It seems the pace of my life never seems to reach less than break-neck speed! I have officially completed the application process for the PhD program. Now I wait. I should know the result in March some time.
I have moved. I took the Friday off prior to the move and packed. Fiona and her daughter Sheridan came over to help. I packed late into the evening, went to work on Saturday morning, then moved everything I own to the new location. It was raining that day. I have made a vow...I vow not to move myself again. In the future, I choose to pay someone to pack my life and move my stuff. Whatever the cost, it is worth it! With confidence I can say, I have very, very good friends. I was cranky, it seemed everything with the move was going wrong, the rain was a nice touch, but inspite of it all - people showed up to help. WOW!! Thank you to Fiona, Delenn, Elaine, Jeannie, Karen, Angela, Kelsey, Yasmine, and Gamil. The men had it rough!! I moved from a second story apartment to a third story condo. My furniture is heavy. The one benefit of moving, you realize how much junk you own. As I was packing. I looked at things and asked myself, "do I REALLY want to move this?" The answer was often, "no." I am still working on making it home, but I am glad to have the move behind me.
Prem Das has arrived from India, via Houston where he was visiting his son. We have already attended three meetings and have many more scheduled for the week. I will post some pics. One story I just have to share...when I picked him up from the airport and we were loading my car he said, "ahh, a jeep." Then nothing else. I didn't think much about it. The next day he told me he has always wanted to ride in a jeep. In India, jeeps are the vehicle of choice for dignitaries, the rich and important - I have a vehicle of the gods!! He also made a joke about the heated seats. He is going to return to India and tell the children that Sheri burnt him without fire. I guess there is some folk tale involving burning with no fire. We laughed about it until I was in tears and could hardly see the road. I am very grateful for the time I have with him. I know I respect him greatly and admire the work he is doing, but it is a privilege to get to know him on a personal level; share jokes, stories and experiences. I will post pictures soon.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Skiing in the midwest?
Is it possible to ski where there are no mountains? For years I have said, "No. Absolutely not. Can't happen." I followed that up with a quick, if you ever catch me skiing in the midwest - move me home, quickly!!
Well...I went skiing in the midwest and have no plans to move. Skiing on a mountain? No. They don't exist here. I went skiing on a big hill called a bluff. The surprising thing is - I enjoyed it. The snow is man made. The runs are short and congested. Sounds like a recipe for frustration, but instead it was a lot of fun. One of my co-workers is an instructor at Snow Creek near Weston, MO. He tried to recruit me to be a ski instructor there. It didn't work with my schedule this season, but I agreed to shadow him a couple of times. It was just nice to be outdoors and active in the middle of winter. I love the grace of downhill skiing, the swoosh of the snow under my ski's and the wind blowing through my hair. It isn't Alta in Utah, but it was a nice way to spend a Saturday.
One thing I did learn...I'm not thirteen anymore! Shocking, I know. About 2pm I was already feeling the fatigue in my leg muscles. I remember when I was a kid and I could go all day; ski, ski, ski, and then get up the next morning and do it again. Sadly, those days will have to remain in my memories because the aging Sheri can only ski for part of the day; then long for a hot tub and a good massage for my aching muscles. How did this happen? Where is the golden city and the fountain of youth? Oh well, I will just have to learn to enjoy the slower pace and leave the hot doggin' to the energy filled youth. As if I didn't already feel old enough, I realized my ski equipment is 19 years old! Unbelievable!!
If you want to learn to ski, this is an excellent place to do it. If you haven't skied in a while, it is a nice place to get your form back. If you have access to real mountains, I still envy you, but I guess one place can't have everything, right? I hope you are enjoying your winter. I'm already looking forward to spring.
Keep in touch.
Well...I went skiing in the midwest and have no plans to move. Skiing on a mountain? No. They don't exist here. I went skiing on a big hill called a bluff. The surprising thing is - I enjoyed it. The snow is man made. The runs are short and congested. Sounds like a recipe for frustration, but instead it was a lot of fun. One of my co-workers is an instructor at Snow Creek near Weston, MO. He tried to recruit me to be a ski instructor there. It didn't work with my schedule this season, but I agreed to shadow him a couple of times. It was just nice to be outdoors and active in the middle of winter. I love the grace of downhill skiing, the swoosh of the snow under my ski's and the wind blowing through my hair. It isn't Alta in Utah, but it was a nice way to spend a Saturday.
