I spent the night at Mom's last night, and Mom and I woke up around 7 and planned to head out and hike to Warrior Rock Lighthouse on Sauvie Island. We drove all the way out to Sauvie Island, and were about to walk in to buy our permit to go out there, when we saw a sign that said the trail we were going to hike was closed! We were a little bummed out, but we regrouped and decided to find somewhere else to hike.
We ended up going to Tryon Creek State Park, which is a beautiful park in the middle of the city of Portland. Well, according to their brochure/map, they are in between Portland and Lake Oswego. I had absolutely no idea it existed! It's right next to Lewis and Clark College, and there are various trails you can take for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Some trails are more difficult than others, as we found. We tried the Lewis and Clark trail, which was fairly hilly and had a bridge that was pretty rickety that you had to cross. We turned around at that bridge and tried a different trail, which happened to be very flat.
All around, it was a fun trip! I'd love to go back sometime and try another trail or set of trails! :) Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures. :( Next time!
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Waiting
You know what phrase I've really come to realize is true?
"Good things come to those who wait."
Now, I've seen multiple posts on pinterest, facebook, etc. where people say that it's not true. Good things don't just come to people who are patiently waiting for them. You have to go out there and get them!
Well, I really don't think that's the case, and here's why. Sometimes, God's answer to our prayers is, "Wait". Sometimes, we have to wait in order to get what we want. Even better-sometimes we have to wait in order to get wherever it is that God wants us to be. His plan is always better than ours.
More than just waiting, we have to listen. God often whispers His plan into our ears, but it's so quiet that we miss it unless we're listening intently, waiting to hear His voice through all the commotion in our world.
Lately, I've been rushing ahead, trying to make things happen for myself. Guess how far I've gotten? Nowhere. I've gotten nowhere, AND FAST! The purposes I thought I was serving by trying to make things happen were shot down, and gone.
I don't know why it's taken me so long to get to this point of realizing that I need to wait on God's will for my life. I mean, really-I've come to this realization before. I'm sure I'll come to it again. In fact, I HOPE I come to it again. This adventure called life-more specifically Christian Life-is about surrendering yourself over and over to God. I hope that I continue to recognize my need for God, and my need to wait on His will.
"Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
"Good things come to those who wait."
Now, I've seen multiple posts on pinterest, facebook, etc. where people say that it's not true. Good things don't just come to people who are patiently waiting for them. You have to go out there and get them!
Well, I really don't think that's the case, and here's why. Sometimes, God's answer to our prayers is, "Wait". Sometimes, we have to wait in order to get what we want. Even better-sometimes we have to wait in order to get wherever it is that God wants us to be. His plan is always better than ours.
More than just waiting, we have to listen. God often whispers His plan into our ears, but it's so quiet that we miss it unless we're listening intently, waiting to hear His voice through all the commotion in our world.
Lately, I've been rushing ahead, trying to make things happen for myself. Guess how far I've gotten? Nowhere. I've gotten nowhere, AND FAST! The purposes I thought I was serving by trying to make things happen were shot down, and gone.
I don't know why it's taken me so long to get to this point of realizing that I need to wait on God's will for my life. I mean, really-I've come to this realization before. I'm sure I'll come to it again. In fact, I HOPE I come to it again. This adventure called life-more specifically Christian Life-is about surrendering yourself over and over to God. I hope that I continue to recognize my need for God, and my need to wait on His will.
"Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Faking it.
So, there are a few areas in my life that I have been told that I "fake it well". Let me give you some details.
1. I work at a Catholic school, and I am not Catholic. I did everything in my power to blend in last year, and early on I was told by a co-worker that I "fake" being a Catholic so well that if she hadn't already known I was a Protestant, she wouldn't have a clue that I wasn't Catholic.
2. Yesterday, I was working at a teacher in-service training for the Archdiocese in a group of Music teachers. I felt so out of place, because my teacher training is not in Music, but rather self-contained Elementary. While talking to a co-worker on the phone about it after the in-service, I mentioned that I am making everything up as I go. I was told that I "fake it well".
Well, is that what I want my life to be? A series of faking my way through various activities? Is that actually how I should be doing things?
Now, I realize that my "faking it" isn't all faking. I do have a musical background, and while I don't have a degree in Music Education, I was a Music Ed major for the first 2 years of college. In those years, I completed all 4 semesters of theory, all 4 semesters of sight singing/aural skills, and I took 2 music education classes. I also continued to perform in multiple music ensembles even after changing my major, AND I took a class for my new major that was geared toward non-music teachers and how to teach music. So, am I truly faking it all? No, but it sure feels that way sometimes!
