Peace be the journey.

Today's escapade consisted of visiting the Hueco Tanks. This place does not sound like much, but it was like a massive playground to me. Huge boulders everywhere! Apparently Hueco Tanks is among the top three locations for bouldering in the world. People come from all over Europe to climb the rocks, especially in the winter, because the summer is untollerably hot. So they limit the number of people allowed up there at a time to 70 to control erosion.
We were not early enough to be allowed on the north boudler. Instead we got a tour guide to show us the rock art and we just snuck in a few climbs here and there to satisfy our desire to play. I wanna go back!

enjoy the snow, suckuhs!

El Paso has had a warmer than average week for this time of year. 60 degrees all week almost. It's wonderful. I've been wearing sleeveless shirts and skirts while locals are wearing sweaters and jackets.

Yesterday we went hiking in an area not particularly meant for such activities. We climbed for over an hour, dodging thorn bushes, scaling rocks, catching ourselves after slipping on loose ground, and stopping occasionally to pick out a cactus needle or two. Yolanda fell off a cliff, scaring me half to death. Fortunately she fell onto a flat surface, but unfortunately also onto a cactus on that flat surface. Today her hands were so swollen and sore I had to help her dress.

After church today we went to Mesillas, NM. Most of it was unimpressive, but there was a sweet little winery. Amanda, Luuk, Mom, and I did a little 4-dollar/4-wine tasting. The wine was good, the atmosphere was Bean-like. But best of all were the owners - a newly wedded couple in their late 40's or so. The man looked just like the Big Lebowski narrator - cowboy hat, big grey mustache, friendly, laid back, but masculine. :) His wife was also laid back, friendly, and hospitable. Together they were one of those couples you know were made for each other!

It's good to be here.

Something about solitude.

I had been joking around about staying in Sioux Center an extra day or two on the pretext of bad weather.
And I should have.
We hit a blizzard and had to pull over for over half an hour after driving in bad conditions for a few hours. But after a bit the storm passed and the roads were cleared and off we went again. We got into the springs two and a half hours later than expected, but safe and sound.
Yesterday, however, was a significant improvement. Better company (as in no company), better music (as in only my music), better weather (as in windows down instead of heater on), and better scenery! Mom's bus got delayed so much, she just stayed home, so I drove the whole 9hrs by myself. I loved every minute of it.

To anyone driving through New Mexico, you gotta listen to Modest Mouse. And Highway 61 Revisited.

Some late photos. of things...

We had a dog for a day. Her name is Ruby. She's a pheasant hunter.
The rest is from the super awesome hat party!!

try to remember always to have a good time

Someone called me a redhead today. It caught me off-guard. Though I have had red hair for a week now, being a redhead never crossed my mind. Funny how labels are.

It might snow tonight. Seems fitting, I suppose. It is November. And it's been a gloomy sort of week for me. I like when the weather matches my mood. This morning I awoke to the wonderful sense of clean, brisk air. I was going to say smell of clean, brisk air, but I don't think clean air has a smell. Anyhow, it pleased me.

everything and nothing

So, the election is finally over. But that's all I am going to say about that because this will be talked about enough on everyone's blog and in person and in class...

I hate having to make big decisions. Even more I hate when those decisions are about my life. What grad schools should I apply to? And should I apply for next fall or the one after? If I wait a year and a half, instead of just a half, what should I do with that extra year? I don't even want to write about this. So never mind.

More and more I'm liking the idea of being done with school. At least with this part of school. The bachelor's part...

I miss Mexico.

My Favorite Things (the new version)

Cuddles on couches while feeding addictions;
Bright copper pennies and unwary victims;
The incessant giggling that drinking brings;
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cream-colored icing on orange carrot cake;
Doorbells pushed in just to keep Dane awake;
Wild friends who rock to the mood on their rings;
These are a few of my favorite things.

Popcorn in whiskey and hearts on wine glasses;
Touch Westra's foot just to see how it thrashes;
Old beat up couches that show off their springs;
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the test bites,
When the Bean's closed,
When I'm feeling sad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

We should wear hats more often.

I went to the bathroom at work today and upon sitting down it was brought to my attention that one of the guys forgot to lift the seat up. GROSS!!! You feel me, girls? Luckily they have a stash of disinfectant wipes in there.

sweet home

I'm all moved into the brick house. Today I finished my post card collage and now my room feels more like my room. It's taken a little while though. It seems as people moved in and out of the house they all left things behind that have never been claimed or used so everything just accumulates. I had to empty out my closet before moving in and found remnants of every person who once occupied that room from Walhof to Amanda... The kitchen is the same way. Dee and I cleaned out cupboards and refrigerator and threw out a ton of expired and disgusting stuff! The guys did pick up before Dee and I came, which was awesome! But the house does not appear to have been cleaned for quite some time, so Dee and I are slowly working our way through the house with the vacuum, duster, and dishrag.
Thursday I cleaned the bathroom, or some of it because it turned out to be too big a task for one day. I found some mildew cleaner in a closet and used it on the ceiling and walls. It worked wonderfully, so I used it generously all over the shower and tub, which I must say look much better now. However, the main ingredient was bleach and after spending over an hour bleaching the shit out of the bathroom I got a bloody nose. That put the kabosh on cleaning for the day. I still have to clean the toilet, sink, and floor. I think I'll use the more friendly all-purpose cleaner this time...