Whirlwind Weekend

The weekend consists of 63 precious hours, from 5pm on Friday to 8am on Monday. This weekend I used every single one of those hours. I had two options regarding my weekend plans and although I wanted to do both options, I am very happy with how my weekend turned out.

It was family time vs. friend time.
 It was less driving vs. lots of driving.
And it was Dr. Albert Mohler vs. Dr. Doug Bookman. [Both of whom have been two of the most influential Bible teachers in my life.]

    Friday night sunset

I ended up seeing family and friends, seeing/hearing Dr. Bookman, and spending lots of quality time in my car. To simplify, this was my weekend:

17 hours of driving
8 hours in Kansas City
27 hours with friends
1 hour at Longview Lake
10 hours at home

    Saturday morning sunrise


The normal weekend cleaning still needs to be done and the fridge and cupboards are bare, but it was a refreshing time with people so dear to me and I'm so glad I did it.

    A spotted fawn and its mother. I also saw an armadillo and turkeys. 

Sometimes traveling back to visit can be awkward and sad, but not so. God has been so good to bless me with great friends who love Him and encourage me to do so. I had a relaxing time enjoying their friendship, just hanging out, and celebrating the new and coming babies.

    Sunday night sunset

 Of course, I missed my boys back at home. I got a picture text from them on Sunday...

    "Good morning, Mom. I miss you. See you tonight. Dad is the best."


No matter how much I would love to be sharing my day-to-day with these girls, I would much rather be with Hubs and the Pups. I'm back home and I'm ready to continue building relationships here and looking forward to more great relationships.

Moving, Part 1 // "Leaving"

Our move started like most I think. Stressful. And as organized as you try to be, you feel completely unorganized on that day. Because more than likely that one thing you really need is in a box somewhere. That one box you didn't label.

In a U-Haul error, we ended up driving 1 hour to pick up our truck, instead of just 5 minutes down the road. And to make things more fun, we were to pick the U-Haul up by 7 am. So, our morning began at a very early 5:00.

I hoped that we would not fill the entire 26 feet of space, but as we packed on, I realized we would. Thankfully, friends from church took time out of their Saturday to help us. Some even stopped by Starbucks and brought me a much-needed frozen caffeine fix. That earns extra points in my book.

Some helped pack. Some helped clean. And one lovely person watched the dog, who was starting to get a little nervous about what was going on.

Have I said "THANK YOU" enough to you all?

It all ended much quicker than expected. And it didn't sink in that we were leaving this people and not coming back in a few weeks.

How many babies do you need at a "packing-up the U-Haul party?" About 3. 

We had to leave though. And for the next 3 hours I fought sleep while this was my view:

Don't worry. The story gets more exciting from here...

Finishing up

     just a few of my dear friends

Here's how it goes.

You first get excited about something new. Then you realize how much you will miss everyone here. Then you revel in the time you have left, enjoying each day. Then you stress. You have so much to do and time is running out. After that, you recognize that everything won't get done. And then, you are ready to go. You are sad still. But you are ready to get on wit' it. Then, you start doing the "lasts." Last week. Last day. Last time. People start making plans without you. Because you'll be gone. Then the stress will hit again. This time it is a "get-it-done" mentality because the time is near. The good-byes will come then. Not a moment before. Then you leave. And what you've spent the past 6 months preparing for, will finally be here.

This week is a finishing-up week. Tomorrow will be my last day with my great coworkers. Then I'll have a week of calm before the storm of moving. And I'm still loving every moment.

It's pretty much the same every time. Hubs and I have moved 2 times in the last 5 years and I predict we will move at least 1 more time. This is my 13th move, though. Most of those moves, I remember. And moving teaches you lots of things:

1. To make friends. Quickly.
2. To throw stuff away. You'll still have too much.
3. To love the church body. They are your family.
4. To rely on God. He's there.
5. To love Hubs more. He's there too.

Personal opion. Everyone should move at least once. Not across town. Away. It's awesome. I have friends all over. I have memories. And I've grown in each place. It's as if God has been moving me so that I don't become complacent in my walk with Him.

Here we go...

Winter Skies

Lately, I have been noticing the sunrise and sunset. I attribute this to the amount of windows in our home - double the amount in our old residence. And, each time I have noticed the vividness of the colors. It seems more eye-catching then a summer sky - brighter, bolder, and more vibrant - which I attribute to the crisp, cold air.

Of course, I snapped some photos with my point and shoot which really can take some great pictures, but for a sky-scape, just doesn't do God's glory justice.

