Never Expected Wide Yawns Estimate Anybody's Relapse

Happy New Year!

Yes, it's been a while. But I can only blog when I feel like blogging. And I just wasn't feeling it. Until today!

Before I say anything more on the subject of the new year, it's important that you know I'm very anti-New Year's resolution. Why do we have to wait until the new year to make positive changes? And why make promises to yourself that you know you're going to break in a matter of months (or, more realistically speaking, in a matter of days). Bah! Lame train. All that to say, I don't have a list of resolutions for 2011. Sure, there's things I need to grow in and things I'd like to do, but I certainly do not have them all figured out today, nor did I on January 1st.

Christmas break was great. At least the hanging out with family, seeing my dog, cooking, and reading parts. And going to the Goat. :)

On the other hand, it wasn't so great seeing people I once knew really well who had changed into people I could hardly recognize. In the words of Colbie Caillat, it's tough getting older. (Haha I can't believe I just quoted that song.) In the midst of it all, God taught me a whole heck of a lot. Surprised? You shouldn't be! And so, rather than a list of New Year's resolutions, I've made a list of things God taught/reminded me over winter break:

• God gives us the ability to make decisions. It's a good thing!
• You're not going to hear a clear, audible voice from God every time you ask Him if you should go a certain direction. (i.e. God, should I brush my teeth? Really? If your toothbrush and toothpaste haven't magically disappeared, just brush your freakin' teeth! You have to take that leap of faith and trust He knows what He's doing when He lets you brush your teeth.)
• We have nothing to do with people's salvation. God can save whoever He wants at whatever time under whatever circumstance. Occasionally He just allows us to participate in the process.
• If someone doesn't know Jesus, they're seeking. Muslim, Mormon, Atheist-- they're all seeking a loving, intimate relationship with the Lord. No one is too far gone

So there's just a little nugget of stuff I've been learning. Oh, and I'm applying for a 6-week missions trip to the Middle East. Whaaaa? Yeah. I know. Crazy, right? We'll see how the application process goes. And if I get in, you can expect support letters coming your way! Hehe.

On Saturday night, I made some delicious wild mushroom risotto (courtesy of Anne Burrell) with two of my lovely friends, Suzanne and Jocelyn. It was delicious. Actually, before this, I had never had eaten or cooked risotto. But it was just one of those dishes I KNEW I would like. Rice, wine, chicken stock, delicious vegetable of your choice... How could that not taste good? I am truly sorry. The photo doesn't do it justice. Next time I'll be sure to pay more attention to plating. Just take my word for it-- Anne Burrell knows what she's doing. I just now looked up her name to double check if I had spelled her name right. (I did... Haha.) Turns out Anne Burrell has a twitter. I may have just lost some respect for her. I mean, she last updated her twitter account 33 minutes ago. What is this world coming to??

Well, I'm off to have some fun. That's what I'm talkin' about! I love 1st week. You get to see all your friends at school, but you don't have any work... Yet! So great.

For my next blog post, expect some ranting about a certain garbage disposal program at UCLA. You'll see.....