Blasted Routine

Right now I'm reading a book Jenny picked up from the library- Wild Goose Chase, by Mark Batterson. Chapter three is about how we form routines in our lives,and consequently forget that God is involved in Evey detail...even in the small things that we've lost appreciation for. It made me think back to how often I fell into this at Purdue. I'd live like a robot, mechanically going to class, doing homework, and "enjoying" my youth group. "The sacred becomes routine. And we not only forfeit spiritual adventure but we also start losing the joy of our salvation."

Mark Batterson asked, "When was the last time you, as an act of worship, watched the sun rise?" This made me realize how much more connected to God I'd be if I could stop for a moment to notice the small things around me. God gives me little hugs all the time and I step right over them in my attempt to keep up with a demanding routine that I've created and let rule my life. As I was reading this chapter, I stopped to look up at the view from Luke and Jen's balcony. It was the kind of weather right before and after a rainfall. Everything is fresh and sparkly with rain and the sky looks like it wants to keep raining. I love the way the air smells and how calm everything is. There are so many amazing things around me that I want to open up my eyes to and see. And, it's so cool for me to remember that by noticing and appreciating these things we are worshiping God.

As a response to the thoughts in this book, I'm posting this picture.



I found these lights stored away in the bedroom closet. Twinkle lights are one of my favorite things ever. I love how they are able to make a room so cozy. Before I found them, I had been thinking how much I wanted a lamp for the same purpose. The twinkle lights are much better. Seriously, the lighting of my bedroom is a big deal to me...now it's like a little, twinkly oasis.

I want to say: thank you for that special gift, God!
Mmm hmmm, girlfrieend!--You know I'm feeling more joyful. :)

Luca

These pictures were taken on the first day of our nannying adventure.

Friday night fun

After a long week for us all, we celebrated its end with dinner at Dragonfly Sushi. It's located in downtown Gainesville...I fell in love with the fun college atmosphere there. I hadn't experienced that part of Gainesville before. Dragonfly happens to be Luke's favorite...and yes, the sushi was first-rate.

After dinner, Jen and I went to a cute little shop down the street. And, that's where I purchased my first FL souvenir of the summer. :) It's a pretty awesome purse that was originally $54. I said I liked it and the guy that owned the shop offered it to me 50% off! Needless to say, it was sold.

The night ended at Barnie's coffee. Jenny needed to stop to grab a friend's keys. I'm glad we did because they had a live jazz band playing. :)

It was a great night. How I wish I'd have thought to bring my camera.

Sister's for Breakfast.

I met with Monika(spelling?)this afternoon and I'll be starting training at Sister's tomorrow at 10:15! I'm definitely jumping into it sooner than I thought, but am really excited about it. The people working there seem really cool, and I'm thinking it'll be a pretty good experience for me. It sounds like I'll be doing hostessing and mostly working on the weekends.

Florida!

I'm here and it's already Wednesday! I'm taking the opportunity to blog while Luca is napping.

I'm planning to make dinner tonight for Luke and Jen-- it should be fun. Luca was great today, which I was thankful for after a grumpy, sleep-deprived Luca yesterday.

Monday evening Luke, Jenny, and I ran together with Luke pushing Luca in the stroller. It was so great to all exercise together. We ran a three mile trail around village Haile. I'm really loving how much I've been able to be a part of their lives here in Florida. I've been able to meet Jen's friends and just do everyday things with her. I'm really thankful for the chance to experience some of Jenny's world. Going to church together Sunday was really cool too.

Last night I was pouring myself some coffee in the kitchen and looked up at Jenny in the living room...it suddenly hit me how crazy it is that I'm here with her. She's not my far away sister in Florida that I never see anymore. I get to see her every day for a whole summer! I've been really impressed with Luke's willingnes to help out with Luca!

Monday Luca and I went to the park and walked around the village. I got some pretty cute pictures of him. :) I think I might just upload them all on a separate post though. There's way too many to upload here.

Sense and Sensibility

Mom and I just finished watching Sense and Sensibility this afternoon. Before you start getting any ideas: We are not lazy bums that watch movies all day...we exercised together before. Also, we're drinking detox shakes(you really should be impressed)for a couple of days. Our run was great because it was lightly sprinkling...kinda felt like we were running in a rainforest with the green trees and rainy haze. Mom and I made chai drinks to accompany us with our movie. It was quite cozy :)

I do have a few words to say about that movie. It was pretty sad and depressing! I don't know why I was surprised though, because Jane Austen isn't known to write upbeat stories. If you've never seen it then let yourself be warned...I did enjoy watching it despite its somewhat dismal flavor.

Weird...

I woke up this morning at 11:00am and I have a strange feeling in my tummy. I'm pretty sure is has something to do with the fact that Leah's stuff is all packed up and most of the PYGers have finished the last of their exams. I still have a final this Saturday and it doesn't end till 3pm...Not so cool. So, I think I'm realizing how quickly the semester ended and maybe feeling a little bit freakouty(new word I created) about it.

I'm totally excited about this summer though! Maybe I'll just focus on that to make myself feel better. I'm going to be nannying Luca basically full time in FL with Luke and Jen! I love that little boy and don't get to spend much time with him so this is the opportunity of a lifetime. :) Jen and I have got some serious bonding to do. I Would take the liberty to say that we are probably the most similar in personality out of the girls in our family. She's always understood me pretty well and we've got some common passions(i.e. Dancing, running, good food, fashion, etc.). Man, I'm getting excited about this all over again! I'm so super charged up for our South Carolina vacation too! That's something I can't rave enough about. And, as an added bonus, Suneeta Thomas(from India) is going to be coming with us. She's accepted the challenge of watching the boys for the week.

I'm gonna go eat dinner at an Indian place here on campus with some of my PYG buddies! And looks like my night will consist of studying for an exam.
Almost done! But not as happy about it as I thought. I'm gonna miss my roommate Heidi too! This is too hard. Sigh.