SENS gals, past, present, and future. L-R: Kati-did, megasus, Alix-aka-"baba", and Corrie bear. Interestingly enough we all take Appalachian music lessons from the adorable Al White. (Kati plays fiddle and will start banjo next fall, I pick the banjo of course, Alix plays the fiddle and Corrie is taking banjo lessons and plays guitar too). the crutch games... below is Eli and me jousting with our crutches in borrowed office chairs.
The race is on! We race around the place too...
Hmmm... the times are certainly flying. So it turns out being in the leg up club is harder than I thought it would be. I hadn't realized to what extent I depended on running to keep me energetic and excited about life. Running is honestly very addictive... and I'm having a bit of withdrawl. It was a challenge to the house to have two folks on crutches at a time of the year when there's a push to finish things along. Alix and Wes were very frustrated with the sudden increase in their workload. After some shifting of duties and heart-sharin' we were able to come to some compromises that work for all of us. As always, the conversation was tough in spots, much needed, and very relieving. I do love those housemates of mine. Beth says perhaps this is to teach me flexibility. I has narrowed myself to think of running as my only outlet... so I am currently collecting other options. Unfortunately, swinging for hours is off the list because I almost got sick the other day trying it. I'm open to other suggestions however, so please share!

There is much on my mind as things wind down for me in Berea. First and foremost, I am grateful to have been given this educational opportunity. I think it's pretty amazing to give folks from low income backgrounds a chance to work for their education. I also recognize that it doesn't seem fair that everyone can't go to a school like Berea. I could go back and forth in my mind, but rather choose to simply appreciate what I've been somehow lucky enough to receive.

Secondly, the conclusion of my time at SENS is rather large event for me too. It seems to me that my years with SENS were the most fruitful in terms of personal growth. For the past three years I've been having adventures and explorations in what it means to live sustainably and in community. I have been royaly spoiled with amazing technology that I will not likely encounter to this extent again in any home I live in. I've had the opportunity to live with heaps of great folks, as well as some folks who I didn't connect with.... both good experiences to have. Much has happened in this house over the years. I learned how to communicate (well, to the extent that I know now), cook (this one is still in question!), and the importance of 8 hugs a day. This past year has been the most amazing... as we started off with a backpackin' retreat and ended with a dinner full of belly laughter and many stories. This is the first time in the history of the house that all four residents have lived the entire year together, and I think it goes a long way to build community. I remember Kati talking to me about applying to be a SENS director my freshman year. I was intimidated and reluctant. Wow. I certainly wouldn't have guessed things would have worked so successfully. Which leads me to have great hope for my next adventures on the horizon. I am excited and scared (mostly excited) to dive back into the challenging water of new exploration and start this next phase of my life.

Thirdly, and least importantly, really... I have some cds made. For those brave souls who are my friend enough to appreciate my musical attempts, I've put together 20 songs. I didn't write any of them, although I hope to write songs someday. If you'd like a copy just send me an e-mail or leave me a comment. Make sure to include your address too.

Much love!

megasus

ps-the thankful list:

-wonderful teachers! I have encountered far too many to list here! I'll just look at this semester alone... kudos to Al White for his Appalachian music enthusiasm, Ralph Thompson for his botanical and life wisdom, and Carol DeRosset for her courage to go beyond classroom material and bring in that which is ultimately more relevant, and Alan Mills for his quiet yet vast appreciation for the calm photography can share (which his pictures certainly do!)

-Pun Jab Indian food

-Dairy Queen dipped cones and the fact that they will forever remind me of Ralph Thompson and botany

-chilly nights perfect for sleepin

-Beth for her ability to remind me who I want to be

-Jessa baby for helpin' me out lots

-Josh Profit for bringing me lunch today while I stayed inside to avoid slippin in the rain on my crutches

-that I've got company in the leg up club

-my sleepytime music that relaxes the day away

-office chairs, they make it so easy to get around the house

-Chris for swapping out his good crutch with my bad one (he's not putting all of his weight on his)

-Carol's little notebooks that she gave us to put memories in

-This tiny school that has been way too good to me

-these last few days with some berea folks

-crutches, it's sure easier than crawling!