Snow Goin' Sure Sprouts Smiles

Well, if y'all don't know, it's snowing here in Portland, David has ditched me, and loneliness laughed nastily in my face for a while. But that's nothing a little snow can't white out.

After spending some time sitting in my dark room alone, with nothing but the faithful glow of my laptop screen to illuminate my physiognomy (fancy word for face), I decided it was time to get some din-din (as my father says when it's time for dinner). Seeing as it was still snowing, I bundled up nicely in my gentlemanly, old-time, wonderful pea coat and Bulgarian-bought gloves and headed out into the flittering flakes.

I didn't want to spoil Butch's pleasant little nap, resting so comfortably under that cool, wintry white blanket, so I decided to head across the way to BJ's old-school style: by footsies. Have you ever run on the snow in the snow for no good reason? What a smile it put on my formerly dimmed demeanor! As my dark pea coat slowly turned white with the splatters of this light, wintry paint shower and my lashes grew heavy with their flaky burdens, I could not help but grin. All on my own, trotting down the sidewalk buried (or was it the grass? I couldn't tell), I was truly cheerful.

What a wonderful God that He should drift down such simple blessing before us. In the midst of mild discontent, He would gift a frown with much dimpled blessings. And isn't that so true to His nature? When our heart's bedroom is dark, silent, and empty, when our heads are hung low, when the winter seems to emulate our dampened spirit, there He is, faithful to bring the gentle, ivory kisses of angels, the timid reminders of His ever-presence in His children's lives. How passionate He is for us! May we ever keep Him near to mind and understand the undying love with which He loves us, caring not for our old, fleshly, sinful self, dead to Him eternally. Let us live as though we believe we are truly righteous saints because of His grace!

Very IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Heidi......
We miss you in the back room.
Are days are continually filled with gloom.

Until you return we will continue to cry.
The tissues are overflowing, my oh my.

Have safe travels and fruitful schools.
And don't you worry we are following the rules.

Corban Experience is a rumor away.
Pretty soon it will be today.

And you will be home and the sun will shine.
And students will be plentiful like watermelon rhine.

See you soon!

Wonderful Kidney Beings

Did you know that God made your kidneys?!

It's true. His Word says so specifically.

"For You created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well."
-Psalm 139:13-14

So many of us are so fond of Psalm 139. And it's no wonder. It tells us that God knows everything about us. He always knows where we are. Neither distance nor darkness can hide us from Him. Oh, and He made us wonderfully. God is crazy about us! And it begins in our kidneys.

Apparently the literal Hebrew translation of "inmost being" is kidneys. In Hebrew "kidneys" is an idiom for "the innermost center of emotions and of moral sensitivity" (NIV Study Bible, notes on v. 13), just like "heart" is for us. That would make for some interesting love songs...(See Mark Lowry for more on this point.) God not only knew our shape, our form, our size, and our gender, but He knew who we would be. He made us that way on purpose!

As I have been meditating on this chapter I have been so incredibly blessed and humbled to recognize how passionate God is for me. I'm not sure where I got these scratched, stained, fogged up glasses that I'm looking through, but they do a horrible injustice to the man in the mirror! I mean, if God, the Creator of the Universe and Everything in Existence, created me "fearfully and wonderfully" above all other creations, aren't I grieving Him when I look at that magnificent masterpiece and say, "Well, I don't know God. I mean sure, it's great and all, but I'm just not sure if I'm "fearful and wonderful" quality. I appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness though. Thanks. I'll just try to be a pretty good person, 'cause I don't think I can do much beyond that." How injurious to the greatest Craftsman any of us have ever known!

O God, may I see through the lenses of the Almighty; may I perceive what the Astounding Architect has built; may I know the vastness of Your Majesty in me! Thank You. May I show my gratitude with my life...and somehow that will never be enough.

How are you seeing yourself? After all, you were made from the same matter I was.

-Psalm 139

Blessings Poured

Each of us has stood in the rain, be it literal or figurative.
And though "every cloud has a silver lining", I wonder
how many linings we've seen, lamenting over soggy socks.
As a friend reminded me, the sun is still shining
regardless of the clouds that mask his face.
So I admonish you to count the rhythms of the rain
as the pulses of the blessings poured
by the Son behind the silver-lined clouds.

My feet are drenched; my path is planned by the One Who ordained my every step.
My head is cold; I've got a mind capable of thinking deeply and stirring myriad emotions.
My fingers are throbbing; I have talents undeserved with great potential in these hands given me.
My lips are blue; I can taste amazing and countless flavors, I can speak, I can sing, I can exalt the name of my Lord.
My ears are stinging; what astounding sounds come dancing through, what encouragements I can hear!
My nose is running; a valiant Warrior grants me endurance to "run the race marked out for me".
My hair is dripping; an impassioned Father "knows the number of hairs on my head".

I am loved.
I am creative.
I am healthy.
I have a sense of humor.
God has an increasingly firm grip on my heart.
God has chosen me for salvation.
God has provided everything I need, physically.
I enjoy my job.
God continues to teach me, mold me, and strengthen me.
God has blessed me with musical ability.
I have a heart for prayer.
My family is well.
My sister is married.
My grandparents are still alive and are coming to spend Christmas with us.
We live in a beautiful state.
We have freedom.
We have homes and food.
I can see.
I can hear.
I can feel.
I can smell.
I can taste.
I can sense another's pain.
I can read.
I have read countless books that have made me who I am, all falling far behind the Word of God.
There is always Hope; His name is Jesus.

Php. 2:14-15, Heb. 13:5-6

What are you grateful for? Or has it been too long since you've thought about it?

A day in the life...

Currently, David is listening to the song, "Hard Knock Life" from Annie, and is singing it loudly, slightly off-key.

I love my job!

Food for Thought

Twice this week I have seen the provisional, faithful, blessed hand of God in some arguably trivial ways. Nevertheless, it has been a confirmation of God's ridiculous love for me, His foolish sheep. I was unable to pack a lunch before I left for work twice this week. Unaware if I had a visitor to take to lunch or not, I chose not to worry about it and prepared for a possibly necessary mini-fast, but still sensing that God would probably provide visitors. Twice the Lord provided student visitors to take to lunch and I ended up having a lunch after all.

"...And how much more valuable you are than birds!"

Thank you my Astounding King.

Butch is happy.

I got home from my 2 week trip to WA today.

My Dad is a huge sports fan.  

The MLB World Series game is on TV right now.

He is not watching any of it.

Why?

Because my Dad has spent the last hour and a half washing, waxing, and vacuuming the entire interior of Butch.

