I know that Halloween has just passed, but I've already christened the next season by beginning to listen to my holiday collection of music.
It's Christmas time, my friends. It may still be warm outside, but the feeling is in the air.
I'm making my holiday CD's and I'm considering making a compilation of what I consider to be the Christmas Classics. If anyone's interested, let me know.
I'm in between high schools right now...went to my alma mater of Streator High School this morning. It's a whole new place! They've torn down half of it, rebuilt some new stuff, and it makes me sad that people there don't remember me at first. Or at all. I'm on my way to Woodland High School in about 5 minutes.
And by the way, since no one showed up at SHS this morning to talk to me I had like tons of extra time this morning, so I made my way to this little cafe we have in Streator called The Downtowner. Talk about a freaking cool place! I felt like I was in the city and not in Streator. But the poor owners--Streator isn't ready for such a place, so hopefully they can make it! If you're ever in Streator check it out. It's a pretty cute little place! I got to read quite a bit this morning out of my current read: Flashbang by Mark Steele. If you haven't read it, check it out. It's quite hilarious. Since the Downtowner was empty I was literally holding my hand over my mouth to stop myself from laughing out loud.
Well, good day. I'm off to the school of the children of the corn. Sorry Amanda. Sorry mom. Sorry other friends who may have gone there.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Monday, October 31, 2005
no tricks, just treats.
OK so I've posted a lot in orange lately, but I've got to today!
While all of this reminiscing is happening about Halloween days of old, I too have many fond memories of costumes and tricks and treats.
First and foremost, the all-time best costume ever was my shiny silver Hershey's Kiss costume that my Grandma Shirlye and my mom made together. I think I wore this in second grade. And then again in third grade. I loved it that much. This was not your typical store-bought Hershey's Kiss costume. No, no, my friends, it was much better than that. It was made of shiny silver material and gave my little 7 year old body quite the Hershey's Kiss shape. And to top it all off, I had the matching headpiece, like a mini-kiss with the paper tassel to boot. I still cry tears of sadness for the fact that my mom sold it to some lady in Streator for her granddaughter to wear. I was deeply saddened, despite the fact that I couldn't fit into it any longer, but I couldn't keep it for my child to wear someday. I guess I'll have to break out the old pattern and sewing machine someday. (as if I'd know how to use it!)
Second, there was always this lady who lived on Elm Street, near our old house on Shabbona in Streator, who never failed to decorate her house and yard beyond even the craziest imagination. There was a wire fence all around the yard, and you had to enter through the main gate. Following your entrance many real people dressed in costume would play their role of Freddy, a witch, a person being hanged, etc. Once there was even a man on the roof pushing dirt off the side and a Freddy scratching his long nails against the siding. I was tormented by this yard, but it was my goal to make it to the front door where Kay, the mastermind of all of this, would nicely give me a small white bag of candy. Was it really worth it? I think I made it to the door maybe twice. Maybe. I know we had a few drive-by's where I thought I'd get out of the car, but one of the yard actors ended up chasing us down the sidewalk so we drove off.
Thirdly, of course there were a million good treats. There were always those ladies who made the popcorn balls every year. You knew exactly which house to go to for a popcorn ball, and sometimes which house to go to for the good candy. Does anyone make popcorn balls for anything other than Halloween? Just wondering.
And on that note, I must say that my niece, dressed as Blue from Blue's Clues, was quite cute last night. I wish I had a picture of her to post, but I forgot to take one!
And I'm off to visit high schools for the rest of the week...have a lovely first week of November!
While all of this reminiscing is happening about Halloween days of old, I too have many fond memories of costumes and tricks and treats.
First and foremost, the all-time best costume ever was my shiny silver Hershey's Kiss costume that my Grandma Shirlye and my mom made together. I think I wore this in second grade. And then again in third grade. I loved it that much. This was not your typical store-bought Hershey's Kiss costume. No, no, my friends, it was much better than that. It was made of shiny silver material and gave my little 7 year old body quite the Hershey's Kiss shape. And to top it all off, I had the matching headpiece, like a mini-kiss with the paper tassel to boot. I still cry tears of sadness for the fact that my mom sold it to some lady in Streator for her granddaughter to wear. I was deeply saddened, despite the fact that I couldn't fit into it any longer, but I couldn't keep it for my child to wear someday. I guess I'll have to break out the old pattern and sewing machine someday. (as if I'd know how to use it!)
Second, there was always this lady who lived on Elm Street, near our old house on Shabbona in Streator, who never failed to decorate her house and yard beyond even the craziest imagination. There was a wire fence all around the yard, and you had to enter through the main gate. Following your entrance many real people dressed in costume would play their role of Freddy, a witch, a person being hanged, etc. Once there was even a man on the roof pushing dirt off the side and a Freddy scratching his long nails against the siding. I was tormented by this yard, but it was my goal to make it to the front door where Kay, the mastermind of all of this, would nicely give me a small white bag of candy. Was it really worth it? I think I made it to the door maybe twice. Maybe. I know we had a few drive-by's where I thought I'd get out of the car, but one of the yard actors ended up chasing us down the sidewalk so we drove off.
Thirdly, of course there were a million good treats. There were always those ladies who made the popcorn balls every year. You knew exactly which house to go to for a popcorn ball, and sometimes which house to go to for the good candy. Does anyone make popcorn balls for anything other than Halloween? Just wondering.
And on that note, I must say that my niece, dressed as Blue from Blue's Clues, was quite cute last night. I wish I had a picture of her to post, but I forgot to take one!
And I'm off to visit high schools for the rest of the week...have a lovely first week of November!
Monday, October 24, 2005
oh, Christian radio. you silly people.
I can't get enough of talking about how funny it can be to listen to Christian radio sometimes. Heidi and Alli and I talked about it for quite some time the other night.
I can't listen to it for more than 30 seconds without bursting into laughter for hearing an on-air prayer, the "newest hits" like Steven Curtis Chapman's "The Great Adventure", or hearing some cheesy advertisement or commercial "drama" between two girls debating about whether or not to go to a party. I haven't even gotten into the whole ApologetiX scene of covering "Love Shack" with "Shad-rach, baby Meshach"!
And then, just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, the other day I heard the lady on Shine 89.7 FM (which is a SOMEWHAT decent station out of Olivet Nazarene Univ. in Kankakee) talking about Mr. Tomlin (Chris). She began to introduce his involvement with the Passion network and partnership with Louis Giglio. However, her pronunciation of Giglio sounded somewhat French--like the failure of a movie, Gigli, starring Bennifer? Yeah, just like that. Gigli-o. Are you kidding me?
These people have no idea what's going on in the world.
I can't listen to it for more than 30 seconds without bursting into laughter for hearing an on-air prayer, the "newest hits" like Steven Curtis Chapman's "The Great Adventure", or hearing some cheesy advertisement or commercial "drama" between two girls debating about whether or not to go to a party. I haven't even gotten into the whole ApologetiX scene of covering "Love Shack" with "Shad-rach, baby Meshach"!
And then, just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, the other day I heard the lady on Shine 89.7 FM (which is a SOMEWHAT decent station out of Olivet Nazarene Univ. in Kankakee) talking about Mr. Tomlin (Chris). She began to introduce his involvement with the Passion network and partnership with Louis Giglio. However, her pronunciation of Giglio sounded somewhat French--like the failure of a movie, Gigli, starring Bennifer? Yeah, just like that. Gigli-o. Are you kidding me?
These people have no idea what's going on in the world.
Friday, October 21, 2005
i'm still alive!
OK so it's been awhile since I've blogged. How do I know? I've officially been moved down on Lindy's link list. That's when you know you haven't updated enough!
It has been a wild past few weeks...college fairs every night this week, a concert, more college fairs, some more travel, etc. But I have to be honest: I love it. I love being busy and I love traveling. I can't say that enough. Even if it is just around Illinois. I think there's a bit of explorer in me that likes to figure out the maps and know which way it is to wherever.
Lately a little bit of me has been wanting to move to Chicago. Why? Maybe because there's lots there to explore? I'm not sure.
I'd like to welcome my long-time friend Amanda Cole to the blogger world. I'm so happy she's jumped on the bandwagon!
As for my own blog, I have sucked at it lately. I apologize. I realize you taking the time to read this has actually been a large waste of time...and that's why I promise to write a post of substance soon.
I promise.
I just don't have time right now.
I do have the time to inform you of my exciting plans for the evening, however:
Because my roommate and I have not had a DVD player (yeah, I know, we're ghetto) until last week when she bought one, we've been unable to rent anything other than VHS. Well, in Movie Gallery a few weeks ago we found my favorite TV movie ever made called Lucky 7. It's from ABC Family and it's starring Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Patrick Dempsey. It might be on my fave movie list, but shhhh..... anyway they have it on DVD, which highly inspired us to buy a DVD player finally. So, tonight's events involve ordering pizza, making popcorn, and watching Lucky 7. If anyone wants to join us, come on over! I know, it's a tempting Friday night, huh? We live the crazy life. La Vida Loca.
okay. you're bored out of your minds. i'm done.
later.
It has been a wild past few weeks...college fairs every night this week, a concert, more college fairs, some more travel, etc. But I have to be honest: I love it. I love being busy and I love traveling. I can't say that enough. Even if it is just around Illinois. I think there's a bit of explorer in me that likes to figure out the maps and know which way it is to wherever.
Lately a little bit of me has been wanting to move to Chicago. Why? Maybe because there's lots there to explore? I'm not sure.
I'd like to welcome my long-time friend Amanda Cole to the blogger world. I'm so happy she's jumped on the bandwagon!
As for my own blog, I have sucked at it lately. I apologize. I realize you taking the time to read this has actually been a large waste of time...and that's why I promise to write a post of substance soon.
I promise.
I just don't have time right now.
