Thursday, April 30, 2009

attempting to fly


I recall sitting in a class and my professor asking me to write a piece for a book she was publishing. It was a compilation of different student’s life lessons learned in their time at college. I contemplated the idea and was frankly excited. 

I don’t believe I ever turned in a final article.

This last Fall, the book was published and of course, no article by me was written in it. However, the 60 entries published written by students from more than 20 universities are an insightful look into college life. 

This leads me to ask a few questions. What is an opportunity if it is never taken? What is the path not taken if it is never really taken? And what is the point of networking if you never really use your network?

With that said, I’m applying. The fingertips of my mind have found different paths laid out in front of me and I decided to not only be excited about the fact that there are those paths, but to actually apply myself and take one. Because really my main excuse for not doing things (busyness) is a horrible one. And an endless one at that.

So I had my year of restoration. It was a year of transition, a year of challenges and new adventures and figuring a little bit more about life. I think each year will be similarly a time of transition if I really do embark upon new things and take up these opportunities. But that is exciting and I am embracing change.

With that, I’m applying with courage (and a touch of nervousness) to Biola’s Institute for Spiritual Formation. They receive approximately 80 to 90 applicants and accept approximately 30 so my chances are slim. Therefore, my trust is in God in this process. And if I am not accepted, at least I applied and trusted.

Like I said, what is an opportunity if it is not taken or attempted. And what is a path not taken if it really isn’t ever taken? 

Saturday, April 11, 2009

out of my league

As I walked through the baby aisles and counted the number of different types of bibs, binkies and blankies, I realized I was way out of my league. I know nothing about babies — at least not much in comparison to the average woman. 

My eyes scanned the cute little shoes, but I was perplexed. "Would a one-year-old wear size 1,2 or 3? Or are these way too big in the first place? Will a one-year-old even want a pair of shoes? Am I getting them more for the cute factor than for her? It's not like she will remember what I gave her." 

I called my mom. "What do you buy a one-year-old?" I wanted to get something for her she would like, not just something I thought was adorable. "Well, a baby would want a toy most likely." I agreed. 

So at Kylie's first birthday party, she received a toy, bubbles, butterfly sand molds and a book. I wrote an inscription in the book so one day, she may know I gave her a book at her first birthday. Although I really wanted to get her those cute shoes, I think she'll have more fun with the toy...And I really have no idea what size shoe a one-year-old wears. 

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

twenty.three

I turned 23 last week! TWENTY THREE! Still sounds slightly old (remember, people, I work at a university with youngin's), but I'm getting used to it. I had a fantastic birthday. Things like this amazing J cake made my birthday fabulous! 

Lehua was the creator of this creative, beautiful J. And she gave me the pretty vintage cake platter as my present! Such a fun treat for when I came back to work after I took my birthday off.

(Also, Lehua does more than make cool cakes in her spare time. Check out her website and hire her for your wedding invites or photography! *Bonus points if you find me on her website.)