Jump Street

I meant to blog about this yesterday but didn't. Saturday was our leadership training/planning day. It was so fun! We started in a coffee shop for breakfast and talk planning. After working hard for about 2 hours I felt the need to teach my leaders how to play Nertz. They loved it, duh. Once we got hungry again we headed over to a burger joint to get lunch and plan skits/mixers. After a good morning full of training/planning/good food it was time for our surprise fun! Jump Street!!! Basically, it is a room full of trampolines, they even have them curve up onto the wall!! We spent an hour jumping and trying to avoid killing the small children who were running around. This was my first extended jumping experience since I broke my trampoline in High School and I think I'm over my fears of breaking another one. Heading back to Parker, I decided it was a good idea to grab sonic drinks.

Overall, great training/planning day!!

OK, This Time I'm Serious

I know I've talked a big game in the past about becoming healthier, but this time I am serious. I think my problem in the past is setting unrealistic goals and trying to change my habits instantly then getting discouraged when I didn't meet them. I've always thought that to work out you need to do it in the morning (if you know anything about me then you know I hate mornings) needless to say, this never worked out. I would just sleep through my alarm and skip my workout. Now, I'm just going to work out at night, it just works for me. This is when I am most awake and it already fits into my schedule. I feel good about it and tonight was night 2.

This might come as a shocker but working out at the Brinck house is quite easy, we own a lot of exercise equipment. You wouldn't know this by looking at anyone who lives here but they exist (under a lot of dust).

I'm a little late for this to be a true New Year's Resolution so I won't consider it one but it pretty much is.

Surprise Guests

My friend Ryan called me around one this afternoon telling me that he and his girlfriend, Sarah, were up in winter park and needed a place to stay before heading back to kansas city. Of course I offered up larry and susie's place. They love visitors! So tonight we are having an old fashioned ultimate spendsie! Ryan and I are on the main floor sleeping on the couch and futon mattress while his girlfriend is up in my room. We hung out and chatted for a while just catching up and reminiscing about college. So fun. Especially because I'm convinced my friends in college and my overall college experience were better than everyone else's.

I needed this and I'm excited to take the morning off and head to snooze for breakfast.

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Home

It is so nice to be home. I missed my bed and dogs and good coffee and no class and TV and fast internet and lots of other things. But as happy as I am to be home, I knew I was walking back into challenging times with YL. Since I left for NST, I have lost almost half of my leaders and have been dealing with some internal conflict (hopefully it got worked out today).

I can't remember who said it at NST but someone said "you will want to quit before the year is over." I think I might have set the record for the staff associate who felt that first. The day after I came home. I knew this semester was going to be hard but I wasn't expecting it to be quite the mess it is turning into. Such is life in full time ministry, I guess.

Sorry to be Debby Downer but I had two difficult conversations today (about 4 hours apart but at the same coffee shop). Each time I found myself fighting back tears; today has just been overwhelming.

I know the Lord has huge plans for Parker but sometimes you have to wander around in the desert before you find the promised land. I am too accustom to the culture of instant gratification and need to recognize that the Lord doesn't operate on this system. I trust His plans but today was just freaking hard.

Last Night

Overall, NST was awesome. I met a lot of great people and learned a ton.

But at this point I'm just ready to leave. I'm excited for the challenge that is waiting for me in Parker and the hopes I have to implement what I've learned into my area.

But at this point, 6am is going to come too soon and I think I will be driving.

Menu:

Breakfast: Egg Casserole, Yogurt with Granola
Lunch: Cold Cut Sandwiches, Salad Bar, Tomato Soup, Chocolate Cookies
Dinner: Salad, Steak, Broccoli, Mashed Potatoes, Bread, Big Cookie (Not as good as Castaway)

Tubing!!!

Tonight on our schedule was "Epic Free time." They told us at dinner that after our Quiz we would be heading to the tubing hill in Fraser. Now, I really like tubing but after a few times it gets a little boring. Luckily, my new friend, Brit and I were willing to try and shake things up a little. We did some tube switching between runs of everyone linked together. It was fun and all but we ended up at the same place we were before: kinda bored. As we stood getting pulled up the hill on the magic carpet, we landed on a new idea. Tandem Stand!

