Erincita

Thursday, October 24, 2002

Dear faithful readers,
I have pasted here an e-mail I wrote to a friend in Seattle. I thought it would make a good update. Enjoy!

It's Thursday morning. I was wondering if you were done with midterms yet. I hope that they went well. I've been remembering you in my prayers and hoping that you are successful in raising your GPA. Let me know how it's going.
As for me, tomorrow will be my last day of work before leaving for Glynco, Georgia. I'm excited to go but a little scared because of how challening it will be. I'm sure I will handle it just fine. If I don't pass all the courses, surely God has something else planned for me. I'm a little disappointed in how my "pre-academy training" has been going. I certainly wasn't expecting to be sitting around for a month the way I have been. It's been worthwhile because I got to know my co-workers and what this work environment is like, but my supervisor decided to forgo designing any kind of formal training while I was here. I don't know if it would have mattered much, but I would have taken things more seriously if he had. You know me--I like structure!
You might be interested to know that I was on the Atkins diet. Today it would have been a week. I quit yesterday because I decided it was simply unhealthy. The bottom line, however, is that it works. For 3 or 4 days the lack of carbs will make you feel wierd; lightheaded and tired, but on the 5th day I got a rush of energy and was so much more awake and alert. I was researching online for info for and against the diet. Like I said, it works when it comes to having more energy AND losing weight very quickly, but considering that I don't have much to lose, I didn't want to risk my kidneys or my arteries. There's not enough evidence to convince me that it's safe, even though I was feeling healthier. There was also free cake in the lunchroom and that was the deciding factor in officially ending my diet! Just kidding. I was actually quite impressed with my willpower and would have continued if I wasn't just a little concerned about my health. I wouldn't dissuade anyone from trying it, just read up on it before doing so. I'm not going to go back to my regular diet, I want to stay away from wheat products, so I will start with brown rice and oatmeal (carbs) because they have nutrients, unlike pasta, potatoes, white bread, bagels, etc, which only fill you up and turn into fat if you don't burn off the calories right away. The first two weeks of Atkins forbid fruit too, and I discoverd that I really needed the fiber from fruit and didn't want to rely on supplements. Even before the diet I was taking a multivitamin, calcium and vitamin C. That's enough. Lastly (and this should matter to you), the diet is extremely expensive, not only because it encourages buying Atkins-brand products, but also because your diet is primarily meat.
Things with roommates are still peachy, just marvelous. I spend a good number of evenings alone because Sherie is out doing Lord-knows-what (she has friends, family and a boyfriend to tend to), and Tara is often in Bellingham at band practice or giving voice or music lessons. I like the time alone. I don't have to worry about bothering anybody. When I get off from work I either do a little grocery shopping or go straight home. I change, workout (Tara's gotten me addicted to exercise videos--yay for "Buns of Steel!"), start a fire (it's cheaper than heating the house), cook my dinner and my lunch for the next day, clean up the kitchen and then whatever I like. Yesterday I was pumped and listening to my Spanish music so the "whatever" consisted of dancing and jumping around my kitchen looking like a fool (another benefit of being alone!). Then I relaxed in the hot tub for awhile. It's a nice luxury, and perfect for tired muscles. I took a shower, stretched, read my Bible for a bit, and went to bed a little early. I've made it a priority to get in bed by 10pm every night, because I know myself well enough that I can't function without at least 8 hours of sleep. Last night my "whatever" was taken up vaccumming the whole house, which I agreed to do if Sherie promised to take out the garbage. I love how we keep the place so clean!
Now now, I know that I'm rambling and that this is undoubtedly more than you wanted or needed to know, but understand that my responsibilities her are few and I have alot of time on my hands. Hope to see you soon!

