shalom

just sittin at work eating strawberries and entering data. yesterday was really long. not bad long just long. ended up having to break up a yelling fight with two of my small group girls. then we had a therapy session. one of them called me dr. phil. i told her that wasn't funny.


this work day has a couple more hours. then tonight i'll get to relax for a little bit before my roommates and i discuss the book we just read. something about finding your calling in life. sorta boring but had some nuggets. talked about shalom. what if we as Christians were actually seeking shalom. what a different world this would be.


tomorrow is february. and today is MB's 26th birthday. Happy Birthday! if i could transport myself to your birthday poker tournament would. hope today is the wonderful beginning to a year filled with adventures.


alright i should get back to work now.


shalom.

cold

have I mentioned that chicago is cold in the winter?

gnome land

and here we have patricks extended family.

Remember when Lovedrug was playing every other week? I remember that. And I remember that this was my favorite song. And they played it at that one concert and it was incredible.


So currently there's a girl sitting in the waiting room. I was the first person to tell her she was pregnant. She's here for a check up ... she's starting to show. And another girl is in the back with her boyfriend and one of our doctors, I told her she was pregnant too. She's got a little bump on her tummy. This is just a little strange for me.


Some giggly girls just asked for some condoms. I'm mad at them. And boys.

sex talk

So guess what I'm about to be doing very soon? Yep that's it ... teaching abstinence in a Chicago public school. This is really good especially since my super has been pushing me to promote. This isn't exactly what I had in mind. But it just dropped in my lap so I'm thinking it's probably good. Challenging but good. Who woulda eva thunk it?


But it does mean that I'm gonna have to be really prepared. Especially since this teacher wants me in her classroom next week sometime. I'm not a teacher ... but I guess God likes to stretch us out of our comfort zones eh?


I've talked with some of the neighborhood girls about some of this stuff. Made them real uncomfortable ... but someone's gotta do it. And hopefully I'll be talking to the girls in my small group. So that'll be good practice.


I'm reminded of what Don said about always wanting to be leaving the person I was a moment ago. That's exactly what I'm doing the more I follow Christ. I don't want to stay the same. And I guess I'm not going to be able to. To stay the same is to start dying inside. Not exactly something I'm willing to do.


Who knew I would be getting this much experience here in Chicago? And who knew that my job would have such a huge impact on my day to day life? Good thing I ended up at this work site eh? Crazy how God makes everything work out.


Yikes. It's been way more productive than I coulda hoped.

your song

This is for my wonders at Kent State ... state and main ... scaring sonya in the steak and shake parking lot ... it's all good ...





Sleep has been a tough thing to come by these days. No matter what I do I can't seem to sleep. And I have a kink in my neck. I'm so frustated with night time.


Mom's coming to see me Sunday/Monday. I'm pretty excited about it.


But today I've made up my mind to be very productive. Kelly's comin over to take my picture so that my mug can go on the website. I've already made calls to Mt. Sinai to get test results. I'm about to find out about promoting myself. I'm ahead of the game. Plus I think I'm joining choir starting tonight ... something tells me it's one of those things that I will regret later on down the line. But here we go.


Psalm 33:18-22
"...the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, Oh Lord, even as we put our hope in you."

Oooobama

I'm falling in love with Obama. I think I'm going to start reading his book.

it's that time of day

Have I said that I really like K T? Well it's true. I'm a fan of pretty much the whole album. Glorious.



Hebrews 6:10-12 (New International Version)

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.


This is good. There's just a lot in there. But what's jumpin right now is that we're to imitate those who are faithful. Who am I imitating?


Well it's gotten to the time of day where that I wonder why I'm still here. School's letting out and that means that I just sit here for a couple hours. I've already reorganized my desk which was quite the undertaking. I figured if I'm going to stay here I might as well make myself at home. Found all kinds of information filled things.


Looking forward to Sunday/Monday a lot. I'm hoping to head to Wicker Park and make friends with my kind. And I've gotten a couple roommates to rebel with me ... for the superbowl we're going downtown to a sports bar of some kind. Way to be a leader laura.


