Here I am again at work. The day is coming to a close, and we are coming upon a 3 day weekend. Therefore, everyone is a bit antsy, and there isn't a whole lot to. 'How shall I pass the time?' I ask myself. 'I know! I'll update the blog!' There is no real purpose to this post, other than to give a brief update.

There is probably more going on in Anthony's life than mine right now, and since he does not update this blog except to post odd facts, I might as well fill you in. He moved back to Bethel last Wednesday, and he started classes yesterday. He's living in Logan this year (way bizarre), but he's on the opposite side of our apartment last year (can you say confusing?? I've already run into the wall!). He's really enjoying the extra space, and living with all the guys is an added bonus as well. I'm so glad that he gets this last semester with them. Board, contrary to all the grief we've given you, I think it's a good thing we're not getting married in October. Though it would have been a beautiful time of year, this just gives us more time to save, prepare, and enjoy this season of life. Anyway, Anthony is loving being back at Bethel, though he has a full schedule like usual. He's filling up his spare hours with work so that he can save as much as possible as well.

Work is going well for me. The pace is picking up with the students being back on campus, so I am grateful for that. It's a bit strange being on campus with all the students here. I'm in the awkward place of being a graduate and a staff member, yet still having plenty of connections with the students. So far, I've surprised myself with not missing the life of a student yet. I think that's mostly because none of my girls are back. It just wouldn't be right to be a student here without them. But in the next few weeks I will be finding a balance of being with Bethel people and being a graduate. We'll see how that goes.

Tomorrow we're going to the dunes, and Dee is meeting up with us there. Sun, friends, and water...mmmm. I'm really excited for a relaxing weekend. Last night was the first night in at least 3 weeks that I haven't had something going. Most nights, I haven't gotten home until at least 11, and that's not good when I have to be at work at 8am! But last night, I went home and vegged for a while. Then I went to bed early, and today I feel so refreshed and good!

One of the 'things' that I've had to do these past three weeks was get some free furniture! Anthony and I ran into Danny Hunter one afternoon and learned that he knew a guy who was moving and giving away furniture. So, we said get us in on that deal! We went this past week, and moved a bunch of stuff. We now have matching couch and loveseat, dining room table and chairs, entertainment center, bookshelf, desk, and end table for FREE!! It's not the most beautiful stuff in the world, but it's nice and in working condition. And the couches are comfy. It also gives me some projects to work on, which makes me excited.

I think that's about all for today. Happy Labor Day Weekend, everyone!

Until next time,
Emily

Vote for Who?

“Of those 80 million homeowners, only 55 million have a mortgage at all, and 51 million are doing what is necessary --working a second job, skipping a vacation, and managing their budgets -- to make their payments on time. That leaves us with a puzzling situation: how could 4 million mortgages cause this much trouble for us all?
--John McCain [Economic Speech in Santa Ana, CA, 3/25/08]

[begin sarcasm] Simply inspirational. [end sarcasm]

Apparently, I'm the only one who posts on this blog now ;) But time has certainly been flying by these past two weeks. Not only am I working every day, but I've also have had my evenings packed. I've pretty much given up on getting to bed at a decent time. Every morning when I wake up at 6:30, I think to myself, 'I really need to get to bed earlier.' Then the next night happens, and nothing changes.

However, I'm sure things will slow down now that Anthony is actually back at Bethel. I won't get him to myself as much because he has other people all around him. But I'm so glad that he has this semester to live with the guys and just really enjoy Bethel life. It is weird to see them in Logan. I'm curious to see how much time I spend at Bethel this semester. Yes, I work here, so I will at least be here for 9 hours, but I'm in this awkward position of being a staff member, yet being a recent graduate. We'll see.

I absolutely love the ladies I work with. They are truly fantastic, and they crack me up! Yesterday, they gave me both Thursday and Friday before the wedding off. And they're letting me have that whole next week off for the honeymoon! They also told me that they're planning on having a wedding shower for me. I'm just so touched that they have so easily accepted me as part of the team. The past two Wednesdays I've gone out to eat with ladies from the building, and that has been a lot of fun. I think I'm doing ok at this whole transition to adulthood thing. Though sometimes I still feel awfully young.

Our goal was to finish the second season of 24 before Anthony moved back to school. unfortunately, we still have about 6 episodes to go... and we left off at a really suspenseful part! We just don't have time for tv any more.

Less than 5 months til the wedding!! I'm so excited to finish up all the planning. Sometimes, I just want it to come right now!

Ok, I can't think of anything else to write about, so this is it for the day.

Blessings,
Em

P.S.

My birthday is a month away. I will be 23.

My wedding is 5 months away from this past Sunday.

Weird.

New Job!

I know, I know... I started my new on Monday, and I still haven't posted about it! I've been bad. But I feel like I haven't even had time to breathe! Monday night we had premarital counseling, Tuesday night a bunch of us went to see Chris and Anne spent the night, Wednesday Anthony and I went out to dinner, and here we are.

