Current location:	Joetown
Current mood:	accomplished
Entry tags:	humor, photography, travel, vacation

North, South, East, Midwest: the travelogue of landmarks therein

Currently Reading
The Fountainhead
By Ayn Rand, Leonard Peikoff

An annoying long, amazingly humorous, yet touching and thoroughly worth-your-while post
       (...except, maybe not).  Enjoy!


I'm almost looking forward to July, and you know why?

Because I like my pillow and my quilted comforter. 

Yes, really.


Despite having changed my July plans entirely, I think I'd still look forward to the month, just for the mere fact that I'll (almost, with the exception of having to move to a new apartment again) be able to just stay in one place for a while.  Just for the mere fact that I'll not have to live out of a suitcase!  (Yes, Mom, I've cleaned out my drawers and closets and actually trying to USE them for once....Oh, we'll get to the floor at a later date.)  Just for the mere fact that I'll get to play cards with:

   

Oh, wait, that's not right.


^THIS^ is Ray.

You can imagine how crazy (and thus, worthwhile) these card games are!

Ah yes, so back to my love for my pillow.

I've been home since Saturday afternoon now after weeks of traveling, being home no more than 4 days at a time since I left Kirksville after graduation and the like.

Warning:  I suppose I should tell you that the following account is more for the purpose of recording down (for myself--I'm really not a narcissist) what I've been up to as of late--as I've been having trouble unraveling my mind after many states (no pun intended?), plane rides and road trip miles.  But if you'd like to read, feel free to do so, as there were some pretty cool adventures which took place along the way.  Amusement is not promised this time around, but I shall attempt, when necessary.  (Oh, crap, perhaps I misled you before.)  Don't worry, I'm sure I'll have some actual philosophical or political remarks to make on this front at some point in the near future, however, as the various trips spurred many ideas in themselves.  But for now, behold the magic of photography and almost-comedy amidst random travels.


Landmark #1:  Undergraduate Graduation (Truman State University -- May 10, 2008)

Finally, eh?

Yeah, yeah, let's save that one.

Graduation was nice (if thats non-descript enough of a word for ya).  I was surprised how much I found myself really appreciating that formality of having "completed" something, even though I really finished it last year.  You know, having those random profs shout your name and give you a high five and the like.  Makes it all worth it.




Actually, I felt like a failure in the end.  My parents didn't bring an air horn.  What kind of parents don't bring wild and obnoxious noisemakers to respectable institutional ceremonies!?

Too bad I'm not kidding (actually...I am).

Now before you were going to make that crack about victory laps, my extra boost of undergraduate education (with a heavy semester plus worth of graduate credits) did at least allow me to sit with some of my favorite friends in the last row.  We totally did it on purpose so we could look incredibly cool waving to those text messaging us from the audience.  But don't take my word for it:

(Keep in mind that this photo was merely stumbled upon on Facebook by yours truly.  I was more than obliged to tag Sir Daniel Buh-tig and myself for obvious reasons, but that red circle is totally me.  I wouldn't let anyone else take credit for that part.  By the way, we didn't really end up in the last row on purpose.  We really weren't that cool, just almost, but that's a start.  We were totally paying attention to the University President's speech, just not facing in the proper direction.  During Truman's grandson's speech, we were totally facing the front, because he was just cool.  Oh, and did you know that you're not supposed to have parenthetical asides longer than their paragraphical counterparts?  P.S. Xanga, paragraphical is a real word, just for your records.  Moving on...)

Besides waving to friends and family like the fool I was, I also crossed the stage like a fool, cutting off a group of nurses with another B.S./B.A.'er friend in the process (hey, we didn't know they'd announce them the same as us).  However, my favorite part of the day was not getting to have GG (age 99, in case you didn't catch that before) as well as Grandma, my significant other sweetums, little sister (who graciously came to watch me graduate, even though she had lots of important things to do, being a high school senior and all), and parents watch me graduate and take me to the cool Pear Tree restaurant directly following the ceremony.  Instead, it was the following line (roughly recalled by this point) by a random mathematics professor, as shouted to a past student in my proximity during the processional:  "I knew I shouldn't have passed him in College Algebra.  Too late now, I guess."

Following good ol' grad-to-the-uation, I spent a chunk of days in the 'ville with friends after and was able to enjoy a couple more nice conversations with the most excellent, Fr. Bill.  He'll no longer be working with the Edina and Memphis parishes, so no more country music ministering for me for a while (not that I played country music, but I did minister to country folk whom probably did sadly enjoy said genre), but I'm grateful that he won't have to travel so much anymore, given the tolls his health and the rebuilding process have taken on him.  (I hope I'll get to meet up with him at least once this summer...as I was planning to be there all July, which is no longer the case.)

