a vestige of thought...
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Stop #1: Pre-Tour Retreat on Asbury's Campus
I am amazed at how quickly this week has gone by! I shouldn't be so surprised, considering how packed full of training sessions, team time, spontaneous fun, and Joy's yummy cooking it has been. Here is a short overview of the week:
Monday: arrived, has first session (finishing up a study on a book we read earlier in the year)
Tuesday: Sessions on money & admissions, and a bunch of team time to prepare for Summer Chapel
Wednesday: Challange course all day. We did low ropes team building stuff in the morning and the high ropes course in the afternoon. We also did the Leap of Faith, which involved jumping off of a rediculously high, rediculously small platform and trying to ring a bell. Heights don't generally phase me much, but that made me a little nervous. I did it, though. I have pictures to prove it.
Thursday: Summer Chapel in AM. Laura (from the North team) and I spoke. I'm told it went well. I can only take their word on how well I spoke, but I can say that I enjoyed it. That afternoon all 10 of us drove into Lexington to pick out an outfit, which the college provides for us to wear while doing services and such. It took a rediculously long time for everyone to find something, and I was tired of shopping long before we finally finished, but overall it was pretty fun. Dinner was a blast. Both teams went to Bella Notte, which was amazing. I highly recommend it.
Friday: By far the best day of the week. It was really busy, with training sessions taking up pretty much every second of the day until after dinner. After team time that evening, we decided to drive into Lexington again to get ice cream and hang out at Joseph Beth books for awhile. When we got back, the boys serenated us girls, first in the hallway and then outside our window, for several hours. : ) Good times.
God has been so good this week, as always. When I got here on Monday, I didn't really want to be here at all. I missed my family and friends at home and everyone from Asbury who was not on campus. I was really nervous about the summer, and I felt really disconnected from my team, since we hadn't been together in so long. It took a while, but gradually over the course of the week God changed my heart. My team grew closer than we ever had been before, and by the time we had our commissioning service this afternoon, I felt really ready for whatever these next nine weeks will throw at me. Somehow I have peace now that God has all this under control. Mentally, I've *known* that for a long time, but I've finally realized it completely. Tomorrow we leave to spend the night in Chattanooga, TN before heading on to Florida. I don't know how regular my internet access will be, but hopefully I can post again by the end of the week.
Pictures:
Frida, Katie, and Laura with Polly the vacuum cleaner. We put Polly outside the guys' door and she had some adventures in their room before ending up headless in the hallway. Poor Polly.
The crew at the challenge course after lunch and before going to the high ropes.
Silly Ashton. :P
Grant feeding Dan at Bella Notte in the midst of our shopping trip on Thursday.
Oh Grant.
Look at those handsome South boys coming to pick us up in their fine attire.
Me and Katie, my lovely North Team prayer partner.
Monday: arrived, has first session (finishing up a study on a book we read earlier in the year)
Tuesday: Sessions on money & admissions, and a bunch of team time to prepare for Summer Chapel
Wednesday: Challange course all day. We did low ropes team building stuff in the morning and the high ropes course in the afternoon. We also did the Leap of Faith, which involved jumping off of a rediculously high, rediculously small platform and trying to ring a bell. Heights don't generally phase me much, but that made me a little nervous. I did it, though. I have pictures to prove it.
Thursday: Summer Chapel in AM. Laura (from the North team) and I spoke. I'm told it went well. I can only take their word on how well I spoke, but I can say that I enjoyed it. That afternoon all 10 of us drove into Lexington to pick out an outfit, which the college provides for us to wear while doing services and such. It took a rediculously long time for everyone to find something, and I was tired of shopping long before we finally finished, but overall it was pretty fun. Dinner was a blast. Both teams went to Bella Notte, which was amazing. I highly recommend it.
Friday: By far the best day of the week. It was really busy, with training sessions taking up pretty much every second of the day until after dinner. After team time that evening, we decided to drive into Lexington again to get ice cream and hang out at Joseph Beth books for awhile. When we got back, the boys serenated us girls, first in the hallway and then outside our window, for several hours. : ) Good times.
