The Cruise. Photo overload!

Oh, The Cruise. It was FABULOUS! We really loved being with my family and the eating and the drinking. It was SUCH a good time.  A once in a lifetime thing for us, partially because of Dad's stroke (it renders him pretty darn tired for two days after traveling, so having the room available for him 24-7 was perfect) and it also allowed us to see such beautiful sights. Here:

 Near a Really old church in Puerto Rico - I think it said something like "built in 1650-something". Wish I would have written it down!

No idea what this building is for (home or business, but) Pretty!

 One of Two HUGE forts built in San Juan - one to protect from attacks from Land (this one, San Christobel) and one to protect from attacks at sea. (Ben and Jeremy show how big!)

 Off the boat at Barbados!

 Barbados! - Such beautiful water.....

 Why, Yes, our boat is as big as a floating skyscraper.

 Ben getting the shot  coming into Port in Antigua

Stunning, Stunningly beautiful Water. And that's a resort! "I Want To Go 

To There!"

For some reason I was able to notice glimpses of tropical birds everywhere we went. This little guy was flitting around our beach area for a good while

Rum, baby! It was pretty good, if I do say so myself!

Adam taking part in the local culture

Jeremy trying the Local beer

Bekah and me on the first night (I chose them in the wrong order, but it takes too much effort to move the photos in blogger)

The first night is formal night, thus the jackets and cocktail dresses

So charming

All of us together

Third night dinner. Bekah's dress was purchased on Antigua. Very sassy and cute!

Sailing away from Antigua

Coming into Tortola with the Sun

Tortola

Dolphin! Swim!

um, YEAH it was fun!

So, dolphins are amazingly AMAZINGLY gentle. There's no bumping into you unknowingly, the way dogs do.

Did I say it was fun? Cause it was SO MUCH FUN

Dude was performing ...he loved his little frozen fish. (The trainer fed him, not us!)

Sweet and gentle!

do you believe I am swimming with a DOLPHIN?

In Totola, we walked EVERYWHERE!

Then the boys surprised us....

With a massage for each of the girls....

From the Ship's spa! Oh, my goodness, SUCH a luxurious day!

Pretty courageous in St. Thomas

The kid makes it extra heavy!

Driving up the mountain in St. Thomas

Snorkeling - kind of - there weren't many fish to see

Checking out the Local Beer

Waiting for really interesting tacos - chicken with beets and cabbage and this amazing sauce. Just...Not enough of them!

Lots of Shopping in St. Thomas, just not a lot of different things. The souvenirs were pretty disappointing. Or really expensive.

The last night - with our FANTASTIC waiter and waitress, Carlito and Josephine!

Between the family, I think we have somewhere around 700 photos of our trip...so be thankful I stopped here!

But we did have a great time. It's really wonderful having family that gets along with each other.

Better (while simultaneously angering parents everywhere)

As I re-read the last two posts, it makes sense that people would respond with empathy and concern. And, this post isn't going to, nor is it intended to "undo" the expression of emotion that I've posted before. 

However, the last two days have not been full of weeping and gnashing of teeth. I have been thinking on something my husband said, which I believe is true, and also has the risk of pissing off some parents.

Children do not give meaning and value to a life.

Ok, so that statement? That was exactly what I needed to hear after the day of crying, returning from the doctor's office. 

It may seem unusually harsh and broad, but I think that if one slows down and thinks about it, there will be fewer howls of indignation from the happily married with children set. 

Certainly children bring meaning. They are valuable (if they were not, my desire to be a mom would be silly and likely even crazy.) However, having children does not make my life meaningful and valued. My life is already meaningful and valued, based on the value that Christ has endowed upon it, as a fellow heir.... etc, etc. You can fill in the rest.

Valuable, Same as infertile couples, same as single believers. (Or, shall we relegate single believers into a subcategory of "less than" because they are not married? [Unfortunately many Christians do act as though singles and non-childrened families are lesser than. Another post for another day.])

Secondly, as he assured me, our lives will be good lives, because we are already a family. A family of 2.  The numbers are of no consequence, we became a family when we married. 

Finally, I'm still  anxious regarding the next 3 months and fear that all of the side effects of Lupron will come raining down on me. However, as my mom encouraged me, exercise will be one of the best management tools I can utilize. So that's my plan. get my butt out of bed and exercise even when I don't want to. I have a little hope it won't be as terrible as I am wont to believe.

Different ears

My husband and I have different ears.  We hear things very differently.

I leave the fertility specialist in tears almost every time we see her. Dr. Scotchie is amazing, and she's only a few years older than me. She's a terribly empathetic physician, which is a high value for me, as I've interacted with a number of strange, odd, blunt, impersonal physicians (when my dad had his stroke).

Yesterday was our followup, which took an hour because I processed everything verbally.  I had a million questions, it felt like. I probably could have picked her brain for another 40 minutes, but she (surprise!) had other patients to care for.  She is going to put me on Lupron, a 3-month drug which will put me into a "false" menopause. Well, actually what it will do is shut my ovaries down (this is how I understand it. However I'm not really an expert on this at all).  The ovaries not producing estrogen will cause me to have menopausal symptoms.

Anyway, My husband has the ears of a positive person: He heard that we have a really good chance of getting pregnant after I take this Lupron shot. (Freaking Menopause, people!)

I cried.

It's just that I'm so angry that we even have to be on this path. When she talked about statistics, I heard: 20% chance of conceiving with shots and IUI. 11% chance with pills and IUI (and you can't really do IUI more than 3 months in a row). 5% chance on our own. Decreasing probability over the next year because my endometriosis will grow back.

Seriously God? There are meth addicts that have children!

When I told Adam how angry I was he reminded me of three couples that we know that are infertile (And I just now remembered a 4th) that are some of the most amazing people we know, and they are  certainly holier than I am.

So, I've concluded that there must be some kind of connection between being really holy, and God saying "no babies for you!"

Christmas Lights Therapy

There's something about being a counselor that makes you unafraid to diagnose yourself with various ailments. Depression for one.

I think most counselors - well, most decent counselors - are pretty good at self-analyzing, and realizing when they are blue, dark,  depressed, down.  Just the other day at work, one of the counselors mentioned her annual wrestling match with that general feeling of malaise during the winter.

(The current everyday experience of rain and/or fog isn't really helping, either) 

As I stood at our doorway, getting ready to get to bed (erg, its already late...) I looked around the living room, decked out with modest Christmas decorations. The white lights glowed from the tree and the garland.

I realize I'm blue. Not getting what I desire (that what is biblical and natural) has pushed me into a dark place. A place where I know the Lord is with me, but has not released me from.  I'm not skipping or running through this place. Walking. Through the valley of the shadow.

But the small, glowing lights of Christmas work their own therapy.

