December trips

This month I've enjoyed a couple of trips to nearby destinations. Traveling is so therapuetic for my winter despising soul. I don't know how I could get through winter without it.

My first outing was a bit of an adventure. I went to Colorado to visit a boy I had met online only a week before I booked a flight. I don't know where I get this romantic idealism, but as much as I try to ignore it, it often gets the best of me. His name is Barrett, and he's getting a Masters in Fine Arts in Boulder, CO. He's very liberal, artsy, eccentric and forward. For some reason, that attracted me. We had a fun 4 days together. He introduced me to a whole new side of theater that I'd never experienced before. He was sweet, chivalrous, thoughtful and fun. In spite of that, I'm clear that we're not right for each other, but I consider him a friend and I'm glad we met.

Two weeks later I went to San Diego with my friend Aline and stayed with my favorite couple, Jamie and Adam Hale. Aline and I were soooo happy to be in the sun even though it was freezing at night. We got a few hours of good sun in during the day, and just being able to walk along the beaches made us both very happy.

While in San Diego, Jamie and Adam introduced me to a guy who they thought might be a good match for me. I first met him at church on Sunday, and Jamie invited him over that night for dinner with us. He came with his 3 year old daughter Ella and a plate full of home made chocolate chip cookies. We seemed to have a good connection. Unfortunately, Aline and I had to leave to catch our plane, so we had to cut the conversation short.

I didn't hear from him again until just yesterday. I had pretty much decided he wasn't interested, but then out of the blue, he calls to to tell me he's in town and wanted to take me to lunch. I took him to One World Cafe. It was nice to sit and converse with him, and I admit, it was nice to stare at him, too, while he talked. :P He's really cute. Here's a pic I swiped off of his on-line profile. Is that stalking?

His name is John. His full time job is training for the Olympics in race walking. I never even knew there was such an event, but it's quite interesting to talk to him about it. Unfortunately, he's in the middle of a divorce which won't be final until March, so I can only hope for friendship at this point. He said he'd call me the next time he was in town, so we'll see. It probably won't amount to anything, but still, it's fun to pretend.

Blood Diamonds

I haven't been able to stop crying for the past 30 minutes. I'm giving myself a headache. My heart feels like it's being crushed with sadness after watching the movie "Blood Diamonds." The reason is because it's a true account of the darkest side of human kind, and it is happening somewhere in the world even in this very moment. War, anger, hate, greed, pride....all consuming the human spirit, turning our children into heartless machines, corrupting the innocent and turning brothers against one another. "Blood Diamonds" exposes the exploitation of Africans for diamonds, but that is just one of many of the malidies in this insane world of ours. Tears flooded my eyes as I considered the overwhelming amount of pain and suffering in our world, and the incredible reality that there are people who have completely detached from their spirit to the point that they are unaffected by hurting others.
I cried to Heavenly Father, feeling completely helpless. It is in this space that I feel especially grateful for Jesus Christ. Even though this world is all messed up and justice doesn't always get served the way it should, Christ will make sure that one day those who were good in their hearts receive their just reward. That is my only comfort right now.
I am also grateful for those who do take a stand for a cause, who get involved, who care and love and do their part to make a difference. I rub shoulders with many of them. It is an honor. Thank you, God, for people who care.