Because a) he loves me and b) he wanted me to be able to take it back in better condition than when I left with it.

My Dad is amazing.

Good luck to whomever I marry, because he's set the bar high.

Quotable:

Man working Front Desk at my Hotel: (very friendly) Hi there! How are your girls?"

Me: "My girls?"

Same man: "Yes! Your little twin girls! Why aren't they with you?"

Me: "... ummmmm I actually don't have any children!"

Man: "Oh, I'm sorry! You look just like another guest who has these beautiful little girls.  Sorry about that."

Me: "Oh! How funny.  That's no problem!"

Now listen, do I look old enough have twin little girls?

I feel like half the time, people think I look like I am a student who represents the College-not an actual graduate.

Now I am old enough to have twin daughters?

hahahaha! 

ps. I am ready to come home now!

David, I figured you'd be curious how it went down!

http://caseyhultberg.blogspot.com/
If you want to read what I wrote about the "car in living room" incident.

I hate you Angie.

I know, I know. "Hate" is a strong word. Let's downgrade to "loathe."

Now I just read Jared and David's post and feel a little bad about writing about something so trivial but I'm sharing it anyway. :)

So... I've been on the go, go go SO much that I have had a really hard time practicing my Ride music. (And we have new music to memorize by... well very soon.) So after my college fair followed by three hour drive (from ANC to Kenai), I decided to hit the local gym (emphasis on THE). My original plan was to practice my ride music but the spinning room was 5 minutes away from a class. So feeling ambitious, I go ahead and decide to take it. I'll practice after the class... no biggie. How hard can this be?

My first warning should have been when I heard Angie say, "I help people train for triathalons."

My second warning should have been when she said, (after 10 minutes) "ok, warm up is over!" ("what? That was the warm up?!" I thought wiping away a light sheen of sweat.)

What really made me face the music was when I heard, "All right, we're ALREADY halfway done!" That' odd, I thought. She couldn't have said that, we only have 15 minutes left and my legs feel like jell-o. (did you read the part about how busy I've been? I've been running but spinning and running are very different...) Well, seems like details are not my forte, because it then dawned on my that a class called "endurance beast" might, just MIGHT, be longer than 60 minutes. Now remember, the class I teach, start to finish (including the 4 minute stretch) is 55 minutes.

So I suck it up. 90 minutes, I can do this. whew. This is good. I've been needing this. But as the 2nd half started I noticed Angie's cheeriness started becoming a bit annoying. "This is so fun!" "Wow, this is hard! (said in-between singing and seemingly not even out of breathe.) "Anyone else's hamstrings burning?" "wow, only 20 minutes left!" All of these things I will try to never say again when I teach.

About 80 minutes into it I started looking around for people who were cheating so I too could cheat and not feel bad. There were none. These people were rocks. I then began to hope that my music (that might give me away as an instructor) was well hidden underneath my sweatshirt so no one would know I was a pansy. As luck had it, it was.

In the end, I did it. It felt good. But let's be honest. I cleaned my bike, attempted a few sit-ups and went home. No practice for me, just some humble pie. :)

52 White Hairs

Granted, it is only a rough estimate, and I can't even see the back of my head, but I have at least 52 white hairs on my little head. That brings several thoughts to mind:

1. Ha! I'm an old man at 1/4 century old. So funny.
2. Mom & Dad must've been right a few years ago when they said I was like an 80-year-old in an 18-year-old's body.
3. I'm dying early.
4. I'll be the next Steve Martin!
5. God must give some people a more youthful body than others. Some people don't seem to age!
6. I'm more wise than most at my age.
7. ...Meh...

But there is one thought that this reflection has really caused me to think about. Perhaps it is the nature of my scantily scheduled trip in Southern Oregon, combined with the recent conversations with loved ones regarding, worth, work, and worry. Whatever the reason, I do not find it coincidental that God has compassionately convicted me once again.

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head [be they red, black, brown, blond, or white] are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." ~Luke 12:6-7

My God first speaks of my worth. It does not come from my success, my kindness, my sacrifices, my efforts, or even my self-abuse as a means of justifying my unworthiness. My worth comes simply because God knows how many white hairs I have on my head. Nothing of my own merit warrants this value, but that God has created me and established me as more valuable than any one of His other creations...Do I really believe that? I think I do, but I know I don't deserve it so I am tempted to push it away, favoring my own success as a means of worthiness. And if I can't do anything about my circumstances certainly worrying about it or wading in frustration and self-disapproval should raise me out of the mire?

"...Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life...Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" ~Luke 12:22, 25-26

I am commanded not to worry. And so, by breaking that command, I am sinning against the One who has promised to take care of every "single hour" of my life. Do we honestly acknowledge our worrying as a sin? For indeed, if I cannot trust God with the outcome of the events in a single day of my life I am essentially saying, "God, I cannot believe You to be telling me the truth. You say You will direct my every step, You will provide my every need, but frankly, I can see the circumstances, and it doesn't look like you're coming through. You are not enough for me to depend on, so I will mull over these situations that are now out of my control and, by fretting about them, somehow gain a level of control over what I cannot grasp. Sorry Lord; I don't trust You to be faithful."

...I am convinced I have far too shallow of a view of my astounding King. And I have been a servant of His for 17 years! I am blessed by those around me who see the worth in me that my Majesty sees. May I see that same worth more and more, surrendering everything that I am tempted to so foolishly and helplessly control to the Hair Counter. And who knows, maybe I'll even look in the mirror someday and see fewer white hairs.

"I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, most of which never happened." ~Anonymous

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Two more days in SoCal!

There was rain today -- that's BIG news down here.

Fairs are always interesting. I like talking to the other admissions counselors, but what I really love is meeting students who have a lot of passion for life and the Lord. I met three really cool students last night who wanted to use their skills for the Lord on the mission field. It's exciting to see, because they are high schoolers! It's a big contrast to what I was like in high school. Whether Corban is the place for these guys or not, God has incredible things in store for those that follow Him.

As far as other counselors go, they've all been really nice. However, Kyle from Northwestern College in Iowa is an awesome guy. I've noticed that he prays before every fair and event where he could be interacting with students, and is very intentional (in a genuine not creepy way) when he talks to other admissions counselors. I went out to lunch with him, and though we had a lot of other stuff in common, he wanted to talk about the Lord and what He was doing. Just an all around encouraging guy. He reminded me a lot of Jared, actually! But he didn't have any facial hair...and he's not Cuban.