One thing I did learn...I'm not thirteen anymore! Shocking, I know. About 2pm I was already feeling the fatigue in my leg muscles. I remember when I was a kid and I could go all day; ski, ski, ski, and then get up the next morning and do it again. Sadly, those days will have to remain in my memories because the aging Sheri can only ski for part of the day; then long for a hot tub and a good massage for my aching muscles. How did this happen? Where is the golden city and the fountain of youth? Oh well, I will just have to learn to enjoy the slower pace and leave the hot doggin' to the energy filled youth. As if I didn't already feel old enough, I realized my ski equipment is 19 years old! Unbelievable!!
If you want to learn to ski, this is an excellent place to do it. If you haven't skied in a while, it is a nice place to get your form back. If you have access to real mountains, I still envy you, but I guess one place can't have everything, right? I hope you are enjoying your winter. I'm already looking forward to spring.
Keep in touch.
Friday, January 20, 2006
An inspiring love story
As part of my live louder motto - I want to learn how to trust and love more deeply. I want these characteristics to be a growing part of who I am as a person.
There is a couple at my church that demonstrated love in ways I cannot comprehend. He was in his mid-twenties when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma cancer. They had their first date after he started the chemo treatments. In October 2005 they were married. The cancer took him in January 2006. I attended the funeral two weeks ago today.
I don't understand why he had to die at 27 - that is too young. He bravely fought the cancer. Inspite of everything, he remained transparent and honest. I can't remember a time that I asked him how he was doing and he didn't reply with a genuine answer. I don't understand how either of them had the courage to love, knowing it may only be for a short time. Though I don't understand it, I find their story inspiring.
Below is an excerpt from his eulogy:
Cancer is not kind to the person who suffers from it, but there are some things it can’t do. It cannot…
There is a couple at my church that demonstrated love in ways I cannot comprehend. He was in his mid-twenties when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma cancer. They had their first date after he started the chemo treatments. In October 2005 they were married. The cancer took him in January 2006. I attended the funeral two weeks ago today.
I don't understand why he had to die at 27 - that is too young. He bravely fought the cancer. Inspite of everything, he remained transparent and honest. I can't remember a time that I asked him how he was doing and he didn't reply with a genuine answer. I don't understand how either of them had the courage to love, knowing it may only be for a short time. Though I don't understand it, I find their story inspiring.
Below is an excerpt from his eulogy:
Cancer is not kind to the person who suffers from it, but there are some things it can’t do. It cannot…
- Cripple love.
- Shatter hope.
- Corrode faith.
- Eat away peace.
- Destroy confidence.
- Kill friendship.
- Shut out memories.
- Silence courage.
- Invade the soul.
- Reduce eternal life.
- Lessen the power of the resurrection.
The last few months of his life they started a blog to keep concerned family and friends updated. I would like to share that blog with you. You can see just a bit of their story; the faith, hope and love they demonstrated. I aspire to posess just a portion of their trust in God and their love for each other.
Enjoy the real-life love story of Brandon and Megan Eastland.
http://www.xanga.com/brandonandmegan
Thursday, January 12, 2006
I bought a home!!!
In case you haven't heard, I am a homeowner. Yipeee!!! I have a mortgage, maintenance, and a tax write off! Isn't home ownership grand? Actually, I bought a condo - so, the maintenance is minimal. I pay monthly so somebody ELSE cleans gutters, rake leaves, shovels snow and does all that general dirty work that I don't seem to have time or a desire for. I became a homeowner Jan. 3, 2006. It was such a monumental day that I took a picture to commemorate the event.Really it is move in ready, but I will be painting some this weekend. I also hope to have a wood (or wood laminate) floor installed before moving day. I have begun to pack already. Transition is fun! Moving day is Jan. 28. The very next day Premdas arrives from India via California. No down time for Sheri.
The pic includes my realtor, Todd, and the title company/bank rep.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Live Louder!!!
What's your New Year's resultion?
I have a good friend that adopted the motto: Live Loud! on New Year's a few years ago. Last year she modified it to Live Louder!
My motto for the past year was to make new memories. I successfully accomplished that with extensive travel and valuable time with friends and family. The thing I am most thankful for are the amazing, beautiful people in my life. They make life so much more enjoyable. I've decided that this year's motto is going to be Live Louder! I want to shed the things that hold me back; fear, uncertainty, excuses. I want to pursue the things that make life enjoyable - deep relationship with God and others, unforgettable experiences, reaching for things just slightly out of reach to see if I can get there. I am committing this year to fulfilling unfullfilled dreams.
