two!
John's back on Friday from his
6-week chaplaincy training.
First there was two,
then there was one -
one here,
one there,
- then there was two,
and now we're ready to (geographically, et. al.) be one again!!!
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder.
In some circumstances, no - it doesn't.
In this circumstance, yes - it did.
If I have time, and
if I get in a writing mode like I'm in right now,
I'll explain later
(tomorrow)
how this has all worked.
Right now,
I just thought I'd let you all know I'm excited.
(!!!!)
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
ray of life
I always thought geometry was the most practical of all the math disciplines.
Sure, if you're in a math-heavy field,
linear algebra or differential equations may be a bit more relevant for you.
Geometry, I feel, truly can reflect time and space.
--- --- --- --- ---
In May, I was up in MN for my sister's graduation and mother's day.
It was a good weekend for sure, but a hard one, too.
My sister looked gorgeous (per usual) with her friends on that day,
her boyfriend (a true winner) was loyal and dedicated in every way,
and my mom looked as proud as punch both on that day and the day before
when we celebrated her in our lives.
I'd be lying, however, if I said that there wasn't any sadness that day.
Just a little more than 9 months had passed since my dad died;
9 months is hardly a school year's worth of time.
He was so close to seeing Ash walk across that stage.
So close,
yet
so,
so,
so
far.
Nothing is farther away than a loved one in a place that you can't see,
can't call,
can't visit.
So close,
yet
so,
so,
so
far.
--- --- --- --- ---
A ray is a line which starts at a certain point with given coordinates,
and then
the line goes off in a particular direction to infinity,
possibly through a second point.
After looking at this definition and this picture, I see 3 things:
1. The end point, no matter how close it is to something, is the beginning of an end.
2. The ending direction doesn't stop.
3. The end can pass through, possibly, a second point.
My dad thankfully passed through a second point.
He died - his life on earth is done, and it is absolutely painful for us who wish he was here.
He passed through the point of death, and then he passed through the point of life.
Eternal life - in heaven - is now what he has.
Eternal life - in heaven, with God and Christ - is now what he has...infinitely.
Sure, if you're in a math-heavy field,
linear algebra or differential equations may be a bit more relevant for you.
Geometry, I feel, truly can reflect time and space.
--- --- --- --- ---
In May, I was up in MN for my sister's graduation and mother's day.
It was a good weekend for sure, but a hard one, too.
My sister looked gorgeous (per usual) with her friends on that day,
her boyfriend (a true winner) was loyal and dedicated in every way,
and my mom looked as proud as punch both on that day and the day before
when we celebrated her in our lives.
I'd be lying, however, if I said that there wasn't any sadness that day.
Just a little more than 9 months had passed since my dad died;
9 months is hardly a school year's worth of time.
He was so close to seeing Ash walk across that stage.
So close,
yet
so,
so,
so
far.
Nothing is farther away than a loved one in a place that you can't see,
can't call,
can't visit.
So close,
yet
so,
so,
so
far.
--- --- --- --- ---
A ray is a line which starts at a certain point with given coordinates,
and then
the line goes off in a particular direction to infinity,
possibly through a second point.
 |
| source |
After looking at this definition and this picture, I see 3 things:
1. The end point, no matter how close it is to something, is the beginning of an end.
2. The ending direction doesn't stop.
3. The end can pass through, possibly, a second point.
My dad thankfully passed through a second point.
He died - his life on earth is done, and it is absolutely painful for us who wish he was here.
He passed through the point of death, and then he passed through the point of life.
Eternal life - in heaven - is now what he has.
Eternal life - in heaven, with God and Christ - is now what he has...infinitely.
don't call it a comeback
Given the hard realities of the last year and the
overall difficulty getting back into the swing of things as I know it,
cooking and baking have been a rather low priority, especially
trying new things.
Now, with John almost home and
the summer really kicking in,
I ended up getting excited about cooking something tasty.
I know - it's been a while, and
wouldn't you know -
I'm-a gonna post a picture
of a little dish I thought up today.
Caprese Bruschetta
Tomato topping: 2 handfuls of tomatoes go into a small sauce pot that has been drizzled with olive oil. Salt and pepper the tomatoes, drizzle a little more oil on the tomatoes and cover with a lid. Saute on medium heat.