There's a little bit of sunshine peaking through the clouds right now! I've enjoyed the sun, BUT, I'm ready to enjoy the fall in Oregon. Because, as you all know, "It does rain in Salem. But the great thing about the weather in Oregon is that there are four very distinct seasons..." and that we are "only forty-five minutes away from skiing and snowboarding -- it's a great location in Oregon!"

BIG NUMBERS

Just thought I'd share a couple BIG things going on in the office that you might like to know...

1. 601: The latest count of applicants. WOW!
2. 120: I have 120 visitors coming tomorrow from McKay HS to look at the campus and check out chapel! Cool opportunity!
3. 19: Individual visitors scheduled for Friday!
4. 4: The amount of people in the admissions office today attempting the crane yoga pose (we are definitely bored without you:)!
5. Millions: The drops of rain that supposedly are to come this week. Time to bust out my onesie space pajamas!

We miss you all and are praying for you!

so tired but still smiling

i spend roughly 11 hours of "college fair time" today (including the lunch i had to socialize my way through...) and i'm trying to muster up the desire to go for round 4 tomorrow. yippee!

but here's a cool thing- at part one (wow... i really feel like that couldn't have been today) i ran into a girl courtney specifically called me about whose family is going through a really hard time right now and i EXPECTED to find a girl who is sad or sullen or a little quiet at least. but she RADIATED the love of God. this girl GLOWED.

so perspective, you know? my day was long (my trip is long... as are all of YOURS i KNOW!) but i too need to set that aside and shine so others wonder what's different about me. and maybe, just maybe, i'll have the chance to share that with them as i pray this girl gets the chance to share with so many.

so if you think of it, pray for abby.

night!

It's the start of week three. I've got the routine down -- wake up, pack up, drive, speak, drive, speak, Starbucks, drive, speak, Starbucks, fair, dinner, hotel, unpack, homework, sleep. The biggest thing I've learned for the next trip is to stay at one hotel as much as possible!

There was a school today that I had been trying really hard to get a visit scheduled for. The counselor never called me back, and then I actually ran into her at a fair. She told me that I could come today -- and was really excited to have me come for a lunch visit. The school was out of my way, about an hour, but an opportunity is an opportunity.

So, I get to the school. Dead silent. There's a handyman painting. "Excuse me, could you tell me where the high school office is?" "It's up here. But school's closed today."

Today's Columbus Day. I don't think the counselor realized this when she scheduled me. Oh, how fun lessons of patience are to learn!

But this afternoon should be good. My friend from freshman year, Nolan (the one who put my laptop in Jello) is going to come and hang out with me. We were really close freshman year, but he left Corban -- I haven't seen him in four years! We're going to head to the Santa Ana zoo and check out the animals there.

Things I've Done This Week

1. Pet an elk...they're huge and a lot scary!
2. Found a condemned mining facility and water tower and photographed it.
3. Saw 11 members of my extended family.
4. Ate too much
5. Had coffee at Thump, it was delicious.
6. Went to Trader Joes.
7. Bought three new books- A Piece of Cake, Husbandtry and Higher Hope. A memoir, biography and Christian fiction novel.
8. Watched a discovery channel show about dangerous bugs and who would win in a fight.
9. Took a two hour nap, apparently I was really tired. First nap of the travel season I believe. Maybe second....
10. Made contacts with some youth leaders.
11. Oh! A worked!

Funny phone call of the day.....

"Hi, this is Courtney"

In sort of an accent and not very clearly, "Hi, my daughter told me to call you to find out what classes she needs."

"Okaaaay, classes for what?"

"For her diploma," mind you I can't fully understand her when she speaks.

"For her high school diploma?"

"Yes."

"Well, her high school would have to determine that."

"But she is not in school."

"She would need a high school diploma or a GED before she could attend here."

"Oh, so can she do the GED there?'

"No, I'm sorry she can't."

"She can't do the GED there????" she said, sounding sort of surprised.

"No, I'm sorry."

"So, what can she do there?"

"We offer four year bachelor degrees."

"So, when she comes there she can do whatever she wants."

"Well, we offer a lot of different programs it just depends what she is interested in."

"Okay, that is all my questions (pause) thank you."

"No problem."

You People Make Me Laugh

I just had such a great time reading Heidi and Natalie's blogs, very funny! :o) Just as a side note, in the background on the tv is a show about making cakes for weddings...and yes, I am enjoying it. Is that odd? Ooooo! They even have Grooms Cakes, how East Coast.
So I am now in Bend, OR. Although my visits today were in Sisters and then Culver (I know, right, who has ever heard of Culver!) and they were both pretty good. Small amount of students, but I suppose that does allow for more personal visits and one on one questions with students. And that I DO enjoy. Apparently this past weekend Bend had a huge snowstorm, I started hearing about it about an hour before I even got into Bend, all that's left now are huge clumps of frozen dirty snow on the sides of roads though. So Natalie, I saw my first seasons snow as well! :o) But I have a feeling mine wasn't quite as pretty as your first glimpse was. Okay, so the exciting news for Bend thus far. I check into my hotel this afternoon after a very early morning of driving and visits and I get to the front desk and the lady says "you know what... I'm going to give you a free upgrade since you're staying here awhile." What! I get to my room, a little wary because I'm first floor and I thought it was an outdoor access. However, it is not, its a tiny hallway consisting of 4 doors, haha. I walk into my room and my mouth literally hits the floor. This hotel room is seriously almost the size of the main floor of my house! I would say it is the same exactly, minus Andrea's room. !!! I have a kitchenette, a bar and stools, a livingroom with couch, chairs and tv, a desk, a fireplace, the walk in closet area and bathroom , bed area and a very beautiful patio that overlooks the pool. I can't believe the luck of this! Needless to say, I was very excited about this upgrade. My stomach has been hurting from eating out so much so I'm also looking forward to having the opportunity to eat fresh food (Trader Joes is only a couple minutes away). And on top of that, I have a great list of good places to eat while here, already crossed one off the list.
Mm...the fireplace is on and is warming up this enormous room. Alsom it is like a cake making marathon on TLC, fantastic!
Until later!

I should really be doing homework right now.

They said that doing homework on the road would be difficult. I realized this tonight, as I left a book at home that I needed for an assignment due tomorrow.

So, I figure I'd mosey down to the millions of Barnes/Noble or Borders around here to get the handy-dandy book that has the play that I need to read tonight. And come to find out, this is book that isn't very popular [as most textbooks are], and isn't carried by major retailers.

