caitlinshirley.blog

about that

2011-02-09T16:51:00.001-08:00

lat night was the night. my boys all piled in my living room amps and drums in hand. you'd think they won the lottery! and they jammed for hours. new songs, old songs, bad songs, good songs... everyone in a 10 block radius heard it all.

and then it was dinner time.

when they saw the meat, you'd think they had never eaten a day in their lives! it is all gone! leftovers: not a crumb. they even sampled the kimchi which I was very proud of them for!

but like the perfectionist that I am (at least about food), I have a few amendments to the kalbi recipe I posted Monday. I broiled the ribs which worked but didn't give them the depth of flavor I was hoping for. I think because of the pear purée, they didn't get quite crispy enough. If I broiled them again, I would wipe them down pretty good to get most of the marinade off.

also, I think I might recommend using only 1/2 of an extremely ripe pear, you know how the flavor gets more intense and sweet when they're super ripe? it just didn't have a rich enough flavor. to that end I might add a little more soy sauce too.

other than that it was 100% a success!

kalbi

2011-02-07T17:49:00.001-08:00

i have a theory that the way to he heart of a true omnivore (male or female) is this special dish called kalbi. I think kalbi and it's cousin bulgogi are the top two reasons I have never been a vegetarian. it's nearly a ritual of a meal consisting of delicately marinated beef, Korean side dishes including, of course, plenty of kimchi, and rice. it can take hours over a table grill and beautiful conversations. but in the end the winner is the last man standing. how much meat can you eat? it's beautiful.

well Puyallup doesn't have any Korean BBQ restaurants yet so I'm getting in touch with my inner Korean mama and making kalbi for dinner tomorrow night.

if you're as lucky as I am to have daily access to an Asian market you might be tempted to make this everyday. just please be careful to put the kimchi in an extra bag because your fellow train passengers may not be too happy about the aroma of it wafting through the car... although the gentleman in the seat in front of me (our knees nearly touching) is Korean and I bet he'd be impressed with the contents of the grocery bags making themselves at home beneath my seat.

the other thing about kalbi (and any other delightful tasting food) is that there is a responsibility to share with those who've never heard the good news. so I'll be eating kalbi tomorrow night with my buddies in my band. having grown up in precious Puyallup I'd venture to guess that mama b and mama h have ever heard from their inner Korean mama so it'll be a new experience for the guys, officially making it a very important occasion. there will be a balance between exposing them to the glories of it and not putting them off too much by the unfamiliar sights of pickled radishes gleaming yellow in their brine or the kimchi soft and spicy still only a question in their minds. it's scary the first time, I'll have to hold their hands a bit but one day they'll be believers too.

should you choose to forego the kimchi and pickled veggies, kalbi is still the most wonderful marinade on the planet. do it. you won't regret it. and your inner Korean mama will thank you for letting her out!

kalbi:
1. make a purée of the following:
-a pear (if you don't have pears you could probably use apples)
-a few cloves of garlic
-an onion or so
-some fresh ginger
-just enough water that it'll blend

once you have a nice creamy looking purée add it to the following:
-soy sauce
-a splash of sesame oil
-honey or agave nectar
-black pepper

mix it up and let it do it's magic.
I like to let it marinate as long as possible... probably over night at the most.
traditionally kalbi and bulgogi (which isn't as sweet as kalbi) are served grilled, hence the American term Korean BBQ. but really it's just the best marinade ever and I'm probably going to do some in the croc pot tomorrow.

now you know.

ps. I just almost lost a head of cabbage down the isle of the train. that would have been a great story!!

posting pics of our meal soon

10 from 2010 continued

2011-02-04T17:03:00.001-08:00

I was reminded last night that I have yet to finish the list of the things I've learned in 2010. I've had a draft sitting in a blank notebook here on my iPod but just haven't found the time to update it.

PLUS... I moved out my parents house a week or so ago and my roommates and I have yet to have out Internet installed so I haven't had access to normal things like Facebook and email outside of work which (shocker) has been very disorienting. anyway I'm on the train right now so I'm goi to seize this opportunity to continue this very important post.

and just so you're aware, I'm bored of this blog so I'm considering a makeover... but that'll come later.

in 2010 I've figured some stuff out....

6. continuing where I left off last time, I feel hat this post is especially significant to me because my sixth lesson learned in 2010 is reflection. I've always been a fairly goal oriented person, often thinking hours and days and years into he future. but I always fall short when it comes to assessing my achievements. I usually move onto the next goal, the next excitement, the next project but I hardly allow myself the luxury of reflection. I think I scares me. what if I didn't do all that I had set out to do? what I in the end I feel as though I've failed? it's scary!! assessment is not easy. George has coached me in this a lot during our 1 on 1 meetings and what I've come to understand is that without assessment, even if you feel like you failed, you will never feel like you've won either. so rather than success and failure, we use the words wins and challenges. it's a little watered down, but I think it's a gospel centered approach to looking at life. I believe that Jesus already died for all my failures! and he doesn't require me to be successful as a child of his because he already won the battle. his reputation is already set I'm stone. his plan can't be screwed up. but what I can do is to partake in the celebration of his victory which plays out in my life day to day and year to year. and I do believe he has called me to take a hard look at his standards and strive to please him with honoring and seeking after them. that's where the challenges fit into the process. so as I enter 2011, this series of posts is particularly important because it's both forcing me to examine the last year and see the challenges ahead of me as well as giving me the freedom to rejoice in the victory of the kingdom in my life.

7. growing up costs a lot of money! I bought my own car this past year! it's crazy to be grown up. no one thought it was weird when I went to the bank and applied for a loan. the whole time I was expecting someone to say, "we don't approve car loans for little girls, honey." but I guess when you have a good job and a little credit they want you to apply for a loan! (and as a side note because it happened technically in 2011, I have officially paid off the whole loan as of one week ago!!!!)

8. I've learned that a song is just a clean canvas, ripe for creativity to take it and turn it into music. I've had the wonderful pleasure of spending this year collaborating with musicians diverse in both experience and talent. some love to play guitar and others prefer the ukelele. the two that have had the most profound effect on me are Trenton and Evan. both only sophomores in high school, they have taught me more in this one year and challenged me beyond what I thought I could manage and experience that it amazes me. together we have wrestled with worship. we have found that it dwells in the hearts and minds of God's people and that it's hard to draw it out sometimes. they've been a beautiful energy added to challenging church plant situation. they are an example of freedom and joy to me every week at our rehearsals and at church on Sunday. they are always challenging me to do things that I've never done before (like play electric guitar). never satisfied with mediocrity, they spur me on to higher levels of creativity, harder practice, greater capacity in leadership, more patience in friendship, and more love for people around me. they are the most unexpected answer to prayer I've ever experienced.
this past week at rehearsal we played one of our favorite arrangements, Yahweh by Shawn McDonald (our arrangement inspired by Arcade Fire's song Rebellion) and the words are simply this, "you alone are worthy of all that I am. beautiful is your name, wonderful is your name. you alone are worthy of all that I am" and all I could do as I sang my heart out to Jesus was think that only he is worthy of these young hearts. only he is worthy of their creativity, of their loud amps and drums, of the joy they express when we nail a Sunday service, of their insightful questions, of their faithful dedication, and of their worship.

9. I'm going to cheat a little bit and say the number 9 is something I've learned that I need to learn. working at Russell has been a huge part of this year. I have learned so much about being in the workplace. I've almost converted into a morning person... almost. but I've learned that I need to start learning more about our industry. it's such a part of the daily lives of people in our culture and yet we don't even know how it affects us. the financial industry, the economy, the political issues in the world, they are all intertwined and they all affect our lives daily. my goal for 2011... and one of the challenges i've identifies is that I need to stretch my brain and learn more. maybe a part of my blog makeover will be a financial industries for dummies column. might be fun.

10. I plan on saying this every year of my life, but I really have to finish by saying that I've gotten a tiny glimpse more into the heart of Jesus for me, the heart of Jesus for his people, for my community in Puyallup, for the northwest, for the world. it's exciting to think of the possibilities of the discovery of more of that. more Jesus, more experiencing his love, more learning to worship in his presence, more seeking his face, more desiring his kingdom come, more seeing him do all sorts of cool stuff. bring it 2011, Jesus is going to blow us all away AGAIN!!

ten from 2010 (# 1)

2011-01-10T07:08:00.000-08:00

I can't believe 2011! it's like every year that comes is another year that seems it should still be future.

I'm older, I'm busier, i'm learning more and more everyday... and 2011 reminds me to stop and think about all that has happened in the last year (well, really year and a half since graduation from biola).

so here are 10 amazing and important things I learned in 2010...

1. I've learned how to play ukelele! my friend Danielle who I often enjoy collaborating with taught me on the fly for a gig we had. it makes me giggle because it's so ridiculous, but it is a very beautiful instrument and I'm looking forward to incorporating it more into my music.

2. that community is more than just the people you live near, but the people God has called you to. I had a conversation with a woman at work yesterday and when I told her I was staying in Puyallup for another year because I didn't want to leave my community, she looked at me pike I was speaking another language. she said, "well can't you just make new friends when you move?" I suppose I could, but the bottom line is that I'm called to my people. I can't just choose to leave them unless Jesus releases me from that calling and gives me a new one.

3. my sister Jillian is pretty much a woman. it's weird since I remember her being born. it seems like people who were born when I was a pre-teen/teen shouldn't be women yet. but I'm reminded by our frequent conversations that 14 is the age where girls do a lot of working out womanhood and deciding what kind of a woman they're going to be. Jillian, you're going to be a stellar one!!

4. trains get the right-of-way! thankfully!! that cuts about 20 mins off my commute! and I get to do things like write this blog the whole way home.

5. that mission is something that doesn't only take place in other countries but also right here at home in Puyallup with people who don't know Jesus. since whitewater began, 7 people have come to know Him and be immersed in community with us. I'm not sure i've ever been a part of a church that not only challenged it's body to evangelize but also gives them the tools, the encouragement, and the opportunity to see fruit for the kingdom.

there is the first 5 for you. i've got someore good stuff up my sleeve to share. stay tuned!

dec.

2010-12-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

whoa. it's december.

happy winter from the 14th floor in downtown Seattle.

Ahem* testing 1 2 3...

2010-09-20T22:41:00.000-07:00

This is a test from my new iPod touch. We'll see if I can attach a picture to this post!

Sent from my iPod

i can't help myself

2010-09-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

i know i already posted a song from mumford & sons this week, but i'm SO in love!

i was at first put off a little by the lead singer's voice, but the more i listen the more my heart is moved.

its smoky and deep and passionate.

i just can't help myself, everyone needs to hear this song.

it's about heaven and it's BEAUTIFUL!

And after the storm,
I run and run as the rains come
And I look up, I look up,
on my knees and out of luck,
I look up.

Night has always pushed up day
You must know life to see decay
But I won't rot, I won't rot
Not this mind and not this heart,
I won't rot.

And I took you by the hand
And we stood tall,
And remembered our own land,
What we lived for.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

And now I cling to what I knew
I saw exactly what was true
But oh no more.
That's why I hold,
That's why I hold with all I have.
That's why I hold.

I will die alone and be left there.
Well I guess I'll just go home,
Oh God knows where.
Because death is just so full and mine so small.
Well I'm scared of what's behind and what's before.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

*just a little disclaimer: although mumford & sons has very christian sounding lyrics and their music inspires worship, it should be said that they are not a christian band and that quite a few of the songs on their CD use language that may be inappropriate for children.

Awake My Soul

2010-08-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

this week's music inspiration.

mumford & sons :: awake my soul

this week at whitewater was our first week without our dear sean, the bass player. he's moved on to college. he'll be attending george fox university in oregon and i think i remember him telling me that he's planning on majoring in some flavor of enginering!

without a bass, our band is a little empty. leaving a guitar, drums, and an electric guitar. we're scrambling trying to find some qualified player who might have some time and heart to dedicate to God's work at whitewater. i trust that He'll provide.

but for now, we're adjusting for acoustic, mellow, chill, folksy sounding worship. i wouldn't say we were 100% successful this sunday, but we worshiped.

i want the guys in my band (and/or girls) to grow as musicians and as followers of jesus. i want them to be challenged to make their identity their own and yet to be influenced by musicians who have paved the way for us. i want to be able to hear little bits of lauren hill and rihanna in my voice as well as a little bit of my childhood favorite, amy grant. i want our worship to be fun and spontaneous sounding like postal service, and yet carry the weight and depth of civil twilight.

all the while, i want us to discover who God created us to be. unique and wonderful. both sharing in and contributing to the narrative of music and ultimately worship of our God.

this song is my prayer for us. for my little men. for me as their leader. for our precious worshipers who sing faithfully with us each week.

i feel i've missed out

2010-08-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

i've never lived in a house that has had cable or dish or satelite or whatever it's called.

for the most part i don't feel that my life has been lacking in any capacity.

maybe i didn't watch the disney chanel growing up or experience the wonders of MTV as a teenager.

i've never watched the real world or trading spaces or miami ink.

but i'm fairly certain that i'm a much more well rounded person without the discovery chanel or the history chanel or TLC.

i've gone to places like china, hung out with people who have lived in africa and the middle east, eaten the dishes of south america.

i've been friends with people who were
musicians and artists and scientists and ph.d's

i've hosted parties and photographed weddings and made quilts.

it's funny how much one can experience when life becomes more about figuring things out rather than having them explained on a cable TV show.

i'm sometimes saddened for my friends who have ever only experienced things vicariously through their favorite TV host or reality show of the week.

today i had a moment where i questioned all of what i just wrote.

on a very small level, i feel i've missed out.

it all happened when i saw this picture:

taken from the brass petal, it inspires me. it challenges me. it gives me hope that beauty is vintage, modern, and thrifty.

it's beautiful.

and it's all designed by a woman named emily henderson who beat out the toughest competition on HGTV: Design Star a few weeks ago. apparently she'll be hosting her own show on HGTV now, as part of her reward for winning the show.

i'm left only to question what other interior inspiration have i missed on this show?

luckily i have her blog to read and pour over and learn from. but what if i hadn't seen this picture on another blog?

my life would be empty. void of hope and inspiration.