Years ago, I would have never been able to tell of something beautiful in Kansas. Now I can whole-heartedly say that the expansive skies are the saving grace.

Beautiful sky, but it sure would be nice to have a white Christmas.

Why Kansas Summers make me go, "bleh."

I moved to Kansas (the first time) in July 1995. From that first day of life in Kansas, I began switching from loving summer to hating summer. Why?

Because it has become pointless to shower. Spending more than 60 seconds outside results in the sweat glands turned on high. Clothes now are gross, hair is disastrous, and body stink-age has begun.

Because my car cannot cool off on my drive home from work. Thus, the sweat gland effect as described above.

Because there is no other word than miserable to describe what being outside is like. As a body who loves to be outside, it is frustrating to be closed up in the house with artificial light all day.

Because I do not have a pool. If I had a pool in my backyard I am convinced summer would be slightly more bearable.

Because of the headaches. I spend 2 hours at the pool yesterday to come home and sleep for 2 hours due to a severe headache. Gotta love the heat and wind combo of Kansas.

I could continue, but then it might seem like I'm complaining...

Tornadic Activity

Tis the season for tornadoes in the land of Kansas. And we have heard our first round of tornado sirens. When I moved to Kansas as a pre-teen, they sirens freaked. me. out. I realized yesterday that after 15 years of living in the mid-west, and surviving through 1 actually tornado, I have become a tad bit desensitized.

20 minutes before the sirens were sounded: I was walking the dog. It was humid and clouds were moving in fast.

5 minutes before the sirens were sounded: I took the dog with me to Starbucks and the bank.

As the sirens were sounded: I was in the drive-thru at Starbucks, picking up some 1/2-price fraps for our road trip. Yep, we were going to travel even though storm after storm was expected for the state.

Next stop - the bank. I went through the bank drive-thru and the employees were still there working. As they completed my transaction, I looked at the traffic. Everything seemed normal. Nobody was rushing home. Nobody was seeking shelter. I search the radio and music was playing as usual. I could not find a station that was addressing the sirens. No, the only difference from any other day was that loud sirens were sounding continually.

As I traveled back home, I turned on the TV to find that we were not in any immediate danger. The area where a tornado was likely was 15 miles past us.

(Never, ever would I advise a person to just ignore a tornado siren, however, you must realize that based on what I had seen on the TV and in the sky, I knew that I was safe at this point in time.)

10 minutes after the sirens stopped: Jake and I left on the road trip.

How I feel

Ransom's look sums it up best:

It has been raining/misting for the past 4 days. I am tired of being inside. I am tired of wet clothes. I am tired of looking at gray skies. I just want to crawl under all the covers and whine some more.

As Time Goes By

I never in my wildest dreams wanted to, planned on, or hoped that I would live in the midwest Kansas. Since 1995, however, I have remained in its grasps only venturing out on some great vacations.

Now, I live in a town where people know me by my maiden name. I can get anywhere in under 15 minutes. It is rare that I don't see a familiar face at the grocery store. And, I swear I hear some sort of western drawl in some people's voices that I never remember hearing before.

And so, weekly I am asked, "How are you adjusting?" or "What's it like, being back?" Some tease me because I was so very vocal about my desire to never return; but all are very sincere.

My standard response to every inquiry is, "Better than I expected."

In actuality, I don't really know what I expected. I don't even know if I had expectations, but Hubs and I devoted ourselves to making a life here outside of ourselves by making friends, getting involved, and reaching out. And, we are enjoying ourselves - imagine that. We have no idea what the future will bring, but I feel like we are ready for it.

And, we've figured out that the geographic location doesn't make it home. Our church family has made it "home." Our new friends that have welcomed us make it "home." All I need is Hubs to make it "home." The Starbucks 1.5 miles down the street doesn't hurt, either.

So, tonight I sat here and looked at my blog. Wow. My posts have gotten boring (and is duly noted by the lack of comments). What has happened to all the funny stories? Wow (again).

I thought that we were finally catching up with our friends by being out of school. We moved up to renting a house and even got a dog! But we are still a few steps behind. Now our friends are buying houses and having babies.

Yet, just like I was content in dental school, I am content right here with Hubs. Side note: if you have never moved away from your family with just your Hubs, you are missing out. It is great to establish traditions on our own and figure out problems on our own. Not that we don't receive council from others, but the bond we've built is a great foundation for wherever God leads us.

