I almost honked my horn today at an elderly man because I wondered if I could force him into a heart attack. I know, I'm horrible!!!!!!
There were of course a string of events that led up to this thought but all the same, I'm embarrassed that I had it.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Wow...
Sometimes things happen that just make you say wow (Andrea's thoughts on the word wow). An administrator at the church that I used to work for had been under some suspicion for quite some time and now has been officially charged. As messy as things were when I left, I'm thankful I wasn't working there during any of this mess.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Seasons change . . .
Feelings change... (are you humming the tune?). Who sang that anyway? I suppose I could google it and find out but if my memory serves me correctly, it's Expose. Anyway. I feeling a change in the air today. Allow me to bare my soul...
Today marks my last official day in the classroom as a TA for IUPUI, sniff sniff. It is really kind of sad. I've very much enjoyed my role in this position this year and wish that I could hang around for a bit longer. But I really need to launch into my thesis and finish that sucker this year. As I hiked to the fifth floor for one of the last times today, I reflected briefly (in between heavy breathing from walking up all of those stairs) on the past year. It's been a year of learning. I've learned how to grade, how to easily spot plagiarism, how to lecture (kinda - now if I could only stay in my chair). I decided not to make my life utter madness by finishing my thesis and TAing at the same time. I decided to launch myself into children's ministry more fully at CSC. I decided not to try to get pregnant this year (not closing the door entirely but I really felt like 05-06 wasn't the right timing). I learned that Anna needed to make her own way at school and that my role in her life is beginning to change. I'd like to think that I've accepted myself a bit more - as a woman, as a scholar, as a wife, as a mother, as a friend.
There are plenty things that I'm still working on and haven't learned though . . . still can't really manage my time effectively (laundry, laundry everywhere!), still need to take Minesweeper off of my computer (what the other TAs that I work with refer to as my "computer crack"), still am training to hopefully ride the RAIN ride this summer (the good news is that if I do ride it, I have about 13 lbs less to drag down the road), still writing, researching, reading for my thesis (when will it ever end?!?!), still trying to manage stress effectively and not leave things until the last minute (back to the time management issue) and take out my own negligence and procrastination on those whom I love the most (i.e. Brian and Anna).
It's been a good academic year. I'm not totally out of the woods. I'll still need grade finals, figure grades, organize my TA materials for the lucky soul who comes behind me but pretty much by this time next week this chapter will be closed and I'll be embarking on a new journey. I'm not sure what that path is yet but I'm excited to get on it.
Today marks my last official day in the classroom as a TA for IUPUI, sniff sniff. It is really kind of sad. I've very much enjoyed my role in this position this year and wish that I could hang around for a bit longer. But I really need to launch into my thesis and finish that sucker this year. As I hiked to the fifth floor for one of the last times today, I reflected briefly (in between heavy breathing from walking up all of those stairs) on the past year. It's been a year of learning. I've learned how to grade, how to easily spot plagiarism, how to lecture (kinda - now if I could only stay in my chair). I decided not to make my life utter madness by finishing my thesis and TAing at the same time. I decided to launch myself into children's ministry more fully at CSC. I decided not to try to get pregnant this year (not closing the door entirely but I really felt like 05-06 wasn't the right timing). I learned that Anna needed to make her own way at school and that my role in her life is beginning to change. I'd like to think that I've accepted myself a bit more - as a woman, as a scholar, as a wife, as a mother, as a friend.
There are plenty things that I'm still working on and haven't learned though . . . still can't really manage my time effectively (laundry, laundry everywhere!), still need to take Minesweeper off of my computer (what the other TAs that I work with refer to as my "computer crack"), still am training to hopefully ride the RAIN ride this summer (the good news is that if I do ride it, I have about 13 lbs less to drag down the road), still writing, researching, reading for my thesis (when will it ever end?!?!), still trying to manage stress effectively and not leave things until the last minute (back to the time management issue) and take out my own negligence and procrastination on those whom I love the most (i.e. Brian and Anna).
It's been a good academic year. I'm not totally out of the woods. I'll still need grade finals, figure grades, organize my TA materials for the lucky soul who comes behind me but pretty much by this time next week this chapter will be closed and I'll be embarking on a new journey. I'm not sure what that path is yet but I'm excited to get on it.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Can you tell what I did today?
That's right, today marked the primary elections in Indiana. So I wore one of my favorite T shirts that really only seems appropriate twice a year and headed to the polls. They wanted to take my pic at the polling place since apparently I was only one of two dems to vote there that day(gotta love the variety and diversity of Johnson County). In other news, Brian worked as an Election Judge (guess the grand total would have been 3 had he not already voted absentee) at another polling place and Anna collected a few "I Voted" stickers for herself.
Am I still a credible source of information?
