3.24.2008

Hillbillies and Tractors

So, Jay and I are officially residents of Ohio. Pretty crazy. I'm pretty excited that the moving part is over, now its about unpacking into my little brother's room and looking for jobs. Besides the slight stress I am feeling regarding our finances (or lack thereof) at the moment, I'm having a great time here. No crappy job, the anticipation of starting school finally, guitar hero, family, a yard for Trot to play in, cable, wireless internet....it doesn't get better than this. Haha. I'm sure we will be relieved to move out and be back on our own again, but I think this setup will be really great for the few months we'll be living with my parents.

This week the focus is unpacking and the job search....and of course the many little wedding projects I've been working on. Wish us luck!

3.19.2008

Last day in paradise...

This is it! This is my last day of work at Meharry Medical College, a.k.a. the most horrible place I have ever worked in my entire life. I can't even explain to you how good it feels to look around at the desk I've cleaned, my completely cleared out inbox and desktop of my computer, and know that whatever happens tomorrow, I won't be here to deal with it! Only 2 hours to go. It is very liberating, and has really put a feeling of hope inside me.

Now that I've dealt with the end of work, its time to deal with the packing and moving aspect...which as most of you know, is the not-so-fun part. Jim and Taryn are here to help out which is great, and I'm really not all that worried. It will get done, and Friday morning rain or shine, we will be on our way to the snowy skies of Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

As I sometimes do, I checked out what I wrote one year ago in my former xanga. What I found is very interesting and a little ironic. Little did I know what was going to come in the next year!


March 19, 2007
"So, I'm at work. Its Spring Break, so no one is here. Not too much to do...I've resorted to sorting MSDS's. (any science person knows how fun that can be!)

Its one of those times where I've been thinking about life a lot. Its such a strange thing. You are born, go through a bunch of highs and lows, and then you die. But every moment you live feels like the most important moment at the time, but looking back it seems so very small. It makes me wonder how much our every day decisions affect the world....and how we could be better spending our time. I feel like the world is filled with billions of people who walk around in their own little worlds, wondering whats next for them. How often do you see strangers, and in complete silence, no one interacts with each other? Everyone is so wrapped up in themselves that we fail to look at each person as another one of God's creations. There are so many of us packed into this country, but how many people do we actually interact with? I hate human nature and selfishness. But its nearly impossible to overcome! And even more impossible to change the world in the process.

I need something new....something different to experience....I am feeling stuck and comfortable, and I don't want to be. I want a change, a chance to leave my comfort zone and hear God's voice in a way I never allowed myself to before. "

3.12.2008

Politics

I wish I knew more about politics. I hate those people who apparently feel so passionate about a specific candidate without knowing anything about history, politics, or even their candidate's platform. Unfortunetly, America is filled with those kinds of people. This is why I'm hesitant to get involved in politics-because I know that I am uneducated and completely out of turn to say anything opinionated whatsoever without having any idea what I'm talking about. I'd love to learn more though, but whats the best way? Reading about the candidates online? Watching the debates? Reading critics' responses? All of the above?

I guess another reason why I am hesitant to be involved in politics is because I hate fighting and disagreements, especially with close friends and family. I like to avoid conflict whenever possible, and politics is probably the #1 thing that people get heated about. But at the same time, if I complain about and want to see a change in America, it is important for people like me to make an educated vote when the time comes.

I have some surface opinions, but they need to be hashed out and researched a whole lot more before I can claim them as my own. One thing that has gotten me in some hot almost-arguments (because in true Kara style, I try to divert the conversation before it gets heated)is the issue of religion in politics. I, for one, don't personally believe that what a candidate is "labeled" as should define their competency to lead the country. Yes, I believe in God, and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (I have become really bitter toward the word "Christian" lately)but just because a political candidate professes to be a "Christian" does not necessarily mean that: A)They actually adhere to Christian moralistic standards, and B) They automatically will make the right decisions for the country. Those labels really mean nothing to me. I instead prefer to look at their stances on issues and their personalities to see if Christ is emulated through them by their basic values. Sadly, there are many people who have higher and better moralistic standards and values than most people who claim to be Christians. So, long story short, what candidates "claim" to be doesn't mean anything to me.

Other than that, I really am feeling convicted to learn more about politics and specifically the 2008 candidates. Maybe my next entry will be a little more opinionated :)

And now some things to keep me occupied at work:



You Are a Comma



You are open minded and extremely optimistic.

You enjoy almost all facets of life. You can find the good in almost anything.



You keep yourself busy with tons of friends, activities, and interests.

You find it hard to turn down an opportunity, even if you are pressed for time.



Your friends find you fascinating, charming, and easy to talk to.

(But with so many competing interests, you friends do feel like you hardly have time for them.)



You excel in: Inspiring people



You get along best with: The Question Mark






You Should Be a Doctor



You are practical, sharp, and very intuitive.

Optimistic and energetic, you are a problem solver who doesn't get discouraged easily.

You are also quite compassionate and caring. You make people feel hopeful.

You're highly adaptable and capable. You do well with almost any curve ball life throws at you.



You do best when you:



- Are always learning new subjects

- Use your knowledge to solve problems



You would also be a good therapist or detective.






You Are 84% Good



You are not only a good person... you are a model citizen and a natural leader.

Whether you know it or not, your high moral standards and good judgment is truly rare.

You don't take ethical short cuts in life. You are able to do what's right - even when it's very difficult.

And while it may seem like no one else is as on track as you are, take heart in knowing that you set a good example for others.



You are also probably: Very sensitive and in tune with the world



Right now you are on track to being: A saint



To be a better person: Gently mentor someone who is taking the wrong path in life






You Are a Liberal Lady



Like Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore, you don't shy away from your liberal causes.

You may consider yourself a feminist, and you definitely trust your heart to tell you what's right.

You are likely to have a million issues you care about - and not nearly enough time to devote to them all.

3.10.2008

Some things

Beneath my skin
I curl up tight
where its warm and comfortable
Watching, waiting
for the moment to come
when I will slip out unseen

Outside my world
the blinders adjust
focused on the sunny grass beside the wilted tree
Smiling, laughing
looking over the head of
injustice and greed

To only have a bone from His body
A glimpse of His luminance
Life-changing aromas fill me with hope
Opened, broken
Treating the dirt I tread
as if it was me

3.06.2008

Sad but true!

My good friend Jesse just sent me this cartoon which I thought was so hilarious because of how true it is. When I finished laughing, however, it really hit close to home becaue I am almost ashamed to be part of a country that is like this...I don't even want to think about how the rest of the world views us....

3.03.2008

The single life

Jay is in Columbus this weekend.

And I miss him. Since being married I've become oddly co-dependent on him always being around, its almost like a comfort blanket. I feel like half of me is missing when he's gone. I don't like it! Its very lonely, and weirdly brings back flashbacks of my single life, which was only a short time ago.

I don't miss a thing about being single. I love having my best friend with me day in and day out...what could be better than that?