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Thursday, 01 October 2009

  • Ready for Baby!

    I'm 38 weeks pregnant now.  Only 2-3 weeks to go until we’re officially parents!  We’ve prepared all we can.  We’ve had 4 baby showers thanks to very generous friends and family, so we have tons of baby clothes, blankets, and toys to keep her dressed and busy.  We’ve taken labor and delivery classes, breast feeding classes and hospital tours.  Kristin has been taking prenatal yoga classes and doing meditation.  We’ve read all the right books - “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”, “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth”, “The Womanly Art of Breast Feeding”, “The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems” (yes, a real book), and “New Beginnings” (a book given to us by the Allina hospital system).  We’ve hired a doula from from Childbirth Collective (http://www.childbirthcollective.org/).  Our bags are packed!  We’re ready!  
     
    At least we think we are.  How can you every really be ready for your first child?  How can we be prepared for how she will change every aspect of our lives?  How can we be ready for going from a couple to a family?  There is so much we simply cannot prepare for, because of the dramatic paradigm shift that’s about to happen in our lives.  As we live through these next few weeks we ask for your prayers, advice, wisdom, and positive vibes.

Friday, 25 September 2009

  • Broken Journey

    I know it's been a long, long time since I'm blogged, and a lot has happened in that time.  By the way, I'm pregnant, and due in just a few weeks.  Yeah, like I said, a lot has happened.

    But the reason why I decided to log back onto Xanga today is because my little sister, Callie, is in her first month as a volunteer with Lutheran Volunteer Corps in Washington, D.C. and I had a conversation with her yesterday that inspired me to create a mix CD.

    I put a lot of work and pride into my mix CDs, but I rarely explain them, so I figured I would explain this one.  I remember so vividly being in the tough place of self-reflection, internal struggle, and learning about cultural difference that she's in now.  (By the way, this feeling never really goes away, it just gets easier to deal with).  Often I find that music touches feelings that words cannot.  It has gotten me through the toughest times by making me feel like someone else understands what I’m going through, but is more articulate and talented than I am at communicating it.

    The CD goes on a journey from frustration and brokenness to hope and humor.  I think it mirrors the journey anyone working for social justice goes through in order to get to a place of sustainability and not burn out. 

    However, this mix is from a distinctly Christian perspective, and that is intentional.  I’ve tried working for social justice without God as a part of my perspective, and it predictably leaves me feeling powerless, empty and more frustrated.  It’s only when I purposefully call God into my work that I am able to feel his righteous anger, and have the passion to continue with love and patience and not bitter spitefulness (that doesn't mean there aren't days of bitter spitefulness.  Believe me, there are.)

    So, without further ado, here's the playlist.  Feel free to make it for yourself.

    Urban Inspiration - by Kristin Sancken

    1. "Stop and Listen" - Agape
    2. "Why (What's Goin' On?)" - The Roots
    3. "The Shadow Proves the Sunshine" - Switchfoot
    4. "How Come" - Ray LaMontagne
    5. "How Many Miles Must We March" - Ben Harper
    6. "Symbol of a Lost Cause" - Ginny Owens
    7. "When the Saints" - Sara Groves
    8. "Give Me Your Eyes" - Brandon Heath
    9. "Jesus Walks" - Kanye West
    10. "I Can" - Nas
    11. "I believe" - Blessid Union of Souls
    12. "Diverse City" - Toby Mac
    13. "Ain't Nothing Wrong with That" - Robert Randolph
    14. "Hope" - Faith Evans & Twista
    15. Peace in the World" - Young Son
    16. "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist" - Avenue Q

Monday, 16 February 2009

  • Hot N' Cold

    Another Monday when I should be working on school work, but have found a million other things to occupy my time with instead.

    Here's my fun story of the month!

    My cousin Brenda got married on Valentine's Day in Hanover, New Hampshire.  We went with my family to the wedding, and I read the bible verse in the ceremony.  Right before the service someone kneels down next to me and says, "Hey Kristin!"  I figured it was a family member, but I look over and it's Kaht North!  For those of you who went to Valpo, you know who Kaht is, if you didn't go to Valpo, Kaht was a brilliant photographer who took pictures for the Torch (the school newspaper) while I was writing for them.  Check out her website, http://www.north-photo.com/. It's got awesome stuff!  As it turns out Kaht was Brenda's wedding photographer!  And here we are, 3 years after graduation, running into each other randomly!  Small world! 

Friday, 09 January 2009

  • New Music

    I got $35 worth in iTunes gift cards for Christmas, which is wonderful!  However, I have lost touch with my independent music side since marrying Caleb and listening to NPR incessantly.  So, I'm using my blog as a shameless cry for help.  If you had to pick 3 new (or unknown) songs to recommend to someone, what would they be?

Saturday, 03 January 2009

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