[now i'm VASTLY exaggerating]

...

and after all of that i just went on HGTV.com and i can watch the entire season online.

wow. most pointless post ever.

but i still think people should go to china rather than watching the travel chanel.

portland+kpod=

2010-08-25T23:05:00.000-07:00

block.party

2010-08-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

we had a party. a block party.

in orting at the slaugher's house.

whitewater is a church.

but it is also a beautiful expression of the church.

the people of God

the citizens of the Kingdom

the children of a great Father

the rescued from death

people of all different ages and sizes and backgrounds.

people who get along, and people who like to be mischievous

people who are goofy and people who like to act really, really cool.

moms and dads who love each other

who are wonderfully hospitable

who are committed to each other

who set an example of marriage and dedication to the work of God

this is the church.

it's really beautiful.

we're learning to be missional

to reach out

to love ordinary people in ordinary places.

i don't have pictures of strangers to share, but there were many there, i promise.

there were many people there who have never heard about Jesus being Lord.

and we got to invite them to a feast. like the one that we'll have in heaven

we shared our lives with them

played with their kids

ate their food

laughed, watched a movie, sang songs with them

i feel like if Jesus were here on earth (which he is, technically, but you get what i mean), he would have been there with us loving the people of orting the way we did.

last night kindra and i were talking on our way home from portland (pics to come) and we were both suddenly struck by the way that Jesus has provided whitewater with a special ability to express his heart, to love his people, to be free and vulnerable in our struggles, to eat together, to live together, to love together.

its kind of amazing how many of my prayers are being answered through this little group of people. i wish i had pictures of each person to share and of each smile and of each moment. but these few will have to do for now.

thanks Jesus for whitewater and all of your glory in us.

to quote ricky-doo, "that Jesus, he's somthin' else, isn't he!"

i'm totally into this

2010-08-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

i randomly heard this song while i was listening to pandora the other day. and while i have the cd that it's from, i'd never noticed it before.

it's one of the most beautiful things i've heard in a long time.

i LOVE steven mckellar's voice. i LOVE their use of slow, sweet, warm electric guitar. i LOVE the passion and the simplicity of the words. i LOVE that it's the last song on the cd. i LOVE the diversion from IV, V, and VIm chords.

basically, i'm totally into this!

new.mostly

2010-08-14T22:07:00.000-07:00

it's been more than two years since i picked up a guitar and taught myself to play a few chords.

i've had worship experiences beyond anything that i could have imagined. i've seen God do things that i only hoped were possible. i love worshiping. i love music.

since moving back to puyallup i've been stretched and challenged by leading worship every week at whitewater with a band. i learned how to do it all by myself just because it was easier to grab a guitar and sing without warning. but i'm learning how to be creative and express myself in worship alongside 4 other musicians.

let me introduce you to the newest member of our band: Sullivan (meaning to have extreme perception, ability to see sharply).

i bought it off craigslist about a month ago. wonderful beautiful depth of sound and wonderfully worn. previously played by a guy from Tacoma, he's been loved and played lots and lots, giving the wood plenty of time to age.

sully, i'm excited to worship God with you. i'm excited to go to new heights and depths with you in my hands, accompanying my voice and my heart. may i hear the echos of God's heart in your resonance.

also, an honorable mention should go to my other new friend. I have yet to figure her out. we don't get a long as well as me and my new acoustic. but she's beautiful and i think with time and practice we'll learn each other just fine.

i'm so excited to learn and grow as a musician and as a worshiper. it's a life long process. i have so far to go. but i'm so thankful for the freedom to be creative and learn and grow. i'm thankful for 3 boys that God has put in the whitewater band that have stretched me and laughed with me and taught me to trust in the Father and to wait on his timing.

tomorrow is another sunday. i'm excited to see what He'll do with yet another morning of praise.

wedding.pics

2010-08-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

lunch

2010-08-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

i'm sitting at my desk eating a fantastic salad that i'm going to try and recreate this weekend.

greens (the darker the better)
mango
bacon
avacado
tomatoes
blue cheese

i'm not a huge fan of the dressing that they put on this downstairs.
i think i'll try my luck at making one with this mixture of sorts:
mango (or tropical) odwalla/naked juice. It's usually thick, almost the texture of puree.
some kind of light vinegar like champagne or white wine or rice wine
a splash of olive oil
salt & pepper
a clove of garlic cut in half for flavor. . . but not too much
and maybe a yellow spice like terrigon or saffron. . . but i'll have to smell them all before i commit.

i'll post pictures after this weekend :)

wedding(s)

2010-08-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

it seems these days people are getting married. i guess people always get married, but being 22 makes it seem a lot more frequent because everyone i know is getting married.

almost everyone i know.

i'm at starbucks right now helping george and sarah (recently engaged) plan their wedding.

more wedding pics to come. . . from one i did a few weeks ago. i'm hoping there's some fun pics when i load the card on the computer.

stay tuned.

sometimes

2010-07-28T17:02:00.001-07:00

sometimes i feel like i have all my thoughts stuck.
it's like they're held back by some dam in my heart and mind.

and then the right ears are listening.

and everything comes pouring out.

all of me rises to the top and i can suddenly see again.

thanks ears.

finally. . . pictures from sandiego

2010-07-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

we did a lot of conferencing and a lot of eating and a lot of just hanging out at brian's apartment and i didn't much feel like taking pictures every moment. . . so i have real memories for those moments.

but enjoy the moments i did capture :)

cloudy+sandiego=perfect

2010-07-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

i'll be sure to post more pictures once i have them edited.

but for now i just need to download all that i've learned this week.

i'm sitting in the san diego airport and i'm just thinking about how incredible these last few days have been. they've been a retreat, a challenge, a meditation, a hilarious glimpse into the future, a desperate cry for restoration, and a profound conviction of my lack of heart understanding of the gospel.

now everything is different.

it started with a story. an old story that took hours to walk through.

the group was about 30 in number and the leader had told the story so many dozens of times, he knew it by heart.

his name is cesar and he is a pastor in tacoma.

he worked in southern sudan as a younger man and came across some missionaries who were using the oral telling of the story of God to teach sudanese pastors to share the gospel with people. he said that he realized that most north americans would also benefit from the oral telling of the gospel. we are natural story tellers. there is a reason that a huge portion of the scriptures are a narrative. God created us to know and understand story and to be able to understand deep truths through them.

he could have prepared a two million point sermon, but instead he told us a 66 book story. no doubt infinitely more effective.

story summary:

there's a being called "God." he is the creator of all things. he always is and always does with is good, right and perfect.

he created human beings to rule over the earth. adam and eve were the first two.

and he gave them a choice. they were created in his image and were able to walk with him in the cool of the day in the perfect garden he had created for them. but they could also choose to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, giving them the ability to manage their knowledge of good and evil, a privilege which should have been reserved for God alone. they chose to eat, to disobey, to not trust that their creator knew what was good and right and perfect for them.

they severed the relationship between God and themselves.

but God remained faithful to them. he continued to do what was good, right, and perfect for them.

he promised their children and their children's children that he would be there God and they would be his people. but they continued to sin. so God set up a way for them to be near to him. it was a place called the holy of holies. in the holy of holies was where God dwelled. and in order to atone for their sins, they had to make sacrifices to him once a year in the holy of holies. the sacrifice was a pure, spotless lamb. the place where God chose to dwell went from the heavens, to a beautiful garden, to a holy slaughterhouse. yuck.

but that's our fault.

i'm amazed that he continued to pursue his people even after they let him down so many times.

and he promised them, as he had from the beginning, that he would provide a sacrifice once and for all for his people so that they could dwell in his presence and continue to be his people.

many years went by, many seasons of silence, many lambs sacrificed, many questions about a messiah (or the final sacrifice, their savior), many expectations in their good, right and perfect God had probably been disappointed.

but then in a small village called bethlehem, from a virgin, was born Jesus, the Christ.

he came that we might have life abundant.

he came that the curtains seperating his people from the holy of holies would be torn, allowing us to draw near to the throne of grace.

he established a kingdom that would someday, in its fullness, fulfill the promises of the garden.

he provided a sneak peak into heaven saying, 'if you have seen me you have seen the Father.'

he said taught us how to live, how to pray, how to eat and drink of the life he provides.

he taught us what it looks like to love our neighbors and to honor him with our hearts, not merely our actions.

Jesus was God in human form. he was tempted in every way, just as we are. he can sympathize with us in our weakness. he lived life just as we are, with a body, with a family, in a community, with friends and with people who were difficult to be around, with work and meals and parties and funerals. sometimes i forget about all of this because the scriptures only give us very small glimpses into his life.

people hated him because he told them that he was the messiah, the one they'd been waiting for. he is the one who would fulfill the promises God had given them long ago. he would heal their disappointments and give them abundant life.

but they misunderstood him. they hated him and the promises that he made. they didn't believe that he could possibly be who he said he was.

so they arrested him, put him on trial, and executed him. he died a brutal, painful, horrible death, nailed by his hands and feet to a wooden cross. after a few hours of agony, they stabbed him in the side be be sure he was dead.

a wealthy man buried his body in his own tomb where it lay for 3 days.

on the third day, some of his closest friends came to tend to the tomb when the found it open and empty!

he came to life again.

like God had told Adam and Eve in the garden from the beginning, the consequence for sin was death. Jesus was the only man in history to never sin. how could he stay dead if that punnishment didn't apply to him? he died as a final sacrifice, tearing the curtain to the holy of holies, and providing a way for humanity to live in God's presence.

he was triumphant over death, paying the price for all of the sins and restoring our relationship with God to its right function and status.

thanks Jesus.

there's not much else to say.

i think i'm in love

2010-07-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

barcelona

civil twilight

be still my heart!

xihuan zhungguo

2010-06-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

i like china.

if i could go anywhere, eat any food, speak any language. . .

it would be china.

maybe i'll have the privilege of going back someday.

check out these pics on flickr and on flickr and on flickr :)

happy birthday :: tea party :: 10 years old

2010-06-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

backlogged

2010-06-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

more posts coming soon.

like. . . lots more :)

things like tea parties and birthdays and big smiles

missing

2010-06-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

it's been one year. i think i've mentioned this before.

one year since i graduated and began this sort of strange new life that i don't understand much.

it's exciting and for the most part i'm having fun.

but sometimes i remember things and a little sadness comes in my heart.

i think it's called missing something. i haven't felt it much in my life. i'm usually okay.

but today i'm missing these faces, these smiles, these words, these times, this community.

if your picture is here know that you are VERY special to me!

these four were/are my rocks. the ones i can laugh and cry with. sing and dance with. be mischievous and good with. love you.

friends. confidants. landlords.

but mostly just WG and Grandfather.

thanks for all your support and prayers.

miss our chats. i'm loving our emails.

and i'm craving aspic!

and so many others. there are so many things to say and so much to remember.

know that i love you and miss you.

<3 C

jg.dance

2010-06-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

. . . there's fire rising through my being, burning. i'm not used to seeing You. . .

the words of the song jillian danced to are words that strangely tie into my previous post and watching her dance was even more a physical expression of the longing in my spirit to experience true worship. her movements are graceful and passionate. full of tension and grace they draw in the audience to experience that longing deep within that only God can fill. the longing He created that He might fulfill it.

. . . i can feel You all around me, thickening the air i'm breathing. holding onto what i'm feeling, savoring this heart that's healing. i'm alive. . .

jillian,

bravo!

i'm so proud of you and thankful that God gave you a song sung to Him to dance to. thanks for your movements that draw people to Him. thanks for being bold in His presence to dance and sing and live. thanks for being an example of quiet love to our family. don't stop dancing.

bravo!

[brooklin said to clarify that this photo was taken at 11pm when the show was over and she was so tired that she couldn't smile. and i was taking the picture. but i was there :) ]

if you'd like to hear the song jillian danced to watch this video

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

lift

2010-06-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

what are the conditions for worship?

where is the perfect place to lift high the name of Jesus?

when are we mature enough not to make it about us?

when will we be ready to be in His presence?

worship Him because He is holy.

we worship with open expectation.

i expect Him to show up.

He says He will and He says that He wants to.

but should i expect anything from Him?

will my human expectations limit Him and end up disappointing me?

if i pray, will He answer?

will things get better?

if i see Him face to face, will everything change?

. . . . . . . . . .

Lord, i have seen Your face. everything changed. my life will never be the same.

will You show up like that again?

will You do that for the people around me now?

like You did for the people around me then?

i'm begging You.

show us that You are worth it.

shine a bright light on our sin.

keep us from worshiping worship.

let us see Your face.

expectation: soon.

spring has sprung.

2010-06-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

everyone should have an inspiration folder.

mine used to have magazine clippings and newpaper articles in it, but now it's housed on my desktop and is stuffed full of unorganized copied/pasted photos from the world's most creative and beautiful photographers, artists, and designers.

I cleaned my folder out yesterday and backed it up on my external hardrive.

I stumbled upon these in all of the random silliness: colors/angles/ideas inspired by spring/summer.

The orange/blue/beige. Beautiful photo.

Yellow chandelier/green wall. Yes. It's crafted from paint chips!

Pink flowers/blue glass jar. Something I would have on my kitchen table.