In January, I am signing the closing documents and moving in to my own place. A place that I purchased and will pay for on my own. That is a milestone accomplishment for me. Also, Dr. Premdas is coming to KC from India. I have been in touch with him since returning in October. I have some meetings scheduled for him with local churches, community organizations, and individuals who will be interested in the work he does.
In March I will track down my biological father - David Stacy - as part of the adoption proceedings. That should prove to be an emotional journey, but a necessary part of the process.
In April I will return to New Mexico for the first time in over a year. I have a good friend from high school, DeAnn Sena who is getting married in Old Town Albuquerque that month.
In May, I hope to visit some old friends in California and Chicago.
In June, I hope to have the adoption proceedings finalized by this time.
In July, I am going on the 2nd Annual Girl's Adventure tour with a good friend from grad school. Last year we traveled the rocky mountains in Idaho, Yellowstone and the Grand Titon's. This year we will visit my home state of New Mexico and see places I have not seen - White Sands, Carlsbad Cavern's, etc. As well as places close to my heart, Bandelier and Santa Fe. Any girls interested in joining us? You're invited!! It should be fun. But I will warn you, we camp - like, really camp - sleeping bags on the ground in a tent, evenings by a campfire, no cell phone access, no alarm clocks, no schedule to keep. In fact, last year we just had a vague idea what direction we were going and big stops we wanted to see along the way. The rest we decided spontaneously as we drove along. It was an amazing trip - so unlike my daily life!!!
In August, I hope to begin a PhD program in Public Administration. I have almost completed the application process and should know in March if I'm accepted and a bit about my financial package. My little brother will also be getting married that month - prior to his 25th birthday.
September, I will turn 30. Yikes!!! I honestly feel older than that, but it is good to commemorate those events. I hope to throw myself a party.
I plan to spend the holidays of 2006 with my dear friends and family.
It will be another eventful year, full of new memories and I hope to live up to the motto of Live Louder!!! Not a bad resolution if you ask me, I'm confident it is one I can keep.
I have a good friend that adopted the motto: Live Loud! on New Year's a few years ago. Last year she modified it to Live Louder!
My motto for the past year was to make new memories. I successfully accomplished that with extensive travel and valuable time with friends and family. The thing I am most thankful for are the amazing, beautiful people in my life. They make life so much more enjoyable. I've decided that this year's motto is going to be Live Louder! I want to shed the things that hold me back; fear, uncertainty, excuses. I want to pursue the things that make life enjoyable - deep relationship with God and others, unforgettable experiences, reaching for things just slightly out of reach to see if I can get there. I am committing this year to fulfilling unfullfilled dreams.
In January, I am signing the closing documents and moving in to my own place. A place that I purchased and will pay for on my own. That is a milestone accomplishment for me. Also, Dr. Premdas is coming to KC from India. I have been in touch with him since returning in October. I have some meetings scheduled for him with local churches, community organizations, and individuals who will be interested in the work he does.
In March I will track down my biological father - David Stacy - as part of the adoption proceedings. That should prove to be an emotional journey, but a necessary part of the process.
In April I will return to New Mexico for the first time in over a year. I have a good friend from high school, DeAnn Sena who is getting married in Old Town Albuquerque that month.
In May, I hope to visit some old friends in California and Chicago.
In June, I hope to have the adoption proceedings finalized by this time.
In July, I am going on the 2nd Annual Girl's Adventure tour with a good friend from grad school. Last year we traveled the rocky mountains in Idaho, Yellowstone and the Grand Titon's. This year we will visit my home state of New Mexico and see places I have not seen - White Sands, Carlsbad Cavern's, etc. As well as places close to my heart, Bandelier and Santa Fe. Any girls interested in joining us? You're invited!! It should be fun. But I will warn you, we camp - like, really camp - sleeping bags on the ground in a tent, evenings by a campfire, no cell phone access, no alarm clocks, no schedule to keep. In fact, last year we just had a vague idea what direction we were going and big stops we wanted to see along the way. The rest we decided spontaneously as we drove along. It was an amazing trip - so unlike my daily life!!!
In August, I hope to begin a PhD program in Public Administration. I have almost completed the application process and should know in March if I'm accepted and a bit about my financial package. My little brother will also be getting married that month - prior to his 25th birthday.
September, I will turn 30. Yikes!!! I honestly feel older than that, but it is good to commemorate those events. I hope to throw myself a party.
I plan to spend the holidays of 2006 with my dear friends and family.
It will be another eventful year, full of new memories and I hope to live up to the motto of Live Louder!!! Not a bad resolution if you ask me, I'm confident it is one I can keep.
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