So, what is this run-on typing all about? It must mean that the rambling, random, over-thinking, contemplative, curious, clumsy Feather is coming back from wherever she went. It is good to know that she didn't get snooty in her old age. Instead, she is coming back with random polls, thoughts, news, stories, and questions.

To start it off: what makes it "home" for you?

You know you're in Kansas when...

...everything weather-wise is subject to change in a matter of five minutes. Calm air to tornadic winds. Sunny to stormy skies. Cool to absolutely unbearable temperatures. Even dry to humid heat.

...when you discover "tornadic" is actually a real word and you officially add it to your vocabulary.

...when the answer to "so, what are you going out to hunt?" is "aw, pretty much anythang that moves."

Pinch me.

It was 60 degrees this morning and I will definitely be wearing a hoodie to a camp-fire tonight. I must have been transported to a different part of the country cuz I KNOW this ain't Kansas!

Dear Kansas

Dear Kansas,

On Monday we drove over a hill and really liked it. Could you please grow some more of those?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Most of you know by now that the midwest is not my favorite place on earth. For so long I have loathed the flatness, the yellowness, the nothingness. But as it seems to have me in its grasps, for now at least, I have had to make adjustments in my mind and actually have found things to appreciate about the prairie and the town in which we now reside.

The big sky. For years, Hubs has encouraged me to look up at the sky. I am an early riser and now take Ransom walking right as the sun is rising. The sky turns all sorts of beautiful colors. Now, during the day, during the night, and even during storms, I find myself gazing up at the sky and being amazed at its vastness. This is how I can see God's greatness in, what I consider, a boring land.

The sunflowers. Right now, there are fields of sunflowers along the highways. These huge happy flowers always make me smile and are very pretty against the bright blue sky.

The church. I do not think we would be happy here if we did not have a church where we are weekly fed the word of God. I have always felt as though church was an extended family and here we are with young couples our age, going through the same life experiences, learning to serve God through their marriage and actions.

Starbucks. I have to admit that Starbucks is a huge comfort. Laugh if you want, but I love taking Ransom with me and just sitting outside reading and studying while he lays by my feet. He strikes up great conversations with interesting people; it is one of my favorite things to do.

I will always prefer trees and hills to wide open spaces, but I am glad that I can now look up and appreciate the big sky. I am also glad that scenery does not make one feel at home, and instead, our friends, my Hubs, and our church make us feel at home.

I am also thankful that Hubs likes to travel.

What do you like most about where you live? I'd like to know, especially those of you who live in the midwest.

To give or not to give (updated)

Hubs and I recently got new Kansas Driver's Licenses. I actually liked my Nebraska picture, so it was kind of a bummer. Anyways, they of course asked the question, "Do you want to be an organ donor?"

To me, the response is automatic, "Yes."

To some, however, it seems to be a bigger, more thought-provoking decision. Hubs and I have discussed our reasons, but I am appealing to you as to why you have or have not decided to donate your organs after your death. 

I would love to hear your thoughts. Was this a hard decision to make? Why did you decide to donate, or why did you decide not to donate? 

I have mine all written out, but I don't want to suppress any discussion that may occur, so I will update this post later.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

My Thoughts:

Two people were brave enough to put their reasons out there. Thank you! I REALLY don't think there is a right or wrong answer here. Each person has their convictions and their feelings on this subject and that is what works for them. I just think it is an interesting subject.

I have always been of the mindset that I am obviously not using my organs when I am dead, so why not give them to someone who needs them. I never really gave any thought to the process of "harvesting" my organs because it happens when I am dead. Side note: Laura gave me something to think about regarding the heart issue - I wasn't completely aware of how soon heart is needed after death. However, if the only way I am alive is by machines, I want Hubs to take me off the machines. If I cannot live without them, I (being very practical) see no reason to waste money keeping me alive. Instead, I am okay with them doing what they need to in order to take my heart. But, maybe I trust their opinions more than I ought.

So, the main permeating reason I have for being an organ donor is that I believe I am not, nor will I ever, use those organs again. That body is simply going to rot in it's coffin or burn to ashes (I don't really care). So, if my cornea, my kidney, my liver, or whatever else can be used to save someone, please take it! 

I guess I am kinda odd. I have never had any problems talking about me when I am dead or dying. Perhaps I just talk big and it would all change if it were Hubs lying there, but I have truly always felt this way about my death.

