My Sitcom Life

New Place...New Blog

2009-10-25T18:21:00.001-06:00

I will be switching to the following blog:

www.missy-livinginpa.blogspot.com/

Welcome to Western PA

2009-10-09T07:07:00.003-06:00

Moving to a new place typically brings with it a fresh new perspective on a very different culture. As I have lived in several different places, I have typically noted some of the new, sometimes strange, things that I run into as I adjust to a new place. In Oregon, this was oddly focused on the traffic signs on the west coast (CONGESTION), in Guatemala, this included riding on chicken buses and adjusting to communicating in Spanish, in Texas it included a lot of things that I am not going to re-live right now.

So, my first entry here will be a few of the cultural observations I have made as a new person to Western PA:

1. Yinz is equivilant to Y'all. For example, someone speaking to a group of people, "Yinz going to the football game this weekend?"
2. To be or not to be. I seem to notice that people do not always use the verb, "to be". So instead of saying, "The floors need to be swept", I hear "The floors need swept."
3. There are several 4 way stops that only require 3 of the lanes of traffic to stop. I am endlessly stopping when I am not supposed to be, or going when I shouldn't. Very confusing.
4. A popular game here is "Corn-hole". I have to admit that I snickered a little in chapel this week when they made an announcement that there would be a Corn hole tournament during homecoming. This is a game where you throw a bean-bag into a hole on a board. I don't know that I will call it corn hole. I think I will call it bean-bag toss.
5. Dreyer's Ice Cream has been taken over by Edy. Same look, same ice cream, different name.

I'll write more later about what I am actually doing here...but thought this would at least be a start.

Pictures

2009-08-15T23:08:00.006-06:00

Trip to Las Vegas and Los Angeles with friends Eric and Lindsay(Representing Team Arizona here)

Hiking a 14er with good friends Amy and Andy

Baby shower for Libby!

Hostesses for the Baby Shower

Devany and LJ's Wedding

Celebrating with Eric before he left for Washington D.C.

Good job, Trigger! Making it to 250,000

Celebrating Megan's Birthday

Basil (yes Basil) Gelato

Always a good time with co-workers!

True Story-Part II

2009-06-10T22:13:00.003-06:00

Team Arizona has come in first place after one week.

Today it was a goose...I seemed to have walked too close to his family of goslings. There was much hissing and flapping of wings.

I hate that bird.

True Story

2009-06-02T16:13:00.002-06:00

CCU's HR department has instilled a new "summer fitness program" that is called "GO!". As part of this "GO!" program, we have selected teams of 4 to keep track of our physical activity for 6 weeks in order to increase our health and fitness. For every 15 minutes of certain activities you get a specific number of points, which you add together with the rest of your team to see who is making the fastest progress across a map that has been displayed in the HR department. (For example, 15 minutes of walking is 15 points, 15 minutes of running is 25 points) There are two leagues for this competition, the champion league, which is "racing" across the world, and the recreational league, which is "racing" across the U.S. Each team is represented by a country or a state, based on their league.

I am on "Team Arizona"-the recreation league because we are pretty confident we will get first place in this league. I have decided to take this competition very seriously. While I am not always super competitive, I do believe that we can win this (the prize is still unknown), and so I am committed to being as active as possible.

Part of this means that I am getting back on my "no more snooze" new year's resolution, and I am getting up early enough to go for a walk every morning. This is delightful. First of all, I live close to the greatest park in Denver. Second, it is crisp and quiet in the morning. And third, I can enjoy the beauty of nature, including the wildlife of the city.

This morning, it was raining but I was committed, not only to my renewed new year's resolution, but also to Team Arizona. So I got out of bed at 6:15, bundled up in a sweatshirt jacket and rain coat, and was out the door for an hour walk by 6:30.

It was a nice day, despite the rain, and it was reminding me of the good ol' days in Oregon. As I was enjoying the beautiful setting and joy of just being outside, I was suddenly struck in the back of my head. At first, I thought that perhaps something had fallen out of a tree, until I heard the awful screech of a crow and heard the ruffles of feathers fly by my head. Lucky for me, it was raining, and thus, I was wearing a sweatshirt jacket, with hood up, and my rain coat. This did provide some extra padding with the initial hit.

My thought at this point in time was, "Stupid bird, he flew right into me." My jacket is purple though, and I started to think this didn't make much sense, as there was no good reason for him to not see me, or mistake me for a tree. Suddenly, he came back for another strike, this time from the front. As flashes of Alfred Hitchcock's movie, The Birds, ran through my head, I quickly ducked, avoiding his sharp beak and dirty, dirty talons, but not missing his loud screech as he once again flew by my head.

At this point, I realized that this bird was not stupid, but for some reason, believed my purpleness to be a direct threat to his territory. The only natural response for me was to start waving my arms frantically over my head, probably scream and/or yell (although I don't really recall if I was making any noise), and of course run down the path in the opposite direction.

As it was raining, there was no one out walking, and no witnesses to this event. This is good, although I am sure it would have provided a great story for someone passing by.

Pretty sure this is a bad omen...crows attacking me. Maybe I should have stayed home today...it is too bad I am so serious about this competition.

And so much for the great city wildlife.

Really?

2009-02-18T21:46:00.002-06:00

For those of you who know me well, you may be wondering what is with the new title to my blog...more to come!

A Cat-astic Birthday

2009-01-09T10:04:00.011-06:00

On my 6th birthday, my mom and dad got me a cat. I named him Gizmo (after the classic movie, the Gremlins). This birthday gift spurred on a slight obsession with cats. Suddenly, everything was about cats. My peach and blue room (don't you love the 80's?) was covered in cat paraphernalia including a conglomerate of fabulous kitty posters, stuffed animals that overflowed off of my bed (and the net hanging from the ceiling in the corner), small porcelain figurines, and even some classy cat wallpaper.

A few weeks ago, I went back to my parent's house, and was sorting through some old boxes, when I ran across my collection of cats. Of course, I thought it would be a great idea to introduce my roommate to the wonders of the cat. I am pretty sure she likes cats about as much as a visit to the dentist. So, one afternoon I spent some time plastering her bathroom with my old cat posters. Just imagine walking into a small room with dozens of eyes staring back at you...cats peeking behind books, cats "hanging in there", cats in bow-ties...it really was a 'purrfect' prank. (Yeah, I know, that was really bad.) I also managed to arrange some miniature porcelain cat figurines throughout her room. These miniatures are of course dressed in Victorian clothing, very becoming of a cat.

My roommate took my little joke in stride, although I think the cats lasted a good 5 minutes before they were all removed quickly from the walls.

This instance was not quickly forgotten however, and much too my surprise, I found another repeat of a cat birthday this year. Megan planned a fabulous birthday get-together for me, letting me know that the 'theme' of the party was a surprise. The theme, as you have probably already guessed, was "A Cat-tastic Birthday". So, I received a great variety of cat items, my favorite being a vest covered entirely with cats.

I have a great roommate. I don't think that I have laughed so hard in a long time. You can see below the great variety of gifts I got with a cat theme.

As you can see, I received everything from the lovely vest, to a hot pink sweatshirt, a book about a cat named Dewey, Hello Kitty Underwear, a porcelain cat, some wine called "Herding Cats", and a mouse pad with a frog on it (Eric was a little confused.)

My friend Margaret from my church...notice the amazing vest! If you have any suggestions for where I should wear this next, please, send them my way!

Me and and Libby! She brought the book about Dewey-the small town library cat that changed the world.

Eric, friend from Baylor, brought the 'herding cats' wine, classy!

Another New Year Resolution

2009-01-02T11:13:00.002-06:00

I love the new year. I love the idea of starting fresh, of looking at things with a new perspective. I also love making new year's resolutions. They make me feel like I am somehow moving forward, help me to think that I am making progress in some small ways in my life.

For the past two years, I have made the resolution to stop hitting snooze on my alarm clock. The first year, I think I made it about a month, and then it was downhill from there. Last year, I actually made it to July...pretty good for anyone, I'd say, but then something happened in August, I missed one day and I feel off the wagon.

So this year, I am going to do it once again! And hopefully I can make it for the whole year...I think I might have a chance!

I am making some more serious resolutions this year as well, but those will have to be saved for a later post.

Happy New Year!

Liturgy

2008-10-12T19:43:00.000-06:00

I love my church. I realize that I have said this many times before, and I am continuously surprised that I continue to say it. Not that I don't want to love the place where I worship, I am just surprised that the honeymoon period has not ended. What is it about worshipping at City Presbyterian Church that stirs something in my soul unlike any of the other experiences I have on a weekly basis?

I work at a small Christian university. The majority of my time is spent surrounded by other people who believe simlarly to me, by people who are encouraging me to be involved in small groups, to talk about my faith, to grow deeper in my faith. I love Christian higher education because it gives me the opportunity to provide a place for students to expore, doubt, ask tough questions in an environment that is safe, an environment that will help catch them if the feel like they are falling. Students, faculty and staff attend chapel twice a week to hear from local pastors, to engage in contemporary worship music, to be challenged to serve in different capacities throughout the city and the world. I am encouraged as a part of my job to mentor students, to disciple them in their own faith.

And yet, in the midst of all of this Christianity, it seems like I am missing something. I have become so used to "knowing" the right answers, saying the right "Christianese" that my daily life at work has become ritualistic. I go about doing all of these great Christian things on auto-pilot. I feel distant from the very meaning of the work that I love and do.

Ironically, I think that part of the distinction for me between these two faithful activities, attending church and working at a Christian university, is found in liturgy. Ironic, because liturgy is often described as empty and meaningless, that the ritual of saying the same things over and over every Sunday move people away from genuine faith instead of toward it.

Liturgy is an important part of the worship at City Presbyterian Church: "It points us to worship as an act rather than as an experience. The experience comes as a result of the act, for we have come to do something (worship) and the blessings we receive are in response to what we have given." (City Presbyterian Website). So, what exactly does this mean? In my short and very limited research on the topic of liturgy, I have discovered a few commonalities. Liturgy allows us to connect to our own faith through history, liturgy allows for active participation in worship, and liturgy provides a basic structure for our worship. And I think this is a big part as to why my church has been feeding my soul, and continues to feed my soul, even after a year of attending.

Some Sundays, I sit with a big dumb grin on my face when the preacher says, "and let us join with people around the world as we say together..." I love that we recognize that we are not starting something new when we gather together on Sundays. When we work together through different passages, read different creeds, sing hymns written in the 1600s, it makes what I believe that much more real. It reminds me that I am not walking alone, but that others have gone before me, and I can join with them even across time.

Liturgy also allows for participation through the service. This is often when people say that liturgy leads to meaningless ritual. Because we just stand up, and sit down, and repeat what we are being told. The difference here for me, is that the words that I am being called to repeat, the lyrics to the hymns that we sing go so much deeper that I cannot help but participate. I cannot say the words that are not the common "Christianese" and not hear what I am saying. They are refreshing and new, and take me to a place that is much deeper.

The order of worship has been powerful for me too. The structure reminds me the importance of things like confession in my life. Every week, I get to the confession part of our service and I am reminded once again of my deep need for Jesus. And in my busy week, even as filled as it is with good "works", I do not stop long enough to remember to sit silently and humbly before God, recognizing my own depravity. And every week, I have the opportunity to reflect on the death of Christ, through the sacrament of bread and wine. I don't know that I would spend a typical day going to these depths. It is the community of this church that helps me to get to that place.

Liturgy, literally means "the work of the people". And maybe I am beginning to understand the power of that good work. That as a community of people, we are able to meet Jesus in a deep and significant way because of the intentional and common bond we find in our rituals.

2008-09-18T21:55:00.000-06:00

Service Reflection

2008-08-04T18:39:00.002-06:00

I had the opportunity to write something for a service reflection journal at Baylor, so I thought I'd share part of it here:

Losing Control

I have a love-hate relationship with service projects.

There is nothing that I love more than helping other people engage in meaningful service. I cannot think of anything better than watching new college students experience the uncomfortable reality of interacting with someone who looks so unlike them. I cannot help but smile when I think about the significant ways that service not only meets a specific need in a community, but also the impact it has on the individual doing it. In my opinion, there is no better way to bring a group or team together, then by serving.