I do have the time to inform you of my exciting plans for the evening, however:
Because my roommate and I have not had a DVD player (yeah, I know, we're ghetto) until last week when she bought one, we've been unable to rent anything other than VHS. Well, in Movie Gallery a few weeks ago we found my favorite TV movie ever made called Lucky 7. It's from ABC Family and it's starring Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Patrick Dempsey. It might be on my fave movie list, but shhhh..... anyway they have it on DVD, which highly inspired us to buy a DVD player finally. So, tonight's events involve ordering pizza, making popcorn, and watching Lucky 7. If anyone wants to join us, come on over! I know, it's a tempting Friday night, huh? We live the crazy life. La Vida Loca.
okay. you're bored out of your minds. i'm done.
later.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
vnjuiweykqvw
So, about this whole word verification thing.
Anyone else have trouble reading what the heck they are sometimes?
I find it hilarious that it's called "word" verification, considering that they're far...very far... from being real words.
That's all.
Anyone else have trouble reading what the heck they are sometimes?
I find it hilarious that it's called "word" verification, considering that they're far...very far... from being real words.
That's all.
Friday, October 07, 2005
it's a cold one
This font matches my shirt today. But if you knew me, you'd know that I always do that (match my fonts to something I'm wearing or a mood I'm in).
so let's play ketchup:
so let's play ketchup:
- I get around. (not like that ya'll!) I've been in several cities and states in the past week. Yes, states. Went to California (Sacramento) for the Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention. I did some airport time in LAX and in Phoenix, and I spent a couple of days in Chi-town and the burbs for college fairs and high schools as well.
- It's really cold outside now. And last night I chose to embrace it by wearing my comfy clothes, burning 3 fall-ish/winter-ish candles, and drinking hot chocolate.
- NICK WON!!!!! Woo-hoo! If you never watched So You Think You Can Dance, you missed out big time. I had to catch up last night on the recorded versions of the past two weeks, so now I know the ending! I knew it was going to happen, and I would've been ticked if Nick didn't take the cake! He is amazing. I think I could watch him do hip-hop every day for the rest of my life. Could someone arrange that?
- I'm listening to Tyler James right now, trying to prep for the concert w/ Denison in a couple weeks. I really like him. Very fall-ish feeling, again.
- Does anyone want to have a bonfire soon? I do.
- I might want to go to Columbia in Chicago someday...decision based solely on their amazingly brilliant marketing & publicity tactics. they have the coolest viewbook i've ever seen in my life.
- Best comment I received from driving the Scion this past week (other than the many stares I get while driving down the highway and while waiting in traffic): (note: this comment coming from 2 admissions counselor guys from 2 secular schools) "It looks like you're selling beer out of the back of that thing!" Yep. That's exactly what we, LCC, are going for. Great.
- I'm really looking forward to seeing In Her Shoes this weekend, hopefully w/ my sister.
- I'm thinking it may be a movie and popcorn night tonight. It's definitely a stay-inside night and I'm definitely meant to live somewhere south of here. It's way too cold already.
Denison Witmer @ LCC - 10/17
Alright ya'll. I'm back and I'm puttin' in a plug for this:
Denison Witmer in concert @ Lincoln Christian College
Monday, October 17th
Concert starts @ 8:30,
doors open @ 7:30
Tyler James is opening
$8 for non-LCC students
so check check check it out yo.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
on the road again
"On the road again" should probably be the title of my life, since i tend to be on the road a lot. But I don't mind. In fact, I love it. I think it's because I feel like I'm making progress. I'm getting somewhere. That's always a good thing to know in life.
I'm about to be gone for the next week, so don't expect any blogs from me. I'll fill you in when I get back.
I'm SOOOO sad that I'm going to miss tonight's So You Think You Can Dance as well as next Wednesday's. I'm not sure which is the last week, but I have college fairs. Don't tell me who wins cuz my roommate is going to tape it for me!
Speaking of TV, it has been such a whirlwind of season finales and season premieres! With tears I have said goodbye to Wildfire, Beautiful People, and soon SYTYCD. I have welcomed back, however, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, The O.C., Grey's Anatomy, and probably more to come.
And in other news, as my sister has posted in her recent blog...Fall is here. Much to my dismay, the summer is gone. I have reluctantly welcomed my hoodies, my colored pants (though still with flip flops), and caramel apple cider from Starbucks back into my heart. I will miss the summer, but I suppose I will enjoy the crispness of fall...but only for a short while. I just don't like what it leads into. And it's so much harder to find SHOES! ugh.
I have lots to do, so I am on my way. Have a lovely day! Grab yourself some caramel apple cider, wear some flip flops, go outside and play, and enjoy the in-between of seasons!
I'm about to be gone for the next week, so don't expect any blogs from me. I'll fill you in when I get back.
I'm SOOOO sad that I'm going to miss tonight's So You Think You Can Dance as well as next Wednesday's. I'm not sure which is the last week, but I have college fairs. Don't tell me who wins cuz my roommate is going to tape it for me!
Speaking of TV, it has been such a whirlwind of season finales and season premieres! With tears I have said goodbye to Wildfire, Beautiful People, and soon SYTYCD. I have welcomed back, however, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, The O.C., Grey's Anatomy, and probably more to come.
And in other news, as my sister has posted in her recent blog...Fall is here. Much to my dismay, the summer is gone. I have reluctantly welcomed my hoodies, my colored pants (though still with flip flops), and caramel apple cider from Starbucks back into my heart. I will miss the summer, but I suppose I will enjoy the crispness of fall...but only for a short while. I just don't like what it leads into. And it's so much harder to find SHOES! ugh.
I have lots to do, so I am on my way. Have a lovely day! Grab yourself some caramel apple cider, wear some flip flops, go outside and play, and enjoy the in-between of seasons!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
i'm intrigued
post #2 already this morning? you betcha.
I'm intrigued right now and completely blown away at the wisdom of meteorologists and other weather people who can study the paths of hurricanes and such. This Hurricane Rita thing is blowing my mind, and I'm scared already for the people of the Houston and Galveston area...along w/ all of the Katrina refugees who were sent there! Wow. I don't even know what to think other than the fact that it is scary to think it could destroy one more city and so many more lives. I really want to go help.
and on a completely different note, I'm also intrigued at how my cough medicine that I took this morning has made me feel dizzy, yet great, all morning. I think it's fun. at least i know it's working!
and also (i had to edit this post and add this comment in), if you haven't listened to Laurianne Cates yet, you should. I recommend these songs that I can't stop listening to: "The Kiss," "Back in June," and "The Only Hand I'll Ever Hold." they're just soothing. I love it. I'm addicted to those songs right now.
I'm intrigued right now and completely blown away at the wisdom of meteorologists and other weather people who can study the paths of hurricanes and such. This Hurricane Rita thing is blowing my mind, and I'm scared already for the people of the Houston and Galveston area...along w/ all of the Katrina refugees who were sent there! Wow. I don't even know what to think other than the fact that it is scary to think it could destroy one more city and so many more lives. I really want to go help.
and on a completely different note, I'm also intrigued at how my cough medicine that I took this morning has made me feel dizzy, yet great, all morning. I think it's fun. at least i know it's working!
and also (i had to edit this post and add this comment in), if you haven't listened to Laurianne Cates yet, you should. I recommend these songs that I can't stop listening to: "The Kiss," "Back in June," and "The Only Hand I'll Ever Hold." they're just soothing. I love it. I'm addicted to those songs right now.
the birthday blogger
So yesterday was a GREAT birthday! And the celebration isn't even over yet, b/c I get to hang out w/ my fam this weekend too!
I was trying to think of what I've learned most in 23 years yesterday, and the thing I kept coming up with is just this: I'm so blessed. I've always been blessed, even when I might not have recognized it. There is so much to be thankful for, and I definitely recognize that. Yesterday was just a good day. Even if I did have a cold and a horrible headache and had to come to work.
As for today, I will soon be sending Joolz & Jamie my weekly e-mail comments on So You Think You Can Dance. If any of you would like to join that list, I'll be glad to send those your way as well. However, I'll refrain from my posted comments other than saying Nick & Ashle need to win. That's all I'll say.
And I'm off to get my Caramel Macchiato for the day.
I was trying to think of what I've learned most in 23 years yesterday, and the thing I kept coming up with is just this: I'm so blessed. I've always been blessed, even when I might not have recognized it. There is so much to be thankful for, and I definitely recognize that. Yesterday was just a good day. Even if I did have a cold and a horrible headache and had to come to work.
As for today, I will soon be sending Joolz & Jamie my weekly e-mail comments on So You Think You Can Dance. If any of you would like to join that list, I'll be glad to send those your way as well. However, I'll refrain from my posted comments other than saying Nick & Ashle need to win. That's all I'll say.
And I'm off to get my Caramel Macchiato for the day.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
the great music divide
I have a hard time with people who think they know everything. I have a hard time when people think their opinion is the actual truth. And I have a harder time when I am one of those people. I'll admit it. Sometimes I am. But I don't like that part of me.
But in this case, I'm noticing how differing opinions about music can cause such a great divide. It happens when we discuss our favorite bands, whether a concert was good or not, what style of "worship" music we like best, how we should sing in church, whether we should sing in church, etc. I even notice how people seem to be classified by the music they listen to. It happens all the time.
Do you see it? It's just something I've seen recently... I've seen it in those who I tried to talk into coming to see Matt Wertz Thursday night, and I'm not saying he's the best ever (though he may be in my opinion), but so many people would not give him or his music the time of day. And that's fine. I'll allow room for opinion, even though I wish everyone loved Matt. And I saw it in Chapel this morning. Dinelle Frankland led in the college chapel through a medley of older hymns, modern choruses, etc. in a very simple, piano-led way. There were no drums, no guitars, no bass, etc. Some loved it, others were bored, and I couldn't decide. I hate that these things cause such a great divide.
We've seen it tear apart the church in the past, with instrumental or non-instrumental. Traditional or contemporary. Contemporary or emergent, for that matter. Boring or exciting. Meaningful or pointless.
i'm not sure, even, what my point is in posting this, b/c I'm trying to flesh out my thoughts on this topic. but I do know that music tends to be a subject of great divide, and I wish it weren't. But then again, without differing opinions on stuff like that, where would the creativity be in the body? As scripture says (in my own translation), the eye cannot say to the hand "I don't need you!" Maybe this is a stretch, but I'd like to say to Britney Spears that I don't need her crappy singing. I would like to say to Third Day and Jeremy Camp, "I don't need your re-done versions of worship songs that a million other people have done." I'd like to tell hard metal bands that I don't need their screaming. But nevertheless, I will suck it up and accept that their creativity (or lack thereof) may somehow benefit another. Perhaps it's just not me.
