my first political party

As many of you know, I have begun going to the gym this year. Both of my roommates are very health-conscious girls and I am hoping that living with them will pull me more in that direction. They excel at staying healthy and I do not. I am hoping our friendship will change that for the better. Last night I had another similar opportunity. One of my friends invited me, very last minute I might add, to a "presidential debate party." After about 5 minutes of questioning him as to what that was - I agreed to go along. Again, as you may know, I am not a very informed person when it comes to politics. I have done a really good job of keeping myself out of the loop when it comes to this campaign. So, going to this debate I didn't have a strong preference for either candidate.

That wasn't the case for everyone else attending the party. This was a party hosted by McCain supporters. Didn't see that one coming, did you? I went to a Republican Party in a mansion (basically) in MA - one of the most liberal states in the country. It was interesting to listen to their political views (especially on taxes) as well as their views on Obama. I'm not sure I have it in me to be so diametrically opposed to people - but perhaps that is just because I have not been watching the campaign commercials for the last year.

As far as the debate goes, I thought it was pretty good. I felt that McCain seemed more comfortable with the topic of the evening - foreign affairs. His main point that Obama is inexperienced definitely hit home. However, Obama did seem to come out on top on the issue of economics, which is the most current crisis (not that I need to be telling any of you.)

I'm glad I went - and not just because I got a huge piece of cake. It was good for me to step out of my ignorance. If the debate taught me anything - it's that our political choices now affect the world at large for years to come.

Yeah, I like apples, you betcha!

I can already tell I will be struggling with interesting things to report this semester just because I spend about 90% of my "free time" reading for class. This week I used my extra 10% to watch the movie Fargo and go to an apple orchard.

What to say about Fargo... if you haven't seen it - don't. There are exceptions to that and if you like Coen brothers' movies - you are the exception. It just really kind of bothered me to think that such horrible things could happen in a place so close to home. On a lighter note - the accents are absolutely hilarious. I found this video on youtube that combines all the times a character says "yeah" in the movie:



Betcha you'll notice when people say "yeah".

Now on to the fun activity of picking apples! I returned to Russell Orchards in Ipswich to get me some apples right off the tree. I had been there previously over the summer to pick strawberries. It is such a cool place. There were a ton of people there today. We had to stand in line in order to get a hayride to the section of the orchard where the apple trees were. I haven't stood in a line that long since I was in NYC to buy tickets for a Broadway show. It was fun though, I have plenty of apples to eat, a few scrapes and a half-gallon of genuine apple cider. I also replenished my strawberry-rhubarb jam supply.

Here are some pictures:

I think was the best apple picked by any human being, ever.

Anna and I split the bag of apples. They were a little pricey,
but the experience is totally worth it.

First official roommate picture of all three of us.
Jen, Katie, Sarah

"Girl, these apples are heavy!" -Teal

Jen told me to climb the tree, even though it was against the rules.
I did climb it - here is the proof.

This picture was taken about 4 seconds after the previous picture.
I did fall off and landed on an apple - here is the proof.

This is my artistic achievement for the day.
Jen belongs outdoors - it is the most natural thing.

**You may notice a playlist on the right side of the screen. You should check out the songs! They are a random sampling of some things I've been listening to lately. Especially you, Dad!**

A snapshot into this life

When trying to write a title I search for a cohesive theme to the activities or thoughts I wish to relate to all of you, my faithful or not so faithful readers. This last week it seems the only common thread seems to be me.

This last week was the first week of class at Gordon Conwell. I now have a better picture of what this semester is going to be like and the word "intense" comes to mind. As a theology major I have so much reading (which is good because I like to read.) Let me give you an example. This was the first week of class, and I have already read an entire book. Also, I managed to get behind on reading.

Not a great way to start the semester - behind. But that is where I am. Specifically on my Semlink classes for the summer. I have to take the final in New Testament and I will be finished with that one, but I have the majority of the Old Testament semlink to finish, not to mention taking what I have heard to be a very difficult final for that class. Lucky me that the final is the only grade for the class.... not.

This last week was also my first week of attending the Bennett Center (the gym on the Gordon College campus.) Both of my suite-mates are very health conscious girls, so I enlisted them in making sure I stay healthy this year. Part of this agreement is that I go to the gym three times a week. This last week I mostly walked/jogged. I think total distance was around 6 miles, which isn't a ton, but I need to work myself into this gradually so I don't get hurt.

Finally, of note is that yesterday I was a leader for the Boston Plunge. I cannot remember if I wrote about this or not last year. The Boston Plunge is sponsored by Gordon Conwell and it is meant to be an introduction into ministries happening in the city of Boston. I went last year as an opportunity to go into Boston for the first time in a group. I really enjoyed the trip last year so I volunteered to help with it this year. One ironic side note: out of the 4 volunteer student leaders, 2 were from South Dakota! Way to represent!

It was a great experience to have a few students in my group and talk to them about their seminary experience thus far. It was strange to be on the side of giving advice, rather than seeking it. It was also strange to be the person responsible for getting people around Boston (which included a bus ride!) The time was wonderful, but it definitely wore me out. Last night I had a surprise birthday party to attend as well, so by the time I got back to my room I wanted to collapse, but I couldn't. Sarah's, my suite-mate, mother stayed over last night so I stayed up to meet her. She was very nice, but it made me a little impatient until my own mother comes to visit. Nobody can hold a candle to MY mother! :)

I am now working on my study guide and doing some reading. Keep me in your prayers as I adjust to a new schedule and learn to be diligent in my reading. This semester has the potential to be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

Girls' Night Out

Last night I went to see Josh Turner in concert at Hampton Beach, NH. It was a girls night out and it was fun! I cannot say that I'm a huge fan of Hampton Beach - not exactly sure what the appeal is there. Actually, more than once I felt like I was in Deadwood or something - just that touristy.

Josh Turner was amazing though. I've said it before and I'll more than likely say it again: Josh Turner is dreamy. A good-looking, talented, Christian man who loves his wife. His wife is actually a part of his band - plays keyboards and sings backup for him. Very cool!

I would say that was the end of my summer. Tonight is the Clamfest at Gordon Conwell. Classes start on Monday (except that I don't have class on Mondays!) This should be a good year. Busy but good.