Nothing "Halloween-ish" is going on tonight, but I still love this holiday. I'll be tacking the mounds of laundry that have been piling up for about two weeks and still trying to get down to the wall. Mitch's new shoes are supposed to come in today, so I doubt he'll let me go through the evening without a trip to Alma.
We spent this weekend (well, once I got off work on Saturday) down at my parents' house, celebrating their birthdays. Dad's is Oct. 30 (Devil's Night - which explains a lot about him) and Mom's is Nov. 3. On Saturday afternoon, I went on a 13+ mile mountain bike excursion with Dad, Bobby and Mitch. I had no idea (1) that my legs could get so weak and still function on (2) that my buttbones could hurt so much a day later.
"So take this broken offering and make me whole,
Set my feet upon the road that leads me home,
let me walk as one fixed upon the goal,
even though I've got a thousand miles to go..."
Set my feet upon the road that leads me home,
let me walk as one fixed upon the goal,
even though I've got a thousand miles to go..."
Monday, October 31, 2005
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Back to the wall
Now that I'm home more or less for good, I've renewed my commitment to the climbing wall. Mitch and I went on Monday and I climbed like crrrrrap. I'll chalk it up to essentially taking three weeks off yet still expecting to be able to fly though boulder problems like before. Humbling experience, that's what it was. I couldn't start routes, I missed critical holds, all my sequences were off, etc. Tuesday, though, I felt a lot better. I got back in the groove on all my favorite routes and though I couldn't snag the finish on the brain hold for two of them, I know it's just a matter of re-teaching my hands how to hold it. I plan to climb a bit after work on Thursday and then again on Friday with Mitch.
Yesterday, however, was not a good climbing day for Mitch. He forgot his shorts and had to climb in windpants, and he also discovered a tear in his well-loved climbing shoes. Most of his evening consisted of talking about shoes with Caleb, Joe and some freshmen guys. We left after less than an hour because he wanted to go home and buy new shoes online. For those interested, here's what he got:
http://www.sportiva.com/products/prod/255
I swear, there are very few times I've seen him this excited. He even had them shipped to the bank so he could open them as soon as they came off the truck. He thinks they'll be here by Friday!
Yesterday, however, was not a good climbing day for Mitch. He forgot his shorts and had to climb in windpants, and he also discovered a tear in his well-loved climbing shoes. Most of his evening consisted of talking about shoes with Caleb, Joe and some freshmen guys. We left after less than an hour because he wanted to go home and buy new shoes online. For those interested, here's what he got:
http://www.sportiva.com/products/prod/255
I swear, there are very few times I've seen him this excited. He even had them shipped to the bank so he could open them as soon as they came off the truck. He thinks they'll be here by Friday!
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Pretty much done
I'm basically done travelling for the year! It was so nice this morning to wake up wedged between Mitch and Chip (the cat), in my own bed, without thinking, "I have to leave today."
I screw up Mitch's schedule when I come home, though. He and Matt have been working out two days a week, and this week they have to skip a day because I invited Mitch's parents over for dinner and planned an evening for pumpkin carving. Oh well, I don't think it bothers him! :)
Being out on the road taught me a lot about doing things alone. At first it was weird to walk into a restaurant and ask for a table for one; I got used to it very quickly, though. I even went to a movie by myself - literally. I was the only person in the entire theatre for the Wednesday matinee of "In Her Shoes." By the way, it wasn't all that good. I read the book earlier and thought it might be OK, but it wasn't.
Tim, you should be so proud: not only did I finally get around to reading Mitch's copy of "The Screwtape Letters," I also picked up "Mere Christianity" by Lewis while I was out on the road, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I'm sure you have other books of his to recommend - hit me!
I screw up Mitch's schedule when I come home, though. He and Matt have been working out two days a week, and this week they have to skip a day because I invited Mitch's parents over for dinner and planned an evening for pumpkin carving. Oh well, I don't think it bothers him! :)
Being out on the road taught me a lot about doing things alone. At first it was weird to walk into a restaurant and ask for a table for one; I got used to it very quickly, though. I even went to a movie by myself - literally. I was the only person in the entire theatre for the Wednesday matinee of "In Her Shoes." By the way, it wasn't all that good. I read the book earlier and thought it might be OK, but it wasn't.
Tim, you should be so proud: not only did I finally get around to reading Mitch's copy of "The Screwtape Letters," I also picked up "Mere Christianity" by Lewis while I was out on the road, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I'm sure you have other books of his to recommend - hit me!
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Creepy Parking Lot Dude
I hope I don't have to go out to my car again tonight, 'cause there's this creepy dude that was just staring out his window over the parking lot when I went out to get my cell phone earlier. Gives me the willies.