Once the tomatoes start to "pop" (you'll hear the steam coming out of them - 5 or 6 minutes), take a wooden spoon or a skimmer and squish all of the tomatoes until they are popped. Add a clove or two of minced garlic (the amount depends on whether you like garlic a lot).
Turn up the heat to medium-high, and let the mixture reduce so a saucy consistency. Take it off the heat, add chopped basil & grated Parmesan, 2-4 tablespoons each, depending on your liking. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Italian Bread: slice, spread on olive oil, toast under a broiler, don't walk away from said broiler.
Mozzarella Cheese: Slice two 1/4 inch thick pieces of mozz. Cut both in half and squish until they are thin.
Assembly: Place a piece of mozzarella onto each piece of bread. Spoon the tomato mixture proportionately onto the bread and cheese. Put the bruschetta onto a plate, place the plate near a window, take a picture with your phone, and enjoy.
overall difficulty getting back into the swing of things as I know it,
cooking and baking have been a rather low priority, especially
trying new things.
Now, with John almost home and
the summer really kicking in,
I ended up getting excited about cooking something tasty.
I know - it's been a while, and
wouldn't you know -
I'm-a gonna post a picture
of a little dish I thought up today.
Caprese Bruschetta
Tomato topping: 2 handfuls of tomatoes go into a small sauce pot that has been drizzled with olive oil. Salt and pepper the tomatoes, drizzle a little more oil on the tomatoes and cover with a lid. Saute on medium heat.
Once the tomatoes start to "pop" (you'll hear the steam coming out of them - 5 or 6 minutes), take a wooden spoon or a skimmer and squish all of the tomatoes until they are popped. Add a clove or two of minced garlic (the amount depends on whether you like garlic a lot).
Turn up the heat to medium-high, and let the mixture reduce so a saucy consistency. Take it off the heat, add chopped basil & grated Parmesan, 2-4 tablespoons each, depending on your liking. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Italian Bread: slice, spread on olive oil, toast under a broiler, don't walk away from said broiler.
Mozzarella Cheese: Slice two 1/4 inch thick pieces of mozz. Cut both in half and squish until they are thin.
Assembly: Place a piece of mozzarella onto each piece of bread. Spoon the tomato mixture proportionately onto the bread and cheese. Put the bruschetta onto a plate, place the plate near a window, take a picture with your phone, and enjoy.
 | ||
| Want normal-shaped bread? Don't walk away from the broiler. :) |
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
a writer.
I think the first time I ever said that
I was a "writer" was
just this last spring to my then-boss.
Long-story-short, we were talking about
the nature of our communications department
(3 people strong!)
and how it had developed. My boss was great, and
he gave me and my coworker a lot of writing projects to do.
As this conversation started to conclude, I said, with
great hesitation,
"I like this job - I like the creativity, and I like writing,
because I am a writer." There was
a pause after that,
because I don't always feel like my blogging is "writing" rather
than just talking and
leading you all through my thought process.
Some people call this kind of writing
poetry;
I call it
actively causing you're eye to
follow my words by using
progressive verb tense and
prepositional phrases.
Also, the use of interesting
formatting doesn't hurt with
obtaining your attention, either.
Anyway, I'm saying these things because
a. I read the Daily Generous Wife blog,
b. The author of that blog linked this 15-day writing activity, and
c. I've had a lot of thoughts in my head lately, and this is at least one
that is easy to get out.
Also, on a whole other topic,
today is the anniversary of D-Day.
I'm incredibly thankful for the
immense bravery and sacrifice
the soldiers had on that day.
I was a "writer" was
just this last spring to my then-boss.
Long-story-short, we were talking about
the nature of our communications department
(3 people strong!)
and how it had developed. My boss was great, and
he gave me and my coworker a lot of writing projects to do.
As this conversation started to conclude, I said, with
great hesitation,
"I like this job - I like the creativity, and I like writing,
because I am a writer." There was
a pause after that,
because I don't always feel like my blogging is "writing" rather
than just talking and
leading you all through my thought process.
