The weekend

Back to work and classes today. The first surprise of the day came when I (annie) got up and discovered that on the day I overslept by half an hour, it would be necessary for me to leave at least 15 minutes earlier for work. Hooray for snow! I really do love it though. What a great way to usher in December.

This past weekend was wonderful! We had a relaxing day on Thursday with our neighbors and Steve. (Pictures to follow) It was great to share ovens and cooking and conversation, as well as a delicious meal. We were really blessed. And even though Dan had to do work and I had to do errands like taking care of car stuff and grocery shopping, it was wonderful weekend! We slept in, exercised, decorated the house for Christmas and watched football. I really felt relaxed and loved the time we got to spend with each other. And now I feel ready to work 3 more weeks before Christmas....let's hope that stays with me!

what the world needs now

So maybe we should work on posting more than once a month but maybe it's okay that it has been awhile. Anyway. Life has been full. I think I'm going to start trying to move away from using the word busy because it feels like it leaves very little room for adjustment in life. We are continuing to look for jobs and for where we will settle for the next 3-5 years. It's tempting to try to think longer term, like the next 10 or 20 years but that only makes things more complicated. So we are trying to focus on the not-quite-so-distant future. It is a hard road on which to keep moving. It's easy to get stuck in the mire of doubts, questions, and unsureness or to be waylaid by life as it is right now.

We have, however, had time to experience some wonderful things. Dan and I went to see Over the Rhine and Martin Sexton in the same week. Both were wonderful! I had never heard Over the Rhine so it was all new to me but I really enjoyed myself. Something about their music touched me deeply--it was almost like a healing for my heart. Martin Sexton I had heard before but I really wasn't that much a fan of his music--at least until I heard him in person on Friday. That was amazing! It is crazy that he is so talented! Of course, it probably helped that we were approximately 5 people-rows (we stood) back from the stage. What an experience!

Otherwise, we live. We go to work, classes, do homework, and spend time with people (as much as we can). Life is not bad. Just unsure.

take on me, take me on...

I (Dan) feel like I am living in a constant state of examen. It is good, I suppose, but that is just what we are supposed to say. In all honesty, I am in pain. I am remembering my pain and delving deep into what it means and where it comes from, which is good in the end. It is just that there is no resolve at the moment. No point where all is made known in that proverbial “ah-ha” moment. This week’s journaling exercises flowed from me freely in ways that previous week’s did not. This is mostly because I feel on the verge. Life beckons and the protection that this place has offered is coming to a close. Vulnerability and anxiety are driving up the lane, preparing for their visit. I do not want to be hospitable.

I think the take away from this week is that I was able, through putting fears to paper, to claim God’s promises more. I was able to shout my wants and desires to God. I was able to ask for God’s help, for clarity and a sense of purpose. While each day I feel rudderless in this sea of life, peace and direction are on their way. My hope is that when all the aforementioned visitors arrive for the party, that peace and direction have a prominent role as guests of honor.

recent shots

A nice night-time Wrigley Building view.



Fun while on Wendella Boat trip

Does something seem strange?

can it be true?

Sports Illustrated's Gary Smith, a longtime writer for the mag and known for his ability to effectively chronicle the life and times in the United States of America, recently spent some time in Chicago and with the Chicago Cubs. The Tribune interviewed him. As a life-long fan of the Cubs, I (Dan) was interested to hear what this man had to say.

Here is a exerpt:

"To me, life is all about living it with full passion and zest and with arms wide open. At the same time, understand on one level the meaningless of it, and on the other level, living like it means everything. In a way, that's what sports is all about. Cub fans, to me, have grasped that more than most fan bases. They are totally into it and have invested so much of themselves into it. But they also understand on some level the absurdity of it all. There's a sweet metaphor about life there and how you approach life, and if you could live with the contradiction, live with the paradox."

I like it. Go Cubs.

you say potato, i say you're right

its official, the chicago nighttime skyline is just pretty.

 

being for the benefit of mr. kite

Just a brief update on our life. We've now been back in Chicago for a little over a month and at school and work for a month. It's fall now (hooray!) officially, even though the weather does not give a good testament to that fact. Work has been pretty good for me (anne), though busier than I would like. (I'm a building sub at a high school--for those of you who don't know) I think 4 or 5 classes each day is a great number. Lately I've been doing 7 (with one period for lunch). It kind of helps the day go faster but I would prefer a little more downtime. Oh well. Lots of variety though. I think I've been in every department in the building at least once--except technology and industrial arts--since I've been back this year. Always lovely.

Classes are going well for Dan. He is getting settled into more of a routine with classes, homework, and work and likes what he is learning. He's also been working quite a bit at Chicago River Canoe and Kayak on the weekends, which he has really enjoyed.

Of course, not all weekends have been working weekends. Two weekends ago, we headed up to the Twin Cities because my sister Laura was getting married. A weekend full of festivities, fun, putzy little details and time spent with family and friends ensued. The ceremony was really nice and emotional, albeit a bit too long for my taste. This was probably exacerbated by the fact that I was standing up front, trying not to lock my knees, get dizzy, or fidget too much. We also got to take a detour on the way back through Ripon, WI to drop my other sister, Sharon, back off at college. (she attends Ripon College) It was a fun drive, very pretty and it was neat to see her dorm room and campus.

Otherwise, not much eventful going on. We made it for the Wendella boat tour last weekend...always a good time. Some lovely friends are staying with us the second half of the week and we're hoping to go apple picking on Saturday. Pie, anyone?

Life's been pretty good. We still want to know what is next for us but that will come. And so will pictures of recent events as soon as I'm not at work, or Dan has time to post some. Oh the anticipation!