I don’t know what was better, the movie or the experience

This afternoon I ventured out to an independent movie theatre to watch An Education. What I have to say about the movie is that it is fabulous. The theatre is situated right next to Sacs Fifth Avenue, and the parking lot is full of Lexus, Minis, BMWs, Cadillacs, and the like. I felt sheepish as I parked my Pontiac near all the swank.

I arrived about 10 minutes prior to the start of the movie, and by the time I sat down, the theatre was about half full.  I was the youngest viewer.  By the time the previews began, I was still the youngest person there, and I’d say at least 95% of the audience was over 70. I woman directly in front of me had her hair set for the week.

Prior to the previews there was a timely and strategic Cadillac commercial, which I’m sure made more than one audience member soil their adult diapers with excitement.  It was a weird experience to say the least, but delightfully memorable.

Although you may not have a similar experience to mine, see the movie if you get a chance. Some might call it a coming of age drama, but I think they’re missing the film if they chalk it up to that.  It’s about a girl who loses her innocence, and comes back to find it. It’s about defining what living is. It’s about the humility of second chances. It’s about things turning out right in the end when you are cheering for it to turn out wrong. I hope that doesn’t ruin it for you, but it’s a snippet of my unfolding thoughts.

what makes a great morning?

This morning was amazing.  I got up at 6:30 and had the quiet to myself.  I brewed a french press of Birds & Bees shade grown organic coffee (I don’t like it because of the organic shade grown, in case Gina is reading this).  I ate some Trader Joe’s cheerios.  I read.  And, what makes the morning perfect besides that: listening to NPR news morning edition.

Tonight will be a great evening: beer, grilled burgers (my uncle’s beef), potato chips with french onion dip, root beer floats, good friends.  Can’t wait.

Good things

For my birthday 2 years ago, my friend Amy Hatcher gave me this Gerber Daisy plant.  Several times a year it blooms for me and the flower lasts an impressively long time.  This bloom opened up on Friday.

Things I don’t relate to

I am sitting in a class on Job this week.  Yesterday we discussed Job’s anguish in losing his children, etc.  One thing he asks,

“Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese?” (10:10)

I can’t say I’ve ever felt exactly like this.

5 days ’til B-day

 In just 5 short days the beer I brewed with my Dad will be ready.  It really is the  the gift that keeps on giving, at least 47 times.  Cheers!

Lazy Saturday Afternoons

This last Saturday I roasted my first turkey, because I had the time!  I seasoned it with lemon-pepper, salt, and butter.  Out of the oven came 12 pounds of goodness.  Snaps to Karen for helping me with planning and carving.

   

Home

I think it was sometime in September when one of my professors asked me where home was.  He clarified by explaining that home doesn’t necessarily have to be where I grew up or where my parents live, but rather, he wanted to know the place that felt like home to me.  In my head, that place was Lincoln, NE.  However, after spending the past 6 days in Norfolk, I’ve changed my definition of home, from being a place to being an experience or emotion.  Home is where I exhale.  It’s where I no longer have to try, but can simply be.  Home is Lazlo’s with the Seebohms.  Home is the couch at Renae and Jason’s.  Home is the Taylor house in Norfolk, when it is brimming with friends.  Home is waking up in my bed in Norfolk, the getting  up to eat the very familiar waffles I grew up with.  Home is the anticipation of seeing Kate and Joie in a few days.  Home is where I don’t doubt myself or my friends affection for me.  It’s so good to be home.

It’s not over ’til it’s over, and it’s over!

10 minutes ago I finished semester #1 of 4.  It feels good!  I will now watch brainless television until I have to start reading some books for my Job class.

What I learned in class today . . . Abraham was a pimp!

Dr. Michael Williams, my God and His Word professor, whom I deeply respect, said in class today, and I quote, “Abraham pimped out his wife twice.”  After much snickering amongst my classmates and I, he said, “That’s the right word for it!”

First days

On Thursday I had my first day of classes at CTS.  I so wished I had some brand new #2 pencils to sharpen for the occasion, but alas, I purchased mechanical pencils.  I also bought highlighters and new ink gel pens.  I had an uncontained giddiness and idealism that has yet to be jaded.  I was alert (albeit freezing) for both of my classes, my brain whirring with all that there was to be learned.  There were hip new 3-ring notebooks for each class and unmarred syllabi to put in them.  

On my first day, here’s what I learned:

I have amazing, passionate professors who want me to succeed.  One of them, Dr. Williams wrote the book Far as the Curse is Found, which I have been reading this August.

For a realist, I’m very idealistic about this season of school.

Take snacks and a long-sleeved layer to 3 hour classes.

This is going to be great.

Hopefully, forthcoming, is a picture of Karen and I on our way to class together.  I recalled the pics my mom used to take of my brother and I on our bikes (I had a banana seat) ready to pedal our way to our first day of elementary school, backpacks hanging over both shoulders, attired in new back-to-school clothes.  I bought a new t-shirt for Thursday.