Goin' Home

Today is the last day and knowing this makes it hard to enjoy it. It has been windy and cloudy all day so the beach wasn't really an option (we are all too fried to lay in the sun anyway). So instead, I bought a princess coloring book and we have been keeping ourselves entertained with that...even Truman and Anth.

It was a great trip.

The weather was perfect and I got enough sun to last me a couple more chilly weeks in Nebraska. I was pretty successful in accomplishing my goals for the trip. I'm halfway through my book (it's not as good as I was hoping), I watched the sun rise twice, I definitely spent time with nature ( a little too much time), I purchased a new album (She & Him), and I lasted almost a week and a half without talking about school or my future (these last few days were rough).

I'm not ready to get back to Nebraska because that means I have to figure out what to do with my life. But I miss my little bean (Coco) and I'm ready to get closer to summer.

Favorite song right now: If You Can't Sleep by She & Him

J.

Rise

My first attempt at watching the sun rise was unsuccessful. Truman and I got up at 7am, walked to the beach, and stared in disappointment at the clouds.

The next morning was gorgeous. 65+ degrees at 7:15 am and the beach was silent. Watching the sky get brighter and brighter gave my soul some peace even if it was only for a little while. All I could do was sit in silence and thank God for allowing us to be a part of something so incredible.

It sounds silly, I suppose. This is the sun. It rises and sets every day. But rarely do I take the time to appreciate the beauty of how a new day begins. I encourage you to do so.

J.

A Sun Came

Finally I have seen the sun! (And it shows)

I went weeks in Lincoln with grey skies and cold weather and I have finally been reunited with my beloved sun rays.

It was cold the first day we were here which worried me a bit, but the weather has been gorgeous the past few days and will stay that way for a while.

Truman and I are going to wake up early and watch the sun rise at about 7:30. Yes, that's early for me, but it is on my list and I must do it. I hate doing it in Lincoln, but something tells me that waking up with the sun on the beach won't be quite as bad.

Don't worry, I'll document!

J.

Hem

I write this blog while sipping a cup of black tea and sitting at my favorite place in Grand Island; Barista's.

I love everything about this place (minus the "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" by Elton John playing in the background--someone needs to be fired). I love the smell, the good music that is usually playing, the owners (future in-laws), the late summer nights that were spent here, the ridiculous slogans on the sign, and the fact that this is where I fell in love. I, no doubt, will be spending the majority of my time here this summer.

Since I'm leaving soon for Florida, I have a great excuse to get new music for the plane ride. Though my list is incredibly long, I knew exactly what I wanted my first purchase to be--Hem. I am sad to say that I have only known of Hem for a little while (thank God I have finally seen the light). I mentioned earlier that I am going through a southern folk phase. This album (Rabbit Songs) is just what I need.

I am trying to buy one album a week. It's very hard to limit myself to one.

Here is what's on my wish list:

1. Drunkard's Prayer- Over the Rhine

2. anything Rosi Golan

3. Funnel Cloud- Hem

4. Volume 2- She & Him

5. Devon Sproule

6. Danny Schmidt

There's more, but I've had to narrow it down to the necessities.

J.

Getting Away.

My much needed vacation in Florida is about to begin. I'm looking forward to getting away from the stress for a while (Truman says I'm not allowed to mention school or my future).

I decided that this vacation is the perfect chance to take care of some things on my resolutions list.

1. I'm going to try and read a book from my shelf. Possibly Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell.

2. Spending time with nature is a given. We are going to the beach.

3. I would really like to spend one day without technology. No computer, no phone.

4. Waking up early isn't my thing, but I am determined to watch the sun rise...maybe even twice.

I am ready to slow down the pace for a while and relax. It is time to welcome spring to 2010.

J.

First Walk

Last week showed the first signs of spring.

Because there was so much snow, this meant that everything was slushy and brown and gross.

Truman and I were sitting at The Mill (our favorite spot) trying to study, but we both agreed that it was way too nice outside to be doing school work. Coco hadn't been introduced to the outside world yet so we decided it was the perfect day to take her on her very first walk.

There is this pathetic excuse for a park close to The Mill that we took her to. It was the funniest thing to watch her adjust to having a collar on. She acted as though the collar took away her ability to walk like a normal animal--it was hilarious. She was getting tangled up in her leash and didn't understand that she needed to walk straight.

It was incredibly muddy on the borders of the sidewalk and of course that's where she decided to walk. A little white puppy and the leftovers of winter don't mix.

So, being the wonderful mother that I am, I started to run with the leash so she would chase after me and stay on the sidewalk. She ran right in between my legs and I completely wiped out. We're talking scrape-your-palms-on-the-pavement wipe out. There was a person sitting in their car and I can only imagine the humor they found in this entire scenario.

Needless to say, our first walk didn't run smoothly. But I definitely consider this "spending time with nature". I practically kissed the cement for goodness sake. Tru and I had a fun time enjoying the much needed sun with our little runt.

Song for the week: "Little Fire" by Patty Griffin. Her new album is brilliant--get it.

J.

TOMS

I'm not entirely sure which category this falls under. I am supporting a good cause so maybe it's something similar to volunteering? That could be a stretch. Either way, this is such a great thing and I urge everyone to look into it if you haven't already.

I first became familiar with TOMS shoes when I moved up to Lincoln. I fell in love right away with the concept (and the shoe itself). The fact that I can give a child without shoes a pair is amazing. If you aren't aware of the TOMS organization, I encourage you to check our their story at www.toms.com

It has been almost two years since I have been in Lincoln and I am still without those cute little canvas shoes. It's time I change this. I'm leaving for florida soon so I figure this is the perfect time to buy some travel shoes. I will soon be venturing down to the Black Market to buy myself (and a child in need) a pair of shoes.

Take care, J.

Dawn Landes

I was trying to be a responsible, disciplined college student this month by only allowing myself to spend money on gas and food.

This didn't last long.

This was out of my control, you see, because the new Dawn Landes album was just begging to be purchased.

Dawn Landes has been one of my absolute favorite musicians for a few years. I first heard of her from the movie "Winter Passing" (which also happens to be a favorite of mine). I'm going through this southern, folk, bluegrass, banjo phase and she fits right into the category. I suggest you give her a try--you won't be disappointed.

So, this is me buying/appreciating music. I wish I could do it more often but I suppose this just adds to the value.

Envelopes and the Will of God.

My mailbox is going to be so busy!

I wrote about 4 letters this week to good friends and I anticipate their replies. I don't know what it is about an envelope addressed to me that makes me so happy. Writing letters is so personal. Technology is so...not.

The weather has put me in such a pleasant mood. March hasn't disappointed thus far, but I don't want to speak too soon.

I am going to meet with an arts & sciences advisor tomorrow about my options. I'm hoping to decide sometime in the near future what I'm going to pursue. Truman gave me this small "book" written by John MacArthur called "Found: God's Will." Basically he talks about how you can't find what God's will is for you until you are filled with the Holy Spirit. I think this is what my problem has been.

Have a great Wednesday. If you live in Nebraska, go outside!

J.