Apartment in Würzburg

So I've been subletting a one-bedroom apartment here in Würzburg this week.  The guy who rents it is on vacation for 3 weeks and I guess wanted to have someone else pay rent while he's gone.  Aside from being super dirty when I first got here (mostly the kitchen and bathroom), the apartment itself is great.  Plenty of space for one person, complete with bed, desk, TV, shower, toilet, sink, washing machine, oven, stove, fridge, small eating table, etc.  The location is right around the corner from a tram stop, so I have easy access to the city.  And it's only a 10-minute walk from the music school, where I've been going to practice everyday.  You have to reserve the practice rooms, so I just find an open one, and if someone kicks me out, I go find another one.  So far I haven't had any trouble, but it's always a little scary when someone comes into the middle of your practice session.<br /> <br /> Anyway, back to the apartment...I went out and bought some stuff at Ikea to make it feel a little more homey for me.  Purple bedspread, purple towels, some kitchen utensils, and a potted pink flower.  But it's still pretty lonely here.  There's nothing on the walls and I really don't have anyone to interact with all day.  I'm learning that I just have to get OUT of the apartment to lift my spirits.  Even just walking to the school or going to the grocery store helps, because at least I am around people.  I think God is trying to teach me a lot during this time, a) that I need to rely on Him to be the source of my fulfillment in life, and b) He made me to be a people person and I should never try living alone again.  I've only been by myself for a week and it has been awful!<br /> <br /> Thankfully, I was able to meet up with a girl from the Campus Crusade for Christ group here in Würzburg last night.  Her roommate is going on a trip in a couple of weeks, so I'll be able to rent her room for a month!  The apartment is just up the street a little ways from where I'm at right now, but it's in a little nicer neighborhood, the apartment is newer, the rent is cheaper, and best of all....I'll have people to live with!  Now if I could just figure out what to do with myself for the next 2 weeks until then...<br /> <br /> Here are some pictures of where I'm living right now.  Like I said, the apartment itself is fine and has a beautiful view of a church, but it's just lonely:<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbczkd4q3_qj4Zm-3aGABPd0t38cC3_chTmiTwBUzxWtrTuAmHMcIZA5jkNFrckVjjDwP2qWKHElvN3lzDy8SrghJy0IcXCH8rk_tuBGgg_Cz9sP3waFmkfOoyfV1OEcJq6nzyE6bcKYL/s1600/IMG_1208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbczkd4q3_qj4Zm-3aGABPd0t38cC3_chTmiTwBUzxWtrTuAmHMcIZA5jkNFrckVjjDwP2qWKHElvN3lzDy8SrghJy0IcXCH8rk_tuBGgg_Cz9sP3waFmkfOoyfV1OEcJq6nzyE6bcKYL/s320/IMG_1208.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">comfortable bed with my purple bedspread</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhposwM8gW4XGuGzL_hsBcqXtvhRFfmLRfjXrgLdlwLGudyZjAZvN7uKLpTMnsme37qfgm-jEMBdMLYp6hoVmbkYNgtets7x2vdTx6zg0RzreJUoaCWJ9GRbKvLFJyQKiI8tWMW6iHGqiqg/s1600/IMG_1209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhposwM8gW4XGuGzL_hsBcqXtvhRFfmLRfjXrgLdlwLGudyZjAZvN7uKLpTMnsme37qfgm-jEMBdMLYp6hoVmbkYNgtets7x2vdTx6zg0RzreJUoaCWJ9GRbKvLFJyQKiI8tWMW6iHGqiqg/s320/IMG_1209.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">other side of the bedroom/livingroom</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_W_wjyPGTVvOe9zlTaMVj5g_5bsSWeId_s8WMINhiBDW6dlfzqBeANtGxnLgmTv0_jkka3PuGa5166hyV1N3u2-2rl5N9CAbNsIB5wCIbkIp6yXDeE9Ub2LedxuDhGBoAFHMRhP0a75Br/s1600/IMG_1210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_W_wjyPGTVvOe9zlTaMVj5g_5bsSWeId_s8WMINhiBDW6dlfzqBeANtGxnLgmTv0_jkka3PuGa5166hyV1N3u2-2rl5N9CAbNsIB5wCIbkIp6yXDeE9Ub2LedxuDhGBoAFHMRhP0a75Br/s320/IMG_1210.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bathroom (shower behind door)</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgir29qoQ5iQcT_-jnJ1a_eLp3gQ1bm6CcA8kiA99G4yC5-stWBsEHHOjAmmPhYcGOWpAu_CRjgYZLRXFrlHvJCOcHV0XNTQ1b9ABNcQBAvOTkrhOZm6ptF-tkH7xjuom8CVXkQSuq-m3Lw/s1600/IMG_1211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgir29qoQ5iQcT_-jnJ1a_eLp3gQ1bm6CcA8kiA99G4yC5-stWBsEHHOjAmmPhYcGOWpAu_CRjgYZLRXFrlHvJCOcHV0XNTQ1b9ABNcQBAvOTkrhOZm6ptF-tkH7xjuom8CVXkQSuq-m3Lw/s320/IMG_1211.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">small kitchen, but has all the essentials</td></tr> </tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxSnOgcwQVBQVz2AjfPihBSYMEzU0vxl5yqUcvkwbn9IBFzo2BgeJuBBF6qsKh1YDa5KXgouKeBk4WdkE3OU-rWpoJHCJqYDQXNh8Uy5RPWihl6y-gY1Ude4Rlr00ofvWOn7alHX41ubD/s1600/IMG_1201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxSnOgcwQVBQVz2AjfPihBSYMEzU0vxl5yqUcvkwbn9IBFzo2BgeJuBBF6qsKh1YDa5KXgouKeBk4WdkE3OU-rWpoJHCJqYDQXNh8Uy5RPWihl6y-gY1Ude4Rlr00ofvWOn7alHX41ubD/s320/IMG_1201.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from the window</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br />

