IR 701

Concept Paper 2: Anarchy

Jocelyn Nicolas

Although today the term “anarchy” carries with it meanings and images of chaos, destructive disorganization, and catastrophe, within the study of International Relations it carries a simple, yet foundational, definition. Anarchy within International Relations simply denotes that there is no worldwide leader or universal government to dictate state interactions, mediate disputes, or enforce law. Rather than signifying disorder or conflict, it describes a world system built on sovereign, independent states with no central authority.

The word anarchy is derived from the Greek prefix “an-“ which means without, and the Indo-European root “arkh” which means to begin or to take the lead. The roots of this word literally mean “without a leader,” although in contemporary usage it has also come to signify the disorder that is bound with the absence of a leader. But within International Relations, it does not retain its definition of disorder, but merely of having no superior authority. (Roberts)

The concept of anarchy is absolutely foundation to the study of International Relations. Derived from the neorealist theories of International Relations, British scholar Hedley Bull claims that anarchy is “the central fact of the international system and the starting place for theorizing about it. (Roberts)” Within the neorealist view of International Relations, the nation-state is the primary actor and acts on its national interests, which usually conflict with other states’.

Kenneth Waltz describes neorealist International Relations as a “self-help” system: “With many sovereign states, with no system of law enforceable among them, with each state judging its grievances and ambitions according to the dictates of its own reason or desire – conflict, sometimes leading to war, is bound to occur. To achieve a favorable outcome from such a conflict, a state has to rely on its own devices, the relative efficiency of which must be its constant concern. (Roberts)”

Viewing the anarchic system through such a point of view, several state behaviors result. Nation-states must always be aware of the motives and capabilities of their neighbor in order to ensure that they are more powerful than potential threats. States are forced to hold security as their main interest due to the fact that other states look for opportunities to take advantage of others. Life in the anarchic system is characterized by competition and a constant possibility of war. (Lain)

While liberalism (especially neo liberalism) may admit that international politics is an anarchical system and that states are the key actors, they would argue that within such a system, war is not inevitable and that it can be minimized and prevented through cooperation and participation within international organizations. (Lain)

Feminist scholars are critical of the theory of anarchy, and although they too accept that anarchy exists, they question the meaning of nation-states and sovereignty in everyday life. They believe that anarchy is defined too heavily using masculine ideals and military solutions, excluding cooperative alternatives. (Roberts)

Constructivists are possibly one of the most severe critics of the anarchical system. Leading Constructivists, such as Nicholas Onuf and Alexander Wendt, claim that “anarchy is what we make of it. (Roberts)” They argue anarchy is not an independent constraint existing separately from the activities of the nation-states, but rather is the commonly accepted rules of the international system. Constructivists believe that everything is constantly in flux and thus theories and understandings of international relations must be contextual. (Roberts)

The theory of anarchy is completely dependent on the assumption of state sovereignty. But recently, voices have risen questioning the true extent of states’ sovereignty, if sovereignty is in the process of being compromised or reformulated, or even if sovereignty exists at all. Due to the lack of a central world government, leader, or set of laws, states are left to act as they see is best. This has led to conflict, and on the other end of the spectrum, humanitarian intervention. Such interferences in other states directly undermines the principles of sovereignty. In such cases, because there is no world governor to mediate situations, it seems often times decisions fall to the most powerful states.

While such instances challenge sovereignty and highlight the shortcomings of anarchy, the growth of globalization and the creation of powerful international organizations brings me to question if our world’s anarchical system may be on the brink of change. Such institutions as the UN, the ICC, and the World Bank are beginning to unite sovereign states in decision-making as well as creating and enforcing some of the first forms of international agreements.

Could these institutions mark the beginning of a new world system? Could their attempts at cooperative agreements be the beginning of international law? Or will we reside in the conclusion that a world system defined by anarchy is truly the best world order for our states to flourish within?

Works Cited

Lain, Sisi. "How does the Condition of Anarchy Shape International Politics?." Word Press 09 Nov. 2007: n. pag. Web. 19 Oct 2010. .

Roberts, James C. "Anarchy." The Internet Encyclopedia of International Relations. Web. .

Here's a peak into my education at BU:

IR 701

Concept Paper 1: Humanitarian Intervention

Jocelyn Nicolas

A heated topic of debate in International Relations today is that of humanitarian intervention. Alistair McMillan defines this act as, “entry into a country of the armed forces of another country or international organization with the aim of protecting citizens from persecution or the violation of their human rights. (McMillan)”

While the premise of this concept is understandable, holding the best interest of others in mind, the implementation of humanitarian intervention has international communities up in arms.

