RenaissancePrincess's Xanga

First Week of School

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:15:33 GMT

Yesterday was the first day of school. And nothing says first day of school like a gentle rain that soothes nerves and helps blend in with tears that might slip down ones cheeks. Many parents brought cameras to capture their little ones first day - how precious. The weather was cool enough that the outside doors could be left open, but the air conditioning in the library helped cut the humidity. I overheard many admonitions from teachers in the hallways, "Keep your hands to yourself kids," and "This does not look like a straight line to me." Oh how some things never change. As I have familiarized myself with the layout of the media center, I have discovered many titles on the shelves that I need to read! It's a good thing I have control over the library checkout system. :) And I'm pleased to report that I have this feeling of belonging at my little school. There were no butterflies in my tummy yesterday morning, and that is a very good thing. Maybe, just maybe, this will redeem my previous teaching experience and help me consider if I want to be a school librarian when I grow up. We'll see. In the mean time I bloom where I am planted and take joy in the small things - like Central Dairy milk at lunch! Working a half-day today wraps up my first week of school...if two days constitutes a week. Back to the grind of evening graduate work next week, along with Power Team mania.

Check out my photo blog for a few new photos of my new happy library space!

Drum roll please

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:59:23 GMT

So, yesterday was the big double-whammy job interview day. During the first interview, I met with the principal, the district technology coordinator, and the other librarian with whom I would be working. Their interviewing method followed a standard format and I was confident in the way I answered the questions as straight forward as I could. The school is west of town, has two classrooms per grade level, for a total of only about 250 students K-5, so a pretty homey environment. But I found out that it would be a full time job, not a part-time job like I thought it would be. I left with confidence that I did the best I could and approximately fifteen minutes later, as I was driving home from the interview, the principal called me, informing me that they were offering me the job, if I wanted to take it! She knew that I had another interview later in the day, so I told her I would call her soon with my answer.

The second interview/first phone call I received on Thursday, was at 3:30 on the east side of town, but both schools are almost exactly the same distance from my apartment. I interviewed with the principal, the other librarian with whom I would be working, and one of the classroom teachers. This interview was really laid back and less formal. This school is even smaller than the first having only having around 170 students K-5, with one or two classes at the most, per grade level. This position would be part-time, twenty-five hours a week, but without insurance benefits. However, I could keep a full graduate load of 9 credit hours while working, allowing me to maybe graduate by 2010 with my MLS, so that's something to definitely consider. As the interview was wrapping up, the principal asked the other teachers if they could read her mind, and as they agreed with her she offered me the job before I even left the interview!

Now comes the hard part, accepting one position, and turning down another. I don't do well telling people, "no, thank you" to a job offer, but that's what must be done. The decision that I will make, however, feels good - I'm at peace and know that I'm choosing the school that will be the right fit for me. I praise the Lord for answering prayer and His continual provision in my life!

The rest of my day/evening consisted of going out to dinner with three of my MLS friends, followed by us attending the book release of Stephenie Meyer's "Breaking Dawn" at Barnes & Noble. Since the publicity information for the party suggested dressing up in prom attire, we took them at their word and wore fancy dresses. I decided to get a little more mileage out of my bridesmaid dress from Addie's wedding. (My prom dresses were re-sold years ago.) And since we were dressed up, our hostess asked us what the special event was, and when we told her she proceeded to ask us, "Did one of you all write the book?" We smiled and said no, that this was a national book release party. :) Once arriving at B&N, we were definitely above the median age of females in attendance. There were some very enthusiastic 15 year old girls among us, many of whom wore some kind of sparkly dress, or had made their own t-shirts, complete with a catch-phrase from the book. Clever. As the evening reached its pinnacle, there was a cheering countdown to midnight, I kid you not, and once the clock struck twelve, they started selling the book, literally hand over fist. I witnessed adolescent girls grabbing the book from the salesperson and running out the door to go read it. In some ways it made me roll my eyes and think, "oh, please," but I can't deny that these books have done wonders for teenage literacy. And, truth be told, if I were about ten years younger, I probably would have been one of those girls, racing out of the store, dying to get home to read it - even if it meant staying up all night, which I know many of them did. As for me, I'll wait until this coming week when my three friends are finished with their recently bought copies of "Breaking Dawn", and then borrow it from one of them. :) So all in all, a long day, but full of exciting and memorable moments. God is so good.

