead there was another cliff. Too determined to go back, we set off again walking farther and farther away from the trail. Did I mention we didn’t have the brains to mark our trail? But someone else had, but we didn’t figure that out until we were on our way back. Whoever they were, we love them!
To make a long story short… well shorter, we made it to he top of the second cliff only to be greeted with another one. “Only a little rocky area you have to climb up.” Ha! I must say, the view from the top of the mountain was spectacular. I won’t even try to describe it because words cannot do it justice. The picture at the beginning of this blog will have to suffice. All I can say is how mighty and glorious is our God! We finally made it to the glacier where is was about 20 degrees cooler with the wind bouncing off the glacier putting the temperature around 40 something. We were both so hot from climbing that we welcomed the cool. We both kissed the glacier, and crouched in the ice caves. As I was taking Laurie’s picture the glacier began to move slightly. I’ve never seen my sister move so fast!
We decided to walk along the edge of the river on the way back. It wasn’t nearly as difficult as the trip to the glacier for which we were extremely grateful. Unfortunately for me, one of the last streams we crossed, I slipped of my steppingstone and landed in the water. So much for keeping my shoes dry. After three hours and fifteen minutes, a few close calls with cliffs and long drops, two tired, sweaty, hungry, wet, and laughing sisters beamed as the car came into sight. It felt so good to sit down! We have affectionately named our hike the Hike of Insanity. Probably not one of our brightest ideas but it was a lot of fun. Okay Mama, you can read again.
Well that’s all from Alaska for now. I have so many more stories, but those must wait until I get back to Riverside. May the Good Lord bless and keep you all!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
"I'm Coming Home...
...To the place where I belong!" Only three more days till I leave! I can't wait!
It's been a pretty stressful few weeks. I'm not enjoying my job at all. There's a lot going on there - kids and staff. While I know in my head that I am extremely blessed to have such a great job that gives me so much vacation, benefits, retirement, good pay, etc, I can't help but be unhappy. Everyone knows that when they start dreaming and/or having nightmares about work, it's time to take a break...which leads me to: "I'm coming home to the place where I belong..."
My roommate and I are parting ways. We're good, just at two different places. She found an apartment and will be moving out by June 1. Which means, I need to find a place by then as well. Not going to be fun...It's got me stressed quite a bit. I am looking...there are some options, but most want renters right away. That's no good. And..."I'm coming home..." so it's going to be tough looking for places while I'm in CA...
Some good things:
-Hikes with Amy (see pictures)
-The three straight days of sun we've gotten! Yes folks - it's been in the upper 40's lower 50's! Bust out those flip flops!
-A car that STILL RUNS!
-A ticket home!
-3 1/2 weeks away from work
-A chance to see my family and friends back home
-"I'm coming home to the place where I belong!"
Here's the song...it's called "Home".
See you all soon!
Blessings!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Sing Alleluia
An entry from my personal journal:
"I never thought that something on cable TV would bless me and bring me to such tears. No, I didn't cry much. But wow...
"There are so many reasons I can't wait to get to heaven, and the greatest will always be to see Jesus face to face and be with Him physically, for all of eternity. I can't even wrap my mind around that...It's going to be awesome! I can't wait to see my grandpa again, and all the other people I miss - friends and family. I can't wait to talk to the martyrs and hear their stories. And I get to do this forever...what a blessing!
"I was watching 'The Best of the Dove Awards' on cable tonight. Sure, there were artists and songs I didn't much care for and that I would rather not listen to you. But there was one point where the whole audience was singing God praise and worshiping Him. It was beautiful! Even as I think about it, it brings tears to my eyes. There, in a room filled with professional musicians, all singing together in harmony in worship! Wow...Never have I heard a more beautiful sound. I can only imagine that heaven will be just like that! I get to sing with all the professionals and worship with them! And I can't wait!"