No problem. There are lots of colleges around, so I'll go to one of the libraries tonight after my fair. I choose Claremont College -- about 15 minutes away. So, I get to Claremont to find out that they have not one, but TWO libraries. And I am in luck, because there is a copy of what I need at EACH library! Two libraries! Two books!

Here we go, Library 1. I enter, find the call section. Book isn't there. Computer says it is. Book isn't there. No problem, I say -- there is a whole other library with the book I need!

Enter Library 2. Library 2 has the book I need -- hooray! I can't check out the book, but the play is only 35 pages, so I had decided to photocopy it. Turns out that the copier at Library 2 is broken. "Can I take this book over to the other library so I can make a copy?" "No, you can't, but the book is at the other library as well." "I didn't find it on the shelf there." "Maybe go and check again."

Back at Library 1, I consult the librarian there. "I don't see how it's not on the shelf, it hasn't been checked out for two years." "Okay, I'll check again." Giving the librarians and the Library of Congress system the benefit of the doubt, I again search the shelf. No book. Really though. No book. "The book isn't there, I checked." "Oh, well you can fill out this search form if you want." "Well, I just need to make a copy, is there any way that I can bring that book over?" "No, I think you're out of luck."

There. Two libraries. One with the book. The other with the working photocopier. Separated by about 50 yards.

So I left. Fortunately, University of the Redlands is only a half an hour away, so I was able to head over there. And their librarian was nice. And they had two copies of the book. And they had two photocopiers.

Take that, Claremont.

I am not dead!!!

So.... Heidi the blog-stalker has gotten to me, so I decided to let y'all know what's up. I am in my last week on a three-week trip to Washington and Eastern Oregon. Sorry I haven't been in contact that much (well... at all), but I will say that I called the office more than last year (as in 2x compared to none... I think that's impressive...). Anyway, I have decided that this adventurer is really the Lewis and Clark type. Go on an expedition, and let people think your are dead until you show up to prove them wrong.

Enough of that. Well, travel season has started out exciting. I have had the good and the bad schools, but really what stood out to me were my many first-time experiences. Here they are:

1. I met a senator of WA, who gave me his card. Very nice man, and I can honestly say I have never met a senator before.
2. I met a self-professed Satanist, gay, pagan-wannabe. Yes, those where his actual words and I met him at a school when he came up to me and said, "I am a Satanist. Are you afraid?" I told him no I wasn't and that I didn't believe that he was a Satanist because he didn't look scary enough.
3. I had an eclare (I don't know how you spell that French dessert) for the first time with an actual French lady. A very fun and authentic experience.
4. Spent the night in a haunted house. Literally. I will expound on this later.
5. Saw my first snow of the season.
6. Finally can say I have now joined the Marty and Jared school-visit professionals. Today I visited 6 different schools, and promptly went back to my hotel and passed out for two hours. Woke up not sure exactly where I was.

There are the quick highlights of my travel season so far. I think the best story really has to be the haunted house, so if you want to read a bit further, I will give you all the creepy details...

This year I decided to branch out and stay in Union, OR. They have a hotel there that was built in the 1920's and still runs. It is four-stories, including a basement, and each room is unique with its own theme. In my mind, it was going to be quaint and a very relaxing experience. Well, I drove into Union on a stormy day, and as I pull up to the hotel, it looks deserted. Not only that, but I notice on the third story of this imposing building, there are black plastic garbage bags taped to the inside of every window. And, in one window there is a ghost. So, picture me standing like an orphan in front of a giant brick building, wide-eyed, cold with the wind blowing fallen leaves briskly through the air, and ominous music playing. Yep, that was me. I walk into a dim, tiled entryway with huge wooden pillars and antique chairs. It actually looked like the Titanic-era, which was kind of cool, but not because I was by myself. I walk up to the desk, ring the bell because literally no one is around, and in walks this friendly grandpa-type. I say "I have a reservation here." That's all. And he says, "Oh, you're Natalie and your room is the Cottage Room on the second floor." Well, come to find out, I am the ONLY PERSON staying in this antique, four-story, haunted house of a hotel. I will say, it was a nice room. But the building itself was so antique, it looked like it was frozen in time and everyone who used to stay had died there. Coming down stairs, the grandpa finds me, and tells me that this hotel is being set up to be a haunted house for the October season. He takes me down to the basement, and tours me through this make-shift cript full of creepy dead bodies. I don't think it needed the dead bodies. It was already creepy. The thought did cross my mind that generally you don't go into a maze-like basement with a man, no matter what age, by yourself, especially if there is NO ONE else there, but it ended up being okay. The sad thing was, I had to go to Baker City that night to visit a church, so I came back to the hotel after 9 pm, and had to pull up to the haunted hotel in the dark. Let's just say I stayed up until 12:30 am, watching a movie so I would be really tired and fall asleep fast. I was trying to avoid hearing creepy noises.

In the end, I lived. When I woke up the next day, I discovered that some people had come to work on the hauntedness of the hotel, and had put up crypt doors outside of the building leading into the basement. They were pretty legit. I took a picture and will show you when I get back. Rumor has it that people have heard actual ghost noises in the hotel and vowed never to stay again (according to local coffee shop owner). I don't know what to think, but I do know that staying in a haunted house, whether real or just commercial, is not for me. NEVER AGAIN!

Juneau or... wait, is this Salem in January?

Rain rain, go away. It's quite the downpour here in Juneau. Which is actually quite normal for them. My experience in Juneau began w/ me driving to Douglas on accident (oops) because my gut told me to go that way and the gps is VERY slow here. my bad. Turns out my hotel was like 2 miles from the airport. (read: had to turn around and go back). Which leads me to a helpful hint. If you THINK you should use the restroom before you "go find your hotel" then yes, that is a wise choice. Or do what I did. Hold it and after you get lost in a sea of one-way roads in downtown Juneau, wonder if you'll be the only adult to wet her pants in a rental car. That would have made great foder for the blog, yes?

Fortunately, crisis averted. Hotel found. However I was warmly greeted by a sign the read. "we are unavailable. if you need help call 907.xxx.xxx. sorry." Really? REALLY? As I'm calling 907.xxx.xxxx, I run into a ref from another college who chatted w/ me for a while, a goooood while (good thing i found a public restroom or this story would have been MUCH more interesting, yes?) and then asked for a ride. Ok. So I give her a ride to the other hotel (where I am to check in) only to be met by a very bored man. (Read: quit trying to joke with us. I REALLY am ready to go and crash in my room). He then informs us that our keys are back at the other hotel. Ok. So back we go. long story short, made it into my room at grandma's feather bed (best western) that actually comes w/ a featherbed AND a soaking jacuzzi tub. Bless you best western. Actually, all jokes aside. Thanks Lord. I needed this. I then proceeded to hole myself up in the room for the next well, for forever. I even ordered pizza. I just wasn't feeling the "let's go be social with people I don't know right now."