So yesterday, I was expounding upon the demographic shifts in the United States, post World War II in the hopes of preparing my students for their final exam (and honestly to prepare myself to grade their final exam) which is tomorrow. All of the sudden I forgot the cardinal "Four on the Floor" rule which I learned in 2nd grade and I'm sure impressed upon others when I worked for the church. And whoooop.... in a matter of seconds I scooted forward, fell on the floor and the high backed chair I was sitting in came down over the top of me. So I of course realizing that I was not bleeding or majorly injured began to giggle uncontrollably. What else can you do? And the students snickered too. I had to promise them that I indeed could read, did know what I was talking about - although how could they believe me since apparently I can't even sit upright - who knows what I am truly capable of?!?! And also I promised them I had not yet been drinking that day. I laughed it off but seriously, does God really need to humble me in such a humiliating way? I guess so.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Good news
We just got back from a late night visit to the hospital to see Kim and Jason. Things went really well today. They were able to get the entire tumor (to their knowledge) and scoped things out - lymph nodes, liver, etc. while they were in there. They took out about 60 cm. of his bowel which leaves him with like 90% of it still (v. good). Sounds like they had a terrific surgeon who really took his time and left no stone unturned. In fact, the pathologist was right there and literally examined the tumor as soon as it came out of his body. Everyone's pretty marveled at the entire situation, especially since it doesn't seem to have spread anywhere and the tumor was so massive that it's amazing he was able to eat anything in the last several weeks. Apparently it was folded in upon itself and puckered all around. Anyway, the surgery was close to three hours long but I thought that Jason looked great tonight. He briefly opened his eyes and said hello to us but we spent the rest of the time talking to Kim. We chatted some about what was going on but then shared stories about life in general and got a few great ones about the kids. Plenty of snickering and silliness.
They're such good people. We love them with a fierce love. The road ahead will be more difficult. It looks like in about 10 days to 2 weeks or so he'll begin chemo of the nastiest variety. So basically his body will heal only to be popped good and hard again. Just pray that he heals well from the surgery and can get started on the chemo as soon as humanly possible. Pray for us as we seek to encourage and help in anyway that we can and just consistently "be" there.
They're such good people. We love them with a fierce love. The road ahead will be more difficult. It looks like in about 10 days to 2 weeks or so he'll begin chemo of the nastiest variety. So basically his body will heal only to be popped good and hard again. Just pray that he heals well from the surgery and can get started on the chemo as soon as humanly possible. Pray for us as we seek to encourage and help in anyway that we can and just consistently "be" there.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Can you use it in a sentence please?
So, you might remember our friends the Gallmans (and specifically Jason) are walking a very difficult road. Their oldest child, Claire is in the the 5th grade.
Let me preface this entire story by stating that Claire is one of the most gifted children I've ever met. She is both intelligent and wise beyond her years. As a preschooler she was reading on a 3rd grade level and as a kindergartener on the 8th grade level. Now as a 5th grader, I'm sure she could read laps around me. Anyway, this week Claire was in the county spelling bee. She ended up coming in 7th place despite of her huge vocabulary.
The irony of the word she went out on continues to tickle me and give me goose bumps at the same time. And as Brian said, "Holy sermon analogy, Batman." So, here's the word that this young girl whose father was diagnosed with a fist sized tumor in his small bowel just two weeks ago missed - pessimist. Isn't that unreal? What a testament to Kim and Jason's fantastic child rearing skills. Of all people, Miss Claire could be a pessimist. But it's a word that's just not in her vocabulary.
Let me preface this entire story by stating that Claire is one of the most gifted children I've ever met. She is both intelligent and wise beyond her years. As a preschooler she was reading on a 3rd grade level and as a kindergartener on the 8th grade level. Now as a 5th grader, I'm sure she could read laps around me. Anyway, this week Claire was in the county spelling bee. She ended up coming in 7th place despite of her huge vocabulary.
The irony of the word she went out on continues to tickle me and give me goose bumps at the same time. And as Brian said, "Holy sermon analogy, Batman." So, here's the word that this young girl whose father was diagnosed with a fist sized tumor in his small bowel just two weeks ago missed - pessimist. Isn't that unreal? What a testament to Kim and Jason's fantastic child rearing skills. Of all people, Miss Claire could be a pessimist. But it's a word that's just not in her vocabulary.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Wish I was doing this right now...
I didn't sleep well last night and now wish I was snuggled up like this in my bed! However, it's that time of year again. The time of the year when naptims are devoted to zip, zip, clip, clip... mowing the yard!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
What do a boxer, a queen, and priest have to do with one another?
They're all featured in my first lecture in a collegiate classroom today (Wednesday)! YIKES! I'm nervous. My biggest fear is that the chair of the department will show up.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Design on a dime
We did a little redecorating in February. Here are some shots of our beautiful bedroom. It had been the most neglected room in the house for a really long time and now it's my fa
vorite.
A little piece of writing
Here's a little something I wrote to promo a special worship service we're having at our church in about a month...