The people walking in darkness
   have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
   a light has dawned. 
Isaiah 9:2

Day 5

Today was pretty good. After taking a recovery step back, I took.it.easy today. It did make for a very boring day, but hopefully I'll be even more energized and pain free tomorrow.

Today was probably the first day that I didn't notice any residual shoulder pain. I awoke with a headache, but I attribute that to sitting strangely while knitting. I'm sore near the incisions and internally, but nothing severe. I've cut back on medication, and only taken a few ibuprofen at this point.

I'm really posting my experience, because I felt that much of what I found online was terribly scary, or unhelpfully vague and also wasn't very clear about what to expect each day after surgery. I wonder if someone out there Googles "laparoscopic" "surgery" "endometriosis," if they might find these posts and be helped. I hope so.

Day 4

Day four, I expected to be easier and less pain. Instead I took a step back and ended up where I was on day 2. Tomorrow I will not move! No bending over, no reaching. I shouldn't have pushed myself.

I get super super sad at the end of each night. I think partially because of the drugs, partially because of wearyness of my body fighting to be better, partially because of the difficulty being on this path.

I'm also just disappointed that I'm not seeing more evidence of healing. 

Tomorrow and the next day, I will NOT MOVE!  It will be Buffy 24-7. That or Bones.

Day 3

Post op day 3 looked a lot like taking it easy - really easy. My sleeping was significantly better - I woke up once during the night. I slept until 7, went back to bed at 8 when I realized I was so tired, got up at 9. stayed up a little and shopped online with hubby (it WAS Black Friday, after all.) Took a nap around 1.  My eyes were still dialated from the patch, but seemed to be significantly better by the afternoon. I only needed Ibuprofen a couple of times during the day.
Movement was significantly smoother today. The incisions looked fine and seemed to be healing nicely.  Sitting up and down became less and less of a problem.

The unexpected was the hit of blues that came around 5 pm. Just a sadness that descended. Because I wasn't thinking especially emotional thoughts or experiencing sad events, I am connecting this to the operation. Apparently post-op blues are not uncommon.

I'm going to bed now, going to rest up for the next few days and make a decision about returning to work on Monday or Tuesday.

Days 1 and 2 after laparoscopic surgery

The first night after surgery, well, it was nothing like I thought it would be. When I was put under at age 16, to have my wisdom teeth out, I slept for 24 hours afterward. Woke up and ate Jello, soup, was pretty much good to go.

I realized that I would not be "good to go," and I was pretty anxious about the pain that would come with the surgery. What I wasn't expecting was my inability to sleep more than an hour without getting up to go to the bathroom (albeit, very very carefully) or take medication.

I slept quite a bit the first day after, but was able to move around, sit up for long periods and even go visit some friends next door.

Day two was really when it all hit. The pain in my shoulder was excruciating. Apparently the CO2 gas that is needed to push the abdomen wall away from the internal organs gets stuck underneath the diaphram, and radiates pain to the shoulder. It was the worst pain. The internal organs just felt sore, as did the incisions.

Because it was Thanksgiving, we headed over to our friends house, and I did alright for about 2 hours. But I hadn't gotten a nap in (and I always felt exponentially better after a nap) and so shortly after we ate one of the finest Thanksgiving dinners, I had to leave to rest.

When I woke up, as was par for the course, I felt so much better than before. Too bad I hadn't snuck a nap in before.

I was surprised that the pain that I felt was mostly the shoulder. It was terrible. I medicated properly and also used a heating pad. But the only way to really get rid of the pain was to expel the gas by burping. My poor hubby! Such a unlady-like endeavor.

The story

My husband and I apparently are fairly private people. I know why he is - he has tact. I think I am more private as of late because of my training as a therapist. I know it isn't because I have tact!

Nearly a year ago, my husband and I started our attempts at "starting a family." Those are his words. I'm sure that at my finest, I might be a little more colorful in my words. Pregnancy never occurred.

I was certain it was because I was so stressed out as a private therapist - trying to keep our little world afloat on $11,000 a year. When My Husband, The Saint, graduated from grad school, he was immediately offered a job (in a terrible economy, in fact). We moved to a financial secure world, certain that this was the context in which we would attain pregnancy.

I had read everything there was out there about getting pregnant, and was faithfully buying the proper "stuff" - sticks to pee on, tracking my temperature, checking "fluid," etc. Each month, my period came and some months I took it in stride - especially early on. I thought that it would certainly take us 3-6 months to get pregnant. But, as months 8...11..12... 14 came around and we failed, I became more and more depressed, just feeling a sense of doom and hoping that I was wrong.

I went in for a normal gynecological exam, and the nurse asked me about endometriosis. I cried and said, no, no one in my family had it. Beginning periods early in life, Painful cramps, difficulty conceiving? (She had described me exactly.)  "No," I responded, "I mean, we've all had painful cramps, but that's just part of life, isn't it?"

Apparently not.

We were referred to a specialist who also predominantly talked about endometriosis. I started looking it up online, and prepared for a number of tests. The ultrasound showed a clear growth of endometriosis on my left ovary. Surgery was scheduled.

I was desperate to find anything hopeful,  and the second test - an x-ray called an HSG showed that my tubes were open. I cried with happiness. At least there's ONE thing that was right in my body.

Oh, but not so fast! Even though the tubes were open, the dye that they inserted into my uterus and fallopian tubes didn't fill the abdominal cavity as normal. The doctor doing the test didn't seem super excited about what he was seeing on the TV. I left feeling ambivalent.

We met with our doctor, and she said, Yes, in fact, there were many signs that I had at least severe endometriosis. We prepared for surgery.

Jobs, Roles, and overcoming Bitterness

Ah! the urge to write a post has overcome me again! 

I guess a follow up on my previous posts would be a good starting place. Obviously, I was pretty irritated (a nicer word than angry) about not being hired to a position that I was clearly able to do. I struggled a bit with bitterness and resentment, realizing I was blaming the person that didn't hire me for the confustion I felt regarding the future. I also realize (and realized then, too) that God ultimately was the person I was angry with. I had this perfect plan, and he didn't seem to come through.

Of course, he did come through. Just not the way I had planned or would have perceived. (Because I'm SO amazing with my ESP.)

I made a friend very early on here - a person who is friends with seemingly all of my seminary friends that studied at the college - and one day, when she was so gracious as to have coffee with me (and listen to me ramble on about counseling theory, life and frustrations regarding my future) She said, "I have a friends who is hiring an admisnistrative position at a local graduate school. Would you be interested?"

I really was.

Not only was I interested, but the person hiring actually responded to me. And she responded quickly. (There's another story in that comment, but I would have to out some people and so I will refrain. Suffice to say, Contacting a person a MONTH after you saying you'll contact them next week regarding an interview....Not so fabulous human resource management, people.) So having a quick response and setting up an interview in a short amount of time - very much appreciated.

I interviewed, was offered the job, and began it a few weeks ago.

