Cafe D probably thinks I have no home.

Another Friday afternoon at Café D. I must say, although this was a four-day week, it seemed a bit stressful and a little long. This is partially due to a cold that I seem to have caught. I’ve been congested and pretty sleepy for the last two days, but my spirits were lifted today by many of the beautiful women in my life (see the Kudos at the end of this entry!). I am not sure why I’m sick when it isn’t even wintertime, but I think that all of my worrying about Britt has been a contributing factor. I’m so happy to hear that her stomach is getting better and that she is in a new house with a nicer host mom. Now her FUN semester in Spain can begin! As I think back upon my own study abroad experience, I remember lots of wonderful times but also many “low” periods; it was during those difficult times that I think I experienced a lot of growth. Still, there is a such thing as “too much,” and B needed a break. For those of you who haven’t been keeping up with her blog, she faced a number of obstacles this past week. Apparently it affected me not only emotionally but also physically. I know this is the same for my parents. Hopefully now Mom can stop making beef stew at 3am and I can kick this cold fast!

The famous sign at Pike Place Market.

Pretty peppers in the market.

As for Seattle last weekend, we had a great time. We were happy that we left after work on Friday because we were able to spend some quality time hanging out at Cherry Abbey (one of the two JV houses in the city), where I caught up with Beth a bit. The next morning, we had a slow breakfast and getting-ready process and then headed to the busy Pike Place Market, where Jenna and I secured many a free sample and checked out plenty of beautiful things we couldn’t afford to buy. Afterwards, we headed to Pioneer Square, which I really enjoyed. It was a peaceful, smaller plaza with a lot of hand-made things for purchase and the vendors were incredibly friendly. I would have loved to purchase some of the delicious home-made soaps and the intricate and gorgeous cards for sale, but it was fun to just look at it all too. 

One thing about simple living: it takes a lot of pressure off. In a sense, you are all but forced to remove yourself [mostly] from consumerist culture. Whereas I’d normally stress a bit about what to buy, how many to buy, whether that was a good deal, etc. etc. etc., I go into the situation knowing that I am not going to buy anything. It’s fun to look at and admire the things for sale without a thought of purchase heckling me in the back of my mind. I was able to admire the handiwork and the craftsmanship but then walk away without feeling like I should or shouldn’t have bought something. Simple living, in many ways, is liberating, although it seems at first glance like it would be incredibly restrictive ($80/month for personal use). Also, it makes certain purchases—smoothies and hot drinks, for example—EXTRA special, and it completely eliminates impulse buying and makes all purchases more intentional. A good thing. I won’t lie and say that I don’t miss being able to “just grab Jimmy John’s” but there’s something to be said about having to PLAN your meals and PLAN your purchases and WORK/WAIT for special things. I purchased a Sufjan Stevens ticket for an October 29^th concert, which is requiring me to save $15 from August, $15 from September, and $10 from my October stipend. Really, $40 wouldn’t have been all that major to me before this experience, especially to see one of my favorite musicians. But I know I’ll appreciate and savor the concert even more now. Same goes for ice cream, good beer, chai lattés, books, and so on and so forth. 

At Colleen's aunt and uncle's in our matching tie-dye (sorry, Jillian!).

We were fortunate to have some familial connections in Seattle. We spent some time at Colleen’s aunt and uncle’s place, where we had a delicious dinner and some wine and conversation. They are both former JV’s, and he is a Marquette High alum, so it was a really pleasant conversation and a delicious meal. We then headed to Seattle Mercy House (the other JV house in town) for a JVC party. Many houses have parties that they host on an annual basis (for example, our house will throw the Cinco de Mayo party, in keeping with the tradition begun last year). Seattle Mercy always has the Labor Day party, and other communities try their best to get to these fun gatherings, though it all depends on budgeting. We were glad we got to attend, and we had a lot of fun dancing and hanging out with each other and other communities on Saturday night. I was excited to run into Tim, and grateful that he let me stay at his new home. 

I must say, although this might make me sound pretty lame, the party scene within JVC throws me for a bit of a loop. It just seems too much like college. Although most of us are only one year removed from that scene, I was never much of a party person. I always prefer a smaller group and some wine and a chill atmosphere, though I do like a dance party here and there of course! The thing is, I didn’t think that JV parties a) existed and b) felt so much like college parties. It felt strange to me—the excess consumption directly conflicts with the intentionality we seek in living more simply, and it inhibits the intentional formation of genuine relationships. Alcohol is a crutch, and I think this year is about eliminating unnecessary things like crutches and especially eliminating barriers to true relationships. So I had some wine and I danced for a bit, but something in me felt a bit off all evening. I enjoyed Seattle, and I loved seeing everyone, but I realized that this is fun if done moderately, as with everything else (in theory) we’re doing this year. 

