back home

Well, I'm settled back into Hoosier life now, after a quick trip to Michigan. Seeing my college friends reminds me how rare and wonderful it is to have friendships that stand up through time, and changes in life, even changes in ourselves. For example, my old college roommate and her husband are now bikers- maybe it's not quite what you're picturing but I did get to go help them pick out chaps and a biker jacket. We also went to a bonfire- a firemen's bonfire. It was a regular bonfire, not a burning house or anything, but they got some big flames going.

Being home but not having a schedule is a little hard to adjust to. I know some people can relate. It's also kind of wonderful. Mostly I've been doing as much as possible outside- running, biking, helping with the SPEA garden, reading, eating ice cream- tomorrow I'm going to go out with some field guides and get serious about learning trees and wildflowers. I should have started earlier in the spring, but I'll see what I see. I've had this project on my list for years.

The one bit of structure in my life now is tutoring, and I'm glad to have it. Besides providing a tiny bit of income, it gives me some sense of usefulness. And my algebra 2 skills are really sharp now. It's fun to remember what high schoolers are like, too.

I went to my first "bachelor party" yesterday. What happened was, my bible study finished a study series last week, and decided to go out for ice cream this week. One of the couples in the group is getting married this weekend...the bride to be is in her hometown getting ready, while the groom is still here working like crazy at a brand new job. He mentioned not having time for a bachelor party even if he wanted one, so we decided to make our "ice cream social" the bachelor party, in spite of the fact there was only 1 other bachelor there. Don't worry, the only one dancing on tables was somebody's infant daughter. ( It seems like I only mention bible study when we're doing something social- we do actually read and talk about the Bible and pray....really.)

I start my internship in 5 days...starting to get excited/nervous.

Latest entertainment:
Music: Jack Johnson-in between dreams; The Soweto Gospel Choir (they are amazing!); Nickel Creek.

Books: Currently reading Trail of Tears, by John Ehle- interesting perspective on Cherokee and other Native American cultures so far, I admit I struggle a bit through the battle and scalping accounts.

Books on tape: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- kept me awake on the way to Michigan and back (which is more than I can say for the movie!)- seems like kid's stuff to me, as it's supposed to be, but I can see how people get hooked on it. Rowling does well at creating a magical world and drawing you into it. Still, I put the Lord of the Rings (re-reading) and the Lemony Snicket series higher on my fantasy reading list.

Movies: Crash- starring everyone you've ever heard of and some you haven't. Well- acted, interesting storylines. I felt they beat you over the head with the idea that everyone's racist, but my friends disagreed. A bit of a downer, in case you haven't guessed.