First, there is ambiguity in what defines a humanitarian crisis in need of such intervention. Humanitarian attempts have been heavily criticized all over the world for either unnecessary intervention, or lack of needed intervention, resulting in a hesitancy and heavy consideration process when determining whether to intervene in a given situation or not.

Co-chair of the ICISS, Gareth Evans, attempts to outline the criteria that justify military intervention in humanitarian crises: “There must be serious and irreparable harm to the human beings in progress or imminent: either large-scale loss of life due to deliberate state action, in action or inability to act, or large-scale ‘ethnic cleansing’ carried out not only by killing, but forced acts of terror or rape. (Kiplagat)”

Second, as the international community continues to see and react to humanitarian crises, the act of intervention, whether necessary or not, is deliberately challenging our international sovereign state system. One of the major principles that the concept of state sovereignty is based upon is that of non-intervention. But could there ever be a situation when it would be appropriate to break these rules? Countless interventions have spoken for themselves in that states around the world think there are necessary times to intervene in other states, but when is this appropriate? And does this international trend of interference mark the demise of state sovereignty? Some are even asking if sovereignty even exists at all, seeing as the rules are continually being broken.

Michael Itnatieff explores this dilemma with the concept of “lesser evils,” which in this case would be ignoring national and international law in order to prevent a greater evil. (Kiplagat)

The United States has received heavy criticism on the topic of humanitarian intervention, along with giant international actors that they are involved with, such as the UN. The United States, and increasingly so in recent decades, heavily emphasizes human rights. Efforts to protect the rights of humanity are reflected both in major US organizations and in the personal lives of US citizens. For example, the Human Rights Watch, which took root in the US 25 years ago, has now spread worldwide.

This very organization, however, has criticized the United States for unnecessary intervention in Iraq on the basis of humanitarian grounds. Kenneth Roth, the executive director of the Human Rights Organization said that, “such interventions should be reserved for stopping an imminent or ongoing slaughter. They shouldn’t be used belatedly to address atrocities that were ignored in the past.” (MacAskill) The Human Rights Watch regards war as a last resort and that in most cases conflict should have the approval of the United Nations Security Council, although they realize that this is not possible in all cases, such as Rwanda. A second criterion for intervention is whether war will improve life for the population being invaded. According to these principles, they do not condone the war in Iraq for humanitarian purposes.

On the other hand, the United States received heavy criticism for not taking a leading role in intervening in the Rwandan Genocide. Rather than arranging an intervention, US officials resorted to public statements, organizing a ceasefire and contacting the RPF and interim government behind the killing. The US did use its influence in the UN, although discouraging a “robust UN response,” but even the majority of that action came too late. France finally intervened, with the support of the UN Security Council, and is credited with saving tens of thousands of Tutsi lives. (Ferroggiaro)

Currently, similar humanitarian dilemmas are ensuing across the globe, challenging national and international leaders to make difficult decisions concerning intervention and challenging the very foundations that our international sovereign state system is founded upon. The conflict in Darfur is a perfect example of this struggle. But even more voices than past incidents have joined in the debate of how to appropriately respond to, now commonly referred to as, Darfur’s genocide. Survivors from recent humanitarian crises, such as The Holocaust and Rwanda, have spoken out to pressure governments to intervene in ways that they did not in previous, justified situations. Rwanda survivor Freddy Umutanguha spoke out during a “Day for Darfur,” saying, “In 1994, the world left Rwandans to their fate and a million people were murdered. Today, the world must stop genocide in Darfur. We survivors stand with the victims in Darfur. We know what it is like to lose our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. We know what it is like to lose everything and see all who are dearest to us destroyed.” (Majendie) In the United States specifically, youth and young adults have also raised their voices to highlight such issues and to pressure our government to intervene in such crises, such as “The Invisible Children” organization.

Humanitarian Intervention, while attempting to offer life-saving and beneficent aid, remains a topic of heated controversy internationally. It will be interesting to see in the coming years whether the act of “unlawful” intervention will be harnessed by the international system, or if the international system will be forced to respond to a permanently justified form of humanitarian intervention. But for now, the debate continues.

Works Cited

Ferroggiaro, William. "The US and the Genocide in Rwanda 1994: Evidence of Inaction." National Security Archive 20 Aug. 2001: n. pag. Web. 7 Oct 2010. .