Some people call this kind of writing
poetry;
I call it
actively causing you're eye to
follow my words by using
progressive verb tense and
prepositional phrases.
Also, the use of interesting
formatting doesn't hurt with
obtaining your attention, either.
Anyway, I'm saying these things because
a. I read the Daily Generous Wife blog,
b. The author of that blog linked this 15-day writing activity, and
c. I've had a lot of thoughts in my head lately, and this is at least one
that is easy to get out.
Also, on a whole other topic,
today is the anniversary of D-Day.
I'm incredibly thankful for the
immense bravery and sacrifice
the soldiers had on that day.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
"My weakness I feel, I must finally show"
Hit play and then read, please.
Sorry for the inevitable 15 seconds of advertising,
which probably/almost absolutely happened - this is likely the only
legal copy of this song on YouTube.
--- --- ---
There's nothing like a tough day in infertility land.
Well, actually,
there's nothing like a tough day in infertility land when
more reminders of what you're missing are appearing
all
over
the
place.
The "tough-ness" happens to be particularly difficult
during times of change.
--- --- ---
I've been quiet lately; it's somethingthat happens when there is a lot going on.
Here's what's all going on:
1. We're taking a "break" from trying to conceive (TTC). It's produced as many challenges as it has relief.
2. I start a new job today. It's a needed and wanted change, yet out of my safe/comfort zone.
3. John leaves for 6 weeks very soon.
4. Grief is making a comeback, producing vivid memories of incredible clarity.
--- --- ---
Truthfully, this year has been tough, and
there is a bit of a constant haze that has
kept me from understanding
how life should be, how I should be.
I have a lot of stuff to work on,
and most of what needs to be worked on
will be in God's strength and timing
(because
there's no way
I could fix all of this).
It's clear that I've gotten a little "better,"
but I would appreciate everyone's prayers
that these weaknesses I have
that I'll be beginning to show
will be uplifted with God's strength.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
weeks - days - forever
6 weeks -
how long my husband will be gone for army chaplain training.
2 weeks (plus a day) -
how long until he leaves
3 days -
the length of his drill this weekend
Forever -
how long I'll love him (and him, me).
how long my husband will be gone for army chaplain training.
2 weeks (plus a day) -
how long until he leaves
3 days -
the length of his drill this weekend
Forever -
how long I'll love him (and him, me).
Sunday, April 8, 2012
and the whole earth shook.
Matthew 28:1-10
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went
to look at the tomb.
There was a violent earthquake,
for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and,
going to the tomb,
rolled back the stone and
sat on it.
His appearance was like lightning, and
his clothes were white as snow.
The guards were so afraid of him that
they shook and
became like dead men.
The angel said
to the women,
"Do not be afraid,
for I know that you are
looking for Jesus,
who was crucified.
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.
Come and see
the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples:
'He has risen from the dead and
is going ahead of you into
Galilee.
There you will see him.'
Now I have told you."
So the women hurried away from the tomb,
afraid
yet
filled
with joy,
and ran to tell his disciples.
Suddenly
Jesus met them.
"Greetings," he said.
They came to him,
clasped his feet and
worshiped him.
Then Jesus said to them,
"Do not be afraid.
Go
and tell my brothers to
go to Galilee;
there they will see me."
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went
to look at the tomb.
There was a violent earthquake,
for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and,
going to the tomb,
rolled back the stone and
sat on it.
His appearance was like lightning, and
his clothes were white as snow.
The guards were so afraid of him that
they shook and
became like dead men.
The angel said
to the women,
"Do not be afraid,
for I know that you are
looking for Jesus,
who was crucified.
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.
Come and see
the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples:
'He has risen from the dead and
is going ahead of you into
Galilee.
There you will see him.'
Now I have told you."
So the women hurried away from the tomb,
afraid
yet
filled
with joy,
and ran to tell his disciples.
Suddenly
Jesus met them.
"Greetings," he said.
They came to him,
clasped his feet and
worshiped him.
Then Jesus said to them,
"Do not be afraid.
Go
and tell my brothers to
go to Galilee;
there they will see me."
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Well I figure I might as well.
It's that time again -
a monthly blog post!
