Never Underestimate the Power of a Lazy Saturday

(pictured: first day of school )

It has been two weeks now since I started my new job as a tenth grade teacher of English Literature. Tired does not even begin to describe the state my body has been in after grueling hours spent in a high school, with about a hundred teenagers who didn't want to be there. I've gone through locker wars with another teacher, gone on scavenger hunts, around school, for technology to use in my classroom and have already written six referrals on students for discipline. Thankful for this job, I endure these small issues with a smile, slightly hoping school life will calm down, just a bit, in the weeks to come. It only took eight days for all of this to happen .... I wonder how the next 8 will play out.
With only six hours of sleep each night, for the past two weeks, I welcomed this Saturday with more time in bed. Since starting my new job, sleeping in means waking up at 8am feeling quite rested, but also means staying in my PJs until noon. Around 10 o'clock this morning I had already caught up on the shows I had missed during the week, by watching them online, so I made myself a ham and cheese omelet complete with a mug of starbucks coffee to warm my insides. Ahh, the bliss of drinking a warm cup of coffee, flavored with a pinch of hazelnut and a dash of cream, just makes the day better. The ring of my phone shook me away from my daydream, but transferred me into girl talk with one of best friends, Tara. It was in the middle of our catch up time that I was caught by surprise. My friend, a marine who is fighting in Afghanistan, was on the other line. With a quick switch from girl talk I gladly entered into marine talk. It had been months since I'd talked to this particular friend, and just hearing his voice made it seem like he wasn't so far away, in a war zone - a different world, sometimes feeling like a different planet.
(pictured: me and Tara )

It wasn't until 1 o'clock that I was actually able to step away from the phone and finally take a shower. I think I still had school grim on me from the previous day at work; my face was so oily my glasses kept sliding off my nose, my feet had a peculiar smell, and I think I actually heard the shower beg me to enter in and wash it all away. Delighted at the grim being gone from my body, I followed the smell of jasmine mixing with water through the room and felt inspired to clean the rest of the house. The couch even got cleaned. I even took a couple of breaks in my cleaning to swing my hips and tap my foot to the melodies coming from my ipod. It was a good day.
It's 5 o'clock now and I am sipping on a pineapple, raspberry smoothie waiting for 7 o'clock to arrive so that I can visit with my friend Tara. The girl talk on the phone earlier transpired into scheduling a girl visit time this evening filled with crafts and cookies. So, here I am - happy to be lazy, glad it's Saturday, anxiously awaiting time spent with friends. Never underestimate the power of a lazy Saturday, it will do wonders to your soul.

Day 2

June 12, 2010 - Day 2 of my journey to Africa (remember these are journal entries so the writing is a bit choppy and rough)

