Introducing....Spout!

A spotlight on Christ. An outlet to plug in and share life. 

Holly and Kelly: Our church has a great youth program, starting as early as babies up to high school, in addition to an AWANA program that has garnered a huge amount of success. Our church also has a great variety of adult programs that meet throughout the week. We have Men's Sunday, Women's Sunday, Deacon Ordination Sunday and Youth Sunday. We have a Sunday School class for college students.

And that's it.

This is where we come in.

Starting in October, the two of us will be having a home-based small group for college students/young adults. The purpose is to have in-depth discussions based on Scripture and to fellowship with one another in other ways.  College is a crucial time, and while we want to have a Christ-centered focus, we also want to extend Christ's love and hospitality to those who choose to become a part of this group.  If a student wants to come over and hang out, has a question about a class or professor, is facing a faith challenge, or just needs a ride to Wal-Mart, we want to be there for them as much as possible during this time.  It is also a chance for us too, because we feel this responsibility, because let's face it, that's what it is, has been called upon us by God and we have decided to take the plunge and obey Christ. We have no idea what to expect, how many students will come, if any, and what sort of needs these students may have. But we're willing and ready to face whatever may come of it. We're excited, a little bit anxious, but have prayed and consoled with other Christians we trust and we feel this is a step in the right direction.

Maybe this is what following and obeying Christ is really about.

Now, a quick disclaimer: We are NOT, repeat, NOT leaving Berea Baptist.  We love our church and still value and cherish the relationships we have there.  We still love being in the choir and don't foresee that changing for a long time.  We have NO ill-will towards the church what. so. ever.  We simply see this need that the church possesses, and we feel that God has called us to try to meet that need.  We love the messages every week and are deeply encouraged and challenged. We can't predict the success of this upcoming endeavor- only God can.  And we're trusting Him to see this through.

So that's it. We appreciate your support in this decision we have made, and we are so thankful that it was at this church where we felt this need was started. The picture on the bottom is a tiny bloom, and we thought that was fitting. We want to help these young people grow, and in turn we will grow as well.

Making the grade

Kelly: I remember growing up as a kid in elementary school and my parents having multiple conversations with various teachers. I was too young to remember these conversations, but some of them included the loosely translated "she's not going to do well in college" speech because my grades were "below average" and I had a difficult time learning. It was suggested I had a learning disability and from elementary school up through college I severely struggled with taking tests. But my parents never enrolled me to have an IEP (individualized education plan) because they didn't want me to have that label of being "different." Now PLEASE do not misunderstand me; when I look back on it now I think perhaps an IEP or a related degree would have been very beneficial for me. But my parents always told me to do my best in school, and that grades were just letters but that didn't mean I could just slack off. The value of a good and hearty education was important to them, and so was the simple fact of just trying.

College was especially difficult for me at times, because in my field of study I HAD to make certain grades in my classes in order to continue into the program. In one of my generals, I was a few points under the 77% benchmark, thus I had to repeat the course. I often found myself envious of some of my classmates who just seemed to naturally excel; those who barely opened the book yet walked away from each test passing with flying colors. I on the other hand,  slaved myself at times to studying and studying. I did not have to work as hard in high school as I did in college, so this was new to me. Making straight A's and "learning how to study" is NOT something you learn in high school in my opinion; it's something you learn, over time, on your own. You learn what works for you and what doesn't. Ok, I sort of veered off course with that, so let me get back on track. I kept in mind what my parents told me; do your best and regardless, they continued to let me know how proud they were of me. Now I understand some people I know have high expectations for themselves. But just bear in mind, it is an opportunity many do not get that we have by going to college. And I am all for making the most of it, but do your best. Sometimes when you do your best and you don't feel like it was or the grade you got doesn't reflect "your best," then....well, I'm sorry about that. I really am. I'm not being brash or insensitive. You fell off the horse; dust yourself off and realize that you did do your best. Don't blame someone else, because trust me. I've tried that. I've pulled the "well they're just unfair" or "they're grading methods are unfair." It doesn't work.

I apologize in advance if I make someone angry or whatnot, but I feel that this blog is a safe place where I can freely express my opinions. It is not my intention to step on anyone's toes, and I am not saying that anyone who expects themselves to get straight A's and nothing else are stuck up and over achievers. Not even close. I honestly sometimes wish I had that motivation for myself. But just remember; in the end, all it comes down to is just....letters.