The plan was to hold our tube with one hand and our other hands would be holding each other. Starting on our knees we would then slowly stand up when we made it to the middle of the run. Everything was going fine until we hit the hump on the run. This threw our balance a little and we both fell off our tubes: rolling and laughing down the hill. Catching my breath, I grabbed my tube to head back to the hill and there she was. The small lady in orange running toward Brit and I telling us we were done.

Shoot! I apologized and told her that my glasses were at the top (they were) so she let me take one more run. I made it down the hill and then had to take the walk of shame back to the bus to wait for everyone to finish having fun.

I wish I could say that this is the first time I've ever been kicked out of this kind of establishment but that would be a lie.

Menu:

Breakfast: Egg Casserole, Cinnamon Rolls, Yogurt with Granola
Lunch: Tomato Soup, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Salad Bar, Cookie Bar
Dinner: Chicken Enchiladas, Rice, Salad, Peach Cobbler

Solitude

Tonight I was in need of some alone time. Don't get me wrong, I love being around Young Life people but after a while I want to punch them all in their faces. So once we were done with class and then after the KU game I made my way to try and find some solitude. I figured the best bet was to head down to the hot tub. It was beautifully and perfectly silent. Just what I needed.

Menu:

Breakfast: French Toast Sticks, Sausage, Yogurt With Granola
Lunch: Sandwiches, Salad Bar, Cookie
Dinner: It was a carnival. Carnival games, no plates, Turkey Legs, Corndogs, Cotton Candy, Popcorn.

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FULL TIME

I am officially on Full Time Young Life Staff!!!!!

You might be confused by this because its not like I've been putting in only part time hours. You would be right, I have been putting in full time since I was hired in September but have only been getting paid a small portion of a full time paycheck. Regional policies prevented me from being hired full time until a significant portion of my support and the area budget was raised.

This has happened and my area is moving toward financial health and stability so we as an area/region decided it was time for me to be put on full time!

Thank you Jesus, I now feel like a productive member of society.


Menu:

Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwiches, Yogurt with Granola
Lunch: Pizza, Salad Bar, Brownie (just one this time)
Dinner: Chicken, Steamed Beans, Rice, Salad, Bread, Cheesecake

Of Course

Not surprisingly, in almost all 8 hours of class today, we talked at some point about forgiveness. I was sitting there trying not to hear a lot of things that I really needed to. That only worked for maybe the first hour of class. In the next 7 hours, the thing that stood out the most was during our discussion of the community issues presented in Matthew 18. Essentially, forgiveness is not an option within the community Jesus calls us to. Well, shit. I apparently have some work to do (We can chat about cussing tomorrow).

Yesterday I wanted so badly for these people to acknowledge my pain. I even called my self out for being selfish and stubborn but didn't feel like I was crazy for saying that. After spending some good time with Jesus it has become apparent that I have appointed myself Judge of this situation; a place I never want to be.

I'm pretty sure that tomorrow I am going to apologize for my judgment. This isn't a tactic to search for pity; I honestly think it might bring healing on both sides.


Menu:

Breakfast: Sausage rolled in Pancakes, Yogurt with Granola
Lunch: Burritos, Churros
Dinner: Pork, Asparagus, Potato Gratin, Cheddar Biscuits, Oreo Ice Cream Pies

Bitter

Today I had to listen to people who I don't respect. I've let one incident (my YL leader being unjustly fired) shape how I view a few people in the mission. It was hard for me to listen to them, all I wanted to do was get up and leave. I really thought that I was past this but it turns out that I have some deep seeded issues that need to be worked out. On top of that the Regional Director who didn't treat me well during the hiring process in KC is here too. I think the Lord is telling me to forgive these people but my stubbornness isn't letting that happen.

I want them to acknowledge my pain and admit their mistakes but I know that isn't going to happen. I feel like such a whiny baby thinking and feeling that but at this point, I can't help it.

I'm going to work on my attitude toward them in the next few days. My life has no room for bitterness and I hate who I am when I allow it to consume my otherwise joyful heart.

