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.

Christmas

Christmas is such a happy time of year. Opening presents in your PJ's in the morning, and eating dinner together, with a lot of relaxing and being lazy in between. Being with family who sometimes drive you to madness, and sometimes bring a smile to your face. How I cherish you and your memories!

Family gatherings at Christmas time are always interesting, to say the least, but quite enjoyable! Today we met with my mom's side meaning there is a head count ranging between 50-60 people. Due to the large and forever increasing numbers, we've been meeting in a church building instead of an aunt or uncles' home for the past few years. This time the schedule of events were no different than years past. Socializing, food, more socializing, a white elephant gift exchange, and even more socializing.

It was great fun, especially the gift exchange where I and my cousin Jaime (who's married and has kids of her own mind you), fought over who would end up with the infamous 'Snuggie'. We tired different strategies of not passing the presents in order, but in the end I triumphed! Yes, that is correct. I have a 'Snuggie' of my very own now. And it's not just any 'Snuggie' it's a pink Breast Cancer Awareness 'Snuggie.' I even promised I would "wear it loud and proud," in honor of my aunt who is a survivor. What a tribute, huh?

Christmas is not over yet! I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings with Grandma and my dad's side. It should be fun and full of socks I presume.

Oh family, you are so crazy! But I love each and every one of you. :)