For those who've been asking for info, here's a little of what I found for the CA graduation:
Commencement will be held Saturday, June 14, at 10:00 a.m. at Lake Avenue Church, 393 North Lake Avenue, in Pasadena. The service itself will last a little more than two hours. The auditorium will be open for admission beginning at 8:30 a.m. In order to ensure adequate preferred seating for the families of all graduates, admission will require a Family Early Admission Pass until 9:30 a.m., at which time admission will be open to all. All graduates will receive an application for Family Early Admission Passes. There will be no fixed number of passes allocated per graduate. However, in order to ensure adequate and appropriate seating for the families of graduates, these passes will normally be available for family members only.
I have no idea how many people are graduating, doctoral candidates and master's-level students are all together. This place is massive, and will hopefully accomodate everyone with ease if you get there early enough. For our family, and my high school and college friends, we'll have some kind of get together that day as well, yet to be planned. We're staying (with JJ and Lisa Kissinger too) at the Embassy Suites in Arcadia, which KC told me is maybe 10 minutes away.
This is less than two months away! I can't wait! I will have announcements to distribute soon-ish.
I'll keep you posted on the small WA graduation, which is the previous Saturday. After 5 long years, what great celebrations those will be! Los and I want to have a WA party as well, some time this summer; but likely after our celebration trip to England, Greece and Turkey.
OUR THOUGHTS ON LIFE AS WE GO FOR IT, ONE DAY AT A TIME...
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
“I Want the Red Ones.”
Humor from the grocery store…
The girl in front of the line looks about 15, puts her 2 items down and says to the cashier, “Oh, and I want a pack of cigarettes.”
“Which kind?”
“Umm, I forget which ones I like, I think it’s the red ones; yeah, gimme a pack of the red ones.”
“The red ones?” the cashier asks quizzically and raises an eyebrow. (who says that?!)
(peering at the name) “Marlboro. They’re, like, not too strong, right?”
“Strong? I don’t understand what you mean…”
“Never mind, I just want one pack.”
“Okay, well I’ll have to see your ID”(Girl hands her her debit card)
“I still need your ID.”
“What? My picture’s on there.”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t show your age.”
“Don’t you only have to be 18 to buy these? Come on… fine, I’ll get it. (She rummages through purse, sure enough, no ID) Oh, um, I must have left it in the car.”
“Then you can’t buy these, would you still like your other items?”
(Flustered and red, the girl scurries away, mumbling) “no, it’s okay.”
She leaves behind a box of tampons and a toothbrush.
Good times.
The girl in front of the line looks about 15, puts her 2 items down and says to the cashier, “Oh, and I want a pack of cigarettes.”
“Which kind?”
“Umm, I forget which ones I like, I think it’s the red ones; yeah, gimme a pack of the red ones.”
“The red ones?” the cashier asks quizzically and raises an eyebrow. (who says that?!)
(peering at the name) “Marlboro. They’re, like, not too strong, right?”
“Strong? I don’t understand what you mean…”
“Never mind, I just want one pack.”
“Okay, well I’ll have to see your ID”(Girl hands her her debit card)
“I still need your ID.”
“What? My picture’s on there.”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t show your age.”
“Don’t you only have to be 18 to buy these? Come on… fine, I’ll get it. (She rummages through purse, sure enough, no ID) Oh, um, I must have left it in the car.”
“Then you can’t buy these, would you still like your other items?”
(Flustered and red, the girl scurries away, mumbling) “no, it’s okay.”
She leaves behind a box of tampons and a toothbrush.
Good times.
Monday, April 14, 2008
10 on 10
So some of my fun friends are doing the 10 on 10: posting 10 photos from 10 different hours of the day on the 10th of the month. I love the idea, but am a little slow in catching up to speed with them. I did take photos on the 10th (Thurs) but not all 10. Here is what I have for this month:
After a mellow day (not worth photojournalism) we had a reunion of my college Bible study. That was so fun as I love these girls more than life itself. Shannon now has two boys, Kirsty's preggo with their first, Jennie and I are just enjoying married life, and Erika and Jodi are pursuing their passions as singles. Being with these gals is always a highlight of my life.
