Hello World

Moose aka Lete Lou aka Leticia aka my baby

2012-01-26T22:01:00.002-05:00

It was a little over three years ago when I was sitting on my bed in Northern Ireland skyping with my best friend Jamie in North Carolina. We rarely used skype and definitely not when I was in NI. We communicated more via facebook. (while she still had it) This particular instance was incredibly special to me, it was after I got the email that she was having yet another baby girl and that they were going to name her Leticia Marie. I called her right before her husband came home from work and right when we saw each other we started to bawl. Seriously... half of our conversation was us crying to each other because we both just missed each other so damn much. Mia was taking a nap so we were trying to be extra quiet, but it didn't work very well. That skype date was the first time I saw that baby belly, the first time I sent a few prayers to Vinnie because he was going to have his hands full, but also the first time I knew I was going to love that baby girl like crazy.

Fast forward a few months. The weekend of January 23-25, I was on baby watch. Jamie flew home early to have the baby in Ohio, while Vinnie was driving up from NC. I came home from school to spend time with Mia, but to also be there just in case she went into labor. I believe my thought the entire weekend was.. "oh lord, please don't go into labor, please oh please oh please." We spent the weekend getting everything ready, making sure we had a bag packed, food ready, and our game faces on.

We were extremely lucky, by the time I left on Sunday to head back to school, there wasn't a baby in sight. HOWEVER, she didnt wait long. Monday afternoon, I got the phone call. It came from Jamie herself. "Well, I think it's going to happen soon. We know you have class, but we'll be here whenever you can come"
The worst part about this entire situation is that I had a presentation on Tuesday. One about my time in Ireland, so I couldn't leave, but I had my car ready to make the trip immediately after I was done.... I woke up the next morning to a picture... this picture.

It said, "hi Tia, can't wait to meet you"

January 27th, 2009
6lbs 3 oz
18 1/2 inches long

pure goodness.

I met them at the hospital at 1:30pm and stayed until the snow storm outside started to pick up and I needed to drive back. That baby girl took a piece of my heart that day and she still refuses to give it back.

Here's to you my baby Lete. Happy Birthday.

Here are some Justin Bieber lyrics just for you, baby!

"You know you love me, I know you care
Just shout whenever, and I'll be there
You are my love, you are my heart
And we will never ever ever be apart

And I was like...

Baby, baby, baby oooh
Like baby, baby, baby nooo
Like baby, baby, baby oooh
I thought you'd always be mine (mine)"

5 years old going on 20

2011-12-18T22:13:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is a big day.

5 years ago (in about 5 hours to be exact) my best friends husband called my cell phone at 2 am. It woke up my sleeping sister, my worn out college final taking body and my parents. The ring tone that I set specifically for this moment went off. It was similar to a lullaby, but I knew what it meant. My sleepy body instantly got excited and I answered with anticipation. Vinnie sounded exhausted, but said, "her contractions started, but we're just going to wait it out at home for awhile. We want her to be comfortable while she can. I'll call you when we head to the hospital." I think this was the one time that I've run into my parents bedroom at 2 am and screamed, we're having a baby!!!

Please take note, "we" actually stands for my beautiful best friend and her husband. They were having a baby girl. It was during my winter break my freshman year of college. I was so pumped to be a Tia.

A few hours later I got the call that we were moving to the hospital and that I was to come when I could. At 7am, Bucket and I jumped in the car and drove to the hospital where my Jamie was. She looked tired, excited, and in pain, but seemed to be in good spirits. It wasn't too much longer, after a little bit of pain meds, when we were told to go wait in the hall. I can't tell you how excited we were.... we waited, paced, and finally heard a little cry from inside that room. Mia Lynn Bocardo. My beautiful Mia. She came into this world sharing her emotions with that voice and continues to do it to this day. (however, she has a little more sass now.)

I can't believe that she is turning 5 tomorrow.

That seems too old. I still want to be able to pick her up when she cries, yell at the kids that will be mean to her, and secretly give her treats when she isn't supposed to have them... but let's be honest, I will forever do all of those things as long as she lets me.

My Mia, here's to you. 5 going on 20. Stop growing up and if you wont do that, always let Tia wipe away your tears.

Happy Birthday baby.

Two friends, different countries, and peppermint mocha

2011-12-11T19:19:00.002-05:00

One of my dear friends writes a blog.

The Peppermint Mocha Chronicles

~ Experiencing the joys of life...one cup at a time.

One of my dear friends, lives in South Korea.

One day they met up via Skype and had a date. I am super uber jealous of this date, but I love reading about it. :)

Date with Nate.

"She wears a scarf and a smile ...

2011-12-05T21:23:00.002-05:00

Some people say we have a strange relationship. I usually talk to my mom in some way or form every day, whether it's through text, a phone call, or email. I've grown up watching her bake in the kitchen, I've sat next to her in the lawn chair while we soak up that beautiful thing called sunshine. We've laughed till we cried and cried till we laugh. I will call her if I dont know the answer and I usually will get a "like" on anything facebook related... (she tends to be a stalker)

Recently my twitter feed has been blown up with this thing called a #ViciousPacman - Friends have asked what it is, others knew and have been an incredible support. In May, mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer (or the BC as we call it in our house.) We immediately, or as immediate as it could be, had a plan and had to wait. I can tell you, the waiting game is the worst game ever, but we made it through part of the storm. After rounds of tears, some laughter, a ton of support, a wedding, and chemo we are onto the next step.

Radiation. Today, mom started radiation. One down, Thirty two to go, was what she said to me on the phone tonight. :) 32 to go.

BUT, as frustrating and scary things have been these past few months, some incredible things have happened too. We've had flowers, cards, emails, pre-made dinners, and tons of friends drop by the house as continued support. Unfortunately, with the sisters and I living a few states and towns away we haven't been able to witness it all, but having my mom call and say, "you wont believe..." on the phone, I can feel the love through her voice.

Tonight, after our usual discussion, mom decided to bring up that she got a letter from the hospital where she works today. She tried to remember most of what it said, but the gist of it basically said, "Sandy, there is a fund at the hospital in which employees can nominate or try to help one another out when they are going through something personal. Your coworkers have come together and we are going to support you in this way." This isn't the first time that my mother's coworkers have done something like this over the past few months, but every time something like this happens, my mother is in awe. I can usually hear a few tears in her voice and usually begin to choke up as well.

The best part of the entire letter was the description of my mother from the individuals at work...

"she wears a scarf and a smile and makes sure everyone else is taken care of before herself, so Sandy, take some time for yourself."

Thanks Firelands Dialysis Unit for loving my mom so much. We couldn't have made it to this point without you.
1 down, 32 to go.

wonderful wednesday, favorite things

2011-11-30T20:22:00.002-05:00

As I sit here on my Wednesday evening, I'm trying to think of something good to post. Great things happened over this past week. I saw my sisters, best friends, nieces, family. Ate a lot of food, did a lot of early morning shopping and took multiple naps, but I'm still not sure what I want to really focus on. So instead of some wonderful things from the past week, I'm posting some of my favorite things.

So here goes.

1. White Christmas. I love this movie. I grew up with this movie. I fell for the dancing, singing and of course the love story. I usually don't limit myself with a specific number of times I'm allowed to watch this movie, but now that it's close to the Holiday's, I'm prepared to watch it over and over again.

2. A cuppa hot tea on a chilly night. I'm currently drinking a mug of peppermint tea, but last night it was honey vanilla chamomile. I sit with a blanket and hold a cup of tea at the end of the day and it's like instant relaxation.

3. Walking home after a long(ish) day.
I'm super lucky to live .5 miles from my office. I can usually make my morning commute to work in about 2.5 songs on my ipod (depending on how long they are). I really enjoy the walk to work. In the fall, I could step on the leaves as I made my way down the hill. Every morning I get to see progress on a duplex that is being renovated. As important as it is for my morning commute, my evening commute is even more important. It's a time for me to wind down from all of the busy work, wind down from the little things that might drive me crazy, but it allows me to leave work at work... (for the most part)
So, I'm thankful for that half a mile walk home.

4. Gilmore Girls.
End of Story. 7 Seasons of goodness. Mother and Daughter combo. Small town charm. Crazy family drama. What's not to love?!?!

What are some of YOUR favorite things?!?!

wonderful wednesday.

2011-11-23T15:26:00.008-05:00

A running list of things I love...

1. letters.
This week, I get to spend each day opening a little letter. It's going to bring a smile to my face.

2. Walking into a house filled with love.
I did that a number of times this week. Joel and I were invited to celebrate my besties new house on Sunday afternoon with a large gathering of people that love the Nitz's. It was so good to see Hannah and Caleb, meet their friends, family and just spend time together. They are amazing people, and their home is beautiful.

Tuesday evening, I left the 'Burgh early and decided to make the drive home. It would give me more time in Clyde to see friends and help mom get the house together. I arrived in Clyde at 10:45pm to find the lights turned off. All of the animals were sleeping along with my parents. However, I noticed that there was a small light coming from a tv in my parents room. I slowly made my way up the stairs to scare the crap out of my father. It was honestly priceless. Even though he was half asleep waiting to find out about the Dancing with the Stars finale, he wanted to show me all of the new things in the house, he wanted to find food for me to eat and wanted to make sure I was comfortable. It was one of the best greetings ever.

Wednesday morning. I have two nieces. They can be angels, monsters, hellains, or the sweetest children ever. I love them. So much. I've helped raise them. Their mommy, is my beautiful best friend. I haven't seen these girls in a few months but they continue to get bigger in each picture I receive. It breaks my heart a little each time. Anyway, I pulled up to their house this morning and opened their back door to be greeted by two dogs and an almost 3 year old who was saying, "Tia, tia. I slept with mommy and daddy last night." I soon look over to see my best friend and her husband with dark circles below their eyes. Yep, she did sleep with mom and dad, but mom and dad didn't sleep very well. :) I think that was my favorite greeting ever. (please note: Mia is holding a picture of her as a baby in a duck costume. When I found this today, I started to cry. True statement. Stop growing up!!!!! PLEASE.)

3. Phone calls from the car.
Last night, I got to catch up with my sister as I made my way back to Clyde. It's amazing to me how relaxing I find driving and chatting. It seems to make my 3.5 hour drive home go that much faster.

4. Black Friday shopping
I dont actually know if this should qualify under wonderful wednesdays. As most of you know, I LOVE my sleep. I NEED sleep. I turn into something horrible without the proper amount of sleep. Ask my mother about the dare lock-in in 6th grade, if you would like a memory of crazy Anna. She get's mean. But once a year, the Pawsey/Berry women take on the morning to go out for bargain deals. HOWEVER, half the time there isn't anything we NEED to shop for. So we just get up early, complain about the cold, get breakfast at mcdonalds and try to keep tabs on our aunt every black friday. So here's to this years black friday.

Here's hoping I'll make it through -- along with everyone else.

wonderful wednesdays. (friday special)

2011-11-18T16:23:00.002-05:00

Well crap. I apologize for it being Friday.
I think my Google reminder didn't go off for this week, so I completely forgot about posting. I'm sorry Mom, it will never happen again.

This week was a super super busy one. With a trip to Philly, annual appeal stuffing and a Thanksgiving dinner with the PULSErs, I'm quite surprised that I had time to sleep.

So, I'm going to channel a few friends and their blogs for today's post.

Thanksgiving Dinner according to Sarah , Boyfriend

I flew out to Philly on Monday morning to attend an Americorp session for PULSE. I stayed at a hotel, took the public transportation and made new friends. As I was making my way through the city, I had this strange feeling. I was making it through the city on my own. I was finding my way from point A to point B. I loved it. It made me think about how far I've come since my senior year of college. It's crazy to me how time flies and where one ends up. The conference in Philly went through Thursday, but my time was done after Tuesday Morning. My supervisor and I switched spots and he wrapped up the rest of the week. He's kind of a big deal (he presented at it and all!) But it was a really good way to start a week. I felt accomplished by the time Friday came around, which was a really nice feeling.

So my Wonderful Wednesday post is pretty random this week - - I apologize. :)

But here's to a fun filled weekend and holiday week.

Pinterest.. i love you

2011-11-12T14:59:00.004-05:00

Pin.
Like.
Pin.
Like.

That is what happens, every time I log on to pinterest.com

While I was pinning and liking yesterday, I came across this recipe. I want to make these. I remember watching an episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay where they were making Chinese Dumplings. I believe I drooled while watching it.

So here's to another recipe that is once again added to my ever growing pile of, "i need to make this."

Mom, can we make these sometime?!?!?!

wonderful wednesdays.

