Changed Sites

due to the need to consolodate and simplify my life, i have decided to make a different blog page. (doesn't quite make sense, but oh well... it would be too much to explain)

the new url is: bat-el-mel.blogspot.com

sorry for this inconvenience...

"Holland"

This may be lame and really anal of me, but when people refer to the Netherlands as "Holland" it really makes me cringe. The cringing may be due to the ball of anger toward their word misuse and desperation to set them straight which develops in my stomach at the use of said term in reference to the Netherlands. It gives me the overwhelming urge to immediately correct this blunder in hopes that they will be more cautious in future uses of this article.

However, I do understand that this is a word which has been widely accepted to mean "the Netherlands" and I can at this point only hope that one day they will realize that these words cannot be used synonymously. Also, I can agree that to say "the Netherlands" is far less efficient to say than simply "Holland", not only because of the syllable difference but also in pronunciation. Having to use -th- every other syllable is quite more taxing on the mouth.

To set the record straight, Holland is merely a province of the Netherlands, which is now split into Noord (North) and Zuid (South) Holland. So if you are going to Amsterdam (which is not an appropriate representation of what the rest of Dutch culture is like-- but that is an entirely separate topic) or Den Haag aka. the Hague then it would be appropriate for you to use "Holland" as your word of description. In contrast, if you are going to refer to the country as a whole, it would be better to use "the Netherlands", seeing that it is the country's actual name.

Anyhow, now that I have that all off my mind, I can go to bed. In the mean time, mind your Ps and Qs...

yay for blogging

It has been well over a month since I have last written on this blog and I figure it is high time for an update. This past month has been filled with many adventures and accomplishments of sorts, many of which are already known by you steadfast followers of my blog. But I suppose a little repetition never hurt anyone...

January/February involved:
-acceptance to Idaho State University, which means I am currently enduring my final tundra-like winter... this, of course, is just wonderful news
-turning 21 and celebrating with some of my closest friends of all time
-finishing the component of the Aesthetics course which I have been taking... now I am back to a more appropriate amount of homework for a Junior...
-planning and executing a bachelorette party for one of my closest friends... this was a success (according to her)
-receiving and almost completely consuming an entire 4 lb. jar of Jelly Bellies
-coming to several conclusions as to how I feel about current situations and learning how to engage properly in those situations
-speaking of engaging... engaging cultures is quite possibly one of my favorite (theology) classes I have taken during my career here at Dordt College-- that and major world religions
-on the other hand... Gen 300 has shown itself to be quite frustrating at times, despite the relevance of the topics
-I have come to the life altering realization that hot apple cider really isn't all that bad

Those are the highlights of the last month and a half, and here's a preview of my month (or so) to come:
-Piper's wedding (this Friday, in fact, is when I have to leave for that)
-spring break... which means I will be going to Mecca (otherwise known as Grand Rapids) to meet some more of Paul's fam and visit some of my friends at Calvin
-WiSE day... yeah...
-in general, getting things finished up to complete my transfer to Idaho State

Hope you all found this incredibly fascinating and inciteful. Love to all and keep up the good work! Peace out!

A lesson in humility to myself...

What should I do if I have nothing to say, but would like to say something anyway? Or if I do have something to say, but don't feel anybody cares about it as much as I do? or finds me silly for saying such things? or criticizes how I write or what I think? maybe outright or perhaps just in their heart and mind...

For the last few months I have found it difficult to be willing to say anything on my blog because of these thoughts. I don't like being criticized and I don't like thinking people may find those things silly. For some reason, I feel that some people won't be able to overcome their point-of-view or background in order to listen to what I truly have to say (not that it is always important). I suppose that being surrounded by elitists (or who I perceive to be elitist) at times has made a bit gunshy and uncertain about anything I think or feel.

One of the worst feelings in the world, in my opinion, is feeling as though you are being looked down upon or that you aren't good enough to be in the presence of some people. Its almost as though, if you do not reach a certain level of perfection in those areas you aren't even worth the time-of-day so to speak. How horrible that people treat one another in such an uncaring way. Like their thoughts and views on major (or minor) issues are invalid because they don't line up with yours. Like their grammatical errors make them less worth listening to. Like their not even a human being.

