New Blog

Here's the link to my new blog:

http://somethingsnext.blogspot.com

or you can check out my profile and find "White Blank Page" under my blogs.

Sianara!

10 Things I Learned in Baltimore

1. Self understanding and knowledge. Could have happened anywhere else, but still appreciated.

2. What poverty and hate really look like. Both sad and scary things.

3. What independence tastes like.

4. And that community living is easier said than done.

5. Living on $50 a month is very difficult.

6. How hard working full time is.

7. But with that, how to be teachable and responsible.

8. How God works without me knowing or noticing. God is much more real than I knew.

9. That admitting to hard situations is freeing. It still sucks but allowing myself to be cynical is important.

10. Rats need a place to live, too.

Wow Baltimore. Thanks for the memories, but it's past time to be gone. I'll take what I've learned and try practicing them in my daily living while in Ohio again. Oh, Ohio. We'll see how this goes.

So ends the barf sandwich chapter of my life. Now begins another. I'll be starting a new blog, and add a post with the new link. To all the fans of my large international audience, I hope you've enjoyed yourselves this year.

Affirmation

This should happen every morning. Enjoy!

Slowly Making It To The End

Time crawls like a sloth. I'm waiting to finish, feeling so unsettled.
The future is unclear, but the present is muddled.

Unintentional rhyming is happening. Change can be good, I know that's true. But being in the middle of something that should be over, is too difficult for me to take head on. I need to leave. All the new people are here, starting work soon and taking over my space. I feel invaded and displaced. I only have 1.5 weeks left in this place, but it's 1.5 weeks too long. Even the littlest things are stressing me out-not having plans made each day until I leave. I want to keep myself busy and occupied. It's unhealthy, but at least I'm aware, right?

I'll make it through. 1.5 weeks isn't that long. But still, long enough.

I'm being so melodramatic.

Theme Song Of My Year.

In A Month

In a month I will be doing the following:

Laying in my new double-sized bed watching Netflix on my laptop.

Drinking out of my new coffee/tea stein.

Training my parents puppy to ring a bell to be let outside (we'll see how that goes).

Traveling to see friends in neighboring states.

RELAXING.

And then of course, updating my resume and searching for jobs. If anyone has any leads, let me know!



Life will be so different in a month. I can't wait.

Lies Don't Need An Aeroplane.

So I know when music lyrics are posted for anything, I’m quick to skim or ignore them. It’s much easier to sing along to a song than to make up the tune in your head when you’re not even sure of how it goes. That’s my personal thought on the matter, so good things this is my blog. If you agree with this statement, I promise you, these lyrics are worth the effort. Maybe I’ll post a youtube video later for those of you like me. Or, maybe not.

Weight of Lies

Disappear from you hometown
Go and find the people that you know
Show them all you good parts
Leave town when bad ones start to show
Go and wed a woman
A pretty girl that you’ve never met
Make sure she knows you love her well
But don’t make any other promises


The weight of lies will bring you down
And follow you to every town
Cause nothing happens here that doesn’t happen there
So when you run make sure you run
To something and not away from
Cause lies don’t need an aeroplane to chase you anywhere

I once heard the worse thing
A man could do is draw a hungry crowd
Tell everyone his name, pride, and confidence
But leaving out his doubt
I’m not sure I bought those words
When I was young I knew most everything
These words have never met so much to anyone
As they now mean to me

The weight of lies will bring you down
And follow you to every town
Cause nothing happens here that doesn’t happen there
So when you run make sure you run
To something and not away from
Cause lies don’t need an aeroplane to chase you down

This poignant song by the Avett Brothers, is something that helps to express my experience thus far as a volunteer living in community. I relate to these words in a different way, in that being with people in such a concentrated way can bring about beautiful change, but can also convey the worst in you. Turning away and running from the ugly and unwanted side of a person or yourself builds walls that become barriers and aren’t easily torn down. This doesn’t allow for authentic relationships to be built. So, I guess what I’m saying is, maybe I wish I would have tried harder this year. But then again, maybe I did as best I could.

Just some simmering thoughts I’m having.

Thumbs Down

To go along with my previous post, I realized upon waking this morning that the rest of my time here is going to be one prolonged goodbye.

That sucks!

5 More Weeks

With 5 weeks left of Baltimore time, and recently returning from a vacation in Ohio (that’s right-Ohio) where friends and family members abound, I am pretty read y to be done here. But alas, 5 more weeks wait to be completed before that can happen. Now I’m very much thinking about my next steps and adventures. A few opportunities have arisen, but definitely nothing concrete. However, this does bring me some comfort knowing that others are looking out and want to help me readjust to life after volunteering. There’s still a lot to do that I’ve put off, but I’ll get around to it.

