merry christmas

I took a vacation from the blog. Actually I've just been really busy and didn't sit down to blog. But I had an amazing Christmas! I had 5 days off work! It was amazing! It really felt like a vacation! And this week I only have to work 3 days and then I have another 4-day weekend. Thanks to Dr. Butler who is the interim president at Baylor.

Last Tuesday, when I got off work I went up to Conroe to my grandmother's house to spend the night with my cousin, Andrea and her fiancee, Matt. It was a very nice chill night and my family was there so we watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, our favorite holiday movie.

On Christmas Eve, I came back to Houston and got cleaned up to go to my aunt's house on my dad's side of the family to see everyone. It was great to see them but it wasn't a super eventful party, just a lot of laughing and catching up. Then Kenzie joined us and the fam went to Midnight Mass at my parent's church. I kinda liked it. But that could of been because I spent majority of the time explaining to Kenzie what was going on.

Christmas Day, my mom woke us up around 8:45 to open presents just the 6 of us. It was so awesome and it was definitely the last time we will ever do that because Ricky is getting married next year. It was such a sweet time and I will always remember the Schoelman family traditions on Christmas morning. We got cleaned up and went out to my grandmother's house in Conroe again to spend time with that side of the family. I love them so much and we had a lot of fun, especially when we did the gift exchange and opened Memom's gifts to us. The gifts she didn't spend any money on.

The following day, I went running in the morning and then the roommie and I went to the grocery store and chilled around the house until the evening. We went to the 8th annual girls dinner with a group of friends from high school and then went over to another friend's house and hung out until 2am-ish. Such a fun night of seeing old friends!

Saturday morning, I woke up and went running... 6 miles and then walked another 1.5 miles. My other roommate did alll 10 like we were supposed to but she's been training harder than me. I was exhausted after that.

Sunday I didn't have to teach Sunday school which was a nice break and my family minus my dad came to church with me! What a treat! The biggest news from Sunday, I bought a pink iPOD nano! I love it! And the roommies and I went and saw Twilight. I liked it MUCH better the second time.

See?? An amazing Christmas vacation. Full of love, laughter and friends.

...

I can't decide what to blog about.

I could write about my weekend on the Refuge retreat with the high schoolers at my church. It was a lot of fun and my small group had some great discussion. I love teaching junior high students but it was so nice to get a break from their hyperness and hang out with kids who are a little more calm and serious about their faith. Two sweet girls want to become more involved in missions and service projects around the city. I told them I would be their adult help and so this weekend we are meeting up to plan some events for our youth group.

I could write about my opinion on the ridiculous shoe throwing event in Iraq the other day. I mean honestly, who throws a shoe? First, Bush seemed so unaffected by the event by waving off his security guards as they run in front of him to protect him. And then his demeanor when he was questioned on it was like, no big deal. But that's because he dodged the shoe. What if it had whacked him in the face? He even looked kinda cool ducking as quickly as he did. I seriously doubt he would have been so nonchalant about it if it actually hit him. And WHY did it take so long for the service to get to the man?

I could write about how difficult work has been but that would sound like complaining.

I could write about my status on birthday and Christmas shopping. I love shopping for Christmas gifts and then wrapping them. Last night, I wrapped 3 more gifts and put them under the tree. Yay! One more week until Christmas Eve. I only have a few more gifts I need to get. Tomorrow is Liddy's birthday. 14!

I'm excited Christmas is one week away. I'll be glad to get some time off work to spend with my family. I feel like I've barely seen them recently and I live 2 minutes away. But at the same time Christmas is one week away and I feel like I haven't taken the time to really think about what Christmas is all about... Christ's birth into this world. The cry of a newborn breaking the 400 years of silence from God. No word from God for 400 years and then suddenly it comes in the most unexpected form... a baby... in a barn... and the world would never be the same.

weekend 2 weeks before Christmas

I can't believe Christmas is only 13 days away! I knew December would fly by because of how busy everything is but wow, it still takes me by surprise. And might I add that I haven't done any Christmas shopping yet. But the good thing atleast is I know what I want to get almost everyone. I just need to go out and get it. However it won't be this weekend because... I'm going on Refuge, a high school retreat with my church. We leave early Saturday morning to drive to camp and then we'll come back Sunday afternoon. I'm excited but I'm missing so much to come on this retreat.

