Barbarian Way

I'm at White Dove. Just met someone from the same neck o the woods as I. He even has family in the *ahem* legitmate *ahem* family business that some families enjoy in Jersey. "we's gonna make 'im an offa he can't refuse see?" hehehe....

Coffee shops are like bars in the respect that people often become like family in them, and come to share their stories- the hard and the good. They just don't get drunk. Sometimes they come in drunk, but they don't become drunk here. I love to listen to people (some may call it eavesdropping, but I think it's more of a love of people and learning about them..... lol). Right now I'm listening to a total optimist have a conversation with a hopeless pessimist and a a couple of friends talking about their hunting techniques.

I learn so much about people here. Personalities and lifestyles can be so different, but somehow people are still able to understand one another. Isn't that incredible? On some level, everyone can relate. I believe that. What's really special, I think, is that it is the deeper levels on which we are able to relate, and it seems to me to be the shallow levels on which we can't understand. Mostly. Blanket statements are hard to make.

My roommate and I had a neat convo the other day about personality differences. We are very different from each other. I have always been more on the reserved side when it comes to my emotions, and I'm not touchy-feely really. She is the opposite. She is more like my sister in that way, and it's funny because her sister is very much like me.

Actually, most of my sisters are more like her than they are like me. It kind of makes it hard for me to relate, especially since I'm in a different city too.

On a different note, I was thinking the other day about this blog, and I don't think I realized how much more I show of myself on here, which makes me kinda nervous lol... It's good though, cause I am more reserved. It's good to have a place I'm not reserved. Sometimes not enough maybe? hmm.

Around people conversation stays so shallow. I've noticed that too lately. That's not always a bad thing, maybe. It's necessary to rest your mind. It's like watching tv after a long day of classes. It's nice. Yes, I just said that watching tv is nice. Sometimes. But, I don't watch it very often, and I still think it's really bad for kids. They don't need to rest their minds, hopefully.

I would like to do something. Something like quitting school for a while. Til I'm 21 and can get a grant again. But I'm not going to. You know why? Cause I want to work. So wierd, I know. School's alright. I love to learn from my brilliant professors, I do. Maybe I have a problem with commitment haha! Just kidding. I have a problem with commitment to classes for 3 months. I like freedom. I'm an American college age kid. I would like to take off a leave when I feel the urge. I would like to travel to different countries and to see what I haven't seen to learn things I can't learn here. Oh my, how irresponsible that would be! (said in my very best pompous english accent, and for a visual picture an old lady sipping tea and frowning upon me over her eye glasses in a very imperious manner). I hear that pk's go through a time of irresponsibility before settling down and joining the drudgery of the grind. But, you see, I am not planning on ever joining any drudgery. Ever.

So, now that I've worried my mother to a frazzle, it's time to go. haha.... I'm going to go live my life the way God tells me to. I can only imagine what that might mean.

the way of the barbarians... (such a good book by the way! the Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus. Go read it.)

Intellectual day

I had a very intellectual day today. Ok, well, it felt like one anyhow.

I actually got up on time and had coffee with Julie (roommate) and had a good chat, then went to work.

My boss didn't show up today (I think he was feeling sick) so I didn't have much to do... hm. That's not an intellectual part. I probably could've left that out. But I didn't.

I ran a bunch of errands (and felt oh so productive) then had an appointment with my religions prof to talk about my term paper. For some reason (self torture most likely. maybe my inner being feels the need to do penance for some unknown wrong I committed at the age of 2), I chose to write a term paper on the Ayatollah Khomeini instead of writing 2 simple 5 page papers on the books we're reading. It's just another of those many things I do that I cannot explain. Anyways....

He is a great professor, everyone I've met who's had him loves the classes. He is a christian so we got to talk a little bit about that, and about the demoralization and strength-sapping trends in our country. I left feeling all sorts of thoughtful and reflective. It lasted about 10 minutes. (After which amount of time I had gotten into my car and begun driving. Driving in Flagstaff is demoralizing (yes, I just used that word twice. and, yes, I am using a parenthesis inside of a parenthesis. My hero is the author of the Princess Bride. I believe I've said that before. shoot... back to driving) and if you've ever driven here you must already know this. If you have driven here and you don't know what I'm talking about, you are most likely part of the problem. I have a couple of suggestions for you:
1. At least drive the speed limit. Please.
2. When turning left, get into the turn lane before slowing to a nearly complete stop. Please.
3. If you are a semi truck driver, there is no help for you. You are doomed to be part of the problem. I am sorry.
4. Should you feel the need to drive faster than other cars in a lane that is ending, do not expect those cars to slow down even more than they have been in order to let you over. This causes much frustration for those of us trying to get somewhere.
5. When the light turns green, that means GO.
I hope these have been beneficial. I know I feel better.)

