Cold Tangerines anyone?

I officially love this book and I recommend it to anyone who wants a quick, refreshing read for the summer! Shauna Niequist writes honestly, with incredible imagery and enthusiasm. She reminds her readers that TODAY is a gift from God, and we should never take the little things in life for granted! Her insightful fascination with everyday events has made me laugh out loud and has also brought tears to my eyes. Check it out! Seriously.

"Today is a gift. And if we have tomorrow, tomorrow will be a gift"

My Coffee Shop

This summer I'm taking some time to do something I love...writing. Below is a rough draft of a few of my thoughts. I just couldn't wait for them to be perfect, so decided to share them a little early!


There is something magical about my hometown coffee shop. As I sit nestled at my usual table, with my laptop and favorite drink, an iced caramel marvel, within reach I begin to consider the possible source of this inimitable feeling. Maybe it’s the aroma that greets me when I walk in the door. Maybe it’s the classic jazz music that floats through the air. Maybe it’s because the barista knows my name. Maybe it’s the oversized green chair with yesterday’s newspaper draped over its arm. Maybe it’s the way the sunlight pours through the windows and drips onto my table. Or maybe it’s because a coffee shop is the most suitable spot for almost any occasion.
I have several significant memories in this quiet shop. Each table is home to a special conversation or turning point in my life. For example, the first time I entered the doors of this coffee shop was when it opened during my freshman year of high school. My best friend and I bopped through the doors, and we instantly felt like sophisticated women instead of silly teenage girls. Of course, this new aura of maturity was probably not evident to the other customers in the shop, but for a moment, it was our reality. I ordered a tall mocha with extra whipped cream. Although I would have never admitted it, I thought it tasted terrible and wished I had ordered a hot chocolate. But I knew that worldly women who frequently grace coffee shops would never order such a childish drink, so I forced myself to sip the bitter beverage. Angela and I sat in the cozy green armchairs, and talked for over an hour about the cute boys we had seen on the drive over, how annoying our parents had suddenly become, and how we wanted to cut our hair for the summer. Although we probably looked out of place among the businessmen discussing next month’s quota and the young couples holding hands from across the table, for that hour, I felt grown up.
During the next few years, I would frequently meet friends for late night talks over a cup of coffee. Although I cannot record every conversation word perfect, I know that it was during those evenings that I learned more about myself. With each discussion I envisioned the type of friend that I wanted to be, the type of man that I wanted to marry, and the type of career that I wanted to have. Of course, these ideas have both grown and shattered. However, I truly believe that it was those heartfelt discussions about love, faith and the future that have made me the young woman I am today.
On the night before I left for my freshman year of college, I felt both excited and timid. Despite the fact that I still had most of my packing to do before leaving early the next morning, my young, beautiful, youth leader took me out for our “last” coffee together. We sat at a small table near the window, as I poured out my fears for the upcoming year. She gave me wise advice and assured me that I would have a wonderful year. She was right. My freshman year was filled with both challenges and blessings. As a result of late night cram sessions, uncontrollable laughter, aching tears, and countless cups of coffee, my heart became knit together with several life-long friends. Upon returning from college, my youth leader and I recalled the conversation we had had at the corner table many months before. It seemed impossible that almost a year had passed, and even more impossible that I had changed so significantly during that time.
Another important conversation took place in the back nook of the shop, at the table near the fireplace. My boyfriend and I sat across from one another, gripping our drinks and gritting our teeth. It’s always difficult to begin a serious conversation, and we tortured ourselves with small talk, until we finally and awkwardly broke into the real issue at hand. Although the coffee shop was deserted, we spoke in hushed tones, determined to get to the bottom of our age-old communication problem. This was our first real fight and at the time it seemed like an impossible obstacle. To my surprise, we had a mature and profitable discussion. He patiently listened to my frustrations and I gently acknowledged my part in the conflict. Our conversation ended when one of the baristas cautiously approached our table and told us that the shop would be closing in ten minutes. He held my hand and we walked outside to his snow-covered car, leaving our troubles at the lonely table. Although our dating relationship only lasted a few more months, we happily remained close friends. Once again, this conversation shaped my mental picture of the type of person that I ultimately want to marry. I envision someone who isn’t afraid to sit in a deserted coffee shop and honestly confront a problem as it lays strewn across the table.
So you see, coffee shops really are a place for every occasion. They are the perfect home for first dates and last drinks. They contain armchairs for both serious conversations and carefree reminiscing. They are the perfect spot for writing a paper or reading a favorite book. They provide inspiration and a sense of familiarity to those who enter their warm atmosphere. Undoubtedly, they are one of my favorite retreats from the world and also one of my favorite places in which to face the world head on.

slacker

Below is a fiery email I sent to the GAP a few weeks ago...
(And yes, I know I have been slacking in the "post department")


"Every girl searches for the perfect pair of jeans. You know the ones.
The ones that make you feel confident when you walk into a room, the
ones that look great with heels or tennis shoes, the ones that make your
legs look just like the women in the advertisement. One month ago, I
thought I had found my perfect pair of jeans at your store in Toledo,
Ohio. The only problem is, they are wrecking everything I own! Despite
washing them numerous times, the jeans are constantly bleeding a deep
blue. They have permanently stained my new pair of boots, they have
rubbed off on my favorite bag, ruined several pairs of socks and
continued to stain my skin. Needless to say, I am a little frustrated.
The jeans still fit great, and I even get compliments when I wear them.
But at a price of $70.00, I never thought I would be battling a new blue
skin tone.
Although I doubt that this letter will restore my money or remove the
stains from my boots, I think you should be aware of the problem.
Customers expect high quality from your store, and clearly my purchase
was anything but that. When I get compliments on your jeans I wish that
I could echo the comment of, "I love your jeans" with "Thanks! I love
them, too. They're from the GAP!" But instead, I find myself whining
about the hassle that they have become. I do not know how you would like
to resolve this problem, or if I will even receive a response, but
please know that I am a very frustrated customer and it will be a long
time before I enter your store in search of the perfect pair of jeans."


Surprisingly, they responded in less than 24 hours. A charming woman named Vicki sent a personalized email apologizing for the lack of quality, and she offered me a full refund or exchange at any GAP store in the country. Although I have not found the time to take the jeans back yet, I was impressed with how they handled the situation! Who knew such a big company would still respond to one little girls frantic cry of jean-bleeding? So here's my shout out to the GAP...keep up the good work!

History in the Making: 1st Post EVER

Wow. I can't believe my first semester of college is almost over! I love it at IWU and I'm so thankful that God has directed me here. I remember leaving in August, nervous about meeting my roommate, concerned that somehow I wouldn't measure up in my classes. I was already missing my family, friends, and our comfy home, but at the same time: I was excited! Well you'll be happy to know, I've done great in all my classes. Although I miss my family and friends, I've built really close friendships at IWU...and as for the roommate, I don't think I could have picked someone better. (Above--Noelle and I home for fall break) :) It's been a hectic 3 months. Sometimes filled with frustration, but overall an amazing experience. Thanks, God, for taking care of me. When will I ever learn to start trusting you instead of stressing. You always work things out just how you planned.

Well anyways! Here's to blogging...
Dad, I mainly set this up for you so that I can comment on your stuff!

Greetings from the Hoosier State,
Heather