Kick back and read a book. Yes please.

ps. I'm going to be better at posting where such pictures came from. But since these are from the back of my folder, I've lost track.

puyallup.1

2010-05-31T16:58:00.000-07:00

one year ago.

2010-05-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

portland

2010-05-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

a little church shopping

2010-05-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

This Sunday afternoon I went to Portland, OR.

I've only been to Portland one other time. . . besides the numerous times I've driven through.

It's a truly beautiful place.

The first time I went I attended a wedding celebration for my best friend Megan Knottingham.

It's still weird to me that she's married. But that night of celebration in Portland convinced me that they really are perfect for each other.

This weekend I went to check out a church.

Church planting is hard work!

It takes a lot out of you!

And since you can pretty much make your church into whatever you want, sometimes it's helpful to take a look at what other people are doing.

And it's always nice to take a break from your church and partake in a service somewhere else.

This week it was Portland's Door of Hope in the Hawthorne district.

It was a divine appointment.

The pastor, Josh White, spoke on worship.

Bottom line:: we are always worshiping. The question is, what are we worshiping?

Whether false or true, our worship just oozes from our hearts.

We must lift up Jesus. Worshiping him in spirit and in truth.

If he is lifted up, he will draw all men to himself.

Experiences like my experience at Door of Hope remind me that God will be glorified in my life.

They remind me that culture can be shaken and that we will make a dent in the kingdom of darkness.

stuck.

2010-05-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

you know those songs that get stuck in your mind and in your head and sometimes even in your heart?

this is that song for me this week. stuck in my head. i find myself singing high notes at the end of the song.

manchester orchestra. "where have you been?"

i also just generally have been enjoying the music from this band. it makes me smile and cry and laugh and sing. take a listen if you're into alternative/indie/goodness.

oh. and here are the lyrics :)

They call holidays an option for a reason//I heard you're coming back to life just for the fourth//I've been catching all your ghosts for every season//I pray to God you won't come back here anymore//do you pray with him, too?//They should deliver all my blessings in small brown paper handbags near the porch//I wished I'd known that you were bleeding while I sat and watched you reading with the Lord//I read with him, too//when you look at me//I'll be digesting your legs//cause I can hardly see//what's in front of me these days//and those days, too.//I've got to take what I'm making//and turn it into something//I've got to take what I'm making//and turn it into something//for youI've got to break what I'm making//and turn it into nothing//I've got to break what I'm making//and turn it into nothing for you//God, where have you been?

blog inspiration

2010-05-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

today's blog inspiration is beautiful.

age old tree

a celebration of music and art and poetry and photography and life

i like it. check her out.

jumping in

2010-05-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

i think working at a financial institution is rubbing off. which, for those of you who know me and $$, it's a good thing :)

about an hour ago, the guys in the offices next to me started yelling.

'the stock market is majorly crashing right now, dude'

'seriously?'

'yeah. . . HOLY COW!'

'better jump in!'

'on it! i'm already moving money around'

well, within about 20 minutes it recovered nearly 80% of the loss. guess that was the right moment to jump in!

home.

2010-04-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

sometimes i still don't believe that i work in a fancy office building and dress professionally everyday.

this is our future office building. we're moving to these offices in downtown Seattle in December. home to the Seattle Art Museum and just 3 blocks from Pike Place Market, i'll be in the center of my favorite place in the world.

i'm sitting at my desk remembering feelings i felt so strongly only a few months ago. the intensity of the feelings has since faded, but when i look at this picture, i am reminded again of the reality of the metaphor i wrote :: the clouds.

in other news::: a sweet lady named amanda came to know the Lord this past week at church! we're seeing a harvest and i'm SO excited about it. i just know God is going to blow us out of the water. pray for our church, whitewater church and all that God is doing in and through us. it's gonna be big!!

style

2010-04-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

do you ever have a crisis? you wake up in the morning and realize that everything in your closet belongs to a person with a completely different personality than you have that day?

sometimes i want to wear all black and have my nails painted black. sometimes i want to wear cowboy boots and a denim jacket. sometimes i want to put my hair in yellow barretts and wear a pink skirt that will twirl when i spin around.

but guess what, i have black nail polish and a denim jacket. so some days i change my style just slightly to fit my heart and my spirit and me.

but today i feel that way about my blog. i come to this page and i'm sick of it. like it belongs to a person that isn't me anymore. or at least not right now.

so i'm going to to try on a new blog style.

if i could describe my blog style for today, it would look something like this ::

click here to visit today's blog style inspiration

look for shorter, more creative posts with less photos but more beautiful ones

should be fun

maybe i'll even be able to twirl my skirt once or twice

sometimes things slow down

2010-04-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

sometimes my days at work are really slow.
i have nothing to do.
no one needs me. no one asks me to help them or to do their work for them.

some days i try to write.

today is one of those days.

i'm listening to pandora radio (favorite). the bon iver station.
it rocks my world usually. someday i want to see bon iver in concert.
that would be beautiful.

today is good friday.
i'm always confused about why exactly it's called good friday.
i understand why it's good that jesus died. but is it good that he died?

i was talking to bpod the other day and she was explaining to me that she was telling me about an experience she had where God revealed to her that her stains and blood are the very same stains and blood and water and nasty that covered jesus today. thats when he loved us the most. when he rose from the dead, it was nice, but i think he felt his love for us the most when he hung there on the cross. and since he's God and he can remember stuff like that really well, it's almost like he is feeling that same thing right now.
all the intensity of pain and death is still present and he still loves us. now.

it's pretty incredible.

i love it.
thanks jesus. you're pretty good and wonderful.

expo.

2010-02-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

the sewing and stitchery expo 2010.

it was today.

americraft showplex.

puyallup fair.

mom and i talked about it last weekend and we have both been looking forward to going all week! we both spend a significant amount of time surfing blog after blog drooling over quilt patterns and vintage clothing wishing we had the time and energy to produce fun and beautiful stuff like people such as oh, fransson do!

well. what we both forgot is that the sewing expo of puyallup, wa is still a few decades behind the angry chicken and fixed on speakers like Elanor Burns.

while drinking my cup of coffee this morning i realized that i needed to prepare myself for the blast from past. specifically 1994.

you just have to wonder what they were thinking. . .

maybe since i'm an old man, i'll give off the grandpa vibe at the "sew baby" booth.

paris hilton will definitely wear this in 60 years. the giant rhinestone zipper makes it classy!

hey barb, if we wear those BRIGHT ORANGE fleece jackets from bob's hunting box in the garage we'll be sure not to loose each other today!

hon, we should wear our music note fleeces today since we spent all that time making them.

i wonder how i can adequately express the way i feel about edward cullen? i know, i'll make a floor length quilted jacket with pictures of twilight all over it. and i'd better write "twilight" on the back with white yarn so people don't get confused.

i have some friends who would probably want to buy a coat like that from her :)

i should have known there would be no shortage of crocs. . . or lace adorned socks with tennis shoes and skirts.

i have a feeling that this guy's wife owns the business. he's obviously bored enough to bring his own entertainment.

noon rolls around and there is no shortage of ravenous quilters. every seat was full. all the way to the far wall.

but i found some really fun stuff.

of course i found the booth with african fabrics!

and this is the inspiration for my next project. . . .

stay tuned.

that's what happens when you're 9

2010-02-27T14:02:00.000-08:00

confessions

2010-01-11T12:32:00.000-08:00

I am NOT a morning person.

I know you're surprised because if you've ever been around me in the morning you'll have experienced a perfectly coherent Caitlin whose abilities of articulation are at their peak and whose decision making is always rational and straight forward.

I'm being facetous, obviously. Caitlin pre-Americano is a scary sight to behold.

A few Sundays ago I had the pleasure of leading worship at my parent's church, Bethany Baptist. Rehearsal begins at 6:45am :: TOO EARLY. After changing the key of a few songs and answering a few questions with totally irrelevant answers, Scott, the bass player yelled to the sound guys in the back, 'Can someone go get Caitlin a cup of coffee?'

January 4, 2010. I officialy started my first big-girl job!

I am now a full-time Administrative Assistant at Russell Investment Group in Tacoma. You can check us out at Russell.com (and if you can figure out what we do. . . please call me because I've been curious for a few months now). I work on floor 8 of 12 with a whole bunch of salesmen who are really excited about college football. If you've ever felt totally out of place and confused about how you got where you are. . . you know how I feel. Although, I do have to admit that I work with a wonderful admin team who have made my transition into a full fledged Russell Associate very smoothe. I do things like maintain spreadsheets and update calendars. I send out Holiday cards and gifts to clients. My new big job is approving all of the requests for client gifts that come through the office. I have to make sure that they're complient with the IRS regulations, etc, etc, etc. It's weird to hear myself talk like this sometimes.

Although I've only been an associate for 1 week, I've been working at Russell as a temp for the last 2 months. Temp-ing is a good gig because you get to try out all sorts of different organizations/companies and most of them really want to hire you when you're done (as long as you do good work). My last temp contract was at REI headquarters. As you can imagine, REI is an extremely causal work environment and all of their associates are fanatical about things like kyacking. Needless to say, the differences between REI and Russell are astounding. The number 1 difference :: High heels and neck ties.

I like to think of myself as a fairly versitile, fashion comfortable woman. I own my share of heels and dress pants. Professional looking tops for someone who is shaped like me are a little harder to come by, but I'm not doing too bad in that department either. I have found, however, that there is more of an art to clothing that extends beyond blue jeans and a t-shirt. One has to be much more intentional about blues and blacks and browns, about not mixing wide-legged pants with balloony tops, and wearing shoes that will gracefully deliver you from your parking spot 2 blocks away to your 8th floor desk. On top of that, I'm almost gaurunteed that it's going to be raining, complicating a vast array of hair-dos.

Mix all of these (very important) variables with my very opening statement and there is only one word left to describe what has happened : FRUMP. All these fashion details are too much for the CaitlinShirley morning brain to handle.

A couple weeks ago, I got to work, and after drinking my first cup of coffee I went to use the ladies room, only to find that I looked like the perfect candidate for 'What NOT to Wear!' Please imagine::

1. Teal turtle neck shirt [I have NO idea why I decided that buying this shirt on clearance at Old Navy was EVER a good idea. I think when I pictured it on myself, I forgot to factor in MY body, and somehow imagined someone else with a long neck, petite shoulders, and less than a C cup wearing it. On me. . . it has the opposite effect. I just look short, wide and HUGE!]

2. Black wide-legged pants. [Not so bad, but with the wide turtle neck shirt, they just made me look square!]

3. Hair with the poof on top, pulled back [not the most flattering or 'fresh' looking hair style with the box-yness of the top]

4. A black sweater. [Basically, the sweater put it over the edge. I looked like I was at least 40 years older than I am!]

5. Flats. [To seal the deal on my looking short, square, and generally WIDE]

I think it's going to take me a while to adjust to the professional dress and general atmosphere, but I'm excelling at the integration into relationships and interpersonal dynamics. I work with 5 wonderful women who have been very gracious in showing me all of the important aspects of our jobs and allowed me to take some of their responsibility. I'm also enjoying getting to know some of the sales managers and sales reps.

It was only a year ago that I realized I wouldn't be leaving after graduation for the Peace Corps. I never would have imagined that instead I'd be working in corporate investments. Funny how God turns things upside down.

I'm so excited about what He's doing and the paths that He's paving so for me to do something radical. No CLUE what it is, but I'm sure that it's going to be FUN!!

Please pray that I would know and understand how to be Christ in this place. It starts with smiles and silent prayers, but someday it may evolve into more than that. Pray that my heart would never become hardened for marginalized people while working for people who have never known marginalization for more than 30 seconds in their lives. Thank the Lord for His provision and plans, even when we have NO idea what they're going to be.

ps. 42:8

2009-12-06T18:52:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have already seen some of these pictures on Facebook or something, but they're so beautiful, I feel like they're worth posting again.

One thing that's difficult about being a good friend of any bride is that there are 1 million things pulling her in all different directions throughout the preperation time and especially during the wedding itself! I went to LA expecting to have very little quality time with Bree because of the nature of the event and the visit. But God is so good! He arranged some very beautiful moments for us to spend together and experience together.

When I first arrived in LA, Kindra whisked me from the airport back to her house where she and Bree and I spent our first few hours together in 6 months. This time was full of talking and laughing and gift giving. It felt just like we'd never been apart! I'm so thankful I have those kinds of friends!

We were also able to spend the night before the wedding together. More giggles and some tears ensued, but we managed to get to sleep and wake up at the crack of dawn to begin the preparations.

In the car on our way to the wedding site, Bree spotted this card in Kindra's car and it was a beautiful to reminder to all three of us that He is sovreign over all things and that His presence is continually with us. More than almost any other moment, I think I will cherish this one for the rest of my life.

It says, "By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life."

Brad's mom is a flourist and she created this beautiful work of art for Bree. It was her gift and expression of a special love an honor for Bree, her beauty, and new place in the Wescott family.

All the set-up was going on in the backyard while we were getting ready and we were all eager to view the beautiful canopy and decorated arch.

Andrea, Megan & Amanda with B(ride)
Kindra & I with B(eauty)
Sisters: Erin & B(ree)
New sisters: Erin, Bree & Amy

I don't have any pictures of the reception or the ceremony because I didn't want to feel like I was at work. I soaked up every single moment. I caught the bouquet! I ate some red velvet cake (Mmmm). And as quickly as it had all started, it was over.

And off they went.

B checked in with me last night and reported that they're having a fabulous honeymoon!

Blessings dear friends! Thanks for letting me share in your special day and in your future as well!

<3>

everyone needs a pod :: day six

2009-11-17T19:47:00.000-08:00

I started writing this post a long time ago, but have been INSANELY busy so I haven't had time to finish it or begin any other thankful blog entry. I have, however, been thinking about it each day and have much to add to this, only no time to add it.