But I hate the details of coming up with the right project. I hate organizing service so that people have enough to do, and trying to figure out how to get supplies, donations, tools, and some sense of purpose defined for the project. And my stress level only increases as the number of participants in the service project goes up.

I think I am missing the point here. Should planning a service project really be this difficult? Is this really the intent for why I think service matters?

The problem here is me. My perspective is off. Service projects can be difficult to organize, tedious to coordinate, seem like just another task to mark off my list. But, the motivation that pushes me to plan and serve should not be about finding the ideal project. It should not be about making things work out perfectly so that those who are involved are not hassled, are not uncomfortable, that they do not experience any sort of aggravation in joining in on the service.

Service is not only about action; service is about surrender. Surrender for those who are participants, but more so, surrender to those of us who plan these projects for others. It is releasing the idea that we need to have every box checked, and every detail planned in order for the day to be a success. Some of the most beautiful interactions happen as students are thrown into an uncomfortable place where they are required to take initiative, be creative, and ultimately serve in a way that is really utilizing their gifts.

Randy and Dani's Wedding

2008-05-17T13:03:00.001-06:00

Summer of Fun!

2008-03-30T19:12:00.004-06:00

I am so excited about a summer in Colorado! So, in order to fully enjoy it, I have been inspired by a few people to create a list of things to do (on a smaller budget) in Colorado. If you have any suggestions...please send them my way! And, if you are in the area and want to join in on any of these adventures, then let's do it!

Backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park
Hike some fourteeners (Bierstadt is the first on the list)
Camping
Watch a movie at "Film on the Rocks" : Red Rocks Ampitheatre
Visit the Zoo
First Friday Art Walk
Run the Bolder Boulder, May 26th
Volunteer for a Habitat Build
BBQs in the park
Boating/Waterskiing
Rock Climbing
Float through Steamboat Springs
Alpine Slide at Heritage Square
Ultimate Frisbee

Any other suggestions/ideas?

Spring Break to Minnesota

2008-03-27T18:10:00.008-06:00

I took a road trip to Minnesota with some of my family for spring break. We went to help celebrate my grandma's 101st birthday! Here are some fun pics from the trip (and I'll try and get a video posted too!):

The Corn Palace:
There really isn't anything better to do on a road trip through Nebraska then to stop at the ONLY CORN PALACE in the world! (I know, I couldn't believe it either!)

That's right, they change it every year, and it is all made of corn!

Wow...12 different colors!?!?

I couldn't believe it either.

I also couldn't believe that the mascot for the town's high school was the kernals...really? Yes!

Grandma Cora's 101st Birthday!

Grandma's three girls!

She was singin' along with some old hymns on the violin!

Stayin' active!

A pretty incredible woman! She is doing so great for 101!

Cori and Kris's Wedding

2008-03-23T12:26:00.006-06:00

Here are some pics from Cori and Kris's Wedding:

Beautiful Bride!

Breakin' it down on the dance floor

Catchin' up with old friends:

Courtney-roomie from Baylor

Matt-Good friend from Parker

Erin-friend from PEPC

Casey-Friend from high school-brother of the bride

Randy...this one is for you. Can you guess who I sat with to have this pad of butter end up on the ceiling!?!?!

I'm not too coordinated on the dance floor...

Return to Waco

2008-03-06T20:54:00.002-06:00

A few more pics from work...

2008-02-13T18:30:00.002-06:00

New Camera!!!

2008-01-15T23:00:00.000-06:00

Denver's Parade of Lights

2007-12-01T12:51:00.000-06:00

I went to Denver's Parade of Lights last night...nothing like freezing cold weather, high school marching bands, a hot cup of hot chocolate, large inflatable penguins, and pooper scoopers to put you in the Christmas spirit!

Libby and I were scared of something here...maybe the Grinch?

Eric is practicing to be in the parade for next year...

Nate and Libby...in front of the float with Baby Jesus!

HARK!!!

Apparently I thought this was the parade for the fourth of July and I needed to say the pledge of allegiance...weird

This is the back of the inflatable penguin, yeah, we're still excited!

And of course...SANTA!

Tag, I'm It!

2007-11-19T19:45:00.001-06:00

I am playing a game with my friend Tiffani. (You can check out her blog by clicking "Tiffani's Blog" on the link to the right). The game is to write seven things that you may, or may not know about me...so here it goes...

1. I hate it when people take forever to find a parking spot. I prefer to just find a spot, no matter where it is, instead of driving up and down each of the aisles like a hundred times...sheesh (this especially becomes irritating to me during the holiday season.)

2. I don't ever listen to a CD all the way through. I listen to one song, (maybe more if I really like the artist) and then take out the CD to find a new one. This has become a bit of a problem today, because my CD player in my car will not eject the CD. I am now forever listening to Mat Kearney and Over the Rhine.

3. I really love animals, and wish that I could have a dog. If I could choose any type of dog, it would most definitely be a chocolate lab. I am still thinking about names, and am open to suggestions. :)

4. When I was a freshman in college, I had to come up with a list of 25 things I wanted to do before I died. I thought I was just being funny when I wrote this at the time, but I said that I want to be someone who dances upon injustice (from the Delirious song). I think it is interesting that that is the only one of the 25 I still remember...I still want to be someone who dances upon injustice.

5. I get giddy about the church I go to. It's like I wake up on Sunday morning and can't wait to get there. (Sometimes I even have a hard time going to sleep...I get so excited) I love the community, the pastor, the people I go with, the tradition, the location, the liturgy.

6. I love music and lyrics. My favorite song right now is the hymn "Come Though Fount of Every Blessing". I love the line that says, "Prone to wonder, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart, Oh take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above."

7. When I was little, and someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I told them I wanted to be the voice of a cartoon.

So there you go...(Thanks for the game Tif!)

Tag, you are it:
Lissa and Nate
Sarah and Jeff K.
Eric T.
Katie and Cameron B.
Amy R.

Shoot the bear

2007-11-17T23:41:00.000-06:00

A beautiful mountain setting, a perfect spring day. A crystal blue mountain lake sits in a quiet valley surrounded by towering peaks just tipped with snow. Alone in the middle of the lake is an old wooden boat with a small girl inside, lying down, soaking in the beauty and goodness of God, her hand in the water leaving a slight ripple, the only movement in the silent waters.

But suddenly the calm is broken, as someone comes running into the scene, a wild bear chasing after her. The girl sitting up, realizes that with the quick movement and a few swift rows with her oar, could save the life of this stranger. She could move to the rescue, the girl could jump in the boat and be saved. But as she picks up the oars, she realizes that she cannot stir the water, she cannot put the oar in the water, she selfishly doesn't want to interrupt her peace and quiet.

I am a peacemaker. I love it when people can find common ground. I like it when things are harmonious. Conflict leaves me feeling sick inside, unable to sleep, and overall just uncomfortable.

But this is my fear. That I am too afraid to stir the waters, to take a stand, to shout, to make a movement. Not even that I need to be rescuing anyone. But is peace always the best solution? Can a win-win situation really be created all the time, or is that just a person without passion, without a spine?

I mean really, in the end, the girl and the bear will come barreling into the water anyway, the waters will be disturbed, or the bear will prevail.

Take a stand, be angry, do something more than think or be afraid. Take action. Create conflict.

Shoot the bear.

For the love of Colorado

2007-11-15T19:47:00.000-06:00

Here is yet another reason to love Colorado...

...it is November and we are hiking at an amazing place like Rocksborough State Park...

...practicing Pilates in the middle of the wilderness (well, okay, I guess the manmade deck we are standing on indicates that we are not really in the middle of the "wilderness", and clearly we are not really practicing Pilates)...

...practicing our best looks for the runway, or to be able to really intimidate our students...

...meeting the locals (like Bambi)...

...without the architecture, we have to recreate the gargoyles found on buildings...

...did I mention it is November and this is what we are doing! :)

Life in the LDC-that's Life Directions Center

2007-10-31T18:25:00.000-06:00

Some fun pictures from my life at CCU! Libby and I enjoy a quick break! She is pretty much amazing!

Cheek to cheek!

A typical day in the cubicle!

Stephen is my partner in crime in advising the freshman class!

Libby and Eric, fellow advisors!

Lyrics

2007-10-20T20:36:00.000-06:00

Trying to understand what has happened to my good friends, Lissa and Nate, this is a song with lyrics that are powerful.

"Two months is too little, they let him go, they had no sudden healing. To
think that Providence would take a child from his mother while she prays is
appalling. Who told us we'd be rescued? What is changed and why should we be
saved, from nightmares? We're asking why this happens to us who have died to
live. It's unfair.

This is what it means to be held, how it feels, when the sacred is torn
from your life, and you survive. This is what it is to be loved and to know,
that the promise was when everything fell, we'd be held. " Taken from Natalie
Grant's song Held.

Joy

2007-10-02T21:29:00.000-06:00

I have had an overwhelming sense of excitement and joy the past few days. Now, I do get excited about some ridiculous things, like manatees and different seasons and living in Colorado...which of course, are all ligitimate things to be excited about, but this time it is something different...something better! :)

This time, my joy is found in a church I have been attending. Sounds really cheesy, I know. But, I feel like I have found a church that I really resonate with in several different ways. First of all, it is a church that is not ashamed to be what it is...a church that is not afraid to talk about the Gospel, and that Jesus can change your life. It does not try to "hook" people into being a Christian, doesn't use lights and smoke to be more relevant to its audience.

Second, it is a place that I have begun to find community. Community based around honestly seeking and searching to know what it means to be a follower of Christ. Not a community that tries to look a certain way, or to act like the best Christians, but a community that allows for doubts and questions, even stupid questions at that! A community that is embracing and welcoming on more than just the first week.

I don't even know what else to say, but if you are looking for a church in Denver, City Presbyterian Church might be a good place to start!

Literally, a sitcom...

2007-09-19T19:50:00.000-06:00

So it has been way too long since I have updated this thing...I am really surprised if anyone even checks this anymore...but, I thought I would make a quick entry to see if anyone really missed me! :)

I am so excited because this summer I was introduced to the brilliance that is The Office. I have caught up, for the most part, on all three seasons, and I am counting down (8 days) for the new season to start (and for Jim and Pam to finally go out on a date!)

In honor of this show, and in another demonstration to prove that my life really is a sitcom, I thought I would share a most recent sitcom moment. For those of you who are fans, there was an episode in the third season where Michael shows up wearing a women's suit. Turns out, he found it in a bin, and it fit, so he bought it...shoulder pads and all. One of the greatest moments in this episode, is when he is trying to prove that he is not wearing a women's suit, he opens up the jacket to see the designer to show hot pink lining, and a designer called Miss-sterious (or something of the sort)

As I was watching this episode, I was literally on the ground rolling. For, I myself pulled a Michael. I too was rummaging through a bin at Ross, and found a really cute shirt. I wore it to work one day and kept thinking to myself, "this just doesn't seem to be fitting right". I got home and looked at the label. It was designed by "Mama-mia". Yeah, I was wearing a maternity shirt. No wonder I was thinking the front of the shirt was a little poochy. (Luckily, no one called me out at work, but I did share the story with them this week!)

So there you go...

8 more days!

And a few more...

2007-05-24T09:58:00.000-06:00

Everyone in the cohort at graduation

Julia and I waiting for the ceremony to start!

More pictures!

2007-05-21T10:58:00.001-06:00

Graduation!

2007-05-21T10:40:00.000-06:00

Graduation from Baylor!

Faculty members put on the official hood at our hooding ceremony. The blue represents education and the inside of the hood have green and gold-Baylor's school colors!

This is the cohort of students who went through the program with
me!

Jason, Ashley, Brittany, Leslie, Dan, and I all shared an office in the Department of Student Activities!

Leslie and I show off our new hoods...how are you supposed to wear these?

Lyndsy and Tiffani are in the cohort graduating next year! We all celebrate being from the Northwest!

My parents and Mindi came down to help celebrate!

Good bye...

2007-04-22T22:36:00.000-06:00

So, it has been forever since my last post...and so much has happened since...I've been Colorado for spring break, to Santa Barbara for Katie's amazing wedding, to a conference in Florida, finished up my case study for my program, and I am looking ahead at finals and closing up stuff at Baylor.

