No More Masters Money

Well, I started the last class of my masters program this week. I only have three credit hours again alongside my full-time internship, and the only class is Internship Supervision, which is much less academic work than most classes. Aside from the excitement of my last class, this week also marked the last time I will pay Trinity International University any money for tuition. Now that's a good feeling.

In other news, this is my 200th post. The ride continues...

War & Peace

I'm off to a new year of reading, and I've decided this year to tackle another Russian classic: Tolstoy's "War and Peace." I'm fully aware that I may fall flat on my face in this endevour; the book is over 1200 pages after all. I asked for this book for Christmas and Santa delivered, his sleigh certainly weighed down by the hefty novel. You see, I read Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" a few years ago, enjoyed it more than I expected, and decided I was ready to tackle another Russian classic. I am reading the new translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, two award-winning translators (it was their "Anna Karenina" I read as well) who have received tremendous reviews for this new translation of Tolstoy's masterpiece.

When I received the book on Christmas, I asked Joy if she thought I would ever finish it. Shockingly, and probably more honest than most, she said "no," that it would become one of the many books I have that I want to read, even start to read, but never actually complete. Well, Joy's honesty has spurred me on--I simply must prove her wrong, right?

So last night I began my reading. Book one, chapter one, page one. It was actually easier to get into than I expected, and it read with a freshness and simplicity I hadn't anticipated. I read all the way through page 63. I figure if I read 100 pages a week, I'll finish sometime in April. I'll be sure to let you know.

Happy New Year!

Well, the bash went off without a hitch. Okay, I take that back. The party was a huge success, with guests coming to our Country Glen party from six states, but there were a few glitches. Here they are:

1) Joy cut two fingers, almost off, as a glass vase shattered on her hand. As a Wilderness First Responder, I stepped up to the plate and saved her life.
2) Joy placed some beautiful chocolates on a beautiful platter. They were on the stove away from the dog, but Joy neglected to move the platter before turning on the stove. Needless to say, the chocolates were a mess, as was Joy.
3) Colby, in his effort to eat the vacuum cleaner while it's running, tripped on the cord and knocked over several candles, glass flying everywhere.
4) Joy performed highlights from "Wicked" amidst thunderous applause.

But once the party was running, it was fantastic. Thanks to our guests who came: David and Kelly Blomgren, Drew Rundus, Loralee Songer, Preston and Jennifer Cosgrove, Luke and Becca Lentscher, Kevin Welty, and Taylor Horner. I hope we see you all again soon, before we do the party again next year.

Much love in 2008!