Last night's flight from Detroit to Amsterdam was miserable. The seats were squished, my back hurt so badly the whole seven hours I was in the air and I think I got one whole hour of sleep. Before the flight began, I met a man and his wife who were heading to Turkey. They were really nice and when I woke up from my one hour of rest they had saved some breakfast for me.
I wasn't very hungry though, I had been traveling non-stop since 11:15 yesterday morning and somewhere in the middle of it lost eight hours from time changes. My adventurous spirit has been crushed. I think I am so tired I can't think straight or focus on anything.
In Amsterdam I was thankful to walk around the airport for exercise... you know stretch the legs, straighten the back all the while looking for burnt orange T-Shirts that displayed the words "Share International". It was our one identifying symbol, I could just hear Sammy's parting advice - "you'll met the team in Amsterdam, you'll recognize them by their orange T-Shirts" echoing in my head. He was right. I met up with the rest of the team and became suddenly sad that I was the only one who didn't know anyone else. The rest of the team all knew each other and I began to feel like an outsider.
Note to self: Traveling by yourself is fun for the first two hours, then it becomes lonely and boring.
I think the weariness in my bones is affecting my thought process - must get rest soon.
So here I was with my teammates Dr. Rebecca, Renee, Mary and Gary Boswell, Tina, Peggy and Terry ready to go through security and board the plane. Renee and I are the youngest by about 11 years or so.
Going through security in Amsterdam was another not so fun thing. I felt like I had been violated as the security lady felt me, and searched me for the non-existent metal on my body. Too close for comfort if you ask me.
The plane to Kenya was quite large, it was the yacht of planes for the air instead of the sea. I had never seen such a big plane - it had stairs inside leading to an upper deck. Who knew something so big could fly? I think the Wright brothers would be impressed. I felt like a wide-eyed little girl who had stepped into a city for the first time. I sat next to a young man, about my age, headed to the World Cup. He's from Baltimore and second generation Ghana. He was cool, doesn't like flying though, so I was a bit chatty with him to ease his mind - or at least get it off the fact that he was in the air. I sometimes wonder what people think about me when I first meet them - especially on trips like this with only a plane ride of conversation. Do they think I am a quiet girl? a missionary kid? a nerdy wanna be teacher?a train wreck? Whatever the case, I don't think they can truly know the real me from a plane ride. Especially a plane ride in which you have had no sleep in the past 12 hours and have been flying nonstop the day before. Yes, I know - bitterness.
Well I do have 8 hours to go on this flight, I hope to get some sleep, I am so exhausted already - it's 10:45 am here and 2:45pm at home so that explains alot. Wait - did I take my malaria medicine today? Blasted time changes.
7:25pm - landing in Narobi! The big plane provided great sleeping time. I slept for about 5 1/2 hours if the flight - though I must admit I'm sure I looked funny moving around for my back pain trying to fit just right in the seat (stupid scoliosis). I know I slept with my mouth open for a bit. Let's just say I don't look pretty when I sleep.
Customs, thank the Lord was not a problem and seeing Sammy's face was a huge relief. We quickly packed into vans and were introduced to the bumpy roads of Africa. In Narobi, Korat to be exact, we received our room assignments, watched a bit of the world cup and then headed to bed. Renee and I will be roommates for the entire journey and I'm glad. She is a really sweet girl.

Just me and a Carry On - My journey to Kenya, Africa

On June 11th 2010 I headed to Africa for an amazing adventure. It was there that I fell in love with the African people, it was there that God stretched me, used me and filled me with his presence. In a couple of weeks a few of my closest friends are going to go on this same journey. I am so excited for them and with them traveling so soon it has caused me to look back in my journal from last year. I remember Mary Marimi saying, " Don't forget Africa." In an effort to remember I wanted to post some of my journal entry excerpts.

June 11, 2010

Well, it's time to begin my adventure to Africa. Sitting here in the Monroe, LA airport with my distressed khakis, Tom shoes, loose blouse, and passport pouch around my neck I already feel like a world traveler. The airport is small, it has only three gates and a variety of passengers waiting to board. We all have two things in common - a rolling carry on suitcase and eyes fixed on the TV displaying the World Cup events in South Africa. I've been asked a couple of times if I'm going to the World Cup, but that is not my destination. I'll have to watch soccer from a far. I wonder how many people are going to a far away country, like me. A little boy, sitting with his family, is playing with binoculars and I wonder what sort of adventure they are going on. Then, I wonder why I didn't pack binoculars myself.

Today was day one of taking malaria pills and I feel slightly nauseated. Although, I can't help but wonder if that is the result of nervousness, malaria pill side effects, or the lack of sleep I've had. Anne Lord came over last night to keep me company, run some last minute errands, and to help me pack my carry on. We were up until two in the morning. I am so thankful for that time spent with her - she knew just what I needed. I am so blessed to have her in my life.

So, it's just me and this carry on for two weeks. A packing feat I am proud to have conquered. As a girl this can prove problematic, but with the skill of rolling clothes and packing light I managed to fit everything and still have room. Call me next time you need to pack and I'll teach you my ways. I have to admit I'm a little nervous traveling by myself to Amsterdam. Images from the movie Taken play in my head, and feelings of loneliness are evident from my lack of companionship. But, there is something adventurous and enjoyable about trekking it solo for a little while. Maybe if I pretend I'm in a movie the nervousness will go away....