I've written about The Pod before.

But in case you weren't tuned in at that point in history. . . I'm not referring to the pea kind of pod, or space kind, or the 'i' kind. It's the friend kind. You know, like 'two peas in a pod'?

Except there are three in this pod ::

However, soon the pod will be changing slightly.

We're about to welcome Brad to the family. Of course, he won't be an official member of The Pod, but because of his relationship with Bree, he'll be a pretty big part of it!

Bree and I met on a rainy evening in Kirkland, WA at the home of some Biola alum who hosted a dessert for prospective Biola students. I don't remember much about the whole interaction, but I do remember feeling like she was the type of girl I would never be very good friends with.

It makes me giggle now. I was so wrong.

Sometimes I'm not super clear about what changed. We started to hang out at the end of our freshman year and right from the beginning I decided I was going to be real with her. Some people are delicate and you have to be gentle. . . others can handle real life without all the fluff. B is that kind of pod. She and I have always been straight with one another. I can always count on her to call me out if I'm ignoring the truth. She always encourages me by speaking the words of the Father. She's beautiful and wonderful and fun!

Favorite memories include the following:

:: Laying out in the G's backyard while they're on vacation. We would always take those times to talk about life's deepest and greatest issues.

:: Drinking milktea at Cafe Veronese with my guitar and our journals.

:: Listening to Mike Bickle sermons on the Song of Solomon and experiencing SO much intimacy with Jesus. 'Okaaaaay, the 100-fold heart of the Father. . . '

:: Cracked out finals weeks and giggles that seemed they would never end. (Don't worry, we didn't literally do crack, it's a coloquial saying meaning that we were really, really tired and it made us a little crazy)

:: Balling our eyes out on the floor at Bobby's house. If it wasn't her, it was me. Every week!

:: Dropping blackberry pies on the floor, eating yellow rice & black beans, and drinking Asti.

. . . just to name a few :)

B2. . . I'm SO happy for you both. I'm so excited that God has done such a work in both of your hearts and minds that has led you both to this place. I cannot wait to celebrate with you all the joys of life and also to weep with you during the inevitable difficult times.

See you on Wed, Pod.

<3 Cpod

busy busy busy :: days four/five

2009-11-15T22:33:00.000-08:00

Weekends are anything but relaxing for me these days. Saturdays usually hold an 8 hour shift at Old Navy and then on Sundays I blow out my voice and build up my finger calouses! But for me, busyness encourages thankfulness. Somehow I'm able to appreciate the beauty of small things when there's a bunch of stuff going on. But I'm taking my lunch to catch you up on my thankful heart.

Since I've come home, I've encountered MANY surprises that the Lord had arranged for me. Each little thing is a confirmation that my moving home (although it was not my preferred choice) has landed me in the center of His will! It's only been 6 months, but I'm daily surprised at how much I've done and how beautifully it has been orchestrated for me.

Because I brought it up, I'll give you a little career status update ::
+I work at Old Navy in Puyallup and like it (for the most part). It's fun fashion for the whole family! And I can tell you that the month of December is going to see some pretty incredible sales! [Oh, and if you want a coupon that will allow you to get 20% extra on a gift card. . . comment on this post and I'll send you one soon!]
+I also work at Russell Investments. It's boring and dull, but I like the people I'm working with and I like having a real job at a great company!

Moving on to thankfulness ::
When I moved back to Puyallup, I expected to jump into an internship with the college community at my church, Mosaic. To make a long story short, the leadership of the ministry shifted and the Lord led me instead toward getting involved with Sunday morning worship. I loved it! It was great to play guitar and sing and a few times this summer I led all three morning services on my own!!
Enter George Bedlion III ::
George was the high school pastor at Bethany and had been in the process of recruiting me to start leading worship for the high school group when God began to open the doors for him to plant a church on South Hill in Puyallup. George and I share much the same heart for the Lord, for people, and for ministry. I already had a deep respect and appreciation for him when he approached me and asked me if I wanted to be a part of what he was doing on South Hill. I prayed about it and through a series of dreams, words, and heart to hearts with the Lord, I agreed to plant along with him (and a handful of other families). It has been SO fun to be a part of what God is doing in that community and to see his heart revealed to people. It's like some fresh fire has come to anoint us specifically for this task. He's been providing for all of our needs and I think he's about to blow us out of the water.
We're on week 3 of worship services after a month or so of praying and meeting in homes. I wish I could share all of the stories of the lives and the relationships and the miracles! It's been great! I lead worship every Sunday and am enjoying watching the Lord bless people through music.

I'm so thankful for Whitewater Church!

What a pleasant surprise!

[Check out our website. . . almost all the photography on it is mine!!]

Surprise #2:
Aubry.

I'm running out of time to write. . . but this here she is.
She and I are one of the few who are back from college and not married.
I'm so thankful for another single girl who is excited about Jesus and loves to hang out.
We hung out on Saturday night and I was reminded about how much I need girls in my life to laugh with and cry with and share stupid stories with.
She's creative and fun and beautiful and I'm SO thankful for her.

i'll say it again :: day three

2009-11-13T23:04:00.000-08:00

So I spent some extended time tonight with one of my favorite people on the planet:

BROOKLIN JOY RISSER!!!!!!

I know I talk about my sisters a lot on this blog but I'll say it again. She's so great. She's creative, smart, thoughtful, playful, teachable, and just generally fun.

Today I'm thankful for the littlest person in the Risser family. I'm thankful that God inserted her into our family. . . we'd be kind of lost without her.

setting a standard: day two

2009-11-12T12:17:00.000-08:00

Day two is already a big challenge! My thankful heart hasn't been exercised in a while, I guess.

The tension that I'm arriving at each time I propose a possibility to myself is that there are some standard things that people (who have such things to be thankful for) are thankful for. I have to ask myself if my thankfulness for these things is truly from a thankful heart or if its from knowing I just got lucky to be put where I am. Things like a place to live, stuff to eat, people who love me, Jesus. . . you know. I think there are some moments and days when thankfulness for these things hits us and we see them in a new way. Sometimes it comes from a contrast with people who don't have these things. Sometimes it's just the Holy Spirit revealing to us a lack of gratefulness for what His grace has provided.

So today is my 'it's a given' day. That way I can just make it clear to my vast audience that my not mentioning these things throughout the next 15 days is not because I am not thankful for them, but simply because other things tickled my thankful heart on that particular day.

1. My family! We're an odd bunch, but we're pretty great.

2. A good education that will allow me to do many different things in my lifetime.

3. A community of people who love me and encourage me to grow and develop as a person.

4. A car that runs well. . . and it's kind of cute too!

5. A house to live in. With a bed and fresh paint and a closet.

6. For Jesus and His sacrifice. And for my relationship with Him. It's always what keeps me going.

7. Food to eat and a job to keep me above water, so to speak.

8. For friends who laugh and cry with me. Can't wait to find more and grow with those I already love.

this is a test: day 1

2009-11-11T12:32:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I brouse Facebook status updates and I come across some interesting nuggets of wisdom (or the lack thereof) and I long to respond with some little piece of wit or sarcasm so as to prompt the writer to actually THINK about what they're writing for all the world to read.
The following (although not particularly foolish) is the comment that prompted this post and the 16/17 that are to follow:

"Let's see how many people can do this. Every day until Thanksgiving, think of one thing that you are thankful for and post it as your status. "Today I am thankful for..." The longer you do it, the harder it gets! Now, if you think you can do it, then repost this message as your status to invite others to take the challenge, then post what YOU are thankful for today."

I'm under the impression that the longer you do it. . . the EASIER it gets. The only reason it would get harder is because you run out of creative/interesting things to say you're thankful for. . . which would suggest that you're posts each day are not flowing from a truly thankful heart.
I totally understand, thankfulness is really difficult because as humans, we just want to feel like we're entitled to the things we like or we want to believe that we earned them and these attitudes don't lend themselves to thankfulness.

No theory can go untested so, in response to this Facebook post, I'm going to post each day (until Thanksgiving) something I'm thankful for. I'll tell you after the next 2.5 weeks if it got harder or easier the longer I go.

Today I'm thankful for LAUGHTER!

Last night I had dinner with my friend Megan and her new husband! We had some great, though provoking conversation, tasty chickpea curry, and ice cream. But the thing that I loved the most was our laughter. There's an odd sense of humor that we share and I love that it brings us together even after months of seperation. I love to laugh!

Please join with me and laugh at some things that I love to laugh at:

A Special Performance

A Dramatic Look

Contageous Laughter

its a good time of year to be a sister!

2009-10-28T22:40:00.000-07:00

on being friends/sisters/family: lessons from the puyallup fair

2009-10-20T22:54:00.000-07:00

When you're introduced to someone you tell them you're from Puyallup there are--almost exclusively--two reactions you might get.

Reaction #1: (confused expression, signaling the fact that they've never heard of such a strange place as 'Puyallup') "How do you spell that?"

Reaction #2: (a little spark in the eye signaling the fact that they have heard of Puyallup) "Oh! Do you go to the fair every year?"

This is why:

The Puyallup Fair

Every year people come from far and wide to 'Do the Puyallup.' It's an epicenter for deep fried foods, mop salesmen, carnival rides, and 'B-list' performers.

The Risser Family does frequent the Puyallup Fair once a year to take part in the cultural ritual. We escaped this year without any giant stuffed animals from the carnival games or fancy smoothie makers. . . but we didn't manage to keep away from the micro-fiber brooms, duffle bags with super fantastic heavy-duty zippers, or the few extra pounds that simply can't be avoided when the whole town smells like curly fries!

Trip # 1: just the girls.

As is tradition, the Kalles Jr. High Orchestra performed. The next child in our family with hands big enough to wield an instrument was among the brilliant sound of the strings. And not too happy that BJ and I were there snapping picture after picture of her. (But what are sisters for, if not to embara--I mean--spice up life!! :)

While Jillian and Mom stashed the violin and left-over school gear in the van Brooklin and I decided to take part in the true culture of the fair. . . the art exhibit!

Obviously surprised that this piece is featured at the Puyallup Fair and not in the Guggenheim in NYC, here is a shot of Brooklin observing a statue of two large bell peppers. I think they're hugging.

Jillian & Mom rejoined us after our thrilling walk through the art exhibit! Enough waiting. . . Time to hit the concession stands!!

First stop: A fair burger of choice. For the girls it was the 'two-fer' cheeseburgers. Mom and I opted for a fair burger appropriately dangling with grilled onions!

You probably don't believe that Mom was even there. . . but I just feel that it's not polite to take pictures of moms eating hamburgers. I knew she would appreciate it :)

Next stop: The scone booth.

Now this is sometimes when people get confused. Hamburgers, corndogs, curly fries, and Hawaiian style shaved ice make sense when it comes to a fair. . . but scones?!

It's a Puyallup Fair tradition. People stand in line for way longer than they should to purchase a small scone with a whole lot of butter & raspberry jam on it! They've been $1.00 for the last 200 years and then they raised the price 2 years ago to $1.25 and there were riots in the streets of Puyallup for weeks!!

Okay, that's an exaggeration, but it was kind of an upset to have to give up that extra quarter. . . oh but SOO worth it!

Here's BJ with the tickets to redeem our three scones.

Ready to dig in!!

Let's stop and think about what the natural next step would be after stuffing ourselves full of food. . . walk through the cow barns, of course!!

Okay, that was enough of a break. . . time for one last food experience.

Like I mentioned before, the Puyallup Fair is home of all things fried. Fried pickles, fried twinkies, fried oreos, you name it. . . it's fried. Oh and don't forget the Krispy Kreme & fried chicken sandwich. . . topped with raspberry jam.

We decided a less extreme dessert would be sufficient for our visit. An Elephant Ear!

Before you freak out and assume we actually ate the ear of an elephant. . . please understand that dough, when rolled extremely thin and deep fried looks strikingly like an elephant ear.

Don't forget slathering it in butter before dumping cinnamon & sugar onto it!

Jillian looks less thrilled to self-inflict heart disease after two bites--typical.

Trip # 2: The whole Fam!

This trip was less indulgent. And instead of cool & drizzly. . . we were standing in hot & sunny. Yuck.

Nothing super memorable went down except just spending a day together with the whole family. It was kind of weird because I can't remember the last time all 6 of us went somewhere (besides graduation).

It was funny to see Tobin spot random friends from high school as we walked throughout the pathways of the fair. It was good to hear some of the stories Jillian had from when she and her friends came to the fair a few days before. And Brooklin entertained us all with her daring question asking and sample snatching.

But the one who we learned the most from was this cool camel.

I don't know what his name is, but I do know he's a dromedary camel. He was one of the main features in the 'Animals of the World' exhibit. After taking this picture, I realized there was another animal in his pin. It was significantly smaller than this camel and looked disinterested in the camel. I thought it was funny that it was there so I asked the farmer, expecting to hear that the smaller animal was the baby camel.

Here's how the conversation went:

Me: So, what is that? (Pointing to the mystery animal)

Farmer: Oh, that's an alpaca. I usually don't like to bring him because there are other people here showing alpacas, but he's the camel's friend.

Me: He's the camel's friend?

Farmer: (a little defeated and confused) Yeah, you know, this camel can get so moody and strange when he's by himself and one day I realized that they're friends and if I bring the alpaca he'll be fine the whole fair.

What?! A camel that won't survive the fair without an emotional breakdown unless he has his alpaca friend with him?!

In addition to being hilarious, I was struck by the poignancy of the camel-alpaca relationship. I hope you have an alpaca. . . some one you lean on when it seems like all eyes are on you and you might crack under pressure. I hope you have someone to share your 'pen' with. Someone you can 'chew your cud' with. I know it's cheesy. . . but these are the types of relationships that make life super fun and adventurous!!

happy 13!!

