superb.

Good News!

2006-02-05T16:01:00.000-08:00

Hello! I want to let you know, I have moved! http://superb.thetimetrap.com Thanks to Sean for giving me space and to Robb for fixing this up for me. Yay!

I have been...

2006-02-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

Simply wishing on a pipe dream [for specific reasons]. Last night we made cinnamon rolls. Our Japanese roommate loves these little sweet treats. It is so fun to see her face light up when we tell her we made her cinnamon rolls. Before she leaves us to go home at the end of this quarter, we are going to make her "Cinnabon" Cinnamon Rolls!

I am

2006-02-01T19:53:00.000-08:00

praying for my grandpa.

There's a hole in the middle of it!

2006-01-28T21:51:00.000-08:00

After a lovely day spent in the snow and relaxing watching a great film, I made this cake. It is simply delicious. Quite moist and flavourful. As I am not much of a fan of super-sweet desserts, this cake does the trick. Plenty of applesauce and spices create a homey and winter-y treat.

Applesauce Spice Cake Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 50 minutes Yields: 12 servings Ingredients: 2 cups cake flour 1 cup ground oats 3 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. cinnamon 3/4 tsp. nutmeg 3/4 tsp. cloves 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 3 whole eggs + 2 egg whites 1 cup white sugar 3/4 cup vegetable oil 2-1/2 cup natural applesauce 1 tsp. vanilla extract Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a bunt pan.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ground ginger.
In a medium bolw, mix together the whole eggs and egg whites, mix in the sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla.
Make a well in the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients and stir together until just mixed (don't over mix).
Pour into prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

It is decided:

2006-01-26T17:38:00.000-08:00

We are going to France.

I knead this book:

2006-01-25T20:50:00.000-08:00

And I feel safe, so safe.

2006-01-25T09:30:00.000-08:00

But no one except Lucy knew that as it circled the mast it had whispered to her, "Courage, dear heart," and the voice, she felt sure was Aslan's, and with the voice a delicious smell breathed in her face. In a few moments the darkness turned into a greyness ahead, and then, almost before they dared to begin hoping, they had shot out into the sunlight and were in the warm, blue world again. The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader"

Brilliant.

I need to buy stamps.

2006-01-19T21:30:00.000-08:00

That is all.

Sometimes it feels good just to post lyrics

2006-01-11T20:57:00.000-08:00

Writing To Reach You Travis (The Man Who) Every day I wake up and it's Sunday Whatever's in my head won't go away The radio is playing all the usual And what's a wonderwall anyway Because my inside is outside My right side's on the left side 'Cos I'm writing to reach you But I might never reach you I long to teach you about you But that's not you It's good to know that you are home for Christmas It's good to know that you are doing well It's good to know that you all know I'm hurting It's good to know I'm feeling not so well Because my inside is outside My right side's on the left side 'Cos I'm writing to reach you But I might never reach you I long to teach you about you But that's not you Do you know it's true And that won't do Maybe then tomorrow will be Monday And whatever's in my head should go away Still the radio keeps playing all the usual And what's a wonderwall anyway Because my inside is outside My right side's on the left side 'Cos I'm writing to reach you But I might never reach you I long to teach you about you But that's not you Do you know it's true And that won't do You know it's you I'm talking to

2006-01-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

listening to 'the weather' - built to spill (and enjoying a relaxing cup of tea before i start my day)

yurt yurt yurt yurt (and other things)

2006-01-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

Amen.

2006-01-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

My mom is letting me borrow a lovely book called The Joy in Loving which is a fantastic book with quotes of Mother Teresa for a whole year. I actually am starting today as I was at the ocean on New Years (in a yurt, nontheless). This is today's quote:

It is very important for us to relaize that love, to be true, has to hurt. I must be willing to give whatever it takes not to harm other people and, in fact, to do good to them. This requires that I be willing to give until it hurts. Otherwise there is no true love in me and I bring injustice, not peace, to those around me.

Mother Teresa was a wise, wise woman. Praise God for her words and how well she knew Him. Yurt-expedition related photographs will come soon. :)

Merry 2006.

2005-12-30T21:34:00.000-08:00

When I'm tired and thinking cold I hide in my music, forget the day Boston -- More Than A Feeling

Somehow, this has become the worst Christmas Holiday. Yes, Christmas itself was wonderful. But I feel less relaxed than I did during finals week. I feel like The World is urging me to "grow up"... yet I don't want to. More than anything, I feel that I have been sucked dry this holiday. This "vacation." I am learning my weaknesses. I need time to myself yet I must work hard to get this time to myself. I also must work hard to stay in school (working hard equals paying off my loans before I retire...) Oh, I don't know where this is going. Basically, music has been my only escape. I think the trip to the Pacific will do me good. But I think I need a week or so to recharge my "batteries" before this term starts. I feel like I have been going constantly since last year. When I was asked this morning if waking up at 7 a.m. was early for me, I quickly responded with a "no" then realized that I have been waking up at 7 a.m. for over a year now. Where has the time gone? Am I really a "grown up"? Please, no. My only time to relax involves a set of knitting needles and a ball of yarn or listening to music in my room [alone]. I might as well pull up a rocking-chair next to the fire (or heater) and pull out my AARP badge. Eek! Can I really be over before I have begun? 2006. Yes, 2006 will bring changes. What will they be? God only knows. Will they be good? I hope so. No, I will not make any resolutions other than approaching each situation in the best manner possible. That includes grades, work, relationships, sports, you name it, I will rediscover my positive-"half-full"-attitude toward life. Bring it on.

