tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-308160112024-03-12T21:30:58.391-04:00living well...laughing often...loving muchWhat is success? To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; This is to have succeeded. ~Ralph Waldo EmersonCUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.comBlogger280125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-13621034114996901132009-12-29T15:42:00.001-05:002009-12-29T15:44:42.170-05:00A New Look.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">In an effort to simplify the technological aspects of my life, I have consolidated my blogs into one blog via WordPress. Although I am slowly working on changing all those white-fonted posts to black font, all the previous posts are on my new blog... here's the address and the link for A Way in the Desert:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://awayinthedesert.wordpress.com">awayinthedesert.wordpress.com</a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Enjoy! See you there!</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-6456709559461421212009-12-04T18:11:00.002-05:002009-12-04T18:21:50.496-05:00Immanuel, God With Us<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">A sign shall be given</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">A virgin will conceive</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">A human baby bearing</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Undiminished deity</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The glory of the nations</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">A light for all to see</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">That hope for all who will embrace</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">His warm reality</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Immanuel</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Our God is with us</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">And if God is with us</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Who could stand against us</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Our God is with us</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Immanuel</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">For all those who live in the shadow of death</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">A glorious light has dawned</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">For all those who stumble in the darkness</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Behold your light has come</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Immanuel</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Our God is with us</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">And if God is with us</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Who could stand against us</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Our God is with us</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Immanuel...</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Immanuel</span>, Michael Card</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">This song has been especially meaningful this week, as we trust in the Lord for healing for Katie's dad since his craniotomy on Wednesday. It's been a long few days for the Lewis family; lots of updates across the miles and trips back and forth. On Facebook, a friend of Katie's posted the reference of Psalm 91. It's meaningful as well in this time... Psalm 91:1-2, 4, 14-16:</span><br /><br /><blockquote style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.<br />They say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."<br />...He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart...<br />"Because they love me," says the Lord, "I will rescue them; I will protect them, for they acknowledge my name. They will call on me, and I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will deliver them and honor them. With long life, I will satisfy them and show them my salvation."</blockquote>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-69684178990250118792009-11-11T22:25:00.003-05:002009-11-11T22:35:28.281-05:00And life just rolls on...<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Life has been fairly interesting recently. Nothing profound, really, but it has still been interesting. This week I had a good experience at clinicals... which is a nice change from last week. One of my patients was absolutely precious and totally brightened my day... huge smile, big hand shake, fake cell phone and all. My other patient was determined and confident, but calm and cooperative too... and totally understanding of the busyness of nursing, but knew when to stand up for himself (which is good too!). </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Today I spent the day in the dialysis unit, where patients in kidney failure come to lay on a bed for 3-4 hours and have their blood "filtered" because their kidneys (or lack thereof) cannot filter the blood as in a healthy human body. Although it was different, and not busy or entirely enthralling all the time, I enjoyed the chance to learn more about the process of dialysis... especially since one of my grandpa's was on dialysis in the 70s... it's interesting to compare the systems, and to find out that they're actually still quite similar (at least in concept and major mechanical components). My instructor didn't believe me when I said that grandpa had dialysis in his home, but, just ask dad. It's true. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We have our research final on Friday. And I'm trying to not freak out about it. The topic of research does not come easily to me; it is often more abstract and gray than my little mind can handle... that's why I chose nursing: I like black and white! I also made the mistake of reading the graduation website... specifically the details about graduating with honors, high honors and highest honors... and, contrary to my previous thoughts, I could actually graduate with highest honors if I manage to do well in my classes again this year. According the website highest honors is for GPAs of 3.9 and higher, and that's me. Forget the 4.0. Psh. That was ruined first semester, freshman year in a one-credit introduction to nursing class that required much more work than a 1-credit class ever should. Don't even get me started on that. But, yeah, trying to not think about the excitement of graduating with highest honors. Who knows what this research final will do?? I just want to PASS!!! Ha!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I should close for now, I need to get to bed and get some good sleep before tomorrow, which will be a long study day!