Then we went to meet Monica and Erik's new baby, a girl born at noon, Audrey. Big brother Jackson is so excited about her, even if he tried to trade his grubby blue blanket for her clean soft, new pink one:)
Best friends and a sweet city skyline
The four ladies (and one boy in the oven)
The dad-to-be, the dad of two, and the wanna-be dad:)
After a mellow day (not worth photojournalism) we had a reunion of my college Bible study. That was so fun as I love these girls more than life itself. Shannon now has two boys, Kirsty's preggo with their first, Jennie and I are just enjoying married life, and Erika and Jodi are pursuing their passions as singles. Being with these gals is always a highlight of my life.
Then we went to meet Monica and Erik's new baby, a girl born at noon, Audrey. Big brother Jackson is so excited about her, even if he tried to trade his grubby blue blanket for her clean soft, new pink one:)
Best friends and a sweet city skyline
The four ladies (and one boy in the oven)
The dad-to-be, the dad of two, and the wanna-be dad:)
Being Green and Sustainable...
So after I declared April to be Earth Month, I did nothing about it. Now the month is half over. Typical. My friends the Mazzarello's went Green Fest this weekend, and I hope to learn a lot from them when they come up to play with us. But I will at least post links to people and groups that are inspirational to me, like my two new bff's, one from each coast:
Matthew Sleeth who wrote the book Serve God, Save the Planet. He preached in Mars Hill's God is Green series that was so amazing last summer, and will be in MI again at the beginning of May- podcast him, you won't regret it.
And Cal's Michael Pollan, who writes lots of provocative things all the time.
Also check out some intriguing sites:
Earth Ministry and Grist
Matthew Sleeth who wrote the book Serve God, Save the Planet. He preached in Mars Hill's God is Green series that was so amazing last summer, and will be in MI again at the beginning of May- podcast him, you won't regret it.
And Cal's Michael Pollan, who writes lots of provocative things all the time.
Also check out some intriguing sites:
Earth Ministry and Grist
Spring Cleaning
Why do people only do spring cleaning in the spring? At the expense of exhibiting my geekiness yet again, I'll confess that I love it! This weekend in the glorious sunshine, we cleaned up our yard (at a 1/4 acre, quite the feat!), our garage and cleaned out our kitchen. Staying true to our Rob Bell mantra, we donated some stuff to Goodwill, gave neighbors sugary stuff that had to leave our cupboards, and recycled/tossed lots of stuff that has just been sitting around for 'some day.' It's appalling how long I had some stuff (like a can of soy protein powder that was 'best by 2004')- oops!
Los got his road bike tires fixed and is stoked to put some miles on the expansive farm roads around us this spring and summer. We also bathed Burly, he is like a new dog and smells so good. And Los cleaned the grill, a nasty but necessary task! So we had friends over and enjoyed fabulous Mahi-Mahi, Salmon and steak with salads both nights. We also went to church at FPC Bellingham and walked/ran around Lake Padden. I love spring. I can't wait to plant our vegetable garden, maybe next week? These are the days when I get SO sad about leaving the northwest. Who knows if we'll ever be back, perhaps not. So I am trying to soak in every last drop of the good life we have here. I am grateful for it.
Los got his road bike tires fixed and is stoked to put some miles on the expansive farm roads around us this spring and summer. We also bathed Burly, he is like a new dog and smells so good. And Los cleaned the grill, a nasty but necessary task! So we had friends over and enjoyed fabulous Mahi-Mahi, Salmon and steak with salads both nights. We also went to church at FPC Bellingham and walked/ran around Lake Padden. I love spring. I can't wait to plant our vegetable garden, maybe next week? These are the days when I get SO sad about leaving the northwest. Who knows if we'll ever be back, perhaps not. So I am trying to soak in every last drop of the good life we have here. I am grateful for it.