And I just overheard that we're closed Friday which means I get an extra day off. Just let's not tell anyone. Oh man I'm excited for that. Oh but I have a debriefing with my supervisor ... shoot. Oh well, we'll see what's gonna go down.


As for tonight it's time to discuss the book we're reading through together. It's called The Corner ... to be honest I read the first chapter/season and decided to be done with it. But believe it or not I was able to contribute to discussion last week without reading the material. I guess that means I'm smart or a good BSer. Either way I'm not reading it anymore.


It just seems no matter what amount of sleep I get I'm tired. Whether it's 5 or 8. I'm just not sure what to do about it. It's gettin to be quite a bother. I really dislike being tired all the time. Maybe I'll try going to bed even earlier tonight ... I'm practically a gramma ...

I think this is beautiful

I also really like A Smile That Explodes by Joseph Arthur. Mmmm ... really great.


Can I just tell you how much I love mixed CD's. I got two in the mail yesterday. One was titled "Jesus Loves Laura" and the other was called "Kim Loves Laura". So perfect. Thank you lovely. Can you just come hang out and we'll listen to them while we're driving through the country. Alright ... that'd be great.

i'm just a deer

Psalm 42:1

"As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God."


But really all of Psalm 42 is good.


Today has been a little busy which has been nice. And found out last night that training on Friday is from 5-9 and then we have training Saturday 930-330. That's just a lot of "training". But I'm about to go home and finish a scarf. Then it's off to a meeting for the youth program I help with. Hopefully they'll be giving us Lou Malnatti's pizza again.


Oh what I wouldn't give for a house white ... oh my goodness ... delicious ...



A'ight ... peeeace.

gimme a break pete

Here's how things went down. First I was talking to Mom and she told me to check out a couple verses in 1 Peter. So I sit down in Starbucks, open my Bible, and flip to 1 Peter. As soon as I start reading I get a text message from KimS asking me if I've read 1 Peter recently. So, I'm thinking God really wanted me and Peter to have a chat.

Here are some of the "screamers".


4:8-10 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.


3:8-12 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."


1:22&23 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.


2:15&17 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men...show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.


Those passages zinged a little. Especially in regard to one roommate in particular. But then these were also helpful for life right now.


1:6-7 ...you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.


2:20 ...if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.


4:12&13 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.


This faith that I'm wrapped up in is contrary to the world in so many ways. When I'm in the midst of something hard I'm supposed to stay there, and rejoice no less. Painful trials are just a part of this life I've chosen.


Had a really good conversation with my Ashley about how we've chosen a tough path. That we ask for challenges but then want out when they come. It's an interesting way to live life. I want to be content whatever the circumstances. And I want to be joyful always. But I'm really glad that God is patient with me.


...good times gonna come...good times gonna come...


I probably have more to update about but that's it for now. Work to do.

Thank You

Since Ashey posted this I thought I should probably do the same. This was new years eve and we were having our annual new years eve dance party. Oh what a good night that was.


One would think that dreads+facial piercings+knitting+singing out loud would = wealthy good looking business men not being interested. Think again. He wanted to buy a scarf from me. Then wanted to buy me a drink. Oh what fun.


Then on my way home I was sitting waiting for the train and I notice some guy out of the corner of my eye. He was acting like he was taking pictures with his imaginary camera. I looked up and he was pretending to take pictures of me sitting there. Weird. So I smile. Then he gives me to "OK" hand signal and smiles back. Then he says, "that's what I'm talking about!" He continues with the camera thing and I try to ignore it. But it's weird right? Then I hear the train coming. Halleluiah. But then he says, "I could stare at you all day." Uhhh. Then he proceeded to sit across from me on the train and stare. Luckily he was only on there for a couple stops. I'm just all creeped out for the weekend.


