Tuesday, August 4, 2009
7:15 a.m.
Last night was really rough. I hardly slept at all, just coughed all night. I’m wrestling with the idea of staying at the hotel today and resting. I highly doubt I’ll be able to talk myself into it though.
Haley and I were talking last night about how we wished Dr. Thompson had come with us. I’ve been thinking of her with almost every step we take. She inspired this trip. If it weren’t for New England Writers, Harvin, Haley, and I wouldn’t be bffs, and we wouldn’t be in Massachusetts right now. She planted this love of American literature in me and I am so thankful for it.
This trip is an incredible gift and I’m so grateful for the perspective it is providing me—even in spite of my sickness. These memories will last a lifetime, these experiences will broaden my horizons, this history will make me grateful for those who came before me, and this exploration of new boundaries will be a teacher in the days to come.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Travel Journal 3
Monday, August 3, 2009
6:00 p.m.
Whew! I’m exhausted. Yesterday’s tour of the HOSG was incredible. Walking through the house where Hawthorne was born and the house he visited that later became the basis for his novel was an indescribable experience. It’s amazing that these structures still stand as a link to history.
Today we walked all around Boston on the Freedom Trail. We saw sites including the Old North Church (where Paul Revere and company hung the lanterns signaling the arrival of British troops), the former location of the Old Corner Bookstore (where Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter was first published and which has been replaced by Borders—what would 19th century authors think of that?!), the graves of Paul Revere, Ben Franklin’s parents, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and others; the Paul Revere house, the site of Poe’s home in Boston, the Holocaust Memorial, King’s Chapel—and the list goes on and on. There’s so much history in this city—the birthplace of our country. It’s fascinating.
I still feel pretty icky, but I’m trying to just trudge on and enjoy being here as much as I can. Tomorrow we’re headed to Cambridge, Emerson College (Harvin wants to check it out), and Longfellow’s house.
Song of the day: “Boston” by Augustana
Oh! I vowed that I wouldn’t leave New England without having a lobster roll, so I had one from Boston Chowda Co. for lunch at Quincy Market today. It was fabulous!
6:00 p.m.
Whew! I’m exhausted. Yesterday’s tour of the HOSG was incredible. Walking through the house where Hawthorne was born and the house he visited that later became the basis for his novel was an indescribable experience. It’s amazing that these structures still stand as a link to history.
Today we walked all around Boston on the Freedom Trail. We saw sites including the Old North Church (where Paul Revere and company hung the lanterns signaling the arrival of British troops), the former location of the Old Corner Bookstore (where Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter was first published and which has been replaced by Borders—what would 19th century authors think of that?!), the graves of Paul Revere, Ben Franklin’s parents, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and others; the Paul Revere house, the site of Poe’s home in Boston, the Holocaust Memorial, King’s Chapel—and the list goes on and on. There’s so much history in this city—the birthplace of our country. It’s fascinating.
I still feel pretty icky, but I’m trying to just trudge on and enjoy being here as much as I can. Tomorrow we’re headed to Cambridge, Emerson College (Harvin wants to check it out), and Longfellow’s house.
Song of the day: “Boston” by Augustana
Oh! I vowed that I wouldn’t leave New England without having a lobster roll, so I had one from Boston Chowda Co. for lunch at Quincy Market today. It was fabulous!
Travel Journal 2
Sunday, August 2, 2009
11:49 a.m.
Our first official day in Massachusetts. We’re roaming about Salem today. We’ve toured the Salem Witch Museum—which was insightful and thought-provoking. We also wandered around Salem Common and had a swinging session. Swinging in Salem on Sunday—what a great, alliterated start to a beautiful day of discovery! Next, we’re headed to lunch then off to the House of Seven Gables, the Custom House, and the Derby Wharf lighthouse. *Listening to Bloc Party’s “Hunting for Witches”*
12:48 p.m.
