Chapter 1: The Future

I’ve been very pensive lately. I’m not sure why exactly. I think it has to do with having the last week off (granted I spent 90% of it in bed with the flu). But I spent a good bit of time discussing the future and I’m now both excited and nervous and so many other things that the only word I can use is pensive.

I think I’ll start out with the one future event that I am completely sure of how I feel about it. I am going to Romania in just over two weeks. I booked my flight yesterday and I am so excited. My friend grew up there and we have been discussing the possibility of going to visit her family and it has finally come to fruition courtesy of travelzoo’s cheap flights. In a last minute decision, a few other friends decided to come as well; so now there are a total of four of us going for a week. I have never been to Eastern Europe and I am going to hit at least two countries while I am there (we are flying into Hungary and visiting that area as well as spending time in Romania). We will have a fluent tour guide, a free place to stay, and so many good times that I just can’t wait. My desire for travel is always looming and while I’ve been lucky enough to do a decent bit of traveling so far these past twelve months, I haven’t been out of the country for several years. I realize that this sounds like a really snobby, yuppie comment but I’ve said it many times before: travel is my biggest passion. The fact that I can escape school for a week and go traveling to new and exciting places with natives is so thrilling it’s beyond describable to me. I’ve had this feeling in my chest when it comes to traveling for most of my life and I have still not found a coherent way to describe it. I’m sure you’ll catch scattered attempts in this blog to describe this feeling as time passes but I can guarantee I’ll never do it justice.

Beyond my impending trip to Romania, the next future event I suppose I can talk about is moving to New Orleans. I spent maybe 36 hours in nola during our road trip this summer and even then I was talking to people about moving there someday. When I went back on my birthday I solidified that idea to myself and started telling people that I wanted to move there when it was feasible. Feasible is approximately one year from now. Whoa. My initial reaction is to be so excited that I can finally start living a life fully my own. No more following a path more or less laid out for me, no more living where I have been more or less told to be, but really choosing my own life path. Where I want to go, what I want to do, no one around to fall back on or bail me out. That’s amazing! I’m mostly independent as it is but this is a whole new level of independence that I have been craving. Recently, and very unfortunately in terms of productivity for school things, I have been looking at real estate in the nola area. I want a good idea of what is available so that I can take a few trips down there, look at places to live, and start making deals to set everything up. The thing that has now started making me nervous is the location of New Orleans within the US. I’m not an idiot or naïve; I realize where hurricanes are and recognize the devastation that has been left behind from Katrina simply because of the geography of nola. While looking at this real estate however, I have had my first realizations of the reality of nature in that area. I’m not saying this is a deterrent for me to go; it just makes me a bit more nervous than I originally was. It’s hard coming to grips with all of the natural differences/dangers when you’re on an independence streak and just want to break out on your own. Like I said, not a full deterrent by any means, it just leaves a lingering nervousness where it used to be fully excitement. Something interesting however, is that I’ve talked to my dad briefly about some of these things and he actually was supportive and discussed options with me. He talked to me like this was a real possibility and gave me adult advice; it made me feel like a mature adult, a real “grown up;” and while my dad has always treated me like an adult, there was something different about this, and it made me feel really good about the entire situation. So while there is definitely way more excitement brewing in me about this than nervousness, the reality of the situation has definitely come out of the rose colored glasses I had unknowingly been wearing.

I had a few other things I wanted to talk about in this entry but it is already decently long, so I think I will save them for subsequent entries. I also feel like I haven’t really described things well in this entry and that I’ve been talking in circles. It doesn’t help that I’ve been writing while talking to people as well as having started and stopped writing several times before I finally got to this point. Regardless, I guess the main point here is just to convey my excitement for future events as well as to bring up the reality that is bearing down on me about the future. I promise my next entry will be more coherent and straightforward. Adieu!

Sunt incantata!

Your Mission: Don't Lose Your Mission...

I didn't realize until this morning how much I miss having Tuesday night Young Adult meetings at church. I enjoy Sunday church; I always like learning more and soaking it all in. There's just something about sitting with a group of people near your own age and hearing a message that strikes right at the core of issues relevant to your age group. Beyond the inspiration of seeing so many young adults worshipping Him without embarrassment or fear, it's just so empowering feeling the potential of the group and having leaders encouraging us to pursue our callings.