Still, there are 5 more weeks.

Home

I am home.

I am sitting in my living room, watching Good Will Hunting on Netflix, still getting over the surprise that my parents actually got a dog they are allowing in the house and overjoyed at the fact that I get to spend time with so many friends this week.

Aah, this is the life.

The Happiness July Brings

Dear World,

Thank you for making the month of July in Baltimore SO fantastic thus far. I've thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Really, this whole summer has been a constant continuation of bliss, one form right after the other. A quick recap is in order, for those who are curious and for me to process all the fun times I've been enjoying.

Now, where to start? The end of June brought in a swell of adventure with a weekend bus trip to the Big Apple. Exploring the city, staying with fellow Menno volunteers and walking miles upon miles made the time feel short but satisfactory (especially after my feet swelled to sizes bigger than my shoes).

Then July happened.

It's been a whirlwind of fun events, listed below in chronological order:

House-sitting for a good part of a month
First Thursdays free concert in Mt. Vernon Park
Pirate Cruise
Independence Day in Washington D.C.
Being a part of multiple sessions of affirmation and appreciation
Cookout hosted at the House Sitting House, complete with a Little Debbie birthday cake
Consuming Rosemary Garlic Fries
Sailing in the Chesapeake Bay off of St. Michaels, MD
Camping at Assateague State Park with wild ponies
Visiting Ocean City, MD for a bit during a downpour
Watching the World Cup Final and more free concerts in Patterson Park
Harry Potter movie marathon

And more is yet to come!

Mates of State concert?
A visit home to O-H-I-O
Two of my best friend's wedding (to each other)
More house sitting

July, I love you. Stay classy.

My New Hero:

Axe Cop

Hot Dogs, Fireflies, & Highlights

Summer.

This season brings relief and joy. My cares fly out the window along with some sense of responsibility. I feel like a kid again, young and free. Not sitting in an office, or in my hot, stuffy room. I don’t worry about what’s next because it will come when it’s ready. I just want to enjoy this time and have FUN! To spend time with people here, do loads of exciting things and eat as many grilled hot dogs as possible for the next few months is all that’s on my mind.

Some ways to accomplish these goals are to continue “Spring Training.” With a light-up Frisbee on hand, getting ready for some serious games of summer toss means congregating to our back yard and going over the following rules.

1. Always be prepared.
2. Use both hands if the Frisbee is coming at your face.
3. Dive!
4. Don’t talk about Fight Club.

With the exception of Rule #4, I think we’ve really got something here. Along with Frisbee, there’s volleyball, which I might add I excelled at this past weekend during a pick up game. And when I say excelled I mean the exact opposite. But no worries, it was a mighty enjoyable time for all.

I’ve also begun a not-so-strict-but-still-pretty-important-walking-around-the-lake-at-Druid-Park-everyday-after-work-and-sometimes-on-Sundays regimen. That’s being followed pretty accurately. The best part of the walk is when it’s getting to be dusk and the fireflies come out and light up the ground surrounding the water. Round 2 happens in our backyard, when they appear as a form of a night light upon return to the house. What beautiful creatures.

Another great summer activity is the lightening of hair due to sun exposure. Or for those impatient or adventurous types, dye from a box. Unfortunately for me, my first attempt at creating new “blond” hair ended up to being more of a secret, not easily seen by those unaware of the change. Fortunately, I felt really inspired and tried again, this time being more strategic about placement and adding a few streaks on the top of my head. My only hope is that this didn’t screw up my chances to some day donate these locks of mine for love. We'll see.

Let's Play Dress Up

You know when an unexpected surge of inspiration and motivation hit you? This is what I do with mine. 2 blogs in one day, I'm on a roll!

After that last, heavier blog, I thought I'd share a little about how summer has been progressing for me. Even thought the Summer Equinox has yet to arrive, the fireflies are out, humidity is at it's highest along with the temperature, swimming is a top priority and ice cream/snow balls/anything cold is much appreciated. Summer is here in my book.

Festivals and fun events are popping up everywhere and the joy of sunshine and breezes are making my days bearable against the heat wave that never seems to leave, even if it pours. Despite the ever increasing thermometer, dressing up in costumes and gallivanting the streets has been a thrill for the past while. I want to share some pictures of what's been happening recently. Again, I will take suggestions of any new dress up ideas that anyone has, thank you. Also a reminder to those faithful patrons of my blog, some of these fabulous photos can be viewed on my other blog found here.

Here goes:

80s Dance Party, back from February, but still a great time! Aerobic Instructor.

