Citizens of Heaven, Wanderers of Earth

Its been a long time...

2011-11-07T19:01:00.000-08:00

Wow its has literally been more than a year since I posted last. So much happens in the span of a year. Rachael has been traveling all over the world telling people how much Jesus loves them and I am in my second year of medical school. Its a surreal feeling to pull myself out of the present for a moment and survey the path that God has brought lead us down. So many answered prayers and so many new ones to pray. God has answered my prayers abundantly for friendship, for christian community in medical school. Rachael left last January and I realized I had not sought many relationships within my class and I had a crash course in the importance of surrounding yourself with people who care about you and loving people right back. My dad has a new job which has been a prayer for several years. And despite the fact that I often complain, something I am honestly trying to work on - Lord continue to break me of this tendency, I am just as often awed, humbled and grateful for where I am. Medical school is not what I thought it would be, but then again I am not sure what I expected. I am reminded by little things and interactions with people of my heart for entering into this field. Last week I had the privilege of sitting with a patient for an extended amount of time and listening while she processed through a very traumatic event in her life that was crippling her with grief. To my astonishment she had not yet spoken about it in depth with anyone else. This is the great privilege I am given, even more so as a student when I have the luxury of time with each person. May I be continually humbled Lord and please God teach me on a regular basis the great depth of your love for people. I have learned that while I may pray for people internally it is rare that I have the courage to let them know I am praying or to ask to pray with them. Rachael gets back in two weeks. I cannot wait to squish her face and to not let go! Its going to be a beautiful messy re-adjustment and I cannot wait. I am reading ELizabeth Elliot right now and what I am constantly reminded of is to wait, be patient and trust the Lord in all aspects of my life. Trust Jesus with medical school, with my dads new job, with my friends heartbreak, with my hopes and dreams for the future and my worries about the present, to say with my thoughts and my choices that no matter what I feel- I know, and choose to act, on the fact that our God is good, faithful, loving, he cares about the details and desires that his children conform more and more to the image of his son...This concludes the random rambles for the day. Perhaps I will get in the habit of actually posting again. I really need to be studying as per usual.

I have the best sister ever

2010-06-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

How do people make it through life without a sister? ~Sara Corpening

Bless you, my darling, and remember you are always in the heart - oh tucked so close there is no chance of escape - of your sister. ~Katherine Mansfield

If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child. ~Linda Sunshine

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there. ~Amy Li

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. ~Marion C. Garretty

Sunny days and dance parties

2010-06-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

Rachael and I love dance parties! Really who doesn't love dance parties? ( for those of you shaking your head can you honestly say you've never had the slight inclination to get up and dance at one moment or another? Rachael and I simply act on it). Its one of the many reasons I love living with my sister - the freedom to be absolutely silly among other good things. It also gives me the freedom to be grumpy and hibernate as I have done this week in an attempt to study. By God's good grace, lots of your prayers and Rachael's patience, the week has ended so much better than it began. My homework is complete and turned in and I have the weekend to study and prepare for the next round of class.

Sunshine on the park blocks makes it impossible to not fall a little more in love with this city. People have asked me how I put up with the rain in Oregon. After the last few days I can easily say its worth it to be here in the summer. Its been a perfect 70 degrees with a breeze, clear skies and no humidity. The roses are out in force and between that and the greenery it is its own slice of heaven here. I think the rain makes people all the more appreciative of the sunshine and in fact I've come to love the rain a bit in and of itself, as it has become a constant friend in the last few months.

My time in NC was refreshing and also tiring. I was up early and out late and it was absolutely worth it. What an amazing reminder of the love and support. I am blessed beyond measure. Being back at church of the apostles was a reminder of what home and church community is like and it made me grateful, thankful and more determined to invest more deeply in our church here.

Besides surviving biochem, Gig is here for a visit! Hoooray. Should see her sometime next week. Rach has started a new job that she loves and is back to cooking all sorts of goodies. We have fallen into a routine that I enjoy much more than the discombobulated late schedule we had at the beginning of our move. We both get up early - she heads to work, I head to the gym. I come back and study and get work done before heading to class. While she is at work I hit up the library until the evening and then we have dinner together, catch up on the day and in the case of tonight an amazing and a eclectic ( in terms of musical choice) dance party.

Really what more can a girl ask for?

Biochemistry is eating my brain

2010-06-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

So I have lots of semi-finished post from my amazing visit to NC. I had such a good time seeing friends and family! I can't believe the trip is already over. Arriving home I have jumped straight back into school, which I was excited about until I encountered the evil monster that is biochemistry. Say a prayer there is so much I don't understand and a lot of basics that I have forgotten in being out of school for the last few years. On a positive note todays class and homework have gone much better than the beginning of the week and if I can simply survive I will be thrilled with a C for the first time in my life. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and encouragement. God's grace has brought me this far and will bring me the rest of the way. I need to remember that. More late, probably after I have survived the biochem beast.

p.s. GIG WILL BE HERE NEXT week! Hooray. Who would have though when I moved to Oregon I would get to see her 3 times in less than 6 months!

Oh Montana, my one true love.. you can never look beyond the Big Sky

2010-06-17T19:01:00.001-07:00

So Rae and I finished Mansfield park. It was as fantastic as ever. I love Austen’s Heroes and the way the moment of clarity they have when they suddenly realize they have been in love with our heroine all the time and must immediately ( or shortly confess it). After finishing up mansfield we packed up our gear and headed back to our seats. Robert had taken residence in our seat and we felt bad about kicking him out but it was bed time. He didn’t mind though and went back to sitting with his father. We got settled into our seats and set up the computer to watch another version of Persuasion while we fell asleep. However, we didn’t quite get that far we ended up talking to Robert and his dad instead until the guy behind us got angry because he was trying to sleep. Oops. Robert was super sweet. He gave Rachael and I these small penguin keychains call CuCu’s that have a laser that projects the date and time. How fun is that. Rae then promptly fell asleep and I watched the movie myself before heading to sleep. Despite having lots of leg room I had trouble getting comfortable on the train. We should have probably spread out but instead we both tried to curl up on the same seat. Lol. I woke up early the next morning as the sun was just beginning its rise over the mountains. There was an ethereal mist hovering over the landscape as we chugged along towards whitefish Montana. Not to long after that the conductor began walking up and down the aisle announcing “ Whitefish Montana, Next stop, Whitefish Montana”. We shook ourselves fully awake and began to gather up our gaggle of luggage. Robert offered to help us get our stuff off the train. Of course when the train did stop to unload Rae was in the bathroom. As we carted our luggage off the train, Robert kept saying “ so much luggage, so much luggage” in his chinese accent. I felt a bit bad since I was only traveling for a long weekend and coming from two states away when he was coming from across the pacific ocean and staying for two weeks and CLEARLY had less luggage than us. Someday I will be a better packer ( though Rae and I did share one bag of clothes, one bag for books and one for food).

It was nice and chilly, though clear in whitefish. The train had actually arrived several minutes early so grandma and grandpa were just around the corner ( wonderfully prompt as ever). Its always so good to see the. They scooped us up and we headed towards Kalispell to do some grocery shopping and eat breakfast. Cisclo’s a small down home restaurant was AMAZING for breakfast. They do a special for anyone who gets there before 8:30 am and today’s special was the spicy skillet which was essentially an omelet with spicy sausage and hash browns all mixed together served with yummy toast. You had better believe I killed that thing. This would prove to be a fat kid vacation in terms of food. Rae and I had an unlimited amount of oreos, ice cream, cake and pie not to mention good normal food in large quantities. Food at grandmas house is always so good.

At any rate our first day was a relaxing one, we ate, Rae slept on an off, I read a book, we visited with grandma and grandpa, ran up the hill to see Uncle Larry and Aunt sue. Had an amazing lemon birthday cake with raspberries and ice cream and watched Dances with Wolves. So evidently for years I have confused the movie white fang with the movie dances with wolves. I did not love dances with wolves. The ending was sad and it was a FOREVER long movie. We also heard some good grandma stories and Aunt Sue told us how she and Uncle Larry got married.

So evidently Aunt Suzie got married when she was 16 and her husband cheated on her. Despite the fact that she already had a son, Allen, the catholic church granted her an annulment but told her she could never get married or they would excommunicate her. Years later she meet uncle Larry in her 20’s. He’s driving trucks and she is a waitress. Aunt Sue’s family loves Uncle Larry and wants to know why she won’t marry him, since he kept asking her. She said she didn’t want to because she had already been through that, and I am guessing because the church told her she couldn’t get remarried. However her family was teasing her about it one night so bad that she told them she would go get married after they finished their game of cards if they would leaver her alone. He sister bet her 10 dollars she wouldn’t do it. Right after the card game Uncle Larry and Aunt Sue headed to Indiana to some town where you could get a quick license they were there in back in a matter of hours and have been together for 52 years. Consequently her sister owed her 10$. What is sad is that when she remarried she was officially excommunicated from the catholic church. But at the same time Frank Sinatra managed to receive an annulment from his current wife so he could marry someone else ( the same thing Aunt Sue did) and because of his wealth her was not excommunicated. Per Grandma Jeanine Aunt Sue has had a bit of a grudge against the church ever since, though I can see why. She still considers herself catholic though and sends what would be her tithes to a lot of different catholic missionary and relief efforts.

People’s stories are so interesting. For instance, my grandmother doesn’t have a birth certificate because when she was born the doctor though she was dead and went to work on her mother, because she was bleeding heavily. Because he thought she was dead he simply tossed her on the bed and left her. Her aunt and grandmother however didn’t give up on her and they took her back to the kitchen, put her in some warm water, then dunked her in cold to shock her system. Then they wrapped her up warmly and put her in the over to stay warm. Because of this grandma considers herself half baked :) and she was never issued a birth certificate.

When my Aunt Noni was born her family was living in their barn because their house was in the process of being built. She can truly claim to be born in a barn and get away with just about everything. Rae also found one of grandpa’s old letters to grandma. It wasn’t overly mushy but you can still see how he cared and I could imagine my young grandfather sending it to my young grandmother. My grandfather worked in Ohio and my grandmother was in nursing school in Tennessee and so their courtship was long distance. He would call occasionally - and talk while she cried because she missed him- send letters and occasionally visit. Grandma said on one particular visit they went to the drive in movie. Something Grandma had never been allowed to do because her mother said “ good girls do not go to drive in movies” though she would never tell her why. When they got there my grandfather fell asleep because he had driven 13 hours to see her and my grandmother spent most of the movie trying to look around and understand what was so bad about the drive in. She also told us about how they went to her black stripe dinner for nursing and ended up sitting in the drive way talking for hours and hours and not getting into the house until 5 am. She says nothing happened ( and I believe her,) other than he put his arm around her. Her sister, Jomeida was suspicious though, but upon taking off her corset and having all the powder fall to the floor, her suspicions were eased.. lol. Its funny to think of my grandmother doing that, though having seen pictures of them young I can see it in my head, just because I have moments like that myself. Especially when you are first getting to know someone you like and you cannot seem to get enough of their time or talk to them enough and you forfeit ridiculous amounts of sleep to innocently do just that.

We had a lot of laughter, food and good company the rest of the weekend. We played games, watched movies, went to church, toured a historical house, watched the kayak race and made some awesome Jane Austen inspired stationary. We’ll elaborate later. For the moment we are once again on the train headed home. Rachael has fallen asleep next to me. I can’t blame her. I fell asleep earlier while we were doing a suduko puzzle ( which we aced together Whooopaaa). When we get home in the morning, mom, christian and richelle will be there for the day and then dad and jacks may stop by in the evening. I have a feeling I may not get very much census work done. Perhaps some on tuesday. We shall see. No more Safeway work for me until June 20th. I cannot believe in 2 days I will be NC bound.

Even if we weren’t sisters I would go out of my way to be friends with her

2010-06-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

Whew this is way better than a plane. I’m not packed in like a sardine, I’m allowed to get up and move, and I’m not worried about being bombed.. We’re currently sitting in the lounge on the train to Whitefish, Montana ( hooray). There is a cute little Amish couple sitting at the table booth right behind us, and they make me happy. He has the very bowl like haircut, beard and glasses, and she has the cute little bonnet and fully covering dress, his undershirt is the same color as her dress. The Amish are the only exception to the no matching rule, and only because they are adorable.I don’t know if it is illegal to take pictures of the Amish, but I just did, so you all can enjoy their cuteness as well.

Today is Autumn’s Birthday, she is the big twenty-five. Our day didn’t go as planned, but has been wonderful all around regardless. We ignored our alarms, and slept in until almost ten AM. Once up we leisurely got ready, and made plans to possibly go to an afternoon showing of Robin Hood after a morning yoga session. YOU WOULD NEVER BELIEVE, BUT AUTUMN ASKED ME TO DO YOGA. The first half hour was full of grumpiness, lets just say not on my end, lots of I hate downward dog, and upward dog, and chaturangas (otherwise known as chimichangas.. helen), but once we got into the balancing stage, tree pose and down to the floor she was nice and zenned out you could say and normal pleasant autumn. We had some good laughs at her attempts to do several poses, and the lameness of her Yoga, but I still love her. After yoga we realized it was already almost 1pm. Yes, this is how slow we are. SO we made a yummy birthday brunch of black bean burgers on english muffins, with what I think was escarole I bought from the farmers market, and some sautéed asparagus. (p.s Autumn just told me the Amish don’t like their photo taken because it is considered a graven image and preserving what can’t be preserved.. woops)

After breaky Autumn went to Safeway to buy some soil to replant our edamame plants. They are looking pretty weak, and I really want them to grow! Whilst out and about she met a homeless man named Steve to whom she offered to buy a ham sandwich. Unfortunately, Steve wanted a rheuben, but safeway did not carry them, so he then asked for an egg salad sandwich, which they also did not carry, and finally he asked for a grilled cheese. Autumn came back home to make him a grilled cheese only to realize we did not have bread, so we made it on an english muffin. We then had to have the conversation about having grace and just loving on the homeless population here. Sometimes it can be really hard, because it seems like they are so ungrateful, but then again we are so ungrateful about so many things who are we to judge. It really makes people like Matthew, and Moglie so great to get lunch or dinner or whatever for, because they are so polite and grateful it just makes us want to really get them exactly what they would like from wherever verses someone who is asking me for a specific odwalla juice or vegan food from whole foods, and doesn’t want anything otherwise. ( I don’t have money to buy myself odwalla.. and I’m working 2 jobs, what in the world. )

SO anyways, after the sandwich debacle we “rushed” to clean up our apartment, pack our bags, both shower, make hummus and also slide in an impromptu dance party ( actually our second of the morning, seeing as it was Audi’s b-day.) All of this was attempted in un hour. yes, one hour. We needed to be at the max stop by 3:45 to ride to the train station to pick up our tickets 30 minutes early and leave at 4:45.