It's about 11:30pm as I write this, and my heart is so full and so happy that I can't sleep! This song I've put on the blog is the one I've been listening to and singing with all night long. I want to dance and belt it out! I should...my roommate is not around...
I hope you are blessed tonight.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Simplicity
Wow...It's been quite some time since my last blog! Lot's has happened, and at the same time, there's not a whole lot to tell.
I got a bed! That's right, I'm now sleeping on a genuine mattress instead of the hard floor! Let's just say this was one of the best purchases I have ever made! I love going to bed! And now, if any of you ever come to visit (hint hint) you'll have a place to sleep! This is a good thing! And with the bed came the rearranging of my room. Now, it still has work to do for when Linda gets up here, but it's a start. Another good thing.
Work continues to be crazy. This past week I worked eight straight days because my schedule was switching around. Let's see. In the past eight days, I have dealt with:
- Two girls cutting themselves
- A suicide note
- A girl barricading herself in a room, non-responsive
- Six girls PMSing all at once
- Six girls with extremely rude, defiant and annoying behaviors
This past week, it snowed about 12 inches. Yikes! When will the snow stop??? Answer: never. I seriously don't think it will ever stop. I can only hope...It's raining now, so that's a sign of warmer weather.
I must say, I've enjoyed this day just sitting in PJ's, with a hot cup of tea, watching LOST, and listening to the rain. There's not a whole lot more peaceful.
Which reminds me, LINDA - YOU'RE DEAD! Linda, my dear sister, told me to watch LOST. So being the wonderful sister I am, I did. And it makes me angry. Seriously. I hate the show - it makes no sense! But I can't stop watching it because I have to know what happens. That's the dumb part. Any normal person would just say, "this is dumb, and I'm not going to waste my time on a show that doesn't make sense." Apparently, I am not a normal person and cannot do that. GRRRRR...
I'm currently reading the book "All I Ever Needed to Know, I Learned in Kindergarden". It's a great book. Makes you think about the simple things in life. It's a book of thoughts about common things. Easy read - I suggest reading it! It's made me look at life up here. How different it is in Juneau to Riverside. Some of the things are big things, but some are the small things: how you can go to the store and see at least five people you know at any given time; how the fastest speed limit is 55 mph; how when there is an avalanche, everyone rushes to help; how people know how to appreciate the weather. That's probably the biggest one.
I hate the snow. Mark, my landlord, loves the snow. He says that the snow is like God cleansing out all the bad and making it white, just like the snow. He says it is a purifying that happens every year and gets us ready for the new year. I look at it and see a mess and a driving hazard. But that's the type of things people up here see. When it's sunny outside, people call in sick at work just so they can go outside and enjoy the sun! They've learned to look at the beauty everywhere and in every situation. I love that! It's something I can learn as well...
Hope all you are doing well! I miss you, and for those of you in So Cal, I'll get to see you in about 45 days!!!
Love you!
Blessings!
Monday, February 16, 2009
I Want to be Beautiful...
Time for a "girlie" post? My guess is that most of you will laugh, but hey - I can live with a few laughs...ha!
It's been a tough week at work. One of my girls and I are not getting along much at all. I can't seem to win with her! I try and try, but it's just no good. Sunday night's journal (the girls have to write a journal each night processing through their day. The journals are a "safe" place for them to express themselves explicitly - they can swear and write whatever they're thinking) had a few choice words for me bringing up all the things she hates about me. I consider myself a pretty strong person, but when I go to work each day and get the evil eye, muttering under the breath, and the hate journals, it gets to wear on me. It hurts! I can't pretend that I don't have feelings - I do. But the girls don't remember this - they don't remember that we're human as well. We do make mistakes! We do have feelings! We have bad days too! It's a lot to live up to.
I haven't been able to talk to many people back home this past week either because I've been sick and trying to sleep it off and get my voice back (good news - it's back!). Not talking to friends is REALLY hard, especially when your week is not so good. I miss them! I miss my family! I need a hug...