Anyway, I'm halfway through my last full week of travel. I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but there's even the possibility of coming home early. Since I'm driving all over the state (it seems) for only a few schools, I've decided to call my last three ahead of time to make sure they have students signed up to see me before I trek all the way out there. One will surely reschedule: they had a student commit suicide recently, according to my faithful intern who makes contact with prospective students ahead of time. The others are both small schools who may or may not even have students interested in Alma. So while it would not be good in a professional sense to not have students to visit at these schools, it would be very nice from a personal standpoint. Yes, I would really like a little more time with Mitch before he goes off to climb big rocks in Kentucky.
I forgot to add that the climber's party last Saturday was lots of fun. At least I had fun and I think everyone else did, too. We played a mini game of Ultimate Frisbee, because only six people wanted to come out, but the whole group joined in for Catch Phrase after dinner. It was hilarious...Caleb has the most obscure knowledge possible and he thinks everyone else should know it, too, so when he uses it to give clues we're all, well, clueless. Nothing can ever beat the time my brother and I were playing on the same team and I started yelling, "Off like a - off like a - " and Bobby actualy got "prom dress" as the answer. Get it? Off like a prom dress? Maybe it's an Eccles thing.
Anyway, I'm halfway through my last full week of travel. I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but there's even the possibility of coming home early. Since I'm driving all over the state (it seems) for only a few schools, I've decided to call my last three ahead of time to make sure they have students signed up to see me before I trek all the way out there. One will surely reschedule: they had a student commit suicide recently, according to my faithful intern who makes contact with prospective students ahead of time. The others are both small schools who may or may not even have students interested in Alma. So while it would not be good in a professional sense to not have students to visit at these schools, it would be very nice from a personal standpoint. Yes, I would really like a little more time with Mitch before he goes off to climb big rocks in Kentucky.
I forgot to add that the climber's party last Saturday was lots of fun. At least I had fun and I think everyone else did, too. We played a mini game of Ultimate Frisbee, because only six people wanted to come out, but the whole group joined in for Catch Phrase after dinner. It was hilarious...Caleb has the most obscure knowledge possible and he thinks everyone else should know it, too, so when he uses it to give clues we're all, well, clueless. Nothing can ever beat the time my brother and I were playing on the same team and I started yelling, "Off like a - off like a - " and Bobby actualy got "prom dress" as the answer. Get it? Off like a prom dress? Maybe it's an Eccles thing.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Friendship
Why do some friendships flourish and others struggle? Why have I had the same best friend since third grade, despite differences and disagreements and distance? We talk on the phoen once every week or so, but neither of us keeps track who called whom and when and for how long. We see each other when we get the chance, making it a priority when possible and understanding when it just doesn't work out. We know how each other likes her pizza and how to make the pizza place understand our interesting half-and-half order.
How can I have this wonderful relationship with her and similar ones with a handful of other people, yet be incapable of making many of my "friendships" last? Why is it that I doggedly hold on and hurt myself and others when eventually, if I would just trust in God, everything would work itself out? One friendship, which I now hold very dear, was all but shattered by misunderstandings and anger yet now has new life for no reason but time and God's will. Why can't I turn all my relationships over to God - thank him for the ones that go well and ask for his guiding hand in those that struggle?
How can I have this wonderful relationship with her and similar ones with a handful of other people, yet be incapable of making many of my "friendships" last? Why is it that I doggedly hold on and hurt myself and others when eventually, if I would just trust in God, everything would work itself out? One friendship, which I now hold very dear, was all but shattered by misunderstandings and anger yet now has new life for no reason but time and God's will. Why can't I turn all my relationships over to God - thank him for the ones that go well and ask for his guiding hand in those that struggle?
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Happy Saturday!
This morning I willing got out of bed when Mitch got up for work...what's wrong with me? I have lots of fun stuff to do today, though, and I was kind of itching to get moving. There's the standard stuff like laundry, straightening up the apartment and packing for next week - and by the way, next week will be my last week of travel! But then I also get to go shopping for groceries and hopefully a pair of hot brown boots. My brown shoes are dying and I can't wear them with skirts, anyway. And I think I'll need to get a skirt, too, to go with my new boots. Sometimes I really like shopping.
Tonight we're having a bunch of climbers over, so I have lots of food to make. A family in the Traverse area sent me back with a ton of apples and even though I took them to the office to share, I came home with enough to fill the fruit drawer in our fridge. Needless to say, dessert tonight will be some sort of apple dish.
Tonight we're having a bunch of climbers over, so I have lots of food to make. A family in the Traverse area sent me back with a ton of apples and even though I took them to the office to share, I came home with enough to fill the fruit drawer in our fridge. Needless to say, dessert tonight will be some sort of apple dish.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Gone again
I'm back in my old, temporary stomping grounds...that's right, Cadillac. There's a college fair at the high school tonight but since I'm not staying at a hotel here, I'm currently hanging out at the library 'til it's time to head over in an hour and a half. Thank goodness for wireless. I don't think I'll ever buy a laptop without wireless capabilities, because I seem to be able to connect to the Internet almost anywhere now.