In the flight from Monroe to Atlanta I found it amazing to fly over the clouds (I don't know why, it is not my first time flying). They were so big and fluffy. In the sea of blue the magnitude of clouds reminded me of a scene from the movie Finding Nemo - the part when Dory swims into a cluster of jellyfish. Here I was in my own sea in the air looking at the harmless cluster of jellyfish looking substances.

On my flight from Atlanta to Detroit a fly landed on my arm. A fly in an airplane? Seems slightly oxymoron - like , on some level. I wonder if the pressure from the altitude kills the fly - or does it fly while we fly? Can it even survive a flight? These are the things that run through my mind when I have four flights in a row to catch.

Note to self: tell Dad about taking off in the plane - Pilot said we're number one for take off - reminds me of Brian Regan.

The fly is still alive - survived the flight.

What do you think?

I was looking through some of my old photos and decided to post some of my favorites. Tell me what you think?

My Best Buds

These are my best buds, with the exception of a few people that are not pictured. I could not imagine doing life without these people. Whether it be a text message, email, letter, note on my car, or a silent prayer my life is enriched by their presence in it. I am going through a rough spot right now and though every weakness in me tells me that I am alone in this battle, all I have to do is look at this picture and I know I've got battle buddies. It is their constant love, support, and encouragement that inspires me, motivates me, and challenges me. I am truly honored and blessed to have these individuals in my life. They are more than just friends, they are family and I love them. So, I write this to remind me - they've got my back, that I'm not alone and that I truly am blessed by them. I wouldn't want to "do life" with anyone one else but these guys. Though some now live far away, I know they are still close in spirit and just a phone call away. So, to these best buds I say, "Thank you for filling my life with love, support and encouragement. I love you all, and you mean more to me than you'll ever know. Thank you for being my family."

Pictured besties: Brian Foster, Connor Beech, Matthew Kirby, Zach Binns, Melanie Binns, Beth Foster, Matt Stone, Tara Stone.
Not Pictured besties: Meredith Maines, Laura Beech, Elizabeth Turpin, Stephen Turpin, Emily and Jason Howell, Anne Lord.

Penne Spinach Pasta

To all seven of my faithful followers: I apologize for the delay in posting something new. I have been slightly overwhelmed with life at the moment, but I wanted to add something to my pile of posts. So, I give you a recipe. I found this recipe online and modified to my liking. It is a bit on the spicy side - but what New Orleans girl doesn't like spice?

Penne Spinach Pasta

Ingredients :
1 pkg. penne pasta (or orza pasta)
2 tbsp. olive oil
bacon bits (real ones)
I can diced tomatoes (I used the diced tomatoes and green chilies combo- just gives it a kick)
I bunch of baby spinach, rinsed and torn into bite size pieces
2 tbsp minced garlic
pinch of basil
pinch of cayenne pepper
chopped onion ( I just used a little bit because I don't like a lot of onions in my meals)
grilled chicken (I marinated chicken strips in Italian seasonings ahead of time)

Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of water of lightly salted water to a boil, add pasta - cook 8-10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile sautee onion and minced garlic. Add bacon bits after about 2 minutes. Then add the basil, and cayenne.
3. Add can of tomatoes to sauteed onions and seasonings, cook until heated through.
4. Place torn spinach in a colander and drain pasta over it. Transfer pasta and spinach to a large serving bowl, then add heated tomato mixture. Toss together. Serve hot and enjoy!