And without some creative, well thought-out conclusion, this is the end of my post about music. It's just a few of the frustrating thoughts about music that were running through my head today. I'd love to hear what your thoughts are. Maybe you'll help me figure out what it is I'm trying to say!
But in this case, I'm noticing how differing opinions about music can cause such a great divide. It happens when we discuss our favorite bands, whether a concert was good or not, what style of "worship" music we like best, how we should sing in church, whether we should sing in church, etc. I even notice how people seem to be classified by the music they listen to. It happens all the time.
Do you see it? It's just something I've seen recently... I've seen it in those who I tried to talk into coming to see Matt Wertz Thursday night, and I'm not saying he's the best ever (though he may be in my opinion), but so many people would not give him or his music the time of day. And that's fine. I'll allow room for opinion, even though I wish everyone loved Matt. And I saw it in Chapel this morning. Dinelle Frankland led in the college chapel through a medley of older hymns, modern choruses, etc. in a very simple, piano-led way. There were no drums, no guitars, no bass, etc. Some loved it, others were bored, and I couldn't decide. I hate that these things cause such a great divide.
We've seen it tear apart the church in the past, with instrumental or non-instrumental. Traditional or contemporary. Contemporary or emergent, for that matter. Boring or exciting. Meaningful or pointless.
i'm not sure, even, what my point is in posting this, b/c I'm trying to flesh out my thoughts on this topic. but I do know that music tends to be a subject of great divide, and I wish it weren't. But then again, without differing opinions on stuff like that, where would the creativity be in the body? As scripture says (in my own translation), the eye cannot say to the hand "I don't need you!" Maybe this is a stretch, but I'd like to say to Britney Spears that I don't need her crappy singing. I would like to say to Third Day and Jeremy Camp, "I don't need your re-done versions of worship songs that a million other people have done." I'd like to tell hard metal bands that I don't need their screaming. But nevertheless, I will suck it up and accept that their creativity (or lack thereof) may somehow benefit another. Perhaps it's just not me.
And without some creative, well thought-out conclusion, this is the end of my post about music. It's just a few of the frustrating thoughts about music that were running through my head today. I'd love to hear what your thoughts are. Maybe you'll help me figure out what it is I'm trying to say!
Monday, September 19, 2005
birthday week!
Well it's officially birthday week. I'm ready to be 23 already. 22 is boring. (i know, 23 is still young, but 22 is just a boring number.)
This weekend, I...
~got a cold. :-(
~cooked out @ Miller Park w/ Heidi, Missy, & Jake
~took some pics @ Miller Park (soon to be posted if they turn out okay)
~listened to this girl, Laurianne Cates, who Matt Wertz & Rob Blackledge talked about at dinner the other night. go to the link, scroll down, and listen to the song "The Kiss." absolutely beautiful. It was inspired by the painting "The Kiss." I can't stop listening to it. the link isn't to her official site, but it's the only place i could find that song.
~just realized Missy Higgins is on tour w/ Jason Mraz, and they're in St. Louis and Chicago soon...i really wanna go now.
~played Dr. Mario @ Missy & Jake's. GREAT game.
~played w/ my niece a whole lot and ate a yummy meal and chocolate cake that my sis made.
This weekend, I...
~got a cold. :-(
~cooked out @ Miller Park w/ Heidi, Missy, & Jake
~took some pics @ Miller Park (soon to be posted if they turn out okay)
~listened to this girl, Laurianne Cates, who Matt Wertz & Rob Blackledge talked about at dinner the other night. go to the link, scroll down, and listen to the song "The Kiss." absolutely beautiful. It was inspired by the painting "The Kiss." I can't stop listening to it. the link isn't to her official site, but it's the only place i could find that song.
~just realized Missy Higgins is on tour w/ Jason Mraz, and they're in St. Louis and Chicago soon...i really wanna go now.
~played Dr. Mario @ Missy & Jake's. GREAT game.
~played w/ my niece a whole lot and ate a yummy meal and chocolate cake that my sis made.
Friday, September 16, 2005
we'll be fine just like the last time baby
ahh...yes.
though yesterday's post was a valid post written out of my stress level at that moment, it was well worth it last night.
Ya'll know I talk about Matt Wertz all the time on here, and that's b/c he's great. Or at least I, and a lot of other people, think so. He played last night at LCC along w/ Rob Blackledge. Both of these guys are extremely talented...and quite hilarious I might add.
Kate, Chels, and I took them out for dinner @ Guzzardo's and pretty much laughed a majority of the time, but we had some really good conversation. It was so refreshing to hang out w/ them just as normal guys, just as much as it was nice for them probably to just hang out w/ us as normal people instead of like some crazy psycho fans or something. It was fun to pack up in my Ford Focus and show 'em a bit of Lincoln. and the coolest thing about them is that they're pretty much the most humble people ever. they just love to play music.
Anyways, I'm just sayin'...last night was so worth everything put into it. I love those guys, and I hope you will too. If you haven't heard them before, check them out. and wish you could've been here last night if you weren't, b/c you missed out on good times!
though yesterday's post was a valid post written out of my stress level at that moment, it was well worth it last night.
Ya'll know I talk about Matt Wertz all the time on here, and that's b/c he's great. Or at least I, and a lot of other people, think so. He played last night at LCC along w/ Rob Blackledge. Both of these guys are extremely talented...and quite hilarious I might add.
Kate, Chels, and I took them out for dinner @ Guzzardo's and pretty much laughed a majority of the time, but we had some really good conversation. It was so refreshing to hang out w/ them just as normal guys, just as much as it was nice for them probably to just hang out w/ us as normal people instead of like some crazy psycho fans or something. It was fun to pack up in my Ford Focus and show 'em a bit of Lincoln. and the coolest thing about them is that they're pretty much the most humble people ever. they just love to play music.
Anyways, I'm just sayin'...last night was so worth everything put into it. I love those guys, and I hope you will too. If you haven't heard them before, check them out. and wish you could've been here last night if you weren't, b/c you missed out on good times!
Thursday, September 15, 2005
waiting
i have recently come to the conclusion that i might have run out of patience. forever. so maybe pray for me to have some. i'd definitely like some.
the littlest things keep making me mad, and it puts me in a bad mood. plus i think i have chronic fatigue syndrome. i'm so tired always. plus it's cold out.
but on a different note, it's matt wertz day! now as long as we can find a freaking amp and get everything ready, we'll be good to go.
ugh.
jesus, give me patience. i feel like i'm waiting on a million things right now. and all of those things take my attention away from you, and i'm sorry. turn my face back toward yours. i just want to live like i'm waiting for you and you only.
that's my prayer for the moment.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
you can't catch this train
my train of thought, that is. why? it's too dang fast for ya. here's what's on my mind:
- I already feel like I'm failing in helping somehow w/ this whole Katrina thing. It just hit me as I was typing the Title for this blog and as I was thinking about what I should write about. I realized I don't want to lose the fervor and the passion and the compassion I have for the people who've lost practically their entire lives. I need to watch the news some more, but even that is starting to slow down. 1 week ago that's all you'd find on CNN, and now it's back to other stuff. As I noted on a comment on Jamie's blog the other day, MTV has had the best coverage I've seen on it yet. They did a "Diary" show the other night where each of their newspeople went out to different places and gathered stories, and basically each of them followed one victim's story. It truly showed the impact on individual lives and made it more real to me, and I appreciated MTV for finally capturing the REALness of it for me.
- Matt Wertz is coming in 2 days, and I'm really excited about it. However, I hope everything goes smoothly w/ the whole day...there are a lot of things going on and lots of stuff to be taken care of. I just don't wanna have to be responsible if something goes wrong or if he leaves and hates us and never wants to come back to Lincoln...maybe i'm just taking my dream from a few weeks ago too seriously. ya think?
- I really love Rolos. (can you see the digression of this blog? from severe importance to "i have nothing better to write about"...and i continue to digress) But seriously. I really do love Rolos. Here's my method for eating them: put in mouth, slowly let the chocolate melt off of the caramel, then slowly let the caramel dissolve in your mouth last. It makes them last a whole lot longer! Try it! SAVOR the FLAVOR! ok that was stupid, i know.
- I have my photography class tonight, and I thought you might like to see some of this past week's assignment photos. They were supposed to be on things in motion and shallow depth of field. Here are some of the ones I liked:
- I am waiting for a phone call. Actually two of them.
- I'm wondering if my sis and brother-in-law had a good time in Vegas. I think I'll call later and find out.
- I've had lots of thoughts recently about communion and how amazing it is that it just symbolizes so much. If you'd like, I'll call it "the sacraments." Every time I try to "prepare myself" for it, I realize that there really is no way to "prepare" for it as we often say, other than by being willing to accept it. I love the reminder that no matter where you are, no matter where your heart is, no matter what you just did the night before, no matter what you were thinking about someone you don't like 5 minutes ago, no matter what, Christ meets us where we're at. He comes to us. I know this revelation of mine is nothing new, but it has been renewed and revealed to me again lately. I just love when that happens.
Monday, September 12, 2005
this is pretty funny
I have a friend, whom some of you may know--Amanda Cole, who is interning/working @ Southeast Christian Church in Louisville right now. If you don't know, Southeast is this huge, ginormous church in Kentucky. Anyways, below is an email Amanda sent me this morning:
Mandy,
So I thought you would enjoy this story. The guys in my office just told me that this weekend a woman at the welcome center gave a tour of the building to this black guy and his big black friend, he wanted to see the church, the soundboard, the whole place you know. He kept asking her if she was into rap music and what she liked to listen to as far as music goes. She said she didn’t really care for rap. So at the end of the tour they shook hands and he told her his name was NELLY! She had no idea who he was……until she got home and told her husband about it. Hilarious! Nelly was here at Southeast and no one even knew!!!