Holly: This has been on my mind for a while now, and it's come in light of finals wrapping up for students this week, both at Berea and UK (where I work).  I'm being completely upfront now; I surprised myself at some of my feelings yesterday.  There is some bitterness, there is some jealousy, and I know it's petty and I know it shouldn't be there.  But I'm going to be full disclosure.  I've accepted it and I'm going to move on from it, and I'm just going to be frank and get this all out, so I apologize if it is lengthy:

A lot of my facebook friends have been posting their final grades.  Most of you have gotten A's and B's.  Please let me be one of many to congratulate you.  College is tough.  Berea is a league of its own, if I do say so myself.  You all should definitely be proud of yourselves.  HOWEVER: I've also had many conversations with people about their grades.  I work at UK, for goodness sake.  The department has two student workers.  Many of my facebook friends are still Berea students.  You all GO. NUTS. over your grades.  I know so many who get disappointed in themselves and beat themselves to death if they don't make straight A's.  And for what?  A 4.0?  

Guys, I did not make A's and B's at Berea.  Not even close.  EVERY semester I was there I had a least one C.  It sucked.  It really did.  I busted my butt at Berea, and every time I saw that C it sucked.  It felt like I failed.  And to see all of you posting your straight A's and your A's and B's...well, yeah.  The jealousy comes out.  My LAST semester at Berea I was in my adviser's office in tears because I had a D in my Genetics class, and I NEEDED that class to graduate; I thought my life was over, right then and there! But I learned something REALLY quickly during my time at Berea: grades are just letters.  It's a letter.  Nothing more.  A 4.0 will not guarantee you a job after graduation.  A 4.0 will not guarantee you acceptance into your dream grad school (We have a friend who graduated with a 3.9 and MIT TURNED HER DOWN.  Massachusetts. Institute. of freaking. Technology.  Did I stutter?).  It will definitely help, I think, or at least I'd like to think it will.  A 4.0 will not guarantee you those things because after graduation, there are no guarantees.  There just aren't.  That's the world we live in, that's the economy we live in.  I don't mean to rain on everyone's parades, so let me say this: Please be proud of the grades you do get, whether they're straight A's, or alphabet soup, like mine were.  A lot of young people our age don't even get the opportunity to even go to college.  Can we not stress ourselves out over these letters? Do your best, in ALL areas, not just your academics.  Don't stress.  It's not worth it.  Enjoy your college experience.; it really does go by fast (I'll be 2 years post graduation next May...woah?).  I'm proud of my degree, even with the C's (and yes, the D) littered in my transcript, because I gained so much more than I could have imagined, and you can't put a numerical value on that. 

Packages from Mom

Kelly: It's no secret of mine that I have a close relationship with my mom. With both of my parents actually. But in the past few years, I feel that I have grown especially closer to my mom. Don't know if that's because I've been out of their house since I was 18; officially since last year. We talk at least once a week, sometimes more. I am not ashamed to say that at my age I still need my mommy and daddy! Like a child getting lost in the mall....like that. It's the same way that I need (and we all need) Christ! To those who out there who are not as close to their parents, I hurt, because I do not know what I would do without my parents. I sincerely hope you can work out your differences, whatever they may be. To those of you who lost your parents due to death, again, I hurt. I know you miss them deeply and would love to see them again; I'll say a prayer for you tonight.

But one of the things that my mom did while we were in college was send us random holiday packages...for each holiday. This tradition of holiday packages started around our sophomore year of college. Valentine's Day, Easter, our birthday, Halloween, but not Christmas since we were usually home then. In these packages there's usually candy, candles, a sock monkey or two (for me!), coupons, and other assorted things. Sometimes there have been socks for that holiday, toys for our kitties, or other assorted Dollar store goodies (the very place we introduced our mom to in the first place), but in each one there was always a card or a note that usually says "yay! Good for you" or "you can do it" or "we're so proud of you!" I'm not a mom yet nor I don't know if I will ever be, but I think those are some of the greatest things a parent can, and should say, to their child or children. And they should say it often. And our parents did and still do.

Holly: When Kelly texted me earlier today with the words "MOMMY PACKAGE!!!!" my day instantly got better.  When I got home and perused through this particular package's contents, I said "If I ever have kids, I am going to send them packages too."  I know my parents love me and are proud of me, but sometimes it's the unexpected surprises that remind you just how much you are loved.  And missed.  I miss my mom and dad.  Yes, at 23, I still miss my mommy and daddy, and I don't see that changing any time soon.  I figured that when I moved out and was on my own, I would miss them less.  Nope.  Don't get me wrong, I love being on my own and being independent, but if my parents showed up at my door tomorrow and said I could move back home, I wouldn't spare a second thought.