Sitting in Engine House Pizza and Subs which claims to have the best pizza in Salem. We ordered the Fire Chief’s Special—and it’s pretty darn good. Even Bernard (Haley’s gnome) thinks so. J
I woke this morning feeling pretty good, but now I’m hitting the midday slump: my head is all stuffy and pounding, and my voice is waning. L Maybe HOSG and the Custom House will make me feel better?
5:15 p.m.
We climbed Clifford’s secret stairway in the HOSG! Actually, the staircase was added long after Hawthorne wrote HOSG in order to draw in more tourists, to make the house more like the one in Hawthorne’s’ novel. Still, it was fun to pretend to be Clifford for a moment—stealthily slinking betwixt the dining room and attic! Headed back to the hotel tonight, then going to see the new Harry Potter movie in IMAX 3D! Yippee!
11:49 a.m.
Our first official day in Massachusetts. We’re roaming about Salem today. We’ve toured the Salem Witch Museum—which was insightful and thought-provoking. We also wandered around Salem Common and had a swinging session. Swinging in Salem on Sunday—what a great, alliterated start to a beautiful day of discovery! Next, we’re headed to lunch then off to the House of Seven Gables, the Custom House, and the Derby Wharf lighthouse. *Listening to Bloc Party’s “Hunting for Witches”*
12:48 p.m.
Sitting in Engine House Pizza and Subs which claims to have the best pizza in Salem. We ordered the Fire Chief’s Special—and it’s pretty darn good. Even Bernard (Haley’s gnome) thinks so. J
I woke this morning feeling pretty good, but now I’m hitting the midday slump: my head is all stuffy and pounding, and my voice is waning. L Maybe HOSG and the Custom House will make me feel better?
5:15 p.m.
We climbed Clifford’s secret stairway in the HOSG! Actually, the staircase was added long after Hawthorne wrote HOSG in order to draw in more tourists, to make the house more like the one in Hawthorne’s’ novel. Still, it was fun to pretend to be Clifford for a moment—stealthily slinking betwixt the dining room and attic! Headed back to the hotel tonight, then going to see the new Harry Potter movie in IMAX 3D! Yippee!
Travel Journal 1
Saturday, August 1, 2009
7:30 a.m.
Waking up in Annapolis is a beautiful thing—even after a rough night. I think I only slept for about 3 hours. Ugh.
I woke up thinking about the verse in the Bible where it talks about God enlarging one’s borders. I feel like my borders are being expanded. God’s broadening my horizons so that I will eventually be confident enough in Him to go out into the wide, wide world. Truly, he’s already at work—a continuous process that I have really begun to recognize over the past three years.
9 a.m.
We’re on the road again—headed to Baltimore to see Poe’s grave!
10:15 a.m.
We’re in Baltimore! I still can’t believe we’re on our way to Boston. Leaving Poe’s grave—our first literary stop.
10:33 a.m.
Harvin’s driving, Haley’s reading Anne of the Island, and I’m sucking on cough drops. Since we’ll be in Salem tomorrow, my reading material for the day will be The House of the Seven Gables. Appropriate, yes?
11:50 a.m.
Got a text from Dr. Thompson. I wish she were with us. I just connected the name of the journal she gave me (Explore New Boundaries) with what I wrote this morning. Another affirmation from God that He is indeed at work. What an adventure!
(We’re in Delaware now.)
1:27 p.m.
We just stopped in Bellmawr, NJ for lunch on the run at Subway. People in this town are CRAZY. Lots of angry, cursing motorists are vying to get back on the turnpike. Lord, help.
And it’s official—I’ve entered the land of unsweet tea. Apparently, these northerners think green tea is an appropriate substitute. Uh, wrong; they’re just plain wrong.
2:47 p.m.
We hate New Jersey and its bloody turnpike. We’re currently stuck in ten miles of backed-up traffic. Ugh. In order to pass the time, Harvin and Haley are playing with the GPS’s settings. Instead of a car icon rolling along the road, we now have a colorful beach ball bouncing along the turnpike—and a British voice to add a bit of cultural flair. J
3:54 p.m.
