Understanding cuts of meat:
Me (to the butcher): I want to make brisket for supper tomorrow night. What would be a good cut of meat to use?
Butcher: Um, brisket.
FAIL.
Understanding makes/models of vehicles:
My coupon says that the oil change is only redeemable for GM vehicles. I have had my car since 2004 and I still have no idea whose child it is. So I google, "Is an Alero a GM vehicle?" Answer: yes.
Understanding the organization of car dealerships:
I called the dealership to schedule said oil change and asked for the body shop. The lady was so sweet when I asked if I needed to schedule my oil change or if I should just drop in, but she finally said, "This is the body shop. You need to talk to service." Dangit. At least she was nice.
So don't ask me for help with any of the above issues. I will undoubtedly lead you astray. Call my mom. She knows everything. Seriously.
Happy Friday!
December 21, 2012
December 20, 2012
Break!
Today officially begins my Christmas break. And I'm truly thankful. For so many things.
Thankful for a job where I get paid to love on teenagers. How bizarre is that!?
Thankful for my crazy students. One kid, who is nearly always a behavior problem, gave me a priceless glimpse into his heart yesterday. I was working with him on a reading final and he regularly paused to strike up conversation with me. (He really struggles with focusing, so I wasn't at all surprised that he had something to say every 5 minutes.) I've been praying for this young man lately. Praying that I will begin to see him as an individual and not just a behavior problem. And the Lord is faithful, as always. I saw this young man's heart. I listened as he explained his sadness toward the people in Connecticut and his anger toward the shooter. Later, he told me how excited he is that his doctor gave him the go-ahead to increase his meds (which, in turn, will help him focus more and be less of a behavior issue for teachers). In that hour and 45 minutes, he was no longer a "behavior issue." Instead, he was transformed into a maturing young man who just wants to be heard. And heard him, I did. I'm sure he and I will still get into it after break and I'm sure I'll still want to pull my hair out after working with him on occasion, but I sincerely hope that I will remind myself of the human that I was able to see yesterday.
Thankful for my co-workers. I've received so many Christmas cards and treats in the past week. Even though I don't always see eye-to-eye with my colleagues, I'm thankful they are in my life. They make the rough days bearable.
Thankful for my superiors. Not trying to kiss any behinds here (because let's face it, they are definitely not reading this), but I report to an amazing principal. It is evident he loves his kids and evident that he wants his staff to be successful.
Thankful for my "new" job. I'm a semester into teaching special education, so it's hardly "new" anymore. About once a week, I pause in awe of the Lord's faithfulness and supreme provision. Even a year ago I wouldn't have thought that the SPED world would be for me. Mid-February is when the ball first started rolling. I love working one-on-one with students who legitimately need my assistance. I love working in a co-teaching environment. And I even love the paperwork. I'm notoriously bad at planning my life, so I suppose it shouldn't have shocked me much that my initial plan didn't work out. Again, God is faithful.
So I begin my time away from the kiddos today. I'm sure I'll miss them, but after teaching for only a short 2 1/2 years, I've learned that breaks are good for us all. My 5th hour will have to wait until after break to hear my sweet recorder tunes, but I'm sure they won't be too bummed. Happy snow day to those of you who are enjoying the perks of the education realm!
PS - did ya notice anything different about my blog? A friend who used to teach at my high school did a bang-up job, don't ya think? Thanks, Ashley! I love it!!!
Thankful for a job where I get paid to love on teenagers. How bizarre is that!?
Thankful for my crazy students. One kid, who is nearly always a behavior problem, gave me a priceless glimpse into his heart yesterday. I was working with him on a reading final and he regularly paused to strike up conversation with me. (He really struggles with focusing, so I wasn't at all surprised that he had something to say every 5 minutes.) I've been praying for this young man lately. Praying that I will begin to see him as an individual and not just a behavior problem. And the Lord is faithful, as always. I saw this young man's heart. I listened as he explained his sadness toward the people in Connecticut and his anger toward the shooter. Later, he told me how excited he is that his doctor gave him the go-ahead to increase his meds (which, in turn, will help him focus more and be less of a behavior issue for teachers). In that hour and 45 minutes, he was no longer a "behavior issue." Instead, he was transformed into a maturing young man who just wants to be heard. And heard him, I did. I'm sure he and I will still get into it after break and I'm sure I'll still want to pull my hair out after working with him on occasion, but I sincerely hope that I will remind myself of the human that I was able to see yesterday.