Preakness Party at my BFF Anita's. Classy middle-aged woman.

'Tea Party' themed going away party for fellow DC volunteer. Mock Sarah Palin and pre-birth daughter Bristol.

In most recent dress up endeavors, HonFest. Leopard print, pink flamingos, bee hive hair dos', blue eye shadow, hot pink boas and the kitschiest weekend around!

Motto: "The higher the hair, the closer to God."

Have a great day, Hon.

Continuous Flow

These past 10 months or so have been part of a really great learning year. I've had a lot of new experiences. Seen a lot of different things that are such an intricate part of this world. I don't know if I'd be the best at verbally explaining everything I feel about this place I've called home since September, but as I've come to understand myself better, I know that it's ok. I will try my best in this blog to make sense to my audience. I'm not even sure who you are, but enjoy!

I've been faced with poverty every day. It's so blatantly screaming in my face whenever I walk out the door. If I go to work, or to a fun event, or driving down the street. It's everywhere. There are so many connecting factors as to why this is a huge issue such as illiteracy and systemic family violence, that it sometimes seems so hopeless. Being able to see it and live with it has been a way for me to really know what poverty is. Just reading about it in books is not enough.

This is something I will take with me for the rest of my life I think. But memories fade and life changes, making the past a blur. I don't want to move on from here to a place where none of this will seem real anymore, and just a figment of my imagination. I want to enjoy life and try new things until I'm ready to settle somewhere, but where I'll go I don't know. If anyone has suggestions please feel free to send them my way.

As much as I've soaked in while in Baltimore, I'm still learning. I'm still figuring out who I am and how to express myself. I think it's so important to have freedom to share your emotions, feelings and thoughts with the world and know that you're safe doing it. If you don't you're cheating yourself and others from knowing who you really are. While spending my time at work with the GED class I was able to share these thoughts with the women, and most of them were so impressed by what I had to say. I hadn't prepared anything beforehand (which is something I usually do), so I wasn't sure what would come out. Being able to inspire them with my words was a beautiful moment, since they inspire me every time I'm with them. I want to remember what we talked about and never forget it. I want to go from here and know that even if the future is unclear, I can still love life and keep learning. I also want to encourage everyone I meet to find a way they are comfortable speaking their truth.

This is what I want in life and I will be happy.

Some Really Great Things

I know what you’re all thinking, “finally, the much needed update is here!”

Well, I can’t promise you’ll get every detail, just more of a broad overview of what’s happening in life for the past month.

May: a time of adventures and travels.

Preakness Party at my BFF Anita’s house was the beginning of a series of very fortunate events. Part of the Triple Crown horse races, guest pooled their money, getting assigned a horse number and hoping for a win. Black-eyed susans were adorned by all who attended, and after a few minutes mixed with eagerness and anxiety, my lovely housemate Beth won a share of the pot. Getting served dessert on a platter, dressed in the genre of middle-aged woman and man, Athos, Porthos and Aramis joined together for a celebrated weekend.

Visit to the city of Philadelphia for a Mumford & Sons concert, whose crowd turned out unexpectedly filled with college bros and yuppy girls who took pictures the whole time. Still a very enjoyable experience. Except when we bumped into our Arabic coffee shop owner “friend” after the show who had previously forced us to stay in his shop, take pictures with him, and write a review on google.com right in front of him. A pretty uncomfortable time.

MVS Retreat in Divide, CO at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp was beautiful! While traveling across the country with our DC counter-part, for the next few days I met and reconnected with some fellow volunteers around the country, relaxed because it was hard to catch my breath due to acclimation of altitude (0 to 9,000+ feet in 5 hours), did a little contra dancing and hiked a mountain. No big deal.

Memorial Day weekend for me meant visitors from the Midwest! Mom, Carla and really great friend Danielle all came to visit for the long weekend. After hopping in the car at 6 am, they all arrived safely at 4 in the afternoon ready to paint the town red after a quick rest. Taking them on a driving tour of the city, trying the famous crab cake, picking up some “souvenirs” at the Book Thing, visiting the touristy spots of Baltimore gave them a good taste of the city. We made a special 2.5 hours trip around DC to see some of the important sights of our Nation’s capital. While getting stuck on the opposite side of the road from a street vendor who’s Polish Sausage we were craving by a gang of bikers called “Rolling Thunder,” we celebrated Memorial Day weekend. Stopping at IKEA on the way back made for a number of first for Danielle.

Once the family and friend were gone and headed west, I relaxed the rest of the week at a HSH (stands for House-Sitting House), were AC, movies and a hot tub were available. Last night was the end of that “week away” from my regular house, sad to say. But, life goes on.