I stopped in at the hospital to say hi to my old coworkers and found that not much had changed. I get the impression that they are not really that happy with the new person they've hired for communications/grants, but they were spoiled by Lauren, the last communications specialist. She would be a hard act for anyone to follow. They seemed happy to see me, though. When I didn't get responses to the emails I sent them earlier, I kind of thought they were blowing me off, but now I know they were just busy.
This week of travel hasn't been bad. Staying at the same hotel the whole time is very nice, even though I have to drive back to TC after the fair and post-fair festivities this evening. On Monday night I went biking with Adrienne, which was a great way to catch up. She's basically been offered a job as a floating physical therapist at Munson, and if she accepts, they're going to pay for her last semeseter's tuition. Plus, she's always wanted to live and work in Traverse. The biggest sticking point is her Indiana-based boyfriend, who is understandably sad that she's going to be so far away from him next year. The thing is, he has made a commitment to work for this engineering company for at least one more year, and he definitely does not expect her to move to IN for him. He doesn't even want to settle there in the long run. So this whole conversation they're having is pretty much unneeded, because no matter where she is, she'll be away from him. The compliating factor is that he wants to get married. She wants to marry him, too...eventually. Like in a few years. After she's had her time in TC and Colorado, where another job opportunity awaits her. I'm not quite sure why I just went over all that...I don't think most people reading this even know Adrienne or would care, but oh well.
On Tuesday night, I got to hang out with Adrienne and some of the girls she's met up there. We watched "The Other Sister," which was actually a very good movie. Still kind of chick-flickish, like I figured, but kind of touching as well.
I know I've neglected to post anything about the Jars of Clay concert I attended on Friday night. This is dorky, but I had this whole blog idea in my head: my reaction to this concert along with something I wrote after seeing the first one a few years back. I'm just going to shorten it, for now, to saying that the concert was great and I had a wonderful time seeing Marc, Sarah and Ryan.
Here's something I'm struggling with, faith-wise: I know many people, all equally dedicated to their faith, who feel it's a priority to find a church family. I know others who feel that's not so important. Whatever category you fall into, I'd really like to hear your reasons for making the decision you have. Jenn, your email about this was very helpful and inspiring...thank you so much for your prayers!
Well, it's time for me to actually catch up on some of the work I've been neglecting in favor of spending much-needed time with Adrienne. Goodbye!
I stopped in at the hospital to say hi to my old coworkers and found that not much had changed. I get the impression that they are not really that happy with the new person they've hired for communications/grants, but they were spoiled by Lauren, the last communications specialist. She would be a hard act for anyone to follow. They seemed happy to see me, though. When I didn't get responses to the emails I sent them earlier, I kind of thought they were blowing me off, but now I know they were just busy.
This week of travel hasn't been bad. Staying at the same hotel the whole time is very nice, even though I have to drive back to TC after the fair and post-fair festivities this evening. On Monday night I went biking with Adrienne, which was a great way to catch up. She's basically been offered a job as a floating physical therapist at Munson, and if she accepts, they're going to pay for her last semeseter's tuition. Plus, she's always wanted to live and work in Traverse. The biggest sticking point is her Indiana-based boyfriend, who is understandably sad that she's going to be so far away from him next year. The thing is, he has made a commitment to work for this engineering company for at least one more year, and he definitely does not expect her to move to IN for him. He doesn't even want to settle there in the long run. So this whole conversation they're having is pretty much unneeded, because no matter where she is, she'll be away from him. The compliating factor is that he wants to get married. She wants to marry him, too...eventually. Like in a few years. After she's had her time in TC and Colorado, where another job opportunity awaits her. I'm not quite sure why I just went over all that...I don't think most people reading this even know Adrienne or would care, but oh well.
On Tuesday night, I got to hang out with Adrienne and some of the girls she's met up there. We watched "The Other Sister," which was actually a very good movie. Still kind of chick-flickish, like I figured, but kind of touching as well.
I know I've neglected to post anything about the Jars of Clay concert I attended on Friday night. This is dorky, but I had this whole blog idea in my head: my reaction to this concert along with something I wrote after seeing the first one a few years back. I'm just going to shorten it, for now, to saying that the concert was great and I had a wonderful time seeing Marc, Sarah and Ryan.
Here's something I'm struggling with, faith-wise: I know many people, all equally dedicated to their faith, who feel it's a priority to find a church family. I know others who feel that's not so important. Whatever category you fall into, I'd really like to hear your reasons for making the decision you have. Jenn, your email about this was very helpful and inspiring...thank you so much for your prayers!