Much love and blessings, Erin

9:17 AM |

Sunday, October 20, 2002

Just got back from church. It was about how self-righteousness separates us from God and each other, and it emphasized that I am "blessed to the gills" to have a biological family as well as a spiritual family. Friends at church are a bit confused at my status. "Didn't you move?" "Did you drive down here just for church?" My church is a big reason, since they are like family in many ways, but I also miss Dana, Mom and Dad (they will all be here next weekend!). Anyhow, my status will become more solidified by next Wednesday, when I will be on my way to Georgia for 3 months or more depending on whether I pass the Spanish proficiency test. I'm pretty sure that I will. I am more worried about the firearms training. My co-worker, Frank, was nice enough to take me to practice on his day off. Aim and balance will come in time, but what concerns me the most is how weak my trigger finger is! I have since acquired a little device called "The Gripmaster" to strengthen my fingers. Co-workers are serious enough to keep me on my toes about training, but still say that I won't have any problems. I'll do my best--what more can I do? "Do your best, say a prayer, let go and let God take it from there." I love that rhyme, it's very simple and true.
The big event in Blaine last week was the unpleasant discovery that our septic tank was full. We couldn't take showers, flush the toilet, or use the sinks with any ease. We actually "did our business" in the backyard until Sherie's parents lent us their fully-loaded motor home. It should be fixed by now. So, the septic system was temporarily out of service, but that was cancelled out by the fact that our hot tub is now working!!! Sooooooooo nice. Sherie and I eased into the hot water Thursday night, and enjoyed the stars above and the bay in front of us. We could barely walk afterwards and made sure to prepare for the next day before hot-tubbing--that's how much it relaxed our muscles. Very nice.
I have officially begun the Atkins Diet (I had two hard-boiled eggs for breakfast and just finished some steak and celery sticks for lunch). The premise is to take all carbs and all sugar out of your diet--this includes natural sugars from fruit. I'm wary, but I've seen it work for several people so I thought I'd give it a try and see what happens. No real news yet except for realizing how much sugar I used to eat. Dana claims I'm living vicariously through her by cooking pasta and potatoes for her this weekend. Perhaps, but I like to take care of her. She works too hard and is in dire need of a wife to do her cooking and cleaning. I suppose it's good practice. We are off now to see "Tuck Everlasting" with Ciana. Bye for now!

12:00 PM |

Monday, October 14, 2002

I figure it's time for another update while I'm still at home and have free access to a descent computer. It looks like I'll be coming home every weekend until I leave for Georgia, which is pretty soon. I haven't much a social life in Blaine, and by the time Friday rolls around I have such a strong urge to go home that the 2-hour doesn't seem like much of a hassle. Besides, the drive is very pretty, with a nice view of the sunset and mountains and forests in places. The weekend here was lovely. I got home Friday evening and was invited to a wine-tasting party in Seattle by my dear sweet friend Jessica. I spent the night (mostly because I had been drinking wine all evening), went with Jess and and another girl to a bakery for breakfast, and then went to see if Phil was home. To my unspeakable joy, he was, and with the two of us it's very true that absence makes the heart grow fonder (if there's any dispute on the subject, we are friends now, not a couple). He took me to see a movie and then he came over to have dinner with the family. Mom's really taken a liking to him. Besides being a gentlemen and a good conversationalist, it gives her an opportunity to expouse her expertise in the correctness of right-wing thinking. They are both very aware of politics and particularly the conservative point of view. Sunday, of course, was church day for me. Pastor Mark gave a very good sermon about grace and the inclination people have to rationalize, and afterwards I had the great pleasure of having lunch with Megan, Nikki, Marjie, Casey, Kayla and Lisa. We used to all get together on Friday night just to talk (we called it an accountability group), and so the lunch was kind of a reunion. God has worked mightily in all of our lives in the past year. Kayla is married, Megan is seriously dating and I have moved for a job I had praying for many months. Megan actually bought lunch for all of us, an incredble gesture of generousity, and then I had to hurry home because Kathy (my mom's friend) had invited me to her church for praise and worship that evening. Today is Columbus Day and as a Federal employee I didn't have to work, so I slept in, went with Dana to Barnes & Noble to buy a new journal (much more personal than anything I write here--you wouldn't be interested anyway) and am about to eat dinner before heading back my gorgeous home in Birch Bay. God is good!