Tonight we went downtown for the art walk. They have one on the first Friday of every month. They'r emore fun in the summer cause the people come out in droves, and the live music drifts out into the street and mixes (I almost said mingles, but I thought it sounded too cliche. If you would like to insert mingles into the sentence though, I must say it sounds rather nice) with people talking and laughing. A friend of mine commented that all of the true Flagstaff-ian people show up for the art walk. The artsy, organic, and of course intellectual people. It is so fun.

If you've never been to an art walk (I don't even know if they have those in other cities), basically some of the stores and a few studios/apartments downtown host artists' works and there is free food. There is free wine too, if you're interested. It adds to the intellectual air, lol.. (well, figuratively speaking. actually, I don't like the smell of alcohol, so don't take it literally, mom.) I think that all of the artists are locals. There's pottery, photography, painting, sculptures, music (actually, most of the live musicians I recognized from the open mic nights at the tea house). One of the venues was a fundraiser to help end genocide. Another place hosted only women artists, and all of the proceeds were being donated to the local women's shelter.

I'm off to Phoenix in the morning, so good night all, and good Easter! (random thought, does anyone know why it's called Easter? I've never thought about that before... hmm..)

christmas shopping

I hate christmas shopping. I do. I spent 2 hours in the mall (in flagstaff? really? they have what, 10 stores? but it's true, I did...) AND I did not find one single little thing. arrrrghhhh! I was so frustrated, I went to Arby's and got a roast beef sandwich. Goodbye vegetarianism... (I could only eat a little bit of it, but I didn't get sick!) Then I went downtown and found several items. Just goes to show you, ... um i was going to say something here.... shoot....

I can't wait to go home! oh this week is going to be long... Oh, but we are moving... at least partially. that's exciting, yes? We shall have a stove! And a Julie! Yay!

I think I shall move to Never-never land. And never grow up. And never go to school, or worry about the future, or... I'm in a mood. Not a bad mood, a wanderlust-ish kinda mood. The type of mood to where I want to o something different from what I usually do. I won't though. I'm not sure why.... it has been a week for discovering motives. Quite interesting, and I'm not sure where it will lead.

I should go to bed now. Or try to at any rate. G'night

christmas party! in williams.. hmm fun

Tonight was the BSM christmas party. in Williams. I have tried to be impartial about this seemingly innocent town, but it is impssible. Tonight wasn' so bad though really. We were going to skate on the outdoor rink (well, the group was going to skate. I and a couple other girls were going to get pie.) but when we arrived (we were hte first ones there) it was closing. I did get to see someone i hadn't seen in quite a looong time though. that was nice. So we got pie anyways. When everyone else got to town they decided to get pie as well. Poor Pine Country was invaded by 30 college kids in need of delicous pie... Luckily, being the first ones there, we got the best pies (slices that is). Then we oohed and ahhed at the big tree in the middle of the road. (Oh, sad, sad note.. buff the political dog has passed on. I honestly don't know what Scott the cameraman will do.. they were best friends..)

Then we made our way to the church. Oh yes, the church.. I think there's a new carpet.. but that doesn't matter.. I think I was expecting it to look different. it didn't though. Just the same as all the other years around christmastime. (I did have to show off the bathroom.. an experience of a lifetime..)

The new pastor was there though. Being there, and it looking the same, made me feel rather insignificant to tell the truth. Like all the years that I was involved there didn't make much difference. Those hours with the kids.. I don't think they have that anymore, which makes me sad. I know my dad made a difference, without a doubt, but I was just the pk. That's a cynical point of view eh? But not really. I'm just a person, and only God makes a difference. Who he works through is not the important thing.

We had our gift exchange. The 3 former pk's of FBC (hehe that's me! and courtney and katie) took our picture by the pulpit. It was over, and we left.

So last night it was discovered that there are some beautiful lights at the park by the library. So Emily and I went to the Place for hot chocolate (by the way, Santa Claus was there again!), then off to the park where we proceeded to sit under a gorgeously lit tree and talk and drink hot chocolate and freeze :). And now I'm home, drinking hot tea. and shivering. and wishing i could take a hot shower, but not wanting to go through the hassle. and writing this because for some reason unbeknownst to me, I am not tired yet. I will be soon though. Probably another 5 minutes and i'll be done for. I shall feel the effects tomorrow. *sigh*. But, it's worth it yes? To live. And keep on living. And that's what makes it worthwhile. Moments to talk, to enjoy beauty, to experience Jesus in another friend.

Isn't it amazing?

