No News is Good News...?

I don't have much to update you on, life is just going right now. I am almost settled into my apartment. My furniture arrives Saturday- YEAH! I bought a digital camera the end of last week- after my furniture arrives I'll take some pictures and post them so y'all can see where I'm living. I miss all of you more than any words can say!

Notes on Nashville

Well, I have lived here in Nashville for two weeks now and I've started noticing some interesting things (started this last week and am now finishing):

1) They close down and cancel school for ANYTHING. We had a tornado watch today and most of the schools sent the kids home at 12:30 to get them home before the storm hit. This so-called storm hasn't been much except for rain.

2) A lot of stores that you find everywhere else (including elsewhere in Tennessee) they do not have here and most people haven't even heard of them. For example: Ikea and World Market. They only have one Apple store, and Macs aren't that popular, most people use PCs here.

3) I have never seen crazier drivers. I have praised God every day that I arrive at each of my destinations safely and that my brakes continue to work well. I have had more people cut me off, almost taking the nose of my car with them. No one seems to have a turn signal on their car. If they do manage to find their turn signal, they act as though that gives them the complete right to turn or change lanes, even if there's not room or it's not their turn, etc. And if you and the rest of traffic aren't moving fast enough for them, they will find a way to get around you, even if it means charting their own road or pathway.

4) People only seem to be superficially friendly. They will say hi, even open the door for you, but that's the end of it. Then they quickly turn on their heel and run off in their own direction- forget trying to start a conversation with anyone. Though there are a few that still live up to the tradition of southern hospitality.

5) The water here is awful! It smells strongly of chlorine, no matter the temperature. And that smell quickly infuses your clothes, hair, skin, etc. I'm learning the benefits of perfume, scented lotions, scented hair products and other smelly things.

6) The houses here are incredible! I've never seen their equal anywhere in Iowa. There are some literal mansions and even castles. I cannot even begin to imagine what the interiors look like!

7) The weather is almost as ambiant as Iowa's. Instead of changing every five minutes, it changes about every 15, which can still keep you on your toes.

I'm not trying to state these things as negative, they are merely observations. There are some things about Iowa that I certainly miss (mainly the people I love!!!) I've said it before and I'll say it again: God has me here for a reason and in that knowledge I will rest secure (or at least try to). Miss y'all LOTS!!!

Nashville Update

I started my job today. I’m not sure exactly what to think yet. There are so many aspects that I don’t really know or understand that I’m feeling pretty dumb right now. Of course this is expected when starting anything new, especially a new job. But there’s not even a way for me to really jump in and start learning. I’m going through old files to see what’s been done in the past, but there’s only so much information you can glean from that. And how long should I expect to be doing this? I’m not someone to sit idly by when there’s work to be done. I’m not trying to sound negative already- I’m just bored. I know that will change soon; that I just need to be patient, but…

The people I work with all seem nice. I’m a bit concerned though about my position, because I’m a bone of contention (me being hired, not me personally) between my boss and two other people in the office. I guess that means only showing my sweet side for now…(yes I really do have one!)

On another note: I love IKEA, but I’m not sure how much I like Atlanta, GA (sorry Catherine, but I did say hi to the city for you). I drove to Atlanta on Saturday with the sole purpose of going to Ikea. First of all, the internet directions I got from their website were wrong. I didn’t get too far lost and eventually did find the store without even stopping to ask for directions. I was pretty pleased with myself. But then, just trying to drive through Atlanta, around the downtown area, was absolutely insane! I’ve driven through major cities before and dealt with bad traffic, but this was ridiculous. I will say this though, Ikea is right next to this cute little shopping area that might be worth visiting someitme, if I have someone to shop with. I did buy a lovely coffee table and a dresser while there. I also scouted some other pieces, but they are too much for me to handle on my own. The pieces I got were almost too much as it was. Part of it is still in my car, I couldn’t get all of it up to my apartment at once.- at the risk of sounding like a wimp.

One other quick note before I have to go: I MISS Y’ALL VERY MUCH!!! Hugs to everyone!

New Beginnings...

