early mornings and pumpkin scones

This morning Jolene and I got up early and went to Starbucks at 7am all because the manager told us that the pumpkin scones would be in today... and that we should get there early because all the regulars were asking for them. So that we did, and to our dismay there were no pumpkin scones to be found. Last week I found a recipe online for the same scones and they were delicious--I guess I was just looking for the experience of the Grande Non-Fat Latte with a warmed pumpkin scone while sitting in Glen Ellyn watching all the commuters try to catch the Metra into Chicago.

The other sad thing is that Starbucks is not going to have the Pumpkin Cream Cheese muffin anymore this year (see below)--I guess they're trying to be all healthy by offering oatmeal and stuff. That will just have to be my next baking endeavour!




Ps. The fish have names... Aiden and Bennett. Aiden is the little one and Bennett is a bit of a bully--and they poop a TON. Who knew that more came out of fish then went in!

new roomate(s)

Meet my new two new roomates! I got these two lovely goldfish today and I was pretty excited about them. So far, they seem to be doing okay, although the larger one is a bit of a bully with the food. Anyone have any great name ideas??

my new bike!

This is my NEW bike! I love it... and yes it did come with the matching coffee tumbler... my kind of bike, eh?

doing the student thing

I have decided that I don't always do well at this whole student thing. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy going to class. I even enjoy doing the work that goes along with class... but there just aren't enough days in the week to get it all done, ESPECIALLY when I really enjoy hanging out with people!

My new hobby is riding my NEW bike around town. Today Grant (GRA counterpart) and I went for 12 miles around the Illinois Prairie Path. It was great but unfortunately it pooped me out and I had to come home and nap for a bit. Really, all I want to do these days is fly around on my bike. Last night us GRA's got together and decided to get ice cream for our on-duty GRA friends. Zach and I biked to the grocery store (whist getting yelled at by people in two separate cars, one yelling "get a car!" and Zach riding over a bottle and it shattering everywhere). Thankfully I have friends here that also enjoy bike riding, so I have some company when it comes time to my spontaneous bike adventures!

a year ago

I wrote this a year ago, and it is surprising to me how much it matches what I am feeling now!

"I have had a lot of good conversations today, but a lot of hard ones too. Some of them debating issues, others walking people through conflict and struggles. All of these conversations left me with the question of what does it mean to really come alongside other people? How do you really show people the love of Christ. It is such a monumental task, and yet simple at the same time. Monumental in the impact that it has, and in the issues that people are dealing with (that all of us are dealing with in one way or another). Simple in our role of loving, of being present, of just "doing life" together. If it IS simple, why is it so difficult? Why do we have such a hard time being present? Why is it so easy to come to conclusions, to try and "fix" whatever problems there are instead of guiding people, of walking with them?

The other part of this question for me is how do I come alongside someone when I myself am so stained? I am shoulder deep in the mire, barely able to keep my head above it! I am so thankful that the Lord uses uses us in the midst of it, that His grace covers it all."

staying put

I have been thinking this summer that this is the FIRST summer in 9 years that I am not in the midst of total transition. This fall marks the first fall since High School where I have not moved, begun at a new school, started a new job, etc. I am SO thankful to be staying put this fall.

Although there are a lot of NEW things in my life and a lot of transition happening within my job, there is a deep sense of familiarity this year. Although I am anticipating many surprises and un-expected things this year, I have a sense of what this year will hold. Walking into class last week for the first time and seeing all familiar faces was a blessing. I am realizing for the first time that I am not in the midst of transition... this is what it feels like to remain. I definitely could get used to this! :-)

Labour day really was the end of summer for me! I spent that day at the Wheaton Pool, where I spent MANY hours this summer. I was looking back and thinking about what I was most thankful for this summer. Here is a brief list describing my summer (and things I am thankful for):

1. Rest
2. Reflection
3. Visiting old friends in Philly
4. Boston
5. Getting lost in Connecticut
6. Bike riding
7. Jim's tour of Manchester, NH
8. Coming home
9. Lazy afternoons at the pool
10. New furniture!
11. New carpet!
12. Experimental cooking
13. Flowering trees
14. Sweet time with Michael and Terese before they moved
15. Grilling with Dan and Sarah
16. Bunnies
17. Sewing pillows
18. Taking care of a kitten
19. Memories of my puppy Mackenzie
20. Seeing my grandpa one more time
21. Seeing all of my cousins in one room (save one)
22. My good friend Josh is now a husband!
23. Movies in Grant Park
24. Walks to Starbucks
25. Garage sales
26. Heroes
27. Hiking at home
28. Seeing my dad's new home
29. Holding down the fort in Fischer
30. ACSD conference--seeing that others love to do this job too!
31. Meaningful conversations
32. Giant cupcakes
33. Celebrating my sister's 30th birthday
34. Flowers
35. Reading for fun
36. Painting
37. Breakfast at Egg'lectic
38. Swimming
39. Rob in New York
40. Red Kitchen Aid mixers
41. Toile
42. A clean apartment (and time to keep it that way)