</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-45945393951964617682009-11-01T10:07:00.002-05:002009-11-01T10:13:23.813-05:00<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Singles, recognize the great potential to waste your singleness:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- If you fail to see your singleness as designed by God: You will not serve, you will not walk in freedom, you will not walk in joy</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- If you believe that your singleness is a curse and not a gift</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- If you cherish marriage more than you cherish Jesus Christ; Satan's and God's designs for your singleness are not the same... Satan's desire is to destroy your love for Jesus Christ, but God's desire is that your singleness would deepen your love for Jesus Christ as you come to abide in Him and love Him and trust Him in this area of your life</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- If you seek comfort from your odds, rather than from God</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- If you let it drive you into solitude, instead of using it to deepen your relationship with God's people</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- If you fail to use it as a witness to the truth and the glory of Jesus Christ---Show others that Jesus Christ is worth more than life</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">From a sermon, Singleness: Blessing or Curse?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Jim Riggle, Shawnee Hills Baptist Church</span></span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-91517170879718942152009-10-25T13:55:00.003-04:002009-10-25T14:31:47.469-04:00Effects of Starving Yourself.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">In the last few days, I've been thinking about how what you do (or in my case, don't do) can really affect the condition of your heart. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I have never been consistent with taking the time to do daily devotions, and recently, almost any practice of prayer has faded out of my daily routine aside from meals and emergency pleas. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> On Thursday night, a few close friends and I had a spontaneous prayer time, which was such a blessing. It was such a refreshment to my heart: to be able to share some of my struggles with contentment and relationships, as well as the opportunity to pray for the struggles of the others.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I think it was at this time that I started to realize what has been missing in my life, and how much peace and joy I am missing out on. I've also noticed my heart to be more bitter, more easily annoyed, more willing to hold grudges and it overflows into my life by filling my speech with complaints and making my actions self-serving. I'm sure it's due to not having devotions and practicing regular prayer. Some people think I am such a woman of God, and yet I know that I can be so complacent and practice such apathy. I have seen the effect on my attitude... it often stinks and I complain so much; I talk about others, especially when they, so often, get on my nerves. I also haven't journaled regularly for such a long time; the last entry in my journal was dated in August. I truly have seen the effects on my life because when I don't journal, I don't take the time to write and vent. But, when I journal, my mind and soul are better for it. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Today in Sunday school we talked about James 4:11-12, where James rebukes the church for judging others within the body and speaking down on others. </span><br /><blockquote style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgement on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?</blockquote><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We discussed that humility is the opposite of judging others, because when we judge others our heart-motive is a seeking to serve ourselves by elevating ourselves as we tear others down. Our teacher showed us that in verse 11, the command is in present tense which denotes that slander was happening at that time. Even though the church was saying that they were not of the world, they were acting worldly, which is pure hypocrisy. James was calling them out on their motives and their hearts. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">One thought that stood out to me and challenged me at the core, was that, if I want to know if I am humble, I should consider how I speak about others. That challenged me greatly. I ended up skipping the actual church service and heading back to my room right after Sunday school to spend some time journaling because I needed time to mull over what we had just talked about. It was so powerful and convicting to me. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Another thought was that by speaking about others or criticizing others with friends, I have, in fact, already condemned the characteristic or action of that person in my mind prior to speaking because speaking and judging go hand-in-hand; one is the source of the other. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I should be praying for humility, but that's even scarier than learning patience! Yet, as much as it scares me to ask for humility because it terrifies me to imagine what struggles and challenges I might face as a result, I stil believe it is necessary because my heart is not where it needs to be--hidden in God. The motives of my heart clearly need to change because my actions do not reflect Christlikeness. I need to learn to shut up (in the context of talking about others, that is). </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I also need to pray for faith; I need to learn to trust. Especially in the area of desiring to be dating, I want to trust that the Lord has the absolute best in store for me and deep down I do trust--but you would never know it from my actions, words, or complaints. A part of a song by Jenny&Tyler that I listened to this morning says "We want to taste and see the plans You have for our little lives." That is so true! As much as I recognize that it's not best to know the future, I still wish we could know parts of it. Had I known nursing school would be so hard, I probably would've given up and quit. And I should be grateful for the time here, today, as a single woman. But, I am always trying to speed up time, bring the future closer and rush through today. The other day, a friend reminded my roommate and I that it is an honor that God considers us strong enough to live with the challenge of singleness right now. It's true, and I needed that reminder because it can be hard to remember the struggle as an honor. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Most of all, I want the Lord to be glorified in this struggle, in this part of my walk towards more and more Christlikeness. </span><br /><blockquote style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Heal my heart and make it clean<br />Open up my eyes to the things unseen<br />Show me how to love like You have loved me<br />Break my heart for what breaks yours<br />Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause<br />As I walk from earth into eternity</blockquote>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-72889540369021401072009-10-23T10:48:00.002-04:002009-10-23T10:54:02.703-04:00A Few Things About Life.