It's A Beautiful Day

So, I haven't seen my broski in a long time. I actually can't even figure out how long its been because its too late at night to be able to count or think cohesive thoughts. 
Basically, it's been long enough that I'm beyond excited to see him this weekend. At this time tomorrow night I will still be near the beginning of our long trek into the desert. Good thing I have lots of knitting and journalling and sleeping to do. And lots of homework to avoid. 
I should probably get to packing soon....


Ah, but before that happens I need to blog about some other reasons that tomorrow is such a wonderful day:


For one thing, it is my Megs' birthday. And she is pretty much really great. I'm just really thankful for her because we have such great talks at coffee shops. And such fun advising the judges of the Voice. And a little pet bird who has gotten more exercise than is even comprehensible. And she knows if we happen to see each other at work in the morning its because I needed to check my mail or I needed to say hi to my tree. So, thanks for being my friend. Love you lots Megs. Hope your birthday is fantastic :)


Guess. what. else. March 1st 2012 means that Jordan and I have been engaged for 5 months. AND its our 3 year anniversary. I can't believe it. Best three years ever. Its just hard to explain in words how much he means to me. But like in one of the most recent Up All Night episodes, we got each others backs. And I haven't even left for Texas yet, but I already miss him. And I'm crazy proud of what an awesome teacher he is/will be. And I'm so glad I have the rest of forever to hang out with him because I never get tired of it. And I feel only ever so slightly bad about making many girls of the world jealous that I have such a ridiculously handsome fiancé. But whatcha gonna do?

{One of the engagement pics from Joel Johnson...he is amazing}

Sorry for the super sappy blog post. Sometimes you just gotta be a little sentimental, ya know?

Lead me Lord

Sermon prepping. Made possible by Jordan, Barbara Brown Taylor inspiration, a frosted cranberry candle, Keana, Special K Red Berries, my parental units, Grandpa & Grandma, and Grandma's cookies. 

I love that I can't come over to Grandma & Grandpa's without being fed a meal and at least two cookies. Regardless of the time of day.

I also wish that Grandpa or Barbara Brown Taylor could take over for me this week. These lectionary texts are stumping me. 

But, since that not possible, my real wish is that I'll get to meet Barbara Brown Taylor someday. She is simply brilliant and it would be incredible to hang out with her for an afternoon.  

Alright, back to the books.

Sitting here with my fiancé

:)
We're just here, in Chris' living room, by the Christmas tree, wish we weren't doing homework, but we are, except for me blogging, and someday ending this forever run-on sentence.


I. cannot. wait. for. Christmas. time. 
I know that I say this every year, but seriously, my senioritis is the worst and break could never ever come soon enough.


One of the multitudinous great anticipations of break is being able to blog more. But another, infinitely more important one, is getting to spend some quality time with my man. And this blog is just a little tiny bit of my appreciation for him.


First of all, I don't know where I'd be without him. Sounds cheesy I know, but I was just reflecting on how much I've grown because of knowing him and being challenged by who he is. I'm just so stinkin excited to see where we go next and what we will be doing and probably living in a tent for a little while because we will be so poor. But really, what are the first couple years of married life if you aren't poor? I know all the best stories I've heard have come from barely scraping by. 


Basically, he is just the greatest. And he just bought us some peanut butter chocolate ice cream, which was basically all the goodness of a Reese's peanut butter cup wrapped up in a creamy delicious bowl of ice cream. 
I can't wait to be out from under the oppressiveness of homework [and yes, I know, directly under all the oppressiveness of life after college, but] living life together somewhere new. 
Sounds fantastic.

...

I have had the Psalm chants from the monastery stuck in my head all day. The thing is, they just don't sound as good at the quicker tempo of life here outside the monastery.

Breathe

So, I just tried to shut down my computer. And it took for. ev. er. I mean, I've had this wonderful little mac all of my college career, and so a little slowness is usual and understandable, but this time it seriously took forever. And I think its because my mac is in some odd ways a representation of how my life is and I forget to shut it down often enough. Just like I forget to shut down and breathe and sleep and sabbath enough. 


One of the problems is [and I realize this is just an excuse] that I need to find a place to set up my hammock. Hammock being still time is just one of the best kinds. But I know I need to be intentional about establishing that before I get into all the craziness that is a college school year. So basically this blog is a little friendly reminder for myself and whoever else needs it to rest. and rest often. 


I just finished reading Plan B by Anne Lamott, and I pretty much loved it. This quote [I believe she is referencing her priest friend here] is a good reminder for me today [and everyday]:


p. 15 - "He teaches his students, and has taught me, to slow down, breathe, and take care of everyone, which is of course the same message Jesus taught--that breath is our connection to holy spirit, to our bodies, minds, and soul; and that if the devil can't get you to sin, he'll keep you busy."


On another note, my broski left for college on Saturday, and I miss him already. I wish that  Maria and I could watch Psych with him this fall...I just finished all of season five and I'm so pumped. 

broski

my lil sis is getting so old!

this is what summer is all about...

strawberries the size of my palm

that and family vacation....

 

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was the coolest ride I've ever been on in my life. There's some pretty sweet things in Islands of Adventure, like the old school Jurassic Park ride and Spidey and Hulk, but we lived in Hogsmeade, so that we could drink butterbeer and ride this mind blowing ride four times. If I had time, I would have gone eight more times. 

Ah. The beach. I miss my dolphin friend, even though he only swam by once to say hey and then ditched us. But I don't want to get down on him. I know if there had been less people around he would have come back to swim with me because he knows that I have read A Ring of Endless Light seven times.

The fam. At my cousin Noelle's wedding. Dance parties at weddings are one of the many amazing things about having tons and tons of cousins. I love it.

Compline...

What a great way to end the day. 
I'm glad I've outgrown my slight aversion to liturgy and am learning in college how completely wonderful it is.
I would actually love to end every day of the summer with a nighttime swim and compline prayer.
It's quite refreshing.