California Central Coast

First quarter at Fuller is in the books. Seven more to go... The quarter system really keeps things moving. I think I like it, though. We had a one week break this past week before summer intensive classes begin on Monday.

So on Friday, the last day of finals, I boarded a train headed north to Grover Beach. It was a 5 hour train ride along the stunning coastline and through long stretches of agricultural fields - acres and acres of strawberries, garlic, broccoli, lettuce, and beans.
The purpose of my trip was to spend a weekend getting my "life mapped" by a couple with hoards of experience in counseling, mentoring and church missiology. A grant was awarded to Fuller for new students to participate in this to help us have a stronger sense of our calling and vocational path. Who doesn't want greater clarity in their calling??
I spent two days with this couple talking about myself...yes, 2 days talking about me! Talked about my life experiences, turning points, family, friends, social life (or lack of!!) talents, and a bunch of other stuff. Then we set about making a timeline and outlining goals to achieve over the next 5 years in order to stay aligned and focused on a trajectory towards achieving vocational, personal and family goals. I won't go into all the details of what they are, but will say that the timeline spans over the next 5 years...2014...seems like a lifetime away! And then you think about 5 years ago...2004...seems like yesterday!

I also wanted to share some pictures of the Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande area, which is near San Luis Obispo. Wow! Talk about straight out of a movie! This place is like Mayberry! Patriotic flags flying, flowers blooming perfectly in a row, people pushing baby strollers and smiling to their neighbor across the street. Honestly, places like that do exist! Here are some pictures to prove it!

Parrots, Magnolias, and the Pops

So this past week I was awakened early in the morning by a horrific noise that sounded like a dying squirrel right outside my window. The squawking persisted for a good 15 minutes, so finally curiosity got the best of me and I got up to see what the raucous was about. Imagine my surprise to see a bright green parrot in the tree! For such a pretty bird, they make a really disturbing noise. Sources tell me that these birds have become naturalized (is that the correct term?)in Pasadena due to a pet emporium burning down in the late 1950's!


And then there were two...


In addition to beautiful birds, there are some beautiful trees in bloom right now. The Jacarandas produce a carpet of purple from the falling petals. This brings back memories of Ethiopia, as there are lots of jacaranda trees throughout the country. Also, the magnolias are blooming - and who doesn't love a magnolia?? Also reminds me of my favorite movie: Steel Magnolias.


Tonight there was a free concert given by the Pasadena Pops Symphony Orchestra outside of City Hall. It's so nice to have free cultural events so close-by. City Hall is such a lovely spot in the city. For those of you into the Hollywood side of things, Pasadena's City Hall is the backdrop to the show "Parks and Recreation." I actually walked through the building one day when they were filming. If you've seen the show, see if you recognize it from my pictures...