Really, I wish I could write more, but in what I hope will be a
post in the next few days, I'll explain all the reasons and
excuses of why I just feel like I can't.
But for now, I'd like to show you a picture of some cookies.
Well, Google, you decided to get fancy with the text wrapping, huh?
What does this have to do with anything?
I ran the March Madness Bracket tourney at my work, which was
a ton of fun!
Most of the people picked Kentucky to win (I picked Ohio State...bah, Kansas!),
and it came down to final score predictions to
determine the winner.
The winner, Dr. Bob Herron, wanted some kind of cookie with
pecans in them (doing his Louisiana roots proud),
so I was able to find this little gem after a couple clicks of the mouse.
They are tasty - yet another winner from the Smitten Kitchen site.
One key tip - don't skip the oatmeal. You will,
I say,
will regret that decision.
p.s. I know text wrapping has been around for a while, just wanted to acknowledge it.
p.p.s. I know Google doesn't really read this blog...or DO they?!
a monthly blog post!
Really, I wish I could write more, but in what I hope will be a
post in the next few days, I'll explain all the reasons and
excuses of why I just feel like I can't.
But for now, I'd like to show you a picture of some cookies.
Well, Google, you decided to get fancy with the text wrapping, huh?
What does this have to do with anything?
I ran the March Madness Bracket tourney at my work, which was
a ton of fun!
Most of the people picked Kentucky to win (I picked Ohio State...bah, Kansas!),
and it came down to final score predictions to
determine the winner.
The winner, Dr. Bob Herron, wanted some kind of cookie with
pecans in them (doing his Louisiana roots proud),
so I was able to find this little gem after a couple clicks of the mouse.
They are tasty - yet another winner from the Smitten Kitchen site.
One key tip - don't skip the oatmeal. You will,
I say,
will regret that decision.
p.s. I know text wrapping has been around for a while, just wanted to acknowledge it.
p.p.s. I know Google doesn't really read this blog...or DO they?!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
hi, again.
It's been a while since I've written, and I
can't guarantee this will be an awesome post of any sort,
but I am just going to spout off some thoughts here, and
maybe I'll whip up some thought-provoking text on this blog.
Thought 1:
Watching the cyclones on TV is exciting, because IL doesn't do
Big 12. Thankfully, CBS does online March Madness broadcast.
First two points of the game? ISU!
But there is a bit of sadness in this situation here. If I showed you
this room I'm sitting in, it would only include me and the guys on TV.
I miss Iowa.
I also am having a hard time watching KU score 7 crazy unanswered points.
Fingers-crossed that these ISU men can pull out some away-game
Hilton Magic.
Update: 22-26, KU. Make 'em cry, Cyclones!
2:
I know #1 seeds in the NCAA tournament get preferential
placement in regard to which region they get to play their
first games. Having your first games in your home state, though,
just seems too dang good.
3:
I'm got a lot of feedback on my infertility post, and I'm wondering if
I should start a series. Maybe.
This month, I thought we had finally done it, but no such result.
Guess I still have some writing material, right?
::sigh::
4:
It's tough when I'm explaining something about my hometown, and
I have to explain something about my "mom's house."
It's not just that my dad died, but that he did die - he didn't leave.
So many people live in broken homes - officially broken by divorce -
and I just want people to know that my parents loved each other
and they didn't give up - ever.
5:
We - John and I - also have to clarify about our living arrangements
whenever we talk about Minnesota. When we were engaged,
he lived in Minneapolis, and I lived in Chaska.
Actually, I did have
a student once ask me if my then-fiance and I lived together, and
when I said no, he said "Cool!"
(Tara - take one big guess as to who that was)
6:
The weather is great right now, and hopefully we get some rain.
The farmers could use it, and so could the daffodils!
Hopefully I'll be getting some pics of those this spring.
7:
Next year I'll be leading a Trinity Wives small group on campus.
Hopefully God blesses it as much as he did our small group this year.
One awesome thing: one of the women from my group
volunteered (unasked!) to go with me to my group, whatever that will be!
8:
Well, I got photoshop for Christmas (on super sale!), and let me tell you,
it's a unique program, and it
does some fun things like ----
create 10 Year Reunion Invitations!
