History

This quarter I'm taking a class called the Political Economy of the Middle East and Latin America. Ridiculously long name. Anyway, I'm soaking it up. We are going through the history of the conflict in the Middle East, and it is reminding me of why I love history so much. Its not just memorizing dates and people. Its almost like a puzzle that you have to put together  in your head. I love discovering how all the different events and ideas fit together, creating the situation at hand. Like learning that the tensions in the Middle East were first economic ones dating back to the Ottoman Empire, which then led to religious dicontent. So...now I probably sound pretty geeky. I'm okay with that. Considering the only people that are reading this are probably people that know me well, maybe you can overlook this outburst. 

On a side note, I successfully wore my new hat last night to Farmer's Market. I'm well on my way to becoming a hat person! I will admit, I had a moment of doubt where I put it on and decided I looked like a train conductor. Luckily I had Laura there to convince me otherwise, tell me to be brave, and wear it. 

Parking and Pictures

I seriously think my driving skills are regressing. Which is scary, considering they weren't that great to begin with. It took me at least 5 tries to park my car today, and when I finally got out I was sticking out a good 3 feet. Which led to a few more attempts at parking. Anyway, what led to the parking problem was my Scotland application. I need two passport pictures to send in with the papers, so I went down to Kinko's today. Right before the lady took my picture she informed me that I could smile, but couldn't show my teeth. Which automatically doomed me to a bad picture. It was still better than my last one though, which is saying how bad that one was. Do you ever notice though, that pictures that once seemed decent will look bad years later? Or is that just me? Its scary; how do you know if the picture you took is really a good one? I feel myself starting to ramble, so I think I'll just end with that profound question.

Sister Time

Its a good night. I just got back from a game night, am wearing my glasses and sweats, listening to Fall for You by Secondhand Serenade on youtube and writing a blog. Yesterday Bailey and I had a sister date, something that is necessary every now and then but doesn't happen nearly enough. We went downtown for lunch, I bought a cute bag in GAP, and we saw "He's Just Not That Into You." So cute. I love romantic movies that leave you warm and giggly afterwards. 

Today I met with a friend to do a bible study. We got into talking about this year and I realized how much I have fluctuated between clinging to God and barely feeling any desire to spend time with Him. I hate it. It seems like whenever things are going well, I back off. These last two weeks have been pretty hard emotionally and are just starting to get better. Its frustrating because when things were really hard, all I wanted to do was be with God through prayer, reading the Bible, etc. I've barely ever felt such a strong desire to spend time with Him and it was such a blessing.  Now that things are getting better though, I find myself slowly relying on Him less and less. So frustrating. Anyway, I apologize for how random this blog has been. I'll blame it on the time...even though its not that late :P

Valentines

Being single on Valentines Day makes you realize how important friends are. And I am so, so thankful for mine. Sarah came down to visit so we went to Pismo for lunch and spent the day shopping. Later,a group of us got together and went downtown for dinner and a movie. 

I also wanted to post a song on here. Kind of going on the theme of Valentines Day :) It's You are Loved by Josh Groban. I used to role my eyes at the song, but lately I've really taken to it. Kind of cheesy, but I recommend giving it a chance. I was listening to it the other day, and really, no one can do all that he is promising. Only God can. He is the perfect lover and more than enough for all of our needs. So, yeah, try listening to it as a worship song. Its pretty cool.

"You Are Loved"

Don't give up

It's just the weight of the world

When your heart's heavy

I...I will lift it for you

 

Don't give up

Because you want to be heard

If silence keeps you

I...I will break it for you

 

Everybody wants to be understood

Well I can hear you

Everybody wants to be loved

Don't give up

Because you are loved

 

Don't give up

It's just the hurt that you hide

When you're lost inside

I...I will be there to find you

Don't give up

Because you want to burn bright

If darkness blinds you

I...I will shine to guide you

 

Everybody wants to be understood

Well I can hear you

Everybody wants to be loved

Don't give up

Because you are loved

 

You are loved

Don't give up

It's just the weight of the world

Don't give up

Every one needs to be heard

You are loved

Hat People

You know how there are certain people who just where hats? Its not something that everyone does and I think, for the most part, it takes a certain personality to pull off. Sadly, I don't have that personality. I went shopping today in Cambria though and just couldn't resist. I am determined to become a hat person!!

On the way back to Slo we stopped to take pictures of the ocean. So pretty! I took some pictures and am going to try and make a panorama out of them, so if I'm successful I'll post it. 

I think this picture gives you an idea of how my week has gone. So overwhelmed. Its so easy to give in and just say "this week is going to be of of those 'ugh' weeks". In a way it was, but at the same time, it wasn't too bad. Sometimes I feel like God has different lesson plans for my life. This week: joy. 

I feel like so often God uses the little things around us to whisper his love to us, but lots of times I'm too busy thinking about myself to hear him. This week I have been surrounded by these things. Cherry blossoms, green hills, roommates who post Friends lyrics on my door. Could I ask for more?

Finally

Who thought a blog title could be such a big deal? For me, it became one. After I first decided that I wanted a blog, I thought a name for it would just come naturally. Months later, I realized that might not be the case. Maybe I was just too picky with options presented to me. Slo Poke (I hate running so this hits uncomfortably close to home), C-Notes (which would imply my life revolves around music, which my cello teacher could testify against), or Caitlin Paige (the name I thought up for myself when I was thirteen to use as my alias once I became a celebrated novelist. lets just say I have a little more pride than that) As you can see, my options weren't too great. And that's when 'Silver Linings' came to me. I'm not a huge Relient K fan, but lately I have grown very fond of their song, "The Lining is Silver". After having it stuck in my head for two days, it dawned on me that this might be the perfect name for my blog. No, I'm not the fastest runner, I don't practice cello nearly enough, and I'll probably never see 'Caitlin Paige' on the front page of a bestseller. But look at the silver lining. I never have to go to another jog-a-thon, I've transitioned from "Hot Crossed Buns" to "Minuet No. 2", and anyone who changed their name to Caitlin Paige would be taking themselves way too seriously.