I love it. Perhaps I love it because it doesn't require the emotional toll that being a counselor did. Perhaps I love it because my boss and I are pretty similar in humor (laughing together during the first interview was a good indication!)  Perhaps I love it because it has given me a role to have and a place to go.

Whatever the reason, I'm pretty happy with God's plan A, my plan B. Reading over the last few months of blogs is helpful to remember that he's got it all in hand, even when it's painful for me to wait.

10 Years Later, September 11th

September 11, 2001

I woke to my radio alarm. There was no music, only DJs talking about the twin towers. I listened for a minute and figured that something was wrong and turned on the TV. Because it was after 8 am Central time, both towers had already been hit and were standing. I hurried to get ready for work.

As I drove to the doctors’ clinic I worked at, I looked at the sky. The DJs on the radio were saying, "Don't go to the airport. All planes have been grounded, just stay at home if you had travel plans." I looked for airplanes and didn't see any. I stopped for gas, thinking it was going to be the last time I'd get gas for under $2/gallon, which proved to be true.

I arrived at the office. Everyone shared their thoughts of disbelief, and began to work. Most of the physicians were already working. The administrative assistant had the TV on and near her desk. She cried out as the south tower fell, "Something’s happening!" We all ran out of our offices and watched as the dust cleared. When we realized that the tower had collapsed my friend said, "Oh, God." I thought of the massive numbers of people that would die because of the collapse, and thought, "It's right for us to call on God to help, he's the only one that can."

Nearly everyone went back to his or her office. I waited with the administrative assistant. I thought, "It will be such a strange sight that there will only be one tower. Surely they'll rebuild the other one." Then the North Tower collapsed. I called out "The second one is going!" Everyone rushed out and watched in silence. Then the anger began to be expressed by everyone.

By that point, other reports of the Pentagon and the plane down in Pennsylvania were making it to the news. I remember hitting "refresh" on the CNN website over and over. So many people were on the Internet that the page would load partially, or take so long to reload.

My mom called. We agreed that if there were any attacks on Chicago, I would leave everything in St. Paul, MN, and drive to Montana.

I was confident we would get Osama Bin Laden. I was sure I would watch with businessmen or others in a public place that he had been killed within a few months.

In the following years, I moved to 3 separate cities, went through two career changes, completed graduate school and married. So much has happened since 9/11/2001. Part of me realizes how much has happened and how much time has passed. But like so many others, September 11th is so fresh that I can hardly believe it's been 10 years.

Where were you?

Lovin' it.

The thing about living on a college campus as an adult is the fear that you're going to hate the whole experience. After all,  around this time during the year that these college students were born, I was flirting it up with that new guy in Jr. High. (If you really want to make me feel old, ask me what I was doing when the freshman were born. That's right. Singing my heart out in High School.)

But It's 7:54 and my fuzzy brain is screaming for more coffee. Adam is downstairs working already - has been for a while. It's Freshman move in day. I can already feel the energy, anxiety, excitement.

And I just heard the guys outside. "The door?" you ask. No, outside our kitchen. The walls are thin. (Another reason that I feared hating this experience). And I could hear some of the RAs of our guys halls talking and laughing a bit.

And I thought, "I love those guys. They are so great, they're so like my brother."  And if you know my brother (and most of you do) you'll agree. He's one of the best guys in the world.

That's what these RAs are like. They're like brothers and sisters. And, yeah, there's the "duuuhh-they're-your-brothers-and-sisters-cause-Jesus-made-us-a-whole-big-family" way of thinking about that. But its more like having new family that feels like old family.

Different than from where I've been.

I'm not one to regret that I've been somewhere or doing something/working someplace. Even the two years of working as a temporary administrative assistant for a temp agency right out of college has become an invaluable experience for me (mastering Excel spreadsheets, flexibility, learning computer programs in, oh, a day.)

And so I'm not regretting where I'm from, but this last weekend reminded me what it feels like to live with people who have joy and hope for the future. As I was talking with one of Adam's RA staff members, I likened it to have been living in the light, but having worked in darkness for two years. I'm so glad to have had that experience in counseling, but ministering to those who are exclusively dealing with depression, anxiety and any number of traumatic experiences is weighty. I can feel the weight coming off of my shoulders.

Here's why (a sampling of my favorite photos from the Resident Assistant's Retreat)

you gotta click on this photo to truly appreciate the wild abandon on James' face

 Tanks: The person in front has their eyes closed and has the "artillery," aka, stuffed animal. The person behind is in charge of directing and defending the tank by blocking other blind tanks' attacks

I realize as well as anyone that there will be a lot of growth, pain, sadness, and difficulty this year for everyone - RAs, students on their halls, RD staff. But this weekend reminded me that though the brokenness of the world exists everywhere,

it does not dominate.

God does that.

Today's the First Day

Transition, Adjustment, Lethargy, mild Depression. They're all kind of the same thing. 

And this low level, mild, depression is a difficult thing to get your mind around. It's like "I could eat." It's not that you're really hungry, and there may not be anything to remedy, but it's there.

It's the feeling - a sense - that things aren't right, but that there's nothing really to do differently.


This is funny and, from a therapy standpoint, mostly true:

Addie told me in a comment that my purpose (for The Right Now) was to be happy. And I took that to heart. I asked myself, "Why am I not happy? I'm doing whatever it is I want to do, whenever I want to do it."  This, I have found, does not lead to happiness or contentment.

I was encouraged last night to get a schedule and to stick (mostly) to it. Make sure my hubs sees that there is productivity in this time that I don't have a Go-To-Work job. I DID create a schedule about two weeks ago....but sticking to it? Not so much.

Which brings us to my contimplation as to why I haven't been productive so far. And in my heart, I realize, it's this lethargic-depressive-unmotivated seed that has taken hold and surrounded my mind. It tells me that one more hit on Etsy will make me happy. That one more documentary on Elisabeth I will bring me contentment. To push off the dishes will keep me from discontentment.

But all of these things come, anyway.

So today is The First Day. It's already feels more like the old days than before: I'm up first. (in the 3 years of marriage, I've almost nearly always been up well before hubby.)


Today, Electronic Blogging World, I will:
Shirk and Slack
Go to the Farmers Market. Buy fresh Veg. Team them with brown rice.
Go for a run!
Finish 5+ notes for Licensure.
Do all the dishes
Get a Load of Laundry finished.

I will not:

Get sucked into all the mommy blogs about organization (holy cow...! Have you seen this black hole...?)
Spend an hour on Etsy
Blog all my day away. (Sorry. I do love you Blogworld.)

My Husband, The Saint

I have 10 projects to do, and only the drive to go to Etsy and waste time looking around. So far in our marriage and move to Georgia, My Husband, The Saint, has:

Put up every framed anything we own, leveled it, measured it and made sure it was aesthetically pleasing. This is a feat, because I like to gather things that are similar and then hang them on the wall. Observe:

Done 17 loads of laundry. (I helped fold a few of them and he showed me where the laundry facilities are)

Pick out decorations that match both our 10 year old rug and our Anthropologie inspired wall hangings.

