2005: A Year-End Review

I'm sitting at home -- sick. It's not really fun. So rather than enjoying my New Year's Eve plans, I have instead resigned myself to watching Making the Band re-runs on MTV and updating my blog. I know you envy me and wish you could do the same.

In the spirit of the new year, I decided to be lame and do a review just like everyone else. Consider it my "holiday letter" since I didn't send out Christmas cards (as if I ever do?).

January began with the best New Year’s celebration to date: a fun dinner party at my friend Deanna’s apartment with some great friends. I felt renewed and energized for an exciting year, not knowing what would be in store.

February brought with it the realization that God was calling me into a different ministry. There was much of my job in counseling women in unplanned pregnancies that I loved, but it seemed time for a change. A door opened, and I had a great job interview.

March was an interesting month. I ended my job at the adoption agency with a bang: a baby was born that very day.

April proved a time for relaxation. I took time for myself, which I hadn’t done in a very long time. I visited my parents for a couple weeks and returned in time to interview moving companies and pack up my life in Edmond. At the end of the month, I moved.

May 1st was my very first day at my new job in children’s ministry. Things got rolling and haven’t slowed down since.

June allowed me the opportunity to return to Edmond for the first time since my move. I taught at Camp Impact and also got to see friends and family.

July began some awkward dating set-ups that didn’t work out. Apparently I have standards…and apparently they’re high. I'm okay with that.

August held the Family Retreat. It was my first time to attend. Turns out, I spent most of that time in the kitchen preparing, serving, and cleaning after meals. But I was able to sneak in some quiet time outdoors and really found refreshment.

September began a serious phase of planning and anticipating. And at the end of the month, fall began…if only in name. We were still having record-breaking high temps.

October will forever be etched into my memory for the tire incident. On my way to Houston, I suffered a tire blow-out. I was alone, dressed in a skirt, and completely unsure of my ability to change a tire as I’d never done so. But Daddy to the rescue! He talked me through it over the phone.

November was the cruise with Marilee and her family! Goodness, that was a fun week with memories for a lifetime. It definitely renewed my travel bug. Good thing, because I also took a quick trip to Edmond for camp meetings, and later a little longer trip to visit my parents for Thanksgiving.

December concludes with me owing a debt of gratitude and gratefulness to the Kelso family, who has taken me into the fold with open arms. Not only did they take me cruising in November, but this month, they helped me celebrate my birthday and Christmas in style. What a great family!

So that’s that. My year in review. I know you feel better for having caught the highlights. You get a gold star if you actually read the whole thing!

Tis the Season!

I'm not really a huge fan of bumper stickers, but in honor of the Christmas season, I believe this one is appropriate. :) 

Meanwhile...

I'm working on a new post. But in the meantime, take this quiz. (Okay, so I copied MGam. But who cares? Quizzes are fun!)

The "Blind" Lady

Preface: I do have a picture of the lady I'm about to describe, but I decided against posting it in case she is a friend of any of you. I'd hate to be held libel for defamation of character or something. So just imagine if you will a woman approximately 6 feet tall weighing 400 pounds with a series of very bad blonde wigs.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

I'd like to start by saying that this woman was aboard our cruise and claimed to be completely blind. In the week we spent with her, it became increasingly apparent that this woman was not, in fact, completely blind. There's no way she could have been.

Here, I present the Top 10 Reasons I Know This Woman Was Not Really Completely Blind:

10. She claims the cruiseline broke her "blind stick" when it went through baggage. Don't you think if she were really completely blind, she would've taken it aboard with her from the get-go and not packed it separately to send through baggage check?

9. She wore makeup that -- although tacky -- was perfectly applied.

8. I just wonder why a completely blind woman would go on a cruise by herself. It seems unlikely.

7. She had a video camera and always seemed to know when she could see our boat in the harbor from our position on the bus in Grand Cayman in order to video it. She started taping when it was visible and stopped taping when it wasn't.

6. She gave Marilee and I dirty looks every time we were near her. I think she knew we were onto her scheme.

5. She was watching the movement of the stingrays in the ocean and yelling out to people 15 feet away from her that a male stingray was headed toward them. How did she distinguish the male from female without being able to see? How did she know in the choppy water that a stingray was headed in a zig-zaggy pattern toward people so far away from her?

