M.I.A.

At this point, it's more than ridiculous that I haven't updated this thing. I mean, the last six months have brought several of major life changes. I guess that's proof that REAL life is lived AWAY from the computer. 

I'll try to get back to somewhat more frequent updates (maybe I'll shoot for once a month?) as soon as I find the time and motivation. In the meantime, a quick synopsis of the last six months of AML:

• May - took GMAT and was pleased with my score; turned 24
• June - kept falling in love with a uber-manly hunter/commercial real estate broker in Waco
• July - accepted a great job in Waco (more money, fewer hours); quit FH; took an amazing trip to Latvia; moved to Waco
• August - settled into my new life; missed my best friend and NorthPark terribly
• September - regularly attended Baylor football games; hosted said-best friend and AnnePal for a fun girls weekend
• October - so far, not a whole lot... maybe I'll keep this updated?

I figure those are all of the things I would have blogged about if I had actually taken time to do so. If you want details, just ask! :)

An Unlikely Distraction

Who would have thought work would become a welcomed distraction in my life? This is my final week before taking the GMAT on Saturday. I was worried about stressing out too much, but actually, I haven't had time to worry about it. With a major new business pitch, a few media pitches, and a byline or two to write, math and logic formulas are the last thing on my mind.

Surely God knew I needed something to distract me, and what better way than with my own job? Nice job, God.

Almost done! I'll be so happy when Saturday is over...

Latvia 2008

What if our only job in life was to love?

Over the past few weeks I've been reminded that, more than anything else, Jesus charged us with loving His people. That simple, and yet, that complicated. Obvious, overwhelming, inconvenient, uncomfortable, unconditional love.

But the more I wrestle with it, the more exciting that call becomes to me. For about a month now my love has grown for Latvia. A few friends of mine challenged me to consider going with them this summer, but as a chronic worrier I couldn't let go of a few key concerns. (Mainly time and money - lame excuses if you ask me...)

After some significant prayer and a few blunt conversations, I figured, why not? Why not go and love these people? How ridiculous that I would even think twice.

This July a group of 12-15 of us will go to Latvia to work with Vilandes Baptist Church for a little over a week. Until then I'll be praying for the following (feel free to join in):

• For God to prepare the hearts of Latvians we will encounter that week. For lasting relationships to be formed and cultivated that week and beyond.
• For God to prepare our hearts for this trip, as well as our longer-term ministry and personal relationships with Him.
• My sweet friend Taylor, who will be serving in Latvia the entire summer. That God will show him how he can prepare for his longer stay there.
• Financial provision - $1,500 per person (yikes!)
• Safety and protection while we travel

Thanks so much for joining with me in prayer for this trip. I really can't wait to see how He will move before, during, and after our time in Latvia.

Love. It's as simple as that.

"Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations." Matthew 12:18

Save the Date - March 15

It's official. Yesterday I scheduled my GMAT appointment for 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 15. Two weeks left of Venn diagrams, geometry and general insanity.

Background: I'm aiming to apply to UT's executive MBA program in June. The program lasts two years, and you go to class every other weekend, all weekend. The admissions requirements are pretty intense, but the GMAT is by far my biggest obstacle. I've been studying for about two months now, so I'm definitely ready to just get it over with.

There are so many uncertainties for me through this process - my GMAT score, lacking professional experience (they recommend 5 years), the application, financing the program, etc. Right now all I can do is keep moving forward and be at peace if a door shuts. We'll see.

So, I'll be holed up in various Starbucks for the next two weeks until this thing is over. Updates to come.

Lots of Locks

For as long as I can remember I've loved to give. Be it time, money, or my opinion (always...), giving was just something we were taught to do. Yet as I've gotten older, I've realized time and money are much scarcer than my opinions. So how's a busy young professional to give? Last September I discovered two ways I could contribute to needy causes with minimal effort and no money: donating blood and hair... Genius! I mean, I regenerate blood and grow hair without even trying! After some further thought, growing pretty long hair seemed more appealing than getting stuck with needles. So, here I am - six months into my Locks of Love venture.

Much to my stylist Marc's dismay, I set out to grow 10 inches of extra hair. (I believe his exact words were "It's ok this time, but from now on just donate money.") The process has been a little more involved than I first thought. In fact, there's even a measurement system to chart my progress. Each month, my friend and colleague Kathryn diligently measures my hair and we record it on a ruler, much like marks on a door frame would measure height. The following is somewhat of a photo timeline to show the progress:

September 2007 - 5 inches

October 2007 - 5 1/2 inches

November 2007 - 6 1/8 inches

December 2007 - 6 1/2 inches

January 2008 - 7 inches

February 2008 - 8 inches

According to the ruler, I'm right on schedule for the final cut in June (after Paige and Chance's wedding, of course...). I'll post another update with the final results, as I'm sure that last cut will be somewhat traumatic.

Real and Permanent

I've always had a healthy respect for writing. From growing up in the industry, to majoring in journalism in college - I came to understand the power of words on paper (or online, now). When you record something, be it ramblings or deep feelings, it becomes both real and permanent. For a girl reticent to commit, that's a heavy realization.

A dear professor of mine started our Intro to Public Relations course with this quote from Tom Stoppard:

“Words are sacred. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones, in the right order, you can nudge the world a little."

What an intimidating challenge. Maybe that was Dr. B's way of weeding out the "sheep from the goats," as he would say. Or maybe it was a deeper call. Maybe he and Stoppard, through their experience and deep wisdom, fully grasp the power of our words - spoken, written and otherwise.

For these reasons I cautiously start this blog. It may never go public. No one may ever read it but me. And maybe that's safer. Who knows?