You Had Me From Hello

What is Love?

2010-08-16T16:37:00.000-04:00

What is love? Is it the butterflies we get when we see the guy or girl we are attracted to? Is it the warm feeling we have when we hold a newborn baby for the first time? Is it the look shared between a couple married for 50 years? Or maybe it’s the stories shared over coffee with two best friends. I think love goes deeper than this. In Radical Wednesday (Bible study on Wednesday nights with Coach F. for those of you who don’t already know), we’ve been doing a word study on 1st Corinthians 13:4-7. For those who don’t know that passage, I’m copying it here. “Love is patient, love is kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

I think it’s also vital to look at the opening verses in that chapter, as they set the tone for this passage. “If I could speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but had not love, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging symbol. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but had not love, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I own to the poor and sacrificed my body to be burned, I could boast about it, but if I didn’t love others I would gain nothing.”
Love, according to the Bible, is vitally important, and it goes so much deeper than the things I mentioned at the start of this entry. Even having all knowledge, without love, would mean nothing. That’s a hard concept to realize. Because there are days when, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who experiences this, I don’t feel like loving someone. Someone’s hurt my feelings, or I don’t like the person in question, and it’s hard for me to try and show them love. But yet, God tells me that even if I have everything else together, I still have to have love.

Love is patient…this is something I struggle with personally. This means that we do sometimes have to be willing to wait. After all, patience is a fruit of the spirit. It’s hard to sit there and love someone patiently. This means that even if the individual has no interest in your loving them, you still have to patiently show them that you will be there for them.

Love is also kind. It’s easy for me to be kind to someone… but, unfortunately, sometimes it’s not really sincere. I’m kind to them because I have to be, or because the Bible tells me to, not because true love is characterized by me being genuinely kind to them. Something Coach mentioned when he was talking about this trait is that is also means being able to say you’re sorry and ask for forgiveness. It’s hard to be kind to someone that you have wronged. And, as Christian brothers and sisters, this is vitally important. This also requires that we humble ourselves in order to accept that we have done wrong.

Now for the four things love is not. Love is not jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. When Paul wrote this, he could have simply said “Love is humble.” Instead, however, he chose to give us four traits that, while similar, are also slightly different. There’s a good kind of jealousy and a bad kind. This took a while for us to understand when Coach was teaching it, but the kind of jealousy Paul is mentioning in here is when you wrongly want something of your neighbors for yourself. It’s a lot like coveting. Paul tells us that boasting is absolutely bad, but in one passage he tells us to boast if we must, but only in our weaknesses. This will help us to maintain our humility. Being rude is just downright annoying to most people.

Pride…that one word is mentioned many times throughout the Bible, always in a negative way. The Bible says pride goes before a fall and the Lord detests the proud. Those are just two examples of many. This is also something that I struggle with, and I believe most Christians probably struggle with this as well. We tend to think ourselves better than everyone else….we have been given God’s gift of life…which we often promptly forget was a gift and we start looking down on everyone who is not “like us.” Likewise, I think it’s something that any of us who didn’t attend the public school have a double dose of. You see, we had what we might consider a “better education” than those who didn’t have the opportunities that we had. Therefore, we might be tempted to lord that over our friend’s heads. This can even be boiled down to simply having something more than someone else, whether it is a car, a boyfriend or girlfriend, a new CD, or a vacation. Love is not proud. That cannot be said enough. Therefore, true love can only be reached when an individual completely humbles themselves.

Love does not demand its own way is basically another way of saying love is not selfish. It does not want for itself, but for others. It’s difficult to love unselfishly, because there’s always going to be a part of us, as humans, that are self-seeking. We want things for ourselves. But true love is willing to sacrifice everything they own for another individual. This I also struggle with. Some days, it’s so easy to not want to do something for someone else. If I’m tired, or stressed, or just want to spend a day in bed relaxing, it’s hard for me to love someone enough to talk to them if they’re having a rough day, or go out and pick them up from the airport. But yet, I am told I must.

Love also is not irritable. This is a huge whammy for me. If I’m tired, stressed, upset, or just in a bad mood, it’s so very easy for me to be irritable. Snapping at people seems almost natural, especially if they cross my path at the wrong times. Sometimes if all I want to do is write something, or read a book, and someone interrupts me, it’s so hard for me to show them true love. But love is not irritable. Love is calm, and so if I were to act in true love, I would take a moment before answering someone and ask God to give me calmness and love in my answer.

Love keeps no record of wrong. I’m not one of those people that can hold a grudge; in fact, I honestly can’t stay mad for more than an hour or so unless someone seriously pushes my buttons. Yet, this can be an issue for people. It’s hard to let things go sometimes. If our mom wrongly accuses us of something, if our boyfriend or girlfriend breaks up with is, or if our best friend spreads rumors about us, our first default emotion is anger and holding a grudge against that person. But we are called to forgive them…and to forget the wrongdoing. You know when people say “I’ll forgive you, but I’ll never forget what you did?” Well, that’s not showing true, Godly love…and it’s hard to follow, I know. God wants us to love this way for a reason. When we keep records of wrongdoing, we are susceptible to develop all the other negative traits that Paul mentioned.

“It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.” This statement goes hand-in-hand with the previous one. By keeping no record of wrong, we are not able to rejoice in injustice. Rejoicing in injustice would enable us to develop a prideful spirit, and a hurt air. But rejoicing when truth wins out requires us to remain humble. Also, if boasting becomes an issue, we would be boasting in the truth.

Finally, love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Every time I read that passage, I think of how many people give up on love. When a marriage is rough, how many times do you hear about couples getting divorces? If a friend hurts your feelings, how many times are you willing to forgive them and give them another chance? If a girl you are interested in ignores you, how many times are you willing to be a man and pursue her? My guess is not much. But Paul says love NEVER gives up and is always hopeful. Love never fails. Those three words are so powerful, and I believe Paul saved it until the end of the passage for a reason. To let us know that true love, even when we mess up, will never fail and is always willing to persevere. And that, my friends, is true love.

Sometimes it’s hard to do this. I know I don’t have all the qualities of love, as much as I would love to have those. But I’ve learned that love takes time. This will be something that I will be forever growing in and learning about. In my 20 years on earth, I’ve already learned so much about love, and how to love like Christ, and yet I’m still nowhere close to perfection. In fact, I’m pretty far from it. But the more I spend time with my Lord, reading his word, and trying to practice what He wants (with His help of course) the easier love will be for me to practice. And so I ask again: What is love? I believe love goes deeper than what I mentioned at the start. True love can only be earned or given through Christ’s love.

Just for fun

2010-01-23T12:41:00.001-05:00

If you want to do this, leave a comment and:

1. I'll respond with something random about you.
2. I'll tell you which song or movie you remind me of.
3. I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me.
4. I'll tell you my first memory of you.
5. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.
6. I'll ask you something I've always wondered about you.
7. I'll tell you my favorite thing about you.
8. I'll pick a new name for you.

Silly, I know. :)

And yes, Abigail, I am copying you. ;)

Happy New Years!

2010-01-01T00:52:00.003-05:00

So I've thought about a few New Years resolutions. It's hard for me to come up with ones that are actually a) followable and b) benificial. My list is as follows:

1) Cultivate my spiritual life more: I feel like this needs to have top priority. Oftentimes, I'll find myself putting off my spiritual time to do other things. This is something I desperately need to work on

2) Becoming a better servant: It's not easy for me to be willing to serve others (ie: at Christmas when there's sooo much more fun stuff to do than cleaning dishes), but I intend on working on this.

3) Actually practice more: My piano playing is not horrible, but I don't spend the amount of time on it that's needed to keep the skill alive. My goal is to spend time each week practicing.

4) Spend more time studying: It's easy for me to procrastinate, whether it be by facebook, texting, hanging out with friends, music, books or whatever. I'm going to try and cut some of this down and get myself on a better study schedule.

5) Categorize and catalog my book collection: I have over 5 bookcases of books in this house, and oftentimes don't know what I own. My goal is to organize these, categorize them, and catalog them.

That's the extent of my list (for now). Happy New Years!!!! !:)

2009 in a nutshell

2009-12-31T11:20:00.002-05:00

January:

My 19th birthday (and getting stranded on the side of interstate 40)
Trips to Wilmington
second semester at Meredith
SNOW!!!!
Jamie found out she was pregnant with Charlie. :)

February:
Nana and PawPaw's 50th wedding anniversary party
Spring Break spent in bed with a bad case of the flu
Jeff Corwin came to Meredith

March:
Naam's birthday and movie party
Still taking trips to Wilmington.
The month in which I THINK Ally and John started dating....could have been February
Josh Gracin concert

April:
Fire and Water Dinner
Music Man
I went on Crutches for my knee
Shopping Trip and photoshoot with Lizzie, Sarah, and Jess

May:
Matthew's race
The Smothers Brothers
Semester ended
Figured out what I did to my knee and started treatment
Sarah's wedding

June:
Field of Dreams weekend
Summer swim meets start
Shopping trips with Lizzie and Sarah
Week in Richmond helping grandma Barbara move

July:
Seahawks have another undefeated season!!!!!
Sound of Music at Memorial Auditorium
Fun Meet and swim team banquet
Tales of the Kingdom summer theatre camp

August:
William and Jamie's baby shower
End of season water polo and swimming 2 week session
Father/Daughter Dance
School Starts up again
The Getty's show

September:
Contra dancing!!!!
William and Jenn's wedding
Declared my major
Sleepover with Jess
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus show

October:
Mary Katherine's 14th Birthday
Charlie is born!
A Day at Abigail's. :)
BA homecoming
NC State Fair with the best friends.

November:
Village Night
Cornhuskin' in which the sophomore class beat out the juniors!!!!! :)
Blind Side movie with Katrina and Jennifer
Hokies win the UVA/VT game....again. :)
Barn Dance

December:
TSO concert
Phantom of the Opera
Christmas with the family
Emily's 16th birthday celebration extraveganza

It's been an amazing year!!!!!! I can only hope 2010 is as awesome!
New Years Eve at Lizzie's. :)

Psalm 104

2009-12-22T00:16:00.002-05:00

Praise the LORD, O my soul.
O LORD my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

He wraps himself in light as with a garment;
he stretches out the heavens like a tent
and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot
and rides on the wings of the wind.

He makes winds his messengers,
flames of fire his servants.
He set the earth on its foundations;
it can never be moved.

You covered it with the deep as with a garment;
the waters stood above the mountains.
But at your rebuke the waters fled,
at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;
they flowed over the mountains,
they went down into the valleys,
to the place you assigned for them.

You set a boundary they cannot cross;
never again will they cover the earth.

He makes springs pour water into the ravines;
it flows between the mountains.
They give water to all the beasts of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
The birds of the air nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.

He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;
the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work.

He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for man to cultivate—
bringing forth food from the earth:
wine that gladdens the heart of man,
oil to make his face shine,
and bread that sustains his heart.

The trees of the LORD are well watered,
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
There the birds make their nests;
the stork has its home in the pine trees.

The high mountains belong to the wild goats;
the crags are a refuge for the coneys.
The moon marks off the seasons,
and the sun knows when to go down.

You bring darkness, it becomes night,
and all the beasts of the forest prowl.
The lions roar for their prey
and seek their food from God.

The sun rises, and they steal away;
they return and lie down in their dens.
Then man goes out to his work,
to his labor until evening.

How many are your works, O LORD!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.

There is the sea, vast and spacious,
teeming with creatures beyond number—
living things both large and small.
There the ships go to and fro,
and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

These all look to you
to give them their food at the proper time.

When you give it to them,
they gather it up;
when you open your hand,
they are satisfied with good things.

When you hide your face,
they are terrified;
when you take away their breath,
they die and return to the dust.

When you send your Spirit,
they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.

May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD rejoice in his works-
he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD.
But may sinners vanish from the earth
and the wicked be no more.

Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Praise the LORD.

Learning to be content

2009-12-20T11:19:00.002-05:00

One thing most people should know about me is that I am NOT a person who enjoys change. This week was no exception. I love snow, but unfortunately Raleigh didn't get more than an inch. This meant, however, that Virginia got a TON. Particularly where my cousins live in Manakin-Sabot. As of last night, they had 2 feet. Because of this little snow problem, it meant a change of plans. Our annual family Christmas party was last night. Because we don't have a four-wheel drive vehicle, like my Aunt Betsy, and we're not going to rent one like my Aunt Martha did, Daddy decided we would not be attending this years party.

For a few hours, I struggled with a lot of emotions. I finally realized that I could either let this setback ruin my weekend, or I could try and make it a fun weekend despite the setback. So I convinced my parents (who hate ballet) to go to Field of Dream's production of The Nutcracker. It was a VERY fun night. The ballet was fantastic. One of my friends, Matt, played piano during intermission, and was amazing as usual. Afterwards, we all stood around talking, and Lizzie and I decided to start singing since they do it in musicals all the time, and we thought it was time we were part of a real life musical. :)

Jessica rode with me from my house, so when we drove back we sat outside in the bed of my truck (in the cold) and had lots of deep conversations. And of course, one prank call (sorry, Neil!!!!). I love deep conversations. Somehow, I think they're a necessary part of life. All that to say is that this weekend wasn't entirely ruined... in fact, I think it might have been better than going to Virginia. I have the best friends in the entire world. I don't know what I would do without Lizzie, Sarah, Kara, Matt, Nathan, Jess....and everyone else that I'm leaving out. :P

Thoughts on relationships, love, and flirting

2009-11-27T00:42:00.004-05:00

I've been pondering this a lot lately. I've made some mistakes in my life when it's come to guys....most girls have. I, being the typical teenage fool of a girl, fell for a boy when I was about 14. That lasted until I was 18, believe it or not. Then I had a random...well, I guess it's best to call it a rebound summer with another guy. Nuff said on that one. I learned a lot throughout this whole situation. The entire time I was "in love", or whatever you so chose to call it, I realized a few things. The first is that I learned how much time I had taken away from God, and put into this guy. It became almost an idolatry thing for me. And I realized that a lot of relationships are like this, if you don't constantly check yourself and make sure god is the head still.

The rest of what I learned ties into a lot of what I've been thinking recently. I've watched as several of my close friends lately have either ended a relationship, or had their respective boyfriends or girlfriends call the relationship off. And I've seen the pain, and I remember the pain that I went through. And the more I see it, the more I realize that it's pointless....God created our heart for one person. Not for multiple. So when we're constantly "falling" for guys or girls, slowly we're giving away pieces of our hearts. A lot of times, this occurs without knowing whether or not the respective person is interested...and more likely than not, they aren't. It's like an illustration a guy I know used one time when talking about this. Say you have a nametag, one of those sticky ones. And you stick it on your shirt once, and then remove it. It's still sticky enough to use again. But the more you do this, the less sticky it becomes. Until it's hard to make it stay anywhere. This is what giving part of your heart away is like.

I'm not saying this path is easy to follow. NOT liking a guy is significantly harder than liking a guy, I know. But though it's the path less traveled, and takes significantly more work to do, it's a less thorny path. Now don't get legalistic with this, in that you can never like a guy ever. But like Jane Austen said in Northanger Abbey: " for if it be true, as a celebrated writer has maintained, that no young lady can be justified in falling in love before the gentleman's love is declared, it must be very improper that a young lady should dream of a gentleman before the gentleman is first known to have dreamt of her."

Onto my views on flirting. This is something that has annoyed me for years. I've always disliked it when people flirt, particularly when the flirting isn't returned, and it's obvious that the (typically) girl is throwing themselves at the guy (typically....sometimes this is reversed). But after a conversation with Lizzie (what are best friends for?) I've realized that even so much as singling another person out over others can have the same vibe as flirting. It's not as severe, but it is still a form of flirting. And the only time this should occur is when the person in question is serious about starting a relationship.

Once again, I have to caution against taking this to the extreme. I have quite a few guy friends, I always have. But there's a difference between having guy friends, talking to them, and spending time with them, and flirting. When it's evident that they are the first person you go to before your girlfriends, especially if you are not related to them or they are not your boyfriend/fiance/husband, then there is a slight problem there. And I think this is where so many girls and guys end up getting their heartbroken.

Into the Wild

2009-11-19T15:03:00.002-05:00

We had to watch a movie in class and write an in-class essay. This is the one I wrote, and I figured I'd post it. :)

Chris's Values and our Culture:

As I watched Into the Wild, I almost saw myself in the film. I could see how each person in the movie is influenced by culture, and how much environment can influence their actions and decisions. Chris had many ideals and values, but his aim in life was to influence the culture of today. The primary three things that he tried to impress upon the youth culture of today was the value of happiness, the value of selflessness, and the ideal of being willing to take risks.

Happiness takes a huge role in this movie. When the movie begins, Chris believes that he can be perfectly happy on his own. He even makes the statement that you don’t need human relationships to make you happy, that God puts happiness all around us. His view of happiness slowly changes as he grows in this show. He realizes that while he might not need others happiness at first, that they need his. He realizes by the end of the movie that his view on happiness was so wrong, as seen in his journal. He writes an entry a few days before he dies, and says that “Happiness is only real when shared.” This teaches a huge lesson to the youth of today’s culture. A lot of times, today’s youth do not realize what happiness they have. They don’t realize that, even though things might be rough, they have happiness if they are just willing to accept the people around them and realize that they have faults.

Today’s youth need to learn the value of selflessness as well. From the day Chris began college, he started down a path of selflessness. He took classes in the politics of third-world countries and the food crisis in these countries. He realizes through these classes that there is a much simpler way to live. Chris does take this to the extreme by burning all his money and destroying his car, but I believe he has a message in that as well. He’s showing us that sometimes it is necessary to do something this drastic in order to get people’s attention, and to experience what real selflessness is like. He tells his former boss that things are way easier and not as fun when he has money in his pockets, which goes to show that it would be beneficial to be selfless.

We do not come from a society of risk-takers. From the moment you’re born, you’re taught to play it safe. Never touch the stove, always cross at the crosswalk, and don’t leave the yard. As you grow older, this only gets worse as you’re told to always study so you can have great grades, go to college so you can get a better job, and the list goes on. Chris defies the rule of playing it safe. He does get a college degree, but he never ends up using that degree. He instead destroys everything he has and sets off on the biggest adventure of his life. During one of his stops on the way, he tells an elderly gentleman who becomes like his grandfather that he needs to be willing to take risks, and to get off his butt to see the world. This is a concept that every person can apply to their lives.

While it is true that Chris takes things to the extreme, he has some very valuable lessons that can be taught to the youth today. He teaches them about true happiness, selflessness, and taking risks. As a youth in today’s culture, I learned a lot by watching Chris. I can only hope that he continues to reach out to others through this movie. After all, as he told the elderly grandfather figure, “People just need to change the way they look at things.”

Weekend excitement and other such thoughts

2009-11-15T19:11:00.002-05:00

This weekend was really fun!! On thursday night (Yes, I'm starting my weekend there), my fabulous freshman year roomate, Ally, and my amazing friend Nora had their synchronized swimming show. They were both AMAZING!!!!! The show was fun. John-John (ally's bf) was late (coughcough) but since he's a cop and had to work later, it's ok. It was great to see them, and the show was fun. Afterwards, we went across the street to beansprout for some late-night food.

Friday was fun. I spent the morning doing a case on abortion, and we only made it through the first of 7 points. hahahha. :P Then afterwards, I came home, took a nap, and did some homework and chores. I went with mom and dad to hear Wade Taylor speak...he basically reminds me of my granddaddy's best friend, John Arvelo. He's a fantastic speaker, and has some great theology.

I went to Meredith Saturday afternoon and picked up my friend Abigail, drove back to her house, and rode with all but 2 of her family members allll the way up to gorgeous VA and the Alexander's fantastic house!! They were having a barn dance, and it was so much fun! Meredith, your farm is PERFECT for that, and the loft was amazing for dancing. Though I must admit, the caller made things a tad complicated sometimes. :P BUT we did dance a few rounds of the Virginia Reel...I haven't danced that since I was knee-high to a grasshopper (ok, maybe not THAT small, but still), so it was a ton of fun. After an adventurous car ride home, I spent the night at Abigail's, and then went to church this morning. Afterwards I came home and yes, I did end up taking a much-needed nap...I figured the homework could wait. :)

The semester is starting to wind down...there's only 10 more days of actual school!!! I have several projects that need to be finished...yikes! I am very happy this semester is winding down...I need that month-long break. too many papers and stuff have been due this semester.

This next week will be slightly busy...I have poem recitations, papers, projects, and tests. And on friday, I have a photoshoot with the fabulous Christi Ann photography. I've known Christi since....we were 10 or so, so I am super excited. :)

I'm gonna leave y'all with my latest song addiction. This is "Things I Don't Understand" by Coldplay...they are fantastic, and the song is (fairly) true. Check it out. :) Later! Things I Don't Understand

thoughts right now

2009-11-07T02:04:00.002-05:00

There's a lot of things running through my mind tonight. Rather than try to explain them all, I'm going to list a couple song lyrics and how they are applying to my life right now.

"Evens rock. Evens roll. Evens rock and evens roll and evens rock and roll." Yes, we swept CORN!!! Seniors 1st, Sophomores 2nd!!!!! Corn-unity did abound, but I am still happy that we took 1 and 2. :)

"the hardest part was letting go, not taking part" This song is something that I think about 4 of my friends are going to get....and if you're not those 4, then it won't make sense to you. but I feel like I'm getting to the point where I need to let go...I've reached a certain level with this where I have let go, but I have still participated, if to a limited amount, in this, and i'm bowing out as of now.

" If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends, Make it last forever friendship never ends, If you wanna be my lover, you have got to give, Taking is too easy, but that's the way it is." My big sis is a member of the BathTub Ring '10, which is an even class tradition (singing group of 5 girls). The girls sang this tonight. It's always been a favorite song of mine...and I feel like it really stood out to a few of us. Our friendship will never end. Not if it's true friendship.

"I hear You say, "My love is over. It's underneath. It's inside. It's in between. The times you doubt Me, when you can't feel. The times that you question, 'Is this for real? ' The times you're broken.The times that you mend. The times that you hate Me, and the times that you bend. Well, My love is over, it's underneath. It's inside, it's in between. These times you're healing, and when your heart breaks.
The times that you feel like you're falling from grace. The times you're hurting.The times that you heal. The times you go hungry, and are tempted to steal.
The times of confusion, in chaos and pain. I'm there in your sorrow, under the weight of your shame. I'm there through your heartache. I'm there in the storm.
My love I will keep you, by My pow'r alone. I don't care where you fall, where you have been. I'll never forsake you, My love never ends. It never ends."" I know this one is long...but it still stands out to me. I've been broken completely lately. I've had so much stripped away. God has completely humbled me to the point of breaking....and yet He's been there with me every single step of the way. I've suffered heartache in the past year like none other....I've had family members who were close to me pass away, and it's caused me to question my faith like nothing else. Yet through it all God was there leading me and comforting me. And I know He'll continue to be...i just have to trust Him.