Apartment in Würzburg

So I've been subletting a one-bedroom apartment here in Würzburg this week.  The guy who rents it is on vacation for 3 weeks and I guess...

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Easter 2013

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8_2ry1YlRJMZioeYTQyj22oR_Xp4aII0-Yb7BCL0tKd9pMulqrXMJHpoDrH3RLZ9M4eijLTpxTbPiB58oXIqugAM58jZYc4nAuzfRgNL08VBUpHfeG-ZKCzv_L41hQNUcDEpSntLKOd-/s1600/IMG_1198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8_2ry1YlRJMZioeYTQyj22oR_Xp4aII0-Yb7BCL0tKd9pMulqrXMJHpoDrH3RLZ9M4eijLTpxTbPiB58oXIqugAM58jZYc4nAuzfRgNL08VBUpHfeG-ZKCzv_L41hQNUcDEpSntLKOd-/s200/IMG_1198.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">table set for coffee</td></tr> </tbody></table> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bBfmaUHOeqHWGl9CVS55WnsPIKT6YXwdPYmAe4aC0whKLptdWc75gftGic4F2kfEZCeH44UiKdvzg-BCUidoHtldMdWKj86klMd2HRZz045GA8kVlAPcMobfMTxchoY4XvC499Gb1diV/s1600/IMG_1197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bBfmaUHOeqHWGl9CVS55WnsPIKT6YXwdPYmAe4aC0whKLptdWc75gftGic4F2kfEZCeH44UiKdvzg-BCUidoHtldMdWKj86klMd2HRZz045GA8kVlAPcMobfMTxchoY4XvC499Gb1diV/s200/IMG_1197.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter bunny came to Germany</td></tr> </tbody></table> This Easter was only the 2nd time I've been away from my parents to celebrate the holiday.  But I was able to spend the weekend with my cousin Jeanette and her family, and it was so much fun!  Well, technically Sunday morning wasn't very fun, because I got sick in the middle of church and had to leave after the sermon.  Thankfully, Jeanette was able to take me home and give me some aspirin to help.  Usually I don't take aspirin ever...but desperate times call for desperate measures.  By the afternoon I was feeling much better.  Jeanette had a whole house full of people come over for coffee and cake in the afternoon: her mother, friend, brother, sister-in-law, plus all of us who were already there, so we totaled 9 together.  She baked two delicious cakes, one apricot and one cheesecake.  I enjoyed several hours of conversation with all of them, which consisted of me mostly listening and trying to understand what was going on.  I think I caught most of it, and I definitely learned some new words!  It was really sad to have to leave Jeanette's house.  It seemed like the weekend went by way too fast.  I spent so much time there in the fall, that a couple of days seemed like nothing.  I hope that I'll get a chance to visit them again soon.<br /> <br /> But right now everything seems up in the air.  I feel like I have no direction.  Yes, I've applied for a couple of graduate schools and I'm going to have some voice lessons with the teacher in Würzburg.  But I feel very ungrounded and I'm not sure how to proceed.  Although I have friends all over Germany, I don't have an established group of friends or someone to hang out with on a regular basis.  I don't have a church, and I don't even know what city I will end up living in long-term.  Right now I'm just a lonely wandering nomad, and this is not the lifestyle for me.  To be honest, I just want to go back home to my parents house.  But I have to force myself to stay here and find out what's going to happen.  That's the hard part...not knowing.  I have to find out what will happen before I go home.  Remember when I first came to Germany last fall and I was working on the farm?  I was so lonely and I called my mom everyday and cried.  That's where I'm at right now again.  I thought things would be different this time, but here I am again in the pit of despair.<br /> <br /> <br />

