Sunday, January 13, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Benny Look-a-like
Yesterday I was at the Chamber over lunchtime and stepped out to walk a block down to a local organic grocery store to grab a sandwich. Right as I rounded the corner to the store, I spotted a kid who was the SPITTING IMAGE of Ben, my little brother. So much that I did a double take and thought, "what the heck is my brother doing in Bloomington?"Same face, same skinny-ness, same long curly brown hair, same mustache. See left for a picture of my actual brother and you will also see a picture of this kid.
So of course I stared at him open mouthed, realized he wasn't actually my brother, and continued to turn back to look at him because the resemblance was so uncanny. And of course the poor kid got really freaked out and I had to explain, feeling both foolish and bad for being so weird, that he looked like my brother. Then he game me a strange look that turned into a half smile, then took off. Probably thinking, "that was weird." Can't blame him.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Completely Random
I realized that I've missed blogging about some things recently, so here is some catch up.
See left for a shot of Josh & family playing some golf from our recent trip to Phoenix. I was observing the game from a hill next to the bunker - a great place to sit. We spent a relaxing 5-ish days in the Phoenix area over New Year's. Lots of good eating, board game playing (I even won a couple games of Settler's and Ticket To Ride this time!) and family time. Plus IU was in a bowl game (BIG STUFF for IU) and we got to see them lose. Sad, but still fun to go and support the Hoosiers. Plus, who doesn't get excited about a little arm marching?
See left for a shot of Josh & family playing some golf from our recent trip to Phoenix. I was observing the game from a hill next to the bunker - a great place to sit. We spent a relaxing 5-ish days in the Phoenix area over New Year's. Lots of good eating, board game playing (I even won a couple games of Settler's and Ticket To Ride this time!) and family time. Plus IU was in a bowl game (BIG STUFF for IU) and we got to see them lose. Sad, but still fun to go and support the Hoosiers. Plus, who doesn't get excited about a little arm marching?
-
And now we're back in Indiana and working/schooling/etc. and have been for about a week.
I am in L
OVE with my new Cricut. A scrapbooker/card maker's dream. Seriously, with the exception of the Christmas tree on the left, everything you can see here was cut out with my new toy.
I am in L
OVE with my new Cricut. A scrapbooker/card maker's dream. Seriously, with the exception of the Christmas tree on the left, everything you can see here was cut out with my new toy. -
I'm not a manual-reader but my friend Lora is and went through page by page and explained all the cool features. Glad she did because I learned all sorts of fun things about its capabilities. Like big shapes, small shapes, paper saving, etc. I'm looking forward to making special cards and things for family and friends. Plus the exciting scrapbooking dimension... mm... :)
-
And of course a fur-ball update. Josh and I came home from AZ early Thursday morning, but we didn't get the rug-rat back until Sunday evening. A very sad couple of days! But we knew of someone that was conveniently already driving from Grand Rapids to Bloomington that Sunday and figured it was worth it to wait. Definitely nice to not have to take a big road trip to get him! But we're super excited to have him back at home with us. What a joy he is, even if he does like to chew on my slippers from time to time.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Too Much?
More thoughts on the year ahead.
I have big issues with taking on too much. Spreading myself too thin. This is true both in work stuff and personal stuff. There are so many things I want to do in 2008 (even just in the winter semester!) that I'm having a hard time making some immediate decisions. I'm trying to pray a lot about what to take on, and what to pass by. It is so hard! I like to be involved in so much!!
Here is what I have planned already for the semester:
Running in a Mini-Marathon in May
As previously discussed. And this will involve some significant training.
Co-leading the Kelley Partner's Club
My friend Lora and I are Co-Presidents this year. The KPC is a group of partners of MBA students here at IU. They did a wonderful job welcoming me to Bloomington, answering my questions, and just planning all kinds of activities so that I didn't have to sit at home all semester while Josh was busy with school. This group has been such a wonderful social/support network for our move here, and I'm happy to help carry it on for new partners! But leading this group is actually a lot of work. Meetings, correspondence, planning, etc.
Trip to Chile/Argentina in March
WAY excited for this one. The school calls these "KIPs" trips (Kelley in Perspective, I think) and Josh will actually take a class on business in those countries, then go, then eventually get some credits too. But I (along with a few other wives) am going along for the ride! The students won't be busy EVERY day, and when they are we can just do some extra sight-seeing.
KATS-ing
I did this last semester and involves working for the business school and getting well paid for it. Somewhere around 30 hours, spread over a few weeks. Doesn't sound so bad until I remember I'll still have a normal job to work and KIPS falls right in the middle. But extra $ always helps when you're married to a full time student!
