Top 10 good things about today:
1. The sun is out and it's less than 90 degrees. This is a major bonus for Texas in August.
2. I'm having lunch with my grandparents...I'm glad they are only 20 minutes away.
3. My birthday is in 17 days.
4. I have a job interview tomorrow.
5. I went running this morning by the river.
6. My birthday is in 17 days.
7. I watched a funny indie film some friends made recently. Check it out if you're into that kind of thing: http://www.jmcvideo.com/movies/recipe.wmv
8. I decided to go to Oklahoma this weekend. Yeah...I know...but it was cheaper than Cancun for Labor Day.
9. My birthday is in 17 days.
10. I am cooking dinner for friends - one of my favorite evening activities.

Did I mention that my birthday is coming up? Just making sure you caught that...

Probably most tourists don't take photos in the cemetery, but this cross was just too gothic and German to pass up...

Long Overdue:
Berlin Pics
So, finally. I am going to post some pictures of my trip to Germany in July. The trip was the overseas portion of my final project at CBU - an amazing opportunity to take 25 high school students and six incredible college student leaders on a two-week ministry project. Here are some of the pictures. Enjoy!

This is a portion of what's left of the Berlin wall, now called the East Side Gallery. Artists from all over world had a hand in decorating this mile stretch of this historic cement.

This is our leadership team (the six incredible college student leaders) that made sure all 25 high school students were taken care of in Berlin.

This is the door of the Castle Church, where Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses in Wittenburg, Germany.

This is the inside of the Castle Church.

My little brother wrote me this comment on myspace. I thought it was too sweet not to share...

2 plane rides
7 fuel stops
12 sweet truck stop bathrooms
1350 miles
24 hours of u-hauling
getting Nicole back to Texas = priceless

I'll update more later with some great pictures of Germany...

Dear California:

I want to share with you a few things I've learned during my extended stay...

1. There's nothing like taking a walk on the beach - it's absolutely free, relaxing, and always worth the drive.

2. "Sunny California" is your nickname because you've earned it.

3. One can never have too many swimsuits.

4. Flip flops actually do go with everything.

5. There is such a thing as going too slowly on the freeway...it's called 80 mph.

6. Big sunglasses are not just "in", they are necessary.

7. In n' Out burgers and shakes are seriously worth every stinkin' calorie and fat gram.

8. Getting stuck in traffic can actually be a very productive time thanks to rollover minutes.

9. Your greatest strengths are your cultural diversity, open-mindedness, and casual approach to life. Careful, though, because they can also be your worst enemies.

10. The car trunk essentials: beach chairs, bottled water, and a beach towel. Just in case.

Thanks for letting me stay. I enjoyed it immensely and hope one day I'll return and continue to learn more about what a wonderful place you are. You and your residents have been amazing hosts to me this past two years. I am truly grateful...

Last night's goodbye party.

So, last night some good friends hosted a goodbye party for me at their home. It was a great time to see lots of people before I leave on Friday...I was truly blessed by seeing many students, fellow staff, and friends from my time here at CBU. My favorite part of the party was when my friends presented me with a bible that had been highlighted and written in by each person at the party. It was very special to see which portions of scripture stood out to friends as they send me off to begin a new chapter in Texas. I was truly honored. I will definitely miss the CBU family and count it a true blessing to have been a part of this community for the past two years.

Now there's only 36 hours till my brother and I begin the long trek to Texas in the U-Haul!

I'm in Berlin!
So, just a short update...I arrived in Berlin a couple of days ago with a group of 30 students. We spent a full 5 days in training at CBU and left directly from there for Berlin (hence, the inability to update...) So far our time here has been amazing. We are now experts at the U-bon and Berlin streets. It has been fun to explore the city together and to see the excitement of all of these students. For most of them this is the first time they have ever travelled overseas and it is great fun to be the one leading them in this experience.

I'm moving to Texas!
So I guess this makes for two somewhat big announcements in one entry. Whoa. Yeah, I know for those of you faithful readers (all four or so) this is like a major event. Anyways, after much thought and prayer over the past several months it is clear that I am heading back to Texas. I will miss California and working with students at CBU, but I am honestly looking forward to the opportunity to be near friends and family again. If there is one thing I could change about my life in Cali, it has been that I wish I could have transported all my friends with me when I moved two years ago! Overall, though, it just seems like it's time to go. And I am excited about the change. I'll keep you posted on the details but it looks like I'll be in Fort Worth by August...just in time for the blazing heat, my nephews' birthday, and maybe even the ACL music fest in September. Can't wait.

Matthew & Make-A-Wish

Check out my nephew Matthew staring in a Make-A-Wish video. This commercial is playing in selected markets in West Texas...check him out!

How do you know you just broke up with a psycho?
=====
Associated Press
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
(source: Fox News)

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Corpus Christi woman says she got something horrifying in the mail.

