A story about a Woolie...

This week at school is Welcome Week, when the freshmen are invited to tons of events that encourage them to meet one another. There was an Instagram photo hunt list, and for fun I decided to participate. One of the photos we're supposed to find? "Post a photo of you and your Woolie".

A Woolie is a Welcome Week Leader (I've been one twice but not this year). My own Woolie my freshman year was this great guy. He was fun-loving, excited about the school, and gave us good tips, like bring a blanket to the outdoor movie, and attend CWIT meetings for free pizza. He was so inspiring that the following two years, I was a part of the Woolie team with him.

He and I continued to be friends throughout my freshman year (since he led my bible study) and my sophomore year (not the leader anymore but we were still in the same bible study) and my junior year (although we saw each other less because he got crazy busy with research).

His girlfriend-then-fiancee-now-wife and I became friends during my sophomore year. I had lunch with her weekly, and then she graduated and left me (just kidding). She and I shared so many elements of our lives and became fast friends. I could go on-and-on about her too but this post in particular is about the Woolie thing.

This past Saturday I attended their wedding. It was beautiful. I loved watching the groom's face while his gorgeous bride walked down the aisle, teared up hearing the confidence in their voices as they exchanged vows, cheered as I watched them kiss for the first time, and celebrated like crazy at their reception

So, UMBC (seb)? You want me to post a photo of me and my Woolie? How do I pick just one? I watched my Woolie change and grow as a person and I was inspired by his change and growth. I met his lovely bride and she touched my life by reminding me weekly to stick to the Scriptures, and remaining my fast friend after her graduation. There are a number of photos of us through the years, and a lot of memories we share that DIDN'T get photographed. So sure, I'll share a photo, and as I share I'll remember say "Thank you, God, for putting this couple in my life". Congratulations, you guys. I love you both.

Grandparents and marriage

So, my grandparents are visiting for the week. It's been quite interesting. My grandparents are in their eighties. My grandmother is very energetic, excited about keeping herself as active as possible in her old age. My grandfather is more inclined to sit quietly.

I am learning a lot from the brief time I'm spending with them. It's most interesting to see how my grandparents marriage plays a huge part in their aging. Multiple times today, my grandfather told my grandma he loved her, to hear her almost automatic reply "Love you too precious". They were walking around the lake today and my grandfather made a remark about "when a girl gets married...", basically detailing how a wife is supposed to take care of her husband. My grandmother has so much patience. I doubt my grandfather would survive without her.

A good friend of mine is getting married in a few weeks, and another just got engaged a few weeks ago. As they look forward to their new lives, I wish them all happiness, but I can't help but wonder what changes will come about in my friends if/when they hit the 50+ years of marriage mark my grandparents have reached.

Armchair traveling

I have never wanted to travel - something many of my friends think is absolutely crazy. But personally, flying makes me sick, driving is tedious, and being away from home for long periods of times makes me sad. 

However, I recently came across the phrase "armchair traveler" which I think describes me perfectly. I love reading my friends blogs. When Travis was in Chile, I loved his blog updates, and Hannah's Oman blog, while sporadic, is really cute and consistent with her personality. I also read travel books, which right now means "Bella Tuscany" by Frances Mayes. I enjoy reading about other people's adventures, but I'm not brave enough to have adventures of my own.

I know people say travel is how they can experience other cultures, but I respectfully think that you don't need to travel somewhere else to experience and respect other cultures.

Now, I know most of my readers are the traveling type, so here are some questions for you to comment on:

1. Where is the one place you think everyone should go?

2. Why are you drawn to travel?

3. How do you contribute towards "armchair travelers"?

Also, this month marks five years of my rambling thoughts bring written down on this blog. Momentous! I know I haven't been around much in 2013 so I'll try to keep posting over the summer. Stay cool :)