Blah blah blah, onto the college fair. I can't say that I'm very popular here. Kind of bums me out really, I like actually talking to students, not holding a fake smile for minutes on end hoping to entice a sucker over to my table. I mean a student. Actually, the second part of the fair was quite productive, I met several fun Christian students who are interested. I even met one of my student's (abel orbastando) cousins! And then there were the boys who hang out at my table making me fear the cougar vibe i must be putting out. run boys run! But I also entertain the lasses. I love overhearing them saying "she was fun, let's come back when this gets boring." I like connecting with real students more though. I'm just not sure Juneau is the best place for that. Bummer. Well, we'll see.

I will spare all of the details of our lunch with "entertainment" except to leave you with these few highlights:
-an older lady (we'll call her bernice) who, instead of asking my name, decided to lean in really close and stare at my chest and/or name tag to read my name. a little uncomfortable.
-that special duet performed by two teenage girls about the one boy they both love.
no, lets just stop there.

Now I'm at a coffee shop for 72 more minutes until I have to go back and meet the parents. Oh my word. I kid you not, I think the lady from lunch just walked in. wow... i LOVE small towns. Well, she's headed this way. Have a great day!

NATALIE- where ARE you!? :(

Sunshine, the Cutting Line Dancer

Amazed, agitated, antsy, appreciative, and astounded are all accurate adjectives about aforementioned adventure. =D

Now that I'm done with the verbal gymnastics, allow me to expound.

Contrary to pre-travel descriptions, Colorado has quite surprised me. It's been a bit difficult to remember that I am indeed in Colorado and not Southern California. I have not seen a drop of rain, let alone any snow. However, there was a couple days of aggressive, biting wind which caused me to fear the unlikely possibility of having my leg slammed in the car door, successfully detaching it from my torso due to the sheer force of these tempestuous winds. Okay, maybe that was a slight exaggeration. But it was extremely windy.

I can't remember a time when I've been so involuntarily masochistic either. I have enough paper cuts, scratches, and dents on my hands for about two each weekday evening I've been here thus far. I've counted seven. Don't worry though, I've avoided all the critical veins and arteries. No hospitalizations just yet.

One of the highlights (indeed, a silver lining to a gray cloud that day, proverbially of course) was setting up in a lunch room at a school during Homecoming week. I was the blessed beneficiary of viewing a lesson in line dancing. And, naturally, given my temperament, was quite tempted to join in the hoedown myself.

And now, arriving at the close of a week divinely, though peculiarly, directed by our remarkable King, I find myself anxious to return home. I left my car in Portland after all, and I am eager to get back to it...

With that I will leave you, saving other stories for other times in other forms, for it is always more enjoyable to speak face to face as Paul so oft says. I have to go now. I just noticed a crooked picture in the business center.

Back in the office...

Hey All of my Traveling Friends!!!

A) I am back in the office, and I just want to know where the "Party in the USA" has gone?
B) It is not as much fun here without all of you!
C) Props to Rachel and Courtney who showed good excitement when Casey and I got to work this morning.
D) Props to Rodger Greenfield, who was patrolling the Schimmel Parking Lot with a ticket clipboard when I drove on to campus.
E) There are MANY MANY application essays to be read! I am getting nothing done today except for a visitor lunch, reading essays, answering emails, and packing for my next trip.
F) I leave for Sumner and Bellingham on Sunday.
G) Marty asked me how my trip to Montana was today at lunch.
H) It's raining! It is officially October in Oregon. :)
I) Did I mention yet that I miss everyone? Except for David in his overly-fancy Fairmont bathrobe.
J) NATALIE COME BACK TO US!!!! WE MISS YOU AND WANT TO KNOW HOW YOU ARE!!!!
K) Jared, are you having fun in Colorado? Has it snowed on you yet?
L) Praying for you, Dear Friends. Sleep! Eat healthy! Run on a treadmill! :)

Agreed

Natalie, come out of hiding, we want to hear from you!

NATALIE?!

S.O.S. Natalie... are you alive?

we miss you. please blog!

Just to receive some simpathy, here is my schedule today:

7:15am Leave my house and go to Great Harvest and Fred Meyer
8am Teach Freshman Seminar
8:50am Attend Greek Class
10:15am 30minute phone call, hard cuz I was the only one in the office but a great conversation
11:15am Lunch with visitors
12:45pm Touring some business leaders around campus that Jon Meyers has on campus
4:30pm Leave for Corvallis to attend a college fair
7:30pm Head for home, long day almost over:)

Just thought I'd keep you up to date.

It's a Difficult Night..

You see, when I opened the closet in my hotel room, there were two bathrobes. I just didn't know which one to use! Being a guest at the Fairmont Newport Beach is so difficult sometimes.

Really though, this hotel is incredible. Thank you Hotwire for scoring a 4.5 star hotel in the low $80s! I wish that I could stay through tomorrow and lounge by the pool in one of the cabanas and watch TV. But you know the life of a businessperson...places to go, things to do!

What's NOT cool though is parking that costs $28 a night. What IS cool is finding a place to park for free one block away. Walk a block and save $28? Please and thank you. If I wanted to spend $28, I could just open four of the Fiji water bottles on my dresser that cost $7 each.

Okay, enough hotel talk! School visits have had small numbers of students, but really good conversations. I had been told that I was doing a class visit this morning, so I rushed and got a couple dozen donuts/bagels for the class to enjoy. My visit? Me and one other student in the library -- she does XC, so she had to decline a donut. Great conversation though, I think she's going to come to Corban!

I really enjoy the fairs simply because it's nice to see other admissions counselors -- I was in a booth next to Dan from William Jessup, and we hit it off. It's nice to know that there are other people doing the same type of thing you are, you know?

And Jordi, I know what it's like to spend 3-4 hours a day on the interstate. However, instead of going 1000 miles, I go more like 10-15. Gotta love LA traffic!

Sorry, one more thing! I just called to request a wake up call. "Mr. Collett, could I also offer a reminder call?" "What's that?" "A call a little bit after your wake up call to ensure that you are up." NO WAY! So cool!

ps....

It makes me feel like Courtney, David, and I have shared a special moment, since we were typing/reading the blog between 4:25 and 4:30pm Pacific Standard Time. 