If I die young and healthy, I want my organs to be donated. If I die old, nobody will want them anyways. I do have one request, though. I don't know if this can happen, but I hope that Hubs or a family member can meet or write the people who get my organs. I hope that he can tell them that I had no fear in dying and I hope he can tell them how they can have the same assurance through salvation in Jesus Christ. If my dead body parts could be used to share the gospel, for even one person to believe in Christ as their Savior, I can see no reason not to give up my organs.

Our move - Part 2

Three weeks ago today, we moved to Kansas and yesterday we took the final step to make it official.

Somehow having new license plates on your car gives more finality to the move. My little neon felt very comfortable in her new plate, since she was born in with Kansas plates.

The Dakota will take a little longer to get used to the change. However, I think his new license plate looks very nice. I didn't realize that you get a new title when you change your license plates. I knew I got a Nebraska title when I moved there, but I thought it was just because I added Hubs. 

Anyways, back to the moving story...

I woke with plenty of time to get ready for our caravan drive to our new home. It takes Hubs and I exactly four hours (with no stops), but I knew that it would take longer today. My family was at our new home waiting for us to arrive. They had graciously planned to be there and clean the house so that we could move right in as well as have lunch ready for us (very important). Little did I know what a blessing this would be. At 7:50am, my bag was waiting outside to be re-packed in the truck and for us to be on our way. 

I was the leader of the caravan in my neon, packed to the brim with stuff. Hubs's mom followed in Hubs's truck, also packed fully. Behind her was Hubs in the U-haul, who was followed by Hubs's dad in his truck, which was also packed full. Pulling up the rear was Hubs's sister and brother-in-law. 

We left shortly after 8am and headed on our way. Our first task was to maneuver through 45 miles of I-80 traffic with all of us staying together, going 75 mph. Now that I think back, it really wasn't imperative for us to all stay together since we were meeting up at a gas station, but we ended up together much to all other travellers' chagrin. 

We weren't 15 minutes into the trip when I notice a turn signal behind me telling me to get off on the next exit. Apparently, our grill lid was about to fly away. This was stop #1.

Stop #2 was less than 30 more minutes later. Potty & coffee break.

Stop #3 was less than 30 more minutes later. Needed gas.

I was bound and determine that Stop #4 would be our final destination and it was. As we neared our new little home, I started shaking a little. I was excited and I couldn't ask Hubs if he was as well. We turned the corner and I saw it - a house with a garage! 

To be continued...

Our move - Part 1

Three weeks ago today was our last day living in this state:

We woke up early and took care of some business at the County attorney's office (oh, have I not told you that story yet?) and then picked up the U-haul. 

When my brother showed up around noon, we began the grueling task of taking all the boxes and furniture from our 3rd floor apartment and loading them onto the 17-foot-long U-haul. 

It was hot, but we were very thankful for the elevator. As more wonderful helpers arrived, our apartment became more bare and my mother-in-law and I began cleaning, a task I am never thrilled about.

Soon, I heard rumors that the U-haul was full and there was still more stuff. Where had it all be hiding? I have no clue. We filled up another car and two more trucks. 

As quickly as we had begun, the task was over. Our friends had left and I was alone in our very first apartment. Our home for the past 3 years was completely empty, yet so many memories flooded my thoughts. I don't know if it was the heat, the exhaustion, or the yucky smell from the self-cleaning oven that I had just remembered to turn on, but the tears came and they weren't to be stopped. I sat in the corner of our bedroom and cried.

Hubs soon came to find me and we got ready to leave and spend the night at his parent's home. We were planning to leave at 8am sharp the next morning and we were both mentally and physically weary. 

We fell into bed that night and slept soundly until the alarm went off. I woke up with renewed excitement and energy. Today I would see our new home. Today would start a new journey of our lives. 

Milkshake - DENIED

There's a place in town that is locally known for their shakes. I hear they have great hamburgers too, but my eyes are only tuned into the board with over 100 flavors of shakes when I am there. 

I constantly find many reasons to celebrate anything and everything with a Bogey's shake. We've lived here 17 days? We better go get a shake. The lawn is mowed? That deserves a Bogeys. We got the Internet? Let's celebrate with a shake!

Naturally, I knew that the Hubs first day at the office should be celebrated with a shake. So, all day I anticipated it. I stayed away from the snacks in the cupboard, even after I knew Hubs would be home late, filling in for a golf league. I even ate a smaller portion at dinner, saving plenty of room for my raspberry chocolate chip shake. Or, would I get a blueberry chocolate chip this time. All this was on my mind when the sirens sounded.

