Realizations on Growing Up

There's no denying it- although it often seems as though time were standing still, the clock is ticking, and we're all getting older. I don't mean to make anyone feel older than they are by saying I'm old, but it sure seems as though things have changed a lot just in the last 2-3 years. I suppose it's just taken this long for me to catch up to it.

When I think of my friends from high school, I find that I revert to my high school mode of thinking. I picture us at PAA again, with the same worries- mid-terms, basketball try-outs, banquet dates, etc. I sometimes forget that we're so far apart- WWU, PUC, North Carolina, Portland, and Spokane. I also forget how much time has passed since our now seemingly careless days.

The same goes for Walla Walla. Sometimes I wish I could rewind back to our freshman year- cornmazes, banquets, Friday night's at Kirk's house, vespers, early morning workouts in the gym with Megan and CJ... Before I knew it, people left for SMing, transfered to other universities to complete their degrees...I didn't realize how fast everything would change. Not that I'm unhappy where things are- I just wish I'd slowed down a little then to enjoy what was there to have.

Now it seems that when I meet new friends or become re-aquainted with old ones, it's not a question of "what's your major?" or "what are you studying?". Instead it's "so what do you do?" or "where do you work?". It's a new idea to me. Most of my classmates from PAA are going to be graduating from college this next year, some have gotten married (I'm one to talk...), started families, or have made other significant changes in their lives. Sometimes when I hear the latest news of one of my classmates, I have a hard time believing that it's true, until I stop and realize just how much time has gone by since the time I went to school with them.

And it seems like it was just yesterday that we were freshman in highschool. It's crazy how swift time moves us along.....

A study in nachos vs. haystacks

So recently Bob and I have had a friendly debate about the difference between a haystack and a nacho. We're curious what the rest of you think about it. Is it the salad, the chips, the beans? Maybe there's several differences, or you think they're the same thing. Please let us know! I have a poll to the right and down if you want to cast your vote! Or leave a note. :)

Thanks!

Camping at Upper Priest Lake

This last weekend, Bob and I went with Spokane Jr. Academy's 9th and 10th grade class on a camping trip to Upper Priest Lake, Idaho. We left Spokane late Thursday night and got to the campsite sometime after midnight. Instead of trying to setup our new tent, we opted to pull out the bench seats and spent the night in the van.
The next morning, we broke camp early and piled our gear into our boats and canoes. Bob and I (as adult chaperons) got to use one of the motor boats, while the kids paddled their canoes. It took about 2 hours for us to travel up to our campsite. Bob and I set up our tent near the beach, where we could hear the peaceful sound of the waves crashing on the shore. We were miles and miles away from our busy lives, and it was wonderful!




It was quite cold while we were there. The daytime high was probably around 60, and it got down to the upper 30's. Although it never poured on us, it did sprinkle occasionally. On Friday, Bob and I went out on the boat to explore the rest of the lake and to seek some peace and quiet (I had forgotten how much energy high schoolers can have!!).

Friday night was so peaceful- it was amazing! I love welcoming the Sabbath while surrounded by God's beautiful creation- it's the way it was meant to be! We enjoyed a beautiful sunset while singing worship songs around the campfire. Afterward, we crawled into our tent for some much needed sleep.

In the morning, we woke up and enjoyed a breakfast of hashbrowns, peaches, and bread. After everyone had finished eating, we had Sabbath School and church.

Later, after lunch, we again went out on the lake for a relaxing afternoon. It was so peaceful and quiet that we were both lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of the boat. We later woke up sunburned and groggy. :)

That evening was filled with s'mores, hotdogs, and hot drinks as we all tried to stay warm by the fire. Later on, the kids played sardines and other games until bedtime. We woke up early the next morning and began the journey home.