<span style="color:#000066;">- Only 189 days left until graduation, which is an entirely exciting thought! But, I also find myself always rushing onto the next thing, so I'm trying to slow down my heart and remind myself to enjoy the few days left here in this place. 189 sounds like a lot, but will go by so quickly.</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">- It's raining today. Pouring torrents at times. I'm soaked just from walking from class to work. It would be an excellent day for sweatpants, a hoodie, snuggling and watching a movie. Maybe it will rain on Sunday, when I am planning to take my day of rest! </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">- It's almost November. Crazy. I'm almost one year older. If time keeps passing at this speed, soon I'll be old.</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">- It's almost lunchtime and I'm hungry. It's time to find out what I odd combination I can cook up out of the same-old-same-old ingredients. Hooray for college cafeterias after 4 years of the same things. (Although I must say, at least we have all the options we do... compared to other schools!)</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-46964998838348611002009-10-04T22:25:00.002-04:002009-10-04T22:41:09.998-04:00At this exact moment.<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I thought I would write a little bit about my thoughts on singleness at this exact moment in time. I'm not referring to the world's definition of single: that state of freedom that allows to you casually hook up with or engage and disengage with person after person without any commitment. Rather, I'm talking about the definition of single according to the way it applies to many people, old and young, in the church... but yet a label, often undesired, that causes so much frustration and hurt.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Currently, I am immersed in a culture of predominantly 18-23-year-olds and yet the staggering rates of dating relationships and engagements popping up in the strangest of places never ceases to astound me. Yet again today, the phrase "another one bites the dust," as another friend is now "officially" dating. In spite of feeling excited for the friend and her-now-boyfriend, it only adds to, multiplies, and emphasizes my singleness. Had you told me I would be here today, saying these things, writing these things, I would never have believed you. Although I didn't think it guaranteed (I like to think I'm not </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">that</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> naive), I would be a fool to pretend I didn't imagine or wish that I would be happily on my way towards a life-long relationship of marriage-material by my senior year of college.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">It's certainly not easy to be in this environment, in the midst of all the relationships (some good, some scary), and be single. I consider it the curse of an environment like this; it's not very forgiving or considerate when it comes to these kinds of things. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Don't be worried; I know, deep in my heart of hearts, that "everything will work out," "God's timing is perfect," "singleness is a blessing," "enjoy this season," etc. etc. etc. Trust me, I believe that this is a blessing and I certainly believe (and hope) that it is a season (for all seasons come to an end at some point). But, it's rather hard to stomach those cliche (even if they are true) statements when the majority, if not all of them, are made by people who are currently dating, engaged, or happily married.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I know I'm young, I know I have so much ahead of me, I know I've got time. I don't remember ever praying for patience, but apparently I asked the Lord for it at some point, because this is certainly one of those times that I am supposed to be working on it. But, I have to be frank and say, goodness, I'm getting tired of this. My heart is ready, and waiting.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">And, so, I will wait.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">And hope.</span><br /></span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-74973839370706937762009-09-21T18:48:00.004-04:002009-09-21T18:54:46.533-04:00You Have a BOX!!!<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">For the sake of my mom, who didn't get to see my dad's mischievious packing job...<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpi_VHxQYPoQz6_Ef6xNPHs6SwUzWW8Uh-FfPkpxEeQ-fG6hq-dNkTShYBbNxv1jtyU6ElNlE0JJuAXrLLk3GN-ksrv5_iwohlXVskG1EU-tJ9Z8dVZw6-gAurzMDsZB69lVg8Q/s1600-h/103_3752.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpi_VHxQYPoQz6_Ef6xNPHs6SwUzWW8Uh-FfPkpxEeQ-fG6hq-dNkTShYBbNxv1jtyU6ElNlE0JJuAXrLLk3GN-ksrv5_iwohlXVskG1EU-tJ9Z8dVZw6-gAurzMDsZB69lVg8Q/s320/103_3752.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384057377421387602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToTiY_SV1pAfLs16bEI6NwNsqPx8NH8Tn0x8b1isK2jG9IFGbpLs9udiNpUVQA2Mp_qNpWvdApM8AiySpw8o1NpSOL-NLpC-Ow1rVfYXwIMEIZVyGAEBc0jn0SHLkxkHhjeNpYA/s1600-h/103_3741.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ExedcK7Ef3qpCcMsMQnn3NtoisLwJUxb6Trnq-FfAwcD95tI7HtP4kpuk6V8gBxcupw6BV9vDc8d74m6HBUOkLPj8XAVCq_MjpfVClhQRQ_h5QqIiDiYqwpRrxddHU04GfRq8g/s320/103_3742.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384056680996018402" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkSaDyuG67LfLSzzRvmBg5jDL6KLqspMxhW8JRbMO-86tqBg9fZoaaJ6NpjeHOeitcRhvDI08h-BRyo9yaJB0gvDostaTxgAviksVK3qdQQW_y7zFHrVJTESGFNVDO2foURQfQA/s1600-h/103_3743.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkSaDyuG67LfLSzzRvmBg5jDL6KLqspMxhW8JRbMO-86tqBg9fZoaaJ6NpjeHOeitcRhvDI08h-BRyo9yaJB0gvDostaTxgAviksVK3qdQQW_y7zFHrVJTESGFNVDO2foURQfQA/s320/103_3743.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384056694570727762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuskFyZGFqMrYRe6mUwqADACduLNKqbXkvfJ6JRdLY5elKbWCKUp24ULq5ID9SnZGIudsWCN58lWvmNdxHkVKHIlRmrMeKs3NROg1rcowFMNvbJMRJGK1FaFrPfzONHkoRn2wnGg/s1600-h/103_3745.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuskFyZGFqMrYRe6mUwqADACduLNKqbXkvfJ6JRdLY5elKbWCKUp24ULq5ID9SnZGIudsWCN58lWvmNdxHkVKHIlRmrMeKs3NROg1rcowFMNvbJMRJGK1FaFrPfzONHkoRn2wnGg/s320/103_3745.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384056714612322402" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJHqY7CpGY6xAM1QFwRSHEMQoOnLg9DZkZMIbiMvPkQFNQFRrte2Fnw2L3-z2bS-FJGsOKLmbbj0fEyHCThaQ8IR8IMYPXKYwqU0qFXWYH8TF36wyzX-UDViQ6vy4I_dkCm1gUw/s1600-h/103_3747.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJHqY7CpGY6xAM1QFwRSHEMQoOnLg9DZkZMIbiMvPkQFNQFRrte2Fnw2L3-z2bS-FJGsOKLmbbj0fEyHCThaQ8IR8IMYPXKYwqU0qFXWYH8TF36wyzX-UDViQ6vy4I_dkCm1gUw/s320/103_3747.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384057341842856818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhkOUsqbxeIoaN22ARtaVh3nD5Yc7pdZvL7amfeCYUImwFcNvG0uiZDtoTAu9x69RIrjkP0HqzaB5VXXlwdZCjPfTRIHjKm-9xYDekCBD4J6R6DotLBSEzcSWcFm4ztmC8LtbWw/s1600-h/103_3748.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhkOUsqbxeIoaN22ARtaVh3nD5Yc7pdZvL7amfeCYUImwFcNvG0uiZDtoTAu9x69RIrjkP0HqzaB5VXXlwdZCjPfTRIHjKm-9xYDekCBD4J6R6DotLBSEzcSWcFm4ztmC8LtbWw/s320/103_3748.