3:45 we are still packing our bags, autumn is drying her hair and for once, I am ready to go. It was madness.

4:00 We are running down the hall and out the door, when I see the mail man arriving with our mail. I make autumn wait, whilst she is freaking out, so we can see if their are any birthday cards for her. To her delight there was a b-day card from both Ashley williams and our grandmother.

4:05 Running down columbia with a backpack, my camera bag, and large cooler. Autumn is trailing behind me with a huge duffel and my purse. It is hard to run so we decide to speed walk instead. I am brushing past people saying, “excuse us, professional speed walkers training.” We are now noodley from laughter. As we come upon 6th ave we see the MAX line going by. I dart out in front of traffic, thanks for stopping portland drivers, and across the street to the MAX stop. Autumn is still across the block, as per usual. I get to the doors just as they are closing and shove my arm in. I have to stand in the doorway to keep the doors from closing again and autumn finally arrives, along with a few other stragglers. When we plopped down to catch our breath, Autumn told me she had yelled, “get the tickets!” as i caught the max. Isn’t she adorable, she wanted me to leave her and get our tickets and just race as fast as she could to union station. She would have never made it. Thank God we caught the MAX. Met a nice man on the train named C.W. He said he took the train to Pasco often and that it was a comfy and beautiful ride. I definitely agree with him. The sun has just started to set and the sky that once was bright and creamy with yellows and orange has now turned to a periwinkle blue with shades of cotton candy pink. I think clouds are one of my favorite parts of nature, how thick and full they can look or whispy and light.

Back to the beginning of the trip:

4:15 We arrived at union station only to find out our veterans advantage discount from my Dad isn’t valid unless we have the card with us, even though we have already purchased our tickets online. After an additional $ 50.00 to pay we have our tickets and our waiting to board. We are in the second train car and pick the very front seat of a Row, yay for computer outlets. We set up all our bags and reach into Your cooler for some water and come out with some orange gunk on our hand. Uhh-- what is this?? No, not really... crap.. it’s our hummus. it must have gotten smooshed in the run to the max line, because the lid has been shoved down into the container and it has exploded onto all our other goods. .. lovely. Normally not a big deal, but Audi went a little heavy on the garlic this batch and you can smell it from a mile away.. and it is saturating my skin. After several trips to the bathroom to rinse our cooler contents and get plenty of paper towels, the crisis is taken care of and we can meet the people nearby. Our seat neighbors are from China. We start talking to one of them and find out they are on their way to Harvard to speak at a conference on linguistics, and also education reform. He is very talkative and really nice, asking lots of questions. He is 24 and his English name is Robert, but his real name is Zou Shun Peng and he is traveling with his father, who is also speaking at the conference. His father’s english name is Jean Couch. He told us the first english name he picked was Robot. lol. His professors told him that americans would think he was unfriendly if that was his name and told him to change it to Robert. he gave us his card with his email and phone number in case we are ever visiting Beijing. It’s so strange to be so unaware of how everything works in the rest of the world. he is so up to date on everything about the states but I had no idea some of the stuff going on in China. He is an only child, because of laws restricting family size due to over population. That is so sad to me, to not even have a choice in having multiple children. I couldn’t live in China. Sadly, because of customs at the airport we do not get to try amazing chinese dried beef. He brought some with him, but it was confiscated at the airport. He seemed really sad about it, as were we. He did give us a Yen which is pronounced Yuwen. They are adjusting to a huge time zone difference and are in much need of a nap so while we are up here blogging to all you lovely friends and family they are catching some ZZzz’s and should be joining us us a bit for some cards. Robert asked if we played earlier and was surprised to hear us say we played capitalism.. lol. socialism he called it. After he had fallen asleep I packed up the cards we had gotten out only to see they were made in China. I tapped Autumn, and we both had a laugh. Visitors from Chins need to check what they are buying, pointless to buy something in America that was really from China, which 80 % at least of our things are. It was really nice and made me appreciate even more what a beautiful place we live in seeing him so excited about the scenery. I definitely take all the green around me for grant it a large majority of the time, so it’s nice to just sit on the train and soak it all in. So far by train is my travel method of choice. It’s lovely to have no where to be with my bestie in the whole world and beautiful scenery rolling and changing alongside us. The clouds went from fresh whipped Chantilly to shadows in the dull blue night sky. Out the right side of the train we can see a storm in the distance that must be pretty torrential, because we can see the rain dumping out of the charcoal grey blobs and lightning bursting between. The only other lights are an occasional cabin or home and the few mills or power plants we chug by. “ Look at those pretty lights!” autumn exclaimed. “ Thats a power plant my dear” I responded. “Oh” she said “ Yes, but they’re pretty lights.. it’s kind of like it’s a barge!” (For Courtney Seigler, being excited about a barge, only to find out it was a trash barge.) On that note I will leave you all for the night. I’m swaying back and forth with the train and Autumn and I have just snagged a corner booth in the lounge to finish watching Jane Austin’s Mansfield Park. We also have a version of Persuasion we haven’t seen yet and Amelie. Oh how I love the train. Happy Birthday to Autumn, the best sister I could have dreamed up.

p.s. i just received a response text from Grandma jeanine. Yes you read correctly, the infamous grandma jeanine is now texting. We text her to let her know we were on the train and on our way. She responded: “ Good, sleep on your money. see you both soon. love you.” I thought I had read it incorrectly, but no, I love my grandmother.

bipolar weather

2010-05-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

The weather yesterday was insane! It was sunny in the morning. Hailed several times in the afternoon. There were periodic and random rain showers and then it got cold at night. All of this happened quickly and without warning. One minute sun, the next hail. Weird. Today has been a much more normal cloudy:)

Four days until we take the train and head North to Montana. I absolutely cannot wait to see gma and gpa and aunt sue and uncle larry. I want to hear more about their lives an what they have been up to. I fully expect to garden and cook and maybe aunt sue will help us make some of her famous peanut butter cups.

Then two days after we get back I am headed to Raleigh. Seriously no words to contain the excitement!

And my birthday is next week and you gotta love free birthday stuff. I am going to see a free movie, take a free yoga class, a friend is taking me to lunch and then Rach and I are hopping the train. Its going to be a great couple of weeks!

On a prayer note. Got my financial aid statement for medical school. I knew it would be expensive but WOW. Pray I can find some work, grants or scholarships for the upcoming years.

More later:) LUURRRVE YOu!

sunshine...

2010-05-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

The roses are starting to peak out here in Portland and we've had three beautiful sunny days in a row and it suits my mood perfectly. On the 11th I got an email from OHSU and I am ACCEPTED! Medical school here I come! I am so excited. What an answered prayer from the Lord. This year I have been up and down about whether medical school was the right idea. I have prayed about it and worked toward it and been unsure. I asked God this time to either throw open the door or close it firmly because I didn't think I could take another year long round of applications, tests and fees. And in his goodness he did. When I found out I literally cried and hopped down the street as I called my family and probably looked like a crazy person. It so apparent that it is by God's grace that I got in. Applications and Interviews are not my strong point and while I knew they went better this year than the last I still had big doubts about getting in. Knowing what I am actually going to be doing for the next few years instead of only 6 months out is such a blessing. Rachael and I are going to stay in our apartment and I will get to see my mom on weekend , meet my dad for lunch, watch Jackson play basketball and hang out with Christian. It still seems unreal, like something out of a dream. What will the next year hold? I know it is really far out but how awesome would it be if I was able to finish med school here and then do my residency in North Carolina. It would pretty much be perfect. My plate is full. What more could I possibly ask for? The Lord has come through for me time and time again. You would think I would have learned this by now have more patience and less anxiety.

I have to take two required classes, biochemistry and genetics, before I can start medical school in the fall. I am all registered and ready to go at Portland State University, which is literally outside my front door. I cannot wait to be in class again. Summer school starts June 21st and goes through the beginning of august then OHSU begins right after that. In order to make the best use of vacation now, Rach and I are headed to Montana for five days at the end of may to see my grandparents and great aunt and uncle. Hopefully it will involve lots of old stories and gardening:) Two days later I am off for North Carolina. I am going to spend ten days or so in Raleigh visiting friends and old favorite places. I am also hoping to go to the beach for a day or two to see megan. Then on the 14th or 15th of the month Gig and I are taking a road trip to see katie at her new apartment in Nashville and while there I want to spend a day in franklin to see TIm, Tracie, Matt and Amanda.

I cannot wait to see everyone! It has been such a blessing to have visitors here, makes everyone not seem so far away. I am excited to be the visitor this time and house hop and see everyone!

The unfortunate thing is that I will miss almost all of Richelle's vacation because she will be in Oregon while I am in North Carolina. Hopefully I will get to catch her for at least a few days in between.

In other news Rachael and I have been working on our garden. Our Tomato plant is now huge! and we are growing basil, thyme, lavendar and going to grow dill. We have some started edemame plants and our kale and lettuce are growing great. We have also planted lots of flowers and are hoping to still plant cucumbers, peppers and who knows what else. Our fire escape and coffee table are overgrown with greenery.

This saturday my mother, grandmother, two second cousins ( one of which is a is a precious cute little baby and the other an adorable little girl), two of my cousin, rachael and I are participating in Steps for life. Its a walk to raise money and support the pregnancy resources centers in Portland. I am excited to do something that combines supporting a worthwhile cause and spending time with family. Afterwords we are going to do some shopping and grab some Indian food, Yummy. Other than that I need to be hitting the grind stone hard as far as work goes for the next two weeks so that I can have enough money to pay my rent and tuition money when I get back from my three week vacation.

and on a funny note here are two incidents that definitely made me chuckle.

First I was leaving a meeting with my Census Team leader and I walked straight into a glass door. Yep like something out of a movie. And all the people in the lobby saw me. Lol

Then I was working at the check stand in the grocery store and an older man walked by me and stopped. He looked at me quizically and said " you have lovely EYEBROWS" huh. He then followed this compliment up with " The have a very elegant tweezed look" what every girl wants to hear right.

Love to each of you. I hope you are out somewhere enjoying the sunshine.

lazy days...

2010-04-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

I am sitting by the window in one of the million coffee shops in Portland. I have been reading and Rach has been working. The sun keeps flitting back and forth behind the clouds. It is a morning I feel somewhat content with myself. I am someone who loves to read, to explore. I enjoy the sunshine and trees. I have no problem being inside all day or staying outside in the sun. I have days of restlessness and can be completely awkward and nerdy. I love to learn and miss school. I want to know my family and friends more deeply and yet have days I would just as soon be by myself.

Being here seems strange on days like this. Though its beautiful it doesn't yet feel like home but rather as if I am living another version of a life I was already used to. I miss being deeply involved in a church family, spending time with my high school girls, being able to go down the road to see a friend from college. Yet I love being able to see my mom for the weekend and have lunch with my dad when he is working outside the city. It feels somedays as if I am pulled in two directions, held by a strange tension or balance between the two.

The interview at OHSU went well I think. At least it went much better than last time though I wouldn't say great. I will hear from them and from PSU sometime in the next 3-4 weeks. I find myself looking longingly up at the medical school sitting proudly on top of the hill. It seems still like a dream to think about being part of the community there. Interviewing there confirmed yet again how much I believe I would love the study there and the people. We shall see.

I am currently working at safeway ( a grocery store) around the corner from my house. I am starting to get the hang out of it and its easy work. Not work I love but not work I hate either. It just is. I miss the doctors office but I am content for the moment to wait out schools and stay with this job and its flexible hours.

Matt is coming to visit next week and then after him Richelle. We have had visitors almost every month and it has been wonderful. What a gift your presence has been!

Love to each of you!

OHSU

2010-03-17T11:20:00.001-07:00

I am interviewing at OHSU today. Its gorgeous outside, no Portland rain and I am hopeful. Thank you for your prayers.

Rejections and Questions...

2010-03-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain:
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
- Emily Dickinson -

I received a rejection email from Creighton today. Super disappointing. As time has gone on, it was a school I was really looking forward to having a chance at attending. They place a big emphasis on a relationship with God as part of your medical education and have a heart for service. I love the above poem by Emily Dickinson. For me it encompasses seeking to live a life of significance while understand that often the smallest things we do in the service of others are significant. I have been wondering lately if my quest to become a doctor is in search of significance or actual calling. I have always wanted to be in a caring oriented profession and the concept of enabling people to live healthy full lives to me mirrored what Jesus did in physically healing so that they could be healed emotionally, mentally or spiritually etc and go on whatever journey lay ahead for them. At any rate there are lots of factors into why I have sought medical school - but I wonder more and more often am I doing it for me? For the honor and prestige? For the significance? Is it really the place God is calling me? A wise man once told me that being a doctor was a set of skills he used in the service of God, but his calling was to be a husband to his wife, a father to his children and a man of God within the church.

One of the reasons I felt the freedom to move back to Oregon was I began to realize that God's ultimate will for my life was to love him, to be in relationship with him and to love other people. The rest are details he will work out in me and through me along the way. That's easier said than done. I still long for a niche or a place to call my own. And who knows. Perhaps God will open doors in another direction or at another medical school.

Today holds elements of disappointment, but there are still elements of Joy. Its beautifully sunny outside. My sister and best friend is sitting next to me. I had dinner with my family yesterday and almost finished an entire books and three of my best friends in the entire world are coming to visit tomorrow.

The words of lamentation have continually reverberated with my lately - in relation to Lent, to disappointing situations and to events in my life where God has turned the ugly and hurtful to beauty and healing ( as he did in Esther) -

You give...
BEAUTY for ASHES
STRENGTH for FEAR
GLADNESS for MOURNING
PEACE for DESPAIR.

