A Skype Date

Yesterday evening... so so so good! I spent almost three hours on Skype with Ptr. Titus, Ptr. Vandy, and Tess -- my best friends in Cambodia. It was about 11pm to 2am my time, 11am to 2pm their time. Let's be honest.. there isn't much that will keep me up past 2:30 in the morning now, except the rare rare rare opportunity of all four of us being together. It felt just like it does when I'm there -- PERFECT! I'm excited to celebrate Vandy's birthday while I'm there! Maybe Tess' too!

Asian Photobooth!

I heard my main mutt Shrek barking, and Vandy told me that Shrek finally has two girlfriends on campus. Shrek is the only dog that has my heart, and I'm hoping for puppies in July or August! By the way, raising a Shrek puppy is on my future to-do list!

And when they were ready for lunch, the four of us sat down together ["together"] at the table and prayed in Khmer. They ate soup, and I talked about school and my preparations for returning this summer. I even did a little "show and tell" of some things around my room.

I had promised my sister earlier in the evening that we would watch an episode or two of Lost together before bed, and obviously we never did that. :( I trust that she is kind and forgiving, because she understands how much the conversation meant to me.

It was so so so uplifting!

Yess.. it's Friday again!

Happy “Friday’s Fave Five” - hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story. Click on the linky to see what 5 things other bloggers are love love loving this week!

1. Old Pictures
I scanned lots of old pictures last weekend. It was so much fun to look back through them and try try try to remember being that young again! I've heard lots of stories and seen home videos, but I really don't remember much earlier than elementary.

Look at those dimples in my chubby chubby cheeks!

2. Psalm 139
I've been meditating on these verses for over a week now. The entire chapter is full of goodness! These two verse have been my prayer every morning::

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. [Psalm 139:23,24]

3. God's Favor

My friend Nick that was very very very suddenly diagnosed with leukemia last Friday [read HERE], moved home on Wednesday. I can't write much because I don't know much, except that he's been really strong and really positive. On Wednesday he wrote, "Again, thank you all for your prayers they mean the world to me and i know i would not be feeling this great without your prayers and without God. thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!!"

Nick, Me, and Phillipe back in hiiigh school

4. Realizations

It's nice to know that when I slide off the roller coaster of life, there is someone behind me to catch me before I fall, someone who was sitting there the whole time, through all the ups, downs, and turns. I hope you have friends like that too.

5. Acoustic Worship

This morning in chapel the sound system was having problems and shut down during worship. I think the sound guys and the worship band was in a slight panic, but I was glad; it was WONDERFUL! Not because I don't like microphones, or electric guitars and drums, or loud music, but because the quietness was beautiful conducive to an atmosphere of heart-felt worship. Thank you Jesus for erupting the noise and giving us silence; You deserved it!

See how we've grown...

Instead of doing homework on Sunday I looked through old pictures... here are some of my favorites of both Jessie and I.

Aren't we precious?

Christmas morning of '91 or '92 -- big wheels!

That's me on Big Bird.

Easter Sunday - I think that's me with the big basket!

I'm the unhappy one with the umbrella.. look at our bruised legs haha!

At Granddad and Grandmom's house in Ohio

Left to Right: Me, cousin Kevin, Jessie, and cousin David

Love love loved that wagon!

[At least that's what I'm told]

5 months old maybe??

She's going to kill me for posting this one!!

We can't figure this one out.. looks like my face SHAPE on the left, looks like my FACE on the right.

Here's a little preview of what's to come...

Tuesday's Random Dozen

I'm posting 12 random things because it seems to be the only way my brain is working today...

1. My friends Nathan and Jade have been in the process of adoption since mid-October when they flew to Uganda and met their son Samuel. It's been a difficult process to wait wait wait, especially as they had thought Samuel would be home before Christmas, but they trusted God and finally finally finally Nathan spoke with their lawyer yesterday and Jade left this morning with her dad to go to Uganda!!! God is already moving in a big way! First, he prompted Nathan to call the lawyer; second, He prompted Jade's dad to pack a Bible - a book he has never read! [<-- Samuel's passport photo - I can't wait to meet him!]