Just a couple random thoughts....and now that it's like 2:30 in the morning, I'm heading to bed. NIGHT!!! :)

I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly...

2009-11-04T21:47:00.002-05:00

What musical instrument do you play?
Piano.

who is the person you love the most?
Jesus!

what is love?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (agreed!).

do you currently like anyone?
Well, I'd plead the fifth, but thanks to politics I can't in this case. SOOOOO I'm simply going to decline to answer and ask for transactional immunity should I be asked this question (thank you Dr. Frazier!)

What is the meaning of life?
42

Do you like thunderstorms?
I adore them.

Do you drink coffee?
Indeed!

Do you like to bake/cook?
I adore it! cooking and baking is a stress reliever.

What are your "comfy clothes"?
my favorite sweats, a favorite t-shirt of mine, and a hoodie.

What colour are your eyes?
Mostly blue, but they can look green or purplish depending on the light or what I'm wearing.

If you could time travel, what would be your first stop?
either to the civil war, or to the era of pride and prejudice.

What is your natural hair color?
blondish brownish.

Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt?
uh...neither.

Whats the First Thing You Notice In A Boy/Girl?
Eyes usually. But character quickly follows.

What language would you like to speak fluently?
Gaelic

Desktop or Laptop?
both. My laptop is convenient, but any files I want are stored on my desktop.

Whats your favorite sport?
Swimming, Skating, Softball, Basketball, and Football. Not necessarily in that order. :P

Are you in love?
I think love takes significant time, so no.

How many kids (or any at all) would you want to have?
At LEAST 6.

Sour or sweet candy?
chocolate. So neither. :P

Favorite hot drink?
a favorite tea of mine.

City or the suburbs?
neither. Give me a home in the country, thank you.

What religion did you choose to follow?
I'm a christian, but it's not a religion, it's a relationship with my Lord and Savior.

Performing Arts, Fine Arts, or Sports?
Any and all!!!!

What is your favorite color?
purple, pink, or teal.

beach or mountain?
both. I love both...but mountains mostly. beach is too flat.

who do you count on when feeling down
My friends and my family.

do you plan in advance
Sometimes, yes.

What attracts you most?
To the opposite sex? I'm going to go with a love for Jesus, stability, treats his family amazing, preferably a country boy but that's not a requirement, taller than me (but that's not hard...haha).

How many hobbies do you have
A few

Do you say "I love you" in the relationship?
I can't imagine why not....love is a beautiful thing.

Describe your perfect Sunday morning?
Waking up, going to church, coming home and curling up beside someone I love and taking a beautiful nap. :)

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Either Montana, Virginia, or Ireland.

If you have friends coming for supper what would you cook?
I'm not sure...which friends?

What is your favourite word?
Phantasmagoria. (has memories for several people in my highschool english class.)

What makes you cry?
a few things...songs, movies, and books mostly.

What makes you laugh?
I adore laughing.

If you won the lottery, how would you spend your millions?
I'd save some of it, invest in a ranch, and donate the rest.

What 3 words would your best friend use to describe you?
I'm not sure...she'll have to answer that one! :)

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully finished with school and teaching somewhere.

Do you own any pets, and if so what do you have?
I have a dog (doc)

Who do you admire most?
My mom and my grandparents.

Do you have any tattoos, and if so what and where?
None.

When do you plan on getting married?
Whenever God so wishes. Hopefully it'll be in the next few years, but it's His choice.

How do you feel?
relaxed.

What size shoes do you wear?
8 1/2

Water or 100% Juice?
MMM either

Would you rather lose an arm or a leg?
NEITHER!!

Favorite Place to Eat?
This little italian family-owned place in Urbanna, VA. Angelo's is the best places ever.

Opera, Musical, Concert, Play, Performance, or Other?
Any and all.

What are some of your favorite Disney Films?
Oh, gosh. Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, Cinderella, Mary Poppins, Hercules...I could go on.

What was your last thought?
Something about Pemberly estate....hahaha

Favorite fruit?
hmmm.....peaches or pears.

Describe yourself in 3 words?
Romantic. Stubborn. Dreamer.

Do you eat cold cereal at night?
Not usually.

What is your favorite TV show?
The Office or Scrubs

Kill the spider or let it out?
KILL IT!!!

Do you shower every single day?
Yes, I have to.

Where do you want to travel next?
Montana, back to Vermont, Ireland, England...I can go on. hahaha

What is your favorite place?
The farm.

If you could have one super human power what would you choose?
To be invisible.

Vitamin Water or Gatorade?
Vitamin Water

Flip flops or tennis shoes?
flipflops.

What is your favorite song of all time?
I could never choose that. Ever.

Random collection of thoughts

2009-11-03T00:13:00.002-05:00

I'm not kidding you, this post is about the most random you will see. It's basically a list of things running through my head

1) I want to be in Montana.
2) Why do teachers always schedule due-dates on the same day?
3) Sundrop makes me happy
4) I love baking....not sure why. It's comforting.
5) I like driving when I'm in the car by myself....it's comforting
6) I unfortunately don't have time for this anymore
7) Pride and Prejudice should be a household staple
8) Disney music is the best music to write a paper to
9) There is way too much violence in movies...and having to watch them for school makes it worse
10) I miss being 8 and not having to do so much work
11) I enjoy school, except when I have this amount of homework,
12) God is amazing
13) Nothing else matters except what He wants for my life
14) Some things I will never understand, but I have to trust that God knows what's best
15) My life is NOT a Shakespearean tragedy.
16) I can't wait til I can have kids....I want a ton of them
17) I also just discovered Meredith has a harp department? Looks like I'll be taking that
18) The weather is gorgeous outside
19) I'm excited about cornhuskin' on friday
20) I have the best friends in the world.

My Literary Blog

2009-10-08T21:38:00.002-04:00

So I started a separate blog for my book project. I'll be posting all the book reviews and such on that one, and still post over here as well. :) http://aliterarymind.blogspot.com/. :) That said, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABIGAIL!!!! :)

True Femininity

2009-10-06T10:17:00.003-04:00

I'm sitting in class right now, listening to my *favorite* English teacher talking about feminism. Again. For the....5th class in a row. Today she started talking about an article grabber in the News and Observer. I don't agree with News and Observer all the time, or as my old debate teacher calls it, the News and Disturber, but this time I found them rather catchy. They were talking about Hillary Clinton's trips, and mentioned that she was sporting the pantsuits. Dr. D. took a MAJOR offense to this phrase, and even wrote in an editorial. Well, in order to curb my slight anger and frustration, I began writing out a list. A list of what true femininity is. Now, I don't typically share things out of my notebook, but I figured I'd post this here for the benefit of others. I can't promise that it entirely makes sense or is accurate...but it expresses my feelings on femininity.

What is True Femininity?

1) Not being ashamed about being called a lady, girl, or otherwise.
2) Knowing that wearing skirts or dresses are a mark of femininity and not being ashamed to wear them.
3) Allowing men to be gentlemen, and not assuming they are doing it because we are weak.
4) Being soft-spoken
5) Knowing how to serve
6) Not being "one of the guys" all the time.
7) Having a pure vocabulary.
8) Realizing that the beauty of a woman is her spirit and heart.
9) Being Trustworthy
10) Having good manners.
11) Being strong, yet not self-assuming
12) Taking Care of Children
13) Teaching others
14) Knowing that a career comes AFTER her family...not the other way around.
15) Listening to others, not just talking
16) Cooking.
17) Treating guys with respect, not because they are better but because they are a God-given head.
18) Having a belief in God.
19) Being Classy.
20) Not flirting with guys
21) Knowing the balance between making her own decisions, yet still relying on the advice of her spouse, significant other, or father.
22) Being graceful, and not just the way a woman walks, but her spirit.
23) Keeping her innocence
24) Having a great sense of humor
25) Knowing how to do things that most feminist women can't, because it is deemed "below them."

Book Blogging project: suggestions?

2009-10-03T13:44:00.004-04:00

So Jess, part of this post is your fault. :P After a discussion with jessica yesterday, I decided to go through my old journals and notebooks to see what I could discover. In the middle of one that I had back during my sophomore year in highschool, which was 4 years ago, I found a list. I think I had been inspired by Walk to Remember, and it was a list of life goals. About halfway down, there was one that made me think. It said "read 1000 books in a year." Well, I decided that for this "blogging project" of mine, I would read 365 books in a year, since that seems a TAD bit more realistic than 1000. Thus this post: Do any of you have any suggestions? I already know I want to read through all of C.S. Lewis's works and C.J. Mahaney's books. I'd like for these books to fall under books that I should read, not just books that are completely enjoyable reads. I want some of those, but I'd like the majority to be things that will be beneficial, if you catch my drift. I plan on beginning this project on October 8th, which is the day we begin our fall break. Granted, I am aware that I won't have a completely formulated list of books by then, but I'd like to at least have my first 50 books or so listed out. I'll probably start a separate blog for this project, but for now i'm posting this on my main one. And for my Facebook friends who are curious, my blog is http://princessforhim90.blogspot.com. :)

Virtual Worlds: Good or Bad?

2009-10-01T14:11:00.003-04:00

Today's English 200 class was probably the most...interesting English class I've been in. It started off normal enough, well, normal for OUR English class. You see, it was "bring in your barbie" day. Apparently Barbie dolls were the start of feminism and are the picture of true feminists because you can dress your barbie's up as career women.

But that's not what this is about. Somehow this class took a downhill spiral when we started talking about conventions. This turned into an intense conversation about the online virtual world. Apparently, there is this website called Second Life. And it allows you to, well, live a second life virtually. There was a guy on campus this morning that talked to the teaching fellows. He is very, very much into this second life thing. He talked about how great it was for teachers, since they could basically life both lives. And, if that weren't enough, we found out our entire history and English faculty have second life accounts, and use them.

This started an intense discussion about the ethics of virtual lives. There is one girl (who shall remain nameless) who has apparently had a virtual life since she was 13. We all found that disturbing to put it mildly. it shows as well, because she lacks an ability to socialize in a normal situation. The question on how safe this was was raised as well. As an actress, I've seen how hard it can be to break out of the separate character traits you have to pick up. The other girl argued that it was perfectly fine to have a separate life, because you can separate the virtual from the real world.

I, however, have a huge issue with how virtual all our lives are becoming. Every person has a facebook, twitter, email, myspace, and other online forums they use. I bet every one of us spends about 5 hours of our day online. I feel like our entire culture is becoming revolved around computers and virtual lives. We can create our own identity online.

When I was a kid, I can remember spending HOURS outside per day. Now, I rarely see any kids in my neighborhood outside playing and having fun. The life we used to live was that of simplicity and fun...now the life we all live revolves around technology and virtuality. There's even studies out about how teenagers are having a hard time communicating when they don't talk through an artificial form....face to face conversation is becoming a lost art. And I am in this group, because I do spend wayy too much time online. And yet, to be a part of this culture, it's required.

Praise?

2009-09-28T08:57:00.002-04:00

I was looking through some quotes of C.S. Lewis, and I stumbled on this one from his reflections on the Psalms "I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation." One thing I've noticed lately has been how many people "praise God" yet do with no enjoyment. They do it like it's rote memorization. That's the thing I dislike so much about modern churches....it's very difficult to find a church that doesn't use the rote method.

The thing that I love about Psalms is that David truly is a man after God's heart. He clearly enjoys God with everything. Even when he's upset, or angry about a decision, he still respects God and loves Him. So many people disregard the Psalms because it can be "full of fluff," yet I would argue that it's one of the best books in the Bible. If you truly read it, it's fascinating to see this one man's love for his Savior and his enjoyment in being given so many days and opportunities to worship Him. I can only pray that I am given the same opportunities to praise my Savior.

Dancing Through Life

2009-09-27T10:41:00.003-04:00

I think last night tops the chart to date of my favorite nights. At least when it comes to dancing and friends. You see, I finally made it out to a contra dance at NC State. The LAST time I was supposed to go out there I had just injured my knee, so I was unable to attend. However, since I have been injury free for about 4 months now, I figured I'd be fine. :) And I have to say...if I had known it would be this much fun, I would have danced through the pain last time.

Mr. B was so kind to drive for us, since he attended State and knew his way around much better than Lizzie, Jess, or I did. They picked me up at Meredith, and we were off to State. We were all a tad nervous when we got there, but thankfully all three of us ended up with experienced partners the first set, so we were able to follow along pretty easily. And our square dancin' skills really helped a lot. I even shocked one of my old friends by telling her it was my first contra dance.

Since I didn't bring a camera, I'll have to wait for lizzie or Abigail to post pics, since I believe they both took some. But needless to say, it was so much fun. I can't wait until the next one! I actually have the dates marked on my calendar. :P Of course, now I am super exhausted, have a slight cold, and blisters, but it was worth every ounce of that. :P As Abigail commented this morning "I could have danced all night... I could have danced all night..." :)

I just haven't met you yet....

2009-09-24T07:51:00.003-04:00

Ok. If anyone knows me, you know that I am a DIE HARD Michael Buble fan. His music makes me sooo happy. Anyways, he has an a new album coming out in early october, and he released a single off that album. This song has topped my Buble chart of favorites, so I thought I'd share it with you! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcx9cZEqP1U

Give me a sunday mornin' that's full of grace....

2009-09-20T12:43:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I feel like my life is a little like Anne of Green Gables. I have the most amazing friends. Granted, there are quite a few more of them than Diana. But they are all what I would consider "bosom buddies" and "kindred spirits". And I am going to a girls school that might as well be considered finishing school. except you don't learn the same manners. :P I have an amazing community of friends and family. And lastly, I want to be a teacher. The only two things missing are Gil (who is adorable!!!!!! (yes I'm watching it now)), and Anne's red hair (though I did have orange hair for about a month...hmmm....). :)

That said, I have a study abroad appointment tomorrow at 1 about Oxford. As scary as it is for me to leave my family and friends for a semester and go that far away, I feel like I'm not going to get a chance like this ever again. Plus, it's oxford!!!

I have fallen back in love with my piano again. I forgot how wonderful it is to sit down and play. I did that the other night instead of homework, and I think it's the most relaxed I've been all year. Definitely something that I plan on doing again. In fact, I'm getting more scores monday! I have seriously missed sitting down and working on a piece, learning it perfectly.

a brief recap/summer plans.

2009-09-17T09:31:00.003-04:00

Well, let's see if I can recap the last week or two.

School started a month ago, hard to believe it's been that long. My classes aren't too hard, yet they aren't easy, either. So far all my grades are A's or B's, but midterms are coming up....we'll see how that works out. :P I am now on the Meredith SGA (student government association) Senate. That takes quite a bit of time, but I'm loving it. I decided not to swim aqua angels, because my schedule is busy, but I am swimming practices with the team tuesday and thursday nights.

I'm looking into three options for the spring. Staying here at Meredith is the first. The second is a program I need to look into. Basically I can spend either a semester or a year in Colonial Williamsburg, attending William and Mary and working in the city. If you know me, you know that W&M was my top choice of colleges coming out of hs. The 3rd option is a semester long study abroad program in either Italy, Ireland, or Oxford. I'm not sure which program I'm going to be doing yet.

I've also been rethinking my career. I'm starting to get burned out a tad with what I'm doing. I love my major, don't get me wrong. But I am not sure that I want to spend the next 4 years doing this, and the rest of my life this way. I'm thinking about that, though.

I am super excited for the next few months. I'm going to see West Side Story, 10th Avenue North, TSO, and Phantom this year. That is going to be incredible. Phantom is one of my favorite shows ever, and I'm seeing it at the DPAC with some of my best friends. :)

Finally, I am really wanting to do something crazy in the summer. AnnaBeth and I talked about a road trip/race to california. Is anyone game for this? We could make it closer, but I am really at that point in my life where I want to get out and see what else there is...blame it on my gypsy blood. It's a wanderlust. BUT i think it would be amazing. :)

Where were you?

2009-09-11T08:41:00.002-04:00

So where were you eight years ago?

I can still remember that day like it was yesterday. I was 11. Mom was sitting in the living room folding laundry on the couch. I was sitting on the floor reading. The phone rang, and it was my aunt. I can remember her asking mom if she had the tv on. When mom told her no, she said to cut it on.

I didn’t completely understand what was going on at first. I knew that planes had just hit the WTC, but didn’t know what that meant for Americans. I watched in horror as not one, but 2 planes hit. Finally, I couldn't handle the images anymore. I ran to my room, and turned on the radio. I ran back into the living room when I heard the 1st tower fall.

And then the Pentagon...that one scared me. at the time, my uncle was working in that exact section of the pentagon. Because of the nature of his job, we didn't know whether he was there or not. So we spent hours sitting by the phone, praying that either he or my grandparents would call and let us know he was ok. We finally got a call late that afternoon, letting us know he was on a plane to London when it happened.

That night, our church held a candlelight vigil. I can remember standing in church, surrounded by both friends, regular church attendees, and people I’m sure had never seen the inside of a church. Black, white, poor, rich, farmer, banker...it didn't matter. We were all united.

Where were you?

Have You Forgotten?

The Purpose of Prayer

2009-08-28T17:40:00.002-04:00

My utmost for His Highest Oswald Chambers August 28th

". . . one of His disciples said to Him, ’Lord, teach us to pray . . .’ —Luke 11:1

Prayer is not a normal part of the life of the natural man. We hear it said that a person’s life will suffer if he doesn’t pray, but I question that. What will suffer is the life of the Son of God in him, which is nourished not by food, but by prayer. When a person is born again from above, the life of the Son of God is born in him, and he can either starve or nourish that life. Prayer is the way that the life of God in us is nourished. Our common ideas regarding prayer are not found in the New Testament. We look upon prayer simply as a means of getting things for ourselves, but the biblical purpose of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself.

"Ask, and you will receive . . ." ( John 16:24 ). We complain before God, and sometimes we are apologetic or indifferent to Him, but we actually ask Him for very few things. Yet a child exhibits a magnificent boldness to ask! Our Lord said, ". . . unless you . . . become as little children . . ." ( Matthew 18:3 ). Ask and God will do. Give Jesus Christ the opportunity and the room to work. The problem is that no one will ever do this until he is at his wits’ end. When a person is at his wits’ end, it no longer seems to be a cowardly thing to pray; in fact, it is the only way he can get in touch with the truth and the reality of God Himself. Be yourself before God and present Him with your problems— the very things that have brought you to your wits’ end. But as long as you think you are self-sufficient, you do not need to ask God for anything.

To say that "prayer changes things" is not as close to the truth as saying, "Prayer changes me and then I change things." God has established things so that prayer, on the basis of redemption, changes the way a person looks at things. Prayer is not a matter of changing things externally, but one of working miracles in a person’s inner nature."

To give?

2009-08-27T11:51:00.001-04:00

It's taken me until now to understand a principle that an old tcc friend of mine mentioned years ago. It comes down to the principle of giving selflessly. There's a homeless lady who begs on the exit I take every single day going to school. I've passed her countless times, without ever thinking another thought. Yet the last few days, I've been thinking, "What if I were in her shoes?" I felt God was saying that even a gesture can mean more to her than anything, and I needed to trust Him. When I went to hand her something this morning, she looked at me and replied "Thank you, baby, God bless you." Why is it that I've never seen an atheist beggar? They all say God bless you.

I know the average person would say that they're just using it for drugs/booze whatever. But by trusting the person to use the money worthwhile, I feel like you're giving them more than just money. You're giving them your trust, which is worth far more than any gift you could give them. They might spend the money using other things, but that's their responsibility. I am called, as a Christian, to selflessly serve those around me.

Now that doesn't just include giving 5 bucks to the person on the street or whatever. I feel like it also includes volunteer to soup kitchens and the like. Look at the beauty of Mother Teresa. She's so renowned because she spent her entire life giving selflessly, not caring about what she was facing, or whether the people she was serving were deserving of her time and energy. She just gave, which is what I feel like God calls us to do as Christians.

I dreamed myself thousand times around the world...

2009-08-22T22:00:00.002-04:00

I got on here to write something unrelated to this, but I feel like I need this entry, so I'm posting it, even though it started out as a weird rant. I've got a wide variety of friends, all with different characteristics. But the one thing that they all have in common that I don't with them is this: They aren't going to college, and I am. Now, I'm not going to argue that college is the only way to go. Nor am I going to argue that they are wrong, because I don't believe they are. I do, however, find myself wondering sometimes, whether or not I actually fit in. The life I've chosen is different. Sure, I'm getting a licensure to teach, which isn't like I'm leaving the area or anything extremely drastic. But I sometimes feel like I am one in a million when it comes to my friends. They talk about sleepovers, parties, swim team, and having fun, and I'm stuck inside, reviewing movies for Dr. English, doing stats homework for Dr. Johnson, reading chapters of info for Dr. Martinson, or typing up a case brief for Dr. Frazier. Now, I enjoy every single one of these things, though admittedly, not all at once. I have a love for learning, and I love every class I have ever had (even the ones I complain about at the time). But I hate how, once the school year starts, I feel like I am no longer a part of my circle of friends, because I don't have the time to goof off like I do during the summer. I know I'll continue to see them, whenever possible, but it's not the same during the school year, because I have a totally different set of responsibilities to handle. And I know it's probably me overreacting, but I can't help but wonder sometimes what my life would have been like had I not chosen to further my education....

Now onto homework loads this month...yeah, I think this semester is going to murder me. I'm taking 18 hours, which seemed easy, until I started the classes. THey're all writing intensive classes, so I'm going to be writing at least 4 essays a week. At least. and 8 or so case briefs per week...fun stuff. I do, however, love my classes and my professors, so maybe that will make the load a little more fun and easier to accomplish.

And finally, Anna and I have this ingenious idea of a road race across country. More on that later. :P

I want a love that will last

2009-08-22T19:37:00.004-04:00

The BBC believes most people will have read only 6 of the 100 books here. How do your reading habits stack up?