Sorry for being a bit of a downer today, at least the food was great!

Menu:

Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos, Yogurt with Granola
Lunch: Burger, Salad Bar, Cookie Bar
Dinner: Sesame Chicken, Chinese Pork, Egg Rolls, Fried Rice, Asian Salad, Fortune Cookies

Freshman Year Reunion

Today was our day off from class. We were allowed to sleep in but I chose to get up and grab breakfast at 8. I was then a little productive with some reading I've been putting off. After getting into the reading for a bit it became obvious that I got up way too early so I took a nap. I was woken up by my phone, it was Natalie asking me why I didn't go into town. Our friend Lisa was playing hookie and planned on hanging with us for the day, so fun! But unfortunately, I was unaware that the plan was to meet her in Winter Park and not in camp. Whoops, I had slept through all the shuttle rides and was stranded. Luckily, my friend Brandon came in the room and after hearing my story offered me his keys to drive his car. It was just so fun to hang out with Lisa and Natalie all day. And to top it all off, Lisa bought me Dots and Starbucks.

This was a much needed day off before our next class starts tomorrow. Our last professor, Chap Clark, was so engaging and funny. A lot to live up to but I know Young Life is putting the best of the best in front of us so I'm not too worried.

Menu:

Breakfast: Baked French Toast, Sausage, Granola & Yogurt
Lunch: Missed the sack lunch so I will count Dots, Gelato, Starbucks
Dinner: Fried Chicken, Cornbread, Green Bean Casserole, Mac&Cheese, Banana Pudding x2

New Staff GTL

Most of you know my love for Jersey Shore (yes, I am a little upset that I haven't been able to watch the new season yet). So here at NST I feel like we have our own version of GTL. Check the internet, hot tub, shower, nap, then make it back to class. Now, we have only done this once but it is now a joke where every time we talk about it we add a few more things to the list. The constants are check internet and hot tub, what follows that is only limited by your imagination.



Menu:

Breakfast: Quesadillas, Sausage, Yogurt with Granola
Lunch: Cold Cut Sandwich, Salad Bar, Tomato Soup, M&M cookie
Dinner: Spaghetti and Meat Sauce, Cesar Salad, Garlic Bread, Sherbet.

Small Group

This is a picture of my small group here at NST. We decided to spend our time together snowshoeing while it was snowing. I normally would be opposed to most physical activities at altitude but this was so worth it.

Menu:

Breakfast: Waffles with Syrup and Strawberries, Bacon, Yogurt with Granola

Lunch: Buffalo Chicken Wraps, Salad Bar, Broccoli Soup, Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie x3

Dinner: Chicken with Bacon and Cheese, Rice, Salad, Snow Peas, Apple Cobbler with Ice Cream

Game Day

Obviously, today was the national championship game. I was a little concerned that we wouldn't be able to watch it because of our busy schedule. I was proved wrong when we were told to go get on some of our college gear and come to dinner. Of course I have multiple KU clothes and put them all on. I walked into the dinning hall and it was set up as a good old fashion tailgate. Perfect, I love tailgates. They had college flags hung up all around the room and the game was set up to play on the projector. Not surprisingly, Crooked Creek's collection of flags includes a KU flag but not a Mizzou flag. I ended up being one of the annoying kids who was proudly singing the Alma Mater song while waiting in line for food.

I love KU and don't care who knows it.


Menu:

Breakfast: Omelet, Potatoes, Yogurt and Granola
Lunch: Cold Cut Sandwiches, Salad Bar, Broccoli Soup, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies x2 (duh)
Dinner: Ribs, Chicken Wings, Fried Pickles, Fried Cheese Sticks, Lil smokies, Salad Bar, and Rocket Pop x2 (duh)

Tricked By An Assessment Test

Tonight we had to take an assessment test. I hate assessment tests, seriously. They all tell me the same thing and have ceased to be insightful. While tonight's test was not insightful I did feel called out and a little tricked.