Silver Lining

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:25:38 GMT

Talk about God's timing and seeing the silver lining in the cloud! Yesterday I took my application, resume, and other necessary paperwork to the public school HR office around 10:30 and felt confident that I had everything in order. I left and went to campus to check my e-mail and pick up a USA Today (book review day, of course). Around 11:30 my phone buzzed, but since I didn't recognize the number and didn't want to carry on a conversation in the library, let it go to voice mail. When I checked my voice mail a few minutes later, I was so surprised to understand that one of the elementary schools had already been notified of my interest and called to schedule an interview with me! As I was talking with the principal, I heard another call come in, but let it go to voice mail so I could finish my conversation. As I ended the first conversation, I was even more surprised to discover that the other call was from a second principal at another elementary school in town! So I now have two interviews today! Both of the jobs are similar in work load and pay, so I will wait and see how they go, and then make a decision if I am offered a positions. I left campus with a smile on my face and God's peace radiating throughout my entire being.

EDIT: And I have read 7 books during the month of July. I looked back in my trusty reading log and verified my status. Being ahem, "between jobs," shall we say, has given me ample time to let the book worm in me shine forth during this past month. :)

This is how it is...for right now

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:45:32 GMT

This whole official summer thing is quite a doozy - complete with the humidity that depletes ones supply of energy. Good thing for the swimming pool at my apartment complex, which I'm visiting three mornings a week and reaping the benefits of monitored doses of sunshine and exercise, as well as those delicious cranberry slushes from Sonic, which I enjoy the most when they're half-price during happy hour.

I remain on the job hunt. The graduate assistantship for which I applied was offered to another candidate, and I honestly was okay with this decision. The waiting for the right job and the rest of my life/career to begin are what is so difficult. Now that I have finally decided that I want to be a librarian, I would really like to work in a library. I've re-applied for various part-time positions at the public library, but the catch 22 kicker is that you have to have experience to be hired. So how am I supposed to get said experience without being given a chance at the job?! I am also almost finished with applications for part-time library assistant positions at local elementary schools and have also applied at Barnes & Noble. Not quite a library, but still filled with books, so working there would also make me happy. In the mean time I wait, pray, try to be patient, and keep filling out job applications...

Over the past few weeks in my moments of waiting, I've completed two sets of four crocheted napkin ring holders. I hadn't done any crocheting projects in a loooong time, probably a good couple of years, but came across this one on the Lily website. Since I'm really trying to learn to read patterns, rather than just rely on someone to show me how, I was pleased to discover this one was easy enough for me! The pattern originally called for a star decoration, to fit with the recent 4th of July theme, but since I didn't have red, white, or blue, and didn't really know how to make said star, I made a little floret instead. Plus this little addition allowed me to use up varying lengths of cotton scraps from previous projects. I've also knitted two dishcloths and a muffler for winter. Check out my photo blog to see my little napkin ring holders them.

Thanks to our well-stocked public library, I've recently enjoyed the sounds of Bach's unaccompanied cello suites, recorded by Yo-Yo Ma , along with John Adams' "Harmonielehre" (which I missed the SLSO performing two seasons ago). I've also watched several PBS and documentaries. So far I've enjoyed one on the history of Tupperware, the Academy Award wining documentaries "Best Boy" and "Spellbound" (which I had been wanting to see for several years), along with "Wordplay", and a few episodes of the BBC comedy "Extras." In keeping with my non-fiction movie watching, my book selections have also reflected a similar pattern. I've read the autobiography by Paula Deen "It Ain't All About the Cookin'," which was okay, and am currently reading "Good Grief" the biography of "Peanuts" creator Charles Schultz, though I'm having to labor through all the cartooning details. And these young adult books by Stephenie Meyer! They are so good! In the past month I've borrowed and read the first three books in the "Twilight" saga from one of my new MLS friends. A group of the MLS graduate students, including yours truly, are planning on going to the release party at Barnes & Noble this Friday night for the fourth book "Breaking Dawn." Prior to the party, we're going to get dressed up in prom attire (fitting with the theme of the party), have dinner at Macaroni Grill, and then join all the other sixteen year olds who show up at the book release party. It'll be happenin' place to be on a Friday night I tell ya. This brings my total books read during the month of July to 7! There are definite perks to turning off the TV and settling down with a good book...or two, or three, or seven in my case. :)