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6 The Bible
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19 The Time Traveler’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34 Emma - Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meany - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Inferno – Dante
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

As you can tell, I have FAR outread this book list. :P And finally, I'm leaving you with a link to my latest musical obsession. I couldn't find a youtube link, so here's a playlist link. The third one on there is the one I'm listening to. It's the 3:32 one in length. http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#a%20love%20that%20will%20last

Schedule

2009-08-18T23:27:00.000-04:00

Since school's about to start, I figured I'd post my schedule over here so if any of you need to get up with me, you'll know when I'm in class or not. ;)

Monday and Wednesday:
Politics 301 @ 11 with Dr. Frazier
Math 245 @ 2 with Dr. Johnson
History 103 @ 3:30 with Dr. Martinson

Tuesday and Thursday:
English 358 @ 9:30 with R. Duncan
English 200 @ 12:30 with R. Duncan
English 240 @ 2 with S. English

Friday:
Politics 301 @ 11 with Dr. Frazier

Quiz copied from Meredith and Lizzie

2009-08-18T17:46:00.002-04:00

1. What two qualities do you want most in your future husband (besides being a Christian)? The same sacrificial love for his family that I saw in my granddad and humility

2. Is there a fictional character you see as a model for your future husband? Mr. Knightly or Gilbert Blythe.

3. Where do you want your wedding? My first choice is our family farm just across the NC/Va border. If I can't have that...Lizzie, could I use your front yard? :P

4. What are your views on courtship? It's complicated to explain. I'm very much against modern forms of dating, but I can also see flaws with certain forms of courtship as well. I'm for it, provided it doesn't become a legalistic, this is the only way to go, mindset.

5. Do you have a purity ring/locket? I have a purity ring that my daddy gave me on my 13th birthday, that I've worn on my left hand ever since. And it will remain there until I'm engaged.

6. Do you have or want a hope chest? I don't have one, yet I have enough stuff to fill a hope chest. I'll probably inherent my great-grandmothers.

7. Will you wear a veil at your wedding? I'm honestly not sure. More than likely, yes. But I don't know yet.

8. What kind of wedding dress do you want? I want a simple one. Nothing too big or flowing. Not a strapless, but one with cap sleeves or sleeveless. or those lace sleeves I've seen on David's Bridal. It has to be white, and floor-length, but I don't want a train, and I don't want a really expensive one.

9. What color bridesmaid dresses do you want? Either a violet colored one, or a black one. I'd like to keep the wedding party simple, and thinking that through is rather complicated 'cause I have to have my 2 cousins in the wedding, and I would love to have my best friends, but that's pretty much impossible to have everyone. And I don't care what kind of style the dresses are. I want them to be re-usable.

10. What flowers do you want in your bouquet? Lizzie's right, it depends on the season. I'd LOVE to have roses, though. I have a huge fascination and love of roses.

11. What do you want to name one of your daughters? Like Lizzie, I LOVE celtic names. Limiting me to one is impossible. Alana, Moyna, Bevin, and Mairead.

12. What do you want to name one of your sons? I can't limit this to one. Tiernan, Aidan, or Sean are my top choices for that.

13. How many kids do you want? As many as God sees fit to bless me with. I'd be happy with anywhere from 1-15. I'd love to have at least 6, but it's God's decision.

14. What music do you want to play at your wedding? Strings and piano, if possible. That one might be a little difficult, though....

15. Are you a hopeless romantic? I am, and I'm not. I am in that I love romance, I am a sucker for it. Yet I really just want a simple love, with a family surrounded by my best friends.

Offline

2009-08-14T12:30:00.002-04:00

So I'm going to be offline for the next couple days as much as possible. My great-uncle passed away this morning, and I'm going to be traveling this weekend/beginning part of the week to our family farm and graveyard for the immediate family burial, and then to Richmond for the public burial. I have internet on my mom's phone, so you can still leave me messages, and I can still get them, I just might not always reply right away.

A random survey since I don't have time for a real entry. :)

2009-08-08T00:12:00.000-04:00

What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Driving. :)

Last restaurant you went to? uh....I'm not sure....i'm going to CFA in a few minutes, though.

Did you have an exciting last weekend? Um...I don't even remember what I did....I know I didn't go to church.....

Have you ever crawled through a window? Lol. Yes!! :P

Where were you at 1AM sunday morning? Probably talking to Jess or Jolie.

Last person you texted? Naam I think....

Do you like yourself? yeah

Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes, and we all know how well that didn't work.

Are you wearing a necklace? yes. I never take it off unless I'm swimming or having an MRI or something.

Is there anything in your past that you'd like to try again? sure

How's your heart lately? It's beating. :P

What is your relationship status? single

Look behind you, what do you see? my wall

How many rooms does your house have? I have no clue... a lot?

Have you ever worked in a food place? Not technically....

Who and where was the last concert you went to? Josh Gracin, Meherrin River Arts council.

Any summer plans for 2009? Summer's almost over. But hopefully a beach trip before it ends

What did you eat for lunch today? Bacon and Lettuce Sandwich.

Whats on your schedule for tomorrow? work allllll day. Calls or texts are ok. :P

The last song you heard? Summertime by Rascal Flatts (I was driving)

How do you feel about abortions?....... well how do you feel about murder? exactly

How often do you drive? Quite a lot, actually.

Do you know anyone that is currently locked up? Yep. A murderer, in fact. He and his wife (the one he murdered or supposedly did) went to my parents church in Lumberton.

Do you think you are humble? Well, if I said yes, then I wouldn't be humble, and if I said no, then I still wouldn't be humble...this is a loaded question. ;)

Last time you ate a homegrown tomato? I don't like tomatoes.

ever ordered from an infomercial? nope

Have you ever requested a song on the radio? yes

Do you hate the last girl you were talking to? nope

When is the last time you took a nap? Thursday for 15 minutes. Before that...it's been a while.

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? My mom I think.

To text you? Haven't you already asked this?

What are you listening to? Complete silence.

Something interesting happen lately? yep

What were you doing at 8:00 this morning? Sleeping.

Do you chew on your straws? when i'm nervous

Who was the last person you rode in the car with that was under 21? Um....you mean who was driving that was under 21? Probably Matt when we went to Sound of Music.

Do you have curly hair? Negative. far from it.

Is there anyone who doesn't like you because of something you didn't do? probably

Where did you go today? Sophie's to get work info and then to starbucks. :) And now I'm going to CFA, and to Jess's improv show.

Are you a heavy sleeper? sometimes

When was the last time you hand washed the dishes? today.

Who were the last people you ate with? family

Do you have college plans? I'm in college. MC baby

Are you mad at anyone right now? nope

What is your favorite flavor of jelly? grape

Tell me about the last dream you remember having? hahahaha. It involved kayaking, my family, grave robbing, a few friends, some people I don't like, dancing, a wedding, a horse, and the river/ocean. Yeah. :P

Did you meet anybody new today? nope

Do you say aim or a-i-m? a-i-m ha I know I'm just that weird

When was the last time you talked on aim? uh.....a few weeks ago.

Would you dance to the taco song? huh?

Have you ever counted to 1,000? yeah

Have you ever been in a castle? yeah I think so

Do you have a cell-phone? yeah

Can you use chop sticks? no

Ever have cream puffs? cream puffs? what?

Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? seen the movie? No. I've heard of the theory, though. Yeah, I know I'm a geek. ;)

Ever walked into a wall? hahahaha yeah...

Are you sarcastic? Maybe....

Where was your profile picture taken at? I don't have one on here. My fb one was at the seahawks banquet.

Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? Somewhere around that number, but I don't hate anyone. I don't have that right.

What is your favorite animal? Dolphin. Hands down.

Can you hula hoop? Only one hoop, but yes.

Puttin' on the Ritz

2009-08-02T17:35:00.002-04:00

So I've realized that my music is a tad...abnormal. Haha. I was walking in whole foods today picking up some ingredients for dinner tonight (homemade spaghetti sauce), and I had my iPod playing. I had three people ask me what I was listening to, and my answers were as follows: "The Rocky Road to Dublin" by the Dubliners, "Masquerade" from Phantom of the Opera, and "Ya Never Know" from Little Shop of Horrors. I got similar responses with each of them: A raised eyebrow, or a "my, you have unusual music tastes." Which I suppose is true. I do have extremely unusual music tastes. But mine are more unusual by modern standards. I don't mind listening to G105, in fact it's fun to drive to. But it's not real music. It takes no talent to sing a song like "That's Not My Name." It takes no talent to write that song, either. I think I've decided I was either born in the wrong era for music, or in the wrong country. And since music is a huge part of my life, that's not so great. Because eventually, the stations that play music I like are going to start playing music of this generation. *sigh* Dad says I just need a customized station in the car. I am forever changing the channel, because I am very particular about what I like or don't like. I wish there was a way to actually get a soundtrack channel or a celtic station without having satellite radio.

Summer nights!

2009-07-30T11:36:00.003-04:00

I figured since I was already avoiding my chores for the week, I might as well do something semi-productive and write a blog entry about my summer, since I just now realized it's almost over *sobs*. This has probably been my favorite summer thus far in my short lifespan. I chose not to work this summer, and while that means I'm going to have to do a work/study program at Meredith in the fall, it was entirely worth it. I spent most of my summer hanging out with friends, and traveling to Richmond to visit my grandma.

I was blessed to be able to work into my schedule all but one of our swim meets this summer. Seahawks were blessed to be given their second undefeated season in a row!!! :) The last meet was definitely one no one will be forgetting for a while. Season's technically over, but there's still a two week pre-season class thingie, and I'm fairly certain I'm doing that. (yes, kara and jess, I am going to be swimming *shock*. ;) )

I also got to go to see Sound of Music with my friends a week ago. That was probably the best night of my life. God totally allowed us to be given 6 free tickets when we got to Memorial Auditorium. The show wasn't my favorite, but the sets were incredible!! And there's nothing like driving around downtown afterwards, eating at IHOP, and getting home well past midnight. :)

I've started to realize that I drastically needed to get my priorities in line. My junior year, I took a civics class from TCC. The first book we read was called, "The Pursuit of Happiness" by J.P. Moreland and Klaus Issler. I've read that book at least 5 times since then, but I never let one of the lessons in that book hit me until this summer. The one about Godly friendships. I've always had Godly friends, but rarely have I personally taken the time to cultivate my friendships. I assumed they would always be there. And then this past year, I learned that sometimes the people you thought would be your friends weren't really friends, and the ones you might have overlooked would end up being friends for life. This summer, I've deepened some friendships I had before, and became friends with some people I wasn't friends with before. I have the best friends in the world, and I am so blessed to have all of them in my life. :) Y'all should know who you are.

All that to say, I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for every single one of us. And with that said, I'm going to go get back to work on my chores. :P Later, y'all!! :)

Top 25 movie quotes

2009-07-19T19:15:00.005-04:00

I'm a huge quote person. And so here's a few of my top list of movie quotes, in no particular order.

1: "Here's looking at you, kid." ~Casablanca
2: "Noah:My Dearest Allie. I couldn’t sleep last night because I know that it’s over between us. I’m not bitter any more, because I know that what we had was real. And if in some distant place in the future we see each other in our new lives, I’ll smile at you with joy and remember how we spent the summer beneath the trees, learning from each other and growing in love. The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that’s what you’ve given me. That’s what I hope to give to you forever. I love you. I’ll be seeing you. Noah. ~the notebook
3: "I am no one special. Just a common man with common thoughts. I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but in one respect I've succeeded as gloriously as anyone who ever lived. I've loved another with all my heart and soul and for me that has always been enough." ~ The Notebook
4: "Noah: Well that's what we do, we fight... You tell me when I am being an arrogant son of a bitch and I tell you when you are a pain in the ass. Which you are, 99% of the time. I'm not afraid to hurt your feelings. You have like a 2 second rebound rate, then you're back doing the next pain-in-the-ass thing.
Allie: So what?
Noah: So it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, for ever, you and me, every day. Will you do something for me, please? Just picture your life for me? 30 years from now, 40 years from now? What's it look like? If it's with him, go. Go! I lost you once, I think I can do it again. If I thought that's what you really wanted. But don't you take the easy way out." ~Notebook
5: "You had me at 'hello'." ~Jerry McGuire
6: "One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I don't know." Animal Crackers
7: "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine." ~Casablanca
8: "My mother always said, life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get" ~Forest Gump
9: "The first rule of Fight Club is - you do not talk about Fight Club. The second rule of Fight Club is - you DO NOT talk about Fight Club." ~Fight Club
10: "Yo, Adrian" ~Rocky
11: ot that far from me, for trouble is near; haste Thee to help me. Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight. My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me" ~Saving Private Ryan
12: "It doesn't matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other." ~Good Will Hunting
13: " I love that you get cold when it is 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle in your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." ~When Harry Met Sally
14: "Our love is like the wind... I can’t see it, but I sure can feel it." ~A Walk to Remember
15: "This house is so full of people it makes me sick. When I grow up and get married, I'm living alone." ~Home Alone
16: George Downes: The misery, the exquisite tragedy. The Susan Hayward of it all. I can just picture you there, sitting alone at your table in your lavender gown.
Julianne Potter: Did I tell you my gown was lavender?
George Downes: Hair swept up. Haven't touched your cake. Probably drumming your fingernails on the white linen tablecloth, the way you do when you're really feeling down. Perhaps looking at those nails thinking: 'God, I should have stopped in all my evil plotting to have that manicure, but it's too late now.
Julianne Potter: George, I didn't tell you my dress was lavender.
George Downes: Suddenly, a familiar song. And, you're off your chair in one, exquisite movement... wondering, searching, sniffing the wind like a dapple deer. Has God heard your little prayer? Will Cinderella dance again? And then, suddenly, the crowds part and there he is: sleek, stylish... radiant with charisma. Bizarrely, he's on the telephone. But then, so are you. And then he comes towards you... the moves of a jungle cat. Although you quite correctly sense that he is... gay... like most devastatingly handsome single men of his age are, you think... what the hell. Life goes on. Maybe there won't be marriage... maybe there won't be sex... but, by God, there'll be dancing. " ~My Best Friends Wedding
17: “Shaw was right. As we strain to grasp the things we desire, the things we think will make our lives better, – money, popularity, fame – we ignore what truly matters. The simple things. Like friendship, family, love. The things we probably already had.” One Tree Hill
18: "Mr. Darcy: Miss Elizabeth. I have struggled in vain and I can bear it no longer. These past months have been a torment. I came to Rosings with the single object of seeing you... I had to see you. I have fought against my better judgment, my family's expectations, the inferiority of your birth by rank and circumstance. All these things I am willing to put aside and ask you to end my agony.
Elizabeth Bennet: I don't understand.
Mr. Darcy: I love you. " ~Pride and Prejudice
19: "Mr. Darcy: You must know... surely, you must know it was all for you. You are too generous to trifle with me. I believe you spoke with my aunt last night, and it has taught me to hope as I'd scarcely allowed myself before. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes have not changed, but one word from you will silence me forever. If, however, your feelings have changed, I will have to tell you: you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on." ~Pride and Prejudice
20: Scarlett: As God is my witness, as God is my witness they're not going to lick me. I'm going to live through this and when it's all over, I'll never be hungry again. No, nor any of my folk. If I have to lie, steal, cheat or kill. As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again. " ~Gone with the Wind
21: "Do you mean to tell me, Katie Scarlett O'Hara, that Tara, that land doesn't mean anything to you? Why, land is the only thing in the world worth workin' for, worth fightin' for, worth dyin' for, because it's the only thing that lasts. " ~Gone With the Wind
22: There was a land of Cavaliers and Cotton Fields called the Old South... Here in this pretty world Gallantry took its last bow... Here was the last ever to be seen of Knights and their Ladies Fair, of Master and of Slave... Look for it only in books, for it is no more than a dream remembered. A Civilization gone with the wind... " ~Gone with the Wind
23: "This is a different kind of army. If you look at history you'll see men fight for pay, or women, or some other kind of loot. They fight for land, or because a king makes them, or just because they like killing. But we're here for something new. This hasn't happened much in the history of the world. We are an army out to set other men free. America should be free ground, from here to the Pacific Ocean. No man has to bow, no man born to royalty. Here we judge you by what you do, not by who your father was. Here you can be something. Here you can build a home. But it's not the land. There's always more land. It's the idea that we all have value, you and me. What we're fighting for, in the end, is each other. Sorry. Didn't mean to preach. " Gettysburg
24: "In the Army of the Shenandoah, you were the First Brigade! In the Army of the Potomac you were the First Brigade! In the Second Corps of this Army, you are the First Brigade! You are the First Brigade in the affections of your general, and I hope by your future deeds and bearing you will be handed down the posterity as the First Brigade in this our Second War of Independence. God Speed! " Gods and Generals
25: " This is for kids shinin' shoes in the streets with no shoes on their feet everyday. This is for guys sweatin' blood in the shop while the bosses and cops look away. This is to even the score. This ain't just Newsies no more. This ain't just kids with some pies in the sky, this is do it or die, this is WAR! Once and for all, we'll be there to defend one another. Once and for all, every kid is a friend, every friend a brother. Five thousand fists in the sky, five thousands reasons to try. We're going over the wall. Better to die than to crawl. Either we stand or we fall, for once, once and for all!" ~Newsies

Tales of the Kingdom memories

2009-07-19T13:10:00.001-04:00

~The Green Dragons and their attempt to eat the Knights of the Pink Table.
~The Barely Blue Banners winning
~The duck walk
~Suicides
~A.C, Me, Taylor, and Justus doing the death crawl
~Army crawls (why is this starting to sound like military camp??)
~Shaky beds
~Josh falling asleep on stage during the show
~Taylor discovering he had 4 costume changes in the same scene
~Love Game and Josh's variations of it
~A.C.'s birthday
~Firemen trying the locked door while Alex had a boxcutter and I had an axe
~Setting up headquarters in the kitchen
~"Angus Barn, Goodberry's, Coup!"
~Josh's ever present headset comments. Let's just leave it at that.
~Tim's long breaks
~Sam's music
~Sweet tea
~Rocking out while working on set
~Learning how to Greek Dance
~Everyone's methods of de-stressing
~"Alex and Allie are making out!" "Can you guys stop laughing backstage?" (not really, had to put this one on here for Josh's benefit)
~"WTF are you doing?????" Alex's moment of losing it.
~Tim's That's What She Said jokes
~Josh's mouse
~Jake's slightly off color jokes
~The sacred flames
~Michael's costume being lost
~Not being able to find A.C. ;)
~How fast can we eat?
~Naptime
~Almost falling asleep while striking sets
~Our few moments of facebook time
~Wondering who had seen the scene we were running
~Josh getting hurt (even though that's a sad memory)
~The boys "breaking" flowers for the fans
~Kaitlin and I spinning around
~Josh's awesome light tossing
~Mollie, Josh, Alex, and I and the pail. ;)
~Goodberry's certificates

Sunday Southern Thoughts

2009-07-12T17:39:00.002-04:00

"You get a line, I'll get a pole We'll go fishing in the crawfish hole Five-card poker on a Saturday night Church on Sunday morning"

I am so blessed to have grown up here in the South. Particularly to have grown up in a Southern family in the heart of the Bible belt. Nothing will ever beat a relaxing saturday night with a group of friends, then a Sunday church service. The summers in the South, as hot as they may be sometime, are the best ever. It's perfect for going down to a creak and swimming in (making sure to avoid all snakes of course). We have the culture, the manners, and the relaxation. Yes, there is nothing better than being a Southerner. :)

Narcissism?

2009-07-05T22:52:00.003-04:00

I've been going back over my own blog, and some of my friends old blog entries. Particularly some of my old TCC friends. I came across one entry about life, and in there this person talked about how cool it would be to completely put your faith in God. Sell all your possessions, and head off to the middle of nowhere to preach the good news. And that's when it hit me. Americans are so narcissistic. I knew this, but I hadn't thought about it in this way. No one in our country would actually sell their possessions and live off nothing. Money becomes way too important in our lives. Things become too important. We expect to have a 2 story house, a new car for each person in our family, a chance to do whatever we want. But in reality, that stuff doesn't really matter. What matters is God and doing His work. Taking the time to eat dinner with our family instead of rushing off to do something else. Rather than going shopping, just going out to a lake and walking around with your best friend talking about life.

Also, how much we spend on things we don't need. I can count on just one of my dresses at least 15 things that I don't need. Why do we spend money on these things? Why not spend money on things we actually need? Or why not donate more to the poor?

On top of all that, why is no one willing to take risks? We prefer to play it safe. Always stay within our boxes, never willing to step out of those and embrace our full potential. Oftentimes, that potential is just outside our reach, and all it takes is a simple step beyond our comfort zone to grasp it. God's given all of us talents, so why are so many people passive now? Chivalry, in many ways, is a lost art. Most guys (for those of you who don't fit this category, I commend you) are perfectly fine with us girls taking the drivers seat. I have a huge problem with this, because I don't feel like that's fitting into God's plan. I guess I'm just really frustrated with this culture. I want the culture prior to the 1900's. One where boys were young men of valor, where girls were young ladies of virtue. Where dancing wasn't considered feminine by the standards of society, and where girls didn't have to make the first move in things.

I Still Believe

2009-06-29T00:54:00.003-04:00

I can remember listening to this song in music video form one Christmas with my younger cousins. Every Christmas, we always get movies and/or music. This year was no different. I can't remember what I received, but my younger cousin Mary Katherine got Cinderella 3. Even though there are 2 tv's in the house, they are both in constant use between the adults watching games on one, or the boys playing video games on the other. So when us girls want to watch a movie, we'll go out to the RV and stick it in, cook some popcorn, and just chill on the 2 couches in there (it's pretty much a house on wheels). I fell in love with this song, and have periodically listened to it since then. :) Enjoy!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItoI8mINIO0

Some how I know I will find a way
To a brighter day in the sun
Somewhere I know that he waits for me
Someday soon he'll see I'm the one

I won't give up on this feeling
And nothing will keep me away

'Cause I still believe in destiny
That you and I were meant to be
I still wish on the stars as they fall from above
'Cause I still believe
Believe in love

I know what's real cannot be denied
Although it may hide for a while
With just one touch love can conquer fears
Turning all your tears into smiles

It's such a wondrous feeling
I know that my heart can't be wrong

'Cause I still believe in destiny
That you and I were meant to be
I still wish on the stars as they fall from above
'Cause I still believe
Believe in love

Love can make miracles
Change everything
Lift you from the darkness and make your heart sing
Love is forever
When you fall
It's the greatest time of them all

'Cause I still believe in destiny
That you and I were meant to be
I still wish on the stars as they fall from above
'Cause I still believe
Believe in love

Yes I still believe
Believe in love
Still believe in love
I still believe
Believe in love

Time Waster?

2009-06-28T01:19:00.002-04:00

I realized today how much time I personally spend online. So I'm going to be taking a slight hiatus from things. Not from Blogger perse, but mainly from facebook and IM. You can always call or text me, and my email works as well. But I need to be getting some priorities straight, and those aren't being accomplished while waisting my life away, as my uncle puts it, on the internet. :)

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”

2009-06-07T13:34:00.003-04:00

“Do you remember the things you were worrying about a year ago? How did they work out? Didn't you waste a lot of fruitless energy on account of most of them? Didn't most of them turn out all right after all?”

