This could be the start of something new ...

Check out those pumpkins. It is indeed October, and apparently in Pullman October means REALLY COLD. Actually, brief aside – does anyone else think they kind of got lazy when they were naming months? Like, Oct meaning 8 which correlates to the 8th month in the Roman calendar, etc. Not too imaginative. Oh well. But fall means beautiful color here as well, and Claire and I went to the Public Market in Moscow this morning. Aren’t the colors on those pumpkins magnificent?

I feel like there isn’t too much news to report – I haven’t watched any more mind stretching movies to put me in a philosophical mood, although I did watch High School Musical again. Hey, come on guys, I know I’ve seen it a lot but sometimes you just need a good pick-me-up! It makes you feel so good! I did finish reading A Thousand Splendid Suns, and thought it was fantastic. Such a perspective I am not able to conceive on my own. I love books. I’m in quite a book reading mindset right now. Wonder if that comes along with autumn.

OH! Cara and I went and visited the Grizzly bears here on WSU’s campus. Yeah, that’s right, they have Grizzly bears. Can you believe that? Part of me is like ‘they shouldn’t have these magnificent creatures fenced in, in Pullman of all places’ and the other part of me is like, ‘DUDE! There are GRIZZLY BEARS HERE!! How stinkin’ awesome is THAT?!?!’ so needless to say I’m a little torn … But here are some pic’s! One got kind of close but my camera is kind of deteriorating in functionality so I just got a butt pic of it walking away. Ever since I threw my camera in the sand on the beach, it just won’t look at me the same. I told it it was an accident, but apparently it won’t self-clean for me. When I use the zoom, you can listen and just hear this horrible grinding that happens because there are for sure still granules lodged inside. Oops.

UMin Sunday is next weekend, so I’ll be heading back to Seattle for that. I just get such a kick out of the fact that home is so close and yet so far away. And it’s always kind of strange to return home, because it feels so familiar and yet so foreign. I guess that’s what life feels like every time you experience change. ‘Home’ is something new, and everything keeps moving without you. I remember coming back from deputation – 2month stint in Ireland – and being frustrated because everything seemed the same after I felt like I changed a ton, and yet everyone had had their whole summer full of experiences that I wasn’t a part of. So strange. This paragraph is starting to feel a little self centered, and I don’t mean it to be, I think it’s probably just a normal characteristic of humans to merely focus on the lives they are living rather than the living that goes on in places they are not. Make sense? Doesn’t really need to, I know what I mean. Oh, and I'm learning to drive a manual.

I'm Not Looking in a Mirror, But I'm Feeling Quite Reflective ...

Well, it’s been awhile. And awhile means there’s plenty of time for thinking. And I don’t mean to get all philosophical or anything, but honestly that’s where my brain is headed. And this leads me to say, you’ve got some good reading to do, and I don’t mean my words. Read on …
1. I just finished the book Searching For God Knows What. I can’t believe it took me so long, because I started it back in the spring, but didn’t get very far due to that whole graduating thing and the busyness stuff. But WHAT a GREAT book. And I mean one of those that gets you riled up sometimes and agreeing sometimes, and sometimes thinking to yourself ‘I have been trying my darndest to put that into words and there it is.’ The ending really did me in. It was so beautiful. And when I finished it, my whole day just seemed beautiful. Do you ever have those days when everything is just beautiful? I read Hosea as well and it made things all that MORE beautiful. One of those days when it’s not about me, its not about what’s going on for my life, but kind of a God nudge saying ‘Hey, do you see what I’ve done in this world? Do you see what I’m doing? I’m so glad you want to be a part of it.’
2. I’ve always been interested in the God vs. Science debate, always wanted to hear the different angles and contest them on my own. But honestly I don’t really have a background that certifies me to know that much. BUT you have GOT to read this article - God vs. Science from Time mag last fall. it is fantastic. Francis Collins knows his stuff, and just reading what he’s said makes me feel smarter. I know I shouldn’t take other people’s words flat and praise them without thinking critically, but honestly I think he is right on. He’s also recently written a book that I’m reading with one of my Core Groups (Bible studies) called The Language of God. I’ll let you know how it goes. So far? 1st chapter = Ace.
3. I just watched the movie Babel. And honestly, I think it wasn’t as good as Crash, but was getting at the heart of the same message. That no matter where you’re from, what you do, or who you are, we all face similar issues, experiences, pains, hopes, etc. And it’s funny because even after finishing the movie and thinking it’s not THAT great, I feel really reflective. Maybe because it’s tying so many different people together it just reminds me of how huge the world is and how many people there are and problems in the world, and how ignorance is one of the worst. Right now I’m reading a book called A Thousand Splendid Suns (okay, so maybe I like reading … a lot …) and it is really good. It sends you into a different culture and a different way of thinking. I love that immersion. I had a dream a few nights ago that I’m pretty sure was influenced by it, in which I am married off, in an arranged marriage. My attitude in the dream was not to scoff, not to protest, not to try and get out of it, but comply with the ceremony and the life that was to be ahead. Really weird, but interesting. Not to say I now understand arranged marriages, but I had this attitude of ‘let’s make the best of it’ which is something I think (here comes the stereotype) as Americans we don’t really try to do. Which is funny, because I think the original American dream was that we can make the best of what we have, no matter how small or insignificant, and make it into something great. And now Americans (my generation?) have an attitude of ‘well I deserve better, I deserve more’ or ‘I’m stuck in a bad spot and woe is me, send your pity, can you believe this happened to me?’ Not an attitude of, ‘alright, we can make this work, we just have to try something else.’ What happened? We started taking the things that are privileges and try to make them into our rights. Weird, don’t you think?