I'm reading the book Captivating right now. It's a book about looking into the heart of a woman. I've been journaling throughout the book, and trust me, I've learned a lot! Even when it's hard to admit, I have been accepting this for the past week: I want to be beautiful! I want to be someone who shines. I want to show people love. I want to be enough for the folks I come into contact with. I want someone to tell me, "you are beautiful. I think you are beautiful." Sounds selfish...but it's especially true when I've had a week like the one I just had. I don't feel beautiful. I don't feel like I'm enough. I don't feel like I'm shining. Sometimes, I just need to be reminded of it.
So if you're bored, send me an email or give me a call! I have a voice now, so I can actually talk! I may cough in your ear, but I have a voice!
I love you all!
Blessings!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Juneau Crud
Sound fun? Let me tell you, it's not. It's basically the common cold but kick the not feeling good about 50% higher and you've got Juneau Crud. My roommate has had it for that past two weeks and is still not over it. This is not good.
But, here's the great thing about Juneau Crud: I get to sit on the couch all day and watch 24! And no one judges me because I'm sick and you can't judge a sick person. So I'm in my comfy clothes with my hot tea, under my t-shirt blanket, and enjoying 24. Still debating whether or not to call in sick for work tomorrow...maybe I should...
It's still snowing outside. Actually, I just looked out the window, and at the present moment, it's not snowing. But it will - the sky is grey and white. I think someone on the radio reported that we've gotten over 130 inches of snow since October. Figures. The winter I come up, they get a record amount of snow. ;-)
I ran errands today - mostly just to get allergy and sinus medicine. Went over to the Harris' house to check the mail and got to play with Marina for a bit (Marina is their dog). Marina was SO excited to see someone (they're gone for a couple weeks) and was jumping around in the snow and biting the snow. She was so fun. She gave me the puppy dog sad eyes as I was leaving.
Sorry to report that there is not a whole lot more to report on! Life is pretty much the same up here. For those of you who read this blog, write me questions that I can answer! I love questions! You can put them in the comments section of this blog, or email me.
Wow, this blog is kinda scrambled. I must be sick. Time to get a refill on tea and turn on 24. I love you all and miss you tons!
Blessings!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Guess that Song
This is a note that someone did on Facebook, and I thought it was great. Don't forget to read and post on the other blog I did earlier today!
Step 1: Put your music player on shuffle
Step 2: Post the first line from the first 25 songs that play, no matter how embarrassing
Step 3: Strike through the songs when someone guesses both artist and track correctly
Step 4: Looking them up on Google or any other search engine is CHEATING!
1. Prepare ye the way of the Lord! - Prepare ye the Way by Godspell
2. Fifteen minutes left to throw me together - Settlin' by Sugarland
3. He drowns in his dreams, an exquisite extreme, I know - Beautiful Disaster by Kelly Clarkson
4. You'll walk unscathed through musket fire - My Ain True Love by Alison Krauss
5. Everyday more wicked! Everyday the terror grows! - Thank Goodness by Wicked!
6. It's not hard to know what you're thinking - Fade to Grey by Jars of Clay
7. I woke up this morning - there was rain in the sky - Love Will Save the Day by Geoff Moore and the Distance
8. Lord you have my heart, and I will search for yours - Lord you have my heart by Delirious?
9. Don't be afraid, you'll be alright
10. Who is this King of Glory who pursues me with his love - King of Glory by Third Day
11. Every now and then on my way home
12. Grandma burned the biscuits, nearly took the house down with it - Eillsworth by Rascal Flatts
13. When the music fades into the past
14. Think of me, think of me fondly - Think of me by Phantom of the Opera
15. I can think why you think you belong to me
16. Lift your gaze, be lifted up
17. Mama please don't go, won't you stay here for one more day
18. An only child alone and wild - Leader of the Band by Dan Fogelberg
19. I'll fly away old glory - I'll fly away by Jars of Clay
20. All my world, all I've lost, the wrecks I've made here
21. Shepherd, your sheep are weary
22. Here I am Lord and I'm drowning - East to West by Casting Crowns
23. Well I've been around for a pretty good while
24. What will be left when I draw my last breath
25. Don't ride your bike off a ramp that's more than three bricks high - Don't Ask Me How I Know by Bobby Pinson
Have fun!
