Random Thoughts

Thoughts that have run through my head today:

I cannot wait to go to the Middle East.  That's right, I'm going to TURKEY in March!

To say that I'm excited would be an understatement.  I'm ECSTATIC!  I've been reading voraciously about Turkey for the past couple of weeks, and I can tell you that it is an interesting, beautiful and mysterious country.  I could go on and on about it, but I'm sure you're not that interested in my Turkish ramblings. ;)  Why am I going?  THE FOOD!!!!  Ok, not really, but I am excited--very, very excited--about the food and the tea (tea is very important in Turkish culture).  It's actually part of a short term study abroad program through UNF.  I need 3 electives for my MBA, and I chose this class (it's a finance focus) to fulfill one of those requirements.  After the "elective" I took last semester that consumed every second of my life and kept me from blogging or really doing anything I so desired, I think this class will be a nice break.  I've always, always wanted to do a study abroad program, but for various reasons it never worked out.  Better late than never though, right?  If you look at the map up top you'll see Ankara near the center of Turkey.  That's the capital and as far east as we'll be venturing (I think).  We're staying mainly in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir (near EPHESUS which we are visiting!!!).  I personally wouldn't mind going farther east--even to the Iranian, Iraqi, or Syrian borders, but I guess UNF doesn't find that to be too safe.  Blah.  Let's live a little.  I mean, we're already going to be over there, why not pop in, say hi, and have some diplomatic talks?

Disclaimer:
Every person I've told about Turkey has given me the same "uhhh..." shocked expression.  I'm fully aware that Turkey is an Islamic nation.  And I hope that you're fully aware that I am a Christian.  My professor has told us to be prepared to answer questions about our religion and political leanings as these topics are common dialogue in Turkey--much, much more so than here in the US.  Personally, those are two of my favorite subjects.  I'd also like to point out that I'm not in the least bit concerned about going to an Islamic nation.  To be quite frank, the kindest person I know is a devout Muslim.  I'm excited about seeing some places where early Christianity had its roots.  And, if/when I have the chance to discuss my religious beliefs with anyone, even better!

Ok, Turkey hasn't been the only subject of my thoughts today.

I want to be a venture capitalist when I grow up.  This has to do with the other class I'm taking right now.  I've had to watch corporate finance lectures all afternoon.  Of course, this requires money which I don't have.  Which brings me to my next thought: I wonder if I could find a venture capitalist to fund me in becoming a venture capitalist?  I don't think things work like that, but where there's a will, there's a way!

Next thought: I think I'm becoming a crazy cat lady.  And I don't even like cats.  That is, I didn't like cats until Thad brought a kitten home on Christmas Day.  He rescued it from his dad's farm (it was running across one of the pastures at night).  I was quite mad when I woke up the day after Christmas to a long drawn out note that basically said, "there's a nice kitty in the laundry room...be careful...she has a testy side."

 

This was what I found when I went into the laundry room. 

Thad told me he wanted to keep her at the house for a few weeks until she was old enough to be on her own, then he was going to take her back out to the farm to live in the barn and catch mice.  Well...I've kinda gotten attached to her/him (still not sure)...  I mean it's just so sweet and affectionate...

Ugh.  Did I mention that I don't like cats?  Or animals in general?  I guess this is what I get for marrying an animal lover.

'Cause it's totally normal to sit around holding chickens.

Funny story about this picture: he was showing his nephews a trick on how to put chickens to sleep (it's their chicken) by putting the chicken's head under its wing.  He put the head under the chicken's wing and it went limp and flipped it's head backward.  Thad thought he had killed the chicken right in front of his nephews on Christmas Day.  Thankfully, he gave it a little shake and it woke back up.  There was a slight moment of panic, though.

Next random thought...

I really wonder who Heidi (baby girl #3 for my best friend) will look like since Charlotte (on Jared's shoulders) looks just like Brittany and Naomi looks just like Jared.

This isn't the most recent picture of them (the girls have gotten so much bigger!), but it's the only one I could steal off Brittany's Facebook of all 4 of them.

Speaking of Facebook, I really don't like Facebook.  <--that was my next random thought.  I see it as a necessary evil.  It's not really that necessary, but it really is the easiest way to stay in touch with my family & friends.  It's not really evil, either, I just don't understand why people post such personal things on a public site.  ...yeah, I know I post a lot on this blog, but this a personal (imperative word) blog.  Not Facebook.

Next random thought: if I ever expatriate, where do I want to go?

I didn't title this post 'Random Thoughts' for nothing.  My mind really is all over the place.  This actually stems from a conversation I had last night with my hubs.  Our verdict?  Well, if I told you, I'd have to kill you.

And I leave you with my current random thought: what do I want for dinner?

A kitchen sink salad that would only ever appear appetizing to me?

 A burnt grilled cheese since I am incapable of making a normal grilled cheese?

 Polenta & veggies since it takes all of 5 minutes to make?

hmmm....I'm thinking a sweet potato + veggie baked beans + goat cheese combo.

Toodaloo!  Been nice talking to you!