Moving and Option C) none of the above
Well, we still don't know where we're moving, but we're getting closer to narrowing it down! We feel good about California and Texas (for VERY different reasons). Of course, I am hesitant to commit my heart to either of those places, b/c God (and the Navy) always seems to surprize you with option C when you were least expecting it. Choosing our next set of orders is a lot bigger than just 'where do we want to live the next 3 years?' If that was the only question, CLEARLY we would choose CA. My wonderful family, the wonderful weather, our fun friends, and all the opportunity there, plus the like-minded culture make it the shoe-in vote. Plus, I want our (future, currently non-existent) baby to be born in the best state in the union!
However, it's not quite that simple. What we're wrestling with is more of the long-term question, what does he want to do the rest of his life. I am pretty clear on my vocation, but he's still a little fuzzy. The TX job would give Carlos a lot more flight hours and he'd get to spend his time instructing students, a job he loves and is gifted in. He is a born leader, and wouldn't have those chances in CA. And the TX job opens up a couple of avenues for future vocation, both in and out of the Navy. He is brilliant and could do anything, but equivocates between wanting to stay in the military, or be an airline pilot, a lawyer, and a highschool teacher and basketball/track coach:) Maybe he'll figure out a way to do all of them? And then there's always option c, that we can't even predict or imagine just yet... All that to say, we'll keep you posted:)
However, it's not quite that simple. What we're wrestling with is more of the long-term question, what does he want to do the rest of his life. I am pretty clear on my vocation, but he's still a little fuzzy. The TX job would give Carlos a lot more flight hours and he'd get to spend his time instructing students, a job he loves and is gifted in. He is a born leader, and wouldn't have those chances in CA. And the TX job opens up a couple of avenues for future vocation, both in and out of the Navy. He is brilliant and could do anything, but equivocates between wanting to stay in the military, or be an airline pilot, a lawyer, and a highschool teacher and basketball/track coach:) Maybe he'll figure out a way to do all of them? And then there's always option c, that we can't even predict or imagine just yet... All that to say, we'll keep you posted:)
Friday, April 11, 2008
Love God with all Your Heart, Mind, Soul and what?
This is not a theological reflection per se, but why do we strive to love God with all that we are, yet leave off that last bit about strength? Our bodies are our temples, so the scripture goes, yet most of us pollute the crap out of them with alcohol, drugs (caffeine: the 'Christian' drug) and even bad or too much food. At least I do. Being overweight seems to be a socially acceptable sin, what with 2/3 of our country falling somewhere in that camp.
One of my longest friends, Becky has inspired me to achieve bucket list #6. Unlike people who go on diets to drop from size 6 to size 4 (grrrr), she’s someone I can resonate with, since we’re both tall and large-framed. She has reshaped her lifestyle and lost 50 pounds thus far in her journey, feeling healthier than ever. We were both athletes and continued to eat like athletes when we stopped playing year-round sports. Carbs carbs carbs, ever since I was a kid. Because of that, I realized, I’ve gained about 35 pounds in the past ten years. I’m not proud of this, but I didn’t even notice it at first, because 4 pounds a year doesn’t seem like a lot… But they are sneaky little suckers and definitely snuck up on me!
So as I wrote about before, I’m starting my own journey about awareness, and change. I know it will take a long time, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been reading the book that she uses, and have learned more than I ever thought I would about things like my liver, lymphatic system, colon and supplements/vitamins. The author encourages organic food and cutting out alcohol, caffeine, sugar and empty calories. And (what may be the hardest part for me) drinking half your weight in ounces of water every day. That task alone makes me want to drop pounds:) Dave Lutz, a Seattle therapist and speaker that I like a lot, has recommended this to me before; but I thought it would be impossible. I see a sign- Many Bio Breaks Ahead!