2011-11-09T21:03:00.005-05:00

Well, here's to the most wonderful of wonderful wednesdays. This is a recap. A recap of life, love and the past two weekends of traveling. If you stick with me on this post, I thank you. :)

Two weeks ago, was the weekend that I was incredibly nervous about. The boy decided it was a good time to take me back to Ohio, to meet his sisters, mom, step dad, grandma, nieces, and anyone else we could run into within 24 hours. Yes folks, we were only there for 24 hours. I was excited for the ride out. I love driving in a car, I love blasting the music when it's just me and catching up with old friends, however, this was going to be a little different. You see my lovely friends, this was our first long car ride together. I couldn't help but think to myself, will I be able to talk on the phone to an old friend, will we listen to music the whole way, am I going to sit in silence the entire time, or am I going to be ridiculously nervous the entire trip?! Well, it was one of the best trips ever. I've learned a few things since I've started dating this boy...
1. I can sit in silence and be happy with it.
2. I laugh frequently.
3. He has lovely taste in music (even if he hates some of my choices)
4. If someone calls and I want to chat, he is more than willing to let me, he will more than likely join in the conversation :)

So - - the first 4 ish hours, were cake. We talked about work, life, music, sat in silence, took a phone call and then sang away to music. It was the last minor leg of the trip, when I started to get quite. I believe he looked at me and said, "you, okay?" "yep, yep, yep, crap.... what if they don't like me?"

Well ladies and gents, the 24 hours spent in Ohio two weekends ago was awesome. I was welcomed into the house with a belated birthday gift, delicious food, and a night filled with music, games and a family spending time together. It was so good to get away from the city and find myself surrounded by people that are supportive and care about the life that you're living.
I can't wait to spend a longer weekend with them.

After that weekend, I made my way into the next work week with Wedding Weekend anticipation. I was thrilled that we had a relaxing week in Ohio, but the next stop at the end of the tunnel was the official Wedding Weekend. BearPaw Fest 2011, Molly and Alex, Berry/Pawsey, mysistersgettingmarried weekend. I'm not sure which of the following you've heard me say, but I'm sure it was one of those.

This past weekend, I watched my sister marry the man that she loves. I watched her promise to "never stop fighting for them." It was an amazing moment. I watched Alex tear up as she walked down the aisle, I watch my dad hold her hand and kiss her cheek, I watched my mother walk down and light that candle that represents our family, I witnessed my sister and I hold hands and smile as our older sister, our role model, the person that broke up our fights, picked us up when we cried and supported us in every way possible, get married. We were her support this weekend. We fastened her dress, held her flowers, and attached her veil as she made a commitment to love.

So here's to two weeks of wonderful wednesdays, but most of all, here's to love, life, and families.

Mr. and Mrs. Berry, I hope you're enjoying that Georgia weather.

wonderful wednesday. (postponed)

2011-11-02T12:18:00.001-05:00

It's officially wedding week - - so wonderful wednesday's are going to be extra wonderful next week.

You should look forward to a recap from a weekend in Ohio and then a weekend in Illinois.

all my love -

wonderful (thursday) wednesday

2011-10-27T10:22:00.005-05:00

Oh yikes. I didn't even realize that Wednesday came and went. Once November hits, I want to think life will start to slow down, unfortunately, I don't actually believe that is going to happen. Looks like it's sink or swim, the hell if I'm about to sink.

Some great things happened last week, including the fact that I became 1 year older. With birthday celebrations, music, friends, drinks, and lovely fall weather, my busy life didn't seem too crazy.

1. I love getting mail from best friends... it is one of my favorite things. Thanks M.E.H

2. If you've come to Pittsburgh to visit me, I've probably taken you to Smiling Banana Leaf to eat. It's one of my favorite places in the city. It's BYOB, which is a popular thing in the 'Burgh, so celebrating me turning 24, sitting down with the boy for dinner at Smiling Banana Leaf was the best thing ever!

3. Apple Pie Cookies. Delicious. Absolutely delicious. Who wouldn't want to eat a personal baby pie cookie? Who wouldn't want their kitchen to smell like the night before Thanksgiving, who wouldn't want to share this with other people --- (well, i HAD to.) Honestly, I didn't want to. I wanted to hide them in my house and just eat the lovely little apple pie cookies myself, but I made an agreement in April. Darn commitment to my dessert of the month buyer.
Thanks to Smitten Kitchen for this ah-mazing recipe.

And you're welcome for giving it to you!!

4. Wedding shoes.

I know you're saying, "blah blah, Anna, we are tired of hearing about your stinkin sister's wedding." Well - after next week i'll be done... well, probably not, but it wont be as frequent. Anyway-- my sister is super great and told us we could wear whatever shoes we wanted as long as they were orange. I sent her an email, I wanted shoes with the merlot and orange color.... her response, "baby, you can do whatever you want."

Score.

With the help of Kelly Ann Tobias and the support of Jenna Sue Vanden Brink, my lovely lovely friends, we took on a project of dyeing shoes.

The transformation of the plain white shoes was incredible. It's art. I almost don't want to wear them, but I'm PUMPED to show them off!!!

(you should ignore the blue tape, we were being responsible and didn't want to make a mess!)

So here's to yet another wonderful (thursday) wednesday!!

Lord Help the Mister...

2011-10-22T19:44:00.003-05:00

Sisters
Sisters
There were never such devoted sisters

Never had to have a chaperon "No, sir"
I'm there to keep my eye on her

Caring
Sharing
Every little thing that we are wearing

When a certain gentleman arrived from Rome
She wore the dress and I stayed home

All kinds of weather
We stick together
The same in the rain or sun
Two different faces
But in tight places
We think and we act as one

Those who've
Seen us
Know that not a thing could come between us

Many men have tried to split us up but no one can
Lord help the mister
Who comes between me and my sister
And Lord help the sister
Who comes between me and my man

There are moments in my life when these two beautiful women are the only people that make things better. They are the only two people that can answer the random questions that I have. They have been my best friends and my worst enemy. I've cried, hit, yelled, and ran into their arms. We have had our separate lives in different states with different people, but we have always been a phone call, email or text away.

In 2 weeks, two of us will be driving 7 hours to the state of Illinois to celebrate one in a brand new way. With our Merlot dresses, orange shoes and plenty of tissues, we will be standing up next to our sister watching and supporting her in a new promise of love. Watching and crying and laughing and dancing with her as she becomes a Berry.

"Sisters, Sisters, There were never such devoted sisters"

Becoming Berry: The Unbachelorette and Unbachelor Party Weekend

2011-10-20T10:29:00.000-05:00

Apparently I steal my sister's blogs all the time...
1. because she writes beautifully.
2. I usually have taken part in the things that I re-post. (except the dog in the vent story)

Buttttttt --

Here's to a Very Merry Unbachelorette/Bachelor Party!
Becoming Berry: The Unbachelorette and Unbachelor Party Weekend: My friend and colleague Danielle asked me if I was having a bachelorette party a few weeks ago. "Sort of," I replied. "AHB and I are goin...

wonderful wednesday.

2011-10-19T13:41:00.004-05:00

1. I spent last weekend in the windy city. Yep, that's right. Chicago.
The city of Oprah, the city of shopping (or at least a mile of it), that Chicago style pizza and according to a sign, the City of Bridges? What the CRAP!?! Lies, Chicago, Lies. (after reading to the bottom of the false marketing material, they are the city of MOVABLE bridges?)

Anyway, I was in Chicago to celebrate the Unbachelorette/bachelor party for Molly and AHB. IT WAS AWESOME. A weekend filled with my sisters, her friends, Chicago, delicious food, laughter, and love. I'm a sucker for love.

Whether we were walking the city, laughing on the train, singing in the car, or dancing at a piano bar, my weekend was awesome. (and a little exhausting)

So my lovely friends, here are pictures from my rockin weekend.

One of my favorite pictures from the weekend.... AHB falling asleep on the train - - We walked him to death.

Our drink at the Piano Bar in Chicago -- Howl at the Moon. What an awesome evening!

Chicago, I loved you. You were beautiful with perfect weather for having an Unbachelorette Party.

We are officially starting a countdown for the wedding....
2 weeks from today I will be on the road heading to Columbus for our first stop before Illinois.

wonderful wednesdays.

2011-10-12T18:40:00.003-05:00

Wellllll Hello Ladies and Gents!

I hope you are all slowly but surely making it through this week in October. I continue to question what day of the week it is. Partially because I've been so busy the past two days and partially because I keep praying that someone is going to say it's finally Friday. Alas, it turns out to be Wednesday. Which means that I get to also post about things that are wonderful. :) I'm really becoming fond of Wednesday's because of these posts.

This past weekend was one that I needed. It was my only weekend in October where nothing was scheduled. Nothing was on the calendar, nothing was causing me to leave the city. It was a weekend of free time and fun. I was looking forward to sleeping in, looking forward to cooking in my kitchen, looking forward to spending time with friends and then also just sitting on the couch with some football. There were plenty of highlights from the weekend, but one that I loved was sitting on the couch Friday night watching a movie that my sister has been telling me to watch forever and one that Beatle loves. Across the Universe. Such good music.
My weekend was amazing, it was very much needed.

As much as I loved the weekend, Monday evening, I got the opportunity to travel to Cleveland, Ohio to recruit for PULSE at a University. The recruiting went swimmingly, but my favorite part was then jumping in a car and driving 45 minutes to my lovely Hannah's home. You see, Hannah and I met my very first day at Bluffton. She was placed in the room next to me and we've been friends ever since. Hannah married her love August of last year and they just purchased a home in Akron. Oh My Word. It was the best house ever. There are 3 bedrooms, the most beautiful kitchen, back porch, yard.... gahhhh I could just rave about it. I literally squealed and jumped up and down! :)

After my lovely stay with my bestie, I drove to another University and then back to Pittsburgh. There are so many times, when I find myself driving back to the 'Burgh from a few days away, I find myself breathing a sigh of relief when I see the skyline. I smile when I see familiar sites. I think that I get that from my mother. She would always turn the corner of our block the day after vacation ends, and say... "oh good, the house is still there."
So Pittsburgh, I'm always happy to see that you are still here waiting for me when I drive through that lovely tunnel.

And finally, last night I had the opportunity to be a part of an event that I was thrilled to be apart of.

Propelle.
"Helping women entrepreneurs take flight."

The event was a hit and I hope that you take a look at their site. Three incredible women with one big idea!

So here's to yet another Wonderful Wednesday.

Becoming Berry: Broaches from Days Past

2011-10-09T12:15:00.000-05:00

Today's post is stolen from my sister's blog.

I loved it.... and her.

Becoming Berry: Broaches from Days Past: Well, hello less than 30 days away. Good to see you. The past few weeks have been full of fun things. I told my friend that it feels like ...

wonderful wednesday.

2011-10-05T09:03:00.005-05:00

goooooood morning friends.

It's a wonderful wednesday post coming your way. I feel like I'm holding strong to this idea of posting on Wednesdays. Go me!

Exciting things that happened this past week...

1. October happened. Hello, beautiful fall. I am only a little angry at the fact it went down to low 50s if not 40s in the past few days. That was not fall weather. No thank you. I do not want to turn on our heat yet, but I think hiding under the covers all day isn't acceptable in my office.

2. October happened, which also means Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I loved turning on the tv Sunday and seeing pink running around the football field. I also love Yoplait and Dannon for that reason too.

Thanks for fighting this battle with us.

3. My sister was showered in love this weekend.... she is also 1 month away from marrying AHB. I made her wear a crown and sash around our house on Friday night... She wasn't a fan of it! I was just doing my job... MOH duties

4. I spent Saturday night sitting on a couch with a glass of this delicious stuff..

chatting with my sisters and dear friend Mel. We got to talk about all things wedding.

5. Finally... to go along with a previous post, Bennett has arrived in the BSP2 household. We will see how long he lasts, but we (or maybe just me) are excited to love on him for a while.

Enjoy your wednesday.

thankful.

2011-10-04T14:24:00.003-05:00

so i'm pumped to post my wonderful wednesday tomorrow, but because I saw my sisters this weekend, because I fell asleep on my mom's lap, and because I'm emotional from lack of sleep I'm going to post what I'm thankful for at this very moment.

I'm thankful that even though she can't taste anything but "sludge", chemo can be part of the cure for her.

I'm thankful for a boss that let's me turn on a space heater, even though I think he isn't really cold.

I'm thankful for the boy's reasoning.

I'm thankful for the women of #BSP2 (why did i just use a hashtag? no clue).

I guess that after a weekend filled with showering people in love, it's pretty good to see the blessings around you.

Bennett.

2011-10-03T07:04:00.002-05:00

Night One:
Terrible. Awful. Exhausting. Sleepless.

You all should know that my sister is getting married. It's been basically all I've talked about for the past billion blogs. My future BIL is a great guy. Quite funny, quiet, and loves my sister. They are a pretty good pair. Anyway, Molls has had her cat Bennett for if I'm counting correctly about 5 years?! We love Bennett, I've always wanted him to snuggle when I would travel to her, etc. It was always this lovely relationship we had. Well, Molls decided to marry the love of her life, who also happens to be allergic to Molly's lovely Bennett. So, the agreement actually happened last October over the phone. It went something like this...