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384057355377179842" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6kIV-_sT9UlgOmhElnQ_uFdWgC5eNgimxwby1VXL3bU2Ruh58_tEqaAsgukb3Fakx2sZDSvLY9gHbxB5KfjCwB2vYD1sdSiwF_o2EhoIxMsm4RT8feVItHgDJ3qsa_0c3UtCjQ/s1600-h/103_3749.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6kIV-_sT9UlgOmhElnQ_uFdWgC5eNgimxwby1VXL3bU2Ruh58_tEqaAsgukb3Fakx2sZDSvLY9gHbxB5KfjCwB2vYD1sdSiwF_o2EhoIxMsm4RT8feVItHgDJ3qsa_0c3UtCjQ/s320/103_3749.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384057364557055986" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfLKv_k3PYK8UDcq70ftrz2_4KHoBHYuNnwZ1lePbYG9cqdVOv5JwE79Awm3qquM4URZCBDKcQ9YiuZkVB4XLuytp86p8xOyJvstwUYjUoNxdJkS4c3g4DFCZg9dNfjyPAfl-wQ/s1600-h/103_3755.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfLKv_k3PYK8UDcq70ftrz2_4KHoBHYuNnwZ1lePbYG9cqdVOv5JwE79Awm3qquM4URZCBDKcQ9YiuZkVB4XLuytp86p8xOyJvstwUYjUoNxdJkS4c3g4DFCZg9dNfjyPAfl-wQ/s320/103_3755.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384057384480282082" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Thanks! I love you too! : )</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-85376695388851543072009-09-14T14:49:00.002-04:002009-09-14T14:50:55.858-04:00<span style="color:#000066;">Sad day: fall break might not be as gloriously long as I thought. We might have our second clinical rotation orientation that day. Blegh. I was looking forward to an extra day for fall break.</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-82945579793834264322009-09-10T21:45:00.003-04:002009-09-10T21:46:25.249-04:00Sway.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The "Sway" (by Michael Buble) radio station on Pandora makes me want to eat at Olive Garden.</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-19546562993768271572009-09-03T21:52:00.002-04:002009-09-03T21:55:43.236-04:00Almost. Almost.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">It's been a good (but long) day.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Class all morning and afternoon. Practicing phlebotomy (blood draws) and IV starting in the lab on the arms. Dinner with our brother hall at 6:00. . . which was by far </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">the best</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> brother hall activity I've had in all four years here. Great turn-out, great conversation, and great excitement about continued fun-ness.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Tomorrow = Friday. WaHOOO! Only one 2-hour lecture before chapel, then work and... the weekend!!! Even a three-day weekend!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Catch you later...</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-23254055926849973432009-08-31T14:01:00.002-04:002009-08-31T14:22:38.847-04:00Two Weeks Down.<span style="color:#000066;">It's hard to believe that two weeks of my senior year already went whooshing past; some of my friends are only <em>starting</em> classes now! This past weekend was wonderful---a great mix of study and fun. My roommate and I have made a determined commitment to get homework finished before Sunday so that Sunday can truly be a day of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Granted, it means working our little tooshies off on Friday and Saturday (when most people are socializing) and then being bored on Sunday (when most people are doing homework and can't socialize), but it is still rewarding and refreshing. </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Anyway, after classes and work on Friday afternoon, we took a girls-trip to Aldi's, Wal-Mart and the library... with each stop adding it's own unique success. Foods, necessities, non-necessities, books. At the library I picked up two books<em>,</em> <em>the Kite Runner</em> and<em> A Thousand Splendid Suns,</em> upon Karissa's recommendation during our summer travels<em>.</em> Friday evening we spent some time working on homework. Saturday, I did laundry in the morning and worked on homework in the morning and afternoon. Around 4:00 Katie and I decided that we were going to work until 6:30, at which time we would stop and make grilled-cheese and watch MASH and ER. After a few episodes, we watched "EverAfter" with some girls from the hall and then headed to bed!</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">...which meant that Sunday was church, adoptive family's house for lunch, <strong>fun</strong> reading, phone call home, uploading Peru pictures, and more ER episodes, plus dinner date with (almost) the whole hall!</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Today brought the reality of school back full-force! The weekend went by so quickly, but four hours of lecture beginning at 8:00 a.m. with only a one-hour break for chapel quickly reminded us of our full-time jobs as students. After class I grabbed a super-quick lunch (pizza, soup, and veggies) before heading to work, where I am answering phones and doing odds-and-ends tasks until 5:00 p.m. today. </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Tomorrow we begin clinical, the "real deal." We'll begin by helping a nurse with her patients; in following weeks we will have one patient that we are responsible for, then in the last couple of weeks we will have two patients that we are responsible for. It's always nerve-wracking to start clinicals! Do I really remember how to do these things? Can I really do them?! </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">But, I am looking forward to this rotation; we are in the Intensive Care Unit at a local hospital, a good hospital. It's a bigger, newer hospital than the sites of my previous clinical experience, so I am glad that I get to have my "area of interest" rotation in a hospital comparable to the hospitals at home. </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">We have a drug quiz at clinical tomorrow, which I definitely need to study for!! After clinical tomorrow and Wednesday, we have classes again on Thursday and Friday, with nothing exceedingly special about those classes. Then it's a 3-day weekend because of labor day!! Wahoo!!</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-6295229181248363542009-08-23T21:27:00.002-04:002009-08-23T21:38:09.221-04:00Start. For the Fourth (but last!) Time.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We officially began our senior year of college on Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. with Adult and Child Health Nursing. It was nice to have a short week with only three days of classes; a good dose of getting started, but not too overwhelming... or at least we tried to let it overwhelm us! </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">This coming week will be a packed week, I know... and definitely not my favorite kind of week. Monday is class and work from 8:00 until 5:00; Tuesday is class from 8:00-4:00 with skills revalidations at 5:30 (yikes!! I'm not a fan of these nervewracking events called validations!); Wednesday, clinical orientation from ?? to ??; Thursday, class from 8:00 to 3:20; Friday class and work from 8:00-2:00.