Dale Carnegie hit the nail on the head with that quote. Since Jess posted her year summary, I've been thinking about my last year. And how much has happened. How much I worried, only to have things turn out right. And what I've learned.

I graduated last may being so confident about college. I was going to go into Meredith, graduate in 4 years with a political science major, go to law school, work for 3 years, then join the FBI. I was stupid, and refused to listen to the one man who knows me and the school system combined better than anyone. My granddad. Dan had been in school....well, most of his life while he jointly raised a family, worked a job, and got his graduate and doctorate degrees. And then after he got his doctorate, he worked jobs that varied from teaching, being a head school superintendent for VA, and working for UVA among many things. Dan knows every aspect of the school system better than anyone I know. And he told me that I had no business living on campus my freshman year. I can remember sitting in the family room, in the exact seat I'm sitting in now, talking to him about college and what the next year would hold. And I remember him telling me that there were pressures in college I wouldn't even know how to handle. And if I lived 24/7 in an environment like that, I would succumb. Not only that, but my grades would not be top-notch. Unfortunately, like a stupid teenager not willing to admit I didn't know it all, I decided to live on campus.

That summer, I was busy in preparation for college. That july, though, something happened that, even though I didn't know it at the time, would send me on a downward spiral with my faith and my life. My granddad, Dan, was diagnosed with cancer. I knew he hadn't been well for the past year, but we all thought it was something else. But cancer....even that word evokes fear in me. And the pain I felt then and still feel now isn't even describable. That same month, I went up there and spent a week with them. I can remember looking at Barbara and Dan, knowing that I wanted that kind of a marriage. For Better or for Worse. In Sickness and in Health. They were always there for each other. Throughout the next few months, their love for each other was so evident. As the next few months passed, I would find myself questioning everything. I remember remarking to a girl at school that everytime we'd go to church or crusade, I'd feel like a pretender. How could a loving God allow the man that had meant the most to me as a mentor, besides my dad that is, to be taken away? It wasn't fair. I'm so glad now that I never let either of my grandparents know how hard this was for me, because it would have broken their hearts.

In august, we moved into the dorms. Let's just say Dan was right. I did lose sight of my Savior. Not that I was a horrible kid, let's not get that wrong. But I did rebel against my values. I went clubbing (once, but that was enough for me), went to a couple parties, dressed up and went partying for halloween, had my first smoke (cigar, and once again, that was enough for me), and went to some shows that I regret now. I never drunk alcohol at school (occasionally I'll have a glass of wine if I'm at my roommate's house or something (she's french)), but I was still straying from what I believed. My morals were loosening as well. I started questioning whether things I knew were wrong were actually wrong. And my grades did start to drop. Not horribly, but more than they needed to.

Around late October, Dan was starting to get worse. We didn't know how much longer he would be with us. So one weekend when I was home, and mom was up there, Dad and I decided that, per my suggestion, I needed to go up there for that day, too. I needed to tell my granddad goodbye. That was the last time I saw Dan alive. Even then, I could see how much he and barbara loved each other. Mom was there when Dan died on November 24th. I can remember getting the phone call, and just going outside to my private place on campus and crying. Dan's funeral wasn't until the 11th of december, one month before my 19th. There were several people who talked and stuff, but John Arvelo, my granddad's best friend and mentor, sticks out most in my mind. John's another one of those guys that I respect like Dan, so I'm so glad he's around.

It took until halfway through the spring semester for me to actually realize that I was an idiot and was rebelling. And things changed then. I'm now an English and History double major with an education licensure. Law school...may be in my future, may not be. It's up to God.

Friends: Oh, gosh. That's the thing that's probably changed the most in my life. I kinda dropped off the face of the planet from my highschool friends once I hit college. I made my college friends, thought I had made good choices, and was good with that. Until a situation in March and then again in May let me realize who my real friends are. There's a couple at Meredith still. But my real friends are those who have always been there for me. Jess, Lizzie, Sarah, now Kara, Julie...they've been there for me through all this. And I'm so glad to have them as my best friends. I love you guys uber much!

While on the subject of friends, I have to touch on family. My family is amazing. I was sitting in the family room at the farm over thanksgiving, and I realized that we're not cousins anymore. We are siblings. I trust every single one of my cousins and aunts and uncles with my life. Any problem I have, I'll go to them about. If I need college help, I'll ask Tyler. And I love our relationship. It's one that I know will continue forever. <3!!!

I'm living at home this next year and commuting. After having the freedom that I had, it's a little interesting and difficult to learn to submit again to the will of my parents. Today's lunch was a prime example of that, since I didn't want to eat anything that was fixed, and I had to since I'm living home now. But I'm relearning again.

In other news, I've got Lizzie, Sarah, and Kara's voice recital tonight. Then maybe going to swim on monday, just to say hey since I can't swim right now....because on wednesday, I go in for my second opinion on the torn meniscus in my knee. Yippee. And if I have to have surgery on that thing...well, swimming won't be an option then. Then on friday, Jess is coming over for the weekend while we go to the plethora of Kara, Lizzie, and Sarah's shows that weekend. :P And Sunday is Roberts birthday. (well, monday is, but I won't be there then.) Then the following tuesday, I head up to barbara's for a week to help her move into her new house. :) Busy week!!

Hate crimes

2009-06-03T23:53:00.003-04:00

I remember when I was...probably 7 or so, maybe younger, my dad took me to downtown raleigh. Usually, trips to Downtown when I was little meant a learning experience. Because dad works for Durham County government, he would sometimes have to go to the courts in Wake County, and I'd occasionally go with him so I could see what a court case was like, and see how not to act when I got older. Several times, dad took me late at night to see candlelight vigils for people protesting the death penalty the night an execution took place. We'd ride to the capitol if there was a rally going on to see different types of people protesting. But the one experience that most sticks out in my head was when my dad took me to view a KKK rally. Even to this day, I can remember the utter hate I felt as soon as I approached the area. The chants of white supremacy. The white robes, the covered faces. The cross that was burning. The horror of this shocked me. Because I was a history lover, particularly of civil war, I knew what the Klan was. But I had no idea the Klan was as horrifying as it is. I can remember crying after we left, asking dad why someone could hate anyone so much? Why white supremacy mattered to so many people? Why he brought me to see this? And I remember his answer was so that I could be aware there are people like this in real life. History's not just history. It's still alive today. The Klan was originally started to protect the South against reconstruction. But quickly, it changed to being something horrible. I'm all for the confederacy. Heck, I think the South will rise again. But I hate how this image is so associated with the South. And I hate how people can still be racist today. I was looking through bumper stickers on facebook tonight while I had some extra time on my hands, and I came across one that was about the Klan and White supremacy. Yes, on facebook, not even 15 pages into the list. And yes, people had added the sticker. I guess, I don't understand why racism is so prevalent. Closet racism is one thing...but hate crimes? That's taking it to a whole new level. Just some thoughts before I hit the sack.

The random survey

2009-06-03T00:05:00.002-04:00

Copied from both Anna and Abigail. :P

One. Have you ever been asked out? yes, I have. Lizzie and Brianna know whom I'm referring to.
Two. Where was your default picture taken? Do I have one on here? The one on facebook was at the fair 2 years ago.
Three. What is your middle name? Elizabeth
Four. Your current relationship status? single
Five. Does your crush like you back? I don't really have a crush. Who came up with that idea anyways?
Six. What is your current mood? Sleepy....and sore.
Seven. What color pants are you wearing? PJ's....black, white, and pink
Eight. What color shirt are you wearing? cream.
Nine. What is your favorite thing to do? read.
Ten. If you could go back in time and change something, would you? No, everything happens for a reason. And changing things might alter the future.
Eleven. If you must be an animal for one day, what would you be? A dolphin.
Twelve. Ever had a near death experience? Yeah. I was deathly sick when I was 3.
thirteen. Something you do a lot? listen to music and talk.
Fourteen. What do you want to be when you get older? a Mom. And a teacher.
Fifteen. Who did you copy and paste this from? Anna and Abigail.
Sixteen. Name someone with the same birthday as you? To name one, Jamie. There's a list I have, though. I have a popular birthday.
Seventeen. When was the last time you cried? today...I pulled my knee out really bad.
Eighteen: What do you consider your theme song? "She's country"
Nineteen. If you could have one super power what would it be? Uh...to be invisible.
Twenty. What's the first thing you notice about the opposite/same sex? Eyes.
Twenty-one. What do you usually order from Starbucks? Grande Peppermint White mocha. Anyone buys me one and they will be my friend for life!! :P
Twenty-two. What's your biggest secret? If I told you, it wouldn't be a secret...
Twenty-three. Favorite color? pink or purple
Twenty-five. Do you still watch kiddy movies or tv shows? YES!! I can't wait until I have kids so I can watch them with them.
Twenty-six. What are you eating or drinking at the moment? peach Izze
What's your favorite smell? Roses, rain, ocean, cologne...the list goes on.
Twenty-nine. Describe your life in one word, what would it be? Blessed.
What is your secret obsession: I'm OCD about my books...that's probably my number one.
Thirty-one. Have you ever kissed in the rain? No
Thirty-two. What are you thinking about right now? like anna, being kissed in the rain!:)
Thirty-three. What should you be doing right now? sleeping.
Thirty-four. Who was the last person that made you upset/angry? hmm...I'm gonna go with the guy at altell who was taking hours.
Thirty-five. Why are you doing this? Because I don't have time to type up an entry and I wanted to post something.
Thirty-six. Do you like working in the yard? Yeah, sometimes
Thirty-seven. If you could have any last name in the world, what would it be? Mine until I get married, then my husbands.
Thirty-eight. Do you act differently around the person you like? I'm going with anna's answer here, because it's true!! no, because I don't just like one person. I like everybody!
Thirty-nine. What is your natural hair color? Blonde, but it's turning brown.
Forty. What did you think about this survey? It's a survey....

On Romance, Summer, and Birthdays

2009-05-31T10:55:00.003-04:00

Sarah and Mike's wedding was this weekend. Because my mom was directing the wedding, and I was assisting, I had the wonderful privilege of being able to witness the rehearsal as well as the wedding. They have the love story I dream of. They were friends long before a courtship ever began, so it began on the basis of friendship. Their first kiss was at the alter, and because of the intense love for God first, then each other, you know their marriage will last forever. Their love for each other is in fact a good example of what God's love for us must be like. Everything about the wedding was so relaxed. It all came off perfectly. I love the songs that were sung at the wedding...they all had such significance.

For me, it kind of hit home. Jess posted an entry on her blog that basically described what I was going to say here. So read her entry to get more details on what I'm not elaborating on here. :) But I have also struggled with singleness. If I had been born barely a hundred years ago, I would have been married by now. And if I had been born a hundred years before that, I'd probably have several kids by now. I'm 19...doesn't that mean I should be courted? When I was little, I used to dream that someone I've known forever would come in, sweep me off my feet, and then I'd end up being married as soon as I finished college. But going off to college was a shock for me in a lot of ways. The conversations with the girls often consisted of who everyone was dating, how far they've gone with their boyfriends or even ex's, who still had their v-card, and why everything you do is fine as long as you don't cross the border into sex "until you're ready". Even those who were Christians thought that sex before marriage was acceptable, provided that it was when you were in a serious commitment, such as being engaged.

After this experience, I realized how few people actually think the way we think. Few people are willing to wait for the right man we are supposed to marry. Few people are saving their all for their future partner. And few people, even, understand the concept of courtship. But I'm willing to wait. For the right man, for everything that I want to experience with him, and for the courtship process. God will provide the man at the right time. Granted, that doesn't mean I can just sit down and wait. I'm preparing my life for my future husband, by serving my family and those around me. And if you will all encourage me to do this, that would be amazing. :)

Onto summer. :) It's so weird not being in classes! I'm still not sure if I like it or not. I've missed having stuff to do, but it's true that I did need a downtime. After talking things over with my mom, I've decided that I'm not going to be swimming this summer, but I will be coming to the meets and stuff to cheer you guys on!! :) And I'll be spending 2 weeks in VA helping both of my grandmothers with their respective houses.

Speaking of which, today is Barbara's birthday!! She's always been the best grandma I could ever have wanted. This is her first birthday since Dan died, so I know things are really hard for her today. But she's so sweet, so I wanted to wish Barbara a happy, happy birthday!!! :)

I Keep Coming Back-Josh Gracin

2009-04-14T13:08:00.000-04:00

I told myself getting out
That’s what this is all about
Sun goes up, sun goes down
You only get one go around
Then I left this town

Then I let that road carry me
As far as it could carry me
Stood on a mountain free
Found a place where I could breathe, in and out
And thought about things that I can’t live without

Chorus:
I keep coming back
Time after time
No matter where I’m at
I can’t pretend
I’ve found something better than where I’ve been
Cause where I’m from
Is who I am
And no matter how far that I run
Yea I keep coming back

See the more people change
The more that they stay the same
So I just stopped everything
Thought about all the things
Weighing me down
Then I threw out old boxes
Emptied my pockets
Of regrets and love letters
Pictures and lockets

And all I have now
Is the truth that I’ve found
Life has a way
Of just turning around
And around
And around

Chorus:
I keep coming back
Time after time
No matter where I’m at
I can’t pretend
I’ve found something better than where I’ve been
Cause where I’m from
Is who I am
And no matter how far that I run
Yea I keep coming back

To the town on the hill
So peaceful and still
And my memories are at

I keep coming back
Time after time
No matter where I’m at
I can’t pretend
I’ve found something better than where I’ve been
Cause where I’m from
Is who I am
And no matter how far that I run
No matter how far
No matter how far that I run
Yea I keep coming back
I keep coming back
I keep coming back

And I'll be here when you come back down...

2009-04-06T00:37:00.003-04:00

This year has taught me so much. I've realized how much I dislike and don't trust the people I thought I'd be friends for life with, and how the people I never thought I'd ever be friends with have become the people that help me through the day here. I realized that I don't have to be liked by everyone, just the people that matter a lot. I realized that I had fallen from God, and how amazing it is to return to Him...makes me feel a little like the prodigal son. I've learned to give everything to God...my current life as well as my future. I've learned the importance of family...they will always be there for you with open arms when you need a shoulder to cry on. And I've learned how important some of my friendships are....Lizzie, Jess, Julie...I don't know how I'd get through life without y'all. I've missed so much what I had in high school. It truly was a great life. I'm hoping by moving home next year, I'll be able to at least return to my true heart, and not what I've been conforming to and playing along with this year.

There's been some crazy drama around here. I talked to my aunt the other day, and she shared something with me, that I thought I'd post on here. This aunt oftentimes doesn't show any leaning towards Christianity, but she told me that I needed to pray the serenity prayer over the dorm situation. I hadn't thought about that, but immediately when she said that, I knew praying this was what was needed. So the prayer goes like this:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

You are my hope....

2009-03-16T08:33:00.002-04:00

"But I trust in your unfailing love.I will rejoice because you have rescued me." Psalm 13:5

It's taken some drastic things lately for me to realize how much I have been relying on myself or others to get me through life, not on God. This semester, I've realized how fickle and insecure I am when I don't rely on the principles of God. I've toyed with several careers, and several schools, all in a search for pleasure. All in search for what I'VE wanted. What I think would satisfy me. I'm still not sure what I nor God want to do with my life. But I'm returning to my true love, God. I'm returning to my heart. I would request prayer as I continue to figure this out, and prayer that I would know what to do.

Just a Girl Born in Dixie...

2009-02-23T08:14:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting in Geo class and bored out of my wit, so I figured it was a good time to post a blog entry! :) Let's see, a lot's been going on lately. I've applied for transfer to UNCW and William and Mary. Why I want to leave is a little confusing, but basically I feel like Meredith isn't where I'm supposed to remain for 3 more years. I've changed my major as well. Now I'm an English and History major with a 9-12 education licensure. I really want to go to either Africa on the mercy ships or somewhere in Ireland on missions work when I graduate college. Either that or return back to the town my family was raised in and teach there.

There's been a lot of crazy drama going on around here at school lately. I've now realized why I hung around with only guys (except Jess, of course) for the first like 10 years of my life. Guys are sooooo much easier to be around all the time, and Meredith definitely doesn't have any guys around. haha. Classes this semester are rather boring and annoying. I know everything I'm learning...I wish there was a way to skip freshman level classes all together.

Spring Break is next week!!! Heck yeah!!! Haha. I'm excited about that one. Peter's coming up on Saturday, and we're hanging out then. On Monday, I'm heading up to Urbana, Virginia, to see barbara, who's like my other grandma. Urbana is on the rappahanock(sp) river, so I'm sure I'll be out in the boat that week. :) We just got back from a weekend in Virginia. It was Nana and Pawpaw kish's 50th wedding anniversary, and there were over 150 people there. I think it's so cool that a bunch of their friends could be there to celebrate.

I'm really wanting to make a beach run sometime soon. Anyone game for a roadtrip one weekend or something? :)

muses on life.

2009-01-16T08:54:00.001-05:00

Ok, this isn't my work at all, but I'm copying this. My friend Ben wrote this this past semester (he goes to campbell), and I figured it was perfect to post before I write my next blog entry (which might have something to do with it. haha) Anyways, enjoy!!!

life is only enjoyable if you love it. Even when its hard. Love it. Enjoy all that you do and take chances. Life is driving up 8 floors of a parking deck just to look out at the ocean. Life is going to Harris Teeter and buying just a kiwi, a can of mandarin oranges, and sparkling grape juice and then going through the self check out just because you want a few laughs. Laugh. Laugh till you die. The shortest distance to someone else is laughter. Remember that. Make a joke. Even if its not funny. Laugh sincerely not mockingly. Love life. Life is not buying a spoon to eat the mandarin oranges and then making due with what you have...even if its a toothbrush...Life is jumping over trashcans...taking the chance it will fall. Life is getting away from the city lights and laying on the beach and figuring out astronomy. Life is hitting traffic cones...life is having the heat on and windows rolled down...life is twislers at 11 oclock...like if going into a Scotchman at 2am and simply buying fingernail clippers and meeting the cashier...life is making that cashiers night by talking with her...asking her how she is...laugh....life is being willing to go crazy, and simply not care, because if people look at you, they will either be smiling, or too cool to have a good time. Life is screaming "i feel like a woman" while driving in the car windows rolled down. life is making friends with those that you would never expect you'd be friends with. life is being random. Smiles. They cutest thing on any girl is there smile. It shows they know how to have a good time. Life is barefoot. life is not looking in the mirrors. Life is buying random people random food at mcdonalds...life is going to mcdonalds and ordering a cup of m&ms...life is experimenting with wisdom. life is knowing when something is needed. life is opening doors for the ladies. life is always working on being the better person. Life is being someone that people enjoy spending time with, simply because they never know what theyll get. life is fast. catch it. dont let it go bye you...a persons biggest fear should be that they fail to love their life. Smile. Make a joke. Stay strong. Dont let bad days put you in a mood. Shake it off and know that its not worth wasting precious moments of such a great life, on sadness. To feel new things you must be willing to try new things. Over excitement can only lead to a good time. show your emotions. begin to notice and wonder at the smallest and most wierdest things of Creation. Life is looking at a streetlight from the hood of your car and spending minutes wondering why the light seems brighter in one place than another....life isnt the denial of mistakes, but the promise that mistakes will teach you new and better things. Life is making petty bets with your buddies, life is buying flowers for any body thats had a bad day. life is not always making good decisions but enjoying the bad decisions also. Count your blessings. Always look on the brighter side, cause there always is...I promise. Life is written on cheap napkins, on tape, on skin...on anything that is available when great ideas come to mind...life is about loving it. Life is writing a long profile thingy just to convey to others who havent thought of it this way....life is amazing..... live it out. throw it down

Amarantine

2009-01-07T13:47:00.002-05:00

Here's what i got from shuffling the songs and answering the questions with the titles.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OK?" YOU SAY...
Sail Away-Enya

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Hard Days Night-Beatles

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GIRL/GUY?
Your New Girlfriend-Hayden Panettiere

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Clocks-Coldplay

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
There's a Fine, Fine Line-Avenue Q soundtrack

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Sweet Thing-Keith Urban

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF VERY OFTEN?
I'd be Surprisingly Good For You-Evita Sountrack

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
There's Gotta Be More to Life-Stacie Orrico

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Holiday-Green Day

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Johnny and June-Heidi Newfield (favorite song!! AH!!! :P)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
My Jesus-Todd Agnew

WHAT SONG WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR WEDDING?
The Call-Regina Spektor

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
I Want it That Way-Backstreet Boys

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
100 Years-Five for Fighting

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Only Time-Enya

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
A Good Run of Bad Luck-Clint Black

A PERFECT DAY INCLUDES...
Fall into Me -Emerson Drive

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Promise of a Lifetime-Kutless

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Amarantine -Enya

Life's like an hourglass glued to the table

2009-01-06T00:21:00.003-05:00

ok, the much awaited semester long post!!! haha

August: We moved onto Meredith's campus August 16th. The first week was a lot like summer camp. For my TCC friends, take CWIS and remove the bills and you have orientation for us. I met a lot of my friends at school that weekend. Maybe right here would be a good time to describe them. At the end of the hall, on my side of the dorm, is Kristie and Jelly (not her real name, but we can't pronounce it). Kristie's from Southport, and his 2 beautiful nieces. Jelly lives here, but is from mexico. Their suitemate's names are Ashley and Rachael. Rachael's dad is in the military, and for Christmas we all mailed him cards. Ash is our disney princess. :) Next to them is my suite, and my suitemate's are Logan and Mary Katheryn. Logan is a duke fan, MK is a Carolina fan....imagine how their room is. haha. Across the hall from Jelly and Kristie's room is Michelle and Meghan's room. Meghan is also a duke fan. Michelle is our other disney princess. :) Next to them is Ann and Emily....we don't talk to them much. Next to them is Malena and Jessie. THey're our soccer girls. Their suitemate is Naam. Naam is from Saudi-Arabia. She can be a Saudi princess someday. Down the hall is Mar. She's from Ethiopia. At the other end of the hall is Olivia-Paige Izze. And Izze is a model, who will one day be miss America. In the other dorms, there's tracey, she's an amazingly gorgeous girl. And Nora. Her dad's a hippie. :) And that's about most of my really good friends there.

