To update you all, I've moved in with my parents in Greenfield and have been here for about a week. It's been awesome. Sheena and I transformed my bedroom into a bedroom/entertaining room. It's so different and fun. Then, we've been solidifying her wedding plans. I've been to like 3 Christmas parties already...crazy because it's 70 degrees outside and doesn't feel like Christmas at all!!! Basically, I'm lovin' being at home, which is a big deal since I'll be here until Feb. Something really cool is that I think that I'll have the opportunities to spend time with friends from the past and rekindle a few relationships. I'm really excited about that since I've been really horrible at keeping up with most people, and unfortunately, friends that I dearly loved at one point in my life have slipped through the cracks of time, and now I'm looking around going, what happened?? So, hopefully I've learned the lesson that relationships are important and that they require fostering and attention. That might be harder to do once I'm in El Salvador, but hopefully the cyber world will be kind to me. :)
Speaking of friends, though, I'm super psyched because I am leaving today to see 2 of my best friends in a whirlwind trip through Illinois. It's going to be quick, yet long at the same time (on the road a while), but well worth it to spend some time with Alison and Evelyn before I'm on a jet plane out of here.

New Baby!! My friend Amanda (Perry) Rodriguez and her husband Robert have just had their first child...Rachel Elizabeth Rodriguez, 5 lbs., 5 oz. She has a head full of hair, they said, and is healthy. So tiny! Welcome Baby Rachel!! I'm so excited because I get to see her and the new Mommy on Wed. after I get home!!! Congratulations to their family!

Well, I had a splendid evening!! I taught at the BCM's Christmas Benefit Ball last night. We did Tango, Salsa and Waltz. It was so much fun!! I haven't taught ballroom since the end of April, so it was a huge rush, and I felt so comftorable in my element...I miss it. Anyway, the 80 something college students were great students. I think everyone had a lot of fun, and they did really well with the dancing. We stayed until 1 in the morning, just dancing and them asking questions and stuff. There was this very pretty African man there that could really dance salsa. I enjoyed him being there to help...and to look at. ;)Plus, it was a blast getting dressed up...this is only the second time Sheena and I have gone to a formal event together. She looked beautiful. When we saw each other, we were like, "Oh my goodness! You look so pretty!!!" It was a sweet moment. She said she liked my hair and that she wants me to wear it like that for the wedding...yeh! That's a relief! No slicked-back look!! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!! I give thanks for a tight-knit family, for my friends - however far, for freedoms in our country, for freedom of my soul, for the ability to choose, for the health to dance and explore, for sanitary drinking water, for contacts, for my big heavy coat this time of year, for mercy and grace of God whom saved my soul from His wrath. I am thankful for many things this year...and this is just the beginning of the list. What about you? Tell me what you're thankful for! Have a good one and don't eat too much turkey and pecan pie!!!

Borat: Not so Nice. So, abading others' advice to skip out on the praised, ground-breaking film Borat, I decided to see what all of the hype was for myself. I mean, afterall, how bad could it be, right? What are a few lawsuits?? AND, if it's a monumental occasion in comedy, I wanted to experience this first-hand and make up my own mind about it all....just maybe I'd laugh til my stomach hurt.

Well, after sitting through an hour of quite offensive humor, Sheena, a friend and I got up and walked out. I never do that with movies, but I just couldn't handle the vulgarity. Not only did Borat want to annilate the Jews, but there were also naked males rolling around on the bed together, and unspeakable other vulgarities. I only wish I could describe to you what I saw and beg you not to submit yourself to the cruelty of humor gone bad, but it's just not something I want to post on the internet. However, my mouth dropped about 10 times in a 'I can't believe he just said/did that!' kind of way. It's one of those. Although, I must admit that I laughed at a few things. It actually would have been hilarious had he stayed away from the gross sexual stuff. He ruined it by going too far in the 'I want to offend everyone possible on the face of the planet that there is to offend' kind of way. Too bad because his character's funny. Well, all of that to say that I'm mad I wasted $8.50, mad that the critics rated it an A movie, and mad that the world applauds this kind of disgusting humor. Whatever happened to Bill Cosby? "He's a-Nice." :}