M:"Bug, I have something important to ask you."
A:"Shoot."
M:"I love Alex and to continue to love him, I need him to be able to breathe."
A:"Yes, that would be helpful..."
M:"Will you love Bennett forever and let him live with you when you are done with PULSE?"

Well.... last night was Bennett's first night in the BSP2 house. The car ride to the "Burgh wasn't bad, and getting him all set up was even easier. He followed me like a puppy through the house, but it was after that when everything happened.

You see, Bennett is use to a house full of other animals. He had multiple kittens around to be grouchy too or a dog to smack. At this house, I think he was lonely. I left my bedroom door ajar and had guided Bennett up to 3rd floor multiple times so he knew where I was, however, most of my sleepless night was spent trying to coax him up the stairs, or was spent hiding under the covers because I just wanted sleep.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to keep my lovely Bennett from not screaming in the middle of the night?
(I'm pretty sure I mumbled something about never having kids last night.....)

Oh and a shout out to my mother, who has trained Bennett to wake up at 5:15am for his usual morning treat before she goes to work. I have no treats in this house yet and am sure in hell not getting up at 5:15am just to give him one.

Happy sleepless Monday.

wonderful wednesdays.

2011-09-28T13:47:00.004-05:00

week two.

A lot has happened within the last week. I'm excited to tell you all about it.

One of my housemates from last year walked down the aisle with her family and committed her life to her best friend. Committed herself to loving him forever. A^2. I love A^2. Andrea and Aaron Yutzy. Congratulations my dear dear friends.

They had the coolest guest book... and also every person's fingerprint that attended the wedding. Yutzy's you better not try and frame us all for murder with those prints.

We also got to see how beautiful Harrisonburg, Va is and eat their delicious food. Thank you Clementine Cafe for your Sunday Morning Brunch.

and because they got married in Virginia, I was able to take beautiful pictures of the sun shining in the blue sky in Sunday afternoon.

Aside from all of the lovely things that happened, something not lovely also happened. The Steelers won. It was a Sunday Night game and the Colt's were soooo close. So Damn Close. See how scared Maggie was in her Steeler's Jersey?!?! Can't you feel her freaking out?!

Unfortunately, the Steelers pulled through and Maggie was able to do her victory dance this week.

---

This weekend, I get to see my sisters, hug my mom, laugh with my aunt, and celebrate with the amazing women that have taught me how to love.

I can't wait to post pictures from this weekend.

Bridal Shower

2011-09-26T12:06:00.002-05:00

My sister is getting married. Many of you know this. Many of you, I hope have read some of her blogs about her life with AHB and their puppies.

This coming weekend, I get to celebrate her. I'm pumped. Seriously, so excited to see her. Shower her with every ounce of love I have and watch her smile like a fool, because she's been doing that since she's met AHB.

Here's to you my lovely sister! I adore you and so incredibly happy for you and the future brother!

A night of wine and chocolate.

2011-09-22T21:04:00.003-05:00

Living with roommates is the coolest thing ever.

They are there to hug you when your days are crap.

Celebrate in your success with good music.

There to tell a good story when you need to smile.

There to pour a glass of wine, water, tea, coffee, beer, soda, etc. when you just want to sit.

Roommates are the coolest.... or am I just one of the lucky ones?

wonderful wednesday.

2011-09-21T15:52:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite food blogs, How Sweet It Is, author Jessica will frequently post Tuesday Things. I love this. It's a time for her to post pictures from her weekend, of her beautiful dog, and anything delicious that she's made the past week.

Well... I'm going to ATTEMPT, please notice how I say attempt, to post something similar. It might be pictures, or funny stories, or lovely features from people like Jessica. There will be plenty of times where I will forget, but Mom, as my reader - - please remind me.

So-- here are my wonderful wednesday's.

I got to spend a 4 day weekend away with my sister.

Isn't she lovely?!

We went Mother of the Bride dress shopping with my momma...

unfortunately we had very little luck, but she looks beautiful right?!

I did a lot of driving. It's one of my favorite things to do. Just drive - or have someone drive and let me watch the world fly by.

We got our sister's wedding invite in the mail this weekend. It is honestly the most beautiful invitation I've ever seen. So classy -- just like her.

I also got picture updates from our church retreat being held back in the 'Burgh this weekend. My lovely friends are super talented...
I kinda like the one on the right ;)

Over all, the weekend was well worth the early Megabus ticket to get there. There is just something about being with the people you love that can make everything better.

All my love-
Anna

Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins | She Wears Many Hats

2011-09-14T10:05:00.000-05:00

I want these...

Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins | She Wears Many Hats

right now.

Pleeeeease!!!

Update

2011-09-13T15:03:00.002-05:00

this is for you ma mere.

Well- I gave you fair warning. Life has been busy. Busy with painting, busying with moving 2 houses, busy with living with friends, busy with finally unpacking and moving in to my own house, busy with adjusting to a new job and just adjusting to life.
Wow. Life just continues to move a head even when I have tried to beg for some sleep, or at least more coffee... lots of coffee.

However, after the past few weeks of busy, I can finally say that I have a home. It is a lovely little home. A 4 bedroom house, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, dining room and living room. We have a small issue with a funky smell coming from the neighbors house (so if anyone has ideas of how to get rid of it that would be awesome) but other than that, it's the place I get to come home to every night.

PULSE is keeping me on my toes. I've come to realize that being organized is going to help me A LOT in this job. From entering financial jargon into Quickbooks, or organizing receipts. I also come to realize that I love talking to people about PULSE. What a sweet organization I work for.

Finally, I'd love to send a thank you to all the individuals that have helped 4 girls move into a new house.
1. we have a lot of crap. a lot a lot.
2. our crap can be heavy, and the house we picked happens to be up quite a few steps.
3. we also come from 4 different home towns where our parents have saved great things for us, but we had to find ways to get it here.

So just to let you all know, if you helped brainstorm how to get boxsprings up the stairs, donated an end table, found curtains, or carried in our entertainment center-- we are so grateful for you.

I can't wait to start this year of adventures with these 3 women.

All my love-
Anna

A Fair Warning...

2011-08-18T12:58:00.000-05:00

I will more than likely not be updating as much as I should.
This whole, new house, new job, new group of PULSErs thing a somewhat exhausting.

i do still love you though.

People

2011-08-16T12:18:00.002-05:00

There are always certain people in your life that you are always thankful for. Family, friends, etc. Today- I realized that I am one lucky girl to have been placed for 11 months in a organization that I can always come back to visit and call home.

Union Project, you're mission, vision, and incredible talent takes my breath away all the time. Thank you for loving the community I live in, and thank you for being beautiful. But most of all, thank you for have a staff that I can call family, friends, and coworkers. It takes some special people to just steal your heart like they did mine.

:)

Read about how awesome UP is, and where they are headed in their new year!

My house.

2011-08-02T11:21:00.002-05:00

For the past 11 months, I've been talking about my PULSE house. I've been raving about how awesome it is, how big it is, how I get to share it with incredible women and how it feels like a home. Well... here's the next stage in life. PULSE year 1 is complete, so I'm being booted (very kindly booted) out. This wont happen for a few weeks due to the fact that the new house isn't completely ready for the love that I bring, but it will be. Oh... it better be ready.

I'm going to be moving just down the street. Literally .5 miles from the house I'm currently at. I'm excited, nervous, ready, and so so pumped to fill yet another place with my things. I'm ready to create a place where I can freely be me, a place where I can share meals with my housemates, sit on the porch with my neighbors, and to have a home in Pittsburgh.

I'm so ready.

I just wish I could snap my fingers and pack up my already existing room and just transfer things to the new one. I dislike packing.

11 months, 7 housemates, 1 large house budget, 1700 hours of service, a million baby tomatoes

2011-07-28T13:34:00.005-05:00

This is the fastest description I could ever have for my first term with PULSE. It all started 11 months ago and ended too soon. This week we've already watches a lot of boxes filled with belongings walk out of our house and find residence in different locations. These boxes were obviously moved by their owners, but still, it was sad to watch the rooms filled with clutter return to what they were 11 short months ago, empty.

My journey with this program has been one of best decisions I've made. The next step in the near future for me, includes watching my own boxes walk out of the Stanton Avenue House and into my own on Black Street. Not too far from the house that brought comfort, laughter and love over this past year, but far enough away to continue to find who I am as a person.

So here's to 11 months, 7 housemates, 1 large house budget, 1700 hours of service, and a million baby tomatoes.

Thanks PULSE .

The Bangles

2011-07-26T14:41:00.002-05:00

I love them.

and Pandora.

So obviously the last 2 days I've been jammin to my new station on Pandora... The Bangles.

Thank you Pandora.

West Virginia

2011-07-20T22:21:00.002-05:00

Family.

Friends.

Nature.

I miss it.
I want to go back....

Pleaaaassssssseeee.

the LONGEST week in the history of the world....

2011-07-19T12:12:00.003-05:00

well... maybe it's not actually the longest, but it feels like it's the longest. Dear July 18th-22nd, I have really great plans this weekend that I'd like to enjoy sooner than later.

I'm going back to Clyde this weekend. I miss my best friends, nieces, sisters, parents (and adopted parents) so much that this weekend is going to be the best. Girl's nights, wedding talk, hair cuts, wine, tears, laughter... the list goes on and on.

Something that isn't making it any easier... the Pioneer Woman posted today about the Cuppa Cuppa Cake from Steel Magnolias, and Lucy posted about how much she can't wait for this weekend to get here. NOT Cool, world around me. Not Cool. I'm anxiously awaiting Friday morning, anxiously awaiting that initial hug from the people that watched me grow up, anxiously awaiting the ice cream, wine, Mexican food, seeing my sisters, and most of all my mom. I'm anxiously awaiting that moment.

So I'm leaving you with... a clip from the movie that will wrap up our girls night on Saturday night. The movie that my 2 best friends and I have been watching since we were in high school (at least) on VHS. The movie that we quote back and forth to each other when we're sad or lonely. The movie that has us all laughing so hard because we know it backwards and forwards.

Thank you Steel Magnolias for giving me these memories of my best friends, or thank you best friends for giving me Steel Magnolias.

Send a little love

2011-07-18T20:21:00.003-05:00

I met Carina at Union Project. She is a co-op member in our ceramics studio. She's a little quiet at first but will make you laugh the second time you meet her. Carina and I took Wood-firing Ceramics together this past spring. She is an amazing artist and an incredibly caring individual.

On Friday of this past week, Carina's house caught on fire. Everyone is ok, but she was living there with her husband, and 5 of their friends. They were investing their lives into this home where they were rebuilding.

Here is their story.

http://www.ruinrenew.com/p/ways-to-helpgive.html

Send lots of love their way.... they have a long journey ahead.

B.A.G

2011-07-18T12:58:00.002-05:00

I have this incredible friend named Beth. Yes, she is also a housemate of mine. Yes, she is getting married. Yes, she is from Goshen and went to Goshen. Yes, I will miss living with her dearly, but I'm super excited for her new journey next year!

One of the coolest things about Beth...(she is pretty dang cool!) is that she is an artist.

An AH-mazing artist.

Back in October she started this 26 day project. To doodle an alphabet animal every day. She obviously succeed (minus the day her pen ran out of ink)and now she is a doodling machine.

Recently Beth did a doodle that I will forever be grateful for. I'm not going to post it just yet, but I'm including some pictures from her etsy page.

Beth, you're a rock star.

ap

almost there...

2011-07-17T17:24:00.003-05:00

I've been struggling lately on deciding what to chat about. Something funny? How freaking hot it is going to get this week? My trip to WVa? the fact that I"m literally 2 weeks from being done with my first year of PULSE. Did you get that.... first year?!?!
So here's the news....

As of August 8th, I will no longer be working in the Union Project office, but I will be moving upstairs to the PULSE office. I am continuing on with this program in Pittsburgh for another year. There will be many new experiences and also a lot of changes. Just to describe a few.... I will no longer be living in the PULSE house with the newbies, but will be sharing a house down the road with some friends. However, I will be getting the same stipend from the PULSE program. Insurance, food money, housing paid for, etc. I will be working with Chris to give him a little more time to focus on the new group, and his role as an ED. It's really great and exciting news because to be honest, I don't think I was done with this program yet. I don't think I could have left this city yet, however now I'm a little nervous that it's stolen my heart and will keep it for a long time.

So here's to exciting news, a new start, and another year in Pittsburgh!

Cheers!
ap

I love you.

2011-07-14T13:38:00.002-05:00

I was raised in a small town in Ohio. Clyde to be exact. I’m a born and raised Flier, blue and gold, baby. With how much I loved that town, the people and my home, I also loved the idea of getting away. I needed to find out who Anna could be outside of the small town of Clyde.

