It's already in the upper 80s here in MO - add the humidity, and it's not the most pleasant outdoor experience. (Add the pollen and smog, and you have one miserable, asthmatic Hannah.)
I just checked Montana's forecast - and the projected highs are a little lower than Missouri's but the REAL difference is in the lows! I miss Montana mornings because no matter how hot it gets, the nights are cooler by 30 or 40 degrees. Refreshing!
The oppressive heat and humidity just haven't let up lately.
Tuesday, August 7
Thursday, August 2
she never posts
I called my friend in Minneapolis today (regarding the collapse of 35 W) and she mentioned that she thought for sure she had looked at the wrong blog because it hadn't been updated in so long. This is the story of my life.
I'm going to change my template, I think, because it's about time and also I'm having difficulties getting posts to show up in Explorer. Not that I use or like Explorer, but I understand the great majority of others do like it. This current template is one I messed with the HTML (I had one class in undergrad) and I know I probably screwed it up.
Last night we threw a great party for Sarah, my roommate - she's a quarter century. She just moved to town in June, and I was praying before the shin-dig that people would show up because I didn't have time to follow up with people after I sent the original email.
We had about 20 people in the house, and being as Sarah doesn't know how to have fun (yeah, rooiight) we ended the evening with a fun dance party, singing "Don't stop believing." Yep, we don't know how to have fun at the Bayer House.
I finished with my Systematic Theology class and am soooo happy to have gotten an A in the class. It was one of the best - when you're repenting of your sins in the middle of your required reading, you know it's doing it's job!
I'm struggling with Allergies today, but other than that, life is a little boring. I'm popping anti-histamines and drinking coffee to dry me out.
Right now I'm going to work on a talk I'm giving in November on Peacemaking, and work on the template as mentioned above. Wes and Sarah are studying Greek, and Sarah just read John 8 from the greek for the first time. It was pretty cool :) .
I'm going to change my template, I think, because it's about time and also I'm having difficulties getting posts to show up in Explorer. Not that I use or like Explorer, but I understand the great majority of others do like it. This current template is one I messed with the HTML (I had one class in undergrad) and I know I probably screwed it up.
Last night we threw a great party for Sarah, my roommate - she's a quarter century. She just moved to town in June, and I was praying before the shin-dig that people would show up because I didn't have time to follow up with people after I sent the original email.
We had about 20 people in the house, and being as Sarah doesn't know how to have fun (yeah, rooiight) we ended the evening with a fun dance party, singing "Don't stop believing." Yep, we don't know how to have fun at the Bayer House.
I finished with my Systematic Theology class and am soooo happy to have gotten an A in the class. It was one of the best - when you're repenting of your sins in the middle of your required reading, you know it's doing it's job!
I'm struggling with Allergies today, but other than that, life is a little boring. I'm popping anti-histamines and drinking coffee to dry me out.
Right now I'm going to work on a talk I'm giving in November on Peacemaking, and work on the template as mentioned above. Wes and Sarah are studying Greek, and Sarah just read John 8 from the greek for the first time. It was pretty cool :) .
Wednesday, June 27
June
Sadly I noticed that my last post was sometime in May. So, here's a quick and dirty snapshot of life in Saint Lou during the last month:
My friends are outdoorsy and artsy in a really great way. Liz and I've laid in the grass at Forest Park, looking at cloud shapes during dusk, and talking about the heart surgery God's been up to during the last few months.
Jonathan and I have eaten at an Indian restaurant more than once, and I think I'm officially addicted.
Last weekend I went to "Authentic Community at Memorial" (...or something like that title) to begin the process of associate membership. Next up, going before the Elders. (My official membership will still reside at Rocky Mtn Community Church).
I've danced to Motown Review with Liz, Becky and Mel in front of the History Museum -- with a couple hundred other people. Seeing the families have fun was the best! (there was easily 2,000 people there.)
I've been to Monday Nights at Growlers Pub more than a few times, and each time I've consumed more fries than I've wanted.
I drove 8 hours each way to see one of my best friends from college get married. I was honored to read Psalm 36:5-10 in her wedding.
I'm taking classes and reading a ton - I was skeptical of "Group Dynamics" but its a great class and a great group of students. I'm learning a lot about how I naturally act in groups, and what I can do to be a better listener and group conversation facilitator.
God's teaching me, most importantly, that I have idols that need to be more than looked at and acknowledged - I need to fight them. I've once again found that fighting the battle of my thoughts (to take them captive) is hard, hard work, but that God gives us little steps forward so that we know that we're still in his hands and being sanctified.