God has been so good this week, as always. When I got here on Monday, I didn't really want to be here at all. I missed my family and friends at home and everyone from Asbury who was not on campus. I was really nervous about the summer, and I felt really disconnected from my team, since we hadn't been together in so long. It took a while, but gradually over the course of the week God changed my heart. My team grew closer than we ever had been before, and by the time we had our commissioning service this afternoon, I felt really ready for whatever these next nine weeks will throw at me. Somehow I have peace now that God has all this under control. Mentally, I've *known* that for a long time, but I've finally realized it completely. Tomorrow we leave to spend the night in Chattanooga, TN before heading on to Florida. I don't know how regular my internet access will be, but hopefully I can post again by the end of the week.
Pictures:
Frida, Katie, and Laura with Polly the vacuum cleaner. We put Polly outside the guys' door and she had some adventures in their room before ending up headless in the hallway. Poor Polly.
The crew at the challenge course after lunch and before going to the high ropes.
Silly Ashton. :P
Grant feeding Dan at Bella Notte in the midst of our shopping trip on Thursday.
Oh Grant.
Look at those handsome South boys coming to pick us up in their fine attire.
Me and Katie, my lovely North Team prayer partner.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Back at the 'Bury
I don't have much to report at this point, but I feel like I should post something to mark the beginning of my SMT adventures. I arrived at Asbury about six hours to begin an extremely busy week of training and preparation. We're on the go from 8 in the morning until 9 at night pretty much every day we're here. More on our specific plans to come later.
I am so excited to be here, but I'm a bit in shock that my 10-week traveling stint has finally arrived. The fact that I'm still so unsure about what I'm doing has really started to unnerve me. It's so strange to be here without Sam and all my friends and to be sleeping somewhere besides 1st Glide. We're staying in Aldersgate until we leave on Sunday. Aldersgate is wonderful, but it definitely feels like I'm at summer camp or on vacation more than anything else. I'm feeling a bit homesick, and I'm missing my roomie especially at the moment.
Still, I know that this is where I'm supposed to be. I know that God is going to take care of all the details of my trip, and also of everyone that I have 'left behind' over the summer. I just keep repeating that over and over to myself. "God is love... perfect love casts out fear."
God is good. More to follow. :)
I am so excited to be here, but I'm a bit in shock that my 10-week traveling stint has finally arrived. The fact that I'm still so unsure about what I'm doing has really started to unnerve me. It's so strange to be here without Sam and all my friends and to be sleeping somewhere besides 1st Glide. We're staying in Aldersgate until we leave on Sunday. Aldersgate is wonderful, but it definitely feels like I'm at summer camp or on vacation more than anything else. I'm feeling a bit homesick, and I'm missing my roomie especially at the moment.
Still, I know that this is where I'm supposed to be. I know that God is going to take care of all the details of my trip, and also of everyone that I have 'left behind' over the summer. I just keep repeating that over and over to myself. "God is love... perfect love casts out fear."
God is good. More to follow. :)
Thursday, May 17, 2007
M&Ms
I had a dream last night that Bob Barker came to Asbury and did a spoof of The Price is Right during Chapel. The majority of the show revolved around two humongous bags of M&Ms. In honor of my dream, I give you the following post, telling you more than you ever wished to know about M&Ms.
History
Though there is some debate as to the exact inspiration for M&Ms, they were apparently based to some extent on the older British product, Smarties. Forrest Mars Sr. apparently saw soldiers during the Spanish Civil War comsuming these or similar candies. He bought the rights to produce them in the US and, with R. Bruce Murrie, introduced them as M&Ms in America. The name, formed by combining the last initials of each candymaker, was changed from the British product as another American candy called Smarties already existed. M&Ms were first sold in 1941. They were first popular among American soldiers in WWII, since the candy coating allowed them to enjoy chocolate without a melty mess, regardless of temperature conditions. M&Ms took a bit longer to appeal to the general public, but once the slogan 'melts in your mouth, not in your hand' was coined in 1954, parents and children alike embraced the product.