Success!! So, last night was the lingerie party of the century if I may be so bold. As you probably know, my sister's getting married in Jan., and this whole to-do of me being in Knoxville is for her. So, one can imagine how elated I was to fulfill one of my maiden duties of throwing a shower. First of all, I love throwing parties. How fun is it to decorate?!? Much. A Much too Much. Second of all, it was so great to have a party with all of Sheena's closest friends there, giving "advice" (what they've heard from others, including myself beings that no one's actually married in the group...except for Stacy, but she didn't come until later. However, we still appreciate her input.) and telling sweet and sappy stories - mostly funny of Sheena and what kind of stamp she's left on their lives. It made me a proud sis to hear how they all talked about her. She also got lots of sexy lingerie. I was surprised, though, at how not outrageous they were. I think everyone was thinking what they would want. It worked because she loves it all and tried them on last night (in front of like 10 girls, might I add...yep, she just stripped down in her excitement to wear ribbons and lace! What can I say, she's a Rowlett girl). In all, there were 20 girls at the party. Fun times!! I won't give details of the games played, I guess, but they were a hoot and the girls were good sports about it all. Let's just say one game involved a banana and whipped cream.

I can't believe my little sister's getting married. It's so wonderful, but so crazy. I know it's going to be hard for them at first, being broke students and all, but I see their love for one another, and I know God will bless their union. They're willing to sacrifice and work at it. I've heard them talk about it and witnessed it myself. One thing I like is that Kydon told me the other day that he's learning what not to do and what to do with Sheena from watching us live together. He said he's going to have to do things when she asks, instead of putting them off. That's not in his natural habitating ways, but he's making a conscious note to have a happy wife, and he's willing to do it. That's when it hit me that he's good for her. I always thought no one could truly be good enough for her, but I realized there and then that he's better for her than me!!! Now hear me out...what I mean is that most of the time, I'm not willing to change my living habits (because I think my ways are better) and just say she needs to stop being so anal. I know that's not the best attitude, but it happens with sisters, I guess. I also guess that we'll see if he can actually hold up to his present observations and attempt to please the cleaning power of Sheena Marie. But, for now, I appreciate him thinking ahead of ways to make their marriage work and to prevent fusses over, what I think, is stupid - like when to fold the laundry or empty the dishwasher. God help em and God Bless em!

Viva El Salvador!!! That's right, I'm headed south to Central America's smallest country in Feb. to work as a rural health facilitator in the Peace Corps. I'm so excited that it's a Spanish speaking country because now I can refresh my skills and hopefully become fluent forever!! :) I'm a bit nervous about my job though because I don't really know how to do it, but that's why I have 3 months of training, right?!? Well, guests are welcome, so come visit if you can!! They have great beaches, so we can surf or something...it will be fun!

Church Happy!!

Hallelujah...Praise the Lord I found a church I like here in K-ville!!! Seriously, that's a huge deal because I needed something to change my mind on Southern churches. It's actually very similar to Mosaic, and the pastor said he got a lot of the ideas for the church from Pastor Erwin and Mosaic. Needless to say, that thrills my soul. Can I just say that I love to wear jeans to church? Can I also say that I love a pastor that really challenges Christians? I mean, as followers, we need to be taught/reminded/encouraged/challenged to actually follow and what that means. I mean, yes, salvation is core, and I realize that's a huge ministry of the church is to tell others about Jesus Christ. However, I personally think (and that's a scary thing....my thoughts :} ) that one of the reasons why the church has failed to impact is because the same message is always taught...salvation...but what about after? Discipleship is so important! Our church is full of contented people (I realize I'm generalizing...bear with me) because they think they don't need to do much of anything because they're going to heaven....but are they?!? ;{ So, instead of preaching to the choir, persay, about salvation, preaching to the believers who are wondering just exactly how to pursue a relationship with this Savior and make Him Lord. Well, anyway, as you can see, this is a soap box of mine, but basically, I'm just excited about Faith Promise. So, now I'm actually looking forward to church next week!!! :) Sweet!