So this is what I read in God Calling this morning,

"Never forget your 'Thank You'. Do you not see it as a lesson? You must say 'Thank You' on the grayest days. You must do it. All cannot be light unless you do. There is gray-day practice. It is absolutely necesesary."


Got me. It's been a gray couple days. I'm not sure if I've even said "Thank You" once in the past weekend. So I'm gonna try real hard to be all about "Thank You" on this gray day.


"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." - Psalm 150:6


Mom may be coming to visit next week. Hopefully.


"nobody said it was easy." - coldplay is playing at the apple store.


Alright it's back out into the elements. Whole Foods is gonna get hit up. Then a little Starbucks action with a delicious cookie (which will make the 3rd in 3 days).

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bein bored

I remember when I used to have a life. Those were the days.


My roommate asked if I would come sit at church while she types up an essay. Evidentally she doesn't like to go places alone. Last night she asked if I would go to Borders with her while she looked for the book that she's writing this essay on. But we've had some pretty solid conversations so it's been worth it.


So I'm a little bored currently. But I figure if I can hold out till tomorrow then I'll be okay. Tomorrow ... tomorrow ... I love ya ... tomorrow ... you're only a day away ...


Apparently a woman from my church invited everyone in the church over after the service tomorrow. I'm sure everyone's gonna be watching the game and I'm just not sure if I can take all that interraction with people.


And one of my roommates wants to try this other church in the nieghborhood before going to our church. She asked if I would go with her. Guess what I said ... well I'm sure we all know the answer to that one.


I'm a little grumpy right now. It's just been a long weekend. At least I haven't punched anyone yet.

to the left to the left

Some kid just told me I have khaki colored eyes. Evidentally they don't teach highschool kids their colors anymore.



1 Corinthians 16:13-14 "Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping." (The Message)

Thanks Kim. Come play with me. I really need you to.



Goin home. I'm just worn out. Don't even know why. Maybe because I've been sitting at this desk practically all day.

shine

Hebrews 3:12-14 (New International Version)

"See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first."


How do you encourage someone in such a way that it prevents them from being hardened? I wish I did a better job of that.

We all need people like that in our lives. People that can remind us of the truth and help us keep going in the way we set out on.


My fingernails are an iridescent teal color currently. I've taken to changing the color of my fingernails about once a day. It's wonderfully relaxing and freeing. So there's that.


Today is Friday gang. That means a slow day, meeting with the supervisor (she loves me now that I've decided to stay), and then family night. Not too bad of a day. And that means that tomorrow is Saturday which means it's almost Sunday which is when my day off starts. 2p.m. on Sunday will find me downtown with a book, a frosted snowflake cookie and a cup of coffee. Sunday afternoons and Mondays are my favorites.


Matthew 5:16 "...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

"...Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."


This was one of my first favorite verses. My mom reminded me of it the other day and Kim reminded me of it today. It's a good one. We're living this God-filled life in order to attract others to it.

civets

This is an interesting article. I mean I love coffee. But this is ridiculous.


http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-0701180053jan18,2,2611014.column?coll=chi-printnewsthursday-hed

Every Day To The Fullest

"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose his he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 2:23-25 (NIV)

"Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil's trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands." 2 Timothy 2:22-26 (The Message)


It's been a tough couple days with loving the roommates. I'm trying to figure out how to continually forgive and not hold on to things that they do. It's hard though. This passage is good and challenging.


Yesterday's meeting wasn't all that bad. And I've been realizing that I really shouldn't complain about my service site. It's really not that bad. And where else will I get to read and surf the web in my down time. I'm actually pretty lucky. Right now I'm looking for hostels in Chicago. And reading The Search for Significance by Robert McGee.


Have a wonderful day today. Remember to be patient. With yourself, with others and with God. Don't wish you were someplace else. Right where you are is right where you need to be. Make the most of it.


K.S. you're really great and I'm glad we can communicate on a regular basis. make today count pumpkin.

snowflake

Hebrews 10:39 (The Message)

"Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing they couldn't touch your real treasure. Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don't throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It's still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion.

