The Carver and The Pumpkin

The finished product!!!

Nelson (my brother's girlfriend's sister's boyfriend) - The Master Carver

Fortunately, all carving was completed before the earthquake and thus no fingers were lost in the creation of this masterpiece. Nelson's previous carvings: 2006 and 2005 .

Earthquake in SJ

For those of you interested or concerned, we had an earthquake here in San Jose. We had guests (Jayme & Nelson) over when it happened so my concern was more for them than enjoying the shaking and quaking. I truly thought it was in the 6 area of magnitude but it was only 5.6 (this is, in fact, a good thing). Definitely, the largest quake I had been in since October 17, 1989. A photo frame and an empty rum bottle broke. That is the extent of damage at our house. This morning when I opened up the cupboard for cereal, a couple of cans of tomatoes fell out. Fortunately, I was not in their path. So yep, that's about it.

Two Pieces

1) Another spider story: The other night when I was getting ready for bed, I had another spider adventure. (I should mention that I don't usually wear my glasses when I doing my bedtime prep routine.) So while I was brushing my teeth, I noticed in the mirror something black on my chest, right above the top of my tank. I looked away because I was sort of distracted by the teeth brushing process, then just as I was thinking, I ought to look closer to see what it was, I felt it move up my chest (it was on my skin). I looked down and it was a spider. Creeped out but with no screaming, I swiped it off my chest into the sink. Then I ran into another problem because I still didn't want to kill it (I know, I know, I'm crazy). So I had my mouth filled with foamy toothpaste and a spider stuck in the sink where I wanted to spit (the sides of the inside part of the sink were too steep and wet for him to crawl out). At this point, I realized the spider was going to need a little help if I wanted him out of my way. I tried to use my hand to guide him out but he kept slipping around it. Then I tore off a square of toilet paper and used that to guide him up and out. Phew! Finally, washed my mouth out and toothbrush off. Don't know where the spider went but he's gone now. I really have no idea how he got on my chest, except that maybe he was on my PJs when I put them on.

2) I have been reading through Galatians recently to remind myself of the freedom there is in Christ. I've been feeling sort of bound and suffocating for reasons that I would rather not go into here. I knew it was a not spiritually healthy way to be living like this and certainly wasn't something that I should ignore. Here is a paraphrasing of Galatians 5:13 that really hit home to me what I love about being one of Christ's disciples: You were called to be free; use your freedom to serve one another in love. This is what I most want to do, seriously. But of course, I face a battle within myself against my selfish pursuits (those which benefit No one, including myself). When, instead of focusing on my selfish pursuits, I focus on serving others in the love and power of Christ (for without Him, I have no strength), my breaths become deep, long, and peaceful, and I am so joyful. Today I will be visiting an elderly woman who lives by herself in a senior community center. Love INC was contacted by a social worker saying that she was extremely lonely and would be blessed by having a friendly visitor. I am so honored to have this opportunity and I pray that God would give me words of comfort and friendship to envelope her in love and care. (I have to say a word of Thanks to my dear friend, Megan, who has been such a prayer warrior for me, sending cards and letters with words of encouragement and scripture.)


Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters;²¹ only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh,²² but through love serve one another.²³ 5:14 For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment,²⁴ namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.”²⁵

Tucker's Sad News

Tucker has been limping lately, so mom took him to the Vet. Turns out he has elbow dysplasia. We have been told that he has to keep his active life on a lower key: no jumping down, no running around, no playful spazzing, etc. This is sad. Tucker is all about playtime. You know, he is only four years old, so young still.

Additionally, the anesthesia that they gave him made him sick. So he was melancholy, morose, uninterested in food, and lethargic. Mom called the vet this morning and she said he should be feeling better by this evening. She said they put a note in his file that he will need different anesthesia in the future. Anyway, he has been a bit more like himself today. We got him to eat some rice this morning and he went outside afterwards, so that's good.

So if you wouldn't mind praying for our little Tucker, it would be much appreciated. He brings so much joy and laughter to our family.

Here's a silly photo of Tucker:

Here's a photo after Tucker played in a mud puddle (his favorite activity at the park):

Megan's Bridal Shower

Yay! I was finally able to make a trip up to Lakeport, CA. Long awaited, this was. And for what better occasion than Megan's bridal shower! The hostesses (can I pluralize the word like this?) did a lovely job. The theme was focused on Megan as getting the star role of a show. We interviewed by one the hostesses on Megan's new celebrity status on video. I'm sure that will provide Megan with endless oodles of laughter as we dramatized our way through it.

Anyhoo, I only took two photos and none really of the shower itself. I was just too busy eating and then making the rehearsal bouquet (from the ribbons on the gifts).

Megan, Kathleen and Jeffra (notice yummy food in background)

Megan, Jeffra and Tammy
(these two ladies are the first friends I made at SJSU Campus Crusade for Christ)

Another fabulous part of the trip was the time with the people: Megan's parents (& other family members), Steve & Kathleen, and most definitely, Tammy, who I hadn't seen in so long. All in all, an excellent way to procrastinate on the schoolwork front.