4. For that matter, why would a completely blind woman choose to go alone on a stingray swim and snorkel excursion?

3. She managed to walk around the photo display area with ease without any assistance, marched right up to a sign, pulled it out of the slatboard holder, and proceeded to ask what it said.

2. She also knew that she was missing a picture -- the one of her posing in a red dress in front of a boat backdrop. Without the aid of sight, I wonder how she knew the picture with the boat and red dress weren't among the ones she'd already miraculously found along the display racks.

1. She could always find the most affluent-looking or attractive people to cling to for help. You see, her ability to function varied depending on the people she was around.

There are plenty other examples, but I think you get the point. I'm just saying...this woman wasn't completely blind. And it really is sad that she would feign such an impairment for attention, unecessary help, etc. I kind of wonder if she was running some kind of theivery scam. If she winds up on America's Most Wanted, I won't be surprised.

Meet My Sister, Marilee

This is Marilee -- my dear friend who was gracious enought to invite me on a cruise with her family. Let me tell you, cruising with her family was quite possibly the most hilarious thing I've done in recent years. I am posting this picture so you have a clear visual of the two of us before I proceed.

I can't tell you how many people on the cruise thought we were sisters. It was better than other things they could've thought, I suppose, considering the large number of "alternative lifestylers" on the ship. At any rate, I could go for friends, even cousins, and maybe half sisters or something. But twins?! There was one particularly drunk woman who thought we were identical twins. She was kind of funny in a rather unfortunate way.

I'll update some more cruise details soon-ish.

Home Sweet Home

Due to popular demand, I am updating my blog! Here is a very exciting picture of my living room. I know you are overjoyed at the sight of this. Don't you think it needs a paint job in a major way? Unfortunately, that won't happen while I'm still in this apartment. Anyway, here is my home...for those of you dying to know what I did with the place after unpacking my boxes.

20!

Alexa "tagged" me to do a post of 20 random things about myself. Since I'm in desperate need of an update, here we are:

1. I love God!

2. I am incredibly blessed with awesome friendships.

3. I think my skin is so pale it's actually translucent.

4. I went off caffeine for a month but now I drink more Diet Coke than ever.

5. My favorite ice is from Sonic. I feel badly for my parents who no longer can enjoy Sonic as the Terre Haute location went out of business.

6. I stopped watching Alias this season. Killing off Vaugn in the first episode and "reassigning" Weiss in the second were just more than I could handle.

7. I haven't written anything on my thesis in at least 6 weeks. But that is going to change soon...I hope.

8. This creepy little scarecrow thing is sitting on my desk and it's kinda freaking me out.

9. It's been almost 4 months since my last haircut.

10. My county is under a weather alert: we might have cooler temperatures due to a cold front. How cool are these temperatures they're warning us about? Highs are only gonna be in the 80s!

11. I love Taco Cabana, but I still crave Taco Bueno from time to time.

12. Chai, aka: "Thanksgiving in a cup," is my favorite hot beverage.

13. I'm only occasionally artistic.

14. I ate blueberry waffles for dinner.

15. I set sail for a week-long cruise with the Kelso family on the 30th!

16. I have actually started keeping my checkbook register again.

17. I haven't ironed an article of clothing in quite some time, but my iron is plugged in (although safely in the "off" position) just in case.

18. I enjoy watching sports more during play-offs than regular season games.

19. I think I have 6 valid email accounts for some strange reason.

20. I will be in Oklahoma for two days in early November!

Now I am supposed to tag 10 people to write their 20 random things. So get to it: April, Adam, Karessa, Lindsy, Sara, Stacey, Dara, Terra, Jinny, and Marilee.

If you didn't make my official list of tagged bloggers, I apologize. Please submit a written request and I will be certain you are tagged for something in the future!

this is only a test...

Do you ever have one of those days where God completely reveals himself to you and you think to yourself, "YES! This is exactly what I needed. God is good!" You might take some time to praise God and reflect on His work in your life. And you feel content in your faith and your relationship with God. All is right. It's a good day. But then the very next day -- BOOM! Satan comes flying at you with so much force that it knocks you back.