The saddest thing about this, is that I see myself doing the same to other people. Act as though I am better than they are and they have nothing to offer the world, much less me. I let the smallest things form my view of a person, and based on those stupid notions, I cast my judgment on them rendering them worthy or not. How abominable.

Lately I have taken to reminding myself of the verse out of Phillipians:
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."

I wish I could apologize to all the people whom I have judged like this, but perhaps it would be better to simply apply this passage in hopes of reconciling those thoughts and seeing the person for who they truly are and who God made them to be, regardless of what I think about it.

Well this has turned out completely differently than I first intended, but that's alright. Hopefully I will be blogging a bit more in the future, but we shall see about that. Until that next time... wear your snow shoes and feed your dog team...

Blogging

It has been a terribly long time since I had blogged last. It has been an even longer time since I had blogged on a regular basis. Sorry folks, but for some reason there is nothing really to complain or talk about. And if there were, its probably better to complain or talk about it with people.... Not that you faithful readers out there aren't people, but I think you get the picture. But regardless...

The truth is I have tried to blog in the past, but I never end up publishing those blogs. Believe me, if you saw how many drafts I have saved, you might just wonder why I try to blog at all. There are a multitude of reasons I could give as to why those are there, but it has a lot to do with me deciding its nothing worth reading about or having other people worry about.

Anyway... I am doing well. Life still has its road blocks and speed bumps, but I manage to find my way around. There are plenty of people to help me through those things, and I am very grateful for them all. Things with schooling are rather up in the air at this time. As of now, I am going to finish out my junior year at Dordt, but only the Lord knows what will be decided in this upcoming semester.

This upcoming semester in itself should be very exciting and present new challenges and adventures for me to enjoy or conquer. I will be in 4 biology classes and 2 bio labs, planning a few fun events, being part of a wedding, and finding time to spend with people just to relax. Some people are coming back and some people are leaving or moving away. And most importantly, there will be no breaks until a third of the way through March. There are a few things that are certain at this point, as for the rest, I leave it up to God and his guiding power.

Thank you all for caring enough about me to check in and see how things are going. I hope you have an eventful New Year! Until next time, practice fire safety while playing with fireworks...

Time for Round Three:

In an instance we have all been grasped from the inviting warmth of an Indian summer and cruelly clutched by the icy vise of winter's wrath. Not but a few days ago were we outside lolling in the sun's delightful rays without a care as to when winter would arrive. Now we retreat from the outdoors as quickly and cautiously as possible, as to avoid further exposure from the elements.

This is now a time for changes to be made, transitions in one's lifestyle in order for survival and minimal angst. To begin simply, a change in attire is required for those who would prefer not freeze whilst making a trek from point A to point B. I myself tend to wear leggings under my jeans, and tucked into my knee-high tube socks, with a camisole tucked also into my leggings, underneath a long sleeved shirt. This is only my basic and most essential layer. Then of course you add the boots for footwear (chique and functional), a scarf, mittens and hat for thermal preservation and to top it off, a long wool coat. Yes, this is the only way I have been able to survive the past few winters I have spent here.

Next thing to change is the way one plans their day. For those who have not lived further than a stones throw away from the Campus Center or Classroom Building, will soon learn how to meticulously plan out their day so that time spent in the cold is cut down to a minimum. Lists usually help if you're not good at mentally planning things out.

Finally, as the ice begins to form on the ground people begin to change their approach to walking outside. Steps become lighter while synchronously their speed becomes quicker. The lightness of step is key as to avoid a potentially very embarrassing blunder on the ice. Despite my own attempts to maintain the "lightness of step", I have fallen a grand total of six times during my career here at Dordt. These usually occurred while descending hills, but I hope to make an improvement on my record this year.

Well, I believe it is time to cease these ramblings and to get over the fact that this deluge of snow, wind and ice will not desist until late April. Adieu fair weather pleasures...

One Word:

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR...............

It's been a while...

Life has been good so far this school year. As of now, its been one of the least stressful and most pleasurable semesters since the beginning of my college career. Admittedly, at the beginning of year, I wasn't all that excited to be back, nor did I feel mentally prepared for the tasks that needed to be accomplished. But since Tri-state has come and gone, I have been able to get the rest I need and things I wanted to accomplish finished in order to feel the level of preparedness that I normally like to feel in order to function normally.

