this and that: pictures, updates and life without facebook

These pictures don't exactly have a theme. The only thing they have in common is their recent-ness. These were all taken within the past week (give or take a couple days). It's still quite chilly here. I don't think the snow is leaving anytime soon... which is fine:) I'm getting use to it, and I'm trying to take it all in before it's gone. I know far too well that spring and summer will come quickly, and if this summer is as hot as it was last year, well, yeah... I just remember it being in the 90s- that's really HOT. For the past month after church on Sunday, Nate and I (along with a couple other friends) have been enjoying the outdoors by cross-country skiing, ice skating, or sn-iking (snow hiking). It's definitely been one of the weekend highlights! And I still can't get over the fact that skis and skates are free to use! Just write your name on this clipboard and voilà! You have gear. Last weekend, (President's Day Weekend), a blizzard came through our town. It was so bad that our college group activity was cancelled. I mean, there were snow mounds in the middle of intersections, -30 degree wind chill, and extremely low visiblity. It was crazy, and I'm sure it wasn't exactly safe to do what we did, but we did it anyway. We're college students; we're suppose to do crazy stuff once in awhile, right? ;) Haha Nate, a friend and I went out sn-iking. We had layers upon layers, ski goggles, face masks, boots, gloves, everything. In fact, halfway through, we started getting warm. At some points the snow drifts went up to my hip. No joke. We had to get on our hands and knees to increase our surface area and so that we wouldn't fall into the snow as far. (Snow shoes would have been helpful.) After crossing the frozen river, we got to this field. The horizon was no where to be seen, just whiteness and the forest behind us was visible. It was so awesome! That day was definitely memorable! :)

 The North Dakotan mountains have grown since this picture ;) Ha! I kind of want to try sledding down them. An adrenline rush might come, right?

I still don't really know what I'm going to do with that huge pot... the only idea I've come up with is an umbrella holder. If any of you guys have any good ideas, let me know! This pot needs purpose.

 Valentine's rose. I went to a v-day dinner at a church here. The guys served the ladies. It was so sweet! After a delicious dinner, an epic dance party ended the night!

First smoothie from my new blender. I finally used the money my parents gave me for my birthday. :)

George Strait came to Grand Forks last weekend, and I helped out in the concessions.

I got to see about 10 seconds of the show! :)

 This is me reenacting Nate's skillful skiing moves.

These are pictures from the crazy blizzard sn-iking day! :D

 green or red?

 my coffee alternative and an evening with a friend. :)

 My mom took this picture yesterday! Baby Elias is watching his big brothers sail in Hawaii. :)

I just love this picture so much!

About 8 years ago, Nate and I took sailing lessons from the same guy!

today's frosty morning.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understandings; in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your path straight. -Proverbs three:five and six

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It's been 11 days since Ash Wednesday, aka 11 days since I gave up facebook, coffee and my bed.

Well, I have some confessing to do.

About three days in, I realized I was drinking not only my FIRST cup of coffee of the day, but my SECOND! Ugh. I dumped it out once I realized it. Wow, life without coffee is hard. Not just because it tastes so good, but because it's a habit. I drink it because I can. Without thinking, I had some. But I'm back on tract. No coffee 'til Easter!

And the facebook thing. I feel like the guy on Cast Away. I'm on this tiny unsociable island. I don't know what's going on in the outside world. Haha I have no idea what my friends are doing (unless I text them.) Let's just hope I don't go insane! Where's my Wilson? I need him to wash ashore soon. Seriously, how did people survive before facebook and myspace?!?

I was able to go about 4 days without my bed. Lame, I know. But I think getting a good night's sleep before school every night is kind of important.

So, it's just facebook and coffee I'm living without.

Have a good rest of the weekend guys! :D