Ironically I then moved to Bluffton University, a smaller town than Clyde. Home of the Beavers. Purple and white. I spent four years sitting in classrooms, exploring part of the world and building a stronger faith. I loved Bluffton almost as much as I love Clyde. I’ll always be a Beaver, I’ll always be a Flier.

And now, after Bluffton, I packed my bags and moved to a place much larger than Clyde and Bluffton. Pittsburgh. Home of the.... Penguins. (I refuse to acknowledge anything else, outside of the Pens and possibly Pirates) The city of bridges and black and gold. With how large of a place this city is and I thought it was going to be huge , it’s actually some what of a small town. Neighborhoods everywhere, people you know walking down the street and places to escape.

Something that I became aware of at the end of my senior year at BU, was finding and holding onto the relationships that I’ve already built. In my head I continue to think, “I’ve been doing this my entire life.... can’t I just be done with making those strong friendships? Will there ever be a time when I have that solid group that I did growing up? That group of people that know everything that is happening in my life, or that knows everything that HAS happened in my life before each new segment?”

Well- it doesn’t really matter to me I guess anymore about having a core group, but just loving the people I’m with. I have some of the best friends a girl could ask for and they are my family... but in the end, each person I come in contact with and fall in love with will be a part of my life forever. They made me feel like I was back in the hallways at CHS watching everyone come into school before the bell rang, or they made me feel like I was sharing a dinner table with them at Bluffton mixing different cereal, or they walked into Union Project to throw a pot downstairs in the studio.

These people in my life have helped carry me to the place I am today. They are continuing to be that support system throughout each moment and surprise me every day.

I love you friends. Thank you for giving me your strength when I can't rely on my own.

2011-07-12T13:58:00.003-05:00

I am so sorry for ignoring you for a week dear Blogger. It's been a ride of emotions this past week. I've been exhausted from volunteers, to excited for a mini vacation, to frustrated at the weather to happy to finally make it to the West Virginia Mountains. Oh how I miss that fresh mountain air already. I promise that I will upload pictures from the last week of my life and explain how cool my awesome God is.

All I can say is that I can't believe it's already July 12th.... and I have a small shout out to my friend Nena=== I forgot to wish you a happy birthday dear friend. 7/11.

July.

2011-07-04T23:04:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I get exhausted with how life can get the best of me. I've been crazy busy the past week and wanted to apologize for that. However, I'm going to leave you with a link that is continuing to keep me busy this next week.

love from pittsburgh!

http://www.mennoniteusa.org/Home/Convention/Pittsburgh2011/tabid/1441/Default.aspx

Mennonite+Pittsburgh= awesome (and busy, and volunteer groups, and little sleep, and reunion with friends....) the list goes on and on.

Playlist

2011-06-30T22:17:00.001-05:00

I am travelling to West Virginia next weekend...

View Larger Map

It's a 5 hour drive down and back. I love driving in a car with the windows down and my shades on, but my favorite thing... is to jam out to music.

So I'm begging you, pleading you, crying out for help.... I need to make a kick ass playlist (yes, mother I just said ass... twice)

Suggestions needed.

ap

This life I am living...

2011-06-30T12:02:00.002-05:00

There are days when there doesn't seem to be enough hours of sunlight, days when I just want to stay under the covers of my duvet and not climb out, and then there are days when I can sit and be still.

I'm still trying to figure out what this blog means to me. After 4 years at Bluffton which included multiple events, trips with friends, heartache, and an amazing semester in Ireland, I still struggle with what this Hello World Blog should be. (don't get me wrong, I love my little safe space to write) At first it was a small part time job, then it was a way to stay in contact with the States while traveling, and now... it's a place for what? To continue to describe the daily things that I'm doing, or a place to gush about how much I love each cooking blog I follow, or how I wish I was as cool as each cooking blog I follow, or the drama of life in a house with 8 women (not really) or the love that I see? It's become a little be if everything.

So here's another secret love of mine.

StoryPeople. I love this website. I the Story of the Day in my inbox and could sit and read through them all. I gush over them, save them, star them in my mail and then reread them when it has been a rough day, or when I need a pick me up. I blame my sister for this habit of mine, because it was her that introduced me to them. She uses them in quotes sometimes. She also started the addiction that I have by getting me one for my college graduation. It is posted right next to my mirror so I can read it and smile every morning.

I love them.

and their quotes...

"It is not what you think, this reaching across the generations. There is no effort of will, no fierce glare in the face of the sideways dance of everyday. There is only the quiet house each morning, filled with soft breathing while you hold your tea in the cool air & always that moment when your love spreads a cloth upon the table & invites the whole day in again."

I think that sometimes, StoryPeople, like Sara Bareilles and Adele, speak to my soul. They speak to my inner thoughts and help me understand the life I am living...

ap

Hours and hours.

2011-06-27T21:31:00.000-05:00

I sometimes sit at my computer and scroll through the many blogs I have connected to my Google Reader. This beautiful feature (thanks Google) allows me to basically create my own newspaper. I follow friends blogs, cooking/baking/anything dealing with delicious food blogs, CNN, BBC, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and different wedding blogs that have sparked my attention thanks to my dear dear sister and her wedding planning.

But one of my all time favorite websites is one where individuals from all over can join in what looks to me like a community and exchange, drool over, and find new recipes. Tasty Kitchen. I click on this website everyday to see the new posts, dream of what I will one day be able to make, and add things to my "recipe box". One day, I will post a recipe.... I just need to pick the right one.

Any suggestions? Should I break into grandma's Chex mix recipe, or mom's sugar cookies, or create a spin on the very popular cakeballs? So many decisions...
Until then, I will continue to drool away.

Happy Monday-

ap

Music I fell in love with.

2011-06-26T21:39:00.002-05:00

Fitz and the Tantrums. Big Hurry. Adele.

Three incredible groups that I've come to love this past year and on Friday, I had the opportunity to sit in the grass and listen to two out of the three for free.

Thank you WYEP for your summer fest and for getting Big Hurry and Fitz and the Tantrums to come play!

ap

"Would you wear these?"

2011-06-23T20:39:00.003-05:00

Location: Walgreen Pittsburgh, Pa
Individuals: Hannah Nitz, Megan Hargraves and myself

The scene:
While waiting for our table to open up at BRGR, we walked into Walgreen. Why not shop of course? We went through wanting to dye someones hair, to wanting to buy packages material for mailing something to Hannah looking at us and saying.. "If I buy these would you wear them? All night?" I looked at her hand, looked at Megan, then back to her hand. I literally had to think this out. What was going through my mind. "Anna, you live here now. What if you see someone? Who would you see? Who cares? But seriously... what would they think?"

Well... the eyelashes won and you wouldn't even believe the chuckles and giggles and awesome's we received from those little pink eyelashes.

If you ever have the opportunity to wear some pink lashes... you should try.
ap

Faces

2011-06-22T21:48:00.003-05:00

This one's a short but fun post.
I've been going through the pictures on my computer recently and have come across some really funny ones.

So tonight I give you....

The Faces of PULSE

all my love-
ap

Dream

2011-06-20T19:04:00.002-05:00

I've always had this dream of seeing the world. I have this list in my head of what I want to do with my life and the places I want to travel. Something that I've started to realized lately was that there seem to be too many places and not enough time. I have a very large map in my room that is a daily reminder.

1. Ireland (again)
2. France
3. Italy (again)
4. Germany
5. China
6. Russia
7. Korea
8. Palestine
9. Alaska
10. California (basically the entire West Coast)
11. Africa
12. Australia
....
....
My lists are incredibly long.... with very few check marks.

Something I've also realized recently... Pittsburgh was never on my list, but look at everything it's done for me this past year.

My realization of the week... sometimes you have to break away from the lists to take on the rest of the world.

Thanks Pgh for teaching me that this past year.
ap

From 2010-03-28 Northern Ireland #2

Food.

2011-06-19T13:50:00.003-05:00

I love food. Almost more than I love shoes. Well, maybe I love it more because it never leaves me with blisters on my feet. That would be weird if it did. This past weekend I was lucky enough to experience a whole lot of good, delicious, bust your buttons food.

Two of my dear friends came to visit my beautiful city again, so I wanted to make sure they experienced PGH in a way they didn't before. I took them grocery shopping. Please Note: I live in a house with 7 other women. We need groceries every week and this week happened to be my turn, so 4 extra hands actually made the process a bit faster. As we were walking through Giant Eagle, we picked up a few things so we could enjoy a picnic in one of the beautiful park. A rotisserie chicken (did you know that's how you spell rotisserie? I didn't until I just looked it up, weird) potato salad, and watermelon. We grabbed a blanket, some diet coke and made our way to lay in the grass at Frick Park.

Dinner was a bit more extreme. BRGR. Holy Hell. It was amazing. I made sure to change my shirt to something with a little more give at the end of the evening because I knew I was going to eat. Along with my Yuengling I ordered the Cease & Desist. A gourmet burger with caramelized onions, 1000 island dressing and american cheese. The fries were to die for. I think they added mozzarella cheese and chives, I cant be 100% sure though.

After dinner we ended our night at Mad Mex for $7 Big Azz Margarita's and some chips and salsa that was so spicy my dear Megan barely touched it to her tongue and said, "Ohmanohmanohman" and continued to drink copious amounts of water. I found it to be delicious... but I also had half a margarita left.

After our marathon of eating on Saturday, we woke up to fix our own breakfast this morning. The last time we were all together we were in Hannah's home where she made the most delicious Orange Ricotta Pancakes-- so here is the treat that I am leaving you all with today.

I love these pancakes. We made them for breakfast and I wanted to eat them all. It was probably best that I had 3 other people to share with or I would have been doomed for the rest of the day.

Orange-Ricotta Pancakes
Serves 4 | Prep time: 35 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes
1 ¾ cups part-skim ricotta cheese (15 ounces)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons grated orange zest (1 orange)
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons canola oil
Confectioners’ sugar or maple syrup

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons grated orange zest (1 orange). Whisk in 2/3 cup all-purpose flour until just combined.

Heat 3 tablespoons canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Working in batches (and adding more oil to skillet as needed), add batter, using a scant ¼ cup for each pancake. Cook until browned, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer pancakes to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Serve hot, dusted with confectioners’ sugar or drizzled with maple syrup.

Or you can eat them as they come hot off the skillet like I end up doing....

ap

ps. Happy Father's Day dad!

2011-06-16T20:32:00.001-05:00

I came across this picture today while reading my twitter feed because I'm super behind....

I love things like this.

My amazing Hannah

2011-06-15T20:43:00.006-05:00

So my dear bloggers-- I want to introduce you to Hannah.
I am one lucky girl. Seriously, lucky. Who walks into college the first day and meets two of her best friends. (Megan came along a few weeks later) But anyway-- I met Hannah. My roommate and I went next door to meet our neighbors and the crazy girl ran up to us and looked at my name tag(i think did we have a nametag?)and said, ahhhh I'm Hannah. Hannah, Anna, Nose ring (at that time in our friendship, we both had our nose pierced, something my mother to this day refuses to talk about)

That was the start of our friendship. We were young, nervous, ready to make a start at Bluffton University! Go Beavers! We became fast friends. Everything happened quickly after that. We both became social work majors, met Megan, and fell into a routine. We laughed all the time, went to student activity events and disagreed on hot topic issues, but at the end of the day, she is my Hannah.

The girl that cried as I left for Ireland and as she left for Colorado. The girl that doodled in class to pass the time, but would still be able to answer any question thrown at her. The girl that loves the Cleveland Browns and is the biggest fan (other than her father) I know. Hannah is something special. Our 4 years at Bluffton had a few rocky roads, but we came out alive and more connected. The four of us did actually.

My favorite thing about Han-- well there are a lot, so I'm not going to post them all, but
1. she picked a pretty great husband.

2. she is a kick ass social worker.
3.She is the funniest person to talk to on the phone.
4.She loves to cook for people, something we have in common.
5.She is missing two teeth... (ask her)

6.She rocks any hairstyle she wants.
7.You can meet her and instantly feel at ease.
8.She loves with her entire heart.
9. She has diabetes and is an incredible role model

10.She loves our God with the biggest heart I've ever scene.

Don't you just want to squeeze her? Talk sports with her? and eat her food? Watch out Pittsburgh, this Brown's loving, Ohio crazy girl is making her second appearance in the 'Burgh.

See you in 48 hours Han!!

ap

2011-06-13T17:06:00.002-05:00

I was shopping with my mother a few weeks ago looking for a bridal shower gift for a close friend. We were looping around and around Bed, Bath and Beyond getting lost around every corner, when we came across these lovely clear, glass, summer like drink dispensers. I've said this for a long time, but walked by them and nonchalantly said, "I'm having those at my wedding."
My mother stopped and said--- "wait-- what?"
"Wedding, mom, my WEDDING. That think when you wear a white dress, dance the night away and marry the individual of your dreams. A wedding."
She then stated, "Anna my love, I know what a WEDDING is, I just didn't realize that you were having one, or that you were DATING anyone."
"Oh right. You need to date someone before that is even in the picture."