Thankful for my co-workers. I've received so many Christmas cards and treats in the past week. Even though I don't always see eye-to-eye with my colleagues, I'm thankful they are in my life. They make the rough days bearable.
Thankful for my superiors. Not trying to kiss any behinds here (because let's face it, they are definitely not reading this), but I report to an amazing principal. It is evident he loves his kids and evident that he wants his staff to be successful.
Thankful for my "new" job. I'm a semester into teaching special education, so it's hardly "new" anymore. About once a week, I pause in awe of the Lord's faithfulness and supreme provision. Even a year ago I wouldn't have thought that the SPED world would be for me. Mid-February is when the ball first started rolling. I love working one-on-one with students who legitimately need my assistance. I love working in a co-teaching environment. And I even love the paperwork. I'm notoriously bad at planning my life, so I suppose it shouldn't have shocked me much that my initial plan didn't work out. Again, God is faithful.
So I begin my time away from the kiddos today. I'm sure I'll miss them, but after teaching for only a short 2 1/2 years, I've learned that breaks are good for us all. My 5th hour will have to wait until after break to hear my sweet recorder tunes, but I'm sure they won't be too bummed. Happy snow day to those of you who are enjoying the perks of the education realm!
PS - did ya notice anything different about my blog? A friend who used to teach at my high school did a bang-up job, don't ya think? Thanks, Ashley! I love it!!!
December 10, 2012
Kitchen Casualtiees + A Recipe
I dubbed yesterday a "cook as many things as possible for this week" day. While I was successful, it must be said that there were some casualties along the way. Among the victims are my right index finger, my nasal passages, and my right groin muscle (my apologies if that is tmi).
We're hosting a portion of our small group Christmas party on Tuesday night, and for my part, I'm baking a bunch of fingery desserty foods. Yesterday's tasks were primarily candy-related. I purchased all my ridiculous candy-making ingredients (including a $10 vial of cinnamon oil...and the recipe called for 2-4 drops...this is dedication, people) and set to work.
My first recipe was cinnamon hard candy. After reading about 4 candy recipes, I felt prepared enough to begin the endeavor. It is important to note that one recipe said to refrain from directly sniffing the mixture once the cinnamon oil is added as it can permanently alter your nasal passages. Noted. So I continued. Tralalalala. After carefully adding the cinnamon oil, and being especially careful not to get any on my fingers (that would be a travesty!!!), I began to stir away (per one recipe's detailed instructions). Being the conscientious cook that I am, I wanted to make sure the bright crimson mixture was cinnamony enough, so I decided that I would take a quick sniff. I leaned my face over the steaming hot pan and inhaled a gust of the most spicy smelling fragrance this side of Mars. I immediately began screaming, (seriously, not an exaggeration...hubz can attest to this) coughing, and generally throwing a fit due to the intense burning sensation that was streaming through my nose, mouth, and throat. I honestly thought death was imminent. Hubz, being the kind soux chef that he is, yelled from the other room, "Run cold water over your fingers and stick them up your nose!" So I did. People, I was desperate. And it helped. Hubz to the rescue! My smelling is, I think, back to normal. Unfortunately, the cinnamon hardy candy paid the price. Some pieces are quite mild and taste more like a Pizza Hut mint while other pieces will make you want to pull your hair out. So you win some and you lose some. Lesson learned: avoid sniffing substances with cinnamon oil (or just follow the directions.......).
My right index finger was burned whilst making fudge. Much less exciting story. It just happened. Womp womp.