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">These days are long and there is definitely a lot of work involved with ACH and Nursing Research, but similar to last year, we're trying to maintain an open-door policy... in that, sure, we'll be working on homework a lot, but we're always here to listen and talk and pray if someone needs to do so. We've got a little sign on our door that reminds people of this, and a second sign (or rather, set of notes) that say "Need a hug? Need to talk? Need a tissue? Need (or want) a piece of candy? Come on in, we're here for you!" </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">That's an update on life at this point. Not too much out of the ordinary routine of classes, work, and girl time in the dorm! I'm still trying to decide about participating in a Bible study or not... whether I can commit to a group like that this year. I'm not planning to do the pregnancy center ministry due to my work/class schedule on Mondays/Tuesdays.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">But, I'm excited about the Lord's plans for this year. This year holds possibilities and opportunities that no other year held, many of which are unbeknownst to me of course, so it will be interesting to watch the year unfold and strive to glorify God in the journey! </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Just for kicks and giggles...</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Currently reading: the Purpose Driven Life</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Currently listening to: Hillsong United, the One Heart Revolution</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Currently drinking: lemonade</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Currently eating: nothing. I'm full from afternoon snacks and supper. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Currently watching: maybe I'll watch some ER or a short part of a movie before I head to bed. </span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-36892529558293169892009-08-16T13:24:00.003-04:002009-08-16T13:33:07.808-04:00Making My (temporarily permanent) Home.<span style="color:#000066;">Here's a peek into the setup of our dorm room, at this stage (sorry that the pictures are in no particular order). I'm the only one here, but my roommate will come soon and then it will look much more complete!! I'll try to post more pictures when it's closer to the "final product"! : ) The first picture is of our little relaxation/encouragement spot... kleenex and a candy dish seemed appropriate for senior year of nursing school! : ) The second picture exhibits the awesome door hangers my mom and I found at a local art store. Hi-lar-i-ous.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000066;">For now, I am thankful for the air conditioning and large room... and for a few days to catch my breath before we have a big test on the first day of classes on Wednesday!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Check back later for more pictures!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdM_E5F4MayYHFK9h0Ngd7eXd6Q1r85zI7K4sJ2I56jtHVq0UlkSp6x9NOgmH21-g1wRBCkIVjFWC93MIK8GLvOJTbhpXAq1NSlZFYYutH7auXixs3lyCGFwKK92cTl-F-plxRw/s1600-h/103_3725.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370614841573329170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdM_E5F4MayYHFK9h0Ngd7eXd6Q1r85zI7K4sJ2I56jtHVq0UlkSp6x9NOgmH21-g1wRBCkIVjFWC93MIK8GLvOJTbhpXAq1NSlZFYYutH7auXixs3lyCGFwKK92cTl-F-plxRw/s320/103_3725.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMb1DiL4QGzVSIZHEF2GIl3URwMS50PV0DtHd-sqoeJN7B3wYwTlSY85ubN_OAYBD98u1Sr5O6bLm0L6VFy-bMt4qO0etlWWjwSFXvBa_XlRUKjVIRc28UHGdtHjl-RBFGqc_YA/s1600-h/103_3722.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370614824345383362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMb1DiL4QGzVSIZHEF2GIl3URwMS50PV0DtHd-sqoeJN7B3wYwTlSY85ubN_OAYBD98u1Sr5O6bLm0L6VFy-bMt4qO0etlWWjwSFXvBa_XlRUKjVIRc28UHGdtHjl-RBFGqc_YA/s320/103_3722.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAShZ0-ys0tbxH1P0Vc9cTwKCPsByB5DlkwaqA3svQxpRTtWDqrIKKN3dCzsz39lmEtDidtQ2uwxUfPHzD5bKliCj7K0YGVIp2mP9ZysRa9Mc4vxVk9WfnV17ULmylnQJ2hUBnw/s1600-h/103_3727.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370614817515901234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAShZ0-ys0tbxH1P0Vc9cTwKCPsByB5DlkwaqA3svQxpRTtWDqrIKKN3dCzsz39lmEtDidtQ2uwxUfPHzD5bKliCj7K0YGVIp2mP9ZysRa9Mc4vxVk9WfnV17ULmylnQJ2hUBnw/s320/103_3727.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnrHarXAyoLC0OGtVJPr0CE-9lGszVrdwQOzr9UcShJNQVD6G20egJwSIIfnr8u80zH4YPlhxgN4yJI-mj1JVza63tgaalzUqFWtPlqeO4FK2PWsJgBOFPmFIa7-kmFwmCC7bCw/s1600-h/103_3719.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370614807531547634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnrHarXAyoLC0OGtVJPr0CE-9lGszVrdwQOzr9UcShJNQVD6G20egJwSIIfnr8u80zH4YPlhxgN4yJI-mj1JVza63tgaalzUqFWtPlqeO4FK2PWsJgBOFPmFIa7-kmFwmCC7bCw/s320/103_3719.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div></div></div></div>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-10423134822031286692009-08-11T21:52:00.002-04:002009-08-11T22:06:32.582-04:00Last Time For This<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">No, this is not my last blog post (go ahead, take a breath). Rather, it is the last time I need to wrap up summer vacation to prepare for another school year. It is my senior year already! Wow! Next year, real life begins... hmmm...</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">In the meantime, I've been enjoying some simple pleasures of life. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">A new cell phone.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> Two thirds of the phones on our plan bit the dust, so we were able to upgrade. And because we keep phones a lot longer than the average customer, we got free upgrades, or </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">free</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> phones. Double wow! I didn't know that the system worked that way; but, it certainly speaks to Americans' discontentment with any technology that is "lagging behind" what is up-and-coming, which is also sad. Three years isn't all that long to own a phone, and most people don't even keep them that long. Yikes!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Great thrift store and free bin finds.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> In the last two weeks I've managed to end up with 4 knit shirts, two swing jackets, a new business skirt (which also miraculously matches my navy suit jacket, so now I have the choice of a suit with a skirt, or a suit with pants), pink high heels, a cute black stand/rack... perfect for something in the dorm room, if space allows, and a few picture frames!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Spiffy new glasses.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> A new style for me, but I love it! Some days I wear my glasses just for the fun of it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Printing pictures and quotes. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Planning to design, arrange and display pictures and quotes in my picture frames, because I love to have a dorm room that is sprinkled all over with photographs, quotes, and verses. It's the perfect day-brightener!