Rachel and I have this joke that involves dreaming big. Though we giggle and carry on, the truth is that setting goals and having dreams is an important part of who we are. It gives us something to work toward. It holds us accountable to our desire to be all that we can. It can, in essence, end up defining who we are. I have a few of those dreams and goals- things I would like to experience or accomplish on this side of heaven. They are each attainable, though some are much more difficult to make into a reality than others. Which ones are which? Only time will tell...
1. Visit all 50 states
2. Lead a European study tour
3. Write a book
4. Learn how to Salsa
5. Spend some time as a missionary
6. Marvel at the Hagia Sophia
7. Read a book while sipping coffee at a Parisian cafe
8. Eat Italian food in Italy
9. Learn to speak a different language
10. Own a Golden Retriever and a German Shepherd
11. Tour Israel and see the places where Jesus walked
12. Adopt a Romanian orphan- I went on a mission trip there when I was 16 and was truly touched by the kids I met. Currently, the government is not allowing outside adoptions to take place. I pray that changes.
13. Watch a sunrise at the Grand Canyon
14. Have at least 2 kids and if they so happen to be a girl and a boy, name them Sophia Monet and Liam Nuckols
15. Grow old with Landon
16. See an opera
17. Meet a world leader
18. Scrapbook many of our major trips or experiences
19. Play matchmaker at least once
20. If God allows it, become a philanthropist
God tells us that He did not give us a spirit of timidity, so look out world! I'm dreaming big. And now I'm tired. Good night...
Whew! That last one was a little long-winded, which is actually okay when one needs to fill up those last two and half minutes of class with something. I spoke of "Summer Mariel" being officially over, and one reason I was somewhat allowed to still be in partial "summer mode" was because of all the visitors that graced Hotel Olp in the first and last weeks in August.
Elaine and Fritz were the first to try out the...get ready for it... Guest Bedroom! They joined us in celebrating the marriage of Theron and Jessica. We explored the Farmer's Market and James Arthur Vineyard. 
It was a wonderful weekend, full of weddings, wine, and warm weather. How's that for alliteration?
Next came Kim! She popped in just in time for Rib Fest- a celebration of sorts that involves lots of deep fried anything and ribs and beer. 
What more can you ask for? We also did some gallivanting at the Sunken Garden and the roses across the street.
Finally, and I know she would say I saved the best 'til last, but Rachel stopped in on her way up to NYC for CPH. We did our alumni duty by spectating the CUNE alumni soccer game, and then 
made our way up the old, familiar steps of The Gallery. Rach's visit ended with a pork chop dinner, Cold Stone, and Julia Roberts.
I was able to catch a glimpse of Rachel and Todd on their way back up to Seattle, but I do believe the people traffic has stopped for a while. It has been so much fun getting to talk to, hug, and laugh with some incredible people.
To the rest of you incredible people out there, we now do have a vacancy...Want to make a reservation?
August 18th marked the start of a new school year at Lincoln Lutheran, and mile-marked my second year in the never ending occupation of teaching. Even though I still had more places to go, things to do, and people to see- let's face it, the money had run out for such "frivolities," and I was, in a weird way, starting to miss my classroom and my kids.
Landon makes fun of me, but I still marvel at how summer seems to morph those middle school adolescents. The boys are shooting up and thinning out. The girls are putting all those media-blasted fashions into their personal practice. And me? I'm still the same, though chopping hair off did cause quite a stir the first week!
It was in my 3rd hour social studies class, and two of my 8th grade boys expressed sincere concern for my shorn locks. It went something like this:
(raised hand) Ethan: Mrs. Olp, are you going to grow your hair back out?
Me: Um, well, probably- yes. (3 seconds pause)
(raised hand) Elijah: Does you husband like you hair?
Me: Yes, he does. (5 seconds pause)
(slowly raised hand) Ethan: Why did you cut your hair?
And we wonder, ladies, why guys like the long hair? I have 8th grade boys asking their teacher why she cut hers off and are genuinely interested! I laughed for 5 minutes straight, after class got out!
This year I am also taking over the drama and speech department for the entire middle and high school- our school is grades6-12. The high school is preparing "Guys and Dolls" for November 19-21. We had our first week of practices last week and it was fantastic! I am so very excited about this production and this cast. They make my job easy and so much fun!
Even though I am glad to be back in the swing of things, I still sometimes lament summer being over. It was the best summer of my life! I married my best friend and celebrated in style with my friends and family. I spent a week in Jamaica, soaking up the sun and exploring a different culture with Landon. I got to be a part of and celebrate the marriages of my friends. Landon really introduced me to the World Cup and we joined the rest of the world in their futbol frenzy. I was able to see both of my families in Austin, TX and Green Bay, WI. And, finally, I was able to turn an apartment into a home for my family, consisting of a handsome, up and coming virologist and a demented feline.
It's back to work, though, and praying that God uses me to cultivate a passion for learning in my students. That I honor Him and glorify in my teaching. That my crazy goals and probably over-zealous planning are used by Him.
I still have a religion lesson to plot out and I need to block the scenes we're going over tomorrow at rehearsals. "Summer Mariel" is officially over. It's back to work!
I need a coffee...