At that time I was loudly reminded that we live in Kansas and that it is storm season. Wasn't it bright and sunny this afternoon? We went to inspect the weather for ourselves, of course. It looked dark, with a yellowish hue. The wind was picking up each moment.

You probably would expect people to seek the comfort of the basement, right? If we had one, we might have. Instead, we hopped in the truck that does not actually fit in the garage and headed over to Hubs's office where there is both protection for the truck under a carport, protection for us in a basement, and lots of TVs, with cable. It's so fun to drive around while everyone on the radio screams that the last place to be is on the road in your car. 

We made it and watch lots of debris fly around outside. We got comfortable and watched the weather channels until it was safe to go home. Now, we can just drive by Bogeys on our way home, I thought, and got excited again.

Due to some power outages and trees down, we took the long way. There were clean-up crews out trying to make street maneuverable.  Then, I realized the sad truth. Bogeys was without power; actually the whole block was without power and they weren't even letting people through.

No shake to celebrate Hubs' first day as Dr. Hubs. Instead, I went home and ate a bowl of vanilla ice cream with sprinkles. 

I'm in a computer lab.

I'm sitting in a computer lab in the public library. I can't imagine how many germs are on the keyboard and embedded in the cushion of this chair. I am practically holding my breath as I sit here and type. The man two people down from me keeps making loud bodily noises. The woman next to me keeps asking me for help, loudly, so that the rest of the people in the lab turn and stare at us both. But, I just couldn't resist posting and letting you all know that we are officially Kansans.

I still have lots of fun stories to share with you when we get internet at home - including a parking ticket, the caravan, graduation, Hawaii, and our bug situation.

We have new cell phones and a new address. If you need the information, email me. Otherwise, I will hopefully be back to a more regular schedule of blogging next week.

Leaving the Neb

I have - count them - 16 more days in Nebraska. After living in a place for almost 5 years (3 years longer than I ever planned on staying), here are things I will remember about the Neb.

1. My first of many Husker games. The cheers that were once completely foreign to me, are now engrained in my mind. Standing in the student section, hot and sweating, losing my voice while cheering, and then going out to eat with my roommates afterwards.

2. Going to the university. One of my favorite times in life was going to class, being busy with studying and homework, watching all 10 seasons of friends at least 2 times, starbucks walks with my roomie, and the spontaneity of life at that point.

3. My first time at Bible study. I got lost, big-time. I was so frustrated by the time I got there that I was to the point of tears, so when someone told me to move my car I lost it. But loving it when I was finally there.

4. Flock - our small-group of young married friends that meets on Mondays. Monday night will feel empty for a while as we adjust to our new schedule.

5. Pioneers Park. I'll always remember this spot because it was where Hubs proposed. Nebraska will always be the place I meet and fell in love with Hubs. Whenever I think of those memories, they only take place here.

Blogging will be sporadic (but not absent) for the next month. We will arrive in Kansas on May 30. Stay with me, I will be back with full force and plenty of new stories.

It is time.

The decision was really made in October. I wanted to wait until 2009 to tell - when if would feel more real. 2009 came. It felt more real, but still not enough. I wanted to wait until after the visit. The visit is over, and I am completely ready to tell you our news.



Moving is not a new thing to me. I've lived in 6 states and moved many times. It is exciting - an adventure. And this time, it will be Hubs and me together, starting a new chapter in our life and I couldn't be more excited and ready than I am now.

I knew I would be ready for the move at some point, but it took me a while to get here. I told myself I would never ever move back to Kansas. I wanted to move East - to the big trees, lakes, and hills. It is completely God who has changed my heart and mind. Never, ever did I think I would be excited to move to the middle of Kansas - wimpy trees, a few lakes, absolutely no hills, and a landscape that is more yellow than green.

But, I am completely at peace with this move and I am very ready to do this. As we drove back to Nebraska, we saw the most gorgeous sunset on the horizon due to the flat, tree-less prairie.

Hubs has the best opportunity to work for a God-fearing dentist and with a great team. I know he is going to love it and makes my heart happy to see him so excited. He will learn a ton about dentistry, running a dental practice, all while glorifying God with his profession. We know that God has led us to this place - no doubts.

There are times it seems a little scary; and at times there is too much to think about. There are times that I will be sad to go; times that I will be strong for Hubs and times he will be strong for his Feath.

And, I will get to pursue one of my dreams of finishing my degree. I am looking forward to seeing what else God will do in my life when we get there.