2. The bathroom is an odd place to have ants, isn't it?

3. My countdown to Mozambique is officially less than 100 days!

4. Apparently obtaining an international drivers license and learning how to drive a stick-shift is on my to-do list for the near future, because after three weeks with my team, I'm on my own and will be given a 1956 vw beetle for all my transportation needs. Word of the trip: Experience.

5. I'm trying to complain less about the weather; it's something I have felt convicted about. But.. let's be honest.. it was 54 on Sunday afternoon, and it's been snowing since Monday morning! Tomorrow's high is 32. 27 on Wednesday. 23 on Thursday. 22 on Friday. 26 on Saturday.

6. I'm going to Florida for Spring Break in 31 days. I repeat: Florida. 31 days.

7. White gummy bears are my favorite, and are actually my twin sister's least favorite. All the white gummy bears for me!!

8. Group projects: Students hate them! Why do professors assign them?

9. Have you seen the movie Up? I'm usually not much into animated movies, but this one is so precious!

Carl Fredicksen, a retired balloon salesman, is part rascal, part dreamer who is ready for his last chance at high-flying excitement. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, Carl sets off to the lost world of his childhood dreams. Unbeknownst to Carl, Russell, an overeager 8-year old Wildnerness Explorer who has never ventured beyond his backyard, is in the wrong place at the wrong time - Carl's front porch! The world's most unlikely duo reach new heights and meets fantastic friends like Dug, a dog with a special collar that allows him to speak, and Kevin, the rare 13-foot tall flightless bird. Stuck together in the wilds of the jungle, Carl realizes that sometimes life's biggest adventures aren't the ones you set out for.

10. I'm in the process of filling out my graduation application. I can't believe that in two semesters I will be a college graduate! Oh my stars.

11. Last Wednesday I wrote "replace trash bag" on my to-do list. I finally did it this afternoon, a full week later! How is it that I am too busy to put a trash bag in the can, but I'm not too busy to blog? Oh, I know... blogging is an escape from my to-do list!!

12. I just love Skype so much! This morning I talked to my friend Titus for the first time it what felt like three months, but really was probably more accurately only three weeks. :( On that note:

No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth.

-Anonymous

Lost in Love

As I resolved to before New Years, yesterday I practiced the Sabbath. For me, I am practicing the Sabbath by NOT doing homework, and instead practicing the spiritual disciplines of rest, fellowship, and meditation. Yesterday was wonderful. I spent the majority of the afternoon on my bed with my Bible, a journal, a pen, and a highlighter, basking in the love and presence of God, my Maker, Redeemer, and Sustainer.

From yesterday's study and meditations of Psalm 139 came the first entry to my blog "Lost in Love". My intentions are not to double post on both blogs, but I want to introduce my new blog to my followers. Please leave comments there and share how you are growing in the love of God our Father

HERE to read my 1st post on my new blog "Lost in Love"

Exhaustion

This weekend has been exhausting -- physically and emotionally draining. In yesterday's post I said that I had had a busy week and a long to-do list, but that I surely would have everything done by yesterday afternoon.. I didn't get it done.

I found out yesterday afternoon that my friend Nick (21-yrs) has been diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukemia. Nick and I were best friends through school - second grade through graduation; through elementary, junior high, and high school - that's like an eternity! Let's be honest: I'm shocked, I'm upset, and I'm worried.

The day before his diagnosis he walked into the doctors office with chest pain and some strange rashes on his legs. His doctor did some blood work, and quickly he was sent to a cancer center, and in the same day was admitted to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Now he has been moved to Riley Children's Hospital. After six blood draws, two cat-scans, three x-rays, an ultrasound, and a bone marrow biopsy, he found out that he had leukemia -- hours before it had only been chest pain and a rash. Apparently 'acute' refers to the relatively short time course of the disease (ie. being fatal in as little as a few weeks if left untreated); I thought 'acute' meant it was less in severity.

He seems positive and as of yesterday afternoon when I spoke to him, he said he was feeling fine. His leukemia is very treatable, but it's going to be a rough road ahead.

I wish I knew what I could do. What is there to do?? I want to be there for him. I want to be there for his family. I promised Nick I would pray for him every single day until he beats this.

Please keep Nick and the Pattengale family in your prayers.