Good news, I’m getting a new bed for the next few months I’ll be here! A frame and possibly mattress/box spring. I’m hoping I’m motivated later to assemble the whole thing since the temperature this week is only supposed to be in the 70s. That means my new walking-around-the-park-after-work regimen will be off to a good start.

Here’s to more adventures in the months to come! I love toasting.

Mumford & Sons - The Cave

I GET TO SEE THEM NEXT WEEKEND!!!!!!

May Happenings!

May is off to a great start. Many retreats happening and visitors coming and events going on! However, the heat has started to rise and it's just not a good time had by all, except that I did switch rooms. Meaning I've taken over the guestroom with the help of Beth (which is much cooler than both our rooms combined) for the rest of the summer. But don't let that stop you from coming to visit!

A really great start to this month was a Unit Weekend Retreat to Palmerton/bizarr-o Jim Thorpe, PA. Both nestled in the Poconos. We stayed in a big, beautiful cabin on the top of a huge hill with a beautiful view of nature in every direction. A wonderful time to sit back, relax and just enjoy doing nothing. Not something that happens every day.

Today was the first of hopefully many bike rides around the city/neighboring hoods. Except I didn't use my new bike because I need to patch the front tire. But, that doesn't matter. I had a great time and forgot how much fun bikes can be!

Now it's time for Blindside, the movie with a happy Baltimore ending. I need to give it my full attention.

Thoughts

Some thoughts I've been having recently include, but are not limited to:

How much I love cupcakes. Patching my new/old bike's tire all by myself at a new-found Co-op called Velocipede. Regularly cleaning the bathroom is really important. Yoga is a great way to relax, but I still prefer Zumba as a form of exercise. I have too many books waiting to be read. Along with that, various art projects have been started but aren't near completion due lack of motivation or time to finish. I would love to live in an urban setting again once I'm ready to settled down and get a "real" job. I probably won't make a ton of money in my life time and I wish I were ok with that. My hair isn't growing fast enough. I internalize a lot of things, and I really like my introverted ways. I have discovered, changed and learned so much about myself in the first 6 months of being a year-long volunteer than I did in 4 years of college. Life after Baltimore - meaning anything - will be so much easier. I don't think I'm exaggerating this statement.

These thoughts in my head make me really happy.

Lighten Up

It's been quite a while since a real post. I don't know how much motivation I have right now to make this great, since hunger and anticipation for dinner, while also having just watched Tuesday night's episode of LOST on hulu.com, I am distracted. Ugh! LOST is a whirlwind of emotions!!! Hmm..I'm glad I got that out. I guess.

So, to get back on track: life. Life is happening right now. As we speak, or better yet as I type. It's not tomorrow or the next day or yesterday or the day before. It's today, it's now. I've been really struggling with staying present in the moment. I keep fast-forwarding to September, when I'm technically done here in Baltimore. When the newbie volunteers come along and everyone's moving on to the next step in life. When I can get a break from being over-worked and pulled in so many different directions. When I can finally it can finally be "today" again.

And then I heard some wise words from Connie the GED instructor who I help at Project PLASE. As I was explaining to her what else I do (which I didn't even completely explain because I never remember all the positions I seem to hold off the top of my head), and adding in the insecurities of when I first started because I didn't know what I was doing since I have no previous work experience. Unless you count sitting behind a counter reading a book at my campus bookstore or taking orders in the Driv-Thru lane at McDonald's, I sure don't however. Up until recently I've thought I'm not cut out for a job like this because I don't really know what I'm doing and don't have any formal training. And after hearing from one of the counselors that I would make a great Social Worker and several others that I'm teachable and how the learning curve always goes up the longer you stay at one place, has made me see on-the-job training as a much more valuable way of getting the skills that are necessary.

Well, after that lengthy explanation of where I currently am with work, and getting back to the words of wisdom you're all patiently waiting for from the one and only Ms. Connie Moore: "You are being too hard on yourself." Yes, these are beautiful words to hear. This sentence was freeing for me and made helped me relax about life.

Life is only as big of a deal as you make.

Well, there was more motivation than I expected that came out of these fingers to type away into the night and finish this blog entry. I hope you enjoy and remember:

Wherever you go, there you are.

Cross Your Fingers...