I like everyone...

in our Office at least! ;) Just kidding.  Kind of.

My thoughts on Montana: It has been all I had hoped for! :) It is so so pretty here.  I have probably driven close to 1000 miles in the last week, but I get to do it at 75 mph, so who's complaining? :)   (literally, 1000 miles.  I drive about 3-4 hours on the interstate most days!)

Over the weekend, I hiked the "M" and the Clark Fork River near downtown Missoula.  It was 90 degrees here, and BEAUTIFUL.  I would put pictures here, but I'm not sure how....so please check my Facebook if you want to see God's beautiful creation in Montana :)   Also, I would like to thank everyone in the city of Missoula who was hiking that day wearing either a fanny-pack or Sony Walkman (the huge 1992 kind that plays a tape, I saw 2 of them), because you made my walk uphill much more enjoyable.

Yesterday my fair was at the University of Montana (a BIG state school), and I had no idea where to go once I got to campus.  Then I saw a Counselor from Gonzaga leaving his car in a main parking lot, so I parked fast and ran after him. haha.  He was nice.   We had to walk a long way to get to the correct room, so we talked the whole time.  

After the fair was over, I started to walk back to my car and it dawned on me that I had no idea where I parked.  I was only paying attention to our conversation, and just following Mr. Gonzaga wherever he went.  I started getting scared and thinking that I would be late to my next fair cause it was an hour drive.  I wandered parking lots for about 30 minutes before I remembered to pray.  Found my car 3 minutes later.  :)  

I have my last fair here in the morning, then fly home tomorrow evening, and get to Portland around 7pm, a little before Casey.  I have decided that in at least one area our job has made me absolutely spoiled. I LOVE BIG, COMFY HOTEL BEDS! :)  

Also, I love my rental car.  

I have already weighed the pros and cons of turning into a fugitive just so that I can keep it. 

In the end, I have decided I would miss you all too much, so I am going to turn it in...I guess.

However, I would like to point out that we have some of the BEST coffee in Oregon!  No one here can make my coffee like at home. :)  

I will be having as much Javaroma as possible between Friday-Sunday when I hit the road again.  

My last thought: It is gloomy and pouring down rain outside in Kalispell, Montana.  

Oregon, here I come! :)

My question:

Where is Natalie?

I am personally shunning Natalie until she posts on the blog. (Arm motion down, shunning).

Have any of you all been to Starbucks recently? Have you been tried into trying their Via instant coffee? I've been to many a Bux in the last couple of days, and it seems like the baristas are robots --

Barista: "Have you tried our Via ready brew? It's really great, and it's 100% coffee! And you can pour it in milk, or hot water, or cold water!"

Me: "Isn't this just instant coffee?"

Barista: "It's Via ready brew! It's great, because you can take it anywhere! It's microground, so it tastes just like coffee. You won't be able to tell a difference!"

Me: "Ohhh. My friend Katie works at a Starbucks. She said that Starbucks told all the partners that they had to push Via and be really excited about it, even though it's really instant coffee."

Barista (whispering): "Yeah, they told us that we had to get really excited about it in front of the customers."

I tried some and bought a pack. It tastes like instant coffee, but it's not spew-out-of-mouth horrible. There's just something within me that feels convicted about drinking instant coffee. Perhaps it's the Holy Spirit? Maybe we should be pursuing higher grounds?

things to be thankful for

hello all!

it's easy to get caught up in all that goes WRONG when you're planning a trip/on a trip so I thought I'd take the opposite approach and list out things I'm thankful for (looks like Courtney beat me to it!) So here are a few things:

-Rachel was able to take me to the airport, sparing me the 4 hr wait after the hut shuttle dropped me off.
-a nice man behind the alaska counter said, "let's see if I can save you any money on this bag" (massive bag of Corban stuff) and he did. $15 bucks.
-exit row available and I had the whole row to myself!
-heated seats in my renal!!
-hotel so nice and clean, bed so comfy!
-man checking in in front of me serving in the military... so great people will step up and serve for OUR freedom...
-almonds. (would have been so hungry w/out them!)
-just got a phone call from an applicant who recently became a Christian (bro at our school), excited about possibly coming to corban!
-free wifi at Kaladi bros.
-alaska knows how to heat their buildings! (sorry courtney...)
-6 hawaii schools confirmed!
-I get to go and see Michelle Wagner after I finish w/ Hawaii schools
-iphone directions work so well!!


ok... that's it for now. :) have a geat day everyone!

MY FIRST BLOG EVER!

This is my first blogging experience! Here is my news to share with you!!!

I found a new pandora station to annoy Courtney with... it's 80's pop rock. I'm currently listening to "The Pretenders... I'll stand by you".

I am the new owner of a 2004 Acura MDX!! YAHOO! I can now take more than 2 1/2 people in my car! It is kind of a gray, blue, green... I can't really tell. But it has all the fancy things that I don't know how to use (auto lights/wipers, navigation, backup camera, calendar???)!

Lastly, I finally found the coconut M&M's at Walmart last night! You don't know how long I've been looking for those! They are delicious.

I know none of these things really have anything to do with the office, but besides Courtney and my pointless conversations of heater stink and what's for lunch, there's not a whole lot going on around here. I am praying for all of you and am loving hearing about your adventures!

I MISS YOU!
Rachel

Thankful!

I am thankful for heat!

For the last two days I have been sitting in my office shivering and taking breaks to warm my hands so I could continue typing. I think the rest of the people in Schimmel feel this same way (Jordi, i borrow your blanket yesterday to ward off hypothermia). So, about 10 minutes ago I started the smell the sent of the boiler coming back on after a long summer of rest. Not a great smell but I'm so happy the heat is coming back, yay!

And, it also makes me realize that I am spoiled because I feel the need to complain about being a little cold at work for a few days (well a lot cold), but really, having a nice warm place to work is great! I think its good to be thankful for the little things:)

So, as you can tell things are not too exciting around here. We have no visitors so Rachel and I are just sharing ideas for Freshman Seminar class.

I also was asked to pose in a photo with two students in matching outfits who are traveling all over campus on razor scooters (you know that little ones with like two tiny wheels and low handle bars) taking pictures all over campus. Not sure of the exact reason, but it was funny.

Well, I better get back to work.

Breaking news......

Fooled ya! There is no breaking news. Unless you consider that it rained alittle today breaking news….I guess the fact that our database is “corrupt” is news too, but it is kind of old news. We’ve been having trouble with GM since last week. You all have heard that so it’s old news. Heidi is gone as of today. That’s new news. Here is something that you don’t know: we have 13 students registered for Corban Experience and they’re mostly David’s. So that makes this bit of information new news.

