Washington visits

This morning I went to hike 7 Bridges with a friend. The usually unfailing CO sun had taken the day off, so we hiked through the fog and mist. It was gorgeous. It brought back great memories of hiking in Rainier where everything was green and wet.

I'm all packed up. Library books have been picked up, dishes all washed, note left for roommate. I've packed for the contingencies I can think of and should be okay unless I need more than the 2 pair of shoes I brought. I feel very adventurous living with such short shoe supply and only one dress.

I love the thought of being in an academic environment where it won't matter what I look like, just what I think. Good-bye fixing of hair, jewelry and matchy outfits.

pre-L'Abri

This is my last night home before heading to L'Abri. When I scheduled this trip I felt I needed to go into this without expectation. Unfortunately, my need of God has raised the stakes. This has officially become a pilgrimage, a jousting match, and a crusade. If I had time it would seem more fitting to walk there with other saints. Maybe I should still get a special wooden necklace or something to mark the occasion.

I've been working lately on submitting to others- something I've never given a lot of thought or attention to. I feel enriched. I've been guided towards L'Abri, writing a prayer to say daily, easing more slowly into running, drinking green tea (okay- I had coffee today but at least bought the tea), and eating dairy and fruit a half hour apart. I'm hoping for more practical help in Minnesota.

dating purgatory

Today was a lunch date with a 36-year-old air force guy. We met downtown at a deli. He only paid for himself. He got his food and started eating before mine arrived. In the end I told him that it felt more like just hanging out than a date. Fortunately, I got to go see Celestial right after for the debrief. Ugh...

What was your worst date? (I'm definitely not saying this was my worst).

must get inspired

Today I left work early and decided I should get right on going for a jog. Still skittish from Saturday's snake scare, I headed to a park downtown away from desert-scape. The first 5 minutes were great. A cute man runner said hi, and I interpreted his look as saying, "you're one of the few and proud." Elation for 2 minutes. Then I got hot and thirsty. I got to wishing I had gone somewhere else in a different outfit and a different mindset. That lasted one mile. I caved.

I came home and started calling girlfriend 911. Turns out several friends suffer from the lazy butt syndrom I have and need similar inspiration. I hope we'll push each other this summer. Now I have a workout partner and a fun workout planned- hike uphill and jog down. Yes, it's wimpy but it's a start.

Was reading my messy, thrilling life blog. How does one inherit the enchanted life of summering in a log cabin. Very quaint. Very dreamy.

this weekend

This weekend I:
almost stepped on a rattle snake that assumed strike pose and rattled at me. my heart raced.
had a happy hour event that lasted 5 hours
learned how to make good sangria
went to a Sunday school class with older, wealthy, white people and discovered panty hose are
still worn in Colorado
went on a date with a very smart man. my heart didn't race at all.
got excluded and embraced for being an introvert
got jilted by a man I thought I didn't care that much about
missed Josh
watched Frontier House and wanted to move to the frontier
realized I live on the frontier and have wonderful conveniences
sat by the fire, roasted marshmellows, and loved the fire smell in my clothes the next day
remembered how wonderful my roommate was when she washed all of the party dishes
rejoiced over the fact that I have 3 days left before summer break

effort

Last night I was sharing my insightful comments on the Sex & the City movie. Most computer refused to post them, so I'll take that as my clue that the thoughts weren't worthy because they weren't about real life.

Today I have all day off to get ready for a party tonight and attempt Sangria. This promises to be another life-giving weekend with girlfriends, after a life draining week of trying to figure out men. Not working today led to quality conversations with God and time outside.

I've been watching Frontier House from Netflix. These modern families go attempt pioneer life without the help of electricity, sneakers, or toilet paper. It inspires me to want to work harder. Roommate and I spent a few hours pulling weeds and gardening last night. Today I did my first eating from the garden when I added basil to my salad. So much sweeter for the effort!

Right here

I've been telling God lately that I won't be moving. I'm waiting for him to find me right here. I'm disoriented, my compass points in the wrong direction all of the time, and I seem to be stuck in the mud. I shouldn't get any more lost. So I've been making myself comfortable here. I've used too much energy trying to get out of this place, trying to be directed and trying to be right. I'm just waiting for God to pull up like the AAA, validate my membership and get me back on the road. No more sending up flares.

There are updates from here. I've completed my first year in a new job that was a stretching experience and feels like exactly where I should be. I had coffee with a guy last night who was in the peace corps, doesn't believe in over-consumption, and has read the same books. Invitations I prayed for showed up when I needed them, and I had really good girlfriend conversations this weekend. I'm still loving to watch the garden grow. I'll see the Sex and the City movie at least twice this week.