The reason why I am so reminiscent of these meetings is because the new series we're going through in church is called "I Believe in You" and today's segment was "The Emerging Generation" namely, my generation, the young adults. Pastor spoke right to us, describing the ups and downs of our generation and the overwhelming potential we hold as a group. There is a specific verse, which was brought to my attention years ago, but every now and then crops up in my life and always leaves me evaluating what I'm really doing. The verse is 1 Timothy 4:12--"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." Regardless of my own reasons for why this makes me evaluate things, this verse can either be encouraging or disheartening. As a young adult, you feel empowered knowing your age doesn't make the strength of your faith. On the other hand, some may clutch to their age as an excuse to avoid responsibilities for their actions or as an excuse for their ineptitude to do what the verse describes. Pastor followed this with something else that stayed with me (I'm putting this in quotes, but I may be a word or two off--I'm sure anyone will really care, but grad school keeps my brain in constant citation mode...) he said, "Don't let anyone talk you out of your mission--God has made you for a time such as this." I've always believed that we're here for a reason and we each have a specific mission which we have to more or less figure out as we go, but every now and then having a reaffirmation of that is like getting water thrown in your face. As we trudge through all the stresses, worries, ups, downs, and in-betweens of life we forget that God has chosen us specifically, placed us in this exact moment of life, knows precisely our pasts and futures--and all things compiled, He has certain things in mind for us to do that we are 100% perfectly made for. Basically, the way I feel about it is if you're still breathing, there is still more He wants you to accomplish in life. After the monotony of life kicks in, a fresh reminder of that is wonderful; you have a reason for being, you are specifically designed for something, you still have the best coming to you because you haven't fulfilled your life's purpose. How humbling and empowering is that?

Anyway, I guess the point of this post is to appeal to my peers. Like I said, Pastor outlines the good and bad of our generation, and while I completely agree with the flaws he mentioned, there is encouragement in what he deemed our greatest strength: "[We] are the most cause-driven, mission-minded generation in modern history." Doesn't that make you want to get off your couch and prove that true? If I could've hopped a plane to South America, Africa, China, Japan or anywhere else at that very moment to help fulfill my mission I would have (granted I may be a bit biased with the "jump-up-and-go" thing, but you get the idea I'm going for). We are fully capable of just about anything! Our generation has had everything laid out for us on a silver platter and we're probably the laziest/least willing to live up to our full potential yet! I realize I'm generalizing here, but I'm trying to make a point. We (myself included) need to stop making excuses and start making progress. We have a mission; we're called, in one way or another to do it; don't let the luxuries of this world rob you of that...

A Flashback: Nola

My birthday passed in January and this year was particularly awesome. After a month long roadtrip during the summer, I discovered that my favorite U.S. city was New Orleans. So, when I learned that there was going to be a book-release party (the final book in a series I have been following for five or six years), on my birthday, in New Orleans, it seemed like fate and I decided I was going to go. This was my first trip completely on my own, not meeting up with family when I landed, and I was excited for the ensuing adventure.

I spent the nights leading up to my departure rereading the four previous books so I would be reminded of all the subtle nuances within the plot. I "got up" at 3am to get ready to leave for the airport. "Getting up" in reality was setting down the book I was rereading because there was no sleep to be had that night. I was picked up by a friend, made the long drive to JFK, which is much nicer at that time of morning while it's still dark, I might add. I made my way through the airport, found my gate, boarded my plane and settled in for the flight. I am pretty sure the flight was full--besides the two other seats in my row; a great start. I did a little more reading and managed to sleep a little before touching down in Louisiana. I got a cab and was dropped off at the edge of the French Quarter; a video camera in hand and a bag on my back was all I needed and I was thrilled.

I spent the day exploring the quarter. Got a Po' Boy for lunch, bought a few souvenirs, relaxed in Jackson Square, and just basked in the vibe that is New Orleans. I was finally able to check into my hotel that afternoon where I rested up before heading out for a quick dinner and then a ghost and vampire tour. The tour was at night and our guide, the self-proclaimed "Scary Mary" was, well, a very un-scary old lady who took frequent swigs from a flask that none of us could tell quite where it

materialized from. But the tour was fun and showed another side of the Quarter than I hadn't seen; and if nothing else, I learned a lot of interesting history about the city. I had my first beignets from Cafe du Monde that night, and was more-than-pleasantly surprised to find that basically, a beignet is funnel cake in a different shape. Fantastic.

