I just finished "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton. Wow! Edith always has a depressing ending and she didn't disappoint with this book. I love the way that she writes because I feel like it's a bit more "action packed" than some of her other contemporaries. The ending while depressing wasn't shocking, it was just simply sad and a little pathetic. I definitely recommend it.

Currently, I am reading "My Bondage and My Freedom" by Frederick Douglass. He was born a slave and escaped in the 1800's. I still cannot fathom that slavery actually happened in our country. It seems so surreal. Frederick is an amazing writer and captures with words the richness of that time. I'm only about 1/3 of the way through, but I recommend it to everyone.

This morning I woke up so full of thankfulness and awe towards God. I look at my life and I see God's hand in every part of it. And I don't know why. Well, I know it's b/c God's amazing and awesome and beyond words. But I...I don't deserve it. I have no choice but to be thankful and humbled and awed my God who loves me so much.

"He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized posession."

I have seen the beauty that is Creation/ Nature. Given, I have never seen the Swiss Alps or the Alaskan wild or the purity that is found on the beaches of a secluded island. I have, however, seen most of the United States. From Martha's Vineyard to the coasts of the Northwest, I have seen beauty in God's creation that is indescribable. God says out of ALL that beauty, out of ALL of His artistic work, we, humans, are his prized posession! Isn't that crazy! Most days I would much rather have a secluded beach than most people's drama. Nature seems so unflawed and we, humans, quite frankly are so flawed (myself included!) But God would rather be with us. We make him the proudest, no matter our mistakes or failures or sins or fears or insecurities. We are God's #1 prize!!

I pray that you rest in that truth with all the peace and comfort and strength that I am resting in today.

I've called about 30 churches and I have 4 who are interested or semi-interested...not bad I would say. My self-esteem is holding up nicely and so I thank all of my friends who have supported me through this critical time. I press on..

I like the song by Joe Joe called, "It's a little too late." I don't know why, I just do.

I've been feeling emotional lately. I took a walk to clear my head the other night and ended up in tears. Finally, a release and an understanding of my emotional rollercoaster. I am homesick. The revelation hit me like a ton of bricks but it makes sense now. I remember feeling this way every fall since I moved away from home. Not only do I love fall, I believe I love because it reminds me of my family and friends. Walking around our neighborhood, I was reminded of the cozy feeling that fall brings. I saw families enjoying grilling out and sitting by their fireplaces, dads raking leaves and kids playing in those leaves, halloween decor, and wet fallen leaves amidst the crisp fresh smell after the rain. I was reminded of home. I began crying b/c I love all these things and I want a home with all of these things. I miss my mom and dad, my beautiful nieces, my grandma and so many more. I love where I am in life, I love that I live in Portland with the most amazing husband in the world, and I love that I love my job and my church. In the midst of it all, I miss the group of people that has been the closest for the longest, my family. I love you family.

Today's the day I make phone calls to over 200 churches trying to get them to partner with The Salvation Army. I hate cold calling and don't handle rejection well. Please pray for me to not take all the rejection personally. I'm trying to keep positive. For instance, if I get 10 new churches to work with us, I will consider these efforts a success. Ten out of 200...not bad.

Any advice?

Community Service 101- Some of you may know that I got a speeding ticket on my first day driving to me new job!! I have since learned that cops in Oregon don't mess around and therefore I won't anymore either. Instead of paying the ticket I opted for community service. Luckily, I work with a non-profit and can "do my time" there. I started this week, staying late after work and went in on Saturday. it SUCKS not being able to sleep in on Saturdays for the next month, but i guess "if you do the crime you've got to do the time" (that's how it goes, right?)

Free Movies- Dustin and I are very thankful to Hollywood Video for allowing their employees free rentals, we are and will continue to take advantage of that. Last night we watched "10th and Wolf" and "Proposition". We liked the first but not so much the second. On Friday night we watched "the Break Up" with Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn. Vince Vaughn is just so funny! I thought the movie was ok. However, afterward Dustin and I had to convince ourselves that the ending meant that they were getting back together because neither one of us could handle it if they didn't. It's just hard to watch two people break up, even if it is just a movie, it's still hard to watch the reality of what happens in a break up. It's so painful. I am very thankful that I will never, ever have to go through that again.

Aflac- Dustin and I are thinking of purchasing some insurance with Aflac. Anybody use it, have any comments?

Middlesex- Currently, I am reading "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides. Quite interesting to say the least. But I love the way he writes, so entertaining and informed at the same time. I recommend it. (I don't want to tell you what it's about, I want you to be just as surprised as I was once I started reading it!)

Church- I gotta get ready for church. Last week after church we went with 3 other couples to a Greek Festival. Um....AMAZING FOOD!! I love gyro's!! They are my fave and so I was quite happy. I love getting to see a little part of another culture. Adults and children were all dressed up doing some sort of dance. And the Greek Orthodox church who was hosting it was open for people to look around (we weren't able to do that, damn!) The best part was the sign that read, "No alcohol off of church grounds." Isn't that so ironic???? Not normally what you see in present day evangelical churches. I loved it!

Enjoy the pics!! And find out all of the provacative details here.


This is our bath which is carved out of a log. As you can see the very hot water is coming out of the spout and filling our bath. Dustin had to haul in 4 buckets of cold water to get the oh-so-right temperature.

This is the bath house with about 6 private compartments (thank God we got one of those!) and a larger public bath (you DON'T want to be in that water!)


This tree was HUGE!! Dustin stood completely upright in it. Part of the tree was just laying on the ground. We wondered how long it had been there and how they ever got it down.

This tree was laying on the side of the mountain as we walked by. It looked like it could slide down and crush you at any moment, so cool.We took a lot more pics but many of them didn't turn out and even if they did they just don't do this place justice. (i have no idea why this text is underlined, but please ignore it, i'm not trying to highlight it for any reason, so weird blogger!)