God Moments

“Make a list of your God moments, you’re going to need them some day.”

These words still echo through my mind constantly, despite the fact that Katie sagely delivered them on Kairos nearly six years ago.

Heeding this advice has gotten me through some rough times. The moments where God’s existence seems impossible given the pain and hurt I felt and witnessed around me. The moments where nothing was going my way, nor did it seem like it ever would again. And particularly the moments where I desperately begged God for one thing, and he gave me the opposite.

Katie’s words were absolutely right. I did need them over the past six years, and I will continue to need them for the rest of my life.

However, I think Katie was probably suggesting you’d only need those moments when things were rough, when you seemed to no longer find God anywhere. And in many ways, that is the logical foregone conclusion. I don't find the advice any less true, however I would suggest that God moments are perhaps even more valuable when things are going great.

Not because I forget God in those moments. But because by remembering other sacramental moments during a happy experience, it only increases my wonder and awe for God. That He would choose to give me multiple moments of intense happiness is even more miraculous a thought to me.

It’s similar - and perhaps these people even belong on my God moment list- to how I often feel there is absolutely no way I will ever make another close friend, someone who really gets me and makes my life even better by challenging me to become a better version of myself. I think that and then BOOM I live with random roommates over a summer BOOM I get an internship on Cap Hill BOOM I get placed with a kid I “hated” for 9 ams Monday mornings BOOM I live in the ghetto with boys I’ve never met before BOOM A random meeting of acquaintances propels a friendship BOOM BOOM BOOM.

Each of these moments is associated with the experience of making a friend I never in my wildest dreams could have thought up. And each of these people changed me tremendously, for the better and for good.

In reflection on the first day of finals, as I sit here watching kids take tests (in utter boredom) all I can really think about is how much I hate the word ‘final.’ It’s so definite, so concrete, so... final. But the ones we love never truly leave us, they’re always in our hearts. So it is with God, even when it doesn’t seem that way. And even the things you think you’re done with in life, always find a way of coming back to you.

It breaks my heart to think about leaving MUHS. Though most moments I didn’t actually think I was happy, looking back I know I was. And it’s not the nostalgia typing. It was where I was meant to be. God never steered me wrong before, I have God moments as proof of that. It broke my heart to leave grade school, to stop playing the violin, to say good bye to harlequins, to move out of Michigan, to graduate from Mercy, to leave DC, and mostly to graduate from Marquette. But all of those experiences ended up giving way to at least equally great (and usually even better) ones.

So I’m waiting, in hope, for my next God moment. It could happen today, maybe it won’t happen for years. But in the meantime, I have a ton of memories that prove God’s existence and, more importantly, his love.

If it's DC, it's Becky's blog

In a spur of the moment decision during senior week I decided to book a flight to visit the one and only Liz Judy in sensational Washington, DC. My decisions regarding staying in Milwaukee verses living in DC this summer were long and tedious, full of pro/con lists and mass uncertainty.

Now it is no secret that summer in Milwaukee was not exactly what I thought I was signing up for. But that is a story for another day and time (which I assure you, ultimately has a very happy ending).

For now, let me just say that the idea of DC got me through the last 8 long weeks. And that for the next year the same thoughts of being back on Capitol Hill will get me through teaching Freshman English (not that I'm not excited for the adventures of my classroom, but let's be honest we all know where my heart is). But I had my concerns about returning to the city. What if it wasn't the same vibe I had the last time I was there? Maybe the dome of the Capitol building or the rounded roof of the Jefferson Monument no longer filled me with joy. My fears were never realized. Instead I was ecstatic to see that beautiful white dome with Freedom on the top and my heart still skipped a beat as Jefferson peaked out from across the Tidal Basin.

Friday morning, the day of my scheduled departure from MKE to DCA was one of great panic as to if my flight would even take off. Milwaukee had been hit by a great flood the night before (again people, the world is ending sooner than we think) and the airport was closed all morning. I was devastated. But luck ultimately was on my side. My flight took off on time without a hitch. Unlike the poor woman who sat next to me who had been traveling from San Diego to see her boyfriend in Baltimore for the past 2 days and got stranded in Milwaukee. (He was refusing to pick her up from the airport by the way, and asked her to take the MARC. I feel like I should have told her to dump him, but I digress...).