The test was typical format: answer strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, strongly disagree to every statement. Things were going fine until about question 109/250. "Do you often over indulge in things you like" Images of asain buffet and my first trip to Yummies filled my head. Strongly Agree. I don't think this would have been that bad if it weren't followed by "Would you enjoy a vacation to Las Vegas?" Dang it. Strongly Agree.

I just got straight called out by two sequential questions on an assessment test. OK world, I overindulge and I would love to go to Vegas where I could overindulge until my heart's content. You win.

Also if you are a YL leader and find yourself at Crooked Creek this summer, don't worry about that stain on your sheets, its just my coffee that leaked out of my mug earlier today.




Menu-

Breakfast: Pancakes and Sausage conveniently made into pigs in blankets, and Yogurt with Granola
Lunch: Chili over Frito's, Salad Bar, and Some sort of cookie (not the best)
Dinner: Chicken Fajitas, Chips and Salsa, and Sopapias (lots and lots) with honey

New Friends

I knew that coming to New Staff would mean a lot of new friends. I was excited about this but what I was most excited for was getting to know the other Staff Associates from the Front Range Region. We only get to spend 3 hours with one another every month and there just isnt enough time to get to know each other. In the last few days we have gone from mostly acquaintances to friends.

I can't remember if I have blogged about this yet or not but it has been so strange to feel like an outsider at regional events. Some people were welcoming but for the most part, I felt like I had to initiate conversation to feel like I was even a part of the region. Things have for sure improved since the first few events but they can still be super awkward at times. I'm thankful for the other Associates and how we've bonded so well over the last couple days.

Outside of the associates from the Front Range, I have met a lot of really awesome people from all over but mostly Chicago. I blame this on Butts in a good way. She was great about inviting me in with her friends. Unfortunately for her, this has caused me to reevaluate who my favorite person from Chicago is and its totally Kelly.


Menu:

First, I was wrong about last night's dessert. It was a brownie not a chocolate cookie. My b.

Breakfast: Biscuits and Gravy, Yogurt and Granola, Banana
Lunch: Cold Cut Sandwich, Pickel, Salad Bar, Chicken Tortilla Soup, Rice Crispy Treat x2 (duh)
Dinner: Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Salad, Beans, Dirt x2 (duh)

Colin Is Engaged!!

My best friend got engaged tonight. I knew that this was a long time coming and am so excited for him and his new fiance, Sarah. I was sad when he told me the plan was to have a huge surprise engagement party tonight. I knew I would have to miss it because I'm at New Staff but I was confident that they would be and were celebrated well by everyone who was able to make it. Colin and Sarah are people who just love well and because of that everyone cherishes time with them, I know I do. So this post is for them, I am waiting in anticipation to see what the Lord has planned for them as a married couple because you had better believe its big time. Colin, thanks for always being there for me, you are a great friend. And Sarah, thanks for entering into Colin's life and making him fall head over heels in love with you it has been so fun to watch and I'm glad we have become friends through it.

Also, unrelated to Colin and as a part of NST, I feel like I should end each post while I'm here with the menu.

Last Night's Dinner: Sesame Chicken, Rice, Asian Salad, Bread, and Chocolate Mousse Cake

Breakfast: French Toast, Bacon, Yogurt w/ Granola, and an Apple
Lunch: Salad Buffet, Potato Leek Soup, Chicken Sandwich, and Chocolate Chip Cookie
Dinner: Cesar Salad, Lasagna, Green Beans, Bread, and Chocolate Big Cookie

Is this College?

I'm pretty sure that New Staff is just code for reliving the college glory days. In preparation to go up here I had to finish a freaking paper. Now this wasn't a very hard paper and the book it was over wasn't exactly challenging but for some reason I could not find the motivation to write it. I sat down around 10pm and tried to write; obviously, that didn't go too well. I found myself browsing the internet for anything that could distract me from work. Midnight rolls around and I realize that it is time to really get started so I work a good hour and next thing I know I'm in the car driving to McDonald's. Side note: I was driving my brother's car complete with an interlock (breathalyzer to make sure you are super sober before it will start, hilar). I decide to throw in the towel around 2am with a whole page written. Just like college, I woke up at 6 and busted out the paper in a little less than 2 hours.