That being said, I am not at all suggesting that this semester has come with its fair share of stresses. For instance, I already have freaked out about both of my science classes and the major fear that they will not go well. Tied to this, is the fear of the possibility of me not getting into the desired Medical Technology program next year. Another difficult thing to overcome has simply been able to find a rhythm to my day and my week. This is largely due to the adjustment of apartment living, but it finally seems to be settling down.

Taking all this into account, yes there have been good times so far and yes there have been highly stressful situations so far, but on the whole, I feel enormously blessed with the entire year. It has not only been academically rewarding, but even more spiritually rewarding. It is easy to look forward to what the next day may bring, the challenges which may be presented, the fellowship which may be enjoyed, and the simple moments where all that can be done is sit in awe of how amazing life is despite its many, many drawbacks. A lot of the time, it is still difficult to remain upbeat about the state of this world and how its being run, but to choose to enjoy the junctures that make this life worth living is enough to balance it out.

Well... now it is time to stop blogging and to start doing other more productive things with my day. Tot de volgende keer!

For the love of phospholipids and the like...

For those of you who do not know, phospholipids are the molecules which from the membranes of the cells of which compose our bodies (as well as many other things). A phospholipid is composed of two fatty acids (a fatty acid is a hydrocarbon with an alcohol group attached) and a phosphogroup. The phosphogroup is considered the head of the molecule and it is hydrophilic, while the fatty acid chains are hydrophobic. Multiple phospholipids, when they come together, align themselves up head-to-head and chain-to-chain forming a sort of layer. If you get enough of these together, a cell membrane will form.

All of this is being said, because, for one, I have been learning a lot about them lately and for two, its simply amazing how something that seems so simple is quite complex and takes many circumstances and processes in order to take place. Now this sort of discovery has occurred within only the past few centuries, but have existed for millenia. So you tell me, if we were meant to have evolved by our own accord over many billions of years, knowing what we need to do to ourselves in order to survive, how is it that we only just figured this out about ourselves? This is probably a stupid question, but how exactly did an atom know that it would need electrons, neutrons and protons in order to function properly? Or that an oxygen knew that it would need hydrogen in order to form the life sustaining liquid dihydrogen monoxide (aka. water)?

Another thought, if one believes the first law of thermodynamics to be true (that matter can neither be created, nor destroyed), how can you prove that something just exploded into existence?

It just seems to me, that for beings that had to use some sort of intelligence (or innate ability) in order to evolve into the vastly superior beings which we are, it take many years of research in order even somewhat understand the basics which support the existence of life. Perhaps I am just rambling incoherently, but this theory seems like a poorly constructed argument in order to explain away the existence of something superior to ourselves. Just a thought...

Well... that's enough thinking for a Sunday. Be diligent and diligently be...

Life is just speeding past...

I thought that the summer went by quickly, but man is this semester just flying by. It's weird that I feel like I am still trying to find a sort of routine at this point. Seriously, it has been over a month now. Crazy huh?

People always say, in one form or another, to capture the moment or to seize the day, but how does one exactly do that when every moment of every day has to be planned out in order to provide maximum efficiency? By the time things have finally settled down in the evening, its time to go to bed. And not only are days planned out to the nines, but weeks tend to be the regular routine with which the daily routines settle into. It is near impossible to simply think about one day at a time if one wants to be able to get things done in a timely fashion.

Its simply mind-boggling how fast the time passes by...

Other then this, life is going splendidly well, despite a few hiccoughs along the way. Having the roommates that I do and the people that I love supporting me, has been such a blessing. Not only that, but somehow I am managing to stay on top of everything, while at the same time maintaining the friendships and relationship that I am a part of (which isn't usually a problem, but sometimes I just scare myself into time management). After my first round of tests in a couple of my classes, I feel a bit more confident about the outcome of this semester.

In general, I am content and happy with how things are going (if you didn't get that from the last paragraph). Yup! So, peace out!

...and the rest came...

Yesterday was a relieving day of sorts. Improvement was seen as well as a form of acceptance that I never expected to come. And the most beautiful part about it was that I didn't need to do a thing, but just listen to what she had to say. I know it's not going to be easy, but I have a feeling that it may go better this time around.