Well... here's hoping I love these things then as much as I do now.

I can't wait for the opportunity for delicious sangria, or any summer drink.

Finding Strength

2011-06-12T21:56:00.004-05:00

What is strength? Lifting 100 lbs? Willpower? Having the courage to stand up to people? Or providing positive energy to get through the day?

I believe that strength is seen a lot of ways from physically to mentally, but this past week I've experienced it in incredible ways. (You should know, this is not in anyway accurate information. This is just how I see strength in individuals.)

A few examples....

1. I have this incredible friend named Kelly Tobias. Remember that name... she is a rockstar. Literally... Kel is the singer in the band Big Hurry, a local band in Pittsburgh. Kelly pulls me through each week at work with her dedication to UP and with her love for me. This past week, during our workday Kelly and I had to go borrow some tables from a local community center. Kel was in a skirt and wedges but offered to go help anyway. It was literally 98 degrees out and we carried those stupid tables back and forth to the van until we almost passed out. That amazing woman is freaking STRONG. Physical Strength.

2. My housemate Abbi was in a fender bender this morning. It wasn't her fault but was verbally abused by the other driver. Ab was able to calm herself, grab the needed information and drive her baby truck back to the house where she gave a sigh of relief and possibly a few tears. I talked to Ab tonight and told her she was allowed to be angry, sad, frustrated and become an emotional wreck for a bit. Car accidents are scary things, but she also should believe in and stand up for herself. She pulled out her EMOTIONAL STRENGTH.

3. An anonymous individual that has continued to provide strength to more than just themselves, but the people around them. POSITIVE STRENGTH.

Sometime this week, when my work seems to be getting the best of me, or when my body is exhausted, I'll probably think of these three people and their incredible selves and be able to get through the day.

ap

Vacation...

2011-06-09T19:57:00.003-05:00

Every time I think back to summer its of the family vacations to West Virginia. The road trips to Florida, the warm days at the beach and then the nights filled with summer softball.

I've decided....

I need a vacation.

Any suggestions???
Please.... give me your suggestions, give me your summer homes, give me your ideas.

:)

Dessert of the Month.

2011-06-07T21:25:00.003-05:00

In April, PULSE had our annual fundraiser called PULSEations. It was a big sweet hoopla where we were able to listen to good music, chat with friends and love on PULSE. At the event there was a silent auction where alumni and current participants were encouraged to show off our sweet skills and possibly donate something to be auctioned off.

A few things you should know....
1. I'm not artistic.
2. I don't believe I have auction like talents to give away.
3. I love to bake.

So I came up with a dessert of the month coupon. One lucky person would get home-baked deliciousness once a month for a year. Well... I officially love this. The lucky winners (a couple) have had two desserts so far and I'm including the recipes.

A fun fact you should know, one of them is vegan. SCORE! New recipes. :)

Dessert of the Month #1
Vegan Caramel Pecan Bars

SERVES
Makes 16 big, gooey bars

INGREDIENTS

For the Crust
2 cups all-purpose ﬂour
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
A big pinch of salt
3/4 cup non-hydrogenated margarine, slightly softened

For the Pecan Topping
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/3 cup nondairy milk
1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
2/3 cup brown rice syrup
2 tablespoons melted non-hydrogenated margarine
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/ 4 teaspoon salt
2 cups coarsely chopped pecans

PREPARATION
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13x2-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, making sure the foil completely covers the sides of the pan, with about 2 inches folded outside over the edges. Spray the bottom and sides of the pan generously with nonstick cooking spray.

Prepare the Crust
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or two knives held together to cut in the margarine until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Pour crumbs into the prepared baking pan and press down evenly and very firmly, making sure to press the mixture all the way to the edges of the pan. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes until firm and very lightly browned. Remove the pan from the oven and set it aside.

Prepare the Topping
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and nondairy milk until foamy. Stir in the dark brown sugar, brown rice syrup, melted margarine, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Fold in the pecans and pour the mixture onto the crust, using a spatula to spread the topping evenly.

4. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is rapidly bubbling. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool for 20 minutes, then move it to the refrigerator to finish cooling and setting. Chill for at least 2 hours or, even better, overnight.

5. To slice completely cooled bars, grab a hold of the foil and carefully lift the whole thing out of the pan and onto a heavy cutting board. Peel away the foil and cut bars with a heavy, sharp knife.

Variation

Salted Caramel Pecan Bars: Right after the bars are out of the oven and the topping is still hot, sprinkle the surface very sparingly with your favorite coarse-grained gourmet salt. Cool and slice as directed.

From the book Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero. Excerpted by arrangement with Da Capo Lifelong, a member of the Perseus Books Group (2009).

Dessert of the Month #2
Vegan! Raspberry Blackout Cake With Ganache-Y Frosting

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups soymilk
1/2 cup canola oil
1 (10 ounce) jars raspberry preserves ( reserve 1/2 cup for the batter)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup coffee creamer ( if soy creamer is unavailable, soy milk will do)
6 tablespoons non-hydrogenated margarine
10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips ( 1 cup and 2 tablespoons)
fresh raspberries, for decorating and yumminess

Directions
1.In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the soy creamer to a low boil. Add the margarine and melt, turn off the heat, and stir in chocolate chips until smooth. Let sit for at least one hour. It should have a pourable consistency at this point. If you want a spreadable consistency then refrigerate for an hour.

2.Preheat oven to 350. Spray two 8-inch round springform cake pans with cooking spray. If you don't have springform, then use parchment paper rounds on the bottom of two ordinary 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.

3.Sift together the four, cocoa powder, baking power, baking soda, and salt. Combine the rice milk, oil, 1/2 cup of the preserves, the vanilla, and the sugar in a large bowl and mix with hand mixer or strong fork. The jam should be mostly dissolved with the rest of the ingredients; some small clumps are okay. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in batches and mix until everything is incorporated. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake at 350F for 40-45 minutes, or until a tooth pick or knife comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cook in pans.

4.When the cakes have cooled fully, spread one layer of cake with a thin layer of the reserved raspberry preserves (give the preserves a quick mix with a strong fork to get a spreadable consistency); spread a layer of chocolate frosting on top of the preserves. Place the other layer of cake on top and spread its top with preserves. Carefully spread the chocolate frosting over the top, then ice the sides. I like to put a circle of fresh raspberries around the circumference of the top.

So here's to baking 10 more delicious goodies.

Stella

2011-06-05T17:27:00.002-05:00

I have this tree. I named her Stella.

Stella and I have been together for about a year and a half. I bought her at IKEA in Detroit one day when I traveled there with my sister. This was also the time in my life when I didn't need to furnish an apartment or had no need for throw pillows... (not that I have a need for throw pillows at this time in my life either, but anyway)
I bought my good ol' Stella instead.

Stella and I are in a love/hate relationship. About 335 days out of the year I love her. I lavish her in water and adoring words, but there is that one month in the year that I don't necessarily hate her, but I long for her to love me back. She doesn't like cold weather and it is during the winter months (mostly January) when Stella and I begin our struggle. I water her and her leaves still turn brown. I place her as close to the sunlight as I can without freezing her and she ignores the love and still has dead leaves. I buy her a new pot and she refuses to budge. If it wasn't for the fact Stella is actually a tree, sometimes I might believe she was my child just going through her teenage years.

But since we've made it through those cold bitter months, Stella is blooming like crazy. She loves her new place in the front window where she bask in the sun and drink away at her version of a margarita.... water.

Here's to the next 150+ good days till the cycle will repeat itself.

ap

Beatle.

2011-06-03T11:01:00.002-05:00

He will probably kill me if he ever read this, but I don't actually care.

My dear friend Joel aka Beatle is coming to see my city this weekend. The best part, is that in just a few short months he will be starting his year in Pittsburgh with PULSE! Wooohoo! I can't wait.
He will be jumping on the "I'mfromOhioandI'mnotaSteelersfanbutilovethiscity" bandwagon, well... he better.

BUT anyway.... I'm dragging him to so many different things this weekend, he might not want to move here.

So Beatle, be ready to walk your little feet off and thanks for driving out to see me.

lovelovelove.

ps. His nickname is one I made up and probably the only person that refers to him by. He LOVES The Beatles and looked like a Beatle for the first few months that I knew him.... so obviously that is where it came from.

My favorite song ever.

2011-06-02T19:59:00.000-05:00

I love this woman. There is just something about her music that speaks to my soul. Not just my heart, but my entire being. Thank you Mags for sending this via twitter to me, and thank you Sara Bareilles for finding a way to make the world of music a place where I can fall in love.

Thanks Daddy

2011-06-01T16:44:00.002-05:00

Ok- So this post is going to be a BIG thank you to my dad. For many reasons. If you've not met my father before... he's kinda a big deal. Well-- he probably doesn't think so, but after this post he totally is.

So I went back to good ol' Clyde Ohio this weekend with my planner jammed packed full of things. I saw old friends, met new ones, went to a Bridal Shower, wedding, and tried on my mother's wedding dress. Yes--- that actually happened. She had it in her head that since we decided to go dress shopping for my oldest sister Molly we needed to bust open her dress that was sealed for 30 years. Dang. ANYWAY.... it was lovely and my weekend was fantastic, but as I packed up the car to drive the 3.5 hours back to Pittsburgh, I was exhausted. Dead tired. But my parents were fantastic people and allowed for me to bring the minivan back one more time (basically so the next time they didn't have to waste 6 hours coming to get me), so I needed to drive my sorry butt back.

Well-- it was about 2 hours in and my ipod started to die and the PA state line seemed like ti was forever away. Truly. I then started thinking about how every road trip was like this when we were younger. Dad would wake up early, pile us in the car and take off for our next adventure. The parents would trade back and forth on the driving, but most of the time dad did a lot of it. The first leg of the 8 hour WVa trips, the drive to Florida, staying up through BOTH movies at the drive in while we all pass out in the back and then he will do the drive at 2am back home.

So Daddy--- here's to you and your sweet skills at staying up through all the long drives growing up. It will be something that I hope gets easier with age, but somehow I don't think it will.

Happy June-
ap

Toooooooooo-morrow

2011-05-26T21:30:00.003-05:00

toooooomorrow tomorrow I'll love ya, tomorrow, you're only a day away.

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!
*smooch, smooch*

Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!
*smooch smooch*

When I'm stuck a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh!
*smooch smooch*

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
I love ya Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
*SMOOOOOOCH*

A way!

*SMOOCH*

Can you tell that I can't wait to see them.

Excitement. Joy. Love.

2011-05-25T17:13:00.003-05:00

I'm going back to Ohio this weekend for a long mini vacation weekend. A few things I hope to get accomplished....
1. kissing my beautiful beautiful nieces until their cheeks are red
2. Hugging my best friend for hours.
3. Hugging her husband for a few minutes (because lets be honest.. Vinnie doesn't really want to hug me)
4. Jumping on my sisters... multiple times
5. Snuggling with my mom, because it is truly the best thing in the world.
6. Seeing the beautiful Janna Mast and attending a wedding where I will hug Carolina/Carrie/Caroline Yoder soon to be Macomber (i think-- are you taking his name?)
7. Eating good food.
8. Laying outside laughing and smiling until my hearts content.
9. Holding my soon to be adopted cat, Bennett--- unfortunately Alex Berry, aka future brother, is allergic to my sisters beautiful cat, so I am the lucky on that gets to spend the rest of my life with Bennett.

Until then... I need to get through Thursday--- then it's a 4 day weekend filled with babies, sisters, best friends, parents, and lots and lots of love. My most favorite thing in the world.

I can't wait to smooch your face off....

I love when I see this on PA tv...

2011-05-24T21:19:00.000-05:00

I don't actually think this is the same commercial, but I love it anyway. It makes me think of summer at the beach or playing softball with my best friends....

I love Ohio.

2011-05-23T19:56:00.002-05:00

Damn you stink bug. I don't understand how I keep flushing you down the toilet but you always find away to send another one to my room. I don't understand how you don't realize you aren't flying anywhere, but are continuing to smash your head into my window.
I don't understand how annoying you can be, nor do I understand what it is about you that makes me scream like a small child...

whatever it is... I hate you.

10 things....

2011-05-21T22:06:00.004-05:00

So when I traveled abroad in Ireland my Junior year at Bluffton my roommate and I decided we were going to blog about our experience. Her's was for future references for teaching, mine was.... well I got paid. I had been a blogger for a while at Bluffton and why not take it to NI and write about the magic I was around?! Anyway... we loved doing the top 10 list of the places we would go. Dublin, Scotland, Halloween in Derry... the lists would go on and on.