Summer Hiatus

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:06:51 GMT

A little break is always a good thing. In this case, my mid-summer hiatus has been a welcome reprieve. Almost two weeks ago, those of us whose summer job was to grade the thousands of standardized tests worked ourselves out of a job (my mom came up with that, isn't she clever?). So upon finishing my part of the grading, I packed my suitcase, loaded my car, and headed for my favorite place on this side of heaven - Pinecrest Camp. :) I've been a counselor for the teen choir and orchestra the past 4 of 5 years, but because I thought my summer employment would occupy me through the end of July rather than mid-June, I declined the offer to counsel again this summer. But with the change in my schedule, I decided to catch what I could of the week known as Campmeeting. In many ways, I was able to enjoy the mid-week services with less pressure than I normally would have. And though I hadn't played my saxophone since last year's Campmeeting, I blew the dust off of it (almost literally) and picked up where I left off. It's like riding a bike. :) On Friday afternoon, I found a wicker chair on the porch of one of the chapels and relished the peaceful sights and sounds of the campground. (Note new profile picture). Learning lessons that God is a verb, not a noun, that He wants me to ARRIVE, not just show up, and the reality of living a Holy life were embodiments of God's promise to draw near me when I drew near to Him, which I felt closely during my few days of retreat.

After leaving Pinecrest, I headed south to spend time with my folks. My dad's side of the family had a reunion over the later part of the weekend, and I joined in on the family togetherness on Sunday morning. Dad volunteered me to sing and play piano, but I didn't mind so much. :) The rest of the week went just exactly as I hoped - I earned my keep while at mom and dad's! Their garden is literally blooming with wonderful produce, so I was able to help pick green beans, snap, and later can them for us to eat throughout the year, along with picking green bell peppers, yellow squash, okra, and cucumbers. We'll hopefully have fresh corn on the cob soon, too. When visiting my grandma, we picked plums and peaches in her backyard - the plums are preserved in the form of jelly, which makes my toast all the more happier throughout the year. Just before the 4th we managed an overnight trip to Branson and saw the group SIX in concert. Six brothers, with no backing band, providing ALL the vocal sounds, and a tremendously high energy show made it a lot of fun! Even though we were there near the holiday weekend, we could tell that the suffering economy and high gas prices are really effecting the tourist flow that is usually the summer norm in Branson.

I must say, the 4th of July is my second favorite holiday and in my opinion, it's the summer equivalent of Christmas, minus the presents and baby Jesus, of course. What other time of the summer do you have the excuse to wear holiday-themed clothes, go to parades, get off of work, eat watermelon (though I don't really care for it), and shoot off fireworks? We were fortunate to see not only one, but TWO town fireworks displays this year - one with mom and dad's church family, and one with our own family. I attempted taking pictures, but it's so hard to capture them when they're in their colorful glory. Regardless, check out my photo blog for some vacation hiatus photos that visually capture the past few weeks.

My pastor reminded us this morning that God promises freedom - John 8:31-32. Something he said really stood out to me, "there is a difference between believing THAT something is true versus believing IN something that is true." Ultimately being a modern-day disciple of Jesus leads to His truth. I'm reminded of the shirt Sally used to have when were were in college that said, "I believe in God. And He believes in me." Yes and amen.