Look down on the body, that you have grown
The mountains stand around you, they're not your own
Lights squares and bodies are all you see
Since you broke down, since i broke down, Since we broke down

Oh i jump into your grave and die
and on my word you'll give up your whole life for me and you'll be reborn,
bigger and stronger
and less alive,

cross your fingers hold your toes,
were all going to die when the building blows
cross your fingers hold your toes,
were all going to die when the building blows
and the house that you were born in is crumbling at the corners
sagging skin and feet of crows, feet of crows

Oh i jump into your grave and die
and on my word you'll give up your whole life for me and you'll be reborn,
bigger and stronger
and less alive

-Laura Marling

Wishful Thinking

I wish...that I would not be tied down by a job. Working full time is tough. Especially when it's not something you are passionate about. Not that I don't think homelessness isn't a big deal, because it is don't get me wrong. I just wish for something that isn't so overwhelming all the time. I wish I could sit in my house and create little gems of crafty art like these:







Once I started searching etsy.com for these stuffed animals, it made me realize how much I missed this:

Friday

As I sit here on Beth's couch and eat part of a Hershey's bar, I reminisce about the evening's activities. After much anticipation and almost an anxiety attack while waiting in traffic I arrived at the IMAX theater to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D! It was magical. The rest of the night consisted of blaring the Glee soundtrack and singing along loudly in the car while taking an extra spin around the block. Games were played, made up of "Psychiatrist," riddles and balloon volleyball.

Now I get to go to bed and not have to hit snooze in the morning! I can hear an angel's chorus singing.

Privilege

What does it mean to have privilege?

I am a volunteer that doesn't make much money and can't afford anything extravagant. BUT, I have a house with my own room, groceries, health insurance - everything taken care of. I don't need anything else. I am also able to take myself out of this in 6 months. It's not like I'm living in this perpetual downward spiral where I look at myself in the mirror every morning and try to think of reasons why I'm proud to be part of my race. I'm a temporary guest of this poverty, one foot in the movie and the other in the audience watching. Or maybe it's 1/4 and 3/4 ratio. That might still be too generous.

Not that life is an easy journey, or that everything's always been peachy. I have been so blessed with the family I am part of and the education I've gotten in my life. With these advantages I am able to make choices. I used to think that options weren't something I wanted a lot of, because that just makes it harder to decide in the end. But I am so fortunate to be able to decide something that will affect my life even if it's as insignificant as what I want to wear in the morning.

I can choose.

I am affected by and learn from the people I am surround by at work, in the neighborhood, in the city. I've had some run-ins with locals and my first thoughts used to be and sometimes still are "you are crazy," or "why do you act this way?" And I can only conclude that it's part of their nature, of survival. I don't have to look in the mirror and think of reasons why I'm proud to be a white person, it's just second nature, something I don't have to think twice about.

Oh, life. Why must you be the way you are?

I am lucky to be the individual that I am. No one can choose who or when they will be born. I am learning how privileged I truly am.

Confessions of a Socially Acceptable Twenty-Something White Girl

There are a few things I’ve been thinking about and have come to terms with. First, bad coffee is very easy to find. Not many people understand the importance of a good cup of joe. There’s a lot that goes into making a delectable drink that many don’t understand, and I have just begun to myself.

Second, free books=almost heaven! I love books. Period. Free ones are even better. Even if I don’t get through reading them, I just love what books are. Knowledge, entertainment, an escape from reality for a short bit of time, or more reality than one will truly know. “The Book Thing,” has become a very sacred place for me. Anyone is welcome to come in and pick out any number of books they desire, and leave a few of their old ones. Or not. I’ve tried to limit myself so that I’m not bogged down with literature, and have successfully done so I would say. So many books, so little time.

These revelations lead up to my third and final confession: I fit the profile for stuff white people like very well. If you check out the link to the website, you can see how accurate this statement is coming from my perspective (I agree with most in some way or another). Then you can decide for yourself if these allegations are correct. I usually feel like a poser, but I’ve come to accept that this it’s a generational thing and society has a lot of power when it comes to cultural preferences. Yes, I am a white person. Yes, I am not that original. Yes, I am at peace about it.

I wish I knew Origami.

Current. In a Second, Not-So-Current.

Dear blogging world,

Fear not, I have not abandoned you. I'm just not as disciplined as I used to be.

When I think of what I want to write, nothing forms in my mind that makes sense enough to write down in words. But here is my attempt to produce something that's important enough to inform all of you about.

It's funny how life keeps changing and God keeps working even when I'm not aware. Or maybe too aware that I don't notice the little things anymore. It's been 6 months (give or take a few days), since beginning this journey of not just MVS, but life after college - entering into the "real" world. It keeps coming and going. Time is such a fickle thing. Here one second and gone the next, so you might as well enjoy it.