May your days hold both rain and sunshine so you can see the beauty in each...

Love to all of you

Sunny Saturdays

2010-03-06T18:28:00.000-08:00

Portland comes alive on a sunny afternoon. Today the city felt really vibrant. Everyone was out and about walking their dogs, visiting and eating. Rach and I went and had yummy breakfast with Erica at a little diner that has been in Portland since the 1940's. After we said good bye to Erica at the airport we hit the library briefly then Rach left for Yoga and I met lena to go the Saturday market.

For those of you who have never been to the Portland Saturday Market it is a sight worth seeing. Tons of people teemed in and out of multiple booths of anything and everything you can sell. Every other person has a dog with them and there is so much yummy food the air is saturated with tantilizing smells. All of this is set along Portland's gorgeous waterfront park where there are numerous bands and musicians playing and children are romping around in the fountains. Lena and I tried really yummy Perogies, a Polish kind of potato dumpling filled with cheese. It was fantastic. We sat on a bench and visited while we ate and watching the people wander through the park. I really wanted to throw myself down on the grass with a good book and a blanket as many others were already doing. We also discovered several independent jewelry makers whose wares were just gorgeous. When I have money I will be coming back for sure.

Later we realized we hadn't put enough money in the parking meter and we raced back to check it, thankfully no ticket. What we did discover was an amazing marimba player ( looks like a wooden xylephone?) who plays in front of our house in the park frequently. I can't wait to open the window of our new apartment nice and wide and listen as the melody floats up. The artist website is www.michaelcharleysmith.com. Check him out, he was very talented.

Currently sitting in Powell's, one of my very favorite haunts of all time. I could be in here forever. Attempted to work somewhat on applications. Lena is diligently working on her application for Uganda across from me.

Off to meet Rachael for dinner.

Two days ( well three technically but I don't count the day of) until I see my clark street girls. Seriously cannot express the excitement.

Love to each of you.

Jobs, Friends and Praise

2010-03-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
(Psalm 34:1)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise him all creatures here below. Praise him above ye heavenly host, praise father son and holy ghost.

I love the doxology!

This week has been one of great praise.

Erica has been here and her presence is fantastic.

Rachael got a JOB!!! Hoooray. She will be doing cooking/food prep at a nice restraunt in the Pearl district.

I have a job interview today, completed a job test this week, submitted an application through a friend that had possibility and have a job lunch/interview next week. I am hopeful and grateful!

We had a really yummy dinner out with Lenna. She is kinda fantastic!

And next week my Clark street girls are here!

I am currently le lurrving my life.

Thank you Jesus.

Singing in the Rain...

2010-02-28T16:46:00.000-08:00

“The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed- It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes.” - William Shakespeare

It's become a happy pattern here of rain one day then two days of sunshine. Today and yesterday were sunshine days so perhaps tomorrow will rain. I recently watched "Singing in the rain" an old musical about when talkies were first introduced into motion pictures. It was fantastic and of course the key song is the joy of singing in the rain - that Love triumphs over the weather among other things.

I feel as if I have had several small epiphanies lately. Being in church the last couple of weeks has produced a sense of awe at the realization that at any moment on a Sunday somewhere in the world there are people Praising God. I know we should do so everyday in life but in the sense of literal singing songs of praise on a Sunday if you know what I mean. Thinking about the time difference, from the moment I woke up until I go to sleep someone is singing to God. It is a comforting though to know the body of Christ continues on in worship even when I am not singing myself and that we are all interconnected in the holy spirit. A continual wave of praise if you will that overlaps across the world's time zones and people.

It has also been a week of realizations for how little control I have over many things. I cannot change the attitudes or actions of my family or often even myself and I cannot earn significance or my salvation. It is all in the hands of Christ and while that is releasing in one sense it is also disquieting in another for I am used to doing, I am used to being useful. To depend fully on Christ for all needs is a bit uncomfortable and it makes me question what it means to really allow him to be enough, to be in relationship with the God of the universe. I have trouble loving and being in relationship with others around me.

Erica is here and it has been fun having her around. It has also made me realize how quickly I like and establish routines. Though I don't have a job I have gotten into the habit of breakfast with Rachael, some kinda yoga class, several hours spent at the library and or walking around town dropping of resumes and applying for jobs and then dinner with Rach and watching a movie before we fall asleep. May sound boring to some but I am enjoying the time with Rach, sleeping in, exploring Portland and seeing my family on the weekend. This week however my free yoga pass ran up and Erica is here making the week not routine. Don't misunderstand, I am super stoked she is here - I just have to remind myself in the morning that today is open for whatever fun thing we want to spontaneously do, to know we probably won't leave on time because we are all slow, and I won't get work done. When I remind myself of this first thing it is a good day - Erica is super wonderful and fun. We have gone hiking near Hood river, explored the Hawthorne district, had an impromptu fashion show, tried new restaurants and went to a movie. I just feel disrupted and stressed if I don't remind myself that the day is going to be that way. I am a weirdo.

At any rate, the area near Hood River was beautiful. Its a really quaint town and our hike was gorgeous, despite the rain. We had intended to make it all the way to Mt. Hood but due to the rain clouds we couldn't see much of the mountain and it was still a bit snowy there. We also went to the living room theater near Powell's book. Loved the small, hominess of it and the food/coffee was good. However the movie we watched was super strange, it was called the Imaginarum of Dr. Parnassus. I didn't love or hate it, but wouldn't watch it again. Rachael liked it and Erica hated it. Lol.

We also discovered a fun coffee shop in the hawthorn district, while there we had to write some fantastic letters on Hogwarts stationary and send it to a few people who shall not be named. You will soon know who you are.

Also we have gotten to peak at our new and improved apartment. It looks awesome. However it is going to be another week and half before its finished. Say a prayer if you read this that it would be finished a few days early. My clark street girls are coming to visit ( HOOORAY) and it will be super crowded if all 5 of us are in the small studio we are in right now. Worse case scenario it will be like our OC nights in the dorms, either way I am so glad they are coming. I am really enjoying Portland but missing the community back in Raleigh.

Lots of love my Chummly wummlies.

And I love Erica Bethel Metzger

Jobs and Trolley rides

2010-02-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.”
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. quotes

The old cliche of feeling utterly alone while being in a crowded room occurred for the first time since we have moved. Oh I have definitely missed people and places and longed for community but not the utter sense of loneliness. We had been in Portland for a week and having a pretty good time. We set up our temporary apartment, mom had come to visit, we had explored the city - which is amazing for people watching - and began the never ending search for jobs. Sunday was fast approaching and we were so excited about church. It has been two months since we were part of our church community, and yes it is very different from simply attending churches, which we had done along the way to get to Oregon and with our parents. We took the bus across town to Imago Dei and then the unexpected happened. Not a soul greeted us when we arrived and we arrive way early. We wandered around for a bit and then sat near the front. As people filed in they left a good five foot or longer gap on each side of us. No one said hello and there was no time of greeting during the service. Afterword no one said a word in the crowd of people as we left. It was a bit shell shocking for both of us coming from churches that place a big emphasis on recognizing new people and making them feel welcome. I was sought out at both Church of the Apostles and Vintage the first few times we were there, and both churches have greeters as well. Now I know that part of the blame lies on us. We could have easily said hello to people also but it was a shock none the same. Sitting there, even with Rach next to me, I realized just how far away our church community was and how frightening attending church alone must be for those who are new or who are not believers. What was also saddening was the realization that I was sitting with family and felt like a stranger. We were all part of the body of Christ, the Holy Spirit connecting each of us with lifelines of invisible threads. Rach and I both had to have a good cry when we got home - it was disheartening to experience this loneliness in the place we expected it least - church. It gave Rach and I new resolve to seek out those who are new and to welcome anyone to church and home - to be people of hospitable attitudes and hearts wherever we are.

Yet there is a silver lining always, and God hears our cries. As we had left church and were down the street walking to the bus station we asked a girl for directions. She was so nice, her name is Lena, and she offered us a ride home. We got to visiting and she invited us later in the week to her community group. She had such a welcoming and friendly spirit that it blessed the rest of the day. We did go to community group and the people and discussion were fantastic. Thank you Lord for Lena.

We are enjoying Portland and taking the trolley and walking everywhere. The first few days we probably walked over ten miles just exploring the neighborhoods near to us. There are so many good places to eat and coffee shops on every corner. The city and its people have such character and flavor.

Still hopeful for new friendships, jobs and excited that in a week and a half Erica will be here, followed shortly by other friends.

Love to each of you reading. We miss you.

!

2010-02-06T17:47:00.000-08:00

"The nice thing about Portland is that it rises into hills, and they're the most livable hills you ever saw. Thousands of people live up there in fine houses, among trees, looking hundreds of feet down onto the city."
-- Home Country Ernie Pyle

Monday we are moving to Portland. Things haven't quite worked out as we expected but all in all still a blessing. We found an amazing apartment on Park avenue ( Sounds all NYC or Monopoly fabulous). However the previous residents had lived there for thirty years and the owner wants to renovate the entire apartment before we move in. It is going to be even more fabulous then it already is when they are finished, but it means we can't move in for another two or three weeks. Our building manager is super nice and he agreed to let us move into an empty smaller study for two weeks while we wait for our apartment to be finished. So for the time being we are only taking ourselves, our clothes a desk and a chair to our temporary apartment.

Being home has been really good. Time with family and lots of movies. I feel as if I am in some strange vacation limbo since I do not have a job yet and my days have consisted of school applications, eating, going to the gym and games.

I am excited to be settled in Portland, put my nose to the grindstone to find a job and explore my new home. Rachael has been accepted in the yoga program she was excited about and received a scholarship for it (fantastic!!!)

I am missing friends, and the regularity of a job and church family. We shall see where this goes...

I remain Hopeful!

Our first days in Oregon..

2010-02-02T23:45:00.001-08:00

"Can miles truly separate us from friends? If we want to be with someone we love, aren't we already there?"
~ Richard Bach

We spent the next day or so just relaxing, hanging out with family and going to the gym. Jackson had a basketball game in Lebanon that we watched ( and he did awesome, his team won) and I got to go and visit Krissy and see her precious baby boy Grayson. LOVED HIM, he's adorable. We have also watched a lot of tv and movies - which seems the be the trend when we are home and want to do nothing.

After being here for a day or so we headed up to Portland to view our potential apartment and to search other neighborhoods and apartments in case our original choice didn't work out. As we tried to get out the door we realize there are no Wachovias in portland ( though I believe there used to be) and the woman at our home bank had informed us we would be able to use the Wells Fargo banks by the time we got her. Not true evidently it will be July before that happens. Grrrrrrr

So somehow we need to pay our first and last month's rent somewhere and then close out our accounts by phone and have them send us a check, hopefully that won't take forever.

At any rate we arrived in Portland and the apartment manager let us see the potential apartment and it is BEAUTIFUL. Its a double studio apartment with a big bay window, walk in closet and claw foot tub in the bathroom. The current residence have been there for thrity years. When they move out the building manager is replacing the carpet with wood floors and updating the stove. And then we are IN. We cannot wait. My grandmother gave us some kitchen appliances and my mom has been gracious about sharing her furniture with us so we have something to sit on.

After looking at the apartment Rach went to check out the yoga studio she may be doing her teaching certification at and I headed to the Library to do some research for my MSW essay and jobs etc. The neighborhood was north of where our apartment might be and super cute. Each of the different neighborhoods in Portland has its own flavor and I cannot wait to taste each one! We also explored the Hawthorne district on the east side of portland. There were several back up apartments there were interested in just in case. They also had some awesome antique and eclectic shops we want to come back to. That evening we headed back down town to Kells Irish pub to meet a friend Rachael met in Italy and possibly apply for a job at the pub. When we had finished our drink at the pub we drove through chinatown and the pearl distric and then headed home.

Were one step closer to being in Portland. Gorgeous apartment here we come!

ohhh Suzi....

2010-02-02T23:44:00.001-08:00

People sit around and wait for that "dare-to-be-great" situation, never realizing that its up to us to go out there and look for it.

The Garmin took us on the super back country roads to get us to our Aunt and Uncles house in Elmira Oregon. Due to the recent storm there were tree limbs everywhere so it took some tricky navigation at points and slow driving to get around them. It was midnight when we arrive so everyone was asleep except for my sweet uncle john who was up playing a game and waiting for us. It was good visiting with him for a bit since he would be busy at work the next day and gone before we got up. After visiting we watched an episode of the nanny, I know we have a problem, and then crashed.

We were awakened bright and early by our cousin Quinn, who had actually woken up when we arrived the night before hugged us and went back to bed. They were eager to tell us about school and life which I love. They are some of the sweetest most outgoing kids I know. My Aunt Amy was up as well and while we all visited and grabbed breakfast ( and I did an " I spy" book with Quinn who I am pretty sure at the age of 5 beat me) and then the kids were off to school for the day.

Rachael and I got Aunt Amy to ourselves for awhile which is always fun since she is Fabulous. She caught us up on what was happening with the kids in school, with my uncle's business and with her own job hunt. Oregon has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the nation and my uncle owns a construction business and it has been a rough few years. Thankfully my uncle and aunt are super resourceful and have been finding small things here and there to get what they need. Amy even had a second interview that day for a parenting/child non profit advocacy group. It sounded like the ideal job for her - she would be going into people's homes after they have a baby to help with feeding the baby, nutrition and any parenting questions. Sounds like fun right. She is going to let us know when they get back to her but we will be praying she gets the job.

Aunt Amy fed us and then started to get ready for her interview and we headed on our way to Albany. Its only about a 45 minute drive north and the sky after the rain and storms was beautiful. We were out in the very very green country with lots of sheep and farm animals and to be honest it reminds us a bit of the pictures from rural Ireland.

And then we were back at my parents house. It doesn't' seem that we've been gone that long since we were home for thanksgiving and normally it is about 6 months between our visits. It was equally strange to pull up in our own car and with all our stuff. This is actually moving and not just for week long visit. The enormity of it hasn't sunk in quite yet. Especially since we aren't in our own apartment yet.

