Unexpected Days...

On Saturday night ago my grandmother (my mom's mom) went into the hospital for internal bleeding....things were not looking good. The next day my mom and dad drove 2 and 1/2 hours west to go be with her. My mother ended up staying two nights. (she's back now, and my grandmother should be released tomorrow).

While she was gone, I ended up sort of playing "mom". Made hamburgers (my dad grilled them) and cooked corn on the cob for Memorial Day. I'd never done either. I'm happy to report no one died.

Today, before my mother returned, my youngest sister ran into my dad's parked truck and chipped her front tooth "but good." So, off to the dentist. I had just left there an hour and a half before (having a cavity filled). So, still numb from the Novocain, I took my little sister and tried to keep her calm as she feared the pain of having to get a shot. (aside from a few minutes of crying, she did really well, and her tooth is as good as new)

Sometimes having no plans free you up when things go awry.

Which leads me to...

Things could change, but as of now, I have a plan at least until August.

I'm going to stay home. (aside from the traveling I'll be doing the next two weeks)

In July my father and two "older" sisters (younger than me, but not the young sisters. They're in college), are going to China for three weeks. So, I'm going to stick around and help out. I haven't been home for more than two weeks at a time in nine years. My youngest sisters probably see me more as an "aunt" who visits occasionally instead of a sister.

I know it's not crazy exciting. But, I feel staying close to home is what I need to do. And, I'm completely open if God should call me to do something else this summer. But for now, I'm content with this option. At least until August. :)

And, should something else happen this summer, that'll make it all the more "unexpected" :)

In the meantime, I'll start the job hunt... (To anyone reading...I'm on the hunt...if you hear of anything. ;-))

All is Well...

All Is Well

sung by Robin Marks
Written by Johnny Parks and Claire Hamilton

He lowers us to raise us
So we can sing His praises
Whatever is His way all is well

He makes us rich and poor
That we might trust Him more
Whatever is His way all is well

All my changes come from Him He who never changes
I'm held firm in the grasp of the Rock of all the ages

All is well with my soul
He is God in control
I know not all His plans
But I know I'm in His hands

He clothes us now then strips us
Yet with His Word equips us
Whatever is His way all is well
And though our seasons change
We still exalt His name
Whatever is His way all is well

Home...

I'm home.

The showcase is over.

I'm no longer a Regent Student. (Very surreal)

Showcase went well. I'm pleased with the work I and my classmates did. I felt we had a strong showing. We'll see what comes of it. If nothing else, we had the experience, and it was fun taking a class trip.

And I love New York City.

The day I arrived, I got to see 2 shows. Spider-Man and The Fantasticks. (I love Student Rush tickets). On Tuesday after everyone left I wandered around the city, and saw Catch Me If You Can (again, Student Rush). 3 shows for under $100. (Holla)

I went to Central Park for the first time, visited the Upper West Side (the "home" of one of my favorite movies You've Got Mail) had Grey's Papaya hotdog, and Carnegie's Deli. And generally simply enjoyed being in the city.

After spending an evening with my best friend in Boston, I arrived home in Maine on Thursday.

So far I've un-packed, spent some time been browsing job options online, and relaxing.

Late next week I'm planning a short visit to PEI.

The following week I'll be going to California for a few days.

After that.... still no concrete plans. So far, I'm still ok with that. :)

And so my Unexpected Summer continues... :)

In front of the Bethesda Fountain (Where they ended the "That's How You Know" number from Enchanted) in Central Park. I was excited. :)

Here I go...

Last year, a good friend of mine, dubbed the time after graduation as her "Unexpected Summer". For her, that period of time extended into October, and even into January.

I just graduated. I just left school. As far as the summer goes, I know what I'm doing this week. (Showcase in NYC, Visiting my best friend in Boston, and going home). I have a dentist appointment on May 31st, and I'm taking a short trip to California in early June... Aside from those three things, the summer and my future are wide open. (I do plan on going to PEI at some point, just not sure when yet)

I have ideas of things I'd LIKE to do. I have some options regarding places to go... but nothing is concrete yet.

For the first time in my life, I don't know what I'm doing next month. I'm a little excited, a little scared, but mostly ok, calmed and resigned. God knows what he's doing. He has me. I'm looking forward to what's ahead. The journey will be exciting. ANYTHING can happen. Tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year.

If nothing extraordinary happens for the next little while, it's ok. Perhaps I'll get a chance to rest (and get caught up on books, movies and television I've been missing) before the pressures of a real job (!STUDENT LOANS!) and "real life" start pressing on me.

How long will my "Unexpected Summer" last? I have no idea. With HIS help, I'll take it one day at a time. Here we go! Bring it...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)