Happy Christmas!

2005-12-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

Hello! It has been ages and ages since I have updated. Classes are finished (hoorah)! And I am home for the holidays until Jaunuary 2. I am working full time and trying to cook and knit as much as possible. So far, I have baked cookies (biscotti and chocolate chip) and zucchini bread and cake. And knitted... nothing new. Sigh. Perhaps on my holiday adventure to Astoria, Oregon where Shazza and I will stay in a yurt, I will have time to knit! (Sorry, Eliz, I think about your felted hat every day... Sigh.) For now, some photos!

Do you like my [new] hat?

Kevin is working for UPS

(all he needs is a Santa hat).

This is the cake from Dave and Allison's wedding!

My lovely family at the wedding.

Dave and Allison! Happy happy!

Robb and myself off to his company's Christmas Party!

(Note: my festive holiday colour!)

Robb realized we needed directions to the party, thus is checking his handy Lappy 486.

Cookies and tea.

Felted hats and wool walking coats.

2005-12-05T22:19:00.000-08:00

Procrastination

2005-12-05T13:29:00.000-08:00

Oooh Guatemala! Gifts from Matt's "homeland."

2005-12-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot to include this in my summary of my Thanksgiving Holiday. Woot!

It seems...

2005-12-02T21:52:00.000-08:00

Whatever I do is never enough.

2005-11-30T16:07:00.000-08:00

This concludes my summary of my Thanksgiving Holiday. Thank you.

I have [too] much to say.

2005-11-28T20:25:00.000-08:00

My computer died two weeks ago and I was isolated for a week relying on the library and Jamie's computer to connect with the outside world. But that time allowed me to read much more than I have been. In particular, I read quite a bit from the bible. And that was very nice. Although, it was a struggle to rely on my little alarm-clock radio for my only source of music. NPR is always nice, but the Ellesnburg station prefers classical opposed to jazz. You can't beat a cold winter's morning with All the Jazz streaming from the radio accompanying breakfast and skimming the paper. Mmhmm. Sufjan Steven's Christmas album is very nice. (Go to Robb's site to get the link as I am much too lazy to actually do it myself. Sorry.) But his version of this song is simply amazing. I admit it, I have listened to it on repeat a few times. Anyway, the lyrics are so beautiful. This morning as Kevin and I drove over the pass (we left at 6:00 am) we were able to watch the sun rise. It was simply amazing. And Sufjan gently sang to us as the sky turned a magnificent fiery pink and red.

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer; Here by Thy great help I’ve come; And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God; He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor Daily I’m constrained to be! Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.

O that day when freed from sinning, I shall see Thy lovely face; Clothed then in blood washed linen How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace; Come, my Lord, no longer tarry, Take my ransomed soul away; Send thine angels now to carry Me to realms of endless day.

Holidays are coming...

2005-11-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

Including Thanksgiving. This means that one must stay fit-and-trim! You'll see by the photographs that your "ups" are essential (that being, pull-"ups" and push-"ups"). Your arms (and fingers) should be nice and in shape for next weeks Turkey (or substitute dish) feed! Follow accordingly.

Fall: Season of Warm Brown Drinks and Knitting

2005-11-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

In my life, there is food.

2005-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Where am I?

2005-11-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

I was reading Bill Streger's recent post: Why are you here? which is based off of the following verse:

He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation. (Acts 17.26)

And now I am wondering, why am I here? Especially, when I feel like I do not belong. How can I appreciate right now better than I have been? Father, I pray that you help me to love where I am right now and not desire to escape.

Learning to change and deal with them.

2005-11-07T23:11:00.000-08:00

When I look at this picture, I am reminded how good I have it right now. Although I am struggling right now with feelings of isolation, depression, stress, and confusion, I know that I am 10 times (to the sideways eight) better and safer than I was the night I spend in this tent. Let me just explain. Last August, Shazza and I went for a lovely hiking trip down the Olympic Coast. This photograph above makes my whole being shudder and stomach churn. The night I spent in this tent with Shazza was perhaps the longest night of our lives. Isolated on a deserted stretch of coast, we were at the mercy of many wild animals whose prints we observed the following morning (mountain lions, actually). Every noise we heard (breathing, the quiet steps of a predator, and rocks falling on us from the cliff above) sent us into an immediate state of panic, screams, chants, so on and so forth. Needless to say, my life is not currently in danger. Now, I am learning how to lean completely on Jesus when I face any situation, especially the ones I cannot handle by myself. Actually, there is not one single situation that I wouldn't want Him a part of. I am learning. Be patient with me. I am but a child.

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

Psalm 61:1-4 So you know, it really was a beautiful and awesome trip. You see? Sun and blue skys!

2005-11-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

tears that fall blend with rain indistinguishable are mine from His.