Christian was there to greet us and hang out for a bit when we got home and then I promptly fell asleep on the couch until dinner time. We hadn't got much sleep the night before and I was exhausted. Rach stayed awake to play video games and visit with Christian and Jackson. I woke up in time for dinner and to see me madre!

I love my family. Oregon we've arrived are you ready for us?

The long trek up California...

2010-02-02T23:40:00.000-08:00

"For the man sound in body and serene of mind there is no such thing as bad weather; every sky has its beauty, and storms which whip the blood do but make it pulse more vigorously."
George Gissing

Leaving Carmel Valley fairly early ( especially for us) we stopped a town over to get our oil changed. We had gone well over the 3000 mile mark since starting the trip. The guys at a local jiffy lube were super helpful and super fast. They were about our age and joked with us and in less then TEN MINUTES our car was ready to go. I have never had my oil changed that quickly, the also gave us a discount and told us that if you get your oil changed at Jiffy lube you can stop any time between oil changes and they will check and top off your oil for free. SWEET. It pays to smile and be nice to people. It was rainy and nasty all along 101 as we headed towards San Fran and the weather didn't clear until we intersected with Hwy 5 and headed inland and then north. Evidently three different storms were headed towards San Fran and we decided that our adventure would not be as fun in the pouring rain, and we were invited back to Carmel when the weather is more cooperative.

We stopped several hours in around Redding California to hunt for food. I had already decided that we weren't getting Taco Bell again. Rach wanted Chinese but we couldn't find any for a decent price. We had just finished talking to my grandma Jeanine, whose birthday it was - HAPPY BIRTHDAY GMA - and they had stopped at Sizzler. yummmm - normally we had a no buffet rule but since we hadn't gotten to do all our fun stuff in San Fran we decided to splurge. This sizzler was a lot nicer than the sizzlers I remembered and they had fresh Guacamole!!! Again yum - We write a lot about food lol. Reminds me of the Jim Gaffigan comedy. If you haven't seen him go look him up. Hot Pockets!

The remainder of the trip was pretty standard until we reached the mountains. It was snowing and dark and the trucks blew past us and showered us in snow and ice until we couldn't see out of the window. Rach was driving and all she could do was keeping driving straight and follow the taillights of the cars in front of us. Making it off the mountain was a huge relief. I was exhausted and fell asleep and pretty much woke up when we reached Elmira and aunt Amy's house. Thank goodness for family and Rachael driving.

Oregon we have finally arrived.

Big Sur and Carmel Valley

2010-02-02T23:35:00.000-08:00

“Big Sur is the California that men dreamed of years ago, this is the Pacific that Balboa looked at from the Peak of Darien, this is the face of the earth as the Creator intended it to look”

Henry Miller

Originally we were going to stay and enjoy Orange County for another day, but since we had been extremely lazy and we wanted to arrive in Oregon by a certain date to see my brothers basketball game, we decided to leave a day early. We woke up fairly early that morning, at least for us, got everything packed up, took some fantastic pictures and jumped in the car.

It started out as a warm pretty day and we had planned to stop at the Santa Monica Pier and then go to the beach in Santa Barbara. However once we got outside of LA the sky clouded over, everything became grey and the heavens opened up.( LA by the way seemed amazing. It is yet another place I would love to see when we have more time. Bobbe Colley had told us stories about old Hollywood and I want to be the typical tourist and see things like the chinese theatre) It was the first time it had rained since we started our road trip. We skipped the Santa Monica Pier and kept on trekking to make it to Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is a cute little town nestled along the coast. It was still rainy and grey so the beach was out, instead we wandered down the waterfront under the umbrella eating PB&J . The Pier was nearby so we walked to the end of it. To our left was a giant Pelican that let us come right up next to it.
Getting pretty wet we headed back to the car and up the coast. We tried to stop at Hearst Castle just to see it in the distance but it was toucked up into the trees and we couldn't see it. We kept on and reached the edges of Big Sur as the sun was setting. It was beautiful, but slow driving as we winded right along the cliffs next to the ocean. It was breathtaking until it got dark and then it was just scary. We had to go very slow because it was steep and winding and we couldn't see very far in front of us.

We reached carmed valley late. Phyliss is a distant relative of ours and a good friend of our Aunt Noni and grandma Jeanine. She has a cute little red cottage tucked into the hills. She in her sweet way had prepared a yummy dinner of stew for us ( perfect for a rainy dreary days) We visited with her about her 30 years of adventure in the navy and all her travels. She has been to Europe, all over the United States and seen every National Park in the country.

The next morning after breakfast and watching the weather we realized three storms were slated to hit San Francisco and the coast area. Sadness. We wanted to go to fishermans wharf, take the ferry to Tiberon, spend the night in a hostel and then bike across the golden gate bridge the next day and see the sites. That was out thanks to the weather. We didn't want to spend the nex two or three days soaking wet so we decided to push hard and make it to Elmira, Oregon near Eugene to our Aunt Amy's house.

Oregon Here we come, the next to last part of our trip.

California Knows How to Party....

2010-01-30T12:41:00.001-08:00

"Holy Ackward" - Seth ( Adam Brody on the OC)

Being in Orange County California has brought back some serious memories of our college obsession with the O.C ( the tv show). When I lived in the Faircloth dorm, second floor, we would all gather in our room and watch way too many episodes in a row. We are currently staying in a house that would rival that of Adam Brody's and loving the pool and warm californian weather.

( I mean really...how cute can you get....)

Orange County looks like I thought it would look, sunny, gorgeous, wealthy with all of the stucco houses built into the hills. A sweet family Rachael used to nanny for is letting us stay in there home for the weekend. I keep imagining Adam Brody, who by the way would love Jesus and play guitar, and I with our two lovely, curly haired children running around in the sand...Ohhhh if only.

The drive from Phoenix was warm and deserty. Southern California didn't look like what we had pictured, we didn't start seeing palm trees until we had been in California for a few hours. We tried to go to Joshua Tree National Park but it was cloudy and when we reached the park it was to late in the day to hike where we wanted to hike. So we bypassed the park and headed toward Los Angeles instead. Rachael and I had a yummy dinner, relaxed and rented "Adam." It was such a good movie but had some heart wrenching parts. We watched way too many episodes of the nanny, if thats possible, then passed out for the night.

Today we have been pretty lazy. I watched two movies, researched the route and places we wanted to see on the remained of our trip. Rachael slept in and we ate lunch late. The Mecks had left these awesome big, white resort bathrobes and each of us stayed in those and our pj's most of the day ( we also had an impromptu dance party around the house - I am sure the neighbors thought we were crazy) We had planned to go to Laguna beach but by the time we got moving it was late afternoon so we went for a long walk around the neighborhood and let me tell you it is gorgeous. It feels to good to be warm and not have to bundle into a jacket. After walking I came back to read and use the excersize bike while Rachael died her hair a shade darker. Then I hit up the amazing jacuzzi tub while she started dinner. Tonight we dediced we would actually cook and sit down at the table rather than grazing. We had mushroom rice, chicken and green beans with a bit of champagne to drink ( I love champagne at any time).

We are heading to bed now, planning on getting up very early to clean up and pack and hit hwy 1 for the long drive northward to Carmel along the coast. I am super excited about this drive - I love the beach and something in me feels as if it will remind me of scenes from old movies such as " to catch a theif". On the way we will stop at the Santa Monica Pier and weekend market, possibly Hearst castle, view the Chanel Islands in the distance and drive along the cliff route of Big Sur. Praise the Lord we were able to get in touch with a sweet, distance cousin named Phyliss who lives in Carmel so we will have somewhere to stay. We promised jackson we would be home by the 22nd to be at his basketball game so our schedule is a bit more constricted. After Carmel we will go through Monterey ( to see the butterflies) and into San Francisco. I think while we are there we will take the Ferry, see fishermans wharf, rent bikes for the day and cross the golden gate bridge to saulsalita and ride the trolly. After that we are going to drive through Napa valley for a wine tour and then onto Redwood National Park. Good night all. We are exhausted. Our last night in Pheonix the neighbors dogs kept everyone up all night barking. I felt fine yesterday but today it has caught up with me. I was ready for bed at 8pm. Rach is already asleep.

Ciao Me amores

Phoenix

2010-01-30T12:25:00.000-08:00

"Arizona is gorgeous. The sunshine in Arizona is gorgeous red."

Cecilia Bartoli

We ventured away from the Grand Canyon in high spirits having met interesting new friends and enjoying an amazing view. From Northern Arizona we headed a few hours South - the view and weather in Arizona is amazing! We were greated with open arms, paws and wings by the Colley family. They have an amazing array of pets and are just fantastic company. Bobbe made us a yummy dinner, and with David gave us a tour or their beautiful and eclictic house. We didn't stay up to late, it had been a long day and we were looking forward to exploring phoenix in the next few days.

The next morning David was already off to work by the time Rachael and I got out of bed. David is a pastry chef and teaches at a local high school and college. Bobbe spent time with Rachael and I in the morning and then we all headed over to a nearby resort they belong to. It was a sunny 70 degrees. We used the gym, swam in the pool and sat in the hot tub and steam room. So relaxing.

The next day we took a long walk around the area to the post office. While there Rachael spilled water all over the floor while singing along with the post office radio. Love it!

We did the spa thing again the next day. This time I laid by the pool and soaked up the sun and it was glorious! I could defintely live in Arizona in the winter. When we got back we decided to head over to the Arizona Biltmore. We had been invited by two sweet ladies we met in the grand canyon to come and have a drink with them. However, we couldn't get in tough with them so we just decided to go and see the hotel by ourselves. It is listed as one of the 1000 things to see before you die. Frank Llyod Wright advised the project and the architecture and layout was really beautiful and super luxurious Rachael picked a comquat right off the tree and ate it, and then of course I had to try it and it was yummy!

Heading back to the house Steve, Sarah, Adrian and Audrey had arrived! Hoooray! They are precious. It was really good to see them for the evening. Audrey is still uber tiny and Adrain getting taller and smarter all the time. Bobbe made margharitas that were to die for! and we all got to visit. We presented Steve with his super hot hot sauce from the chili pepper institute and everyone tried it that night at dinner on our tamales. They Manganos left the next morning for the zoo and to visit friends and we headed to California.

We loved Arizona and the Colleys. They are amazing and our time was fantastic. We will definitely be returning to Arizona sometime soon!

Grand Canyon

2010-01-19T23:10:00.001-08:00

Quickly leaving the Colonial Motel and its sketchy area we headed toward the Grand Canyon. When we arrived the air was bitter cold and there was snow on the ground. We told the park ranger at the entrance that we were going to be camping. She looked at us and smiled then suggested we put boiling water in our nalgene to keep us warm in our sleeping bags. She probably thought we were a bit crazy but her idea was a great one. We drove along the rim of the grand canyons stopping at the different view point to take amazing pictures. Its such an astounding sight that it doesn’t seem real.

We ended up being at the exact point they recommend to see the sun sets, Desert View;everything on looked as if it was on fire in bright oranges and reds - Wonderful.

Despite the beauty around us I couldn’t feel my face and told Rachael we needed to get a hotel room. Driving along the rim we entered Canyon village and stopped at the first lodge - bright angel- that was supposed to be the cheapest. I left Rachael at the front and went to find a parking spot as I turned into the parking lot I saw the reds and blues start flashing behind me. Great. We had made it more than half way across the country without any problem only to be pulled over in the grand canyon. Thankfully, the police officer was really nice. Evidently I had not fully stopped at the stop sign ( despite the fact the police officer had waved me on) At any rate he only gave us a warning and I was once again able to breathe.

Bright Angel recommended we go down to the lodge down the road, which we did and surprize! the hotel is actually owned by the same company that I worked for when I was a freshman in college. I kept expecting it to look the same even though it didn’t but it was fun to be in a hotel when I used to work in one super similar. YSP 04 friends only you would understand the surealness of being in a xanterra hotel without any bear soap.

Rach made us dinner in our hotel room using our camping stove! It was awesome. yummy soup and bread. We read for awile and watched this awful creep movie called Wind Chill - I didn't want to watch it but Rach kept flipping back, then when we missed the ending she flipped back to watch it twice. YUCK.

We were planning on getting up early so we could hike all the way down to the colorado river and back in the same day. Ignoring the fact that there are warning signs everywhere saying its not safe to hike in and out of the canyon in one day of course. Par usual though we got up later, ate breakfast, wandered around the rim of the canyon a bit and stopped in at an art gallery built into the side of the canyon. By the time we had done all of this we started hiking down at noon. The path was steep, slim and covered in ice, snow and mule poop ( I am not exaggerating the snow was now a green color);

At least the sun was shining and it wasn't too cold. We hiked down about two miles and realized there is no way we could make it down and up in time and we were getting a bit tired. On the way we saw several " rim runners" professional runners wearing shorts and tshirts and jogging down the canyon and all the way back up - Insane. What is even more crazy were these two guys in front of us wearing normal clothes and tennis shoes and attempting to jog down the canyon - WHY???

We breathed our way heavily back to the top, laughed at ourselves a bit and went to get a cup of coffee. The lounge selling coffee also happened to be a bar so we were carded for our coffee, first time that has ever happened to me. Also at the bar was a sweet elderly man named George who gave us some tips about hiking into the canyon and back the next time we were there, since he had done 18 times already. He was from San Franscisco and gave us some good tips on fun things to do when we visited.

Coffee warm in my hand Rachael and I left the bar and headed to the big fire place in the entry way to eat our lunch. We began visiting with a girl our age named Bianca who is from South Africa. She had just been to San Fran and also gave us some superb ideas and invited us to see her in South Africa. She is a journalism major getting read to graduate and super nice. Two older ladies were also near the fireplace, one from Florida and one from New York - they were friends on vacation together. They invited us to get a drink with them when we were in Phoenix ( they were headed that way next as well) and then to come and see them in New York sometime. Its amazing the people you meet Traveling! Love it!

At this point we were ready to hit the road for phoenix. We were staying the the mangano's parents and decided if we left now we could reach there before it was too late.

Warm weather here we come!

The Colonial Motel...