Just a little fun to brighten your day,
Manda
I'm wondering if he wanted to do a special music or something? Maybe he could do "It's Gettin' Hot in Here" as some kind of representation of hell? asd;lkjweproij
Mandy,
So I thought you would enjoy this story. The guys in my office just told me that this weekend a woman at the welcome center gave a tour of the building to this black guy and his big black friend, he wanted to see the church, the soundboard, the whole place you know. He kept asking her if she was into rap music and what she liked to listen to as far as music goes. She said she didn’t really care for rap. So at the end of the tour they shook hands and he told her his name was NELLY! She had no idea who he was……until she got home and told her husband about it. Hilarious! Nelly was here at Southeast and no one even knew!!!
Just a little fun to brighten your day,
Manda
I'm wondering if he wanted to do a special music or something? Maybe he could do "It's Gettin' Hot in Here" as some kind of representation of hell? asd;lkjweproij
Friday, September 09, 2005
i lied.
oops!
i lied in the previous post when i said i had nothing to say.
i just remembered this: my birthday is coming up! yay!
12 more days. yes, do the math. september 21st, my friends.
if you'd like to see a wishlist, i could probably put one together.
just kidding!!! have a lovely weekend all!
i lied in the previous post when i said i had nothing to say.
i just remembered this: my birthday is coming up! yay!
12 more days. yes, do the math. september 21st, my friends.
if you'd like to see a wishlist, i could probably put one together.
just kidding!!! have a lovely weekend all!
new blogger!!!
Friends, it's getting exciting around here in the blogworld.
Missy, aka Melissa Raymer, my old LCC roommate of D102 for 3 years, now has a blog!
This is good news!
In other news as for this Friday:
-I have little to say, believe it or not!
anyone have any good ideas of stuff to do this weekend? i'm already bored and i still have an hour left of work! no weekend plans whatsoever are in place for me...
Missy, aka Melissa Raymer, my old LCC roommate of D102 for 3 years, now has a blog!
This is good news!
In other news as for this Friday:
-I have little to say, believe it or not!
anyone have any good ideas of stuff to do this weekend? i'm already bored and i still have an hour left of work! no weekend plans whatsoever are in place for me...
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
re:
Matt Wertz: I can't get #1 (Like the Last Time) out of my head from this new release of his. It's only $7.00 b/c it only has 5 songs on it...just different versions mostly of ones he's done before. Also, had a bad dream about the upcoming concert @ LCC not turning out so well, but I know it isn't a prophecy, b/c I have a feeling our concert will be packed.
being domestic: that's what I've been lately! I've been cooking up a storm! I have my freshman orientation group coming over tonight for dinner, so I made Lasagna, we're making cheese/garlic biscuits, salad, and homemade strawberry shortcakes. Yum. good meal or what?
Marc Broussard: I want his older CD. If you don't have either of his, you need to get them. Check it out here.
ReAct Now Music & Relief Concert: looking forward to hopefully watching or taping this on Sat. night from 7-10 p.m. (Central time)
couples things: I'm tired of this. And by this, I mean, I'm kind of worn out w/ people hooking up and then all of a sudden it's like they're a part of this special club that does things in pairs. maybe i'll understand someday when i'm dating someone or when i'm married or something, but for right now, it gets kind of old. i love when my dating and/or married friends hang out w/ those of us who are still unattached without expecting someone else to come alongside. OK, that's enough of that soapbox. I promise I'm not some negative discontent single girl, but I'm sure that's what it sounds like on here.
the weather: is it beautiful outside or what? I wish I could move my cubicle outside. It's gorgeous! It makes me soooo happy!
So You Think You Can Dance: it's on. tonight. Snow--you better be leaving soon! I guess the only positive if you stay is that I'll still have something to laugh at regularly on Wed. nights! I might have to tape it w/ my group coming over tonight for din-din.
the OC: omg, i just remembered it starts tomorrow night!!!! ahhhhh!!! my TV time is increasing...
being domestic: that's what I've been lately! I've been cooking up a storm! I have my freshman orientation group coming over tonight for dinner, so I made Lasagna, we're making cheese/garlic biscuits, salad, and homemade strawberry shortcakes. Yum. good meal or what?
Marc Broussard: I want his older CD. If you don't have either of his, you need to get them. Check it out here.
ReAct Now Music & Relief Concert: looking forward to hopefully watching or taping this on Sat. night from 7-10 p.m. (Central time)
couples things: I'm tired of this. And by this, I mean, I'm kind of worn out w/ people hooking up and then all of a sudden it's like they're a part of this special club that does things in pairs. maybe i'll understand someday when i'm dating someone or when i'm married or something, but for right now, it gets kind of old. i love when my dating and/or married friends hang out w/ those of us who are still unattached without expecting someone else to come alongside. OK, that's enough of that soapbox. I promise I'm not some negative discontent single girl, but I'm sure that's what it sounds like on here.
the weather: is it beautiful outside or what? I wish I could move my cubicle outside. It's gorgeous! It makes me soooo happy!
So You Think You Can Dance: it's on. tonight. Snow--you better be leaving soon! I guess the only positive if you stay is that I'll still have something to laugh at regularly on Wed. nights! I might have to tape it w/ my group coming over tonight for din-din.
the OC: omg, i just remembered it starts tomorrow night!!!! ahhhhh!!! my TV time is increasing...
Thursday, September 01, 2005
So you think you can dance? weekly memos
I cannot get on w/ this post w/out saying this:
Snow--what the crap was that last night? Do you really think you can dance? Words cannot even begin to express the laughter and hilarity my roommate Heidi and I experienced while watching the 45 seconds of you twirling your skirt, stomping your feet like a soldier, pointing your finger, pretending you're at a rave w/ a glow stick, or whatever the heck that was you did. All I can say is this: thanks for making me laugh harder than I had in a really long time. And thank you for allowing me to continually imitate you with ease each week.
and now, on with the rest of my memos:
Melissa--You should win. Ignore the crap they told you about being too jazzy last night. You're good.
Ashle--if Melissa doesn't win, you should win. You're a strong dancer.
Allen--I'm sorry buddy, but you can't go on any longer. I like your personality, but really most people who can dance can do what you do. You're not as versatile as you need to be to win this competition. (i know, i sound like a judge now, don't i?)
Nick--you're darn cute. I'm wondering curiously if you're gay. If not, the girls will be crazy about you. Even if you are, we probably still will be. You should be the guy winner.
Jamile--I really like you still too.
Dan Karaty--I missed you judging last night, but I'm so glad I got to see you on the screen for the few minutes they showed you choreographing the hip hop dance. You're half the reason I watch the show. Can you please come to Lincoln, IL and hang out w/ me? I can't get over your adorable-ness.
Live audience--you're so stinking annoying. You were a little better last night than you usually are, but you've gotta stop w/ the stupid "boo"-ing whenever the judges speak any truth. They know what they're talking about! (well most of the time)
that's all for this week.
oh, and America? here's your memo--if you don't vote Snow off the show this week, I'm going to be really pissed off at you. And also, please don't vote off Ryan. Keep him and, as much as I hate to say it, you've gotta get rid of Allan this week. PLEASE be smart.
Snow--what the crap was that last night? Do you really think you can dance? Words cannot even begin to express the laughter and hilarity my roommate Heidi and I experienced while watching the 45 seconds of you twirling your skirt, stomping your feet like a soldier, pointing your finger, pretending you're at a rave w/ a glow stick, or whatever the heck that was you did. All I can say is this: thanks for making me laugh harder than I had in a really long time. And thank you for allowing me to continually imitate you with ease each week.
and now, on with the rest of my memos:
Melissa--You should win. Ignore the crap they told you about being too jazzy last night. You're good.
Ashle--if Melissa doesn't win, you should win. You're a strong dancer.
Allen--I'm sorry buddy, but you can't go on any longer. I like your personality, but really most people who can dance can do what you do. You're not as versatile as you need to be to win this competition. (i know, i sound like a judge now, don't i?)
Nick--you're darn cute. I'm wondering curiously if you're gay. If not, the girls will be crazy about you. Even if you are, we probably still will be. You should be the guy winner.
Jamile--I really like you still too.
Dan Karaty--I missed you judging last night, but I'm so glad I got to see you on the screen for the few minutes they showed you choreographing the hip hop dance. You're half the reason I watch the show. Can you please come to Lincoln, IL and hang out w/ me? I can't get over your adorable-ness.
Live audience--you're so stinking annoying. You were a little better last night than you usually are, but you've gotta stop w/ the stupid "boo"-ing whenever the judges speak any truth. They know what they're talking about! (well most of the time)
that's all for this week.
oh, and America? here's your memo--if you don't vote Snow off the show this week, I'm going to be really pissed off at you. And also, please don't vote off Ryan. Keep him and, as much as I hate to say it, you've gotta get rid of Allan this week. PLEASE be smart.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
on Katrina: “This is a nightmare,” Blanco added, “but one that will give us an opportunity for rebirth.”
I feel helpless.
I'm journaling about this on here, because I feel like I have to get it out in some way. I'm distraught about this hurricane, which before last night I didn't seem to care a bit about. I'm thankful that God opened my eyes to see the tragedy that is happening just so He can teach me a few things through it.
It's sad that it often takes a tragedy to teach us things we should've known before. And people question why "God allows this stuff to happen." I'm not saying I've never questioned that before, but I don't doubt that He's working in the midst of it, that's for sure. If He's teaching me here in IL where I'm physically unaffected by this storm, then I can't imagine how He's working where people are actually facing the effects of Katrina physically.
I've watched the news and slideshows of pictures from the storm, and I can't stop thinking about how it must feel to have no escape. How humbling. How reliant and dependent on others you'd have to be right now. No food. No electricity. No clean water. No transportation. No rules, really. And no escape. If I'm ever without food or clean water, it's not like I can't just drive somewhere or walk down the road and find it. These people have absolutely nowhere to go. And the funny thing is, this is daily life for some in other countries.
I read on an MSN article today about people swimming through water, having to push floating cars out of their way just to get through and swim along with the current. They're forced to ignore the dead bodies because there are survivors who need to be the main priority right now, so they swim right past floating carcasses. It sounds sick, but what other options do they have?