Easter 2013

table set for coffee Easter bunny came to Germany This Easter was only the 2nd time I've been away from my parents to celebrate ...

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One Step at a Time

I've been with friends Kurt and Elvira in Spaichingen for the past two weeks.  Unfortunately, Elvira's mother passed away last Thursday at age 83.  So there was a lot to do around here with people visiting and calling, and the family all coming together.  A beautiful funeral service was held on Tuesday at the Catholic Church in a nearby town called Aixheim.  I had the honor of singing <i>Ave Maria</i> in German with organ accompaniment for the service.  Afterward was a large gathering at a local restaurant.  Even though there was snow on the ground, all the flowers on the grave were absolutely beautiful.  A great reminder that the Lord makes all things new again.<br /> <br /> Yesterday I traveled to Würzburg to meet a man who is subletting his apartment for 3 weeks while he goes on vacation.  It's a one-bedroom apartment with a small kitchen, bathroom, and washing machine.  I spent a little over an hour at the apartment, going over all the details.  He showed me how everything worked, what keys are used for what locks, and where everything is that I need.  We exchanged phone numbers and I already tested out the internet password.  We signed a contract, so everything is set.  On Monday we'll meet again--I'll give him the rent money and he'll give me the keys.  So although I may not have a permanent address or a job yet, at least I have an extra 3 weeks to figure out what the next step is!

One Step at a Time

I've been with friends Kurt and Elvira in Spaichingen for the past two weeks.  Unfortunately, Elvira's mother passed away last Thurs...

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Figuring It Out

It's been almost a week since I arrived in Germany, and I still have no idea how things are going to work out for me here.  I've already applied for one graduate school, and I have a couple more applications to fill out by the end of the month.  I have not yet seen the voice teacher I want to study privately with, because my sole focus right now is on finding a job.  Today I applied for 7 jobs on various US Army bases here in Germany, which brings my total application count up to 34 since Christmas.  Out of those 34 applications, I had one interview which they did not choose me, and 4 replies of, "You were not referred for this position because you were outside of the area of consideration."  Whatever that means!  Which means there are still 29 of my applications out there somewhere floating around.<br /> <br /> I'm also frantically looking for an apartment to sublet for a couple months.  There was a gal I met last fall who is going abroad for 2 months and wanted to rent out her room to me for that time, but apparently her roommate decided to pay the extra money in order to have the apartment to herself.  So I was really excited about that possibility....and then I was disappointed.<br /> <br /> I still hold fast to the belief that God has me here for a reason and He will pave the way for me.  I know He likes to do things at the last minute in order to show me just how awesome and powerful He really is.  I keep telling Him that I already know that He's awesome and powerful, so He can go ahead and provide for me now, because right now IS the last minute!  I wouldn't say I'm really worried right now...but I'm starting to get worried.  And I'm confused, because it seems to me like God's path for me should be clearer when I'm <u>not</u> worried.  So, am I supposed to start worrying and then God will provide?<br /> <br /> And here's another humdinger...for the past few months, I have been really diligent in my practice of prayer (maybe that's why I have peace?).  Today I read in Matthew 7:11 that if you "know how to give good gift to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him."  I have been "asking" and "seeking" and "knocking"....and God is not opening doors for me.  But then I looked back at Matthew 6:7-8 where it says, "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."  Which got me all confused...so does God want me to keep asking Him to provide a job and a place to live and a school to attend here in Germany?  Or does He just see me as a babbling buffoon?<br /> <br /> I guess I just have to conclude that God's ways are not my ways, nor are His thoughts my thoughts.  He has no limits or boundaries and time does not exist for Him.  As hard as I might try, I will never understand why He chooses to do things or not do things.  I will never understand why He placed particular desires deep down in my heart.  I will never understand why He can't just speak to me in the voice of the thunder.  So, what else can I do but keep trusting Him and persistently knocking on His door?  Who knows, maybe I keep asking for a loaf of bread and He wants to give me the fattened calf.<br /> <br /> If you think of me over the next few days, I would greatly appreciate your prayers especially for a job suited to my skills that I can live off of, an apartment to live in, and a spot at one of the graduate schools I'm applying to.  Also, I have a date this weekend, so I would appreciate prayer in that area as well!  I really am excited to see what God is going to do over the next few days, I just hope He plans on doing something quickly!

