Pictures to describe the last few weeks

A brief rundown of the last few weeks...

Camping trip on the McKenzie River. Me + 7 RAs! Paradise Campground - solo time, campfire, s'mores, scenic drive, group meal prep, initiatives, sleeping in tents, hike, life stories.

Hike around Sahalie Falls


Drive on Hwy 242 - it just opened to traffic that morning!
Sisters Coffee Co. in Sisters, OR. We enjoyed the AC and played Apples to Apples.

A "servant lunch" where we made each other's meals and then ate our lunch all tied together.

Our first hall competitions - 3 competitions that didn't quite make it into the 2008 Olympics.
The "Ice T-Shirt" competition - one person from the hall had to put on a tshirt that had been frozen. (Hilarious)
"Layer Palooza" - one designee had to put on as many layers of clothing as possible in 7 minutes. The winner had 78 layers on! She was also a skinny-mini. (Also hilarious)
"DecoRAte" - using the given supplies (rubber gloves, trash bag, newspaper, tape, post-its, paper, etc.), decorate your RA according to your hall theme. (Again, hilarious - and incredibly creative!)

And... some fun times with Paul in-between.


The freshmen arrived Saturday, school starts Wednesday. I am exhausted!

lay aside the worries

My desk accurately reflects my work life at the moment. Papers are strewn everywhere, my recycling bin is full, the earrings I wore today are sandwiched between my cell phone and an important document. These things litter my work station:

• Four binders - all of which I am currently referring to
• Sticky notes
• Multiple versions of the RA training schedule
• Keys
• "From Brokenness to Community" by Jean Vanier
• "Compassion" by Henri Nouwen
• My purse
• Fish food (to remember to feed my office mate's fish)
• Kleenex box (I've needed it this week)
• A business card for an optometrist (I desperately need an updated prescription)
• Picture dvds
• A framed article that says "Speak up against injustice, oppression, hopelessness"
• A pile of supplies for the RAs

It's amusing how ME it all is at the moment.

Usually my apartment reflects my work life, too. Well, thanks to the Grounds Crew that spread a dust-like layer of manure-fertilizer on the plants outside of my apartment, I had to rid my apartment of the nasty smell and vacuum up the black stuff that found its way inside my open windows... and now my apartment is clean and smells nice.

Oh, there is so much to do. I don't mind working late since the office is quiet and since I'm not 'on the clock' I can take breaks when I need them, blast music and answer my cell phone. I'm feeling rather ambitious and motivated. Much of which, I think, is backed by feelings of inadequacies, doubts, fears, and what-ifs.

All throughout the day, I've heard a still, small voice beckoning me to slow down, quiet myself, and rest in the Peace of Christ. I'm embarrassed to admit that I dismissed the invitation. I, for whatever reason, chose to dwell in my stress.

Now, as it's after-hours and my Pandora Radio station is playing worship music, I am once again moved by lyrics and melodies. This song promptly came on and it's bringing me back...

You're calling me to lay aside the worries of my day
To quiet down my busy mind and find a hiding place
Worthy, Worthy

I open up my heart and let my spirit worship Yours
I open up my mouth and let a song of praise come forth
Worthy, You are worthy

Of a child-like faith
And of my honest praise
And of my unashamed love
Of a holy life
And of my sacrifice
And of my unashamed love

"Unashamed Love" by Ten Shekel Shirt

Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness even when I am unfaithful. In humility, surrender, and reverence, I come.

Funny story... as I'm ending this blog, the song is being replayed by a different artist. And I'm certainly not sick of it. :)

the preparations continue

It's evident the school year is quickly approaching.
I had a dinner date in Salem Monday night, drove 4 hours (round trip) to roast marshmallows Friday night, and then drove almost another 4 hours to go to the beach yesterday.

We made s'mores with a variety of fillings. My favorite is a Reeses s'more. Also good is a York Patty s'more. We made s'moreos. (marshmallow inside an oreo). One oreo fell on the ground which I called a "floor-eo." It is good to laugh. It is good to escape.

I worked Saturday morning and spent a couple hours in the office Sunday evening and I anticipate working late every day this week. Just trying to get ahead.

I have spent months preparing for the RAs to arrive and now, I'm not even sure I want them to come!

I'm feeling a bit unprepared...
I could definitely do without the paperworky part of this job.
I feel a little hung up since I don't have a supervisor to share the load.

I am prepping for all the Fall athletes who need temporary housing. I am matching roommates based on New Student Profiles, which is a hilarious challenge.

• I describe myself as emotional... I'd like to live with some who is emotionally stable.
• I like to make friendship bracelets.
• I listen to scream-o music
• I'm 17 and engaged.

I am revamping the 150 pg. RA Manual. I am creating training sessions. I am getting ready to take the RAs on a camping trip to a campground I have never seen. I am crazy.