Yesterday, I wrote about being on a people-high, how awesome of a weekend I had, and a few random things- all written while I felt that time was being sucked away from me rapidly.  The English class I taught at night turned out fine (the students might have learned, and appeared to have a good time), and there was some life to be experienced before the clock struck twelve.  (tblog was on the fritz, so I'll try to recapture some of the excitement)

 I think I've met some of the most amazing people in the world.  Some are even friends!  I don't know why this is the case, or if it's impossible to not know at least one fantastic person, but i sure am grateful.  Some of my recent encounters with these people included dinner and a movie (Ice Age 2) with Tan Dave and Amber.  Amber is looking elsewhere to work (as in out of state), so I'm trying to appreciate the time we have together even more-so.  I knew the day would come, and I also want to move, but not really.  I love traveling and seeing friends and landscapes and new things- don't get me wrong!  But I don't know if it's just the people at church and public transportation and beautiful weather or what, but I want to dig my heels in the (so-to-speak) sand, and stay.  Usually it's the other way around- I want to start over, go some place new.  Sometimes I want to have things stay as they are- but life doesn't stand still, and it won't do anyone good in the long run.  If I stayed at home, I may enjoy a seemingly endless cupboard, love from family, and the most comfortable bed in the world, but also restrictions and other things regarding lack of freedom that comes with living with your parents.  And I don't like the area enough to live close enough by on my own.  Maybe a Chicago suburb or the Twin Cities, but my parents are moving to Tennessee in a couple years anyways.  So anyways, there are definite advantages, such as a seemingly easy life where I don't need to make as many decisions or take as many responsibilities, and that's been the situation in other cases too, but that's too easy and boring!  I think I make life more difficult than it has to be sometimes, but I've always felt that there was something big that I'll be a part of, and that a normal, 9-to-5 job is not for me, at the very least.  I work 8-to-5-- does that count?  It's not as bad as I thought, but it's also not very fulfilling.  Were the gifts, etc., that I was created with to be put to use here?  I'm kind of bummed, because it seems like others around me are really interested in one thing in particular, and it's their life passion, and they're doing it.  Not everyone, but those who capture my attention.  What's my passion?  People?  I think people are fascinating, and it's so great to meet new ones, hear their story, see their perspective... but that's not solid like playing an instrument or inventing something or healing someone...  Nonetheless, I am pursuing more opportunities to use my degree, including through an organization that could send me overseas this year.  The main reason this particular position freaks me out is that you need to raise funds to go.  I don't know why it's such a big deal (maybe because I'm used to getting paid instead of paying?), but I can see the importance of suporting someone financially, spiritually, etc.- how we are the body of Christ and need to work together, not just try to do it on our own.  In some ways, it's easy for me to depend on (trust) others, like when I got a ride this morning.  This time it was from Ruth, and it was to my mid-point on the busline.  This allowed me to enjoy some reading and breakfast before work, but I somehow still ended up being late.  I don't know why I have a hard time trusting at other points- I see myself getting defensive and taking things the wrong way- I don't know if it's a natural instinct or not.

Moving back to this past weekend, not only did I have a good time with Tan Dave and Amber, but with a mass of people, and those from church.  I went to a Save Darfur rally (that being my first rally). For the most part, there was a good vibe there- people wanted to end the genocide, a bunch of Jews feeling empowered and attached to it all.  One lady talked to me for a long time.  She was fired up about how we're taught history, and how it's not accurate, and that the religious groups who publish our books purposefully leave out millions upon millions of deaths and details.  She overloaded me with info, so even if I wanted to, I couldn't recall half of it, but I'll try to do some research on my own.  Other than that, I mostly hung out with a little toddler who was dancing to the music and clapping with the crowds.  I guess I was basically talked out.  I really had a good time just walking around and getting to know people better- so much so that I want to stay here, and I'm really looking forward to the church picnic in June!!

Like yesterday, I'm still slightly self-conscious about my blog and what I write- it's so easy for just about anyone to read this, and I don't want to embarrass anyone and I don't want to be too silly... But noone is forced to read this, and I don't purposefully put anything offensive, and as long as I'm only embarrassing myself, what's it matter?  So I'll just leave it at: people (including you) rock, and after spending some time with you, someone may be on a high for a while.