Hmm...Should I order ignorance or responsibility?

Sorry it's been awhile since my last post. The oasis of spring break is now gone and I'm back in the desert....but the end is in sight! Only 20 something days of school left! I should post a countdown, shouldn't I? I'm everyone would be soo interested in that.

So, I've been doing some thinking lately (and "some" is relative), which has brought me to the conclusion that I simply don't think enough. I feel like all the "thinkers" around me are shedding light on my lack of thought. I shouldn't really say that I don't think....I teach 200 middle schoolers a day. One doesn't survive unless they learn to think at least one step ahead....and, trust me, 13 year olds are ALWAYS thinking! I guess I've just been "thinking" about not "thinking" about important things.....but then what one deems important is always changing too. Much of this was spurred on during my trip to Seattle. Meg took me out with some of her friends there, and now, Meg is a "thinker." She stays caught up on current events and has decided thoughts on a whole conglomeration of politically charged topics. She's a faithful reader of Time magazine and the founder of a book club (now, please raise your hand if you belong to a book club!). In fact, she stays in books.....and not just fluffy Christian books. She could map out a Barnes and Noble on a napkin (ok, maybe not). The point is, she's informed. And so are her friends. They were a huge mix of different people but were somehow able to quite naturally fall into conversation about the books they're reading, current issues in politics, religion, how different churches celebrate Easter, etc. I'm embarrassed to say that I felt like a fish out of water that so desperately wanted to swim with them....I had almost nothing to contribute! Maybe that's not true either. I know I used to discuss important issues like that, and I really think that speaking on a 7th grade level all day has seriously stunted my growth! I want to have opinions about the issues that surround us...not because it's the popular opinion but because I have seriously thought through that! DOES ANYONE ELSE EVER FEEL LIKE THIS?!? I feel utterly surrounded by strong opinions (and many really idiotic ones) and I want to know whether I agree or disagree and why. Maybe I just need a good argument. Does this mean I need to start a book club and subscribe to Time? Perhaps it means that I just start paying more attention (which I have, by the way). Our brains are often left unstimulated...never really leaving our daily routine. Our paths of thought are worn and easy to follow...I'm ready to explore new ground.....you know, think about social security, the 5 points of Calvinism (and why the "L" is so hard to swallow), immigration rights, vaccinations for infants, and the bird flu. Not just who I think will win American Idol (Chris Daughtry all the way).

I hope this makes sense. It probably doesn't since my brain has dissintegrated into to pregnancy mush....but I'm working the muscle more than I have and that's the only way to move forward, right? (I'll figure out my opinion and let you know)

HELP!

Ok, so here are pics of Josh, Me and Max (in case you don't know what we look like....and all of you do). If anyone can tell me how to post them on my profile I'll be forever grateful. I have tried multiple times, but continue to be told that the file is too large...it's just one picture! Are our heads seriously that big?!? (please don't answer)

Tulips and Eggs

Just a quick update to show off God's amazing display of tulips we saw at the tulip festival on Easter Sunday....it was breathtaking. Also are a few pics of Meghann, her sister Darian and myself dying Easter eggs. Enjoy!

No plane crashes

Well, I'm safely here with all limbs attached. The fight was long and pretty boring (but they at least showed "Narnia") so I was glad to finally land. Meg has been the perfect host and, despite the 40-something degree weather, rain and HAIL (for which I brought no rain jacket or umbrella...I know, I know...Seattleans swear this isn't normal) we ventured out to see the famous Pike's Place fish market. It was a much bigger market with a much smaller "throwing fish" section than I expected. It was full with homemade jams, crafts, paintings, jewelry, fruits, vegetables, belt buckles, handmade soaps, fish and they had the biggest tulips I believe I have ever seen. I also purchased a precious, hand-painted newborn onesie with whales swimming on it and "Seattle" written at the bottom....it made the reality of a little bundle hit home....it's so cute! We also visited the "original" Starbucks where they sell the famous "Pike's Blend" coffee that is only carried by that store. You're all welcome to come over and try it! The store was absolutely packed with people so I opted for getting my hot chocolate at the grocery store where we made a quick stop to purchase egg dying materials....yes, Starbucks is on every corner and in every grocery store (and I bet you didn't know that Seattle's Best is actually owned by Starbucks....yet they act like tough competitors -- thanks for the factoid, Meg!)

***Pictures: Top -- Super-silly Meghann at the beach for a girl's weekend
Right -- Pike's Place Market (sorry, Gary and Ashley...you didn't know your picture would be on here)
Bottom -- Partial view from Meg's living room that has a wall of windows. This piciture does it no justice. On the right side, when it's clear, she has a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier and the cascade mountains. It's stunning.

More later as our adventures continue....

Virgin Blogger!

Ok....first timer, here. I have been so intrigued by my friend's blogs and have recently felt the need to have my own place to vent, journal thoughts, ask questions and update those of you who love us and are interested in the journey we're all on...but from our point of view. Also, since I'm not great at keeping in touch with multiple people at a time this will hopefully offer some temporary redemption in that.

It's Good Friday and I'm headed to Seattle! Don't be fooled by the exclamation point...while I'm very excited to be visiting my close girl-pal Meghann, I have been hit over the head with huge waves of anxiety and many tears. It's the strangest thing - not that I'm emotional but that I'm this emotional. I have been looking forward to this for a long time as I haven't seen Meg in awhile and it's the last time I'll be able to travel for awhile with "little bit" on the way. This must be the 2nd trimester onslaught of weeping I've heard about (let me know if you can relate). 3rd trimester starts in May....WOO HOO...let the bigness begin!

I've always wanted to visit Seattle and I know I will have a fantastic time (look for pictures as soon as I figure out how to post them). I think I've just conviced myself that my plane will crash....very revealing of my heart. When you have much to lose, you fight to save it....despite the impossibility of it. Jesus' words sting a bit..."Those who seek to save their life will lose it and those who lose their life for my sake will find it" Mt 16:25. I need for that to sink in....along with the assurance that His plans are to prosper me and not to harm me....hard to believe when you think you know how to do that better. I'm so grateful for grace.

Happy Easter everyone!