Passing Newark airport (and IKEA)! Still hating New Jersey though we did finally get out of the traffic jam. I’m ready to leave this state behind and see New York. After seven hours on the road, I’m finally feeling a bit better. Hallelujah! HopefullyI’ll be able to sleep tonight and be ready to roll in the morning.
4:35 p.m.
We’re in New York—driving over the Hudson River on the George Washingotn Bridge, looking out at NYC.
5:23 p.m.
“Connecticut Welcomes You.” This state has some beautiful scenery. Hooray! We’re only one state away!
7:40 p.m.
We’ve crossed the Massachusetts state line!!! 64 mile to Boston! Stopping at Cracker Barrel for dinner (yes, southern food for our first meal in MA).
10:55 p.m.
Checked into our hotel...crashing now. Good night!
7:30 a.m.
Waking up in Annapolis is a beautiful thing—even after a rough night. I think I only slept for about 3 hours. Ugh.
I woke up thinking about the verse in the Bible where it talks about God enlarging one’s borders. I feel like my borders are being expanded. God’s broadening my horizons so that I will eventually be confident enough in Him to go out into the wide, wide world. Truly, he’s already at work—a continuous process that I have really begun to recognize over the past three years.
9 a.m.
We’re on the road again—headed to Baltimore to see Poe’s grave!
10:15 a.m.
We’re in Baltimore! I still can’t believe we’re on our way to Boston. Leaving Poe’s grave—our first literary stop.
10:33 a.m.
Harvin’s driving, Haley’s reading Anne of the Island, and I’m sucking on cough drops. Since we’ll be in Salem tomorrow, my reading material for the day will be The House of the Seven Gables. Appropriate, yes?
11:50 a.m.
Got a text from Dr. Thompson. I wish she were with us. I just connected the name of the journal she gave me (Explore New Boundaries) with what I wrote this morning. Another affirmation from God that He is indeed at work. What an adventure!
(We’re in Delaware now.)
1:27 p.m.
We just stopped in Bellmawr, NJ for lunch on the run at Subway. People in this town are CRAZY. Lots of angry, cursing motorists are vying to get back on the turnpike. Lord, help.
And it’s official—I’ve entered the land of unsweet tea. Apparently, these northerners think green tea is an appropriate substitute. Uh, wrong; they’re just plain wrong.
2:47 p.m.
We hate New Jersey and its bloody turnpike. We’re currently stuck in ten miles of backed-up traffic. Ugh. In order to pass the time, Harvin and Haley are playing with the GPS’s settings. Instead of a car icon rolling along the road, we now have a colorful beach ball bouncing along the turnpike—and a British voice to add a bit of cultural flair. J
3:54 p.m.
Passing Newark airport (and IKEA)! Still hating New Jersey though we did finally get out of the traffic jam. I’m ready to leave this state behind and see New York. After seven hours on the road, I’m finally feeling a bit better. Hallelujah! HopefullyI’ll be able to sleep tonight and be ready to roll in the morning.
4:35 p.m.
We’re in New York—driving over the Hudson River on the George Washingotn Bridge, looking out at NYC.
5:23 p.m.
“Connecticut Welcomes You.” This state has some beautiful scenery. Hooray! We’re only one state away!
7:40 p.m.
We’ve crossed the Massachusetts state line!!! 64 mile to Boston! Stopping at Cracker Barrel for dinner (yes, southern food for our first meal in MA).
10:55 p.m.
Checked into our hotel...crashing now. Good night!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A Quarter of a Century--and Counting
I can't leave for the night without reviewing how lovely and amazing the past few days have been. My birthday was Thursday (the 23rd)--my 25th birthday. It was a little bit of a shock to my system to realize that I've reached this age, especially as a LUL summer staffer (Tessa) turned twenty on Thursday as well. Tessa was celebrating the demise of her teenage years while I sat thinking about how long ago twenty seems to have been for me. So much has happened in the past five years that have shaped me into someone I never dreamed of becoming.
As I celebrated my birthday throughout the week, I realized how many loving, caring, amazing people I am surrounded by. They are family friends who've known me since birth, new friends that I've met at NGU; they are family, and they are like family; they are mentors and counselors; they are listeners. They are mine--and I am blessed continually by them, through them, and because of them.
