Repentance: a long obedience in the same direction...

Stolen from Eugene Peterson.

Yesterday, I finished reading Anne of the Island. I love these series! I'd started it a few months ago, wasn't immediately entranced, and tossed it aside for more absorbing reads. Finally, I picked it up again a month-ish ago and was pleasantly surprised how quickly I was caught up in it.

Same thing for Annie Dillard's An American Childhood--had started it ages ago, didn't take, but am now loving it. What's the change for these scenarios? Certainly not the books. It makes me wonder how often I've done that--with other books, maybe even people.

Hence, amongst other thoughts...the words in the title. I want to look beyond the surface, past the first few pages, and really see--cut open the rock and see the glistening gem inside. Cliche? If it wasn't true. But it is. I want to see. I need to see.

Arggghhhh...just missed it

So, I just called my alma mater to find out that they had indeed closed the position for which I was most interested--Resident Director. Just this morning! I had thought of applying yesterday, but procrastinated in fear...teaches me a lesson, I guess. They don't have closing dates, but keep it open until filled or they determine they have enough applicants. Well, this morning, they determined they have enough applicants. Well, they don't--not mine. But I clearly don't have enough sway...so, nothing. Nada. Sigh.

I'm tempted to apply for a job that sounds somewhat interesting, but I don't think is as good a fit for me (as the RD job). But just to have an application out there...no, I should apply for jobs I want. That makes the most sense. How to find these jobs?

Word-less, or too word-ed...

As I pondered what new thoughts to pepper on this blog, I am blighted by a case of word-itis. Ok, I made that up--I mean, I want to say so much and yet feel frozen. But hopefully, just typing will get those noggin fluids flowing...

In the absence of such enigmatic juices...

Good things about the U.S.:

~Mexican food
~toilet seat covers
~cheaper prices (why are they cheaper? I don't want to think about it yet...)
~debit cards that double as Visas
~easier banking (no currency conversion to worry about, deposits available faster)
~everyone drives...which can be a downside, but is a plus because they are often willing to pick you up...
~SoCal: Korean food, Koreans, sunshine
...and, it's home. For me. For now.

The end of the beginning! or something...

After pondering, chewing, theorizing, hemming-and-hawing, I have finally decided to begin a blog! Acknowledging my ability to ramble, I will focus this first entry in:

~choosing a blog name didn't turn out to be much of a "choice" after all--all the other options were taken! Look these up if you want to find my alter egos: disciplineofgratitude, underthemercy, dailymiracle, quotidianmysteries, and deepgladness.

~I will not use this blog: as a replacement for engaging in real flesh-and-blood (and phone) relationships, an excuse to waste excessive time...call me (graciously) on it if you see me heading this way...

~I will use this blog to: keep connected with friends and family, dispersed and near; discipline myself to write daily because I love writing but I realize I need motivation in the form of time constraint and audience to actually write regularly; and to chronicle daily joys and agitations--the various gifts we are surprised with in an economy ruled, not by scarcity, but by abundant grace. Hence, the blog name. (And, an aspiration for viewing and orienting my life.)

~Gifts of this who-knows-how-long season in my life? (written a few days after arriving home)

*incredible sunshine-y weather: warm, but not hot; bill0wy clouds, silver lining
*troubleshooting connecting to the Internet in my parents' home and succeeding after various methods (the answer was surprisingly simple)
*difficult, but en-couraging, convos with family
*connections to potential employer organizations yesterday via network of friends
*comfortable home
*access to phone
*Korean food: simple but yum
*putting together my scrapbook of farewell cards from beloved friends in Vancouver, smiling, in awe of and thankful for the loving friends God has graced me with. I really don't deserve their care and kindness...

Thanks for reading!