Season's Greetings!
I hope everyone is having a fantastic break! The only thing better than having exams over with, is having Christmas Break start!!! Seniors- way to go! Exams are done!!! (I don't seem excited do I?) I wish I could tell you that your done with them, but unfortunately they just keep coming. But hey, I survived right? No problem!!
Anyway, on to more exciting matters! As many of you may have assumed with three generations of my family going to Luther, I am in fact......is the suspense killing you?.....Norwegian! Which of course means that we celebrate a very fun, very Norwegian Christmas!
After church this evening, we'll come back for a traditional Norwegian meal- including all the usual entrees: ham, rutabagas, green bean casserole, lefsa (a wonderful tradition to keep: it's like a Mexican tortilla but made from potatoes and flour. Served warm with butter and sugar for a fantastic finish!), and last but still least-you Norwegians out there won't actually believe we still do this. Even our family in Norway doesn't eat this stuff anymore!- LUTEFISK!!! If you don't know what that is I'm going to spare you a description- this is supposed to be "G" rated after all. If you do know what this lovely fish is, please, I BEG OF YOU, say a prayer for me! I am forced to eat it before I can open presents!!!! ............Uff da!
Besides the way-too-Norwegian-for-my-taste meal, we also sing carols for hours around the piano. Now when I say carols, I'm not talking one or two or ten. I'm talking about every verse of every single carol from the secular to religious. No but's about it- We all sit down, grit our teeth, and crank 'em out. After the fourth verse of "Silent Night" (sung in Norwegian although none of us know what we're saying), we sit down for dessert. This includes some amazing yummies from turtles, divinity, and krum kakke to pumpkin and pecan pie and peanut brittle (Oh- did I mention it's ALL home made?!? That's right! We Norwegians know how to throw a party!)
There is one last thing we do before opening presents. (The suspense is already getting to me!!!) Every Christmas Eve, we always read the Christmas story in Luke. It's a nice reminder what the day is really about. We have so much to be thankful for- family together, presents under the tree, a roof over our heads, and especially an amazing Savior who came to die for us!
And of course, this is followed by a mad rush to the tree and hours of shredding wrapping paper and total excitement and ecstasy!
I know this sounds pretty crazy and, well, Norwegian! But here's the really weird part- I absolutely LOVE Christmas with my family! I wouldn't have the jam-packed day any other way! I hope everyone has a wonderful time during this special holiday! Enjoy your family's unique and special traditions (unless of course, like me, your forced to eat Lutefisk against your will. In that case, you should run!)
Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year y'all!
~Anna
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Exams...Need I say more?
You might be wondering, "What do college kids do the weekend before exams?"
...................................Study..........................that's it....................I'm really not kidding.
My first exam was this morning at 8 am. As I pushed out the door reciting math equations in my head, I was greeted with a blast of O degree weather (oh, did I mention -20 if you factor in the windchill?!?)
Peachy right? (That was the only moment of my ENTIRE life that I have ever second guessed coming to Luther College...and I mean EVER!!!)
Of course, I'm staying. (Although I am doing a personal strike against the weather by not going to the caf this evening...we'll see how the temperature feels about that!!! Oh snap!)
I have two exams tomorrow and one more on Wednesday...in between those events I will be curled up in a blanket in my room trying to de-thaw myself while also preparing for the next exam in an attempt to not procrastinate too long. I'm sure all seniors can relate to how I feel.
Good luck on exams!
And for heaven's sake, KEEP WARM!!
~Anna
"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water....On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." -Psalm 63: 1, 6-8
...................................Study..........................that's it....................I'm really not kidding.
My first exam was this morning at 8 am. As I pushed out the door reciting math equations in my head, I was greeted with a blast of O degree weather (oh, did I mention -20 if you factor in the windchill?!?)
Peachy right? (That was the only moment of my ENTIRE life that I have ever second guessed coming to Luther College...and I mean EVER!!!)
Of course, I'm staying. (Although I am doing a personal strike against the weather by not going to the caf this evening...we'll see how the temperature feels about that!!! Oh snap!)
I have two exams tomorrow and one more on Wednesday...in between those events I will be curled up in a blanket in my room trying to de-thaw myself while also preparing for the next exam in an attempt to not procrastinate too long. I'm sure all seniors can relate to how I feel.
Good luck on exams!
And for heaven's sake, KEEP WARM!!
~Anna
"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water....On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." -Psalm 63: 1, 6-8
Sunday, December 7, 2008
"CAL"
Every year, Luther has a huge Christmas extravaganza entitled "Christmas at Luther." About six hundred choir and orchestra members take part in this special event, including the freshman girl's choir that I'm in, Aurora. This year it is being nationally televised on PBS. (I'll let you know when the dates have been officially decided!)