 

It is kind of a slow day here, manning the switchboard of Corban College. Can you tell? On the other hand, Anita and Claudia really are the only ones that actually look and are busy. Some of us look busy but are we really? Something to ponder….

 

I’m praying for all of you. That is true news. New too. No, really that is old news because you should all know that you are in my prayers.

 

I hope you are all well. Take care and keep in touch!

 

Sandy

 

 

You Know They Say...

You can teach someone anything, but that experience is the true instructor. Like camp counseling, I try to glean tips in order to arrive as apt as all the others. And yet, I'm still fresh to Admissions Counseling -- and so much crazy stuff happens! Here's some highlights...

-Taking 4 pieces of luggage and a display through LAX, to a rental car shuttle, to the rental car hut, out of the hut to the car, to the hotel, up the elevator -- I have since rearranged so that I have an "overnight bag" for each of my hotels. I am in Ventura Beach tonight -- with a balcony and beach front view! The weather's crappy, but I'm having glamorous thoughts of leaving the sliding door open and falling asleep to the sounds of the beach.

-I met Frank Emitte's grandson. You know Emitte Center? Well, I was at a Christian school today (with yearly tuition of $22,000!!!), and this guy said "Oh, I know all about Corban -- Frank Emitte was my grandpa!" Cool! Pastor Emitte was my Pastor at my church back home before he passed away.

-"Hey, you should know that you have really pretty eyes!" were the words yelled at me by a high school girl as I left a school today.

-I told the story about my laptop being put in Jell-O to a HS chapel today. Turns out, that my friend Nolan (who did the deed of Jell-Oing) went to that high school -- and his sister was in the audience! And the college counselor used to be his teacher! Crazy! Exclamation point!

-Ouch! My dress shoes rubbed my heel raw (see picture). I didn't know that they made special inserts for women's high heels to prevent this. I now have "Hug My Heels" inserts in my shoes.

-LA Driving. It's crazy -- and I love it.

-Disneyland. I was going to go alone on Saturday. But my mom called, and my brother's youth group and her are doing a last-minute youth group trip THIS Saturday! So I'll get to go with them -- and they're not telling my brother, so I'll be able to surprise him in Disneyland!

-There's been some fun stuff already -- but it is strange being alone through it all. I feel that when something funny happens, I want to turn around and look at one of my friends to laugh with them. That's kinda sad, but a good encouragement to keep in contact with people!

Here are some photos!

It Must Be Monday (Again)

Well whaddaya  know . . .Goldmine is still down, and now most of the work day is gone.  Since I can’t get anything productive done, I’ve been occasionally looking out the window watching the earth-moving equipment push the same patch of dirt back and forth.  I’ve also been watching my incoming pile of references/transcripts/whatever quadruple in size since this morning.  In case anybody is wondering, we are now over the 400 mark in apps.   

Anita

 

 

Voicemails.....

So, its true what Rachel pointed out to me once, that when people are leaving voicemails they speak clearly and normally until they recite their phone number and then its superspeed, I wish I could type out Rachel's impression but it just wouldn't come across the same. So, I just listen as carefully as I can and hope for the best.

Or, there are the ones that you cannot understand hardly a word of. Like today, with an accent, I think of some sort, hi............long pause..........hi may name senator, thats what I heard? She has questions about apply and there are different programs so she has some questions and wants someone to call her about applications and questions and blah blah blah, not sure what she was asking? So no name or idea what she was talking about but I actually think I understood the number:) So, I call and leave a message for _____________. Just returning your call:) sorry I can't address you by name:(

So, that is what is going on in my office today.

Monday in the office...

"Monday in the Office"
-a poem by heidi

Monday.
dark office, old smell.
lights are off, i don't bother changing that.

all alone.
no jordi, david, jared, natalie or casey.
(or rachel or courtney for that matter) sad monday.

no visitors.
but lots of meetings.
where is my notebook? i must record important notes.

monday.
pandora is my only friend.
i'm reduced to writing poems on blogs anyone can read.

Accumulus

Day two in Colorado and I just saw my first cloud...at all. It wasn't much in the way of clouds, but he hung proudly for a moment or two before he dissipated with the wind. I have gradually watched the little remaining snow on the peaks of the Rockies dissolve to a lone patch of whiteness, stranded as a birth mark amidst the strands of a brunette's hair. It is remarkable how unwaveringly God has placed them there, so near my nomadic backyard, an impervious force preventing my westward trekking, ill-prepared as I am.

I marveled at the Garden of the Gods (which I have decided I will refer to as the Garden of the God) today as well. Such astounding giants, painted with a radiant, burning red...God is awesome. Those are my sentiments. David, bad news: the "pool" is actually a fountain and I'm not even allowed in it. The actual pool is inside right next door to the fitness room. Sorry to disappoint. But still a lovely hotel. =0)

Chosen Blessings

It's amazing what a choice at 4:30am can do for you when you're running on two hours of sleep. Doubtless your flesh will dare you, even compell you, to draw back into yourself, wanting only to be left alone and expecting that everything should work smoothly and perfectly or else the world around you is a blundering fool who can't seem to get anything right, let alone comprehend that you are clearly the only one who has everything, even anything, together.

I thank God for the strength He gave me to choose to allow Him to be seen through me. Who knew so many people would be willing to talk to me about my trip, their trip, and their lives at 4:30am. And what a cheerful gentleman to encounter on the shuttle at o'dark thirty. =0) My encouragement to you friends: Choose to let God use you to brighten someone else's day even when you are sick of being alive...or awake.

"We are as happy as we choose to be." ~Abraham Lincoln
~Proverbs 17:22

Praying for you all.

Again????!!!!!!!

It’s another day, and I’m back on the blog.  Wait - - - That must mean that we are having Goldmine problems again!! 

But hey -  it’s Friday, I’ve only got a hour before going home, and I’ve actually had a few free minutes to read all the great Admissions postings that are up.  Life is good!