After orientation was over, we started classes. Classes were...a pain, to put it mildly. I struggled at first, not with the classes as you might think, but with the differences in highschool. I realized that Meredith wasn't what I needed in a school. As odd as it is, I missed boys. Not because I'm boy crazy, but because the dynamics are SO different when you have guys around. There's a lot of girl drama, and I hate it. And there's a lot of other stuff. But ANYWAYS. I made it through the month. About this time was when I found out a friend of mine passed away from a swimming accident. That was really hard.

September: Nothing THAT big happened this month. I went camping with my roommate for labor day, which was awesome!! I had to drop 1 class. That was a bummer, but it's all good. I got to see a soccer game with Ally this month, that Malena and Jessie were playing in.

October: Ok. Another relatively dead month. classes were dragging on. I had midterms, which were all not too scary. I was starting to get the hang of school about this time. Softball ended for me, which was sad. I loved that. We went out for Halloween to Malena's Big Sis's house. October was also cornhusking month, so we had that going on. If you don't know what it is, you just have to experience it. hahaha. Um, I went to southport to see Kristie.

I'm going to cover November and december in another post. hahaha. :)

iPod shuffle

2008-12-22T22:04:00.001-05:00

I know, I said a day, and it's been a week. But try covering a semesters worth of info...it's a lot. haha. So until then, a random ipod shuffle quiz

Step 1: Put your iPod on shuffle
Step 2: Post the first line from the first 20 songs that play no matter how embarrassing
Step 3: Bold over the songs that someone guesses correctly
Step 4: Looking up the lyrics on any search engine is totally cheating and that's not cool

1: A court is in session, a verdict is in
2: I’ve got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine
3: A hundred days have made me older since the last time that I saw your pretty face
4: Do you ever feel like breaking down, do you ever feel out of place?
5: Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world
6: I been thinking about our love situation, all this attraction in the present tense
7: I have fallen to my knees as I sing a lullaby of pain
8: 1,2,3 take my hand and come with me because you look so fine and I really wanna make you mine
9: So many crazy memories of you and me, like the time we drove to the OC
10: I probably shouldn’t say this, but at times I get so scared when I think about the previous relationship we shared
11: Everyone’s changing, I stay the same.
12: 525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear
13: The mama pajama rolled out of bed and she ran to the police station
14: Been working so hard, I’m punching my card
15: Another day is going by, I’m thinking about you all the time
16: Lift up your head, wash off your mascara
17: Hear the sound of the fallen rain coming down like an Armageddon flame.
18: Sometimes I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear and I can’t help but ask myself how much I let the fear take the wheel and steer
19: Never know how much I love you, Never know how much I care
20: There’s a place off ocean avenue where I used to sit and talk with you

it's been way too long and I promise not to let this happen again....

2008-12-15T17:25:00.003-05:00

Ok, ok. I know it's beeen WAYYYYYY too long since I've posted. And to be honest, I've really, really, really missed it. This is not going to happen again, I promise. I need to prioritize better than I have. I'll give a quick paragraph or two update on life, and then later tonight or tomorrow post a longer update about everything.

First semester is over. This has changed my life a lot....a ton. It's been a definite stretch for me living in a dorm. I love being away from home, but I miss a lot of the way it was in highschool. I miss my friends. For those of you I've known since high school, don't think I've forgotten about y'all. You are all still my best friends, and know me best. :)

Right now, I'm trying to make some pretty big decisions concerning college. I don't feel like Meredith is where I'm supposed to spend the next 3 years. I definitely was supposed to be there this year, but I'm not sure about later. If y'all could be praying that I will make the right decision, that will be great.

Like I said, I have TONS more to post (pics even if I can figure out how to post those....I've got a ton to upload to facebook), but I'll do that later! <3!

School

2008-08-12T08:53:00.003-04:00

Well, it's 4 days until I move on campus. I can't believe how fast the summer has gone by!!! It feels like I just graduated, and now I'm going back to school. I'm starting to get a tad stressed out. I'm the type of person who, while I can handle a little untidiness, can't STAND it when everything is out of order....and right now, I have 3 suitcases around my room, and countless other things everywhere. It makes me soooo frustrated. And I'm frustrated with my advisor. I signed up to take a required freshman course, FYE. My advisor was supposed to look at our advising group schedules and schedule the class based off that. Well, he scheduled it 10 minutes after my softball class on thursdays. So not only am I not going to be able to shower after softball that day, I'm also going to have to run to get to class. Yuck.

I spent a week up in Richmond at the beginning of August. It was great to get to see some of my family, even though I only got to see Richard for dinner one night since he was at his gf Alison's house all week. I spent a lot of time with Mary Katherine, which is always a ton of fun. We made pillowcases for our beds, and they turned out really well!! I was surprised, since we were using her old pillowcase as a sort of pattern. I love mine! :) And we had fun looking at magazines that were almost entirely about the Jonas Brothers. I discovered Rita's Ice is one of Nick Jonas's favorite places (this goes back to another convo mk and I had).

While we were up there, we went to dan and barbara's for a few hours. Dan isn't doing great. He's lost about 45 pounds, and his eyes were sunken. Sitting there on their couch looking at him brought back so many fears for me. Cancer is way too hard. Another thing that I determined is that I want a love like dan and barbara have. I've always admired their relationship with each other, but I guess it never sunk in how amazingly sweet it is. Throughout the day (and this is and has been an everyday thing, so it's not just because dan's sick), he'd lean over and give barbara a kiss, and say things like "sweetie, you're beautiful." Dan and Barbara have been such amazing role models for me, and will continue to be. While I was coming home from their house, I was listening to one of my cousins reliant k cd's. When the song "For the Moments I Feel Faint" came on, I started crying...that was totally the song I needed to hear at the moment. http://search.playlist.com/tracks/for%20the%20moments%20I%20feel%20faint

I'm pretty excited about school now...I didn't think I would be, and like I said, it seems to early to be going back...but I'm excited. If any of y'all wanna hang out on the weekends, give me a call. I won't have a car, but if you can come pick me up, I definitely can hang out (or I might could borrow my dad's car). :)

random quiz

2008-08-09T17:50:00.003-04:00

5 Facts
1. Middle name: Elizabeth
2. Astrological sign: don't even go there.
3. Eye color: Blue
4. Birth date (Monday, Tuesday...): this year it was on a Friday
5. Home state: North Carolina

5 Favorites
6. Fave movie: A Walk to Remember, Enchanted, or Newsies
7. Fave book: Impossible to chose. Right now I'm reading the Mitford series
8. Fave candy: Snickers, twix, or Milky Ways.
9. Fave makeup: Whatever I have
10. Fave magazine: Some magazine my cousin has

5 People
11. Newest friend: I dunno...
12. Childhood nemesis: Dylan
13. Longest-lasting crush: um...not answering that.
14. Role model: Jesus, Kristi Yamaguchi, Kimmie Meissner, Shawn Johnson.
15. Kindergarten teacher: mom

5 Things
16. My mantra is: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
17. I can’t find my: sunglasses
18. My friends say that I’m: I dunno...why don't y'all answer that?
19. My parents were going to name me: I think Abby or Sarah
20. I would never eat: Snake (unless I was starving)

5 Moments
21. I read my first book when: I guess I was four or five
22. The first time I lost a friend was when: I honestly don't remember. Friends when you are little come and go.
23. I had a really good laugh when: after I spazzed out over a certain famous persons favorite ice cream place. :)
24. I was so proud of myself when: I FINALLY figured out how to use the new phones at work!
25. If I could, I would go back to: whenever things were so much simpler.

5 Places
26. My first kiss happened (or should happen) at: Idk where at...definitely after I'm engaged, though. In my mind, kissing is a tad more sacred than people nowadays make it out to be.
27. I spend most of my time at: school
28. I used to hide my diary: between my mattress and the box springs (I think everyone does that)
29. My favorite place to unwind is: my room, starbucks, my grandmas.
30. I'd hate to live in: a huge city

5 Either/Ors
31. Morning or night: Night.
32. Cats or dogs: dogs
33. Computer or cell phone: both?
34. Pop or soda: soda…duh
35. Vegetables or fruit: fruit

5 Ifs
36. If I could move anywhere, it would be: Ireland or Montana
37. If I were an animal, I would be: A dolphin
38. If I could change one thing, it would be: Something that happened last year
39. If I had one superpower, it would be: Flying or being invisible
40. If I had a million dollars to spend, I would: shop, save a ton, pay for law school, and buy myself a car.

5 Pasts
41. My first word was: dada
42. When I played make-believe, I: went alllll out.
43. I used to watch, on continual repeat: barney (yes, I will confess)
44. I can’t believe I worried so much about: my future
45. I was so afraid of: heights

5 Futures
46. When I grow up, I want to be a: Lawyer, Rancher, Wife, and Mother
47. Before I die, I hope to: Either own a ranch or at least work on one
48. I'll be friends with: All my close friends now.
49. I'll live: Idk where, it's wherever God wants me. But I do want a lot of land.
50. I'll make a difference by: doing whatever God has for me.

That's How you Know

2008-08-07T11:32:00.001-04:00

Definitely ny favorite scene/song out of my latest favorite movie. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRYU4cqUAUs

How does she know you love her?
How does she know she's yours?
How does she know that you love her?
How do you show her you love her?
How does she know that you really, really, truely love her?
How does she know that you love her?
How do you show her you love her?
How does she know that you really, really, truely love her?

It's not enough to take the one you love for granted
You must remind her, or she'll be inclined to say...
"How do I know he loves me?"
(How does she know that you love her?
How do you show her you love her?)
"How do I know he's mine?"
(How does she know that you really, really, truely love her?)

Well does he leave a little note to tell you you are on his mind?
Send you yellow flowers when the sky is grey? Heyy!
He'll find a new way to show you, a little bit everyday
That's how you know, that's how you know!
He's your love...

You've got to show her you need her
Don't treat her like a mind reader
Each day do something to need her
To believe you love her

Everybody wants to live happily ever after
Everybody wants to know their true love is true...
How do you know he loves you?
(How does she know that you love her?
How do you show her you need her?)
How do you know he's yours?
(How does she know that you really, really, truely-)

Well does he take you out dancin' just so he can hold you close?
Dedicate a song with words in
Just for you? Ohhh!

He'll find his own way to tell you
With the little things he'll do
That's how you know
That's how you know!

He's your love
He's your love...

That's how you know
(la la la la la la la la)
He loves you
(la la la la la la la la)
That's how you know
(la la la la la la la la)
It's true
(la la la la la)

Because he'll wear your favorite color
Just so he can match your eyes
Rent a private picnic
By the fires glow-oohh!

His heart will be yours forever
Something everyday will show
That's how you know
(That's how you know)
That's how you know
He's your love...

That's how she knows that you love her
That's how you show her you love her
That's how you know...
That's how you know...
He's your love...

yet another twist

2008-07-21T16:52:00.003-04:00

Man, life is full of twists and turns. We found out this past week that my cousin's grandmother also has cancer...thankfully, it's not an extremely aggressive cancer, and it will respond to treatment. But this does still freak me out a lot...my cousin's grandparents are a lot like mine, and so it affects me more that it normally would.

One of my cousins got married this past Saturday. That was soooo much fun!!!!! Her husband is so awesome, and they are sooo cute together. They met on a blind date in college, and that turned into another date, and they ended up getting married. :) Now I can't wait till the next family wedding...Katherine's is next, but since she's getting married in Cincinnati, I don't think any of us are going. But apparently we're having a party for her in VA. So besides her, it'll probably be Harrison's. Have I mentioned how cute his gf is and how much in love those two are??

I ended up working a show this past friday that I had never even seen a script for, much less the show...that was incredibly fun!! I've worked a lot with this company stage managing and such, but due to the stress involved and my school work, I'd had to leave the company, but I still go to the shows. I watched the first act, and then begged my former ASM who's now my SM (weird) to let me backstage. Alex was definitely happy to have extra help. ;) And believe it or not, I actually was able to figure out what I was doing! I guess I've spent enough time backstage to pick things up.

Life

2008-07-18T09:31:00.003-04:00

Pippin: I didn't think it would end this way.
Gandalf: End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path... One that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass... And then you see it.
Pippin: What? Gandalf?... See what?
Gandalf: White shores... and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.
Pippin: [smiling] Well, that isn't so bad.
Gandalf: [softly] No... No it isn't.

By now some of you know what's been going in my life lately. About 3 weeks ago, we found out that my semi-grandfather (he's like my mom's other dad) was diagnosed with cancer. A few days ago, we discovered it was incurable and untreatable. This has been incredibly hard for me...cancer is my worst fear, and to find out that another person so close to me has it...well, let's just say this month has been tough. I'm trying to rely on God and trust His plan, but sometimes that's hard to do, especially when everything feels so wrong. I keep thinking about all the bratty things I've said to Dan in the past, and I wish I could take every last one of them back...but I can't. The one thing I can thank God for right now is that Dan is one of the strongest Christians I know; I've always gone to him for advice and stuff, and it's my main comfort right now that no matter what happens here, I will be seeing him again.

Music

2008-06-17T17:29:00.004-04:00

What is it with music nowadays? The other day, I had G105 on while cleaning my room. In a span of 30 minutes, I heard some of the worst songs I have heard in a while. I'm not gonna say that I am perfectly clean when it comes to my language, but there is enough good music out there where profanity isn't necessary. As Christians, we should stand out from the world. I'm the first to say that I don't believe we have to listen to only Christian music. But like they say, garbage in, garbage out. I don't believe it's being a good witness to the world if we are driving down the road blaring T-Pain or Usher or something out our windows.

There's no style to music, either. There's a verse and/or two, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, and then chorus. I'm SICK of predictability when it comes to the music I am listening to. If people used to be able to write creative music, how come no one does anymore? I've gotten to where I don't even want to turn on the radio anymore because I know the music is going to be the same. I heard the new Gavin Degraw song 8 times in the same day...that's just pitiful.

I was talking to a coworker my dad's the other day, who is a total GnR, AC/DC fan. We were both complaining about how none of the pure old rock is ever played on the radio. All you here is "Stairway to Heaven" and songs like that...and to be honest, I'm starting to hate those songs now. We need a music revival of the good stuff.

Ocean Breeze

2008-06-10T12:22:00.002-04:00

So this poem (written while sitting here at work a month ago or so) started out differently than it ended up. Halfway through writing it, something happened that changed my mood from a happy mood to a sad, reflective one. The title so doesn't fit the way it ended up, but oh well.

The wind is gently caressing her hair
As she slowly ambles along the way
Acting as if she had not a care
And as though today were the calmest day.

She feels the sand squish between her toes
As a cool misty spray covers her face
It is at that moment that she knows
The moon above has turned to lace.

A young woman on a midnight stroll
Is the observation of many there
But as she watches the mighty seas roll,
It is clearly a meaningful affair

The ocean reminds her of days past
And memories that could not last

Taking the Initiative

2008-06-05T02:04:00.002-04:00

So I know Jess is planning on blogging on this based off our 4 hour conversation last night, but I was feeling inspired as well as not being able to sleep. Thus, I decided to beat her to it. :P

One thing both of us have noticed lately is the sheer passiveness of the majority of our guy friends (note that I don't say all). Boundless published an article about a month ago about this phenomena. http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001750.cfm More and more, we've noticed how almost every guy is unwilling to take the initiative when it comes to us ladies...they are more eager just to sit there and wait for us to approach them. Now, I do have to say y'all men do have it tough; it takes guts to approach us and risk being turned down. But believe me, it's far better in the end. As Godly, Christian females, we do not want to have to be the pursuer. We would far rather be pursued by you. It's not good when we are in control all the time.

Let me share a personal example. I was bemoaning the fact that I didn't have a date for prom to one of my guy friends a few months ago. He said something to the effect of "Why don't you just ask a guy? We love it when y'all take the initiative!" This comment I found rather sad, since it just went to prove that too many guys are like this in our Christian society.

One thing this article shares is the scripture verse Proverbs 18:22: "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord." Note that FIND is a verb. You can't just sit there and passively expect that we will somehow find you...you need to be actively seeking us out.

Now I'm not saying guys need to be the initiator in every single aspect of our lives. I don't mind starting conversations with guys, etc, but there are definitely somethings that guys should be doing. So guys, please step up and be the pursuer! Trust me, we don't bite. :P Jess, if there's anything you wanna elaborate on, please do. I know it's late and I probably missed a few things.

I Will Survive-Cake version

2008-06-04T11:16:00.001-04:00

Ok, so I'm gonna post more later, but I wanted to post my new favorite song on here. Cake did a cover version of I Will Survive, and it's REALLY good!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10C68Gzd5GM

At first I was afraid
I was petrified
I kept thinking
I could never live without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights
Just thinking how you'd done me wrong
And I grew strong
I learned how to get along
So now you're back
From outer space
I just walked in to find you here
Without the look upon your face
I should have changed my f-ing lock
I would have made you leave your key
If I'd have known for just one second
You'd be back to bother me

Oh now go,
Walk out the door
Just turn around now
You're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one who tried to break me with desire
Did you think I'd crumble
Did you think I'd lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
As long as I know how to love I know I'll be alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
I will survive
I will survive
Yeah, yeah

It took all the strength I had
Just not to fall apart
I'm trying hard to mend the pieces
Of my broken heart
And I spent oh so many nights
Just feeling sorry for myself
I used to cry
But now I hold my head up high
And you see me
With somebody new
I'm not that stupid little person still in love with you
And so you thought you'd just drop by
And you expect me to be free
But now I'm saving all my loving
For someone who's loving me

Oh now go,
Walk out the door
Just turn around now
You're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one who tried to break me with desire
Did you think I'd crumble
Did you think I'd lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
As long as I know how to love I know I'll be alive
I've got all my live to live
I've got all my love to give
I will survive
I will survive
Yeah, yeah

Another Survey

2008-05-13T00:06:00.002-04:00

Yeah, I have too much time on my hands now that school's over. :)

> Put an X by all the things you've done and send it to all of your
> friends. Make sure you send it back to the person who sent it to you!!
>
> () smoked a cigarette
> () crashed a friend's car
> () stolen a car
> (x) been in love
> ()been dumped
> () shoplifted
> () been fired
> (x) been in a fist fight
> (x) snuck out of your parent's house
> (x) had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
> () been arrested
> () gone on a blind date
> (x) lied to a friend
> (x) skipped school
> (x) seen someone die
> (x (long story...) had a crush on one of your internet friends
> (x) been to Canada
> () been to Mexico
> (x) been on a plane
> () purposely set a part of yourself on fire
> () eaten Sushi
> (x) been skiing
> (x) met someone in person that you met on the internet
> (x) been moshing at a concert
> (x) taken painkillers
> (x) love someone or miss someone right now
> (x) laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by
> (x) made a snow angel
> (x) had a tea party
> (x) flown a kite
> (x) built a sand castle
> (x) gone puddle jumping
> (x) played dress up
> (x) jumped into a pile of leaves
> (x) gone sledding
> (x) cheated while playing a game
> (x) been lonely
> (x) fallen asleep at work/school
> () used a fake id
> (x) watched the sun set
> () felt an earthquake
> (x) touched a snake
> () slept beneath the stars
> (x) been tickled
> () been robbed
> (x) been misunderstood
> (x) petted a reindeer/goat
> (x) won a contest
> () run a red light
> () been suspended from school
> (x) been in a car
> (x) had braces
> () eaten a whole pint of ice cream in one night
> (x) had deja vu
> (x) danced in the moonlight
> (x) liked the way you look
> () witnessed a crime
> (x) questioned your heart
> (x) been obsessed with post-it notes
> (x) squished barefoot through the mud
> (x) been lost
> () been to the opposite side of the country
> (x) swam in the ocean
> (x) felt like dying
> (x) cried yourself to sleep
> (x) played cops and robbers
> (x) recently colored with crayons
> (x) sung karaoke
> () paid for a meal with only coins
> (x) done something you told yourself you wouldn't
> (x) laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
> (x) caught a snowflake on your tongue
> (x) danced in the rain
> (x) written a letter to Santa Claus
> () been kissed under a mistletoe
> () watched the sun rise with someone you care about
> (x) blown bubbles
> () made a bonfire on the beach
> () crashed a party
> (x) gone rollerskating
> (x) had a wish come true
> (x) worn pearls
> () jumped off a bridge
> () ate dog/cat food
> () told a complete stranger you loved them (for the fun of it)
> (x) sang in the shower
> (x) had a dream that you married someone
> () glued your hand to something
> () got your tongue stuck to a flag pole
> () kissed a fish
> (x) sat on a roof top
> (x) screamed at the top of your lungs
> (x) done a one-handed cartwheel
> () talked on the phone for more than 5 hours
> (x) stayed up all night
> () didn't take a shower for a week.
> (x) pick and ate an apple right off the tree
> (x) climbed a tree
> (x) had a tree house
> (x) own more then 15 pairs of shoes
> () worn a really ugly outfit to school just to see what others say
> () gone streaking
> (x) are scared to watch scary movies alone
> () believe in ghosts
> (x) have done doorbell ditching
> () played chicken
> (x) broken a bone
> (x) been easily amused
> () caught a fish then ate it
> (x) caught a butterfly (MANY, MANY times.)
> (x) laughed so hard you cried
> (x) cried so hard you laughed
> (x) cheated on a test
> () have a Britney Spears CD
> (x) forgotten someone's name
> () French braided someone's hair
> () gone skinny dippin in a pool
> (x) been threatened to be kicked out of your house
> () been kicked out your house
> PLEASE!!!!!! send this to all your friend especially the person that
> sent it to you. And be honest cause it's more fun that way.

Less is more-Relient K

2008-04-25T00:34:00.002-04:00

Jesus, I pray
Take all my mistakes
Throw them away
Destroy them for my sake

Jesus, I call out 'cause I'm sorry
Because I fall so short of your glory
To the best of my ability
I'm practicing humility
And I lay myself before
'Cause less is more

All that I have
I lay before
With my pride on the floor
Cause to you less is more
All that I have
I lay before
With my pride on the floor
Cause to you less is more

I pour out myself
All that I am
You love me so much
That you fill me again
And may these words on my heart, on my lips
Somehow mean so much more than this

Jesus, I pray
Know what I'm trying to say

All that I have
I lay before
With my pride on the floor
'Cause to you less is more
All that I have
I lay before
With my pride on the floor
Cause to you less is more

I pour out myself, before you were Lord
I hold nothing back, 'cause to you less is more
And may these words on my heart on my lips,
Somehow mean so much more than this

Jesus, I pray
Just know what I'm tryin' to say

Jesus, I plead
Please purify me
Make my heart clean
Drench me with your mercy
Jesus, I pray
I love you, I need you
For the rest of my days
I swear I will seek you
To the best of my ability
I'm practicing humility
And I lay myself before
'Cause less is more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lULwqXhYNJE

My life at current

2008-04-24T00:10:00.002-04:00

So right now I'm kind of at a rocky point in my life. Schoolwise, I've found that I'm not motivated at all. I'm turning in my work, but I've been procrastinating until the last minute possible and it's certainly not it's normal stellar quality. At least there's only about 2 more weeks of school left.