And here are some things up in the air:
Small Group with Church
We kind-of started a small group with some other young couples in the fall, but I get the feeling it is falling apart at the seams. We have a book picked and bought, but when I email out information only 1 or 2 people (out of 4-5) answer. Are people just too busy? Not interested? Not sure. If it does get up and running, that would be great. We've had great experiences with small group in the past and hope for the same here in Bloomington.
Women's Bible Study with Church
Am I crazy? I'm beginning to think so. I wouldn't think twice about this opportunity except they're starting a Beth Moore study (her new one) on Psalms in a couple weeks. I HEART Psalms and have really wanted to do a Beth Moore study with other women for a long time. I've done some workbooks on my own and always learn so much. I'm sure it will only be better in a group of people working through it together.
AND THEN THERES NORMAL STUFF
Spending time with Josh, Riley, and friends. Work (more on that at a later date) and church and time spent in prayer and the Bible. Grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, reading, crafting, blogging. :) And as I've mentioned, I really want to get out there and serve people. Plus there is a part of me that knows it is sometimes best to be still. I'm praying specifically about the Beth Moore study in particular, and am leaning toward NOT doing that one. Is that the right thing to do? Especially after just typing this out I'm leaning toward that one.
I'm honestly asking for advice. Please feel free to leave some!
I have big issues with taking on too much. Spreading myself too thin. This is true both in work stuff and personal stuff. There are so many things I want to do in 2008 (even just in the winter semester!) that I'm having a hard time making some immediate decisions. I'm trying to pray a lot about what to take on, and what to pass by. It is so hard! I like to be involved in so much!!
Here is what I have planned already for the semester:
Running in a Mini-Marathon in May
As previously discussed. And this will involve some significant training.
Co-leading the Kelley Partner's Club
My friend Lora and I are Co-Presidents this year. The KPC is a group of partners of MBA students here at IU. They did a wonderful job welcoming me to Bloomington, answering my questions, and just planning all kinds of activities so that I didn't have to sit at home all semester while Josh was busy with school. This group has been such a wonderful social/support network for our move here, and I'm happy to help carry it on for new partners! But leading this group is actually a lot of work. Meetings, correspondence, planning, etc.
Trip to Chile/Argentina in March
WAY excited for this one. The school calls these "KIPs" trips (Kelley in Perspective, I think) and Josh will actually take a class on business in those countries, then go, then eventually get some credits too. But I (along with a few other wives) am going along for the ride! The students won't be busy EVERY day, and when they are we can just do some extra sight-seeing.
KATS-ing
I did this last semester and involves working for the business school and getting well paid for it. Somewhere around 30 hours, spread over a few weeks. Doesn't sound so bad until I remember I'll still have a normal job to work and KIPS falls right in the middle. But extra $ always helps when you're married to a full time student!
And here are some things up in the air:
Small Group with Church
We kind-of started a small group with some other young couples in the fall, but I get the feeling it is falling apart at the seams. We have a book picked and bought, but when I email out information only 1 or 2 people (out of 4-5) answer. Are people just too busy? Not interested? Not sure. If it does get up and running, that would be great. We've had great experiences with small group in the past and hope for the same here in Bloomington.
Women's Bible Study with Church
Am I crazy? I'm beginning to think so. I wouldn't think twice about this opportunity except they're starting a Beth Moore study (her new one) on Psalms in a couple weeks. I HEART Psalms and have really wanted to do a Beth Moore study with other women for a long time. I've done some workbooks on my own and always learn so much. I'm sure it will only be better in a group of people working through it together.
AND THEN THERES NORMAL STUFF
Spending time with Josh, Riley, and friends. Work (more on that at a later date) and church and time spent in prayer and the Bible. Grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, reading, crafting, blogging. :) And as I've mentioned, I really want to get out there and serve people. Plus there is a part of me that knows it is sometimes best to be still. I'm praying specifically about the Beth Moore study in particular, and am leaning toward NOT doing that one. Is that the right thing to do? Especially after just typing this out I'm leaning toward that one.
I'm honestly asking for advice. Please feel free to leave some!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Thoughts for 2008
He has shown all you people what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly
and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
When I think of resolutions and goals for myself, this verse often comes to mind. I don't know that I'd call the principles listed above goals or resolutions, but more overarching truths to align my life with. Not that I'll ever "get there" (whatever that means) but I want to make it my life's work to pursue each of these things. I love both the simplicity and depth found in this verse, and am thankful that while I can get my mind around these truths with relative ease, there will always be more to learn and grow in with each.
With that in mind, I've been thinking some in the last couple of weeks about New Year's resolutions. While I agree that they're almost meant to be broken when called such, now is such a great time for new goals. Something about January says "fresh start" for me. Maybe its because I still think in terms of semesters, like I'm still in school. Now that Josh's life is again set according to a school calendar, this is even more the case.