So tonight the first list of Pittsburgh will make it's blogging debut

Ten Reasons I love Pittsburgh
1. The charm.
2. The gorgeous skyline.
3. The structure of the houses--- take a look at Highland Park, Squirrel Hill, Friendship, Lawrenceville, literally the list goes on and on.
4. Union Project. It's now forever a part of my life.
5. The people. If you don't realize how small of a world we live in come to Pittsburgh and then find out.
6. The neighborhoods. All 90 of them (even though, I've yet to be in them all... I bet I love them already)
7. The food. Abay, Smiling Banana Leaf, NaCl, BrGr, People's, Trams, Church Brew Works.... ok, stop me now.
8. The feel of Pittsburgh. Have you ever been to a place and things just feel right. This place has that amazing vibe. I just can't explain it.
9. The green. Hello trees, parks, flowers. I've never been to a place that loved the outdoors as much as Pittsburgh. Sometimes it takes me back to my months in Ireland. Nothing can compete with my Emerald Isle, but this city comes pretty close.
10. The love. It sounds SUPER corny, but I walk outside everyday and can witness a whole lot of love.

Thank you Pittsburgh, for being a place that I can call home. Thank you for understanding that I am a Brown's fan and allowing us to have a love/hate relationship on that level. Thank you for bringing such amazing people into my life.

And to all of you who have yet to come and visit.... I hope this helps. :)
ap

Holy Amazing Circus Batman...

2011-05-20T20:24:00.004-05:00

"Did that man really just do that?"
"Andrea, did she just hit her head?"
"Holy piss, I can't watch."
"What is mustache Joe going to do?"

Four phrases that came out of my mouth very frequently last night. It was a circus night in Pittsburgh for 5 of us PULSErs. We were lucky enough to get a deal on tickets and then use our Cultural funds to attend the Cirque Du Soleil. What's more cultural you ask?? Well... I say nothing. I was on the edge of my seat for the incredible performances. I do remember that I said I was going to quit my job and join the circus... just what my mother wants to hear! :) Just kidding mom. I wouldn't fit in anyways because lets be honest, I can barely touch my toes, non the less wrap my body like a crazy pretzel. Overall I say it was incredible, and I encourage all of you to try and see a performance at some point.

Cirque Du Soleil thank you for an amazing Thursday night!

Discover The Cirque du Soleil Show TOTEM

2011-05-19T16:15:00.000-05:00

Can't wait to go and see this tonight!!!!!

Gleek

2011-05-17T21:33:00.002-05:00

Yes. The title explains it all. I am a Gleek. I've loved Glee since the beginning. I'm not sure if it is because it reminds me of my show choir days only not as much drama. We had a kid that couldn't dance... *cough* Nathan *cough* But something that isn't the same... I don't think we ever sounded like Broadway stars... :)

But there is always something about that sort of music that I fall incredibly in love with every time.

Please don't judge me.

It's never too late to be....

2011-05-17T10:01:00.003-05:00

Day two has started out much better than the last starting over for blogging, so here's hoping that this is going to become a daily priority.

Last night before I feel asleep I wanted to catch up on my Hulu. This wonderful incredible website is something that has allowed me to have a life but also to still watch my TV shows when I want too. Oh the power of technology. Anyway-- I was catching up on the shows I've missed so dearly. The one in particular... Brothers and Sisters. It never fails that when I sit down to watch an episode I end up blubbering like a baby. Seriously. So last night while sitting in bed I stopped to dry my eyes when the end of the episode popped up and started the waterworks again. Well piss. So... I'm including the clip. If you haven't watched the season finale yet, then DON'T click on the clip-- if you don't watch Brothers and Sisters, shame on you, but feel free to blubber like a baby... no judgment from me. So here's to family and the love and frustration they always bring.

"It is never too late to be what you might have been." George Eliot

Starting over...

2011-05-16T15:25:00.003-05:00

Well-- I've said the past few weeks that I've wanted to start blogging again. Not to show up my new blogging friends, because we all know that I can't compete with a wedding blog, custom made blog, or my dear friend hannah's blog about her first year married and grad student blog, but I just want to blog. I want to tell people about my life, I want people to know some fun things happening in my life or just some fun things that I love to read about....

So I'm starting off with this incredible website.... The Pioneer Woman. There is something about her that puts me at ease when I read her blog. Something about the fact that I can sit and scan through her recipes and not feel like I would be overwhelmed trying to make something... (well not too overwhelmed) So I encourage you to visit her website and love on it like I do.

I'm also going to take advantage of her "Ten Important Things About Blogging"

Love from the city with Three Rivers-
ap

2011-05-07T11:27:00.002-05:00

So-
I feel as though when things begin to get "popular" I want to cut out. Such happened with blogging recently. 4 people in my life have started different blogs. Maybe it's the new hip thing to do, but I think back to my lame posts freshman year of college. I have different things to update about but I don't seem to want to put as much time into it. Sad... i know, since there seem to be a few more of you out there still reading. This past week i've been struggling with finding myself in Pittsburgh. I love the people, I love the friends and the Friday nights, but there has been an inner struggle thinking about what's next. My best friend and babies are moving home, so my heart immediately wants to pack back up and experience their life.... but that isn't going to fix mine. When they start going to school in a few years, I will be just as restless... and to be honest-- there doesn't seem to be much left for me in Clyde just yet. So for right now... Pittsburgh it is. The city of three rivers, steelers fans, and the most beautiful skyline ever.

Here's to you Pittsburgh. I hope you figure out my life for me soon, because I really do love you.

Also- here are recent blogs of my dear friends...
http://hannahnitz.tumblr.com/
http://www.becomingberry.blogspot.com/
http://emilylevenson.com/

ap

Oops

2011-03-09T22:39:00.002-05:00

Well--
Apparently I wanted to take a little break from Blogging. I apologize to my 3 readers out there. (Maybe you've even given up on me.) I feel really sorry about that. I guess this can now just be that place where I bounce my random ideas around.
The Burgh is still treating me well. I appreciate my life daily. Especially today-- you see, it's raining like cats and dogs today and I have a home that has a roof with heat and electricity and 7 women to sit down to dinner with. Wow. How cool.

This past week there have been a lot of "firsts" for me in the PULSE house. I woke up at 7:30am on Tuesday..(i think i just heard my mother gasp) and I went running twice this week..(yes Hannah, actual running, with tennis shoes and my ipod and everything)and I threw on a potter's wheel (that totally came from left field--)
I'm not sure what caused this sudden, morning person who wants to jog/walk in the morning but it's me. I might blame the multi-vitamins that i'm taking in the morning now, but who knows... maybe it's time for me to begin to wake up with the rest of the world.

Things are truly going well. It's about time to begin to look into jobs, apartments, life after PULSE. It's been a scary realization but also one of the best.
So... I'm slowly but surely taking another step, but hopefully it will be another good decision. If not, Mom and Dad will always take me back!

Blessings to you
All my love-
Anna

Tweets...

2010-12-06T10:02:00.003-05:00

Ok. I am on Twitter. I have been for a while, but I'm just getting use to it. The other day a dear dear friend of mine said something to the fact of... "where is my community?" Well friends, I've found mine. I woke up 2 days ago sick with a fever, head cold, etc. Everything you don't want to have during the biggest week of your job. :) I spent from 3:00pm Saturday till this morning at 9a in bed. There were a few moments where I would get up, walk downstairs and hydrate, but other than that... not much movement. Guess what I would wake too?? Little knocks on the door when one of my house mates would brave the germ infested room that I am in to ask if I was ok, to offer to bring me food (which I wasn't interested in.. ugh) or to come and sit and talk for a few minutes. I didn't realize it then, I'll blame it on the cold medicine, but I love these women. I loved the laughter I heard downstairs while I was watching a movie, I loved the whispers as they would walk by my door, and I loved how Maggie still continues to check if I have a temperature! :) What a community I've fallen into.

Hello November

2010-11-14T20:53:00.002-05:00

I am currently sitting on our couch, while one house mates is finishing up her weekly chore, one is knitting and watching the Steelers/Pat game, and the other is booking some buses home for the holidays. It seems to be times like these when I smile to myself after a restful weekend. Times like these when our Popcorn Sunday's come around and football is on tv, times like these when i love intentional community. This year in Pittsburgh is going to teach me so much about myself, but what I am most excited about is what I am going to learn about these women that I call friends. Their habits, ticks, pet peeves, passions, etc. As of right now... I know Maggie loves the Steelers and anything Pittsburgh and baking, and worship, and singing... Laura loves a clean kitchen, healthy foods, the farmers market, art, laughing..... alicia loves her family, her faith, trying new things, going out and being active in the community, and the environment. These things aren't the only things they all love, trust me there is more, but I those are the things that come to mind when I think of them. This intentional community stuff isn't easy, but it sure can be fun!

the heat is on...

2010-10-31T21:34:00.002-05:00

Well-- it finally happened. We broke down this weekend and turned on the heat. Granted, it isn't very high, it is better than the 54 degrees that it was for a while. We are hoping that we weatherproofed enough to save some money! This week is the first of November. Holy cow where did that come from? There are so many things that happen in November that I don't even know what to do with... Thanksgiving, Our VIP dinner at UP, Laura's Marathon, Weddings galore at work, plus life in the house. I love being busy and having things to do, but I can't believe that it is already November.

Its almost time to break out the Christmas movies and decorations-- lord help me when that time comes.

Have a happy November!!

I carry my Heart...

2010-10-28T22:40:00.004-05:00

I knew it would happen. October was over before I saw it coming. Things are flying by in the PULSE house. From the chore wheels spinning, the change of temperature, the creamy soups being made for dinner more often-- we can feel the change of winter coming upon us. We have been weatherproofing and gearing up for some chilly months ahead. Seriously-- Beth has been wearing a scarf and hat since September-- I don't know how the girl will survive winter. :)

Life has been going by quickly. So quickly that sometimes I can't catch up. Whether its phone calls with people not in Pittsburgh or paperwork that should have been done yesterday, I can't seem to get my barrings. I was struggling like that for the past 2 weeks, but something and someone reminded me to slow down for a little bit.
On Wednesday morning I walked into the office and was greeted by Carol and Jeffrey. Two of my favorite people. They were chatting about how Jeffrey's wife is exhausted at work and has been for a long time. "She just isn't happy" was his exact quote. He then said, you need to be able to walk into work daily and find a reason to be there. Find a reason why you are excited to go into work, or a reason you are excited to take on a new activity. You don't have to love the job all the time, but you can love the things you are doing.
After that interaction our Seminar for the day was at the Pittsburgh Project. What an incredible place that is. My awesome God is at work in that ministry and in this city. We walked along paths where gangs still meet, but have slowed down. We heard stories from the hurt that has been caused because of violence and drugs, and listened while Mark took us through his stories of students he mentored that were affected. After the stories, we walked up the road to a baseball field that is now fenced in and is a community garden that is flourishing. Through all the frustration, hurt, hatred, a garden is blooming to help this community. To bring people together and to revitalize the North Side.

So-- my hope for this coming week, not to get frustrated with myself and the work around me, not to let things just become another task. Learn to love my community and become a servant leader...

peace-

I feel blessed....

2010-10-11T20:32:00.002-05:00

To be here.
To be drinking hot cinnamon tea.
To have a great place at Union Project.
To be so loved
To laugh daily.

To come home from a weekend away and find friends... and not just housemates.

I AM blessed.

Mighty, Minnie, and maybe a Mickey

2010-09-29T16:09:00.003-05:00

What do these three words have in common... a mouse at the end of it. Yes friends, we here at the PULSE house have had some new friends.... or whatever you might call them. Mice. But don't be nervous because we've actually already caught two of them. Even a house full of 8 women can find a way to buy some traps and set them! :) Even if we did have to call our fathers to ask which traps we wanted. We have a chalkboard on the wall and every morning I turn to check if another one was caught.

It's been a pretty uneventful week so far. Work at Union Project is really great and the community that I've surrounded myself with is even better. We eat dinner every night together-- kind of like when I was little!! We talk about our days, our highs and lows, what we have to do this week, when we will be leaving for a PULSE fair at a college or when visitors are coming over. A lot of things-- but one thing we love happens to be those dinners. It's a time of love, of sharing, of community. What we've all come to realized as what PULSE is for many of us.

Weekend full of love, laughter and stronger friendships...

2010-09-26T19:12:00.002-05:00

I think as I sit in the living room with my cup of tea and blanket wrapped around me, I feel the fall weather upon me. I know this because I can turn the tv on at any time during the weekend and Football is on, I can walk out the house with a mug of coffee and feel content, I can wear a few layers and not sweat or freeze to death! It is definitely fall weather. I love fall weather. I love everything that comes with it, but I am struggling a little bit because for the past few years, I was blessed to experience fall weather at Bluffton. A place that I love. A place where at moments notice I could find someone to laugh, hug, cry, sing, smile, and walk about the campus with. It was home. I'm adjusting to Bluffton not being "home" anymore. It's more of a challenge than I expected because I not only left Bluffton, but I left people I love.