That's kind of where I am today. Instead of wallowing in it, though, I am fighting back. I decided to seek some wisdom from my Father. And this is what He provided:

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. -- Isaiah 40:29-31

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -- Isaiah 41:10

What scripture(s) do you find empowering?

everybody loves a dino

I was just looking at pictures on my camera and thought I'd post this to show you all that April and I are probably the coolest cats around. This is the birthday cake surprise we got for Karessa and Adam. The dinosaurs actually roared. We also got them each a grab bag for their respective genders. They are definitely lucky to have us around....

in a quiet moment...pray...

Gena Press is battling cancer, has been for quite some time. And it seems that her body is growing tired of the fight. She probably won't make it much longer. My heart selfishly hurts as I think about the void her death will create in so many people's lives, including my own. But it rejoices in knowing she will no longer suffer when her spirit is floating on a quaint little cloud on a corner lot in a fantastic neighborhood in Heaven. The angels will sing her Home, I'm sure. She has been a humble example of love, grace, hope, courage, strength, faith, family, acceptance, and more. I couldn't hope to be even half the woman she is, but I'd sure like to try. If you don't know Gena, you've really missed out on the gift of an angel with skin.

stupid is as stupid does

When I was an adorable little girl around the age of 5, I was brilliant! I mean it. I was super smart. I had been reading since I was 3 and I could count as high as anyone had time to listen. I credit my brother with this early development as he is two years older than me and he would teach me his lessons from school each day. (Thanks, Bubba!) I was immediately tagged for the GT / Honors track and began taking advanced classes at school. I have studied French, Spanish, Latin, and German in my short lifetime. Even in college, I entered the Honors Program and did quite well. This is not said to boast or brag. It's said to set the stage.

You see, the problem is my near idiocy today. How can it be that I have lost intelligence over the years? I never did drugs...unless the second-hand marijuana smoke at a DMB concert counts. (Could that be the cause??) So why is it that instead of continuing my "the sky's the limit" intellectual climb, I have regressed to a mental state comparable to that of an 8-year-old?

I don't know for sure, but I feel fairly certain that I haven't been challenged intellectually in quite some time. The only challenging thing about my master's degree has been completing my thesis, something that has far more to do with self-discipline and time management than my intellectual ability. I then began working with women who were, for the most part, uneducated and I found myself trying to relate. And now I work with children. So what's a girl to do?

I might start reading some more intellectual fare (after I wrap up the current installment of Harry Potter, of course) and perhaps I will venture into the realm of news once again. Maybe even politics. I don't know. If you have suggestions for regaining my higher cognitive functioning, by all means...let me know. Challenge me. I dare you! (Oops.....there's that 8-year-old again!)

Season 4!

Christmas comes early as Gilmore Girls Season 4 releases on DVD on September 27th. It was just a few months ago that the third season released. I remember it very vividly as it was right after I moved, and also my dad's birthday -- May 3rd. I initially thought GG3 would be my reward for unpacking. Good thing I caved, bought it anyway, and watched the season within a week. I'm still not unpacked!

Season 4 is full of highs and lows. It's kind of an awkward season as it starts, trying to figure out how to carry on the unique relationship of mother and daughter that is now almost completely relegated to phone calls. Each character faces change in this season. But it ends so dramatically...Luke and Lorelai finally kiss and Lorelai walks into her house to find that her sweet, innocent, naive daughter may not be so sweet, innocent, and naive after all.

Bottom line: I will be eagerly awaiting its release and will say goodbye to my nights of falling asleep to Golden Girls to watch instead this other GG.

As a brief aside: Season 6 premieres on Tuesday, September 13th, at 7:00 p.m. CST on The WB!

stop the insanity!

So on Monday, I had a proverbial bee in my bonnet. I got up at a reasonable time, I got productive, I made tremendous progress in my guest room. If you are one of the unfortunate few who saw it in its state of total chaos and confusion...you'd be proud. During this time, however, my downstairs neighbors seemed to have a problem with my noise. They came and knocked on my door. I wasn't dressed enough to answer but saw them through the peep hole, apologized through the door, and quieted down. But really, it was the afternoon and I think I was every bit entitled to make noise. I was unpacking for goodness' sake!