2010-01-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

What's the good of news if you haven't a sister to share it? ~Jenny DeVries

We decided our last night in Las Cruces that we would no longer be going to Mesa Verde. It was really cold in southern New Mexico and would only be colder the further we headed north. It was disappointing because Mesa Verde was the National Park I was most looking forward to. Instead we decided to make another trip when it is warmer, maybe by train to see the ring of five national parks in Utah and then over to Southern Colorado to see Mesa Verde. We LOVE our National Parks pass and are going to use it to the fullest.

We were supposed to stay with a friend in Albequrque NM on our way to the grand canyon but it fell through and so we started searching for a cheap hotel. I found one online that had really good reviews, was cheap and the website looked amazing. We made reservations and headed on our way. In Albequrque we stopped to eat at Ponchos, a mexican restaurant my mom has raved about for twenty years. She ate there when she was pregnant with Rachael and loved it. We have heard mixed reviews from other people who said the food wasn’t good but we figured it is pretty hard to mess up mexican. Ponchos is a mexican buffet, you go through and get your first round and then you raise a small mexican flag at your table when you want seconds. It was pretty good! The cinammon and sugar chips and the sopapillas ( which were my dads favorite) were the best part. We did raise the flag once for more chips, rice and beans yummm - so full when we left. I had a massive food baby. We took a walk around the parking lot several times in an effort to burn off some of the calories we had just inhaled. I ate twice as much as Rachael so I probably needed to walk twice as far. ( ** seriously don't know where audi puts it. She either has hollow legs or a tape worm named bob who is really hungry. She has the metabolism of teenage boy.)

** Contrary to Audi's pretty good, i loved Ponchos- their green chile tamales, sopapillas, and cinnamon sugar chips were the best i've had. Seriously normally I am skeptic of Mexican food. I'm just not in the mood unless it's Steve's fish tacos, but this trip has totally redeemed mexican food for me. Papasitos in TX, La Posta in NM and Ponchos in NM.. thumbs up.( and as much as I hate to admit it, taco bell was amazing this trip..)

Our motel was located in Gallup, NM on the way to the Grand Canyon. This town was sketchy. As we drove through the downtown a drunk man walked haphazardly across the street and almost bumped into our car. We looked up at the garmin and our hotel location was only half a mile away, wonderful. It was dark and we were super sketched out at this point.

We pulled up to the hotel and it looked NOTHING like it was advertized. Very Bare and right across from the train tracks. I was unsure about going in, but we decided to at least see a room and check the price again. The lady at the front desk was really nice and when we checked out a room it was clean, dry and neat even though again, it looked nothing like it was advertised. We decided we would stay because it was only 30 dollars a night and we were tired and ready for bed. On the way to our room Rachael saw a creepy man looking at us from one of the other hotel rooms. (** his head was right between the curtains and he just stared at us the entire way to our room.) We hustled into our room and pushed the mini fridge, microwave and chair against the door just in case. ** The pics above don't do it justice, bc i dint take them at night, nor did i take them of the room with thee fridge and such in front of the door.. but believe it.

Here is the link to the hotel: http://colonialmotels.com/

The next morning we got out of their quickly. As we left town we passed a Days in that was on fire - at least our hotel was not aflame.

Grand Canyon here we come!

Las Cruces

2010-01-19T22:14:00.000-08:00

"Eat dessert first, Life is uncertain" -Anonymous

I would add especially if you are eating sopapillos to the quotes above

We love Las Cruces. Rachael was born here and my parents have always talked fondly about living there. We got up and walked around the corner to Walmart to get some yummy groceries since we were staying in New Mexico for a few days. Avocados there were only TWENTY-FIVE CENTS!!!! And they were super yummy. We got those, tomatoes, cheese, hummus, tortillas, milk, ham and peanut butter and jelly. We ended up making most of our meals in our room with the help of the microwave.

Always in the background are the Organ Mountains. Gorgeous and different they rise out of the backdrop of Las Cruces to constantly amaze. Rachael fell in love with them. New Mexico is actually really mountainous, contrary to my original belief.

After shopping and lunch we headed to Old Messila Village just outside of Las Cruces. It was once a stop on the stage coach line and is famous for people such as billy the kid who used to frequent there. There was a gorgeous old church there that still holds mass and we considered going that evening. We also stopped by a shop that sold Green and Red Chile Pecan brittle. Amazing we had to have some. There was also a shop called Nambe - famous for unique design and a metal that looks like silver but doesn’t tarnish or rust, absolutely gorgeous. All the buildings are built stucco style and there are large bundles of dried red chile peppers hanging from peoples doors and the streets in the old village were cobblestone.

After wandering around Old Messilla we headed down to New Mexico State University to see the Chile Pepper Institute. Along the way I realized that I had lost my favorite glove that Rachael brought me back from Italy. Trying not to freak out we decided to go ahead to our tour of the Chili Pepper Institute and then go back to Old Messilla Village to find it. The institute wasn’t what we expected but it was still really interesting. We were thinking we would go out and see the fields where they grow peppers or something like a farm. Because we are traveling in January nothing was growing so a sweet college student - also named Autumn by the way - told us all about how they grow the chili peppers and how they recently discovered the hottest chili pepper on the planet. Its from India and called a Bih Jolokia - its recently been in the guiness book of world records. She let Rachael and I try a hot sauce and a salsa made with the peppers. It was really hot but yummy, it crept up on you after the taste from the back of your throat. We bought several packets of different kinds of peppers to try and grow in our apartment and some of the sauce to give to steve and sarah.

Leaving the Chili Pepper institute we headed back to Old Messila and split up to find my glove. Retracing our steps I searched in several stores we had made purchases in with no luck. On a whim I went back and checked the parking lot where we left the car and thanks be to God there it was! Rach in the meantime had found a local winery that had live music the next night. On the way back into Las Cruces we passed Lulu’s - this adorable store and we had to stop. They had amazing stuff for the house and fantastic jewlery. I would love love love to buy the whole store. There was a copper ring fashioned into a gorgeous rose and I loved it! Unfortunately it wasnt my size. Rachael and I did buy a pottery bowl for our apartment, we think we will put all our match books or assorted chocolates we have collected along the trip in it eventually. There was also another winery next door that sounded fantastic, serving local wines. We might head there tomorrow night after dinner.

We went from Lulu’s back to our hotel and had dinner before heading out to see a three dollar movie (not quite as good as the 1.50 movie in Raleigh but better than full price) and saw “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” which was really good! I want to see “ the Princess and the Frog” also!

The next day we got up early and headed to the Gila Cliff dwellings. We drove three hours out really into the middle of nowhere but it was BEAUTIFUL! The road was really windy and there was some snow so it took us awhile to get to the monuments. When we arrive at the park we had to drive a few miles from the visitors center and then take a short hike up the canyon to reach the cliff dwellings. They were amazing! built into caves in the cliff, you could see where people lived and how the rooms were divided.

After our hike and the long drive we were zonked. We came back and cleaned up and went to have dinner at my parents FAVORITE restraunt in Las Cruces called La Posta. It was also listed in our Atlas and I think it is pretty infamous. It has been there since the stage coach route used to come through ( at least 100 year) and the food was fantastic. Rach and I split chili con queso, chips and salsa, guacamole salad, green enchiladas, a chili relleno, rice and beans, and a fold taco. SO YUMMMY. Desert followed with an apple empanada and sopapillas. The Sopapillas are so good it is almost unbeliveable. Soft, flaky and filled with honey. We were so stuffed afterwords that we skipped the wine tasting and headed back to veg out and get some sleep.

Tumble Weeds

2010-01-19T22:12:00.000-08:00

The drive across west Texas was exactly what we expected stereotypical texas to be. It was fairly flat and dry. When we stopped to get gas somewhere I actually saw a tumbleweed blow across the road. We jammed out to some good country tunes and finally reached El Paso we were having a massive taco bell craving because we had been eating pretzels and peanuts the whole ride. Only for some reason we kept missing the taco bell exits. We passed El Paso and right befor e enterning New mexico we finally found one to satisfy our craving. After that we continued to cruise on until we reached Las Cruces. Our hotel was nice and cozy and we crashed quickly and slept well after driving for ten hours.

EZ tolls and no Alamo in San Antonio

2010-01-19T17:57:00.000-08:00

"I love it. It is wild with adventure." – Henry Starr

The next morning we got up to head back to Houston, instead of San Antonio, yes Rachael did forget her shoes. However, thats pretty good considering it is the only the second time we have forgotten something ( Rach had forgotten her jacket in east Texas but we realized it before we got too far down the driveway). On our way back into Houston traffic was thick and we had to yet again pass through the icky tolls. We made is safely through the first toll but as we approached the second one no one would bloody let us over and we were in the far left hand lane of six lanes of Traffic and needed to be in the far right hand lane.

Here are the thoughts running through Rachael’s head
“ So Really! No one is going to let me over!”
“ crappity crap crap I am about to go through the EZ toll”

She says “ Autumn what happens if we go through the EZ toll”
She yells “ Someone let me over!!!!!!!”

(EZ tolls are the express lane - you have a pass with a bar code fixed on the window or something so you don’t have to stop)

As we fly through the EZ toll lane without an EZ toll pass the lights, alarms and sirens go off....

Rachael says “ ohhh my gosh, ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh”

“ I am going to get arrested” and burst into tears

“ Do I need to pull off? Do I go back through the same toll? Do I pay double at the next toll? Autumn I want you to drive, I don’t want to go to jail in Texas” ( the officers have the shorty shorts and the creepy mustaches ewwww)”

Autumn is attempting not to laugh and or worry and proceeds to call our cousin Lisa, whose house we are heading towards. Lisa assures us that though they took a picture of our car they won’t send us a ticket or anything unless we have gone through three tolls ( which we plan never to do!) Rachael continues to drive, we pick up her shoes and set the garmin ( suzy) from then on to avoid tolls even if it adds a bit of time to our trip.

From Houston it took us about 2 and a half hours to reach San Antonio. We set our stuff up in our hotel, which was nice and jumped back in the car so that we can see the missions, and they were AMAZING. Huge, ancient and beautiful. We wandered in and out of two of them and were headed to the Alamo when we realized it would already be closed.

Instead we went and parked in Market square and walked down the main drag to the Riverwalk. It too was interesting walking below street level and seeing an astounding amount of resteraunts and shops. However, they were draining and cleaning out the waterway and so it smelled a bit like sewage.

Rach and I walked back and forth, back and forth, back and forth down the Riverwalk trying to decide where to eat because everything looked so good. We finally settled on Waxy’s Irish Pub. Rach had an amazing lamb stew and I had a portabello sandwich. At this point we were so tired from walking around we headed back to our car and crashed at our hotel for the evening - again watching late night episodes of the Nanny. We have an addiction.

We despise driving in Houston

2010-01-16T12:09:00.000-08:00

"Leave sooner, drive slower, live longer." ~Author Unknown

The above quote is something we still have not mastered despite being on the road for three weeks, so it took us forever (as per usual) to leave Lisa's house and head to downtown Houston. We had planned to see some of the museums and parks in the downtown area but it didn't work out that way because of the time constraint.

Instead we visited Rice Village, a shopping center built in the 1930's. Rachael really wanted Indian or Thai and everything was closed between 3-5pm, I guess they know how to siesta for real. We did have some yummy Spanish Tapas with Carmen though, the black bean soup and the potato fritters were really good.

After eating we wandered around this awesome park near the hospital. From there we tried to head to Ashley's apartment which should have been relatively close to where we were. However we kept driving and driving and went through a several tolls. We were looking for a Kroger near her apartment so we could make Ashley dinner. Kroger appeared in the distance and we picked up ingredients for creamy tomato basil soup, garlic bread and carrots. The GPS then took us to a random medical building and we were tempted to blame Suzie for getting us lost. She has gotten confused a few times on the trip. However, when we called Ashley we found out we had put in the wrong address and were on the wrong side of Houston thirty minutes away and consequently at the wrong Kroger. On the way back we had to pay the tolls AGAIN. Just to reiterate we hate driving in Houston.

We finally made it to Ashley's, ate dinner and watched a movie. Poor Ash had to get up super early and work in the morning so we didn't get to visit with her for very long, especially after getting lost. She hugged us goodbye and we decided she needs to come visit us in Portland and next time we are in Texas we will come and see her. Attempting to leave Houston yet again led us on an interesting adventure. More on that later.

PRAYERS! Uganda, Haiti, and US

2010-01-15T09:27:00.000-08:00

SO some of my buddies will be going to labor for Jesus and just love on the people of kambala, Uganda. please pray for jonathan, jeremiah, and sarah. I think that they will be livign at the poverty level of the people and trying to go in and profile kids to send the profiles back to the US and get them sponsored. If anyone feels they are in a place to support them financially please post a comment and let me know and I will get you in contact with them, as well as Vintage 21, our church, who is handling all the arrangements. They leave in like a week! Thanks all!

Also remember the people of Haiti in your prayers. Right now they are looking for able bodied medical workers to go in and help with the relief. If you are capable, be in prayer as to whether you are being called to go and serve. If you aren't a medical worker, pray for the community, and just pray, it is the best thing youc an do to help them at the moment.

And lastly for Autumn and I that we would have safe travels. teh Lord has blessed our trip with so many generous and loving friends and family and strangers. We have no complaints and are super thankful to be amking this trip and seeing family and spending time together. we will be leaving for California today and should be in Oregon in 8-10 days. Thanks again for keeping up with us. Love you.

Rach

Let us know what we can pray for ya'll about! we would love to spend some of our car time in prayer for you guys!

Tex Mex

2010-01-14T11:12:00.000-08:00

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."

-- Desmond Tutu

We Left Carmen and Ben's house and headed 15 minutes down the road to meet cousin Lisa. My dad has been talking about his cousins since we were little and Rach and I had such a blast meeting Eva, we were ubber excited about meeting Lisa. We arrived around dinner time. Lisa is so fun and welcoming. We visited and then headed out to grab some yummy dinner at Carino's Italian Restaurant.

We came back and swapped old stories, saw some wonderful photos and just visited. Lisa said My dad, Uncle John and Uncle Tim are the gentlest giants she knows (so true). The next day we went to Lisa's church, the pastor was great and he talked about what it meant to live and seek the Lord whole heartedly and to be growing into spiritual maturity. We grabbed lunch afterwords and met up with Sheri, Lisa's aunt. We all went to a starving artist show. Every painting was was 59$ or less. There was a gorgeous one with bright red poppies that I loved but there is no room in our car. The show was in a neat district of Texas called the woodlands. We wandered around some amazing stores and beautiful fountains. Our favorite store was the Z-gallery a contemporary art and furniture store. If I had money I would have bought half the store. Lisa's other aunt Brenda met all of us for Tex Mex dinner at Papacitas.