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Landmark #2:  Nazareth Farm Service Trip (Centerpoint, West Virginia -- May 18-24, 2008)

Despite the prior cancellation of this trip (curse indecisive friends, etc.), it panned out (as fate or other would have it?) that I was able to go to Nazareth Farm with Scott and Sam...very last-minute like, even for my tastes, but hey, better late than never.  But it was a worthwhile, brilliant experience, to say the least, which will continue to shine in my memory for some time...and I'm thankful that I agreed to travel 14 hours x 2 with two smelly boys in a toaster on wheels. 

By the way, Google maps is very misleading.

                   
The blue box outside ^this^ building does not equal to ^this^...at all...just in case you were wondering.

Hey, not all Route Boxes are at the post office, I speak from personal mailbox experience (not as a mail order bride but as a prior farm girl.  Yes, I used to live on a farm, but you probably didn't know that, but one learns something new everyday, right?)

Back on the farm/near it...there is something downright mystical about those mountains and the people who reside there.  They are not separated by walls; in fact, many of them share them without limit.  I loved not living by the watch and knowing that I had seized every moment of every day...working to keep my eyes and heart open.  I spent the week working on accepting where I am now in life and realizing with appreciation that each of us has our gifts--perhaps ones which weren't expected to shine above others--but gifts which we must choose whether or not share (in careers, in life, in everything), no less.  It was also interesting to go there after having experienced so many "faith changes" since my last "mission trip," which seems like a lifetime ago.  Most of the time, I forgot the farm even had a Catholic orientation.  Most of the time, really, it was just about living and embracing life and enjoying time spent with people talking about nothing in particular--whether staff members, old friends, community members or fellow volunteers. 

It was all very refreshing, and very much needed, minus the extreme amount of farting which took place in the aforementioned toaster vehicle.  I also drove across almost two states myself on the way to West Virginia (poorly and nervously, but still successfully), put up siding, demolished/help repair multiple roofs (having never really been on a house roof before...), built a wheelchair ramp, was attacked by a wasp/bee/spider on the ear multiple times during slumber (true story--ear tripled in side and I looked like a friggin' grandpa), helped rebuild a fuse box, saw a litter or kittens be born, climbed a mountain, and had the best grilled cheese of my life...all of which were super exciting events (you can imagine).  By the way, if you're ever needing your roof repaired, I'm more about the "tearing down" part than actually building it.  We never really got that part at my particular sites. 

Weatherproofing really is overrated.  I mean, just get yourself a HUGE AND REALLY GOOD tarp, and hold it down with a broom during a thunderstorm!  It's all you need.

(And you thought I was exaggerating!)

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Landmark #3:  Squirt's--I mean Abby's High School Graduation (Central High -- May 25, 2008)

The very next day after the 14-whatever-hour drive was occupied joyously by Abby's high school graduation.  She made us proud and her open house was extremely enjoyable.  I finally got to see our new family photo from Abby's Cotillion Ball framed on the wall, and it'd definitely my favorite family picture we've taken over the years, and probably for years to come.  You could actually tell we were all present for once...at the same time, no less.

Granted, it's a lot better than the photo above.  But you probably don't believe that.

Then again, Abby's expression is pretty timeless...

(if you come from a clown family).

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I, of course, do not hail from a clown family, despite what the following picture suggests.  I was merely (almost) assaulted by a team mascot...again.

Landmark #4:  My date with Sparty

a.k.a. Team Booklet Evaluation for the FPSPI Conference (East Lansing, MI -- May 28 - June 1, 2008)

A few days after said graduation, it was time for me to fly to Detroit, taking a bus from there to East Lansing, Michigan.  As a second-year International Conference booklet evaluator for FPSPI, I wasn't nearly so nervous, but I did succeed at being one of THE hardest/yet constructive evaluators in the program.  (Then again, this wasn't necessarily a good thing, because a good chunk of us...over half...were called into a special meeting to show us how to be more flexible, whoops.  Don't worry, I promptly went up to JFite's room afterward.  After all, as my prior coach, she technically "bred" me to be a hard evaluator, hehe.)  At least I was always constructive and supportive with my comments, but I still wanted to cry a little bit in giving some points this time around when our state wouldn't otherwise, but I supposed I can throw the kids a bone (or a Spartan spear...jk) once in a while.  In a way, it sort of reminded me of the way national and state governments differ, and I know things are done the way they are for reasons.  Each state has different expectations and preparation levels, and thus, I at least liked that the everyone works to try to align their ways as much as possible for the International Conference, whether or not people grumbled or smiled in the process.