The Look
M&Ms, originally sold in cardboard tubes, were introduced in six colors: brown, yellow, orange, red, green, and violet. In 1948, the tube was done away with and the familiar brown bag was introduced. In 1949, tan candies replaced the original violet. A year later, the candies first appeared stamped with their trademark 'm' on one side. This stamp was originally black. Peanut M&Ms, all brown when introduced (Steve Edison, from The Wedding Planner, would approve), changed to red, yellow, and green in 1960. Although not mentioned on the official M&M website, red M&Ms were discontinued in 1976, the same year orange was introduced. A scare with a certain red dye that was believed to be a carcinogin, which M&Ms did not use, spurred many candymakers to pull red products from the shelves. Red candies were reintroduced in 1987, first as part of a holiday special and then as part of the regular line up. In 1995, the M&M company appealed to the public, who voted that blue be added as the newest candy color. Only months later "Colorworks" was introduced. This allowed consumers to choose from 21 colors of M&Ms for special orders. Finally, in 2002 M&M fans around the world voted to add purple to the traditional color line up. And the M&M company assured us... the best is yet to come.
Varities
Plain M&Ms- 1941 (the name was changed to Milk Chocolate M&Ms in 1990)
Peanut M&Ms- 1954
Almost M&Ms- 1988
Peanut Butter M&Ms- 1990
M&M Minis- 1996
Crispy M&Ms- 1998
Mega M&Ms- 2000
Dark M&Ms- 2004 (special release), 2006
Et Cetera
~Apparently eliptical shapes, such as the M&M, pack more tightly than spheres. This, it would seem, is a big deal. Hooray for elipses!
~According to some website, the "official" (though I'm not sure whose word made this official) breakdown of color percentages in any given bag of M&Ms is as follows: Brown-30%, Red-20%, Yellow-20%, Blue-10%, Orange-10%, Green-10%
~M&M Duels- the natural selection of chocolate. Read it; it's funny.
~And an amusing video that will remind you of just how many calories M&Ms hold and could possibly prevent you from eating too many (at one time) of the M&Ms that you purchase after reading this blog entry.
I am now craving M&Ms like you wouldn't believe.
History
Though there is some debate as to the exact inspiration for M&Ms, they were apparently based to some extent on the older British product, Smarties. Forrest Mars Sr. apparently saw soldiers during the Spanish Civil War comsuming these or similar candies. He bought the rights to produce them in the US and, with R. Bruce Murrie, introduced them as M&Ms in America. The name, formed by combining the last initials of each candymaker, was changed from the British product as another American candy called Smarties already existed. M&Ms were first sold in 1941. They were first popular among American soldiers in WWII, since the candy coating allowed them to enjoy chocolate without a melty mess, regardless of temperature conditions. M&Ms took a bit longer to appeal to the general public, but once the slogan 'melts in your mouth, not in your hand' was coined in 1954, parents and children alike embraced the product.
The Look
M&Ms, originally sold in cardboard tubes, were introduced in six colors: brown, yellow, orange, red, green, and violet. In 1948, the tube was done away with and the familiar brown bag was introduced. In 1949, tan candies replaced the original violet. A year later, the candies first appeared stamped with their trademark 'm' on one side. This stamp was originally black. Peanut M&Ms, all brown when introduced (Steve Edison, from The Wedding Planner, would approve), changed to red, yellow, and green in 1960. Although not mentioned on the official M&M website, red M&Ms were discontinued in 1976, the same year orange was introduced. A scare with a certain red dye that was believed to be a carcinogin, which M&Ms did not use, spurred many candymakers to pull red products from the shelves. Red candies were reintroduced in 1987, first as part of a holiday special and then as part of the regular line up. In 1995, the M&M company appealed to the public, who voted that blue be added as the newest candy color. Only months later "Colorworks" was introduced. This allowed consumers to choose from 21 colors of M&Ms for special orders. Finally, in 2002 M&M fans around the world voted to add purple to the traditional color line up. And the M&M company assured us... the best is yet to come.