I made my way to the Metro (I looked kinda like a tourist for a moment, very embarrassing) and then hopped the blue line to Capitol South. Naturally I then proceeded to Good Stuff! Met Liz on the street (ala Elizabethtown) and ate to my heart's content. Spike still has it. Giuseppe also met me (and was a total gentleman and carried my vera back to 4 4th. Man for others.)

That evening I lived the life of a Hilltern once again- minus the red badge of courage. While at a local drinking establishment a man claimed he played for the Washington Wizards as a player he simply was not - don't try to claim you're a different race when you're clearly not. And you messed with the wrong girl. He dissed Lazar, I told him he missed out on a great player and walked away. Red Sox fan as well, what do you expected? Then I introduced Liz Judy to the Hawk and Dove dance floor. Nothing has changed, I am pleased to report.

On Saturday morning I woke up completely content with the world. I was so happy knowing I was in DC I didn't even think I would need to get out of the apartment and it would still be the best weekend ever. But of course, Georgetown J. Crew and Cupcakes were calling my name. So in 100 degree heat- gosh I am dedicated to shopping on M street- Liz and I journeyed to G'town. I finally got stirrup leggings (you know you're jealous Liz Lynch) and a BLUE AND GOLD PREP SCHOOL STYLE CARDIGAN! (I am so ready to teach those little hilltoppers). A sweater at J. Crew rounded out the mini-shopping spree. And while at J. Crew a bride and her bridesmaids were there trying on their dresses with the Mother of the Bride. I freaked in excitement. And then the M-o-B got emotional and announced she was paying for all the girls dresses, something she had promised her daughter a long time ago. It was so sweet.

We then were among the scads of tourists waiting in the 40 minute line for Georgetown Cupcake (why must the show have skyrocketed their notoriety even further?) But the wait was of course worth it. Had a delish strawberry cupcake (again, who am I with this fruit kick?) and then we decided to go look at Georgetown's campus. As we first approached campus we both discussed how we should have studied harder. But then we determined it simply was not Marquette. Tours with 20 people each, disgraceful. And a lame coffee shop. And not as many signs telling you what buildings are. Only one place can be perfect, I guess.

We took the bus/metro back to the Hill and went to the long awaited for WE, THE PIZZA! Everything was being given for free to celebrate the opening. So free delicious pizza and beer was enjoyed by the two of us. All while we got to watch Spike yell at an employee just a few inches away from us about making sure the pizza cools before cutting it. My life was fulfilled.

We chilled after our day for awhile, 100 degree heat can take it out of you. And had a lovely life chat about politics and religion, which is why I love DC. The two most taboo subjects are ones that everyone has to get involved with in that city.

On Sunday we went to mass at the Church I love (though their music could use some serious help) and then to Eastern Market. My jewelry collection has been revitalized with a few great pieces that I am obsessed with. Then we headed to DuPont for brunch at a bookstore that is also a restaurant. Dream come true. I got to read peruse bookshelves while waiting for our table. We met up with Katy, who was in DC with me last summer and reminisced about all our wonderful times over a great meal.

Then we headed to the National Portrait Gallery which has a special exhibit of Norman Rockwell paintings right now. It was incredible. So interesting to see his progression and analyze his influence on American life and how he told a story. Certainly one of the greatest storytellers of all time, especially when you consider he was doing it in a single frame. Also saw JFK's portrait. SO COOL. And totally how I envision him in a lot of ways. It's more abstract and uses warm, pastel colors.

Next up was the mall, saw WWII memorial, which simply never gets old. And then visited Abe and sat on the steps like Wedding Crashers- except in broad daylight with 100s of tourists and boy scouts around. Seriously, the boy scouts took over the city all in their uniforms, it was a sight to behold.

Liz and I then went to dinner in Chinatown at a tapas restaurant. Food was incredible, as of course was the company. And it meant we took the red line home, so we walked through Union Station and by the Hart building and the Capitol. So great to see both in all their glory... at 10 at night.

And then the moment I have been waiting for for approximately 73 days. MAD MEN SEASON 4. A strong start to what is sure to be a great season. Highlight of the weekend un-related to DC: Chris sending me a text message saying I was not allowed to contact him about the episode because he lives in Alaska and therefore will be behind, I was to wait to be contacted by him.

I then convinced Derrick to pick me up from the airport this morning at 8 am, causing him to miss out on an hour of sleep. That would be the definition of a good friend. I woke up at 4 am Milwaukee time. No, I have no idea why the 7 am flight seemed like the PERFECT one when I bought it in May. It was not, I am an idiot. But I rallied... and slept on the plane.