Endure his wife's panic attacks that she can't find what she wants for the guest room on Etsy for less than $200.

Go to 5 stores looking for bedding.

End up at Marshalls, and gently encourage his decision-inabled wife to pick out the bedspread that actually will look good with the wedding gift that has driven the entire theme of the room.

Make the bed, stuff the pillow shams, arrange the bedspread. (I praised how wonderful it looks.)

Go to 5 more stores looking for antique dishes that are $125 a piece.

End up at Marshalls, find pieces that actually work, though not antique and not $125 a piece.

Hang said pieces.

Go to 3 Antique stores with wife, looking for a bench/table/chest to sit at the end of the bed, so that guests don't maim themselves on the King-sized metal bed frame that juts out from the Queen-sized mattress.

Convince wife NOT to buy the Louis XVI Armoire for $3200 (The lady said would take 20% off!! She had a southern accent!)

Find perfect table, convince wife that table is perfect. Buy table for 3.75% of the cost of that Louis XVI Armoire.

Arrange perfect table in guest room.


I have:
Written a blog post
Drank coffee
Looked at my projects. Drank some more coffee.

Inspiration

The Easy Life

I was going to write about our vacation first, but I cannot seem to get around to going through the photos. My "OCD" is getting a hold of me. (I use that colloquially, as I actually have had several OCD clients, and I know I am not about to flip the light switch 17 times to protect my family from utter destruction). So, here's what I've actually written. It's where I'm at.

The Easy Life may very well be deepest desire of my heart. I imagine that as the months (without a clear direction) go by, I am going to wish for an easier and easier life. I want to know what is going to happen in life. I want to know what my role is, I want to know if my education and experience will combine in order to have a job that I love and feel a sense of contentment in.

Spoke with my sister recently over Skype. First off, her dog is a) the cutest and b) the funniest dog in existence as he constantly searched behind the computer to find the body that was sure to go with the talking head.

She and I talked about confusion. When things, events or circumstances don't look like what a person first thought they'd  look like. Each of us have many different areas in our life that we feel confused and wonder where this path will lead/end, as our life paths turn and twist in ways we didn't suppose. 

I don't know about her, but a little more "easy" and a little more verbal communication from the Lord is all I'm asking for. < / sarcasm >

In that context, during my reading of Job today (from my beloved "Bible Reading Plan for Shirkers and Slackers", which I restarted this year uh, week) Job recounts a similar thing: "Why did I not die at birth, for then I would have lain down and been quiet, I would have slept; then I would have been at rest." (Job 3:11a;13)

Ok, so I don't have sores from the crown of my head to my feet, nor am I in the throes of depression as is Job's case, but he says it. Just in a chapter of poetry, and not "Um, what the heck, God?" as would be my poetry.

I realize I'm not gleaning all of the theological meaning there, but as I read it, I heard Job go, "THIS IS SO HARD, GOD. Why couldn't I just have avoided all of it?"

I'm not at the end of Job. And as a counselor, I know to rush the reassurance of "It will be ok" or "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" is just frustrating when timed inappropriately. Scripture, even GOOD scripture (the right thing) must be used at the right time, in the right way.

I'll keep reading and I'll see what God has, plans that I can't even imagine.

Sunset of the Day

The glory and beauty of the sunset from our window still makes me happy....

Can I make a career at blogging?

Well, Adam and I had planned life to look a certain way. And God is creative and like surprises. I think that because God knows all things, he must live a little vicariously through his creatures and decides to surprise us.

I don't really like surprises, and never have. Adam and I agreed when we were first married to never plan surprise birthday parties for one another.

This surprise was not fun or exciting nor do I think of it as a postive thing right now.

Last week, Eric Youngblood at Rock Creek Fellowship quoted or said, "If you're not suffering now, you will be soon."  I thought of our life, and how things had been so good, and in that moment  I thought, "Well, I'm not suffering now, and I don't see any obvious suffering in the future."

Suffering for me comes in the form of disappointing news regarding a job. It comes as I'm pretty much alone in a new place with only acquaintances - though they are lovely and nice.  I miss my support system in St. Louis. I miss my family.

So I'm now looking for a job.  I'm looking for a place to be, a role to have, a way to contribute to the community as a whole.  And it's hard when you presume to know these things - who you are, where you belong, what your role is - and it changes or does not come to pass.

So I look at God and say, "So now what?"

More is Coming, but in the meantime...

Oh, this is good stuff: Harry Potter vs Star Wars. 

Where we are

Day one of unpacking


Day Two of unpacking


Plastic knobs?


How about an facelift!



Day Three was probably the most difficult - Adam put up all of the wall hangings, and that just takes a LONG time!








Adam has his office



And the view ain't half bad....



(The mist lifting off the mountains - amazing!)

The Official Reboot

Ok all you that I used to keep up with - Here we go! I am rebooting this blog. Now that I am no longer:

a) Busy beyond compare, forcing myself to work ridiculous hours, putting pressure on myself as the main breadwinner and succumbing to my fear of potential financial destitution (There will obviously be an upcoming post on fear of money and fear of the Lord)
b) Living in the world of confidentiality and always feeling uncomfortable sharing things even about myself, because I've gotten so used to keeping everything quiet (can we say, "overreacting?")
and c) WITHOUT INTERNET AT HOME

I will be hopefully keeping everyone in my St. Louis and Montana life apprised of our goings on here at CC. (Let's hope even more then keeping everyone updated, I will also be humorous, or at least interesting).

Next up: photos of the move....

Psalm 25

Of David.

In you, LORD my God,

I put my trust.

I trust in you;

do not let me be put to shame,

nor let my enemies triumph over me.

No one who hopes in you

will ever be put to shame,

but shame will come on those

who are treacherous without cause.

Show me your ways, LORD,

teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,

for they are from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth

and my rebellious ways;

according to your love remember me,

for you, LORD, are good.

Good and upright is the LORD;

therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

He guides the humble in what is right

and teaches them his way.

All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful

toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

For the sake of your name, LORD,

forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

Who, then, are those who fear the LORD?

He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.

They will spend their days in prosperity,

and their descendants will inherit the land.

The LORD confides in those who fear him;

he makes his covenant known to them.

My eyes are ever on the LORD,

for only he will release my feet from the snare.

Turn to me and be gracious to me,

for I am lonely and afflicted.

Relieve the troubles of my heart

and free me from my anguish.

Look on my affliction and my distress

and take away all my sins.

See how numerous are my enemies

and how fiercely they hate me!