I guess the hard part for me is that I like to just be me. I want to be myself in everything that I do, and while I feel I often do a good job at being myself, even when I feel pressured to be someone else, I sometimes fall a little short in some areas. I regularly do the sign of the cross and pray prayers at school that I would not pray at home or in other circles. I sometimes feel very uncomfortable with that. I don't see Mary as any form of deity, or even as being someone to pray to. I don't believe in the concept of praying to saints. It's extremely Protestant of me, but shoot! I am a Protestant! When we pray a "Hail Mary" at work, I feel so out of place-like a fish out of water. I am a Protestant, stuck in a Catholic bubble. I don't entirely disagree with it, and there are many times that I enjoy it. But what about the times I feel out of place? I can't shake the feeling that I don't quite belong. I try to convince myself that if I was in a self-contained classroom, that sense of "not-belonging" would go away, but I don't think it will. I think the sense of "not-belonging" I have when I teach music would go away, because I'd be teaching what I am more comfortable with. But what about the religious aspects? I don't agree with them 100%. In fact, it's probably much, much less that 100%! I don't even agree with my closest friends and family members 100% in the faith areas...and they're all Protestant!
I really love the community where I work. The kids are great, the families are great, it's wonderful to be connected in a community that has faith (even if it is a little different than my own), and the staff (usually) is fabulous.
But is it really worth it if I have to fake it?
1. I work at a Catholic school, and I am not Catholic. I did everything in my power to blend in last year, and early on I was told by a co-worker that I "fake" being a Catholic so well that if she hadn't already known I was a Protestant, she wouldn't have a clue that I wasn't Catholic.
2. Yesterday, I was working at a teacher in-service training for the Archdiocese in a group of Music teachers. I felt so out of place, because my teacher training is not in Music, but rather self-contained Elementary. While talking to a co-worker on the phone about it after the in-service, I mentioned that I am making everything up as I go. I was told that I "fake it well".
Well, is that what I want my life to be? A series of faking my way through various activities? Is that actually how I should be doing things?
Now, I realize that my "faking it" isn't all faking. I do have a musical background, and while I don't have a degree in Music Education, I was a Music Ed major for the first 2 years of college. In those years, I completed all 4 semesters of theory, all 4 semesters of sight singing/aural skills, and I took 2 music education classes. I also continued to perform in multiple music ensembles even after changing my major, AND I took a class for my new major that was geared toward non-music teachers and how to teach music. So, am I truly faking it all? No, but it sure feels that way sometimes!
I guess the hard part for me is that I like to just be me. I want to be myself in everything that I do, and while I feel I often do a good job at being myself, even when I feel pressured to be someone else, I sometimes fall a little short in some areas. I regularly do the sign of the cross and pray prayers at school that I would not pray at home or in other circles. I sometimes feel very uncomfortable with that. I don't see Mary as any form of deity, or even as being someone to pray to. I don't believe in the concept of praying to saints. It's extremely Protestant of me, but shoot! I am a Protestant! When we pray a "Hail Mary" at work, I feel so out of place-like a fish out of water. I am a Protestant, stuck in a Catholic bubble. I don't entirely disagree with it, and there are many times that I enjoy it. But what about the times I feel out of place? I can't shake the feeling that I don't quite belong. I try to convince myself that if I was in a self-contained classroom, that sense of "not-belonging" would go away, but I don't think it will. I think the sense of "not-belonging" I have when I teach music would go away, because I'd be teaching what I am more comfortable with. But what about the religious aspects? I don't agree with them 100%. In fact, it's probably much, much less that 100%! I don't even agree with my closest friends and family members 100% in the faith areas...and they're all Protestant!
I really love the community where I work. The kids are great, the families are great, it's wonderful to be connected in a community that has faith (even if it is a little different than my own), and the staff (usually) is fabulous.
But is it really worth it if I have to fake it?
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Confused and Curious
So, I'm a little confused at myself today. I found myself browsing through the job listings on edjoin.org for jobs in California. I also sent an email to the credentialing department to see what the requirements would be for me to transfer my Oregon teaching license to CA.
What is going on here? I don't know if it was a whim, or if this is coming from some deep seated desire to move back to California. I have REALLY enjoyed living in Oregon so far, and I enjoy the school I work at. Am I maybe a little disappointed that I am teaching music and not Elementary? Absolutely, but is that really a reason to start looking for a job in California? I don't think so.