I can't figure out what you'd do w/ babies and little children...the elderly who need to be hooked up to oxygen tanks, diabetics who need their insulin shots, people in hospitals or at home who need prescriptions.
And all the while I can't figure out how people go through this life claiming to be faithless. They don't believe in anything, or they'd rather suggest that there are many different belief systems that one can choose from that will lead to the same place. I beg to differ. Isn't it obvious that people who claim to have no faith really do have faith? Isn't it obvious that there's something beyond this world and the temporal things we see?
It's a city in ruins. And it's not anything new or different. It happened thousands of years ago, and it is happening today. We have to realize we're not indestructible. We're not unbreakable. And in situations where it seems there is no escape, that is our only escape--to realize that we are not the center of it all.
What are you putting your hope in?
I'm journaling about this on here, because I feel like I have to get it out in some way. I'm distraught about this hurricane, which before last night I didn't seem to care a bit about. I'm thankful that God opened my eyes to see the tragedy that is happening just so He can teach me a few things through it.
It's sad that it often takes a tragedy to teach us things we should've known before. And people question why "God allows this stuff to happen." I'm not saying I've never questioned that before, but I don't doubt that He's working in the midst of it, that's for sure. If He's teaching me here in IL where I'm physically unaffected by this storm, then I can't imagine how He's working where people are actually facing the effects of Katrina physically.
I've watched the news and slideshows of pictures from the storm, and I can't stop thinking about how it must feel to have no escape. How humbling. How reliant and dependent on others you'd have to be right now. No food. No electricity. No clean water. No transportation. No rules, really. And no escape. If I'm ever without food or clean water, it's not like I can't just drive somewhere or walk down the road and find it. These people have absolutely nowhere to go. And the funny thing is, this is daily life for some in other countries.
I read on an MSN article today about people swimming through water, having to push floating cars out of their way just to get through and swim along with the current. They're forced to ignore the dead bodies because there are survivors who need to be the main priority right now, so they swim right past floating carcasses. It sounds sick, but what other options do they have?
I can't figure out what you'd do w/ babies and little children...the elderly who need to be hooked up to oxygen tanks, diabetics who need their insulin shots, people in hospitals or at home who need prescriptions.
And all the while I can't figure out how people go through this life claiming to be faithless. They don't believe in anything, or they'd rather suggest that there are many different belief systems that one can choose from that will lead to the same place. I beg to differ. Isn't it obvious that people who claim to have no faith really do have faith? Isn't it obvious that there's something beyond this world and the temporal things we see?
It's a city in ruins. And it's not anything new or different. It happened thousands of years ago, and it is happening today. We have to realize we're not indestructible. We're not unbreakable. And in situations where it seems there is no escape, that is our only escape--to realize that we are not the center of it all.
What are you putting your hope in?
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
class
so...
i'm a student again?
i'm jumping into a Photography class that Scott Sarver is teaching here this semester. They started last Tuesday night but I found out about an opening and I have class tonight! I'm excited to learn a lot more about it. however, b/c my camera is not the coolest, and it doesn't have a manual setting, i may have to borrow for some assignments.
can't wait to sit w/ my fellow staff buddy sheri!
oh--and i just remembered this...serena requested in my comments section a review of Bethany Dillon's new CD...that will be soon to come.
i'm a student again?
i'm jumping into a Photography class that Scott Sarver is teaching here this semester. They started last Tuesday night but I found out about an opening and I have class tonight! I'm excited to learn a lot more about it. however, b/c my camera is not the coolest, and it doesn't have a manual setting, i may have to borrow for some assignments.
can't wait to sit w/ my fellow staff buddy sheri!
oh--and i just remembered this...serena requested in my comments section a review of Bethany Dillon's new CD...that will be soon to come.
new bloggers
I just want to bring your attention to some of the new bloggers now added to my "friends, family, and strangers" links. I've added several recently.
However, Rachel's is the newest, and no offense to everyone else, but it's the one I'm most excited to read daily! this girl is where i learned the skills of sarcasm from. she's freakin' hilarious. i love you rach! :-)
However, Rachel's is the newest, and no offense to everyone else, but it's the one I'm most excited to read daily! this girl is where i learned the skills of sarcasm from. she's freakin' hilarious. i love you rach! :-)
Monday, August 29, 2005
a smorgasboard of things
I love to use the word smorgasboard for some odd reason. I think it's funny.
Reminder: check this out. Matt Wertz @ LCC w/ Rob Blackledge. Time change: concert is now at 8:30 p.m., doors will open @ 7:30 p.m.
I have my first chiropractic appointment tomorrow morning at 10:20 a.m., thanks to my annoying lower back pain that seems to persist and haunt my existence.
Bethany Dillon concert on Friday night--amazing. As Courtney said during one of her songs, "I could hardly breathe during that song..." that's how much Bethany blows me away with her wisdom. I am amazed at her talent all the time, and I'm amazed even more at how God uses music to draw me closer to Him.
I have a giant bruise on my left leg..."from what?" you ask. Well, yes, it's from playing hide-and-seek in the dark w/ 20 people at the Hornbrooks' house this weekend for our Fuel Leadership Advance (not retreat...). It hurts real bad.
We have some great food in our office today b/c of Jen & MK's birthdays. Yummy. I made some taco dip that is the easiest thing in the world. Want the recipe? Here it is: 8 oz. cream cheese, 16 oz. sour cream, 1 pkg. taco seasoning. that's it. If you want to decorate it like I do, you can cut up grape tomatoes and sprinkle some shredded cheese as a garnish for the top. :-)
I have the cutest niece in the entire world. Please see below.
I told you she was cute! I aint lyin'!
Reminder: check this out. Matt Wertz @ LCC w/ Rob Blackledge. Time change: concert is now at 8:30 p.m., doors will open @ 7:30 p.m.
I have my first chiropractic appointment tomorrow morning at 10:20 a.m., thanks to my annoying lower back pain that seems to persist and haunt my existence.
Bethany Dillon concert on Friday night--amazing. As Courtney said during one of her songs, "I could hardly breathe during that song..." that's how much Bethany blows me away with her wisdom. I am amazed at her talent all the time, and I'm amazed even more at how God uses music to draw me closer to Him.
I have a giant bruise on my left leg..."from what?" you ask. Well, yes, it's from playing hide-and-seek in the dark w/ 20 people at the Hornbrooks' house this weekend for our Fuel Leadership Advance (not retreat...). It hurts real bad.
We have some great food in our office today b/c of Jen & MK's birthdays. Yummy. I made some taco dip that is the easiest thing in the world. Want the recipe? Here it is: 8 oz. cream cheese, 16 oz. sour cream, 1 pkg. taco seasoning. that's it. If you want to decorate it like I do, you can cut up grape tomatoes and sprinkle some shredded cheese as a garnish for the top. :-)
I have the cutest niece in the entire world. Please see below.
I told you she was cute! I aint lyin'!
Thursday, August 25, 2005
some of the things floating around in my head
--anxiously awaiting: seeing bethany dillon tomorrow night in indy, getting a massage at the spa in bloomington saturday, the matt wertz concert on the 15th here @ the warehouse
--nervous about: above stated massage @ the spa--thanks to my sister booking it w/ the guy masseuse. might be a little more awkward than relaxing.
--energized: by the new freshmen still...i love hanging out w/ them! they are so much fun!
--tired: somewhat ironically, b/c I was out so late (till 12--two hours past my bedtime!!!) hanging out w/ students @ the bonfire after Focus last night
--looking fwd to: sleeping in tomorrow, thanks to the 4 hours of vacation i'm taking and the afternoon Lynn gave us off!
--reminiscing: on all the memories from freshmen year still...man, i miss it! in an email to rach i just realized something...I think freshman year is so exciting because you can be whoever you want to be, because it's new, and it doesn't matter! Then later on we start to trick ourselves into thinking we have to have it all figured out, when we really don't have to. i'm going to be a freshman again...mentally. well, sometimes. not all the time.
--annoyed: w/ certain celebrities...Gwen Stefani--i know you're boycotting the VMA's b/c you weren't invited to perform. Well, get over it. It's probably because you ruined your chances by that hideous outfit you wore on the Teen Choice Awards, and because you pretty much yell in your songs now instead of singing. Snoop dogg--i know you think you're cool and still wanted b/c you're on some Chrysler commercial (or some make of car) w/ your -izzle lingo. I'm pretty sure that whole dizzle has fizzled. for shizzle.
--loving making fun of: Snow on So You Think You Can Dance? can you really call that dancing? I think it looks more like frolicking. I really wish I could videotape myself imitating her in my living room and attach it to this post, but no such luck. if you see me soon, ask me and i'll do it. she looks like a freak. and also, sidenote on the show, i'm super annoyed w/ the host Lauren and the idiot audience that hollers at every true statement the judges say. i hate it when people who don't know how to dance get mad at the judges (who DO) for making honest judgments. ugh.
--still crushing: on dan karaty, hot judge on above-stated show.
--currently: listening to rascal flatts, awaiting the next 28 minutes to go by quickly, and looking fwd to chilling out on a rainy gray day. i think i'll rent a movie. hm...what will i get?
--nervous about: above stated massage @ the spa--thanks to my sister booking it w/ the guy masseuse. might be a little more awkward than relaxing.
--energized: by the new freshmen still...i love hanging out w/ them! they are so much fun!
--tired: somewhat ironically, b/c I was out so late (till 12--two hours past my bedtime!!!) hanging out w/ students @ the bonfire after Focus last night
--looking fwd to: sleeping in tomorrow, thanks to the 4 hours of vacation i'm taking and the afternoon Lynn gave us off!
--reminiscing: on all the memories from freshmen year still...man, i miss it! in an email to rach i just realized something...I think freshman year is so exciting because you can be whoever you want to be, because it's new, and it doesn't matter! Then later on we start to trick ourselves into thinking we have to have it all figured out, when we really don't have to. i'm going to be a freshman again...mentally. well, sometimes. not all the time.