Discouragement

It's a tough time in the job market. Adam's process reminds me of my getting out of college (ack, 11 years ago!). I had this belief that businesses would be waiting at the graduation door to beg me to work for them. Instead, it was a 2.5 year process of temping and working in politics before I found a job. He's far more realistic.

There's nothing quite as discouraging as hearing nothing. While I hate the answer "no, we've gone with another candidate," (and by the way, no matter how gracious the response - and we've gotten some gracious "no's" - it's still just a kick in the stomach) the quiet uneasiness of hearing nothing is awful. Silence encourages hope, which is so painful when dashed.

It takes me about a day to work through the disappointment, anger, sadness and frustration when we don't hear a positive response. It's the reminder that I'm  not in control. 

So here we are. Praying. Praying, Praying, Praying for opportunities. Praying for interviews. Because my husband is a phenomenal worker, a brilliant teacher, one who puts an amazing amount of time and effort into his lessons.


Please Pray with us.

Catch up.

I'm digging a number of things out from under piles and piles of ....things. One of them is this blog.

We'll see how long my endurance runs, but I was reading Addie and Molly's blogs and feeling just a little jealous that they are keeping up with their blogs - with life being hectic and crazy for both of them. I thought, well, sheesh, I don't have a 6 year old or a 3 month year old. If they can do it, so can ....I?

Today is the third day in a row that Adam and I have left the house for more than 5 hours to do work, as we both need internet to complete our jobs. The problem with home? No internet. (WHAT? Why not? Adam and Hannah are LUDDITES!) You know, I've thought about this a lot, and last month we were the closest we've ever come to getting internet at the house. But then we're like, "$37 a month? That's a dinner out, or at LEAST 5 times to the coffee shop to get coffee and internet." And I like coffee.

So here we are again at Borders. This time we're at my favorite spot. A big table, next to the electrical plug and near enough to windows to see the sunshine, but not burn to a crisp sitting in it. We've done this a few times.

Today is also the third day in a row that I've actually done what I was supposed to, based on my Remember The Milk task list. I'm a "Getting Things Done" junkie that falls off the wagon pretty regularly. (I linked to someone else's blog because it was a better example than the actual David Allen website -which is there to sell you things.) So, I need a good task list and was given a good review on RTM. Of course, I emailed the person supporting RTM, and found that he's moving on to another organizational program, but THAT one is $75! No thanks. Free is the name of the game in the Porcella family right now.

Adam is applying to teaching jobs right now around the country. We're praying for God's direction and *blessings*, and maybe a miracle to bring us close to family in either Billings or Philadelphia. The most interesting position is one in a state that won't acknowledge my professional counseling license - Which will be completed in August, Lord willing.

Licensure is a fun topic - I'm working about 50 hours a week trying to get licensed by August, so that if Adam and I have to move in the summer I'll be ready to go. I'm way ahead on client hours but way behind on reading hours. I mean, reading is very important to keep up with the latest and greatest in Christian psychology (no, not an oxymoron). However reading about eating disorders is the last thing I want to do at 10 pm when I get home.

I'm currently reading about Boundaries, (a book by Cloud and Townsend) along with about half my client load - homework assigned to them because I like it so much! I'm a terrible person when it comes to boundaries. I've had to learn that I'm a very subtle people pleaser ("fear of man issue," for all of those Westminster-ites out there) who gets very angry when I feel like others are expecting me to do more than I can. Previously, I've blamed others for their unreasonable expectations. I'm now learning to figure out what I can reasonably do and then deal with the disappointment of others when I can't be all that they want me to be (i.e., workhorse, savior, Tigerblood Goddess.)

And since everything lately has a Charlie Sheen component: My arm-chair diagnosis: Axis I: 296.52, BiPolar, Moderate; Axis II: 301.81, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, with Borderline features. I'm currently ruling out Histrionic features. In the south, they'd just call it a Hot Mess. ("I'm Bi-Winning!)

Ok, so I'm going off to actually DO the things that my RTM list says I should do....since I bragged about it, and have now procrastinated!

2 Lunch thoughts

1) I love LOVE this casserole as leftovers

2 chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
1 can of cream of _______ (chicken, cheese or celery) soup,
a good amount of broccoli,
2 cups cooked rice,
enough cheddar cheese to kill a horse (or to satisfy you)

cook the chicken in a CAST IRON SKILLET (I'm so in love with CIS's that I need to yell it) until nice and brown. take out of skillet, pour in some chicken broth, get all the yummy bits up. put the brothy-yummy-bits into a bowl, add soup, chopped up cooked chicken, cooked broccoli, rice, and mix. Turn in Cheese. Bake in oven (if you want, in your CAST IRON SKILLET) until warmed through (doesn't really matter the degree setting; I did it 10 minutes @ 400.)

Eat and enjoy. warm it up the next day, eat and enjoy again.


2) I think about food a lot.

Things they Don't tell you when you apply to Grad School

You'll start dinner at 7:30 am in order to provide for your husband and make the appointment with your 6:00 pm client. (Who inevitably doesn't show.)

Manna

"On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan."

It occurs to me as I read this passage that God provides what we need, when we need it. That sounds very elementary -- however I'm reminded that the Israelites weren't terribly fond of Manna at points in time during their wanderings. I'm not terribly fond of waiting on the Lord to provide for me, and oftentimes I'm not very excited about the way in which he provides. My "Miniature God" complex raises its ugly head.

However, the Lord provides clients when needed and when prayed for, and I believe he is more honored by a desperate plea than an indifferent request. At least, he certainly has been getting desperate pleas out of me!

But he provides the thing we need when we need it: I need clients, and I've prayed. They haven't come in the timing that I would have dictated, had I been able to dictate, but they've come, and the Lord has been good to me. When I could have been dependent on the Manna of steady part time work and stay there, He has given me a vision of how I might be able to counsel part time for a while and then transition into full time.

He's shown me that he wants my dependence to be on him, not on my own work and abilities.

October

I remember reading a blog of a girl I didn't know and always thinking, "I wish she would update more frequently."

Things from this past week:

I've been fingerprinted for the FBI (and the MO Highway Patrol) as a part of state licensure. I assume I will soon have an FBI File....

Although I grew up in a culture that taught that you should always strongly declare the truth to a person struggling to believe, Sometimes it's hard for me to know whether I ought to be tough or tender when there are terrible tears streaming down the face of a hurting person as they believe the lies Satan sells us.

My husband came to me on the first day of the month (pay day) and brought me a pumpkin spice latte.

I try to plan our month of meals (since we are paid once a month) and it takes me 3 hours. I hate that.

It makes me incredibly sad to know that by the time I make it back home for Christmas, I will not have seen my sister in a year.

I'm really thankful for my counseling site - the people there continually remind me that it's not about my ability but about the Holy Spirit's power to change people.

Work is gearing up! (at both sites)

Not Quite the Bummer post the last one was

I repeatedly think about this blog. And usually I think about how I should update it with some profound story, or thought, or realization.