On Tuesday, I had a literal bee in my literal car. For those of you around a couple years ago when I got stung by a bee (I still blame you, Sara Raney) and the trip to the ER afterward because apparently I'm highly allergic...you can imagine the sheer terror on my face. I very carefully got out of my car and opened a second door (everyone likes choices, maybe bees do too), and prepared myself for a stand down. It was on! Me v. The Bee. It took some time, and I was much later to work than planned, but the bee flew off into the sunrise. Or maybe just across the fence toward the screaming kids at Kinder Care. I resumed my day.

And now it is Thursday morning and you know what? My downstairs neighbors are hammering away. Channeling my best Stephanie Tanner impression, I simply have to say: "HOW RUDE!" And no, I will not be going to knock on their door. Mark's "anger management" sermon series has paid off. (Because you know I'm such an angry, confrontative person and all...ha!)

safety first

I was watching The Upside of Anger earlier this week. It wasn't the greatest movie but the soundtrack was decent and that can have persuasive power over my judgment. Anyway, I loved this song that ran during the closing credits. It's written and sung by Marc Cohn.

Possibly in light of too many late nights recently or too much time spent in introspection following the events of this week, it really has been a constant thought in my contemplative mind this week: we seek safety, crave it even. It's a basic human need, no matter the context. I'm too tired to drone on and on in this post (aren't you lucky?!) so I'll simply close with the lyrics to this very mellow song.

One Safe Place

How many roads you’ve traveled
How many dreams you’ve chased
Across sand and sky and gravel
Looking for one safe place

Will you make a smoother landing
When you break your fall from grace
Into the arms of understanding
Looking for one safe place

Life is trial by fire
And love’s the sweetest taste
And I pray it lifts us higher
To one safe place

How many roads we’ve traveled
How many dreams we’ve chased
Across sand and sky and gravel
Looking for one safe place

sevens all around...

Because I am occasionally a people pleaser, I've decided to take my friend April's suggestion that I complete the following. And here we are:

7 Things

7 Things I Want to Do Before I Die:
- Return to Europe
- Teach college
- Write a book (and yes, at this point, finishing my thesis would count)
- Balance my checkbook
- Grow old gracefully
- Fall madly and deeply in love with the right person
- Be content with my life exactly as it is

7 Things I Can Do:
- Laugh at myself
- Find the bright side
- Praise my Creator
- Love unconditionally
- Appreciate the wisdom of children
- Eat ice cream any minute of the day
- Rationalize and justify almost any impulse buy

7 Things I Can't Do:
- Whistle on a consistent basis
- Get my laundry under control
- Give up hope
- Keep groceries stocked
- Eat spinach
- Go a day without music
- Reach high places without a ladder

7 Things That Attract Me to the Opposite Sex:
- Shared faith
- Sense of humor
- Quick wit and intelligence
- Musical ability
- Being pursued
- Playful eyes and smile
- Personal authenticity

7 Things I Say Most Often:
- Crap!
- Well....
- So....
- That's awesome!
- Oy with the poodles already!
- Okay....
- Who, me??

7 Celebrity Crushes:
- George Clooney (I joke that he's my Hollywood husband)
- Luke Wilson (way better than Owen any day of the week)
- Brad Pitt (before that whole Angelina scandal)
- That guy from Coyote Ugly (not that I'm endorsing that film)
- Zach Braff (proof that humor trumps looks)
- John Mayer (I like musicians, sue me)
- Scott Patterson (aka: Luke Danes on Gilmore Girls)

thoughtful musings

It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinions; it is easy in solitude to live after your own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. -- R. W. Emerson....Self-Reliance, 1841

boo

You know what music video really annoys me right now? That stupid multi-part series from R. Kelly. I'm all about my ghetto funk jams. But this one wears me out! It's even more irritating as R. Kelly is performing the whole series on the Music Video Awards. Let me end as I started this post: boooooooo!

