Tiny Bubbles

Margarie lived in a bubble. Okay, when I say bubble, I do not mean to equate Margarie’s life, literally, to be within a bio-dome that prevents her from being exposed to the germ and hazards of the real world (much like the infamous John Travolta film from the 70s cleverly named, “Boy in the Plastic Bubble”) No, Margarie lived in a psychological bubble. This bubble prevented her from the “germs” and “hazards” of the metaphorical real world.

Margarie saw the best in people. There was no way around it. Sure she had experienced evil and trauma in her life, but her only way to make herself “okay” in this world was to decide to believe that good prevails. Goodness is inherent.

Margarie lived in a wonderful place that surprisingly proved her “goodness” theory of the world. This was a land of comfort and civility. A world where people mattered and human rights weren’t even a topic of discussion (because no one had to worry about their own being obstructed). Life was beautiful in this world. Life was easy.

As it is with most humans, Margarie became bored with her easy and pleasant situation in life. She decided to break out and explore the world. She had many reasons for doing this. One being, she needed to know that such evils that can be seen on hit TV shows like “The Jersey Shore” and the things that her friends and parents had warned her about didn’t truly exist. Yes, Margarie had a mission. She was out to prove to everyone that she could maintain her peaceful and optimistic disposition even in the worst of environments. So, her choice to leave was one out of stubborn pride and a desire to “develop” the ideas of the pessimistic around her. She hopped on a ship to the place that she knew had a reputation for being “corrupt” and “evil”. As Margarie set sail, she was filled with a hope and a dream of becoming enlightened to a new scope of the goodness of mankind.

Oh what a silly girl, Margarie was.

Satirical Animals

Compassion

There was once a squirrel named Comps (short for compassion). He drowned in the tears of a beaver.

Gullible

There was once a dolphin named Guilly (for gullible). She choked on a synthetic leaf.

Arrogant

There was once a turtle named Arro (for arrogant). He fell off a ladder (of the corporate sorts).

Honorable

There was once a rabbit named Able (for honorable). He died trying to….

Lazy

There was once a gorilla named Azy (short for Lazy). He was quite content.

Lonely

There was once a snail named Lee (short for Lonelee). He know himself (really well).

Lies for the Benefit

Is it odd that I resent that the left side of my blog says "Cutest blog on the block". How do they know? And, I get the feeling that somehow, I'm not the only one they tell that to.

Incognito

I’m sitting on the street corner at the café. I have seen over 15 people with which, on any other day, I would have an in depth conversation. I have history with these people. I know specific things about each of them and I know how exactly they fit into our small community. I know their families, I know their churches, I know their drive. However, the hat and glasses that I am currently wearing have allowed me to view these people as an outsider. All of these people have passed by me today without so much as even a glance. Perhaps I am invisible. I took a picture of myself just to make sure. The camera wouldn’t capture an invisible person. Right?

A push and a Shove and a Hit Over the Head (or car)

All roads lead to China: Or at least mine seem to.

I am writing this note to formally tell all of you that I am moving to China. Why you may ask, well of that I am still slightly unsure. However, I can tell you that God has led me on a path that has clearly brought me to this point. Even at times when I decided to derail, he just pushed me back on the path. Sometimes it took a bump on the head, this time it took a more violent and literal jolt to get me back.

Many of you know that my passion for China began a few years ago when I worked for Asia Development Management Group for my internship. That opportunity was brought to me through an email, which I later found out that none of the other students received, that said that they were looking for an intern to sell Tibetan Rugs. Well, I had no idea that when I took that job, I would find a place in which my heart yearned for the people (Kham Tibetans). This people group has been undeniably on the top of my mind since. It is because of this that I talk about China every chance that I get (probably too much :)).

I was lucky enough to receive a Soderquist Fellowship to pay for my Masters. I went into the program knowing that I wanted to someday return to China. After only a few months of my work there, I had the opportunity to travel with Don Soderquist to Benedictine College in Kansas for a board meeting. While there, I met the president of Benedictine College in China. Of course, I latched on to him for the entire time and told him my desire to go to China. Right after our meeting, he emailed me and told me to let him know when I was ready to look for jobs. Over a year later (less then a month ago) I emailed him. He emailed right back and said that they would call for an interview. After a slightly awkward interview (a story for another time), I was accepted for the job!

I will be a marketing and business professor in China!

Oh and the hit on the car. I was having doubts about leaving my family and friends and I was wondering if this is what God had planned. I wasn't sure that I had enough signs to lead my decisions making. Last Friday, I was in a car accident (I am okay, but my car is not). One of the passengers of the car just happened to be from Xi'an, China, where I am moving.

Butterflies: A question of extermination

There have been a few times in my life where I have received what some might call the "butterflies". Most people commonly associate this reference with romantic endeavors; however, upon closer examination, it has become apparent to me that butterflies have crawled their way into my tummy in a wide variety of situations throughout my life. The decision that I am now trying to make is how often do these seemingly innocent butterfly flutters motivate me to jump into situations that have irrevocably dissatisfying long-term results. For example, I think back on every time that I made the poor decision to jump out of an entirely too high swinging swing and landed face first with the wind knocked out of me. You would think that after once or twice, the decision to not jump would be clear and concise. It was almost as if I the inertia induced butterflies continuously caused temporary judgement lapse and memory loss. Now the question remains: am I thankful for the experience of having the euphoria that exists between when my rear end leaves the chair of the swing and when my head thumps the ground? Is it worth trying again?

Polar Bears.

It is a winter wonderland outside. It is beautiful and white and dreamy. However, I cannot seem to quit missing the warm sunshine and the vitamin d that comes from laying out for hours. Compromise. I have been wearing my bathing suit underneath my sweats and hoodie all day.