- AMAZING. Some of the best food I have ever eaten. We all shared fajitas and ate table side guacamole. They had thin yummy flour tortilla chips for the salsa and thick salty chips for the gauc.

*Lisa, Sheri, and Brenda above. They are a riot!

We stopped by sheri's and met her husband and cute dogs on the way back. Her husband has a CB radio as a hobby and has talked to people all over the world. When we got back to Lisa's that night we med her husband David and Zach and Nicole her very cute kids. It was such a good visit. They were generous and hospitable and a lot of fun. We most definitely need to have a massive family reunion of all those remotely related to the Metzgers at aunt Noni's for thanksgiving.

The next morning we left Lisa's to head to downtown Houston to meet up with Ashley. *this is lisa's family's adorable dog poppi..:)

Katy, Texas with the Coopers

2010-01-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

"Hello my name is Thelma and this here is my friend, Louise."

We hate driving in Houston! AHHHH- And Tolls stink. Driving to houston i was made aware that there could be a warrant out for my arrest. Wonderful. I immediately pulled off on the next exit so Autumn could drive. Apparently, I missed my december court date in Oregon, that i thought was in January, and my failure to appear in court could now get me arrested...Scary, but also thrilling.

Also, called dad's lawyers only to find out their services no longer cover Autumn and I, because she is old, and I am a college dropout. Just icing on the cake. So please be in prayer about this for us. I don't want Audi to have to drive the whole way, because I'm freaking out about driving, and I don't really know what I should do about the ticket. I am thinking i will just appear in court myself.( i recieved a speeding ticket over thanksgiving break, through a speed trap outside of woodburn.. literally it changes for 5 minutes from 65 to 6o and after i got pulled over it changed back to 65 within 2 minutes. it was frustrating to get pulled over in a beat up neon going 71 when other cars are flying by me.. but it's the end of the month what can they do right?)

We arrived at Carmen and Ben Coopers and it is so nice! It has been so great to catch up with so many friends and family. it's weird to think we haven't seen Carmen and Ash since I was about to go into middle school I think, but that we have known them since I was in preschool. How time flys. it was a super relaxing evening-- total girls night. We snacked, caught up on life,had peach daquris and watched "something new". We felt so bad for Ashley though, becasue she had to get up at like 5 am or before to go to work. Oh and I forgot to mention, she has the tiniest little puppy- it is so adoreable, named Asha. I think it is a yorkie of some type, and is white as snow .

Getting to catch up with Ash was so good, and hard to hear how work and just life in general is going. It seems like twenties really are a place that can make or break you if you let them. SO much indecision and wondering.. We are just confused. I don't have it figured out by any means, but a book that has helped alot is " twentysomethings" by Margaret feinberg. Totally backs up and encourages with scripture the whole twenty somethings dilhemma. I can't wait to read some more of her books. I still don't know what my calling is, or who God made me to be, but I'm not stressing it. I'll get there in good time and for now just enjoy what i'm doing today.

The next morning I didn't get up until noon. I don't know what my problem is. Normally iam just an 8-10 hour sleeper.. I've been like a 11 plus hour sleeper on this trip. it's insane. Autumn has been good about getting up for the most part- she has to work on forever long med school essays... glad to not be in her shoes. Not being able to go to hot yoga or cycle or go to the gym has been weird, so we decide to go out for a walk. it feels great to walk in the sunshine. We took Asha with us but she only lasted a few blocks, before we had to take her back and go out on our own. Nothing else really eventful for the day, just went to target- always great and best buy with carmen. I got a new camera! Super excited!!! I got a Nikon and I can't wait to take pictures with it in new mexico and at the grand canyon.I really want to take some photography classes at PSU while we are there, and really just play around with it so that maybe I can get some photo gigs. It would be so much fun to photograph weddings on the side... Anyone know of anyone in oregon getting married? I want to build up a portfolio.. aka photography for free.

Said bye to ben and carmen when we got back. Glad we got to meet Ben, he seems like such a gentle giant and a good husband. It's great to see Carmen so happy. On our way to Cousin Lisa's.. and we are excited. We remember hearing Dad talk about cousin Lisa, and the convo being good, but also grandma and Aunt Noni talking about cousin lisa, and the hilarious terror stories. Apparently she stayed a summer with gma jeanine and the boys and that experience made gma jeanine swear she would never have girls- it was just too stressful and scary and hard!LOL.So out for now..adventures with cousin lisa and the pavlocks to come. ( *I am a failure. I got like no pics of ashley and asha!)

Lady's and Gents it's 2010 and I could be Arrested

2010-01-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

" Parting is such sweet sorrow."~ Romeo

Wow guys it is 2010. I don't even know what to say.. But here goes. I'm sad to be leaving Aunt Noni and Unlce Jim's. I think I could stay here for a couple months and just relax, write, paint and explore the land. If I don't know what I am doing by next fall I may have to go and live in MT for a few months followed by east texas.

I woke up and Autumn is vigorously going through national parks books. i feel like such a bum. i relaly haven't planned where we are going out all! I'd much rather just hit the road, stop wherever and whenever we want to. Iit's a good thing I ahev Autumn to balance me out and give us a semi-plan; Otherwise I'm sure we would be lost.. and miss out on some amazing stuff. (*my favorite room)

Aunt Noni is cookign away- john and eva are coming over for a new years day brunch. Aunt Noni is making this amazing egg braid thing.. recipe will be in the recipe section.. Trust it was amazing. I don't think anyone realized what time it was, because John and Eva were coming over at 10 and 5 minutes before they arrived nothing had been put inthe oven.. cut us some slack though, we were up until midnight. (* this is part of the sunroom.. i love this room. super relaxing and happy with all the sunlight)

Eva and john arrived and they had bought us the poppy table cloth we liked at the antique store in downtown lufkin as a late christmas gift. They are adorable. I love texans. SO glad we have family here! After eating an amazing brunch of egg braid, sausage balls, hasbrowns, some kind of mexiacn breakfast casserole, fruit and coffee.. it was time to pack up and say good bye. (* Aunt noni collects tea pots. how cute! we will have to find unique ones to send her.)

We are always asking "where did all the gentlemen go?" And we've found that most of them were in the last generation, and the one before them. I really hope men in my generation, and my little brothers are looking back to mimic these guys, because otherwise we are lost. We're packing up and Uncle jim just pops the hood of the neon up and starts checking the oil and our other fluids, and then John joins him and they are checking our air pressure and such. it's so nice to be looked after. After everything was inspected we all got pictures together and hugged and kissed everyone good bye. Again, I was sad to go, but super excited about seeing carmen and Ashley and getting a little closer to oregon. (* my aunt noni painted this. i come from a line of painter. hopefully i will become one myself.)

And- for all those family members reading this we are planning a Metzger-Miles family reunion for Thanksgiving 2010. Be there or be square. Aunt Noni and Uncle Jim's house. It will be fabu.

Of course when we have just turned out of the driveway I realize I have forgotten my coat.. really it was just an excuse to run in and hug everyone again. Popped in one of Helen's awesome mixes to get to Houston. "On the road again.."

Good bye Miles residence. We will miss you so.

Rocking New years Eve

2010-01-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

" Every new year is a new opportunity to draw closer to your creator, and therefore draw closer to who you were made to be."

New Year Eve we lazily got up and hung out with Jim and Noni. We were suppose to go to downtown Nacagnoches for the morning to shop, but decided to opt for coffee and games and go in the afternoon.

Aunt Noni introduced us to two new games, skip-bo and Rummy- O. We played skip-bo in the morning a few rounds, and I won of course. ( Rach) Skip bo is like Uno and Rummy i think, and rummy- O is like Rummy and domino's. There's just something about playing games to get to know people. I have to be active- i'm not great with just sitting around and doing nothing. What a lot of people don't realize though, is that that doesn't require going out on the town or even spendin gmoney, i just want some good quality time. if I am hanging out with someone i want to hang out, talk, play games, just actually be engaging with them. I don't understand how people can sit around and not have a word with one another, when there is so much to learn about our friends and family all the time. There is always something I didn't know about them, why waste time?

When we were gamed out we headed down to the old house (*pic above in the old house kitchen), the house they use to live in when their kids were growing up is still on their property! Super cool, because all their old stuff is still inside. it would take a couple weeks to sort through everything and clear it out, but Aunt Noni has enough for her own antique store. We were looking for a video of Aunt Noni, uncle Jim, uncle Larry, Aunt Sue and Grandma and grandpa Metzger when they went to Alaska. it is suppose to be really hilarious and beautiful./ unfortunately we couldn't get the video player to work, so we didn't get to see it this trip. After we left the house with an armload of magazines and old slides to look through we headed off to town. (* pic of uncle larry, uncle jim, and grandpa don)

Downtown nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas. We walked along the cobblestone streets, and enjoyed one too many of the stores. The Fabric store they had was full of do it yourself projects and local artists stuff; basically enough to make me go broke. I love those type of stores, it's what i would like to do! I also got sucked into the good Book. Aunt Noni and Autumn like it as well, but were smart and got out as soon as posible. We love a good book store, and I couldn't resist getting some books even though we had no where to put them. I got A lineage of grace, by francine rivers. Several small books by the fathers and mother sof the church, and Forgotten God by Francis Chan. The last several stores were antique stores that we looked through, and just realized more and more that Aunt Noni needs to look into having her own store for real.

After Downtown we met up with Uncle Jim at the schezuan chinese restaurant. I am sure I am spelling that wrong, but regardless it was amazing! A mix between east coast and west coast chinese. Aww west coast chinese. how we love you so. From the restaurant we came back and played some more games with Aunt Noni. We also got to hear more funny stories of their alaskan adventures. Uncle Jim played a round of Dominos and then went in to relax. We were all super ready for bed before the ball even dropped. A little after 11 mom and dad finally called to say they had read our blog and now knew we were moving back to Oregon. FINALLY. it's about durn time we told them. What a great way to start the new year. Poor Uncle Jim he went to lay down so he could get up before the ball dropped. i don't think he realized what time it was though, because like ten minutes later we went into get him so he wouldn't miss it. We all hugged and kissed as the ball dropped and then went off to bed. WE are party animals. Happy 2010. Got in a couple poses for the new year. Hopefully this year I will be a yoga teacher yay!
Good night

Still Lovin East Texas

2010-01-12T17:29:00.000-08:00

" I have found out that there aint no surer way to find out if you like people than to travel with them."
-- Mark Twain

The above quote is totally true, as does living with someone. Good thing Autumn and I already know we drive each other crazy and love each other for it.

The Next day we went to the Tea Room with Eva called Mar teres I think. I don't know the date, because we have been sucked into the vortex that is our road trip, but regardless we are having a great time!
The tea room was tiny and packed and super quaint. We were seate din a small corner and each of our place settings was different from the other and mismatched within themselves, yet they looked lovely, and Autumn and I are going to do the same at our apartment. When we get to portland, we are going to go garage saling, hopefully with our grandma, mom, aunts, and cousin and find unique little dishes. Yes we are girls.

They served assorted quiches, and sandwiches, soups, and of course teas. We all ordered peach tea, except Eva who decided to be adventurous and try the strawberry margarita tea. Peach was a better option we found out. If anyone is passing through Lufkin, the food was really delicious. We tried the mexican quiche, the chicken salad, the apple walnut salad - all of it was yummy.

After lunch we headed to downtown Lufkin and visited some antique shops. Rach and I both discovered some small treasures to keep for ourselves and Eva and John bought us a gorgeous table cloth with sunset yellow and red poppies on it. We cannot wait to use it in our soon to be adorable apartment. At another antique store the manager gave us two bags of cards because he wanted to get rid of them!

Our shopping quota met we headed back to Eva's house to play Mexican train version of Dominoes. I was dominating the dominoes until one round when I couldn't make a train and rachael of course rejoiced in this fact. Though Eva won I took solice in the fact that I still beat Rachael. In the midst of our game playing, Eva's husband John ( who is hillarious) was scheming to set Rachael and I up with some true Texan boyfriends (not that we would have minded they seem to grow them tall, good looking and polite in Texas, we may have to get aunt nonie to find us a husband - I am sure John would help her.) We party hardy so we didn't leave until 8pm after whataburger fries and sitting on John's harley and seeing his old and new corvette.

Tommorrow is new years eve - hopefully we will get another one of Jim's famous margharitas:)
See you all in 2010!

God Bless Texas

2010-01-12T16:31:00.000-08:00

""In all of us there is a hunger, marrow-deep, to know our heritage, to know who we are and where we came from."" -- Alex Haley

Hanging out with Aunt Noni and Uncle jim is so much fun. We LOVE family history! It so incredible to hear where your parents and their parents and their parents parents came from, as well as all the trouble they got into and their love stories or mishaps to get them to their one and only. If you haven't asked an older family member lately, your parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, then ask someone- we always have a story to tell, I for one cannot wait to tell my great great grandchildren or whomever all the fun things I did to get there.

Today we heard stories about Cumberland homestead in TN and how Great grandpa metzger was the mayor there as well as a friend of Eleanor Roosevelt, because the homestead was her pet project. Great grandfather visited Eleanor in Washington DC at least once and gave them a painting of the homestead ( he was a wonderful artist). At least one of his paintings is in the smithsonian or with the roosevelt family. Uncle Tim and Aunt Tracie have at least 3 I think, and I am super jealous.

Aunt Nonnie told us about setting eyes on uncle jim at age 15 and knowing "this is the man I am going to marry." Three years later they met again and were married.Although on their first date she had another date that evening, after her date with Uncle Jim that he ended up driving her too, love it. You know it was the big guy at work, and Aunt Noni was a total catch since he asked her out again anyway. 4 Kids and 16 grandkids and 1 great grandbaby later. This seems to happen in our family alot, seeing as both my grandmother and grandfather were quasi engaged to other people when they met. Which by the way was also Aunt Nonnie's doing. The man my grandmother was engaged to lived in Misssissippi. He had been a patient of hers, fallen madly in love, bought them a house together yada yada. Aunt Nonie and my grandmother are best friends, she didn't want her to move away and knew my grandmother wasn't head over heals for the guy so she decided Jeanine was going to marry her brother donnie, and as things seem to happen as Nonie decides them they did get married.

