Devil’s Lake

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A few weeks ago, I went back to Devil’s Lake. I love it there. It’s one of my favorite places in the Midwest. I guess I always find the two 550ft cliffs and beautiful lake a shock after the two hour drive of seeing nothing but corn. And flat land. And more corn. Devil’s Lake is a break from monotony.

There are several paths that go up and around or just around the lake, but that’s not the best way to go. I prefer to go straight up. Instead of hiking along the paths, I go climbing over the boulders.  It’s always a bit challenging especially because I’m slightly lacking in height. But it’s always my favorite part. Something about going off the trail and using every appendage and all parts of your body to get somewhere and accomplish something is very satisfying.

(Thanks to Joanna Kay and James for some of the photos!)

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Signs of a Party

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At the beginning of the summer, Nate and I decided that tea is a necessary side effect of a party. So if there’s a party at our house, whether it be for playing games or watching tv shows, tea is served. I find myself liking plain and simple earl gray quite a lot. Nate prefers his Samurai Chai from Teavana with a tablespoon of sugar and a generous splash of milk.

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Now, scarcely a weekend (or even a weekday) goes by where our dishwasher or counter isn’t completely filled with tea cups and mugs. It brings me such happiness seeing so many dirty cups, so many good times, so many great parties.

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Of course, a party wouldn’t be a party without my state’s official snack: popcorn. Yes, I just found out states had official snacks. But popcorn is pretty great as far as snacks go.

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However, it’s mainly about the tea. There’s nothing like your friends just helping themselves to a mug as soon as they come in fully knowing the system. There’s nothing like holding a steaming cup in your hands, curling up in a blanket, and laughing or crying the night away with friends. Tea will always put me in a good mood and remind me of pleasant times.

Goodbye Summer

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I had a word for this summer, red: risk, energy and determination. That’s what I wanted my summer to be like. And I’d say I succeeded. It was a great three months off. But all good things must come to an end — with one last hurrah! Over my last weekend of summer, I said farewell to freedom with a wonderful evening: amazing chocolates, downtown city market, Asian food, the movie Warm Bodies (which, by the way, I liked quite a lot. Several similarites between the zombie and homeschoolers…), bible study, talks on rooftops, dancing, and truly incredible people.

But now school has started. Hellooo. Yeah, I’m really thrilled about chemistry. See, I love learning — when I’m not forced to. I actually was laughing while reading the introduction to chemistry because the author was trying to make it sound like something truly thrilling. Ha. Anyway, maybe I’m just too cynical. I like my U.S. Government book. It starts off by saying that we’re not following the constitution anymore and we’re not doing what government is supposed to be doing. My kind of book.

I’m having a love/hate relationship with starting this semester. I love it because I’m going to learn, and I hate it because I’ll have to work. I love it because I’ll be job searching this semester, and I hate it because I’ll have to job search. I love it because I’m teaching a swing dancing class, and I hate it because I have to teach a class. I love it because I’m going to look into careers, and I hate it because I have to look into careers.

One day at a time, Sammi. One day at a time. I’ve heard “wherever you are, be fully there”.  I like that. I need that. Live in the moment. Enjoy the journey. Yeah, yeah, think about the destination, but don’t blow by the whole process.

I need to just enjoy things. A good cup of tea. Some vinyl. Dancing for a bit. Songs. The ukulele. Fresh air. Apple doughnuts. Tights with shorts and XL cardigans.

Help me to see clearly/I want to be, to be free/Maybe all I have to do/Is let it go/ let Him take control/Let me be at peace with myself ~ The Vespers, Happy Lessons