About to consume an unhealthy amount of Mediterranean pizza.

I just ate an unhealthy amount of ice cream and later tonight will probably drink an unhealthy amount of SKY.
The past few days have been weird. No school, but no work either. Strange how doing nothing can still be so exhausting. I have many plans of things to keep me busy, though. Knitting, reading, studying for the GRE, and grad school shopping. You know, the usual. So on the reading note, if anyone has suggestions for "must-read" books, I'll take 'em.

Viva Mexico

Today we went to Mexico. Going in the only security is a randomized light system - green light you go unchecked, red light you get checked. We got a red. Second one in 2.5 years. The check consisted of them opening the back of the van, shutting it again, and saying okay. Getting out of Mexico took nearly an hour of traffic jamming, passports, and several questions.
It was weird being in Juarez because all the stories I've heard of it since coming here, and even before, make it sound like you should run from building to building to avoid getting shot... But of course it's not that way. Anyway, there is definitely an extremely noticeable difference, though, as soon as you cross the border. Instant poverty.

Six days until I leave...

and I'm already anxious to leave. I always get that way. I love to go home and visit, but after a while I'm just itching to get back to my own place.
But I guess I'll just have to go outside and soak up the sun a little longer. Best to enjoy while I can.

Feliz Navidad!

We did our gift exchange tonight. Kayla got Amanda a movie, still in it's plastic wrap. As Amanda was working the stupid stickers, trying to open it, Kayla piped up all nonchalantly "oh, you have to return it by Friday." I did not know 8 year olds could be so funny. Though it may have been a had-to-be-there moment.
I love my sisters.

I hope you're enjoying the holiday!

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.