This weekend was one that was filled with laughter. On Saturday, Laura, Abbi and I ventured out to Southside to register Laura for the "Great Race" which was happening this weekend. We needed to make sure she got her number for the race, but we also just wanted to explore the city. Sometimes... its a bit difficult to catch the buses on the weekend because they only run every few hours. So.. we ran to the bus stop because we didn't want to miss the bus, only to have to sit for 20 minutes for the next one! We made it to our destination and started to pinpoint places that we have already been, but didn't realize where they were. After we made it home with some delicious Rita's (which I will take everyone i know who comes to Pitt there for dessert) we had some friends over for game night!!! :) Friends, talks, food and the Game of Life! What a great weekend!

This morning was Laura's race and 5 housemates took to the bus and early morning with a sign for Laura! We barely made it downtown because of the detours, but we made it with a few minutes to spare. When we saw her run by we were screaming with excitement and come to find out she was the 11th woman to cross the finish line. Dang Laura!! She was rocking!! With a 10k down... we took our shot at walking a few miles to the "favorite restaurant" in Pitt called Pamela's. Our lovely President raves about these pancakes! Food was delicious.

A few things I love about the city..
1. Free things.
2. Delicious food
3. Transportation--even though it can be frustrating.
4. The PULSE house and "family"

I miss home frequently... but I love that I'm learning a lot about myself and the people I'm with!

Keep Peace.

A Weekly post...

2010-09-21T20:57:00.002-05:00

I'm afraid that this is going to be what happens when life gets busy... posts might begin to slow down. This past week has been a good one and a testing one. It is about that point in time when I start to miss home, when I start to miss people I love alot, but also the point in time when I've started to fit in! I really do love Pittsburgh! I love the excitement of my placement, the spirit that my house mates have about change, the love that I get from people all around me. So, it's been a good week but also one that has tested why I'm here.

This weekend half of the house got to go on a church retreat (I wanted to go, but needed to work at Union Project) anyway, it was a test of keeping myself busy! Maggie and I had most of the house to ourselves so we spent a lot of the time together!! From going to Penguins Practices, to grocery shopping, it was an Anna and Maggie sort of weekend! Maggie is a Pittsburgh sports fan born and bred, but I am one that tries to stick it to her every chance i get, esp. with the Steelers.... so it was actually fun watching Maggie at a Pens game... she was crazy-- but I can easily see why, the Pens are fun to watch!! :)

I would love to have visitors if you are ever in Pittsburgh!! :) I have a lot to show people because I really love this city!!

Sending lots and lots of love!

A fake reality....

2010-09-15T10:26:00.003-05:00

A phrase my sister (whom I've yet to talk to while being in Pittsburgh--come on Pawsey, is does Illinois not have phones.) Just kidding. I guess they go both ways...

but anyway-- a fake reality. What in the world is that? A place in life where you might have a job, place to stay and food, but also a place where you don't have to pay for bills, heating, water, etc... well, sister- i think we both live in a "fake reality" now. Beth and I are on grocery duty this week and we just returned from Giant Eagle with bags of food and only a little worry of what we spent. Sure we have a budget as a house, but that budget is just for food, stipend, and transportation. A pretty sweet deal. I think that this reality for me is a pretty good decision.

Today is Wednesday- which means we have seminar this afternoon... we are (i think) going over communication and what it means for each individual. It has been a lot of small things that we've been going over, but is also something that is quite important for a house full of women.

:) Something that i've realized within the past few days... we all like to spend time together, but we also like to spend time together in the Kitchen sitting at the table. It's one of my favorite things so far. Whether we are entertaining the people that are on dish duty for the evening, or if we are just sitting drinking, milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, we are laughing and talking.

Community Living-- I could get use to this! :)

Seek out Peace-
Anna

So I Live with 7 women

2010-09-13T20:19:00.003-05:00

that are amazing... but also are on their own journey.

If you find time, its fun to read what they think about Pittsburgh! :)
Dill, Maggie, and Abbi are just a few! :)

Sending all my love to you.

A place to call "home"

2010-09-11T22:14:00.001-05:00

and people that I will grow to love.....

I never thought it would have been in Pittsburgh, Pa, but stranger things could happen! :)
xo

Union Project!

2010-09-07T20:32:00.003-05:00

unionproject.org

look it up. I am going to be working here for the next 11 months!! It's a sweet organization!! :)

Can you tell that I started work and I'm really pumped about it??!?!

Can't wait to dive deeper into the Union Project and everything they have ready for me.... it's going to be a really really great year!

xoxo

Search for your Peace,
Ap

The Word Became Flesh...

2010-09-04T22:10:00.002-05:00

So throughout this entire week of Orientation on the City of Pittsburgh, PULSE, our individual selves, placements and faith, something that we have been discussing has been how we as Christians are going to go out into this city, into our placements and spread the incredible news of our God. The scripture, the love, the greatness of it all. How can we spend our year in Pittsburgh as someone that was called to follow Christ?

On Friday we dove into John chapter 1 a bit, and by a bit, I mean it was just skimming the incredibleness of this chapter!

The Word Became Flesh

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.
3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood[a] it.

6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.[b]

10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent,[c] nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[d] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

As we read through this section of John, Chris (our Director of PULSE) also printed out verse 14 in The Message version...

14The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish.

Moved into Neighborhoods with a one-of-a-kind glory. Just what the 8 of us did on Sunday.... we moved into a new neighborhood ready to "make a difference!" Ready to start something new that will bring frustration, challenges, but will also bring love, laughter, friendships, and hope!

Tomorrow I get to see Devon and Kristen at Pittsburgh Mennonite Church!! I cannot wait! It is like another part of this adventure is falling into place...

Find your Peace,
Anna

A prayer of patience....

2010-09-03T13:32:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, I think I'll need this more this year than anything....

Lord, teach me to be patient - with life, with people,and with myself. I sometimes try to hurry things along too much, and I push for answers before the time is right. Teach me to trust Your sense of timing rather than my ownand to surrender my will to Your greater and wiser plan. Help me let life unfold slowly, like the small rosebud whose petals unravel bit by bit, and remind me that in hurrying the bloom along, I destroy the bud and much of the beauty therein.

Instead, let me wait for all to unfold in its own time. Each moment and state of growth contains a loveliness. Teach me to slow down enough to appreciate life and all it holds. Amen.

Intentional Community...

2010-08-31T21:49:00.002-05:00

Well-
I officially am THRILLED to be in Pittsburgh. Seriously friends, this place is for me! Throughout the past few days many things have been occurring to me... 1. I was made for a city. 2. I live with 7 women that are going to support, love, encourage, accept, laugh, learn, and live intentionally with me. How cool. What and incredible opportunity and experience. Yesterday after dinner we went to a place called the Shadow Lounge and listened to local musicians raise money for a local farm. Music about intentional communities, peace, love, Jesus... how exciting. In that hour and a half we already made connections through previous PULSErs, church goers, and just plain strangers. After our walk back to the house and many laughs, we set the coffee pot for the next morning and either fell into bed or added a few more touches to our rooms! It was an eventful day!

This morning we met at Chris's house down the road for our morning meeting. During this time, we drank coffee, had a small devotional time and discusses our finances, transportation, and more about PULSE. My favorite part of the morning was talking about Psalm 133. Relating this message to our Intentional Community and how we each are affected by each other was such an eye opening experience. I want to share Psalm 133 with you and let you think about it!

Psalm 133
A song of ascents. Of David.

1 How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.

3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

Today was a very productive day. We learned a lot, but most of all we learned more about each other! :) We sat and talked through random facts, bonded over Harry Potter and ended our night with Chocolate Cake and Cherry Wine! :)

"You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you."
- Frederick Buechner

Find Peace,
Anna

And so it begins...

2010-08-30T16:17:00.002-05:00

Well, here I am, sitting in my room, typing away on my computer that is located on "my own" desk. I've never had my own room before... (other than in Ireland) but it is almost too big. I didn't bring enough stuff to fit in it, even though I brought a ton! Pittsburgh is a beautiful city. Today as our first day, we did alot of team building games. We walked to Highland Park and ran around in the grass. This afternoon we took on the local farmers market... and I will let you know now.. it will probably be one of my favorite places. There was fresh fruit, veggies, local businesses... etc. So incredible. I loved it.

Tonight is an optional hang out at this club where there will be live music, I can't wait! :)

Silly me, I left my camera at home, so once it makes it's way back to me I will take a ton of pictures and show you around the PULSE house! :)

Lots of love-
Peace,
Anna

I want to get closer...

2010-08-10T22:18:00.002-05:00

I need a devotional-- I need to break myself down and figure out what or where I want my life to go... what direction? I know its crazy, me moving to Pittsburgh and all, but I want to. I know its right-- but somethings still feel off in my mind. I don't know if it is because I have yet to focus on the actual moving part because it feels far away, or because I need to "find" myself.

I want to pull an Elizabeth Gilbert in the book Eat Pray Love. Oh how I adore that book. I need to want that, right?! I feel like I'm on the edge of something that I need to dive deeper, but what? Gosh I get so angry at this "What" word. More pissed off than anything.

In just 2 weeks Ill be packing my bags and will be headed off on this journey, adventure, experience that I have no clue what it will bring. New friends? Gosh I hope so. New faith? Maybe a stronger one. A calling? Yes, please.

I want to draw closer... to life itself, love, and my God.

but where do i begin.

A Realization..

2010-07-21T09:39:00.002-05:00

It is funny to me how life works. The goals that we want to live up to and the choices that we make.

It's one of those days today--- :)

"Hello World" -Lady Antebellum

Traffic crawls, cell phone calls
Talk video screams at me
Through my tinted window I see
A little girl, rust red minivan
She's got chocolate on her face
Got little hands, and she waves at me
Ya, she smiles at me

Hello world
How've you been?
Good to see you, my old friend
Sometimes I feel cold as steel
Broken like I'm never gonna heal
I see a light, a little hope
In a little girl
Hello world

Every day I drive by
A little white church
It's got these little white crosses
Like angels in the yard
Maybe I should stop on in
Say a prayer
Maybe talk to God
Like he is here
Oh I know he is there
Ya, I know he's there

Hello world
How've you been?
Good to see you, my old friend
Sometimes I feel as cold as steel
And broken like I'm never going to heal
I see a light
A little grace, a little faith unfurled
Hello world

Sometimes I forget what living's for
And I heave my life through my front door
And I'll be there
Oh I'm home again
I see my wife, little boy, little girl
Hello world
Hello world

All the empty disappears
I remember why I'm here
Just surrender and believe
I fall down on my knees
Oh hello world
Hello world
Hello world

Blessings of Peace to you,
ap

So many things.

2010-07-20T10:24:00.002-05:00

Summer is flying by. Seriously. I can't get over that today is July 20th. I leave for Pittsburgh in a little over a month, but there is much to do until then!
On Wednesday July 7th, I made my way to Pittsburgh and the PULSE house to start the interview process for placements. Well! I fell in love with the city, the house, and the community. The skyline of Pittsburgh is breathtaking, seriously, beautiful. As an inexperienced driver in cities, I had my moments of panic, but I made it there! My mission the next day was to get dressed up to impress! Interviews consumed the entire Thursday, but good news is that I have my placement! I'm thrilled to know this already and I'm even more excited to see what it will bring for this upcoming year! :) I encourage you to look at this website and browse through! The Union Project is an incredible place and my future placement!

After my very eventful time in Pittsburgh, I am looking forward to this upcoming year. I'm ready for the struggles, challenges, and excitement that it will bring! What a world!

With 3 more full weeks of work, 2 weddings, and 1 week of vacation, Pittsburgh seems farther away than it actually is....

I better start making a packing list in my head! :)

Hello World...

2010-07-06T11:37:00.002-05:00

Well- Here it is.. my first official Blog as a Bluffton Alum. Weird to say that.
Many of you know that after graduation I have been working at Bluffton still for the summer, but I will soon be packing my bags yet again and be off on another adventure. Pittsburgh, PA here I come! :)

I hope to keep this blog going throughout the next year about what is happening in the PULSE house and in Pittsburgh!! :)

Always Blessings of Peace-

Anna

A Final Farewell

2010-05-05T19:04:00.002-05:00

Well-
It is finally here. You have put up with my posts about Bluffton's awesomeness, my struggles, happiness, and tears. I want to thank you. I like to think that sometimes when I open up my blog prospective students are out there reading what I have to say-- if there aren't any, oh well, I think my mom still reads! :)

Bluffton will always be a part of me. The people, place, and values. I am forever grateful for what I've learned in the classroom, internships, Chapels, and the people. I almost don't want to finish this blog because this is the first real end for me. I'm on campus for a few more days until graduation, but that doesn't feel strange yet.

I am forever blessed and bid you my final farewell as a Bluffton University Student...