Marky Mark

So the preacher at my church is Mark. Let me start by saying, I LOVE HIM! He totally cracks me up. Today, whilst eating lunch with some of the staff, Mark shares that he wants to take his teenage son camping to see if he likes it or not before investing in a good tent...so naturally, he asked Doug (the adult ed. and involvement minister....aka: Mr. Boy Scouts of America himself) if he could borrow one. Mark then gets off on a jag about how "camping" is a cuss word to his wife and daughter. In order to illustrate his point a little further, he uses it in the following manner: "You son of a camper!" I don't know if this translates as well to someone who a) wasn't there, b) doesn't know Mark, or c) both a and b. But let me tell you, I laughed a good hearty laugh over it.

time for some spice!

i decided it'd been too long since i'd changed my template...so enjoy the new look. who knows how long i'll keep it. and yes, this is the most exciting thing i've done today. i know you're jealous!

hmm

So I was thinking recently in some quiet time with my Father that He is really awesome and His plan for my life is perfect. Now I typically think this on a regular basis, but there are those beautiful ah-ha moments when the light goes off in my head and I not only believe it, but I KNOW it to my core in a way that is so profound and complete that there is no room to question, speculate, or doubt. And that's kind of where I've been residing lately. Can I tell you how incredible that is?!

It overwhelms me that our Creator took time to make me and didn't stop there, because he also takes the time to love me, to forgive me, to discipline me, to continually mold me so that I am more like Him. ME. He does that for ME! I don't deserve it and could never even try...but He knew that from the beginning and was willing to have a go with me anyway.

And what's even better is the knowledge that He'll never leave me, He'll never forsake me, and He is working for my good because I love Him. He has a plan for me. A whole, long, thought-out plan that I can actually accomplish because He's going to help me. Out of the billions of people on this planet, God is taking time out of his busy day for me. He doesn't even have to check His Palm Pilot or pencil me in on His day planner. He thinks I'm that special.

Anyway, that's just something I was thinking about and wanted to share.

Caring Sisters

This is one of the many lovely gifts I received from my Caring Sister at church. She knows me so well....

vanity schmanity

I'm an opinionated person and despite the general fluff I post on this blog for entertainment's sake, there are plenty of other things I ponder and discuss with others. One such thing is this new breed of men and women who have opted against drinking and drugging and instead select a new drug of choice: the euphoria of an ego boost.

I think it's fairly safe to generalize that most people enjoy a good compliment. And even further, the knowledge that someone finds you attractive or might be interested in you provides a higher level of personal satisfaction and positive self-concept. There's nothing wrong with that. Where this gets a bit twisted is when people toy with and manipulate others in order to achieve this self-esteem "high."

I saw an episode of Kept on VH1, a new contest-based "reality show" on which men vie for the opportunity to be Jerry Hall's "kept man." These guys have signed up for this vanity show of their own volition. But I still am quite intrigued by the whole situation.

What are your thoughts?

a mighty wind is blowin'...

Wow...today was a day unlike many others. I was in the midst of a crazy afternoon. I had about a million errands to run for work. One was a stop at Sam's Club where I had to purchase an enormous amount of food and beverage for a cookout tomorrow. That is the scene for this most unfortunate event: the Sam's Club parking lot.

I was minding my own business as I was unloading my flatbed cart full of stuff into my car. And then it happened -- a mighty wind came blowing by and decided it needed to take my skirt up with it! Horror! And then it turned hilarious as I turned around and saw that not one but two Hare Krishna guys had the misfortune of walking by just in time to catch the 3pm showing of...well...me.

I'm not sure what Hare Krishna would be doing at Sam's other than perhaps buying flowers in bulk. Last I checked, our local Sam's didn't stock hand drums or tambourines. Since their bright orange robes looked brand-spanking-new and kinda itchy, maybe they wanted some Tide and Downy to do some laundry. I don't know. But what I do know is that whatever was on their list, they got more than their wholesale membership bargained for today.

Interesting Quiz

I wasn't going to do another quiz for awhile, but Stacey had this one on her blog so of course I had to take it. And the results were fairly interesting. I'm not sure why it makes me sound like a charming hooker, but....


Your Existing Situation
Works well in cooperation with others. Needs a personal life of mutual understanding and freedom from discord.

Your Stress Sources
Feels that life has far more to offer and that there are still important things to be achieved--that life must be experienced to the fullest. As a result, she pursues her objectives with a fierce intensity that will not let go of things. Becomes deeply involved and runs the risk of being unable to view things with sufficient objectivity, or calmly enough; is therefore in danger of becoming agitated and of exhausting her nervous energy. Cannot leave things alone and feels she can only be at peace when she has finally reached her goal.