I know my parents aren't going to be on this earth forever, and it breaks my heart to imagine my life without them.  So for now, I try to cherish the time I do get to spend with them.  Usually it's just for a few days at a time, several months apart.  I appreciate the time I spend with them now, possibly more than I did before I started college, moved out, etc.  I regret that.  I really do.  My parents have been there for me so many times, have believed in my craziest dreams, and have never been shy of voicing how proud they are of me and Kelly and how much they love us.  It kills me when I hear my friends say that they don't get along with their parents, or they never hear their parents tell them that they are proud of them.  Or my friends who still live with their parents but they just don't talk.  When my parents come to visit, that's basically all we do.  I feel like I could talk to my parents all day!

If any of you are reading this and you don't have a good relationship with your parents, maybe it's time to bridge the gap.  If any of you are reading this and your parents aren't with you anymore, I hope you think of them with a smile on your face, tears (of whatever magnitude, if necessary), and love and warmth in your heart.  If any of you are reading this and you still live with your parents, please hug them a little more.  Tell them you love them.  Tell them you're proud to be their son or daughter.  This world is so ugly, as our roommate Brittany said, and it needs beautiful things.  One of our candles from today's mommy package is burning, and now I'm thinking of home-cooked meals, the smell of the house, laughing together.  That's a beautiful thing.

30 Days of Writing: Somewhere you'd like to move or visit

Holly: If I am 30 and still single I am moving to London/somewhere in England outside of London.  Nuff said.  I would go back there in a heartbeat.  Definitely want to visit Finland; our ancestors are from there and it look so beautiful there.  Ireland too.  New Zealand and take the LOTR tour.  Plus...it's New Zealand!! Hello! :D

Within the US I'd love to see the west coast: Seattle, Oregon (visit Brandi!!), some of California, maybe up into British Columbia.  I've been to more than half of the states, but the farthest west I've gone is New Mexico, and there ain't a whole lot out there.  I've also been to two nations capitals, none of which are my own, so D.C. is definitely a must as well.

Kelly: One place I would like to visit is Finland. My mom's been there and a few of my distant relatives have been there. It's where the majority of my mom's side of the family came from; my great-grandparents (my Grandpa's parents) were from there. My mom visited when she was in college but was only there for one day. There's so much about my heritage that I want to know about that's all over there. In my house at home my Grandpa's baptismal certificate...in Finnish. He did know a bit of Finnish, and maybe someday I would like to learn the language! I do have some extended family over there still, though I don't remember which part they live in.

2nd place I'd like to visit: IRELAND. Granted I always want to go back and visit Scotland, but Ireland is somewhere I'd like to venture. Sis and I are planning a 2015 return Europe trip and we're hoping to take a day or two to visit some of the bigger cities, such as Dublin and Belfast (we're open to other suggestions too). And Scotland. If I'm 30 and still single I swear to goodness I'm moving back there!

30 Days of Writing: Your academics

Holly: School has always been a big part of my life.  Now that I think about it, I'm 23 and I spent 20ish years of my life in school.  I was always motivated to do well in school...I rarely had a report card in elementary school with anything less than a B on it.  Same in high school; I think I had 2 C's on my report cards in four years of high school (you can thank physics and statistics for that).  High school holds a lot of fond memories: proms, Mock Trial, SEVEN YEARS of marching band, meeting my best friend, whom we are still friends with.  College was...a struggle.  I barely had to work in high school compared toBerea College; it was a whole new ballpark.  It's a lot different getting an A at Berea College than it is anywhere else.  I was struggling most semesters to just PASS my classes, let alone shooting for an A.  But nevertheless, I graduated, and I am so proud of myself, even a year later.  I made some of the most amazing friends there, formed close relationships with some of my professors, spent seven semesters in BME which changed my faith and my perspective on life in general, spent four weeks in England and learned so much more about the world, another culture, and myself (I WILL go back someday!!), found my wonderfully amazing church family...need I say more?  Is more school in the cards for me? Maybe.  I mean, there are so many options out there, and there are so many options that interest me.  But it's too hard for me to devote myself to just one area of study.  And to be honest, right now I don't think I'm disciplined enough.  In fact, I know I'm not disciplined enough.  I'm enjoying working and having time to myself and other areas, and not having to worry about school.   And the fact of the matter is that school is always out there, and I am always learning, even without a textbook or a Microsoft Word document in front of me.