Corpus Christi police say the woman reports her ex-boyfriend mailed her a severed human finger.

Police haven't released the identities.

Police Captain John Houston says police aren't sure which finger was removed or how it was removed, but that the finger appeared to have been cleanly severed and washed.

Police said a letter was enclosed, stating -- quote -- "This is the last chance to touch you."

The 32-year-old woman filed for an emergency protective order from the 34-year-old man last week before receiving the package. Police say the man moved to the Houston suburb of Spring last week and hasn't been located.
=====
Yeah, so I think that's how you know. I guess maybe some would call him a romantic...I mean, I guess he didn't do half bad with the note. But seriously, I'd call it psycho. Remind me to never date a guy missing a finger...

Missing my favorite city...

This time of year always makes me think of my summers in Turkey. Oh, how I miss the busy streets of Istanbul, the late night dinners on my neighbor's balcony, and the fruit stands on the way home. It seems like every summer I know someone who gets to travel there (either from CBU or other connections) and I must confess that I am jealous.

This is one of my all time favorite views of the ancient city from the top of Galata tower. A friend snapped it last summer while I was pointing out all the highlights of the city to my friend Deb. (by the way, those are her hands seemingly sprouting out of my profile in this photo)

Friends who are there now:
You simply must go to Galata and see this view for yourself. 360 degrees of pure Istanbul!

Others who have been there:
Remember how fabulous this city and the people are?

The rest of you who haven't been to Turkey:
See what you are missing. Why have you not ventured into this historical Mediterranean heaven?

I'm in Texas right now enjoying the occasional thunderstorm, frequent glasses of sweet tea, and much-needed rest...

Internet Dating: The Musical

So, my best friend from college, Shawn, is here and we are enjoying the time to hang out. We went to see this hilarious musical on Saturday night in LA called Internet Dating: The Musical. It was a whole spoof on the internet love/dating operation with some really great song-writing.

SOME OF MY FAVORITE SONG TITLES?

YOU ARE CUTE BUT YOU CAN'T SPELL. For those who rationalize that maybe Mr. or Miss Right is really smart and great, they just have a hard time using spell check...

DID YOU READ MY PROFILE? So appropriately asking the question that often comes up when people ask questions that are already covered in that little profile you wrote about yourself. Why the heck are you asking me if I am a Hindu? Didn't you read my profile that clearly says I follow Jesus and am looking for someone who thinks the same way...? No, I'm not into astrology or supporing gay marriage. Geez.

CHECK MY INBOX. A hysterical song about how many times a day we check our inboxes...before coffee...after coffee...between making copies at the office...before lunch...after lunch...immediately upon returning from the restroom...you know the drill...

INTERNET DATING IS THE BEST THING EVER. For the days when it seems like a good idea.

I NEVER UNDERSTOOD WHY YOU WERE SINGLE. I think in its own sort of way this is meant to be uplifting coming from friends, but let's be honest it really is not a compliment. I'd rather someone say how cool it is that I get to travel the world, keep up with fashion trends, or spend four hours trying on shoes. That brings out the positive aspects of living the cosmopolitan life of a young single woman.

INTERNET DATING IS THE WORST THING EVER. For those days when reality hits and you think about how ridiculous it really is to be writing a profile promoting yourself hoping some guy will ask you out on a date based on what you've written.

When you think about it, it's a really bizarre way to meet people. Honestly I prefer the guys who talk to me in the grocery store or help me out on the paint aisle at Home Depot. At least I know that they have some guts and are willing to take a stab at talking to someone in person. I dig guys with guts..because let's face it, some really wimpy guys can write ANYTHING in their profile. But you can't fool me into thinking that you work out six times a week and are a professional body builder if your grocery cart is full of Twinkies and beer. Not to mention the fact that you are carrying around an extra 30 lbs - and I don't mean the super size bag of dog food in your cart...

Ah, the beauty of seeing people (and internet dating gurus) for who they really are! And, the appreciation for people who can write really funny songs about it.

If you're in LA in the next couple of weeks, I totally suggest you check out Internet Dating: The Musical at the art/works theater. It's playing until June 4.

This is Ethan and Justin. Check out how they are biking across America this summer for a great cause: http://www.spokebiketrip.com Buy one of their t-shirts. They are cool.

Lil' Update: Miss Nasty & Golddigger. Carson Daly is really cute in person, but he is WAY too skinny for a guy. Being too skinny doesn't look good on Nicole Richie and it doesn't look good on guys, either. I'm thinking people in Hollywood need to give up the 3-hour yoga sessions and macrobiotic diet crap and join the ranks of normal size people. Eat a few brownie sundaes, people! Geez.