It was an incredible weekend. One for the books, really. And that is what I love about Washington. It always delivers. The ideal mix of politics and fun, history and adventures. My love was rekindled and stronger than ever. So saddle up for a year of me obsessing over DC jobs and my future, yet again.

And with the end of this weekend comes the realization that I will be stepping foot in a classroom and molding young minds in exactly one month. In the meantime I am working on seeming more intimdating. Because every guy I encounter has the first reaction of "Don't be a pushover." Finding my inner-Detroiter by listening to Eminem will be frequent.

Also today marks the 20th Anniversary of the American Disabilities Act. It's hard to imagine America without this watershed legislation which truly changed the face of America. Yea Senator Harkin!

Lovely chatting with you, way to stick it out to the end. Someone else must be bored at work too.

For what it's worth, it was worth all the while

Instead of sleeping it seems only appropriate I blog. I doubt many other people will care but I need to contemplate what Marquette has meant to me, and it has meant a lot more that 140 characters. I could do a Tom Crean, but I think the friends that follow me on their phones would not appreciate it so here I am.

4 years ago if you had told me what I would accomplish at Marquette I probably would have said you were crazy. No way was I not graduating with a Theology degree. Nor would I have fallen head over heals for politics. Let alone for the city of Milwaukee. Heck, I was still struggling to believe I had condemned myself to the state of Wisconsin- and I was certain as soon as I had the chance I would be right back in Farmington Hills. Now don't get me wrong, I miss the hills daily. I miss high school, I miss my friend, my family, my pool, and if I had a dog I'd even miss that. But this place stole my heart.

The way Harry Potter feels about Hogwarts is the best way to describe it. And honestly it's only the start of my feelings for this place, for these people. I can be stuck in Marquette Place at midnight, singing in Chapel of the Holy Family, screaming my lungs out at a basketball game, walking down Wisconsin Avenue in the -20 degree weather, or giving a tour on the most beautiful day and my love remains constant. Constant and strong.

Arrive as you are. Depart transformed. That is the sign I passed at the airport every time I went home. And let me tell you, the school delivered on its promise. It turned me into the woman I hoped to become. Some may disagree, but I believe I am a woman for others. I care for the whole person, live my life AMDG, and my faith is constantly seeking justice. I wanted a school that would be hard to leave- well be careful what you ask for... I got it. But I also wanted a school that I would be INSANELY proud to say I attended. Well, you better believe that I will tell the whole world I attended Marquette.

Someone told me today that out of everyone they know I am the most likely to have a building some day named after me at this university (he also believes I will marry rich and when my husband passes is when I do it). Now I'm not actually expecting to have a Rory Gilmore style conservatory but I will tell you this. This school will never leave my thoughts, my prayers, my mind, or my heart. And if I ever got the chance I would absolutely be donating a building (or tunnels) back to this place.

I was taught how to think. I am leaving with far more questions than answers about life, social justice, and ethics but that is fine because I know I have every tool necessary to move forward. I will continue to ask the hard questions, and probably begin to see in even more shades of grey and I will not shy away from it.

Thank you Marquette, for everything. It has been quite the ride. I had some high, high expectations about this place- each and every one was surpassed. This place really is the dearest friend to all. And to all of you who made it great, thank you as well. Marquette is so much about the people, the most passionate and compassionate I have ever met.

Goodbye love, goodbye

I sit here, a million memories swarming through my mind. Two packed bags and a fridge still waiting to be cleaned out. This summer has been an experience to say the least. To say the most, which is absolutely what it deserves, is to say it changed my life. If every second changes us, and every new experience changes us even more so, than I have a ton of accumulated moments of life changing moments. In a way it does not even seem possible that I am separated from my last final paper of junior year by 3 months time. On the other hand, it seems like a million years ago that I had anything that was a relatively normal day-to-day schedule of a college student.

To take London out of this equation would be unfair, but since this is my last night in Washington, D.C. a city that stole my heart like no where has ever done before (HIGH praise from me, just look at my twitter bio) it seems only fitting that it gets the majority of the play time here.

I have amassed a list of true life moments that have occurred over the last 3 months. Here is my view of the world, take it for what it is from a person who puts emphasis on some really crazy things in life.

I have discovered 2 Cents worth (if you're sick of textsfromlastnight.com give it a whirl). They're priceless.