I feel like she has described me

2005-11-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

to a T

Taking a break to write it down

2005-11-02T10:23:00.000-08:00

I am reading The Coffeehouse Gospel: Sharing Your Faith in Everyday Conversation by Mattew Paul Turner (Relevant Books) Chapter Five asks, "What is your story." Lately, I have been wondering exactly that. I am in the process of writing it down, but here are the 10 questions Turner asks to guide the reader in writing down their story. Why write it down? "Believe it or not, many followers of Christ have never taken the time to write their personal faith story down on paper. I think it's so very important to actually have your story in a tangible format... It's my desire to see all of us use our narrative stories to better relate to the message of Jesus to the world around us."

What was your childhood like? Were you a churchgoer? Was a life in Jesus something you pursued? If not, did you believe in anything remotely spiritual?
When was the first time you remember hearing about God, Jesus, or the Christian faith? How old were you?
What was your immediate response to the Gospel?
If you grew up knowing Jesus, was there a time that you remember it really clicking? Can you explain this turn of events?
If you resisted your first hearing of the Gospel message, what was the main reason you didn't believe at first?
What ultimately changed your heart toward the Gospel message?
Were there any life occurrences - a death in the family, illness, a miracle, a new relationship, etc. - that stood out as landmarks to you on your journey of faith?
How did God use these life landmarks to pull you into a relationship with Him?
What attracted you to know more about Jesus? What part of your relationship with Him has influenced you the most?
What about your life changed after you made your decision to be a Jesus follower?

I challenge you, as I challenge myself, to put it down in writing and share it with others. Believers and non believers. Gain experience so your story becomes as natural as breathing. This is a struggle for me as I am a fairly "new" Christian, yet have believed all my life. For me, my story is a tangle of relationships and paths I have made and taken. I think I might post my story once it is in a written (and understandable) format.

Happy Halloween

2005-10-31T10:38:00.000-08:00

I miss Seattle already.

2005-10-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

the best thing about a crisp autumn day is 0playing 00oooo0in 00oooo00the 000oooo000leaves

I love my grandmother, too.

2005-10-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

Who wouldn't want to share a wooly-fleece sweatshirt? A gift from my grandmother, modeled by none other than Jamie and myself.

New shoes

2005-10-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

For Eliz:

2005-10-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

true matters of consequence involve the purchase of a bread knife to cleanly slice a piece of freshly baked bread. God speed, my dear friend.

The dough also rises. (Yes, Alton helped.)

2005-10-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

I love my brother.

2005-10-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

Without you, today's emotions would be the scurf of yesterday's.

2005-10-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

I wish you could be here to eat bread with me. I do know how you love the smell of freshly baked bread.

Procrastination

2005-10-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

As I am avoiding learning every single of the 159 human bones I must memorize, I came across Evan's friend's website. I really am enjoying his voice and musical talent. Check out Tyler James for yourself.

Hoorah!

2005-10-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

Today I went to Food Service of America and Continental Mills in Kent, Washington today. I decided... I will be a food scientist. Hoorah! Here is our group (Nutrition Science Club) after touring the freezers at FSA.

And then, they gave us thermometers! Go team!

So, it was a fun day. Long, but fun. But... yeah. Not that interesting. On another note, check out Don Miller's talk at Harvard: Rethinking Relationships. (He talks about I Heart Huckabees and Calvin and Hobbes!)

Ring out the bell

2005-10-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

This last week was long. And I am exhausted. I feel increasingly overwhelmed with school, commitments, friends, death of a teammate, family, not being able to run, my new job, a lingering sickness, and emotions dealing with the heart. As today came to an end, I had the opportunity to relax with two dear friends and share with them a book that means a great deal to me: le Petit Prince (The Little Prince). Sometimes, things I think are a great matter of consequence, are not, really. The fox is right when he shares with the little prince, "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." Sometimes, I feel torn between being an adult and a child. Jesus calls us to be children. The little prince realizes that children are the only ones not asleep to what the world has to offer:

"They are pursuing nothing at all," said the switchman. "They are alseep in there, or if they are not asleep they are yawning. Only the children are flattening their noses against the window-panes." "Only the children know what they are looking for," said the little prince. "They waste their time over a rag doll and it becomes very important to them; if anybody takes it away from them, they cry..." "They are lucky," the switchman said.

I wonder, sometimes, if I know what I am looking for. I know, I am looking for Jesus. But sometimes I feel so far away from the one I say I love so much, with all my heart. Sometimes I feel closer to my earthly possessions...the things I cannot treasure because they are ephemeral, like the little prince's rose. We are all 'ephemeral'... that means, 'which is in danger of speedy disappearance.' We are all roses and foxes to one another, that is, we have been 'tamed,' or 'established ties,' but are these the ties that will take us into heaven? I am a Christian. I believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord and our Saviour and died on the cross to cleanse us from our sins and through knowing Him we are able to enter Heaven. But I do not feel that I live like a Christian. My prayer is this: that I do not neglect my first and truest love, Jesus. That I seek Him daily and put him first. A friend of mine owns a shirt that says "Third" on the back. When asked why, he said, "God is first. Then come those I serve, then myself." This is how I desire to live. I desire to be a daughter of Jesus so that my actions reflect my father, whom I love, deeply.

I concur.

2005-10-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

From Eliz.

A Time for Everything

2005-10-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 3

¹ There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

² a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,

³ a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,

⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

⁶ a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,

⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

⁸ a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

⁹ What does the worker gain from his toil? ¹⁰ I have seen the burden God has laid on men. ¹¹¹² I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. ¹³ That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God. ¹⁴ I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

¹⁵ Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.