Some news to update on is as follows, in order:

1. I love to dress in 80s garb and dance.

2. Joining Small Groups is a great way to get to know others and enjoy a good read.

3. LOST is more insane than ever.

4. This weekend will consist of a road trip to C-ville, VA to see great friends.

5. I am going to attend a free Community Crochet class where I'll learn how to make plastic bags into yarn, creating either a rug or "reusable" shopping bag, or both!

These are most of the things that my life consists of in the current moments of this week. I can't make promises, but I do hope to keep more up-to-date with this whole "updating my blog."

The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World

This is the title of a book I am currently reading.

Yes, I am in introvert. This does not mean that I am antisocial, don't like people or activities, am shy, awkward, self-centered or narcissistic. On the contrary, I am very much geared toward being aware of others and self. Introverts brains are wired much differently and information is processed in a more complex way. I look at the possible outcomes of situations and how they will effect everyone involved and this usually goes unnoticed by the extroverted majority. Not that being an extrovert is a bad thing, there are just more of you in this world. 75% of you to be exact. This means introverts are at a disadvantage here!

But, I think it is so important to know that as an introvert, it is not a negative thing. It's just different, and I am normal by my standards. I need time by myself or with a few others to recharge and reflect in my own thoughts and not with large groups of people (which ends up being an energy drainer, even if I am having fun). I get overwhelmed if I have something to do non-stop for days without a break. I dislike initially meeting people and having to deal with small talk and chit-chat. But I love getting to know people on a personal level and having a deeper relationship with them. I don't need a ton of acquaintances, only a few very trusted friends. I don't like talking about mundane topics like the weather or "where'd you go to college? what did you study?" Blah! One can only talk about things like this so much and get bored. So an example of this would be, I don't like introducing myself to new people, I would much rather be introduced by someone else. Not that I use others as a crutch, I am perfectly able to do things on my own.

Some other interesting facts about being an introvert (I think, at least) are that we do not speak our thoughts as they come to us, but instead we take time and think about what our thoughts are and what they really mean before talking about them. And when we finally do speak them out loud it helps to bring them full circle in understanding what's on our mind. We need to know about a topic fully before we feel comfortable to talk with others in depth about it.

Introverts can focus on one thing for a long time and don't work well with interruptions because they break our concentration. I also am someone who doesn't like a lot of options because then I get overwhelmed when thinking about each and everyone of them. I like to have a focused end point, not that it needs to be planned or structured. I just like to know what I want and then go for it.

I think these are such important things to know for all introverts and extroverts alike. Being an introvert is so fabulous! And really understanding what it means is even better! I will have more to say about this I'm sure, I still need to finish the book.

Snapshots

Here are some images of what has happened over the weekend. Both traveling on a Greyhound bus and skiing for the first time, being greeted by too much snow and the results of being snowed in. Enjoy!

One Pretty Eventful Weekend

This past Thursday I began an adventure. I made my way via a Greyhound to Allentown, PA for a day of skiing and then mini-VS retreat the rest of the weekend. However, somewhere between York and Harrisburg I get a call from Laura, my coordinator that our retreat is canceled because of the predicted snow that will come on Saturday. Well, It did come, but everywhere North of Philly missed the big snowstorm. It actually worked out pretty well and I had such a great time with my extended family members!

So, Friday I went skiing for the first time ever in my life and was taught by my Uncle Olin. He did a great job and after a long day of practicing to control my speed and make a wedge with my skis I ended by making it down the mountain without falling once. At the beginning of the day was a different story. On our way to the beginners slope, I got too close to the edge of the snow and wound up sliding backward into some ski racks. After a break for lunch my uncle make a joke about looking back and seeing me fallen off to the side, so I commented "I think I've improved since then." Nope, wrong thing to say. I crossed my skis in a way that dropped me to the ground in the next instance and didn't get up for a few minutes because I was laughing too hard. It was such a great time and I did get pretty sore, but it was very much worth it.

My Saturday was the beginning of a very relaxed weekend. My aunt Marie, cousin Tim and I sat around in our snuggies (which I've come to the conclusion this is the best activity to do in a snuggie. Sit with fellow-snuggie wearers) and my aunt and I worked on a puzzle (also a good activity). Tim fixed a damaged snowboard and I got motivated to try snowboarding down a small hill in their backyard. This lead to me wanted to just sled and make snow angels, and Tim trying to jump a ramp with his sled. Not such a good idea when you end up hitting your tailbone. But he's ok, don't worry. :)

Super Bowl Sunday I went to church and had an opportunity to share what I am doing as a volunteer. All of the kids from 4th-6th grade were very attentive and praised me along with the teacher. It was weird and I felt like I did not deserve the applause and awe I was given, because I don't. I was a really neat time of sharing though, I did enjoy that. Later that night we watch the famous Super Bowl commercials and I mentally prepared for my return trip to Baltimore the next morning.