And as far as my right groin muscle goes...I have no idea. All I know is that after making all my goodies, I felt like a small child was stabbing my upper thigh with an ice pick. Alas, today it only feels like said small child is using a blunt screw driver, so it could be worse.
Allow me to end this post with a recipe that reaches back generations (actually, I have no idea how old it is....I just got it from my mom and adapted it).
Bierrocks!!!!
Filling:
2 pounds hamburger
1/2 cup chopped onion (use a food processor!!)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cabbage (I loathe cabbage, so I use a food processor to shred that sucker up)
2 Tbsp. mustard (I also loathe mustard, but it truly adds good flavor)
Sharp cheddar cheese - 2 cupsish
Brown hamburger. Add onions, salt and pepper, and cabbage (after using a food processor to chop/mince them first). Add mustard and 1/2 cup water. Simmer 20 minutes or until cabbage is done. Add cheese and mix well. Cool.
Dough:
2 packages yeast
2 cups milk (2 cups warm/hot water (150 degrees) plus 1/2 cup powdered milk)
1 stick margarine
6 1/2-7 cups white whole wheat flour (this gives it a nice grainy consistency)
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. salt
Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water with 1 Tbsp. sugar. To milk mixture add remaining milk, margarine, salt, and remaining sugar. Cool to lukewarm. Add eggs. Stir in flour to form soft dough. Let rise. Roll out and cut into 4 inch squares. Fill with hamburger/cabbage mixture. Bring corners together and pinch together. Place on greased cookie sheets with folded sides to bottom. Let rise about 40 minutes. Bake at 374 degrees for 20 minutes.
Happy cooking and may you successfully avoid any kitchen casualties this holiday season.
We're hosting a portion of our small group Christmas party on Tuesday night, and for my part, I'm baking a bunch of fingery desserty foods. Yesterday's tasks were primarily candy-related. I purchased all my ridiculous candy-making ingredients (including a $10 vial of cinnamon oil...and the recipe called for 2-4 drops...this is dedication, people) and set to work.
My first recipe was cinnamon hard candy. After reading about 4 candy recipes, I felt prepared enough to begin the endeavor. It is important to note that one recipe said to refrain from directly sniffing the mixture once the cinnamon oil is added as it can permanently alter your nasal passages. Noted. So I continued. Tralalalala. After carefully adding the cinnamon oil, and being especially careful not to get any on my fingers (that would be a travesty!!!), I began to stir away (per one recipe's detailed instructions). Being the conscientious cook that I am, I wanted to make sure the bright crimson mixture was cinnamony enough, so I decided that I would take a quick sniff. I leaned my face over the steaming hot pan and inhaled a gust of the most spicy smelling fragrance this side of Mars. I immediately began screaming, (seriously, not an exaggeration...hubz can attest to this) coughing, and generally throwing a fit due to the intense burning sensation that was streaming through my nose, mouth, and throat. I honestly thought death was imminent. Hubz, being the kind soux chef that he is, yelled from the other room, "Run cold water over your fingers and stick them up your nose!" So I did. People, I was desperate. And it helped. Hubz to the rescue! My smelling is, I think, back to normal. Unfortunately, the cinnamon hardy candy paid the price. Some pieces are quite mild and taste more like a Pizza Hut mint while other pieces will make you want to pull your hair out. So you win some and you lose some. Lesson learned: avoid sniffing substances with cinnamon oil (or just follow the directions.......).
My right index finger was burned whilst making fudge. Much less exciting story. It just happened. Womp womp.
And as far as my right groin muscle goes...I have no idea. All I know is that after making all my goodies, I felt like a small child was stabbing my upper thigh with an ice pick. Alas, today it only feels like said small child is using a blunt screw driver, so it could be worse.
Allow me to end this post with a recipe that reaches back generations (actually, I have no idea how old it is....I just got it from my mom and adapted it).
Bierrocks!!!!