It won't be long now, he's on the way;
he'll show up most any minute.
But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust;
if he cuts and runs, I won't be very happy.

But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way."


Like it ... like it ... like it ...


Have a staff meeting coming up in a little bit. Not too excited about it really. They're always really discouraging. But hopefully it'll go long enough that it won't make sense to go back into work and then I'll get to go home early.


So there are these snowflake cookies at Starbucks. They're delicious. How about you just come to Chicago and we'll go get one and sit at my new favorite Starbucks that has a fireplace. Oh man. That sounds good. I'm doing my research to find out how long the delicious cookies will be there. I'll let you know as soon as I know.


a'ight ... peace ...

He's got the whole world in His hands

Ezekiel 34:11,12,15&16

For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness...I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.


It wasn't in Isaiah after all. But it's still good. God's got everything under control. He doesn't exactly do things my way or in my timing ... but I think we all know He's smarter and wiser than I will ever be. He's looking after His sheep and He will take care of them. Good stuff.


God's got the whole world in His hands. He's got the little bitty children in His hands. He's got you and me brother in His hands. He's got you and me sister in His hands. He's got the whole world in His hands. Sunday school song anyone?


This is good ...

No, it is not yours to open buds into blossoms.

Shake the bud, strike it
It is beyond your power to make it blossom
Your touch soils it you tear its petals to pieces and strew them in the dust
But no colors appear and no perfume
Ah! It is not for you to open the bud into blossom

He who can open the bud does it so simply

He gives it a glance and the life-sap stirs through its veins
At his breath the flower spreads its wings and flutters in the wind
Colors flush out like heart-longings
The perfume betrays a sweet secret

He who can open the bud does it so simply

Written by the Indian poet Tagore

this just in!

Ash and I making cookies over Chrsitmas break. Wonderful.


So it's official. I'm stickin it out here in Chicago.

Ran across this little nugget this afternoon ...


James 1:2-4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."


I would definitely say this past week my faith has been tested. Is God who He says He is? Is He faithful? Can I trust Him with my future ... even with the next seven months of my life? Well I've wrestled like it's my job and the outcome is that God is exactly who He says He is. My faithlessness has not for a moment changed His faithfulness. I'm also realizing that it will probably get harder before it get's better. I want to be apart of the solution but I will need prayer. It just feels like it's gonna be a difficult season in this life. But at least I've got God. All I need.


Good stuff.


But you know what this means kids? Yes it means that we need to step it up in the come visit Laura department. Seven months is a long time and I get lonely here. So get your reservations in soon.



Thank you to those that challenged me when I was doubting.



Had a great conversation about traveling this afternoon. Got me all psyched up to go see the world ... secret agent style. But seriously, there are so many places to explore. Can't wait for it.


Well I'm about to journey home. Hopefully I have frostbite.

let them know

“More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets.

It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn’t be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them.”

- Henri Nouwen


This is one of my favorite quotes from Henri. This is what I feel a lot.

Oh the things you learn

Yesterday I learned a couple interesting things ...

1. My stories are so boring they make people fall asleep
2. I'm uncultured
3. There's a fifty-fifty chance that I'm a girl

Maybe there were other things that I learned but I can't remember.


Last night my roommates and I played hide and seek in the dark. That's a good step right?


Couldn't sleep last night. It was a rough day. So then I had a dream that Mission Year is a cult and they do horrible things to people that question them. It was seriously disgusting. I won't write about it on here. Weird right.



Proverbs 12:15

"The way of a fool seems right to him,
but a wise man listens to advice." (NIV)

"Fools are headstrong and do what they like;
wise people take advice." (The Message)

I'm trying to be wise but it's hard and confusing.


Alright work ... then the roommates and I are headed to Chipotle.


So it came out last night that almost all of them took sparky (the imaginary dog I made up) for a walk with their friends while we were on break. Who says I'm not leaving a mark. It's so embarrassing.