Why can't I find the rest I need?

This is going to be another sleepless night. My body is tired, but my thoughts keep on running wild. Why the hell is this bothering me so much? It's just one of those situations where you can't bear to not do something because of what may happen, but a the same time can't figure out what to do. I am so impatient for the answer that I am seeking from the Lord.

Why does this keep on going? How would something like this play into God's perfect plan?

There are so many different ways it is playing out in my head, yet I feel like the outcome would be the same everytime. Why do I get the feeling that it would be like talking to a wall? A wall that feels like no one friggin' understands what's going on and continues to dwell on it no matter what people say? People have been talking to this wall for quite some time now, but nothing helps.

I suppose the reason why I am losing sleep is because I am trying to figure out a sure-fire way to reach into someone's soul and shake it awake. To spark some conviction to change these habits. To show how silly all of this is.

But I can't do a thing, because it has to come from within... There it is. The realization that I can't do one thing to make a difference, only God can do that. Only God knows all the workings of the human heart. Only God can tear down that wall that so many people have attempted to break.

This is one of those moments when you realize how feeble we are as human beings. How little we can do without the grace of God. I know from my own life that I have no strength to stand up on my own. This, of course, is also one of those times where you recognize that only individuals can understand that when they see it in their own lives. You may believe me when I say it, but until, in your own time, you truly see it for yourself, you won't really believe me. I'll just be one of those people that "preaches" at you.

Well, whatever this is, it is by no means a sermon. Just someone letting out the thoughts that are preventing them from resting peacefully.

Lord, what do I do?

How can one effectively help a friend that has been wallowing in their despair for far too long? Perhaps I cannot be the judge of what is "too long", but isn't it a sign when the rest of the people that were affected by the same situation have moved on long ago? When they begin to forget the dates and yet your year revolves around that particularly tragic day?

It has been old for a while, but I thought they were getting over it. That sounds quite heartless, but it's wearing me and my sympathy thin. I want to continue to show sympathy and understanding, but is it too much at this point? Is it time for someone to say in a firm but friendly tone that this has gone on for so long that it is quite ridiculous? I know that I do not understand what they are going through, but heck, who can fully understand what anyone is going through?

Chances are that they think that my loss doesn't compare to theirs and therefore I have no right to say anything. There is still so much bitterness and anger, making it difficult to try to reach out.

Then there is the complaint that everyone knows what kind of problems they are facing. But how can they help that they know when you tell everyone and set yourself up for those kind of situations?

So as you can see, there is quite a predicament. Maybe I should just not say anything. If I should say something, what should I say? Yeah... I am quite at a loss for words at this point.....

Back from the edge of the world...

I know that all you faithful readers have been thinking that I have fallen off the face of the earth, but in reality, I only went to the edge of the world, and sadly that involves not much time to keep all of you updated on life's happenings. But now I am back and everyone can be happy again.

Europe was amazingly fun and very busy. We did pretty much everything possible in the span of three weeks and then my family chose to pick up where we left off. Our days consisted of waking up and having class by 9 until whenever. Then we would pack our lunches and go on an excursion to do some field learning, like going to the Rijks Museum after learning about Rembrandt in class.


Depending on the day and the traffic we would on average get back to our mansion at around 9 in the evening, and would then have to make dinner. We would make dinner in pairs and each pair had an assigned day to make dinner. It worked out quite nicely, actually.


After dinner and dessert (about 10) we then had to do the assigned reading for the next day, write a journal entry, and add to our Dutch word log (which by the end had to have 100 words). The next day would start the cycle again.

Thursday was the day that marked the beginning of our weekend. So after our appointed excursion on Thursdays we went abroad in Europe. For our first weekend we took the ferry from the coast of Calais in France to the coast of Dover in England. We then drove to London and hung out there until Saturday, when after the Phantom of the Opera we returned back to the Netherlands.


The second weekend we first went down to Normandy and spent Independence day looking at the beaches from D-day and also visited the American Cemetary in Colleville Sur Mer.


The next day we attempted to see all the major site in Paris (not going in any of them), which for the most part was successful, but involved a lot of walking and Metro riding.


