14 miles above Irelynd

No, we didn't spell Irelynd wrong. That's our nieces name and this past Monday, we were only 14 miles away from her and her parents, and we didn't see any of them. Ok, we were flying over them on our way to a layover in Houston, but that is probably as close as we'll get to them for a while. Kind of sad.

On a brighter note, we got spend the past weekend in much loved (and much warmer) Phoenix. Joanna's old roomate (Shannon) got married and Taylor was the MC. We saw just a handful of all our great friends and family there, but it was great to see who we could. It feels like there's never enough time to see everyone.

We're back in Beaver Falls now. The high today is in the twenties and the ground is caked in snow, but it's home and it's good to be back.

Today, I walked home in the snow. It was beautiful.

FYI

This week so far:

*Finishing renovation on Taylor's office (Pictures coming soon)

*Beat Taylor in Basketball 12-10...and pig;)

*Learning how to whistle (yes, I'm 22 and don't know how to whistle)

*Checking my dad's blog jaylorenzen.blogspot.com, He is in Africa!

*Getting ready for the Pura Vida (the coffee we serve) representative who is coming to audit my coffee shop tomorrow....I have a few suggestions for them:)

*Went tanning in order to prepare for the wedding we are attending Saturday in Phoenix

I know you are just dying to hear how the rest of the week goes.

Raising the Bar

Within the last twenty-four hours, we have had 6 cell phone numbers, with as many as four at one time. We had to work the system in order to keep our cell phone numbers. We were successful! We spent the evening dancing around our apartment with our new phones....that's right....we can now use our cell phones anywhere in our apartment. We no longer have to kiss the window to talk on the phone. So we are determined to catch up with family and friends who we have neglected due to horrible cell phone service. Feel free to give us a call!

Tears over Furniture

I had the bold idea to redo Taylor's office as a Christmas present. Let me just paint you a picture of my experience so far.... First, a coat of an ugle mint green. Then two coats of a basil pesto green, sounds yummy huh? Then a mini breakdown as I try to arrange furniture. The fear that there is no way to fit eveything in the room that needs to fit. Remember we live in a space the size of four dorm rooms. So I decided to buy more furniture to somehow get everything to fit. Off to Ikea. Then I spent an hour putting together a bookshelf. I normally brag about my ability to assemble furniture, but I am offically humbled. I called Taylor in to help me put the last few pieces together. We thought it would be best to stand it up in order to fit the top on. BOOM! Thats right, it feel to pieces. Then came a short laugh followed by tears. So I am headed to bed, a bit furstrated. Tomorrow will involve another trip to Ikea to return now broken shelves and another attempt to put the bookshelf together. Wish us luck!

220 Multiple Choice & 1 Essay

I have never been so excited that a day is over. Saturday from 7:30am till 5:00pm, I was taking the Praxis tests. I have to take 5 tests in order to get certified in PA to teach. Apparently I will be a good teacher if I can answer a question like "what is Marie Curie famous for?" Anyone know? So I have finished three of the five tests I have to take. I will take two more in March. Thank you to everyone who said a prayer for me. It really helped. I will let you know in four weeks if I passed the tests.

Oops!

A gift from Joanna...she is redoing the office. Furniture added and rearranged, EVERYTHING reorganized, and a new paint job! I'm pretty excited. Joanna let me pick the paint color and let me say I'm thankful for second chances. This was not the color I expected it to be. Too Minty. We got new paint and I cannot wait for my colorful new office to be done!

Dog for a Day

As Joanna and I were sitting in the Student Center today, just outside one of the dining areas, we noticed something very unusual coming down the stairs along the students. Out of nowhere and with no one came this adorable and energetic little beagle. No one was around to claim it nor did it have any i.d. tags. We waited and plotted, but came up empty as to what to do with our new friend. Joanna drove around trying to find it's home, we made phone calls, but in the end we didn't want to send this young, healthy, and smart pup (she could sit, shake and heel) to the Humane Society. So......we kept her for the day:) We ran around with her, introduced her to the boys, she peed in our office and somehow, in a matter of hours, Joanna grew attached. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to have pets and as the sun began it's descent, we had to find a place to send her... We sent her to you Jody! I'm sure the boys will love her!:) Actually a student who knew our situation and lives off campus took her into his home with the hope the we will find hers. All in all, it was pretty fun to have a dog for a day

We prefer a chocolate lab though:)

DREAM BIG!

Our New Baby!

Six months, not nine, but we were proud to bring home the newest member of our family. We've been searching for a replacement for our, um, firm futon since we've been here. Today we walked into Ikea and found a great deal on a sectional. The only problem is that the corner piece is a little beat up. We are headed back to Ikea first thing in the morning to hopefully replace the misssing link.
Missing Link + Red Slip Cover: Priceless

A bag of change

While some of our family is braving it in the snowy depths of Colorado, it's warm and rainy here today. The weather has been unusual to say the least, but we are not complaining. In fact, I've been trying to do the opposite. Sometimes I forget to appreciate the little things and the blessings that I am so barried in. As I sit here writing this, there is a bag of change plopped on the coffee table in front of me. No more than $15 shimmer through the plastic. It could be used for laundry, or our starbucks fund, or even for a night of cards. It's just change. But that change could change someone's life! It seems like we all have heard the stories of how one dollar could provide water for a village or an education and medicine for a child. So many times those stories have hit my numb heart, but the more and more I dig into the truth of what's happening outside of my bubble, it seems those stories are true. A bag of change and a change of mind (at least a reminder)...We are incredibly blessed.

Back to Beaver

We returned to Western PA today. Having our full of travel, we are now unpacking knowing we pack up again in couple of weeks for an Arizona wedding. It's like we're taking after the parents' Lorenzen:). We've had a splendid Holiday season and will fill the blanks of the last week or so soon! We have been challenged to blog more as a New Year's Resolution so this one's for you Jay. Thanks to all those who made this Christmas and New Years special.