The first great birthday treasure I received was from someone who has pushed, prodded, encouraged, and inspired me through my four years at NGU. Dr. Drummond called me Wednesday morning (yes, a day early) to sing "Happy Birthday" to me. (Mind you, the woman hates singing, so I must be very special!).
On Thursday, I worked breakfast and Lunch at LUL. Every year during the week in which my birthday falls, a certain church rents the camp. And every year they (all 350 of them) wish me a "Happy Birthday." This year was no different as 50 Carmelites sang to me at breakfast and 200 Carmelites sang to me at lunch. I used to hate it, but I'm kind of used to it now. If you've never had hundreds of people sing to you on your birthday, you should find a way to make it happen--it's pretty cool. Anna B. also brought me Reese's Pieces and cupcakes at lunch. She's such a sweetie!
Thursday night, Jess, Dr. Thompson (another driving force behind my success at NGU), and I went to World Market before meeting Harvin, Haley, and Mom for dinner at P.F. Chang's. We had an awesome time of fellowship around the table--complete with flowers from Mom shielding our views of one another and Jimmy the balloon (courtesy of Dr. Thompson) swaying high above our heads, announcing to everyone the reason for our celebration. After dinner (which was delicious!), I got to open gifts from Harvin and Haley (Harry Potter in IMAX 3D in Massachusetts!) and Dr. T (which included a moment that Jess will NEVER let Dr. T and me live down!). And, oh how I love musical cards--even though I had to wait to hear it at home--too much noise pollution in the restaurant. After leaving P.F. Chang's, we went downtown for fro-yo from Blueberry Frog. On the way home, Dr. T and I had an exciting on-the-verge-of-hysterical discussion of the places Harvin, Haley, and I will visit on our trip later next week. To have a conversation with someone who really understands the magic of this trip is priceless. All in all, it was the perfect ending to a pretty perfect day.
Friday was a LONG workday, but Saturday was "only a day away."
Jess, Kick, JP, and I drove to Columbia to meet Morgan and Luke to go to the zoo. It was bloody hot, so we went through quickly, headed to the mall, ate lunch, and did a little shopping--mostly to put off the parting of ways. It's always sad to see the Georgetown kids head home, because it usually means we won't see them for another six months at minimum.
Long story, short: my birhtday was incredible. I'm just not so sure about the whole quarter-of-a-century milestone. But more on that later.
G'night!
As I celebrated my birthday throughout the week, I realized how many loving, caring, amazing people I am surrounded by. They are family friends who've known me since birth, new friends that I've met at NGU; they are family, and they are like family; they are mentors and counselors; they are listeners. They are mine--and I am blessed continually by them, through them, and because of them.
The first great birthday treasure I received was from someone who has pushed, prodded, encouraged, and inspired me through my four years at NGU. Dr. Drummond called me Wednesday morning (yes, a day early) to sing "Happy Birthday" to me. (Mind you, the woman hates singing, so I must be very special!).
On Thursday, I worked breakfast and Lunch at LUL. Every year during the week in which my birthday falls, a certain church rents the camp. And every year they (all 350 of them) wish me a "Happy Birthday." This year was no different as 50 Carmelites sang to me at breakfast and 200 Carmelites sang to me at lunch. I used to hate it, but I'm kind of used to it now. If you've never had hundreds of people sing to you on your birthday, you should find a way to make it happen--it's pretty cool. Anna B. also brought me Reese's Pieces and cupcakes at lunch. She's such a sweetie!