As for the weather, it was mostly beautiful and sunny and warm, but toward the end it cooled off and started to rain a bit more... which was unfortunate, especially when I was with the family.

Yes, I am glad to be back home, because as "good" as I may be at speaking Dutch, it becomes difficult when you trully want to express yourself. Plus, I really enjoy having unlimited access to the internet and my cell phone simply for keeping in touch with people. I do miss being there though, and this time around felt like I missed out and am missing out on a lot of things because we moved here. But yet, I remain grateful for the life that God has given me here.

So that is it for now. If you have any questions, you know where to find me or at least how to contact me. Until next time, be friendly to your stewardesses...

3.5 days left to prepare

Yup, in three and a half days I will be flying over the U.S., Canada, the Atlantic, the UK and other random countries that may be in the way... perhaps even Greenland. It will be 5 weeks until I return home once again. Of course there are certain hopes and wants that I have for this time in the Netherlands, as well as reservations.

Here is the basic outline of my visit:
June 16- fly out
June 17- land
June 20- start program
July 11- finish program
July 22- fly back
July 23- land

During this time I will be spending money, rather then earning/saving it, I will be out of verbal communication with the people I love and care about and have limited Internet communication, I will be working on bettering my language skills, I will be spending a day in Paris and a weekend in London as well as travelling all over the Netherlands, I will be spending time with family I never get to see and I will be taking a ton of pictures, thanks to my new camera.

But to get to that point, I have a lot of things I need to do here, and very little time to do it in. Also very little memory to retain all of those items on my list. Oh yes...

Also, my family is currently in Canada, so I won't be able to get some of the things that I really need until the day before I go. But oh well, it is all in God's hands, I just need to remember to take advantage of my spare time and get things done.

Well, I hope all of you readers out there are doing well and enjoying summer weather (which for some reason doesn't want to appear here...) So until the next time... live long and prosper.

Conversation with Anna

As I was sitting with one of my very good friends at a picnic table during a graduation party, low and behold, one of my favorite high school teachers came sauntering by along the street where this house was. Both my friend and myself became rather excited and I am sure we both shared the same feeling, but also overjoyed when she joined us at the table. Before going any further, some background is required.

Anna Simpson was the high school choir director for my sophomore through senior year. I somehow even managed to get into the auditioned women's choir, Ars Pristina, my junior year and remained in it through my senior year. This was one of my absolute favorite classes, especially when I was in Ars Pristina. It allowed me and 15 other girls to work hard at our music while having a fun time with one another. Also, Anna was the person to introduce this class to our school. She also developed a Jazz Combo and since I have left, a men's choir named Mirth. Everyone who is in her class, especially her auditioned classes work really hard for her, and always feel like shit when they've let her down. And though she developed a lot of musical classes, she also, within those classes helped the music programs develop a larger repertoire as opposed to years past, when simple English songs were all that we sang, gave us some musical history (which also never happened before), added two concerts to the year, added a fund raiser Variety Show, and brings the choirs and bands on tour, not to Seattle (which is wonderful), but to Disney Land and other great music festivals.

As a person, she is very understanding of and sympathetic to people and is easily approachable and wonderful to talk to. While in Ars Pristina, there were many great conversations that took place, prayer concerns shared with honest sincerity, and laughs and giggles vocalized. We even had a day where all we did was learn different dances. It was a safe haven and a wonderful way to end the day.

So today, the three of us were slightly catching up on the happenings in our lives, but also discussing the differences between college and high school, how boys actually communicate and how it is difficult for people to be understanding of one another, which is what leads to cliques. Though the first topic is pretty well understood amongst most college aged people and the second is one that only girls should discuss with one another (though she had some very interesting observations...), the third is what sticks with me.

People are people and should be treated as such, was the main gist of this conversation. But the tendencies of our human nature are to be exclusive and not understanding. This is a painful reality when one realizes it and takes it to heart. I realize that I talk about this a lot, but that must mean it is something that affects me a lot. Then we talked about even though our human nature tends to be this way, it is through grace that we are going to be able to overcome this and be more inclusive. Christ was the premium example of this; he, through his grace, brought all of the outcasts to him. The people who were in the "in" crowd, such as the wealthy, the religious leaders, etc. were more 'out casted' by Christ, if that can be said, because of this. They were cold to the people that he drew near. And when we read in the Scriptures, I know I grow upset with those people and ask, "how could they be that way to other people?" Then yes, the realization sets in, followed by shame.