I have a knack for living out of suitcases, in fact part of me feels like it should go on my resume.

I've written approximately 427 more cover letters.

I know a bottle of shampoo lasts exactly 7 weeks.

I officially must accept that "What are your plans after gradaution?" is a totally legitimate question.

A $20 straightener will start smoking after 3 years of service. It may actually know that you're looking into getting a new one and decide it will leave you before you leave it.

Knowledge that 1 is not a prime number, and that i have friends dorky enough to debate the primeness of 1 as well as a mother willing to google it.

I have somewhat rotten luck with public metro transportation, making me feel very lucky I am from detroit.

I know a lot about foreign policy and internation pr now... i am sensing a trend.

I apperantly "sound old"

I have an excellent relationship with Alex Perts.

I have no tan of which to speak.

Oliver Wood and Oliver North are NOT the same person.

I know a lot about agriculture issues, my personal favorite is the Conservation Stewardship Program.

9-6 work days are a lot longer than 9-5 work days.

I've experienced recess over the age of 12.

Lots and lots of new friends :)

I saw 10 musicals in 3 months.

A Marquette Twitter Triva Tuesday Victory.

No fear of living in a building with no elevator, bring it health and wellness!

103 days closer to being 21. (In fact it is exactly 2 months away!!)

I have several more gray hairs.

I am in love with Obama's Speechwriter, Jon Favreau.

A much clearer direction for my life, despite the 328 new ideas i got from dr. frietag in london i think i have finally found my number 1 dream, in only took 2 majors and roughly 18 years.

Interning in d.c. has been one of the best things i have ever done. I was so nervous going in for one reason: I had been dreaming about this since freshman year and therefore my expectations were very high. Not only were my expectations met, they were surpassed.

This has been a phenomenal summer, a good last regular school's-out-for-summer summer. And now loyal followers, the time has come to say goodbye. I hope you have enjoyed my blog as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Good Night, and Good Luck.

"I really hope I don't meet Michelle Obama today, my outfit is not up to her standards"

My final weekend in this fabulous city has come to a close. Naturally, instead of studying I have decided to write a blog post.

This week at work was peaceful in comparison to the past weeks of being in-session. My downtime has been filled with the hunt for an internship- I have another interview so fingers crossed people! I also now have an immense knowledge of the iowa state fair if anyone is interested.

On thursday Sarah and I ventured to the holocaust museum. Of course it was a moving experience but I was not as impressed as I thought I would be by the exhibit.

Then we took a true pilgrimage to the Thomas Jefferson memorial.


I am a pretty big fan of TJ

Friday night, Sarah, Katy and I went to The Time Traveller's Wife (we've been waiting for this since the beginning of july, so it was a pretty big deal). A very touching movie over all I would say, lived up to us watching the trailer approxiately 734 times amongst the three of us.

Then on Saturday, Katy and I ventured to Arlington. The cost of freedom has never been so evident to me. Seeing JFK's burial site was incredibly moving. I could not stop thinking about how much I know he loves this view.

Today, at mass the priest told us about how he knew Eunice Kennedy (gotta love east coast connections) and how he went to her funeral. He shared with us advice she had told him many times as whe was growing up: "Don't worry about who you're seated next to at a dinner party, every person has an interesting story to tell, it's your job to find it out." One more reason to love the Kennedys.

This afternoon I ventured around Eastern market one last time. And then I went to the white house with Sarah. We've made a deal we will give one another positions in our administrations.


My future house^ :)

and this is the lasting image of america i will have:
insane mob of people taking pix of the white house. God bless America.

Then, Sarah and I feeling particularly patriotic decided that we should, in honor of our president, go to Five Guys. I had already done some preparation by looking up the one closest to the white house. But alas, it was closed after 5... apperantly I'm back in milwaukee already. Instead, all in the pursuit of a burger we ended up at Fudruckers. A good second choice, and per usual for the two of us a crazy adventure.

I should I suppose explain my post title before I bid you adue. I was wearing a cute dress today, but not an Obama-j.crew worthy dress, and I was worried I would not accurately represent myself to Mrs. Obama. Fortuantely (or perhaps unfortuantely) I did not meet her sitting on the lawn.

Also, (in my opion at least) beautiful op-ed regarding health insureance reform by Barack Obama.