I am intimidated to attempt to lose weight and be on a ‘diet,’ because this is something I’ve never done before. I don't know if I believe I can do it, which is sad, but honest. However, the awareness I’m gaining has been amazing. Like the difference between healthy food and unhealthy food. I heard someone say you should only shop around the outside walls of grocery stores. Sure enough, that’s where the fruits, veggies, protein and dairy I need is. It makes me sad that you have to have more money to eat more healthily- the cheap food is the empty-calorie carbs, sugary/salty stuff.
So anyone who wants some sugar, let me know, I’m cleaning out our cupboards of that stuff- I’ll be your sugar mama:) Maybe we’ll bring some back (in ‘moderation’) eventually, but for now, out it goes!
One of my longest friends, Becky has inspired me to achieve bucket list #6. Unlike people who go on diets to drop from size 6 to size 4 (grrrr), she’s someone I can resonate with, since we’re both tall and large-framed. She has reshaped her lifestyle and lost 50 pounds thus far in her journey, feeling healthier than ever. We were both athletes and continued to eat like athletes when we stopped playing year-round sports. Carbs carbs carbs, ever since I was a kid. Because of that, I realized, I’ve gained about 35 pounds in the past ten years. I’m not proud of this, but I didn’t even notice it at first, because 4 pounds a year doesn’t seem like a lot… But they are sneaky little suckers and definitely snuck up on me!
So as I wrote about before, I’m starting my own journey about awareness, and change. I know it will take a long time, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been reading the book that she uses, and have learned more than I ever thought I would about things like my liver, lymphatic system, colon and supplements/vitamins. The author encourages organic food and cutting out alcohol, caffeine, sugar and empty calories. And (what may be the hardest part for me) drinking half your weight in ounces of water every day. That task alone makes me want to drop pounds:) Dave Lutz, a Seattle therapist and speaker that I like a lot, has recommended this to me before; but I thought it would be impossible. I see a sign- Many Bio Breaks Ahead!
I am intimidated to attempt to lose weight and be on a ‘diet,’ because this is something I’ve never done before. I don't know if I believe I can do it, which is sad, but honest. However, the awareness I’m gaining has been amazing. Like the difference between healthy food and unhealthy food. I heard someone say you should only shop around the outside walls of grocery stores. Sure enough, that’s where the fruits, veggies, protein and dairy I need is. It makes me sad that you have to have more money to eat more healthily- the cheap food is the empty-calorie carbs, sugary/salty stuff.
So anyone who wants some sugar, let me know, I’m cleaning out our cupboards of that stuff- I’ll be your sugar mama:) Maybe we’ll bring some back (in ‘moderation’) eventually, but for now, out it goes!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Burly's going to be FAMOUS!
I can't believe my dog is going to get published before I am, but here's an email I got this morning from New York. I had a good feeling about the submission, because I think Erik Torkells (the Budget Travel editor) may have a pug? So I sent one of Burly in Carmel with Los, and one of him on gorgeous highway 20 at Washington Pass when Erika and I were coming back from Winthrop. Both great vacations!
----
Pet Travel Story- Important Info
Congratulations!
Your pet travel photos were chosen for our 2008 June Reader's Issue! We are excited to show off your adorable pets in this special issue and we are even more excited to have you be a part of the process.
Right now we are working very hard to finish our June issue and we are trying to pull together the last little details before shipping it to the press. But before we can seal the deal I have one last request. Our editors have decided to add your hometowns into the text that will run along the side of your pet's photo. Please email me back your hometown (city, state) ASAP. We are short on time, so the sooner you act, the better. You can call or email me at anytime. If I don't pick up, I will at least get your message.
Thank you again and have a great day!
Sheryl McGloffin
Photo Department
Budget Travel Magazine
Tel: (646) 695-6703
www.budgettravel.com
----
Pet Travel Story- Important Info
Congratulations!
Your pet travel photos were chosen for our 2008 June Reader's Issue! We are excited to show off your adorable pets in this special issue and we are even more excited to have you be a part of the process.