Anyway, sorry this got so long. I should probably have put it all in a journal but here it is. Thank you, World Wide Web. That’s cool too huh, world wide. Oh, and I think I’m beginning to miss some of my own community – not to say these people aren’t ridiculously fun, but those people at home, who already know who I am, and all of our inside jokes. Plus the ability to have conversations about #1,2, and 3 up above. But don’t worry, these people are truly amazing, we’ll get there. And here, I’ll end this thing with another beautiful image of beautiful people …

Oh to be an Arrowsmith ...

My sister has lost her name. Well, not so much lost it as embedded it further into the middle part of her name or something. If anything she just made her whole name longer. Okay, long story short, she got married. My dad labeled it as a compex ceremonial process which occured on the 15th, but I like my version better. I just don't see why we have to give up our awesome last name of Arrowsmith during the marriage process. No offense to Nathan, but Bales? Really, we should have voted on it or something. Oh well.

As for the actual wedding, SO MUCH FUN. Although I didn't use my camera once. But my dad did, and he had front row seating for most of the events, so he got some pretty good shots, don't you think? I don't think I got to have any breakfast that day, thus the hand in the bag of chips, and weddings wouldn't be weddings without your favorite stuffed animal! I really like the dresses, and they are totally useable for events later on. Since everyone else has decided to get married. Did someone put chemicals in the water or something ...

Anyway, I think the best part was getting to see so many wonderful people all gathered together in one place. My favorite relatives that I never get to see! I guess that's the problem when you spread across the country. But it was so wonderful to get to talk to them, especially after I've been in contact with them about my internship this year. That's really been one of the most encouraging things - I sent out my support letter with my graduation announcements, and made the executive decision to not censor sending the letter to only the members/family friends who I believe are somewhat religious. It went to everyone. And it has only blessed me! Everyone is so encouraging, and even excited about the path I have chosen so far, and it feels really unifying. I also entered into this weekend figuring I'd put any thoughts of seminary on hold until after the weekend was over, but was actually fed more information about it through random interactions with people. I've also been able to chat a bit with the female pastor here at Pullman Pres and it has been really encouraging. I found out this summer that I am very much a verbal processor when it comes to thoughts and ideas, and talking with her about my love for ministry and experiences in it has really helped confirm that calling in my life. But I always still feel a little aprehensive to say I've been called into it because I feel like that makes it sound like I'm putting myself up on a pedistal. But really it just means it's something that I'm extremely passionate about, and all parts of my life seem to come together in this greater idea of it. Make sense? Anyway, my musings have gone a little long this post, but needless to say I have had a very good week, and I am very thankful that my sister had a glorious celebration that brought everyone out. Plus I got a brother!! Woohoo! I think this last picture is hilarious too, thanks Daddy.

What's that in the sky ...