Coming in April to a Mailbox Near You*
*that is, if "you" were a part of the class of PIHS 2002.
9:
If you have two cents if not twenty cents about
how to get into shape, meaning
how to get toned up,
build endurance,
and eat healthy,
then please chime in.
Oh, and keep in mind that, when you give
those two or more cents, that I
am a weak little thing,
don't like to run (but wish I did),
and I don't tend to get hungry that often.
10:
Time to finally make my wedding photo book.
3.5 years isn't too late, is it?
can't guarantee this will be an awesome post of any sort,
but I am just going to spout off some thoughts here, and
maybe I'll whip up some thought-provoking text on this blog.
Thought 1:
Watching the cyclones on TV is exciting, because IL doesn't do
Big 12. Thankfully, CBS does online March Madness broadcast.
First two points of the game? ISU!
But there is a bit of sadness in this situation here. If I showed you
this room I'm sitting in, it would only include me and the guys on TV.
I miss Iowa.
I also am having a hard time watching KU score 7 crazy unanswered points.
Fingers-crossed that these ISU men can pull out some away-game
Hilton Magic.
Update: 22-26, KU. Make 'em cry, Cyclones!
2:
I know #1 seeds in the NCAA tournament get preferential
placement in regard to which region they get to play their
first games. Having your first games in your home state, though,
just seems too dang good.
3:
I'm got a lot of feedback on my infertility post, and I'm wondering if
I should start a series. Maybe.
This month, I thought we had finally done it, but no such result.
Guess I still have some writing material, right?
::sigh::
4:
It's tough when I'm explaining something about my hometown, and
I have to explain something about my "mom's house."
It's not just that my dad died, but that he did die - he didn't leave.
So many people live in broken homes - officially broken by divorce -
and I just want people to know that my parents loved each other
and they didn't give up - ever.
5:
We - John and I - also have to clarify about our living arrangements
whenever we talk about Minnesota. When we were engaged,
he lived in Minneapolis, and I lived in Chaska.
Actually, I did have
a student once ask me if my then-fiance and I lived together, and
when I said no, he said "Cool!"
(Tara - take one big guess as to who that was)
6:
The weather is great right now, and hopefully we get some rain.
The farmers could use it, and so could the daffodils!
Hopefully I'll be getting some pics of those this spring.
7:
Next year I'll be leading a Trinity Wives small group on campus.
Hopefully God blesses it as much as he did our small group this year.
One awesome thing: one of the women from my group
volunteered (unasked!) to go with me to my group, whatever that will be!
8:
Well, I got photoshop for Christmas (on super sale!), and let me tell you,
it's a unique program, and it
does some fun things like ----
create 10 Year Reunion Invitations!
Coming in April to a Mailbox Near You*
*that is, if "you" were a part of the class of PIHS 2002.
9:
If you have two cents if not twenty cents about
how to get into shape, meaning
how to get toned up,
build endurance,
and eat healthy,
then please chime in.
Oh, and keep in mind that, when you give
those two or more cents, that I
am a weak little thing,
don't like to run (but wish I did),
and I don't tend to get hungry that often.
10:
Time to finally make my wedding photo book.
3.5 years isn't too late, is it?
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Today
Today was the first day that my husband has actually
been "owned" by the army.
Today was the first day I spent a whole Saturday here
by myself without a car since...a long time ago.
Today was the first day in a good long while
that my husband was more tired than me at 10:00 p.m.
Today was the first day John got to interact with the people
he is going to help through this chaplaincy program.
Today was the first day that my husband got to see
the evidence of the clearest reason God brought us here.
Today was the first day of many where I'll listen to my
husband tell as many stories in such an enthusiastic way
as he did today.
Today
was a good day.
been "owned" by the army.
Today was the first day I spent a whole Saturday here
by myself without a car since...a long time ago.
Today was the first day in a good long while
that my husband was more tired than me at 10:00 p.m.
Today was the first day John got to interact with the people
he is going to help through this chaplaincy program.
Today was the first day that my husband got to see
the evidence of the clearest reason God brought us here.
Today was the first day of many where I'll listen to my
husband tell as many stories in such an enthusiastic way
as he did today.
Today
was a good day.
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