Anna told us that her husband grew up in a church that was rather large and tended to have cliques, but that his father, as the pastor, was never really apart of that. He was the person who brought the outcasts together in his home. They housed foster children and invited the 'stranger' people of the congregation over for gatherings. As a result of growing up in this kind of environment, her husband was willing to be friends with anyone at school and beyond that point. He was able to see them as people and not put them into stereotyped groups. That got me to thinking about how I would want my children to be raised. I would want them to be able to see people as people, and not as unapproachable because of one thing or another. I would want them to love people for who they were on the inside, not because of material or outer things. It is painful to think about all the opportunities that I have had during my life where I could reach out to someone, but let the opportunity pass because of what labels I would be associating myself with. I don't want my children to have that feeling, but this would mean that I would have to show them through my own life and actions, which is easier said then done.

So anyhow, this got really long. And as you can see, I am still working on stuff that I have been thinking about and struggling with for months. Until next time, pay your bills and drive sparingly... Peace out.

Benefits of learning a not-so-common language...

If you guys are looking for something that is fun to do... pick up another language that does not include Spanish or French. It is absolutely wonderful to listen to and speak with people in a language not many people understand.

First off, you can pretty much say anything about anyone and it doesn't matter, because no one else understands what you are saying. This happens a fair bit when my family from the Netherlands comes over for a bit. Oh what fun... though I do sort of feel bad for those people who have no idea what is going on.

Secondly, sort of in addition to the previous point, you can say all of the inappropriate things that would be considered uncouth in your homeland. For example, today at Boondocks my Opa said he needed to go to the "pisbak". Look it up, if you can, you may get a giggle, because my family sure did.

Finally, there is the simple joy of being able to speak a particular language, and if ever you reach the country of it's 'origin' you will be able to converse with the local people, even if it is not as fluent as you like. Also, you will be able to find your way around a bit easier than one who does not speak the language.

Well, these are only a few of the benefits of learning a not-so-common language, but they pretty much are the bones to the skeleton. Hopefully, from this very commercial blog, you will begin to work on a language (other than French or Spanish, which too have there benefits) and will be able to understand what I mean by these three points.

As sure as the sun sets in the west and the moon rises in the east... Peace out!

Update:

Now I am home and have been for about a week and a half. The Monday after I got home, I started to work once again at Pazzles. No break for me this time, I've got to make some money. It sucks to have that kind of pressure. Working at Pazzles isn't as awful as I imagined it would be. Despite the fact that I don't particularly enjoy production, the people there are what make it worth while.

Pete is our repair tech that immigrated over from Hungary during his early teen years. He's quite funny and has some interesting tattoos. He pretty much helps brighten up my day whenever he's around.

Lisa is our... I don't quite know... but she does a lot. She too is an emigrant and is from England. She is my primary source for figuring out what I should do or make, but I believe there will be a new person coming in this week that will start doing that. She too is quite hilarious and doesn't take herself too seriously, which at this job, you shouldn't.

Tatum is a sweetheart and quite opinionated. She's quite an interesting person to be with and has a good sense of humor. I believe she takes technical support calls and does other random things like print stuff for me or whoever.

Amanda, who used to babysit me, is just funny and amazing and gets herself into situations where people tend to make fun of her. She does it all by herself too. She gets the job of working with the design team and basically decides what supplies they get to use for whatever craft projects they have planned. I think she also helps with the choosing of the theme.

These are only a few of the people who help make my workday by giving me a giggle or two. Its because of the office dynamic that we are all able to do our jobs and maintain a level of sanity, because it sure as the sky is blue is not because of the nagging customers.

But anyway... enough about work...

My grandparents from the Netherlands are here. They actually arrived the Thursday after I got home, so now I am sleeping in the guest room and they are in my bedroom. There is a simple explanation for why they aren't sleeping in the guest room... my oma had hip replacement surgery about 7 months ago and is not able to get out of the bed in that room as easily as she is able to get out of my bed. So my mom kicked me out for the five weeks of their visit. Funny thing is, I leave for the Netherlands 2 days before they do, so I will not be reunited with my own bed until almost the end of July. Sad story, I know, but its for a good cause.