Here's to pearls, lumen gentium, branding, and recess (confessions of a major dork)

I am rapidly approaching the end of my time here. This experience has been incredible, there's a lot to be said for walking past the Supreme Court on the way to work every day. But a retrospective will be coming in a week or so, but right now let me catch up on what I have been doing since my last post.

Last week the race to the finish line for the senate. If you haven't heard (which I sincerely hope you have) on Thursday night they confirmed Sotomayor as a supreme court justice in a bipartisan vote and she was sworn in (right down the street from me) on Saturday. The senate also gave more money to CARS aka Cash for Clunkers. In addition to witnessing these events and the insanity that is preparing to go back home and talk about health care I also got to sit on the senate floor for awhile and watch the magic and witnessed 'press time' which is when a member of congress does a call or two with reporters from home and they get to ask questions to use in stories, and get sound clips for radio. As a total PR nerd I loved it.

Kathy also came to visit this weekend. We went to the American History Smithsonian. I fulfilled my life long dream to see JACQUELINE KENNEDY'S PEARLS!!!!! And also in the exhibit I learned what my future roles as First Lady will be: campaigner, hostess, public advocate, and public face. Basically all of my favorite things.

There was also a wall dedicated to how a First Lady donating a dress to the collection became a staged media event to promote the First Lady and the Smithsonian (combining all things that I love).

I also saw Julia Child's kitchen and Dorothy's ruby slippers and a few Stratvarius violins.

Fun fact: Polo Ralph Lauren sponsors the showcase of the Star-Spangled Banner... can you say perfect name placement for a company that brands itself as the definition of American style!

I also ventured to eastern market, another thing I will really miss about this city.

On Sunday, several other people and I went to Catholic University of America for mass at the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. I had been there before, but it is always a great time. After mass we went on a tour. My favorite facts: 1. The back wall of the church has artwork inspired by Lumen Gentium, my fave VII document 2.The Society of Jesus donated the portion of the church where the Joyful mysteries of the Rosary are depicted (my fave order and my fave mysteries!!)

This week is my last full week here. In fact at this time next week I will probably be packing and crying. Recess is now in full swing. Basically that means we can wear jeans (it's seriously like having a free dress day at a catholic school) and get out at 5 so I can watch gilmore girls (hey, it's the simple things in life!).

I'll try to add some photos later... currently the internet is a little too weak to do so.

Also *WITH AN OPEN MIND* take a look at the new website the White House has put together to help Americans understand Health Care reform. Despite popular belief we are NOT going to a socialized single-payer plan like Canada. And these changes will help everyone, but if you like your health care you're not going to have switch providers. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/ And obama did a great job at his town hall describing health care reform today, so if you missed it be sure to find some clips online.

20% of Americans can name all 5 members of The Simpsons Family, only 3% can name the 5 rights promised to us in the First Amendment

Can you name all 5?  

This weekend my parents came to visit and a major part of their visit was spent at the Newseum.  Now, I have seen a lot of museums in my life, in fact possibly over a dozen just in the past two months and this by far has surpassed every other.  Sure I loved seeing the Mona Lisa and the Rosetta Stone but nothing means more to me than the news.  As a PR major, I am told repeatedly that if I want to succeed I have to be obsessive about the news.  As a college student, it's not easy to do.  Even harder, unlike other subjects, it required continuous diligence, not just 16 weeks of study.  What I love most about the news, is just like the weather it is something everyone has in common. 

We started the day (well after being nourished by Corner Bakery :)) by watching an orientation video on the Newseum.  It framed the whole experience fantastically by classifying what we find to be news.  

We then witnessed part of the berlin wall, an INCREDIBLE sight.  It was amazing to see because I know so many people never thought it would come down in their lifetimes, and it did.  I think in some ways it is proof that anything is possible.

Then we took the world's largest hydraulic elevators up to the 6th floor.  There we saw pictures from Fotobama (thank goodness he won... fotmccain just isn't very clever).  They had amateur and professional winners. personal favorite, with michelle and her j.crew gloves:

There is also an astonishing view of the Capitol building (NOT the white house, stupid dc interns)

I also saw THE watergate door

AND THE 'FLORIDA! FLORIDA! FLORIDA!' whiteboard of the late, great Tim Russert

They also had one of my favorite newspaper headlines of all time on display... this is great because the paper was wrong (the original Bush being called by one news source and Gore being called by another).

Oh, and if you haven't recalled all five yet and still haven't googled it: press, speech, religion, petition and assembly.