Kiplagat, Nirina. "Darfur and the case for intervention." Ploughshares Monitor 26.1 (2005): n. pag. Web. 7 Oct 2010. .

MacAskill, Ewen. "Iraq war unjustified says human rights group." guardian.co.uk 27 Jan. 2004: n. pag. Web. 7 Oct 2010. .

Majendie, Paul. "Global Protests Call for U.N. Intervention in Darfur ." Washington Post 18 Sep. 2006: n. pag. Web. 7 Oct 2010. .

McMillan, Alistair. "Humanitarian Intervention." Answers.com. Answers Corporation, n.d. Web. 7 Oct 2010. .

I cannot be blamed, however, for my lack of completing my first three weeks of homework for my Introduction to International Relations class. My books are still lost in space, and all of the surrounding bookstores and libraries are sold out! I finally had such a breakdown last night that I overnighted it from a different internet source and will have it waiting at home for me when I get home from school today. I cannot tell you what a relief this is to me, but wouldn't have time to if I wanted because of the amount of reading I have to make up.

It's going to be a long week...

Almost as long as this day. On top of the two three-hour classes that keep me in the classroom until dinner time, I then am going to stop in on a quick intro to Chinese session on my way to meet Aaron at Barnes and Noble. We then are going to hop on a train to a Buddhist meditation center in order to catch the evening meditation session as an experience for me to write my first paper on in my International Relations and Religion course.

My morning was dedicated to packing both lunch and dinner to carry us through our entire day in Boston. Our bed is going to feel very soft tonight.

And thus I am realizing that my "Religion and International Relations" class is going to be a very interesting one. It is only our first week discussing the material and already debates and discussions were raging more than any IWU class I've taken. Lines were not crossed, and everyone handled the topics at hand properly, but this is only just the beginning.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the topics that we have been reading up on for this course. So far we have loosely covered the origins of International Religions, the coming about of statehood, and how many International professionals deliberately chose to ignore the role of religion in our world's culture, politics, and economics until of late. My favorite concept, however, is that of the "secularization theory," stating that as we progress in modernity, we also will progress in secularization (the demise of religions, etc...). But just very recently, many of the originators of this very theory have recanted their position and now are stating that we are currently in a period of "desecularization," where world religions, very traditional ones at that (not affected or compromised by modernity) are experiencing a surprising and unexplainable resurgence. Huh... imagine that.

For the first time in my life I am struggling through these concepts with peers who do not share my background and beliefs - at all. Each hand that is raised does not merely bring an opinion of merely a different theological background, but an entirely different ethnic, cultural, and religious background. It is beautiful and it is very different.

I am eager to continue on with this course's readings and hopeful that I will finally receive my books in the mail for my other course. Needless to say, I am a little behind. :)

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

"A rich, dark and flavorful combination of our favorite Southwestern flavors. It also doesn't hurt that sweet potatoes and black beans both make the cut as superfoods." (As described on Eatingwell.com

And thus begins my graduate education. In Boston.

I had orientation a week ago, and Aaron and I simply sat shaking our heads at the unbelievable credentials that spilled forth as my department's professors introduced themselves to the present students. To say that I am surrounded with some of the most brilliant minds in my field would be an understatement. It seems all of my leaders have already lived more than successful careers and have settled into a happy retirement of challenging the young minds of those who will someday, hopefully, be their successors. C.I.A. retirees, ambassadors, international experts, historians, and Congressional advisors are just a few of whom I will be learning from. Michael Corgan, my first professor this morning, after a full and successful navy and teaching career at the top military schools in the nation, served as the top military advisor (I may be slightly sketchy on that exact title) to the top leaders in Iceland.

Professor Corgan is excellent and I am already excited and hungry for the elevated level of talent and expertise that I have the priveledge of sitting through this semester.

I am off to Professor Prodomou next (Religions and International Relations), whom I first met with on my visit in December, who it is safe to say is one of my idols. She is the head of my specific field of study: International Relations and Religion, and reports and advises Congress on how to deal with religious injustices around the world, among many other very important things. She is incredible.

My classmates represent most of the world. Americans are definitely in the minority. It is excellent! So many different ethnicities and religions are openly represented - I am eager to learn alongside such individuals.

And it is refreshing to finally see the final piece of my fall life schedule fall into place. Work is balancing out with nine hour opening shifts almost every day that I am not at Boston U (which is only Wednesdays). Aaron and I are fighting to protect our Sundays - our Sabbath and day off - which I only continue to learn of its importance as I progress in life.