Unfortunately, confidentiality usually requires me to shut my mouth about the latest thing I've learned, because it's generally in response to something in a session that I've just walked out of. I'm learning the art of vague, insightful stories.

However, today I realized that I've come a long way since first beginning grad school. As part of my licensure process, I'm required to meet with my supervisor once a week - primarily to keep my counsel of my clients healthy and ethical. As our Ethics prof reminded us: State licensure is not there to make you jump through hoops, but rather to keep you from harming the public at large!

All that to say, my supervisor had me and the other counselor in training discuss each others strengths and offer encouragement where we could grow.

And as I struggled to think of my own strengths, he encouraged me that I've grown in softness and empathy for clients and others. And it occurred to me much of my "I'm right just listen to me!" thinking has given way to a curiosity toward others and striving to learn what it is like for them, during this roller coaster of life.

and then I thanked God that he is faithful to change me to be like him, and that he's accepting of me all along the way, though I stumble so often.

Today is better than yesterday

Yesterday, after having the dreaded financial conversation with my husband (it's one of the only things we argue about. Sweet Husband didn't realize he was marrying an ascetic), I did a stupid thing and incurred a $20 fee on one of our accounts.

I pounded out 35 emails to people letting them know I won't be around for a week.

Monday, I listened to 3 people's legitimate distress, had two people cancel last minute, and spent 9 hours at the counseling office. I made $0.

Then I thought about the 30 missed hours of paying work, due to weddings and vacation.

And Yesterday, I went home in about the worst mood I had been in for months.

THEN the seamstress left a message asking if I really needed that bridesmaid dress today, or if it could be later, after having not worked on it for a week. Anger bubbled up. (To everyone out there, no, we're leaving on Friday, so I need the dress today to pack).

I wondered on the way home if I was going to pick a fight with my husband. You'd think that I'd know when I was picking a fight, but I'm funny that way. I don't. I'm insightful, but not when I just want to fight because I'm in a foul mood.

Instead, my lovely husband let me tell him how angry I was at myself and the day. He even avoided falling into any trap I might have left, trying for a fight (I don't think I did it, but he avoided it if I did.) And then he kissed me, and we watched the rest of Les Miz.

For all of the difficulties in marriage, and yes, I pick fights and harp on money issues and am tired most days, There are just some lovely parts of it. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

The Cathedral Basilica St. Louis

When Mom and Ben were in STL with us, we went to the Basilica - it is a beautiful cathedral, as well as unique - the mosaics inside are detailed and the entire place is immense.

The Poor Ones

We're poor. Being as this will likely remain for another few years, we have begun frequently visiting the local STL public library. Yesterday we found the 1934 version of Les Miserables, directed by Raymond Bernard. It's a Criterion Collection film (which Adam likes) and it's Les Miserables, which I like. It's also impressively faithful to the book!

Weddings everywhere...

Last summer we were one of 23 couples that we knew getting married in 2008. This summer is shaping up to look similar, and we've been in Philly for the first wedding of the season - Adam's cousin's wedding. Adam was one of the groomsmen and I'll post photos soon enough.

I'm listening to the song they danced to for their first dance - "Lullaby" by The Dixie Chicks:

"How long do you wanna be loved? Is Forever enough, is Forever enough?"

I told Adam before we left STL that I'm going to renew my vows to him with each wedding we attend. I might have to sing along, too.

You and Yours

You & Yours
Answer these questions about you & your significant other.

What are your middle names?
Alene and Jude

How long have you been together?
1.5 years

Who asked who out?
He asked me out – I was oblivious that ‘this guy’ could be interested in me at all.

How old were each of you when you met?
We were each 23 and 29.

How old are each of you now?
24 (almost 25) and 31

How tall are each of you?
He's 6’3” and I'm 5’4”

Whose siblings do/did you see the most?
It’s pretty equal – we probably see his side of the family more frequently, but we spent almost 3 weeks straight with my family over Christmas.

Do you have any children together?
Not yet, a few years out.

What about pets?
Do books count? No, we keep talking about getting a dog, but the house (or a place with a yard) has to come first. And he wants a purebred, and I don’t care that much.

Did you go to the same school?
No, I went to College in St. Paul, he in Chattanooga. He and my sister went to school together a few years before we met. We go to the same graduate school now.

Are you from the same hometown?
Nope.

Who is the smartest?
He’s smarter, but I think he’d argue the opposite.

Who is the most sensitive?
Me. Me, me, me.

Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Right now, it’s probably Frank and Helen’s, a pizza place that’s been locally owned since the 60’s. Adam could eat pizza twice a day for meals and not ever get sick of it. No. Really.


Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Hmmm. Well, going to Montana, but we flew, so that was about 6 hours of travel. We’ve driven to Philly twice. The last time was pretty rough, since we were only there for 3 days before we returned to STL, and it’s a 15 hour drive.


Who has the worst temper?
I get irritated more frequently, but when he’s mad, he’s pretty mad.


Who does/did the cooking?
I do the lunch and dinner cooking. He cooks breakfast daily (old fashioned oatmeal.)


Who is more social?
I think we would have said me, no question, before we got married. Now that most of my life consists of talking to people for 8 or 9 hours a day as a part of my job(s), I’ve become quite introverted during my off time. Other ways to say that are “I’m just plain tired” or “protective of my time.”

Who is the neat-freak?
We’re about the same at tidy-ness. We both start to feel it when the apartment gets messy - which usually comes after a particularly hectic week with a long paper or big test. He’s an Organizational genius, and I’m the scheduler extraordinaire.

Who wakes up earlier?
Me. He gets up 15-30 minutes later. Except Saturdays, but that’s usually because of my internship. I’m usually up around 7 on Saturdays and he gets up an hour or so later.

Who has the bigger family?
Our immediate families both are 5, but I think my extended family is slightly larger. Not by much though.

How do you spend the holidays?
We alternate holidays. We’ll see what happens next year – Thanksgiving will likely be traditionally at his family, Christmas at mine, since each of our families tend to major on those particular holidays.

Who is more jealous?
Me, though I don’t like to admit it.

Do you have little pet names for each other?
“Sweetie” for both of us, “honey” and “baby” sometimes. He’s started calling me his Sprightly Chickadee, from a Ray Lamontagne song.


How long did it take to get serious?
About a month. We didn’t mess around.


Who eats more?
Sometimes, to my chagrin, me. EXCEPT when it comes to pizza. Him, no question.

Who sings better?
Me probably, but I love to hear him sing. Especially when it’s along with a song in the car, after we’ve both been quiet for a while.

Who does the dishes?
Him, most of the time, though I wipe down the kitchen and put the food away usually.

Who snores?
Neither – it’s made the marriage adjustment much easier. Maybe when we’re sick, or something.