I don't know anything

"I don't really know very much of anything. I mean, I used to have all these theories about life. I thought I had everybody figured out, even God, but I don't. I feel at times like a droplet of water in a raging river. I know for a fact that as a grain of sand compares in size to the earth itself, I compare in size to the cosmos. I am that insignificant. And yet the chemicals in my brain that make me feel beauty when I look up at the stars, when I watch the sunset, indicate that I must be here for a reason. I think I would sum it up this way; life is not a story about me, but it is being told to me, and I can be glad of that. I think that is the why of life and in fact, the why of this ancient faith I am caught up in: to enjoy God. The stars were created to dazzle us, like a love letter." - Donald Miller, Through Painted Deserts


Kimmy Bear gave me this book for Christmas. Finished it in a week cause I couldn't put it down. It was beautifully written and makes me want to get a van and go on a road trip with Paul. (too bad Paul got married, he woulda been perfect) If you ever want a little taste of God's creativity, take a sample of this book. It's raw.

sleepily waiting

"But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant." - 2 Timothy 4:3b


Ouch.


Last night I slept 10 hours. The night before I went to bed at 6:30p and woke up at 6:30a. This is strange for me. 22 hours of sleep in two days. I slept almost an entire day away.


When I was flying home I got stopped and my stuff got searched. Evidentally I had to many liquids. That's ridiculous. But anyway. The guy searching through my bag got to my bible and made some comment about it being really old. It is in shambles. Then it took me 2 hours to get home from the airport. Isn't public transportation lovely.


Best part of Christmas break was this, Sunday when we were finally celebrating Christmas there was much family time. I sat down on this chair that someone got for someone else and soon after I sat down my little brother Clayton sat down with me. This was a small chair so we had to kinda squeeze in there. He then proceeded to sit next to me and lay his head on my shoulder the entire time. He'd get up for something and then come sit down again and lay his head down. So cute. Made me miss my family a whole lot.


Dr. Jones just came out to ask how Christmas break was. He then ended the conversation by saying, "you look really tired, you okay?" So it's true. I look really tired.


It's the madre's birthday today. Happy Birthday Mom!


"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ." - Colossians 2:2

why am i here ...

"How can you be overwhelmed when I am with you? ... the strain is only when you are serving another master, the world, fame, the good opinion of men - or carrying two days burden on the one day." - God Calling


How do you know the right choice. Both could be good. Both could be bad. How do you know when you're supposed to quit or stick with it? Mom told me to listen for God and not listen to what other people are telling me.


10 minutes after I sat down at work my superviser called to tell me she'd be there in 10 minutes. She also told me she was bringing with her an intern that would be shadowing me. That's a lovely surprise for the first day back. Turns out the girl doesn't like the city. Doesn't want to learn about anything I could teach her. She was frustrated. I was frustrated. So I called my super and got her taken away. What a day.


I'm just struggling to see why I'm here.


At least I have Patrick ...

gotta get through this

i'm not sure if i can do this. i've already cried a whole lot and i look disgusting.


Sunday at church one of my wonderful friends gave me this passage written on a piece of paper.


Jeremiah 17:5-8 (New International Version)

This is what the LORD says:
"Cursed is the one who trusts in man,
who depends on flesh for his strength
and whose heart turns away from the LORD.
He will be like a bush in the wastelands;
he will not see prosperity when it comes.
He will dwell in the parched places of the desert,
in a salt land where no one lives.
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."


So pretty much what I've realized is that I'm not trusting God completely. Because I am afraid and I am worrying. I need to look at what's going on in my life and trust God completely. It may be hard and it may be painful but God is with me so I've got nothing to fear.


