Success!

It's nice to know that what you do for a living matters. Today I finally found proof that I have personally recruited one student to our University.

An essay written by a student who recently attended our scholarship competition weekend reads:

"One memory that still sticks with me today is when a representative from WUcame to my high school in Oregon. I remember walking into the Career Center to see a smiling young woman who greeted me with a firm handshake. Right then I knew that this was someone who was friendly but also very eager to leave a lasting impression. She did, as WU is my top choice for a University today."

The best part is that I actually remember meeting this student and seeing as how she's an awesome student I'm pretty stoked that she'll be on campus next fall. It must have been my stellar handshake.

Praise God from Whom all GPS's Flow

Traveling with a GPS system has made a world of difference in my travels. I now have the confidence and freedom to eat better food, shop, coffee myself into a coma and take spur of the moment detours. Today I used my new best friend to find a local coffee shop where I bought a fabulous herbal blend and pesto bagel for under $3. The shop had an artsy laid back ambiance and I spent a good hour reading, drinking tea and listening to fantastic jazz music.

As an added bonus, GPS systems also improve self esteem because you feel really smart for being able to follow directions and multi-task.

I'm excited to try GPSing out in San Francisco this Friday.

"It Might Be Fun"

For a variety of good reasons I spent a good portion of last week dreading my trip to California. In an attempt to trick myself into optimism I've repeating "It might be fun" to myself almost hourly to no avail. The dread remained and yesterday's rocky start seemed to confirm my worst fears that I was in for a very long, lonely week.

Today, however, my trip took a turn for the better. A wonderful college rep. from University of San Diego took pity on me and helped me carry my piles of boxes (thanks Jim) to the fair location giving us ample time for chatting and friend making. This put me in an excellent mood which allowed me to have a sense of humor when I found out shortly thereafter that the fair heads weren't expecting me. Because of some clerical snafu they never received my registration and didn't have a table or materials set up for me. The real tragedy though is not being included in the list of schools attending that is handed out to all students who attend the fairs so they know to look for us. I resolved to be charming enough that everyone would want to talk to me regardless of our lack of listing.

Bolstered by my success in having made a friend so early in the week, I informed the woman in charge that I was here to stay and demanded a table and bottled water. She provided the table and forgot the water, giving me an excellent opportunity to make friend number 2 . I convinced the cute UPS rep to give me one of his two bottles.

As far as fairs go, this one was pretty slow but that ended up working to my advantage since it left me time to talk and make more friends which I did. K from University of Montana and I made a pact to be lunch/shopping/sun lounging buddies and between the two of us we managed to rope some fun (and cute) reps. from Jamaica and Mexico into hanging out with us at the complementary dinner. After much laughter we all promised to meet up at tomorrow's fair for more fun and I'm looking forward to it.

I topped my successful social day off with a lengthy impromptu drive through San Francisco (I stubbornly tried to drive through downtown on my way the the Golden Gate Bridge and got lost) that added about an hour to my evening. Luckily I had my trusty GPS with me and was able to get to my hotel without too much trouble. All in all, today was a really fun day. Who would have guessed that where I failed to trick myself into having fun, Jesus would sneak in and make things actually fun?

I Made It!

Two plane flights, no dinner, some turbulence, nausea and a CD-less car ride later I am in California finally on my way to bed.

Best Office Game Ever!

Clipboard Tennis.

Just grab a partner, two clipboards and several sheets of paper from the recycling bin. Ball up the paper and wrap it in scotch tape. Your goal is to keep the ball from hitting the ground. The more people and inanimate objects you can get involved the better.

I guarantee you won't regret trying it.

On the Road Again

It looks like my roommates and I found a house just in time as I will begin traveling again in a few weeks. Thank you to all of you who offered up prayers on our behalf. Our new home is wonderful and we'll be sure to have you all over soon!

Here is my line up for spring and summer travel:

1. San Francisco, CA and the Bay Area
2. Seattle, WA
3. Portland, OR
4. Boston, MA
5. Possibly Hawaii
6. San Diego, CA
7. Yachats, OR

Fun activities I have planned include; visiting friends, more weddings, museums, museums, museums, Golden Gate Park, Beacon Hill, The Boston Public Library and the San Diego Zoo.

Have I left out any must sees?

Sometimes I Want to Hit People

• If they don't park inside the yellow lines
• For being selfish or, just as bad, thoughtless
• When they drive below the speed limit in the fast lane
• For their inability to be self-reflect
• When they take my favorite things without asking
• If they assume I will do things for them; especially unpleasant things

Do you think I'm being too hard on them?

Out of the Mouths of Babes

I discovered this little nugget of wisdom today in the essay of a prospective student:

"A good support system is essential in developing one's character. It allows them to take steps they would normally be afraid to take on their own, and provides them with the support to follow through with such endeavors. [Faith gives you] the ability to take risks and step out of one's comfort zone, because you know that you have the support to back you up, and that you will come out of the situation not only unharmed, but also stronger."

While I disagree that trusting Christ and His followers is guaranteed to leave us unharmed, I am grateful to be reminded by this student that I will not be overcome. It is good to hear again that there is an unchanging love to hold me steady in the darkness and that because of this support and the promise of future glory, I have a reason to keep trying and believing.