Allergies/Quirks

I'm not allergic to much (that I know of). Of course, I sneeze a lot when I encounter dust, but I'm not exactly sure I would define that as an allergic reaction.

When I was young, I would break out in hives every time I ate a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. I could eat a jelly sandwich (which I often had packed in my lunch) or a peanut butter sandwich, but not the combination. To this day, I do not eat PB&J sandwiches, for fear that I will break out in horrible hives. My friends like to tease me about experimenting with a jelly sandwich followed by a peanut butter sandwich. I'm too scared even to do that.

Aside from PB&J sandwiches, I am apparently allergic to alcohol. In other words, my body is unable to break down alcohol appropriately. This means that after even just one drink, I turn bright red, and can sometimes become dizzy, warm, and lightheaded. It's pretty embarrassing, actually, and people often assume that it's because I'm a lightweight. But the truth is, I'm allergic to alcohol. This makes some social situations a bit awkward.

Mud Wrestling

Back in the days of my youth, every summer I would attend at least one summer camp through my church, sometimes two, and sometimes even three. In 1998, I attended Senior High Camp, CPYC (Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference), and PYT (Presbyterian Youth Triennium). I have some of my fondest childhood memories from CPYC and I hope that one day I'll make it back as an adult leader or participant. But one of my most vivid memories comes from PYT, which was held at Purdue University. The planned activities were amazing, and because there were so many people attending, it really enhanced each experience. During recreation time one afternoon, I remember we had this really incredible option to go MUD WRESTLING. It was probably the most fun and carefree experience of my life. They had several firetrucks parked on a large empty field, firing hoses and hoses of water into the air. This, of course, made the field quite wet and muddy. And there were young people everywhere, splashing in the mud, tossing balls, chasing each other, and perhaps there really was even a bit of playful wrestling among the boys. I did get a pretty bad scrape on my knee from someone accidentally shoving me onto the ground, but I really didn't care one bit. It was way too much fun!! I remember afterwards, my friends and I spent a long while hosing down all the mud caked onto our skin and faces. Unforgettable. If I ever had the opportunity to roll in the mud with a bunch of friends again, I'd do it in a heartbeat!!

Babies

Although I already have two (almost three!) very adorable nieces, I have yet to have a close friend give birth to a baby, and I know the day it happens will be a tearfully joyful day. Babies are such amazing miracles and I look forward to the day when I have my first, and when someone close to me does. My imagination probably does not adequately capture what it will be like, to get the phone call, hustle to the medical center and ride the elevator up to a room bustling with smiling family members and a tired but radiantly happy new mommy. It will be surreal, and probably even 10x moreso for my own child. It's something that I eagerly look forward to.

He is waiting

I will glory in my Redeemer
Who carries me on eagles' wings.
He crowns my life with loving kindness,
His triumph song I'll ever sing.
I will glory in my Redeemer
Who waits for me at gates of gold;
And when He calls me, it will be paradise.
His face forever to behold,
His face forever to behold.

-From "I Will Glory in My Redeemer," Cook

This is a verse from a song we sang in church this morning. I thought the lyrics were just so encouraging and uplifting and reminds me that God is calling us heavenward. It's easy to forget in the daily grind.

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:14

Embracing the holiday alone

Well it's the 4th of July- a time that should be full of family, friends, food, and celebration. Unfortunately, I'm spending it alone, and even worse, at school. The Husband is off at the cabin in Colorado with the extended family for the weekend. I wish I could have joined them, but the demands of PhD work are currently relentless.

This morning, I went on a very nice 3-mile run and on my way home, I stopped at the grocery store. I bought myself the following items, for comfort:

1. A bouquet of flowers. Yes. Something pretty to smell/look at while the house is empty and quiet. Plus, flowers make me smile.

2. A Texas seedless watermelon. I have challenged myself to eat the entire thing before The Husband returns from his 4.5 day hiatus.

3. A large container of plain yogurt. Oh, the things I could make. Smoothies, yogurt/granola breakfasts...

4. Some Pillsbury orange danish rolls. I can bake them for breakfast and I don't even have to share :p

Food Venues of Choice

The Husband and I are not very picky eaters, and most any day, aside from homecooked meals, we'd pick fast food or a casual restaurant over fine dining. Perhaps our tastes are not very cultivated. But, our philosophy is this: Why pay $$$ for a meal the size of this period (.)? It may taste fabulous, but it lasts only one bite. And besides, our taste buds are much more inclined towards "regular" food. Here are our favorite places to dine around town:

1. Freebirds. The best burritos on earth.
2. Niko Niko's (Greek). They have the best seasoned potatoes and stuffed grape leaves.
3. Lupe Tortilla. Fabulous fajitas and impeccable service.

Good food. Lots of it. And we can wear jeans and t-shirts! Mmmmm.

What I would study if I went back to college

After a weekend at our alma mater, the nostalgia hit me. I would love to be an undergraduate again. Here are a few areas (in no particular order) I would consider majoring in if I could go back:

1. Psychology/Neuroscience (I am mesmerized by psychological disorders and how it connects with the brain)
2. Spanish, or another foreign language (probably Italian or Latin)
3. Biomedical Engineering
4. Art (my childhood dream, which still remains)