Things are good. Moral is high. And I am enjoying my first day in the city, finally fully submerged in my "Think Tank."

I have been pleased to find myself already getting in somewhat of a "routine" in my weekly grocery planning and producing. It is as follows:

-Theme meat of the week, which serves as the base of 2 or 3 meals

-A supplementary meal or two using basic ingredients (tuna melts, grilled cheese, pasta, etc...)

-Things for lunch (eggs for egg salad, salad, etc...)

- Always potatoes on hand

- The usual (butter, bread, eggs, cereal, etc... )

-A fruit option or two for the week

- A baked good for the week

This has become my basic plan of attack. Sundays are when Aaron and I enjoy our Sabbath, or day of rest for the week, and I have enjoyed using this day to prepare our food for the week. Often times I will make the egg salad for the week or brew the week's homemade iced tea. But this has allowed me time to indulge in one of my favorite new things: baking.

Since being employed at Jaho Coffee & Tea, I am surrounded by delicious muffins and baked goods, so have made it a part of our weekly food intake to have muffins or the like worked into our meals for each week. Last week, with the help of my kitchen aid (AMAZING), I made my personal favorite: banana chocolate chip muffins! (Thank you Bethany for the amazing recipe)

This week I took the healthier route and made some "Healthy Apple Blueberry Muffins." They turned out great, and are full of awesome and nutritious ingredients, so I thought I'd share the recipe with you all!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 cup of brown sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. allspice

1/8 tsp. salt

1 egg

1 cup of all natural applesauce (no sugar added)

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 medium apple, peeling on, shredded

1/2 cup blueberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease Muffin Pan/ Put liners into muffin pan.

In medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Set aside.

In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla.

Add tot he dry ingredients and stir until moistened. The batter will be kind of lumpy. Fold in the shredded apple and blueberries.

Spoon into muffin cups/ pan until they are 2/3 full.

Bake for 20 minutes until golden or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

These muffins are so good and so good for you!! I highly recommend them. They made my husband a very happy boy :)

Scheduling has worked out very much in my favor. This fall,

both of my classes will be on Wednesday, so I only will have to commute into the city once a week, and it is one of the three days that Aaron will commute as well!

Aaron and I were talking today about how crazy it is that literally overnight, with the new label of marriage, we begin a life on our own, laden with full-fledged responsibilities that we have never before carried. Providing our own full income, setting up school, paying bills, having meetings at banks, having my name legally changed... etc, etc...

Groceries, for instance, are much more of a burden than I had anticipated! I love cooking and experimenting, I am finding more and more, and I do not want to shed negative light on this new role in my life, because I love trying to get creative within my budget and to provide for my husband in that way. But I find myself thinking about food all the time, keeping a constant check on what we are running low on, what I could combine for meals next week - and it is a lot!

But I really would have it no other way. More shocking than the load of new responsibilities is to watch us successfully learn to manage them. As I was being handed my student I.D. card for Boston University today, it finally hit me that I am fully and successfully enrolled in graduate school and I that I navigated the entire process by myself! The responsibilities are rewarding, to say the least.

Anyways, the days are waning towards a schedule, and thank God my Wednesday commute will leave the rest of my week wide open for Turbo classes and lots of work at Jaho.

CHARISMA HOUSE has been bustling with activity. Kameron, Aaron's friend from MI, had an audition at the Berklee College of music this past week and stayed in Charisma house with his two friends for a few days.

Aaron turned our room into a recording studio for a day, and the moved the studio to Cody and Bryan's room to begin recording "The Jack Duvall" E.P., which will be wrapping up soon! The past two days Aaron and I have contributed vocally and musically to this project. It has been very refreshing and exciting.

Having spent my entire life in Mansfield, I now realize how well I knew Mansfield, and how well Mansfield knew me. Getting jobs were easy. My reputation was already in line. There weren't many new people to meet.

But here, my name does not precede me. In fact, my name isn't even know. I really could count my acquaintances on my fingers if I wanted to.

And as much as it seems a daunting situation, it is strangely invigorating.

I started my new job on Wednesday. I work at an amazing local coffee and tea company: Jaho.

With two locations in Salem, it's extensive menu, Gelato and exquisite latte art has really given the corporate coffee shops a run for their money.

There's a lot to learn, and I'm sure it will be quite some time before I tackle the espresso machine, but I love going to work, I lo

ve the people, I love the challenge.