Well looky looky. On of our students has his pilots license, and offered us a ride in the sky. I am NOT one to pass up a free flight!! It was so awesome! Here's a pic of Bill and Travis (our Pilot!) with the plane he took us up in. And then there's a highly attractive picture of me during a tight maneuver or something where we are basically flying sideways in a tight circle. AWESOME. Not as cool as the dive-bomb deals that easily beat out any roller coaster ride I've been on, but ya can't really capture that in a camera.

So needles to say, I've been having a pretty great time here. And meeting all sorts of fantastic women on this campus. I'm a little concerned that on first meeting people, I am able to make a fair amount of conversation simply on books, music, films and television shows, but hey, if you find something in common you go with it, right? All I know is I'm very close to getting to watch the entire season of The Office, and this may or may not include root beer floats. It doesn't really get any better.

If some of you are still not convinced that Pullman can have an up-side, and the flying in the plane doesn't convince you, how about free concerts? Yeah I was surprised too - Moscow actually has quite a good rep for having live music in town, and last night they had a block party type deal which included a free concert by Sanctus Real. Pretty fun, and reminiscent of what I enjoy back in Seattle anyway. Plus the Pullman library is pretty good for entertainment (plus it's free, and again, you know me and free). I finally got to see Wordplay, and I Heart Huckabees, which I actually quite enjoyed, unlike the reviews I heard from some of my friends.

Oh, and by the way, MY SISTER IS GETTING MARRIED ON SATURDAY. I know, crazy huh? Well, that also means I'll be in town later this week, so if you want to hang out a little and haven't let me know yet, let me know. I'll see what I can do. But honestly I can't believe she's getting married. Although part of me isn't convinced it will make anything seem much different, she already lives far away, and we talk sporadically on the phone, I just can't believe she has to give up the last name. That is going to be a HARD one to deal with. I may consider having my husband take mine instead. But I guess I'd have to find a potential for a husband first to tackle that issue. Anyway, marriage = crazy. But I suppose it has it's blessings too.

And these last two are just for comedic relief. Toby, with his favorite bumpy moon toy that is all too familiar with his toothless gums and drool, and the Taco Time in town that advertises itself as a wireless hot spot. I cannot say that I have ever considered going their for their wireless, but now ...

A Window of Opportunity ...

Really, the title is about the fact that we put in a new window downstairs in my living area. I call it that because I pretty much have a bedroom, bathroom, and small living room. Anyway, I got to swing a hammer a bit which is always a plus, and no one was injured/nothing broken, another plus. But at the same time, the imagery of this window has also got me thinking about what's next around the corner, and what the internship I'm doing now is helping me to visualize down the road. You know, a sort of window into what I might do later on.

As it happens I'm pretty heavily considering seminary after I do this internship, unless I do another year of internship somewhere, but seminary is more or less in the near future. I've talked to quite a few people about Princeton, which is interesting because a lot of UPC-ers have gone there for Seminary, yet none can really tell me a solid reason they went there besides the fact that is was very affordable at the time, and therefore first on their unresearched list. I talked with Duane Morris who teaches apologetics before I left, and he mentioned Talbot in California, which sounds highly interesting as well. All in all, I still don't have a clear vision of what I want to do after seminary, and am therefore struggling a little to choose what I'd want to focus on IN seminary, and thus I do not know which school I should pursue. Probably both, we'll see. Anyone with any advice or suggestions, just let me know.

As for Pullman, the week has been good, and the weather has been crazy. We actually had a thunderstorm on friday, which was pretty exciting, except for the fact that I was caught offguard clothing-wise, but at least wasn't really caught in the storm. The power went out in some parts of town, but luckily not at one of our student's places in which we were having a movie night (yes, of course it included Bride and Prejudice) and practicing the moves to a high school musical song. We are dynamite. And as for this lovely Labor Day weekend, I love the relaxing atmosphere that occurs on the weekends! I don't really do that much, but get to do arts and crafts at my leisure, and watch movies. Anyone seen 'A Streetcar Named Desire'? Because it's crazy, and Vivian Leigh is crazy. But libraries are great, which is where I got it (same day as I got my Pullman library card!) as well as a few other good movies. Bottom line - I like Pullman. And movies. Speaking of which I saw Superbad, hilarious/vulgar/hilarious. And rewatched the Three Amigos, HILARIOUS/classic.