But you probably don't care about all of those details. My new job has been great! I've been extremely surprised at how easily I've been able to adjust and fit in. I had someone come in to train me for the first half of my first day, and since then I've been pretty much on my own. It's been slow, too. The director of career services is on vacation this week, so that might be part of the reason I haven't had as much to do. The students aren't here yet either (with the exception of the RA's who come today). But the slower pace has allowed me to learn things and get used to some of the programs they use.

Everyone has been super nice. They have a "women's wednesday" where all the women in the administration building are invited to go out to lunch at Tradewinds. So I went with a group of about 5 other women. It was a lot of fun, though a bit weird to be on the other side of things. It's also been a lot of fun being located between Student Development and R&P. People are always coming in to say hi. Sherry Weldy is hilarious (she's in the office with me), and we have a good time. And, of course, it's great to be near Anthony. We had lunch together today, which is an added bonus.

All this to say that everything has been great, and I think I will really like the job.

I also really like the Olympics! I wish I could watch more, but I've been so busy! I think the women's gymnastics is on tonight, so I want to try and stay up for it. I don't know what it is about the Olympics, but it somehow causes me to want to watch all these sports that I normally pass by any other time. I think Anthony thinks it's a little strange that I get so into it, but he's learning to deal with it ;)

I think that's about all I have for today!

Blessings!
Em

It's been a while

I haven't posted for a while, and even though it's getting late and I should be in bed because I have a full day of work tomorrow, I can't seem to help being on my laptop. I'm not tired yet, and I should be reading and increasing my intellect. Oh well, here I am.

Speaking of reading, I'm almost finished with the Scarlet Letter. I've never read it before, and I decided when I went to the library last week that I should add some classics to my reading list. It's quite the fascinating book, and I'm curious to see how it all ends. Was there truly a world where adultery was treated with such harshness? No grace extended for this particular sin. At least not to the woman. The man is fine, with the exception of his own guilt. Again, I haven't finished yet, so who knows. But to walk around in isolation with the letter "A" embroidered on your clothes... not my idea of fun.

In other news, I finally made it to the beach!! I was so excited! Brett, Anthony, and I went to Silver Beach on Lake Michigan this past Saturday. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Sunny with just enough breeze to take the intensity off the heat. I dozed in the sun, went exploring, and took some walks along the shore line (if you can call it that when it's not an ocean). I was happy.

Our invitations arrived on Monday! Yay! They look great... no typos or anything. So now the massive box is sitting in my room, and some day I will attempt to start assembling them. But we have plenty of time for that.

The other night a group of us watched the movie You've Got Mail. It's one of the better chick flicks, in my humble opinion, but this particular night I couldn't help but judge it a little. It's not You've Got Mail's fault, it was simply the catalyst. I've noticed more recently in chick flicks or romantic books or even TV shows that everything is about the sexual tension leading up to a couple getting together. It's all about the pursuit. Don't get me wrong, this is exciting and important, but there is nothing in the media that focuses on marriage. It's as though the message is being sent out that once you get to the point of marriage, life is boring. The exciting stuff happens before- that's why movies always end with the wedding. Or with the first kiss. But is that true?? I don't think so. At least I hope not... Since when does marriage equal boring. Love doesn't stop at the altar- if anything it begins more deeply than before.

But then again, maybe it does become more boring. I mean, the chase is over, right? Flowers are given less frequently. Dates become relaxing on the couch watching a rented movie. I was reading a book the other day that reported that couple who live together/sleep together before marriage experience a sudden drop off of sex after they get married. It's as if it's lost the excitement. Before it was dangerous or at least more forbidden and adventurous. Now it's legal, and where's the fun in that? Of course, this illustration leads into a whole other realm of the dangers of living together/sleeping together before marriage, and that's not my point here. My point is why do things have to get boring... or why are told, whether explicitly or implicitly, to expect this? Don't get me wrong... there is something to a level of comfort that comes with marriage or engagement that makes it wonderful not to feel like you have to perform. But I still think there should be an even higher standard in marriage. I think it's important to still go on dates- frequently. I think it's important to keep things spontaneous and fun. I think it should be movie worthy, referring to the beginning of this rant. I guess I'm not even sure where I'm going with this other than to say that I think society has the wrong impression and idea of marriage. It's beautiful, and it's sacred, and it's an adventure. Not that I have any experience. I'll let you all know more when I'm actually married.

Ok, not sure where that all came from. Sorry guys. This has suddenly become much longer than expected. I guess I will leave you all with those thoughts. If you think about it, be praying for Anthony this weekend as he embarks on a retreat at a monastery in Three Rivers. He's going just to get away from it all and to spend some time with Jesus. I'm really glad he's going. Life sometimes goes non-stop, and sometimes complete breaks are really needed.

Tis all for tonight!

Em