Does love like this happen anymore? Is there a instantaneous connection? Or did generations before us just decide to love and go from there? i'm learning more and more that love is a choice not just a feeling.
-
We rented Julie and Julia that night which was lovely as well as Angus, thongs and perfect snoggie! Major thumbs up. It is based on the georgia nicholson series that we love and read often.

At this point in our trip we had already blogged to let mom and dad know we were coming and they still had not checked. Again we blogged to them, text them all the blog, called them all to see if they had checked it- all this on christmas day- and they still had not checked. ( they are following now tho- and we are happy for it- especially since mom can get on the blog herself, and mom generally has nothing to do with comps. )

After the movies we headed to bed.. Tomorrow we are heading to meet cousin Eva, wes' mom and have lunch at the Tea Room! Love ya'll faithful followers!

Hey Sug'

2010-01-09T22:55:00.000-08:00

"Family faces are magic mirrors.

Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future."

~Gail Lumet Buckley

We arrived in texas late on the 28th.. We were promptly asked if we wanted coffee, tea, or margaritas by Uncle Jim. Love it! Uncle Jim and Aunt Noni are adorable. We were so exhausted, but wanted stayed up to visit for a while. Uncle Jim and Aunt Noni's house is gorgeous. Super big open rooms. Our bed was so comfy and we were out as soon as our heads hit the pillow.

The morning of the 28th I didn't wake up until eleven. Autumn was already up with Uncle Jim and Aunt Noni chatting and making breakfast. Little did I know when I hopped out of bed we were ab0ut to have another cousin George moment. When i walked into the kitchen there was an adorable guy around my age talking to Aunt Noni. My immediate thought was crap I'm still in my jammies, haven't ashed my hair, or brushed my teeth! I look a mess! Fortunately Aunt Noni cleared all my worries saying, " Rachael, this is your cousin wes." Thank the Lord, we're related. I don't have to feel bad for looking all unkempt. Of course as soon as Autumn and I could link eyes we were speaking through ESP> We have to get wesley together with one of our friends, and we had just the one in mind. Breakfast was a lot of fun, and it was great to meet more extended family. I love how you can waltz in to people's homes that you have hardly met and be right at home, because they're family. I knew I would love being at Uncle Jim and Aunt Noni's the day I talked to Aunt Noni for over an hour on the phone months back. I got off the phone and told Autumn, " OMG- I am Aunt Noni!" Meeting her has only confirmed we are kindred spirits, and then looking through her wedding album confirmed that I am her twin. All of her pictures from when she is 20, I look just alike. Works for me though, because aunt Noni has aged well, and married quite a looker, so there is hope. (pictures to come later.)

After breakfast, we headed out for a walk around their property. Wesley decided not to come, he had been up duck hunting since 430 am. He had already had 6 cup of coffee and was still tired, I think I would be too. Their property is about 80 acres! They use to have twice that, but they sold half their land to the county. It is beautiful here in east texas. Autumn and I pictured all of Texas looking dry and deserted with tumble weeds and old west towns and boy we we wrong. East Texas has lots of trees and lots of open gorgeous country. Uncle JIm decided to take some trash and sticks down towards the creek on his tractor so Audi and i jumped on with him. it's like we are on farm. i would love to live on a farm some day. We walked down to the creek which will someday be a river, whenever the county gets around to finishing it. Them we wandered down to their old house. Uncle Jim and Aunt Noni have lived on this property for a while. My mom and dad came to visit them at their old house in the eighties, and this is where their kids were raised. Now it is used as the storage and guest house for when lots of people come to visit at once. Unfortunately we couldn't go in, because we hadn't brought the key down, but we will in the next few days.

On our way back we picked up some of the few scattered pecans left on the ground, but none of them were good. uncle Jim cracked them in his hands by pushing two of them together. That's the tick he said. You learn something new everyday. When we were in the middle of the hay field it started sprinkling so we hurried our step back to the house. We couldn't go too fast, because Aunt Noni is still recovering from all the surgeries she had in the last several months. Everyone, including her, has told us it is a miracle she is alive with all the complications she was having every time they repaired something. Praise the Lord she is alive, she has so much wisdom to impart on us still, along with some funny stories of her and grandma jeanines shenanigans.

** This isn't the end of the day, but I am getting sleepy and we are at a semi sketch hotel..it is in Gallop, NM. tomorrow hopefully we can get caught up.. say a prayer we sleep well and everything is fine. Love ya'll good night

Why are we at the Walmart distribution center and What is a Tamale?

2010-01-07T23:29:00.000-08:00

" One main factor in the upward trend of animal life has been in the power of wandering."

~Alfred Worth Whitehead

"You are a failure GPS!" the following picture is after we selected Walmart in the GPS to stop and get some hummus and apples... it failed to include distribution center in the title. Thus we ended up in the middle of nowhere a couple miles off the highway.. Great Job Suzy.

The drive from Alabama to Mississippi we rocked out to eighties and acapella music provided by Helen.. amazing! The eighties Cd is Autumn's favorite so far. As we entered mississippi we stopped at their rest area/welcome center.. all I can say is WOW! This place had free wi-fi, free coffee, free restrooms ( that were clean), tons of great touring guides, and the inside was sweet, like a formal living room. It also had a huge dog park outside and gorgeous grove of trees that we frolicked through to get some of our jitters out.

Welcome to mississippi:)

After plenty of tree climbing and pictures we loaded back into the car and headed to Vicksburg where we would stop to have dinner. Unfortunately, all the places we were calling in Vicksburg would be closing at 5, and we were suppose to arrive like 2 min before. Luckily we found one, The Tamale Place, that was open until 8. I wish we had taken a picture of the Tamale Place, because it was truly sketch. On a strip of road that had hardly anything on it, we arrived as it was starting to get dark, and the tiny building looked like a bail bonds drive thru. To make it even more interesting when we walked inside there is a huge glass window separating the cooks in the back and the customers with a lovely sign that reads:

If you are on you cell phone, we will not serve you.

If you are using profanity, we will not serve you.

If you have a credit card, we will not serve you.

If you lean through the window, we will not serve you.

Of course when I entered I was on my cell phone, with Erica Bethel Metzger, and had to quickly go outside, because I was getting eyeballed. When I came back inside, Autumn and I looked over the menu and decided we would get a tamale, because that was what was recommended, but what is a tamale?

We debated not asking for fear of getting a dumb look, but finally gave in and asked the girl in front of us, who, after a dumb look said, "what, ya'll really don't know what a tamale is?You're not from round her are ya? Well, I don't know how to describe um, but theys good."That was enough for us, we ordered a half dozen and anxiously waited.

When we got up to the window the guy scooped our tamales out of the pot, plopped them on some news paper and wrapped them up. This was going to be good. I looked at Audi who was looking skeptical at this point, and just shrugged, when in Rome...

The tamales were fabulous.. super greasy.. but totally worth it. After we opened them up, I realized I had had a tamale before, made by Brian, from an el salvadorian recipe from his wife Jenny. The one's jenny made were of corn and not greasy at all.. you topped them with a creamy cheese. These on the other hand were a mixture of pork and I don't know what, dripping with grease and pretty spicy. So even though it was sketch looking, we give The Tamale place a thumbs up.. a definite stop to eat if you are passing through.

From the Tamale Place we went to Vicksburg's downtown to explore and catch a glimpse of the Mississippi river. There were some beautiful churches and overall really quaint, but it was starting to get dark so most things were closed ( pretty much everything in town closed at 5 pm), and since there was no one else about we decided to head out soon after we arrived. On the Road Again..

Stopped at subway for dinner.. Autumn and I have a new fave the veggie sub with every veggie toasted with cheese and add marinara sauce... so yummy.

After Vicksburg we passed through Louisiana. We really wanted to swing by New Orleans, but weren't sure if we could lock down some one to stay with, and we were super anxious to get to Aunt Noni and Uncle Jims so we pressed on. I wish I had more to say about Louisiana, but it was dark at this point, and we were on the highway. Almost to Texas. Yee haw

So we are way behind on POsts

2010-01-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

SO we are way behind on posts, but promise to catch everyone up in the next 2 days. we love you!here are some fun pictures until the next posts....

Yummy recipes

2010-01-06T07:19:00.001-08:00

Cheesy mushroom pizza

I pillsbury pizza dough

1 Pack cream cheese

1 package of mozzarella shredded cheese

1 small block of fontina cheese, shred

2 small cartons of mushrooms we mixed white cap and bella

fresh thyme and butter

Pre-Bake the pillsbury dough for like 5-7 minutes

saute the mushrooms and thyme and butter

spread the cream cheese

sprinkle fontina, add mushrooms with thyme and cover with mozerella

bake 12-14 minutes on 350 ( i think.. check the pizza can)

Slice and serve! Ridiculous good

We served with:

Balsamic Chicken

Boneless skinless chicken breast

Marinate in Balsamic vinegar( we used a fig balsamic dressing)

Fresh garlic, salt and pepper

Feta Cheese

Fresh Roma Tomatoes

Put the oven on Broil and flip chicken after 5-6 minutes

after 2nd side is finished add sliced tomatoes and feta cheese until they brown lightly..voila

Road trip Tennessee to Alabama

2009-12-28T05:52:00.000-08:00

" I travel alot; I hate feeling my life disrupted by routine"

Wow. Christmas has come and gone. We had such a good time with everyone. I don't feel like we did much anything but relax around and eat.. where did the time go?

Christmas Eve we went to 5 o'clock service at Christ Community Church in Franklin and it was packed. As we walked in the door, we were like " man, wouldn't it be awesome if every Sunday was like this?" and without missing a beat, the woman behind us replied " Amen!" The praise and worship was amazing, but it's to be expected we're in singing country being only 30 minutes from nashville. After celebrating Jesus B-day with the church, we headed home to have a chili dinner.. which of course included Uncle Tim's amazing angel biscuits. After dinner everyone got to open one gift and Amanda made matt open hers, because we all wanted to watch his gift; she got him Jim Gaffigan.. hilarious

" You know who's a happy camper? The guy leaving the camping sight, he gets to shower.. lol"
" I probably wouldn't be so scared if I wasn't sleeping in a bag."
"play dead? Who came up with that? The bears! Play dead, roll yourself in honey and scoot on a large white plate."
" The bear's like great performance, but i', hungry and he looks like a burrito."

"Ever get in a hammock with someone else? Cuz you better be dating um. looks like your making a family."

"We never want sleep to end. Thats why there's the snooze bar. Nothing like starting off the day with a little procrastination. As my first decision of the day.. i will go back to sleep."

I could go on and on and on... lol.. we were dying.. look it up on you tube!

The next morning we got up and opened presents.. and Autumn and I had so many! We were so surprised, Tim and Tracie had even gotten us our own stockings filled with tons of awesomeness.. they are so sweet.

Then, not to mention food again, but I have to because Tim's breakfast casserole was so good! We all hung around some more and then Amanda and I made a target run to get the 500 days of summer Cd and movie... we were in the middle of transferring almost all her music to my computer ( really she gave me like 300 some songs) when we realized she didn't have that one cd lol. and that only her and I had seen the movie, which was a crime, thus are need to make a target run.

Target, great as always. We got our stuff and left. As we were driving home we realized we had forgotten to get my uncle a big storage tub like he had asked and wait a sec.. what is this vest I'm wearing with the tags that I didn't pay for?? I just shoplifted! I had been looking at puffy vests and tried one on and left it on debating the purchase whilst we browsed the store and just completely forgot I had it on. The woman at the register looked uuber confused when I took it off in front of her and said i had come back inside to pay for it. Luckily no sirens or anything went off as i walked out the door, I already have one possible warrant out for my arrest..that story later.

Then after we watched 500 days of summer we headed over to see sherlock holmes.. I loved it-------------------------------------------------->>

Then we had A BIG christmas dinner.. ham.. sweet potatoes, regular potatoes aunt tracie's special style. yum yum yum

SO I mis-posted but am not tech savy enough to change it.. but target mishap and 500 days of summer was the 26th, and then Amanda and I made some sweet pizza. recipe's in post under yummy recipes. try them.. rate them!

The 27th Our family headed over to East TN..so autumn and I got up and went to church... I was so tired.. i bobble headed the whole service...then we met Erica back at the house.. yay!
It was so good to see you ERICA! She brought our christmas gift - snuggie (well the intention of one, we will get one soon) to wear as we enter each statem,some great camping gear and fun games to play in the car, and not to forget, her beautiful school picture for us to put in our dashboard.

We have such amazing friends and family. Thank you to all of you who have already taken us in! We truly enjoyed our time with you. To those we will see soon, thank you in advance and we are excited to see you.

We amazingly enough left Franklin, TN only an hour and a half later than we intended ( a vast improvement from about 4-6 hours late) Who knows maybe by the time we leave Texas we will be on time.

Arrived last night in Huntsville, AL to stay with Kendall and Kurt and the baby bump also knowns as the up and coming baby anderson( so excited to meet you in July little gummy). Really had a good time getting to visit them and see their new home. This morning is beautiful and Huntsville seems to be a good place to live, unfortunately we don't have time to explore it more. We are getting on the road in the next few minutes to head to Garrison, TX to see our true Texan Aunt Nonie. Can't wait for the " shuugs" (as in sugar) and BIG texas hospitality. Its a ten hour drive so we are stopping in Vicksburg Mississippi for lunch and walking a bit. We may try The tamale Place...what's a tamale?

<<------Erin gamble this is for you. we are the same. i miss you friend
Love to all of you reading.

ps. Our family has still not bothered to check this blog, though we sent them the link for Christmas - either that or they are messing with us until we blurt it out! We won't cave:)Miss you in NC, TN and MT - See you soon OR.

2009-12-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

Journey's, like artist are born and not made. A thousand differing circumstances contribute to them, few of them willed or determined by the will-whatever we may think.

