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.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
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.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
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!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
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.
If you want to read what I wrote about the "car in living room" incident.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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. :)
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
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!
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!
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!
Monday, October 12, 2009
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.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
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."
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."
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, October 5, 2009
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!? :(
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!? :(
Friday, October 2, 2009
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.
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! :)
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! :)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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.
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.
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