Filling:
2 pounds hamburger
1/2 cup chopped onion (use a food processor!!)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cabbage (I loathe cabbage, so I use a food processor to shred that sucker up)
2 Tbsp. mustard (I also loathe mustard, but it truly adds good flavor)
Sharp cheddar cheese - 2 cupsish
Brown hamburger. Add onions, salt and pepper, and cabbage (after using a food processor to chop/mince them first). Add mustard and 1/2 cup water. Simmer 20 minutes or until cabbage is done. Add cheese and mix well. Cool.
Dough:
2 packages yeast
2 cups milk (2 cups warm/hot water (150 degrees) plus 1/2 cup powdered milk)
1 stick margarine
6 1/2-7 cups white whole wheat flour (this gives it a nice grainy consistency)
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. salt
Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water with 1 Tbsp. sugar. To milk mixture add remaining milk, margarine, salt, and remaining sugar. Cool to lukewarm. Add eggs. Stir in flour to form soft dough. Let rise. Roll out and cut into 4 inch squares. Fill with hamburger/cabbage mixture. Bring corners together and pinch together. Place on greased cookie sheets with folded sides to bottom. Let rise about 40 minutes. Bake at 374 degrees for 20 minutes.
Happy cooking and may you successfully avoid any kitchen casualties this holiday season.
November 28, 2012
juhuslik: it's Estonian
- Sometimes I have thoughts like "perhaps I should shut down the old blog." I'm obviously stupidly irregular in posting. But as soon as I have such thoughts as the one above, I remind myself that my blog is one of my outlets (when I want to give the hubz a break from listening to all the very, very important things I have to say). I post what I want when I want. That sounds selfish. But it's true. So ...okay is going to stick around. And I'm okay with that. Irregularity is a good thing, right? :)
- Many of my students feel the social stigma of receiving SPED services. My internal reaction to their very real emotions is often, "Why!? We're here to HELP you, not to embarrass you! You cray-cray." However, yesterday I received a dose of my own "you cray-cray" medicine. In one of my CSS classes (essentially it's a general education English class with a handful or so of students with special needs...and I'm in there as a co-teacher), I've been taking about half the class to my room during work time just to calm the chaos that is inevitable during independent work time. Aside from the students with special needs, I also snagged a few gen ed kiddos to join the partay in the Carlson classroom. Well, when my co-teacher told the students yesterday that the same students who went with me on Monday would be going with me again, one of the gen ed kids threw a mini hissy-fit. My read on the situation is that he didn't want to go with me because I'm the SPED teacher...thus not as smart and he would then be labeled as needing extra help. Internally, I was fuming. Embarrassed. Irritated. Lots of internal choice words. Not my proudest moment. Later in the day as I was processing my emotions, I realized that how I felt was probably similar to how my students with special needs must feel at times. Most of them appreciate the extra help and don't mind working one-on-one with me or being "pulled" from the regular class for support. But there are still times when receiving extra help is somewhat embarrassing (apparently it's not cool to walk down the hall with Mrs. Carlson...what!?!?). In an effort to wrap up this very rambling-happy story, let me just say that I love my kiddos with special needs. LOVE them. Like, I want to adopt all of them and make them cookies every day. And I'm not even joking. And I'm thankful for the opportunity I received to feel a bit of what they have felt so many times in their educational journey. <Stepping off soap-box>
- Tonight I'm making a baked ziti for supper. And I am pumped.
- My house is officially decorated for Christmas. Perhaps I will take some pics this weekend when it's not dark 5 minutes after I get home (cue collective ugh).
- Today I was actually LOOKING for something to do. Now that is crazy. The last month has been nuts - writing a bajillion IEPs while trying to stay on top of everything else about drove me bonkers. A wise SPED teacher said to me at the beginning of the year, "Your schedule as a SPED teacher will ebb and flow." And boy was she right. I'm definitely in a calm season right now (*crosses fingers*) and I don't hate it.
- Dansie hubsie and I are just home tonight. I love nights like this.
- Have a happy one!
November 12, 2012
3 years
What follows is what I wrote 3 years ago. Makes me smile. Love you, Dans.
Wednesday, Daniel texted me and asked if I would go out to eat with him at Red Robin tomorrow.