Who’s better with the computer?
Apple or PC?

Who drives when you are together?
Him. He gets nervous when I’m driving and saying mean things to the cars around us (cough. Raging.)

Who is the first to admit when they're wrong?
Usually he does, which is bad. I shouldn’t be so stubborn.

Who kissed who first?
I wanted to, but he kissed me first.

Who has more tattoos?
He does – 3 to 0.

Who eats more sweets?
Him. I’m all about the crunchy-salty. He’s all about the ice cream.

Catchup

I've just spent the last hour looking at new templates (thanks Addie!) and trying them out on my other (the movie) blog. I'm tired, and I keep thinking that I'm copying the illustrious Ms. Morstad (soon to be Mrs. Bedford).

That said, the feeling from the last few weeks is Tired. Even working for Peacemakers I've never been so tired. Of course, at PM, even if you're giving a lot of yourself, it seems as though everyone's ready to emotionally give to you, too.

Counseling? The question to ask is "what is therapeutic for the client?" Which means, you're generally just giving of yourself, and relying a lot on Jesus. Which I need to do more of.

Things of life that should be updated: The car is sold, but not the way that I wanted. I was taking a left and was hit by a guy in the rear-passenger side. So we got the Honda hauled to the collision center, and being as we didn't have collision insurance on it, eventually sold it to the little man who worked there. (it would have cost 116% of the cost of the car to fix the damage.) We're still waiting on the two insurance agencies to hammer out liability. Hopefully we'll get something from the insurance agency.

It's been a tough couple of weeks, and truthfully, I feel as though sharing my complaining attitude online is tantamount to sharing via a bullhorn.

On the other hand, our 6 month anniversary coincided (somewhat) with Valentines day, which helpfully occurred on a weekend. Therefore Valentines for Hannah was on Friday ("The Duchess" and Chinese food) and Valentines for Adam was on Saturday (steak. Lots and lots of steak dinner. with Creamy Mashed potatoes and corn. But the steak was REALLY good.)

So that's the update. More to come. (Hopefully a story of lots and lots of rest.)

Short updates

Ok, so it's just as bad as it ever has been - as far as updating the blog goes.

I'm trying to be committed to 5 minute updates. It’s 1:20 pm. I’m at work (gasp!) and hiding the fact that I’m updating my Montana-and-other-parts-of-the-worlds friends by typing this out in my email, cutting and pasting. Shhhh.

Update 1: I’m going to be a bridesmaid for the 6th time! More to come in the next few days. Adam and I will be having the lovely future bride and groom over tonight for dinner.

Update 2. I’m jealous of Addie Morstad’s web design abilities. I’m hoping that she’ll share some of her secrets.

Update 3: Classes start up next week. I’m presently working 20 hours in the Admissions office at Covenant and seeing 10 clients per week. Along with 7 hours of class time and an hour and a half of supervision, I’m running from 8 am to 5 pm most nights. However, I just found out that I will not have to work or see clients on 4 or my 5 weekday nights – yay

Just can't let go

Well, this blog has been languishing for the past year or so, averaging about a post a month.

But I'm not letting it go. First, I decided to change the banner and my photo (both having been up for over a year). And second, I figured out how to post without having to sign out of everything google and sign back in with my old handle. Now this blog is associated with my new google account (since marriage) and I'll be automatically able to post.

An additional part of the problem has been our relative "poverty" level - we've decided against getting internet at the apartment. It's a $15-60/month investment that we aren't too keen on exploring because of our budget. Two, no internet at that house helps us study. Three, we have free high speed internet at the school (and our jobs), which gives us incentive to spend our work/internet time there, and spend our time together and on class reading while at the apartment.

But that all equals to my not having a lot of accessibility or time to post. Every 6 months or so, I decide to put more energy into posting (in order to keep up with friends and journal the day to day things of life). And usually I'm a bit behind.

Oh well. I'm just not ready to let it go, yet.

The Last week + Plans

Monday: Final Exam (Theories & Techniques in Counseling)
Tuesday: Flight & Travel
Wednesday: Sleeping in
Thursday: Dinner with Family
Friday: Christmas Shopping (not completed)
Saturday: Papa Murphy's Pizza (Adam: Very happy)
Sunday: RMCC, Christmas Choir, Thinking Putty & Great Dinner!
Monday: Christmas Shopping aborted, Haircut; Addiction, thy name is Cesar Millan
Tuesday: ? + Christmas Shopping, Choir Practice
Wednesday: Cookies, Happy Birthday Jennie!, Frantic wrapping
Thursday: Happy Christmas!

Influence

Marriage changes things. I'm the one who seemingly influences Adam many times, but he'll be happy to know his influence on me is clearly showing tonight.

A bowl of cereal has never been an appropriate meal (in my mind), unless it's 6:45 am. Not in Adam's world. A bowl of cereal is a most excellent and desirable dinner, oftentimes.

Since Sunday dinner was huge, and I had no need for another large meal, I thought I'd skip dinner and just head to bed. Homework has kept me up later than I suspected, and so the rumbly in the tumbly began.

And I reached for the cereal bowl.

Things

It sounds windy outside. I don't see the tree outside our balcony moving.
I don't want to go grocery shopping.
I can't decide which grocery store to shop at
I need to go to three of them to get different things at good prices
Adam is studying Hebrew
I'd rather watch him, with the the glow of the "dining room" lamp illuminating his profile
Grocery Store.
Ugh.
Funny.
Sad/Poignant.
We're going to Schnucks. Aldi another Day. Trader Joe's yet another.

Elegance

Adam handed me the water I asked for -- in one of our Crystal wine glasses. Water, garnished with ice.


And it does make me feel a little more elegant, yes.

Fear in the City

I'm required to write response papers on the Theories and Techniques chapters I'm reading each week. So in that spirit:

A "Response post" on the Sex in the City Movie


"We're just two adults who have decided to get married."

While Adam's proposal was very romantic, we had talked about and even planned aspects of our wedding before the proposal. We had decided weeks before that we WERE going to be married, it was just a matter of time.
I think one of the most steadfast things about our marriage is that Adam once stated (and we both understood) that Love is --yes, about passion, friendship, romance - but it's ultimately about a decision.

Charlotte (reading Page Six) "'Proving to single gals everywhere that there can be a happy ending over 40'"
SITC writers just addressed one of the biggest fears and questions that American women have today. (Am I too old? Will this ever happen?)

Big: "young Lady, you need to get glasses."
Carrie: "No I don't, I have yours."
(I just liked this one. Yay for sharing stuff in marriage!)


Big: I want you. That's what I want. I coulda just gone down to City Hall."
Expressing the view of engaged men everywhere. Big weddings are always for the girl (and misc. women around the bride), very rarely does the groom care whether or not the wedding is large. Adam and I were really tired of the overwhelming-ness of a big wedding by the end of our engagement, and we were only engaged for 4 months!