So, this is really silly, but I'm in such a good mood just because I painted my nails! They're coral pink, and it makes me feel funky...I like it. Maybe I'll paint them more often. :)

I just got back from a fun weekend home. We got so much stuff done for Sheena's wedding...dress, veil, shoes, columns, arch, flowers, cake...it was crazy and fun. Plus, I threw my friend Amanda Rodriguez a baby shower on Sat. She's expecting in Dec. with a baby girl, and it was my first baby shower to ever throw. I must say it was splendid :) with a cute Winnie the Pooh cake and balloons everywhere and yummy food and a couple of stupid games. She got lots of gifts, a nice start to her baby room, and I think everyone had a good time. The best part was that I got to see all of my friends from high school that I haven't seen in like 3 years. I'm the only one not married out of everyone...crazy. They all seem to be doing well, though, and it's hard to believe i was so nervous about seeing all of them because we just talked and laughed like we'd never missed a step. It was just nice to know that a blast from the past doesn't have to be awkward. I don't know why I thought it would be. Anyway! Then, my family and I cooked out in our backyard, as always. That was fun too, beings that it's like 40 degrees outside! Nothing like a good fire smell in the fall. It was just a good weekend, so thought I'd share. :)

So, I went to a swing dance workshop last night for 4 hours, and I gotta say, I didn't realize how much I don't know! It was amazing how much I learned in those hours, and also how humbling it was to be like, oh...I'm not so good...I need a lot of work. I think it's a process for anyone working on an artform, especially professionals. It was just cool, though. We mainly concentrated on following (something I thought I did really well, but realized I stink ;O), and it reminded me of something one of the girls here told me about a month ago. She said that when she was learning to dance, it was a huge lesson to her in life and spiritually. See, as a follower, I can only do what my leader tells me to do, one step at a time. I may assume what will happen next from past dances, or may try to finish a pattern because of knowledge of the step, but the lead can change it at anytime, using creativity and the music to make his own patterns, his own style, and his own steps. My job is to follow each movement, wherever he leads...even if it's different than what I'm used to. Also, I'm not in control of where I go...my lead is. He's driving, and I'm along for the ride. However, the fun part is that sometimes I get to add in my own steps, and my own styling...once I've learned how to follow completely. It's pretty cool how dance and life correlate so much. Trust and following...makes sense.

Oh, Family! How blessed are those with a Father who's ways are upright, and a Mother who's love is boundless. How blessed is the family who prays together, shares life's joys and sorrows, eats together, laughs together. I am so thankful to God for my family. After years of knowing many people and many families, I realize each and every day how unique my situation is and I wonder why. Why did God bless us so? Well, I do believe that generational obedience had something to do with it, and I believe that my parents' devotion to God is the root. 2 Samuel 7:29 Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever." Psalm 37:26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed (This one is a perfect description of my parents). Psalm 144:15 Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.

Basically, I love my clan!! Thanks Mom and Dad for raising me with the freedom to make my own decisions, but constant guidance in the ways of the Lord.

So, I made that transition I was speaking of just fine...having a sister's a blast, and I love getting to spend time with her. However, it is kind of wierd not having a job I like and being hesitant at making friends and getting involved. It's like my guard is up and I'm enjoying alone time more and more because of the thought of moving away in a couple of months...it's like what's the point? However, I know this not to be the mindset of Christ, and I know that every moment is precious, and that everyday I have an opportunity to bless and be blessed. I want to be used in my time here in K-ville. One cool thing is that I got a second job teaching a latin workout class at the local YMCA. It should be great fun, and I get paid to exercise...how great is that?!? Plus, a Bible Study I've been attending is good...I just need to put more effort into connecting with the people in it, though. Well, until next time, ciao!

Unclear Thinking

Right now I am sitting in a great friend's house, drinking a good cup of coffee, and getting ready to spend a fun and peaceful day at the lake...it seems like I'd have no worries at all, and yet my spirit is stirring and my mind constantly racing. See, I just left my wonderful job that I loved in California, along with my friends and home of almost 3 years. I'll be living the rest of this year as a "vagabond" among family. While I left with a clear goal and exciting vision, I am currently questioning everything about my decision and my life choices. ( For those who don't know, I'm joining the Peace Corps and leaving in Feb. for 2 1/2 years overseas.) I guess that's normal when a huge transition occurs, but I want to be able to trust God completely in this...maybe that's the problem - I don't have 100% confirmation that I'm making the best decision for His Kingdom and/or my life. Basically, I need to be on my knees 24/7. So, it's a good thing that that great friend I mentioned above and I are spending time daily in prayer. AND, if anyone reading this is a follower of Christ, I'd appreciate your prayers as well.

New to this... write more later.