Well, it's time for me to actually catch up on some of the work I've been neglecting in favor of spending much-needed time with Adrienne. Goodbye!
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
New laptops rock
I just have a few minutes, so I want to say that my new laptop from Alma rocks. I love that it's equipped for wireless because most of my hotels have wireless connections. Very nice, very nice.
I have tons to look forward to this weekend. I'm going to a Jars of Clay concert on Friday with Mitch, Marc, Sarah and Ryan, and then Saturday afternoon - after Mitch gets off work - we're going up to Jon's for the remainder of the weekend.
But for now, it's off to another series of high schools. Maybe the sun will come out today and show the fall colors in a better light than this grey, foggy weather.
I have tons to look forward to this weekend. I'm going to a Jars of Clay concert on Friday with Mitch, Marc, Sarah and Ryan, and then Saturday afternoon - after Mitch gets off work - we're going up to Jon's for the remainder of the weekend.
But for now, it's off to another series of high schools. Maybe the sun will come out today and show the fall colors in a better light than this grey, foggy weather.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Missin' him
I'm on the road again...the completion of today's high school visits marks the "over half-way" point in this travel season and I can't be happier. Being away from home so much didn't really bother me until I left yesterday. What kind of a girl cries in the Dairy Queen parking lot after just having one of her new favorite Blizzards (mint Oreo)? I'll tell you what kind of girl: one who has already been away from her husband more than she's seen him for the past three weeks and one who spent the busy Homecoming weekend doing everything but cuddling with him. It's not so bad now that I'm here but I'm afraid it might be a long, lonely week.
On a brighter note, I have a great hotel room today. It overlooks Lake Huron and I laid out on the beach, reading, for two hours this afternoon. Adrienne lent me "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson and I'm hooked. It's about his experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail and he does a good job of mixing comic ancedotes with history. I highly recommend it for the "outdoor inclined." Also on my list of book recommendations is "The Turtle Warrior" by an author I can't remember at the moment, but this is her debut novel. It's an incredibly emotional book, dealing with abuse, alcoholism, the Vietnam War, rural life...Bruce, I think you'd really like this one. I'll be on the lookout for the book you recommended as well.
Well, I've been trying to wait until the sun goes down before I walk over to dinner, because it's HOT. I should NOT be able to lay around in my bathing suit in October, that's for sure. I walked downtown (I'm in Mackinaw City, by the way) and thought I was going to sweat to death in jeans and a t-shirt. The sun is not down, but my stomach is grumbling. And I got a deposit today. That means one of the students in my area (one I actuall saw this afternoon) sent in a commitment deposit and is coming to Alma in the fall. That's reason to celebrate right there. That's a reason for spinach-artichoke dip right there. Mmmm.
On a brighter note, I have a great hotel room today. It overlooks Lake Huron and I laid out on the beach, reading, for two hours this afternoon. Adrienne lent me "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson and I'm hooked. It's about his experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail and he does a good job of mixing comic ancedotes with history. I highly recommend it for the "outdoor inclined." Also on my list of book recommendations is "The Turtle Warrior" by an author I can't remember at the moment, but this is her debut novel. It's an incredibly emotional book, dealing with abuse, alcoholism, the Vietnam War, rural life...Bruce, I think you'd really like this one. I'll be on the lookout for the book you recommended as well.
Well, I've been trying to wait until the sun goes down before I walk over to dinner, because it's HOT. I should NOT be able to lay around in my bathing suit in October, that's for sure. I walked downtown (I'm in Mackinaw City, by the way) and thought I was going to sweat to death in jeans and a t-shirt. The sun is not down, but my stomach is grumbling. And I got a deposit today. That means one of the students in my area (one I actuall saw this afternoon) sent in a commitment deposit and is coming to Alma in the fall. That's reason to celebrate right there. That's a reason for spinach-artichoke dip right there. Mmmm.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Sorry, guys
I feel like my entries have been lame lately. Sorry about that, there just doesn't seem to be much time to be profound lately.
Here's some food for thought, though. When does "turning the other cheek" become being a pushover? When does holding your tongue stop being a virtue and start being cowardice?
Here's some food for thought, though. When does "turning the other cheek" become being a pushover? When does holding your tongue stop being a virtue and start being cowardice?
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Caffeine, yikes!
So this morning I had to be on the road by 6 am to make it to Roscommon High School for a visit at 8 am. I thought a travel mug full of coffee would make the drive more bearable - it's about an hour and a half - but it actually made my day seem like one giant stimulant trip.
(I never drink coffee. It makes me very jittery, yet still I forget and think drinking some woul dbe oh-so-nice.)