Right now we are working very hard to finish our June issue and we are trying to pull together the last little details before shipping it to the press. But before we can seal the deal I have one last request. Our editors have decided to add your hometowns into the text that will run along the side of your pet's photo. Please email me back your hometown (city, state) ASAP. We are short on time, so the sooner you act, the better. You can call or email me at anytime. If I don't pick up, I will at least get your message.
Thank you again and have a great day!
Sheryl McGloffin
Photo Department
Budget Travel Magazine
Tel: (646) 695-6703
www.budgettravel.com
Monday, April 7, 2008
Goal #25
Life resumed full speed and I've been too busy going to stop and write, quite a rude awakening after my glorious spring break of reading, writing, working out and relaxing. But it's all good stuff, no complaints. My two classes are looking awesome this quarter (OT exegesis and Pastoral Theology- only two left after that too! The light at the end of the tunnel is near!)
I decided instead of Earth Day (April 20) this year, all of April is going to be Earth Month. I want to write some blogs about stewardship related stuff... But I'm too busy right now, so I'll just say one little highlight, and then off to bed I go.
Having penned these 100 life goals is proving to be rewarding. Now I have something to stare at that instigates conversations and keeps me accountable to pursuing stuff that was only in my mind. One of Los' complaints to me (I know it may come as shocking that I am not perfect) is that he wishes I cooked more. What can I say, he's a natural, so I just let him do it. Not to mention, we have different philosophies regarding cleaning the kitchen as we cook- let's just say it's a cleaner home when he is in charge.
Hence goal #25. I am making some more effort, and am proud to say that in the past week, I have made:
Flax seed-cranberry-apricot muffins
Lemon-pepper squash
Portobella mushrooms
Tacos
Onion roasted potatoes
Garlic-Parmesan chicken
Tortilla soup
4-bean salad
and a Cake
This is revolutionary for me. I usually don't make that many things in a month! Here's to change. Feel free to send me a recipe. Or to come over and give me another reason to hone my culinary skills.
I decided instead of Earth Day (April 20) this year, all of April is going to be Earth Month. I want to write some blogs about stewardship related stuff... But I'm too busy right now, so I'll just say one little highlight, and then off to bed I go.
Having penned these 100 life goals is proving to be rewarding. Now I have something to stare at that instigates conversations and keeps me accountable to pursuing stuff that was only in my mind. One of Los' complaints to me (I know it may come as shocking that I am not perfect) is that he wishes I cooked more. What can I say, he's a natural, so I just let him do it. Not to mention, we have different philosophies regarding cleaning the kitchen as we cook- let's just say it's a cleaner home when he is in charge.
Hence goal #25. I am making some more effort, and am proud to say that in the past week, I have made:
Flax seed-cranberry-apricot muffins
Lemon-pepper squash
Portobella mushrooms
Tacos
Onion roasted potatoes
Garlic-Parmesan chicken
Tortilla soup
4-bean salad
and a Cake
This is revolutionary for me. I usually don't make that many things in a month! Here's to change. Feel free to send me a recipe. Or to come over and give me another reason to hone my culinary skills.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Love is in the Air
I decided this week that the ‘late-20’s’ season of life is weird, relationship-wize. I now have friends across the spectrum from married for a decade with three kids, all the way to not dating at all. It is weird to graduate from high school and all be relatively in the same place, and then over the currents of a decade to drift to such different destinations. But recently, a lot of new love has taken me by joyous surprise.
Just as all of my perennial buds are starting to burst forth with new growth and exquisite color, new relationships seem to be all around me- is it the spring? People have flown to Seattle this weekend from Nashville, Kansas and Texas to be with the one their hearts long for. I love hearing about new love, it is so sweet. To quote one friend last night, “I have to go buy a sleeping aid, I am too excited to sleep tonight.” Today and the next couple of days, these new couples will be cherishing every touch, every glance, every new memory made. I am glad for their hearts to be so happy. I remember those days with fondness. To those friends, I can't wait to hear how your weekends go!