Today was a celebration for the Steppin' Out steering committee. This is an amazing group of students who have really made my experience in my assistantship exceptional. They are fun-loving, crazy, laugh-a-lot, encouraging group of students who love to help others. I say often that I think I work with the best students at Baylor! They love to serve and they love to have fun...not a bad combo! I will miss them more than they even know!

Here are a few pictures from our day today...we gave out some crazy awards (I won the Wo-Man-Atee of the Year award)...which is a whole other story that I'll save for a later blog. In the meantime...enjoy the photos!

Bob, me, Ben, and Daniel enjoy the baseball game.

Here is most of the committee: Ben, Bob, Cinnamon, Laura, Emily, Jiggy, Sarah, Andrew, and Daniel

This pictures is a little scary...but Emily and I both won awards that had to do with manatees...like I said, a whole other story! She will be the Steppin' Out director for next year and will do an amazing job! I am sad that I won't get to work with her another year!

Change

2007-03-18T17:24:00.000-06:00

Spring has sprung in Waco, Texas. I came back from spring break to blossoms on trees, green grass, sunshine, the smell of freshly cut grass, and shorts!

I love seasons. I seem to complain a lot in Texas because of the hot weather, and usually state that I "prefer cold weather". Reflecting on that a bit, I think it is not really that I love cold weather. I think I just love having 4 distinct seasons.

I love spring time for the reasons listed above. I love spring in Colorado because it means enjoying the change from winter clothes to summer clothes, pulling out flip flops and toe rings and packing up sweaters and boots for a few more months. I love springtime in Colorado as the afternoon skies fill with dark thunderclouds and a brilliant rainstorm blows in for a few hours, to leave the evening crisp, clean, and fresh. I love summer for the smell of coconut in sunscreen, long afternoons at baseball games, barefeet, bike riding, bbqs at night and long walks in the cool evening (at least that happens in Colorado!). In Texas, summer means snowcones, lazy afternoons at the pool, and more snowcones!

Fall brings about a whole new set of feelings: the anticipation of another school year and buying new school supplies (alas, no more for me!), fall colors and the bright yellow aspens that fill the Rockies, pulling out all the sweaters and storing up the flip flops, getting out the snowboard to wax and await another season. Winter comes with the beauty of the first snow, hot cocoa and cuddling up inside with a good book, Christmas time, sitting on top of a mountain and enjoying the silence and solitude before standing up and riding all the way down, pulling out knitting needles and old scarves and mittens.

Yeah for seasons!

So, the reality is, that I don't prefer the cold weather. I prefer the seasons. I prefer the change, the newness that comes with the transition of each new season.

And as I write that now, I wonder why I cannot feel the same way about the upcoming change and transition as the season of graduate school comes to an end. Not that I am not anxious to be done with traditional classes, tests, and papers; I look forward to some open evenings and reading for fun. However, I feel myself starting to stress out and worry about the unknown of the future. Instead of recognizing the differences that make a new season so great, I focus on the diffulty of letting old things go.

People who know me well will say that I struggle with change. It seems to affect the very core of me. I hate leaving a place (even if I have not fully loved or embraced it), I avoid saying good-bye, and I feel as though I am living in a grey area as I try to adjust to a new place.

How can I approach this new season differently? How can I wake up and say, "Spring has arrived! Time to put away the sweaters and get out the flip flops! Time to embrace a new season and all the uniqueness and beauty that it will hold!"

Adventures at the Zoo

2007-02-13T17:50:00.000-06:00

Dani and Randy and I went to the zoo on Sunday, and had the best zoo experience of our lives! Seriously...the Waco Zoo is amazing.

I am probably also slightly obsessed with animals.

Not only were we able to enjoy the antics of the long-armed Gibbon, but we heard a rhino fart (yes, I just used the word fart in a blog), saw a one-eyed bald eagle, noticed a sloth that did not move, at all, almost missed the dwarf antelope known as the Dik Dik, and played with an otter that really likes shiny objects. Here are some other pictures from the adventure!

This is large rodent found in South America. Probably bigger than a Nutria,
so that creeps me out enough! It definitely has a small monkey riding on its
back...

Two bears playing! Ahhhh...

The pacing jaguar

The highlight of the day was the cute baby cubs...this guy came right up to the window to say hello...

Look at those cute paws...don't you want a big hug?

Hmmm...maybe not!

A Nutria is an R.O.U.S.

2007-02-02T14:55:00.000-06:00

I woke up at 4:30 yesterday morning worrying about all the things that need to be completed by the end of this semester.

I love to sleep.

4:30 in the morning worrying about completing things that I have 3 months to complete...

What in the world is going on here?

A lot of what we talk about in this program is having intentional, purposeful conversation. I completly agree with this. I know that it is a privilege to be able to know students, talk through life with them, and to challenge them to think and grow and become better people. I wrote about all kinds of great stuff like that in my philosophy of education. I do believe it.

Earlier this week I sat with a group of student leaders and we laughed our heads off talking about a manatee. We then proceded to talk about the most ridiculous animal we know about (I of course chose the nutria) or the fun facts we know about animals.

The conversation seemed ridiculous, not intentional or purposeful.

I am working on the balance here...I know there is a balance. I just think that in my effort to be purposeful and intentional, I may be pushing the fun-loving, silly, ridiculous Missy that I love deep down inside of me.

I don't want to become so intentional that I lose my joy...and for some reason, I think that this might have a connection to my sleepless nights.

Stranger than Fiction

2007-01-15T14:41:00.000-06:00

I decided this weekend that Stranger than Fiction is one of my new favorite movies. If you have not seen it, I highly recommend it, and you probably don't want to read this blog...It will ruin it for you, and it won't really make that much sense.

Seriously, if you haven't seen the movie, go see it, and then read this...

So, this was my second time watching the film, and it was better the second time around. Knowing the ending really made a big difference. As I was watching it, I was thinking to myself, "At the end of this movie, Harold Crick is going to willingly throw himself in front of a moving bus to save the life a stranger." So knowing that, I began to look at the man at the beginning of the movie. He is lonely, lives a life of solitude, routine, without adventure, without chaos, without other people. I would not have guessed that this Harold would save anothers life. So what was it that made the difference?

With the realization that his life is about to end, he begins to realize that maybe the life he has been living is not quite up to par. Another character in the movie, a literature professor trying to discover which story Harold is a part of, suggests that Harold start living his life instead of worrying about his death. He suggests that Harold just stop what he's doing and eat nothing but pancakes. Harold responds by saying, "What is wrong with you? Hey, I don't want to eat nothing but pancakes, I want to live! I mean, who in their right mind in a choice between pancakes and living chooses pancakes?" The professor responds, " Harold, if you pause to think, you'd realize that that answer is inextricably contingent upon the type of life being led... and, of course, the quality of the pancakes."

And then something happens to Harold Crick. He discovers the amazing joy that comes with being a part of a community, being a part of the lives of other people. He learns to love, he learns to laugh, he becomes a better friend, and begins to understand what it means to make the most out of life today, and how to look at others in his life and begin bless them.

This was really a good reminder to me of the richness of community, and that a life of solitude is not what we are called to. Community is difficult. It is messy and can be tiring because it means interacting with other people. But in the end, it is that community that brings about life.

New Year's Resolutions 2007

2007-01-07T17:34:00.000-06:00

It is that time again for making resolutions for the new year. I was reading through some of my resolutions from last year, and see that they probably need to be continued into this year...I have a smaller appreciation for Texas, but that is probably due to Josh and that he is helping me to see the brighter side of the Lonestar State! I'll keep at it though, I do have at least 5 more months of living in Waco!

The biggest resolution for me this year is to stop using a snooze button on my alarm. Now, I know this might sound like a simple resolution, but you need to understand my love for sleep in order to know why this is a significant change. I love sleeping in. I feel a bit lazy doing it (thus a new year resolution) but something in my brain does not quite click with the sound of my alarm. I make so many great plans as I am setting the alarm the night before. I think to myself that it would be most beneficial to get up an extra 30 minutes early to eat a good breakfast, perhaps go for a walk, do some reading or journaling, and just get ready in time that does not make me feel (or look) in a frenzy. All of that sounds completly reasonable as I set my alarm at night.

However, at the sound of the alarm in the morning, all logic escapes from my brain, and suddenly walks and breakfast and looking somewhat decent for work is downgraded for just 9 more minutes of sleep. Is that really gonna make a difference anyway? Nine minutes...probably not. But, if you hit snooze several times, it adds up quickly...and so I find myself up with 15 minutes to get ready, eat breakfast, make lunch, do some quiet reading, go for a walk, and feel good about the day.

So, starting tomorrow, with the start of my final semester of classes, I will no longer be hitting the snooze button. I resolve to get up upon the first ring of the alarm and become a morning person...

...And I thought last year's resolution was going to be difficult.

More pictures of me and Josh!

2007-01-02T17:39:00.000-06:00

Christmas Break

2007-01-02T17:05:00.000-06:00

I spent Christmas break at home in the winter wonderland of Colorado! Two blizzards made for a white Christmas! Here are a few pictures from my adventures in the snow.

Rhonda and I made a snowman!

Josh and I spent a day at Copper skiing and snowboarding!

Slideshow of the year

2006-12-12T23:12:00.000-06:00

It all adds up to...

2006-12-05T16:51:00.000-06:00

Santa's Workshop is over and this is what it all adds up to...

1 balloon arch

1 Santa

1 Clifford

1 Mrs. Clause

2 Giant Toy Soldiers

5 Pre-lit Christmas Trees

8 Amazing steering committee members

20 Giant cut-out snowflakes

24 Bottles of sprinkles for cookies

25 Boxes around campus to collect toys

27 Daycare centers

78 Rolls of wrapping paper

100+ Volunteers

600 Toothbrushes

783 Goody bags

...add that together and what do you get?

830 smiling children enjoying the magic of Christmas!

(yeah, I know the math doesn't really work out, but that's just the magic of Christmas!) :)

Steering Committee

Toys

Happy Children!

Rescue is Coming

2006-11-26T23:25:00.000-06:00

I used to have a hard time sleeping. My solution, was to get up in the early hours of the morning, put some worship on, strap on my headphones, and dance around my room simply because noone was watching. It was a great outlet for me, and a great way for me to connect with God, silently dancing around my room with the words of worship pounding loud into my head.

I was at a church service tonight and the worship was good. I was standing in a big room with the lights dimmed and candles set on the stage, and the band was loud. So loud, that as I closed my eyes, it was as if I was back in my own room with my headset on, the words and the beat pounding into me, beating the same heartbeat of my soul. David Crowder sang the lyrics to his song Rescue is Coming:

"Don’t give up now
A break in the clouds
We could be found

There’s nothing wrong with me
It’s just that I believe things could get better
And there’s nothing wrong with love
I think it’s just enough to believe

Rescue is coming
Rescue is coming
Rescue is coming
Rescue is coming"

In that dark room those words seemed to hit me. To sing loudly, "Nothing is wrong with me...Rescue is coming, Rescue is coming, Rescue is coming" was like therapy. And the message in the service was so true. At the beginning of this advent season, rescue is coming. RESCUE IS COMING! This God, this Rescuer was born to a young, imperfect, mother in the midst of scandal and confusion. And this same Rescuer is born in me, Christ in me, the hope of glory!

Anticipate it, look for it this Christmas!

Rescue is coming!

Steppin' Out-Take Three

2006-11-12T14:33:00.001-06:00

Steppin' Out Fall 2006 is finished! This is the amazing group of students that make the service day happen at Baylor. They have been a great group to work with, and so much fun!

The morning starts off with the tool allocation process...all the tools for 65 sites are brought outside and allocated for each job site!

This year the TAP was so efficient we had time for some games before groups came to pick up tools. If you have never played 'shuffle your buns' I highly recommend learning...probably one of the funniest games EVER!

Cinnamon in action...

Everyone takes a place as groups come to pick up tools

One of the highlights of the day for me...having Randy there to help, participate, and see exactly what I spend most of my time and energy doing these days.

Tools are returned, cleaned, and dried in the basement of the SUB

Students and community groups return for a celebration after the day of service!

One last cheer to finish the day!

Seeing Double...or Triple?