On the book front, this past week I finished Mark Twain's classic "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight." I can't honestly say that I ever read "Tom Sawyer" from cover to cover before now, so this was a good exercise for me in enjoying the older vernacular Twain employed for Tom, Huck, Injun Joe, Becky Thatcher, and Aunt Polly. As for "Twilight," oh my goodness. I had heard about this new vampire-themed series by Meyer, saw that they have been on best seller lists, and after hearing some rave reviews, borrowed it from one of my new MLS friends before leaving town. She told me it would be addictive...boy was she right! Harry Potter move over - this is the new wave of teen literature that I couldn't put down. (How's that for a pitch?) Now I need to borrow "New Moon!" Before leaving mom & dad's I also frequented my favorite used book store and bought "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E.L. Konigsburg for $1.87. What a bargain! It was definitely a pre-teen favorite of mine, which can now be added to my growing library of favorites/Newberry medal winners. As I ponder my direction in the MLS program, I just might have to become a young-adult librarian...I kind of like that idea.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:42:17 GMT

How I enjoy the weekends, so. This whole working 40 hours a week thing has taken a little adjustment, and the weekend has become, yet again, my solace from the busyness of the week that has been. Just when I've started to get into my routine (now requiring me to be at the testing center by 7:30 every morning. Yuck.), the job is almost over. We've succeeded in grading thousands upon thousands of standardized tests. I've personally graded thousands of 10th and 11th grade English and Science tests. Since I've signed a confidentiality agreement, I unfortunately can't share any great off task comments that I've read, but trust me, there have been some doozys and have definitely served to break up the monotony of the on task students.

Yes, my weekend has served as a reprieve from the busyness of the week. I sang in another small ensemble concert this past Wednesday night. While the dress rehearsals took up most of my evening/after work time, it was good for me to socialize and sing with friends. (Too much alone time is never a good thing for me.) The concert went well, and to celebrate, I went to Dairy Queen with some friends after. Nothing says job well done like a waffle bowl of ice cream and chocolate.

Thursday Kyle and I had a spur of the moment dinner, which worked well for us both. It was my first time having Greek food (where I have I been?) and to commemorate the occasion I had, what else? A gyro - however it's pronounced. Tasty lamb and pork (I think) with such good flavor made it a great first-Greek-experience in my book. After dinner we dodged the raindrops and went to Best Buy where I bought the new Coldplay CD "Viva La Vida" for $9.99. Thank you Best Buy for a good buy on a CD I've been long awaiting. Yesterday morning was the first chance I had to sit down and listen to it in its entirety. While it's definitely their own unique sound, I heard hints of Queen and John Lennon, as well as new minimalism techniques previously unemployed. For me, it is a brand new, artistic approach to their music, and quite frankly, I like it a lot. In the first few listens, "42" and "Death and All His Friends" are my favorites. All in all, it caught me by surprise, planted a smile on my face, and kept my toe tapping.

Thinking of other first time experiences, last night I had dinner with friends and afterward we watched "Sweeney Todd." Okay, seriously? Why didn't someone tell me that it's way too creepy and gross for my liking and comfort level? I was so glad that I did not pay money to see it in the theatre - I would've been a basket case with accompanying bad dreams. I had to come home and watch part of "The Holiday" just to get my mind off of it. The universal appeal of one Johnny Depp was overshadowed by creepsters Tim Burton and Stephen Sondheim, in my opinion. And the one song I knew from it (the theme song) wasn't even included. Big disappointment.

In happier news, I had my first opportunity to play piano in our praise band tonight at church. I've been playing on Wednesday night for the youth service for several weeks, and always enjoy it, but getting to play some great hymns of the faith, which I grew up singing, and then pulling out "Friend of God" for offertory made my heart overflow with musical happiness. And since the piano at the church is a Steinway makes it all the more better. Now that I don't necessarily HAVE to perform, playing and singing are a lot more fun, and the pressure of perfection is no longer a concern. For this, I am so thankful. Thinking of church, we are hosting the Power Team later in August as a combination revival/community and school outreach. I remember seeing them several years ago at SBU, so for an average church our size to host such a recognizable group is quite the undertaking. But we're up for the challenge and the Lord has already begun working, placing people on my heart to invite. If anyone is in the area and wants to come, it should be quite the event. Our goal is to have 500 people in attendance each of the five nights they are here, and we're already thinking there will be a lot more than that. We'll soon find out!