Kenzie (my brother's fiancee) graduates tomorrow morning! My fam is going up to College Station to see her graduate and then her party will be tomorrow night. I so wish I could be there but I know I'll have plenty of opportunity to congratulate her later. I remember my college graduation and what an incredible time that was. My mom came up the day before and ran errands with me to get me ready for the big day. It's interesting to be in a phase of life where you don't know what lies ahead of you at all. Not a clue. When you can't even picture what you will be doing in 5 years. It's a little freeing. Your life is 100% yours at that point and you can make of yourself whatever you want. You're at the threshold for the rest of your life. Hopefully, if you're lucky, you know what your next step is.

But for tonight, I'm taking it easy and resting because I've done something every night this week and I just need a chill night before a busy weekend. Luckily, Meagan is going to join me. Have a nice weekend! :)

snow in Houston

It's snowing in Houston! Snowing in Houston! Snow in Houston! Snow! Houston! Houston! Snow!

I was getting text messages from friends around the city and hearing it on the radio but I wasn't seeing it. I called my parents to see if they got some and they had too! A little frustrated, I pulled into Walmart to grab some gift wrapping supplies and as I walked out there was still moisture falling out of the sky. But something was different. I thought, "Why does this rain feel hard? Could it be snow? I can't see white?" But when I got to my car there was snow on it! I got so excited I almost started talking to the 2 guys walking by but thought better of it and contained my joy inside. But not without a pic of the car next to me! Soooo happy! :)

christmas cookies

This afternoon some of my roommate's fellow teachers came over and we all baked and decorated Christmas cookies. It was so much fun to get messy and do something I hadn't done in awhile. And I must say... we did a pretty good job! Can't wait to share them with others!

Honduras

This spring break, I am going on a mission trip with my church to Honduras to work in an orphanage and do a vacation bible school. I'll be gone March 14-21, 2009! The trip is with Buckner International and it's lead by Melanie Ramos, she works with Buckner and JVBC. I don't know the specific details yet but I know we'll be doing 5 days of VBS, starting the day after we get there and then our last day will be a tourist day and we'll get to go to the beach. This will be my first international mission trip and it's something I've wanted to do so badly since I was in college.

1) These opportunities like Paris and Honduras never could have happened while I was in college even though I wanted it just as bad back then. I'm just so thankful that with a little bit of patience and faith, I can enjoy going on these trips even more than I would have if I had been able to go in college.

2) I know I could go on this trip exactly as I am because we will have translators with us but I want to be able to interact with the kids as much as possible in Spanish. So I really need to get back to learning it. I have 4 months.

But, most of all, I'm going to Honduras in 4 months! Yay!!!!!!!!!

10 most fascinating people of 2008

Like Barbara Walters except the people in my life... I could say something wonderful about each one of my friends but these people stood out in 2008

*these are in no particular order

Andrea Benson - My cousin who's 2 years younger than me. We've gotten to see each other more this year than previous years and it's been great for our friendship. She makes the list because she's so selfless, easy going and kind. She also took on the incredible challenge of leaving her home for 4 months to live in a different country that speaks a different language. I just love how she lives life and I'm glad to be her friend.

Phyllis Schoelman - My mom. I mean how could she not be on the list? She always is there for me, always, always. She loves me unconditionally and is so giving. She also helps me shop because I'm really bad at it. When I lived at home we used to go on walks and car rides together when she had to chauffer my siblings.

Luis A - Someone I became good friends this year who is the epitome of God giving someone a dream for their life and them pursuing it to no end. Despite setback, hardships and trials, he never gives up and he does it all with faith and a smile. I learned a lot about life and myself through getting to know him and getting to hear his story.

Chris Curran - JVBC's youth minister. 100% committed to God's call for his life. I've never met anyone so good at remembering you and being intentional about making you feel important. Plus he invited me to be a part of the youth minitry by teaching Sunday school and that's been one of the greatest blessing in my life.