Kelly: I did my best in all of my schoolwork, even though I mostly struggled. I worked hard for the C's on my report cards/college transcripts! When I was in 2nd grade I was told I had a "learning problem." Not necessarily a disability, but I struggled more than the average student. Had a hard time focusing...thought maybe ADD/ADHD/nonsense, but turns out I was just waiting for Holly's direction. Struggled a LOT in test-taking, the standardized ones of course. Made a 16 on the ACT, yet still got into Berea. Graduated 9th in my high school class with a 3.8 GPA. Then I came to Berea and decided I wanted to do nursing; THAT in of itself was the biggest challenge. My GPA took a nose dive, and as a result did not allow me to practice nursing in one area; the University of Louisville. It hurt, but there are plenty of other fish in the sea. But I worked VERY HARD and am proud of my college roots. If it wasn't for Berea I would have never got to meet all my awesome friends, go to Scotland, or anything that I am proud of and was able to do! And now...I'm getting ready to pass the ultimate test; the boards (May 29!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). I think my education at Berea has really prepared me for what is to come, and I will do my best to try and retain a fraction of what I learned in the almost 5 years I was there. I scored well on my HESI's in my capstone class (precursors to the boards; they were our finals in my nursing classes) so maybe I'm starting to get over my standardized testing phobias. We'll just have to see!

Be Happy. Be Healthy...er

Holly and Kelly: My hope for today's post is that it inspires someone who reads this. Almost a year ago (around last May) Holly and I were talking about goals we were trying to set so we could be healthier. We had tried a lot of different things; going to Seabury gym, cutting out sweets and pop and sugar (all of it), and a lot of other things. These things did work...temporarily. We weren't motivated to go to the gym and after a few days of cutting out all sugar and pop we ended up getting frustrated and falling back. Didn't work. So after Holly graduated and we moved where we are now, we were trying to think of what to do. I have food stamps, so we decided to buy healthier food and have switched to whole grains. We only eat enriched when we go out to eat. We don't drink pop as much (ironically I just finished one. Ohhhhhhhh  well). I usually only drink pop 2-3 days a week. At restaurants or when I'm eating fast food I only get a small and only fill it up halfway. Other than that I drink water, milk and coffee with the occasional tea. We also don't eat out as often anymore, probably only 2-3 times a month, sometimes more if we have friends visiting. Sometimes less. And lastly, we walk anywhere from 4-6 days a week, depending on the weather. We walk about a mile (usually to the Community school and back). Since we went shopping today we're not walking today.

L: 1 year ago. R: This afternoon. 

What really irritates me about seeing stuff on the TV and stuff I've seen people do is they do these weight loss pills or "crash" or "fad" diets. If you want to do that fine. I'm not going to judge. But what I will say is doing SIMPLE things WORK!!!

1 year ago. Had to get this dress in a 1X b/c I couldn't fit in any junior sizes. 

This afternoon. Back in juniors! Size 11. Haven't worn that since high school!!! 

Focus on being HEALTHY and not necessarily losing weight.  Do what you are able to do.  We picked walking because everyone knows how to do it, and we stuck with the food mentality of if we keep good food in the apartment, then we'll eat good food.  And moderation is ok.  It really is.  Don't punish yourself: a "treat" every now and then is perfectly fine.  Keep yourself accountable, but don't beat yourself up if you screw up.  Our culture is so unhealthy and it's hard to stay on track; we get it.  But that first compliment you receive, that first thing you try on that's a size smaller than what you would normally wear...it motivates you!  Like we said, do what you are able.  You can do it!  :)

College student confessions; yes, you can do it too!

Kelly: My name is Kelly Korb. I am a fifth year senior. I have never pulled an all nighter and have never skipped a meal. I have also remained relatively low-stress this year. Want to know how I did four years of that as a nursing major? I will tell you.

Set a limit of when to "shut-off": My cut off is midnight. After midnight I stop doing homework and go to bed, even if I still have work to do. Absolutely nobody is forcing you to stay up all night. Your body needs rest and the ability to recharge. You're not doing anybody any favors by overworking yourself. Also, we are not all as busy as we say we are. Are you really doing homework the ENTIRE night you're up? Doubtful. Turn off the computer, the cell phone and SLEEP.

