A List of Sorts

In the interest of feeling a little caught up on this blog, and for everyone who actually reads (all 2 of you), here's a list of what's been going on lately.

• I went to Africa. It was great. I'd love to show you pictures; all you have to do is ask.
• I started running again, then stopped, then started again. I hope to run a half by November.
  
• I ended a 2 year long relationship.
  
• I enjoyed several adventures in baking.
• I found a new bar that I'd like to make my regular hang out - Leff's Lucky Town in Tosa. Great new patio, ok food service.
• I bought a new computer and new cell phone. Love the former, undecided about the latter.
• I finished the 3rd season of BSG. Can't wait to start season 4, by myself.
• I watched the first season of Lost. Not bad.
• I planned a camping trip and a baseball outing.
• I downloaded a ton of music from emusic.com, and look forward to more.
  
• I saw the Hangover by myself, and laughed.
• I watched He's Just Not That Into You, and cried.
  
• I made a bet with Heather that I intend to win.
  

I Like Lists

I'm a forgetful person. About some things. I remember a promise someone made to me years ago, word for word. I remember exactly what outfit I was wearing at my 21st birthday party (even though the rest of the details are sketchy). I remember the terrible taste of asparagus the time my parents made me chew it for hours. But I can't for the life of me remember the name of that really nice person I met last week, where I left my cell phone, what I wanted to say, or the three things I need to pick up at the grocery store.

It is for these items that I make lists. I love them. I make lists for the store, to-do lists, packing lists, lists of cds and books that I'd like to buy someday. And yes, once in awhile I'll make a list of the top 3 things that I'd like to remember from a conversation over a glass of wine.

I like looking back on old lists, and I enjoy reading other peoples' lists. But sometimes, I even forget where I put my list. This has happened to me the past few trips to the grocery store. What I've found, though, is the simple act of making the list helps me to remember what I needed to buy. I'm delighted when I come home and I did indeed purchase everything I intended to.

Which is why I won't be giving up the habit anytime soon. now if only I could apply the practice to finding my cell phone...

Letters from Africa - Day 2

Hi guys!

Today I'm a little bit more rested than yesterday. We woke up really early to go on a safari, and saw pretty much every African animal there is to see. It was wonderful.

Then we went to a village market, in which I realized what a "Muzungo" I am. (Muzungo means White Girl).

In response to Dad's question: A mutatu is a type of bus here in Nairobi. It's a van that holds 14 passengers. One man drives, and one man keeps jumping out of the van to get people to ride. Even if you don't really want to go there, he tries to convince you that you do. They drive very fast, in heavy traffic and bad pollution, and play VERY very loud gangsta rap music. This is the primary mode of transportation for Kenyans. Not so much for white people. It's great.

The rest of our friends get here tomorrow morning, and we are going to Nairobi Chapel for church. Monday we fly to Yabus.

Love you all,

J

Letters from Africa - Day 1

We're here in Nairobi, all flights went without a problem. Very very tired. We rode in a mutatu today, ate some yummy food, and shopped at the Masai Market. Tomorrow we go on a safari.

World Adventure, Day 1

I leave today for Yabus, Sudan, via Nairobi, Kenya, via Amsterdam, The Netherlands. I won't really be able to post while I'm there, but expect photos when I return home.