On the reading front - this week I met some of my new classmates in the MLS program. I'm pleased to say that they are all very normal and nice. Therefore, the librarian stereotype that is steeped in tradition is being broken, one book loving individual at a time. Including yours truly. :) The summer reading program at the library also kicked off this week and our community One Read pick for the summer is "The Whistling Season" by Ivan Doig. I checked it out on Tuesday and am excited to read it and be a part of the upcoming fall events, which will surround the plot and characters of the novel. So between working 40 hours, "The Whistling Season," "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," and the ever-pressing need to work on quizzes for my online class, I'm one busy girl. And it's just the way I wanted my summer to be.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:24:22 GMT

There's something to be said for routine, even in the summer. And I think I've found it. In the past few weeks since school adjourned, I applied for several part-time jobs around town, not receiving positive results from any of them. After Kim, a friend from church, clued me in to a position she knew of through her work, and a few interviews later, last Monday I started working a full-time summer job grading standardized tests for the State, and technically for the University. I admit, looking at a computer screen and grading over 1000 questions (the same question) every day is a little mind numbing, it's still a decent paycheck and I get to sit down and be in the air conditioning, so I can't complain. I've even made a few friends, which is always a good thing, and a reminder of how small the world is. Arriving at work every day by 8:15 has proven to be an interesting challenge. In each of the jobs I've ever had, arriving at the same time (especially before 9:00 a.m.) has been a non-issue, so I'm chalking this one up for the memory books! Due to about a 20 minute commute, dealing with both 8:00 and 5:00 traffic, I've quickly discovered that packing my lunch and setting out my clothes the night before makes my morning much less harried. Today we finished a huge portion of grading so tomorrow will be bring about training for a new test and working with a new group of people. Bring it on.

Over the past few weeks, I've been able to do some fun things with some fun people. Some of them have been:
- taking a mini road trip to Bolivar with Aarik & Brooke. Seeing the Daveys and eating lunch at Kathy's Pasta made for new memories and reminded us of the past. And when did the Walgreens pop up on the corner of Aldrich and Springfield?! The wheels of progress continue to turn...
- a few weekends ago my family and I attended a Cardinals game (beating the Astros, I might add), and the next day we journeyed to Branson to see the new musical based on the life of Noah. It was a sold-out sneak preview and had very few technical glitches, so the performance perfectionist in me was relatively at ease through the show. The weekend also included spending time with family, having lunch with Addie, and doing some shopping on the way home.
- before Aarik and Brooke ventured east for the summer, we, along with Kyle, saw "Young @ Heart" at the RagTag a few weeks ago. Older people being exposed to modern music, and marveling at the resilience of a "can do" attitude made for a heartwarming movie-going experience. Last week I finally got around to seeing "Prince Caspian" with Markli - see Facebook for fun photos. I had heard mixed reviews for Narnia 2, as I saw it advertised in one location, but left the theatre thinking it was pretty good. I had re-read the book a few weeks ago to refresh my memories of the C.S. Lewis classic, plus I'm a big sucker for comparing the book to the movie, and this time was not an exception. While there were several liberties to the visual story line, I didn't feel like any of them were out of character that conflicted with its literary inspiration and really loved the Regina Spektor song "The Call" that helps conclude the movie.
- For the 82nd consecutive year, my family met for our annual reunion this past weekend. This was the first year without my grandma, but her presence remained close and dear. My mom and I chuckled at the memories of her in a dither worrying about fixing enough food to fix when people would stop by her house. She needn't have worried - food was in an abundance and I was proud that I took the time to engage in conversation with some family members I previously had not gotten to know very well. The thought came to mind on Friday night, this is who we are: broken and wounded, transparent and vulnerable, and yet reliant on one another as we reach out to each other year after year. As I grow older, I desire to continue the tradition of meeting together yearly, which my great-great grandpa desired for his family to maintain. There's something about our reunion that always makes me feel like a kid. The feel of cool grass between my toes, which often results in receiving my first bug bites of the summer, the marvel of seeing the first lightening bugs flicker in the twilight sky, the assurance that my belly will be full of good food, and the happiness of sharing who I am with those I love always does my heart a world of good. Enough to last me until this time next year.