Beth Moore - Bible study author and teacher. I've done 3 of her Houston Bible studies and I've learned so much about the Bible and how to study the Bible. I've never studied the Bible like I did while I was in her studies. She is so loving of all women and so, so, so humble. Always putting others above herself and directing all her success to God's blessing. She never takes credit for anything and is always praising others around her.

Meagan Barnhart - my roommate and friend since high school. I've really enjoyed getting to know her this year. I love sitting in our living room having several hour conversations with her about life. Plus she has such a heart for God and is actively seeking a closer relationship with Him. She'll always take time to talk with you even if it means she has to give up something she'd rather be doing. And she always has something interesting to say... always.

Ashley Hubble - my roommate and friend since junior high. Such a sweet girl who is so in love with the Lord. Her faith and the way she lives her life is so inspiring and such an example for those around her. Also she's very servant hearted and is always thinking of others before herself. She loves people and serves people and loves God more than anyone I know. I've loved getting to know her this year too.

Memom - my sweet grandma. The older I get, the more I appreciate her. She has such wisdom from her years and I love hearing her stories. She also lives her life in such a healthy way... eats healthy, exercises regularly, stimulates her mind and is socially involved in her neighborhood. She's also so right with God and ready to go home whenever her time comes. I look up to her and can't wait to be like her one day.

Bob Trieu - my coworker who continues to entertain me daily. He's had me laughing with tears in my eyes on several occassions. For whatever reason, his sense of humor gets me rolling. Plus he's so knowledgable about everything. He's one of those people who you can ask him anything and he's gonna atleast know something about it. And if he doesn't, he'll find you the answer in like 5 seconds.

Kone Agnes - my 5 year old in Kenya. I adopted her through Compassion International and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be apart of her life, even if it's from a distance. I really have no idea what her day to day life is like but I know it's way harder than mine and her faith is incredible. I love how much I can learn from her and how to have faith when God doesn't give you every pleasure you desire.

Thanks to everyone who made my year so great. Life is definitely brighter with these people around. I'm so thankful for getting to be apart of these people's lives no matter for how short or how long. Thank you, thank you.

Year in Review

On Friday I left work early to drive up to Austin to spend a day with my good friend from college, Valerie. While I was driving I was thinking it would be cool to have a blog post that reviewed my 2008 year. A lot of changes and experiences but a lot of the same stuff. Transitioning out of college has been hard. I realized when I was in school I was so focused on getting done. Not so I would be graduated and not have to study anymore but because it was just... hard! Financially, physically, emotionally... and so I just focused on finishing. But I never saw past the graduation date the entire time I was in school. A lot of students just look to graduating and not preparing for their future. So when I graduated it was like "now what?".

Figuring out the purpose of your life is hard unless it's something you've known your whole life. But it's getting better. I know I've changed a lot and matured a lot since I've been done with school and my life does have meaning and purpose but it's just hard when you don't have an obvious purpose in your life anymore, like getting an education. So anyway, it's been an interesting year and here's the summary:

January:
-started the year off in Fort Worth with my cousin, Andrea
-start teaching 6th grade girls Sunday school
-started Breaking Free Bible study with Beth Moore
-difficult month at work, a lot of stuff didn't work and we were really far behind and understaffed

February:
-a technician quit at work requiring me to do twice as much, i had 2 12 hour days in a row, yikes!
-Valentine's Day with the girlfriends at Studio Movie Grill
-DNOW, I was a 9th grade girls small group leader

March:
-Rodeo to see Fergie and Toby Keith
-early Easter, spent good Friday at the beach with my family
-acted in the crucifiction scene at my church's Path to the Cross

April:
-March of Dimes with coworkers
-my supervisor goes on maternity leave and I take over her responsibilities

May:
-Mom, Liddy and I model in a church fashion show
-chop my hair off :(
-summerleague swim team starts and I volunteer as an official
-Middle School Madness, overnight lock-in with 100+ junior high kids