After finally having some time to sleep, I got up early and wandered to a cafe near the Mississippi River. I sat at the bar, chatting with Murry, the bartender, who was a Pittsburg-native and enjoyed telling me things I should see while I sympathized with him over the demanding servers he worked with. I spent my time enjoying the local band playing in the corner, people-watching, and chatting with people who were curious about all of the patches on my bag. I finally left and headed to Jackson Square where the first day's festivities were to start. The author had arranged a few activities for those who were coming to the release; and day one was a scavenger hunt through the Quarter. We were put into teams of ten. The ladies on my team and myself had a great time running through the streets trying to find the answers to our clues before our time was up. We didn't win, but considering our members came from Alabama, Northern Louisiana, Washington State, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, and a few other places, we think we did great; especially since the winning team had two nola locals in it. The whole point was for us to bond anyway and we certainly did that. We went out for dinner at Acme Oyster House, then wandered to the hotel where the release and signing was to occur to check everything out and hang out a bit longer. After several hours of enjoying our group's company, we parted ways for the evening. One of my group-mates was my age, and at midnight, she and I went out because I had just officially turned 23. We hung around on Bourbon Street with some of the others from the book group, and ultimately found our way to a club and enjoyed dancing until we were too tired to stay. We headed back to our hotels (making sure we each got back safe) and finally slept.

The next morning I was thrilled: my birthday! In nola! (For anyone who doesn't get the "nola" thing, it's just an acronym for New Orleans, LA). I got up and headed to Cafe du Monde. The ladies from my group had decided to have breakfast together (I told you we bonded quick). I actually had a reservation to eat at The Court of Two Sisters, a famous restaurant in the area, so I saw them for a few minutes before going my own way. My birthday breakfast was absolutely prefect. It was a buffet and my server was so excited to show me all of the things I had to try and what to mix how to eat it. Everything was great. I finally has some real southern grits! After I had eaten so much that I couldn't fit anything else, he came out with a piece of cake with a candle in it and had the band sing a nola version of "happy birthday" to me. Amazing. When I finally left there, a huge grin on my face, I met back up with the ladies and we spent a few hours shopping in the open markets, chatting, and enjoying the glorious warm weather (I was walking around in a t-shirt, knowing there was several inches of snow back home). After laying in some grass in Jackson Square, and finally finishing rereading all of the previous books, we made our way to the hotel for the book release. The line was crazy--but I blame this on the setup. We were on the second floor of the hotel; the signing room was at the end of the hall, but the rest of the hall was a normal floor--meaning rooms everywhere and very little space. The line wound its way up one

side of the hall, down the other, and wrapped back up the middle. This doesn't even count for all the people that took one look at the line and left to come back later. Two and a half hours later I finally had the book in my hands. Now the race was on: read all 600 pages before the Q and A section at noon the next day. Ready? Go!

I think I ultimately slept for an hour and a half; and I still was 150 pages shy of finishing. I got to the Q and A at noon the next day and had a blast. I was talking to this one woman who was an English professor at a university up north (although I can't remember where anymore) and we chatted about the classes I teach and other things and it was really cool. The author answered all (well most-there were some things she couldn't say or she'd ruin future books) of our questions and I just couldn't help but love the community within the room. Most of the people didn't know each other but everyone had bonded through the journey that MacKayla "Mac" Lane, the main character, had faced through these five books. Her trials, pains, joys, doubts, fears, and achievements brought people from all over the country together; I love that about good books, it's like there's some kind of magic within the pages. It pulls you in; a new world full of possibilities. After the Q and A, the man who narrates the audio books (and is apparently well know/has won awards for doing so) read us a passage from the book which was great; it was really cool watching him take on the character and make it his own. Then there was a raffle and prizes given; and just like that, it was over. I left the hotel a little sad. The excitement and anticipation and everything was all in the past now. But I still had a few hours left and I was going to make the most of them. I spent the last hours of daylight lying in the Square and reading those last 150 pages. Then I finished buying gifts for people back home and grabbed some dinner to go. I went up to the edge of the Mississippi and ate. The stars were beautiful. There was a warm breeze on my face as I watched the boats come and go through the water and listened to the sounds of people and Jazz wafting through the streets at my back. I think I sat there for hours. I didn't want to leave. I knew the moment I went back to my hotel that was it. I would

get up in the morning, catch a plane, and be gone. So I sat. And sat. And sat. There is something calm and peaceful about the mixture of all those sounds all around you. It felt like another world. When I had finally said goodbye to the Crescent City, I made my final walk through the Quarter, heading to my hotel. I packed up my things and crawled into bed.