Ok, the food in this movie is RIDICULOUS. They could only eat and spend this way if they were making a hollywood salary.

Miranda: "No I'm not all right. You two are crazy to get married. Marriage ruins everything."
So, you have the "forever single and loving it,"as typified in Samantha and the "Marriage/Relationship fulfills all" as typified in Charlotte. But the paragon of "marriage eventually dies a horrible death" is Miranda. The sad part of watching this character (and those in real life that believe in that philosophy) is that she doesn't see what she did to contribute to the breakdown of her marriage. She says the above to Big, who realistically is battling his own fears that his marriage to Carrie will break down.

Big calls Carrie and in one of the better, understanding, Carrie-as-counselor moments, she tells him that "it's me you're marrying. It's me and you." And that's very true. Commiting to one another, when you suspect that it can get bad (as exemplified in Miranda and Steve's relationship) is frightening. Fear raises a big, unabiding head. And you have to realize that the other person is in it, all the way, and that you're committed to being with one another.

So, for the last 10 minutes I've been wondering what bothered me about the climax of the "jilted at the alter" scene and it's this: Carrie, the night before is understanding and calm, but when it comes down to it, what does she scream at Big when she sees him after flees? "I am humiliated!" Now, yes, there are many things we can say about that, but it seems as though 1) it's not authentic to the "it's you and me" thing she said and 2) It's about her humilation, not his fear.

"Is it all about putting his needs before mine? Is it all about the other person? Is that Love?"
Miranda jumps in: No. that's marriage." Obviously, being all about the other person to the sacrifice of even your own wants is a negative thing to the SITC powers that be.

Dang, the writers are hitting on every fear!
Charlotte: "Because I'm afraid something bad is going to happen! I have everything I've ever wanted. I'm so happy that I'm terrified. Nobody gets everything that they want."

Yes! Carrie finally get's it: "And Miranda, in that article, I did not say 'we' once. The whole wedding was my point of view."

The final answer overall in the movie is to risk for a relationship, which is true, but it's tainted with the idea that you will not be whole unless you love yourself. This, enhh. Not so true. I would agree that a person needs insight into themselves, but much of that comes with being in relationship and seeing yourself as you really, really are: the good and the bad.
Forgiveness is a main theme, but what forgiveness means or encompasses isn't discussed much. (In the end, Steve and Miranda go to counseling and decide to put the past behind them.)

It was a good movie overall, probably put it in the 2.5 star category (not high enough to own, just rent).

Thank You's

Much of today was spent being grateful for what we have. Lots of people have been sending gifts and also have been probably been wondering where the thank you notes are...!

My problem is that I cannot make myself write a generic thank you note. I've talked with other brides, and they say they have about 4 different templates that they use. Me? no, I actually TRY to use a template, but I feel as though a person spent time and effort on a gift (or gave us cash - which turned into the sofa I'm sitting on right now) and I want them to know how we're using what they gave us!

So each note becomes a little bit personal -- which means it took me an hour and half to write 12 notes today.

But they are getting done! And as I write them, I remember how gracious our friends and family have been.

and the image is not actually my thank you notes...but they're pretty!

Housing Crisis

Nearly 60 percent of the loans were made in California, Florida and Arizona, where home prices rose — and subsequently fell — faster than almost anywhere else in the country.

Yahoo News/The New York Times

So, What NYT is telling us is that the mortgage lenders, home buyers and home builders were dumba**es, Sold people homes and gave them mortgages for WAY over what those people could afford, because basically, everyone "should" have the American dream.

I know I'm not sounding very hardcore republican right now, but a bail out will only do so much, and I'm not really for it that much. Frankly, Americans need to have a very long lesson in personal financial responsibility, work ethic and humility. If you can't afford it, don't buy it.

Listening to:

But this is the way I need to wake I wake to you
You never left me all that I had dreamt had been untrue
Open my eyes, I see sky

Oh oh oh, oh oh
The way you keep me on my toes,
I, I,I will be fine
just say you'll stay forever mine
till we fall asleep tonight

Joshua Radin
feat. Ingrid Michaelson
Unclear Sky
"Sky"


(Our first dance was a Joshua Radin song, so his songs have special meaning to me!)

Best

As I was making tuna casserole for dinner tonight, I was trying to figure out what standard wedding gift I will get everyone who marries within the next 40 or 50 years.

I started out with the little colander. It's cute, it's practical, it's great. Then I thought, no, the really helpful and great thing are those little, tiny white spatulas. They get all the soup out of the can (and honestly, it was a wedding gift because we used money donated, not because we unwrapped it as a gift. But I knew I wanted one!)

THEN I thought, "no, it's this little tiny casserole dish that came in the package of three knock-off-brand Pyrex dishes. I bought it a while back when I was on campus, making dinner and didn't have a pyrex dish. Originally I thought the little one would be the one I use least. Oh no! I use it most! Mini Casseroles for Mr. Porcella and me.

But then I changed my mind. Nope, it's the slightly-larger-than normal toaster oven...which actually I've been using more as a mini oven than as a toaster, and it's GREAT. it cooks, and we don't heat up the entire apartment.

So basically, wedding gifts are great. They make making dinner so much better. I used to have to figure out how much of a recipe I could fit into this or that wrong-sized dish. No longer!

And with that, I'm sitting down to watch "Opportunity Knocks" and write Thank You notes.

A day

We've consolidated our music onto my iPod, and two seconds ago Rachel Yamagata was singing, "He lights a lamp inviting him, He's a bandit and a heartbreaker, Oh, but Jesus was a crossmaker."
The first time I heard her light voice and the chords that remind me of Simon and Garfunkle, Adam and I were driving down to he Covenant housing to drop him off at the end of the night. I'm still amazed at the power of music to bring a scene directly into my mind's eye.

He just walked into the kitchen to pour himself a bowl of cereal...Which I suspect is "Chocolate and Peanut Butter Spheres." What? Kix, but flavored by Chocolate and Peanut butter. Why don't they call it Peanut Buttery ChocoBlast Kix? Because we just returned from what Adam calls the Thrift Store for Food, "Aldi's". (It's a super inexpensive grocery store -- German style! yay! ....and you don't get the best quality food, but when you're working part time through grad school, you shop at the cheapest thing available.)

Life has been good, and we're on the eve of our 1 month anniversary. Hebrew has dominated his studying, "Integrative Psychotherapy" has dominated my reading. We've got 4 couples coming over to hang over this weekend - whoever thought that newlyweds hide away got it wrong.

I guess the best part is waking up in the morning - usually having kicked off all of the blankets, or stolen all of them, and knowing that he'll be there for the next night too.

Quote

"Well, the point is, we all agree that it's a ridiculous place to live."

My boss,
after a office-wide discussion of the drop in temperature from Wednesday to today, and in the recent St. Louis past.