Thursday night, Jess, Dr. Thompson (another driving force behind my success at NGU), and I went to World Market before meeting Harvin, Haley, and Mom for dinner at P.F. Chang's. We had an awesome time of fellowship around the table--complete with flowers from Mom shielding our views of one another and Jimmy the balloon (courtesy of Dr. Thompson) swaying high above our heads, announcing to everyone the reason for our celebration. After dinner (which was delicious!), I got to open gifts from Harvin and Haley (Harry Potter in IMAX 3D in Massachusetts!) and Dr. T (which included a moment that Jess will NEVER let Dr. T and me live down!). And, oh how I love musical cards--even though I had to wait to hear it at home--too much noise pollution in the restaurant. After leaving P.F. Chang's, we went downtown for fro-yo from Blueberry Frog. On the way home, Dr. T and I had an exciting on-the-verge-of-hysterical discussion of the places Harvin, Haley, and I will visit on our trip later next week. To have a conversation with someone who really understands the magic of this trip is priceless. All in all, it was the perfect ending to a pretty perfect day.
Friday was a LONG workday, but Saturday was "only a day away."
Jess, Kick, JP, and I drove to Columbia to meet Morgan and Luke to go to the zoo. It was bloody hot, so we went through quickly, headed to the mall, ate lunch, and did a little shopping--mostly to put off the parting of ways. It's always sad to see the Georgetown kids head home, because it usually means we won't see them for another six months at minimum.
Long story, short: my birhtday was incredible. I'm just not so sure about the whole quarter-of-a-century milestone. But more on that later.
G'night!
A Poor Excuse
Okay, so I suck at posting regularly. Want an excuse? Camp is taking every bit of energy I have this year--but I say that every year, don't I?
Whatever. If there's one thing I really need to learn, it is that I will never be perfect--at ANYTHING. Perfectionism rules me sometimes. I can't start a task because I'm afraid I can't complete it without blemish. I try to do everything myself because others may not do so and so like I would. Lucky for me, God can overlook my OCD control issues. Now, if only I could learn to do the same. Well, maybe I should learn to RELAX a bit, let go a bit, instead of overlooking said issues.
Anyway, I'm hoping (AGAIN!!!) that I will use this outlet as I continue my journey through the crazy-beautiful intricacies of life. And maybe, just maybe, my upcoming trip to Boston will prompt me to do so.
Whatever. If there's one thing I really need to learn, it is that I will never be perfect--at ANYTHING. Perfectionism rules me sometimes. I can't start a task because I'm afraid I can't complete it without blemish. I try to do everything myself because others may not do so and so like I would. Lucky for me, God can overlook my OCD control issues. Now, if only I could learn to do the same. Well, maybe I should learn to RELAX a bit, let go a bit, instead of overlooking said issues.
Anyway, I'm hoping (AGAIN!!!) that I will use this outlet as I continue my journey through the crazy-beautiful intricacies of life. And maybe, just maybe, my upcoming trip to Boston will prompt me to do so.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Distracted & Disconnected
A commitment to write, huh?
Four and a half months later, I'm back after falling into an endless state of distraction. I've felt disconnected. Has it shown? Survival mode shifted into overdrive. My motto became "just push through this," a phrase my mind left on repeat. I lost touch, but I wore the mask, as Paul Lawrence Dunbar's poem "We Wear the Mask" illustrates.
I haven't written as a means of catharsis in ages--and I feel it in my soul. I've got to make time for this outlet.
The past months have been fraught with good days, bad days, and those pesky in-between days (perhaps the worst with an ambivalent aura about them). I've learned a lot, but have yet multitudes more to learn. For the beginning of my return to writing I will review the time that has passed. Hopefully, the review will bring back a fresh perspective, new lessons, and a chance to make sense of life's distractions.
Four and a half months later, I'm back after falling into an endless state of distraction. I've felt disconnected. Has it shown? Survival mode shifted into overdrive. My motto became "just push through this," a phrase my mind left on repeat. I lost touch, but I wore the mask, as Paul Lawrence Dunbar's poem "We Wear the Mask" illustrates.
I haven't written as a means of catharsis in ages--and I feel it in my soul. I've got to make time for this outlet.
The past months have been fraught with good days, bad days, and those pesky in-between days (perhaps the worst with an ambivalent aura about them). I've learned a lot, but have yet multitudes more to learn. For the beginning of my return to writing I will review the time that has passed. Hopefully, the review will bring back a fresh perspective, new lessons, and a chance to make sense of life's distractions.
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