I Heart Panera Bread

Let me tell you something. I love Panera. As I sit in my local Panera, I have become quite fond of this resturant since it offers not only really delicious food, but also a free internet connection. So in reality, if it were not for Panera, I would not be writing to you right now. How wonderful. Thus, free internet connection at Panera's is crazy good.

What has this crazy girl been up to lately?...Well, I've been home in KC since Thanksgiving and it's been a good ride. I've been working at my dad's orthodontic office since he was short on winter help, so I got to wear scrubs and become the Queen of sterilization. Sweet, something I've always wanted to do. But actually I really enjoyed serving my dad and getting to hang out with him more. (And get free lunch!! Thanks pops!)

I also had the opportunity to go down to New Orleans with a group of about 80 students from Ohio University. It was amazing. I got to photo document the students as they served in whatever way possible. I got to meet some amazing New Orleans residents and here their crazy stories about Hurricane Katrina. I got to wear full hazmat gear. I was able to see the French Quarter and play with Project kids. I was able to serve my fellow man by documenting what REALLY is happening in New Orleans. And I was able to see massive destruction and wreckage. The city is a ghost town and it still needs A LOT of help. That's for sure. Please ask me about the trip because I would love to tell you more about it!

Also, I've been hanging out with a few friends. It's been good to catch up with some old pals and hear what's going on in their lives nowadays. But I must say that I miss my Ohio peeps...you're my jam - that's for sure. Can't wait to spend the winter/spring with ya'll doing crazy things and being spontaniously adventureous! I can only imagine the good time ahead!

I've read a couple of books lately too. I've read "Blue Like Jazz" and "Searching For God Knows What" by Donald Miller...I highly recomend these books because he's a funny man and brings a refreshingly liberal view to Christianity. He's doctrinally sound too, by the way. Think about it. I've also read "Boy Meets Girl" by Josh Harris because well, you know. And I've been TRYING to read "The Pilgrim's Progress" - you know, brush up on the classics...but let me tell you, that's a hard book to read...good, but extremely dense.

Other than that, I'm planning on going to a wedding on New Years Eve and then just hanging out with some friends to ring in the New Year...then I head back to Ohio for school on the 3rd. Then I jet up to Madison, WIS, for another wedding on the 7th. Should be a good time since I'm going with a soccer pal of mine and I get to see her hometown. Doesn't happen very often. Plus I get to see 2 project friends tie the knot - can life get any better?!

Okay, gotta roll like rocks...