Just EAT. Plain and simple. I hear the excuse "I don't have time to eat." Sure you do. Again, this goes back to the we are not as busy as we say we are. If you can't make it to food service, carry snacks with you to have during the day. Again, speaking from a future health care provider's stand point, your body needs food to keep you going. So like I said, you're not doing yourself any favors by skipping a meal. However, I do know some people who skip lunch just because they can function on two meals a day. Did that a lot in the summer. But if you NORMALLY eat 3 meals a day but find yourself skipping one, two or all 3 periodically, you might want to do some minor adjustments...

MOVE IT! Since May, Holly and I have been walking every night, just to do it. Neither one of us need to lose weight, but we were tired of sitting around the apartment all day. Remember hearing those kid commercials "get up and play an hour a day?" Well....do it. Again, I hear the "I don't have time to exercise" or "I can't find something I like to do." WALK. You want to know why walking is easy? Because we do it all the time! I find that ever since I've started walking every night I can't sit for longer than an hour. Nobody's doing anybody any favors by sitting around all the time. I have read study after study after study that says sitting for prolonged periods of time can be detrimental to your health.

Examine your daily schedule...and re examine as needed. This relates to the theme I've been saying. How busy are we really? Think of a typical day for you. How often do you spend doing homework? Or housework? Texting/calling people? Spending time on Facebook? You'll be surprised at what you find when you actually sit and think about it. Yeah, now that you've thought about it, you realize you're not as busy as you say you are. I'm not as busy as I say I am. But like I said: never skipped a meal or pulled an all nighter. Those were a result of choices I made, and I'm not trying to brag. I'm just saying you can make those choices too. Anyone can.

Holly: Hey...is this thing on? Ok, big college-kid lesson:

ABSOLUTELY NO ONE OR NOTHING IS FORCING YOU TO PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER! 

You hear me? Need me to spell it out for you? Do an interpretive dance? Ok...good.

So stop it.

Pulling an all-nighter is one of the worst things you can do to yourself.  You're screwing with your sleep schedule, you're putting unnecessary stress on your body, and if you're studying, there ain't no way in Hades that you're going to remember everything you studied.  Chances are you'll be more concerned about how freaking tired you are.  You don't have to.  Straight up.  I went through four years of Berea and never did.  You know why? Because I prioritized.  I made a plan of what I needed to do and I did it.  Now, that goes without saying that I never didn't just DO it.  Of course I procrastinated.  But I goofed off when I needed to and I buckled down when I needed to.  But I think more often than not, I was doing what I was supposed to be doing.

Sometimes prioritizing includes making sacrifices.  That's just the way it goes. You get a text from your bestie asking to go out, but you know that you have a test on Monday and you need to study this weekend.  Sometimes you have to be the big responsible grown up kid and say no to fun, your friends, etc.  Bottom line: You NEED to say no to your friends sometimes.  Contrary to popular belief, school is more important than hanging out with your friends.  Yeah, it stinks, but when you get all your stuff done, then reward yourself.  Worked wonders for me...sort of like extra incentive to trudge through all the academia.

Another thing: Listen to your body.  If you've been working on homework for hours on end and you feel like you can't read another word or keep your eyes open for one more second, put the homework away and go to BED!  Don't push yourself.  Sometimes being a good student is knowing your limits, knowing when enough is enough.  Even if you have to do more work the next day, at least you won't be falling over exhausted.  For me, even just doing something small every day was enough.  At least it was something!

Hey, sorry to lay on the tough love, but if you want to survive somewhere as tough as Berea, you have to work your @$$ off.  Take it from someone who survived: You have to do the work.  But I still had plenty of time for fun.  It's all about balancing.  Or drinking obscene amounts of coffee.  Whichever you prefer.  :)

P.S. Get some sleep.  Just do it.

A Love Letter to College Freshmen

Holly and Kelly: This started circulating on Facebook earlier this afternoon....wow.  Hits it right on the money.  So poignant, funny, true, lovely...please take the time to read it.  You will be inspired.  :)

http://www.moreloveletters.com/2012/08/25/a-love-letter-to-college-freshmen/

Worth Sharing

Holly and Kelly: NPR recently did a broadcast about Berea.  No, we're not making this up.  It's just over 5 minutes, and what's evident to us is something that is rare at a college: the students LOVE Berea.  They love what they are doing and they are not afraid to share it.  That's worth sharing.  Some of the students come from horrendous situations, and for many of them, Berea was their life-saver.  