--annoyed: w/ certain celebrities...Gwen Stefani--i know you're boycotting the VMA's b/c you weren't invited to perform. Well, get over it. It's probably because you ruined your chances by that hideous outfit you wore on the Teen Choice Awards, and because you pretty much yell in your songs now instead of singing. Snoop dogg--i know you think you're cool and still wanted b/c you're on some Chrysler commercial (or some make of car) w/ your -izzle lingo. I'm pretty sure that whole dizzle has fizzled. for shizzle.
--loving making fun of: Snow on So You Think You Can Dance? can you really call that dancing? I think it looks more like frolicking. I really wish I could videotape myself imitating her in my living room and attach it to this post, but no such luck. if you see me soon, ask me and i'll do it. she looks like a freak. and also, sidenote on the show, i'm super annoyed w/ the host Lauren and the idiot audience that hollers at every true statement the judges say. i hate it when people who don't know how to dance get mad at the judges (who DO) for making honest judgments. ugh.
--still crushing: on dan karaty, hot judge on above-stated show.
--currently: listening to rascal flatts, awaiting the next 28 minutes to go by quickly, and looking fwd to chilling out on a rainy gray day. i think i'll rent a movie. hm...what will i get?
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
orientation
This weekend has been a fresh, new start for so many. Not just for the freshmen and transfer students who have moved in to start what could be the best 4 years of their lives thus far, but also for me. This weekend, including move-in day and all of the madness of freshmen orientation, has been the culmination of an entire year's worth of work. It's why I'm here. It's the reward.
You can't imagine how exciting it is to see students move in here whom you've met along the way. I remember giving tours to some, sitting down and actually "counseling" some, eating lunches with some, hanging out with some at camps or CIY's, talking to some on the phone, writing or e-mailing with some, and so on... but it's an exhausting excitement. My spirit is energized by seeing everyone here, but physically and mentally I'm exhausted from all that's going on.
We've each led freshmen small groups during orientation, and in the past these have proved to be a failure. They've felt like church camp family groups or d-groups most of the time, and this year wasn't completely different. But we didn't just sit around and discuss. Instead we had "The Amazing Race" on Sat. night w/ our group and some other games (including 4-square, which I hadn't ever played until then) on Sunday afternoon, and service projects yesterday. Our group instantly bonded in The Amazing Race as we ran across campus to get our clues, were sweating all over each other in the cheesy-as-ever-but-still-good-team-building "Human Knot", and as we ran screaming "No man left behind!!!" to make sure we all stuck together. I love my group. These freshmen are awesome.
It just takes me back to when I was a freshman, which seems like soooo many years ago. Melissa and I moved into our room, Rachel was across the hall, and we were each nervous and excited the first day. We met Allison, who was sitting at her computer by herself in her room next door to us, and later we met Steph and her crazy roommate from upstairs. Steph, Alli, Rachel, Missy, and I started hanging out all the time on the tennis courts at night, looking up at the stars and laughing till it was curfew time. I remember how loud and obnoxious we must have been to everyone else. I remember taking the ol' Bible Knowledge Exam and freaking out. I remember getting an orientation "crush" on someone whom I still now know, and I can tell you exactly where we were sitting in the Chapel that night when we met (and probably even what he was wearing). I remember going to Dairy Queen later that night w/ the girls and that boy and another boy from the Hole, and that's the night Rachel named my car Snaggy Magoo. I remember meeting certain people who would just walk right up and introduce themselves, and it was overwhelming b/c I knew I'd forget their names! I remember finally getting the wishbook and looking through to memorize names and faces of all the upperclassmen and other freshmen. I remember Steph saying something to me about my clothing one time b/c I was wearing a spaghetti strap tank top and shorts, and apparently I didn't think that was immodest attire. (I realized later on that it wasn't really appropriate at LCC, but I had no idea.) I remember crazy Megan Snyder who was on our floor and who pretty much brought upon us endless unnecessary stress and chaos. I remember going dancing at Rocky's in Bloomington (yuck) and feeling like we were in trouble from our dorm mom b/c we weren't supposed to be going. I remember thinking I would never be friends w/ all the Lincoln girls who were prof's daughters, even though now I'm really good friends w/ Lindsay Clark (Jones) and Ashleigh Mauhar (Ray). I remember lots of good things, funny things, bad things, things I wish I hadn't done, things I wish could still be going on.
Oh, the memories of freshman year. I miss it, but I don't. I'm glad to be where I am now and to see these new faces come into the newness I once experienced here. It's a new start, and that's what I remember being most exciting about coming to LCC. It's a beginning. And I'm excited to see the end results...which isn't their graduation, but the ministry that happens while they're here and far beyond their days here. Sounds cheesy, I know. But really this whole place is just their orientation to life, isn't it?
You can't imagine how exciting it is to see students move in here whom you've met along the way. I remember giving tours to some, sitting down and actually "counseling" some, eating lunches with some, hanging out with some at camps or CIY's, talking to some on the phone, writing or e-mailing with some, and so on... but it's an exhausting excitement. My spirit is energized by seeing everyone here, but physically and mentally I'm exhausted from all that's going on.
We've each led freshmen small groups during orientation, and in the past these have proved to be a failure. They've felt like church camp family groups or d-groups most of the time, and this year wasn't completely different. But we didn't just sit around and discuss. Instead we had "The Amazing Race" on Sat. night w/ our group and some other games (including 4-square, which I hadn't ever played until then) on Sunday afternoon, and service projects yesterday. Our group instantly bonded in The Amazing Race as we ran across campus to get our clues, were sweating all over each other in the cheesy-as-ever-but-still-good-team-building "Human Knot", and as we ran screaming "No man left behind!!!" to make sure we all stuck together. I love my group. These freshmen are awesome.
It just takes me back to when I was a freshman, which seems like soooo many years ago. Melissa and I moved into our room, Rachel was across the hall, and we were each nervous and excited the first day. We met Allison, who was sitting at her computer by herself in her room next door to us, and later we met Steph and her crazy roommate from upstairs. Steph, Alli, Rachel, Missy, and I started hanging out all the time on the tennis courts at night, looking up at the stars and laughing till it was curfew time. I remember how loud and obnoxious we must have been to everyone else. I remember taking the ol' Bible Knowledge Exam and freaking out. I remember getting an orientation "crush" on someone whom I still now know, and I can tell you exactly where we were sitting in the Chapel that night when we met (and probably even what he was wearing). I remember going to Dairy Queen later that night w/ the girls and that boy and another boy from the Hole, and that's the night Rachel named my car Snaggy Magoo. I remember meeting certain people who would just walk right up and introduce themselves, and it was overwhelming b/c I knew I'd forget their names! I remember finally getting the wishbook and looking through to memorize names and faces of all the upperclassmen and other freshmen. I remember Steph saying something to me about my clothing one time b/c I was wearing a spaghetti strap tank top and shorts, and apparently I didn't think that was immodest attire. (I realized later on that it wasn't really appropriate at LCC, but I had no idea.) I remember crazy Megan Snyder who was on our floor and who pretty much brought upon us endless unnecessary stress and chaos. I remember going dancing at Rocky's in Bloomington (yuck) and feeling like we were in trouble from our dorm mom b/c we weren't supposed to be going. I remember thinking I would never be friends w/ all the Lincoln girls who were prof's daughters, even though now I'm really good friends w/ Lindsay Clark (Jones) and Ashleigh Mauhar (Ray). I remember lots of good things, funny things, bad things, things I wish I hadn't done, things I wish could still be going on.
Oh, the memories of freshman year. I miss it, but I don't. I'm glad to be where I am now and to see these new faces come into the newness I once experienced here. It's a new start, and that's what I remember being most exciting about coming to LCC. It's a beginning. And I'm excited to see the end results...which isn't their graduation, but the ministry that happens while they're here and far beyond their days here. Sounds cheesy, I know. But really this whole place is just their orientation to life, isn't it?
Thursday, August 18, 2005
a little media enlightenment
(left): Bethany Dillon's new CD. Buy it. only $9.99 at Target, $14.88 at Wal-Mart.
(below): have you seen the new Hummer H3 commercial? Somebody has an amazing ad agency...
(below): Dierks' song "Come a Little Closer" gives me chills every time I hear it. all I have to say is h.o.t....
(left): tomorrow night I'll be enjoying the presence of this country fella. I hope he brings his wife Kimberly!
(below): Velvet Elvis. Rob Bell. new book. www.bn.com let's love this book but not to its death, much like Blue Like Jazz. i love donald miller, but he's not jesus. let's not worship him like some seem to. same w/ rob bell. but dang, he is a good communicator.
say what you wish
but you can guarantee I'm going to defend The Second Summer of the Sisterhood as well as its predecessor. This series of the Traveling Pants is quite amazing to me. Ann Brashares has got me hook, line, and sinker. She has these 4 girls' characters developed in such a way that you can relate with different characteristics of each. It reminds me of who I used to be when I was their ages and even who I am now. However, my favorite thing about the books are the quotes that begin each chapter. I wanted to share some of the ones that resonate with me, so here you go:
- "There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." --Nelson Mandela
- "On the other hand, you have different fingers." --Jack Handey
- "Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened." --Winston Churchill
- "Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed." --Michael Pritchard
- "If you scatter thorns, don't go barefoot." --Italian proverb
- "There are two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart's desire. The other is to get it." --George Bernard Shaw
- "What is that you express in your eyes? It seems to me more than all the words I have read in my life." --Walt Whitman
- "He made the world to be a grassy road before her wandering feet." --W.B. Yeats
- "There is no remedy for love but to love more." --Henry David Thoreau
And that's as far as I am. I don't want to peek into the next few chapters, because it's my favorite thing to get to a new chapter and read a new quote. I love this book.
Like I said, say what you wish and make fun of me if you'd like, but I'll defend myself and the book!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
save the date!!!
This is your official notice to save Thursday, September 15th to see my boy, Matty Wertz, play here at LCC in The Warehouse. I'm so pumped. Tell your friends and tell them to tell their friends. If you don't know who he is, you need to. I guarantee you'll love his music.
omg...I can't believe I've forgotten to blog this for the past couple weeks that I've known about it! Email me or comment if you have any questions about it...other than that, here's the facts:
Thursday, 9/15 @ LCC Warehouse
7:00 - opener
8:00 - wertz
and also, here's the inside scoop: we're getting him to do some Q & A time during the morning or afternoon on campus as a part of our monthly Theological Coffeehouse. sweet deal, huh?