My summer reading list is coming along. Monday I finished "The Inner Voice" by Renee Fleming, and since then have dabbled in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," "Dandelion Wine," and "Me Talk Pretty One Day" (so excited about David Sedaris' new book "When You're Engulfed in Flames"!). While I was in Springfield a few weeks ago I cashed in my last few dollars on a Borders gift card and redeemed a 30% off coupon to buy this year's Pulitzer winner for fiction, "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Diaz. It now joins my ever-expanding to-read list (sooner or later...). During our family reunion weekend I was so pleased that my cousin Linda from Dallas was in attendance again this year. She and I had a lovely conversation about books on Saturday night after stuffing ourselves with fish and hushpuppies. I couldn't imagine a more perfect evening.

After a wonderful night of music, fellowship, and being stirred by the Rob Bell "Breathe" Nooma video at church, this is what my week looks like halfway through.

It Happened...

Mon, 19 May 2008 21:11:08 GMT

Three Things Have Happened:

I. This past weekend I turned another year older. Here's the thing about birthdays:
1.) They are inevitable. Even though I don't feel a year older, or feel like I look a year older, it has happened, yet again.
2.) There will come a point, I'm guessing in about three more years, when my naturally high metabolism is going to crash on me. The endless pasta and bread I eat without much thought will come to haunt me, like Marley visiting Scrooge in the middle of the night. Therefore, I should enjoy these next few years all the more...and commit myself to exercising more frequently to help keep my metabolism high.
My parents came to visit, in honor of said birthday, and I had a little soriee yesterday afternoon, complete with friends who visited and ate my homemade brownies and fruit kabobs (mom's clever idea). I'm a blessed girl for sure.

II. This morning I went to an early matinee of "Made of Honor", and it happened. What I've wanted to happen for a long time, and have come really close to experiencing, but never did it actually happen. Until today, when I walked into the theater and realized, I was the ONLY ONE watching the movie! The movie wasn't as good as I would've liked to it to have been, especially in light of this momentous solo-movie-watching occasion, but I still thought it pretty cool that I could snap along with the opening credits music, laugh out loud at dumb points of the movie, put my feet up, and leave without having to climb over people's spilled popcorn and Skittles. After the movie, I treated myself to a dipped cone at Dairy Queen. Yum. As I sat there munching on the cone, the thought occurred to me that ice cream cones have the texture of fried plastic. And yet, why do they always taste so good and remind me of my childhood? My happy day has also included some terrific bargains of picture frames and yarn on sale at Hobby Lobby. Further apartment decorating and baby afghan making, here I come!

III. School is out, and for me, that means it is officially summer. This means, that I SURVIVED MY FIRST YEAR OF GRADUATE SCHOOL, and feel pretty good about it to boot. Today I returned twenty (count 'em) library books to their rightful home (no more camping out on my floor). It took me pulling two very heavy suitcases to accommodate this task. People kept giving me funny looks as I rolled along, especially because I had this exceptionally silly grin on my face. If only they knew the amount of work those books represented and how I can now hold my head high for all I have accomplished. Well, until next year, when I begin my new Master's program, but I'm not going to think about that right now. I will, however, mention that I've applied for a part-time position at the public library. It would be a really good job, really good experience, with good pay and benefits (wow!), so I'm praying if it's God's will, I will get this job. Please pray along with me!

And speaking of summer and books, it means it's time to share my (long awaited) summer reading list:
- Dandelion Wine - Ray Bradbury
- Good Grief, biography of Charles Schultz - Rheta Grimsley Johnson
- The Secret Garden - Francis Hodgson Burnett
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - Mark Twain
- Summerland - Michael Chabon
- Mrs. Dalloway - Virginia Woolf
- The Inner Voice - Renee Fleming
- The Solitary Vice - Mikita Brottman
This list is subject to change, but is a nice place to start nonetheless. And maybe with a part-time job, summer classes, and my friendly reading list, I will watch TV less and play outside more. At least I hope so.

Moms & Station Wagons

Mon, 12 May 2008 03:11:57 GMT

Over the past few weeks I've been thinking a lot about Mother's Day...a day devoted to the women whose suffering brings us life and their continual help in sustaining us throughout life. I checked on Wikipedia (such a handy resource) for some historical information regarding Mother's Day, both in the U.S. and around the world, and was pleased and surprised to see that it has origins in political and religious causes. Check it out to learn more.