But here are my goals for 2008:
1. Pray
Consistency in prayer has been an issue throughout my walk with God. While I understand in my head that it is important and worthwhile and good, I fail to do it on a regular basis. Like, beyond a blessing before a meal or a quick "help me." My heart isn't always into it, and this frustrates me. And then I just don't do it. Spending more time on my knees (or even talking to God while soaking in a bubble bath) is definitely on my list of goals.
2. Serve
In some capacity or another, I want to serve people in the name of Christ this year. The poor, the sick, the needy. I have a bad habit of being paralyzed by not knowing how to serve or what to get involved in. A soup kitchen? A crisis pregnancy center? Helping international families get acclamated to the States? I don't know which and I don't know how to jump in. And then I just don't. But it is my heart's desire to get out of my comfortable shell and serve others.
3. Run
Back in October, I got really excited about running. And I did it relatively consistently through Thanksgiving, which is big for unathletic me. And then I got sick and stopped doing it. BUT I'm still signed up for a mini-marathon in May and need to get in shape to run it. I don't AT ALL feel like getting off the couch and out there on the sidewalks, but I know it will be good for me on several levels. So here we go.
So there we have it. Don't know how all this will pan out, but those goals are on my heart and mind right now for 2008. I think these specific goals fit relatively well with my "life verse" (hey, I can run humbly with God too, right? :)). I hope so.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly
and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
When I think of resolutions and goals for myself, this verse often comes to mind. I don't know that I'd call the principles listed above goals or resolutions, but more overarching truths to align my life with. Not that I'll ever "get there" (whatever that means) but I want to make it my life's work to pursue each of these things. I love both the simplicity and depth found in this verse, and am thankful that while I can get my mind around these truths with relative ease, there will always be more to learn and grow in with each.
With that in mind, I've been thinking some in the last couple of weeks about New Year's resolutions. While I agree that they're almost meant to be broken when called such, now is such a great time for new goals. Something about January says "fresh start" for me. Maybe its because I still think in terms of semesters, like I'm still in school. Now that Josh's life is again set according to a school calendar, this is even more the case.
But here are my goals for 2008:
1. Pray
Consistency in prayer has been an issue throughout my walk with God. While I understand in my head that it is important and worthwhile and good, I fail to do it on a regular basis. Like, beyond a blessing before a meal or a quick "help me." My heart isn't always into it, and this frustrates me. And then I just don't do it. Spending more time on my knees (or even talking to God while soaking in a bubble bath) is definitely on my list of goals.
2. Serve
In some capacity or another, I want to serve people in the name of Christ this year. The poor, the sick, the needy. I have a bad habit of being paralyzed by not knowing how to serve or what to get involved in. A soup kitchen? A crisis pregnancy center? Helping international families get acclamated to the States? I don't know which and I don't know how to jump in. And then I just don't. But it is my heart's desire to get out of my comfortable shell and serve others.
3. Run
Back in October, I got really excited about running. And I did it relatively consistently through Thanksgiving, which is big for unathletic me. And then I got sick and stopped doing it. BUT I'm still signed up for a mini-marathon in May and need to get in shape to run it. I don't AT ALL feel like getting off the couch and out there on the sidewalks, but I know it will be good for me on several levels. So here we go.
So there we have it. Don't know how all this will pan out, but those goals are on my heart and mind right now for 2008. I think these specific goals fit relatively well with my "life verse" (hey, I can run humbly with God too, right? :)). I hope so.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
2007 In Review
1) Where did you begin 2007?
At the Telman's house with the rest of our old small group - Buurstras and VanHaitsmas. We played games and ate a lot, then left there and went to my parents party, which was still going strong until 4am.
2) What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Married. Neither of us have any idea what we did to celebrate.
3) Were you in school (anytime this year)?
Nope - but Josh started an MBA program this fall
4) How did you earn your money?
Worked at Zondervan full time through July. They graciously allowed me to go part time from Bloomington when we moved, so I've done that since. Then in September I got a job with the Chamber of Commerce in Bloomington. Two jobs, 20 hours/week each. Then I made some money on the side K-Leading.
5) Did you have to go to the hospital?
I visited my cousin Christina there last week when we were in Grand Rapids. Also, I worked with folks from the Bloomington hospital to promote new a new health insurance plan. I had many meetings there.
6) Did you have any encounters with the police?
I don't think so!
7) Where did you go on vacation?
Carmel, CA - golf (well, not for me) and other fun
Beaver Creek, CO - ski trip
Chicago, IL - for our anniversary!
Sun City, AZ - to visit the in-laws a couple times
8) What did you purchase that was over $1000?
Josh had to get a new computer for school.
9) Did you know anybody who got married?
Yes - Boeve & Erin and Allie & Dan, pretty much all friends from Michigan
10) Did you know anybody who passed away?
Don't think so.
11) What was your favorite event?
Hm... a toughie. There were lots of fun events to go to, but I really loved Christmas this year.