Figuring It Out

It's been almost a week since I arrived in Germany, and I still have no idea how things are going to work out for me here.  I've alr...

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Back to Deutschland!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXgtMB6RORwJwXG4m1w4a_ZuGZYzrOTb-q8QKPsdMQM60wgU-yjPye4GzpOhgbp-uIqRGniwOJxnkyKMHY2FbFn05H0IBOdXQX4Pe2S82lq9_6izpm6xEHsVzGdq4Osxjp-lVBe0b5Kcf/s1600/PB090309+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXgtMB6RORwJwXG4m1w4a_ZuGZYzrOTb-q8QKPsdMQM60wgU-yjPye4GzpOhgbp-uIqRGniwOJxnkyKMHY2FbFn05H0IBOdXQX4Pe2S82lq9_6izpm6xEHsVzGdq4Osxjp-lVBe0b5Kcf/s320/PB090309+-+Version+2.jpg" width="240" /></a>After 3 months of being in California, I am finally headed back to Germany!  The problem is that without a visa, a US citizen can only remain in Germany for 90 days before they have to leave the country.  In addition, that person must <i>stay</i> outside the country for 90 days before they can re-enter Germany.  I left Germany on December 12th, and I'm returning on March 14th, which is exactly 92 days :)  My flight, however, leaves <u>tonight</u> at 10pm out of San Francisco.  I have a direct flight to Munich, which will put me there at 5:30pm Germany time (9:30am in CA...usually it's a 9-hour difference, but Germany hasn't gone on Daylight Saving Time yet).<br /> <br /> As I return to Germany, I have mixed feelings.  Of course, I am excited to see what new things the Lord has in store for me this spring.  I have high hopes for grad program auditions and developing my voice with a teacher there.  I look forward to seeing my cousin Jeanette and her family, as well as all my friends in Germany.  But although I've applied for about 23 jobs so far, nothing has turned out.  I'm not sure which city I'll be living in or what the next few months will look like.  I'm not sure if I'll be able to stay past 90 days, or if I'll have to come back to the States again.  But in spite of my anxiety, I am filled with an unexplainable peace, which I know comes from God.  He is doing great things in my life that I cannot even see.  I know that He has called me to Germany for a reason and He has a plan for me.<br /> <br /> So as I board the airplane tonight, I take a courageous step forward to find out what exciting things await me!

Back to Deutschland!

After 3 months of being in California, I am finally headed back to Germany!  The problem is that without a visa, a US citizen can only remai...