Varities
Plain M&Ms- 1941 (the name was changed to Milk Chocolate M&Ms in 1990)
Peanut M&Ms- 1954
Almost M&Ms- 1988
Peanut Butter M&Ms- 1990
M&M Minis- 1996
Crispy M&Ms- 1998
Mega M&Ms- 2000
Dark M&Ms- 2004 (special release), 2006
Et Cetera
~Apparently eliptical shapes, such as the M&M, pack more tightly than spheres. This, it would seem, is a big deal. Hooray for elipses!
~According to some website, the "official" (though I'm not sure whose word made this official) breakdown of color percentages in any given bag of M&Ms is as follows: Brown-30%, Red-20%, Yellow-20%, Blue-10%, Orange-10%, Green-10%
~M&M Duels- the natural selection of chocolate. Read it; it's funny.
~And an amusing video that will remind you of just how many calories M&Ms hold and could possibly prevent you from eating too many (at one time) of the M&Ms that you purchase after reading this blog entry.
I am now craving M&Ms like you wouldn't believe.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Back in the 'Nati
I have returned once again to the house in which I lived the first 19 years of my life. It is a good house. I quite like it here, although I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge how much I miss living in a dorm full of girls. I don't really know what to write about, but I am trying to get back into the habit of blogging, and I'm afriad that I will forget if I don't write something.
I am very much craving a good cup of coffee. Over the school year, I admit, I developed quite a fondness for the stuff. Not an addiction, mind you. I am quite capable of functioning without caffeine. Still, I haven't had any coffee since last Wednesday or Thursday, and I would very much like some. There is no coffee-creating machinery in my house, and I am generally too cheap to go somewhere and spend $2-3 on one cup. Therefore, I am suffering through until I get back to campus on Monday where I imagine I will be able to get my hands on some.
There, I have done my blogging duty for the day. I think I shall go eat some ice cream and read my book (The Pilgrim's Progress, currently) while I wait for my beloved roomie to call me and for the series finale of Gilmore Girls to begin.
I am very much craving a good cup of coffee. Over the school year, I admit, I developed quite a fondness for the stuff. Not an addiction, mind you. I am quite capable of functioning without caffeine. Still, I haven't had any coffee since last Wednesday or Thursday, and I would very much like some. There is no coffee-creating machinery in my house, and I am generally too cheap to go somewhere and spend $2-3 on one cup. Therefore, I am suffering through until I get back to campus on Monday where I imagine I will be able to get my hands on some.
There, I have done my blogging duty for the day. I think I shall go eat some ice cream and read my book (The Pilgrim's Progress, currently) while I wait for my beloved roomie to call me and for the series finale of Gilmore Girls to begin.
Remember back when all the boys were smaller than all the girls?
Those were fun[ny] times.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
I'm sitting in what is my room for only another 20 minutes. I'm on Sam's bed because mine is covered in things to load up into my car and on Sam's computer because mine is packed. To be honest, there is nothing I want to do less right now than leave this place. I have had an absolutely fantastic year. I love my friends here, I love classes, I love my professors, I love chapel three times a week... honestly, there is very little I don't love. I'm excited to be going home for awhile to see my family and friends, but I wish that going home didn't mean that I had to leave Asbury.
When I was in high school, summer break meant that there were no classes any more, but my friends all lived no more than a 5 minute drive away. Now it means that they are all going hundreds and thousands of miles away and I will not get to see them for three and a half months. I can do without classes or any of the other things I listed above, but I hate leaving the people, especially these girls on my hall who have become like sisters to me. I hate goodbyes, even if they are only temporary.