~Lawrence Durrell

2009-12-25T10:15:00.001-08:00

Which is easier and why: To make a model airplane out of a banana peel or a wet sock?

2009-12-25T09:53:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Mom, Dad, Chris and Jackser!

We will see you in January.

Call when you see.

Can't wait to see you!Yay!

Adventures in packing - Road Trip Day 1 and 2

2009-12-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

" When preparing to travel, layout all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money." - Susan Heller

Ohhh the truth in the above statement.

Our bomb.com trip got off to an interesting start. Monday Rach and I had planned to say good bye to several friends, finish last minute packing, load our stuff into the car and head west. It almost happened. Neither Rach or I had finished our packing, we still had several people to see, I was still finishing a med school essay and Rach was finishing several paintings so what had happened was...

We decided we would pack the car that evening and head out in the morning instead of rushing.

We gathered all of our belongings and piled them in the driveway in front of the Alexanders garage. WHOAA. Where did all this stuff come from. Things had hidden in the cracks and crevices and despite sending some of our belongings ahead of us, selling furniture and becoming the largest donors ever to Good Will ( and the Alexanders- sorry Daniel..:) we still had way TOO MUCH stuff. As I continued to pack and sort Rae attempted to do the impossible and fit the mountain of belongings into our small neon. She almost succeeded. By the time we were done it was 3 am and we still had a few things that needed to go into the car. Discouraged and exhausted we headed to bed. The next morning we retackled the car, pulling everything out, resorting through boxes and bags and once again getting rid of a bunch of belongings - this time Rachael's super power comes through and she is able to get everything into the car! We just can't see out of the back window. ( " I really wish we had Mary Poppins bags so we could put everything in there and then there would only be two small bags in the back seat"-Rach) This has been a great reason to really evaluate what we need and wear and get rid of what we don't. How do we accumulate so many belongings? We hugged Sarah and said goodbye off we went!

We had planned to hit the road at about 8:30 am and in our typical fashion it was 2:30 pm in the afternoon. We made it to Winston Salem to hug Katie and Mary and then somehow managed to get lost right afterwords. No worries folks we can make it to Oregon no problem - but will get lost an hour outside of Raleigh. We had accidently set our GPS to "off road" so it was not giving us any directions. Our cousin amanda was able to google us back to the right road. Ohh and shout out to Katie's mom who in true mom fashion made us an emergency kit with food, flashlights and FLARES! ( amazing) We have decided if we don't use them along the way we will let them off when we get to Portland. Helen "amazing" Munt made us a CD to listen to in every state - fantastic. Rocked out to them in NC and later TN.

Some great thoughts from the trip -
" There is nothing in kentucky except an amazing rest stop"
" Your telling me all these great things in kentucky, and all i'm hearing is corn, corn, corn, corn, corn..."
" I wonder how a caveman would feel his first time in the car" - While tribal music is playing in the background and Autumn is trying to sleep.

Then we stopped for gas somewhere in mountains- Rach ran in to get snacks and stretch her legs and I was sleeping in the car. I woke with a jolt when over the loud speaker the cashier asked me to move the car because I wasn't allowed to sleep at a gas pump. I thought I was dreaming so I went back to sleep. Rach heard him in the store and had to explain I was not driving (ummm obviously).

Arrive tired in Franklin, TN but had a blast with Rach in the car. Today we have spent time with Tim, Tracie, Amanda, Matt and James and Brenda stopped in. Lots of yummy eating, cookie making ( see chris as the hot fireman and jackser as bballer to the right), a bit of shopping and game playing and now its already bed time. Good relaxing day.

Thank you to the Alexanders and Manganos for all their help in getting us out of town and for just being amazing!

Love to all of you!

Home again Home again

2009-12-01T23:28:00.000-08:00

So Vacation has flown by. I came here thinking I had booked the trip too long, and here it is already over. This has been a great visit. Not perfect, because nothing ever is, but so many good things. My grandparents came over from Montana, we got to hang out with Tasha on multiple occasions. More than once our whole family got together, mixing mom and dad's sides of the family and there was no drama or fighting.. miracle. HUge Blessing. I think time does fly when you are having a good time.

Today we went to POrtland, and we didn't want to leave Christian at home, because we wanted to hang out, so we told him the big secret. It was fun to have him ask us repeatedly, " Are you moving to Portland, Does this mean you are moving to Portland, Well are you???" Once we got to Portland we realized the car was overheating, and had to quickly park. We went and toured 5 apartments, and it took us all afternoon. Fortunately we found two that we really love, the park terrace apartments, and the cumberland apts. Park Plaza would be next on our list and we didn't even get a chance to check out the Hawthorne district; we ran out of time. So the plan is to just check while we are near the end of our road trip what is available, and if nothing else go back right when we get here the end of January and check out the Hawthorne district and then just go with what's available that week. We'll see.

Autumn was super excited about exploring Portland today, and I was too, but still had the knot of fear, because I love my friends in Raleigh. Not that we aren't going to be friends, but it's not the same long distance. I think it's different for Autumn and I because most of her friends have started moving into new stages in their life, serious relationships, marriage, new jobs and babies and my friends for the most part haven't. We are just getting to start digging into each others lives for good, and thats hard to pull away from. I know it is going to be great though, and it will be what we make of it, and what we are trusting in the Lord to make of it. My life has already been an adventure so far that seems to keep getting better, so I have no reason to doubt the future will be different. I am getting super excite doubt making a place my own, which i haven't done in a while, and rooming with Autumn which we have never been able to do officially. But I most excited about our road trip. It is coming up so fast, and we still don't have some details panned out. Christmas in TN is going to be awesome and even better now, because I think Erica is coming with us.

I can't wait to send mom and dad a post card for Christmas that we are moving back. Mom was so sad when we were decorating the Christmas tree tonight, because we were leaving tomorrow and woudn't be here for Christmas, and she never knows when we will visit. I feel a little mean, but the surprise is totally worth it. I wish I had more time with gma and gpa though. I can't wait to go to MT for YWAM at some point, or just to go write in a cabin in the woods ( aka: grandparents house).

We just got done having AB Chinese and watching 4 Christmas's all together and I am zonked. Have to get up early so I can have coffee with mom and dad and say bye to Jackser and pack, and get all my pictures and stories off of the old computer we brought for Jacks.... such a procrastinator. I feel like I have gotten nothing done and have a million things to do when I get back. So with that said good nigh.. until next time.

Rach

work count down...

2009-10-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

17 more days at my job..so excited about thanksgiving VACA and then free time to spend with everyone here in goood old NC!

prep...prep...prep

2009-10-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

"Idealism is difficult to maintain in the climate of the modern medical system." - med school is hell website

I am so back and forth about medical school. I have spent a big chunk of the last few weeks working on my medical school apps - somedays I am so excited. I am going to use any gifts the Lord has given me to practically care for people and I love school, four + years sound great. And other days I wonder if I will be bored to death with the politics, mundane tasks and insurance issues I see frequently from working in a doctor's office.

Being in a small room with with lots of time to think most of the day (since I am doing diagnostic testing essentially in a dark cubicle) I have lots of quiet time to myself.Somedays it's great - I pray, I relax, I chat with patients. Other days I have cabin fever and I rethink my budget, make 98 to-do lists and today I attempted to guess and plan how much Rach and I would spend to make it across the country. That of course leads to the fact that I need to finish all my apps before we leave, that Rach and I need to find jobs and an apartment etc. Sometimes this is exciting, sometimes overwheling.

At least one thing has been constant. Our road trip is going to be amazing and I cannot wait.

SUPER EXCITING NEWS! Gig told me today that her, BB and Kt-bug are going to try and make it out in March to see us! So excited. When we first decided to move back I didn't consider the fact people might come and visit. Now I am so stoked about showing them a new place and getting some amazing time with them after being away for a few months.

So need to go to bed, Should not have had caffinated coffee with Gig at 10:00pm. So worth the conversation however...

We Road trip in 71 Days!

Le Italia....

2009-10-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

" You may have the Universe if I may have Italy" - Temistocle Solera

"Open my heart and you will see graved inside of it, 'Italy'"
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Rachael sent his update after landing in Italy...

ciao!

Just wanted to let you know our flight landed in milan safely! going over the italian alps was amazing, the clouds were so thick they looked like huge piles of cotton between the mountains, and then another whole layer of clouds above them.. i got to see the sun rise from the plane and then sky was shooting lines of pick and orange.. it was amazing.. im not describing it well...

the drive over to turin was scary to say the least.. but exciting.. steve got a manual car.. and he hasnt driven one hardly ever.. so many stall outs and almost being hits later we arrived in turin. i had to ask a taxi driver how to get to settembre 70 which is the address of townhouse 70 that we are staying at, and surprisingly i understood his few directions. i have only been here a few hours, but im in love with it already. the family is alseep in their room upstairs, mine is not ready yet, so insteasd of sleeping i wandered around the city for a bit and ended up in the piaza.. or city square.. it felt like i had just stepped into a movie.

back at the hotel now and and the staff here is so nice, i had a short convo with some of the cleaning staff..which was fun, and the manager here is so sweet.. he is like a cartoon character and just super hospitable.. i just had my first official italian caffe.. and it was amazing!

i think that is about it for now.. nothing crazy has happened yet, surprisingly, bc something always does when steve and sarah travel.. i get in my room in a few and the plan is shower and nap... i have slept maybe an hour, and it is bedtime now.. it is 1 in the afternoon on thursday here.

Love you and miss you all and i will try and send an update soon.. and maybe some pictures if i can figure out how to upload on here... arrivederci

rach

the early blog addictions

2009-10-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

" God loves me a BARGE" - Courtney Seigler

So we have not even left on our travels yet and I can see how easily this blog will be addicting. It could quickly become georgia style with the wonderful internet technology of our cell phones so that there are posts at 8:05 am of - "Driving", followed by another post at 8:09am - " still driving". No matter what we will have fun with it. Rach is headed off on a Italian jaunt here shortly and will hopefully update us via this blog. I am jealous, but only slightly because I really want to see Ireland, Scottland and England.

On a completely different note I have begun telling friends we are headed west and have started the ardious task of selling what little furniture I have and getting rid of clothes I wear infrequently. Part of it is really freeing and its a good reminder of how much stuff I accumulate and simply don't need. Other parts are harder because it makes our move more concrete, more real and it means letting go of things, such as my amazingly beautiful desk, that I have a sentimental attachment to. My friends have been amazing and so supportive. God knew exactly what he was doing in bring all of our individual personalities, dreams and quirks together and I couldn't ask for better friends. There is so much securty in that because I know no matter how far I go, or where they end up in life we will always be friends because Christ is the center and ultimate foundation. Our relationships may change but they won't disappear because our center is secure - We are sisters in Christ, Were family:)

Getting excited to see my baby brothers, who are not so little anymore and friends we haven't see in years. Today I talked to Carmen - who happens to be Ashley's mother, who happens to be my best friend from first grade who we will be vsiting on the trip. They live in Texas, which I have never been to and its going to be a riot to see them again. Ashley came and spent time with us every summer from second grade to 7th grade!

So welcome now to my ramblings, if you continue following this blog my random, thought wandering will become more familiar.

Le First Posting...

2009-10-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

" And Thank you for Jesus" - Grandaddy Metzger

In case you were unaware Elizabeth is the pen name of the infamous rachael metzger in honor of a much beloved heroine(Elizaeth Bennet) and Jane is the pen name of her older sister Autumn (Jane Bennet) If you have not read pride and prejudice stop reading now and go and get the book because you have been living under a rock. We are hoping to meet Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley along the way, though we want to avoid red bottomosity, thus solving our jobless, homeless dilemia. Also note to selves if any posts are spelled wrong it means that Autumn was typing and if there are run on sentences and a lack of grammer you can refer it to Rach.

So in anticipation of our upcoming travels we spent a non productive saturday mapping out what our road trip itinerary would possibly look like and as the title suggests it is bomb.com! Here is a basic low down, more details to follow - noting as we put in the description we have no where to be at no specific time so things are subject to change and often do with the two of us

Leave Raleighville December 22nd 2009
Arrive in Boone, NC Dec 22nd - Dec 23rd
Dec 23rd - Dec 27th Franklin, TN ( HOOORAY CHRISTMAST WITH THE METZGERS)
Dec. 27th - Pass through Huntsville, Alabama to see kendall
Dec. 27th Arrive at Bienville National Forest - CAMP OUT
Dec. 28th - Dec. 30th - Arrive Nacogdoches, TX to hang with the one and only Aunt Noni
Dec. 30th - Jan 2nd 2010 - NEW YEARS with Ashley and Carmen in Houston, TX HOLLLAR
- Attemt to see the gulf coast at some point
Jan 2nd - Jan 3rd - Stay the night in Dallas (with someone, there is bound to be a metzger there somewhere)
Jan 3rd - unknown - We are driving 10.5 hours to reach the next national forest and camp out (NM?)
Jan 4th? - Arrive at Las crusas NM - birth place of Rach
- Jan 5th Maybe Santa Fe and Albequerqe??? - possible stay in some random national forests (its free!)
Jan 6th/7th/8th - depending on where we stay arrive in prescott AZ visiting Sarah's dad - David
Jan 7thish - Jan 9thish - Spend time in Prescott/phoenix
Jan 9th-10th - GRAND CANYON
Jan 10th - 11th - Zion National Park
Jan 11th- Jan 12th - Mojave national desert reserve
Jan 12thish - Jan 14th - Visit the Mecklenbergs in Orange County, CA
- hopefully see hollywood, LA etc??
Jan14thish - Pacific Coast Hwy ( going to be gorgeous) to San Fran
Jan 14thish - Jan 16thish -SAN FRAN and surrounding areas ( possibly staying with friends)
Jan 16thish - Jan 20thish - Pacific coast hwy through every little town we want to stop in along CA/OR coast
- Stopping in Redwoods national forest, Depoe Bay and New Port
Jan 20thish - Arrive Florence, coast of OR stay witth the Duvals
Jan 21st - Head to Albany, OR to see the rents!
SURPRISE

- SLEEP FOR A WEEK AFTERWORDS, the move into our new amazing portland apartment

* If you have made a road trip similiar to this in the past and have any suggestions please let us know!

We le luuurrvvee you