Anita  :-)

 

 

 

 

 

Our office is cute

Haha, I do greatly enjoy reading the advenures of everyone else...whether in the office or out! So right now I'm sitting in my hotel lobby, free wi-fi and it makes me feel like I'm in Jurassic Park (one of my all time fav movies by the way), so its a win win situation. Or as Michael on the office would say, a win win win.... who the third party win belongs to I do not know.
David, you make me miss gov cup. As I posted in my other blog yesterday, I am so ready for the Fall and the weather that I am used to accompanying it. It is 100 degrees here again. And I am only going more south to Ventura for the weekend to visit my grandparents. I tried to set up some church visits down there but got....rejected. :o( But! I am going out to coffee with a potential student after church on Sunday before I hit the road to Bakersfield, so that I feel blessed about. And soon enough, my peacoat will adorn me...soon enough.
And Jordi, 5 visits in one day! Mygoodness, you are proving why you got hired right there! That's awesome! Makes me feel slightly unsuccessful about the amount of visits I have stacked up here in CA, but, I am so proud of you! Jared and David might appreciate this, being the other CA counselors, but I have been chatting with fellow counselors from other well known schools and seeing what their travel season looks like in CA. Mostly because I have had the WORST luck setting anything up here, whether calls and emails before I left or calls while I'm actually in the state, there have not been many positive responses....in fact, there just haven't really been ANY responses. However, these other counselors have told me that this year has been the hardest year for any of them to get visits set up. Something is going on with the educational systems in CA, because no one is returning calls, and not just to Corban, to everyone. Makes me breathe a sigh of relief that I haven't completely failed, but also makes me so sad that so many students are missing opportunities to hear about great schools that might just be the place for them. But this I do know, God has a plan for everyone and the connections I have been able to make and the visits I have gone to have been absolutely fantastic. Last year, many of my WA visits no one showed up to...one person came in and realized it was Christian....three people listened and then I'd find out they were freshman...you get the picture. This year, completely different! All juniors and seniors, high interest, thanking me so much for telling them about the school, getting emails on the road asking more questions! It has been utterly amazing. Although the quantity of visits this long trip has been lacking, the quality of the visits and people will surely make up for that. So you two men, just be ready for a lack of response from schools but some amazing hearts from the students.
So tomorrow I meet for coffee with two of my cousins. We used to be like the three amigas when we were little, everything done together, matching clothes, all of us two weeks apart. I haven't seen them for years and years, and it should be an incredibly awkward and awesome reunion. Coffee and walk on the beach you really can't go wrong so I look forward to it. wish me luck though, we all know I can be a bit awkward and quiet but I think I'll have to be the facilitator of conversation and inquiry in this case.Sorry this became very long!
Okay, so great fair last night. Even recognized this dad and I asked him if he used to work at the Winco in Salem....answer- YES! They moved here to manage another store. Their senior son....Corban is his top choice. Dad's brother- Joe Castanada. Made me feel like I had a little piece of home standing in front of me.
I'm praying for you all and can't wait to hear more stories! natalie, you need to post!

Almost on the Road!

I'm sitting at the Gov Cup downtown. I must look super trendy, because I've got my messenger bag, English books, Apple laptop, and thick plastic glasses. My earbuds are in, and I must be listening to some acoustic version of Coldplay or Modest Mouse, right?

Wrong. I'm listening to "She Wolf." AaaaaOooooooo!

The office has been very quiet since everyone has been gone. Our adventures have included Heidi loving a YouTube video about Hot Pockets, the 2009 GoldMine disaster, and me throwing away that disgusting African blend coffee that we have in the closet.

Speaking of the closet, it's organized! And so are the shelves too! The fridge? Cleaned! It's a whole new leaf in our office. The organization will last as long as we're all traveling, no doubt.

Jordi, you have written a perfect length -- always tell stories!

Montana is Pretty...

All of your little posts are so cute that I almost got tears in my eyes!  (I'm not sad, I just like everyone! :)

Are we like a little family?  Now I don't know if I'm supposed to write stories telling about my trip or just try to be cute and short like everyone else. :)

I just made it to my hotel in Missoula after night #1 in Kalispell.  My hotel in Kalispell was literally connected to a Shopping Mall.  Like if you kept walking down the hall of my hotel, you would walk right into the mall hallway.  Weird. :)  There was no Gap, David. :(

Today I had 5 school visits.  God bless my GPS! I made it pretty easily to all of them.  4 were public schools, and 1 Christian school.  I was disappointed by my visit at the Christian school, because no one showed interest/came to talk/filled out a card.  I just anticipated a more positive result.  From there, I drove fast to my 11am visit. It was a public school, but there was a room full of 12 students already waiting for me when I got there! God bless that counselor for recruiting them! I wanted to hug him, but then I thought of Jared, and knew it would not be appropriate.

At that same visit, I got the feeling that I had such good attendance at the cost of getting "Corban Eligible" students. Example:

Boy: "So, I know you guys are a Baptist school and everything, but is church attendance required?"

Me: "Well....It is very strongly encouraged, and it is expected."

Same Boy later: "Do you guys have fraternities?"

Me: "Uhhh no."

Again same Boy: "So is it like you basically HAVE to be a Christian to get accepted to your school?"

Me: "Yes."

:)

David will be happy to know that our song, Party in the USA, came on the radio today while I was sitting in traffic, and it made me happy.  

And Courtney! When I put up my display last night at the See You at the Pole Rally, I didn't look stupid! I did it right and the polls did not fall all over the place this time :)

I am so tired! :) Thanks everyone for warning me, so I knew to expect it. Thanks for all the prayers too! Today I got this surge of energy at about one and I thought, "Thank you, Jesus! Someone is praying for me!" :)

I am having fun though, even if all of my hotels' gyms consist of: a) one treadmill and b) one bike, in a room that is the size of a guest room. :)  

Haha, Anita you make me laugh! Sorry Goldmine is having such terrible issues this week. Soon, so soon, I will be in the office reading applications in your office!

Anita's Blog

Ya know, if I weren’t forced to exit Goldmine so many times this week because of various Goldmine problems, I could actually be working on these incoming apps instead of posting to this blog.

;-)

Anita

 

 

Hey!
Natalie? Casey? Jordi?
You should all know that the back office has been taken over by the men. I mostly hide in my back office. :)
Hope you're all doing well!
-heidi

Ashamed

Allow me to take this opportunity to say how incredibly ashamed I am to recognize that both Sandy and Anita managed to post introductory statements before me...And I was creating this with David at his desk!

For those of you on the road,

Rest well, my friends, rest well,
for what will come, who can tell?

"Always be prepared to give an answer for your faith"
and remember that you represent the Corban College face.

Eat some random foods, and see some far out sights,
but never cry yourself to sleep if schedules don't work right.

Pickle, pickle, pumpernickel,
don't come back all down and sick...el.

Blog Post

Paper, paper EVERYWHERE!!! And it’s only September 23^rd!!!

Anita

sandy's test blog

This is easier than signing into google!

Sandy