Me, Phillipe, and Nick on the plane to Texas

Nick and I at graduation

Nick, me, and Phillipe in Ecuador

Friday evening, after I didn't get my nap, twin sis Jess and I babysat 14 kids. Ages 13 months through 10 years. After all the parents left, I looked at Jess and said Here we go! and then we started our rounds between the three play areas. The baby wasn't fussy. No one fought. The little ones never got whiney, even at 11pm. It was a good night! I actually had fun!

My Five Favorite Things

Happy “Friday’s Fave Five” blog, hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story. Click on the linky to see what 5 things other bloggers are love love loving this week!

1. Things crossed off my to-do list

My planner was full everyday this week with assignments and meetings and reminders, and before the afternoon is over, I'LL HAVE EVERY BULLET CHECKED OFF MY LIST! Now of course that doesn't include: 'Eat' and 'Rest' but I think I'll be able to manage those before the evening is over! Some of the ridiculous things on my to-do list this week included: put trash bag in trash can, tell Prof. Wilson that I'll be absent Wed., and take a nap [yes, take a nap.] I seriously had to write everything down this week -- not because I would forget, but because it would be naturally set aside for other things on my list to be done first. So yes, I wrote 'Eat' and 'Rest' on my planner everyday this week! CUH-RAE-ZEE!

2. Give Me Jesus by Fernando Ortega

This is beautiful song, and sung by a beautiful voice. We sang this song on Sunday evening last week at the Horizon and it's been the song of my heart everyday this week. I'll be transparent and say that I have been a little discouraged this week, and I not only NEED Jesus but I WANT Jesus. Gracious, wowie! He is so so so good and I am so so so blessed!

This video was recorded as a tribute to Billy Graham's wife, Ruth.

In the morning, when I rise

Give me Jesus.

You can have all this world,

Just give me Jesus.

3. Naps

There is nothing as refreshing as a short power nap! This particular nap on Wednesday found me on the dirty floor in our suite, backpack on, coat on, for 30 minutes before dinner. After a 6:30am prayer walk and speaking in chapel, I was too tired to even walk a step further to the futon! Pathethic! This is legit ladies - LEGIT.

4. A heart to serve
A small group of people from my church, after hearing about the earthquake in Haiti, decided within only a few days to GO. Earthquake hit Monday. On Sunday they went forward. This morning they left. For Bob, it meant making an 8-hour roundtrip to Chicago to apply for a passport. Their hearts are broken for God's hurting people.

Selfless.

Service.

Sacrificial.

5. Accountability

Keeps me reading my Bible.. keeps me running those miles..

Enough said there!

Chapel

Yesterday I spoke in chapel at my alma-mater, Lakeview. When Mrs. Conrad asked me way back before Christmas break if I would share, I really wanted to say no because the semester had been awful and I just didn't want to commit to anything else. But, after a few days I decided that I really should do it. She asked me to speak on missions, and I shared a testimony of what God has taught me in each of the places I have been, and how it has really taught me more about Him, and about myself, and how it has all brought me to where I am today -- in transit to moving across the globe to serve Him and love His people.

I've preached in churches and given messages in chapels in a few different places, but never without a translator! [Actually on some occasions, I was the translator!] So, I was pretty nervous to stand in front of some old teachers and peers, without the security of a translator standing next to me, BUT I had a translator in my heart! I was nervous about the presentation of His message, but I felt confident that God has given me a message to share.

This is a short video I made using pictures and film from my two trips to Cambodia. I love love love these lyrics! It's called I Saw What I Saw by Sara Groves. The song really speaks to me about where God has taken me, and how those experiences have taught me and changed me, and really have brought me to where I am today!

I saw what I saw and I can't forget it

I heard what I heard and I can't go back

I know what I know and I can't deny it

Something on the road

Cut me to the soul

At 9:30

I'm speaking in chapel today at my old high school.

I'm excited, and I'm nervous.

I'm blessed to have a testimony of God's goodness in my life.

Please join me in praying that I can impart to the students God's love for the world, and a passion for serving His people.

Acts 26:16b-18 --

...I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

Txt 'Haiti' to 90999

Text ‘Haiti’ to 90999 to send a $10 donation via the Red Cross; because no one should have to fight for food, clean water, or medical attention.

Deuteronomy 10:18 ♥

He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.

With the people of Haiti hungry, desperate and frustrated nearly a week after a powerful earthquake, sporadic violence and looting are erupting in the badly damaged capital. "People are actually stealing things, then will sell it later, and then they'll use that money for their families," CNN's Anderson Cooper reported.