My friends are outdoorsy and artsy in a really great way. Liz and I've laid in the grass at Forest Park, looking at cloud shapes during dusk, and talking about the heart surgery God's been up to during the last few months.
Jonathan and I have eaten at an Indian restaurant more than once, and I think I'm officially addicted.
Last weekend I went to "Authentic Community at Memorial" (...or something like that title) to begin the process of associate membership. Next up, going before the Elders. (My official membership will still reside at Rocky Mtn Community Church).
I've danced to Motown Review with Liz, Becky and Mel in front of the History Museum -- with a couple hundred other people. Seeing the families have fun was the best! (there was easily 2,000 people there.)
I've been to Monday Nights at Growlers Pub more than a few times, and each time I've consumed more fries than I've wanted.
I drove 8 hours each way to see one of my best friends from college get married. I was honored to read Psalm 36:5-10 in her wedding.
I'm taking classes and reading a ton - I was skeptical of "Group Dynamics" but its a great class and a great group of students. I'm learning a lot about how I naturally act in groups, and what I can do to be a better listener and group conversation facilitator.
God's teaching me, most importantly, that I have idols that need to be more than looked at and acknowledged - I need to fight them. I've once again found that fighting the battle of my thoughts (to take them captive) is hard, hard work, but that God gives us little steps forward so that we know that we're still in his hands and being sanctified.
Wednesday, May 30
You know you're in St. Louis
When no one uses their blinker. Ever. Because the little stick next to the steering wheel? Yep, it's just for decoration.
Sunday, May 27
Misc
My blog has been staring at me. Ever have something stare at you? It says things like, "I'm empty. Write something."
Today I actually got real mail - a photo and a letter from one of my favorite people on earth. Her writing is always rooted in a steely-eyed reality, with a bit of sarcasm thrown in. I love it. She, too, has been having a difficult time sitting down and writing, but her writing was actually a letter, and she actually sent it. I figured I could do half as much and post to my blog.
Tonight my friend Liz and I went to Shakespeare in the Park with Liz's roommate, Liz's Roommate's fiance and Dave. We settled in with some wonderfully made pasta salad, uncorked the wine and enjoyed the warm, thankfully-not-muggy air, and listened to the kid's shorter version of Much Ado About Nothing pre-show.
And then we got drenched.
Drenched - not one piece of clothing was dry and the water was running in the streets up to my ankles.
Liz is the kind of girl that makes running in the rain fun and a memory to remember, instead of something to avoid or get out of quickly. I love her for that.
I think the only thing that would have made it better is having a camera, but it was raining so hard that the camera would have most definitely died.
Tomorrow I have a full day of seeing friends and friend's family. Monday I'll be trying to put in some work for my boss. Ironically enough, it's helping compile a manual that I would have overseen if I were still at Peacemakers. I guess once you get in, you never get out!
My classes start this week, and I'll be taking 6 credits. Dr. Peterson is determined to kindly kill us with reading. I'm determined to survive.
Today I actually got real mail - a photo and a letter from one of my favorite people on earth. Her writing is always rooted in a steely-eyed reality, with a bit of sarcasm thrown in. I love it. She, too, has been having a difficult time sitting down and writing, but her writing was actually a letter, and she actually sent it. I figured I could do half as much and post to my blog.
Tonight my friend Liz and I went to Shakespeare in the Park with Liz's roommate, Liz's Roommate's fiance and Dave. We settled in with some wonderfully made pasta salad, uncorked the wine and enjoyed the warm, thankfully-not-muggy air, and listened to the kid's shorter version of Much Ado About Nothing pre-show.
And then we got drenched.
Drenched - not one piece of clothing was dry and the water was running in the streets up to my ankles.
Liz is the kind of girl that makes running in the rain fun and a memory to remember, instead of something to avoid or get out of quickly. I love her for that.
I think the only thing that would have made it better is having a camera, but it was raining so hard that the camera would have most definitely died.
Tomorrow I have a full day of seeing friends and friend's family. Monday I'll be trying to put in some work for my boss. Ironically enough, it's helping compile a manual that I would have overseen if I were still at Peacemakers. I guess once you get in, you never get out!
My classes start this week, and I'll be taking 6 credits. Dr. Peterson is determined to kindly kill us with reading. I'm determined to survive.
Thursday, May 10
Newest residents of Bayer House
For the last month or so, one of my roommates thought that the cat (that lives in the hole in our house's foundation) might have had kittens. When I was home in MT, they found a tiny, tiny kitten under our porch and sent it off to a shelter. I have to admit, I thought perhaps that was it, but last week we found out that, yes, said roommate WAS correct. Little kittens do in fact under the Bayer house. I also think she must have super human hearing to have heard the mewing of little kitties.