¹⁶ And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment - wickedness was there, in the place of justice - wickedness was there.

¹⁷ I thought in my heart, "God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed."

¹⁸ I also thought, "As for men, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. ¹⁹ Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless. ²⁰ All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. ²¹ Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?"

²² So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?

Garlic makes the world a better place.

2005-10-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

Sickness is not fun. Chicken broth and garlic and tea made me better. But I am still tired. I hope you are feeling well. On the up note, I have decided I am going to culinary school where I can learn to comfort you with [wedge shaped foods].

2005-10-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

praying for my teammate, fabien coutard.

i should really like to hang out with eliz

2005-09-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

on my floor. at 11:11 listening to rufus and studying for angela's class. fin.

oh, victor's

2005-09-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

coolest of the cool: my friends

2005-09-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

from robb's site: iwichowjrnc

please join (if you will) the "i wish i could hang out with jessie right now" club. eliz and i formed it. fin.

student loans and peanut butter sandwhiches

2005-09-22T08:20:00.000-07:00

School has started for this term. Really, I am excited! My brother is again at the same school (the first time this has happened since I was in sixth grade), my third roommate just got back from Japan (yet, I hardly see her because of crazy schedules!), and my classes are lovely! Who would have thought that biochemistry and anatomy and physiology would be so entrancing? Anyway, I think it is wonderful when professors are enthusiastic about what they teach because I always seem to enjoy the class so much more, plus learn more. This morning, I didn't have my food's lab, so I went on my morning run at seven instead of six-thirty. After lounging around (eating oatmeal and icing my legs), I received a phone call from the person in charge of baptism's at our church, (CMA). So now, I am going to be baptized with another friend from bible study on December 4th. Hurrah! It is strange because I was baptized as an infant into the Catholic Church. Since my mom and grandparents are Catholic, they might be disappointed to hear that I am no longer satisfied with what the Catholic Church has to offer. Meh, I may have that all wrong. Perhaps I should drink some more tea.

i am frustrating

2005-09-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

i really don't have much to say. that is my hand in the photograph though. i will leave you with this: Talk: Coldplay oh brother i can't, i can't get through I've been trying hard to reach you cos i don't know what to do oh brother i can't believe its true i'm so scared about the future and i want to talk to you oh i want to talk to you you can take a picture of something you see in the future where will i be? you could climb a ladder up to the sun or write a song nobody had sung or do something that's never been done are you lost or incomplete do you feel like a puzzle, you can't find your missing piece tell me how you feel well i feel like they're talking in a language i don't speak and they're talking it to me so you take a picture of something you see in the future where will i be? you could climb a ladder up to the sun or write a song nobody had sung or do something that's never been done do something that's never been done so you dont know where you're going but you wanna talk but you feel like your going where you've been before you'll tell anyone who'll listen that you've feel ignored nothings really making any sense at all lets talk lets talk

And the stars will dance

2005-09-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from an awesome camping trip with the cross country team. We were at Clear Lake for two nights full of running, laughing, singing, swimming, and team building. Oh! And who could forget, eating! When asked what is my favourite thing about running, I stand by this: I run to eat and eat to run. And now. The banana bread making tradition (with Sam) will continue! Off I go to the kitchen. Mmm. Food.

Imagine

2005-09-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

A tree on the roof of this house: The same tree's branches coming through the ceiling of this room: And a second tree fallen in this backyard: Plus, no electricity or gas. Thankfully, there has been no flooding and my three friends who rent this house in Jackson, Mississippi are all alive and well. Katrina has hit the southern gulf hard. Please keep my friends and all of the other victims of these forces of nature in your prayers.

Love that Dog

2005-09-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

For Robb: (Inspired by Walter Dean Myers) by Jack Love that dog, like a bird loves to fly I said I love that dog like a bird loves to fly Love to call him in the morning love to call him "Hey there, Sky!" I bought a typewriter from St. Vincent de Paul when I moved to Ellensburg last week. Jamie and I also rescued an aloe. And today, we made bomb brownies. Mmm, delicious!!

A thought.

2005-08-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

I found a poem my friend's mom sent me while I was in high school. I am only now beginning to see how true it is. Enjoy! And God Said No. Claudia Minden Weisz (the mother of a Rett Syndrome child) I asked God to take away my pain. God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up. I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No. Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary. I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No. Patience is a by-product of tribulation; it isn't granted, it is earned. I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you. I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me. I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No. I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things. I asked God to help me love others, as much as he loves me. God said... Ah, finally you have the idea.

On Saturday

2005-08-29T21:52:00.000-07:00

Jamie and I moved. 106 miles from our families. We have decorated like crazy people. Photos will come soon.

For now, this:The First Supper

Props to Robb for the new design.

Somehow

2005-08-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

I just don't feel like myself.

Today...

2005-08-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

there was a hole in the clouds. a big, blue circle. someone had taken a bite out of the meringue.

Basically, I have found my affinity for Seattle.

Expansive mountains. Rolling valleys.