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Road Trip with the 'Rents

A couple weeks ago, my parents and I took a road trip down to Arizona for the weekend.  When's the last time you were secluded in a car with your parents for 10 hours?  I couldn't remember either.  But part of the fun being a grown-up is sitting in the driver's seat while your parents ask you every hour, "Are we there yet?"  I guess it's just payback...<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITSQoO-N9LxRkhZsA7rZTJKthpzyPWuA14eLTdvlF-A4xGe2gN10DYSUzQVyNo7wYDe8fikhr17DDHJdAfOP7ZCosnixVw9jCNqxS_xPbEFY5t7h5MIBEJypMCFhZAsSKDIrlq8n4cH1D/s1600/P1050546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITSQoO-N9LxRkhZsA7rZTJKthpzyPWuA14eLTdvlF-A4xGe2gN10DYSUzQVyNo7wYDe8fikhr17DDHJdAfOP7ZCosnixVw9jCNqxS_xPbEFY5t7h5MIBEJypMCFhZAsSKDIrlq8n4cH1D/s320/P1050546.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at Taliesin West</td></tr> </tbody></table> Some of my dad's friends from Wisconsin spend their winters in a town outside of Phoenix called Apache Junction.  So we headed down to visit with them for the weekend and do a little sight-seeing.  Yes, I was the odd person out...but after 25 years, I think I'm used to it by now!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> Our first stop was Taliesin West, the former winter residence of architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his students.  They would spend the summers in Wisconsin (where it wasn't so hot) and winters in Arizona (where it wasn't so cold).  I found the 1.5 hour tour to be absolutely fascinating as we walked through all the buildings, learning about Frank Lloyd Wright's eccentric views and lifestyle, his architectural brilliance, and his teaching style.  Each student of his at Taliesin West was given a small stipend and was responsible for building their own lodging out in the desert wilderness of the property.  The theory was that you learn something by actually doing and experiencing it.  And if you can't build something you would live in yourself, how can you build something you expect other people to live in?  The students had a rigorous schedule and once a week they were required to dress in their evening finest to give a musical performance for the group.  If a student did not know how to play an instrument when they arrived, they had to learn while they were there.  Located on the outskirts of Scottsdale, today Taliesin West still offers a unique degree/apprenticeship program for young architects and they still live on the property.  Some of the master architects teaching the next generation were students of Frank Lloyd Wright himself.<br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoH_PvFHVS_qisIJiV-KZE6VLMvpxqfUrjLYFqLJhBjq8P_KFODSuDngaa4nPhYfmCNpRalkY2nJHdlnaK1mYVyvtbXkWRvNts-12MbMffdcojFQ2VFMStKXGF8dsn92y_KVrImY43pos9/s1600/P1050581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoH_PvFHVS_qisIJiV-KZE6VLMvpxqfUrjLYFqLJhBjq8P_KFODSuDngaa4nPhYfmCNpRalkY2nJHdlnaK1mYVyvtbXkWRvNts-12MbMffdcojFQ2VFMStKXGF8dsn92y_KVrImY43pos9/s200/P1050581.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Spring"</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> Next we headed to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.  Now, I am not a fan of desert landscape, nor do I like cacti.  But I have to admit that the garden was a beautiful display of God's creation.  Plus, the sun was shining and the sky was clear blue.  Ironically, there was a display at the garden that day by an artist with the last name Haas.  He took nature-inspired objects to create four large faces, each one representing a different season.  I liked the one called "Spring" best.  But my favorite part of the garden was all the cottontail bunny rabbits hopping around.  They were so cute!<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DTrt6aVEquJfTDg1fypT8NgOTUSSJBJJBxNbXZTJzWDkA33gXm-T8zU1hz-8-XBeHRE9ym64sLhR5qTYMx88yA2VFTGD8ShYmHYpxmAY7GGHOulVDVuw-jT6-18ycgkx0i_s5U9dRVPC/s1600/P1050571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DTrt6aVEquJfTDg1fypT8NgOTUSSJBJJBxNbXZTJzWDkA33gXm-T8zU1hz-8-XBeHRE9ym64sLhR5qTYMx88yA2VFTGD8ShYmHYpxmAY7GGHOulVDVuw-jT6-18ycgkx0i_s5U9dRVPC/s320/P1050571.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with parents and friends at Desert Botanical Gardens</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> We ended our day at a place called Organ Stop Pizza Parlor.  It is literally a pizza joint with a giant pipe organ.  The organist takes requests and plays several sets throughout the night.  On the one hand, it was neat to watch the pipes and hear the fun songs.  But personally I am a fan of more complex, classical organ music.  Call me a snob if you want, I just know what I like.  But overall it was a fun experience and I'm glad we went.<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQP3VLpebs-4EVrxwIhsqj8IZczhl_GVDCSd4rvGpzuZoKJF2LG5XvSedLm81VHOkzHX2_MPJ1bRuToZjgcvlmRa-NuiWpQbab263VxAjF6VWaLBIgEE3TjmweXWSSCKATyyj9I6etgpW/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQP3VLpebs-4EVrxwIhsqj8IZczhl_GVDCSd4rvGpzuZoKJF2LG5XvSedLm81VHOkzHX2_MPJ1bRuToZjgcvlmRa-NuiWpQbab263VxAjF6VWaLBIgEE3TjmweXWSSCKATyyj9I6etgpW/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yes, he is literally a one-man-band with a pipe organ at a pizza place</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> The next day we went to church and took some scenic drives afterwards.  We ended up in a town in the middle of nowhere called Tortilla Flat.  Apparently some people were stranded there once back in the day and they only had enough resources to make tortillas.  And since it's an area of flatland in a basin, they named the place "Tortilla Flat."  Today it's just a restaurant, a few stores, and a population of 6 people.  I'm not sure where they live, because I didn't see any houses.  Tortilla Flat is basically a tourist destination, and a good pit-stop for motorcyclists.  But good luck trying to get your cell phone to work there!<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKn-ztS1tDlm1lHsqilQ2Osqrz6DGvEDmsI-tcfxREYf0srGtq5ly6wp2gyrf1T7bRnXF92mlpjzx6gXXUZxI6MjRyeW7JFa3odzoaE9y761Akk0c4ce0QPV8cfbn1wk8AhiDMlKeue_ev/s1600/P1060604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKn-ztS1tDlm1lHsqilQ2Osqrz6DGvEDmsI-tcfxREYf0srGtq5ly6wp2gyrf1T7bRnXF92mlpjzx6gXXUZxI6MjRyeW7JFa3odzoaE9y761Akk0c4ce0QPV8cfbn1wk8AhiDMlKeue_ev/s320/P1060604.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from the saloon door at Tortilla Flat</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> After our weekend of exploration in the Phoenix area, we drove up to Laughlin, Nevada.  Named for the guy who purchased the land and built Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort & Casino, the town is basically one street of huge casinos along the Colorado river.  In fact, our hotel room overlooked the river and it was a beautiful view.  My parents just wanted to check the place out, since they had heard about it before (and you wonder where I get my sense of adventure?).  The "highlight" of my day was being the only person under 50 years old at the breakfast buffet.  But if you're looking for a nice, quiet, inexpensive place to play the slots on your way to/from Arizona, Laughlin is perfect.<br /> <br /> I've been to Arizona several times in my lifetime and I thought I wouldn't want to go again.  But I enjoyed this trip with my parents and the time we had together.  I got to see a lot of things I had never seen before, and I am always up for trying something new!<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCeX4QeShWTxXws6fLyaW8ThanYT0vsBKsLeDI6vKETiFh_NCGuZWINWJMXT09rS979zGkCbfa0gP3RPGvBOjVHQw3W99wNbiJty9wLLMhMB6pRl5GThkhkm21UmqeZDjl2AbGp6w-Cu4/s1600/P1060638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCeX4QeShWTxXws6fLyaW8ThanYT0vsBKsLeDI6vKETiFh_NCGuZWINWJMXT09rS979zGkCbfa0gP3RPGvBOjVHQw3W99wNbiJty9wLLMhMB6pRl5GThkhkm21UmqeZDjl2AbGp6w-Cu4/s320/P1060638.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Hiking with my Mama...seriously, where are those sunglasses?!</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>