The last couple of days we've watched them play (and run away if we got too close), and now, with the help of a lady in the computer lab, the mama cat has been caught. Once again, the computer lady came with mind set, and today she caught one of the little kittens.
So now we have a reason (cough- excuse!) to quit our studying for a bit, and go visit the little guy in the basement. We plan on catching the other two kittens and sending all three + mama to a kitty farm or to a kitten adoption place.
(Thanks to Kristi and Donetta for the photos)
Monday, April 30
If the caffeine doesn't kill you, the sugar will
The consumption of coffee by me has gone through the roof. It's getting me through, though!
If you'd like to pray for me, my finals will be May 7-14th. Thanks!!
Wednesday, April 18
And It's April... A Time line
Right after Spring Break, classes hit pretty hard, because we all realized (including our instructors) that with the Easter Break right on the heels of our Spring Break, we had limited time to read the numbers of books, write the papers and study for the tests.
The week before Easter, Madre and I were talking and found out that there was a very reasonable fare for me to get home. We snatched it up.
I thought about posting on this blog maybe a thousand times, but I wanted to surprise the Barrie Kids and my Sunday School kids with my return, and get big hugs, so I kept my flight plans a secret.
I had a great time seeing "my Kids." (Thanks to Kristin for the photo!)
Easter afternoon, we visited my grandmother in the nursing home. She had surgery a few weeks before, and was not doing well, and did not rouse from sleep when we visited. By Easter Monday, the nurses were telling us (without telling us explicitly) that she wouldn't make it much longer.
I had my return flight on Tuesday morning at 11. At 9:07, my grandmother passed into eternity. I sped up to the airport, and changed my return ticket so I came back to Cov yesterday.
Funerals are a lot - emotionally, physically and work-wise - and I'm very glad that the Lord provided some very incredible situations to allow me to stay home and be with my family during this time. Not the least miracle was the original ticket home, because I planned to visit my college friends in MN and WI during Easter, and had also planned a speaking opportunity that week in MN.
The Lord is Sovereign, indeed.
I'm now back in St. L, and finished a bit of homework. Back to reading.
Friday, March 23
Spring Break
Spring Break is really good for sleeping in. I'd like to say that I was up with the dawn each day, but I have been up so late (both at night and in the morning), in my former working-at-a-job life, I'd have been ashamed.
Spring break is good for working at a job. A job is good for making money. Money is good because then you can eat!
Spring break is great for finding new music. I realized yesterday that grad students can go exactly 1.5 hours interacting with one another over breakfast before breaking out the laptops to discuss something they found online, talk about music or burn time on Facebook.
Spring Break is not good for getting books read or homework done. If you're me. My friends are doing a better job than I am!
Spring Break is really good for introspection and time with God. He's taught me a lot of hard lessons this week, but he's also provided great friends with which to walk through those lessons.
Spring Break has been really good for the coffee consumption.
And Spring Break will be done in two more days.
Spring break is good for working at a job. A job is good for making money. Money is good because then you can eat!
Spring break is great for finding new music. I realized yesterday that grad students can go exactly 1.5 hours interacting with one another over breakfast before breaking out the laptops to discuss something they found online, talk about music or burn time on Facebook.
Spring Break is not good for getting books read or homework done. If you're me. My friends are doing a better job than I am!
Spring Break is really good for introspection and time with God. He's taught me a lot of hard lessons this week, but he's also provided great friends with which to walk through those lessons.
Spring Break has been really good for the coffee consumption.
And Spring Break will be done in two more days.
Wednesday, March 21
You Know it's good
When a scene of Lost makes you cover your mouth - which has dropped open - and utter a muffled "OHMYGOSHHOLYCOW!"
Sunday, March 11
Reconciliation
You would think that, after working for Peacemaker Ministries for 4 years, I would be able to dispatch conflict pretty quickly. This last week showed that I'm just as much of a sinner and conflict troublemaker as I ever was.
This past week was full of stresses. Many, many stresses and I didn't particularly feel like dealing with one of them. That particular stress, or the situation rather, really became the focal point of my bad attitude.
You see, I'm pretty good at dealing with conflict where an actual argument or difference of opinion occurs. The kind of conflict that happens that's more subtle? More about irritation and avoiding? That kind of conflict I am just horrible at dealing with. I'd rather flee, run away, take flight.
Which is what I did. Thankfully, we dealt with it last night, and this morning, I feel SO much better. 1,000 times better. I thought that I was avoiding something that was going to be hard and painful and difficult. Instead, I was putting myself through a HUGE amount of tension and frustration while not dealing with the conflict.