And in other music news, TODAY is the big release for Bethany Dillon's new CD Imagination, which I'm already listening to. Check it out. She's amazingly talented.
Monday, August 15, 2005
in between the weeks
here are some of the happenings of the past 3 days...
-i woke up early this morning (4:30 a.m.) feeling like i might throw up (which i'm absolutely terrified of), sweating hot, w/ cramps and a stomachache and unable to fall back asleep. miserable. i'm better now, thank goodness. thanks to just putting a wet washcloth on my forehead, i was able to fall back asleep around 6, only to get up at 7 for work.
-i am very proud of my recently completed art project--the fake window that was on my office wall. it was just antique looking plain old wood. now it's painted black, and i have some sweet 3 x 5 pics from London that I took and had printed w/ a white edge hanging in each section of the window. i'll have to take a picture and post it later.
-fuel was great last night. well, chris's sermon was great, considering it was supposed to be brandon preaching, but he's stuck in south africa b/c of the british airways strike! Revelation 3:16, yo. kicks my butt every time. another time i'll post a long entry about it.
-i saw the hottest guy i may have ever seen in person yesterday at the mall in bloomington...with his girlfriend, of course. maybe it was b/c of the way he was dressed, but oh man...he was absolutely gorgeous. i know you care to know that. kinda reminded me of the way Brad Pitt looked in The Mexican. sizzling.
-this week we're gonna have to kick it into high gear here in Admissions. move-in day: this saturday (for freshmen)= lots of stuff to be prepared for!
-helping w/ seminary registration for new students today...+ free lunch b/c of that. gotta be thankful for that!
-i woke up early this morning (4:30 a.m.) feeling like i might throw up (which i'm absolutely terrified of), sweating hot, w/ cramps and a stomachache and unable to fall back asleep. miserable. i'm better now, thank goodness. thanks to just putting a wet washcloth on my forehead, i was able to fall back asleep around 6, only to get up at 7 for work.
-i am very proud of my recently completed art project--the fake window that was on my office wall. it was just antique looking plain old wood. now it's painted black, and i have some sweet 3 x 5 pics from London that I took and had printed w/ a white edge hanging in each section of the window. i'll have to take a picture and post it later.
-fuel was great last night. well, chris's sermon was great, considering it was supposed to be brandon preaching, but he's stuck in south africa b/c of the british airways strike! Revelation 3:16, yo. kicks my butt every time. another time i'll post a long entry about it.
-i saw the hottest guy i may have ever seen in person yesterday at the mall in bloomington...with his girlfriend, of course. maybe it was b/c of the way he was dressed, but oh man...he was absolutely gorgeous. i know you care to know that. kinda reminded me of the way Brad Pitt looked in The Mexican. sizzling.
-this week we're gonna have to kick it into high gear here in Admissions. move-in day: this saturday (for freshmen)= lots of stuff to be prepared for!
-helping w/ seminary registration for new students today...+ free lunch b/c of that. gotta be thankful for that!
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
thoughts on World Hunger
What is it about today that is totally catching my attention about world hunger?
Is it the pictures on msn.com about the famine in Niger? Is it the fact that it was just a headline on msn about 4 hours ago and now it's gone, while the headilne "20 Essentials for Back to School" has been there all day as if it's the most important thing in the world? Right there along with, of course, "The Allure of the Bad Boy Biker"
Is it the fact that a majority of our lunch conversation with a prospective student and her mom today had to do with corrupt politicians and the need for ACTION rather than just AWARENESS in other countries?
Is it the fact that I just read the comments on Joolz's blog and someone posted something about www.one.org and my above concern for ACTION beyond AWARENESS?
I spent a few minutes today just looking at some websites for places like UNICEF and Compassion and Save the Children to see what each is about. I'm frustrated, because I want to help, but it's hard to know which place to go through. How can I make the most amount of big-picture difference in someone's life? in an entire country? with the little money I have to offer?
And then I look at American culture and how much we selfishly consume. I eat food like it's going out of style. I have two walk-in closets of my own that are full of clothes, half of which I don't even wear. I can't even begin to count the number of shoes I own.I have food in my refrigerator and cupboards that goes to waste b/c I don't eat it in time. I pay for cable, which I could easily live without. I have an awesome apartment that is probably above and beyond what most people live in. Others in our culture live in enormous homes that they can't even take care of without hired help. They drive cars that cost more money than I'll ever see in a matter of a year, or even 5 years probably for that matter. They throw money down the drain for even a tank of gas for their unnecessary Hummer H2 or the next level of some high-tech gadget that they "need." And we call ourselves "blessed?"
I don't think blessed is it. It's not that God chose to "bless" us w/ material possessions and chose not to bless those people. We have just become a selfish nation. We ignore the idea of wealth distribution...or, actually, we just distribute it quite unevenly. I'm not saying sell everything you own and send the money to Ethiopia...although, maybe that's not a bad idea. I John 3:17 is ringing pretty loudly in my ears right now: "If any one of you has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in you?"
I'm frustrated right now. I'm struggling to figure this out. But it's a good struggle. And what will I do? I have no idea. Probably write this and then tomorrow think nothing of it, as I've done in the past and as many of us do every day. It's so much easier to raise awareness and become aware ourselves and then choose to do nothing and go about our comfortable lives. I don't want to be careless. I don't want to be selfish. But how can we help?
Read Matthew 19:13-30 if you get a chance. It's another scripture ringing in my ears right now. Struggle with this. Wrestle with it.
Let's figure out something.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
check this out
if you get a chance today sometime, check out Dustin Bagby's newest article on Relevant Magazine.com at the link below. Hilarious. It's about country music. Although I have to give my boys Dierks, Brad Paisley, and the Rascal Flatts (as un-innovative as they may be) some credit.
And if you don't know Dustin, he's a cool guy who went to LCC w/ me, moved to Manhattan to do church planting, and just got married last weekend in Florida and will now live there w/ his wife Kelli who also went to LCC. Alright now that you have his bio, read the article!
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/article.php?sid=6953
And if you don't know Dustin, he's a cool guy who went to LCC w/ me, moved to Manhattan to do church planting, and just got married last weekend in Florida and will now live there w/ his wife Kelli who also went to LCC. Alright now that you have his bio, read the article!
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/article.php?sid=6953
Monday, August 08, 2005
by the way...
...Motownphilly's back again.
It was too hard to say goodbye.
Yep! You betcha. I saw Boyz II Men on Saturday night. I think I may have laughed the whole time I was there...especially loud when they said "And now this hit from 1991" and I realized I was freaking 9 years old! Holy crap they're old!
good times at the Decatur Celebration.
me and morning
It's a love/hate relationship we have. When the alarm clock/radio comes on, the second alarm buzzes, and the third alarm on my cell phone goes off, the waking process begins. These are the moments I hate most. Very little can entice me out of hitting the snooze button every morning. When you sleep in a really comfortable bed with several pillows in a dark room that has no windows, it is extremely hard to get up in the morning. This is my daily struggle.
I force myself out of bed, at least 30 min. after the snoozing began, and head to the shower for the real wake-up call. After the shower I'm finally awake and have come to terms with the day. Morning has won me over, though I'm still somewhat reluctant and secretly wish to crawl back under the covers. Nevertheless, I carry on with the decisions of the morning: what to wear, whether to scrunch my hair or straighten it, what to take w/ me for breakfast, black or brown eyeliner, etc. (you know, the important stuff!) All the while, I have the 104.5, Springfield's country station, playing, and it's almost daily that I'll get frustrated w/ one of the annoying DJ's or an overplayed song and turn it off. And then, with about negative 5 min. to spare, I head off to work.
One of my favorite parts of the day, however, is the few seconds that I'm outside between my apartment and my car, my car and the office. I love the sunlight in the morning. I love the fresh, crisp air that awakens me and makes me think, "Gosh, I wish I would've been up earlier to enjoy this!" I love the quiet sound of the whole world waking up. I love the smell. I think these are God's whispers.
These are the moments I wish I had more of, but I don't know how to get them. I would wake up much easier if there was sunlight pouring in the windows or if there was someone else waking up with me. Though I know that hitting the snooze button makes you more tired, I can't get enough of it. I'm going to slowly wean myself off of it, if at all possible.
And then I get to work, where usually I start my day w/ about 15 min. of checking my email and hopefully finding a treasure of a real message in the midst of all the junk mail. And usually, a few minutes of reading the blogs of a few who inspire me, make me laugh, or who I just want to catch up with. And I turn on my music and jump into the day...
Today, I threw in a Caramel Hazelnut coffee from Einstein's, just to do something different. I like to throw myself off some morning just by going out of order, breaking free from any routine, but it's hard to do. Sometimes routine is just what I need.
That's the story of me and morning. Sometimes it's a different story, but that's how you'll see it on most days. Like I said, it's a love/hate relationship. In this very moment, I'm loving it.
I force myself out of bed, at least 30 min. after the snoozing began, and head to the shower for the real wake-up call. After the shower I'm finally awake and have come to terms with the day. Morning has won me over, though I'm still somewhat reluctant and secretly wish to crawl back under the covers. Nevertheless, I carry on with the decisions of the morning: what to wear, whether to scrunch my hair or straighten it, what to take w/ me for breakfast, black or brown eyeliner, etc. (you know, the important stuff!) All the while, I have the 104.5, Springfield's country station, playing, and it's almost daily that I'll get frustrated w/ one of the annoying DJ's or an overplayed song and turn it off. And then, with about negative 5 min. to spare, I head off to work.
One of my favorite parts of the day, however, is the few seconds that I'm outside between my apartment and my car, my car and the office. I love the sunlight in the morning. I love the fresh, crisp air that awakens me and makes me think, "Gosh, I wish I would've been up earlier to enjoy this!" I love the quiet sound of the whole world waking up. I love the smell. I think these are God's whispers.