I, of course, said yes, and instantly began secretly wondering if a proposal would occur.
I told only Roxanne about Daniel’s request, and we chatted briefly about it, but neither of us could figure out if it was for real.
On Thursday, I asked Daniel if I should wear a hoodie or if I needed to dress up.
He said that he would wear what he wears to work (which is typically jeans and a t-shirt). He also said, “It’s really not that big of a deal.” This had me confused. He knows that I would not want to get engaged in jeans and a hoodie, so I decided to dress up anyway. You never know. (When I told him later that he took a risk – I could have worn sweats, he said, “I figured you knew me well enough that you would just know to dress up.”)
When he showed up to pick me up at 4:30 Thursday afternoon, he was wearing my favorite shirt (which he rarely wears to work). He was also quite awkward. In fact, I don’t remember a time more awkward than our first “date.” The drive to Wichita was full of chatting, but Daniel never even tried to hold my hand, which was also weird (especially since I hadn’t seen him for 3 days).
At one point I suggested that my parents could join us for dinner since they were in Wichita as well. He promptly said no. That was odd because normally he’s quite gung-ho about including either of our parents. Once again, I became suspicious. (In reality, I knew at this point, so instead of continuing to badger him, I backed off and just enjoyed the ride.)
Once we arrived in Wichita, instead of driving straight to Red Robin, he awkwardly drove around the parking lot by the place where he first said, “I love you” to me. Finally, he pulled into the parking lot by Abuelo’s and I said, “This is not the right place.” And he replied, “It’s okay.” At that point, I knew what was to come.
We got out of the car and he went to the trunk to retrieve a large, wrapped picture frame and his man-purse. We started walking toward “our spot.” He said, “Are you nervous?” To which I replied, “No, are you?” He responded with a confident, “Nope.” So we walked and walked and walked (I swear it was the longest walk ever). I tried to savor it as much as I could. I thought, “This could be the last time I walk as a single woman.” (I occasionally have odd thoughts like that. No big deal. Just go with it.)
I knew where we were headed, but before we arrived there, he tried to get me to go somewhere else, but I said, “I think you want me to be over there.” And he said, “Oh, you’re right.” So we kept walking. It was very sweet.
We finally arrived and sat by each other. He told me to open the picture. As I was opening it, he reached into his man-purse and pulled out a ring box. It (the wrapped, framed picture) was a beautiful water-color painting—done by sweet LynAnne Wiest—of him proposing to me at that exact spot. (He later told me that it was reminiscent of the commercial that makes me cry about the guy who takes cell phone pictures and sends them to his girlfriend and then the last one is a picture of her – and he’s home! He knows I love that commercial, so it was super special that he remembered such a sweet detail.)
He said, “Heidi Lynn Glanzer, will you marry me?” I might have jumped on his words, but I responded with an excited, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Much merry-making and picture-taking followed. It was truly beautiful and the walk back to the car seemed much shorter.
When we got to the car, we couldn’t figure out where we wanted to eat. I had strangely lost my appetite. He was still starving, so we decided on Red Robin. So for our engagement supper, we had burgers and fries. I kept trying to flash my new bling to our server so we could perhaps receive a free dessert, but to no avail.
After dinner, the flood of communication began. I had been “hiding” a list of people to call in my phone for the past month, so I was definitely ready to break it out. My parents happened to also be in Wichita, so we found them and recounted the evening with them. My sweet brother went crazy on the phone when I told him – I think this was the first instance of “Oh my word, this is really happening!”
The evening was perfect, the ring is flawless, the proposal was so personal, and Daniel is now my fiance. I can’t wait to spend my life with him!
In the past week, we have both felt loved by so many people. Thank you for your loving support and intentional prayers on behalf of our relationship. We look forward to sharing many exciting times with many people in the coming months!
Wednesday, Daniel texted me and asked if I would go out to eat with him at Red Robin tomorrow.
I, of course, said yes, and instantly began secretly wondering if a proposal would occur.