I stopped to pee after an hour on the road. Seriously. And it was an aching bladder, oh-my-gosh-I-have-to-go situation. Half an hour later I'm at the high school, peeing again. Then I'm all shaky by the time I leave, an hour later. I eat an apple, chug some water, and once I get off 127 in Mt. P, the seatbelt gets loosened because I HAVE TO GO AGAIN! Good God, y'all. Still shaky. Eat peanut butter. Doesn't help. Go to the office, work some, eat another apple. Doesn't help. Finish the day, get home, scarf homemade garlic bagel chips from Mom. Still dizzy. Mitch makes chicken for dinner. THAT helps. But I lost two pounds today and I'm pretty sure the coffee is the culprit. Not that I mind missing two pounds, but the shaky, dizzy, hyper feeling I'm still nursing was not worth it at all.
Tomorrow I'm back on the road for the next two days, visiting high schools on the east side of the state. Then it's Homecoming! Friends, football, climbing...how could it be any better?
(I never drink coffee. It makes me very jittery, yet still I forget and think drinking some woul dbe oh-so-nice.)
I stopped to pee after an hour on the road. Seriously. And it was an aching bladder, oh-my-gosh-I-have-to-go situation. Half an hour later I'm at the high school, peeing again. Then I'm all shaky by the time I leave, an hour later. I eat an apple, chug some water, and once I get off 127 in Mt. P, the seatbelt gets loosened because I HAVE TO GO AGAIN! Good God, y'all. Still shaky. Eat peanut butter. Doesn't help. Go to the office, work some, eat another apple. Doesn't help. Finish the day, get home, scarf homemade garlic bagel chips from Mom. Still dizzy. Mitch makes chicken for dinner. THAT helps. But I lost two pounds today and I'm pretty sure the coffee is the culprit. Not that I mind missing two pounds, but the shaky, dizzy, hyper feeling I'm still nursing was not worth it at all.
Tomorrow I'm back on the road for the next two days, visiting high schools on the east side of the state. Then it's Homecoming! Friends, football, climbing...how could it be any better?
Monday, September 26, 2005
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Home
I'm home. I barely have a voice, and I need about a day to sleep, but I'm home. The trip went well...one word of advice, though: don't ever stay at the Days Inn in Petoskey. My list of complaints follows:
(1) Rude staff members, meaning I had to interrupt the two young ladies at the front desk because they insisted on continuing their conversation about their after-work plans instead of checking me in.
(2) Sketchy setup. I was told, since I'm a female traveling alone, to avoid hotels with exterior room doors, which this place had.
(3) Poor housekeeping. Nothing like finding strands of hair on the countertop as you are getting ready to brush your teeth, and noticing more on the bathroom floor the next morning.
(4) Nasty 24-hour buffet. The waffle-maker was so dirty that even not having food for over 12 hours isn't enough to get over it. And with fruit flies buzzing around the juice dispenser, I was not about to chance the bowl of bananas.
So, I spent one night instead of two there and shacked up at the cottage on Wednesday night. Adrienne came down from TC for the evening, so we went to dinner with the other admissions reps, chatted for awhile and crashed. Morning came way too early, but I had two great high school visits before I made my way home. I didn't get too lost at any point, thanks to my willingness to pull over and consult my map regularly.
(1) Rude staff members, meaning I had to interrupt the two young ladies at the front desk because they insisted on continuing their conversation about their after-work plans instead of checking me in.
(2) Sketchy setup. I was told, since I'm a female traveling alone, to avoid hotels with exterior room doors, which this place had.
(3) Poor housekeeping. Nothing like finding strands of hair on the countertop as you are getting ready to brush your teeth, and noticing more on the bathroom floor the next morning.
(4) Nasty 24-hour buffet. The waffle-maker was so dirty that even not having food for over 12 hours isn't enough to get over it. And with fruit flies buzzing around the juice dispenser, I was not about to chance the bowl of bananas.
So, I spent one night instead of two there and shacked up at the cottage on Wednesday night. Adrienne came down from TC for the evening, so we went to dinner with the other admissions reps, chatted for awhile and crashed. Morning came way too early, but I had two great high school visits before I made my way home. I didn't get too lost at any point, thanks to my willingness to pull over and consult my map regularly.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Whew!
I have seven minutes to post, so this probably won't be all that great. Last week's travel was a combination of boring driving, breathtaking scenery, too much talking (my voice is not used to this at all) and fun times with new people. Pull out your Michigan maps, folks, and see how I logged over 1,000 miles with my coworkers driving from Mt. Pleasant to Ironwood to Marquette to Escanaba to Menominee to Iron Mountain to Houghton and back to Mt. P in five days. And I'll have you know that I did drive the entire way (minus about an hour at the beginning of the trip) home from Houghton because my coworkers were too tired and hungover from the party on Wednesday night to do more than sleep and read. Talk about a driving marathon!