These are the moments I wish I had more of, but I don't know how to get them. I would wake up much easier if there was sunlight pouring in the windows or if there was someone else waking up with me. Though I know that hitting the snooze button makes you more tired, I can't get enough of it. I'm going to slowly wean myself off of it, if at all possible.
And then I get to work, where usually I start my day w/ about 15 min. of checking my email and hopefully finding a treasure of a real message in the midst of all the junk mail. And usually, a few minutes of reading the blogs of a few who inspire me, make me laugh, or who I just want to catch up with. And I turn on my music and jump into the day...
Today, I threw in a Caramel Hazelnut coffee from Einstein's, just to do something different. I like to throw myself off some morning just by going out of order, breaking free from any routine, but it's hard to do. Sometimes routine is just what I need.
That's the story of me and morning. Sometimes it's a different story, but that's how you'll see it on most days. Like I said, it's a love/hate relationship. In this very moment, I'm loving it.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
comments on strange things and also "So You Think You Can Dance?"
-Is it weird that Cruel Intentions was playing on ABC Family last night? I love the movie and all, but does it really belong on a family channel?
-My mom had to call me back last night after she was driving to Kroger and one of the guys she works with saw her and had her pull over b/c there was a drunk guy laying in the ditch b/c he tried to ride his bike carrying a 12-pack of beers with him. apparently he tried to drink 6 of them to lighten his load, but it didn't work so well. so, he ended up in the ditch. weird. that's not a normal occurrence on the way to get groceries!
-Is it strange that Martha Stewart's punishment is home confinement? That's like her favorite place to be! I still just don't get it!
-I woke up to stormy weather this morning...storms are always weird to me when they happen in the morning. I prefer nighttime storms.
-Whoever lives next to me now (new neighbors) has two cats in their apartment...which is not allowed. However, the landlord knows about it and it happened to be a miscommunication before they signed the lease. Anyways, I hate cats big time. And I'm allergic to them. Last night my eyes were itching really bad in my apartment. Is it possible that the cat dander (a.k.a. nastiness?) floated over to my apartment through the doors? Just wondering. I cringed this morning when I heard them meowing. Sick. Our apartment building is going to turn from cool-coffee-shop-loft-living to old- lady-with-500- cats-living.
-I found the local TV channel last night on TV and behold--it was the Logan County Fair Queen pageant. Much to my surprise, these girls actually still participated in a pageant that has a swimsuit category! And I can't believe the judges made them turn 1/4 turn to the right and left. I'm sorry...isn't that degrading? Let me compare what your butt looks like to the girl next to yours...
-I have a new roommate, but I haven't lived w/ her yet. (Heidi) She's at CIY this week sponsoring her youth group.
"So You Think You Can Dance?"
-Yes, apparently they do. I'm SO glad they cut out those freaks who couldn't dance and thought they were amazing.
-Now the next to be cut? Blake McGrath. Please go home. You're cocky and you already have a dance career. Plus, you bashed the hot judge and said you were better than him. Plus, you were already featured in Dance Spirit magazine. Get over yourself. Goodbye.
-Dan Karaty, one of the choreographers/judges, is actually pretty dang hot. I hope he's straight.
-I really really really want to take a hip-hop class and a salsa class. Why in the world aren't these offered more? I guess I need to live in a city.
-My mom had to call me back last night after she was driving to Kroger and one of the guys she works with saw her and had her pull over b/c there was a drunk guy laying in the ditch b/c he tried to ride his bike carrying a 12-pack of beers with him. apparently he tried to drink 6 of them to lighten his load, but it didn't work so well. so, he ended up in the ditch. weird. that's not a normal occurrence on the way to get groceries!
-Is it strange that Martha Stewart's punishment is home confinement? That's like her favorite place to be! I still just don't get it!
-I woke up to stormy weather this morning...storms are always weird to me when they happen in the morning. I prefer nighttime storms.
-Whoever lives next to me now (new neighbors) has two cats in their apartment...which is not allowed. However, the landlord knows about it and it happened to be a miscommunication before they signed the lease. Anyways, I hate cats big time. And I'm allergic to them. Last night my eyes were itching really bad in my apartment. Is it possible that the cat dander (a.k.a. nastiness?) floated over to my apartment through the doors? Just wondering. I cringed this morning when I heard them meowing. Sick. Our apartment building is going to turn from cool-coffee-shop-loft-living to old- lady-with-500- cats-living.
-I found the local TV channel last night on TV and behold--it was the Logan County Fair Queen pageant. Much to my surprise, these girls actually still participated in a pageant that has a swimsuit category! And I can't believe the judges made them turn 1/4 turn to the right and left. I'm sorry...isn't that degrading? Let me compare what your butt looks like to the girl next to yours...
-I have a new roommate, but I haven't lived w/ her yet. (Heidi) She's at CIY this week sponsoring her youth group.
"So You Think You Can Dance?"
-Yes, apparently they do. I'm SO glad they cut out those freaks who couldn't dance and thought they were amazing.
-Now the next to be cut? Blake McGrath. Please go home. You're cocky and you already have a dance career. Plus, you bashed the hot judge and said you were better than him. Plus, you were already featured in Dance Spirit magazine. Get over yourself. Goodbye.
-Dan Karaty, one of the choreographers/judges, is actually pretty dang hot. I hope he's straight.
-I really really really want to take a hip-hop class and a salsa class. Why in the world aren't these offered more? I guess I need to live in a city.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
stupid mistakes
Ok so I made like the dumbest mistake in the entire world, and I'm REALLY sorry for it. Don't you hate when you do something, not really thinking it will be a big deal, and then later on it becomes this big issue that really shouldn't be a big issue? Maybe I should have been smarter to begin with...
gosh I hate how guilty I feel after doing something dumb. it's no wonder i'm like one of the most cautious people you'll ever meet. i'm not very risky or fearless to begin with, and the one time I do something that isn't even really in that category, I face the guilt of it.
So, I'm an idiot. But we all are at some point or another, right?
gosh I hate how guilty I feel after doing something dumb. it's no wonder i'm like one of the most cautious people you'll ever meet. i'm not very risky or fearless to begin with, and the one time I do something that isn't even really in that category, I face the guilt of it.
So, I'm an idiot. But we all are at some point or another, right?
Monday, August 01, 2005
ketchup
Hello all! I'm back again. This time from CIY @ SIU in Carbondale. it was great fun. as to be expected.
so now, time to get filled in like a jelly donut, ya'll.
here's the latest, along w/ some pics:
-I got my hair cut. Very rarely will I straighten it now until I get a ceramic straightener.
-I am obsessed w/ Vietnamese Coffee from a hippie coffee shop in Carbondale. Best $3.50 ever spent. three times. maybe.
-also obsessed w/ a Thai restaurant in Carbondale. who'd have thought carbondale might have good places to go such as these?
-my summer feels like it's over, which is sad, but i'm excited for the next month to go by quickly so i can find out a few things that may give me some direction
-I got my Pampered Chef stuff in...you better believe I'll be cookin' it up trying to experiment in the kitchen. what should i make?
-I bought two of the cutest shirts ever last week @ the Gap for $5 and $7 apiece. I look forward to wearing them.
-I'm digging into Anne Lamott's Plan B. so far so good.
-also loving Parker Palmer's Let Your Life Speak. it's right where i'm at.
-on the docket: spa day w/ mom & cory this saturday. manis/pedis @ 8:00 a.m. yay!
-i think it's weird to call them manis & pedis, as i told my sister today in an email. but i have no problem calling donuts "doneys." that's my favorite word i think.
-Jon Weece might be one of the most effective preachers I've heard for quite some time.
(below left) - me & Rachel from CCU--i think we're long-lost friends. we were roomies this week @ SIU.
my new favorite picture...from one of my favorite places. the steps of Shryock Auditorium @ SIU. why? lots of memories there...one being the thursday night concert that was held there one night 6 years ago while we had Celebration inside. When we came outside the campus was pretty much trashed like some big frat kegger was just held there and that's how I decided to come to LCC. long story made short.
above left: the biggest CIY yet. it was pretty cool.
above right: the toughest girls you'll ever find in a water-gun Capture the Flag game.
below: Nicola, Rachel, and I after our new haircuts. Isn't this presh?
so now, time to get filled in like a jelly donut, ya'll.
here's the latest, along w/ some pics:
-I got my hair cut. Very rarely will I straighten it now until I get a ceramic straightener.
-I am obsessed w/ Vietnamese Coffee from a hippie coffee shop in Carbondale. Best $3.50 ever spent. three times. maybe.
-also obsessed w/ a Thai restaurant in Carbondale. who'd have thought carbondale might have good places to go such as these?
-my summer feels like it's over, which is sad, but i'm excited for the next month to go by quickly so i can find out a few things that may give me some direction
-I got my Pampered Chef stuff in...you better believe I'll be cookin' it up trying to experiment in the kitchen. what should i make?
-I bought two of the cutest shirts ever last week @ the Gap for $5 and $7 apiece. I look forward to wearing them.
-I'm digging into Anne Lamott's Plan B. so far so good.
-also loving Parker Palmer's Let Your Life Speak. it's right where i'm at.
-on the docket: spa day w/ mom & cory this saturday. manis/pedis @ 8:00 a.m. yay!
-i think it's weird to call them manis & pedis, as i told my sister today in an email. but i have no problem calling donuts "doneys." that's my favorite word i think.
-Jon Weece might be one of the most effective preachers I've heard for quite some time.
(below left) - me & Rachel from CCU--i think we're long-lost friends. we were roomies this week @ SIU.
my new favorite picture...from one of my favorite places. the steps of Shryock Auditorium @ SIU. why? lots of memories there...one being the thursday night concert that was held there one night 6 years ago while we had Celebration inside. When we came outside the campus was pretty much trashed like some big frat kegger was just held there and that's how I decided to come to LCC. long story made short.
above left: the biggest CIY yet. it was pretty cool.
above right: the toughest girls you'll ever find in a water-gun Capture the Flag game.
below: Nicola, Rachel, and I after our new haircuts. Isn't this presh?
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