Blessings of a Deep Peace,

Anna

************************************
A Celtic Prayer

Deep peace of the
running waves to you.

Deep peace of the
flowing air to you.

Deep peace of the
quiet earth to you.

Deep peace of the
shining stars to you.

Deep peace of the
Son of Peace to you.

Tears of Joy

2010-05-02T21:43:00.002-05:00

1. When your best friend is surprised with a birthday gift.
2. When you get to celebrate your best friends engagement at a Bridal Shower.
3. When your roommate helps take down your loft and finishes it even when you have to leave.
4. 12 days of Grad with some of your closest friends.
5. Pushing your beds together in a messy room and staying up chatting with your roommate.
6. Bluffton spring mornings.
7. Laughing until you cry with old friends that come back to visit.

8. Pre Graduation jitters....

Oh how I love tears of Joy! :)

2010-04-27T12:32:00.002-05:00

It's a strange feeling to walk into a place and know that it's your last day... know that you might not see these people again, but that they have changed your life.
Today is it. My last day at my internship in Lima. I will deeply miss the people, the place, and the community. I've learned more from them then they could from me and I am grateful for that.

As for this week--- I will be starting that process of packing. I will be throwing things away, recycling old clothes and remembering a lot. This weekend was the start of alot of tears... but now that I know that-- I guess I'm prepared for it. :)

Blessings of Peace to you all--
Only a few more posts from me....

Anna

The Busiest of Weekends

2010-04-26T08:28:00.001-05:00

One more “free” weekend left. It’s strange to think about where time goes after you hit a certain point. Last weekend I was busy working on things for my internship, planning bridal showers and finishing up last minute journals. This weekend— those particular events took place and at 11:00pm last night, I had nothing to do.

My weekend was filled with a lot of fun. From Friday night Live Band Karaoke to Saturday’s Ottawa River Clean-up and Sunday’s Shining Through party. I literally had a few minutes to breathe. But the best part, is that I was ok with that. I had fun this weekend, I spent time with friends and I cried (once again) over leaving this place that I’ve called home for the past 4 years.

Last night was my “last” Sunday Night Worship. This time the speakers were friends of mine talking about “senior reflections.” They talked about what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown and most of all a little advise. Some of it was funny, a lot of it was meaningful, and most of it hit home. My lovely friend Megan spoke of attempting to be content with uncertainty. Not knowing what she will be doing in a few weeks is terrifying, but she needs to also be able to live in the moment and not panic. Brendan, spoke of understanding everything that has brought you to the point where you are today… not just looking towards the future, but also acknowledging the people, circumstances and lessons that have gotten you where you are.

I’m not very good at “goodbyes.” I actually refuse to say them. My best friend moved to North Carolina and I always said that it was a “see you later,” not “goodbye.” But somehow when I looked around last night at the individuals in Chapel I realized that it was a goodbye for some of us. It has to be. I may not see these faces again, and that in its’ self is a bit sad. I received a letter yesterday from my lovely Shining Through-ers and one of the notes that hit me to the core said… “I hate that I’m writing this note… it means that I will be desperately missing you soon.” How true. I don’t think that people ever realize how much they impact my life… and with that small token of gratitude and love, I am forever affected.

So only a few more days left—and possibly a few more goodbyes.

Blessings of Peace-
Anna

Final Journal...

2010-04-22T14:57:00.002-05:00

As I was in my Field placement today I wrote my "final journal" for the class....

I thought it was alright, so I decided to share it with you--- since you have been on this journey with me. :)

------
There are so many things that I can say about my field placement. Almost all of them good, but there should always be some sort of constructive criticism, or just a little more advice.
When I picked the Department of Community Development I was walking into this placement with little understanding of what a city Community Development department does. It felt like I was walking in “blind.” After catching up on who is who in the department and what happens when—things started to pick up. I was involved in Press Conferences, press releases, workshops, board meetings, neighborhood meetings, implementation of new ideas and projects but most of all I was apart of a community of people that wanted to change their city. Whether or not they had different ideas, views, political agendas or backgrounds. I was a part of this community. Throughout the past 15ish weeks I was literally apart of community development.
After that first week, I chose my paper topic for capstone. I wanted to know the basics, what community development was, how it can be implemented, what jobs are available when working in this sort of department and I was flooded with books, journals, articles, blogs, and much more on different ideas of development with the community. After all of that I started to look at Community Development a bit differently. It is more than just neighborhoods, more than just nonprofits; it literally is about the people. Macro Social work is about the mass of people that want to see change.
I’ve learned so much over the past 15 weeks that I will always be thankful for. Whether it is learning about fundraising when researching for a workshop, or about property maintenance when going on a walk with one of the inspectors, there was a huge variety for me.

------

It's strange to think that this will be over on Tuesday of next week...

Blessings of Peace-
Anna

2010-04-20T11:33:00.001-05:00

I also encourage you to check out another Bloggers posts for April. Tasha is a Sophomore at Bluffton and has alot of really great things to say! :)
Living and Loving Life

One of my habits---

2010-04-20T11:25:00.002-05:00

I love to read. Anything. Books, magazines, cereal boxes, flyers, etc. This list could go on and on. Recently I have picked up the book Eat Pray Love, which I have read before, but wanted to work my way through it again. Just the other day when it was 80 degrees outside, I picked up my book and magaznies and made my way out to the grass with a blanket. A friend of mine was already out there laying out in the sun. It was the greatest picture ever--- it was as if she was worshiping it. Here eyes closed, a smirk on her face and at peace sweating like crazy. :) I stopped next to her and dropped everything. I couldn't wait to lay there. As I stopped unfold the blankets I noticed a few things, student teachers walking back from school, students coming from class, some lucky ones that were done with class playing tennisball golf, and the individuals around me. We all looked at peace. I picked up my book, opened it to the 5 chapter and continued to read and read and read. I was in my heaven: sunshine, and books. :)

These next few weeks I will hopefully get to enjoy those two things a lot.

After an exciting and crazy semester, I like to think that I deserve these next two lazy weeks. :)

Blessings of Peace,
Anna

The beginning of the end…

2010-04-19T09:01:00.001-05:00

Seriously, I told you back in the first blog of April that I apologize for the “sappy” blogs, but you have to expect this to come. =)

This past weekend was one where I didn’t sit down. Things are beginning to pick up on campus from events, to regularly scheduled friend time. My weekends start on Thursday Nights because Friday’s are my day off. =)
So, Thursday after dinner 5 friends got together to trek to the Whippy Dip in town! We actually took the LONG way, but we seemed to be ok with that. My camera became our entertainment and we took pictures, told stories from our day and laughed a lot. Friday morning, I was able to have my new “weekly” breakfast date with Janna, Derek, Jen and Joe. We spend our 7am morning with some Marbeck Breakfast and lots of laughs. After breakfast I wanted to jump back in bed, but it was so beautiful out, I took a little walk/run. I went to the nature preserve to walk around, soak up the sunshine and take a little time to reflect. I guess this past week I realized that the end of all this was coming up quick. It was the perfect way to kick off that realization of “the beginning of the end.” Friday night consisted of dinner with friends and then dancing!
On Saturday I was able to get off campus to attend an old friends wedding at a nearby town. My family drove over so it was nice to see them and watch someone dear to our hearts get married! Saturday night was filled with Hannah, and Megan time at the Flying J. We ordered pancakes, eggs, chicken fingers, and some water and just talked. What a blessing these women are in my life. =) From looking into the future, to listening to wedding plans, it was a night that was relaxing, but needed.

As I begin to make my way into my last full week of internship I feel refreshed and ready. Who knows if this feeling will last, but it sure does feel pretty good right now!

Enjoy the sunshine-
Blessings of Peace-
Anna

Smells---

2010-04-15T10:06:00.000-05:00

Something that has been crossing my mind frequently is the idea of smells relating to memories. I think a lot of this is because Spring is here and flowers are popping up along with allergies for some people.
Yesterday I was walking out of my internship and laughed out loud because the weather and smell in the air reminded me of home. It was this warm breeze with a hint of lilac. I could close my eyes and picture sitting outside on my back steps. I got into my car and rolled down the window turned on the radio and started my drive back to Bluffton. Pulling off of the highway I caught the smell of gasoline from the tractor in front of me. I smiled as I thought back to the Shining Through Spring Break tour with a lot of stops being in gas stations for a regular fill up. Two days ago, the skies were clouded with a chance of rain… My gut reaction was to think about the days when I was 10 waiting for that one softball game to be cancelled so I could play in the rain… I call my best friend that morning to laugh about it. :)
The more I stopped to think about this idea of smells relating to memories, I started to question the sorts of smells that would relate me back to Bluffton in a few years. There will always be that distinct smell of Marbeck and Dining Services, but there will also be the smells of the first fall nights outside at the nature preserve. There will be the smell of the fresh cut grass on campus the week before May Day in preparation of the weekend full of activities. There will be the smell of popcorn that will relate back to The Shannon where we would get the deal on soda and a bucket of popcorn for the same price of the movie.

It’s strange what can trigger memories--- but this past week the smells have been doing that for me. :)

Blessings of Peace,
Anna

The first of many Tears...

2010-04-14T11:16:00.000-05:00

Well- granted, I know that I’ve cried before last night, but I’ll call the tears last night, the first because of Graduation. Sometimes the realization kicks in and I remember that I wont be at Bluffton next year. I won’t have to move back into a residence hall, I wont get to go through LDP the week before classes start, I wont have a Spring break trip for Shining Through again. Wow. I guess I’ve known this for an entire year, but sometimes the realization kicks in.

I know that I am going to love Pittsburgh…. It’s a new adventure, just like Bluffton was, but this place has been my home for the past 4 years. I’ve planned, attended and ran events. I’ve watched my closest friends in musicals, bands, presentations, worship, and classroom discussions. I’ve grown in my faith, beliefs and values. What kind of place can give you all of that?? I am thankful and blessed to have a place like Bluffton to refer back to, it’s a community.

So—after my first tears shed for the upcoming Graduation, I still have this sadness in the back of my mind, but I also have excitement. I get to watch my best friends walk across that stage and get their diploma, I get to watch my closest friend give her MayDay Queen Speech Saturday morning, I get to chat with old friends that will come back to watch graduations, and I get to sit in my room with my 3 closest friends the day of graduation to laugh, grumble, make jokes, and even tear up about leaving this place.

So--- Here’s to the first of many tears---

Blessings of Peace-
Anna

My weekend...

2010-04-12T16:01:00.002-05:00

A Friday night babysitting, a Saturday full of Janna and Anna, and a Sunday with an 8 hour car ride. What a weekend. I can tell you that it was crazy busy, but worth it.

On Friday night, Hannah, Megan, Ashley and I got our "quality" time in. We were babysitting Hannah's BASIC leaders 8 month old daughter Teaghen. How beautiful she is. We dealt with the crying, changing, feeding, and playing. (Some were better than others) ;) It was nice to get away from the residence halls and internships to sit with my girlfriends and chat about what we are thinking about these next few weeks.

Saturday was my day date with Janna. We drove to walmart talking about Ireland, last year, what is happening in our lives now that we rarely see each other, her wedding... the list could go on and on. It was well worth it. In the afternoon we pulled down her mattresses from her beds and watched movies and did homework sitting on the floor. Best decision ever. We laughed so hard that day and I was reminded how much I miss that girl. I can't wait to see her get married in July but most of all can't wait for our friendship to grow!

Sunday= Shining Through= long drives= worshiping= friends= laughter!

It was a long weekend, but one that will always remind me of Bluffton! :)

Blessings of Peace,
Anna

I apologize in advance....

2010-04-07T19:36:00.003-05:00

It is April 7th. In exactly 1 month from today I will have been through our graduation "practice" walk through. I will hopefully be sitting in my room (or Megan's room, or Hannah's room) thinking about where the past 4 years went? I will be pulling out my outfit for the next morning's May Day event and will more than likely be fighting back some tears.

Wow. This year has gone by so quickly. My roommate and I were just discussing the things that we did last semester and were shocked. How fast time goes. How quickly we try to keep up with the things, events and people around us. Sometimes it's nice to just sit and laugh.

I apologize for this months Blogs. I will already tell you that they will be emotional... there will be a lot of "remember whens" and a lot of "Bluffton changed my life." I am preparing myself--- so I wanted you to do the same.

I've been writing this blog since my freshman year of college. I can actually remember sitting on my red futon in Bren-dell with Hannah and Mary thinking about what I wanted to say. Thinking about my busy days and what it was I wanted to talk about. Looking back--- they were all great things. They are what made my Bluffton experience what it is today!-

So-- enjoy the rain, sun, warmth, and or chilly weather that you are having.
There is to be a storm tonight-- I love storms. (Sorry dear Megan--I know you hate them)

Blessings of Peace,
Anna

Only a few more of these from me--- what a strange thing to say.