Salem is such a unique little place. It is a tourist town to the bone - with trolleys perusing the town and full-blown witch trial reenactments every weekend taking over the streets. The faces I come into contact with at Jaho every day are either every-single-day-regulars or from another continent. (I speak from experience when I say that difficult accents can lead to embarrassing moments)

I'm definitely the newbie - and I end each of my shifts trying to squeeze my name into as many upcoming time slots as possible - but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my availability throughout this coming school year will aid in the extension of my hours.

Looking back on it now, about a year and a half later, I have no idea how we faced the indefinite distance which initially held no promise of an end. The first months were bearable, with only 5 1/2 hour drives keeping our Ohio and Michigan homes separate, but that luxury soon was lost when Aaron continued in his journey to Salem, MA.

Over the past year we have seen each other an average of every two months. And interesting results have been produced from such unfavorable circumstances.

I have been very emotional. There were many days when I had no desire to be around other people because my need for my boyfriend/fiance would continually go unfulfilled. Tensions were more easily sparked than if we were physically together. Trust was tested. Faithfulness proved. Closeness intentionally strived for and preserved.

We could not merely "hang out": rather, talking was our only option. But we never have run out of things to say. Intimacy could only be achieved through communication. Cell phones dying or being misplaced were not only a frustration, but would prevent connection for a day. And a day without emotional closeness only exaggerated the distance.

Days were verbally recounted rather than experienced together. There were many lonely mornings, days, nights... Every special event was spent wistfully thinking of how much better it could have been shared with the other. Lives were lived apart. Decisions made apart. Birthdays, holidays, events experienced apart.

Yet here we are - after seemingly unending spans of separation, we are sitting four days away from the rest of our lives. Aaron flies to Ohio July 6 and we never will have to be apart again.

The challenges will be over. But challenges alone are not all that our distance has yielded. Aaron and I's love and commitment has been proven: even while living apart, we have learned that we cannot live without each other. We have been trained to talk and communicate about everything. We have learned to dismiss conflict quickly in order to avoid the devastation of its lingering. We have no secrets. Our love is independent of physically being together. And our faith in the Lord has grown to an indisputable belief that God's will prevails even through the impossible.

We did it. We took on something not knowing the difficulties it entailed and now sit at the end of the road, eagerly awaiting the jubilee that has been long promised. And looking back over the relationship, there is nothing I would have changed. Even at the lowest of our valleys, I would not have changed learning to rely on communication; learning to depend on the Lord; learning the ins and outs of each other; and realizing the depths of our love.

Aaron, his brother Cody, and their uncle, traveled to Boston together. (Cody also attends the Berklee School of Music) They left in a leap of faith, following the call of God and the promise of provisions - specifically that of a home and place to live. Well... the boys began their life out east sleeping in their suburban, living at campgrounds, and jumping in and out of hotels. For a short time, they were able to stay with their uncle at a military base. But they could not find a place to stay.

During this time, Aaron felt led by the Lord to get his real estate license, and a few months later got a job at a local firm.

After feeling somewhat jerked around and lost, they made an offer on a house (this was not the first pursued). Although the offer did not make it very far, the boys entered into an unusual agreement to rent the house, while it was on the market, for a very affordable rate - one that could not be matched anywhere else in Salem.

God put a roof over the boys' heads in an unpredicted way while they attended school that year, but they never had security and could have been booted out if anyone else wanted to purchase the home in which they lived in.

On Aaron's last day of school, in the beginning of May 2010, Aaron received an eviction notice because his landlord had gone into foreclosure. The boys had 90 days to figure out the next step. In the past few months, and growing ever closer to Aaron and I's wedding and my move to Salem, Aaron has looked at countless houses and apartments, all of which there has been something seriously wrong with or we have been denied for bizarre reasons.

Aaron and I booked his plane ticket to come to Mansfield until our wedding for July 6. Our time was running out. There were so many houses that we have tried to purchase and apartments that we have applied for that have been denied to us unexplainably. Our offers were simply not accepted, although they were made in full, we have good credit, etc...

When Aaron and I get married, we have chosen to live in community. There will be five of us living together when I first get to Salem, which will grow to seven in January. This has added another challenge in finding a place to live that can accommodate all of us - especially an apartment. But that was becoming our only option because of how little time we had before the wedding... and before eviction.