2005-08-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

Today Cathy and I drove out to Ellensburg with a girl from New York. As we passed Mount Si, she asked, "Is it always this smoggy?" Strange, because it was crystal blue sky with a few wispy clouds. When we got to D&M Coffee to meet up with NY-girl's ride to Mississippi (road trip, baby!)... (she is from San Francisco yet was living in Spokane for the summer), she said, "When I was driving over here, I saw a really big mountain... was that Mount Rainier?" Oh poor dear. Cathy and I looked at each other trying to figure out which mountain SF-girl was speaking of... Ah, it was part of the Cascades... and the "mountain" she spoke of was... "Mount Stuart!" we exclaimed. Then we explained... "You see, we call that a hill. Anything under 10,000 feet doesn't qualify in our minds to be a 'mountain,' not when you dream of climbing something 14,410 feet." We are so Washingtonians.

Mt. Stuart - Elevation 9,415 feet (one of the highest non-volcanic mountains in the Cascades; the sixth-highest peak in Washington State)

Sick of trail mix.

2005-08-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

After spending the weekend camping along the Pacific Coast in Olympic National Forest and admiring the ever changing beauty of the ocean, Lake Washington looked so trapped. Cathy and I had an amazing time. Right now we're working on making a website filled with photos and stories including wonderful survival techniques. I'll let you know when it's ready.

On a side note: Pez (Amber's beta-fish) passed on. Rest in peace with all the fishies in the sea.

Sometimes... perfect.

2005-08-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

i roll the window down and then begin to breathe in the darkest country road and the strong scent of evergreen from the passenger seat as you are driving me home. then looking upwards i strain my eyes and try to tell the difference between shooting stars and satellites from the passenger seat as you are driving me home. "do they collide?" i ask and you smile. with my feet on the dash the world doesn't matter. when you feel embarrassed then i'll be your pride when you need directions then i'll be the guide for all time. for all time. passenger seat.death cab for cutie

It figures...

2005-08-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you odd." How true. I have been reading Messy Spirituality by Michael Yaconelli. Perhaps, when I am done, I will comment on how messy my spirituality is. Until then. I recommend you check out Stan's website. My neighbors gave me a wok and an iron for my apartment. Go team! Basically. And check out Evan's record (he released it last month).

This morning

2005-07-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

I left my house in sunny warmth. I arrived in Seattle under a grey sky, then realized: I should have brought my sweater.

(A side note: I admire the bus drivers who can change 5 lanes of crazy Seattle traffic on South I-5 in order to make the Stewart/Denny exit as if they were driving a VW bug.)

2005-07-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

help me be a lily.

Today...

2005-07-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

the water was as smooth as glass. the mountain was as big as ever. I felt so small. I thank You for sunshine.

sometimes...

2005-07-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

i hate looking in the mirror.

blue like jazz

2005-07-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

Love your neighbor as yourself.

If I loved my neighbors how I love myself, I think I would be without neighbors. I am learning.

you know i love you so

2005-07-01T20:50:00.001-07:00

Jamie and I officially have a roommate for next year and an apartment! Huzzah!

Ellensburg It's a Koch! And a Cuddle-Bug (haha)! The girls.

you go backwards again you go forwards

2005-06-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:15-18 NIV

junior mints and gummy bears

2005-06-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

I crossed the 520 bridge today twice, as most normal people going to and from Seattle do. This morning the water was calm on both sides, it seemed to be at peace with the world. This afternoon (as every afternoon) the south side of lovely, lovely Lake Washington was choppy and excited. The north side was as smooth as glass and home to many, many sail boats enjoying another grey Seattle day. I couldn't help but think that sometimes I feel like this giant body of water: half of me is excited and full of life while the other half is at peace with the world and myself. I suppose now that I ride the bus at least one time per day, I am able to think more and let my mind wander as I listen to whatever CD is in my player (right now it is Coldplay's 'X&Y') and read. I have been reading "Jesus in the Margins" by Rick McKinley (pastor at Imago Dei Community in Portland, Oregon). I highly recommend it. Perhaps my favourite chapter thus far was titled "Becoming the Child." After all, who wouldn't want to be a child? Here is a small bit from the chapter that makes me want to walk in wonder just as Rick's son:

My son Bryce wants to be a zookeeper when he gets older. (I haven't told him the part about cleaning cages yet.) He loves animals. When we went to the beach one summer, we had to take his hermit crabs with us. He has names for them - Spike, See-Through, Baseball, and Fire, all named for the unique features of their shells. Each morning we hiked down to the beach to play in the tide pools, and Bryce would happily tote his bucket carrying the hermit crabs. He would carefully place the hermit crabs in the tide pools so they could walk around and get their exercise. While they are playing, Bryce collected sand dollars and starfish. He is enamoured with God's creation. It isn't a stretch for him to walk in wonder.

2005-06-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

many hours of driving, beautiful sights, lots of laughs, much food, good music, et al. basically, we decided we're going to join the lady washington crew next summer. shazza and jude lady washington's bell. lady washington bill of rights oh right, we did meet some interesting characters. (after all, this was the purpose of the trip) the lake hoh rain forest. we did see the ocean (Ruby Beach) ... but my camera's battery died. oimoi.

2005-06-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

classes are done. am calmed by the sound of rain and coldplay and, of course, tea.

mmm, also, i got a new camera (and a boyfriend)

2005-06-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5 Please Lord, give me wisdom. Please Lord, give me peace at heart.