I made this one night and it was very tasty! It was easy and I had everything in the kitchen already. Hope you like it.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I'd like to dedicate this post to my mom, Julie Catherine Delaune Trauth.
My mom is by far the best mom. I know that some might argue you that, but it is true. Words cannot describe the amount of love, gratitude, and admiration I have for this woman. She is the kind of woman who, along with my father, raised three children to not only love the Lord, but follow Him with all their heart. She is beautiful both inside and out and taught us to find the beautiful part of horrible situations. My mom is generous, caring, self-sacrificing and the most encouraging person I know. No matter if it was a little note on my lunch bag when I was in school, or a care package when I was in college, or a card in the mail as an adult, I knew I was always on her heart. She always says to me, " love you to bits and pieces" and I think it makes me cry every time I hear those words. She is the person I want to lay my head on when I am sick so she can play with my hair, she is the person I want to tell all my secrets, and she is the person I want to talk to on the phone everyday. She is not only a mother, but a friend who I don't know what I would do without. In short, she is amazing.
I've always hoped to be a mom like her, one day. I still dream of that day, and if I'm lucky I will have a little girl I could name after my mom. But, for now I'm eternally grateful that she is my mom, my friend, and my confident. To you mom - this is your Day and I'm sad none of us kids could be with you. But know we love you with our whole heart.

Taste and See

As one of the leaders of the 7th grade youth girls at Christ Community I have been challenged to "Taste and See" the Lord in small sections of scripture. As each day holds a new truth, promise, nugget of gold I cannot help but repeat that phrase over and over again in my head. I want to taste and see that the Lord is good.
The word "taste" with all its enticements of rich flavors, and small portions of "just enough" to get one wanting - even desiring more lingers in my mind. Taste. If only we could just taste the Word of the Lord we would see that He is good and we would desire more! Taste. Just a little nibble, one or two verses and it wets our appetite. Taste. See that it is good. Not only do we get a small dose of some pretty rich stuff in the Bible, we get to "See" those words in a fresh new way. We see that the Lord is good.
I have been stuck on one word, through my tasting, one small bite of what is a BIG feast - Faith. Over and over again I have been reminded that faith is a process.... it is continuous ..... it hurts.....it is beautiful. In 2 Tim 4:7 Paul calls us to fight the GOOD fight of faith. It is going to agonizing at times. I have seen it all over the pages of scripture - you will struggle.

Isaiah 40 tells us that we will be weary but to wait on the Lord to renew our strength.
Joshua 1 tells us that we must be strong and courageous because times will be tough.
Romans 12 echoes the words of Paul "urging" us to present our bodies to be living sacrifices -
urging us because it does not come naturally. Don't conform to the world.
Psalm 119 David asks "How can a young man keep his way pure?" by living by the Word of the
Lord.
Matthew 7 tells us to be wise in our foundations. A foundation on the rock of Jesus prevents us
from a GREAT fall.
Hebrews 11 - here we get to the heart of the matter - the faith chapter of the Bible - one I love!
In verse 25 it says this about Moses " .... choosing rather to ENDURE ill treatment with
the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasure of sin...."

If I am living my life to enjoy the passing pleasure of sin, where will that lead? Am I willing to endure - to long suffer - to persevere in this good fight of faith and to throw away the passing - get that - passing - that means it will not last - pleasures of sin? I say that I am. Because I taste. I taste and see that the Lord is good.

Anne of Green Gables

As a little girl I loved to watch the story of Anne of Green Gables unfold before me on the TV screen. Anne, with her melodramatic charisma, captivated my attention. I recently found some quotes from such story and couldn't help but share them. May you delight in the melodramatic words of Anne, may you never fall into the depths of despair, and may you find a kindred spirit....

"I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string."
— L.M. Montgomery

"I'd like to add some beauty to life," said Anne dreamily. "I don't exactly want to make people KNOW more... though I know that IS the noblest ambition... but I'd love to make them have a pleasanter time because of me... to have some little joy or happy thought that would never have existed if I hadn't been born."
— L.M. Montgomery (Anne's House of Dreams)

"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?But am I talking too much? People are always telling me I do. Would you rather I didn't talk? If you say so I'll stop. I can STOP when I make up my mind to it, although it's difficult."
— L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables)

"Perhaps, after all, romance did not come into one’s life with pomp and blare, like a gay knight riding down; perhaps it crept to one’s side like an old friend through quiet ways; perhaps it revealed itself in seeming prose, until some sudden shaft of illumination flung athwart its pages betrayed the rhythm and the music; perhaps . . . perhaps . . . love unfolded naturally out of a beautiful friendship, as a golden-hearted rose slipping from its green sheath."
— L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Avonlea)

New Project

I haven't done so well in introducing people on Mondays. I am not giving up on that project, but the new project I have started is a bit more tangible. Inspired by the Adventure Book in the movie Up, I started a "Happy Book". I will one day make an Adventure Book, but for now I will record the things that make me happy.
Here is a peek at my book.....