2009-10-07T17:02:00.000-07:00

if you want to make someone happy

2009-09-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

I'm 22 years old as of last Saturday.

Scary, I know.

Somehow I feel like 21 is still young and free. . . but 22 means its time to get serious. It's time to get a job and stop going to school, go to bed early and not watch late night television (which I'm in love with). On the morning of my birthday my aunt Paula asked me how it felt to be 22, I told her that as long as I could remember I'd longed to be grown up so in someways it's a dream come true. But its definitely way harder than my 4 year old mind could ever imagine.

I got this in the mail: A coffee can (that I'm pretty sure I gave to Kindra full of coffee)

But inside it is a treasure. I'm mostly posting this because I feel like it's my grown up self becoming a part of the mommy-blog world. I'm not a mom (thankfully) but some moms might like this idea and could use it for an array of different birthday parties and girlfriend gifts.

Inside: A beautiful little letter penned by Brianna & Kindra.

And some letters. . . they spell my name!

And a ton of little fun things that I love!!

So the idea is that on the back of each letter is a little blurb explaining each of the random gifts and how they correspond to me and my particular delight.

The picture turned out kind of dark but it says "C is for coffee. . . because we all know you'd never be coherent without it."

Thanks ladies! You made my day!

wedding: episode 2

2009-09-15T11:32:00.001-07:00

The second day of wedding-ness was very event filled and the wedding turned out beautifully as you will see.

Who doesn't like to start out the day with some good conversation and a cup of coffee.

(Again featuring the photography of Tobin & Brooklin. . . come to think of it, I don't think that I took any pictures the whole time.)

I'd also like to briefly comment on the juxtaposition of the paintings focusing on urban architecture in contrast with the rural vineyard setting of the winery. It was fascinating to me.

After breakfast everyone got to work. Some steaming dresses. . .

Some reading and enjoying the landscape. . .

Some eating GORP!. . .

Others tying bows.

The scene of the wedding. Beautiful with the gorge just behind it!

Here's a shot from the 'altar.'

The first look: It was precious.

Beautiful bride.

All we were waiting for was the sun. . . and it did not disappoint!

wedding: episode 1

2009-09-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

The Scene: Eastern Washington

The Participants: The Rendon Branch

The Event: The Marriage of Cambria McKenzie & Erik

Washington has no shortage of beauty.

Photography courtesy of Tobin. . . one of the most talented photographers I know!

Yes, this is Jillian and I. . . she's practically grown up!

And then Brooklin took over the camera; I think photography runs in the family because these are all very artsy and creative!

Please don't ignore the personality differences found in the Risser family that are very accurately portrayed by each facial expression (especially one. . . but I'm not going to say any names).

kpod+seattle=lots of smiles

2009-09-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

Kindra came to visit!

We had a blast. . . take a look!

We started out the trip in Seattle. . . first stop Caffe Ladro on Queen Anne Hill. 100% Fair Trade and absolutely scrumptious! I will never love anything in the morning as much as a hand made americano with a few splashes of 1/2 & 1/2.

It was beautiful and rainy the day we were in Seattle. . . but then it got sunny and cloudy and beautiful!

Here we are on the edge of the city with the Olympic Mountains behind us.

One of Tobin's friends, Michael Rabb, told us about this amazing little coffee shop, Joe Bar. We spent a few hour reading and sipping coffee.

On Friday we went down to Westport and visited the family during their annual summer campout.

The visit finished off with a few drinks and some appetizers in honor of Kindra's birthday and my new job!

Thanks for coming, Love. . . I had a fantastic time! Can't wait til we can do it all over again!

24 random things that have happened this summer

2009-08-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

or maybe not so random :)

1. I drove home from California with my daddy!

2. I redecorated my bedroom!

3. I discovered my love for Skype. I talk to my friends a lot. . . we can see each other and talk and I don't have to have a phone pasted to the side of my head.

4. My sisters danced in a recital and had solos!

5. I got a tattoo!

6. I started leading worship at Bethany Baptist! It's been such a blessing in my life. I've had SOOOOO much fun! Jesus is really cool.

7. My purse got stolen and I had to get al new stuff. . . new debit card, new phone, new wallet, new purse, new bible, new journal, new keys.

8. I started twittering. . . or tweeting. follow me! twitter.com/caitlinshirley

9. I've shot four weddings! They were all really beautiful. I've enjoyed learning how to photograph better and I've actually gotten more excited about the idea of having my own wedding/marriage.

10. Everyone has gotten engaged! Peter & Kat, Bree & Brad, Meg & John. Other people got married! Megan & Phil, Kim & Albino, Alex & Jane.

11. I acted in the VBS drama and made friends with a whole bunch of 4th graders! They're so cool!

12. I made friends with people. . . Sarah & Melissa & Aubry.

13. I house-sat/am house-sitting for the Hogues. Oh Daisy.

14. I started sewing a quilt. It looks cool. . . but it's not done yet. I really need to work on it!

15. I've seen lots of movies in the theater! Public Enemies, Harry Potter, The Proposal, Wolverine. . . okay, maybe only four, but it seems like a lot!

16. I went to a great show at the Liberty Theater and saw some great local bands! It was way fun. Thanks for the invite Melissa!

17. Applied to lots of places. . . haven't gotten any calls back. A little discouraged.

18. I sewed 6 dresses for little girls in Africa.

19. I've made some new recipes. Chicken marsala, chicken masala (yes, they are different), Texas sheet cake, and a few others that I can't think of.

20. I bought a new long dress. . . it's one of those maxi dresses. . . think that's what they're called, but that's awkward to me.

21. I've been hanging out with Tobin and his GF. She's super cool. Love them.

22. I went to Meeker Days. . . it comes with the territory. . . the Puyallup Territory.

23. I went to Chipotle with my mom. . .it's really far away.

24. I went shoe shopping with my little sister. . . we both shopped in the women's section!!

okay. okay. here you go. . .

2009-07-15T16:39:00.000-07:00

It runs in the family. Sewing.

The famous blankets each child has received from Gram is a tribute to the beauty and appreciation of handmade gifts in our family. Recently, there has been a revival of handmade work and training. Like it has been for years, the sewing in our family is intergenerational. Grandmas and 5 year olds love it all!

I've been working on a quilt for about a month now and I'm hopefully gonna finish it up this week. Here are some sneak peaks. I'll be sure to post more about this quilt and its significance to me with the finished pictures.

[From what I've heard this is a long awaited post. . . so I can't give away too much information until the finish product is ready to present ;) ]

art.blog

2009-06-24T17:10:00.000-07:00

I've been perusing some beautiful artsy blogs lately. I've listed links to some of my favorites on the right. Have fun looking at all the creativity! It's beautiful.

Here are some of the beautiful things I've found!

connections.

2009-06-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

I've discovered that the life of my blog is directly connected to the life of my camera battery.

Unfortunately the latter died.

Keep reading. . . I promise I'll charge it soon!!

But here are some old pictures that are VERY relevant today.

I'm housesitting for one of my favorite families, the Hogues. . . specifically caring for Daisy Hogue who you may remember from previous posts. We hung out last summer too.

Well, I'm also back in Seattle and having fun with the family. I'm going to steal some pictures of Tobin's graduation and post them soon so ya'll can see the one day in his life that he'll wear a purple robe and a goofy purple hat!

graduation.explanation

2009-06-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

May 23, 2009

Biola University

Metzger Lawn

I graduated.

I'm kind of struggling with being super excited about it all. It was a fun day, but the future that follows this day is very scary. I'm in the process of submitting resumes and filling out applications. I find myself wanting to say, 'In Conclusion. . . [and then something profound]' regarding my time at Biola but I know it's just not that simple. I wish I could sum up all that I learned in a few simple sentences for the people who ask, 'How was college?' I wish I could smile big and say it was great and I can't wait to walk into the future with my BA, but honestly, this is so difficult.

I'm thinking about my time at Biola a lot these days. It was so much fun. I did so many HUGE things there. I grew and changed and developed and walked closely with God. I really accomplished all of the things that I set out to accomplish on August 23, 2005. I'm very excited about all of the people I've loved and all of the things we did together. I love them all so, so much. The thing that God has been speaking to me about lately, in the midst of the challenge, is that I've grown in love during these past four years. Even though at times my heart has broken, with each breaking came a new capacity for compassion. Every struggle in relationships with my girls gave me a greater ability to love and serve them. Each tear I cried for my friends has allowed me to pray more powerfully for them.

So these are my people. You've seen their pictures before, but now I'm going to tell you about them and how special they all are to me. I'm praying that God increase the knowledge and understanding He's given me through these people and give me more people to love and more compassion to serve them.

My dear Kindra.

Here's a picture of Kindra during the procession. We were sitting near each other during the ceremony. Kindra and I met during our freshmen year because we lived on the same floor. She lived all the way at the other end of the floor, so we didn't talk or hang out much until we both applied to be on Missions Conference staff. Sophomore year, we experienced God in a very powerful way during an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that God sent over Biola for a few weeks. I can remember being so scared and also curious about what God was doing. It was all so new, but I knew that God was real and that it truly was His Spirit that was causing all of these weird things to happen. That weekend was one of the most foundational weekends for the growth and change in my life during my entire time at Biola. I think Kindra would say the same. We worshipped together for hours on end and our friendship deepened during that time.

Junior year, Kindra went to China and our friendship grew even deeper after her return. We had both had very challenging experiences in China and understood each other's experience with culture shock and were able to share together in much of the healing process regarding our experiences.

So many other crazy things have happened. We've been through it all together. Laughing, crying, yelling, being naughty, pulling pranks, praying for people, cooking, then eating, more laughing, and watching Friends. Kindra will be a friend for LIFE!

K. I love you.

Kindra is going to spend the next semester doing her student teaching with second graders in Hacienda Heights. Then teaching English in China?? ;)

Jordan Brooks was also a huge part of my growth in Jesus during my time at Biola. I remember that he once told me that I should come to his older brother's house (Nate, who is now a good friend of mine too) because there was going to be a prophet there. Looking back, I chuckle knowing that 'prophet' was Bobby, who I later got to know and love. I was curious and went with him to 'The Beehive' near Biola. That was the first time I ever really experienced the Presence of God and understood it to be that. It changed me.

I have memories of Jordan and I chaperoning many different 'interested' couples. We somehow always found ourselves as the pair who would tag along with the interested two. We've had some good laughs about that. I've visited his family in Iowa over Christmas break a few years ago and have enjoyed spending hours with him and his brother doing crazy stuff.

Jordan is transferring to Wheaton next semester. Good luck, Brother!

Kyle Compaan. I don't even know what to say about Kyle. He's wonderful.

When I first started working in SMU, he was the president of the organization. I can remember my boss telling me to have respect for him and to revere him because of his presidential status. I'm still not sure if she was serious but I remember disregarding that instruction when he walked out of his office a few minutes later, picked up a bag of hamburger buns and hit Thomas [one of our other good friends] across the side of the head with it. Thomas responded by picking up a second bag of buns and thus ensued the hamburger bun wars in the office.

Kyle is always someone I can be real with. He loves music and he's taught me so much about leading worship and playing guitar. He's been patient so many times when I expressed frustration about many different topics. He's been a wonderful brother and friend and we've shared many wonderful times together. I'll miss eating and drinking with him.

This is Dr. Pittle. This man is nearly single-handedly responsible for my love of anthropology. He's brilliant and he always challenged me to think bigger and better than I ever had before. He empowered me to be creative and deep in my pursuit of anthropological truth. He always made me feel like I knew something and that I had something to teach him. He is the definition of a good teacher, empowering students to learn and be victorious in their pursuit of truth. Also, his Jewish background brought different insights and understanding into the classroom. I'll miss being his student. Maybe someday my writings will be on his syllabus. Or his will be on mine. How exciting!

Oh these two. Marshall Bang and Royce Santos. Two of my favorite friends.

There are so many stories to tell. I love these guys both so much.

We've had so many ups and downs. I've walked with them through some difficult stuff. I've seen miracles in their lives. When I think of my friendship with them, I smile and giggle because God's love for them is so evident. Also, we've had some of the craziest fun times together.

I've been inspired by Marshall's love for music and for life. I love to laugh with him. I'm laughing just thinking about us laughing.

And Royce. We love to act like kids together. We can just be free and funny together. He's showed me so many new things and opened my heart to loving in new ways. I appreciate Royce because I know that no matter what mood I'm in, either energetic and entertaining or grumpy and sour, he's cool to be there with me. We love talking and eating and laughing and singing and dancing.

And this is Kyle. Kyle recently wrote a poem about our friendship. It's perfect.

God has taught me so much about being a friend through Kyle. He was just a little freshman boy when I met him. He was timid and uncertain about things that were going on around him. We prayed and talked and I watched him grow. Now he's a man. He's leading hundreds of other students into walking deeper with Jesus. He's seeing visions of the ways God desires to work on campus. He's loving Biola's men and women towards living in purity and knowledge of their adoption as sons and daughters. God is going to use him powerfully for the cause of the Kingdom.

And the fam. Such an integral part of this whole thing.

They've supported me and challenged me to do well at Biola these last four years.

Dad has often visited and I've loved our conversations over pizza or cheesecake or Korean food. . . which ever I happened to choose that evening. I love that we can talk about difficult issues and that I can be completely honest with no fear of rejection or judgment. Thanks Dad for listening and pouring into me. Also, DRizz is pretty popular among Biola students. My friends think he's cool and that it's super cool that my dad is the Controller of the World.

