WORLDS ARE FORMING

Two of my favorite people ever.

These two (and their mom, my sister) came to visit me this weekend.  Hooray for hearing laughter and "Uncle Josh" in my apartment all weekend. 

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss.

Upon the recommendation of a friend, I needed to pick up a book (a novel even!) that wasn't explicitly Christian or religious. 

SO.  I picked up Nicole Krauss' The History of Love.  She's the wife of Jonathan Safran Foer (whom I love...he wrote Everything is Illuminated, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close)...their styles are similar AND different.  I enjoy it so far! 

Anyone read The History of Love?  If so, what did you think?

Good Morning Vietnam! Dead Poets Society! Mrs. Doubtfire! Patch Adams! Jumanji! Good Will Hunting!

In this new era...every third day or so.

"Josh.  Has anyone told ever told you that you look like...?"

"Yes."

Sigh.  My curse.

WHERE SHOULD I TRAVEL NEXT SUMMER?!

Because I have to save, I am dreaming about where I want to try to travel next summer.

Italy (Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Rome, etc)?  Scotland (Iona, St. Andrews, etc.)?

So...your job. I've never been to Europe before, and want to make the most of it.  Two or three weeks.  As cheap as possible.  Where would you recommend that this novus traveler travel?  What are your thoughts?

Self-care?

I'm big into self-care.  Just haven't had much in the past few weeks because of all the busyness.  SO.  Today.  I am getting an hour long massage.  THAT, my friends...is self-care.

[ Insert your caption here. ]

So...this is really happening. And I like it.

This has been an intense month of life and training!

This week, the dorm's staff arrives, and the adventure continues!  Soon after that, the freshmen and returning students arrive, too.  THESE THINGS are the things I have been excited about. 

I cannot wait to see what is to come...

The only two rooms that are close to being done...

     
                   Part of my living room.                                          Part of my kitchen. 

Neither room is complete yet...still need to get some odds and ends in there!  Nonetheless, I really enjoy this new home so far.

**CLICK BELOW TO GET A GRAAAAND TOUR OF THESE TWO ROOMS**

Things I cannot control.

It has been a busy, chaotic, and beautiful few days.

Within the last week, my Grandpa Cleveland's health declined quickly, and he died quietly and beautifully here in Spokane on Sunday afternoon, surrounded by all of his five kids and much of the rest of the family, too.  God was very present in the midst of it all.

It was a privilege to help care for him in his last days and to care for our family in the process.  I am grateful for my experience in CPE last summer to begin to prepare me for those days with him. 

I will be doing Papa's memorial service on Wednesday and his graveside on Monday.  Again, a privilege I am glad to be a part of.  Prayers are appreciated for our family!

The Big Boy Apartment!

It feels so exciting to see my apartment come together! 

I worked hard all weekend, and things are being put in place.  I just went out and ordered my furniture (bed, couches, coffee table, etc) today, and it will arrive on Thursday!  My kitchen is pretty well set up, as is my bathroom.  My bedroom and the guest bedroom are coming along slowly but surely.  This thrifty guy is not used to spending money, so this has been a fun process. 

I will post pictures at the end of the week, AHK!

P.S. I had forgotten that Spokane is actually kind of beautiful.  Come and visit me!