Anyways, Jenni McCarthy was the guest on the show...appropriately referred to as "Miss Nasty" by Carson during the interview. The STOMP performers were phenomenal and it was fun to see them and all of their percussion tools up close. I never thought I'd see the day when I referred to banging on metal trash can lids as music, but hey, it works for STOMP. The best part of the evening was before Last Call we were waiting outside of the NBC studio. Ellen Degeneres drove by and waved at us...and I am sure she was waving directly to me behind that dark SUV tinted glass from the backseat. I'm sure of it. Then, while she was filming her "ellen in the park" shows to be aired next week, we watched Kanye West perform Golddigger (or is it Golddigga?) on stage followed by a duet with his mom. It was a good night to be in Hollywood...

Oh, and the show will actually air on May 17. So, if you are into staying up till late to watch it, maybe you'll catch a glimpse of me. Maybe. I should be easy to spot - the normal size person on the front row who looks like they have eaten a brownie sundae or two...

Last Call with Carson Daly - Watch it on Wednesday night if you are one of those people who can make it until after Conan O'Brien (the really really late night tv). I'll be in the studio audience probably providing fake laughter and loud clapping when prompted. I'm following up the studio audience gig with the STOMP performance at Pantages. Okay, so I'm not in the STOMP performance, but I'll be there to watch it. Hooray for Hollywood nightlife!

Caution: Big Turns Ahead

So, it looks like I'll be taking a few turns in the coming months...

For the past year or so, I have really wondered if this is it for me. This being serving as a faculty member at a great Christian university in Southern California. I have loved several aspects of this job. I have loved the fact that every day I get to influence students to think beyond themselves and look towards a world in need of Christ. I have loved walking alongside so many college girls and advising them about issues like accessories and boys and everything in between. (Of course, always coupled with my honest confession that I don't know it all, I'm just happy to listen and talk about it.) I have loved being in an environment with colleagues who are always full of thoughtful conversations and new ideas about how to teach and challenge students. But, even with all of these things I've loved...

I've discovered that I don't quite fit in academia. I'd much rather be out there doing what I'm challenging my students to do. Everyday I stand in front of them and say "Go out from here and take the gospel with you wherever you go - in business, into the classroom, into the arts & music - into the WORLD. Jesus is way too valuable to be relegated to Sundays mornings, so be Christians that actually live like them. When you do, the world will notice." Having this as my driving theme for the past two years was bound to get to me at some point. Now, I get to step out and seize the opportunity to use my skills and education in the working world. Serving at CBU has been a tremendous opportunity for me, and I am truly grateful for the time I've spent here. But it's clear the time has come for me to move on...

Move on to what, you ask? Well, that's a good question...one I'm not quite sure I know how to answer yet. All I know at this point is that I am searching out various job opportunities. Texas, NYC, Washington DC - they've all been on the table. So, I am starting the job search and praying like crazy God will direct me to the right place. I know He will. He has proven Himself faithful too many times for me not to trust Him.

I am really glad this path is full of curves. I wouldn't do well on the straight, cruise-controlled, predictable, and adventure-less road...that path lacks excitement and speed. Just check with anyone who knows me well, and they'll tell you that I've got the driving record to prove it.

The situation is desperate...

If you'd like to get involved in expressing your concern for the worst humanitarian crisis in our day, please visit: http://www.savedarfur.org/

People all around the world: Stand together against the genocide in Darfur. Take some responsibility in bringing hope and relief to an entire generation of people...before it's too late.

(photo courtesy of Human Rights Watch - www.hrw.org)

Is it California...or Europe?
I must have asked this question four hundred times during my three-day road trip to Central California this week. The drive up the 101 to Morro Bay was absolutely breathtaking. Spring has made everything green and painted every spare patch of grass with wildflowers. My friend Merea and I had a great time on the scenic drive up and enjoyed the chance to explore several of Central California's (aka The Wine Country) attractions. We visited Hearst Castle, which many of you may recognize as the most extravagant residence in all of North America. It was built by W.R. Hearst - a journalism tycoon in 1930's & 40's - and the first ever licensed female architect, Julia Morgan. It is a fascinating story of a man and his dream home and the woman who built it for him...and, oh, what a place! You'll probably recognize his pool that shows itself in movies from time to time.

As we drove along the coast, we stopped a several piers just to walk out and take a deep breath of ocean air. I can hardly look at the ocean without thinking of Habakkuk 2:14 "for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea". What an amazing picture of His depth that simply cannot be measured or matched!

Venturing inland revealed countless wineries all bragging the best California wine and offering free tastings. Don't worry, Mom (and other Baptist friends), we didn't give into the temptation to visit all of them.... We did NOT heed the advice of the couple sitting next to us at breakfast in our hotel. Their advice? "Oh, you should visit all of them! There are only like 22 or so in that area and you get seven free tastes at each one. (*note: a taste is more like half a glass*) Yesterday we hit eight or so and came home with who knows how many bottles." My question to them? How the heck did you make it back here for breakfast?!?!

Keri & I before heading out to Wicked.

Two four-eyed girls! I think Sofia looks a little more like a Hollywood baby than a Chicago one. What do you think?