The next morning went so fast. I was up, checked out, in a cab, at the airport, and on a plane. I remember each moment distinctively; but they came and went in the snap of a finger. Goodbye nola. It was an amazing adventure and reading the chronological events here will never do justice to what the experience was like. I tell people all the time that there is just a "vibe" about the city that I love so much, and I really don't know how else to explain it. There's just a deep-rooted feeling of peace, excitement, anticipation, and adventure all wrapped up in that place for me. There's a history and a culture that will not be ignored; it seeps into your pores. The people are so friendly, nothing like the northeast. Even this doesn't do justice to the city; it's barely even a start. But I will get back there someday; and when that finally happens I will take another shot at explaining the magic that is New Orleans.

Part I: The Backstory.

For anyone who knows me personally, you know I have several blogs which hold several unique purposes. This is no different. The plan here is just to pass along things that are going on in my life and a little bit of explaining what goes on in my head (a scary thought I know, which is why it's only a "little bit"). I'm hoping to bring together some of the more exciting aspects of my life (travel and adventure) with the mundane yet necessary (and at times exciting in a nerdy sort of way) school and work things. I like to write so not only is this good practice, but I like to put my own artistic expression on things to show people how I see them. I make no guarantees on how often I'll post here. I'd like to whenever the mood strikes, yet the chaos of life will distract me I'm sure. So for anyone out there who cares enough to stalk me (become an official "follower" of my blog if you do-I'll feel good about myself, haha) my apologies in advance for the tireless hours you will waste waiting for a post from me that may never come--note the sarcastic tone.

For anyone who may not know me and stumbles upon this online here's the short version of my life (assuming I can actually tell any story in a "short" version--oh, you'll learn dear reader, just wait...) which I'm sure I will elaborate on parts of from time to time as things come up in future posts. I am currently 23 years old and in my second year of graduate school for my PhD in political science. The ultimate goal is to be a college professor. I should say, the real ultimate goal is travel; becoming a professor is just a means to the end (but one which I will enjoy in the process). That being said, travel is my biggest passion and I will go anywhere I have the chance. New Orleans is my favorite place in the U.S. and I plan to live there when school finally sets me free. I'm finally getting back into athletics like I used to be and it makes me a much happier person on so many levels. I have a B.A. in political science and French. I've been to a total of three continents (one of which is North America), eight countries (U.S. included), and (I think) 39 states. The goal: go everywhere. I realize the improbabilities (such as Antarctica, etc) but I'm still going to try to get to as many places as I can. I started going to church regularly when I was 17 and have a strong faith in Jesus Christ. My life has never been the same since I allowed Him to come into my life and He makes even the little things have meaning. I'm very open minded. Some people may not believe that after my previous declaration, but here's my advice on that: (and I say this from a political mind frame considering it's my field of study) whether you're a liberal or conservative you always hear about the "crazy extremists" on your side and the opposing. I'm willing to bet that you're annoyed that the general view of your party is based on those extremists and/or you're not sure why those extremists seem to be the most common portrayal when you're sure most people are far more moderate. Media exaggerates. War sells; peace doesn't. Basically, don't believe everything you hear. The "crazies" are not the majority. And not all people of true faith are judgmental and close-minded. So, the one request I make here is for anyone who comes upon this to show respect to me as I will to you and come here with an open mind. I welcome any and all comments or questions about anything I post, as long as you interact respectfully. Backtracking slightly, you may be wondering why I italicized "true faith" a few sentences earlier. This is a topic for a much longer post, but the basic gist is that there is a big difference between "religion" and "faith" and the world is full of hypocrites. Again, I stress not to judge a group of people by their outliers. I am currently working on campus teaching freshmen level writing courses as well as working as a server in a restaurant on the weekends. Yes, (un?)fortunate soul who stumbled here, this is the short version, and it's not even the tip of the iceberg; but, I won't go on. I think this is enough to get a feel for this author as a person so what follows may be a bit more comprehensible.

So here goes nothing: a new blog, soon to be full of random musings, pointless tales, rants, adventures, boredom, excitement, and so many other things. Good luck attempting to follow my thought patterns; I hope to hear from you as you read! Enjoy!