The ordinary

So, nothing's been happening lately- as you can tell- no blogs. I am in school full time, running from the high school I am student teaching at, to my own school classes. Michael is working, and enjoying his new birthday present- THE ipod. For your entertainment, I guess, here's some things that have been going on lately...
1. Michael and Chris are watching the Bob Dylan documentary on OPB (Oregon Public Broadcasting) as I write this
2. I ran the Race for the Cure last weekend
3. Karli is thinking about having a homebirth (she's a midwife) and that's rad
4. My baby sister Mere had a birthday today
5. Our church is moving into a larger pub- we've outgrown ours (it's the same company- just a bigger location)
6. I am reading the Chronicles of Narnia in whole, for the second time- just started Voyage of the Dawn Treader
7. Michael is starting at Portland State on Thursday, previewing/taking some classes this fall before he applies to the graduate program
8. Karli and I learned with a friend how to make candles
9. the married community house (as dubbed by evergreen friends)is marvelous
10. Fall is arriving here in Portland, and we are syked!!!

Love katie

A quarter of a century

So I turn twenty-five in about twenty-four minutes. In no way does that seem like a milestone. It feels like it should, but it doesn't. Nonetheless, I was chatting with some friends earlier this week about the sense of reflection that birthdays bring about. In looking back at life thus far (uh-oh, this is starting to sound dramatic), I figure I could go one of two ways: complain about the many things I haven't done or brag about the few that I have. Well, it's always easier and more fun to brag, but I like to project a fine veneer of modesty, so I won't lay it on too thick. Of course, in mulling over my "accomplishments," I did genuinely realize that anything of value in my life has nothing to do with me. I know, that sounds pretty cliche, but it's really quite true. Besides, there's not much to brag about in my own right. I mean, to be honest, I've got a job that barely pays the bills, I'm not really using my hard-earned college degree, I'll be lucky if I get into grad school, I often feel like I take one step forward and two steps back spiritually, and I usually still feel like I'm fifteen.

Despite all of this, God has still been blowing my head back with how many unmerited blessings He's given me in these twenty-five years. My life certainly doesn't suck by any stretch of the imagination. Now, this may get a bit mushy, but I just have to be a little self-indulgent here and say that I'm overwhelmingly thankful for: a wife that's absolutely, positively the coolest person I know, a family that's second-to-none, a church community that helps me hunger for justice and search for Jesus (though I'm finding I suck at both a little bit) , a couple of housemates that I feel I've known for a decade, the opportunity to get an education in the first place and, in fact, a job that actually does pay the bills (some how).

I think if you asked the average person if they were "happy," they'd probably look pensive for a second and admit that they're not. I think I'd have to think for awhile and admit that I've really never been happier than I am right now. I don't think it's that life was bad before or that it's gotten exponentially better lately, I think I'm just growing into it a little bit. There's much to be thankful for and that makes life a little easier.

In somewhat related news, we had another Community Supper last night. It was definitely another one of those times that I was stricken with thankfulness. I remember my roommate Chris saying loudly at one point, "I'm just so happy to have all you great people in my house." I couldn't agree more. There's something about the sound of several conversations over a lot of food (especially breakfast for dinner) that simply sounds joyous. Now, for all of you who aren't Portlanders, I know it may almost get annoying to hear me run on and on about these people who are "so wonderful" (c'mon Mike, we get the point!). I only bring it up on such a regular basis because the people who are intertwined in your life make life what it is. They're inseparable...and I really like that idea.

It's late, I'm rambling and I should sleep. Love you all!

Vindicated!!

Reminder to evergreen-ers who may happen by:

Community Dinner at our place (on SW 38th Ave) this Friday around 6:30 PM. We're doing breakfast for dinner. Check the forum to see who's bringing what and what we still need.

See you there!

Back to the Books

With Katie student teaching and taking night classes and with me in serious math-review mode in preparation for the GRE, there's much more studying going on between the two of us than there has been in a couple of years...or is there? I sat down tonight with every good intention of cracking the books, but ended up playing with the new iPod (since I killed mine about six months ago) that Katie and my folks got me for my birthday. I'm digging the whole color-screen idea. I can jam to music and watch a slideshow of the pictures that I just uploaded. Not bad. Just proof, however, of how easily distracted I get these days. I've certainly worked while in school, but I've never had the 8-5 grind followed by academic pursuits. Juggling the two is draining, and I haven't even started my one class yet (just click to another page at this point if my complaining strikes you as pathetic, because it is).

Anyhow, Katie's at least having a productive night. One of her night classes happens to have a 1:1 student to teacher ratio. That's right, she gets the undivided attention of an experienced actor and instructor, simply because there's no one else in her program that is focusing on theatre. Tonight she's at a play starring her new mentor who, as it sounds, is quite talented. Nothing thrills me more than to see her pursuing a career that she's genuinely passionate about. It absolutely makes all the debt and demanding schedule worth the cost.

Orientation!

Today was freshman orientation at Tigard High School! Fun times talking with the students, giving the theatre tour, and observing high school relations. tomorrow is the actual first day. kindof exciting.


I remember my mother driving away in our 15 passenger van, while i was under the Marcus High School front doors area, hearing a lot of honking and a blow horn with a crazy mother yelling 'i love you's', and 'i miss you's'. yep, it was her. i was mortified. but, now i understand.
What do you remember about your first day of high school?

katie