No official death toll has been declared, but estimates range from 100,000 to 150,000 in Port-au-Prince alone. The buildings have crumbled to rubble, leaving hundreds of thousands of homeless survivors roaming the streets. About 3 million people -- one-third of Haiti's population -- were affected by the quake, the Red Cross said. About 10 million people most likely felt the shaking. All of this has occurred in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, where infrastructure is weak and many people were already living in poverty.



CAN YOU BLAME THEM?

Two funnies and a prayer.

If you have been a follower for awhile, you might remember that back in May while I was in Cambodia, my grandmom got very sick, spent a few days in the Intensive Care Unit, and all the family came to see her. I was so afraid that she would be gone when I returned a month later from Cambodia. BUT, she gradually improved, and she's much stronger today.

Well, a week after returning from Cambodia, I went to teen camp as a counselor. Grandmom was still pretty sick, but she had already returned home. Anyways, middle of the week at camp I got a text (a text!) from an unknown number offering her condolences for the death of my grandmom. I said "Girl, whaaat?? Excuse me, but I hadn't heard!" I started the grieving process pretty immediately, surrounded by campers, co-counselors, and youth pastors, standing on the shore at Pine Lake.

Jessie (twin sis.) called Mom immediately, and Mom confirmed that Grandmom was still alive and well. I said, "Are you SURE? Please go visit her right now." Again, it was confirmed that Grandmom was indeed still alive.

So I texted the mystery texter back, telling her that it was a cruel cruel cruel thing she did! Jessie checked her phone book, and we confirmed the identity as "P", a woman in our church who is very kind, but had confused my dear, precious, very sick grandmom with another lady in the church who had just passed away.

Then Pastor Tony bought me ice cream because he felt sorry for me. I deserved it too!

So this past Wednesday morning, before 8am, I received messages from two friends saying that they were praying for me! [Precious!!] Ok, but I also thought it was strange that they both texted me, and especially before 8am, and just randomly. I thought, "Oh no, something terrible has happened!! Did Grandmom die?? Why do they know already and I don't??" So I texted Chele back, "I really do appreciate your prayers, but can I ask why today? Did my grandmom die?"

You see, I'm schedule to share a message in chapel this coming Wednesday, and they had both thought that it was this past Wednesday. She asked, "Aren't you speaking in chapel this morning?"

Then I freaked out again because Chele is a teacher at my alma mater (where I'm scheduled to speak,) and I thought, "Oh no, she just went to faculty meeting and saw my name on the schedule... I better start writing my message!!"

Turns out I was right, and they were wrong. Whew! What a relief it was to know that I still had a week to prepare my message AND my grandmom isn't dead! Gracious.

So, if you think about me around 9:30 on Wednesday, you can pray for me because I will be standing in front of a group of middle schoolers, high schoolers, and teachers, likely very nervous and intimidated. And actually, all prayers before 9:30 on Wednesday are appreciated because my message still isn't ready!!

Elephant Paintings

Thanks to Keri at Sea, Sand and Shells for posting this.

Ok, so you probably aren't too impressed with this painting:

But what if you knew that it had been painted by this big guy?:

Painting like this are being sold throughout Asia to save the elephant population.

I showed this to my friend Chau at work and she refuses to believe it. Now I have always been partial to elephants [see my elephant collection here], but did do a little research to confirm the validity of this incredible artwork. Check out elephantart.com to read more about The Asian Elephant Art and Conservation Project or click HERE to view a clip of Ging Gaow doing his "flick" technique.

Friday's Fave Five - Week 1 of Semester 2 of Junior Year

Happy “Friday’s Fave Five” blog, hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story. Click on the linky to see what 5 things other bloggers are love love loving this week!

1. This quote:
"If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise."

— Robert Fritz

Mmm.. this spoke in incredible ways to me this week, especially as I have been a little stressed and anxious about planning my summer internship... and that's all I will say about that.

2. A new blog.

I'm starting a new blog; it's an idea I had around New Years, but this far all I have is a template and a few ideas. It's called "Lost in Love" and you can check it out HERE. I'll hold you in suspense by keeping the topic a secret, but hopefully one of my ideas will turn into words in the next few days, and I'll have a real post.

