Monday, March 22, 2010

Wow!  So much has happened in the past few months!

It snow in Texas...like three times.

Once on February 11th.  It stuck and we got a snow day.  It also snowed on my birthday.  Not enough to do anything or stick but it was still fun.

And it snowed yesterday, the first day of spring.  Dear Texas, I'm sorry you are going through a midlife crisis but would you please make up your mind.

I had a incredible birthday except for being sick again.

We also got our prototype airplane flying for AeroDesign.  Lets just say that was a good day.

I just returned back to school after spring break and a trip to Honduras.  While I was there, my family and I built a house for a widow named Martina and her family.  It was truly an awesome experience.


I'm now having trouble finding motivation to finish strong with school.  I need to find the motivation fast, since today I signed up for summer classes.  Graduation here I come!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

AeroDesign Practice Model


Miss Stik...in progress...

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Home by Way of Sandpoint

It's Christmas Break!  I've been out of school for a little over a week now but just recently got home to Kansas.  I traveled to Sandpoint, Idaho to visit a dear friend.


I enjoyed her company, the town, all the snow, and learning about Quest Aircraft Company.

As you know I always have to have a project to work on even when I'm on vacation.  I busied myself with drinking coffee from "all the good places in town" antique shopping, baking cookies, cooking dinner, and digging out of the snow (or playing in it).



Since I've been back in Kansas, where we have no snow and it doesn't take an hour to dig the car out, I've started and completed a new project.  I've been making all of my Christmas presents.





First sock monkey completed for a friend and her new-born.  Second sock monkey is being started.  I couldn't help myself; I found some perfect socks. 

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Ready! Break!

It's Fall Break.  This means it's time to celebrate being halfway through the semester.

This semester I have accomplished:

Catching the Flu-swine or not I thought I was going to die right there in my bed.

Missing a week of school- meaning my semester grades show it and I spent the last week in over drive to get caught up.

Worrying about finding a job or what I'm going to do when I graduate- I'm working on not fretting about this.  I've got time.

Have found a Senior Design Project that I love and enjoy - Go Aero Design!

Got an on-campus job working as a teachers assistant in the CAD lab.

Am enjoying a LeTourneau Bible class- I had doubts that was possible.

Made great friends with a suite of freshman- I lived in their lounge with a fever since I was quarantined and they took care of me when I couldn't sit up.

Wandered downtown Longview.

Ate at the Lil' Thai House.

Went shopping for a new pair of jeans...and bought a sundress instead.


Sunday, September 20, 2009

Costly Reconciliation

“What greater mercy is there than this, which caused to descend from heaven the maker of heaven; which reclothed with an earthly body the one who formed the earth; which made equal to us the one who, from eternity, is the equal of the Father; which imposed ‘the form of a servant’ on the Master of the world – such that the Bread itself was hungry, Fullness itself was thirsty, Power itself was made weak, Health itself was wounded, and Life itself was mortal?  And that so that our hunger would be satisfied, so that our dryness would be watered, our weakness supported, our love ignited.  What greater mercy than that which presents to us the Creator created; the Master made a slave; Redeemer sold; the One who exalts, humbled; the One who raises the dead, killed?”

Augustine, Sermon 207, cited in Albert Verwilghen, Christologie et Spiritualite selon Saint Augustin (Paris: Beauchesne, 1985), pp. 287-88 

Monday, August 31, 2009

Lessons Learned

Statement: I have just overcome the loneliest week I do believe I have ever had.

If I were in a bible class right now I would say "let's unpack that:"

I had lived here and there.  Sometimes I have known people, sometimes I haven't.  Why would the first week back at school while there are so many activities to be involved in and people to get reconnected with be the loneliest?  

I have a strong sense of accomplishment.  Trust me, this week wasn't fun and a lot of crying was involved but I have overcome and am happily starting the second week of school.  I blame part of it on deciding not to unload my car for a week.  (very unsettled feeling).  I knew this year would hold many new challenges, and I often look forward to learning more about myself and my God.  It seems that when you finally think you have mastered one topic or lesson it's time to move on even when I don't feel ready.  Instead, I'd like to sit in my accomplishment for a few day and feel good before taking the next blow.  In my life, God says, "okay good, you finally understand.  Now it's time to work on this" and the process repeats itself.

Somewhat unrelated, then again very much related:

I am very tired of attempting to void myself of emotion.  I think that most people would believe that women are more emotional.  I would agree in most cases (I know there are some exceptions).  I spend most of my time with guys and as time goes on this is more and more the case.  The school I attend is majority guys, the classes and the degree I am pursuing is almost entirely male, and the places I have worked have been majority male dominate.   This is not bad but something that needs to be addressed especially to those also in a male dominated environment.  It is vital that I (and you in a masculine environment) understand what it means to be a woman.  We have things to offer that can come from no other place, the world would be lacking without us.  I've learned a lot about this subject since I've been at Letu, if you would like to hear what I have to say please come talk to me.  

I, of course, am still learning.  Lately I have to remind myself that emotion is not bad.  It is actually very good.  It is also okay to show emotion.  It does not mean you are weak.  As for me, I have learned that sitting down and talking to someone when you need to get stuff off your chest isn't wasting their (or your) time.  It is a healthy this to do.  Not telling people how you feel and just putting on a fake smile is dishonest.  Next time someone asks you how you are...tell them the truth.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

The Beginning of the End

Things that I will miss about North Carolina:

The roads steaming when it rains

Bats that will chase things you throw in the air

Trees....everywhere.

Being able to ride a bike to work

work. period. (even the wire EDM machine)

All the crazy people I work with

Julie's cooking

rain on a metal roof

NASCAR

$1 ice cream cone