They let me use a key to a hotel room fully stocked with goodies (read:  SUN CHIPS); therefore, I was a happy camper, either way.

Sigh, there will always need to be changes to the system, but it has grown for the better in a lot of ways, which is good.  I hope we get to move to digitizing eventually, as I think we'd be able to meet the kids on a whole different level.  Overall, it was a fantastic conference--the kids all had a great time; reunited with some fantastic evaluators (Ruth, 87 or 88 now I think? is fantastic); AND got to meet up for ice cream with my elementary through high school friend, Alli!! 

Ruth, the oldest and most hilarious evaluator pretty much rocks my socks and I absolutely treasure our conversations over the past two years.  (By the way, that's her pictured ^above^, after having won the costume contest at the Affiliate Director/Evaluator Dinner at IC.  That would be weird if this was Alli, because that would make me some freak of nature given my teenage-esque looks.  Ruth used to say that she was 48 but that she was also told that she was dyslexic...and told her great-granddaughter that she got an "F" in sex according to her drivers license.)  Anyway, hopefully I'll get to go back again--one of my favorite points of the year, if anything, to bounce stories around with Ruth again. 

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Landmark #5:  Visit #11 to SW Florida (Bonita Spring, FL -- June 1 - 14, 2008)

But I couldn't stay laughing about the decades long and passed for long, as you can see from the billowing window shot with my mother above...not many hours later, but many states away.

Believe it or not, from there, I flew straight from Michigan to Florida...for two additional weeks (imagine that suitcase!).  The family + Alex (Abby's boyfriend) were already there enjoying the sun, but it was great to jump in.  (I needed a vacation after playing IC evaluator!  Talk about a marathon of booklet grading.)  Throughout the two weeks, I saw:  territorial mockingbirds had moved beach-side (entertaining & extraordinary to see the changes in wildlife and environment over the years), sea hawks, and a wild flamingo (minus the pink); chilled with a wild tortoise on a bike ride to Barefoot Beach; saw dolphins on three separate occasions (twice on evening walks with Scott when he came to visit for a weekend) and two manatees...plus a rainbow and some EXTREME thunderstorms.  While the flooding had sadly hit the Midwest with a vengeance, we had incredible storms to watch in the southwest Florida.  (I like to go outside on he porch to watch the storms and read whenever I can.  During one storm, my arm hair stood on end TWICE from the electricity...yikes.)  All in all, a fantastically relaxing trip.  Spent most of the time reading The Fountainhead, which projected an even far more interesting light on the sojourn.  We sadly were not able to reschedule the trip so that we were able to make Adam and Bess' wedding (going to have to miss my Cousin Matt's as well as Michelle L.'s weddings this coming Saturday with Girls State obligations), but we were thankfully able to at least get back for Laura D. and Koz's wedding this past Saturday.

However, when various sad things happened (i.e. Landmark #6 below), we turned to our drug of choice:



For the record, if you ever need some good blackmail for your family members, have them play this game, preferably while savoring a glass of wine.  Then save the answers and quote them out of context, just like the smutty newspapers.  Works every time.

(We're not talking libel, however, because that's unethical.)

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Landmark #6:  Aunt Ellie's passing (officially in Washington, D.C., but we were still in Florida -- June 2, 2008)

The true saddening point to the trip, however, all kidding aside, was getting news that my dear great-aunt (Ellie) passed away.  She was the wife of my great-uncle/Godfather (Mel) of Washington, D.C. and pretty much one of the most fantastic women I have ever known.  It doesn't take even reading much of her obituary to know that:

Segment from article published in The Washington Post on 6/5/2008

"...Eleanor is a retired Associate Professor of the National Catholic School of Social Service at The Catholic University of America. Since 1998, as Associate Chaplain at the District of Columbia Detention Facility, she has given direct service weekly to inmates at the DC Jail. Dr. Judah's social work practice experience in Pittsburgh, Washington, Hartford and Birmingham, England, includes direct practice, supervision, field instruction and consultation, primarily in services to families and child placement. As a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Birmingham, she researched policy and services to homeless and multi-problem families in a welfare state. Dr. Judah's professional publications appear in Social Casework, the Journal of Social Work Education, Social Thought, Charities USA and Social Work (British)..."