My room looks so sad. The curtains are gone and all the posters taken down. The beds, desk, and dresser are back in their original, symmetrical position, and the mattresses are stripped bare. I am thrilled about moving down the hall next year, and about getting a couch, and new furniture and paint and so forth... but I can't help being a bit nostalgic at the thought of saying goodbye to my home for the past 9 or 10 months.
Sam, why does your iTunes keep playing such sad songs? :'(
On the up side, this is going to be a good summer. I'm home for a week and half or so before coming back to Asbury for a week of training. Then on May 28 (I think; my calendar is packed, so I'm not sure) my team and I leave for 9 weeks of traveling the South. I'll be back July 31, I believe, and will have almost 4 weeks at home before classes start again. I'm looking forward to it.
Check out time approaches. I had best finish up. Farewell!
When I was in high school, summer break meant that there were no classes any more, but my friends all lived no more than a 5 minute drive away. Now it means that they are all going hundreds and thousands of miles away and I will not get to see them for three and a half months. I can do without classes or any of the other things I listed above, but I hate leaving the people, especially these girls on my hall who have become like sisters to me. I hate goodbyes, even if they are only temporary.
My room looks so sad. The curtains are gone and all the posters taken down. The beds, desk, and dresser are back in their original, symmetrical position, and the mattresses are stripped bare. I am thrilled about moving down the hall next year, and about getting a couch, and new furniture and paint and so forth... but I can't help being a bit nostalgic at the thought of saying goodbye to my home for the past 9 or 10 months.
Sam, why does your iTunes keep playing such sad songs? :'(
On the up side, this is going to be a good summer. I'm home for a week and half or so before coming back to Asbury for a week of training. Then on May 28 (I think; my calendar is packed, so I'm not sure) my team and I leave for 9 weeks of traveling the South. I'll be back July 31, I believe, and will have almost 4 weeks at home before classes start again. I'm looking forward to it.
Check out time approaches. I had best finish up. Farewell!
Monday, May 07, 2007
A Taste of Things to Come
I see that it has now been more than a month since my last blog post. Shame on me. I blame tests, group projects, and having a general good ol' time doing things other than blogging. I either deserve shame or honor for my blogging negligence. You can decide.
I have decided to poke my head, or perhaps fingers, into this lonely-but-not-forgotten blog world for a moment to say hello and to bring you, my faithful readers, some news:
1. Hello
2. Some News: I shall from this point on be making every effort to post at least once a week. This shall serve a number of purposes (but since I just numbered these things, I will letter the next list):
__A. As I shall be departing from Asbury's campus in a mere three days, this will be a good way for my beloved friendlies here to keep tabs on me. As long as I'm posting, they will know I haven't been kidnapped or fallen off a cliff or anything.
__B. Not only will I be leaving my Asbury friends, but in only a small number of days, I will be leaving home as well and setting off on an adventure across the Southern states of Georgia, Alabama and Florida. In posting here I hope to give updates for people at home to read.
__C. I have a blog, I like to write, and I ought to use it.
That said, be looking for something of more interest in the near future.
Happy Exam Week!
I have decided to poke my head, or perhaps fingers, into this lonely-but-not-forgotten blog world for a moment to say hello and to bring you, my faithful readers, some news:
1. Hello
2. Some News: I shall from this point on be making every effort to post at least once a week. This shall serve a number of purposes (but since I just numbered these things, I will letter the next list):
__A. As I shall be departing from Asbury's campus in a mere three days, this will be a good way for my beloved friendlies here to keep tabs on me. As long as I'm posting, they will know I haven't been kidnapped or fallen off a cliff or anything.
__B. Not only will I be leaving my Asbury friends, but in only a small number of days, I will be leaving home as well and setting off on an adventure across the Southern states of Georgia, Alabama and Florida. In posting here I hope to give updates for people at home to read.
__C. I have a blog, I like to write, and I ought to use it.
That said, be looking for something of more interest in the near future.
Happy Exam Week!