Also, just Sunday I got to hang out with my friend KT for a couple hours. It was so nice to talk with her in person once more. While we were hanging out, I realized that we are quite scarily similar despite our differences. It was really cool.

I'm looking forward to happenings in the next couple weeks. For instance, next Wednesday, Walhof is driving through and said he would give me a call once he arrived at Jeremiah's. I'm pretty stoked to see him again. Then the Wednesday after that Paul is coming to town for a week. I guess I'm stoked to see him too. And then the Monday after he leaves I will be taking off for the Netherlands and get to hang out with 7 more Dordt people and an amazing professor. It will be nice to see people from school during the summer as opposed to having nearly 4 months of absence.

So yeah... despite the frustrations of becoming part of a family unit once again, there are many things that are coming to help keep me sane. I love my family dearly, but coming back with the combined stress of not being in my own room has been having its tole on me. Oh well...

In conclusion, things are going well here and I am still alive and kicking. Hopefully I will not wait this long to write another blog... sorry... Its not like I haven't tried to write, I just couldn't figure anything out to write about... Anyway...

Until next time... water your flowers and feed your dogs.

This is for those of you who think I have completely forgotten about blogging...

Well I have news for you, I haven't. Lately, whenever I open the blog-writing-window, nothing comes to mind for me to write about, and since I haven't been too keen on writing about what I feel may be complete nonsense, I have simply not written. Sorry, from the bottom of my heart.

However, now I am giving myself about 8 more minutes to write some quick things down before I go and study for 3 hours for my final test. It has sort of been a flustered past couple days, just trying to plan out when to study, when to pack, when to clean, and when to simply spend time with friends. Well now the walls of my dorm are bare, two boxes are in storage and one test remains. Fortunately, having done well enough in my classes, none of these tests are stressing me out to an unbearable point, giving me the chance to do things I must.

Tomorrow, after my final, will be devoted to the packing and cleaning of the remainder of the dorm. We are technically going to check out tomorrow at 11 am, which I do not necessarily understand why so soon, because I sure don't have time to prepare. But anyway, the fact still lies.

It's bitter-sweet to be doing all of these things. Yes, it will be nice to go home for the summer and work and go on vacation and such, but at the same time... I am going to miss people. Although, at this point in the year, it will be nice to get away from all the things that have been happening, and simply reflect on them. Oh yes, reflection is wonderful.

Good news!!! I got my summer job back, which is amazing and wonderful, because that means I can earn money for my trip and tuition. YAY!

Well, time's up! Hope all of you have a blessed rest of your week. Tune in next time and don't forget to tip your waiters!

In Search of a Train of Thought

It has been a long time since I have written anything on this blog, and now it is high time to do so. Part of the blame for this grand pause from blogging can be given to the fact that my brain just can't seem to organize any specific thoughts in a coherent matter. Even now, as I am writing, it is difficult for me to focus on a topic that I may or may not care about. It's very frustrating really, but hopefully once classes and finals are finished I will be able to push around some things in my head to make room for a train of thought.

So for the past three days the major project that has taken up homework time is the Major World Religions paper which is due tomorrow. Yippee! I've got nine pages done and now just need to fill in the cracks that I have left and write an introduction/thesis and conclusion. Let's hope that it takes me at least three pages to do this.

I absolutely love to walk barefooted on lucious, green grass. It is perhaps one of the best feeling in the world. Taking walks in general is a favorite pastime of mine. There's just so much in God's creation that we are meant to enjoy, so why don't I do this more often...? search me... Actually, that was part of reason why I found the poem in the previous blog. Observing people walking [and by walking, I mean basically jogging] to and fro from East Campus/Covenant/Southview makes me wonder why exactly they are walking so fast. Sure, some of them may be running late or whatever, but some people regularly walk fast from place to place, and it makes me wonder if they are seeing the world around them and taking the time to enjoy it, or are they just really focused on getting to wherever they are going. It's really none of my business, but it makes me not want to be like that.

So yeah, this won't show on the time that I posted, but I took a two hour break from writing on this blog and currently don't have anything else to say. Peace out!