So, pray for me. I am intensely confused, and a little curious at my actions tonight. I don't see any major problems here, but what could they mean? I can't see it all clearly right now, but maybe I will soon. I'm usually extremely thick headed when it comes to seeing where God is leading me, so maybe this is a hint? Or maybe I was just bored and curious?
I don't like this confusion, but I am going to let go of it for now and allow myself to move on with my evening.
P.S. I'm sorry I haven't been blogging much lately. I could make excuses about being busy and being sick, but we all know I could've made time to type a short blog here or there. I'll try to do better!
What is going on here? I don't know if it was a whim, or if this is coming from some deep seated desire to move back to California. I have REALLY enjoyed living in Oregon so far, and I enjoy the school I work at. Am I maybe a little disappointed that I am teaching music and not Elementary? Absolutely, but is that really a reason to start looking for a job in California? I don't think so.
So, pray for me. I am intensely confused, and a little curious at my actions tonight. I don't see any major problems here, but what could they mean? I can't see it all clearly right now, but maybe I will soon. I'm usually extremely thick headed when it comes to seeing where God is leading me, so maybe this is a hint? Or maybe I was just bored and curious?
I don't like this confusion, but I am going to let go of it for now and allow myself to move on with my evening.
P.S. I'm sorry I haven't been blogging much lately. I could make excuses about being busy and being sick, but we all know I could've made time to type a short blog here or there. I'll try to do better!
Friday, January 11, 2013
More activity
So, this week I did a few more "active" things, as per my resolution.
On Wednesday, I went to a rehearsal for the Clackamas Community Band. I will admit, they're a pretty low-key group, but it's nice to have somewhere to play again. My clarinet and I almost forgot what each other looked like!
This afternoon, a co-worker and I went to Happy Hour at the restaurant a couple blocks away from work. It was totally impromptu, but definitely fun. It's nice to have more social activity in my life. :)
I have spent more bonding time with my kitty. She's needed it. I think she feels extremely attention deprived since I ditched her when I was in California over break. The poor thing is CONSTANTLY begging to get into my bedroom. I've been holing up in there more often in the cold weather. I don't see the point in heating my entire apartment, since I don't have one thermostat. There's one in my bedroom and a "space"-type heater on the wall. There's another thermostat in the main living area, and two "space"-type heaters that run from that in opposite ends of the area. I've mainly been heating my bedroom, because I end up in there at the end of the night anyways. Let's be honest-I'm kind of an old lady when it comes to bedtime. I go to bed so early, that when I get home, I turn the heater on in my room to get it warmed up. I figure, it makes more sense for me to hang out in my room than for me to heat the rest of the apartment and hang out in the living area. I don't know if that makes a whole lot of sense, but it works for me.
I guess there hasn't been a whole lot of activity yet, but some is better than nothing! In a few weeks, the church I've been attending will have their kickoff for life groups. I'm planning to join one, and it'll be another thing to be active with.
What I REALLY need, though, is to get out and go walking. I'm trying to convince myself that if I just wear enough layers, I won't be so cold. We'll see if I can do it. Maybe I'll just make this a wii fit weekend and get active that way.
Do you have any suggestions for being more active? The area I have been struggling with most (not motivationally, but rather just not knowing how/what to do) is socially. I want to be more socially active, but I don't have that many people to spend my time with. I have a few friends, and we do spend time together, but I end up spending much of my weekend just sitting around and doing nothing. Not always so great. Any suggestions in that area would be appreciated. I hate meeting new people, but I've come to grips with the fact that I'm going to have to meet people if I want to have more friends to hang out with...
On Wednesday, I went to a rehearsal for the Clackamas Community Band. I will admit, they're a pretty low-key group, but it's nice to have somewhere to play again. My clarinet and I almost forgot what each other looked like!
This afternoon, a co-worker and I went to Happy Hour at the restaurant a couple blocks away from work. It was totally impromptu, but definitely fun. It's nice to have more social activity in my life. :)
I have spent more bonding time with my kitty. She's needed it. I think she feels extremely attention deprived since I ditched her when I was in California over break. The poor thing is CONSTANTLY begging to get into my bedroom. I've been holing up in there more often in the cold weather. I don't see the point in heating my entire apartment, since I don't have one thermostat. There's one in my bedroom and a "space"-type heater on the wall. There's another thermostat in the main living area, and two "space"-type heaters that run from that in opposite ends of the area. I've mainly been heating my bedroom, because I end up in there at the end of the night anyways. Let's be honest-I'm kind of an old lady when it comes to bedtime. I go to bed so early, that when I get home, I turn the heater on in my room to get it warmed up. I figure, it makes more sense for me to hang out in my room than for me to heat the rest of the apartment and hang out in the living area. I don't know if that makes a whole lot of sense, but it works for me.