I told only Roxanne about Daniel’s request, and we chatted briefly about it, but neither of us could figure out if it was for real.
On Thursday, I asked Daniel if I should wear a hoodie or if I needed to dress up.
He said that he would wear what he wears to work (which is typically jeans and a t-shirt). He also said, “It’s really not that big of a deal.” This had me confused. He knows that I would not want to get engaged in jeans and a hoodie, so I decided to dress up anyway. You never know. (When I told him later that he took a risk – I could have worn sweats, he said, “I figured you knew me well enough that you would just know to dress up.”)
When he showed up to pick me up at 4:30 Thursday afternoon, he was wearing my favorite shirt (which he rarely wears to work). He was also quite awkward. In fact, I don’t remember a time more awkward than our first “date.” The drive to Wichita was full of chatting, but Daniel never even tried to hold my hand, which was also weird (especially since I hadn’t seen him for 3 days).
At one point I suggested that my parents could join us for dinner since they were in Wichita as well. He promptly said no. That was odd because normally he’s quite gung-ho about including either of our parents. Once again, I became suspicious. (In reality, I knew at this point, so instead of continuing to badger him, I backed off and just enjoyed the ride.)
Once we arrived in Wichita, instead of driving straight to Red Robin, he awkwardly drove around the parking lot by the place where he first said, “I love you” to me. Finally, he pulled into the parking lot by Abuelo’s and I said, “This is not the right place.” And he replied, “It’s okay.” At that point, I knew what was to come.
We got out of the car and he went to the trunk to retrieve a large, wrapped picture frame and his man-purse. We started walking toward “our spot.” He said, “Are you nervous?” To which I replied, “No, are you?” He responded with a confident, “Nope.” So we walked and walked and walked (I swear it was the longest walk ever). I tried to savor it as much as I could. I thought, “This could be the last time I walk as a single woman.” (I occasionally have odd thoughts like that. No big deal. Just go with it.)
I knew where we were headed, but before we arrived there, he tried to get me to go somewhere else, but I said, “I think you want me to be over there.” And he said, “Oh, you’re right.” So we kept walking. It was very sweet.
We finally arrived and sat by each other. He told me to open the picture. As I was opening it, he reached into his man-purse and pulled out a ring box. It (the wrapped, framed picture) was a beautiful water-color painting—done by sweet LynAnne Wiest—of him proposing to me at that exact spot. (He later told me that it was reminiscent of the commercial that makes me cry about the guy who takes cell phone pictures and sends them to his girlfriend and then the last one is a picture of her – and he’s home! He knows I love that commercial, so it was super special that he remembered such a sweet detail.)
He said, “Heidi Lynn Glanzer, will you marry me?” I might have jumped on his words, but I responded with an excited, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Much merry-making and picture-taking followed. It was truly beautiful and the walk back to the car seemed much shorter.
When we got to the car, we couldn’t figure out where we wanted to eat. I had strangely lost my appetite. He was still starving, so we decided on Red Robin. So for our engagement supper, we had burgers and fries. I kept trying to flash my new bling to our server so we could perhaps receive a free dessert, but to no avail.
After dinner, the flood of communication began. I had been “hiding” a list of people to call in my phone for the past month, so I was definitely ready to break it out. My parents happened to also be in Wichita, so we found them and recounted the evening with them. My sweet brother went crazy on the phone when I told him – I think this was the first instance of “Oh my word, this is really happening!”
The evening was perfect, the ring is flawless, the proposal was so personal, and Daniel is now my fiance. I can’t wait to spend my life with him!
In the past week, we have both felt loved by so many people. Thank you for your loving support and intentional prayers on behalf of our relationship. We look forward to sharing many exciting times with many people in the coming months!
With the Glanzer parents at the Hyatt.
We
went to Emily Railsback's art show at Little Pleasures in Hillsboro and
found Katherine among the crowd. She let out a piercing squeal that
both scared me and made me feel very loved.
How precious. Our guy friends were so happy for us.
Please notice the red spot on my hand. My mom has one in the exact same place.
