an italian feast

This post is long overdue. I was waiting for pictures of this event, but they never came. Thus, I must describe this wonderful experience using just my words. I guess it was about a month ago now- my dear friend, Christopher Scott Aitken (isn't that a great name? I totally want to name one of my kids Christopher Scott...) had me and 7 of his other friends over for a 7-course Italian meal. With the help of his fearless side kick, the funniest guy in my life (well- my brother-in-law is a contender for this position as well), Aaron Gottier, he served the following: an assorted cheese plate, Shrimp Cocktail, Insalata: arugula, pear, and asiago cheese, Lemon sorbet (ya know, per pulire del palato), Bruchetta, Manicotti and per dolce: Cinnamon meringue with whipped cream and raspberries.
The best part about it was that it was all made from scratch- yes, even the sorbet which was served inside the frozen lemon garnished with mint leaves. And everything was presented so elegantly, not just the food. There were names with each place setting at the table, along with a beautiful center piece adorned with red roses and rose petals. It was elegant and classy. And to tell you the truth, it was a little surreal.
Here I was sitting down at this wonderful meal set up by my friends just because they wanted to serve us. They didn't even sit down and eat with us. They cleared our plates after each course, brought drinks around, asked us if we ever needed anything. I tried to help and they wouldn't let me! Aaron kicked me out of the kitchen numerous times. I don't think I have ever been served like that before by my friends. I have never been loved in that way before.
I felt honored to be friends with these people. It was just such a special evening- one of the best nights I have had at Grove City, hands down. It made my heart smile- a lot.

Oh, and sorry for the scary picture- it's the best one I could find of those guys :-).

feel the nanger

Have you ever been singing to the radio in your car with one of your friends in the front seat and suddenly the words you are singing are not the actual words in the song? First, they look at you kind of funny, question whether or not the lyrics they are singing are correct, and then start laughing hysterically at the ridiulous thing you just said.
I have been studying for a Modern Europe test that I have tomorrow with Tilford (whom I love dearly) for the past few days, and late at night I get a little loopy. For some reason I was talking about my brother, Chip, and then the theme song to "Chip and Dale's Rescue Rangers" pops into my head. It was all downhill from there. I started singing it and my roommate Lori looks at me with that "those are totally not the right lyrics" look on her face. Not only was I not singing the right words, the words I was singing weren't even actual words. "Ch-ch-ch-Chip and Dale, Rescue Rangers/Ch-ch-ch-Chip and Dale, FEEL THE NANGER". What? What does that even mean? I googled it, and all I can come up with is that a 'nanger' has something to do animals, at least thats what it said after being translated by my spanish-major roommate from a spanish exotic bird website... or in the "Urban dictionary" it is defined as this:
1. Nanger- An ugly or slightly mutned person; A ranky; a person not worthy of a second look, except for a chuckle.
2. Nanger- Nerd + Anger = Nanger
A subservient but biting anger towards normal members of society, resulting from both years of taunting and/or exclusion and the nerd's own insecurities.
Wow. I looked waaaaay to into this, didn't I?
As a child, did I honestly think they were saying that, or was I just trying to fit in because my two oldest siblings were screaming the theme song at the top of their lungs? And you probably already know this (and laughed out loud at me as a child when I said it wrong... ahem... Beth... Chip), but the real lyrics to that is "where there's danger", which makes much more sense. Alright. Must sleep.

under control

Happy April!

I get a break. For 10 whole days, I get to spend time with my friends and family for Easter- the first time I have been at home for Easter in 3 years. My beautiful roommate, Leigh, and I are driving up to Cape Cod for few days on Tuesday to relax a little bit. A friend of mine is letting us use her beach house, which was such a blessing! It might not be super warm, but I will be near the beach and that is enough for me. I love the beach, no matter how cold it is. There is just something about seeing God in all His majesty through the power of the ocean. It makes me feel like no matter what I do I won't be able to control it- a feeling I love. There are too many times that I realize that I am stressing about something because I'm trying to control it. But God calls us to be completely dependent on Him. It's pretty amazing to know that He has got it under control.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28