Today, I have returned to my regular routine: wake-up, eat breakfast, read, lift weights & run on treadmill, shower, eat some dried bananas & drink tropical carrot juice, finally check out email accounts & SLIS blackboard, choose schoolwork to do, eat lunch with dad, and now here I am not doing schoolwork but I am going to now, seriously. Off I go...

Not Much to Say

So I haven't posted in a long time (or at least it feels like it) because nothing too exciting has happened. Here are the uneventfuls:

*Finished one and a half assignments for LIBR 285 (have a paper and powerpt presentation due on Saturday)
*Finished 3 assignments and 6 weeks worth of readings for LIBR 250
*Still trying to figure out topic for thesis proposal in LIBR 285 (the dark cloud that hangs over my head where-ever I go)
*Have my bridesmaid dress for Meg & Phil's wedding in January (this, I guess, is actually quite a feat) & it was only $45 with no alterations necessary -phew!
*Enjoying time at church, small group fellowships, and discipleship relationships
*Getting over a cold that started on Monday
*Completed copying books 1-6 of Harry Potter onto my iTunes for listening later when I have time (ha ha)
*Still lifting weights every Monday and Thursday morning (gotta keep that shoulder from being a pain)
*Watched the premieres of Heroes, Pushing Daisies, and Smallville.

There's probably a few others that have slipped my mind but that's what happens when the dark cloud is following you.

Bark in the Park

Well, a late posting is better than none at all. I seem to operate on this principle but it is not entirely my fault (slow computers, bad connection, schoolwork, etc.). Regardless, here is a photo and a video clip from Bark in the Park. And you would be right to notice that there is no sound with the video. I used my mom's camera and it does not record sound.





The volunteer crew of the Ticket Booth, Bark in the Park 2007, 1-5pm-ish: Brady, Jeffra, Nelson, Jayme, and Mom (taking the photo). There were a lot of tickets buyers this year.

Good stuff.

Where did it go?

On Sunday, I went with Karen to the mall. She tried on some clothes in desperate need of new clothing for work. I tried on a few tops (I hate to use the word "blouse") but basically I am too thrifty to actually buy anything. Because of this trip to the mall, a memory was inspired to return to the forefront of my mind. As I was falling asleep that night, I suddenly recollected buying a dressy top at a mall store with my cousin and her daughter at some point in the past (I rarely buy any clothes from the mall). Now, instead of falling asleep, I was trying to remember anything and everything about this top. I remembered it was maroon and black, probably had stripes of some sort, scrunched to the side or something like that, a material other than cotton, 3/4 length sleeves, and I just couldn't envision the neckline. I struggled to remember the last time I had seen it or worn it. I also couldn't seem to recall when I had even bought it. Finally, I got up and began looking through my clothes in the closet but to no avail. I finally decided I just needed it to put it aside and fall asleep, which somehow I managed to do.

The next day, I made a more thorough go through of my closet. And guess what? I found it! The top had become stuffed away in the corner in a plastic organizing unit (from my Cal Poly dorm days). Since the tag said "hand wash only," I probably intended to wash it separately from my regular wash. Anyway, I mostly had the correct memory of it. I have a suspicion that the last time I wore it was probably in the picture below, taken on June 15th, 2005. Only over two years ago. So basically, I feel like I have a new top! Yippee!


I hope you enjoyed my silly silly story. Now it is back to school (gotta write a critique of a case study and do a comparison of the Informal Education website and the required readings).

Hmmm, people say that I have red hair and I guess in this photo, it kind of looks like it. Wow! My hair was short. *sigh* I can't wait until I get to cut my hair again...

My Saturday Morning Hike

My new activity and way to spend some restful time with God is to go on a hike on Saturday mornings. For two weeks in a row, I have enjoyed exploring Calero County park. It is a rather dry park as you can see. My shoes get covered in dry dirt but I wear my camelback so I am supplied with plenty of water to keep me from dehydration.


Here is a picture of a part of the Los Cerritos trail, I believe. Horses also travel on these trails, so you have to keep your eyes on the ground if you care about the bottom of your shoes. I like this picture because of the flowers in the front. I don't recollect that these were blooming when I came the Saturday before.



























The golden hills filled with old oak trees. This particular part of California has such a distinct smell. Unfortunately, I don't really have the gift of written description so I can't really do it justice. I would say it is a baked wheat sort of smell. The oaks seem to add a more poignant smell, just a little bit of bitterness. Of course, there is a dry dirt smell mixed in as well. But I love it all.


















I started out with a visor on but then decided I just couldn't see as well with it on. I don't just go on the hike for the exercise of it (though those steep uphill parts of the hike certainly are a workout), I want to really enjoy my surroundings and the beauty of nature. I like to stop on the way and just breathe it all in. Lovely, lovely.