Waking up earlier than usual, I got packed and ready to hit the road. Once at the bus terminal, Marie and I waited for the bus. The driver surprised me with the news that no buses were running South of Philly, meaning I shouldn't leave just yet. Ok by me, I was able to extend my vacation a little bit longer. However, thinking of when I would leave next became a bit stressful. There was a small frame of time when I would be able to get a bus back without getting stuck in snow, and that was the next morning.

So as it goes, Tuesday morning we tried again. This time the bus was a little late but they were running all the way to DC this time. After 3 hours of being nervous something would go wrong we made it to the terminal in Philly where I got in a very long line to transfer to Baltimore with 5 minutes to spare. Once I get to the door to hand the driver my ticket he announces there is no more room and the next bus will come in 2 hours. "Are you kidding me?!?" This is all I can say, probably a little too loudly to the man. He does come back saying another bus will arrive a few minutes after he leaves, which ended up being 1 hour.

While waiting I did get to meet a very nice, interesting man named Geoffry. A self-proclaimed mentally handicapped man who is a vegetarian hoping to one day become vegan. Our conversation started when he said "you know God loves you right?" I told him God loves him too. He was such a chatterbox and shared some very significant stories of his life and how he came to believe in God, that I didn't have to say much to keep the conversation going. It was nice because I couldn't get my mind off of just getting on a bus, but he helped the time to go by much quicker than it would have had I been standing quietly in line keeping to myself. I feel very connected to him now even though I only knew him for an hour of my life. He was on his way to Tarpin Springs, FL (somewhere I've also been!), to visit his parents because his bird died. He sounded very smart to me from quoting many things he had memorized, even though he didn't believe that about himself. Good luck Geoffry in life, it was great meeting you!

I finally made it back to the Charm City Greyhound station where too much snow was about to make the canopy collapse so we got out of the bus in the middle of the street. What a crazy day of travels. I made it back just in time for it for round 2 of "Snowpacolypse 2010" safe and sound. Since we've had so many snow days now we decided to build a fort in Beth's room and have a slumber party. A great way to be welcomed back to my house RHHP.

This was my long weekend, thank you for reading the details of what is happening in my life. I love all of my fans out there! :)

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

I would just like everyone to know that tonight at our community night, Kristin passed out little squares of paper and said to write 5 things we are thankful for. I will say right now that I didn't write family and friends, not that I'm not thankful for you people. Without any of you I don't know who or where I'd be in life. You are so much a part of who I am and I just wouldn't be the same without you. But, this time I wanted to write what I was really thankful for because family and friends are always mentioned (for good reason). Anyway, after that disclaimer here they are:

1. Anita
2. Art projects/drawing
3. My blogs and their fans
4. LOST
5. Support and affirmation from others.

This was based on my day/week and I believe it's very fitting.

Also, I'm leaving tomorrow to go skiing for the first time ever!! I am very excited about this new adventure, and will let you all know how it goes.

Today at Work

I get to work this morning after being home sick for 1 1/2 days, and find I don't have much to do. My work load really depends on others and what they have available for me, and today was just one of those lazy days. Here is the schedule of my day in the office once I arrived at my desk:

-Check emails/blogs/current and future weather/eat a bagel
-Chat with Anita for a while about weather/Netty Pots/remedies for colds
-Took one sip of crappy coffee
-Noticed the brand name of the toilet paper used in our bathroom is "Confidence"
-Asked a few questions about data analysis
-Responded to everyone asking how I felt with "I sound worse than I feel"
-Ate a very messy burrito for lunch
-Enjoyed a staff January Birthdays Celebration
-Mapped out a potential post-VS road trip
-Took a walk with Anita to deliver cakes and get OJ and pop from McD's
-Listened to people tell me I looked tired and should go home
-Had some information about Zodiac signs explained to me by other co-workers

After this long and stressful day at work, I made my way to the grocery store and picked up a few items and am now home. If only work would always be like this minus the sickness.

Some Friends of Mine

This is Carrie and Annie:





Friends. La-la la-la. Ping.

Birthday Weekend

It's time for a real post I'd say. I will finally relieve the suspense for those who are in it wanting to know what I'm doing with my life for the past few weeks. Currently I am laying in my bed, the same spot I've been for the past 12 hours basically. I went home early from work because I wasn't feeling well. Not the first time I've been yucky, but the first time leaving the office. I slept for 3 hours this afternoon which helped tremendously. I also consumed many Clementines and reused a tea bag 3 times (it wasn't the most flavorful by the end), along with filling up a glass of water many times and taking vitamin C. This has been my day.