I went to Mass with Tim, where I ran into Erin (from my house) and saw a few other JV’s, though most people slept in or had a relaxing morning at Cherry Abbey or Seattle Mercy house. I was glad I went to Mass. This is the other piece that’s hard for me: Mass has always been and will always be the defining characteristic of my Sunday, and I build my day and my plans around that to the best of my ability. I don’t seem to have someone who approaches their faith in that same way, which is fine, but I’m used to having SUCH a supportive and amazing faith community at Marquette; I took for granted the fact that I got to sit with some of my closest friends every Sunday at Mass. I am fine with using my Sunday Mass time as my solo reflection time (sometimes that’s really nice, actually), but what I’m realizing is that spirituality is going to have to be something I actively seek out. It’s not something that is already built for me now that the infrastructure of college and Campus Ministry is no more. And it’s not necessarily something that will be suggested to me or insisted upon in my new community; this is all well and good—I’ll just have to get creative. 

Jillian fit through the doggie door at Daniel's.

After Mass, we took the ferry to Daniel’s house on the peaceful and quaint Bainbridge Island, where we spent the rest of Sunday and some of Monday. The ferry ride was lovely, and we were all a little slap-happy on the boat (not unusual for us). Once in Bainbridge, we were really lazy, but it was exactly what I needed. We had lunch and then dessert at his grandparents’ (so cute!) and we spent the evening in, acting a bit like the Waltons—at  one point, Jenna and I were on the couch, reading books and magazines, Colleen and Erin were playing the piano and singing, and Daniel, Jillian, and Linds were chatting in the kitchen. I looked around and thought, “well aren’t we the cutest little family!” and it felt so warm. Daniel and Jenna made dinner on Sunday night and we were again the grateful recipients of free alcohol because Daniel’s parents had kindly purchased Blue Moon and some Pinot Grigio for us. I am continually amazed by people’s generosity. The “Volunteer Card” is actually a bit too useful! 

I have very little to report from this week, though I do feel that my first month here in Gresham went by EXTREMELY quickly. Last night, I watched some of the Vikings-Saints game (no, I don’t want to discuss it. Yes, we will win next time) alone in a bar here in Gresham—perhaps a bit pathetic, but it was what I needed to do. Tomorrow I think Lizzie is (finally!) coming out to G-Sham to visit us and hang out a bit. I’m looking to have a pretty low-key weekend. 

Trying to look tough in an old shed we found on Bainbridge.

My community continues to entertain and inspire me. Today marks the 8-year anniversary of Erin’s mom’s death, and she is very much in my thoughts and prayers today (please add her to yours). She is so strong and brave, but this must be a difficult day for her no matter how much time passes. Colleen, another one of my lovely housemates, recently learned that she is going to be able to switch placements, something she was really hoping for but getting pretty worried about; her current placement is simply not a good place for a JV to work, and she was coming home everyday from work absolutely drained and depressed. I am SO glad that she will be able to do something that will use her many gifts and give her more energy. It has only been a month, but my community is growing into a strong unit as we slowly but surely learn more about one another. It’s funny how quickly you catch on to people’s little “things”—for example, Erin has already dubbed me “Mama” (something many of you also call me) and has my “squealy voice” pegged. Pretty silly.

The old shed was pretty cool.

Alright, time to get going. I should go home and see what’s up. Some people are very interested in an 80’s Dance Party happening at the Crystal Ball Room downtown. I don’t think tonight’s the night for me to get my groove on, so I’m planning to hang back (hopefully not totally alone) and relax. I hope you all enjoyed the short week and have a wonderful weekend. A few shout-outs before I go…

Brittany: You have been in my thoughts constantly! I am so glad that your new mama is so much better, and I will continue to pray that your tumtum improves daily. I am proud of you and KNOW that this will (and already has) made you stronger. Be patient! I love you!

Fr. Anderson: You continue to impact my spirit from afar. Thank you for your words.

Molly Ryan: THANK YOU for another delicious baked goodie via USPS. You are too kind. The bread was delicious.

Thank you also to the ladies who made me smile today: Molly, who booked her ticket to visit me in January (!!!!!!), Jill, who sent me a beautiful and literally SWEET package (and the prettiest box ever!), Katharine, whose email brightened my work day, and Catí, whose beautiful reflections (all the way from Chile) touched my heart con mucha fuerza. You are all beautiful.

Erin and Colleen: You've been pillars of strength this week. Christ shines through you!

Mom and Dad: The way you love your kids is a sacrament in and of itself. I love you both.

XOXO, with much gratitude (and some naughty sniffles!),

Amanda

PS We stopped at the Tacoma house on our way home. I held a chicken. See below.

I don't think it went very well.