2005-06-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

can i be someone else?

2005-06-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

so much depends upon the flickering of the fluorescent light above my head making me long for storms.

fin.

2005-06-02T22:09:00.000-07:00

basically, jamie and i are in a pickle. hurmph. thus, i have nothing very constructive to say. i'm just frustrated. but i must praise our awesome Lord for giving me such a great group of girls in my bible study! amen! looking forward to our bbq, et al. and perhaps a nice sunset friday... mmhmm. Jude and Shaz will hit the high seas, or at least fake it.

2005-05-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." Steve Prefontaine January 25, 1951 - May 30, 1975

Herbert: a genteel squirrel

2005-05-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

There was a squirrel named Herbert who lived in Central Prk. He slept by day and came out to eat by dark. Whatever people left he quickly ate. When he was really hungry he ate the plates. One day someone left a box of Krispy Kremes. He ate them all and went back to his nest and had very sweet dreams. Another night Herbert tummy growled happily A tourist family had left ice cream straight from Napoli! Holidays were always the best Chocolates and cookies always filled his nest. Sadly one night No food was in sight. Herbert got lost And slipped on the ground covered in frost. Knocked unconscious he never made it home And was shocked to wake up in a bed of foam. Apparently a boy had taken him in A little boy who always wore a chocolate stained grin Never had life been sweeter As he laid by a heater Fed all day long Till his hearts content Herbert decided that this was the way his life was supposed to be spent.

cinco de mayo squared

2005-05-25T21:50:00.000-07:00

basically, turning 21 has been awesome. thanks everyone!

love that yeast

2005-05-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

so much depends upon the light scent of freshly baked bread wafting down the hall toward my nose. by eliz

today, i made no-fail wheat bread. am longing for amelie and honey.

2005-05-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

trust your peelings.

does this drawing frighten you?

2005-05-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

dessin numéro 1

on another note.

²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. ⁶But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord... James 1:2-7

and then, Proverbs 3 has been brought to my attention. but i trust you can read it or already know it. have a good day.

don't let me down.

2005-05-15T22:18:00.000-07:00

basically, a superb weekend. mmhmm. dang bird -- he has been visiting our bird feeder lately. (we suspect it is someone's pet... missing a bird? or it's my dad's creative way to adopt a bird, herm.)

2005-05-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

homeward bound today. i really am enjoying living so close to the 'westside' this year. mmhmm. i have a babysitting job tonight and i am looking forward to it. lately, kids have been quite entertaining. let's hope all is well tonight! i was looking at my computer's (papier mache and gluestick built) memory and performance. it turns that the reason why it is running so slow is that i currently have 1% free disc space. hum. this doesn't look too pleasing. poor computer. i hope it doesn't burn down anytime soon.

jamie and i went wildflower picking today... ok. enough random babbling. hope your weekend is lovely.

2005-05-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

things i have taken note of today:

my roommate's fish, Pez, is not doing so well (he seems to be floating at the surface of his tank a little bit more than usual)
my other roommate and her friends are quite noisy (even if i am attempting to mask their voices with Carbon Leaf)
the weather is even more beautiful when you are slowly walking back from the SUB quietly munching on a delicious ice cream sandwich admiring the way the sun bounces off of the trees and other random objects (such as people's white skin)
i am glad i am not a diabetic (i participated in a glucose tolerance test for my nutrition assessment lab -- or as we like to call it: nut ass lab)
procrastination can be very time consuming

oh dear, speaking of the last one, i should return to my studies so i can have a relaxing weekend. have you noticed anything fun today?

god bless the indian summer...and other things.

2005-05-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

all emo-ed up. pedro the lion basically, i met david. woot! do you think these will help with my frisbee skills?

that's right! pedro the lion played a free show at my school. the crustaceans opened (i recommend them!). my dad's birthday was on the same day as mother's day. that is always fun: more party time. i made my dad his favourite: angel food cake -- from scratch. boy, it was delicious. almost as delicious as the fresh bass he caught on friday with this little guy:

dad's superb boat. heck yes!!

someone caught me a delicious bass.

2005-05-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

who's the only one here who knows illegal ninja moves from the government?

a kite on a spring day

2005-05-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

in the blue above the world the kite floats follow the string in the hands resting softly in the grass

feliz cinco de mayo; eat a taco!

2005-05-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

"When I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret and would have been ashamed if I had been found doing so. Now that I am fifty, I read them openly. When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown-up." C.S. Lewis

mmhmm.

2005-05-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

a lot has been on my mind of late. nothing future-oriented, mostly present-oriented, but dealing with relationships. too much thinking right now. i need to run it off or talk it off. coldplay's new song is beautiful. mmhmm.

speed of sound how long before I get in before it starts, before I begin how long before you decide before I know what it feels like where to? Where do I go? if you've never tried then you'll never know how long do I have to climb up on the side of this mountain of mine look up, I look up at night planets are moving at the speed of light climb up, up in the trees every chance that you get is a chance you seize how long am I gonna can stand with my head stuck under the sand I start before I can stop before I see thing the right way up all that noise, all that sound all those places that i have found and birds go flying at the speed of sound to show how it all began birds came flying from the underground if you could see it then you'd understand ideas that you'll never find or the inventors could never design the buildings that you put up Japan and China... all lit up the sign that I couldn't read or the light that I couldn't see some things you have to believe but others are puzzles, puzzling me

how are you today?

they say it's your birthday [in 24 days].