But luckily the weekend was much the opposite of my recent activities. Here is what has happen starting Friday morning of my birthday: Beth, Kristin and I made a traditional pre-work birthday stop at On the Hill Coffee. Carrie and Annie came up for a visit along with their housemate Megan and it was so great! Many volunteers of Baltimore gathered together to help me celebrate my birthday on Friday by ice skating and having such a great time (I did not fall once!) and I received SO MUCH chocolate I have more than I know what to do with! It was such a great night!

Then with my friends in tow we walked to MICA just down the street and gave ourselves a tour of the facilities. It was mixed with great conversation about ourselves and personalities and what we hope for in the next year. Things are still unclear, but it is so nice to know we're not alone in that.

Then after a dinner of sushi, our trip down to DC took place where this sickness in my head began. I went through 3 or 4 cough drops and couldn't calm my soar throat. I met some very nice friends of my friends and they took care of me. The next morning I felt much better and we went to one of those churches that makes me really question what Christianity is all about, with the big projector screens and bigger congregation who all look like they own Mercedes or something and the pastor reminded me of one you would see on TV. But the message was one I did connect with about our purpose in life. It made me think that mine, as well as for others, is one that will continually change during my life or at least these next couple years. I also met very many great people who gave me hope about living in Baltimore and having this experience. I know I have been learning a lot about myself and can see changes that have happened. I will hopefully reflect back on this year and think that it is a gem that I can share with others. Oh life.

We moseyed through the National Art Gallery after a lunch at Union Station and saw some very beautiful artwork. I also realized when asked who my favorite artist is, that questions like these are too broad for me. I need to have less options to come up with an answer on the spot. But after thinking about it, I'd have to say Chuck Close and Jasper Jones are both up there for me.

It finally came time to say goodbye which always seems to take a while. I headed North on the Metro, took a bus to BWI, and met Kristin and Beth who were listening to the Glee soundtrack. I came back in time to watch Joseph prepare for our joint birthday celebration at 8pm. There was so much food and great company for the house. We had to each give speeches of what we wanted from this year. I said I will finish MVS and figure out what's next, and everyone will have to wait with me on that one.

After a great birthday weekend with friends and exuberant amounts of chocolate, I will call it a night.

Grandma

I know this is a repeat for those who check out both of my blogs(I'm not apologizing), but I wanted to make a shout out to my grandma. It's her birthday today, meaning I made an extra effort to give her a call, wish her a happy day and talk with her for a while to catch up on life. She is a great woman and I am happy to call her my grandma. Happy 81 years of life!!

Mastodon

Today, at 11:38am, Ellory Rose Mast was born in Lima, OH to my very dear friends Devra and Kevin. She weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. My heart is swelling with pride and joy for all of you!



Welcome to the world Mastodon.

A Very Strict Regimen

Mostly I am very tired right now, but, Beth and I have a very strict regimen for the night that I am hopelessly devoted to following. Tonight’s very rigorous agenda has included:

1. Beth mopping the kitchen floor while I danced kneeling on the table




2. Making orange juice

3. Picking out clothes for tomorrow

4. Sitting on couch in Beth's room, in our new assigned seats that we like to sit in at night, and blogging.

We are very serious about the tasks set before us. Also, I am VERY tired, if you couldn’t tell by my lack of interesting things and significant reflections. I promise that I will have much more to say, especially after this weekend!

T-minus 63 (?) hours until Matt and Katie come visit me in Charm City.

See you soon friends!!!

New Blog

I started a new photo blog to represent my life in 2010. A few days late start, but it is officially created. So please feel free to follow that too!

http://mneiderhiser.wordpress.com

Life Goes On..

It's with mixed feelings that I made my way back to Baltimore. There's an inner tug-of-war going on inside of my head, all the while also thinking of my future steps and what life will bring next. I've only just gotten close to completing my 4th month here, with more than that to go. This gives me a sinking feeling in my chest. Luckily, my soul is soaring with joy for the visits from multiple friends I have to look forward to very, very soon! My winter months will fly by with their help.

One sad realization I made sitting here in my bed in this place called my room, is that doesn't stop. Going home for Christmas and New Year's was such a relief in so many ways. Even if I ended up getting annoyed with my family. That's what happens, but thinking about it now nothing has really changed. My family is still there, with the same house, same people, same attitudes. So familiar. And that familiarity will always be there which is a comfort, but also tugs at my heart strings causing twangs of sadness. I miss the heartland already. But will preserver to make it through the rest of this year.

I hope you heard all of that God.