I guess there hasn't been a whole lot of activity yet, but some is better than nothing! In a few weeks, the church I've been attending will have their kickoff for life groups. I'm planning to join one, and it'll be another thing to be active with.
What I REALLY need, though, is to get out and go walking. I'm trying to convince myself that if I just wear enough layers, I won't be so cold. We'll see if I can do it. Maybe I'll just make this a wii fit weekend and get active that way.
Do you have any suggestions for being more active? The area I have been struggling with most (not motivationally, but rather just not knowing how/what to do) is socially. I want to be more socially active, but I don't have that many people to spend my time with. I have a few friends, and we do spend time together, but I end up spending much of my weekend just sitting around and doing nothing. Not always so great. Any suggestions in that area would be appreciated. I hate meeting new people, but I've come to grips with the fact that I'm going to have to meet people if I want to have more friends to hang out with...
Monday, January 7, 2013
I have resolved...
So, my resolution was to be more active. I have already begun to do this in a few ways.
First, my friend Amy and I agreed to read through Scripture together. Our plan is to read 1 chapter each day, and to meet about once a week via Skype to discuss our week's readings. We decided to start in the New Testament, and because we like to be a bit different, we agreed to read through the books one at a time alphabetically. So, we are currently in the Book of Acts. We didn't start on January 1, but that's ok. Today we are on chapter 5, and tomorrow we will read chapter 6 and meet via Skype. I am very excited to see where this will take us. :)
Second, I didn't want to put this on Facebook until I had more information, but I figure there are fewer people here to tell. Not to mention that I feel the few who read this blog are more trustworthy than the multitudes on Facebook! I am considering buying a house. My mom has agreed to help me with some of the preliminary costs (down payment and closing costs), mostly because she thinks if I can get into a house, I'll be saving a lot of money over time versus renting. I sent in some information to a mortgage broker on Wednesday evening. He called today and left a message while I was working, but we were only able to succeed at playing phone tag today. I'm hoping we can talk more tomorrow so I can get some real information. I am nervous that he's going to tell me I can't get a loan. I am also nervous he'll tell me I can get a loan, but for an amount that won't quite get me into a house. We'll see. Pray for me to be patient and trust God's plan and timing.
Third, I decided I'm going to put together a list of places nearby that I haven't been, things I haven't seen, etc. and start doing them. For instance, Multnomah Falls isn't very far from me. I have yet to hike up and see the falls! Granted, it will probably take some conditioning to be prepared for the hike, but I'm so close! I need to go see those falls! Anyway, be on the lookout for a bucket list of sorts. Once I have a draft of it, I'll post it and keep you updated with what I'm doing (hopefully with some pictures!).
Fourth, I am planning to get myself onto a cleaning routine. It's hard to take care of everything all the time. No one can keep up, let's be honest, and those that can are lacking in something, whether it's sanity, social life, sleep, etc. I choose not to be one of those people. So, to get myself there, I intend to choose one chore or cleaning task to do each day. Now, if I miss a day here or there it isn't the end of the world. However, this will make it MUCH easier on me when I do decide to clean my whole apartment. I will have less to do each weekend if I can get one piece done each day. Today I cleaned my bathroom-bathtub and all! If I do this regularly, nothing will ever be terribly dirty or have much to clean. This should make the task much easier. We shall see!
Fifth, I went back to work today after break. I know this isn't being active outside my normal set of activity, but after being on vacation for two full weeks, it's active enough.
We shall see what tomorrow brings! Who knows, maybe I'll get that stack of papers graded, my dishes ALL done, and even have time to write a letter? :)
First, my friend Amy and I agreed to read through Scripture together. Our plan is to read 1 chapter each day, and to meet about once a week via Skype to discuss our week's readings. We decided to start in the New Testament, and because we like to be a bit different, we agreed to read through the books one at a time alphabetically. So, we are currently in the Book of Acts. We didn't start on January 1, but that's ok. Today we are on chapter 5, and tomorrow we will read chapter 6 and meet via Skype. I am very excited to see where this will take us. :)
Second, I didn't want to put this on Facebook until I had more information, but I figure there are fewer people here to tell. Not to mention that I feel the few who read this blog are more trustworthy than the multitudes on Facebook! I am considering buying a house. My mom has agreed to help me with some of the preliminary costs (down payment and closing costs), mostly because she thinks if I can get into a house, I'll be saving a lot of money over time versus renting. I sent in some information to a mortgage broker on Wednesday evening. He called today and left a message while I was working, but we were only able to succeed at playing phone tag today. I'm hoping we can talk more tomorrow so I can get some real information. I am nervous that he's going to tell me I can't get a loan. I am also nervous he'll tell me I can get a loan, but for an amount that won't quite get me into a house. We'll see. Pray for me to be patient and trust God's plan and timing.