June:
-college friends are back in town!
-swim meets every weekend
-Astros game with church friends
-my birthday, Andrea comes to visit me

July:
-move in to a house with Meagan B and Ashley H :)
-4th of July at Memom's
-road trip with Luis to San Antonio (Fiesta Texas and Riverwalk)
-Kemah boardwalk with the family for Mom's birthday

August:
-road trip with Liddy to visit Andrea in FW and attend John Mayer concert
-start Project 365, a daily photo journal
-Tropical storm Edouard, free day off work
-DISNEY WORLD! whirlwind weekend trip to Disney World
-roommates and siblings start school again
-trip to Aggieland to tailgate

September:
-Hurricane Ike hits, no power for 9 days, miss 2 days of work
-start Lit Bible study with Beth Moore and her daughter Melissa
-Ricky proposes to Kenzie in College Station, we get to watch and throw them a party

October:
-attend JV's homecoming game with fellow alums
-Hurricane Ike Relieft trip to Galveston with Lakewood church
-buy plane tickets to Paris
-Fuel retreat with JVBC

November:
-PARIS!!! my first international trip to visit Andrea while she studies abroad
-Aggie Ring Day with Ricky
-Baylor vs A&M in Waco with church friends
-Thankgiving break we host 2 parties at our house with old friends

December:
-road trip to Austin to visit Valerie
-Medical Genetics Laboratories Christmas Party
-the Path to the Cradle @ JVBC
-opening of His House, our new sanctuary

Well that was kinda hard. I'm sure there's a lot of stuff I missed. I'm definitely going to have to update this as I remember things that went on this year. It seems like it was pretty boring but it actually was a lot of fun. And there's a LOT of stuff that happened that's not blog material. :)

Christmas time is here...

KSBJ has 24/7 Christmas music playing without commercials and the best part is you can listen to it while you're working. Just go to their website and click on the "Listen live now" button! I've been listening non-stop and it puts me in such a good mood!

Jersey Village Baptist Church

I went to preschool at this church but didn't attend the services until the summer after I moved back to Houston from College Station. I love the church, love being involved in the youth ministry and love the pastor. This weekend we are putting on a live performance of the story of Christmas called the Path to the Cradle. People will walk along a path through some trees and stop at different scenes that will act out the story of baby Jesus' birth. I'm super excited! It's Friday - Sunday night from 5:30-8:30 and will take you about an hour to get through. Come! Come!

Also, this Sunday our church services are moving to the new building called His House! Yay! Construction started last September and is finishing 4 months early and under budget! Amazing how prayer, patience and faithfulness are rewarded by God. The services are 9:30 and 10:55! Come! Come!

At the cross between Houston and Cyprus off 290.

half-marathon

Back in July, my roommates and I signed up to run the half-marathon on January 18, 2009. A full marathon is 26 miles and a half is only 13. But that's still a lot of yardage between the start line and the finish line. We decided to do a run/walk training program and that has turned out to be a very good idea. :)

The program basically has us running twice a week, cross training twice a week and then doing a big run on the weekend. So for the running during the week, I've been doing run 4 minutes, walk 2 minutes for about 40-50 minutes. Cross training for 30-40 minutes and I've chosen to swim for my cross training. And then yesterday I ran/walked 6 miles in about an hour! Let's keep in mind that I have not consistently worked out since I was in high school on the swim team! From the jogging to the swimming, I have found that I have lost a LOT of muscle. I didn't even know it was happening although it makes perfect sense, but I didn't know how much I had lost. But it doesn't discourage me, it makes me want it even more. Even though what I can do in the water now is embarrasing compared to what I used to be able to, I will know how far I have come when I gain it back. It's exciting to be back in the workout routine. I've tried several times throughout college and post-college but for the first time, I have consistently been running since July. And now I'm swimming again!

Just to show how long it's been since I've been in the water... I had 2 pairs of Swedish goggles left over from previous years and the rubber straps were so worn down and stiff that BOTH of them broke the first time I got in the water. It was embarrassing but luckily no one else was in the pool at the time. So first thing on the to-do list is buy new goggles! And swim suits to follow. :)