Today I'm heading out at noon and driving up to the Soo, this time by myself. :( Actually, it will be OK. I can bring more of my own food and pack better, since I don't have to cram everything into two bags. I will be doing four college fairs this week and visiting 3-4 high schools as well. The nice thing is that after a whole heck of a lot of dricing on Tuesday, I will be in Petoskey for two full days. That means I get to stay in the same hotel for more than 12 hours, and I might even get to see Adrienne if she has time to drive up from Traverse City, where she is doing her final physical therapy clinical. By the way, she's going to be a great physical therapist, according to one of her patients who also sails with my dad on Kokomo.
Backtracking a bit...I had an awesome weekend. I got most of my packing for this week done on Friday night, so besides having to work an open house from 7 am to 1 pm on Saturday, all I had to do was have fun! Mitch came down to Alma and we watched the football game with Pete and his family (Go Scots!) and then we did some awesome climbing, despite what felt like gallons of Slurpee in my stomach. The brain hold is my bitch, Tim. Jeremy set this new boulder route that comes up from the opposite side and finishes on it, and I kicked its butt. You have to wedge yourself up in the corner under the overhang, buto nce you do that you can hold that thing all day long. (Side note: We finally hung our hangboard, so I'm going to resurrect the razorback!) After a rousing game of add-on - too many twisting moves, though - we headed back to Mt. P for dinner, than met up with Pete & Co. at the Braveheart to celebrate his 22nd birthday. That guy is a riot...he was the leader of all dancing efforts! It was an early night (relatively) for us, though, because the college kids wanted to go to the frats and well, that's just not for us.
Yesterday Mitch and I went apple picking in Stanton, which is one of my favorite fall activities. Apples, donuts, cider...it may not be Erwin's Orchard, my hometown orchard, but it wasn't bad, either. Then we cleaned both my cars (Anyone looking to buy a car? I have to sell the Taurus since Alma gave me a car.) and went on a picnic at this county park with the in-laws. There were some nice, easy hiking trails that we will probably use for mountain biking later. It will be a good speed workout, because the trails to not seem to be challenging or technical in the least, but it will get us off the paved trails!
After my week of travel, I have a camping trip with my parents to look forward to. Yay! OK, that was 14 minutes of writing. I have to run some errands and get ready to leave for the UP. Leave me some love, and I'll try to post on the road. Bruce, if you're reading this, I need some new entertainment on your blog. And Tim and Ryan, keep up the good entries! They make me smile. :) Gabe, you better do some hangboard workouts with Mitch while I'm gone. And Jenn, I'll blow some kisses to your hometown while I'm there. Charlotte, I'm praying for you. Love you all!
Today I'm heading out at noon and driving up to the Soo, this time by myself. :( Actually, it will be OK. I can bring more of my own food and pack better, since I don't have to cram everything into two bags. I will be doing four college fairs this week and visiting 3-4 high schools as well. The nice thing is that after a whole heck of a lot of dricing on Tuesday, I will be in Petoskey for two full days. That means I get to stay in the same hotel for more than 12 hours, and I might even get to see Adrienne if she has time to drive up from Traverse City, where she is doing her final physical therapy clinical. By the way, she's going to be a great physical therapist, according to one of her patients who also sails with my dad on Kokomo.
Backtracking a bit...I had an awesome weekend. I got most of my packing for this week done on Friday night, so besides having to work an open house from 7 am to 1 pm on Saturday, all I had to do was have fun! Mitch came down to Alma and we watched the football game with Pete and his family (Go Scots!) and then we did some awesome climbing, despite what felt like gallons of Slurpee in my stomach. The brain hold is my bitch, Tim. Jeremy set this new boulder route that comes up from the opposite side and finishes on it, and I kicked its butt. You have to wedge yourself up in the corner under the overhang, buto nce you do that you can hold that thing all day long. (Side note: We finally hung our hangboard, so I'm going to resurrect the razorback!) After a rousing game of add-on - too many twisting moves, though - we headed back to Mt. P for dinner, than met up with Pete & Co. at the Braveheart to celebrate his 22nd birthday. That guy is a riot...he was the leader of all dancing efforts! It was an early night (relatively) for us, though, because the college kids wanted to go to the frats and well, that's just not for us.
Yesterday Mitch and I went apple picking in Stanton, which is one of my favorite fall activities. Apples, donuts, cider...it may not be Erwin's Orchard, my hometown orchard, but it wasn't bad, either. Then we cleaned both my cars (Anyone looking to buy a car? I have to sell the Taurus since Alma gave me a car.) and went on a picnic at this county park with the in-laws. There were some nice, easy hiking trails that we will probably use for mountain biking later. It will be a good speed workout, because the trails to not seem to be challenging or technical in the least, but it will get us off the paved trails!