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">A wild black cherry gelati at Rita's</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">. On one of the hottest days of the summer; thanks Dad!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Minimizing my life into plastic tubs and cardboard boxes. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Oh the joys of packing for school! Perhaps one of those pleasures you quickly grow tired of! But, it's the last time I'll have to do it... at least for now.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Writting in my journal.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> A habit and hobby that guarantees to calm me, rejuvenate me, relax me, refresh me, reinspire me...</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Maybe that's a good enough list for now... In other moments, I've been studying for a big test that we have on the first day of classes... comprehensive over many of the subjects we've learned about in the last year and a half or two. Ugh.</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-80283395924086921102009-07-31T09:53:00.001-04:002009-07-31T09:54:53.101-04:00Music.<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0v3d6SFcDys&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0v3d6SFcDys&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">So, that is pretty much awesome. Especially those two songs.</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-90975733386217831202009-07-28T17:10:00.002-04:002009-07-28T17:15:41.536-04:00Back for a Bit.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I've been home from my South American travels for a bit more than one week now, and it's been good to be back and adjust to work life again. Getting up at 4:30 or 5:30 a.m. is not so cool, but it's been good (as in beneficial) experience once again. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">This week we have taken care of several residents who were living the last days of their lives. Yesterday one resident died during our shift, and today another resident died. Both deaths were anticipated, but not welcomed, of course. Working in a nursing home and seeing death as it takes over someone's life is not a thing I like to watch. I hate watching death, so you may wonder why I am in nursing with an interest in intensive care nursing. Yes, I hate seeing death, but at the same time, I have learned from residents that death can be a scary, lonely time... as nurses, we can help to ease some of the suffering and offer a hand to hold or a presence to comfort.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">It's truly a gift to serve in this way, even though it is also painful.</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-64606488292914186992009-07-08T21:40:00.002-04:002009-07-08T21:59:48.651-04:00More Pictures from Life in Peru!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0W0N9WbPnSouVkZYZAVdeFCohGHtLVjzGRoODpoHaoH1Z7x6Gc4_6yU5c_T7OATW56UePYw-7iqEbQZMrVELoWR3_RidTeGpiliA8dbcihmrNTpRVQJq3GAS560BgzES3XyAg5A/s1600-h/DSCN0995.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0W0N9WbPnSouVkZYZAVdeFCohGHtLVjzGRoODpoHaoH1Z7x6Gc4_6yU5c_T7OATW56UePYw-7iqEbQZMrVELoWR3_RidTeGpiliA8dbcihmrNTpRVQJq3GAS560BgzES3XyAg5A/s320/DSCN0995.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356272336391379490" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Calla lillies (sp?) from the local San Jeronimo market, for 4 soles (approximately $1.33 in U.S. currency)!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiRzGaaU7XePhGP1BP2IwtVsUX9rIpaL26rpV0y3_H28NZYILzHUh-hjVh1MoTLpMdchsWIWgAvCsyD02Jpogbyn0N5YKnN5cRPNhcyJ22n3V-xjhOCqRtQjcqy2qEqkvX9k4JA/s1600-h/DSCN1063.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiRzGaaU7XePhGP1BP2IwtVsUX9rIpaL26rpV0y3_H28NZYILzHUh-hjVh1MoTLpMdchsWIWgAvCsyD02Jpogbyn0N5YKnN5cRPNhcyJ22n3V-xjhOCqRtQjcqy2qEqkvX9k4JA/s320/DSCN1063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356272345642534002" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Downtown Plaza de Armas at night</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjTpaDttu03KUnTxsOXLIhzBSQ-iOhiWGw1ks-aeBHhddivnqXSNUnFZBjSUwVNfDLXEO8XgWIU04eGzJAG2iDoCSHe6OQZ6XOOoZ-Va2RvS91UZ9mNEwkX0Yq9SKmBLjPTNp8w/s1600-h/DSCN1146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjTpaDttu03KUnTxsOXLIhzBSQ-iOhiWGw1ks-aeBHhddivnqXSNUnFZBjSUwVNfDLXEO8XgWIU04eGzJAG2iDoCSHe6OQZ6XOOoZ-Va2RvS91UZ9mNEwkX0Yq9SKmBLjPTNp8w/s320/DSCN1146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356272346494583618" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Agricultral ruins from the pre-Incan time period (1100-1400) or the Incan empire (1500's). They used these varied, circular terraces to imitate, test, and perfect growing spots on the mountain sides.</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghH-30YQxzyGLbbmddmWJwTKS-nUzhW-X1R-wER23F_z4RCULsLqsf_2e1sqn18BbUW6b9k4Ednj4qHYnFh2q_awyCI1RO12n3n7lvvDImjRi6qse7TtEpCfFW8lpy0Ae9ALgzOQ/s1600-h/DSCN1187.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghH-30YQxzyGLbbmddmWJwTKS-nUzhW-X1R-wER23F_z4RCULsLqsf_2e1sqn18BbUW6b9k4Ednj4qHYnFh2q_awyCI1RO12n3n7lvvDImjRi6qse7TtEpCfFW8lpy0Ae9ALgzOQ/s320/DSCN1187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356272358394356466" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Salt mines near Urubumba. About 3,500 plots of salt fed by one small salty stream</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW4xOE6N1h9-s855OXZlavP86zpTjcN0UhvNyyH1bWGcmBCcje7GGwjSL4gxaYuM8gQUWwpuZ3r5ClIA96o0NCs1guAzw805zCr1TFL95mCyI1xoUxnV7Gim1QHTR3mMlC3_rkA/s1600-h/DSCN1390.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW4xOE6N1h9-s855OXZlavP86zpTjcN0UhvNyyH1bWGcmBCcje7GGwjSL4gxaYuM8gQUWwpuZ3r5ClIA96o0NCs1guAzw805zCr1TFL95mCyI1xoUxnV7Gim1QHTR3mMlC3_rkA/s320/DSCN1390.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356272365585983314" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">One picture from our most recent trek---to Macchu Picchu! I am exhausted from those last three sites, all visited in 24 hours during a two-day trip!</span><br /></div>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-51153894611136573362009-06-27T19:18:00.003-04:002009-06-27T19:57:40.378-04:00Welcome to Cusco!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Opl2FEIi1R1nm0a496sKUwyKgThpXEwj20MWVWFW90W3Tf_j86a3-Q2RV8QUoyGW8Mst-lXxD-GHs7XKlXeOGRkT8McOMA-JNB-VuwD1rCAccvpZkTSE5ARoJN3efmu-c-pNAA/s1600-h/DSCN0172.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Opl2FEIi1R1nm0a496sKUwyKgThpXEwj20MWVWFW90W3Tf_j86a3-Q2RV8QUoyGW8Mst-lXxD-GHs7XKlXeOGRkT8McOMA-JNB-VuwD1rCAccvpZkTSE5ARoJN3efmu-c-pNAA/s320/DSCN0172.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352158106328607074" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">(Great apologies for the sideways pictures. I think I should have rotated them before posting them, but too late now and I don't want to wait for the computer for another 10 minutes!)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Flying across Peru, into Cusco from Lima... early, early last Tuesday morning (above).