I look down the hallway and see preschoolers praising. Their little arms reach out to the God who loves them; their little faces flecked with His joy. “The wise man built his house upon the rock . . .” Eternal lessons taught in a rhythmic beat, some classics just never go out of style. I glance into the Excite room and see something similar, but on a more mature and blossoming level. Here are the 1st – 5th graders who have become my community. They are not children; they are my brothers and sisters in Christ. They greet me with a smile. They know my name. As I settle into my fuzzy green chair to hear Dr. DoGood teach the Bible story of the morning, I know I’m where I need to be. Not only am I serving, I’m learning, I’m growing, and I’m a part of something much greater than myself. And I love this road on which God has placed me. Those who are traveling with me – the children, the middle and high school students, and adults – who make Excite and Parade happen every week are some of my best friends. They are the people I laugh with the most and some of the most amazing people I have ever met. They link together, arm-in-arm to serve their God and the little children that He loves so much. And while they’re serving, they have so much fun! And here’s the thing, they’re not an exclusive group. Ever excited to meet someone else interested in Children’s Ministry at CSC, they immediately fold them into the group, wanting to make them a part of this community. We invite you to get a glance inside the world of CM at CSC. On May 21st, join us for an intergenerational worship experience called Kidstuf. It will be a Sunday you don’t want to miss.
I look down the hallway and see preschoolers praising. Their little arms reach out to the God who loves them; their little faces flecked with His joy. “The wise man built his house upon the rock . . .” Eternal lessons taught in a rhythmic beat, some classics just never go out of style. I glance into the Excite room and see something similar, but on a more mature and blossoming level. Here are the 1st – 5th graders who have become my community. They are not children; they are my brothers and sisters in Christ. They greet me with a smile. They know my name. As I settle into my fuzzy green chair to hear Dr. DoGood teach the Bible story of the morning, I know I’m where I need to be. Not only am I serving, I’m learning, I’m growing, and I’m a part of something much greater than myself. And I love this road on which God has placed me. Those who are traveling with me – the children, the middle and high school students, and adults – who make Excite and Parade happen every week are some of my best friends. They are the people I laugh with the most and some of the most amazing people I have ever met. They link together, arm-in-arm to serve their God and the little children that He loves so much. And while they’re serving, they have so much fun! And here’s the thing, they’re not an exclusive group. Ever excited to meet someone else interested in Children’s Ministry at CSC, they immediately fold them into the group, wanting to make them a part of this community. We invite you to get a glance inside the world of CM at CSC. On May 21st, join us for an intergenerational worship experience called Kidstuf. It will be a Sunday you don’t want to miss.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Happy Easter from the Lowe Family!
This is Miss Anna and her cousin Mackenzie in our front yard after church this morning.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Almost Paradise...
Here's a picture of me, Brian, Mindy, Joel, and Julie in our cabin "Almost Paradise" from a quick jaunt to Gatlinburg a little less than a month ago. It was truly beautiful and we had a great time kicking back, shopping, playing games, watching MacGyver with no sound and creating our own dialogue, doing an old time photo, "ho-tubbing," you know... normal stuff. awww... I wanna go back! Jules, where are the other pics? :)
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Heavy Heart
Our dear friends, Jason and Kim Gallman are traveling a rough road. Jason was diagnosed yesterday with a tumor in his intestinal tract the size of a fist. He is 37; they have 3 kids (5th grade, 2nd grade, K). Please pray for them.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
You know it's springtime on campus when...
If anyone out there is still reading my blog, post a thought or two in the comments on this one. A lot of you either currently work on or near a college campus (or have in the recent past). I thought it would be fun to gather some thoughts of college life signs of spring. Here are a few to get you going.
You know it's springtime on campus when:
You know it's springtime on campus when:
- The hotdog vendor is set up on the sidewalk
- You see more capri pants (especially those with thongs near the top eewwww.... I promise I'm not looking but it's like a train wreck).
- Students in flip flops
- People eating outside
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Incredibly Infrequent
Now is the time in my blog where I say I hope to be better at posting here blah blah blah...
Anyway, sometimes life just gets in the way and you realize it's been 3,4 months since you've posted last and then the thought of posting just depresses you since there's way too much ground to cover. I think I'll launch through a series of pictures in the next few days to catch you up on life with the Lowes.
Here are a few pics from the wedding that Brian and Anna were in in March. Our dear friends Brent and Meagan (Brent was a student of mine when I worked at GUMC) got married. Brian was honored to be the Best Man and Anna did a terrific job as the flower girl.
Anyway, sometimes life just gets in the way and you realize it's been 3,4 months since you've posted last and then the thought of posting just depresses you since there's way too much ground to cover. I think I'll launch through a series of pictures in the next few days to catch you up on life with the Lowes.
Here are a few pics from the wedding that Brian and Anna were in in March. Our dear friends Brent and Meagan (Brent was a student of mine when I worked at GUMC) got married. Brian was honored to be the Best Man and Anna did a terrific job as the flower girl.
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