Random Ramblings- A Journal Entry

I traveled quite a bit this summer. From May to September I took 12 trips to various places around the country- to visit friends, attend weddings, and fulfill Alpha Gam roles. In August and September, I made 4 trips for Alpha Gam to visit chapters, establish a chapter and hopefully open a new chapter. I think I just wanted to get away from Eugene and so every opportunity that I had to get away, I did. Not that I didn't want to do all the things that I did. I love the time I spend on Alpha Gam. And, it wasn't that I wanted to get away from my husband. He is my rock. I was so frustrated in my job and with life in Eugene. I just wanted to get out and away from it all for a while.

My very last trip was to Walla Walla, Washington. Somewhere 30,000 feet above the Oregon/Washington border and farm land, I had the urge to write what all was rambling through my head. Looking back, I think it really is a reflection of my emotions at the time and helps me understand my decision making even if I couldn't at the time. I am about to really put myself out there and be very vulnerable. So....here goes.

"How I love to travel. No one can find me here. Call me. Email me. Text me. I can gaze out across the landscape. Rolling mountains, winding rivers, sun-kissed land. Quiet. Breathing.

Clearing my mind of the clutter that weighs it down. Insignificant clutter that clouds what is really important. How did I get so bogged down? Walked on and taken for granted. Always the volunteer, leader, or filling in the gap. This place just sucks you in like a black hole.

I wonder if the ants below feel the same way with all the farming, schooling, raising kids and crops.

And, why do I feel so angry? I think because it's out of my control most of the time. If I was in charge, I'd do this. Or that. Or if this would have been handled earlier. Oh, I drifted back to work. What is management versus leadership? What does that mean in a complex organization? Can I be a better leader? Can I make a change?

And back to that significant stuff. You know, my caring husband, amazing group of friends, and family anyone would die to have. How neglected do they feel? I put them last sometimes. I build off of their energy and love to go outwards. But at what cost? Thank God my husband gets me, knows me to my core.

How do I keep it under wraps, those feelings that I hide? Oh, look at that cute baby. I am so happy, yet so sad. I really want to have children. But how? Not now. Reward for finishing the degree? Ok. Sounds good. Now finish. Then you can follow the plan...baby by....oh wait. That's a bit more complicated. Will we be able to? What if we can't? I'm so old now. I sure hope. My heart depends on it. That bottled up desire to have a child."

New Adventure

I am so excited to share that John and I will be traveling to Pondicherry, India from December 28-January 12. John is establishing a new service learning trip for students that will take place next year. He and Dr. Dan Close from the College of Education at the UO are conducting the on site visit to move this project forward. And, as a result I am going to tag along!

Here is what I know so far:
This is where we will be going and spending most of our time. Pondicherry, India

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The organization that John is working with is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. We will meet with people from the community so we can plan out the curriculum and logistics for the trip the students will take a year later. When the students are there they will engage in individual and group projects in village settings that will be directed to education, village development, environmental and facility development. The purpose of these projects in the service-learning setting is to teach students about partnerships, reciprocity, capacity building, sustainability, cross-cultural understanding and problem solving skills. Students learn about partnerships by building and maintaining relationships with local leadership, Indian students and other stakeholders who come together to advance these projects.

I am really excited to accompany John on this trip and to visit a country I had hoped to visit! More to come as things shape up. Any tips or recommendations for us? If so, leave a comment!

Rejuvinating the Blog...here we go!

Alright my friends, followers, and random readers. It's time for the blog to make a come back! I know, I know. It's been years...whoa, it hurts to say that! But I need to get back into the mode of writing and putting my ideas out into the world. It has been a wonderful year away from the blogosphere- I got married and have moved forward in my career. However, it's time to dig back in and get to the business of finishing my degree. Let's go my friends! Let's do this!

Fun Baby Shower

I am helping plan a baby shower for a friend at work. We are going with the Dr. Seuss theme, Thing 1 and Thing 2, since this is baby #2. We just finished the invites...they are so cute! I just had to share...just click on the picture and it will show up in a new window and you can read the words.

Spring Time at Oregon

Things are moving right along here in Oregon! John and I are working and working...spring term is the busiest time at Oregon. This week alone, we worked probably 60 hours easily. But, it's all worth it when we see students walking at graduation in June. :) This will be my third year planning graduation (43 ceremonies in 3 days), which makes wedding planning feel like a snap!

Wedding plans are coming along super well. Major decisions made and now we are coasting! I am in the middle of writing my research proposal, which is pretty much chapters 1-3 of the dissertation. I will start data collection this summer and end in winter 2010. Closer...and closer...

That's about it for now!

The Engagement

On March 24, 2009 in Jamaica, John officially proposed to Amber.

We were attending the wedding of our dear friends, Sarah and Jeremiah. John had a surprise for Amber... he intended to formally propose on the trip and had brought the ring all the way to Jamaica.

With Jeremiah and Sarah's blessing to ask during their wedding trip, John found an opportune time on the last day in Jamaica. While we spent all of our days on the coast, this last day we ventured into the mountains to visit the YS Falls about 2 hours out of Negril. The waterfalls were spectacular. The group climbed to the center part of the falls and took some pictures. Then we all proceeded to the top of the falls. Once up there, all the sudden everyone had vanished and it was just John and Amber before the falls. While standing there, John turned to Amber and started his proposal of marriage. Before Amber knew it, John was on one knee and asking Amber to marry him!

John presented Amber with the most beautiful ring. Of course she said "Yes!" and said it about a thousand times! The whole event brought Amber to tears as she was so overwhelmed with joy.

One word- WEDDING!

www.amberandjohnwedding.com


Yay!