2005-05-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

my dad told me he is giving me this trip for my birthday this year. huzzah! would anyone like to come with me? current music: "Yellow Submarine," The Beatles (who else?)

it's as simple as something that nobody knows.

2005-04-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

this is a good weekend. i have time to relax, catch up on my homework, and enjoy the sun. i was sitting in the Japanese Garden today reading my textbook and a family sat down on a bench near mine and began to share stories. it was so relaxing to listen to their quiet humour and recollections of exciting events in their lives. i miss my grandparents. i am looking forward to seeing my extended family again this summer. i know that my children will love their grandparents: my parents. it makes me excited for my own family some day. current music: "Flake," Jack Johnson

an afternoon at umtanum falls.

2005-04-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

at umtanum falls the smokestacks geoff and me on the top of the smokestacks

everybody's got something to hide except me and my monkey

2005-04-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

i am better! praise the lord! amen! hallelujah! huzzah! well, i still have a erm, "lovely" voice - a tad scratchy and i can hardly run five minutes without coughing up a lung. oimoi. i am a bit sad that i am done running for the season, time to start base training. but the good news is that i can focus in quite this weekend. midterms are next week and because my professors are the coolest people in the world, i have 4 midterms and 2 projects due in a 2 day time span. i love life! i challenged myself (with the help of robb) to meet 2 new people at salt (robb modified it to 2 new boys)... and wow, it was fun. anyway, i think i am going to challenge myself every week to meet new people at salt. i love my friends, but sometimes i just need to meet and greet some new kids who share my same beliefs. ah, and last night we read James 4:11-17.

"Why, do you not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" James 4:14-15

the above verses tugged at my heart a little more than i would have hoped. let me say, james is amazing. it's awesome to see how ideas presented in the bible are just as applicable now as when they were written. now, for me, james is speaking directly to my desire to plan my future. oh boy, everyone knows i am such a victim to planning and a slave to my day planner (is it bad i love to check things off my to-do list?). lately, i have been either confused, stressed, or anxious about my future. but i need to listen to james. i know that god is rolling on the floor with laughter every time i make adjustments to my plans...all i can really do is tell him what is on my heart but know that ultimately he knows me best and he knows where i will be tomorrow, a year from tomorrow, and ten years from tomorrow. it's difficult for me (and i am sure you, too) to live just in the present because it is not tangible. but we must live the present. i will leave you with this quote:

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." Buddha

postscript: the beatles are very wise. i think everyone should listen, love, and learn from the beatles.

down came the sky, and all you did was blink.

2005-04-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

whenever i get sick, i remember a poem i memorized in 8th grade: SICK "I cannot go to school today," Said little Peggy Ann McKay, "I have the measles and the mumps, A gash, a rash, and purple bumps. My mouth is wet, my throat is dry, I'm going blind in my right eye. My tonsils are as big as rocks, I've counted sixteen chicken pox And there's one more--that's seventeen, And don't you think my face looks green? My leg is cut, my eyes are blue-- It might be instamatic flu. I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke, I'm sure that my left leg is broke-- My hip hurts when I move my chin, My belly button's caving in, My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained, My 'pendix pains each time it rains. My nose is cold, my toes are numb, I have a sliver in my thumb. My neck is stiff, my voice is weak, I hardly whisper when I speak. My tongue is filling up my mouth, I think my hair is falling out. My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight, My temperature is one-o-eight. My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear, There is a hole inside my ear. I have a hangnail, and my heart is--what? What's that? What's that you say? You say today is---Saturday? G'bye, I'm going out to play!" Shel Silverstein it's funny. when i am sick, i used to try hard to remember what it feels like to be well. since i realized this, when i am well i think about how good it feels not to have my head full of cotton, my ears soar and plugged, and my nose stuffed. so, when i'm stick now, i can remember that yes! it feels amazing when i am in tip top shape. meh. but right now, i am exhausted and i am not sure if i am making any sense. but for some reason, i really felt like posting a lot. hum. i ran a race at wsu yesterday. the drive over was quite nice: i had the opportunity to sit next to a friend of mine (see the last photo), matt, and we caught up on our lives - it's funny how easy it is to lose touch when you live so close and see each other every day. the entire day i was feeling down (as in sick - see above) then the weather took action. i love thunder and lightening storms (!!) and it was awesome to watch the clouds rolling in and the action that follows. sadly, the meet was postponed right before my race at 5:30 pm. we ended up sitting in the wsu field house for nearly an hour and then trying to warm up for the third time and run our race. i think, though, i had another PR (12:13) but the final times are really, really off. good news: i think my brother has decided to make cwu his school next year. it will be sweet running with him for two years. i hope to watch him grow so much. i love my brother and i am so glad we have become closer in these last few years. it's amazing what a few thousand miles will do to a relationship! Photos from my suberB weekend. geoff, jamie, and me at the eburg college rodeo - yehaw. sarah dancing in the sun at the wsu meet thunder and lightening made us hide indoors jamie and geoff on the bus: tired, with a looong drive back to cwu what the weather can do to you if you have to wait to run your 3k after warming up twice: me and matt (crazy kids)

talk of the weather will do.