2006-11-01T20:12:00.000-06:00

Halloween Fun...we went as the Doublemint Triplets...we may have been the talk of the party! :)

Houston, we have a problem!

2006-10-18T21:24:00.000-06:00

Once again, I found myself in a situation on Monday, that was strange and a tad unbelievable. I flew home to Denver for fall break to hang out with Josh and to see the family and left early Monday morning on a flight to Houston and then into Waco so that I could be at a class at 1pm (in which I had a presentation).

The weather in Houston was not the greatest, and after flying in circles around the Houston airport, the pilot made the announcement that we needed to head to Corpus Cristy in order to refuel because of the delay in getting into Houston.

The plane landed in Corpus Cristy at 11:00 am. The pilot made the announcement that we would be refueling and then waiting to hear back from Houston to know when we might be able to fly in because of adverse weather. The flight attendants informed us that if we wanted to get off the plane, we could, but we would not be allowed to get back on the flight, and we would be responsible to get to Houston, and we would not get our bags if we checked them.

I was assuming that we would be waiting an hour at the most, so didn't get off the plane. We headed out to the run way to wait to fly into Houston, and the pilot continued to come on to inform us that we continued to be delayed. After waiting about an hour, he informed us that we would have a two and a half hour wait.

So there we were, sitting out in the middle of the runway, the engines shut off leaving warm recycled air circulating in the airplane, no food, a cup of water, and a full plane. This would have been okay, but we ended up leaving at 5pm...thus sitting on an airplane for 9 and a half hours...AHAHAHHH....It was quite interesting to observe how the people around me responded to this situation when they had lost all control, were in a small warm place with no food or water, among strangers. (The fact that I was reading my counseling book on how people cope in stressful situation made it even more interesting for me!)

The couple in front of me were on their way to Mexico for their honeymoon, the gentlemen across the aisle from me started getting angry, throwing things down the aisle, the lady behind me kept tapping the back of my seat saying "I think I"m going crazy" and the gentleman in the row behind me got really angry. He was cussing at the flight attendants, started calling news stations and emergency numbers, and getting everyone worked up. The two babies on the flight were crying, and changing poopy diapers in an airplane doesn't do much for the recycled air!

In the end, the pilot let us know we had been cleared to leave. Upon this announcement, he turned off the engine and told us that we could not leave because a passenger on the flight had called 911 stating that there was an emergency and we needed to be deplaned. You can imagine how people responded to that! The gentleman had to call 911 back and let them know it was not a real emergency and to please release the hold on our plane! For a moment, I thought there might be a riot.

Anyway, we landed in Houston, where we had to wait another hour to get to our gate, and when I stepped off the plane, they let me know that my connecting flight had been cancelled and that I could fly standby the next afternoon, or I could rent a car and drive the 3 hours to Waco.

I rented a car (the last one available) and drove home to arrive in Waco around 11pm. Quite possibly the longest day of my life.

So, you might ask, how did I respond to this whole situation? Lucky for me, the two men sitting next to me responded with humor and a light spirit. The thing that was the most difficult for me was the fact that I had lost my cell phone in Denver, so I had no way to communicate with folks about what was happening! I knew a few phone numbers, but was shocked at how disconnected I was without my cell phone!

Needless to say, I have never been so happy to make it to Waco...and maybe that was the point all along!

2006-09-20T14:41:00.000-05:00

Glowing Balloons?

2006-09-19T10:15:00.000-05:00

So this past Saturday I enjoyed an event here at Baylor called "Balloon Glow". It is rather a strange event...basically a Christian concert surrounded by hot air balloons. About half-way through the concert the band stopped and they played music that the hot air balloons syncranized lighting up to...the pictures might give a better idea of what it looked like.

It was a fun night, definitely different, and definitely a lot of Texas pride at the concert. The music for the actual "balloon glow" was amazing. It started with some classics like Chariots of Fire and went to a classic patriotic country song by Toby Keith which was quickly followed by a classic Carmen original! (Oh yes, Carmen!) A bit random, I know!

On a side note, we were entertained by the very energetic sign language interpreter who really rocked out signing to the song We Will Rock You. AMAZING! (Just take a minute and think through the pace and lyrics to the song, and then imagine someone signing it...seriously UNBELIEVABLE!)

Anyway...I'll post some pictures soon of the event!

Cowgirls

2006-09-07T09:25:00.000-05:00

I guess you could say I finally gave in and I'm officially a "cowgirl" in Texas! :) A couple of girls in the office had some fun getting dressed up for Amy's thirtieth birthday!

Edamame

2006-08-24T20:09:00.000-05:00

So yesterday I got home at about 9:30 from a long day of work and class and found myself CRAVING edamame. Josh introduced me to this lovely little snack (basically soy beans in pods) and all day yesterday all I could think about was getting home to enjoy some of this delightful food! (You should really try it if you haven't!)

My roommate was laughing at me when I got home because I was seriously so happy eating the edamame. I was grinning ear to ear, just so excited to be sitting in my kitchen, enjoying each of the little pods (lightly coated in salt!) And when I say excited, I mean really excited. After every bite I couldn't stop myself from exclaiming, "These are amazing!". (I think Katy got the point after about the 10th one). Just imagine my face after I read a really funny Fresh Ink card, or looking at a bizarre picture of a llama, or when I start talking about something I'm really passionate about. That's how excited I was...about soy bean pods! What is going on?

I guess the reason that I write all of that, is because as I was thinking about it today, it made me realize that I hope that I am not getting so busy, so overwhelmed, so crazy with things to accomplish on my to-do list, that I miss out on the little joys in life. Whether that is being excited about something as insignificant as edamame, or being willing to stop and recognize a lonely freshman student who just needs someone to ask how he or she is doing, to remembering to recognize the amazing things people in my cohort are accomplishing in their assistantships, or taking the time at the end of the day to really stop, breath, and reflect on why God has me here, instead of just accomplishing things and marking them off of my list.

Just a little challenge to myself...to recognize more of the edamame in my life!

Let the Fun Begin!

2006-08-18T17:47:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the official 'Move-in' Day at Baylor. It is amazing all the logistics that go into creating a successful move in for 2800 students in one day. I was in charge of traffic directing at one of the residence halls. Fairly uneventful, just marking the cars with the correct 'unloading' zone and making sure they were headed in the right direction. As each car passed by, I asked if they were in North or South Russel. My favorite response was from a gentleman in a nice little sports car. When I asked him my usual, "Are you moving into North or South Russel?" his response to that question (with a smile) was, "I don't know what a 'Russel' is. I took the wrong exit off of the highway and need to get back on." I laughed for quite awhile. Talk about a wrong exit...this poor guy ended up in a line up of 100s of freshman girls, waiting to get into their new residence hall.

Another favorite moment was sitting outside toward the end of the day (not for long in the 105 degree weather) and watching the awkwardness unfold around me. All the new students milling around with their new roommates, parents getting ready to say good-bye and trying to hold in their tears, and students not knowing what to do with their parents. Sigh. I can remember those moments when I started at Colorado State and at George Fox. My encouragement is to embrace the awkwardness...it is bound to happen so we might as well embrace it, right?

Drum Roll Please

2006-08-02T21:26:00.000-05:00

Phew...

Summer school is officially over.

I have been in Texas for one day and a year.

To celebrate or not to celebrate...that is the question! :)

Why My Life is a Sitcom...

2006-07-17T18:22:00.000-05:00

I was walking to lunch with some friends yesterday and a few of them exclaimed, "your life really is a sitcom!" so I thought the story that inspired that exclamation was blog worthy...here it goes!

Last week I walked into our staff meeting to the question, "Missy, when is your wedding?" My silent and wide-eyed response made a few people on staff believe that this was a true statement that I was trying to keep a secret. They read my face as saying "Shhhhh....no one knows that yet" instead of the correct face reading which would be "WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"

Well, the question was aimed at me because of a wedding I attended this weekend, in which my friend was bringing me jewelry to wear...however, it is a small statement like that where rumors get started. The next day I walked into the office and another member of our staff kept asking me how my day was going. I responded that it was going well, but she kept pushing to know more...needless to say, after about 5 minutes of me trying to understand what she was trying to get at, she said, "I heard the news...about your wedding!"

I stood there with another look on my face...but was sure to clarify verbally this time that it was not true...I am not getting married...I am not engaged...

Just wanted to make that clear.

Does this feel like a sitcom to anyone else?

While I am not getting married...I have been getting a few questions about my boyfriend, Josh...so here is a little update.

Josh and I met at Baylor because we were both studying in the same program. He graduated this May and moved to the great state of Colorado to be a resident director (if he had to go anywhere...I guess Colorado is a good place to go!) He is pretty much amazing and we have a lot of laughs when we do get to hang out.

A think pictures seem to speak volumes...so I'll let the next few pictures fill in some of the laughs!

Josh is on the left...here with some friends from Baylor (and a new staff member at his new job in Colorado)

Never a dull moment! This is only one of several super-human strengths he has.

I am afraid I cannot disclose the details of this story for all the world to see on-line...you'll have to ask Josh yourself about this one.

We spent the fourth of July together and thought it would be very American to make an apple pie...yummmmm....

Josh was in Waco this past weekend for his friend's wedding (the one I needed to borrow jewelry for)...

So there you go...a little update on all the excitement in my life in Waco!

Where to start?

2006-06-29T09:04:00.000-05:00

It is hard for me to know where to start with Lissa's wedding. I guess the best place to start is with the bride. She is utterly amazing. She is such a blessing in my life, and has always been a person who can make me laugh so much that I find myself crying, falling to the ground, and by the end of the day my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. We spent a lot of time remembering the 'good 'ol days' at George Fox including long road trips together, spidey tighties, Lissa dressing up in a CRAZY outfit to get me out of a blind date, her showing up in Waco as a surprise, and all our random trips together. I think I left the weekend wishing I could spend more time with Liss just so she would rub off on me. Her positive, low stress, kind and gentle spirit remind me of the type of person I want to be. Like I said she is pretty much amazing!

The wedding was beautiful, set in a garden in Oregon, complete with any flower you can imagine, a gazebo, river and waterfall. Lissa was glowing the entire day and a most beautiful bride! The wedding party was one of the best I have ever been a part of. Lissa and Nate are both so laid back, I'm not sure there was a moment of stress at all. Lissa's dress was stunning and I don't think she stopped smiling all day. The ceremony was sweet with harp music, a little saxophone, and Lissa and Nate walked down the aisle at the end to the song Better Together by Jack Johnson. The outdoor reception completed the evening with round tables covered in white table clothes with green ribbon crossed in the middle, and a bouquet of asparagas tied with ribbon as the center piece. A jazz band provided music throughout the evening, and it was great to see some friends from George Fox who I have not seen in a couple of years!

I'm sure I'll have more pictures from the wedding soon...I'll post more as they become available to me! I hope this gives a little glimpse into the day for those of you who were far away and have been asking for details of the wedding...

Lissa's married!!!!

2006-06-28T22:39:00.000-05:00

I was in Oregon this past weekend for Lissa's wedding...amazing! I will have more details about the big day...but for now, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves!

I think we look like sisters in this picture! Lissa was a beautiful bride, of course! I am not sure I've seen her smile so much since I've known her! I laugh because we didn't plan on making this face in the picture...I guess great minds just think alike!

The whole wedding party

The bridesmaids (minus Carmen) after the rehearsal brunch

Student Activities

2006-06-06T18:24:00.000-05:00

Life has been a bit crazy as orientation has officially hit Baylor. The student activities staff (pictured above) helps out with orientation throughout the next few weeks...and overall it is a fun time to have students back on campus, and to interact with new freshmen and transfer students.

There is also a new website for student activities you should check out. www.baylor.edu/student_activities . It gives a little glimplse into what we do!

Twins?

2006-06-05T18:28:00.000-05:00

So, as I was looking at Randy's blog with his facial hair pics...I realized it was vaguely familiar...and then I remembered Piper, who is a co-director for an organization I advise. I told Piper he needs to spend a semester in Bolivia with Randy...for some reason I think they would get along...call me crazy!

Polka....the dance not the dot!