The watercolor LA did for us. Love it!
November 6, 2012
Cray-cray
Helloooooooooooo, friends. Whew, long time, no see! Life in the Carlson casa has been cray-cray as of latelay (did ya catch that rhyme?). However, in the midst of all the craziness, I'm finding lots of time to mentally process and jump on the "be thankful in November" bandwagon. As well as maintain a relatively picked up house, exercise my right to vote, and write 5 billion IEPs (not an exaggeration...).
My picture supply is currently quite low, but I did find this sweet one. Unfortunately, this little sweetie isn't mine. But I'll take him (or any of the 18 thousand nephews) any day. :)
So there ya have it. Enthralling, I know. Happy election day. Go vote! Then go to Chik-Fil-A for a free sandwich!!!
My picture supply is currently quite low, but I did find this sweet one. Unfortunately, this little sweetie isn't mine. But I'll take him (or any of the 18 thousand nephews) any day. :)
So there ya have it. Enthralling, I know. Happy election day. Go vote! Then go to Chik-Fil-A for a free sandwich!!!
October 7, 2012
Happy Heart
We spent the last 24 hours with dozens of our closest friends from out college years. My heart is so full. Every year I wonder who I'll see at homecoming and who I'll be encouraged by. The day never disappoints.
Funny how easy it is to dive right back into meaningful conversation...even with people I haven't seen for several years. Funny how some things never change: the pep band still has a trap set at football games, Mary is still the most amazing cafeteria manager who ever lived, the beloved choir director still produces an awesome choir, and Kaylene still knows everything.
And funny how some things change: the coveted townhouses are no longer "new," professors have moved on to bigger and better ventuers, the stadium is no longer just a bunch of rotting bleachers, and the football team is back to being superb.
Two of the most enlightening conversations I had over the weekend were at a young alumni "reunion" of sorts that I didn't even want to go to in the first place (people, my feet were FREEZING and I was ready to sit on a couch). Here are my thoughts after these two conversations:
Funny how easy it is to dive right back into meaningful conversation...even with people I haven't seen for several years. Funny how some things never change: the pep band still has a trap set at football games, Mary is still the most amazing cafeteria manager who ever lived, the beloved choir director still produces an awesome choir, and Kaylene still knows everything.
And funny how some things change: the coveted townhouses are no longer "new," professors have moved on to bigger and better ventuers, the stadium is no longer just a bunch of rotting bleachers, and the football team is back to being superb.
Two of the most enlightening conversations I had over the weekend were at a young alumni "reunion" of sorts that I didn't even want to go to in the first place (people, my feet were FREEZING and I was ready to sit on a couch). Here are my thoughts after these two conversations:
- People in their mid-twenties are all in the same boat. We went to school for 4 (cough...or 5...cough) years for something we thought we would probably want to do for the rest of our lives. Some people graduated and found a meaningful job immediately. Others of us found what we thought to be a meaningful job but ended up realizing that we are more confused than ever. Regardless, we're all in this together. (And those of us who are still figuring out what we want to do with our lives want to smack those who already know...only out of jealousy, of course.) This trying to figure out what life after college looks like. This feeling like an adult but not really. This learning how to be in relationships of all kinds after college. It's not always fun. Seriously, it's not. BUT it will be fun to look back at our twenties and all the ridiculous things we did. Life is all about seasons. It's just that no one tells you about the mid-twenties season full of wondering and wandering.
- At my tiny school, everyone did everything. Well, sorta. Can't say I ever played on a competitive team, but I did try my hand at intramural volleyball, tumbling class, student senate, and a plethora of other activities. All that to say that once college ended and we moved to a new place, I felt devoid of involvement. In a brief conversation I had yesterday with a dear friend, she told me about a sermon she heard recently...the speaker spoke about how instead of throwing yourself into every little activity for involvements sake, perhaps it's best to slow down. Take life in. SERVE the people around you, but don't sign up for everything to just sign up for everything. Dans and I are currently trying to figure out what being invested in a community looks like, so that conversation was definitely food for thought.
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