Well, I'm here in Nashville. I've been here for almost a week. I haven't really met anyone, other than salesmen at the various stores I've shopped. But so far, things are going well. New things I've done (or mostly bought):
- Custom ordered a couch, charcoal gray microfiber with a merlot finish for the wooden legs.
- Purchased a new mattress/box spring, but haven't decided upon a head board/foot board yet.
- Bought a brand new washer and dryer, delivered yesterday
- Spent a lot of money on a Macbook computer
- Drove to the outer regions of Nashville to get a driver's license, then to another part to get the emissions checked on my car, then to another spot to get my new license plates
- Dealing with new apartment management, who is offended over any small problem I find with the apartment. There's not been much wrong, only typical things that you see in any apartment, but management's been touchy about anything I find, like they can't believe that I'd find anything wrong at all!
I'm only about half un-packed, as my apartment is smaller than I expected and I'm struggling to find space for everything.

I start my job on Monday. I'm glad I'll have something to do other than unpacking and shopping. I've stayed busy enough that I haven't had to deal with lonliness yet, at least until last night. Last night was my first Thursday night away from my Survivor family. Though I couldn't miss the shows, they were still hard to watch and even harder to laugh at without everyone around. I started to say something once and actually stopped myself so I wouldn't break the rules of no talking, even though no one was there to shush me.

I still feel this is where God wants me, but I think there are some bumps in the road headed my way...

My Special Friend

I have a very special friend. Her name is Tracy. Tracy spoils me like no friend I've ever had before. She buys me special gifts and takes me out to fancy dinners (Thanks for Saturday Night!). She cancels her plans with her husband to have one last night on the town with me before I leave (Thanks Tyler, by the way). But the best things about Tracy- we have MANY, MANY shared memories (most of which I have not revealed to anyone else ever) and she understands me a little too well! (Just for an example: at my senior recital, she bought the exact same bouquet of flowers for me that my mom and I had picked out as the centerpiece for the reception table.)

Tracy, I'm not trying to make you cry (though I'm tearing up right now), but I will miss you VERY much! Your friendship has and always will mean so much to me. I hope you can visit soon. (And no, you cannot share those stories with anyone else!)

Countdown

Well, the countdown until my move has officially begun. I say goodbye to DM one week from today. Today is the last Friday I will work at my current job. Tonight is the last dinner I will have with all my DM girlfriends. It will be a week of lasts and goodbyes. How can someone be so sad and so excited all at the same time? 'Cause that's how I'm feeling. I know I'm going to probably cry a lot this week (tears well just thinking about it). I know I'm going to terribly miss so many loved ones- people who have shared their hearts, souls and lives with me (see previous blog). But I'm also excited for the new adventure that lays before me, despite the uncertainty it holds.

I want to give a big shout of THANKS to all the people that helped to make my birthday extra special. Between the gifts, the cards filled with laughter and tears and of course all the cheesecake, this will not be a day easily forgotten. Big Hugs to y'all!

Oh my Goodness!!!

A lot has happened in the last couple of weeks...the bulk of it being tied into: I'M MOVING TO NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE!!! God has again worked in a mysterious way, in His own timing. Who knew I had to go to Phoenix, AZ to get a job in Nashville? I have to keep pinching myself to reassure myself that it's real. It has happened SO quickly and unexpectedly that my head is still whirling in orbit. I am excited, anxious, nervous, scared out of my wits...you name it, I've probably felt it! My last day at the church is three weeks from today and I will be moving only a couple days after that. I have not found a place to live yet, but I'm working on it. I have started packing, but I'm not very far. I've moved before and I know it takes a lot of work, but I am quickly learning that it's 10x worse moving to a different state. I will be working for a travel agency- travel will no longer be optional! And I'll be where I've always wanted to be.
But there are a lot of questions and concerns, more than my mind has been able to handle. One comfort through all of this has been that it is without a doubt from God. Only God could have opened these doors. Only God could have given me the faith and courage to walk through them. So, God is not going to desert me in the details of the move. If only this thought could shut my head up so I could get some sleep!
Though I am very excited about this new direction and adventure, there is definitely some sadness to be dealt with, especially with saying goodbye:

• My Survivor Family- I can't even begin to describe how much I will miss all of you. Every time I even begin to entertain the thought of that goodbye I start to cry. Thursday nights have meant more to me than anyone could have imagined. It is a great comfort to know that we will be in each other's thoughts and prayers every Thursday night. For Travis, you know more about our girly stuff than is right for any guy and yet you still laugh with us... For Jennifer, your friendship has meant a lot, your fashion advice will be sorely missed, and for Brandon's sake I'm going to leave you some of my dessert recipes! For Eric & Jayla, I will miss the rock-n-roll stories and watching hide-n-seek. For Brandon & Karla, Grace & Seth, I've never felt more a part of someone's family (other than my own) than with you; you have shown me what real ministry should look like and you've put up with a lot of my babbling.
  