Though she had battled cancer and was in remission, her immune system was left week and she died upon developing (and not recovering from) a microplasmic bacterial infection, if memory serves me correctly.  Her graveside burial service is to take place this coming Tuesday in St. Joseph...except I'll be at Girls State by then.  (Because Mel wanted Ellie buried in Missouri, he didn't want our families to travel to D.C. for the actual funeral.)  If I can arrange for my assistant counselor (if I have one), I'm going to try to get away for it--just to be there for Uncle Mel, if anything.  His plans are to move back to St. Joseph now, after selling their beautiful condo on the Potomac, since my grandfather's three children (Dad, Uncle Charlie and Aunt Ann and their kids) are his only real relatives left, aside from his brother's family in Galveston.  It will be nice to have him around again, but I know losing Aunt Ellie was and will continue to be rough for him for a while.  They were best friends and didn't meet until they were in their 50s; thus, they had no children.  I can't wait to give him a big hug (and enjoy a traditional "old fashion" drink with him, his daily tradition with Aunt Ellie, so adorable). 

^This^ was the last time I saw Aunt Ellie--before days of her cancer. 
(After it all began, she no longer made the travels to Missouri with Uncle Mel,
and the last time this year when she returned, I was unable to get away from school.)
Ellie is the one to my my left, and Uncle Mel is right next to her. 
She will definitely be missed, but I'm grateful to have known her.
Bless you, Aunt Ellie.

My favorite quote from Aunt Ellie?

If I could pick simply one, it would have to be the story about when she and her friends got lectured by the nuns in college for mingling with military boys on the train (during the war...at NIGHT, no less!).  Okay, the quote really derives from a particular nun, but was perpetuated by Aunt Ellie enough to become hers:  "Don't let your lips be a well-traveled highway, ladies."  She made sure to mention that it was her friend that was actually in trouble for the well-traveled highway part.

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Landmark #7:  Witnessing my first Jewish (/Episcopalian) wedding

On a brighter note, Koz and Laura's wedding was pretty much SPECTACULAR.  I'm surprised I had energy for it after waking up at 3am CST (4am EST).

Watching all three of his brother tear up out of respect while toasting him was one of the most inspirational instances I have ever witnessed, seriously.  I wish people would tear up talking about me...but I don't want it to be because I smell or something, because that would kinda suck.  The brotherhood was losing a brother--err, gaining a sister, which just makes the brotherhood co-ed, and that just means that all will forever be changed (thankfully, in a good/happy way!).

I still remember the blind date Koz set up me on (doubling with him and Laura) back during my freshman year of college, and how hilarious the two of them were togehter...and here, 5 years later, they're married!  They both seem so mature (more mature than me though? Bah!), and I know they'll go far.  Some of the neatest families I know.  But yeah, look at that Hora (chair dance) ^above^!!!  I wish I could marry a Jewish boy, because they know how to celebrate weddings the right way!  I have never seen so many people stay around until 11pm at a reception before, and everyone was having a genuinely fabulous time!  Even my father danced, and that's saying a lot (I love you, Dad!).

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Landmarks #8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (starting now and still to come):  Working...Abby turns 18 (Friday!)...Missouri Girls State...OLOG praise band returns!...and moving.

So...now, here I am (with the exception of playing counselor next week at Girls State), in St. Joe for the brunt of the rest of the summer.  Due to fact that our music minister at our home parish stepped down (I'd almost apply for the position if I didn't have more school left...), I'll be stepping in to help with 11am Mass music for the praise & worship band I founded a few years back (still remains to be a summer thing, but that's all right...people seem to be supportive of it this year, so we'll see where it goes--back to being the guitar/singer lady).  Also, gots to make them dollars, since I may or may not be doing my M.A.E. internship in the Spring (and if I do, it would mean without pay).  Thus, decided to get out of grad classes and take them in the Fall after a magic switching of scheduled classes (and a few begging emails), which means no Kirksville summer for me.  However, since the roommate got herself a job in CoMO and we weren't able to fill the apartment as was originally planned, it looks like I'll be packing my belonging up (again...man, I'll miss this apartment...), and at least see my K-ville peeps for at least a hug or handshake, so that's better than nothing.

Leases and money and that stuff does weird/interesting/non-preferable things to people, if I've never stated it before.  I'm not always a fan.

So upon that novel, perhaps it's suffice to say that I'm grateful to keep my head on the same pillow for a while, even though this particular mattress is not my most favorite mattress in the world.  And my room needs so major floor cleaning interference.  And I'm allergic to my house...or something in it, but it's so not Sabrina the cat, because she's too pretty to be allergic to. 

Whelp, that's all for now.  Props to any who took it upon themselves to read through the escapades.  Hope you're all doing well.