2006-06-05T18:18:00.000-05:00

I had a most interesting experience this past Friday. Josh and I spent some time visiting the "culture" that is downtown Waco. It was seriously a fun time...but definitely a cultural experience. We made our way down by the river for a free concert (which they do throughout the summer). The band playing was called Brave Combo and I suppose the name suited the band well. I have never really experienced rock and polka at the same time, and I guess people might say that is a brave combo...but it seemed to work for them.

We watched for a little while but jumped in for a little swing dancing and a more upbeat version of, I am sorry to admit, the chicken dance...yes, the chicken dance. (Who knew that was classic polka) They also had some fun renditions of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", the hokey-pokey, and several other songs that people seemed to know and sing along with, but we seemed to just laugh.

The quote of the evening had to go to one of the band members who yelled out (with an appropriate pause) "Hey, we aren't dead...

So let's POLKA!"

Not really sure that I will ever hear that again. I am also unsure of whether or not Texas gains points or loses them for that one!

panic...

2006-06-01T12:40:00.000-05:00

Whoa!

Syllabus day tends to be a highlight of the year for many people. Probably because it means a shortened day of class. Syllabus day for me is the worst day of class...I look at everything that needs to be accomplished and start to panic. I know in my head that I have an entire class to complete everything, but somewhere that thought loses all rationality and I believe that everything needs to be completed by tomorrow...and then I panic.

Back to school has come as a bit of a shock to me. I went from having nothing to do all day but lay next to the pool and read a book for fun, to having class everyday, homework everyday, and work responsibilities.

I had a momentary day of panic. Okay two days of panic but I seem to be settling into a rhythm again and returning to the reality of life and class. I am thankful for people in my life who allow me to process through all of this and realize that I don't need to panic...and also because they don't in turn think I am crazy...

On another note, this humidity probably should be causing some panic for me in regards to my hair. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger and frizzier and frizzier as the day goes on...(is frizzier a word?) It certainly does not make me appear any less crazy.

Out of control, I tell you, it is out of control.

Pictures

2006-05-25T19:03:00.000-05:00

Here is the George Fox crew at Baylor! Karin, Jill, Scott, Me, Jeff, Sarah, Kevin.
Sarah, Me, Josh, and Jeff at the hooding ceremony for Josh and Jeff

Tornado!

2006-05-11T13:08:00.000-05:00

I have received a few emails regarding the bad storm that hit Waco last
weekend. There was a tornado that touched down not far from my apartment, but
noone was hurt. It hit a more industrial part of town and thankfully noone was
injured.

I spent the storm hanging out on the first floor of one of the residence
halls on campus. The siren, electricity going out, and stories from all the
freshman guys describing what it was like outside kept my heartrate up for most
of the night, but it wasn't too bad! When I was driving home I did feel like I
was driving in a video game with trees and debris all over the roads, no lights
or traffic signals working, and lots of rain and lightening.

Just a little update from Waco. This place just keeps me guessing...never a
dull moment!

Get Excited!

2006-05-07T23:21:00.000-05:00

Jeff will be graduating from Baylor next week from the same program I am in. I will be sad to say goodbye to Sarah and Jeff as they have become an important part of my community here.

Eric, Laura, Jeff and I worked with FCC Service this year. Eric and Laura are another two stellar students at Baylor. I am lucky to be able to work with students like Eric and Laura who are mature, generous with their time, servants to everyone they interact with, and fun to be around. We laugh a ton together...quite a crew.

El Fin

2006-05-07T18:14:00.000-05:00

It is the end! Of the semester and one year of graduate school, that is...Hooray for endings. Hooray for beginnings too!

Transitions have always been hard for me. I have not learned how to gracefully allow change to happen. I find myself continually clinging to the things that have been, the things that are good, the friends who are leaving, to comfortable things.

May will be one of transition for me. Transitions from the school year, to summer school. Transitioning from having students around all the time, to having a handful of students around. Transitioning from cool weather to HOT weather. Transitions as my community of friends begins to shift as some graduate.

The key is to learn and be thankful for the past year, but to be intentional about where God has me today, and to invest in the present. I am excited and anticipate great things as the next chapter begins!

Steppin' Out Shout Out!

2006-04-24T22:23:00.000-06:00

Here's a cute photo of Melissa and I at the baseball game for our Steppin' Out retreat...

She is so great!

I would just like to take some time to give a little shout out to two of my favorite students at Baylor. I have already talked about Melissa a lot. She has been the director for Steppin' Out this last year and is utterly phenominal. Not only has she lead two semesters of successful service projects, but has brought together a team of students (and advisors) who knew nothing about the Steppin' Out project, and has made it a team of people who love being around each other. I made the bold proclamation that she is my favorite Texan and that says a lot! She is graduating this year and it will be a sad day for me when she leaves...

Melissa's replacement for next year is a student who was on the committee this year, Ben. He is going to do a phenominal job, I can already tell, and the fact that he can already put up with my crazy stories, and that he's quick to join in to a game of Shoe-Looky suggests that it is going to a good year ahead! Mostly I am excited because he made a drawing for me...really I think it says it all!

Most days I seriously cannot believe that this is my job. I get to hang out with these great students, laugh a lot, and participate in great events like Steppin' Out. (And I mean, really, look at the perks...I get to be a Cap'n!)

I am Officially Sold

2006-04-22T10:20:00.000-06:00

Well, yesterday it was official.

I am sold on Baylor.

Yesterday I went to the inauguration of the 13th president of Baylor University and it was definitely a turning point for me here. I am sorting through what it was that actually made me realize that I am starting to really love this institution. I know that most of the time I am spending my time working through (doesn't that sound so much better than complaining?) my time here in Texas. And while Texas may never grow on me, I do think that Baylor has, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be learning, experiencing student life, and working here.

There were two points at the inauguration that really made me realize that Baylor truly is distinct. First of all, President Lilly believes that Baylor can be a place the will be able to integrate faith and learning. For a place like Baylor that has 14,000 students and is aiming to be a more renown institution in terms of research, that is a bold statement to make. Not many institutions have been able to do that and still remain attached to their faith background. Baylor is making that a priority, and it is starting from the top, the president, and I believe that makes a huge difference. While the president does not have the capacity to change an institution, a strong leader can influence it in small ways in order to push it in a positive direction.

Secondly, the president said that Baylor needs to learn humility. That is a huge statement to make for any institution. And I think many of our secular counterparts would see that as a sign of weakness. If Baylor is such a great university, why not stand on that and move forward with confidence. The key to that, is that that is the natural and easy thing to do. However, to recognize the incredible responsibility that an institution of higher learning has in its goals and missions, a dose of humility could be the best thing. To realize that our goals to mold and educate young and men women to become responsible, intelligent, community engaged students is not something that is easy to do. Perhaps a university that stands up and says that we are humble enough to know we cannot achieve those goals without God's grace will have a better chance of actually doing that.

If Baylor wants to be distinct, humility will definitely set it apart from other universities and colleges.

Snow Day!

2006-04-06T10:43:00.000-06:00

Today at Baylor they are celebrating something called Dia del Oso. Basically, all the students have the day off of classes and they bring in activities for students like inflatables, raquetball and frisbee golf tournaments, tug of war, and lots of entertainment from student groups. This year's theme is "Snow Dia". So they brought in two semi-trucks full of ice and they have been using a snow-maker to make snow for people to play in...I don't even know what to do with this...so I'll just include the pictures and you can feel free to comment!

Steppin' Out Spring 2006!

2006-04-02T22:49:00.000-06:00

2,600 Baylor Students

59 Jobsites

8 Incredible Committee Members

4 Hours of service on a Saturday

1 Unbelievable day called Steppin' Out!

Steering Committee!

Karin, Ben, Kate, Laura, Sarah, Melissa, Jigna, Me, Ashish, Shrestha

Steppin' Out Steering Committee getting ready for the day!

All the tools from this closet had to make it outside for the T.A.P.!

Jigna getting ready for the T.A.P. (tool allocation process)

The T.A.P.! (one of my favorite parts of Steppin' Out!)

Finished with the T.A.P.

Ben working hard!

Success!

Melissa Newman, director and fearless leader of the committee!

ATO External Task Force (the liason between the committee and all the job sites!)

FCC picking up tools for their job site (the other organization I help advise)

Loading trucks with tools for the job site!

Making sure everyone is at their site with all their tools!

Lunch Break!

A quick visit out to one of the sites to see a house painted (in four hours by about 80 students!)

Back on campus for Celebration of Service! aka lots of free food!

Leslie and Keane helping clean the tools after they're returned

Debrief and time to go home!

Climbing Rocks in Texas

2006-03-29T15:39:00.001-06:00

Things have been a little crazy here getting ready for Steppin' Out this Saturday. Things seem to be coming together well except for the fact that it might rain on Saturday. Melissa and the rest of the committee and I may be doing a reverse rain dance later this week...please join us if you feel so inclined!

This weekend I had a nice little break from Steppin' Out which was very much needed! I went rock-climbing with three guys who go to seminary here at Truett: Drew, Tim and Jonathan. I have never been rock-climbing before and I have to admit i was a little nervous and intimidated because they all seemed to know what they were doing. I also didn't really understand any of the vocab they were using, but I think I picked it up pretty quick as the day went on.

I think I did alright going up the rock, the first time I went my legs were shaking so bad I was afraid I wouldn't actually be able to stand, let alone climb up a rock wall, but when I got down to the bottom, I was assured that it wasn't that uncommon to have "Elvis legs", especially as a beginner. The second time up I seemed to be a little better, so I felt better about that!

One of the funny things about rock-climbing in Texas, is that there are no mountains. So, where exactly did we go? We actually hiked down so that we could climb up...interesting! It was a beautiful day though, and I fully enjoyed spending time outside, in nature, away from Waco, with new friends, trying something new. I did enjoy it and I hope to go again sometime soon.

The day was also ended with something that reminded me of home! Chipotle! Oh how I heart Chipotle!

Baylor Bear's Baseball

2006-03-22T23:22:00.000-06:00

I have decided that this season I am officially a baseball fan. The stadium at Baylor is beautiful and who doesn't love a good baseball game? It's free for students, they have $1 hot-dog nights, it's outside (which will be okay for awhile) and it's baseball...I mean really, there is no better place for people watching! Ha!

Here are some pics from the game we went to last night.

Dan insisted on wearing this because it was "so cold" outside. Trust me, it was
a beautiful evening, the face coverings were completely unnecessary.

Cason and Dan were having a contest to see who could eat the most $1 hot dogs.
I'm not sure who won, I stopped counting (and started gagging) when I saw them eat number 6.

Ashley, Leslie and I cheering on the Bears!

Crazy Sleeping Habits

2006-03-19T13:07:00.000-06:00

I think one of the great things about being at home, was that my sleeping habits were somewhat normal. I woke up in the morning and just got up, and it was at a normal hour, like 8 or 8:30. I don't know exactly what it is, but for some reason everytime I try and wake up here, all rationality fades away and I find some reason to lay back down. On a good day, I tend to reset my alarm...which is always good. Other days, I seem to think that the following is a good idea: I tell myself, lay back down Missy, and count to 60, and then you can get up. For some reason, this seems completly rational to me early in the morning. I don't think, "hmmm...I'll probably get to 15 and fall back asleep", or "isn't that what people do to try and fall asleep?"

Anyway, just trying to figure it all out...weird, I know.

2006-03-19T12:54:00.000-06:00

Highlights

2006-03-16T19:01:00.000-06:00

Highlights of my Spring Break trip to Colorado: (in no particular order)

Grizzly Man-so yes, it is official, I am obsessed with this movie. I have already talked about if enough on this thing, but I did enjoy watching the movie AGAIN with mom and dad (who now officially think I am crazy). And you know what they say on the farm, if it doesn't scare the cows...who cares?
Snowboarding-I hit the slopes on Tuesday at Copper Mountain and probably had the best day of the season. My nose is a bit sunburned because it was such a perfect day. New snow, freshly groomed, 35 degrees with no wind, and on one side of the mountain there were no lines. It was beautiful! I also met up with a friend from Baylor for part of the day...overall good times!
Dancing with Mindi to "Real Thing"- I stayed at Mindi and Shaun's one night and had a great time the next morning eating a scrumptious breakfast while Mindi put on an old CD. World Wide Message Tribe...we laughed and reminisced about the good ol' days at DCLA!
Finding t-shirt with Megan-Quite possibly the funniest thing I have ever seen was a t-shirt Megan and I found at Walmart. I was picking up some Colorado postcards when we saw this lovely pink t-shirt advertising the great state of Colorado. I'm not really sure what they were going for cause they had a profile of a horse leaning over kissing what looked like a digital picture of a kitten who was winking. Underneath it said "Colorado". I haven't laughed that hard in quite some time, and I mean really, nothing says "Colorado" like a pink shirt with a horse kissing a winking kitten. Man, I love Colorado.
Yummy meal with Laur at Wes's restaurant-I got to eat at a nice restaurant in Cherry Creek that Wes helps manage and it was excellent. We got the works too...and it was good. If I could remember the name of the restaurant I would give a little shout out, but alas I cannot...
Snow-It snowed two days that I was in Parker...hooray!
Hearing about Rhonda, mom and dad's trip to Bolivia-they all got back from a visit to Randy early this month and it was fun to hear stories and see pictures of their adventure. This is a picture of Randy and an alpaca. Animals Rule!

