Hokay. So, ya, this blog has been.... stagnant. Taiwan prep took over for a while. Now that I've "settled in" I've created a special blog just for Taiwan. Please visit my new blog at:

http://www.fuzzytravel.com/k_eighty/

Today was the first day at the OSC. Its interesting how you can spend so much time away from a place and from people only to return to and feel as if you'd never left at all. Kind of like listening to a song that you haven't heard in ten years and yet you know all of the words. And just like songs, you notice new things about it that you never realized before.

A child-like excitement fills me when I think about teaching kindies this summer. Even though I've never worked so much with the young ones, I am extremely excited about the challenge. By teaching them things (which they aren't going to remember), you are really teaching them how to learn and remember things.

The fact that I am not in college anymore hasn't sunk in. Someone asked me the other day, "what do you do?" Twitching, I had to correct my response to say that I just graduated from FSU. My brain hasn't yet processed that I won't return in the fall, that I won't drive 75 to 10, hug the usual suspects, and laugh with the same roommates and neighbors.

Needless to say, Taiwan is calling and my heart races. There is so much that I need to prepare for, and so much that I can't prepare for. I'm stoked.

As I prepare, this summer I will be teaching Kindergarten at the Orlando Science Center. That will be an adventure in itself.

I am a real person. Yes, I did it, I graduated.

Big whoop. Is this flimsy parchment, this paper that proves that for four years I did exactly what some old people told me to do, supposed to prove that I am now an official person? Because that is how the rest of the world puts it into perspective.
Looking back on it, the only real reason that I went to college is because its what you do when you get out of high school. It is sad to think that a lot of people are in the same situation and all of their lives they haven't had to make any real decisions. Having never practiced real decision making, its tough figuring out what to do for the rest of the time that is given to you. Guilty! I am in no position to be preaching about "good" decision making.
But then again, what is "good" decision making? What is there in life that proves that you made a good decision and that your time spent was worthwhile? I would hate to be the one to get stuck in the rut of doing just what society tells me to do. Not for the sake of being unique, nor a rebel, but for the sake of doing what is asked. Fearful of being molded completely into something that people "just do." Don't get me wrong, there has to be some sort of conformity to society (communication for example) but why do you think that He creates us all uniquely?

These four years spent in college and I am not a scholar, nor a philosopher, I don't even understand some of the most minute wonders of this world. But what I have learned these four years is to do my best to listen. He will lead me on the right path. I don't have to worry about choosing the most profitable career or the perfect place to raise a family, because I know that He will lead me and mold me into the person that he desires from which I will better His kingdom.

Gravity is basically a force that pulls TWO masses together. Earth is the closest, largest mass to us, so naturally it has the most significant gravitational force. BUT, what if the Earth didnt have as much mass (or force) as it does....

Things that I would love to see without gravity....

10. Shelves- of any sort- contents float on
9. Wall hangings- nails and screws are like so out
8. Autos- the wheels on the bus go... but we don't
7. Filing Cabinets- teachers would go berserk
6. Baskets- better get a top for that
5. Hangers- useless
4. Desks- computers, lamps; hey, at least it won't get cluttered!
3. Chairs- no more sore butt
2. Beds- the covers better be tight!
1. Bowls and plates- better get some good bleach

Share some good ones with me!!!

(P.S. That also means that any two objects (or people) have gravitational forces between them. The closer and the more massive, the greater the force. I wonder what the force is between me and Ben Folds ;)

Mommy WOW! I'm a big kid now!

Kinda... In case you haven't been updated, yes, I was picked to go to Taiwan. Awaiting medical clearance after stressful times for my secretary (me). Taiwan will be an awesome experience and I am truly thankful and blessed to have the opportunity. (Wondering about this pic? Taken for Fulbright; kinda cute, eh?) Pray for me tomorrow when I have a doctor examine my temple.

Once again, a fun-fulled weekend graced me with kayaking, a football game, my first visit to "the strip," and the Oxfam gallery show (of which both of my two pieces sold).

As this stanza of my narrative ends, I reminisce upon the friends, family and times experienced in Tallahassee. As inspiring as all of it was, it will be bittersweet to move to Taiwan for a year away from all of the comforts of home.

The garden. Kelly and I visited the "garden of eden." It was beautiful, don't get me wrong, but I find it hard to believe that it was the site of the garden.

I cant understand what the real garden mustve been like. Would everything be perfect? Or rather, viewed as perfect? Was this His plan all along? I wonder. Grace and forgiveness are so much more beautiful than perfection.

Exploring this place was such a joy. What a magnificent piece of work! Props. If you ever have an opportunity to visit, seize it!