</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHg2ZrSCkvpvxcGSNrzmFgig6tewl6afSRakOAg4s5MKIRf6dtuXWMGU7srjebmHSa8ZoobUZ4PPqvZwmHbRVfpSXmrlBJgCmnZPmWSp3FNo9Xy3tRuQwGTVu9joxns7VnJ1wlKg/s1600-h/DSCN0177.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHg2ZrSCkvpvxcGSNrzmFgig6tewl6afSRakOAg4s5MKIRf6dtuXWMGU7srjebmHSa8ZoobUZ4PPqvZwmHbRVfpSXmrlBJgCmnZPmWSp3FNo9Xy3tRuQwGTVu9joxns7VnJ1wlKg/s320/DSCN0177.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352158115749681394" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Part of Cusco, near the school during the day (above), </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">and the view out of our bedroom window at sunset (below).</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBgDPpBoNlvhKt-UFfnPqFb-s6FqCsxu5WGWyIhpSCHQ6hpXXxsPnS1cDNu-cJWG2FFryRkLj6x_frqeAuw1UC9Ez5apt099zPqXTHzASh7kWTS_Frdu_uvQvaIvpgS9N6BV9vw/s1600-h/DSCN0264.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBgDPpBoNlvhKt-UFfnPqFb-s6FqCsxu5WGWyIhpSCHQ6hpXXxsPnS1cDNu-cJWG2FFryRkLj6x_frqeAuw1UC9Ez5apt099zPqXTHzASh7kWTS_Frdu_uvQvaIvpgS9N6BV9vw/s320/DSCN0264.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352158112605974002" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I tried to write a post last night, but with no success. Internet services are available, but not necessarily "rapido!" It's hard to believe that we have been here in Cusco, Peru for almost 2 weeks. But, it has been wonderful, interesting, strange, exciting, exhausting, and many other things! We adjusted to the culture fairly well, and we didn't experience any health problems related to the change in altitude. (Although we continue to laugh at ourselves as we become breathless after a climb up the stairs or a walk up the street. Pathetic, we say.) I got a cold about two days and have been dealing with a runny nose since then, but no other major health problems, praise the Lord!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We have been spending some of our time at Promesa (the school), helping in the 4-and-5-year-old classes, signing out books for the students in "library" from 2-2:15 each school day.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WWbIQPX0RXmwt8LbdQTN9tKNsSw1M15JQXNGzWE94N8CdA8TeQX9SJshZ8ytPRiAdrJNvhXwHoxuIqgEnYOJ8G3Bn1sWI7VXvRWxrEhiS3iopPIaifvrguFUZjzjJvocWH_jqg/s1600-h/DSCN0231.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WWbIQPX0RXmwt8LbdQTN9tKNsSw1M15JQXNGzWE94N8CdA8TeQX9SJshZ8ytPRiAdrJNvhXwHoxuIqgEnYOJ8G3Bn1sWI7VXvRWxrEhiS3iopPIaifvrguFUZjzjJvocWH_jqg/s320/DSCN0231.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352158110113472146" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Children at Promesa in the library at the end of the school day.<br /></div> <br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I also was able to help Jen, one of the other missionaries who is a pediatrician and is completing health checks on all the students. I helped by taking the students vital signs and completing documenting/charting. (The picture below is of our little health room at Promesa.)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclsuKaRLf8nZt0risP-9n-z_oCf3x7T3C4l6C7FWV4oMotNMu2yKCXRB-7QT1J3ES8StWHpAIKNONdyE93rofG6vGOsbHwx0KUE8QdNV39t_g5vHj06cftc73tFzXyLGEgMnW0g/s1600-h/DSCN0247.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclsuKaRLf8nZt0risP-9n-z_oCf3x7T3C4l6C7FWV4oMotNMu2yKCXRB-7QT1J3ES8StWHpAIKNONdyE93rofG6vGOsbHwx0KUE8QdNV39t_g5vHj06cftc73tFzXyLGEgMnW0g/s320/DSCN0247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352158120241069986" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We also helped at Prosim (the health clinic) by bagging (and remeasuring, readjusting, and rebagging) food for a nutrition program for 37 students in Cusco who need food assistance.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">In our other time, we spend time with the Shultz's, either by tagging along on errands, playing games with the kids, watching movies, or taking little half-day trips to the main plaza to watch parades and celebrations, which are a signature of the month of June in Cusco.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We have also enjoyed getting to know several other people who are serving here in Cusco for short terms. Today we enjoyed a day out with Nick and Sylvia (who will be here for another week) and Steve (who is here for 5 more weeks); we ate out at a restaurant near the Plaza de Armas. (I had an Alpaca sandwich!! It was delicious!) After lunch we went shopping before heading to the "March for Jesus" to walk with the kids from Promesa through the city of Cusco.</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-23455135966159257642009-06-09T21:30:00.002-04:002009-06-09T21:36:49.862-04:00Some Things In My Life Recently<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- Packing (!!)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- Four out of the five books in the Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley... and working on book no. 5 (I'm not usually a fan of "Christian fiction," but this is a good series!!)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- NCLEX review books (the long study process begins... previous test-takers recommend reviewing little bits consistently over a long period of time)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- Naps</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- Details, details, details for the trip that's coming up in less than one week!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- fans and air conditioners for humid days</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- Books from Amazon for the flights next week</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- Early mornings (5:30, that is) for work and not-so-early mornings on days off of work.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- last minute shopping for last minute packing</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- and more....</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Things that aren't but should be part of my life...</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- cleaning my room</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- cleaning my room</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">- aaaaand.... cleaning my room!! HA.</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-79543749387098856252009-06-06T16:57:00.003-04:002009-06-06T19:42:04.496-04:00Those Things Called Naps.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I just woke up from a nap. You know, those wonderful times that you lay down for a 30-minute nap and wake up about 2 hours later. I absolutely love that kind of sleep! Besides the fact that a part of your day is gone in the matter of a few dreams, it's more-often-than-not refreshing---which is wonderful any day. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Mom and I also worked on some "first round" packing. "First round" because it wasn't the final cut to see what will/will not fit in my suit case; rather the cut to see exactly what I wanted in my checked luggage and what I wanted to pack in my carry-on. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">My friend is away for the weekend, so I don't know if there has been any progress in her visa-fiasco. But, we are all anxiously awaiting its arrival---and I, for one, am praying that it comes soon! I could do it, but I don't really want to travel by myself!!</span> <br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">It's time to go for a walk...</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-32465803700514554172009-06-04T20:53:00.002-04:002009-06-04T21:02:38.343-04:00For My Momma.<span style="color:#000066;">Yesterday my mom asked me to post something new on my blog. I had actually forgotten about this blog for a little while; in the hum-drum of summer, it doesn't seem like there's too much to be talked about! </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">However, in a matter of a little more than a week I will be on my way to South America for 5 weeks, so I guess that deserves an update! A friend and I will be helping a missionary family from our church in any way we can. They are dedicated to a school, Promesa, so we will probably be mostly involved at the school. </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Of course, hassles are involved, and my friend is still waiting to get her passport back from the visa application we needed to file. So, if you'd take a few minutes and pray for a quick delivery of an intact passport that would be greatly appreciated!</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Otherwise, I've been working and lounging. I've also been working on a little bit of studying for the scary NCLEX test of next summer! The most frequent advice I've received is to start studying small doses consistently ahead of time. </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">But, it's 9:00 and I should probably start wrapping up.</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-22087047118390688352009-05-07T22:54:00.003-04:002009-05-07T23:00:44.487-04:00Just Another Day.<span style="color:#000066;">Summer (not the season, the "vacation") has officially been happening for almost 2 weeks now. It's hard to believe that I've been home for that long, but, hey, it's a lot better than school. I am definitely grateful for the break from the insanity of this last year. I started work of sorts this week (although it was just reorientation, not the real work yet :) ), which helped to establish a sort of routine to my days. Kind of. I still have difficulty getting up when that alarm clock goes off. I did better when I had an 8:00 class...</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">But, I still catch myself thinking of things the way they were before Grandma passed away. At work, I find myself wondering when she will wander through the halls looking for me, until I remember that that is only a precious memory now. Things like that remind me that I miss her, and all the little ways she was a part of my life.</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">I'm counting down the days until the big trip this summer... I simply cannot wait to be able to get away for a few weeks and do things that are beyond my comfort zone, bless others, and experience life in less fortunate areas.</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Till the next post... adios!</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">p.s. I'm hoping to start reading some thought-provoking books soon, so I'll try to post interesting thoughts on here....</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-26446999837707889122009-04-15T22:57:00.002-04:002009-04-15T23:04:45.071-04:0012.<span style="color:#000066;">12 days of insanity. 12 days until the end of the school year. </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">I just got back from Easter break, which ended up being a bit longer of a break. We said goodbye to Grandma, as she passed away on Saturday after a brief illness. It was so hard; even though I rejoice in the hope of Christ, she was my last grandparent... and such a dear one to me. I miss her already, there's things that suddenly I'm realizing will never happen again. </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">I'm exhausted and weary. It was a tiring 6 days of going, going, going... I got the usual amount of sleep, but there's just so much going on in life right now. Almost too much handle if I let it take over... My to-do list is looming over my head, with projects full of (in my opinion) rediculous requirements from some profs. Somehow a 2-credit-hour course should not take up most of my time! and a term paper should not be expected to be a dissertation at the Bachelor's degree level. HA. </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">I'm looking forward to the weekend in two short days... granted, it will be full of homework. But, it will also provide some extra time for breathing hopefully. </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">That's what I feel like: I haven't been able to catch my breath. Sounds strange, but I don't think I've even fully realized the meaning or depth of all that happened this weekend, in the sense of all the things that will be different now. </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">I'd certainly appreciate your prayers on behalf of my family as well, as we adjust to perhaps a "new normal"... not that this was completely unexpected, but, as someone said last night, it's a big deal when you lose the matriarch.... especially such an amazing one! </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Pressing on...</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816011.post-83732222503095641492009-04-07T23:09:00.002-04:002009-04-07T23:15:08.688-04:00In these few minutes...<span style="color:#000066;">Since I have a few minutes before I need to catch some zzz's, here's a quick update on life!</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">- I finished writing my Public Health Nursing term paper on Yellow Fever and related epidemiology tonight. . . after countless hours, I am finally finished writing the 22.5-page beast! Now onto revising it before the due date next Friday. . .</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">- The nursing department cancelled the Junior exam---which is a <em>huge</em> blessing! It means one less thing to do, one less test to study for, a huge stressor to cross off the list, and one less thing to rearrange should the need arise to go home at a moment's notice. </span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">- I'd continue to appreciate prayers for my family, as we continue to walk beside Grandma in these probably last few days of her life.</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">- It snowed today... snow, in April---alternating sunshine and pelting snow/sleet every 20-30 minutes. Gross.</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">- My sanity.... wearing thin, but the end of this craziness is getting closer! ....and the upcoming trip this summer is getting closer too! : D</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">- As always, I'm ever so grateful for worship music that comforts and relaxes such weary spirits.</span>CUgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630354351830942188noreply@blogger.com0