Santa stories

I have two santa stories for you all tonight. (And I just saw the Messiah, and no not THE Messiah.. you know, the halelujah halejuah lalala one... and my Smith family is putting up christmas decorations... and I went in the christmasy section at the store.. and, well, what would you do? I just had to put on christmas music! I had no choice in the matter. I tried, really I did, to keep this week consecrated to Thanksgiving, and really I have done a good job so far, considering.... I have come to the conclusion that I am way too thankful for Christmas not to celebrate it this week. so now!) (I have also come to realize that I may love parentheses as much as the author of the Princess Bride...)

Santa story number 1: ahem* I was at the Place with a bunch of people (just so you can picture this *mom*, there were at least 20 of us...) There was an old man sitting at a table there who really looked just like Santa Claus. He had the fluffy white beard, spectacles, everything! After we were done (I left at this point due to reallyreally cold weather), one of my friends decided he wanted of picture of aforementioned Santa, and so devised a plan. (this is the part where you begin to feel intense suspense.) She had another guy standing by the door to pose for her as she took a picture of him. Or so she wanted Santa to believe. So when Santa came out the door, she was ready for him. Well folks, Santa is a smart kid.. He saw through her plot, but being a jolly old fella, he kindly asked her if she would like a picture with Santa Claus. (more suspense) He goes to his car (a clever decoy, who would suspect a santa in a car?) and pulls out his red santa claus suit. yes.. it is true... but there is even more.. After the unsuspecting girl takes the picture, she looks at her camera to see that it is broken! All there is to see on the screen are red and green lines...

True story.

Santa story number 2: I was reading the news online the other night and came across a story on the mysterious Secret Santa. Apparently this little old man has been giving away money since 1979. It started off with $20 for a sad looking waitress, and turned into hundred dollar bills for people who looked like they needed it. This Secret Santa has given away over a million dollars! Isn't that incredible? I love it. How beautiful..

When I got to work this morning I found our that the new receptionist, Stephanie, had been killed in a car accident. It's unbelievable.. Death never seems so real as when it comes to someone you didn't expect it to hit. Pray that the people I work with there will be thinking about this, and searching for the Savior. Pray that I will be a light that they can see, so when they have questions they know they can ask me. Pray for wisdom, and that I will be serving the Lord in the place He has put me.

Good night all.

discovery of the week

I just made an exciting discovery.. I live by a lake! Lol! And I had no idea that it was there until today. Someone told me there was a trail up past our house so i went up looking for it (didn't find it) but I did find a lake. And a pretty view. And a lot of ginormous houses.. and now I know where to go looking at Christmas lights lol.

There's a party or something going on at the park, it looks like fun. They have a huge dance floor set up, and I think they're square dancing lol. And a big blow up bouncy thing. lol... So I'm going to read a book (only I forgot Les Miserables at White Dove... shoot..) and open our back door and listen to the man in the big hat yelling out "now dosie doh" and drink tea. Sounds like a plan. Until Lainee calls and we decide what to do tonight. And then maybe hiking to the inner basin tomorrow with Emily? we'll see.. I want to play in the leaves :)

Kinder Garden

A short, funny quote from one of my preschool kids :) Malia (another teacher): What should I have for dinner? Me: oo soup salad and breadsticks at Olive Garden! Evan James (5 year old kid in my class): Oh Miss Hannah, I'm going to the Garden! Me: Really? (thinking he meant he ate there... silly me..) Evan: Yea, the Kinder Garden!! Me:Wow! (hahahahaahahahah)

People

I may have to start writing about the customers that come into the coffee shop where I work, they’re pretty fascinating ;)..

For instance, a guy came in the other day, he works at Starbucks. Now I know you are feeling that immense pity we should all feel for those who work at Starbucks and think they actually make coffee, but hey, there is a bright spot in the poor guy’s life: he has the good taste to come to a real coffee shop.

Yesterday a man came in the door and walked inside past the counter, came back and gave me a dollar. No drink, just a dollar. Apparently he’s infamous for stealing the tip money and all of the baristas automatically hide the jar when they see him. He gives you money to distract you then tries to take it when you’re not looking. Interesting tactics… (oh and no, he did not get the money, it was hidden)

If you happen to hear a loud rumbling noise, don’t worry, it’s not an organized attack by giant killer bees who got tired of people stealing their honey and finally formed a union; it’s just the motor on the back of one customer’s bicycle. Mmhmm, yea, he put a motor on the back of his bike. Some people say crazy, strange and well, nerdy, but I say ingenious! People won’t get all sweaty and nasty by toiling away under the hot sun. that means less showers, which means Flagstaff won’t run out of water and have to import water from somewhere else, and that somewhere then won’t run out of water either which would cause them to import water also, thus causing a vicious cycle. And I am one of those “I knew him when” people. Who, him? Oh yea, I made his coffee.. totally knew him back in the day.. no biggie..