Spiritually, I've been struggling a bit as well. There's so much going on right now, that I've found I've put God on the back burner. This, obviously, is a bad thing. It's been affecting just about every area of my life. Thankfully, I've realized what I've been doing, and I'm trying to correct it.

Physically and mentally I'm also struggling a ton right now. Remember the incident with my neighbors dogs? Well, ever since then I've had chronic, intense headaches. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. Mom finally dragged me to the chiropractor last Monday. Apparently, my neck was out from the dog incident...or so they thought at the time. He adjusted it, but the headaches were still really, really bad. So I went back in on Thursday. Once again, the neck was out. Well, this time the headaches got better, but I started having the worst pain I thought possible in my neck. I couldn't sit anywhere for more than 5 minutes.

We went back in yesterday (tuesday), and he decided he wanted to do x-rays. So I traipsed back into the office this morning (I need to simply move in there). He took a look at me again and decided he wanted to go ahead and do full spinal x-rays. Unfortunately, that meant I had to be exposed to the radiation from 11 different takes....ugh. He wanted to look them over, so I returned this afternoon for the fifth time in about a week. What they discovered wasn't pretty.

Apparently I have 2 deformities in my vertebrae/spine. The first is at my neck, top vertebra (C-1 in case you are interested) and I was born with it. Why it wasn't discovered until now, I don't know. The second is in my lower back, last vertebra and probably was caused by a fall or something when I was a toddler. It's kinda hard to describe them, but the one in my neck is basically separated into two pieces, leaving a hole that reaches my spinal cord. My back is similar, but it was broken as a child, so it's not as separated as the neck one. They are both phase 3 of 4, though. I now have to be a little careful about what I do since if either of these gets hit wrong, it'll go into my spinal cord, which is clearly a bad thing. Contact sports may or may not have to be eliminated entirely. The one in my neck is also what's been causing my headaches, and apparently they are going to continue because people with this deformity have headaches a lot.

This isn't something that can be corrected, but they are going to try and prevent it from getting worse. This means that for the next three weeks, I'm going to have appointments 3 times a week, then for the following 3 weeks, I'll have them at least once a week, and then I'll have them monthly. The pain is going to get worse before it gets better, and that's probably what I'm looking forward to the least. And of course, knowing that I could end up paralyzed if anything ever happened isn't exactly a comforting thought, either. I would really, really appreciate your prayers through all this.

Now that all the depressing stuff is taken care of, I graduate in 16 days!! Ah, this is a a scary thought, and yet at the same time really really exciting!! And then we have senior/junior dinner next Friday and then prom on Saturday. I'm really excited about these things. Oh, Jess, you have amazing music tastes...I am addicted to Crossfade now. I'm listening to one of their songs online right now. ;)

Frustrated

2008-04-06T21:33:00.004-04:00

I feel like ranting tonight, so bear with me.

First off, why are people so quick to criticize the government when things go wrong? Now I know it isn't perfect. I've been known to complain about a few things myself (such as the lack of states rights). But think about it. What other country in the world has a better government that ours? The only one that comes to my mind is Ireland, but even there you have a divided country half ruled by Great Britain. Of course, there's always the "start our own colony" idea that's been proposed. However, this would be rather impossible, as awesome as it sounds.

Another thing on this note that's really been bothering me is the conspiracy theories surrounding 9/11. (Well, actually most conspiracy theories bother me, but I don't have time to talk about all of them) Apparently there's an organization called "9/11 Truth Movement" that is dedicated to proving that the accounts of 9/11 were falsified. To explain all the theories would take a while, but basically they believe that the World Trade Center was intentionally demolished up by the US government and that the plane that crashed into the Pentagon was actually a missile fired by the US.

To begin with, a lot of this is ridiculous. What purpose would the Government have for causing national panic and blowing up three of their own buildings? If this were true, it means that everything several of my friends, family members, and all our nation's soldiers have been fighting for the last 7 years over nothing. Yes, it united our Nation in many ways. But no one except a terrorist would have murdered tons of innocent people. And if you're calling our government terrorists...well, then we have a problem.

On a totally different note, one of my favorite scenes out of one of my favorite movies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_xdA-TcKEg&NR=1

If Thou Hadst Known!

2008-04-03T23:55:00.003-04:00

I was doing my devotions a few moments ago (I prefer to do them at night when everything is quiet) and the one for today from "My Utmost for His Highest" really touched a nerve. So I thought I'd post it on here:

"If thou hadst known . . . in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes." Luke 19:42
Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly and the city was stirred to its very foundations, but a strange god was there-the pride of the Pharisees. It was a god that seemed religious and upright, but Jesus compared it to "whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness" ( Matthew 23:27 ).

What is it that blinds you to the peace of God "in this your day"? Do you have a strange god-not a disgusting monster but perhaps an unholy nature that controls your life? More than once God has brought me face to face with a strange god in my life, and I knew that I should have given it up, but I didn’t do it. I got through the crisis "by the skin of my teeth," only to find myself still under the control of that strange god. I am blind to the very things that make for my own peace. It is a shocking thing that we can be in the exact place where the Spirit of God should be having His completely unhindered way with us, and yet we only make matters worse, increasing our blame in God’s eyes.

"If you had known . . . ." God’s words here cut directly to the heart, with the tears of Jesus behind them. These words imply responsibility for our own faults. God holds us accountable for what we refuse to see or are unable to see because of our sin. And "now they are hidden from your eyes" because you have never completely yielded your nature to Him. Oh, the deep, unending sadness for what might have been! God never again opens the doors that have been closed. He opens other doors, but He reminds us that there are doors which we have shut-doors which had no need to be shut. Never be afraid when God brings back your past. Let your memory have its way with you. It is a minister of God bringing its rebuke and sorrow to you. God will turn what might have been into a wonderful lesson of growth for the future.

Why cats are far superior to dogs

2008-04-02T09:39:00.003-04:00

Until recently, I thought that dogs were the best thing ever. I have one, all my cousins have dogs, a lot of my friends have them, and I thought you couldn't go wrong. In fact, I thought they were easier than cats. How wrong I was. My neighbors cat has adopted our house, and I absolutely adore that cat. She's so sweet and cuddly, and isn't so interested in chasing after all the squirrels in the yard. My dog hates her, but he'll live. What happened this morning helped me realize how much I truly loathe dogs.

I woke up at 6:50 to go feed my neighbors two dogs. One of them is a Miniature Schnauzer, named Minnie (who would have guessed?). The other, Murphy, is a huge mutt who has some lab and I think some greyhound in him. My plan was to run over there, feed them, come back, and go back to sleep since I didn't get to bed until 2 last night. How easily plans change. I got them fed alright. The problem occurred when I went to take Minnie from the garage to the fence. The split second I had the fence open enough to let her IN, a certain gigantic mutt shoved his way OUT. Thus began the frantic chase to catch him and get him back in.

Murphy has only escaped three times in the entire four years I've lived here. Once my other neighbor helped catch him, and the other time my ex-neighbor broke her collarbone trying to catch him. Both of those instances were running through my mind as I frenetically tried to follow him, psychotically screaming the whole time. I honestly don't know if I've ever run that fast before. You see, the dog decided he wanted to go down past Austin's house, which is probably a half mile away. After he did that, he ran into a neighbor's back yard and onto a deck, where I caught him. Nothing like going up on some strangers deck at 7 in the morning.

Did I mention Murphy is also really strong? Yeah. Catching him lasted about 30 seconds, until he got out of his collar. So now I had a collarless dog running around. About that time, he started heading home, but got a little confused. So he ran maybe another half mile down the wrong street. He finally turned around, headed back down that half mile, and started going home. About 4 houses before my culdesac, my wonderful neighbor, Tommy, was there. Tommy's the neighbor who helped catch Murphy before. Tommy helped me run him back into the culdesac, where another neighbor, Ms. Cindy, got him back into the fence.

Like I said, cat's are so much simpler than dogs. You don't have to run after them for 2 miles wondering if you're ever going to catch them and freaking out about what will happen if they get hit before you do. I still love my dog, but as a whole, cat's are far superior to dogs.

If you remember this...

2008-03-22T10:39:00.001-04:00

You're a 90's kid if:

You can sing the rap to "The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air"

You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey from "Blossom" and that "How Rude!" comes from Stephanie from "Full House"

You remember when it was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.

I'm with stupid t-shirts were cool

You remember reading "Goosebumps"

You know the profound meaning of "Wax on, wax off"

You took plastic cartoon lunch boxes to school.

You made paper scrunchies to see who you'd end up marrying

You danced to "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls, Females: had a new motto, Males: got a whole lot gay-er. (so tell me what you want, what you really really want.)

You remember the craze, then the banning of slap bracelets and slam books.

You still get the urge to say "NOT" after (almost) every sentence...Not...

Where in the world is Carmen San Diego? was both a game and a TV game show.

Captain Planet.

You knew that Kimberly, the pink ranger, and Tommy, the green Ranger were meant to be together.

You remember when super nintendos became popular.

You remember watching home alone 1, 2 , and 3........and tried to pull the pranks on "intruders"

"I've fallen and I can't get up"

You remember boom boxes vs. cd players

You remember New Kids on The Block when they were cool

You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell"

You played and/or collected "Pogs"

You had at least one Tamagotchi, GigaPet or Nano and brought it everywhere

You watched the original Care Bears, My Little Pony, and Ninja Turtles

NANCY DREW AND THE HARDY BOYS WERE THE BEST MYSTERY BOOKS

Yikes pencils and erasers were the stuff!

All your school supplies were "Lisa Frank" brand.(pencils.notebooks.binders.etc.)

You remember when the new Beanie Babies were always sold out.

You used to wear those stick on earrings, not only on your ears, but at the corners of your eyes.

You've gotten creeped out by "Are You Afraid of the Dark?"

You know the Macarena by heart.

"Talk to the hand" ... enough said

You thought Brain would finally take over the world

You always said, "Then why don't you marry it!"

You remember when everyone went slinky crazy.

You remember when razor scooters were cool.

When we were younger:

Before the MySpace frenzy...

Before the Internet & text messaging...

Before Sidekicks & iPods...

Before PlayStation2 or X-BOX...

...Back when you put off the 5 hours of homework you had every night.

When light up sneakers were cool.

When you rented VHS tapes, not DVDs.

When gas was $0.95 a gallon & Caller ID was a new thing.

When we recorded stuff on VCRs & paid $3.50 for a movie.

When we called the radio station to request songs to hear off our walkmans.

When the Chicago Bulls were the best team ever.

Tag.

Get Over Here!!!! means something to you.

Hide-n-Go Seek at dusk.

Red Light, Green Light.

Heads Up 7 Up.

Playing Kickball & Dodgeball until your porch light came on.

Hopskotch.

Tree Houses.

Hula Hoops.

HELLO....HOT WHEELS!!!!!

Running through the sprinklers.

That "Little Mermaid"

Crying when Mufasa died in the Lion King.

Happy Meals where you chose a Barbie or a Hot Wheels car.

Getting the privilege to sit in the front seat of the car.

Drinking Squeeze It "Squeeze The Fun Out Of It"

Or what about:

Hey Arnold.

Rugrats.

The Secret World of Alex Mac.

Rocco's Modern Life.

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Doug.

Magic School Bus.

Aladdin.

Pinky and the Brain

Sailor Moon.

Blossom.

Beavis & Butt-Head

Wishbone.

Bill Nye the Science Guy

MR RODGERS!!!!

Where everyone wanted to be in love after watching The Wonder Years.

Under the Umbrella Tree

PEE-WEE!!!

The Big Comfy Couch

Kool-Aid was the drink of choice.

Class field trips.

When Christmas was the most exciting time of year.

When $5 seemed like a million, & another dollar a miracle.

When you begged to go to McDonalds for dinner everyday.

When Toys R Us overuled the mall.

Go back to the time when:

Decisions were made by going 'eeny-meeny-miney-moe'.

Money issues were handled by whoever was banker in 'Monopoly.'

Being old referred to anyone over 20.

A chance to skate as a couple at the local roller rink was like winning the lottery.

When Ninja Turtles ruled the world.

When Aladdin was new, before the trilogy was complete.

Before we realized all this would eventually disappear

Who would have thought you'd miss the 90's so much!!!!!

I hope you had the time of your life

2008-03-10T09:39:00.002-04:00

Once again, I'm opening this entry with a song that I've been playing and over-playing the last week or so. No, I'm not a green day fan, but this song describes my life...and probably most seniors lives right now.

I heard back from Meredith this past week. I did not get accepted into the honors program...I'm actually relieved. I didn't want to have to make that decision of whether to accept or turn them down. I can re-apply in the spring if I want to, but I haven't made that decision yet or not.

I've been stressed to the hilt lately. I didn't quite know how bad it was until this past week, when I realized that I have been uptight ever since the school year started. I keep saying to myself "only 61 more days. Only 8 and a half more weeks." But then I realized that I've let stress define my life, and instead of giving my stress and anxiety to God, I've taken it all upon myself.

It's hard to believe that senior year is almost over. High school has been incredibly tough, but at the same time it's been an amazing thing. There are so many memories that stretch over the last four years. Conversations and jokes in the lobby, late night IM conversations, parties, CWIS in the summer, theatre shows, and yes, even the drama throughout everything was a blessing in disguise. I've met the most amazing people, and many of them have become my dearest and closest friends. I'm so excited to be going into this next phase of life together.

And so, once again, I'll leave you with the lyrics to "Time of Your Life" by Green Day:

Another turning point;
a fork stuck in the road.

Time grabs you by the wrist;
directs you where to go.

So make the best of this test
and don't ask why.

It's not a question
but a lesson learned in time.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

So take the photographs
and still frames in your mind.

Hang it on a shelf
In good health and good time.

Tattoos of memories
and dead skin on trial.

For what it's worth,
it was worth all the while.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

(music break)

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

Superman

2008-02-29T19:32:00.002-05:00

This song is pretty much describing my life right now. For months and even years, I've acted like I've had it all together. I applied to one school (Meredith), and got accepted. I told everyone what I wanted to major in (English or Political Science). I said I was going to be either a teacher, lawyer, or FBI agent. But I just came to the realization recently that I don't have it all together. I don't have a clue what I want to major in or do. I don't know what my future holds.

To be honest, that scares me. I've always hated change with every fiber of my being. When I was little, I can remember crying when Dad had two of our trees cut down. I wasn't upset because these trees meant anything to me, but it meant that my yard would never be the same again. Even though change has always scared me, unknown change scares me more. I've wished so many times that I knew what my future had in store; that way, I wouldn't have to be afraid of certain things.

I'm terrified of losing the friends that have become so dear to me over my high school years. I've seen my parents, their friends, and even some of my friends drift away from the people they grew up with and were so close to. This is the last thing I ever want to happen.

I'm also really, really scared about college. I know I'll still be in town, and I've said it won't be so bad since a bunch of my friends are gonna be like 5 minutes away from me at State. But it's going to be a huge experience for me; unless Julie ends up going, I'm not going to know anyone attending. To go from a class of about 12 into a class of about 1,500 is definitely not going to be easy for me. Living in a dorm with half that class is going to be very difficult. Just spending one night there proved that to me.

And so I leave you with the lyrics to the song I posted:

"Superman" by Five for Fighting:

I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naive
I’m just out to find
The better part of me

I’m more than a bird...i’m more than a plane
More than some pretty face beside a train
It’s not easy to be me

Wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
About a home I’ll never see

It may sound absurd...but don’t be naive
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed...but won’t you concede
Even heroes have the right to dream
It’s not easy to be me

Up, up and away...away from me
It’s all right...you can all sleep sound tonight
I’m not crazy...or anything...

I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naive
Men weren’t meant to ride
With clouds between their knees

I’m only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me
Inside of me
Inside me
Yeah, inside me
Inside of me

I’m only a man
In a funny red sheet
I’m only a man
Looking for a dream

I’m only a man
In a funny red sheet
And it’s not easy, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm...

Its not easy to be me

Randomness

2008-02-23T13:44:00.002-05:00

So my friend Jess, whom I've known like all HER life, and I have a blog now. It's basically about how her Super Honeycutt thwarts my Peppermint Guy. It's going to be the randomest ever, so if it doesn't make any sense, I'm sorry. Deal with it. :P I'm still going to keep this one, and I'll probably update this one more than the other. But the other is strictly for our craziness and nothing besides that will be posted. http://honeypepper.blogspot.com/

Great Expectations

2008-02-19T09:59:00.002-05:00

So I got back from Bri's party and 24 hours at Meredith College yesterday. It was definitely interesting. I had a total of like 15 hours of sleep in 72 hours, so needless to say I was a bit tired today.

Bri's party was definitely fun. It was great to get to hang out with everyone again. :P I can't even begin to describe it. Laser tag, Alan and I against everyone else, Go-carts, climbing up four levels of stairs, listening to the boys singing, getting my wrist twisted off in the car, my hair smelling like smoke for 3 days, Cindy Crawford, calls at midnight...that doesn't even cover it.

Meredith was very crazy. From 2-5, we were divided up into seven groups, and throughout that time we had our 20 minute interviews. During the time we weren't in interviews, we were watching/participating in these 4 lectures. The first three were pretty boring (Honors in general, research, and study abroad). The last one I'm still not sure why they had us do this. We had a discussion about the upcoming presidential election. This was led by, who else, 2 liberal feminists who graduated about 2 years ago. Lets just say I definitely had fun 'debating' some of the more liberal girls there.

After all this and dinner, we went back to our hosts rooms and hung out for the rest of the night. Abby and Sarah (my room hosts) were totally awesome. I definitely hope that I can hang out with them a little while I'm there. I met several really awesome girls who are definitely coming to Meredith in the fall. I'm pretty excited about getting to hang out with them next year. Especially Allison (Ally was in the room next to mine, and is waiting for Teaching Fellows).

The next day was pretty boring. The best part was getting to go to a class, but I had a professor that I had sat in on a class with before. He's really good, though.

I'm still really torn about the honors program. I would love the money, but I am not sure if I want to spend my time in it. My parents have really been pushing it, but I still need some time to think about it.

In other news, I graduate in a little under 3 months....EEK!!!!! I can't believe it's so close. 13 years has flown by SO fast. I'm really looking forward to it, though. College will be a great experience, and I so can't wait. Plus a bunch of my friends will be around the corner at State, so it'll be great to go over and hang out with them.

The St. Valentines Day....pig?

2008-02-14T12:19:00.001-05:00

The St Valentine's Day porker: Piglet born with heart-shaped spots

(follow the link at the bottom for pics of Valentine)

A cute little piglet born with heart-shaped markings on his side is the centre of attention as lovers gear up for Valentine's Day this week.

The 10-day-old Gloucester Old Spot piglet christened Valentine - what else? - is one of a litter of seven born at Byford's Farm in Taynton, near Newent, Glos.

Farmer Eric Freeman, 75 - a founding member of the Gloucester Old Spot Pig Breeders' Club - said Valentine's mother Mandi Lou has already got used to her piglet stealing the show.
"Some sows get really annoyed and squeal but Old Spots are known for being quiet," he said.

"Mandi Lou was very good and didn't mind Valentine having her picture taken.

"I've bred thousands of Old Spot piglets over the years but this is the first ever to have such a clear heart-shaped mark.

"It couldn't be more appropriate with Valentine's Day just around the corner."

Mr Freeman has been breeding Old Spots at his farm for 25 years and said the breed has come back from near-extinction in the past few years.

"I think there are probably around 400 members of the breeders' club and they have spread far and wide," he said.

"There has been a lot of interest because they are a fatty breed and it's a different taste to the normal type of pig - it's much more succulent."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=513659&in_page_id=1770

sigh

2008-02-13T16:58:00.004-05:00

So one of my wonderful theatre friends, Jamie, just got engaged to an incredible, sweet guy, Jason or "Monkey", who was one of our techies at one point. I absolutely love the way he proposed . Check out Jamie's xanga for more info http://www.xanga.com/bujinkankid/641650579/wedding-stuff.html

A Grammy?

2008-02-11T09:58:00.000-05:00

Barack Obama Wins Grammy for Spoken Word Book

LOS ANGELES (AP) ― Barack Obama topped a Clinton in another contest on Sunday -- the Grammys.

The presidential candidate beat both former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter to win best spoken word album for his audio version of his book "The Audacity Of Hope: Thoughts On Reclaiming The American Dream."

Clinton was nominated for his book "Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World" and Carter for "Sunday Mornings in Plains: Bringing Peace to a Changing World." Also nominated was Maya Angelou and Alan Alda.

Sens. Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton are battling for the Democratic nomination for president; both have won key states, though Obama has the most recent wins, capturing the Louisiana primary and caucuses in Nebraska and Washington state on Saturday.

Though Clinton and Carter lost, they both have won the category before (Clinton, twice). And Hillary Rodham Clinton took home a Grammy in 1996 for her audio version of the book, "It Takes A Village."

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/grammys.grammy.award.2.650560.html

My life as a soundtrack

2008-02-06T13:30:00.000-05:00

IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE?
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool - first songs only

Opening Credits- Time in a Bottle- Jim Croce

Waking Up - Girl Can't Help It- Journey

First Day of School - Welcome to My Life - Simple Plan

Falling in Love - The Sweetest Thing - U2

Fight Song - Supergirl - Krystal Harris

Breaking Up - The Lady Is a Tramp- Erin Dilly (from Babes in Arms)

Prom - Spanish Fly -Van Halen

Life's Ok - Heaven - DJ Sammy

Mental Breakdown - Trouble - Pink

Driving - For the Love of a Princess - James Horner (from Braveheart)

Flashback - Jacob's Dream - Alison Krauss

Getting Back Together - Even Then - Nichole Nordeman

Wedding - Lost in This Moment - Big and Rich

The Night Before the War - Picture to Burn- Taylor Swift

Final Battle - Never Gonna Let You Go -Sergio Mendes

Moment of Triumph - Only What You Make of It - Little Big Town

Death Scene - I Think The World Needs a Drink - Terri Clark

Funeral Song - The Will - Mark Chesnutt

End Credits - Hey Baby - Bruce Channel (from Dirty Dancing)

Superbowl

2008-02-04T13:01:00.000-05:00

So the Superbowl made me happy. The Pats didn't go undefeated. The Giants won. The Giants sacked Brady so many times, it was amazing. That Eli Manning is one incredibly awesome QB. That play where he got away from a sack and threw that pass was aboslutely jaw-dropping.