The Cave We Talked About

Here are some photos of the cave that Rachel and I mentioned in our video clip:

It was black black black in the cave. I tried using my cell phone light to see anything but to no avail, so I decided to take a photo because the flash would brighten it up. One photo above was normal distance, the one below is zoomed in as far as I could.



I turned around to get a shot of Rachel and she was comment on the interesting surface of the cave. There is a tiny bit of green in the background, that is the great outdoors, the small opening where we entered the cave.


Really, really really wish I had a flash light. I need a mini mag light to carry in the hiking backpack.

See Below

So I finally was able to add the final video clip but I guess since it was a draft I started on back on August 25th, that is where it was posted. So you have to scroll down to August 25th entry to see the video. Sorry for any confusion.

:D

Back to School

So today I consider my first regular day of school, even though it technically started last Thursday. So here is what I did on this exciting day (approximations on timings):
7:30am Woke up to Spanish radio alarm
8:30am Called Math Dept to check on how things were going with the first day to add the Math Computer Lab
8:40am Walked onto campus to use the weights in the Sports Center (my second time, I might be getting better at this but for the most part I am pretty clueless)
10:00am Read Chpt 3 of LIBR 285 textbook
12:30pm Ate lunch (leftover spaghetti)
1:00pm Finished LIBR 250 Introduction paper and posted to Blackboard
2:30pm Printed articles for LIBR 250 and LIBR 285 (possibly also some putzing around the Internet-oh! that reminds me I need to read For Better or For Worse at gocomics.com)
4:30pm Read LIBR 250 article
5:22pm Talked with Amanda on the phone (heard Mekdes in the background)
6:00pm Ate dinner with mom
7:00pm Read another LIBR 250 article and talked with a Math professor about our Math Ed Info Lit project
7:45pm Here I am writing this...

I'll probably close out the night reading Galatians but I have to be in bed early since I have discipleship time with Luann at 7:30am. It is so weird to be just doing school. I haven't done this since Fall 2004, three years ago!

Good night all!

So good (and slightly frightening)

I just sent this email to a few of my friends and then I thought, why not post my little tale? (though this may lead some of you to be ashamed to say that you know me or are related to me)

I was listening to K-LOVE (a Christian radio station) on the way to church this morning. As I was listening to one of the songs, I began to realize that there were multiple artists performing. And as some of you out there know, I am always trying identify the singers (to some people's annoyance - no names will be mentioned here). Well, I became quite certain that one of the singers was a Backstreet Boy. I checked it out right now and guess what? I was right, Brian Littrell sings a verse or two. Ha! What do you know? My BSB radar still works! ;D I thought I would share this delightful news with you.

Here is the song in case you were curious:
http://www.hughchou.org/ccm/byhiswounds.html

In other news, I have been trying to post the last Kentucky video clip but it keeps giving me an error message that I don't understand. I'll keep on trying.

Final Clip (Rachel and Jeffra)

Our Last Report from Kentucky.




It worked, finally!!! Enjoy our last moments together. I love you, Rachel. Thanks for being an excellent host.

Clip # 8 (skipped # 7)

I wonder if I will run out of of blog posting space? Anyway, Rachel is the narrator on this clip.




Unfortunately, I was cut off because I ran out of room on the memory card. I deleted some photos and video clips that were not needed, and we made one final clip (soon to be posted).

Clip # 6 (on the Natural Bridge)

Yes, we made it to the top! What a view!

Clip # 5 (skipped 4th)

Surprise! How did we do that?




Apparently God had a different plan for our hike than we did. We were quite amused. Can you tell?

The In Between

As a break between the clips, I wanted to tell you about the Prayer Retreat I went on. On Saturday 8am, 11 other women and I arrived in the Santa Cruz mountains to a day away from crazy San Jose, a day with our Heavenly Father. We started with an artistic endeavor to sort of loosen up our creative juices. Then we moved over to the chapel for some focused prayer time. At this point, I still had a lot of my mind that I was trying to leave behind. After the chapel time, it was free time to spend with the Lord. I took a nature walk through a trail in the mountains. I felt so joyful to be there, absorbing in the different aspects of the environment as I walked by a creek and the darks greens of the forest to top of the hills with the dry grass and oak/walnut trees. It was lovely. At lunch we discussed what we had experienced thus far. We had another two and half hours after lunch to be by ourselves. I chose to carry chair out into the forest, off trail, to a more secluded location. Here I journaled about all the sounds I heard, wrote out some of the issues I was having at the time that were keeping me distanced from God, and just took time breathe in and out the air and observe the beauty of God's creation. Have you noticed how forests are filled with life and death, growth and decay? It is an interesting contrast. We had another intimate time in the chapel, and then ended with dinner at a small Italian restaurant in Los Gatos. What an excellent day!

Anyhoo, more movie clips will be coming soon (I think there are at least 4 more).

Third Clip (skipped 2nd)

Rachel and Jeffra at lookout point.

A Clip (testing)

Rachel and Jeffra at Natural Bridge Park, KY.