At any other college, you go just to get a degree, but something about Berea is different: It really is an amazing place.  You fall in love with it, you fall in love with the people.  For more about Berea, please refer to this post.  But even that really doesn't do Berea justice.  If you really want to know about Berea and how it's changed our lives...ask us.  We'd love to tell you about it.  :)

http://www.npr.org/2011/11/29/142889056/hard-times-inspire-ky-college-students-to-action

First Day of Classes!!! w00t!!

Holly: Alas, Wednesday, August 24th, aka the first day of classes at wonderful Berea beloved!!!

For me, the day began at 9am with biochemistry.  I killed a wasp off of my dear roommate's desk...yep, just grabbed my notebook and WHAM! Poor dead little critter fell helplessly to the floor.  I was quite satisfied with myself...although this charade resulted in me being referred to as "the wasp killer" when the professor continued taking roll.  All I really have to say about this class is that you know it's going to be hard when said professor blatantly announces during the class (and writes clearly in the syllabus) something to the degree of "If you absolutely don't NEED this class, then don't bother."  Is now an appropriate time to say "gulp?" 

300-level (conversational...aka nothing but speaking) Spanish followed in the afternoon.  Wow, am I rusty?!?! Enough of that.  But I think that once i devote the much, much, MUCH needed time in brushing up, then I will be just fine.

Histology (or for those biologically challenged...looking at tissues all day) immediately followed.  I am so stoked about that class!!! Hey, I'm a bio major.  What can I say?  And the professor is made of pure awesome. 

The day ended with my senior seminar class at 4pm (which goes for 2 hours...drag.  However, it is only 2 days a week, so it's not terrible).  The topic is globalization and digital media technology...fascinating stuff! Can't wait to get into it more.  Bonus: I had the professor waaaaaayyyyyyyyyy back in my very first semester of college, and since he didn't manage to scare me away then, then I'm back again.  Or, a "glutton for punishment" as he so put today. 

As for now, I just got back from BME (the gospel choir I am a part of), and, I am not joking, EVERY SINGLE CHAIR WAS FILLED WITH NEW PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't you tell that I'm just a little bit excited about that? :) 

So, all in all, it's shaping up to be a difficult semester, but God has provided immensely for me since I have been here and I am confident that this semester will be no exception.  All things considering that I start my new job tomorrow and I am just ONE SEMESTER away from holding my degree in my hands!!!!!! !@#$%^&*()(*&^%$#!@#$%^&*()_(*&^%$#@!*I&^%$#@$%^&*( that's me being excited! :D

Thank you for reading.  blessings.


Kelly: Well, even though I have a less heavy class load, they're not going to be easy classes to say the least. Nursing for Children and Adults, Psychiatric nursing, Pathophysiology (study of diseases), and Black Music Ensemble, or the gospel choir that I sing in...I'm sure Holly mentioned it, so I don't want to be redundant.

I have only had psychiatric nursing, patho and BME today. Nursing for Children and Adults (you will see me refer to it often as Med/Surg), will not come until Friday. Patho is...big. It's my biggest class; there's over 40 of us. And for a school such as Berea, it's a big class. And it's only 2 days a week from 10-12. Presentations in that class will be....interesting. Each student has to do 3, and the first set is next Wednesday, so after we got done with class there was a massive b-line to the 4 rubrics for the 4 groups who will go next Wednesday. Needless to say my partner and I didn't stand a chance at going, but that's ok.

Psych nursing will be...incredibly difficult. Not physically difficult, but mentally, for me at least. I've never been in a situation where I am exposed to mentally fragile individuals. And my instructor said "prepare to be uncomfortable at times." Please send lots of good thoughts to me and my class of 18; I surmise it will not be easy for us. But my instructor is really funny...super funny actually. For now, that's about all for me; I won't spare the repeat details of BME, except that I am incredibly pumped and looking forward to this year. As a 6th semester member (garsh I'm old), it's the biggest I've ever seen it. And as a Chaplain I hopefully will try *ahem* try to remember everyone's name. Stay tuned for that one. Enjoy reading, our faithful readers. Cheers! And enjoy the funny pic of us at the end.