Bearathon 2006

2006-03-04T18:17:00.000-06:00

When I was a freshman at Colorado State University, they had everyone make a list of 25 things they want to do before they die. Today, I gladly mark off one of the things from my lifetime "list".

My good friend Amy and I ran in the half-marathon sponsored by Baylor, coined the Bearathon. I am not even gonna try to be modest in this post, because I am stinkin' proud of us. 13.1 miles is a long way to run. Back in October, one of us had the brilliant idea to start training for today. At about 6am I was really questioning why we ever thought it was a good idea, but in the end I am glad we did it. And it is a great feeling to be working toward something for so long, and then actually complete it.

The race started at 8 and we finished it in 2 hours and 15 minutes...which was 15 minutes faster than we anticipated. Amy finished before me, probably by 2 minutes, and like I said before I am stinkin' proud of us! We had a good crew of people out to cheer for us. Leslie and Jonathan put on quite the show...using cones as bullhorns, Ashley had some fun signs made up for us, my sweet roommate Katy was at the 10 mile mark and the finish-line too, and Andy, Amy's boyfriend, was quite the trooper and spanned the course meeting us at a least 5 times throughout the race. And I think the experience must be okay when I am saying today that I would run another half marathon (as long as it's not in the next 6 months!)

We also made some fun t-shirts. I'll post a picture as soon as I get one from Amy's camera!

Anyway...just wanted to celebrate a bit! (Now, I am going to go hobble over to my bed and sleep for 14 hours or so!) Ha!

Real Entry

2006-02-24T14:18:00.000-06:00

Hmmm...well, I guess it is time for a real entry from me. I feel like I have not had much to talk about, but yesterday was such a great day for me I thought I would share...

In the midst of all the books, classes, meetings, programs, students, books, reading, writing...etc...basically, in the midst of all that goes on in graduate school, I think I had somehow forgotten or put on the back burner one of the things that I love...and that is missions, the world, understanding and experiencing other cultures. On days like yesterday (which I will get around to talking about) I find myself asking the question...what am I doing here in the States? Why am I not serving somewhere overseas? And my family, especially Randy, is probably wondering why I find myself asking that question when I gave up that very opportunity a little over a year ago.

On that note, I would like to say that I most definitely feel called to be exactly where I am, and it is the peace that I have in being here that keeps me sane on those days when I am just not understanding Texas, or the days I am feeling overwhelmed, or on the days when I am feeling the most lonely.

Back to my day yesterday, I had the opportunity to hang out with Jessica Murphy, who is in the same program as I am but will graduate this May. She is leading a team of about 100 people (mostly college students) on a mission trip to Kenya, Africa. Just sitting and listening to her talk about what she is doing there, why she wants to go, and how excited she is about the opportunity to give students an experience that will be uncomfortable and life-changing, made my heart stir. Later in the day, I ran into one of my favorite Coloradan students, Amanda, and she told me she is going on the very trip to Africa, and I could not help but be excited for her because I know that trip will change her for the rest of her life. Mission trips have a way of changing and opening people's eyes in a way that nothing else in this world can. What a great way to teach students not only about their strengths and abilities that God has given them, but how they can love and serve others because of those very things.

I ended the day by coming home and talking to my roommates about culture shock (Courtney is a seminary student and taking a class on missions) So overall, it was so great for me to be able to connect with people who are passionate and care about so many of the things that truely resonate with the being God has made me...

So when I ask the question, what am I doing here? I find that this experience truely is an answer to that question. I know that there are so many ways that I will be able to use the degree at Baylor to love students and help them understand and engage in the world we live in, whether that is by working with international students, finding a job where I can lead students on missions trips, or by simply remembering all the missionaries I do know and using the resources I have here to support them as they serve and love in places I wish I could be.

wild

2006-02-24T14:09:00.000-06:00

Amy and I having fun in Waco...aka...renting a movie

We are two wild and crazy gals!

Olympics!

2006-02-10T21:35:00.000-06:00

Top ten reasons I love watching the 2006 Olympics:

1. Great “parade-like” commentary of the opening ceremonies “And here you can see the tall trees running in”
2. Learning where Moldova is
3. Rooting for Trinidad’s Bobsled Team (that one’s for Jason!)
4. Crying at all the inspirational commercials
5. Flying Tomato Snowboarding phenomenon
6. Norway walking in to the song “Video Killed the Radio Star” (really?)
7. Girls dressed up in cow dresses dancing in “the Alps” (Honey, does this dress make me look fat?)
8. Hearing anyone speak in Italian!
9. Duuun, duuun, da-dun-dun-dun-dun duun duun-dun-duun dun dun dun dundun dun dun duuuun
10. Really, who doesn’t love curling?

Everything you ever wanted to know about Denny Davis, that I guess I think I know

2006-02-08T22:28:00.000-06:00

So, I have seen this little quiz posted on a few people's blogs...I'm supposed to answer the questions for myself...but I thought I'd take a different spin on it...

Due to some recent scary news about my dad...I thought I'd take the time to let everyone in the world know just how great Denny Davis is...not only would I name a boat after him ("The Denny") but he has a man that lives in his face, he is probably the best coach Ponderosa basketball has seen, he laughs often, and he is a fighter...so this is for my dad...there were a few I couldn't answer...so perhaps dad can fill in those gaps, and let me know how I did on the answers! :)

1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:30 probably...dang knees!
2. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The Pink Panther
3. What's your favorite TV show? Judge Judy/The Broncos
4. What did you have for breakfast this morning? Eggs/Bacon/Coffee
5. What's your favorite cuisine? Steak and potatoes...and of course Chili from Wendy's!!!
6. What foods do you dislike? Green food
7. What is your favorite chip flavor? Pringles
8. What's your favorite CD at the moment? Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
9. What kind of car do you drive? Avalanche
10. Favorite sandwich? Bolgna
11. What characteristics do you despise? Laziness
12. Favorite item of clothing? Jeans and a sweatshirt with a nice mesh hat set just right on your head!
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Waco, Texas...hmmmm actually I think Canada would trump Waco! :)
14. Favorite Brand of clothing? Whatever mom thinks looks best!
15. Where would you retire? I hope Colorado...
16. Favorite time of day? Millertime
17. What was your most memorable birthday? The 50th birthday/25th anniversary surprise at the donut shop
18. Where were you born? Wisconsin
19. Favorite sport to watch? Football
20. What were your favorite toys as a child? Basketball
21. Furthest you've been from home? Croatia
22. Were you named after anyone?
23. Do you wish on stars? Maybe a shooting star
24. Do you like your handwriting? I am guessing you don't really care...but it is pretty hard to interpret
25. If you were another person, would YOU be friends with you? Heck yes...who doesn't want to be friends with Denny Davis?
26. Are you a daredevil? Always at heart
27. How do you release anger?
28. Where is your second home? Bob Nicholas's
29. What class in High School was totally useless? Classes in high school? You were just there for the basketball!
30. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Yeah
31. Favorite movie? Shawshank Redemption
32. What are your nicknames? Dennis the menace...
33. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? No, dad definitely chooses to wear slip ons...and he prefers it if they have a skull and cross bones so he can change it to a smiley face!
34. What's your favorite ice cream flavor? Vanilla with a little chocolate syrup
35. What are your favorite colors? Blue
36. Favorite smell? Food cookin'
37. What are you listening to right now? Country music on the radio!
38. Last thing you ate? A snicker's bar
39. Last person you talked to on the phone? Hopefully your long-lost daughter stuck in Texas!
40. What's your favorite drink? A nice cold beer
41. Favorite Day(s) of the Year? Hmmmm...superbowl Sunday...any summer day out in a boat
42. What Is Your Favorite Dessert? Ice Cream
43. What Book are you currently reading? Reader's Digest
44. Who/What do you miss the most? Kids far away

Animals Rule

2006-02-08T22:10:00.000-06:00

Okay, okay....for any of you who have actually been reading these blogs all along, you are probably thinking...for the love, Miss...enough with the bears. We know, we know...there are live bears on campus at Baylor...whoop de doo!

And you are probably right if you are thinking that...I probably do need to let it go, but for some reason I have been obsessed with animals (not just bears) this week. As I announced in our staff meeting today (I don't know what I was thinking) "I have a weird fettish with animals these days". I mean, really, who says something like that in front of important people, aka, the boss. Seriously...

But, I did say it because there was some truth to it. I think it may have started with a visit to an animal shelter on Friday, but really I think it was this bear show I watched on the Discovery channel on Saturday. I am a bit ashamed to say that I sat and watched this show for almost 2 hours (when my roommates kindly asked if they could have the tv back to watch a movie) It was this crazy show called "Grizzly man" about this guy who spent 8 summers up in the Alaska living with grizzly bears in an effort to gain some sort of animal rights. In the end, he ended up being eaten by the grizzly bears, but the show was seriously crazy. I think the man was a bit crazy too...he thought he was a bear, he thought he had a secret language with the bears, but apparantly he forgot how to communicate with them there towards the end...when they ate him.

Anyway, this is really a random blog and I don't know exactly where I'm going with it, other than the fact that I might move up to Alaska to live with the bears. But then I remembered that the last time I spent any time in the wilderness where there were actual wild bears, I was so scared that I didn't sleep the whole night and I couldn't even go to the bathroom (you just never know when they might sneak up on you!..and that could be real awkward!) It made for a quick run back to base camp though.

I guess I should take some baby steps for now and just stick to the zoo or Baylor!

Have I mentioned that there are live bears on campus?

one month down

2006-02-01T00:03:00.000-06:00

Hooray for February! I must admit that I cannot believe that January has already flown by, but I thought I'd take a moment to start this month out right.

The first of the month means several things for me. First of all, and most importantly, it's time to check the oil in my car! (just trying to make you proud dad!) Secondly, I think it is a good time to re-check on some of the those new year's resolutions that went into play one month ago today.

For me, I have done well in the category of not drinking pop (or soda or coke...whatever you want to call it). I have not had any pop. Neat.

Next. I made a committment to read at least one book a month that I am not required to read for school. I started out reading a book called Velvit Elvis for the month, but there is just so much good thinking/journaling material in that book, I have only made it through the first 3 chapters (which the author actually calls movements...very hip) so I had to resort to switching to a new book this past week. I read through The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis which is amazing and I must say that I am in love with Aslan. Sigh.

Finally. The big commitment of the year was to have a more positive outlook on Texas. This one has not faired as well...mostly in the past week. The addition of the Colorado flag in my office probably is not helping my case, but since the cockroach incident (which left Texas with a -6 reading on my scale), Texas has earned points in the following categories:

Cowboy boots...a student has convinced me that these indeed are a fashion staple. They have stayed in style through many different decades of styles so I think they get 2 points for that...if I ever buy a pair, I think I won't need a new year's resolution about Texas anymore...I'll let you know if that ever happens. However, Texas has lost a few points because of the insane semi-drivers and stupid access roads. -2 points for that (and I am being very generous in that offer).

Next, Texas wins points for having the state motto, "friendship." I'll give them 5 points for that. However, I think we may lose another 3 for the postcards they sell that leave no space on the back for writing a note (the purpose, I might add, of using a postcard) because they fill the entire left side of the postcard up with useless Texas facts...Stupid.