We've been preparing our individual pieces for months. The last couple weekends we had mass rehearsals for the choirs to practice the five songs that we all sing together. And then last Sunday it fell into full swing...
We had to be back to campus by three for a six hour rehearsal that included a walk through of the concert and our first practice with the orchestra. Then on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we had three hours rehearsals each day, the last being a dress rehearsal to see if the whole show would run smoothly.
Thursday was the first performance, followed by two Friday, one Saturday, and one today. After hours of hard work, we're finally done!
I'm so glad to have been apart of "CAL" this year! Despite the huge time commitment (notice: I have nothing else to write about this week because all I've done is choir stuff), I had a great time! Not only was I apart of a very special Luther tradition that turned out spectacular every performance, but I also became really good friends with some girls that formally I hadn't really known. Plus, my family was able to come for the concert (what's new right?) which was really special for me, knowing that I was performing for them!
What's left may you ask after this exhausting week? It's one word: Sleep! And here I come!!!
Seniors, good luck as you begin to study for finals this week!
~Anna
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."
-Romans 5: 3-5
We've been preparing our individual pieces for months. The last couple weekends we had mass rehearsals for the choirs to practice the five songs that we all sing together. And then last Sunday it fell into full swing...
We had to be back to campus by three for a six hour rehearsal that included a walk through of the concert and our first practice with the orchestra. Then on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we had three hours rehearsals each day, the last being a dress rehearsal to see if the whole show would run smoothly.
Thursday was the first performance, followed by two Friday, one Saturday, and one today. After hours of hard work, we're finally done!
I'm so glad to have been apart of "CAL" this year! Despite the huge time commitment (notice: I have nothing else to write about this week because all I've done is choir stuff), I had a great time! Not only was I apart of a very special Luther tradition that turned out spectacular every performance, but I also became really good friends with some girls that formally I hadn't really known. Plus, my family was able to come for the concert (what's new right?) which was really special for me, knowing that I was performing for them!
What's left may you ask after this exhausting week? It's one word: Sleep! And here I come!!!
Seniors, good luck as you begin to study for finals this week!
~Anna
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."
-Romans 5: 3-5
Monday, December 1, 2008
A Week to be Thankful!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
I hope everyone had a very safe, relaxing, special time with family and friends! And, I hope seniors enjoyed a few days off before the stress of finals is upon us!
I traveled back to Texas for the first time this fall, and it felt great!....No literally, the 70 degree weather felt GREAT compared to the freezing (again, literal) weather that is happening in Decorah. I can tell you, northern winters aren't for the faint of heart!
My sister, Emily, and I flew home on Tuesday afternoon. I've gotten to see all of my best friends throughout the week! And I've eaten more Mexican food and drank more Starbucks than is humanly possible (but you have to understand my deep, true love for a good cup of coffee!)
Thanksgiving Day was perfect! My grandparents were here, plus many family friends too! We had a great, traditional meal with my personal favorite: turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes! And, we had an array of homemade pies to finish off the already delicious meal! And then, what better way to celebrate time with family and friends than by watching America's favorite team win in football? (That would be the Dallas Cowboys, of course!)
Overall, it's been a great week! It's hard to believe that in three more I'll be home again for Christmas Break. This semester will be gone in the blink of an eye!
Again, I hope everyone enjoyed their break. Safe travels heading home or back to campus!
~Anna
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:4-7
I hope everyone had a very safe, relaxing, special time with family and friends! And, I hope seniors enjoyed a few days off before the stress of finals is upon us!
I traveled back to Texas for the first time this fall, and it felt great!....No literally, the 70 degree weather felt GREAT compared to the freezing (again, literal) weather that is happening in Decorah. I can tell you, northern winters aren't for the faint of heart!
My sister, Emily, and I flew home on Tuesday afternoon. I've gotten to see all of my best friends throughout the week! And I've eaten more Mexican food and drank more Starbucks than is humanly possible (but you have to understand my deep, true love for a good cup of coffee!)
Thanksgiving Day was perfect! My grandparents were here, plus many family friends too! We had a great, traditional meal with my personal favorite: turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes! And, we had an array of homemade pies to finish off the already delicious meal! And then, what better way to celebrate time with family and friends than by watching America's favorite team win in football? (That would be the Dallas Cowboys, of course!)
Overall, it's been a great week! It's hard to believe that in three more I'll be home again for Christmas Break. This semester will be gone in the blink of an eye!
Again, I hope everyone enjoyed their break. Safe travels heading home or back to campus!
~Anna
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:4-7
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