iPod shuffle

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....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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?

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*

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?

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

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

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

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)