Monday Meetings

The Lord has blessed me with some incredible people in my life. I only thought that the natural thing to do with this blessing of people is to share a little bit about them with you. I decided to make Mondays my day of introductions of those that I find special. Today, I will introduce you to my sister.
Meet Laura Marie Trauth Beech..........
Laura is a 25 year old, 6th grade history teacher, and wife to Connor Beech. But more importantly than all of those things is the fact that she is my little sister. If I could have somehow pre-ordered my siblings, picked out their personalities and designed their attitudes I would have still gotten it wrong. The Lord knew exactly what I needed in a sister and He created Laura Marie, or as some call her - Lou, and I have been forever grateful. Laura and I have not always gotten along. My mom used to get frustrated with our fighting, and would ever so kindly remind us that one day we would be best friends. I thought to myself "yeah, right." But I was so wrong. We did become best friends and I honestly don't know what I would do without her. Laura is one of the most merciful and compassionate people you will ever meet. She thinks of others before herself, she is kind, genuine, and fun to be around. Now, she will argue with you until you are blue in the face, but she just likes the debate. Laura cares for her students, she is an excellent wife, and more than anything she wants to glorify the Lord with her life. Laura has been my rock, my strength in hard times. She has been a source of not only encouragement but a source of wisdom and understanding. She has the great capacity to love not only in times of great joy, but in times when my face is swollen with tears, and my words unrecognizable with bitterness. To have Laura as a friend is lucky indeed.
She is also a woman of great talent in the area of craftiness. She sews with a naturalness that can only come from the genes she inherited from our grandmother. Her work is beautiful .... just like she her personality.
So, if you know her send her a little "Hello" and lift up a prayer for her this week.

You can follow her at www.fleur-de-lou.blogspot.com.

Broken Record....

I know I sound like a broken record when I say -- "It's cold in my house!"
So, I will post a picture so that you can see exactly how I cope.See the weird looking thing in the corner of the picture ....that is my space heater -- the greatest creation for cold winter days.
If you don't mind I will explain how I cope....
Step 1 - Dress in many layers, even when it is time for bed. This includes long-johns, sweatpants, a long sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt, and two layers of socks (preferably the ones used for camping - they are warmer). Beanies are optional.
Step 2 - Put a little fan next to your space heater. As strange as this may sound it actually circulates the heat. Close the door to your room so the heat won't get out.
Step 3 - Use the bathroom, get a snack, and do whatever else you need to do in the rest of the chilled house, because once you get in your bedroom you aren't going to leave.
Step 4 - When getting ready to sleep, grab extra blankets. My bed consists of layers - layer one - flannel sheets, layer two- my Louisiana Tech blanket, layer three- a thin quilt-like blanket, layer four - a thicker comforter, and layer five - a fleece blanket. Works like a charm.

On the occasion that you have to use the bathroom, or get a class of water, run like crazy and avoid sitting on the toilet seat it's frozen at this point. Be quick.
Now when it is time to get up and get ready for work you have to mentally prepare yourself to brace the cold- no worries, by the time you dress after your shower you'll be warm again.

That my friends is how to cope with a house that actually stays at 17 degrees inside, when it is 17 degrees outside. I've actually seen my breath once when I've opened the door to the spare bedroom that does not have a space heater.

Photobooth.....

So, this is what happens when I am bored, and have too much time on my hands. I give you the silly side of Dana! Ta Da -- a little photo strip for your entertainment. Enjoy!