The commercials weren't so hot, but neither were they horrible. I really liked the talking baby ones, Shaq as a jockey, the fed-ex carrier pigeons one, and the Rocky-themed Bud Light commercial. I'm sure there were other good ones, I just can't remember them.

Wake me up before you go-go

2008-01-31T21:39:00.000-05:00

I know, I know. It's been entirely too long since I've updated. And I'm sorry...but I have an insanely busy life and stuff. So, a few random things from my life that you may or may not know:

1) I got accepted into the preliminary stages of the honors program at Meredith College. I have to go for a 2 day Honors Weekend, where I'll have an interview. We'll see how that goes.

2) Physics...how can I even sum up that class? Today was quite an experience. In a 2 hour class, we discovered just how much Chels hates the Patriots, how much Chad misses "his" pen that's now mine, that Joey and I can have whole conversations from across the room without making a sound, that a certain person in our class plays for Green Day (inside joke), that the door really does lock from the inside, and how smart an Indian who's sticking their head on a train track is. As much as I complain about that class...it's actually pretty fun.

3) Some people have amazing memories, especially when it comes to high school records from 30-some years ago. There's a guy at my work, let's call him peppermint guy (I'll explain in a sec), who has a habit of stopping by my desk and hitting on me. It's particularly creepy since he's like my parents age. The first time he stopped by was to ask me if a piece of candy in my dish was peppermint or cherry. Naturally, since I just put the candy in the dish, I wouldn't know. He then spent 10 minutes talking about his dad and granddad's peppermint farm and how you raise peppermint. Every time I work, he's found some reason to corner me at my desk for 5-10 minutes and talk about something. Yesterday was about his high school teams and their records. He has a pretty incredible memory, since he could also remember who, when, and where he played.

4) I've fallen in love with music from the 80's. I've never been a fan of hard rock before, probably because all I ever heard on the radio was the modern hard rock, and that is really, really annoying. But the stuff from the 80's is incredibly good.

5) Some days, like today, I wish I could move to a secluded island in the warm Caribbean where I would have total piece and quiet...that sounds really nice right now. But since I can't have that, I'll settle for a trip to the beach (as long as it's soon)

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T12:56:00.000-05:00

Another Christmas has come. We're heading up to the family farm in an hour or so. I'm savoring my last few moments of peace before entering the hubbub and craziness of my family and the 5 gaming systems that my cousins got for Christmas. Not to mention the 6 dogs and extended family....this will be crazy. Anyway, I wanted to wish all of y'all a Merry Christmas, and leave you with the lyrics to one of my new favorite Christmas songs.

The ending of December 1943
Somewhere in the forest
The snow was three feet deep
Two allied soldiers walking
Trying not to freeze
Far from home on Christmas Eve

A cabin with the light on
Brought them to its door
A woman said, "In my home
You can't bring in your war
So leave your rifles outside
Up against a tree
There's peace on Earth on Christmas Eve"

And they sat by the fire and they talked all night long
Sang Christmas hymns and showed pictures of home
In the middle of a great war it's so hard to believe
There's peace on Earth on Christmas Eve

Later in the evening, footsteps in the night
Two German soldiers freezing
The woman went outside
"You're welcome here in my home
But your guns will never be
There's peace on Earth on Christmas Eve"

The soldiers all were frightened
When they stood face to face
The woman said, "You're brothers
Part of the human race
Tonight we're all just family
And we'll get down on our knees
And praise His name on Christmas Eve"

And they sat by the fire and the talked all night long
Sang Christmas hymns and showed pictures of home
In the middle of a great war, bitter enemies
Found peace on Earth on Christmas Eve

Early that next morning
They went their separate ways
Shook hands and hugged that woman
There on Christmas Day

My cousins

2007-11-13T12:14:00.000-05:00

So according to Julie, my blogging assignment is to introduce you to my cousins, so you actually know who I'm referring to half the time. :P The first 9 are on my mom's side, and the last 3 are on my dad's side.

1: Tyler (18). Tyler is pretty much my big brother. He's been there for me for my entire life, protected me, watched out for me...he's even covered for me to keep me out of trouble (it didn't work, but still). Sure, we've had some arguments, but I will always cherish my relationship with Ty-Ty. Tyler's the first one of the cousins to go to college, and he's a happy freshman at UVA.

2: Brian (16). Brian is my wonderful, sweet autistic cousin. I absolutely love this boy, and if you ever think of making fun of him, you will no longer be considered my friend. I have before and will again beat anyone up who so much as considers picking on him. He's not always perfect, but he tries his hardest.

3: Richard (15). Richard and I have an interesting relationship. As much as he gets on my nerves a lot, I can't imagine life without this boisterous, crazy boy. There is no way I can ever get cocky when he's around, that's for sure. :) I can't wait to see your truck!

4: Matthew (15). Matthew is my favorite farm boy ever!!! He's been racing go-carts lately and is quite good at it! We've had many, many fun experiences together. He and his sister just got 2 adorable beagle puppies, Dixie and Daisy (both girls). They are sooooooo precious!

5: Emily (13). Finally, we come to one of the girls!!! :) Emily is really 12 (haha 'grandpa') (j/k) and totally rocks!! ;) I can't even explain most of our inside jokes, but among them are the boys in speedo's with six-packs, She's got that sparkle again, and there is a cute little asparagus, no? I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. She is also the best softball pitcher ever!!!

6: William (12). William...wow, this boy is awesome! He is always patient with me, even when I don't quite understand how to play Halo 3. :) My 1st marriage proposal came from him when I was 7 (don't tell him I told you that, though). His house is incredible, and Shadow dog is the cutest, sweetest dog ever!

7: Mary Katherine (12). Mary Katherine and I look sooo incredibly similar. In fact, people often confuse us for sisters. I'm not sure if we've been called twins yet, but since we are about the same height, I wouldn't be surprised. MK is a swimmer, and is also probably one of the smartest members of our cousinship.

8: Stuart (10). Stewie is the most imaginative and creative one of us. He is forever making up a story or "playing with his imagination". His dream in life is to grow up and become a movie producer. He is also the funniest one of us, in fact we are always laughing at Stuart's latest comments when we get together.

9: David (9). AH, and we come to the not-so-little baby of the family! David probably wouldn't appreciate me calling him that, but he's so sweet that I can't resist. Even though he's almost taller than me, he will forever be my little cuddle buddy. Plus, who can resist a blonde-haired, blue-eyed, handsome fellow? :)

Now to my Dad's side:

1: John (20 something) John's my sorta-half cousin. I haven't seen him since I was little, but he's still totally awesome and is aways included in my cousin lists. :P

2: Ariadne (2). Addie is my little sweetheart, who is pretty much like my baby sister. She's the cousin who lives the closest, and as a result, I get to babysit her at least once a week. She's soooo incredibly gorgeous, too!!

3: Cousin #3. My 3rd cousin, Addie's baby sister or brother, hasn't been born yet. He/she is due the week of my graduation, and will be welcomed with lots of hugs and kisses.

And there you have it. All of my 1st cousins. :P

I know, another quiz, but...

2007-11-02T07:18:00.000-04:00

I said I had a quiz fetish...something about how much time it takes to fill out something so worthless is great. :P

About YOU:
Do you have a lot of friends? sure
Do you like your family? totally
What kind of music do you like? Pretty much everything except rap and hard rock
Would you ever run for president? um...no
Is there a song lyric that you think reflects your life? "Miracle of the Moment"

Just Random
What color is your tooth brush? Green and white
Were you anti-boy bands back in the day? it really never mattered
What type of survey questions do you hate? dumb ones
Is there anything that you need to have all of the time? my cellphone, Bible, and computer.
What kind of shampoo do you use? I use several kinds.
Conditioner? See above.
Do you feel guilty easily? somewhat, yeah/
Do you constantly think someone is mad at you? Not unless I have a valid reason to think that.
Are you bossy? sometimes.
If your father was your age and not your father, would you be friends? um....we might be...he was apparently a little wild as a teen.
Are you involved in school activites? haha...does TCC count?
What's your family situation? huge Southern family.
What color shirt are you wearing? grey

When's the last time you..
Brushed your teeth? this morning.
Listened to a rap song? yesterday (while doing Crank That (soulja boy))
Listened to a rock song? today
Went out to eat? Chickfila on Halloween night.
Got a phone call? last night
Made a phone call? Yesterday just after physics class.
Skipped school? not intentionally...but according to Chad, missing class last week for vacation was as bad as skipping.
Felt guilty? This week.
Went swimming? July
Went shopping? last Sunday
Got a 100 on a test? Yesterday.
Were insulted? Two days ago.

Have you ever..
Smoked? no.
Drank? not really. I've had alcohol before, but never much.
Sworn? yeah...not totally proud of that...
Lied? yes.
Cheated? maybe on a test when I was little, but other than that, no.
Ran away from home? no.
Left a party/"get-together" because you felt uncomfortable? no.
Questioned your existence? not really...I like existence.
Been on a cruise ship? nope.

School
Where do you go to school? I am a proud home schooler. :P
School colors? overrated.
When do you have lunch? whenever
Who sits next to you in english class? Amanda
Do you take a foriegn language class? French 3
Do you hate school? no
Would/have you ever dropped out? no way.
Where's your locker? don't gots one
What's the best thing about school? learning..seriously, and friends
The worst? homework and stress (oh and drama...don't forget drama)

More Random Questions
Have you ever been insulted by a stranger? probably
Do you make plans around your TV schedule? no
What color is your alarm clock? purple (matches my room)
Do you enjoy cooking? yeah.
Have you ever tried to start a hot new phrase on your own? no...
Would you want to write a book? Totally!!!!
Do you think the 80s will come back? I hope the fashion doesn't.....

Movies
Have you ever seen Star Wars: Episode II? Yep.
Chicken Little? I have no idea.
Did Dodgeball have a point? never seen it.
What did you think of the ending of Coyote Ugly? never seen it.
Favorite movie sequel? Bourne Supremacy
Worst movie ever? Pirates trilogy...all of them.

MORE random questions!
Do you have a MySpace?! used to, but nope.
Online journal? yeah but I don't use it
Niece/nephew? do I have one? no
Do you have a cell phone? haha, ja
Do you know all the words to "American Pie? no....but a lot of 'em
Do you enjoy taking internet quizzes that tell you about your personality? if i feel like it
Do you know what a nimphophobiac is? nope.
Do you believe in God? yes. Definitely
What kind of dressing do you use for your salad? ranch or Italian !
Blue or black ink? black
Ever written a love note? don't think so...
Do you call people strange things? haha sometimes.
Do you go to church? yes
Did you have a kite as a kid? yeaha...lol

40 Secrets About Yourself

2007-10-08T22:01:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I should probably be doing homework, but since I have a quiz fetish, I thought I'd post this one. :)

40 Secrets About Yourself.
Be honest no matter what.

One. Have you ever been asked out?
Yes (haha...Liz, you know what I'm talking about)

Two. Where was your default picture taken?
Don't have one on here.

Three. What is your middle name?
Elizabeth

Four. Your current relationship status??
Single

Five. Does your crush like you back?
ooh the mystery...maybe, who knows?

Six. What is your current mood?
Somewhere between euphorically happy and depressingly sad

Seven. What color pants are you wearing?
pajamas

Eight. What color shirt are you wearing?
Navy (CWIS '05 shirt)

Nine. What is your favorite thing to do?
I LOVE to skate.act, read a really good book

Ten. If you could go back in time and change something, would you?
Yes. Definitely yes.

Eleven. If you must be an animal for one day, what would you be?
Dolphin

Twelve. Ever had a near death experience?
Yes, I have, actually.

Thirteen. Something you do a lot?
read

Fourteen. What do you want to be when you get older?
either teach high school English or join the FBI

Fifteen. Who did you copy and paste this from?
Sasha

Sixteen. Name someone with the same birthday as you?
JaJa, Katie

Seventeen. When was the last time you cried?
last night

Nineteen. If you could have one super power what would it be?
to read others minds

Twenty. What's the first thing you notice about the opposite/same sex?
height, eyes, hair

Twenty-one. What do you usually order from starbucks?
Haha, ben!! :P My favorite Caramel Mocha Latte.

Twenty-two. What's your biggest secret?
nothing I'd want to blurt out onto the internet...

Twenty-three. Favorite color?
lavender, pink, and green.

Twenty-five. Do you still watch kiddy movies or tv shows?
of course! I love Disney movies(the old ones. And Disney shows...

Twenty-six. What are you eating or drinking at the moment?
sucking on a cough drop

Twenty-eight. What's your favorite smell?
Fresh Roses, Rain

Twenty-nine. Describe your life in one word what it be?
Confuzzled.

Thirty-one. Have you ever kissed in the rain?
no...though that would be pretty cool

Thirty-two. What are you thinking about right now?
This insane lab that my "wickedly-cool physics professor" assigned

Thirty-three. What should you be doing right now?
Writing an essay or doing French homework

Thirty-four. Who was the last person that made you upset/angry?
I don't want to talk about it.

Thirty-five. Why are you doing this?
Because I don't want to do homework. :)

Thirty-six. Do you like working in the yard?
It's alright, I guess

Thirty-seven. If you could have any last name in the world, what would it be?
I like mine...or a certain guy's.

Thirty-eight. Do you act differently around the person you like?
I try not to. I really don't like fakes.

Thirty-nine. What is your natural hair color?
blonde (though some say it's red)

Forty. What did you think about this survey?
Totally random. :P

Converge

2007-10-04T07:38:00.000-04:00

I don't know if y'all have plans for Saturday night around 7:00pm - 9:00pm, but if not, I would highly suggest something. Whether I end up going depends on how exhausted I am after taking SAT's on Saturday, but I'm definitely going if I'm not. There's this thing at Colonial Baptist called Converge. According to the guy who invited me: "For everyone who does not know what Converge is, Converge is a time every month where students come together and are encouraged, by things like worship (which is the main focus) through testimonies of other fellow students and prayer, its basically a time for students to come and be encouraged in their walk with Christ!!! its a really awesome time, that is COMPLETELY student led!!!" So, if y'all are bored or something and want to come, call my cell and let me know!!

Random CWIS quotes

2007-09-30T00:29:00.000-04:00

So I'm going through my CWIS notes trying to clean up some stuff, and I found a TON of CWIS quotes. These are pretty awesome, and by far the most random in the history of CWIS. Brianna, you are probably the only one that will get most of these....since most of them came from the infamous press conference and our notes. :P

"My brain hurts!"
"Was Scooter Libby convicted?" "I don't know...was he?" "I'm asking you: Was he? "Was he?" "That's right, was he?" "Was he?" "Was he or was he not?" "Um......" "It's not that hard...yes, no, or maybe!!"
"God bless the Aide-De-Camps!!"
"I am so confused"
"I was going to say 'so far, so good', but...."
"Graham's Jeopardy music set an appropriate setting for the evening."
"How long have we been here?" "Forever and Always!"
"Senator three under par"
"What part of this bill DO you oppose?" "Huh?"
"Kids are interested in medicine???"
"It's non-permanent."
"Does that include body waxing?" "Oh gosh, no!"
"One of us is a senator from Texas." "Thanks for clarifying that."
"I actually haven't said this yet."
"You could practically go out and find it on the street!" "Have you ever done that?" "Um...yeah."
"It's not as addicting as your morning coffee!"
""Would you let terrorists smoke only irradiated marijuana?" "Um..." "While being forced shaved?"
"Not in the case of the Danes, the Swedes, the British, the..."
"Are you a rogue CIA agent?"
"We are going to die"
"It'll be a little problem"
"What on earth?? That is so dumb and rude! 2 hours before the mock they are taking the best people and forming a super-caucus??? What was that?!?!??!?"
"We need to come together!" "Diversity, man!"
"He's hot...wait, that TOTALLY came out wrong..."
"Undying/Unrequited love"
"What the heck does Ben have in his mouth?" "It looks like a battery..." "Yeah. Stupid! My first thought was 'cigar?'" "Or he's over there smoking cannabis" "lol...and you can find it on the street." "Wait.....it's a pen cap!" "Ok, now I feel dumb!"
"I asked him if he was looney."
"even if they are tortured and returned to their own country after the torture.." "Is that possible?"
"Joel needs to shave"
"and he thinks I'M random???"
"If they are willing to kill, why would losing a finger matter?"
"It's a rip-off."
"What exactly IS bio-piracy?"
"I have free speech!!"
"Are you cold or is it just us? "Kinda sorta." "In other words, it's just us." "Fosho" "Wow...I didn't realize you were so gangsta!" "Gangsta?" "Wow..."
"Human sniffing-dogs or human-sniffing dogs?"
"How is this enforced? "Wonderful face." "A wonderful face enforces it?" "No comment." "That's technically a comment." "No comment on that, either." "We have really lame conversations..."
"The girls were great. The guys...pathetic."
"I hate my camera!"
"Maybe the thunder was caused by Austin's communication with his aliens... :)"
"What happened to 30 seconds?"
"Thank you, and I would strongly urge you to vote for this bill." "...That was incredibly awesome"
"We commend you, Amanda!"
"Mom: 'So, what did you do at camp?" "Tyler: 'I did extensive research on torture!"
"Bill Nine, the Science guy"
And of course, no CWIS quote list would be complete without the "What about 6 o'clock?" - "Oh! that's the torture bill.....zzzzzzzz"

Question

2007-09-29T21:15:00.000-04:00

Ok, I have a question for y'all: How do you deal with a 15 year old who cusses like nothing else? Particularly a 15 year old male that's about twice my size. One of my cousins has been cussing for awhile (and I'm not talking about occasionally and only 'light' cuss words, I'm talking about whenever his parents aren't around to hear it and serious foul language) and his sister asked that I speak to him about it. Thoughts?

Dancing Through Life

2007-09-18T22:39:00.000-04:00

Liz and I have decided that we officially have a love/hate relationship with technology. Her computer went on the spritz the other day, causing her to call me instead of iming me. Then, one of our phone connections was messed up while we were talking. Life would be sooooo much more simpler if it weren't for our technology, but how in the world could we survive? I love my computer, and rarely go anywhere without my cellphone.

I went to Meredith's senior day last Friday. I have to admit that after spending time there, I really actually want to go there. I never thought I'd say that, but I love the campus and the teachers and students really seemed to want me there. Plus, it has one of the top English programs in the nation. We'll see what happens. I'm touring William and Mary as well as University of Richmond the end of October.

Where were you?

2007-09-10T22:53:00.000-04:00

So where were you six years ago?

I can still remember that day like it was yesterday. I was 11. Mom was sitting in the living room folding laundry on the couch. I was sitting on the floor reading. The phone rang, and it was my aunt. I can remember her asking mom if she had the tv on. When mom told her no, she said to cut it on.

I didn’t completely understand what was going on at first. I knew that planes had just hit the WTC, but didn’t know what that meant for Americans. I watched in horror as not one, but 2 planes hit. Finally, I couldn’t handle the images anymore. I ran to my room, and turned on the radio. I ran back into the living room when I heard the 1st tower fall.

And then the Pentagon...

That night, our church held a candlelight vigil. I can remember standing in church, surrounded by both friends, regular church attendees, and people I’m sure had never seen the inside of a church. Black, white, poor, rich, farmer, banker...it didn't matter. We were all united.

Where were you?

Have You Forgotten?

My best friend

2007-08-29T10:56:00.000-04:00

A friend calls to see if they can come over
A best friend just shows up whenever.
A friend has been over maybe 5, 6 times
A best friend is there more than you are.
A friend says hey to your family
A best friend runs over and hugs your mom.
A friend thinks your siblings are cute
A best friend wrestles with your little brother and plays dress-up with your sister.
A friend clears her plate after dinner
A best friend gets up and asks your mom what she can do.
A friend asks you for a snack
A best friend is already in the kitchen getting her and your sister a snack.
A friend comes over on Friday and leaves Friday night
A best friend comes over on Friday and dosen't leave until Sunday night.
A friend knows your family and that's it
A best friend knows your grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Friends come and go but your best friend and you will never grow apart; always and forever I'll hold you in my heart.

1,000,000 memories. 10,000 inside jokes. 100 secrets. 1 reason. best friends.

let's become little old ladies together. we'll stay up late looking at old pictures. we'll tell "remember when" stories and laugh until our sides ache. let's become eccentric together. the kind of old ladies who take long walks, wear silly hats, and get away with acting outrageous in public places. if anybody should ask how long we've been friends, we'll say forever. let's become little old ladies together because a friendship as special as ours can only grow better through the years.

it's that up all night. all the time. girl talk. never fight. pinky promise. guarantee. best friends forever. kinda thing.

tips for southerners headed up nort

2007-08-24T13:43:00.000-04:00

So my friend composed this list for southerners heading up north, and I'm just now posting it. This was started as a joke. She actually doesn't believe this (except for the cruller part). :P

1) if you are flying a confederate flag, you will not be welcome. the war is over, we won, get over it.

2) it was NOT the war between the states, it was the civil war, and if the south rises again we'll just beat her back down.

3) we don't drink icees. we drink slurpees. if you don't understand the difference, you will when you walk into a 7-11 (another thing you probably won't understand.)

4) sweet tea is non-existant. we don't understand how you can drink it. unsweet ice tea with lemon, and maybe a hint of mango, raspberry, or blueberry is pretty much what we offer.

5) we don't say 'ya'll', or 'ain't'. We use the phrases 'you all' and 'is not'. we will laugh at you if you use your southern expressions.

6) doesn't matter whether you think you are or not- to us, all southerners are rednecks.

7) we don't do nascar. we don't have nascar museums or monuments. we don't close down stores on race days. we don't have weddings on the race track. be prepared to experience culture shock.

8) we don't 'bless your little heart' or call you 'puddin' and 'sugar'.

10) we don't play country music. we don't like country music. don't ask us why- it's better just to accept it as it is.

11) we ARE all yankees. hurling that at us as though it's an insult really doesn't hurt our feelings. 'yankee' is the northern lifestyle.

12) don't ask where to find the closest 'sam's' or 'bj's'- we have publics and giant.

13) you aren't from here unless you chop down your own Christmas tree while singing carols and drinking hot chocolate. you really aren't from around here if your tree is a fake.

14) if we're talking too fast, you're talking too slow.

15) we don't talk funny- you do.

16) We don't drive tractors down the road- leave yours at home.

17) If you don't know what a cruller is, you're really missing out.

11) BBQ is grilling hot dogs and hamburgers. Anything else is pulled pork.

19) Don't say yonder. We don't know where that is.