2005-04-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

my brother enjoying the San Juans last fall Life according to my friend, Matt: I have a theory about procrastination:

At length:

As human beings we are constantly changing. You are obviously not the same person that you were when you were ten years old. Likewise, you are not the same person you were last year. From this we can ascertain that you are not the same person as you were this morning, albeit to a much lesser extent. If we are not the same person that we were yesterday, then we can assume that we aren't going to be the same person tomorrow. Therefore, if you put something off until later, you are not screwing yourself over; you are effectively screwing someone else over.

In short:

I don't have to do it, the Matt of the future does. Mmhum. So, how was your day?

on any given day.

2005-04-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

lately, i have noticed myself "mmm"-ing. there is something so magical and poetic about watching the curtain of rain; fringe on the incoming clouds over the mountains. mmm. and the way the late afternoon sun danced on the snow covered Stuart Mountain range brought an obvious smile to my face. mmm. as the ran gently pattered on the river that winds through campus, the lone duck rode the current quietly dreaming to himself. mmm. basically we are surrounded by hidden beauties. just open your eyes and mind.

rejoice

2005-04-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

writing to reach you.

2005-04-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

paris in the rain, just as good. there are some songs that just take you back in time. ok, i change my mind. there are some albums that can take you back. everytime i listen to "the man who" by Travis, i am go back to my favourite time of day during high school: breakfast. my senior year i adopted a tradition: i would wake up, go to the kitchen and put the kettle on to boil, make my way to brush my teeth and wash my face. when the kettle started to sing, i poured the boiling water in my favourite mug and added some green tea to steep while i fixed a bowl of cream of wheat for myself, just the way i like it. Travis would often accompany me in the kitchen. those rainy seattle mornings at the kitchen table with my breakfast and the comics have became a lasting impression, something i have attempted to recreate now that i am older, but oimoi. the feeling is still there, but i can't go back in time. this memory and strong attachment i have with this album and my morning ritual is something i will never forget. i know that in ten years if i happen to hear the opening chords of "writing to reach you" it will take me right back to my high school mornings. do you have a song that "takes you back"? on a side note: a new personal best - 12:16 for the 3000 meter run.

blustery day.

2005-04-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

my thoughts of late have been much like those of a windy day: everywhere. i have been letting my mind wander here and there when i should be focused on now. thoughts of my loved ones, thoughts of my friends, thoughts of my future, thoughts of my past -- i mean, there is nothing wrong with that because thinking can be very beneficial. but perhaps my thoughts have been a little too random and sporadic. (i have also been thinking about sleeping, yes i am tired). i am reading a new book: what's so amazing about grace? by Philip Yancey. every chapter i read i am seeing how ungraceful i am towards others and i am constantly seeing that it is up to us as christians to demonstrate who we are to non-believers: full of grace. as yancey puts it, "apparently that is not the aroma christians give off in the world." let us be graceful. this story told by humourist Erma Bombeck made me think of the church i grew up in (catholic, mind you): "in church the other sunday i was intent on a small child who was turning around smiling at everyone. he wasn't gurgling, spitting, humming, kicking, tearing the hymnals, or rummaging through his mother's handbag. he was just smiling. finally, his mother jerked him about and in a stage whisper that could be heard in a little theater off broadway said, 'stop that grinning! you're in church!' with that, she gave him a belt and as the tears rolled won his cheeks added, 'that's better,' and returned to her prayers... what a fool, i though. here was a woman sitting next to the only light left in our civilization -- the only hope, our only miracle -- our only promise of infinity. if he couldn't smile in church, where was there left to go?" basically, smile. praise. love. inspire. be graceful.

maybe today

2005-04-12T22:38:00.000-07:00

basically, tuesdays are difficult and long. here is something that brightens my days. i told you it was a superb artichoke. this one was in my backyard and we let it bloom - they are beautiful flowers (and a delicious food).

pressing on

2005-04-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

this was written to my friend earlier and i think it's something we should all realize right now in our lives: "everything will work out with time. whatever it is we are worrying about now, it will eventually be resolved. there's no reason to rush life, and stress about the future. personally we are still young, we've come a long ways, and we still have the future ahead of us. and if my life does come to an end at the end of this week, it'll be okay, because i took advantage of each day to the best i could for me that day. so maybe i didn't achieve some lofty goals i set, but at least i didn't make myself crazy with worry." proverbs 3:5-6

sigh

2005-04-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

i must say, a weekend home was just what i needed to recharge my batteries, if you will. i had a superb time. the 'gathering' (aka murder mystery dinner at ucu over in the u.district) was simply enjoyable. robb has an awesome group of friends who are pretty darn fun. you can see photos if you go to robb's blog (mostly because i'm too lazy to post any). after a week of fretting over my future and how i will afford school, et al. i took a deep breath and it came to me, we have an awesome Lord and He will provide. i think i fell into a little bit of a hopeless abyss after a classmate on thursday told me that i am pretty much doomed to be poor because of my intended profession. not very nice, i might add. but i am here to serve others and i know i will be ecstatic when i graduate from uw (hopefully) with my masters and r.d. certificates in hand. (hopefully i can go volunteer in guatemala as well). el fin, jessie o