• My Pledge Girls- Though you have all graduated and gone on to college, our opportunities to see each other will even more greatly decrease. Thank God for the internet, (I NEVER thought I would ever hear myself say that) MySpace and Facebook. We never have to lose touch. For Colleen, I will never have a perfect Triple Grande Caramel Macchiato, but don't you worry I'll still come back to celebrate that very special birthday! For Catherine, you always share encouragement and a warm hug, even if you might not feel up to it- I will miss visiting you at ISU. For Brittany, you always made me laugh or want to roll my eyes at your sarcastic comments. For Lisa, you always have such wonderful (and funny) stories to tell, and your movie advice was always treasured. For all of you, I will greatly miss Dr. Seuss!
  
• Ladies in the Office- We have laughed, we have yelled, we have cried. We've been through a lot in only a couple of years; some memories we'll all be happy to lose, others we will treasure for a long time to come. I will be praying for the person to come (I don't want you guys stuck with my work), I hope they will be a great support in the office, but also a great friend. For Sherry, I hope they won't interrupt you as much, but can still go shopping with you. For Ashley, I hope they can hold their own with publications and not bug you like I did, but can laugh and share as much as we have. For Sara, hopefully you'll get a lot more work done, but will have someone that is as much an encouragement to you as you will be to them and to swap books and ideas with. For Jenise & Kelli, though I haven't been able to come to breakfast for awhile, I hope there is someone who will be able to share this fun tradition with you. For Katie, I hope they admire your style (and won't catch on to the hair pattern). For Angelina, our JOY times will be missed more than I know you (or I) will admit, your friendship and willingness to listen are completely irreplacable.
• Student Ministries- I will miss all the students. You have shared parts of your lives with me and ministered to me in many ways. For Jon- ('cause I don't have another place to mention you) I will miss our banter for it has perked up many a blah day. Keep going with your ministry, God will bless it!
• My Roommate- Kalee, we've lived together for 2 1/2 years. We finish each other's sentences, cook dinner for each other, but never clean up after each other! I hope I have not tainted your idea of sharing a residence. I will miss our roommate nights with pizza, Smirnoff's, and TV. I will think of you every time I watch Los Wages or empty the dishwasher. You better visit me!
• Many other people in Des Moines- y'all know who you are. I will miss you without a doubt.
• My family- I know it is not actually goodbye, that we will see each other only a couple of months after I move, but it's still hard. I'm still only a day away or a phone call. Lord willing, I will still be there for everything important. I love you all more than words can say.

Well, now that I've turned this into a somewhat depressing blog... I will miss you all, and will be sad to say goodbye. But I know without a shadow of a doubt that God has big things in store for all of us and someday we will be able to swap amazing stories. I look forward to that day!

Reflections & Resolutions

I started this blog a couple of weeks ago, got pulled away and was unable to finish it. I decided to post it as is and start new with new info...

I was catching up on several friends' blogs today and many of them were reflecting on 2006. I thought I would add a few of my own to cyberspace and some thoughts for the new year also.

Books: I read quite a few...here's just a couple

• Added to my Xanth series by Piers Anthony including Geis of the Gargoyle, Roc and a Hard Place and Yon Ill Wind
• Read Kissing Adrien by Siri L. Mitchell 8 or 9 times over the summer
• Been working on Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller for quite some time and still going
  

Movies: Saw lots of films, some good, some not so good, but only one was worth going to a midnight showing of...

• X-Men 3

Concert schedule was all dried up for me this year.

Major Highlight:

• GUESSING THE CORRECT WINNER OF SURVIVOR TWO SEASONS IN A ROW!!!

(And for you skeptics, I did not hear Survivor King's predictions before making my own. But I did do my research homework!)