So, once again, the Lord has shown me where I don't have all of my peacemaking ducks in a row. But, he is still faithful still to teach me and walk with me, even when I'm not taking the most spiritually mature attitude.
This past week was full of stresses. Many, many stresses and I didn't particularly feel like dealing with one of them. That particular stress, or the situation rather, really became the focal point of my bad attitude.
You see, I'm pretty good at dealing with conflict where an actual argument or difference of opinion occurs. The kind of conflict that happens that's more subtle? More about irritation and avoiding? That kind of conflict I am just horrible at dealing with. I'd rather flee, run away, take flight.
Which is what I did. Thankfully, we dealt with it last night, and this morning, I feel SO much better. 1,000 times better. I thought that I was avoiding something that was going to be hard and painful and difficult. Instead, I was putting myself through a HUGE amount of tension and frustration while not dealing with the conflict.
So, once again, the Lord has shown me where I don't have all of my peacemaking ducks in a row. But, he is still faithful still to teach me and walk with me, even when I'm not taking the most spiritually mature attitude.
Sunday, March 4
Lost Quotes
"Let's get this car started...Let's look death in the face and say, 'Whatever, man." Let's make our own luck."
Hurley
Hurley
Monday, February 26
The day I changed my mind about Jack Black
Last night, Jack Black and Will Ferrell cracked me up at the 2007 Oscars. And then, when I was looking for their mini-musical from last night, I found this one, from a couple of years ago - when I actually watched the Oscars (surprising that I saw that one, because it's not a yearly thing for me). Enjoy both of them, especially if you like watching a small roast of Hollywood.
"Del Taco"
2007 Medley
And just in case you love this clip like I do...
"And the legend of the Rent was way Hardcore"
"Del Taco"
2007 Medley
And just in case you love this clip like I do...
"And the legend of the Rent was way Hardcore"
Sunday, February 25
Wednesday, February 21
What a change
One of my classmates just mentioned that he couldn't believe that it was a week ago that classes were cancelled because of the snow and ice. It was 10 degrees, and we were all so happy to stay indoors, studying and having a good time sharing meals and watching a little American Idol that night.
Forward to today - 60 degrees for the high- and I've sat out on the porch since a quarter to 1 (it's now quarter to 5) reading my Gospel of John homework and creating flashcards for my quiz tomorrow.
As I sit here, I can see the rush hour traffic making it's way south, and just through the trees, the freeway sign for South 270 to Tulsa and Memphis is visible. I realized how far from home I was just then. Signs to Tulsa? Memphis? I'm a ways from home.
Tonight we'll catch the rest of Idol and take in a little bit of Lost, which always includes the group of 20 or so yelling at the TV. The amount of TV this night requires studying those previously mentioned flashcards during the commercial breaks.
Otherwise, it's been just about a perfect day - lots of people walking by, lots of reading, while listening to my favorite Molly Routson Collection CD. The sun is starting to dip behind the chapel steeple. Time to go inside!
Forward to today - 60 degrees for the high- and I've sat out on the porch since a quarter to 1 (it's now quarter to 5) reading my Gospel of John homework and creating flashcards for my quiz tomorrow.
As I sit here, I can see the rush hour traffic making it's way south, and just through the trees, the freeway sign for South 270 to Tulsa and Memphis is visible. I realized how far from home I was just then. Signs to Tulsa? Memphis? I'm a ways from home.
Tonight we'll catch the rest of Idol and take in a little bit of Lost, which always includes the group of 20 or so yelling at the TV. The amount of TV this night requires studying those previously mentioned flashcards during the commercial breaks.
Otherwise, it's been just about a perfect day - lots of people walking by, lots of reading, while listening to my favorite Molly Routson Collection CD. The sun is starting to dip behind the chapel steeple. Time to go inside!
Tuesday, February 13
Tuesday - Class Cancelled
An update for the Montana folk (as well as anyone else not in Missouri):
Well, I don't have classes on Tuesdays, but a major ice/snowstorm blowing through the area has everyone staying at home -- except the few students willing to go sledding (I'll try to snag a few pictures from my housemate).
When I got up this morning, it was raining pretty hard, and soon two of my housemates came back from class. The rain turned to sleet, and then to snow, and we decided it would only be fitting to have a real breakfast - coffee, eggs, bacon, sausage and pancakes! We all chipped in what we had. Don't say the Bayer House Girls don't know how to do breakfast!
Molly and Rebecca from "up on the hill" came over and helped us eat up the rest of the chocolate chip pancakes (mmmm! chocolate in the morning!) and then they went up the row to go sledding with a couple other students.