5:24 PM |

Monday, October 07, 2002

Yay! Dana's offered to revamp my site too if she has the time. Mine won't be nearly as sophistiated as hers. The most I can think to add would be a link to her site, which really doesn't make too much sense since most of you get to my site from hers... Anyway, I am at work again. One of the things I like about it is the fact that I get to "dress up". I got a couple compliments on what I'm wearing today. It's my best outfit, the one I wear for interviews. It's all black except for my lavender mock turtleneck: blazer, skirt, nylons and shoes (which Sarah helped me buy in cali).
Here's my typical day: My alarm goes off at 6:30am, and surprisingly enough I'm out of bed within a few minutes. I tend to get dressed very quickly because we don't have any heat in the house and I'd probably freeze to death if I stood still very long. Many thanks to Mom for the thick down comforter. It keeps me toasty warm no matter what. After I get dressed I run to the kitchen and put on the kettle. Tea is also becoming a daily necessity not only to warm me up but also to keep me awake. I'm hoping that I'll get used to the schedule to the point where I don't have to rely on caffeine to get me through the day. While the water heats up I put on my makeup and put up my hair (It has to be kept off the collar for the job, though right now it's only for practice since I'm not yet in uniform). Today was the first day I didn't have anything for breakfast, and I think I'll end up buying some breakfast bars or something because I don't have time to fix anything and I'm very hungry at the moment. By 7:30am I'm out the door and get to the border to check in at about 10 till 8am. I spend the day "shadowing" my co-workers: ushering people through the border (primary) if they have sufficient proof of citizenship or sending them inside if we see anything suspicious (secondary). Most people need to fill out forms for temporary visas and the like, but I have seen a few interesting cases involving ex-cons or people trying to work in the US illegally. The most interesting thing I've seen is a couple of deportees from Honduras trying to cross the border into Canada. It's scandalous how many of our tax dollars are spent on sending illegals back to their country of origin. I also do some studying to prep myself for the training coming up next month. I head home around 4pm and, since thus far my social life in Blaine is nonexistent, I sit back, enjoy the view, and thank the Lord for all that He's done for me.

2:21 PM |

Wednesday, October 02, 2002

Shame on me!!! An update is loooong overdue, especially considering what's been happening in my life. Even so, our family is so well connected that I highly doubt any of you are out of the loop. Mom and Dana are so social I tend to be the last one to share new information about my life.
As most of you probably know, I was FINALLY picked up by the INS and am currently in training here at the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine, Washington. Actual trainng at the Academy in Georgia begins Oct. 31st. Since I have no authority yet, my days consist of tests and learning through observation. The crew is great. They're all very helpful and eager to share stories. They're fun to work with but I'm going to have to adjust to their cynicism. I am by far the youngest trainee at 23. I think that the closest in age to me is in his mid-to-late 30s, with other inspectors and and trainees ranging across the board. Also, being a law enforcement department, the employees are primarily men, which results in a great comraderie among the women and overwhelming attention from the men. Everyone has been pleasant thus far.
Dad, Mom and Dana will all vouch for me when I say that my living situation is SPECTACULAR! I live in Birch Bay, which about 15 minutes from Blaine driving--and it's driving along the bay with a view of Victoria BC, not a boring commute on the highway. For $250 a month (just one month at this point), I'm renting a room in a house with two other lovely girls (Sherie teaches the 7th grade and Tara is in a band, giving voice lessons and music lessons on the side). The house rests on 10 feet from the dropoff to the bay, and all I can say is that it has an amazing view. It's so peaceful and inspiring. There's a hot tub that I haven't gotten to use yet, and we're all really good at keeping it clean. The only downside to speak of is that we don't have heat, and it gets VERY cold here. Still, there's something very cozy about the crackling of firewood in a wood stove (the living room is always nice and toasty), and we all have space heaters in our rooms when the cold is too much to bear.
The only other event in my life has come and gone. The event even has a name: Andy. I knew him from church for almost a year before we actually spent some time talking. He was laid off from Boeing and suddenly we both had tons of free time on our hands. Living so close to each other, he decided to invite me out to lunch. Lunch extended into drinks, drinks extended into nachos, and we ended up hanging out until 2am at a club in downtown Seattle. Things when on like this for the month until he had to leave for home in Minnesota--coincidentally it was the same day I had to leave for Blaine. No one else will really "get it" when I try to explain our relationship. There was an attraction but nothing physical, an intimacy but no romance, and a closeness but not what we call "love". All I can say was there was a definite connection and a mutual understanding. Instead of being "moody", "emotional", and "melodramatic", he saw me as "passionate". It was a great comfort to meet someone who was like me in that respect. :) Now he's gone and I'm gone, but the experience was like preparation for this new adventure in my life, perfectly times and planned by God. As Aerosmith said, "Life's a journey, not a destination". I feel like the journey is only beginning.

4:05 PM |