12) Which movie was your favorite in 2007?
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
What was the furthest you travelled from home?
Southern California
14) What concerts/shows did you go to?
Josh took me to Wicked in Chicago!
15) Are you registered to vote?
Yes
16) What new person touched your life in 2007?
I can't pick just one, but I'm thankful for lots of new friends in Bloomington.
17) Where do you live now?
Bloomington, IN
18) Describe your birthday:
I turned 24 in Grand Rapids this year. Sadly Josh wasn't around, but I went to work at Zondervan, and coworkers there took me to lunch. Then I went to Mongolian BBQ for dinner with my parents, Ben, and Erin. Julie and Kara also managed to spoil me the next day. Had Josh been there it would have been perfect.
19) What's one thing you thought you'd never do but did in 2007?
Work 3 jobs at one time
20) What has been your favorite moment?
Getting Riley - and lots of fun times with him since
21) What's something you learned about yourself?
I don't have everything together. Far from it. I'm a work in progress and need God's grace every day
22.) Any new additions to your family?
Riley!
23.) What was your best month?
Even though it was hard and stressful, August was pretty exciting. We had just started our new adventure in Indiana, just gotten Riley, and I only worked part time for that month.
24.) What music will you remember 2007 by?
I got really into Derek Webb this year.
25) Who would you consider your "partner in crime" through 2007?
Probably Lora - we got in trouble with our out-of-town husbands by staying out too late. Other adventures in there, too.
26) Made new friends?
Yes, and I'm so very thankful. We miss GR people, we have have great new friends in Bloomington.
At the Telman's house with the rest of our old small group - Buurstras and VanHaitsmas. We played games and ate a lot, then left there and went to my parents party, which was still going strong until 4am.
2) What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Married. Neither of us have any idea what we did to celebrate.
3) Were you in school (anytime this year)?
Nope - but Josh started an MBA program this fall
4) How did you earn your money?
Worked at Zondervan full time through July. They graciously allowed me to go part time from Bloomington when we moved, so I've done that since. Then in September I got a job with the Chamber of Commerce in Bloomington. Two jobs, 20 hours/week each. Then I made some money on the side K-Leading.
5) Did you have to go to the hospital?
I visited my cousin Christina there last week when we were in Grand Rapids. Also, I worked with folks from the Bloomington hospital to promote new a new health insurance plan. I had many meetings there.
6) Did you have any encounters with the police?
I don't think so!
7) Where did you go on vacation?
Carmel, CA - golf (well, not for me) and other fun
Beaver Creek, CO - ski trip
Chicago, IL - for our anniversary!
Sun City, AZ - to visit the in-laws a couple times
8) What did you purchase that was over $1000?
Josh had to get a new computer for school.
9) Did you know anybody who got married?
Yes - Boeve & Erin and Allie & Dan, pretty much all friends from Michigan
10) Did you know anybody who passed away?
Don't think so.
11) What was your favorite event?
Hm... a toughie. There were lots of fun events to go to, but I really loved Christmas this year.
12) Which movie was your favorite in 2007?
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
What was the furthest you travelled from home?
Southern California
14) What concerts/shows did you go to?
Josh took me to Wicked in Chicago!
15) Are you registered to vote?
Yes
16) What new person touched your life in 2007?
I can't pick just one, but I'm thankful for lots of new friends in Bloomington.
17) Where do you live now?
Bloomington, IN
18) Describe your birthday:
I turned 24 in Grand Rapids this year. Sadly Josh wasn't around, but I went to work at Zondervan, and coworkers there took me to lunch. Then I went to Mongolian BBQ for dinner with my parents, Ben, and Erin. Julie and Kara also managed to spoil me the next day. Had Josh been there it would have been perfect.
19) What's one thing you thought you'd never do but did in 2007?
Work 3 jobs at one time
20) What has been your favorite moment?
Getting Riley - and lots of fun times with him since
21) What's something you learned about yourself?
I don't have everything together. Far from it. I'm a work in progress and need God's grace every day
22.) Any new additions to your family?
Riley!
23.) What was your best month?
Even though it was hard and stressful, August was pretty exciting. We had just started our new adventure in Indiana, just gotten Riley, and I only worked part time for that month.
24.) What music will you remember 2007 by?
I got really into Derek Webb this year.
25) Who would you consider your "partner in crime" through 2007?
Probably Lora - we got in trouble with our out-of-town husbands by staying out too late. Other adventures in there, too.
26) Made new friends?
Yes, and I'm so very thankful. We miss GR people, we have have great new friends in Bloomington.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Two Words.
GO BLUE
So fun to watch the Wolverines eek out a victory against Florida today. After an ugly-ish season, lots of injuries, and a their long-time coach retiring, the game's underdogs beat out a SEC powerhouse armed with this year's Heisman winner.
Bliss...
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