Well, I have more, but they’ll wait for another night. wouldn’t want to overwhelm you, what with the ocean’s eleven guy and the upcoming inventor..

Buff for mayor!!

So, I have more news about the one and only crazy town of Williams... Apparently in the recent mayoral? election, there were two candidates. One was a dog. Yep, that's right. Anyone who's ever been in Williams and walked around main street has more than likely met our canine politician. Buff is her name, and she is the much beloved dog of Scott the cameraman. He is the official photographer in town.. I know he and his dog quite well, they were daily customers at the coffee shop when I worked there (yes, both of them). Anyways, after much publicity (consisting of posters around town), Buff had 70 voters. Her platform was on honesty and friendliness. What I want to know is, what would they have done if she'd won?? hmm...

once upon a time in williams...

We have a modern day Andy Griffith in our midst! Give it up for Officer K, the greatest police officer in the entire world. To begin the story we start off at the house of a Mr. Chadwick Fields. A few have gathered there to visit as the said Mr Fields as he was currently injured…. They sat around discussing fish and all other sorts of things which commonly occupy the conversations of youth.
 There was a knock at the door * knock knock knock * and who should appear but Officer K carrying a bouquet of weeds to cheer the hapless invalid. They were beautiful weeds of a most rare kind, so rare, indeed, that I could not even tell you their names. Officer K was much distressed at the sight of Mr. Fields and begged him not to get up. Officer K (with quite an ecstatic look upon his face) asked them if they would care to see the newest program he had developed for his * ahem * customers. He led them all out to his police car and started to do something on his laptop. He finally had it ready, he turned the laptop towards them and there it was! The official and original Beverly Hillbillies show! He assured us that he had already tested his new program on his * ahem * customers, and it had been pronounced as amazing. (perhaps even stupendous, but we can’t be sure..) he had arrested someone just the other night and played his new program for them, and they had laughed all the way to jail. He hopes to upgrade soon to the Brady Bunch and COPS. 
 You may laugh at my story but I assure you that these events did indeed take place, and if you have any doubts, all you have to do is come see one of the many fine parades led by Officer K. The annual “Clean Yourself Parade” (in which they hand out free bars of soap and spray the audience with water guns) the unnamed parade last year featuring the cop car, the tandem bike, and a band consisting of the mentioned Chad Fields playing his violin (much to the chagrin of the audience….) The next Parade shall be happening this afternoon in honor of a certain injured person at 4:30. Details to be discussed at the coffee shop. 
 Ah the joys of small towns haha!

thanksgiving, williams, and a big tree!

I've never loved Thanksgiving more than I do this year! (and no it's not just becase I'm a poor hungry college student who loves food... although that might be part of it ;)...) I just got up and now I'm drinking a nice hot cup of coffee and I don't have to go get ready for classes..... ahhhh so nice! in a little while I'm gonna go play me some football :D and then eat a lot of food. Can it get better? lol maggie is watching Barbie and the Nutcracker right now... she's so cute. and getting soo big! my goodness... lol. maybe I'll have to put some pics up, cause you know i love pictures :). I love the music from the Nutcracker! Hilary and I went down to Phoenix to see it last year. It was good... I really just wanted to hear the music but the ballerina's shoes had wood in the points and every time they walked it made a loud noise lol... oh well. 
 So I just have to say, that the huge christmas tree in the middle of second street in town is absolutely fantastic! Seriously, it's amazing. Only in Williams would they put a huge tree in the middle of the street. it is huge too, they had to bring it in on the train, and it literally takes up the whole street. Of course, in what other town does someone get shot on main street every night? I think it's funny that they (I'm not really sure who "they" are but they are always doing something but anyways..) want to turn williams into Christmastown USA lol. (they're kinda crazy like that) outdoor ice-skating rink and all. I certainly wouldn't complain of course. So Williams could become a route 66, western, grand canyon, Christmastown, amusement park town full of retirees and californians who only live here for like two months of the year (and drive the wrong way on the streets and actually go the speed limit grrrr!). (yea I told you they are crazy, this is all Their ideas. oy) well life is interesting here in the small town of Williams. (hehe apparently the new controversy is on whether the teens of Williams should be allowed to "cruise" the town. Let me tell you, this is HUGE! (and mostly because of Them.) of course, if it turns out that you can't cruise anymore, I really don't know what everyone will do. Because this is all that they do lol.) well I'm going to go make the rolls then play some football!