Monday, May 07, 2007

"Anything Less than the Best is a Felony"

An upside of staying with friends the last week has been exposure to new and some new old things such as the musical compilation named "Living in the 90's" (disc 2; in case you want to order it), resulting in me instinctually and immediately breaking out the Electric Slide. It's interesting to see how how much my environment influences my choices. Last week I stayed at Leslie and Ivy's house while they were on their first "married folk vacation," and my computer wouldn't work with their internet. So I found myself watching a movie, which I never do. And I felt quite domestic watering their plants and grass each night and tending to their cat Angelina. Speaking of said cat, I used my bags to keep the bedroom door (no knob as the owners are remodeling) closed the first night and to keep Angelina out. Around 4:00 a.m. I awoke to glowing eyes staring right in my face. I jumped out of bed, turned the lights on, and began hissing at the cat in attempt to get her to leave. Needless to say, I found heavier objects to block the door thereafter. And like any "good" annoying cat, she still did her best to get in the bedroom. Fortunately I won round two.

The last few days I've stayed at my friend Laura's while she's been out of town. She doesn't have cable, and it has been so nice and quiet. I've read and listened to music and sermons more and have generally felt more rested. And I've finally gotten some things on the to-do list done that have lingered for weeks now. It makes me think that I should be more intentional and thoughtful about the environment I create for myself wherever I end up. Speaking of which, I am currently having informational conversations for volunteer mission positions in Nashville, Miami, Hollywood (CA), and San Antonio. Phone interviews should follow later this week, and I may know in the next week where I'll be for 11 months starting in September. Exciting! And a little scary as I think about the reality of living on a stipend of $400/month, sharing a bedroom with a stranger, and all of the adjustments that will come with any major life transition. But mainly I'm excited, and I leave a week from today for my trip. Fun!

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

wow. again, i am so very impressed and inspired. it's amazing what you're doing. good for you!

Whine Girl said...

ALLY!! om'gosh... I haven't had much time to browse my bloglist lately and wow... you're moving, you quit your job, you're going to Europe.. etc. Busy girl!!!

I'm in such awe...

Clearlykels said...

Things are changing :-) Isn't it nice to live in different places and get new perspectives. I like a change of pace every once in a while.

megabrooke said...

i didn't know it was so soon!!! :)
EXCITING.

good luck tomorrow on your last day.

Deadmanshonda said...

Soooo cool!Very exciting...

Anonymous said...

As you know, I am hoping that you come out to LA!

Kimberly said...

I'll miss knowing that you are in the same state even though I didn't get to see you that often. Please let me know whenever you come to see Travis & Trisha! Have a great trip!

Anonymous said...

I know it's been said before, but I'm so impressed with the courage you are showing and by just doing what you want! Good for you! I wish you all the best and a safe and exciting trip!

Anonymous said...

You have a ton of changes heading your way but sometimes change can be thrilling! Best wishes to you!

It's awesome to get those times of rest (at your friend Laura's) once in awhile. I've been craving space myself. ;)

Ally said...

Desiree: Thank you. And yes real rest and relaxation is crucial.

Brandy: I appreciate the encouragement; sometimes I wonder if it's courage or just not really thinking things through:) Or maybe a little of both.

Kimberly: I'm sure I'll come visit this summer, so I'll let you know.

Ella: I talk to the Hollywood people tonight!

Leiselb: Absolutely.

Brookem: Thanks! I need it; there is so much to wrap up.

Clearlykels: I agree. I'm looking forward to experiencing a new city.

Jordan: I know. Things have unfolded quickly.

Kate: Thank you; I think this will all be very rewarding.

Aaron said...

You'll have to set your blog up so you can Email them in! :)

Remember to send me the details and I'll sponsor you. It won't be much, but I intend on doing it. Oh, and you're going back on the prayer list. :)

Anonymous said...

You have so much to look forward to - exciting! Isn't it nice when you suddenlly have to improvise with no television?

anne said...

best wishes on your last day!

The Egg said...

Best wishes for the new path! Have fun!

Accidentally Me said...

Ally, I am so jealous! Good for you for taking life by the horns and doing what you want to...I admire it!

Ally said...

AM: Thanks!

the egg: I will.

e.b.: Thank you.

Princess: It's so good for me! It makes me think I shouldn't get cable again.

Aaron: I very much appreciate it. I have no doubt this experience will help me appreciate and rely on God even more.

cdp said...

I am so excited for you! I can't wait to hear about what you're going to be up to for the next year. Wherever you end up, I know your presence will be a tremendous blessing to the people around you.

PS, you should have called me. I have been the designated Angelina (AKA Fancy Feast) retrieval expert for the last few years whenever Cadle & Co. are out of town. Me and that cat have an understanding. :-)

Ally said...

cdp: I wish I'd known! I would have let you retrieved her all the way to your home:)