So Much...

...has happened in the last few week; however, I am going to try my best at succinctness.

I finally finished Knowing the Unknowable God, the book about Biblical paradoxes. It has deepened the way I think about God and the Bible so much, and I wish I would have read it...oh, about 4 years ago, when I actually first purchased it. So it can be with books like that. However, I know that this was the perfect time to read it. I have been able to speak to certain points at Bible study and in other conversations in ways that are a direct result of that book. How cool!! I think it will be a book that I (should and hope to) will read every year or so. Aaannd, today I finished reading Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne. It was a fun book that had me chuckling pretty good at a few parts. I appreciated the mineralogy and geology and general science chat; however, at times I did sort of glaze over it. I wanted to read another adventure story, and that it certainly was, but it wasn't my favorite and I found myself the slightest bit bored at times. I am a finisher though, and so I had to keep truckin' along until the last period was reached.

On the first of May I taught Kristina how to ride a bicycle without training wheels! A milestone for us both to be sure. I guess she has been trying to learn for a couple of years now, but she just didn't quite get the hang of it until this time around. I think I was just as excited as she was when I was no longer holding on the to bicycle or her back!!! She kept saying, "I LOVE this!" After she became comfortable going both fast (not crazy fast though) and slow, Elena got on her bike and they had "races" from one end of the small parking lot to the other. I started running in front of Elena as she was "chasing" me on her bike, which brought back very fond memories of playing 'Cops and Robbers' in my own church's parking lot, where I learned how to ride a bicycle, as a kid. So naturally, I explained the game, and we played: I was the robber and they were the cops. It was absolutely splendid.

About a week and a half ago, I met the sweetest lady on my journey into Vienna. She started speaking to me in German, and I was able to understand her and give my reply in German. Of course she could tell that I was not a native and asked where I was from. That in turn led us to chatting the whole one and a half hour ride- all in German! She even said my German and my vocabulary was good!! When we got into the city and had to part ways, we hugged and I thanked her for the pleasant conversation. We said goodbye the traditional Austrian way, kisses on both cheeks, and I didn't even feel awkward, like I do a lot of the time. We talked about all sorts of things and said we'd hope to see each other again in Hollabrunn. How lovely. Then on my way back home that night, I stopped in a cafe to say hi to a friend who was working and to tell him about my new friend. Most of the time we talk in English, but this time I was ready to tell him in German all about my day. There was someone else sitting there at the bar who I eventually met and joined the conversation, again, mostly all in German. Again, this new gentleman complimented my "skills." Haha. I had only planned to stop in for about 5 or 10 minutes, but stayed for at least a half hour chatting. It was great. And since then, I don't really know why exactly, I've been unusually excited and willing and not as nervous to speak the language. I know that it's my own fault that this did not happen sooner, but I'm not exactly sure why it didn't. Anybody will tell you that I was well excited to learn another language during these ten months, so it isn't that the interest wasn't there. I think part of it was that there were so many other things to get used to and to learn that took more of my motivation and didn't leave enough behind for the language. Alas, there seems to be a shift that has taken place in the motivation camp, which I am grateful for. And as they say, better late than never ;)

I've also been crafty and artsy lately. Since I only have a couple pairs of non-athletic shorts here, I decided to turn two pairs of jeans into shorts. I'm not totally finished yet, but so far I think they're looking okay. One pair I'm just leaving as cut-offs, and the other I'm trying to make them with the rolled-up look. But it's sort of tricky. Hopefully they'll turn out okay. I am also making a box out of cardboard pieces that I have '"collaged;" I'm not really sure of its purpose yet, but that is okay. Also, I have been dabbling in songwriting a bit as of late, both music and lyrics. I'm working on some stuff with a friend, and it has literally been one of the coolest things of my entire life, not to mention so much fun! :) :) :)

I'm really excited for my 10k coming up on the 26th of May. I think my mind and my body have finally caught up with each other in desire and will power and motivation to run and work out a lot and not eat so much chocolate. Two other girls from YAG and I are running it together, which is going to be really fun.

What else can I share...
I decided I want to get a tattoo...or maybe a couple.
Last Saturday I dyed my hair mahogany; it took two whole bottles of dye that's how long my hair has gotten! Last Sunday was Elena's first communion, and we had a really nice celebration time with the family.
Today was also another national holiday, so we were all at home. After I got back from my run, I went outside and let the girls spray me with water. We jumped on the trampoline and played in the sprinkler too :) A very good and relaxing day to be sure.

To avoid the risk of my attempt at succinctness being a total fail, I shall end, and please excuse the lack of photographs.

Until the next ramble,

~Sarah