Alright...

I'm reduced to bribery. If anyone posts within 24 hours, I'll buy 'em a soda (or a drink, in Hannah's case).

Cooking with Dr. Pepper

Check this out, especially you Michelle! It's an old school cookbook...using Dr. Pepper

holy frickin' cow.

Hey guys.
How are you?
Life is pretty good here. I had a fun weekend hanging out with friends (and it's so refreshing to be able to say that they are my friends, even if they aren't bosom buddies with me!). I went out to eat way too much and spent far too much money frivolously, though, so I have to reign all that in for a bit.

I think I mentioned this before, but I'm kinda still in this weird "blah" tired stage. It's strange...I'm just ready for a change, but I don't know what that means. Partly I think it comes from a yearning to really connect with another human, and partly it comes from doing so much "stuff". I know how to veg, but I don't know how to really find refreshment for my soul, and that's what I'm craving!!

Well, I told ya'll about the ex video (which is still probably the most bizarre thing I've ever seen...). So, today he emails me again and says that he would still really like to hang out, but not necessarily with the other friends he'd planned to hang with...well, here's a clip from his email.
"Honestly I would rather hang with you and there would be no strings attached. In your mind you are probably saying no because you are scared, but I do think a part of you is interested in hanging out when I am out there. Just let me know by the end of this week if possible." And then, in his PS, he goes on talking about how what I was scared about when we were dating was that he was leaving Cali, and how much he misses Cali now and may be coming back...

Scary!

So, then, an hour or so later, he emails again about the Romania letter that ya'll probably got from me today, too, saying he's going to send money. And then--the funny thing--in his ps he says I should marry a youth pastor (and not that I'm planning a marriage or anything even, but so funny how close to my silly little heart that strikes!) And then, just now, he sent another email, apologizing for his earlier emails.

Can I just say I'm so glad I'm not dating him anymore? I don't want to bash him still...but man, oh, man! I emailed back with a very clear cut response...one that I hope gives him the picture without doubt. I said

"I am a bit "scared" but I don't think in the way that you think (and not that it matters since my schedule won't allow any hanging out anyway...). I am completely one hundred percent sure that I do not and will not ever want to date you again--that has nothing to do with your location, etc. When you talk about seeing me, I am concerned that our visit would stir up feelings in you that will never be reciprocated by me.

As far as Romania goes, I don't want you to feel obligated at all to send money. Of course, it is welcome, but don't do so out of some sense of obligation or duty or...whatever."

Hmm...hope that's not too harsh. I ended by saying stuff along the lines of "Have a great trip!"

Anyway, that's my dramatic life today. Funny thing is that it's really drama-free. I just don't have many people to talk to about the little drama that does exist...so you gals get it all. Sorry! :P

Hannah...I'm glad life is a bit better. Sorry again for the communication "error" or whatever on my part and let me know about Friday! I can't wait to talk to you live!

Michelle...where are you? I haven't actually talked to you since November. That's craziness. How's life? How's your stress? How's the family? How's your dad's business going?

Val...umm... I don't know if I have anything to say to you, actually. Oh, anything with that guy you work with? Doesn't it always seem like the guys that girls don't like are the ones that pursue the girls?

Okay...well...this email feels ridiculously superficial and I didn't even respond to anyone's recent posts... lame lame lame. But it's my bedtime and I just wanted to throw something up here to keep you all updated.

I love love love you girls. So much my heart could burst! Hugs!!!!

Happy April Fools!?

Well, what is really happy about it anyway? is more like, "Have a funny april fools" but that sounds kinda gay. Did anyone pull any pranks? or even better, have any pranks pulled on you?? Diz, Val, you guys are LUCKY that it happened on a saturday! no stupid high school pranks, whew!

anyways, i just wanted to be the first to post in april. its been a week!! since anyone posted. what's goin' on here?

life is going much better, thank you for your prayers. it was for stuff related to my marriage, but as much as i love and value you guys to DEATH, there is stuff that i have to deal with btwn matt and me or btwn someone who is actually married. but, i know you guys did what i needed the VERY most, and that was pray...so i appreciate it. = ) no more being scared of me, right diz?

fyi, spring break is a go. matt is totally cool with it. we'll have to come up with something fun to do on easter to celebrate him and Jesus both. kristin will be around too, so maybe she can hagn out. i'll see what kashelle is thinking too. what day do you think you'll come? i was thinking of working wed, thurs and part of friday if you were plaanning on coming later on friday. and i wondered what day you were staying until so that i know when to schedule work that week. but really, its no rush to know. i can work whenever.

sorry val and shell for that little blip. how are you girls? shell, how are things with school and at home? val, how are your classes? how is exercsie coming?? = )

i went to LA fitness with Gloria and was totally dumbstruck. the biola fitness center is weak sauce in comparison! there were tons and tons of equipment to play around on. i couldn't seem to repeat any cuz i kept seeing a different one to try out. it was fun.

i had my last last last nursing lecture EVER this past week!!! no more! we have two weeks of presentations and then we are finished with the theory parts. just school nursing after that. this week i did TWELVE classes of eighth grade std/hiv education. 6 the first, 6 the second. wow. teaching was never my gift, but now i really thank God that i'm not in it. you guys have it a little different b/c you have different subjects, but boy, i just thought i'd shoot myself if i heard that lecture one more time!

family stuff is still the same. my mom is scheduled for surgery (hysterectomy i think) on June 20th, so i think i'll be going home around then to help take care of her. my dad is still really depressed and is really worried about his job now (long story). so, i appreciate your prayers for that situation still.

i think that is a long enough post. i am praying for you all and hope your are finding time to discipline yourself in the Word. its so important. love you tons!!