"Dashed out and gotten boyfriends"... I like it! A sort of last-minute rush, remedying a brief forgetfulness, like buying a few quick stamps at the Post Office! I imagine your friends flying about the campus like a second Ivan, seeking whom they may devour, and men diving panick-stricken into doorways, books scattering willy-nilly (oh! remember, Kaorline?). Or running downtown and into BoiFrends R US, rushing up to the counter and slapping down a credit card and a man is shoved over the counter with a receipt taped to his ear. Whew! What's next on my checklist? Male? Check. Oh yes, eggs and milk.

I hope no one who reads this takes it wrong - like you, Kaorline, I think it's wonderful that "relationships" happen - else where would WE be? Er, you DO think so, don't you? :) When I was in Bible College, there were awful jokes about the women coming to get their M.R.S. degree. I see no reason on earth why young women should NOT go to college to find a man. On the other hand, I applaud your determination not to get sucked into the Hoover of romance for awhile.

But Kaorline, you KNOW what's going to happen now, don't you? What happens when you declare that you will do anything God wants but NOT become a missionary? Africa here you come. And what happens when you declare that you will not fall prey to the monster Row-Manz for two more years? You're toast, that's what. With butter AND jam. Be careful, Kaorline, be very very careful. You cannot let your guard down for one moment.

Remember: The Price of Freedom is Eternal Vigilance.

Mr. Callihan, I'll never be able to say that phrase "dashed off and got a boyfriend" again. ;)

Indeed I DO think romance and marriage are wonderful things. I don't want to be misunderstood as implying they're not. Neither do I want to be misunderstood as implying these girls aren't ready for it. They've gone into the relationships thoughtfully and prayerfully. But man, it all happened at once.

Oh yes, I'm asking for it . . . . God has a sense of humor and likes to remind us who's in charge by turning all our plans upside down. But I truly, truly, truly would be astonished beyond words if I was sucked into the Hoover of romance in the next year, or even two years. It would be an unwise step. I'm not ready. I need a little - well, a lot - more maturity. I don't feel equal to a husband and family anytime soon. Or even a boyfriend. Hey, my friends need at least one available bridesmaid.

If I did all the things I swore I'd never do, I'll become a teacher, marry a Japanese businessman half a head shorter than me, have eight children, drive a minivan, and take my children to soccer practice every day.

"we're not old enough for all this silliness."

lol, Katie, I love it. 

At least it wasn't "fiend." I've done that before, and I have a pretty clear idea what Mr. Freud would do with that one.

No sir, certainly not! no offense at all. :)

Rally behind the Virginians! Let's stand with Queen Elizabeth!

You know, dearest...I tend to agree with Ev.  This whole commentary on your journal entry is a big WOW.  But it is something that I have noticed of late, as well. 

Stick with me, dear, and we can be the last holdouts!  Tea and sympathy...or at least, good tea.  In the right frame of mind, there's no need for sympathy over the issue.  To rush into a so-called M.R.S. degree (what a delightful way to put it!) is foolish--to wait on the timing of the Lord is the wisest path.

I myself am looking forward to being a very young eighty-five-ish old maid with fifteen cats and a rose garden.  My door will be open to all.  Except traveling salesmen.;) 

(That was a very hilarious last admonition, Mr C.  )