Mom. Thanks for talking to me while you're at Wal-Mart. I have no idea how many times you probably stood in the shampoo isle and talked to me about all of the stuff I've experienced at school. Either difficult or fun, you always listened and that's exactly what I needed! Thanks also for faithfully praying for me during some of the busiest and most stressful times of my life. Love you.

T. This guy has grown from being 14 to 18. . . I know. . . go figure. BUT that's a big change!! He's not just my punky little bro anymore, but someone that I hope to get to know and to begin loving as an adult friend not the pest from 2001. Tobin, God has HUGE things for your life. Can't wait to have a front row seat to watch him do them all.

Bj. My curly sister. You've grown up a lot too since I've been gone. Last night you told me that you never imagined that my four years in college would go by so fast. I'm super surprised too! You bring me joy and make me laugh a lot. You're like the perfect 8 year old sister.

Jillian Grace. You're becoming a woman. I'm glad that I'm going to be at home for a while to watch you learn and grow in becoming a woman. Beauty and grace are naturally yours and your humor is amazing. I love you and can't wait to share the next few years with you.

And the landlords. Aka Gram and Grandfather.

These two have been my support for the last two years. Besides the laundry and the dinners, I've enjoyed their encouragement and involvement in my Biola life. Many of my friends have enjoyed their hospitality. . . including a retreat with 25 of us who crashed all over the house. Thanks WG & GF for including me in your lives through my times sharing with the Phileos and for letting me include you in mine. Love you two.

And the Pod.

A friend, Micah, once told me that he and I were two peas in a pod. Well, Bree didn't exactly think that I was allowed to be in a pod with Micah, so she declared that the only person I could be in a pod with was her. Later Kindra joined, but the three of us are known as The Pod.

Brianna. I love you. You've been a wonderful supporter of all my endeavors. You've called me out on many of my mistakes while standing patiently by waiting for me to make the right choices. We've been crazy together. . . especially during finals week. We've laughed and cried together. We have changed people's worlds together. We've touched the lives of the women who will follow us in ministry on campus. We've pursued the heart of the Father and our relationships with our Lover. We know each other. We're different. I can't even say enough about how much I love you and how much you mean to me.

These are the two that I will miss most. These are the two that it's been the hardest to leave. But these are the two that will be given to me as friends forever. People always say that you make life-long friends in college. Welp. . . it's true. These are them. Thanks Jesus.

ink.

2009-05-28T10:52:00.001-07:00

On Monday I got inked!!

Here's a before picture. The artist drew the tat onto a piece of carbon tracing paper and then put it on my back. The picture was just the structure of the tree I wanted to get and he added a lot more detail as he went.

Here it is, my first touch of tattoo.

Pain level: 5 out of 10. It was annoying, but not really that painful.

As he went the excess ink got smeared all over my back, that's why I look kind of dirty.

Two hours later, I was a changed woman.

Here's the final product.

And a close-up of my beautiful tree. I've written some of the significance of trees in my life on my other blog. Click here to read about some of what this means to me.

And here's Rick and I.

Thanks Michelle for an awesome day and a beautiful forever tattoo!!

august 23, 2005

2009-05-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

During orientation week freshman year I wrote a letter to myself on a 3x5 index card.

I got the card back this morning after graduation practice. It's strangely poignant.

August 23, 2005

Just remember:

-What friends I've made

-What leaps of faith I've taken

-What causes I've furthered

-What God I've dedicated these years to

-What wisdom I've gained

-What love I've found

Oh, how I've been blessed.

Now: Go & change the world.

I'm 100% blown away as I think about the truth of each of these words. The last few weeks have been some of the hardest weeks of my life. Transition isn't a comfortable thing. I've been struggling with feelings of failure and disappointment. I've needed to hang in there and push through to get stuff done. I've had to deal with problems and issues that were out of my control.

But when I opened the envelope holding this note in it, a tears came to my eyes. How could I have known the truth of needing to remember these things in this moment? How could I have known that these reminders would even have memories to accompany them?

All I can say is wow. Wow to what God has planted and grown in my heart these past four years.

And I don't know about changing the world anymore, but I know that I want to change the worlds of individuals. That's how world changing starts, I guess, one person at a time.

ahem i have an announcement to make.

2009-05-22T14:59:00.001-07:00

senior banquet.

2009-05-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

One week before Graduation.

Senior Banquet. Good food, beautiful people, lots of smiles.

One more step toward graduation.

My date Royce & I

Kindra & I. My flast was a little too bright. Oops.

The old coordinators from MC 2007

Kindra & Amanda. Roomies.

Daniel & I.

Joel & I

Adam & I.

And the old roomie. Kristin & I.

being loved.

2009-05-16T14:43:00.001-07:00

I'm blessed with good friends who like to feed me. Kyle is one of these friends. He made me dinner a week or so ago. It was so fun!

First stop:: Fresh & Easy. Oh, Fresh & Easy, how I will miss you.

Here's our colorful grocery bag! I had no idea what he was going to make.

After some time cutting and chopping, Kyle brought this lovely salad to the table. He calls it his green salad. Greens topped with cucumbers, avocado, green bell peppers, and cilantro. Kyle also drizzled it with a tasty balsamic vinaigrette.

And the main dish. . . which blew me away. Angel hair pasta with sundried tomatoes and goat cheese. Mmmmm.

Happy. Happy. Happy. Thanks friend for a good dinner and evening together.

ics banquet

2009-05-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Graduation comes with all sorts of celebrations.

This one was for the ICS department. . . all graduating Intercultural Studies and Anthropology majors. Here I am with some of my buddies.

Sharday & Sergio.

And two of my favorite people DMac and Debi.

More goodbyes.

some things to chew on

2009-05-02T22:50:00.001-07:00

Life is too complicated not to think hard about hard things to think about.

I've been thinking. You can check it out at my second (or. . . third) blog.

Entitled 'a muse.' it is about life issues. The word muse means to be absorbed in thought.

And there's this cool 'tag cloud' on the side that allows you to read my thoughts on all different categories.

Tune in! And think with me.

Click here to visit 'a muse.'

the end of an era

2009-05-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the night. Two good-bye parties. The first two.

I'm starting to feel a little bit sad that I'm leaving. I think for the first time tonight, I realized that my Biola time is nearly over. It's a little strange.

Tonight I passed the baton to my dear friend and brother, Kyle.

He's followed me for three years and once again, he's taking my job. Inevitably, he'll do a much better job, just as he's done the last two years following me in the positions I've held. He's grown so much and I'm so proud to call him my dear friend.

Danika and I.

And my precious Debi

Shannon Elizabeth

These are my girls. 2008-2009 Office Staff

Lorraina, Sandy, Paige, Alicia

The best secretaries any office manager could ask for.

And here is the old and new office staff all together.

My beloved SMU staff.

And the newbies. They're only babies, but God will use them powerfully.

You're looking at the next generation of world changers!

Time is ticking. Only three weeks left.

plicking

2009-04-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs a good eyebrow job every once in a while. Well, here's my stylist. . . Brooklin Joy.

'Caitlin, what does it feel like to have your eye brows plicked?' She once asked me. I told her it hurt a little, but that it wasn't too bad. She was all too willing to jump in and help me out after that. Look at her face, you can see her 'plicking' concentration is at its max. Good lighting and great 'plickers' make for a beautiful sister!

Thanks BJ for the plick!

the verdict?. . . i'll take seconds

2009-04-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

As most moms know, it's hard to find recipes that every single member of the family will enjoy. I was pleasantly surprised this spring break to find three of those recipes! Curry chicken, lentils & homemade pita! These are things that us college students eat quiet often. They also make GREAT left overs! My buddy Royce ate my leftover lentils for dinner 4 nights in a row! Enjoy.

Start with the pita. It has to rise.

3 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)

1 packet yeast (or 2 teaspoons)

1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups water, roughly at room temperature

2 tablespoons olive oil

Mix all ingredients

Kneed for 10 minutes

Let it rise til doubled

Punch down

Separate into 8-10 sections

Let it sit for a few minutes to relax

Roll out til 1/4-1/8 inch thick

Bake at 400 degrees

On a pizza stone or hot cookie sheet

3 minutes for each pita (or 5 if you want them to be a little more well done)

The pita will blow up into a pillow. . . that makes the pocket.

Some of the reviews of this recipe I read online said that using whole wheat flour (I used 1/2 whole wheat, 1/2 white) hinders the 'pocket' formation. If you used all white flour, you may not have too much of a problem.

Caitlin/Kindra's Curry Chicken

My friend Kindra and I make this recipe all the time. We often make different variations depending on what veggies and meats we have around. Chicken is the best. But the veggies I put in this batch turned out really well. I highly recommend it. And if you don't have coconut milk, you can just use regular milk.

3 chicken breasts

1/2 onion

1-3 garlic cloves (depending on your garlic tolerance)

Veggies (in this batch, cauliflower and potatoes. I would also add carrots, broccoli, garbanzo beans, and thai basil)

1/2 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup half & half

2 tablespoons curry powder

salt & pepper

2 tablespoons sugar

(you could also add cayenne pepper for spice, if you want it hot)

Soften the onions and garlic in some olive oil then brown the chicken after the onions are soft. Once the chicken is browned, add the liquids, then the veggies and then the spices. Let it simmer until the veggies are soft. If you want them to be extra soft, you could parboil them ahead of time. The longer it simmers, the thicker the sauce gets and the more integrated into the ingredients the spices get. Mmmmm. Serve this with steamed rice.

Lentils

I got this recipe from one of my favorite recipe blogs, 101cookbooks.com. It's mostly vegan and SUPER healthy. One of Cambria's friends told me about it the last time I was in Seattle. The other nice thing about the blog is that she uses a lot of the same ingredients for her recipes, so it's easy to make a few things with only one grocery trip! I modified this recipe to fit my liking, but I picked up a few things from the blog too.

1/2 onion

1 clove garlic

1 box of chicken stock

1 bag of lentils

1 can diced tomatoes

Fresh ground black pepper

Cayenne pepper

Salt

Brown Sugar

Finely chopped spinach

Brown the onions and garlic with some olive oil in the bottom of the pot. Add the chicken stock and the lentils (and water, if needed) and simmer for an hour or so. Then add the tomatoes and spices. Just before you serve it, throw in the spinach so that it softens a little, but doesn't get soggy. Serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt!

The final product. Bon Appetite!

it might not be small but it feels like it sometimes

2009-04-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing I'm pretty adamant about, it's that I didn't grow up in a small town. My friends make fun of me all the time for growing up in a place called 'pew-all-up.' Well, it isn't a small town, but we like to act like it sometimes. Case and point. . . Marching Band Extravaganza 2009.

Featuring Mr. Tobin Risser with the cymbals.

cousin.

2009-04-03T15:22:00.001-07:00

Here we are. Grown up cousins. Sometimes its a little funny that we used to be 5 and play restaurant in the G's backyard. Now we're pretty and grown up!

new.

2009-03-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

change

2009-02-25T23:15:00.000-08:00

I know this isn't my first post called change. I think about change a lot. How does one do it? Sometimes this is an individual issue, isolating one person or small group of people who need to change or who even want to change. But how does one motivate change in someone else? How do you encourage people to make changes that will take great effort but will be SO worth it in the end? How do you take hundreds of thousands of individuals and have them all change at a slow enough rate that it truly is change and not just some fad that will swing back, and begin to change society? How can we make structural changes so that people who have none will have enough?

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday. 'The beginning of the Lenten season is upon us,' as my dear brother Hayden used to say to me. This is a time to look deep into our hearts and begin to understand with greater perspective the depth of our depravity before God--the depth of our sin. It is a season of mourning the flesh, of denying it in order to see past it into eternity. It is a time to get our perspective of God right. To understand that He is great and we are small. And yet, He calls us into greater intimacy with Himself during this time as well. He sent His son to dwell among us. We have the privilege of drawing near to the throne of Grace to partake in the wonderful sacrifice of Jesus.

Change has been happening all around me. Some is for the better. . . some has been REALLY difficult to process and understand. But I'm seeing people healed and lives being restored. I'm rejoicing with those whose hearts are undergoing great new understandings of grace, peace, and joy. I want to share every story, but I don't have time. Know there is cause for celebration, for God is great and He is SO good to His children!

twenty-five

2009-02-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

random.

1. Sometimes I pick my nose but I feel like somehow having a few nose rings validates that action.

2. I would rather drink Classic Coca Cola than most other beverages.

3. "Maleguena Salerosa" by Chingon is one of the greatest musical numbers ever recorded.

4. I wish I were cool enough to ride a fixed gear bike and post videos of myself on youtube riding. My bike would be neon green and neon orange. . . and shiny.

5. I am an anthropologist. . . well officially on May 23rd I'll be come an anthropologist.

6. Trees are one of my favorite creations. I think it is particularly due to the prophetic role that they play in the redeeming of the nations (read Ezekiel 47 and Revelation 22).

7. Someday I want to be a mommy-blogger.

8. I chew Orbit gum almost all the time. I think I have four packs in my bag right now. . . two of them are empty.

9. Double-tall Americano. . . room for cream. Thank you!

10. I'm 21 years old and yes, I have used my ID a few times.

11. I would be a vegetarian except that I simply cannot give up Korean BBQ. . . which is nearly entirely red meat! Mmm.

12. Candle light is superior to electric lights.

13. I am a strict believer that the bigger the earring, the better. What are these little dangly things with one bead that you can hardly even see?

14. I'd rather be cold than hot. But I'd rather drink a hot drink than a cold one. Maybe there's a correlation.

15. Put me in the city!

16. Sometimes I feel an urgency to watch Napoleon Dynamite.

17. I've been to China and I really want to go again. Well, there aren't may places I wouldn't want to go.

18. I read music. I was reminded today by using treble clef to guide my guitar playing. Too fun!

19. I've always wanted to #3 my head.

20. 11:11 is my favorite moment of the day. I always make a 'wish' (aka a little playful request to Jesus).