Your Restrained Characteristics
The situation is preventing her from establishing herself, but she feels she must make the best of things as they are.
Circumstances force her to compromise and to forgo some pleasures for the time being. Capable of achieving physical satisfaction through sexual activity.

Your Desired Objective
Wants interesting and exciting things to happen. Able to make herself well-liked by her obvious interest and by the very openness of her charm. Over-imaginative and given to fantasy or day-dreaming.

Your Actual Problem
Has a fear that she might be prevented from achieving the things she wants. This leads her to employ great personal charm in her dealings with others, hoping that this will make it easier for her to reach her objectives.

Water, Water....EVERYwhere!

Yesterday morning and early afternoon, I worked long and hard spray painting sheets to use in decorating my classroom at camp. When I finished, I felt that I'd really accomplished something. It was a big project and I was pretty proud of myself for slaving away in the heat and humidity for so long. As a reward, I went home to enjoy a nice long shower. Until the shower decided it had other plans, that is. I was just about to rinse the conditioner from my hair when suddenly water began spraying out onto the ceiling and all over the wall! Why? Oh, because for some reason the shower decided to crack on open. The best I can figure is that there was too much water pressure or something. I don't know. It was odd, but I definitely spent a good long while laughing at myself and the situation as I mopped up the mess. Am I the only one things like this happen to??

Metamorphosis!

It's natural to wonder what I'm doing with my life now that I've moved to San Antonio and started my new little adventure in Children's Ministry. So here is proof that I do actually work. This is the room I helped design and create for our summer Wednesday night series called "Metamorphosis!" It is for kids Kinder - 5th Grade and it focuses on God-led changed based in Proverbs. We have "bugs" that join us for little object lessons each week, as well as that huge puppet guy (it's actually called a "puppetume" but you don't really care about that) and Mr. Eric, who is our emcee each week. The kids seem to be having a blast!

ode to netflix

I'm an addict. I get so caught up in the excitement of something new that I often don't want to let it end. And in an effort to capture the complete enjoyment available, I surround myself with this object until the novelty wears off or my attention is grabbed by something newer, shinier, or more sparkly.

It's probably for the best that we didn't have any non-fish pets as children because I might have rubbed the fur off a puppy from constant petting. I wasn't allowed to put my hands in the fish tank. Plus I couldn't reach it. But I spent many an hour staring at the fish inside every time we brought home a new bagful.

My latest addiction is Netflix. It is awesome. You can pick all these great DVDs and rank them in the order in which you'd like to view them. They will automatically draft your account for a reasonable monthly fee and send you movies as quickly as you can get through them. There is no hassle, no policy on how long you can keep a movie, and no postage to pay. You can also set up friends on your account so you can share movie recommendations, ratings, etc. You'll never have to see a bad movie again...provided you trust the rating of your friends. (If you'd like the name of someone to NOT trust on her ratings, click the link.)

I used to check my mail extremely infrequently, but now, I love to check it. Why? Because I know there will be something other than a dreaded bill waiting for me. It's like getting a present every few days that is just what I've always wanted because actually, I've picked it out.

might as well face it...

i'm addicted to quizzes!

Your Aura is Blue

Your Personality: Your natural warmth and intuition nurtures those around you. You are accepting and always follow your heart.



You in Love: Relationships are your top priority, and this includes love. You are most happy when you are serious with someone.



Your Career: You need to help others in your job to feel satistifed. You would be a great nurse, psychologist, or counselor.

Take this quiz to find out your aura!

Language Schmanguage

Your Linguistic Profile:

85% General American English

15% Dixie

0% Midwestern

0% Upper Midwestern

0% Yankee

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

Unemployment

Last night when I got in bed, I did something I hadn't done in almost two years: I turned my ringer off on my cell phone. There was a certain rest that came with that knowledge and I must confess, I slept better last night (and longer) than I had in quite some time. Relief! I spent most of today doing a big fat lot of nothing and it was nice. You should try it!

so...

Where has all the time gone? It seems like it was only yesterday that I posted last. Yet I can plainly see the date: 12/29/04. It's been over a month and I have yet to blog a minute of it. How sad for us all!

I'm in the midst of a thesis crisis. Too many pages to write, not enough time. So please be understanding and patient. I will blog again soon!