Now that I am here it feels so much more like a dorm than a cabin. I have space and I can use my computer and I'm not surrounded by 16 smelly high school students. On top of that, the club room is a classroom (I'm really hoping that I'm not the first person to fall asleep in class because it almost happened tonight).

The best insight that has been revealed to me is that one of my roomies is on staff in Las Vegas and talked about the best buffets Vegas has to offer for about 5 minutes. We are destined to be friends. I'm not sure he knows it yet but I couldn't be more confident.

Hymns

I love them.

And I love what these guys are doing with them:

"Page CXVI is a project started with the idea of making hymns accessible and known again. They are some of the richest, most meaningful, and moving pieces of music ever written"

They are streaming their entire 3rd album for free. Check it out:

http://blog.pagecxvi.com/

TV With Larry And A Not So Adult Sleep Schedule

I think one of my favorite things about living at home is watching TV with my dad. Surprisingly, we have very similar taste. Tonight the Sugar Bowl was on and considering my dad is both an Ohio State fan and a college football fan in general, this took precedence. Perfect. Fortunately, my Dad always switches to other shows between plays and during commercials. His choices for the evening: Paula Abdul's new dancing show and Biggest Loser.

After watching a few performances on Paula's show my Dad decided that no one knew how to dance and that the show was not worth watching anymore (hilarious mostly because Larry literally hates dancing and has zero authority over it but don't tell him, he apparently thinks he is an expert). This left us with Biggest Loser as our sole alternate.

Watching this confirmed my Dad's love hate relationship with reality TV. He hates all of the added drama and suspense; I know this because every time the show goes to commercial on a cliff hanger he says "Yeah, like we care." But you better believe that he will not miss the resolution after the break. Just really funny to me.

In other news, I have gotten into a pretty poor sleep schedule. Currently and for the last 3 or so days I have fallen asleep around 2am and have been out the door by 7am work for the morning then lunch and a little more work before finding myself on the chair with a heated blanket (I just discovered the joy of a heated blanket this week, fyi). This for sure leads to a nap which is always intended to last only an hour. Not surprisingly I always end up asleep for at least 2. With New Staff coming up on Thursday I'm wondering if I can maintain this sleep schedule or if I will be forced to conform to the more traditional sleep at night and no nap. I hope not. Napping is one of my favorite things.

Can You Eat Too Many Tums?

I submit that you can.

For the last few days my stomach has been more or less on the fritz (the reason I didn't make it to KC for NYE). Yesterday I had some mean hiccups on and off throughout the day. My solution to hiccups has always been a few Tums and a glass of water. So naturally I busted out the little chalky guys after dinner. This trick wasn't exactly working and before I knew it the half full bottle of Tums quickly turned into an empty bottle of Tums, whoops.

In my defense, they were the delicious smoothie flavor which taste much more like candy than medicine. Anyway, I'm pretty sure that what I had planned to be a cure for the hiccups ended up being fuel for the fire. I was kept up by violent hiccuping until around 2:00am.

Tums will forever be my go to resolution for hiccups but next time I will stop at 4 instead of continuing to 40.

New Year's Resolutions

After a few months hiatus, I'm back and for good this time. Seriously, its my New Year's resolution.

Looking back on my life there is only one resolution that I can confidently say I followed through on. This was back during my sophomore year of college; it had come to my attention that my hygiene wasn't really up to par. That sounds bad, I just didn't shower enough. So I said I was going to shower every day, and I did. OK, I might have missed like 15 days but thats pretty good.

Now that I think about it, I had a successful resolution the following year as well. This time it was flossing. Apparently, I am only good at resolutions that improve my overall hygiene but I am willing to try and break the mold.

On a serious note (although, some might argue blogging and resolutions are serious), I hope that 2011 brings new challenges and hardships but also overwhelming joy; that even in the smallest things I would be able to celebrate what I see God doing. I hope to never run from Grace and Mercy no matter how I've failed and that I would continue to see myself as someone who is worthy of being loved not only by people but by my Lord and Savior.