After my week of travel, I have a camping trip with my parents to look forward to. Yay! OK, that was 14 minutes of writing. I have to run some errands and get ready to leave for the UP. Leave me some love, and I'll try to post on the road. Bruce, if you're reading this, I need some new entertainment on your blog. And Tim and Ryan, keep up the good entries! They make me smile. :) Gabe, you better do some hangboard workouts with Mitch while I'm gone. And Jenn, I'll blow some kisses to your hometown while I'm there. Charlotte, I'm praying for you. Love you all!
Monday, September 12, 2005
Travel Begins
Yesterday I drove with my coworkers, Brandan and Karen, all the way up to Iron Mountain for our first college fair of the "UP Swing." Our adventures along the way included me pulling over and refusing to go anywhere until Brandan put his seatbelt on (I finally convinced him by complaining about the possibility of his head slamming against the windshield and him getting blood all over my shirt) and me missing a turn on US 2 and ending up halfway to Menominee. Oops.
The college fair went well, and afterwards we ordered pizza and hung out with the rep from Albion. I'm kind of surprised at the lack of institutional rivalry out here.
Today we're heading up to Marquette for a fair around noon and then we have to come back down here for an evening fair in Escanaba. That's kind of a lot of driving, but not as much as yesterday, I suppose. I'll try to update at the next hotel, but I'm not sure if that will happen or not.
The college fair went well, and afterwards we ordered pizza and hung out with the rep from Albion. I'm kind of surprised at the lack of institutional rivalry out here.
Today we're heading up to Marquette for a fair around noon and then we have to come back down here for an evening fair in Escanaba. That's kind of a lot of driving, but not as much as yesterday, I suppose. I'll try to update at the next hotel, but I'm not sure if that will happen or not.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Rants on Pause
I had a two things over the past few days that I've wanted to rant about:
(1) How a disaster like Hurricane Katrina can bring out the best in some people and the worst in others, like those who choose to point irrational fingers of blame instead of giving their whole hearts to the relief effort
(2) How it drives me crazy when people think diversity only means having lots of different skin tones in one place, or when they think that the only thing that makes one a minority is the color of his or her skin
But you know what, I'm not in the mood to do that right now. I vented with Mitch and Matt last night, so I'm good for now. Maybe I'll pick these up later, when I'm on the road.
On the road. Yes, that begins tomorrow morning at 8 am. If I don't update until Friday, you'll know why. UP college fairs, here I come.
I found a wonderful quote buried in the pages of Skiing Magazine. It's from Kirsty Exner, a freeskier:
"Girl power is lame and overrated. Challenge yourself in the sport you love. You'll be empowered."
A think that's going to be my competitive spirit's motto from now on. Maybe I'll even put in on Facebook.
(1) How a disaster like Hurricane Katrina can bring out the best in some people and the worst in others, like those who choose to point irrational fingers of blame instead of giving their whole hearts to the relief effort
(2) How it drives me crazy when people think diversity only means having lots of different skin tones in one place, or when they think that the only thing that makes one a minority is the color of his or her skin
But you know what, I'm not in the mood to do that right now. I vented with Mitch and Matt last night, so I'm good for now. Maybe I'll pick these up later, when I'm on the road.
On the road. Yes, that begins tomorrow morning at 8 am. If I don't update until Friday, you'll know why. UP college fairs, here I come.
I found a wonderful quote buried in the pages of Skiing Magazine. It's from Kirsty Exner, a freeskier:
"Girl power is lame and overrated. Challenge yourself in the sport you love. You'll be empowered."
A think that's going to be my competitive spirit's motto from now on. Maybe I'll even put in on Facebook.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Belay Patrol
My dad is the enforcer on the lake during the summer. If he sees a boat without a spotter, someone going the wrong way around the lake, or any violation of boater's safety regulations, he's on them without hesitation. Sometimes he's pissed and yells like a madman, as was the case when a boat was following way too close behind him while he was pulling some of my friends on kneeboards. I believe his exact words were, "If you ever get that close to my boat again, I will hunt you down like a dog!" or something along those lines.
Some days I feel like the enforcer at the climbing wall. Just yesterday I not-so-nicely corrected some very dangerous belaying with the sharp words, "I need you to stop letting go of the rope right now." Rather than a nice, smooth belay stroke where your right hand never leaves the rope, this gal was doing the "pull, skip your hand up the rope" thing, which is completely unsafe. And she should have known better, since she's been climbing for at least two years now.
Rest assured, fellow climbers; if you are on the wall and I see your belayer being unsafe, he/she's gonna feel the carefully controlled wrath of the enforcer.
Some days I feel like the enforcer at the climbing wall. Just yesterday I not-so-nicely corrected some very dangerous belaying with the sharp words, "I need you to stop letting go of the rope right now." Rather than a nice, smooth belay stroke where your right hand never leaves the rope, this gal was doing the "pull, skip your hand up the rope" thing, which is completely unsafe. And she should have known better, since she's been climbing for at least two years now.