And then something worked. After innumerable opportunities' doors blatantly being slammed shut over and over again, something worked. We were offered to rent month-to-month (rather than a long-term lease) a 3-bedroom apartment in the safe part of Salem for an affordable rate. I couldn't believe it! It was going to be cozy, and the slanted ceilings of the third-floor apartment made it a little more difficult to take advantage of all of the space, but nonetheless, a door was open. We decided to take it, although it was small, and a few days later were offered to move to the bigger apartment downstairs. I cannot tell you what it feels like not only to have something work after all this time, but then for something good to happen on top of it! We also will have basement space so that we do not have to rent a storage unit for our current refrigerator, washer and dryer, etc...

This is an extremely abbreviated story of the past year of our lives. But it is amazing for a number of reasons.

First, it's amazing that it is over. I cannot tell you the relief of knowing I have a place to live when I move in a few weeks, and that it is nice! And in a safe part of town, and big enough to house five of us comfortably.

Second, it's amazing how God works. God promised, when Aaron followed his call to Salem/Boston, that he would provide. Did it look anything like we thought? Of course not, and we probably should have known that. We thought God's provision was going to come in the form of buying a house - and maybe someday it will be - but the Lord got Aaron and his roommates into a CHEAP, strange, under-the-table renting agreement that kept them housed for exactly as long as they needed. God perfectly timed it so that Aaron could focus on school, and the day that phase was over, the housing search resumed full-force.

And God provided in other ways too. When Aaron decided to get his real estate's license, it seemed out of nowhere. Of course, it couldn't hurt- but that is never what Aaron had dreamed of doing one day. And look at how we have needed it! Not only is it a wonderful job now, but without Aaron's knowledge and work in real estate, I have no idea how we would have survived the past year of our lives.

Third, God's timing is perfect. Even during the school year, Aaron and his parents had continued looking and pursuing houses, but I am telling you- doors were closed for the strangest reasons! SO many times! Doors were closed so much and for so long, that recently we asked the Lord if we were even supposed to be in Salem, or if we were supposed to live in community- both things that we have felt strongly convicted in for quite some time.

But the Lord protected us from purchasing the wrong places, and kept us waiting just until the perfect apartment opened up for us. And he has continued to provide since in amazing ways.

This has been a very stressful year and I have learned even more that I can always trust the Lord, and that sometimes it can be a very scary thing. But his plan and provision is perfect! And this miracle of a house is just the beginning of an adventure-filled life with Aaron that I have a feeling will never get boring. And that's just the way I would have it.

Also, it is amazing to have watched my future husband follow the Lord so faithfully for so long, and through such a challenging time. He has worked harder than anyone else I know to secure a home for his wife and community, and I learn more and more everyday how blessed I am to have him.

But we are also getting into the fun!! My third bridal shower was Sunday, and these parties have unveiled to me another overwhelming aspect of my wedding adventure.

Friends' and families' support. It is overwhelming! I have neve

r before experienced so many of those close to me surrounding me and celebrating with me in

such a way!

Friends and family members are pouring out their love, time, planning, money

and gifts in order to help make this time in my life all that I could have ever dreamed of!

The showers have been beautiful and so much fun! Aaron and I are receiving so many things that are going to make our transition into our new home fun, exciting and comfortable!

I cannot voice how

appreciative I am of all that everyone is doing for us. It truly is overwhelming and I have been very humbled.

Thank you all for making my wedding experience truly a dream! I love you all so much and can't wait for what is to come!

(My first shower was thrown by college friends at IWU, the second by my Aunt Anne, and the third in Ashland by my Aunt Cristy)

I graduated with my Bachelor's degree from Indiana Wesleyan University on May 1. I can't believe my time there is finished! The old cliche of "It goes so fast..." has proven more true than I realized.

Currently I am back home: in shock that the hurricane of college is over and eagerly anticipating all that is to come in the near future!

I am going to be married on July 23 of this year! Aaron James (my fiance) and I have been in a long-distance relationship for over a year now, and the thought of finally being together is the most overwhelming and wonderful feeling I have ever experienced.

After our honeymoon cruise on Norwegian's "The Epic," I will immediately be packing and moving to Salem, MA. Newly married and away from... well... everyone and everything.

In MA I will be continuing my education at Boston University studying International Relations and Religion. I also will be teaching Turbo Kick classes and being an active member of my (recently joined) band: The La De Les!

Life is good. And changing quickly! That is why I decided it would be a very good time to finally buckle down and commit to recording my thoughts, adventures and experiences in my blog.

So here's to life and adventures, soon to spill over these internet pages. Here goes nothing!