Road Trip with the 'Rents

A couple weeks ago, my parents and I took a road trip down to Arizona for the weekend.  When's the last time you were secluded in a car ...

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New Year Commitment

I can honestly say that I had no idea what I was getting myself into at the beginning of 2012....attending the Rose Bowl, making new friends, quitting my job, getting my heart broken for the first time, losing my Aunt Mary Jane, having the adventure of a lifetime....none of these things were expected.  And although 2012 was a difficult year for me emotionally, God has still been faithful.  Looking back on the past 12 months, I would say that God has pushed, pulled, poked, and prodded me along this difficult path in hopes that I would finally trust Him.  Obviously, I am a stubborn person!  Somehow everything I had hoped and planned for in 2012 got twisted around and ended up being completely different than anticipated.  But in spite of it all, I was still blessed this year with visiting many amazing family and friends, having an abundance of new adventures, and taking a step closer to my German language goal.<br /> <br /> I had planned on being in a completely different place in life at the start of 2013, but yet here I am.  On January 1, 2012, I was so excited about the new year and all the plans I had made.  But today, on January 1, 2013, I am actually scared of what is in store for me this year.  Will I find a job?  Will I make it into a school?  Will I get my heart broken again?  Will I lose someone else close to me?  I really don't want a repeat of 2012.  Now that the year is over, I want to leave it in the past.<br /> <br /> That's why I am at least thankful for the opportunity to start over.  It's nice to hit the reset button each year on January 1st.  Even though we don't know what's up ahead, at least we know it won't be the same as what we left behind.  Everyone deserves a new start, and a new year provides that for us.  It's a chance to refocus on our lives, reorganize our affairs, and reaffirm our commitment to God, family, and mankind.<br /> <br /> For myself personally, I am going to trust in God despite my trepidation of things to come and continue following my dreams no matter how many naysayers stand in my way.

New Year Commitment

I can honestly say that I had no idea what I was getting myself into at the beginning of 2012....attending the Rose Bowl, making new friends...

Read more »