3. Drop Like Stars by Rob. Bell

Drop Like Stars is "an exploration of the complex relationship between suffering and creativity, driven by the belief that there is art in the agony." Bell is very contemporary and very insightful. You may know him well for Noomas, his series of short films that explore our world from a perspective of Jesus. They are so so so good, I love love love them! See HERE to read a blog I wrote in response to one Nooma, or see Nooma.com. Anyways, below is a picture of the cover and a picture of page 4. The book is 12"x10" [interesting right?] and the layout is pretty unique.

4. Ultrasound pictures

[No, not mine.] My sister is 21 weeks pregnant and had ultrasounds pictures taken this week. As they did with their first, Joni and Jeff have chosen to not know the gender. Click HERE to see more pictures from Joni's blog.

5. Friday

It's the end of the first week of the second semester of my junior year. "Syllabi review" should be an easy day, and it is, but it certainly is overwhelming. Last semester was ridiculously stressful, and I'm hopeful that this semester won't find me in the Emergency Room with any stress-related conditions [as other semesters have in the past.] Although in addition to the business, I do anticipate much growth and learning. I have a good line of classes and I'm pretty excited about most of them. I'm also excited about really getting to know the girls on my Mozambique team this semester, especially as we will begin our weekly meetings soon.

Shopping in Cambodia

For yesterday's Random Dozen meme, I said that souvenir shopping is my favorite shopping, likely a result of the entire experience, which includes: the memories, the shopping mates, the cuisine... I love LOVE LOVE it! For any American, shopping in a foreign market is quite the experience.
My favorite: The Russian Market in Phnom, Penh, Cambodia

Outside::

Fruits and vegetables::
Shoes:: Silks::
DVDS::Statues::

and much much more::

The smells are distinct; the sounds are distinct. I could [and have] walked around for hours, observing, just taking everything in. I still remember a young boy I met there last summer, selling books about Cambodia, and cards painted by victims of landmines on the Cambodia/Vietnam border. There is also the sweetest, most precious man in the cafe area that claims to serve Phom Penh's best iced coffee [and he does by the way.] So if you're ever in the Russian Market, find the man with the smile and all the flags!

Here he is:

Devastation in Haiti

Monday afternoon, mainland Haiti was struck by a catastrophic 7.0 earthquake - the largest earthquake in recent history. Hundreds of thousands are presumed dead, and many are missing. Porta-au-Prince, the nation's capital, was at the center of the quake. The National Penitentiary, which held 3,908 inmates in a building with a capacity of 1,200, collapsed entirely. The Haitian National Palace stands in ruins. People are trapped under and inside buildings, and phone and power lines have been knocked down, preventing much communication throughout the entire nation.

People are in hysteria.

My sister's co-worker returned from a trip to Haiti on Monday evening, and he sent out the following e-mail yesterday:
One of the full time missionaries was in Port Au Prince at the time. Although they lost contact with him for awhile, he eventually was able to contact the main mission and is safe. He compares the scene to NYC after 9/11. There is widespread devastation with people wandering aimlessly covered by concrete dust. As nightfall began to set in, approximately an hour or so after the initial earthquake, there was widespread panic and he could hear many people screaming for help. This is a guy who is pretty battle-toughened from his years in Haiti and he was emotionally devastated by what he saw.
Although it will likely take awhile to assess the damage, already there is great concern for the future, even for those areas not directly affected by the earthquake. Food is already quite scarce and transportation and logistics horribly unreliable. There is already concern that the missions will be cut off from their food supplies, which threatens the well being of virtually the entire country. In addition, this is the rainy season in Haiti. In the best of times, the rains make even foot travel virtually impossible and often wipe out people’s homes. Given the devastation, any rain will likely have a dramatic impact. Finally, there is no real method for sewage or garbage removal through virtually all of Haiti, diseases are common and medical treatment is scarce at best and non-existent outside of the main urban areas. Simply put, the devastation we will see on the news the next couple of days is only the start of the damage. It is clear already that the earthquake will have a long term effect on the entire country – a country that was already hanging on by a thread.

I read on CNN that, "According to a Haitian ambassador to US: 'Haiti's infrastructure is the world's worst, even in the best of times.'"