Third, I decided I'm going to put together a list of places nearby that I haven't been, things I haven't seen, etc. and start doing them. For instance, Multnomah Falls isn't very far from me. I have yet to hike up and see the falls! Granted, it will probably take some conditioning to be prepared for the hike, but I'm so close! I need to go see those falls! Anyway, be on the lookout for a bucket list of sorts. Once I have a draft of it, I'll post it and keep you updated with what I'm doing (hopefully with some pictures!).
Fourth, I am planning to get myself onto a cleaning routine. It's hard to take care of everything all the time. No one can keep up, let's be honest, and those that can are lacking in something, whether it's sanity, social life, sleep, etc. I choose not to be one of those people. So, to get myself there, I intend to choose one chore or cleaning task to do each day. Now, if I miss a day here or there it isn't the end of the world. However, this will make it MUCH easier on me when I do decide to clean my whole apartment. I will have less to do each weekend if I can get one piece done each day. Today I cleaned my bathroom-bathtub and all! If I do this regularly, nothing will ever be terribly dirty or have much to clean. This should make the task much easier. We shall see!
Fifth, I went back to work today after break. I know this isn't being active outside my normal set of activity, but after being on vacation for two full weeks, it's active enough.
We shall see what tomorrow brings! Who knows, maybe I'll get that stack of papers graded, my dishes ALL done, and even have time to write a letter? :)
Monday, December 31, 2012
Resolutions
This is the time of year when we all try to become a better version of ourselves going into the new year. So often, I've "resolved" to lose weight, to save money, to stop eating certain foods, to start eating certain foods, to stop doing certain things, to start doing certain things. I'm making a broader resolution this year. I'm trying to keep it simple for myself, and in doing so, I hope to be able to achieve it.
My resolution for 2013 is to be more active.
As simple as that. I want to be more active in many areas in my life-physically, socially, spiritually, etc. I need to get out and do more in my community, whether it's exploring or volunteering. I need to get out and do more physical activity. I need to meet more people, spend more time with friends and family, and stop being such a homebody. I need to stop letting things pile up, and take care of them sooner!
This means that I want to be a better blogger, too. I want to do cooler things (or just things in general) that I can share with you. I haven't been blogging all the time, and often I blog on a whim. I want to be a more active blogger.
We'll see how it goes. The fact that it's broad means that all I have to do is be more active than I am now, and let's face it-it won't be hard to be more active than I've been this past year.
So, as we go into this new year, I'm going to take suggestions from you (if you want to share them) of ways I can be more active. Any type of active counts.
Also, because I'm including spiritual activity, I would like to pray for you. Are there any areas of your life that you'd like prayer for? Specifically, any ongoing things that you're struggling with? I'd love to pray for you.
I wish you the best with your resolutions, and I'll try to keep you updated on mine!
My resolution for 2013 is to be more active.
As simple as that. I want to be more active in many areas in my life-physically, socially, spiritually, etc. I need to get out and do more in my community, whether it's exploring or volunteering. I need to get out and do more physical activity. I need to meet more people, spend more time with friends and family, and stop being such a homebody. I need to stop letting things pile up, and take care of them sooner!
This means that I want to be a better blogger, too. I want to do cooler things (or just things in general) that I can share with you. I haven't been blogging all the time, and often I blog on a whim. I want to be a more active blogger.
We'll see how it goes. The fact that it's broad means that all I have to do is be more active than I am now, and let's face it-it won't be hard to be more active than I've been this past year.
So, as we go into this new year, I'm going to take suggestions from you (if you want to share them) of ways I can be more active. Any type of active counts.
Also, because I'm including spiritual activity, I would like to pray for you. Are there any areas of your life that you'd like prayer for? Specifically, any ongoing things that you're struggling with? I'd love to pray for you.
I wish you the best with your resolutions, and I'll try to keep you updated on mine!
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