Rest assured, fellow climbers; if you are on the wall and I see your belayer being unsafe, he/she's gonna feel the carefully controlled wrath of the enforcer.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Sailors and such
I could rehash my Labor Day Weekend adventures, but you probably don't want to hear it, so I'll just be brief. Drunken sailors. Biking. Rollerblading. Bay View. Beautiful weather. Bang, that about sums it up.
I should be in a really good mood today as I sit in my new office, looking out the window, thinking about the mere day and a half I have left in the office this week. For reasons I won't get into, though, I had kind of a rough evening followed by a very restless night. I can never thank God enough for Mitch. His patience is amazing, his ability to comfort and understand is more than I deserve.
Starting Sunday, I begin my travel season. I'll leave Sunday night (usually) for points North and return home on Thursday afternoon. Honestly, I'm not looking forward to it. I'm slightly excited for the challenges being on my own will pose, but mostly I'm already tired from the thought of logging so many miles and hours on the road.
Someone is really trying to get ahold of my coworker in the next-door office. Her work phone has rung a bazillion times and now her cell phone is screaming. I have work to do, so I better hop to it.
I should be in a really good mood today as I sit in my new office, looking out the window, thinking about the mere day and a half I have left in the office this week. For reasons I won't get into, though, I had kind of a rough evening followed by a very restless night. I can never thank God enough for Mitch. His patience is amazing, his ability to comfort and understand is more than I deserve.
Starting Sunday, I begin my travel season. I'll leave Sunday night (usually) for points North and return home on Thursday afternoon. Honestly, I'm not looking forward to it. I'm slightly excited for the challenges being on my own will pose, but mostly I'm already tired from the thought of logging so many miles and hours on the road.
Someone is really trying to get ahold of my coworker in the next-door office. Her work phone has rung a bazillion times and now her cell phone is screaming. I have work to do, so I better hop to it.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Blah
Nothing exciting happening here, folks. It's Tuesday and I've spent the last two days training student admissions reps at the office. At home, Mitch got his wisdom teeth removed on Friday and spend most of the weekend affixed to the couch. I take that back: Saturday he went shopping and out for a bike ride, but that knocked him out for Sunday, so we didn't even make it to church as planned. His jaw (not his teeth) is still pretty sore and I'm wondering if that's a result of the breakage a couple of years back. I'm getting antsy waiting for him to feel better so we can go back to having fun!
This weekend we're going up to Bayview for the annual Red Fox Regatta weekend on Lake Charlevoix. Every year, my dad and sometimes brother sail in a race over Labor Day weekend. On Saturday they race from Charlevoix to Boyne City, then on Sunday they race back. We stay in Bayview, a historic community in the middle of Petoskey, and spend the days playing by the water, biking, rollerblading, shopping a bit, and driving cars back and forth between the two harbors. There's also a picnic and a classic car show in Boyne City that we usually attend. Some people have big Fourth of July plans - for us, it's always been Labor Day. I have random memories surrounding that holiday. One year I found a dollar buried in the sand around the old maypole at the Boyne City park. I thought I was rich. And since we always stay in Bayview (or as I used to call it, the Bayview Rainbow Bright Cottage...don't ask me why), I have all those memories, too. Climbing down the "cliff" when we were little...putting round rocks on the electric heater to warm up our hands...going to the parks across the street...I wish I were more of a writer. I wish I could capture everything about Bayview and other special places on a page so everyone who read it would understand.
This weekend we're going up to Bayview for the annual Red Fox Regatta weekend on Lake Charlevoix. Every year, my dad and sometimes brother sail in a race over Labor Day weekend. On Saturday they race from Charlevoix to Boyne City, then on Sunday they race back. We stay in Bayview, a historic community in the middle of Petoskey, and spend the days playing by the water, biking, rollerblading, shopping a bit, and driving cars back and forth between the two harbors. There's also a picnic and a classic car show in Boyne City that we usually attend. Some people have big Fourth of July plans - for us, it's always been Labor Day. I have random memories surrounding that holiday. One year I found a dollar buried in the sand around the old maypole at the Boyne City park. I thought I was rich. And since we always stay in Bayview (or as I used to call it, the Bayview Rainbow Bright Cottage...don't ask me why), I have all those memories, too. Climbing down the "cliff" when we were little...putting round rocks on the electric heater to warm up our hands...going to the parks across the street...I wish I were more of a writer. I wish I could capture everything about Bayview and other special places on a page so everyone who read it would understand.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Freeze Tag Safe Zone
Can I tell you there's nothing better than walking by a group of RAs playing Freeze Tag on the Chapel Lawn and having four of them run out at you for hugs? Thanks Jen, Marc, Pete and Kristy!
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