And while I don’t yearn to go back to that stage myself, I want to make a conscious effort to keep ‘newness’ in my own marriage. If you’re reading this and have been in a relationship a while, I’d love to hear what you do to keep things fresh, and about rituals you have that make your twosome special.
Just as all of my perennial buds are starting to burst forth with new growth and exquisite color, new relationships seem to be all around me- is it the spring? People have flown to Seattle this weekend from Nashville, Kansas and Texas to be with the one their hearts long for. I love hearing about new love, it is so sweet. To quote one friend last night, “I have to go buy a sleeping aid, I am too excited to sleep tonight.” Today and the next couple of days, these new couples will be cherishing every touch, every glance, every new memory made. I am glad for their hearts to be so happy. I remember those days with fondness. To those friends, I can't wait to hear how your weekends go!
And while I don’t yearn to go back to that stage myself, I want to make a conscious effort to keep ‘newness’ in my own marriage. If you’re reading this and have been in a relationship a while, I’d love to hear what you do to keep things fresh, and about rituals you have that make your twosome special.
Paris, Je T’aime
I usually don’t write movie reviews, but here’s another one. We just watched Paris, Je T’aime (Here's the trailer) and if you are a Francophile like me (my in-law's just came back from there this week and I can't WAIT to see what they brought back) or just a fan of, or curious about Paris, the city of light and love, you’ll love this movie. It’s shot like postcards, 18 total, by fabulous different directors and casts, each 5-8 minutes long. All around the subject of love. Some of the stories are tragic, some are heart-warming, some are awkward, some are random, some are funny and some are beautiful; all of them are poignant. Great movie.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Healthiness
So my little broski and I are trying to become 'healthier;' him by eliminating a habit, and me by adding a habit (exercise) and changing a habit (eating). I feel encouraged about it, and am proud to say I've now been to the gym or 'done something'every day for two weeks. Maybe it's the sunny days and spring time, or maybe it's something deeper within, but I am grateful for the motivation.
But just for the record:
#1- not only am I the world's least coordinated person when it comes to following an instructor at choreographed dance moves hence goal #89, but
#2- I am now officially also the world's worst Step Aerobics participant. Who invented that contraption? I want to punch them in the face. I spent 1/3 of the class just standing on my step staring at the obnoxiously peppy lady in front with the skirt and Britney microphone who was bopping around to Justin Timberlake and counts of 8.
So all in all, I am learning by awkward process of elimination, which classes I like (pilates, yoga, weight lifting, etc) and can add to my swimming and walking/running regimen. I'm thinking of entering a race as a goal, but that might be a ways off yet.
But just for the record:
#1- not only am I the world's least coordinated person when it comes to following an instructor at choreographed dance moves hence goal #89, but
#2- I am now officially also the world's worst Step Aerobics participant. Who invented that contraption? I want to punch them in the face. I spent 1/3 of the class just standing on my step staring at the obnoxiously peppy lady in front with the skirt and Britney microphone who was bopping around to Justin Timberlake and counts of 8.
So all in all, I am learning by awkward process of elimination, which classes I like (pilates, yoga, weight lifting, etc) and can add to my swimming and walking/running regimen. I'm thinking of entering a race as a goal, but that might be a ways off yet.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Let there be Light!
When we were in Argentina, we bought a chandelier from a local designer. That was December. It is now April and we finally got bulbs to fit the sockets this past weekend. Turns out they had to be ordered from France (note to self: buy them simultaneously next time). They would have cost $90 to be Fed Exed to us, but we went to a local lighting shop and special ordered them= $5! Score. So here's some pics from our bedroom now.
And here's our mountain view outside one of our bathroom windows:)
And here's our mountain view outside one of our bathroom windows:)
Birthday Flowers and Seeds
Here are some pics of the lovely bouquets I got for my bday. Though it was hard to be alone, I appreciated all the cards and calls throughout the day, which made me feel loved in spite of my sadness. Thank you friends:)
I've given 12 people Sweet Pea seeds now, and still have some left if anyone else wants some, please let me know!
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