Five days from now I will celebrate my 27th birthday, and as I grow continually older I remain so thankful for my mom. She's one of my best friends and dearest confidants. This has been my mom's first mother's day without her mother, and that makes my heart so sad. I know it's inevitable that I won't have my mom around forever, but I still need her presence, encouragement, and wisdom to bring perspective to my life. There are many days when I wish I could feel her arms around me, hearing her tell me just how much she loves me. But since I don't have that luxury as often as I would like, our phone calls, (often as I drive to or from school, courtesy of our cellular family plan), have to suffice more often than not.

Both of my grandmothers and my mom have demonstrated wonderful examples of love and generosity before me. I hope to be a mother someday (after Prince Charming has arrived, of course) so I can share in the tradition. I feel like I would be a pretty good mom, which points to the fact that when that day comes, I'll hopefully be ready. And for the record, I want to be a station wagon mom. Not a minivan mom. Station wagons are so much cooler. Really. Our family never had one, because what good is a station wagon with only one kid? But anytime I got to ride with a friend in their parent's station wagon, well, it just made my day. All that space in the back to roll around, take a nap, or play during a long road trip? Oh, it was so much fun! Ideally I would like to have more than one offspring, to warrant hauling them around in said station wagon - preferably a VW or Volvo. If I'm going to be driving a non-sedan, I would prefer to do so in style. :) I often envision myself looking in my rearview mirror, picturing Kool-Aid smiling faces, hearing them tell me about their day or singing along with a song on the radio as I drive them to violin lessons or baseball practice. (I would like cultured and all-American kids, please.)

But before all of this happens, I should probably learn how to change a baby's diaper before the car and accompanying children materialize. It's a good thing I have approximately half a dozen friends, with either newborns, or babies on the way, so I can get some good practice. Or if nothing else, I can simply bring a hand-knitted gift item, hold and coo at the baby, give s/he back when they start to get fussy or spit up, and keep envisioning the day when I will have one of my own to cart around in my station wagon.

Here's to mothers - past, present, and future.

Confirmation

Sat, 10 May 2008 04:47:21 GMT

In one week my first year of graduate school will be over. And it will be my birthday - what a way to celebrate! While I wish I could have joined my parents in Branson this weekend for a mini-holiday or gone to hear my friends sing "Carmina Burana" at the SLSO, the dutiful student in me has decided to stay home and work/practice/study for next week's juries, finals, and presentations. I should get a gold star.

Today I found out that I have INDEED been accepted into the Master of Library Science (MLS) graduate program for next year! Which means I don't have to take the silly GRE again. Which means that I can now plan next fall's class schedule, and however long it will take me to get my degree. Which means that my ability to *hopefully* get an assistantship next year carries more weight. Which means that my load has been lifted and that God is still God, and I am not. I celebrated tonight by going to IHOP. Their whole "come hungry, leave happy" slogan is a clever and true one. Sharing my happy news with dear friends, and having them share in my excitement and tell me they love me is truly a blessing. Yesterday I came across this New York Times article. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/09/opinion/09brooks.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
It aptly describes this "odyssey" I'm on, and so are many of you.

Other bright spots in my week included:
- meeting a new neighbor, who moved in on Wednesday night. Her name is Rory (like on the Gilmore Girls) and I want to be her friend.
- enjoying The Office on Thursday night. I like where this Jim & Pam thing is headed.
- finishing up three projects!!! (Note the three exclamation points. One for each project.)
- sharing a batch of my no-bake cookies with friends.
- using a coupon from Walgreens to get a free 8 x 10 made of one of my photos. It now needs to be hung in a prominent place on my wall.
- attending the theatre department's one act scenes. My friend Sam is so talented - he made me laugh.
- finishing C.S. Lewis' Prince Caspian. I am now ready to go see the new movie rendition next weekend, perhaps as a birthday/school's out treat. I'm always interested in comparing books to movies (though the book almost always wins out).
- finding out that Coldplay is going to be in Kansas City on tour this summer. Oh how I anticipate their new album and how I would so enjoy seeing them live again.
- attempting to get into a routine of exercising again - 2 days in a row is a start!

There is so much for which to be thankful. And I am.

*Check out my photo blog for recent photographic capturings.