Monday, April 09, 2007
10 years
A few hours ago someone said to me, "I don't know where I see myself in 10 years...," and it got me thinking about what I see for myself in ten year and that's such a crazy thought. The truth is that I do have some naive ideas of where i hope to be in ten years and what I expect for the time in between. But these ideas are more based upon hopes and personal desires than reality and I can't really bring myself to write them down. 10 years ago I was 16 years old, a sophomore in high school. I couldn't have dreamed of what has happened in the in between since that time. Obviously, on some level, I have experienced things like living overseas and some life changing events that maybe don't fit in with the norm, but I also did things like meet college friends, fall in love, have my heart broken, break others' hearts. All of these things, even some less significant have brought me to here in a way that I couldn't have forseen. Even five years ago, I was 21, finishing out my junior year of college. I had a much clearer guess as to what was to come. 21 year old me would've been much less surprised by where I have found myself. Maybe 10 years down the road is a good place to set goals for, but I'm not sure it's even fair to speak of "where I see myself in ten years." It's just too far away.
Right now I would say that I'm the cusp of change in my life and that things have the ability to take a certain course that will make a large difference in my future. Even though some life choices may, in fact, have farther reaching impacts than others, I'm always on the cusp of change, really. Hmm...that sounds awfully 'today is the first day of the rest of your life.'
Five years from now, I see myself living overseas; continuing to learn new things; maturing, but also continuing to keep a little bit of a childish nature; keeping in touch with some old friends, and having lost contact with others, sadly; meeting new people; trying to make a difference; still dealing with my vices and growing in my strengths; loving life, even on the hard days.
what about you?
Right now I would say that I'm the cusp of change in my life and that things have the ability to take a certain course that will make a large difference in my future. Even though some life choices may, in fact, have farther reaching impacts than others, I'm always on the cusp of change, really. Hmm...that sounds awfully 'today is the first day of the rest of your life.'
Five years from now, I see myself living overseas; continuing to learn new things; maturing, but also continuing to keep a little bit of a childish nature; keeping in touch with some old friends, and having lost contact with others, sadly; meeting new people; trying to make a difference; still dealing with my vices and growing in my strengths; loving life, even on the hard days.
what about you?
Sunday, April 01, 2007
A Tender Tennessee Waltz
Friday, I slept in a little because I had stayed up a little too late the night before. When i finally got up, I packed a bag and had some blueberry pancakes that Aleasha made (the mom of the family I live with), took a little bath (just a reminder...we don't have showers at my house), and I was all but ready to go when I realized I had forgotten to make a road trip mix cd. I was in the process of doing that when Rebecca came in (without knocking). We ended up leaving a little late around 11:15 and took a bypass road because I-65 south was REALLY backed up the night before. Around 12:30 we got to Becca's Aunt Katie's house and I got to meet some of Becca's extended family. Afterwards we headed to the Trappist Abbey at Gethsemani not too far from Bardstown and really enjoyed the quiet atmosphere. It was very much a weekend of nature. I bought some cheese that I ended up leaving in Tennessee. We'll get to that part later.
We left the Monastery just in time to be EXACTLY 30 minutes late to see Ben (roommate from college), Bethany (his wife) and Violet (their adopted taiwanese little girl). They are moving soon, so it was good to see them, introduce Rebecca, share sushi and talk with Ben. We left late from there too (this might be a personality trait of mine) and got to my Aunt's house at 9:30. My sister got there around 9 and everyone was happy to meet Rebecca. I am my grandmother's favorite grandchild (as everyone knows and likes to remind me), so she was in a good mood. She's in middle-stage Alzeimer's, but she had a pretty lucid weekend, besides thinking I was my dad a few times. Rebecca survived and enjoyed meeting people who are a part of my life, even though she and I both were a little tired from the drive (and Gethsemani hike).
This morning (sunday) we got up early and got off late after my grandmother gave me a book that she thought I could use at seminary which I was hoping I could coveniently forget to take with me. I do appreciate her well-meaning, though and I love her and I was glad that she has been in a good mood. I know it's hard for my aunt to take care of her. On the way home, Bec and I listened to a MIX TAPE that I made for her last week with a few significant songs and said disgustingly cute things to each other in the privacy of the truck (Angie). We stopped on the way back in Bernheim Forest (also near Bardstown) and just enjoyed the beauty of nature...well...I guess I did, I was mostly just enjoying her company, although it was nice to her enjoy her company in such a beautiful location.
Upon arriving home, we decided to meet up at the coffee house, from whence I'm writing this blog. After a weekend with each other, non-stop, we still want to hang out with each other. Things are good. It's spring. I'm no longer mustachioed. I'm in love.
EDIT:
I bought some delicious looking mild tappist cheese and left it in the fridge when I left my aunt's house. That makes me sad. Also, After I wrote this update, Bec and I went to the house where I lived and watched BEFORE SUNRISE. A perfect ending to a perfect weekend.
We left the Monastery just in time to be EXACTLY 30 minutes late to see Ben (roommate from college), Bethany (his wife) and Violet (their adopted taiwanese little girl). They are moving soon, so it was good to see them, introduce Rebecca, share sushi and talk with Ben. We left late from there too (this might be a personality trait of mine) and got to my Aunt's house at 9:30. My sister got there around 9 and everyone was happy to meet Rebecca. I am my grandmother's favorite grandchild (as everyone knows and likes to remind me), so she was in a good mood. She's in middle-stage Alzeimer's, but she had a pretty lucid weekend, besides thinking I was my dad a few times. Rebecca survived and enjoyed meeting people who are a part of my life, even though she and I both were a little tired from the drive (and Gethsemani hike).
This morning (sunday) we got up early and got off late after my grandmother gave me a book that she thought I could use at seminary which I was hoping I could coveniently forget to take with me. I do appreciate her well-meaning, though and I love her and I was glad that she has been in a good mood. I know it's hard for my aunt to take care of her. On the way home, Bec and I listened to a MIX TAPE that I made for her last week with a few significant songs and said disgustingly cute things to each other in the privacy of the truck (Angie). We stopped on the way back in Bernheim Forest (also near Bardstown) and just enjoyed the beauty of nature...well...I guess I did, I was mostly just enjoying her company, although it was nice to her enjoy her company in such a beautiful location.
Upon arriving home, we decided to meet up at the coffee house, from whence I'm writing this blog. After a weekend with each other, non-stop, we still want to hang out with each other. Things are good. It's spring. I'm no longer mustachioed. I'm in love.
EDIT:
I bought some delicious looking mild tappist cheese and left it in the fridge when I left my aunt's house. That makes me sad. Also, After I wrote this update, Bec and I went to the house where I lived and watched BEFORE SUNRISE. A perfect ending to a perfect weekend.
