Blind Date

Well, it was just OK. He was a decent conversationalist but he didn't really ask me any questions. I had to pretty much carry on the convo. And I wasn't attracted to him. That's the problem with other people trying to set you up... they just don't know what your type is. But that's OK. I didn't expect anything to happen. Frankly, I'm glad it's over because blind dates are really stressful. So much could go wrong. But, I was actually kind of surprised that a half-German, half-French kid was so normal to me.

Anywhoooo, that's that. So since I've been home and jobless I've had a lot of time to think and I don't think I'm going to come back to Asbury next semester. Just kidding! What I've really been thinking about is everything I want. Gosh, I want so much. Not stuff, just things. Human beings have such ravenous desires that it's incredibly hard to contain them. And it's not really a good thing if we do contain them. Desires are in us because they are meant to be realized. But why is life so silly. It seems like everything that strikes at our deepest core is either unattainable or thwarted in some way. We just want to be loved, to have a grand time, to not be bored, to have meaningful friendships, to have a good job that we enjoy, to have kids, good kids, to be the apple of somebody's eye, to go on an exciting excursion in some far-away place... I could go on. While I would say that I am blessed enough to have many of these things there is always a deeper something that wants more. Right now I feel like I'm just waiting for the next stage of my life, but aren't we supposed to be present to the moment we are in right now? I think so. So what is my purpose? How am I going to be used this summer by God? I don't know because right now I'm sitting on my butt writing this blog; aka doing nothing. But maybe that's what God's after... a good thought process that will lead to another thought process that will lead to life and freedom... those wonderful gifts that He lets loose on us when we trust Him.

I guess that's all I have for now. Keep it real kiddos.

The Life of the Unemployed

Well, we're about three weeks into the summer [I think] and I am still without work. I've been waiting for a couple of weeks to hear back about a job with someone I babysit for, but so far nothing. The company I would be working for is called The Nexxus Group. I don't want to take the time to explain what they do because that would bore both me and you. But actually I think it would be a pretty cool job so I hope I get it. It sounds like if they want to spend the money on me I got it. But who knows. They're being kind of flakey at the moment.

While being unemployed, however, I have been able to rest a lot and do some fun things. The week of my birthday I went down to Charleston, SC for two days and hung out with my brother and his in-laws. It was so fun. I got to surf [if you can call it that] and get a sweet tan. Now my skin finally matches the color of my make-up. Hooray!

I've also been doing some reading, most of which is not on that original list that I related to you all. I started Dear John by Nicholas Sparks [my first Sparks book] and I read a couple of chapters in A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis, which, to be honest, I didn't really like. I know that's a sin for any Asburian to criticize Lewis, but I just didn't think it was that spectacular. Just depressing, which is fine because he was going through immense suffering when he wrote this piece, I just didn't find it particularly helpful. But I don't think it was intended to be. He's a brilliant thinker, but I was mildly discouraged after reading this work.

Also in my free time I've been going to the gym a whole bunch. Me and the YMCA are like this. I've been spending around an hour and a half there everyday this week. It's strange because I usually hate working out, but I've been quite enjoying it. And seriously, there are some pretty attractive college-aged men there in the middle of the day in the summer. Who knew?

Yesterday, I babysat for the same family three separate times.

I've gone shopping six times since I've been home.

I'm going to a surprise birthday party on Saturday for my friend. She's turning 40. Who am I?

Finally, I've somehow managed to scrounge up a blind date for Sunday afternoon. The woman I babysit for, Robyn, insisted that I go out with this German kid from Munich who's living in her neighborhood for the summer. I said, sure, why not? He seems super nice so we'll see. Anybody know anything about German culture? Any taboos I should be aware of? He's into Architecture, he speaks three languages, and he's driven across the US so I think he might be an interesting person to get to know. Oh and he also apparently refers to me as 'LJ' behind my back. But for real, I'm kind of scared to go out with a European. Hopefully I won't behave too sillily.

Sorry if this blog was boring... the point is that after all that I feel like a bum and I wish I had a job so that I would know that I am contributing to my family and my education. I need money for next year and watching my parents go to work bright and early everyday is making me feel like I should be doing the same. I know they don't feel like I'm a burden but you know how it is...