But even still I'm human and I don't know if I can do this.

wiz bang

jack and bep. gone going. good.


who needs sleep eh?


i'm just gonna miss this place is all.


but kim and heather are gonna come see me in a week.


i should make it till then.


don't do anything i wouldn't do.


this is the last thing kim said to me last night. "I'm gonna get wasted tonight." I'm gonna miss her a lot.

last day

today was the last full day in ohio until who knows when. am i allowed to say that i don't want to leave?


but that's why i need to go.


the day started with a little heritage action. brock and alyssa talked through the whole service. mike b. nailed it. then it was home to finally celebrate christmas with the family. a lot of fun. then to borders with kimmy bear. jar jar binks. then to qdoba for a little dinner with kim, ash, brock and alyssa. we got judged a lot. then to CT to see emily scott who i will miss a lot. then out to coffee with ryder which was really good. and now i'm packing a lot.


tomorrow morning hittin up scotties for the last time ever. then it's time to fly out at 1:30.


goodbye ohio.

get me sick

tonight i ventured to red robin to see aaron's band play. blown away. they're quite swell. nothing like being the 5th wheel i must say. but it's all good. not at all awkward. especially the conversations that were had. what a riot.


and before that i played american idol with brock, alyssa and ashley. we also ate a wonderful meal cooked by the one and only ashley. or brock. no one really knows.


and before that i met up with kimmy bear and we sat in our chairs. she got confused a lot and sounded like a boy. but it was quite delightful. i'm glad i have her.


i'm just not ready yet. but in other news. it may be time for another country at the end of the year. not sure all the details just yet. but i'm psyched about it.


i asked around tonite and no one could help. so if any of you know where i could catch some terrible illness please let me know. i'd rather be sick with my friends than healthy without them. i'm just gonna miss my girls a lot.


time to finish wrapping presents. peace out. adios.

memories

the pictures that i finally showed to kim has spawned a look into the past. last night i looked through a lot of old photo albums. then tonight i got out some picture cd's from summer 2003 and SIP 2005. wow have things changed. some of the pictures are hilarious and a lot of them contain people whose names i can't for the life of me recall. if you're lucky you'll get to see some.


it's incredible the people i've met because of my hair. "wicked"


but i'm tired and i have to wake up eventually. so i'm outta here. night.

hide and seek

imogean heap. thank you micah for reminding me that they exist.


i forgot to mention that i aided some little hide and seekers last night.


it's funny how things change. those true colors are definitely out in the open.


out. i'm hiding now. peace. come and find me.

burning embers

today was great.


started at scotties. ran into anna and hungout for awhile. then to inniswood where i found a beautiful pine tree to climb. then met up with joy and had a lovely time. then kim and i went and visited katie and ashley at the WAC. then got coffee with mrs. hamparian. then ash, sonya, kim and i went to steak and shake. delicious. then home.


had a lot of time to think today. thought about how we're supposed to treat other people. how we're supposed to love each other. challenging.


to speak now or forever hold my peace?


tomorrow brings a meeting with jed. hangout time with kim. ash of course. and maybe others. have a great week kiddies.

popular mechanics for broken hearts

Yesterday was quite the full day. Slept till about 10:30 then awoke on Ashley's floor. Drove home. Drove to campus to dye Emily's hair. Drove to westerville to pick up the little brother. Drove him home. Drove back to the folks house. Then drove back to westerville to pick up Ashley. Drove over to the Hamparians house. Then matt took us to his new house and we hungout with him and scott. Then we had to leave. So we went to starbucks with kim and kelly. Then to a parking lot to create loud noises and explosive high fives. Then dropped ashley off and headed home. That's when I found this cd that I totally forgot I had. It's Beulah. Their song Popular Mechanics for Lovers , good. It takes me back to a year ago. A different time.


It's hard to hear what people really think of you. If I would've known then what I know now ... things woulda been different ... way different. It's been hard.



Paigey and I are meetin up ... then jake ... can't wait ...

2007

texting was banned at the Laughlin household last evening ... so we could spend some quality time together. We decided to have a quiet night as we celebrated the ending and beginning of a year. Mission accomplished ... the old one left and the new one is upon us.


Priorities must be in line. First Scotties around noonish then MLE then we'll see.


Hope your 2007 is way better than your 2006. And that there's lots of dancing.