20) There shouldn't be a Mason-Dixon line... we're all the United States.

21) We may not follow NASCAR, but we have something even better- Hockey.

22) Our words have fewer syllables than yours.

23) Sorry, you're not allowed to bring your guns up north.

24) We don't have county fairs. Or livestock competitions. We have the Westminster Dog Show.

25) Icing goes on a cake. Frosting occurs when you have a light snowfall.

26) 'G' is actually a much used letter of our alphabet... we don't go 'runnin', 'singin', or 'dancin'.

27) We don't 'fix' to do anything. Like Nike, we just do it.

Country Girl

2007-08-22T20:38:00.000-04:00

My favorite place in the world to be is on the farm. I don't know what it is about the farm, but it brings out a side in me that very few people outside my family have seen. It's incredibly freeing to not have to worry about spending hours in the morning getting ready, since there's no one around to notice whether I'm wearing makeup or whether my hair has been brushed that day. I can just be myself out on the farm.

There are still parts of the farm that I have never been on (which makes sense considering that it's 1000 acres). I do have my favorite spots, though. I love going down to Sandy Creek and building dams, or just putting my feet into it. The stoop behind the old hog pen is a great place to sit and have conversations with the girls. There's the traditional bonfire area near road to the right of the house, the trampoline from the 70's that is still holding together, the tire swing that only David and Stuart can fit into now, the big magnolia in the front yard that used to be as close as we were allowed to the road. The hunting is just as great around there. There are so many places to go, and just about every type of game you want. I enjoy going deer spotting at twilight. They tend to hang around the creeks and streams.

The best season up there is the fall. There is so much going on. It's dove season there, so there are always tons of birds and hunters around the place. The crops are being harvested, which is always a blast. The farm is beautiful during the fall. Honestly, there is nowhere I would rather be than on the farm. If any of you ever get to come visit, I'll have to make sure you experience some of the wonderful things. :)

Musicals

2007-08-11T23:00:00.000-04:00

Most people who know me know that I am a HUGE theatre person. I've been acting since I was five, and love every minute of it. Whether I'm on stage acting, backstage stage managing, or simply helping with makeup, I have a blast!! So, I thought I'd list some of my all-time favorite Broadway musicals.

1.Phantom of The Opera (Le Fantôme de l’Opéra) This is by far my favorite. What's not to like? It has an amazing story line, and the music...wow, it's absolutely gorgeous. Even if you can't see the show, go listen to the soundtrack on Myspace or something. It's amazing. Here's the story plot: **note: This is a spoiler, so if you don't want to read it, skip to the row of stars**

Prologue

It is 1911 and the contents of the Paris Opera House are being auctioned off. Present are the auctioneer, porters and bidders. Raoul, now seventy years old and in a wheelchair, buys a poster and a music box. As the auctioneer displays the Opera House chandelier, he explains that it is connected with the legend of The Phantom of the Opera. With a flash of light, the audience is flung back in time, when the Paris Opera was at its height.

Act 1

We are thrust in the middle of a rehearsal for the opera Hannibal. Monsieur Lefèvre, the retiring manager of the Opera, is showing the new managers, Monsieurs Firmin and André, the great stage. As the prima donna, Carlotta, is singing, a backdrop falls to the floor, nearly killing her. The cry is raised, "It's The Phantom of the Opera!" Upset, Carlotta refuses to sing.

Meg Giry, daughter of the ballet mistress, Madame Giry, suggests her friend, Christine Daaé, take Carlotta's place. Christine has been taking lessons from a mysterious new teacher.

At her triumph in the Opera, is Raoul, a nobleman and patron of the Opera. Raoul recognizes Christine as a childhood friend. He comes backstage after the performance to escort her to dinner, but Christine tells him she cannot go, because her teacher, "The Angel of Music," is very strict.

When Raoul leaves Christine's room, the Phantom appears. Christine is lured into the bowels of the Opera House, where the Phantom will continue her lessons.

He leads her to his underground lair, where she sees a frightening vision of herself in a wedding gown. She faints, only to be awakened several hours later by the Phantom's music on the organ. Creeping up behind him, she rips off his mask. Horrified, he takes her back to the surface.

The Phantom has sent notes to both the managers of the Opera, as well as Raoul, Madame Giry and Carlotta, which give instructions that Christine will have the lead in the new opera, Il Muto. The manager's refuse to give in to the Phantom's demands.

Il Muto proceeds as planned, with Carlotta in the lead, and Christine in a secondary role. As promised, disaster strikes - the stage hand, Joseph Buquet, is killed, and Carlotta's voice is stolen.

In the confusion, Raoul and Christine escape to the roof of the Opera House. There, with all of Paris around them, they pledge their love to one another. They cannot see the Phantom overhearing their vows of love. Enraged at Christine's betrayal, the Phantom causes the final disaster of the night - the mighty chandelier comes crashing to the stage floor.

Act 2

The second act opens at a grand Masquerade Ball, held on the steps of the Paris Opera. No one has heard from the Phantom in six months. Christine and Raoul are engaged, but are keeping it a secret; Christine keeps her engagement ring on a chain around her neck.

Suddenly, the Phantom appears, disguised as The Red Death, and delivers to the managers a score from his opera, Don Juan Triumphant.

At first, the managers refuse to perform the strange, disturbing opera. Then, with the help of Raoul, they devise a plan to trap the Phantom, using Christine as bait. Plans for Don Juan Triumphant, and the trap, are made.

Christine visits the grave of her father. There on the grave stands the Phantom, beckoning her to join him. Raoul appears and takes her away.

At last, the opening night of Don Juan Triumphant arrives. The theater is surrounded by guards and police, eager to catch the Phantom. As the opera comes to its end, the Phantom takes the place of Piangi, the lead singer. He confronts Christine on stage during the performance, and escapes with her once more to his labyrinth below the Opera House.

In a last confrontation, the Phantom gives Christine a choice: stay with him forever, or he will kill Raoul. Her decision brings to an end the story of The Phantom of the Opera.

**********************************

2:Cats Cats is a wonderful Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats and other poems by T. S. Eliot. I'm not going to go into the story line, but you need to see this one. The music is some of my favorite (my favorite of all is "Mr. Mistoffelees") and is definetely written in T.S. Eliot style. :)

3: Grease Grease is a total dance musical set in a 1959 high school. There are a few scenes and moral messages that are definitely not for younger kids, but it's still an excellent show. Random Fact: according to one of my military brat friends, Grease is not allowed to be performed in Japan in high schools because the government thinks it will send out a rebellious message to the teens.

4: Les Miserables Les Mis is a musical composed in 1980 by French composer Claude-Michel Schönberg on a libretto by Alain Boublil. Through-sung, it is perhaps the most famous of all French musicals and one of the most famous and most performed musicals worldwide. It's a story of grace,love, passion and survival in the midst of the French revolution. Les Mis tells the stories of paroled convict Jean Valjean who, failing attempts to find work as an honest man with his yellow parole note, tears up his shackles and conceals his identity in order to live his life again; the police inspector Javert, who becomes obsessed with finding Valjean; Fantine, the single mother of Cosette, who is forced to become a prostitute to support her daughter; Marius, a French student who falls in love with Valjean's adopted daughter Cosette; Eponine, the young daughter of the Thénardiers who falls in love with Marius; the Thénardiers, who own an Inn and exploit their customers; and Enjolras and the other students, who are working toward freeing the oppressed lower class of France.

5:Lion King How could I leave this one out? The broadway version is about 10000000 times better than the disney version. There is way more music, and the story plot is entirely more awesome.

And Finally:
6: Hairspray I have yet to see the new movie. The show, however, is amazing! It's so much fun, and will definitely have you wanting to get up on stage dancing at the platter party and singing along to "You Can't Stop The Beat." It's such an inspirational story, too. Note: This is also not entirely appropriate, so watch what audience you take to this.

By no means is this all my favorite musicals, but these are the top 6. :)

How to Become the Perfect Guy in Every Christian Girl's Opinion

2007-07-17T21:57:00.000-04:00

Be prepared in the near future for my wonderful best friend, Lizzie, and my book: How to Become the Perfect Guy in Every Christian Girl's Opinion. :) note: just a working title. :) If any of you (especially guys, but the girls are great, too) have any wonderful tidbits of advice to put into this, please feel free to pm me on the forum, ask for my email address, or leave me a comment on this!!!

CWIS

2007-07-02T10:38:00.000-04:00

Wow, so much has happened this week!! I'll try and briefly highlight it with some quotes/highlights from the week:

"Mr. Vogo, why you walkin' like a ticken?"
"Sam is Fallacy slinging!"
"Lose the notebook, and be your normal self, Daphne."
"What do you think about killing babies?"
"No, they choose a brief moment of pleasure."
"Cannibis is not as addicting as your morning coffee."
John sleepwalking
Moldy ice
"I broke my wrist running into a wall playing basketball."
"Can you define 'sexual abuse'?"
Vogo rapping
Some people not knowing the words to the national anthem
Windsor doing the teapot dance
Pain Conditioning
"Should we give the terrorists irradiated cannibis while force shaving them?"
"glue, glitter and shiny red apples"
"I bet they don't wash the lettuce"

There are sooo many others that I can't even begin to write down or remember.

Graduation

2007-06-20T11:01:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, my 18 year old cousin, Tyler, graduated high school. The graduation trip was pretty fun...despite the crazy wild driving, almost MISSING the graduation, the bomb scare, certain racist remarks from my grandma, and the 1 cousin that I can't stand. :)

The graduation was at 4:00, so all of the family made arrangements to be at my aunt's house at 2:00 and we would leave her house at 2:45. When mom and I, my grandma, and my Aunt Betsy and cousins Matthew and Emily got there at 2:05, Aunt Martha was STILL in her pj's giving Tyler and his gf, Leigh, their graduation presents. We didn't end up pulling out of her driveway (in 2 cars, driven by Aunt Martha and Aunt Betsy (the 2 crazy drivers in the family)) until 3:00. Aunt Martha was on this kick about our clothes. She swore that they wouldn't let anyone in unless they were dressed properly, and that no one was supposed to wear jeans to the party afterwards at her house. My cousin William only brought shorts, which he was wearing, until my aunt discovered it about 3 minutes from her house. She made us all turn around while she went home and found him some pants (that were too long and too tight for him). We probably didn't really leave until 3:10. Then we got stuck in HORRID traffic on the bridge over one of the tunnels in Norfolk (the Berkley bridge). My aunt's driving had passed the point of crazy driving. She was cutting over 4 lanes of dead stop traffic, slamming on brakes, gassing the car...I was glad I was in the other car, though it wasn't much better since we had to follow her.: We then had to go a back way to Old Dominion University (where the graduation was held) through the "ganster" neighborhoods of Norfolk. Seriously, we all thought we were going to get mugged or something along those lines. It was crazy. We got there at 3:57 exactly. Aunt Mary didn't get there until just before they called Tyler's name.

Then we got home and found out that just after we had gone over the Berkley Bridge, someone found a suspicious looking package in the tunnel. They shut down the tunnel/bridge, called in the bomb squad, and they blew it up only to discover it was a package of clothes.

As for the racist remarks, well....let's just say no one was prepared for some of the stuff my grandma said. I wish I had had a video camera to film everyone's (especially Matthew's) reactions. :)

The graduation was surprisingly difficult for me. Tyler is and has always been like my big brother. He's always been there for me, has always protected me, has always comforted me, and has even covered for me (don't ask). This week, I realized that I won't get to see my big bro that much any more. It was hard. Sometimes, I hate change. I wish things could always stay the same. I know that we all have to move on, but knowing that you will lose track of people and drift apart is never easy.

CWIS is in 4 days!! I am mega excited!!! This year is going to be so much fun!

Conferences, colleges, and cats.

2007-06-10T15:27:00.000-04:00

This weekend I was up in Virginia at the homeschool convention. That was pretty fun. the Home4school store had a booth there, so I got to hang out with Brianna, which is always fun. :) I arrived at my aunt's 1700 style "plantation" (it was built by the man who built Tuckahoe, and my aunt and uncle added on two wings) on Thursday afternoon. Mary Katherine and William immediately introduced me to the newest temporary residents of Joe Brooke: 3 stray kittens they found in the barn. There were 2 black ones and a gray kitty. Aunt Mary guessed they were maybe 2 weeks old, and we think the mother may have abandoned them. At any rate, they were sooooooo sweet!! The only bad thing was that they hadn't been de-clawed, so I now have scratches all over. They think they have found a home for the gray kitty (which MK kinda took under her wing).

On Friday, we went to the conference. The best session (to me, anyways) was a college panel session. They had invited admissions counselors from ODU, University of Richmond, Patrick Henry, Regent, and the VA community colleges to come answer questions for 1 hour. Since U of R is one of the colleges I have been considering, it was great to get to hear what the counselor had to say. I got to talk to her afterwards, got some info about the school, and she gave me her card.

We had invited Brianna to come back with us and eat dinner at Aunt Mary's that night, but she wasn't feeling so great, and decided not to go. That was probably a good thing, because if she had she would have ended up spending the night with us. We had a really bad storm that night. I think the power went on and off at least 6 times, but the house has a backup generator, so it only went completely off twice. Aunt Alice and MK had come for dinner and to watch Johnny Kapahala, and they had to wait until the storm was over to go home. We stayed up until 12:30 and watched "The Pursuit of Happyness" (misspelled on purpose).

On Saturday, we went back to the convention until 2:00. Bri and I had so much fun playing certain jokes on Vogel (who deserved them. :)) Then Mom and I drove to my grandma's, where I got to see my horse, and hang out with Emily for an hour.

Memorial Day

2007-05-27T18:57:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine brought up an interesting point on his blog. America does little to honor our soldiers on Memorial Day, a day that is purposefully set aside for the commemoration of our soldiers. It makes me so mad. I have several friends who are either over in Iraq or Afghanistan, on leave, or getting ready to go over there. Josh is over in Iraq for two years with only a two week leave. Why does America persist on considering Memorial Day simply another day off work?

Apparently, Memorial Day hasn't always been on the last Monday in May, though. Fronm 1868 until 1968 it was observed unofficially on May 5th. Then General John Logan got Congress to make it a national holiday on May 30th (chosen because it was the only day that a battle was NOT fought on). However, shortly after it was celebrated for the first time, Congress moved it to the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend. In a 2004 Memorial Day speech, the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) stated that:"Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day."

I find it difficult to believe that Americans can treat this day like any other. Even as I write this, American soldiers are DYING defending this country. Even if they don't believe we should have entered into this war, they should at LEAST respect the soldiers and what they are doing to keep this nation free. I know that we wouldn't be here today if it weren't for our soldiers. If it weren't for the brave men that we had during the Revolutionary War, who stood up and fought when all odds were against them, history and this country as we know it would be severely altered. If it weren't for our soldiers in the both WWI and WWII, all of Europe would be completely different from what we know it to be today. We need to be congratulating and remembering our soldiers sacrifices, not forgetting their memory.

Carl Klang sings the song "I Am The Unknown Soldier". Carl rewrote it for music from a poem written by Patricia O'Grady Parcells. She wrote the poem for her father who is POW/MIA. Patricia has visited Vietnam twice attempting to find her Father. I thought it would be fitting to end this blog with the lyrics to that song. This song is dedicated to all the POW and MIA soldiers.

"I am the unknown soldier
Some call me M.I.A.
Some say I can't go home again
Some say I chose to stay
I am the unknown soldier
who you refuse to know
A brother and a friend of yours
Who left so long ago
Some call me P.O.W.
The one they left behind
I am the unknown soldier
The one they never tried to find
I'm the one they never tried to find

I'm a farmer from Missouri
The soldier from St. Paul
I was the hero of my family
And still my pictures upon their wall
I'm a poet and a scholar
And the boy who lived next door
I am the unknown soldier
Forgotten on a foreign shore
Long forgotten on a foreign shore

I was someone's lovin' daddy
I was someone's pride and joy
I was someone's tender lover
A worried Mama's little boy
And if you should just forget me here
Then I should forget you too
Please won't you try to bring me home
For I'm someone who belongs to you
I'm still someone who belongs to you

I am the unknown soldier
With no more tears to shed
I'm just a fading memory
A part of the living dead
My country has betrayed me
Yet I have forgiven you
And every night I pray to God
That somehow he'll forgive you too
Yes even somehow he'll forgive you too

I am the unknown soldier
The one for whom you cried
That familiar face that you can't face
The one your country told you died
I am the unknown soldier
With dreams you'll rescue me
And I am a man who understands
Only death might ever set me free
Only death might ever set me free

I am the unknown soldier
And I'm black and blue and grey
I said I am the unknown soldier
And I die slowly every day
And I'm tired and I'm hungry
I am the unknown soldier
The one you bought and sold
I'm the one you bought and sold

So lay down close beside me now
And gently stroke my face
And wrap your arms around me now
Before we leave this place
Some called me P.O.W.
Some called Me M.I.A.
Some say I can't come home again
But I will return someday"

Sisters

2007-05-06T19:39:00.000-04:00

I'm in a little bit of a reflective and a little bit of a melancholy mood right now. I was just thinking about my sisters. Ok, so they are really my cousins, but we have practically grown up together, so I think of them as my younger sisters. Emily is 12 :) (actually, she's 13, but because of "grandpa" I had to throw that one in), and Mary Katherine is 11. Even though there have been times that I have wanted to wring their necks (ok, not literally, but you get my point), I can't imagine life without either of them. All three of us gals are so different. Emily is the sporty and boy-crazy one of us. Mary Katherine is the genius, who also swims and is quite good at it. I'm not the genius MK is, but I do have my moments. I'm the bookworm, actress, and future lawyer/agent. Like I said earlier, we are extremely different, but we compliment each other a whole lot.

I spent last weekend with the two of them at Nana and Papa's lake house. We had some quality girl-time together, which consisted of certain...um..compromising photos (haha), concerts, plays, STARBUCKS, scrapbooking, and discussions of clothes and boys. That was so much fun! Usually whenever all three of us are together, there is at least one of the boys around (there are 7 boys), so we don't get as much uninterrupted girl-time. Not to say that I don't like having y'all boys around, but sometimes it's nice for it to be just the girls. Anyway, I just wanted you gals to know that I love you, and can't wait to do this again!

Cinderella

2007-05-04T11:00:00.000-04:00

So I apparently haven't dropped my old cyt roots that much.:) I'm 99% sure that I'm going to audition for the 1st CYT summer show ever!!! They are doing Cinderella, which is probably the most popular cyt play ever, (this will make the....3rd or 4th time that I've been in it) but it is so much fun!!!! I've missed doing theatre so much, especially with Ms. Natalie. Even though I love working with ALP a whole lot, I miss the old CYT days. One of the many things that is so special about CYT is all the prayer and worship that goes into these plays. Some of my favorite and most treasured memories were made sitting around in a circle with my friends, lifting up the cast, play, audience members, etc. I honestly can't wait!

PS: If any of you want to/are going to audition, let me know. :)

Sitting on the dock of the bay

2007-04-30T18:09:00.001-04:00

I spent a wonderful weekend at a gorgeous location. It was my aunt's 50th birthday, and all the ladies in the family (the three girl cousins included) went to my uncles parents lakehouse for the weekend. Mom, Mema, and I got to the house on friday and ended up having to wait an hour or so for the rest of the fam, but that was ok, because I got to relax on the dock swing with a good book. :) That night, we went to see "Smoke on the Mountain" at some local theatre. It was an ok play, it just wasn't my favorite. (Not to mention that I had just seen High School Musical at Memorial and then CYT's Le Fantome de l'Opera the day before (which, btw, was an excellent play and made me sad that I wasn't in CYT anymore)) We didn't end up getting to bed until 1:00ish.

On Saturday Emily, MK, and myself decided to brave the risk of hypothermia. We put on our swim suits and waltzed out to the dock. We stopped on the way down there to get the Super Mable, which is a three person inner tube raft thing. We tied it to the dock and climbed on it so that we could attempt to get a tan before getting in the water. I happened to get into the water in a rather, um, unconventional method. Mk got off onto the dock first, then Emily and I both went to get off at the same time. Unfortuately, she got off a fraction of a second before I did, causing the supermable to flip, which then caused me to go head over heals into the lake. I came up shaking from the coldness, but less than 2 hours later, all three of us were in the water.

As we were all out there, we saw an old friend, Hall, drive up in his boat. We then hooked Mable up to the new speedboat and we all went over to their house for a while. Out of Hall and Molly's 3 sons, only Harry (the 9th grader) was there.

That night, we attended a four tops concert. That was interesting. Only one of the tops, the Duke, is still in the group. The other 3 members are newbies. They did a good job, I just didn't know a lot of the songs. Aunt Alice, Aunt Mary, mk and I went to Starbucks to get coffee afterwards.

I have SAT's on saturday. I'm a little stressed about the math section. It's the only one that I still consistently have a low score on.

Babe

2007-04-15T17:41:00.000-04:00

We started our pig dissections in class on wednesday. I have to say these next few weeks are probably going to be the most, um, memorable ones out of the whole year. Several of us decided that our pigs deserved names. Mine is Babe (after the movie), Chelsea's is Bojangles (because she was craving it then) Blake's is Smithfield's (after the barbecue restaurant), Joey's is O.J. (after O.J. Simpson (he said that if he had to be cutting the pig up, it might as well be someone he disliked)), and Becca's was originally Wilbur (after Charlotte's Web), until she realized it was a girl. She tried to change the name to Wilburetta, but Blake pointed out how much it sounded like a gun. :)

We've already identified the outside structures, and skinned them, so now we get to start cutting them up. We have all pretty much decided that the one thing we will remember 20 years from now was when Cameron's dead, skinned, fetal pig pooped on him. I'm serious. It was nasty, and yet incredibly fun to watch his reaction. :P

In other news, I'm pretty much as stressed out as I've ever been right now. I have 2 major essays coming up, several ap exams, SAT's, scholarship essays, dissection write-ups, finals, three speeches to finish, and countless other things. I have to admit, it's a lot of stuff to do just for college. It's scary to think that your whole future may rest on one test, but it might. If I don't get a high enough score on them, there is no way I'll get in to William and Mary, which is where I really want to be. It also might decide my future career. If I can't do good enough on the SAT's, how can I ever do good enough on the L-Sat's? Anyway, I'm just stressed and not in the worlds best mood when it comes to homework. :)

addendum to previous entry

2007-04-09T11:37:00.000-04:00

I was just informed by mom that I should clarify something: The mouse/snake incident was the 1st time I have ever seen an animal inside that house, so never fear, her house is not normally animal-infested (unless you can count my dog and my cousins 2 dogs.) :)