So, the entire house is here, in the nice warmth (we're hoping the electricity doesn't go out) studying, drinking coffee or tea, and enjoying a nice, relaxing day (we're hoping the electricity doesn't go out). Off I go to study!
Well, I don't have classes on Tuesdays, but a major ice/snowstorm blowing through the area has everyone staying at home -- except the few students willing to go sledding (I'll try to snag a few pictures from my housemate).
When I got up this morning, it was raining pretty hard, and soon two of my housemates came back from class. The rain turned to sleet, and then to snow, and we decided it would only be fitting to have a real breakfast - coffee, eggs, bacon, sausage and pancakes! We all chipped in what we had. Don't say the Bayer House Girls don't know how to do breakfast!
Molly and Rebecca from "up on the hill" came over and helped us eat up the rest of the chocolate chip pancakes (mmmm! chocolate in the morning!) and then they went up the row to go sledding with a couple other students.
So, the entire house is here, in the nice warmth (we're hoping the electricity doesn't go out) studying, drinking coffee or tea, and enjoying a nice, relaxing day (we're hoping the electricity doesn't go out). Off I go to study!
Saturday, February 10
Today's Quote
We need to look to God each day ourselves, not assuming that somone else's place is where we should be, or that yesterday's pattern will be tomorrow's rule.
Dick Keyes, Beyond Identity
Dick Keyes, Beyond Identity
Thursday, February 8
Hmm, there goes that intention
When I left Billings for StL, I thought I would have a greater drive to blog, mostly to keep people updated.
I still think of blogging things throughout the day, but jumping online and trying to post seems to be harder and harder.
I've also completed reading more books in the last three weeks than I have in the previous 3 months. So every time I'm ready to stop studying, I want to go straight to bed!
So far, I love my professors and my roommates. I was really blessed to be able to meet up with Dave Edling when he came through town. He, once again, was so faithful to spend time, give counsel and be a friend to me.
Here are a few pictures of my living conditions. Not too Shabby, if I do say so myself!
I also got word today that I am still scheduled to do a 3-day Chapel series on Peacemaking at my alma mater. Prayers would be greatly appreciated, since I'm a little fearful.
Front of the House
Back of the House
Living Room
Edwards Hall. I have my counseling classes here. It was named for a supportive St. Louis family, who donated to the Presbyterian Church. Any connections, Billings Folk, to someone we know in Oregon?
I still think of blogging things throughout the day, but jumping online and trying to post seems to be harder and harder.
I've also completed reading more books in the last three weeks than I have in the previous 3 months. So every time I'm ready to stop studying, I want to go straight to bed!
So far, I love my professors and my roommates. I was really blessed to be able to meet up with Dave Edling when he came through town. He, once again, was so faithful to spend time, give counsel and be a friend to me.
Here are a few pictures of my living conditions. Not too Shabby, if I do say so myself!
I also got word today that I am still scheduled to do a 3-day Chapel series on Peacemaking at my alma mater. Prayers would be greatly appreciated, since I'm a little fearful.
Front of the House
Back of the House
Living Room
Edwards Hall. I have my counseling classes here. It was named for a supportive St. Louis family, who donated to the Presbyterian Church. Any connections, Billings Folk, to someone we know in Oregon?
Tuesday, January 30
The sadness of not receiving ESPN2
This is a great article - really well written, and funny- and reminds me how much I missed watching the Best Tennis Player Of All Time (there, I said it) take apart another well-meaning, but ineffectual player.
Parlez-vous francais, Monsieur Federer?
My Brother-In-Law definitely gets the hat-tip on this one.
Parlez-vous francais, Monsieur Federer?
My Brother-In-Law definitely gets the hat-tip on this one.
Reading
When DMM was at seminary, I remember her mentioning reading. And reading. And reading some more. While I knew she was reading many books (usually simultaneously), now I think there's really nothing to prepare you for the number of books you'll consume as you're in Seminary.
The thing I've learned is that in grad school, 80 or 90% of the books you'll read, you'll want to read. It's a nice change from the reading hoop-jumping for the sake of the hoop-jumping that occurs in undergrad.
Anyway, I need to go finish another 100 or so pages in my "The Heart of Evangelism" text book (Very good book) and then read the gospel of John for a few hours.
The thing I've learned is that in grad school, 80 or 90% of the books you'll read, you'll want to read. It's a nice change from the reading hoop-jumping for the sake of the hoop-jumping that occurs in undergrad.
Anyway, I need to go finish another 100 or so pages in my "The Heart of Evangelism" text book (Very good book) and then read the gospel of John for a few hours.
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