Anyway...as you can see, my attitude still needs a little adjusting, but I am thinking about it...and I'll take any great Texas insights from any of you...cause right now I think we are at -4. I'll give you another update on March 1.

Assert yourself

2006-01-26T21:31:00.000-06:00

I need to process something today. A friend of mine said something to me that has been bothering me all day, mostly in a "I need to think and reflect on this comment" not a "my feelings are hurt because he said that" kind of bothering. And I think the reason that it bothered me is that it is not the first time that someone has said this to me, and everytime someone says it to me, I seem to have a pretty strong response to it. So, to the person who said it to me (if you are even reading this...you probably are not) please do not think that I am angry or that my feelings are hurt, and please do not accuse me of being too sensitive. I am simply thinking about what it is that you said. I am not trying to make you feel bad or guilty.

All of that said, he told me that I need to learn to be more assertive. I am pretty sure that I have heard that statement told to me directly a dozen times. It is usually said by people who I respect and know well, and every time it upsets me a little. Every time I leave the conversation feeling a little confused.

Is it really all that great to be an assertive person? I mean, I think there is a balance in almost every part of our lives, and I certainly do not want to be labeled on the extreme end of that by being called a door-mat. But on the other end, is it really all that bad to be a person who is not assertive? And what would that opposite be? Instead of being seen as someone who has no self-esteem, no idea of self-worth, no understanding of sticking up for what is right, couldn't a person who is not assertive be viewed as gracious? And as I read over the last post I made about how God would define what love is...I see a lot of things that are not marked by assertiveness. "Love doesn't strut...doesn't force itself on others...doesn't fly off the handle...puts up with anything" How does that fit into all this?

I don't know, I don't really think I am a person that is marked by extreme amounts of grace either, so I don't want to go tootin' my own horn here, but I am frustrated by this whole matter. And, because I seem to be hearing this often, and because it bothers me, I have tried working on my assertiveness. I have seen positive steps even this semester in my conscious effort to speak up more in our classes, but my question to everyone out there who seems to think that assertiveness is a quality and characteristic that is great and that I clearly need more of, how do you go about doing that? If it is against my very nature to do it, can you give me some ideas or steps to take to get to a point where I can finally claim,

Hello, my name is Missy, and I am assertive.

Do I really want to say that?

Good reminder

2006-01-24T22:11:00.000-06:00

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always 'me first,'
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

Out of Sync

2006-01-22T21:43:00.000-06:00

No, the title of this entry is not to explain to you another pretend band that I have started here at Baylor (although I must say that Don't Be Fooled has been getting some good press on facebook...I think we could make it big in Europe) Although perhaps with the antics of the people in my office we should go forward with creating some sort of musical/dancing group. I can definitely see Leslie breaking out into dance mid-song...she's got some mean dance hands! (And just for the record she is a human jukebox...name any song and she can sing it...pretty amazing) I'm sure that Jason could provide some Soca flavor, Ashley could bust out in song, and I guess that leaves Dan and Cason to playing the triangle or figuring out a neat dance with some chairs...

But, like I was saying, this is not an entry describing a new pretend band I have created in my freetime. I think that all my new resolutions are really attributed to the fact that I have feel like I have been out of synch with a lot of things while I've been here in Texas. A huge part of that can be attributed to my selfishness (it is so easy to be selfish as a student) but I think another big part is not being connected to a community that resonates with the same things I resonate with. One of the greatest places to find that type of community is in a church, and I have been so excited because of a church I have been attending the last weekends. It is a little church called Dayspring, and it defines itself as a contemplative Baptist church. It feels very Quaker to me, which is a nice reminder of George Fox. The sanctuary is simple, the service is quiet and intentional about spending time in silent contemplation, and the people I have met have been unbelievably friendly, welcoming, and real. I appreciate the fact that the pastor gets up and agrees that doubts are okay, that the idea of this faith I am trying to live out looks more like a journey than a list of questions and answers. It has been a great way for me to meet new people, to feel connected to a part of something so much bigger than myself, and to finally get some of the things that have been so out of synch in my life...beginning to be back on the right track.

Anyway...I'll keep you updated if anything happens with the band.

Roommates

2006-01-18T22:45:00.000-06:00

I have been very blessed in moving to Texas for two reasons that I have not really written about at all on this lovely blog. My roommates, Katy and Courtney. This is a picture of us at our fun, and self-proclaimed "awkward" Christmas party.

I am thankful because they are both sweet spirited, easy going, and have created a safe place and home for me to vent and laugh alot!

Katy is quite possibly the sweetest girl I have ever met in my life. She sees the glass not as half full, but as always overflowing. There is not a day that I am not amazed at the capacity she has to see things as happening for a reason, even if it is just to remind me to laugh at myself and see the lighter side of life!

Courtney is a seminary student at Truett (associated with Baylor). I laugh with her a lot too, mostly at her continual antics (we have a rubber ear that seems to find its way into random places in the apartment) and her constant thoughtfulness and concern for me. (She did run to the grocery store a few nights ago to pick me up some medicine for my sick stomach)

Anyway, this is just a little shout out to them. I am thankful for them and for the little apartment I call home here in Waco.

New Year's Resolutions

2006-01-10T20:42:00.000-06:00

With the new year upon us, I have joined with many of the people in America to start fresh and make some resolutions for the new year. While some of them are feasible (like not drinking pop for the year) and easy to measure and know if they are actually being fulfilled, I seem to have chosen another resolution that may be more difficult to define, achieve, and complete throughout the year...but I figure it's worth a try.

This resolution is to have a more positive attitude about Texas. This blog may become a lot less interesting because of that very decision, but overall I think my life for the next year and a half may be a little more pleasant if I start looking at things with the cup half full instead of half empty.

So, I have been getting some interesting facts about Texas that may turn my attitude around.(because I think it will probably take me a full year to get to having a positive attitude about this place) First of all, there are armadillos here. Interesting animals (I'm pretty sure we can call them that) They can jump, they have armor and claws, and yet people seem to associate them with possums. Fascinating.

Secondly, besides the armadillos, the state tree is the pecan tree...and don't we all love pecan pie. That is two points for Texas...that's at least a start!

So, I have been feeling as though I have been on the rise in my new resolution. That was until this afternoon. I am sitting in a coffee shop with a good friend Leslie, discussing life and classes, when she stops in mid sentence, her eyes become the size of quarters as she stares intensely at the wall behind me in complete fear. I do not scream or pass out (aren't you all proud of that?) but slowly move off the stool and turn around slowly. There on the wall is the BIGGEST cockroach I have ever seen in my life. It is red, it is big, it has lots of antennae-looking parts, and it is crawling seriously too close to my head. We chose to exit at this time and sit outside. Texas lost about 10 points for that move...cockroaches are disgusting...and I was even informed they can live for 2 weeks without a head. Not so fascinating!

I'll keep working on the resolution...but it isn't looking too good today.

Nice pics

2006-01-03T12:46:00.000-06:00

I'll Be Home for Christmas!

2005-12-24T15:14:00.000-06:00

Yeah for being in Colorado! I arrived here last weekend and have been spending some quality time up in the mountains getting my fill of snowboarding for the year. Cason, Ashley, and Dan joined me for the week and I am pretty sure they had a good time. We were pretty exhausted after four days on the slopes and I remember why I miss Colorado so much! You don't see too much snow in Waco, Texas. You know you miss the stuff when you can't stop talking about how "cool" snowflakes are to your friends in Texas who don't usually see the stuff. I'm pretty sure they thought it was my first time seeing snow fall too! UNBELIEVABLE!

My 'Texan friends' (as everyone started calling them...much to their disapproval) made me proud on the mountains though. Cason managed to make it the whole week without a major wreck and even beat me down the mountain the last day (although we both think he may have had a head start). Dan and Ashley walked away with no injuries and even had a few garage sales to brag about! Woo hoo! Mostly I was proud because they didn't show up wearing Dallas Cowboys starter jackets, jeans, and cowboy hats! Ha! They are great!

Christmas should be pretty quiet for me. I am enjoying some quality time with the parentals and sisters and buffalo too! If you are in Colorado, give me a call, I'd love to connect with you!

Not another Christmas party

2005-12-13T21:58:00.000-06:00

Phew...I am just about done with Christmas parties! I have not really been to that many, but if I play another round of "White Elephant" or "Dirty Santa" or "Yankee Grab" (which ever you want to call it) I don't know what I'll do...

The Christmas parties started last Thursday at our apartment. A self-proclaimed "awkward" party because of the random groups of people that showed up that represent my roommates and my very different friends. In the end, it was okay...we did have a white elephant gift exchange...I received a very nice set of ceramic angels (pretty creepy actually). The people who showed up who I knew included all the folks I talk about all the time from work (Cason, Amy, Dan, Ashley, Leslie (and her husband Jonathan) and Karin). Amy walked away from the party with a nice figurine of an eagle. Courtney, my roommate was the proud giver of the eagle!

The next party was last night, and included my cohort, the cohort above mine, and all the faculty who teach in our program. It was at the Vice President for Student Life's house...very nice, and once again, it included Cason, Leslie, Jonathan, Ashley and some other folks from my cohort. That was pretty normal minus a few awkward comments made, but that's a whole other story.

Tonight, we had the Student Activities Office party at Scott Wade's house. Amy and I decided that we really needed to spice things up (since we were once again going to be seeing all the same folks) so we busted out some really nice Christmas vests. Mine was knit with a kitten playing with a ornament on one side, and a nice stocking stitched onto the other side. We were a pretty big deal, not gonna lie. However, in tonight's white elephant exchange...I managed to pick the gift that Amy gave...and once again...the figurine of the eagle has returned home. I put it in the freezer to try and scare my roommate!

Another pic of Clifford

2005-12-13T09:43:00.000-06:00

Whoa...scandelous

Most of the cohort

2005-12-13T09:40:00.000-06:00

Here's a group photo of most of the cohort!

Cassondra, me, Clint, Jason, Leslie, Dan, (back) Ashley, Julia (front)

Reflections on the semester

2005-12-11T19:11:00.000-06:00

One of the beautiful things about returning to school is that I have the opportunity to have my life divided into semesters. This may seem strange, but in reality it is nice to have some clearly defined beginnings and endings in my life. The semester is finished. A quick reflection on some of the things I've learned is what you get in this blog...feel free to skim! :)

More than anything, I would say that I am leaving this semester a huge advocate of the graduate program that I am a part of. When I started, I was simply doing it because I knew I needed a Master's to get a job in the field of Student Services. It was a means for an end. But as I have read books, taken classes, written papers, and started to understand the depth of this field and the academy as a whole, I am beginning to realize how imperative it really is to be here learning the things I am learning. I feel as though I have a better understanding of the academy as a whole (not just the student services side of university life), I have learned some of the theories that are the foundation for the study of student services, and I have started understanding the complexity of working for a place as complicated as a university. I have also discovered that this is exactly where I need to be, that I love working with college students in a university setting, and that God has put me here in this place for a reason and for that I am very thankful.

The people I have met here have made my experience a great one. The people in my cohort are beginning to mesh better, and I absolutely love everyone in my office. It just goes to show that a place is not what matters, it is always the people that make something great!

So how's your semester been? (even if you aren't in school anymore...sometimes it's fun to pretend!)

Chillin'

2005-12-07T23:58:00.000-06:00

I am truly chillin' in Waco, Texas this evening. Waco was hit with a bit of an ice storm, and some snow flurries. As you can imagine, I was grinning from ear to ear with the cool weather. The morning started out foggy and rainy and cold and I felt like I was back in Oregon again, and tonight I feel like I'm back in Colorado...so it has been a good day overall! Woo hoo!

The semester is ending and that of course is good and bad. It seriously has gone by a lot faster than I would have ever guessed, and I need to spend some time reflecting a little on the things I've learned and the people I have interacted with. Right now I have one final paper to turn in (due Friday) and that will close up the semester academically. I am going to be working the next few weeks and will be home for Christmas on the 17th.

Some of my crazy friends from the office, Dan, Cason, and Ashley, are all coming up for a few days before Christmas for some skiing and I am excited about that. I am sure they will enjoy the snow, and I know they will enjoy Colorado! :) After all, it is Texas' playground! But I am mostly looking forward to just having some downtime, to see some real snow, to hang out with the fam, possibly see you, and to read a book for fun! (imagine that!)