21. I love my middle name. Shirley.

22. Sometimes I crave hot dogs with sauerkraut and brown mustard.

23. I just applied to volunteer for the Peace Corps yesterday!

24. Curly hair is more fun than strait.

25. Not so random. . . but I REALLY LOVE JESUS!

light

2009-02-03T19:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the dark is scary.

Sometimes its too much for me to handle.

Not being able to see right in front of me is disconcerting.

Hearing only my own breathing.

I walk forward hoping only to not trip on a forgotten shoe or chair out of place.

Another pair of feet meets me from across the room.

Hands grab mine.

Warm breath on my cheek.

A hand on my waist.

Now walking side-by-side.

You'll have to lead me.

I cannot see.

It's dark.

But you are Light.

Your hand on my waist is Light.

Your sweet smell in my nose is Light.

Your guidance is my Light.

college :: 7/8ths done!

2009-01-27T13:34:00.000-08:00

Memories from my time at Biola so far ::

Missions Conference Director!

SMU Camping trip!!

China :: and blonde bangs!

Freshman year Chronicles of Narnia Premiere @ Downtown Disney

Here's to a great four years!!

This semester's brain food ::

Flexibility & Core Training :: Mon/Wed

Road Cycling :: Saturday Mornings!

Multi-Cultural Communication :: Mon/Wed Afternoon

Theology of Mission :: Mon Night

The Nature of Computing :: Tues/Thurs Noon

Guitar Class :: Tues Afternoon

The Church and the City :: Tues Night

Idyllwild. . . emphasis on the wild

2009-01-26T21:12:00.000-08:00

the getty with the girls

2009-01-15T21:25:00.000-08:00

I went to the Getty Museum today with some girlfriends. Here are some of the photos I took! If you ever have the chance to go to the museum, you should jump on it. It's beautiful. Their collection is limited, but their spectacular view of LA and their California-native gardens are worth the trip!

lists

2009-01-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

So something that has fascinated me in the last few weeks is the idea of making a list of things. I think that I was inspired initially by my dear Shannon who made a list of things she wanted to do in 2008 and then evaluated it shortly after the new year. . . adding new things that she wants to accomplish in 2009.

After reading her post, I wanted to come up with my own list. But lists always discourage me a little bit. I think it's particularly because 99.9% of the fun for me is in making the list! Not necessarily in accomplishing any of it. Last year, as part of the training for SMU, we went through a program called 'Strengths Quest.' This program is designed to illuminate your top five strengths and help you to begin to utilize these strengths in a work/educational setting. It's absolutely fascinating. Here was my top five list of strengths:

1. Connectedness: I'm pretty good at seeing how everything connects. I usually spend my time analyzing the connections between different pieces of a larger puzzle. Sometimes friends get really confused because I try to explain it all to them and it's just too complicated to understand.

2. Activator: I LOVE to get started. I'm good at getting started. . . I just need a faithful group of people around me who love to and are good at finishing as well (and will motivate me to finish well too).

3. Strategic: I can get from point A to point B in a fairly organized and strategized way.

4. Maximizer: Even if something works well. . . I know it can work better. Especially systems of organization. . . the problem comes when I start it (activator) and then just poop out because it takes to long to implement or it gets boring. But I think this is why I love people so much, it's because I see what they can be and I want to help them become that!

5. Futuristic: Oh man! This one is good, but it makes the present hard to be content with. I'm always thinking about the future. Often to me, the present is only a means to get to the future.

All that to say, I love making lists, but I'm not very good at sticking to them!

Last night Shan and I were talking online and she told me about this amazing blog. The blog is the production of a wonderful artist named Kari Smith. It's called The Wish Jar and it's absolutely wonderful! Kari discusses lots of different topics but one of her very favorite past-times is listmaking. And she doesn't necessarily do everything that's on the list. . . she makes lists for fun! One of my favorite is called 100 ideas---check it out!

She's also a beautiful artist who makes wonderful drawings and collages. Spend a few minutes on her blog today and be inspired!

Oh. . . and just a hint at what's to come: I'm going to start making lists that I don't necessarily have to accomplish. I'll keep you posted!

day nine/ten/eleven

2009-01-13T19:32:00.000-08:00

Mom and I saw Bride Wars on Friday night. It was really cute, although I do have to (with a little embarrassment) admit that it sparked a tiny bit of desire to have a wedding. . . which I have often sworn I would never have (at least not in any traditional capacity). But the movie was really funny. Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway are two actresses who possess a certain comic genius. There were little changes I would have made had I directed the movie, but they're forgivable and I enjoyed my Friday night. If you're thinking about seeing it and are in the mood for light and fun. . . do.

Saturday afternoon, Mom, Dad, and I went to Thai Tom! It was SO great! I don't think I'll ever be tired of 'Steamed veggies with peanut sauce and fried tofu!' It's just too good. I think that's what Jesus is going to cook me in heaven sometimes. Its one of those foods that you have to worship God when you eat it because of the genius of the flavor combinations and everything. . . amazing.

I went from Thai Tom to Cambria's new condo in Queen Anne. It suites her so well. When you enter, the first thing that strikes you is the high ceilings. I think someone said that they're about 14 feet high! Her bedroom is immediately to the left. Painted a nice silvery-grey, it is very tranquil and relaxing. She has a small walk-in closet off her room and a small ladder leading up to a loft that is suspended above the closet and bathroom. Her living area is beautiful as well. A strikingly big window overlooks 2nd Ave and another quaint condo building. There is also a large tree outside her window, which I'm sure is beautiful in the spring when the leaves return to it. The walls are painted a beautiful honey color and again, the room presents a very professional and relaxing vibe. I really enjoyed it!

After enjoying some chicken enchiladas, we went and hung out with some friends of hers at a place about 7 blocks from her condo. They're a sweet couple, recently married, who Cambria met at her church--Mars Hill in Downtown Seattle. The place we went was called The Great Nabob. It was decorated with an interesting mix of classic colors, slightly industrial looking furnishings, and artsy show posters covering a few of the walls. The wall nearest our table was decorated with an elaborate painting of a tree. . . which I especially enjoyed.

Cambria and I enjoyed a variety of conversations during our time together. I feel like some of them brought some clarity to some questions I've been asking. I'm not sure they're answered, but somehow, I feel less confused about some things after talking with her. . . so thanks Cambria!

We went to church in the morning at Mars Hill and it was super good. I always enjoy their super Indie sounding worship. It makes me smile. And Jesus really met me, which is always nice!

When I got home we went to Sumner High School to watch 'One Year,' a film a guy from our church helped to produce. His name is Joel Parker and he started this foundation called the Nations Foundation. His heart is for snowboarders who don't know Christ. He's planning on making films that will attract snowboarders and then have them be evangelical. The film he showed this weekend was really interesting. He featured 7 different professionsl-ish snowboarders whose lives have been changed by Christ. I say professional-ish because one girl had won a gold medal at the olympics and some of the others were professionals, but not all of them. It was a really interesting film and there were a few spots where I could especially feel the witness of the Holy Spirit to what the people being interviewed were saying. It was really good! And it's always fun to observe Tobin and his friends. . . most of whom were present.

It was a good weekend!

I'm back in LA now. . . where it's hotter than I've been for a LONG time! I have two weeks until classes start and I'm hoping to be productive and be super prepared for my last semester of Biola to kick off!

day eight

2009-01-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

An emergency run to WinCo foods. . . which I have never been to, revealed this spectacular view. I've missed my mountain!

day five/six/seven

2009-01-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

oh man. . . I got behind in my posting.

Well luckily I didn't do too much during these past few days so there isn't too much to report.

I feel like I have learned a lot the past three days, however.

On Wednesday night I went out to coffee with some moms (friends of my Mom), and they graciously allowed me to be a part of their mom talk time. My impression is that they normally talk about more wife stuff than mom stuff. Which got a little interesting when my mom started sharing about her romantic night with my dad in Bellevue last weekend. All I really needed to know was that I watched the kids but oh well!

The part that I really did enjoy listening to was the ways that they are intentional about preserving their marriage. One woman makes it a habit to ask herself 'rubbish or relationship?' It is interesting to me that God created us as beings who long to be in relationship and yet when we're in one, we have to make a conscious decision to make it a priority. I suppose that's how it is with Him as well. Man, intentionality is something I really want to work on in the coming weeks/months/years.

day four

2009-01-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

I made my favorite meal for our family for dinner. . . black beans, saffron rice, spicy marinated chicken, and green salad with a pineapple vinaigrette. Well, I have never made the marinade or the dressing before. . . but it turned out super good!

It was a pretty quiet day, but the girls and I finished up with a few games of bowling on the wii and some shrinky-dinks!

Day Three

2009-01-05T12:49:00.000-08:00

Sunday.

The morning started out with church. Bethany Baptist. . . it's still the same as I always remember it.

Its interesting to me how sometimes places don't change. I'm not sure if I want it to be that way. In some ways it seems comforting that it's not any different than I remember, but I think that in other ways, I am a little concerned with the lack of change. I don't want to be a downer or a critic, but sometimes the life that can be found in the Spirit isn't found in places where he dwells. Why is that? Why do people still look discouraged when the leave church? And it's not just Bethany, it seems to be a worldwide problem. If Jesus can overcome anything in our lives, then why do we still strive so hard to keep our lives together? And if we are all a part of the priesthood of heaven, then why are we not ministering to each other in more powerful ways? Isn't that what you would expect from a group of people who are to inherit heaven? Would they not already walk as though heaven is a reality?

Oh, Jesus, yesterday brought so many questions. When are we going to have answers?

The evening held some fun times with old friends. . . and new ones, I suppose. My best friend from high school, Megan and I hung out with her boyfriend John and her brother Mitchell. It was super fun. It was also super snowy in Tacoma so getting to John's house was a little challenge. I actually slid into a curb which was scary, but I was thankful that I didn't hit anything more serious.

John lives in a beautiful part of Tacoma near their school, the University of Puget Sound. It's an old school founded by the Jesuits and the campus is BEAUTIFUL. The part of town he lives in is considered 'old-town.' All the homes are old and quaint and there are precious little corner stores every few blocks. His house, occupied by four guys who have graduated from UPS in the past few years, is small but very nice inside. They had a beautiful Christmas tree up and stockings hanging over the fireplace for all four boys and their girlfriends. Precious.

The plan was to meet at John's house and then go to a movie. Megan and John's favorite theater is called The Grand in downtown Tacoma. It's a cute little old theater that primarily shows indie and arts films. I've been there to see foreign films with Megan before. Its really cute because each theater probably only seats 50 people or so. The screen is small, but the films are always super quality.

We saw Slumdog Millionaire. I've heard great reviews from friends at Biola so with little knowledge of the film except that it was WONDERFUL, I had big expectations. I'm not going to say it wasn't good, because it really was, but it wasn't all that I had expected. It's a sweet story about three Indian children from the slums of Mumbai who grow up together and eventually go their own ways. There is betrayal, romance, and challenges caused by money and poverty. It's moving and does touch the deep places in the human spirit, speaking to the true longings of humanity. It's also interesting how the show 'Who wants to be a millionaire' is tied into the whole story, exaggerating all the movies' themes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.

After the movie, we enjoyed a few more hours of conversation and pit/hummus. It doesn't get any better than that. It's interesting to see how Megan and I have changed. In many ways, I think we're more suited for a friendship than in high school, but in other ways, we are very different. Getting to know John a little bit was interesting too. He's not the type of guy I would ever have expected her to be with, but he is kind and gentle and they have so much fun together. I'm not sure how I'm handling the change, it's going to take a lot of conversations with Jesus to make sense of day three. Jesus, help me to understand.

day two

2009-01-03T23:03:00.000-08:00

I'm writing a post for each day I'm here in Puyallup. I'm not sure if its because I'm bored or because I'm not bored. . . I guess we'll find out.

Yesterday I woke up to SNOW! It was just enough to be beautiful and wonderful but not cause any problems. And here is also a picture of the girls and I walking in old-town Seattle.

Today started out with coffee at Forza in downtown Puyallup with my friend Melissa. She and I haven't talked too much this semester and so it was so good to catch up and talk about our futures together. She is also graduating in May and will be pursuing music education. Good luck Melissa!

Another highlight of this trip already has been meeting Tobin's friends. Sometimes I just have to laugh because its so funny to me that my little bro is all grown up and having friends over to play wii and watch movies. Last night Jeff came over (I think some of you have heard the story about him being here when my mom dropped a pie on the ground the night before Thanksgiving. . . the story ends with him eating it anyway, that's why it was funny) . Jeff is a really sweet kid. He probably has spent a lot of time skateboarding, evident by the dialect of English he speaks (boarder-English). He had just gotten his nose pierced just like mine so we talked about that for a while. He's pretty cool. Of course I really like nose rings on guys, so that added to the coolness. He spent the night with T and hung out a little this morning/afternoon. He's a pretty good guitar player and I enjoyed hearing him dink around on my guitar.

After Mom & Dad left for a romantic night in Bellevue, Brooklin taught me how to play Kabookii on wii. It was super fun. I've never played any game (except for Clue with Bethany back in the day on Sega Genesis), but now I've played wii. . . which I really enjoyed. B and I were the only ones home, so we decided to make food for when the masses returned. We strapped on the aprons and hit the pantry. Chocolate chip cake. . .

The guest list ended up being Tobin and his friend Kaitlin, Jillian and her friend Sarah, Brooklin and I. We made homemade pizza and Jillian and Sarah made us Italian sodas. Mmmm.