CNN Reporter Pedre, who was in Port-au-Prince at the time of the quake, said, "I heard a lot of people praying, saying that Jesus is coming, saying that we need to pray, we need to save our lives by believing in God." He saw collapsed buildings every few feet, he said. And people -- mainly children -- with head injuries. People, in hysteria, thought it was the end of the world, he said.

Can you even imagine?

Click HERE to read hour-to-hour updates on CNN.com.

Happy Random Dozen Wednesday!

Happy Random Wednesday, hosted by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. When was the last time you craved a food--what was it, and did you cave?

I'm craving a hot hot hot baked sweet potato right now, and if it were an option, I would definitely cave! Tonight I'll be craving ice cream, and I will definitely be caving.
2. M & M's or Skittles?

Skittles. I actually don't like chocolate.

3. Have you ever read the Bible completely through?

Never, but it is one of my aspirations.

4. How long does it take you to really wake up in the morning?

Pretty quickly if I have coffee or a shower. Music helps too.

5. Have you ever been on a cruise? If not, would you like to?

I never have. I'm sure it would be nice, but I would choose a few other options before choosing a cruise. In no particular order:

-India

-The Louvre Museum, in Paris

-Fiji

-New York City

6. Who is your favorite actress?

Reese Witherspoon or Jennifer Anderson probably. [I'm not too into the Hollywood scene.]

7. ______ is something that I will just never understand.

Men's obsession with golf.

8. How much of a technology junkie are you?

Not at all.

9. Do you enjoy selecting greeting cards for people, or is it more of a cultural "have to" for you?

I enjoy sending cards, but maybe not necessarily standing in the aisle at Wal-Mart. [Half the fun is writing the card, and half the fun is receiving a response.]

10. When was the last time you got a new style/haircut?

Hmm... forever maybe? I do enjoy a trim every few months though, and I am currently thinking about bangs... only thinking about it.

11. What do you enjoy shopping for most?

Souvenir shopping; second would be Christmas presents, but it isn't half the thrill of buying souvenirs; third, would be cereal.

The Russian Market - Phnom Penh, Cambodia

12. What's the last thing you think of before you leave the house?

Consistently these four things:

Do I have my id card to let me back in the building?

Do I have my cell phone?

Is the door locked?

How cold is it outside?

And what do you think about THAT??

Love love love, Jewel

Back in the dorm...

I moved back on campus yesterday morning. It's still pretty snowy here, but the drive wasn't bad. Maybe 8 or 10 minutes. Only took 3 trips between the dorm and the car to get all of Jessie and my stuff carried inside. I couldn't believe how many clothes were still in my closet. I need to do something about this. [See Good Intentions for 2010 post.]

It's nice to be back because I'm ready for the routine and independence again, but I'm not ready for the textbooks and the early mornings. But but BUT, I'm reminding myself "Second semester.. junior year.. this is my second semester.. of my junior year," and right now that is still exciting, though I'm sure the end will be more terrifying soon enough. Am I really ready?

I slept awful last night, and I blame on the reality that I moved out of my queen-sized bed at home, back into a twin-sized bed on the top bunk. Lame. But but BUT! I only took three of my five pillows home, so it is nice to have those two extra pillows again. Yes, I do sleep with five pillows, and here's how:

-One pillow between my knees.

-Hugging one pillow

-A smaller pillow on top of the hugging pillow to prop my elbow

-One pillow under my head [I bet you anticipated that]

-A smaller pillow on top of the head pillow [with all the stuffing smooshed to the side so I'm not actually laying on two pillows, but just the cold, silky, smoothness of the top pillow; combined with the soft, fluffy, goodness of the bottom pillow.]

Also, I'm pretty sure I'm allergic to my bed at home. [Allergic to your bed at home??] Yes, I'm serious; I think my cat spends most of his sleeping hours on my bed. So, even though my bed at school is much smaller, I do have two more pillows, AND I'm not allergic to my bed now! Bonus!!

Well, now that my roommate and three suitemates have all left for their 9:25 classes, I suppose it's time for me to wash my cereal bowl and take a shower. I have a few errands to run on campus before meeting Jessie for lunch and then going to my first class of the second semester of my junior year at 12:05.

Bye ladies!

Jewel

PS: Here is a little treat for you:
This is me in June 2006 chasing a wild cow through the streets of the Dominican Republic. What the heck was I thinking?