Better pictures of Clifford!

2005-12-07T16:01:00.000-06:00

Clifford!

Amy and Clifford!

Clifford working hard!

Hmmmmm..

Dan and Clifford....ahhhh

It's a Camel!!!

2005-12-05T16:26:00.000-06:00

This is a picture of a camel from Christmas on 5th street!
MORE WILD ANIMALS ON CAMPUS!!!!
Unbelievable!!!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas!

2005-12-01T16:45:00.000-06:00

Christmas has officially arrived here at Baylor University! Today we are celebrating a tradition called Christmas on 5th Street. We have a Christmas Tree Lighting, Hay Rides, Concert with Shawn McDonald, Cookie Decorating, Hot Cocoa, live nativity, lights everywhere and just overall holiday cheer. It has been fun to walk around campus (and today it is cold enough to actually need to wear a FLEECE!) which makes me feel like its Christmas too!

Tomorrow I have the final event for my community service position, Santa's Workshop. We bring in 3-5 year olds from the Waco community who probably won't get any Christmas gifts this year. Santa makes an appearance along with Mrs. Claus, we have some Christmas activities and singing! Clifford the Big Red Dog is also going to be there. I wanted to play the role of Clifford, but when I tried on the suit everyone said I looked more like Clifford the miniature Red Dog, so I had to give it up to someone else!

I'm sure I'll have some more pics after tonite...but wanted to spread some of the Christmas cheer I was feeling today. I know it is all very commercialized but it has still been a fun atmosphere on campus!

Joy!

2005-11-28T20:58:00.000-06:00

Oh my goodness! Live bears on campus! BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!

(Don't worry, I don't leave home without bells on my shoes!)

I Give it a Ten!

2005-11-14T22:04:00.000-06:00

Ten things I am thankful for that have happened in the last 10 days (in no particular order)

10. Steppin' Out! I am still amazed by the steering committee that made the whole event happen! I got to hang out with them again tonite and I am reminded of how much I love the whole crew 'cause we spent the night laughing alot! Yeah!

9. Finishing up all of the reading for my class, Culture and Organization of Higher Education. I have never loved and hated a class so much in my life. I have definitely learned a ton but it has been a hard class! Final paper is due next Tuesday...I'm sure there will be some celebration when that is finished!

8. Being surprised by Lissa...enough said!

7. Decorating the apartment for Christmas! I LOVE Christmas, the decorations, the smells, the songs, the lights...just about everything! This year we are celebrating by wearing some holiday vests as well! I'll send in a pic soon...

6. Spending some quality time with Lissa. It is always great to have an outsider's perspective on life here...especially since Lissa is someone who knows me well and can speak encouragement and truth in my life! I am very thankful for her!

5. Beginning to understand people in the office-and I don't use the word beginning lightly...they are a fun crew, but I still don't understand all the dynamics that come with our office!

4. Colorado Crew! I am leading a small group study with some girls from Colorado and it has been great getting to know them and just to hang out with some fellow Coloradans!

3. A cold front is coming in. I hear that Colorado got some snow...and while I am sad that I cannot be there to enjoy some real cold weather...I am thankful because it is bringing some cold weather my way! I may scream if we have another day of 85 degrees

2. A good, long conversation with Randy! That is like medicine for my soul! :)

1. Melissa Newman-the director for our steering committee for Steppin' Out. She is a senior at Baylor and shares my love of Chipotle and the Emperor's New Groove. We laugh a lot and I am very thankful for her sense of humor! So much fun!

Steppin' Out Pics!

2005-11-12T20:08:00.000-06:00

Me, Megan, Laura and Zach at one of the paint sites

Laura, Ashish, Sarah and Shrestha (members of the Steppin' Out Steering Committee)

SURPRISE!!!!

2005-11-10T09:48:00.000-06:00

I was completly surprised after class on Tuesday when Lissa Stuewe showed up in
Waco, Texas! I screamed for a good 2 minutes straight...it was pretty crazy!

So, my supervisor gave me the week off and I am enjoying some quality time with
my good friend! I'll fill you in on the details later...but hooray! I heart
Lissa Stuewe!

Steppin' Out 2005!

2005-11-06T21:55:00.000-06:00

5:00am-up and at 'em for the day (i was too excited to sleep any later)
7:00am-show up at campus to get ready for the steering committee to show up
8:00am-steering committee starts to arrive, we eat breakfast together
8:45am-other volunteers show up to help
9:00am-start moving tools from the basement outside
10:00am-start allocating tools for 2500 students
12:00pm-groups start showing up to pick up tools
1:00pm-break for lunch
1:30pm-out to the FCC worksite
2:00pm-back on campus, prep for groups to return with tools, prep for celebration
3:00pm-groups start showing up with tools, clean tools
5:00pm-celebration ends
6:00pm-major cleanup (lots of paint brushes)
8:00pm-meet with steering committee for debriefing
8:30pm-home!

Today was a great day! I worked with a group of undergraduate students to put on something at Baylor called Steppin' Out. It is a day of service for our students here and I am not going to be able to sleep tonite I'm so excited (that is the little bit of extrovert coming out in me). I know it might sound a little cheesy, but I really do believe that we made a difference today. We had about 2500 Baylor students working at 43 different sites in the Waco community for a few hours this afternoon. Most of the students were at houses scraping and repainting for people who could not afford to do that or were unable to because of sickness or disabilities.

One of the sites in particular that my FCC group was working at is an old run-down motel that is going to be used as a home for single women. We had about 200 students at that site alone, working hard for about 3 hours and they completed the entire project. I don't have pictures back yet but hopefully by tomorrow I'll have some fun ones I can add to this blog to give you a better idea of what they were doing. When I was talking to the man working at the motel, he said that he thought a handful of students were going to come to help him paint, but instead we sent half of the school! (A bit of an exaggeration, but to him it might as well have been half of the school) He also kept going on and on about how he couldn't believe that a group of freshman would get together on a nice, Sunday afternoon to help him paint. He was speechless with tears in his eyes talking about it. And he told me he was going to trade in his Texas hat for a Baylor one, and down here...that's saying a lot! It was that story right there that made me realize it was worth all the work of the last two months to be ready for today.

Today also made me realize once again that this is really the place I need to be, and the place that God has me. My assistantship is such a good fit for me because I get to be a part of something like Steppin' Out...which makes me remember and realize that there is always a bigger picture, there is always more people to serve and to love on, and it is always a good thing to be pushed outside our comfort zones, especially when it benefits, serves and loves other people.

I was also amazed because I felt so loved on today. We had a lot of people from the Student Activities office show up to help with the sorting of tools and organization of different sites. That alone meant a ton simply because it is nice to have others in the office realize and experience what we have been working on!

I am also amazed because I work with some pretty outstanding students. My boss, Karin, first of all is unbelievable. I am lucky because my job is mostly great because I have such a great supervisor. But, we get to advise a committee of 9 people who are just phenomenal. I will have to take another blog to share more about who they are...Seriously some amazing people.

So anyway, that was my day today and it was a good one! It started off early and looks to be ending pretty late but it will have to go into the records as one of the better days I've had...ever! I am blessed to be here, more than I express in these blogs I'm sure. But I am thankful for the opportunity to know how to serve college students better!

Homecoming Pictures

2005-10-31T22:41:00.000-06:00

Bear in the float carried by FCC members
On the FCC Float- Judge Baylor
FCC Float
Sic 'Em Bears
Immortal Ten

Traditions Abound

2005-10-31T20:12:00.000-06:00

Many people ask me why I decided to come to Texas to do my graduate program. To get straight to the matter, the truth is that I get a free education for the program that I want to do, and that is a great reason to be here. But, beyond that, there are some things about Baylor that make it a rich experience.

First of all, coming from the background of Colorado State University and George Fox University, I have a fairly diverse background when it comes to university experience. On the one hand, Colorado State University is a huge school with potential for a lot of great things because of its size and the number of resources it has available to it. Unfortunately, I felt like CSU didn't have a lot of long-standing traditions in place anymore, and I really wanted to experience that in my higher ed. On the complete other side of the spectrum, George Fox University is a small school without the same resources, better traditions and stronger culture within the college, but the size is so small you can't develop the same kind of programming.

So, lucky for me, I find myself doing my graduate work at Baylor, which has more students, thus more money, and more traditions then I know what to do with. Every brick on campus has some sort of significance or story, so I feel like Baylor seems to mix the tradition of George Fox that I loved with the size and resources of Colorado State. Not a bad combo at all.

The traditions were at their height this weekend because of homecoming. Homecoming is a BIG deal here at Baylor, and for obvious reasons...they do it big and they do it well! (Everything's bigger in Texas!) Some of the activities included Pigskin which I could (and probably will) write an entire entry on, but it is basically a Broadway talent show put on by undergraduates (very elaborate), the Homecoming Parade (which is apparently the longest collegiate parade in the U.S.) which has the most elaborate floats, this year had 53 Homecoming royalty nominees, the live bear (just walking through campus as though it were not a wild animal), and huge parade balloons (like you see at Macy's parade...not even kiddin' you!). Our FCC group helped with the Baylor Bear Balloon and it was sweet...seriously sweet. They also have something called mass meeting on Friday night where all the freshman come together and they share the story of the immortal ten, and then the freshman are given the "eternal" flame which they have to keep lit (the upper classmen try to extinguish the flame) so that they can use it to light the bonfire on Friday night. And at the bonfire, they had a full carnival with rides. I was seriously amazed with the whole event...and I understood why Baylor alumni come back for Homecoming! (I guess there's a football game too...but noone really talks about that!)

Your Response Please...

2005-10-28T15:12:00.000-06:00

Really quick, if you have any idea what these next few comments mean, please let me know as I have been baffled upon hearing them here in Texas...in my classes:

1. "They don't care if syrup goes to a dollar a sop"
2. "They copy every jot and tiddle...you know what I'm talking about."
3. "Much to the shagrin of every person there..."

Any ideas or interpretations? I'm clearly confused.

Stress Relief

2005-10-21T17:06:00.000-06:00

In the midst of midterm week, I am trying to discover some positive ways to get rid of the stress in my life. As a graduate student, I suppose I should know how to handle stress since I have been through college as an undergrad, but I think I've forgotten all the details that go into writing a 20 page midterm...and now I have gone and made myself stressed out again just thinking about it since I don't have it finished...it really is a vicious cycle.

To the point now...as I have been trying to get rid of some of this stress I have managed to find some good and not-so-good methods of relieving stress. On the good side, I have rediscovered racquetball, on the not-so-good side, I made an irrational decision to CHOP my hair off. But, why focus on the not-so-good...let's stick with the good.

I have rediscovered one of my most favorite things in life...racquetball. I took a class when I was in college and realized I really loved the sport...but haven't really played it much since then. So, I decided to get out my racquets again (they are named Lady Swinger and Marty Hogan) and challenge some folks to a few games. I guess Lady and Marty are not in peak condition, because all the games I've played I have lost...and not by a small margin. (And of course it was them, not me!) I played one game against Cason and one against Clint. For the most part, I think it was a big joke for them. Not only did I lose every single game, but they didn't appear to even be trying. To get the best picture, imagine them standing in the middle of the court, yawning, hitting the ball with their eyes closed, hardly moving at all. Then imagine me, running around like a spaz , trying to do more than laugh or swing and miss at the ball.

Why you might ask, would I consider this a rediscovery of one of my favorite things? I must not have a competitive bone in my body if I don't even care that I lost (significantly) in both cases. Well, while it did bother me a little to lose (and by so much) I am blaming it on the fact that I have not played in awhile, and that Lady and Marty are a bit out of use as well. So, until I can actually win a few games I think I might reconsider who I play against...there are a few ladies in the cohort who have never played...maybe that will be a better match for me! But, ultimately it is great because there is a lot of stress that you can get out by hitting a little blue ball as hard as you can in a big empty, echoy room and laughing because you are so terrible!

P.S. I really am not that stressed out. If I were, I would probably be working on my midterm instead of posting another blog (get back to me on Monday night, the story may have changed by then)

P.S.S. The haircut isn't really that dramatic, I was just going for dramatic effect in the blog...don't really think it worked though