After an episode of Get Smart and the new film version, we whipped out the cake and enjoyed it too!

The eating was finished with a cup of tea. Chai for Jillian, pearl tea for Brooklin, apricot white tea for me and peppermint for Kaitlin. . . Tobin was busy playing Mario Cart on the wii.

Then time to hit the sac. It had been a fun night of playing Kabookii and just spending time together.

As the girls were laying in bed, I sang them some songs with my guitar. One of the songs had the word redemption in it and Jillian asked me what that meant. I had never considered that redemption isn't something that's easy for everyone to understand. Our conversation was sweet and the girls went to sleep assured that they are redeemed by Jesus who paid their ransom with his very blood. Thanks Jesus!

more cousin fun at downtown disney

2009-01-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

happy new year!

2009-01-02T17:03:00.000-08:00

Happy January!

Since September, my friends and I have had a title for each month that expresses our feelings about that month and how we're surviving. December was "I'm-so-glad-to-be-DONE DECEMBER!"

I think this is now "Just-chill January." It seems like most of us will be taking our time to recuperate from the semester and to chill with our families and friends wherever we are.

To welcome in the new year, the Risser family joined the Johnson family and the G.rents for some games and food, etc. I would have to say that Guitar Hero was the most popular game of the night. Here are some pictures of the evening. And I think you'll be surprised at who joined in the game. . .

Here are the siblings with our Johnson cousin, Andrew. We wished him a happy new year and all talked to Jesus together before we left. It was special.

day one

2009-01-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

On Christmas morning, I received a new camera from my parents. . . thanks Mom & Dad! Needless to say, I am enjoying it a lot and have taken dozens of pictures of all sorts of things since Christmas day.

Day one took me to Seattle with the girls of the family. We drank coffee, ate donuts (and bread, cuz Brooklin doesn't like donuts), and enjoyed the general splendor and quirks of the city. Enjoy a few B&Ws. . .

i scream for ice cream::episode 2

2008-12-31T21:04:00.000-08:00

Ice cream round two. This is Berry Cool. It's a cute little frozen yogurt place. You serve your own yogurt and then you can put all the toppings on that you want. It's the best.

It's a hot Biola student spot. The sisters kind of wanted to meet my friend JB and so we agreed to take them to Berry Cool. I knew they would love it. Well, the whole trip grew and it ended up being me and the girls, Tobin, my friend Kindra, and ALL the boys who live in the HOF (House of Flies. . . the goat house for those who don't remember). . . or at least all of them who were there when I showed up and told them all they should come.

An interview with Brooklin and Jillian:

Brooklin: I asked the boys, "what do you like to do for fun?"

Jillian: I thought "Oh, no, what are they going to answer? That might have not been the best question. I could see it in their faces that they felt a little awkward about answering. I knew maybe that wasn't the best question." First Adam looked at Joel and said "you answer" that's how I knew he was kind of. . . you know.

Brooklin: Well he said that they just like to ride bikes and play ping pong (and like to eat goats, I guess).

What did you think about the frozen yogurt?

Brooklin: It tastes just like ice cream. And I loved the very berry flavor. I had chocolate chips and oreo's and m&ms for toppings. I served too much, I didn't ever want to eat ice cream ever again because I was so full. But then I had some the next night. It was delicious. It was yogurt but it tasted like ice cream.

Jillian: I really liked the chocolate ice cream but I didn't really like the m&ms because I didn't like the crunch. The ice cream made the m&ms kind of cold. I think the next time I go I will get chocolate ice cream with just oreo's. I also want to try very berry because Kindra and Brooklin said it was so good.

What did you think when all of the boys walked into the shop?

Jillian: At first I was expecting three guys because Caitlin said that there would probably only be three of them. She said that one of them would probably come but he never said that he was going to. But when they walked in and at first I saw Richard and I thought, 'oh Caitlin said he wasn't going to come.' But then they all came in and I was like, 'whoa' because they all came in at once and there were so many guys.

Brooklin: Um, it's sort of the same thing as Jillian. Well, I wasn't expecting all the guys to come because before we went to the house, I thought that JB and Rich were going to come but then they all came. It was really weird because I thought only three guys were coming but like 10 came. It was weird because there were so many guys. Caitlin wanted me to try on Adam's hat but I didn't and I put it on Caitlin and then Caitlin put it on Tobin. Then Tobin looked like a chef. At first I was embarrassed to go into their house and so was Jillian but then I calmed down and I wasn't embarrassed. Their house was small and there were a lot of guys there.

Jillian: I was like are 'We all going to go in there?' and Kindra held my hand. I knew they weren't mean, but I was just a little embarrassed. It's different going into an all boy's house than an all girls house, you know! There didn't turn out to be that many guys when we first walked in, well I guess there was. Four guys were in the room and then Doug and Richard and Tim came in.

Can you picture yourself going to Berry Cool someday if you go to Biola?

Brooklin: No way, Jose! Well, I would just I can't imagine that.

Jillian: Um, I guess I could imagine myself going there with a bunch of friends and taking a bowl and getting ice cream. . . yeah, I suppose I could.

i scream for ice cream

2008-12-29T16:23:00.000-08:00

Saturday night with the 'adults' in our family. . . Tobin, Caitlin, Doug and Heather. . .Balboa Island.

Being from the Pacific Northwest, I'm used to ferries that can carry hundreds of people and have multiple decks for carrying cars. The ferry to Balboa Island was not what I expected. When it pulled into the loading zone, I chuckled a little thinking. . . surely this is not the ferry. It was. The driver, rather than a trained seaman, was probably 17. We climbed on and took the five minute ride to the island. It was definitely worth the dollar we paid to cross.

Apparently the big deal on the island are Balboa Bars. They're ice cream bars dipped in chocolate and then rolled in toffee bits. Can't be bad! So we stopped for some.

It was a lot of fun to walk around and see all the beautiful houses. Some people were having dinner parties and others were just watching the news. It was just fun to be down by the beach and enjoy a little change in pace with the fam. And enjoy ice cream.

an ignorant generation

2008-12-23T16:14:00.000-08:00

I was just at Vons doing some last minute Christmas dinner shopping and I overheard a conversation between the manager of the store and one of the bag guys. He walked into the store (it seemed like it was the beginning of his shift) and she immediately complimented him on his tie. It wasn't anything spectacular, but he was wearing one, which I think was the greatest motivator of the compliment. He smiled and said, "This is the first time I've tied my own tie!"

Pause. This guy isn't seven years old. He's probably 20. He's never tied his own tie!?

"My mom wasn't home and I knew I couldn't do it by myself, so I looked it up on youtube--'how to tie a tie.' "

So for all of you (male or female) who do not know how to tie your own tie and usually ask your roommate or your mom to help you, please click here to watch the how-to video (oh, and he's not the only one who doesn't know how to tie a tie. . . there are nearly 2 million hits on this video!!).

my sweet, sweet jesus

2008-12-23T01:22:00.000-08:00

crowds in the philippines. . . getting ready for christmas.

this girl is one of the thousands in south africa who is suffering from tuberculosis.

this man's money is no longer worth anything. he can't feed his family.

zimbabwe is in such bad economic condition that each one of these bags of maize is worth a few heads of cattle.

these girls are hoping that they don't already have/won't contract cholera, the curable disease sweeping zimbabwe right now.

Something that I am especially thankful for these last few weeks is that I am beginning to feel the burden of the Father for the nations on my heart once again. It has been a while since I've really felt a strong tug on my heart for the unsaved in other places, but the Father is gently reviving those tears in my heart. Its almost as though He planted some seeds and now they are beginning to grow after the long winter. I suppose it has something to do with my busyness and my concentration on things that are going on here, but being in tune with this part of Jesus' heart allows me to sings new songs with much greater fervor of late. I love it.

One of the greatest places to allow the heart of God to speak to me is through BBC In Pictures. Every week day, they post 10 or so pictures from around the world of news worthy things. They also have feature stories of just pictures. I don't have lot of time to read the news because of all the other reading I should be doing, so I especially enjoy this little break in my day. It's like a picture book of the news! It's really fun sometimes. . . and other times it's really hard.

Tonight I was looking at my picture book news and was listening to Shawn McDonald, who writes and produces strikingly intimate and real music about Jesus. Here are the lyrics of the song I was listening to as I looked at these pictures ::

have you ever wanted to be someone else?

have you ever wanted to be someone?

have you ever wanted to reach your dreams?

have you ever wanted life to be more than it seems?

i've tasted of a love so wide that it stops all my time

i've tasted of a love so deep that it blows my mind

have you ever wanted to reach up and touch the sky?

have you ever wanted to pack it up and say good bye?

have you ever wanted someone to care?

have you ever wanted someone to be there?

i've tasted of a love so wide that it stops all my time

i've tasted of a love so deep that it blows my mind

he is sweet

what you're looking for is my sweet, sweet jesus

what you're looking for is my sweet lord

Sweet Jesus, all we can do is weep as your heart weeps. Hold us as we cry out to you and weep for the world. Sweet Jesus. . . the same that came in a manger will save this whole world. Send thousands into the harvest. Sweet Jesus.

christmas bike ride

2008-12-21T18:42:00.000-08:00

You've all heard about my new/old bike. I have been riding her quite often. I try and ride to and from school a few times a week, but the hill on Foster Road dominates me every time! My friends thought I was exaggerating about how hard of a hill it is so I haven't talked about it with anyone for a long time. A week ago, JB came over and he rode his bike. He walked in the door and had a weary look on his face. I asked him what was wrong (with a little smirk on my face). He proceeded to tell me that my hill defeated him too and said, 'I don't know how you ever get excited about riding bikes!'

So, since I'm such a hard core bike rider, a few friends and I decided that going on a Christmas bike ride would be so fun. We thought it would be cool to put some hot chocolate in a thermos and ride to somewhere and look at the lights in a neighborhood. When Amanda and I (whose idea it was originally) pitched it to the guys, they told us they knew where the perfect spot was. Fullerton was all they said and that sounded fine to me.

Thursday night was the night. The proper bike maintenance checks were made and it looked like we were pretty well prepared. A quick stop at the HOF for some lights (since we left around 9pm) and we were off. Attendance: Shannon, Amanda, JB and I (click on their name to hear their version of the story!). We headed out of their neighborhood to our first big signal--Alondra/Stage/Escalona. Left turn. Then down to LaMirada Blvd. Right turn. Cross Beach Blvd and it was smooth sailing from there. The air was crisp and it felt so good on our cheeks as we rode.

We kept riding and riding and eventually came to the place. Just past Fullerton College on Chapman Ave (LaMirada Blvd changes names about three times over the length we rode). We made a left turn and were amazed! I've never seen anything like it. The whole length of the block had these big balls of lights hanging from EVERY tree! It was SO cool! This picture can only give you a tiny glimpse of how magical the street was in all its twinkly glory.

If you look to the left of the picture, you can see a house that's especially decorated. That's Jeff's house. About 20 years ago Jeff's dad gave him one of these blinky light balls for Christmas and he figured out how to make them. I think they're made out of plastic cups and a string of lights. Jeff started hanging them in his trees and then eventually got a few other people to do it and pretty soon the trend caught on. Now everyone does it. He said a couple guys who live there have a cherry picker because they own construction companies or something like that so they all put them up when Christmas approaches. It's kind of a big deal. Jeff told us that last year a news crew came out and interviewed a whole bunch of people. He said we'd chosen a good night to come because it often gets really crowded with people driving up and down the street.

Jeff took a picture of us in front of his house with our bikes. Here it is!

It was overall a successful ride. 15 miles in total, which none of us were expecting. We didn't look up how long the ride was until AFTER we'd gone. But it wasn't a difficult ride and we enjoyed each other and the magic of this beautiful street. Next semester I'm taking a road cycling class. . . so I'm sure I'll have plenty more to report about my adventures with Viv and the gang.

finished

2008-12-20T21:10:00.000-08:00

An end of finals week celebration with Amanda occurred last night here's what it looked like when we were finished. Thank you tempura and cactus roll for being so good!

We're finished with the semester. Can't wait for a long break!

home + snow

2008-12-19T14:17:00.001-08:00

caitlinshirley.blog

about that

kalbi

10 from 2010 continued

ten from 2010 (# 1)

dec.

Ahem* testing 1 2 3...

i can't help myself

Awake My Soul

i feel i've missed out

portland+kpod=

block.party

i'm totally into this

new.mostly

wedding.pics

lunch

wedding(s)

sometimes

finally. . . pictures from sandiego

cloudy+sandiego=perfect

i think i'm in love

xihuan zhungguo

happy birthday :: tea party :: 10 years old

backlogged

missing

jg.dance

lift

spring has sprung.

puyallup.1

one year ago.

portland

a little church shopping

stuck.

blog inspiration

jumping in

home.

style

sometimes things slow down

expo.

that's what happens when you're 9

confessions

ps. 42:8

everyone needs a pod :: day six

busy busy busy :: days four/five

i'll say it again :: day three

setting a standard: day two

this is a test: day 1

its a good time of year to be a sister!

on being friends/sisters/family: lessons from the puyallup fair

happy 13!!

if you want to make someone happy

wedding: episode 2

wedding: episode 1

kpod+seattle=lots of smiles

24 random things that have happened this summer

okay. okay. here you go. . .

art.blog

connections.

graduation.explanation

ink.

august 23, 2005

*ahem* i have an announcement to make.

senior banquet.

being loved.

ics banquet

some things to chew on

the end of an era

plicking

the verdict?. . . i'll take seconds

it might not be small but it feels like it sometimes

cousin.

new.

change

twenty-five

light

college :: 7/8ths done!

Idyllwild. . . emphasis on the wild

the getty with the girls

lists

day nine/ten/eleven

ahem i have an announcement to make.