It's About Time...
Sunset up here...Beautiful!
The infamous tree in the lake picture
Sunrise from my bedroom window
More of the sameAlthough I'm convinced not many people still read this, a few of you have asked about an update and more pictures. I'm not sure what you want to know. Not much has happened!
The last few days has been really warm - like in the 50's! It's been beautiful. I guess we were getting spoiled. Today, I woke up and it's snowing hard outside. They say by the time that this storm passes, it'll leave 15 inches on the ground. Not fun. But I'm enjoying sitting at my computer with my cup of Yorkshire tea, listening to music, under my blanket, and watching the snow fall outside. Doesn't get much better than that.
Speaking of music, I've found a song that I love. It's a new Chris Tomlin song called "I Will Rise". You can YouTube it. It's fantastic.
Work is still work. I just finished MAB training (Managing Aggressive Behavior) last week. Basically, it taught me how to put aggressive people in "therapeutic" holds so that they can't hurt anyone. I'm not sure what is therapeutic about the holds, but that's what I was told. I can't wait to go home and get my brother...
Here's a funny story about one of my girls. We'll call her AM. AM always has a bad attitude about anything new. She'll even tell you, "I don't try anything new. It's scary." So one night, I decide that I'm going to teach the girls Nertz (many of you know this evil game...). AM says, "I hate card games. I'm not going to play! You always think of the least fun things to do!" I tell AM that she is not required to enjoy the game, but she is required to try the game. Just two hands, I tell her. So with a poor attitude, she sets up the game and says, "OK! I'M READY! TEACH ME!" Ignoring her disrespect and attitude, I explain to everyone the game and take it slow the first hand. After someone yells, "NERTZ!" we separate the cards. AM says, "K, one more hand, right? I think I can do this without help." So we deal out again, play a "real" game, and when someone yells "NERTZ!" again, the game stops and we separate cards again. I tell AM thank you for trying the game, and that she can go do some quiet work time if she wants. Her response: "Hell no! I love this game! I'm going to keep playing this! K, deal again!" I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying, "I told you so!" Since that day, she has taught every staff "Snertz" and plays it at every chance she gets. However, she refuses to learn any other card game because "Snertz is the only card game I like. I don't like playing cards and you don't know any fun games." Ah well, maybe one day she'll learn to trust me...
Another funny story about AM. One Saturday, I got the PLEASURE of taking three teenage girls shopping for "fun" stuff. Any of you that know me well know shopping is probably my least favorite thing to do. When you add three teenage girls, you have a recipe for disaster. Anyways. The other staff that's on duty with me talk about who will get to go shopping. AM was in the running, but had a rough morning. It got even worse when she wasn't turning her morning around and was told she may not get to go shopping. To say she was upset was an understatement. She said, "I'm going outside to shovel the driveway. Don't bother me!" She was out for a while, and the driveway was completely shoveled! Pretty soon, she comes in with a big grin on her face and says, "Laurie! Come out and see what I did!" I go outside, very curious, and she leads me to my car. OK, when the plows come and plow the roads, they don't care if there is a car parked on the side of the road - they'll just burm you in. So, AM being the wonderful girl she is, completely dug me out and made a path for me to get my car out! She is grinning from ear to ear and is so proud of herself. From that moment on, she is great! So, because she turned her attitude around - not because she dug me out, she got to go shopping and was very happy!
That's pretty much my life up here right now. Enjoying as best I can! Hope you all are doing well! Miss you and love you tons!
Blessings!
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