I have to say, that the best time to take a look at your life and ponder is right after some big change. Whether it be a graduation or a birthday; losing a friend or missing your buddies; the end of a season, or the beginning of a friendship; changing your job, or changing your underwear. Shall I explain? I shall.
I am not one for change. It has been awhile since I last wrote one of these blogs, partially because of all the changes that I have been faced with recently... the other part simply being that I have become pretty darn lazy. I am sure there is some kind of theory about how "with change comes _____." (You fill it in, because I know that for me, 75% of the time my answer is stress, anxiety, sadness). However recently I have began to realize that what fits into that blank is whatever I make fit into it. Rather than thinking about how difficult it might be, I need to think of it as a challenge. I've gotta make that glass be half full, if not more. Change is a scary thing, but its nothing that I can't handle... under certain circumstances. I've got to learn from my past. I've got to think about my future. I've got to constantly remind myself that Jesus loves me and He is not going to abandon me.
So lets break down the times in life when I recommend you take a quick look at your life.
Graduation or a birthday. Over the past several months I have realized that I cannot focus on what "I thought my life would be like by the time I graduated" but I have to look at what my "life is like now" now that I've graduated. There's a huge difference. When I was a kid I always imagined that when I "grew up" (probably meaning when I was in high school) that I would be outgoing, thin and beautiful with long blond hair, and (this was the important part of my mental image...) driving a red jeep wrangler out on the beach with it packed full of my friends. This never happened. And it's doubtful that it ever will... but by trying to live up to some unrealistic mental image or life plan that I had for myself, I always felt like I could never quite cut it. Just because what I expected and hoped would happen didn't, doesn't mean that I am not living what I am supposed to be doing.... I think alot of us tell ourselves that "By the time I'm 21 I will have ____. I want to have a successful job and family by the time I am __ years old." First off, its like clothing sizes... numbers should not matter. Secondly, we aren't in control of any of this. God must sit around and blatantly laugh at us, thinking "when are they going to get the memo that I have a plan for them, and the mental time line with society driven ideas is meaningless." You know, after I graduated from high school I figured that my future would consist of going off to college, figuring out my life, meeting a great guy (who by the way was quite a stud), graduating, having a job lined up, shortly followed by a ring on my finger. How wrong I was, but oh boy is that okay.
Losing a friend or missing some buddies. When you lose someone, whether its a grandparent passing away, a best friend moving away, breaking up with someone you are dating, or a friend getting lost in a super walmart... this is probably a good time to ponder your life. If I never took a second to ponder my life when my grandfather passed away I can't promise you that I would be the christian girl I am today. If I did not ponder and reestablish my life when one of my best friends moved across the country I probably would not be the quality friend that I am today. If I didn't ponder my life after getting burned in a relationship, then I probably would not respect and appreciate my friends and family who are loyal and loving towards me. "JMU prepared us to be all together one, but they didn't prepare us to go on our individual paths after four years" (quoting christen lawrence a few days after we graduated) I miss my college buddies like you cannot imagine, but I know that this change will be what I make it out to be. This is not the end of any of our friendships, and if anything, some of these relationships will grow stronger. But by "losing" my buddies and being thrown out of my jmu bubble I have realized alot. Alot about myself, my current friends, and what I look for in new friends.
The end of a season, the beginning of a friendship. Now these two have very little to do with each other, but I just liked how it flowed with the whole beginning and end thing... Anyways, the end of a season. Ya'll should know that I am a huge 24 fan. It is not uncommon for me to crack a lame 24 joke and think to myself "what would jack do?" :P By the time the end of the season rolls around, not only have I spent an entire day of my life watching television but I have to find something else to do between the hours of 9 and 10 PM on monday nights. Talk about change. Maybe now I can pick up a new hobby or find a new show. Live it up I suppose. I knew this day was coming, the day when Jack Bauer would not be there for my entertainment, but that doesn't make it any better I suppose. Okay so I had a point but that just became a random plug for the show 24... let me continue with "the beginning of a friendship." I can read people pretty well. Its a skill that I have fine tuned throughout my years. It has happened atleast three times in my life where I have met someone and immediately realized that this person is going to be important to me. Its pretty crazy, but I do like it. But even when, deep down, I know that a relationship will be formed, it will cause still drastic changes in my life. Maybe not right off the bat, but over a few weeks, months, or even years; there is a reason why we are friends. There is something that I am supposed to learn from you. God causes our paths to cross, and when that happens I recommend this is when you begin to ponder. I did, and I ended up with some of the best friends a girl could ask for.
Changing your job, or changing your underwear. Well again let me stress that these two don't have much to do with each other, other than the fact that they are both very important to having a successful life. Changing your job, your major, your goals, your career path... this is something that has always caused me alot of stress and anxiety. I don't want to sound like some kind of expert on any of this change crap, because by all means I am not... not one bit. But to get through everything in the past 6 months I have realized that I need to do what makes me happy. I need to do what clicks. I need to look through all the doorways that God opens up for me. My dad might not be happy that I have taken a certain job, my friend may not think its a promising career, my family may think its all about the money.... but who cares. Who cares what people think. I have a great friend who feels like she needs to go to Austrailia to live for a few months, with a little less than a plan and a one way ticket. 95% of her loved ones think she's crazy, but if this is what clicks for her.... then good for her! She is taking that chance, going half way around the world, and she is going to live it up. Sometimes it seems to me that everyone (including myself) is so up in other people's business that they forget about their own. (Eh, thats just a random loaded comment, please ignore it.) Anyway, do what makes you happy. If it makes you happy for a month, do it for a month. If it makes you happy for a year, do it for a year. If you wake up one day and realize this isn't what you should be doing, take some time, ponder, and start looking at the hallway God has you standing in. Some doors are wide open and some are locked shut. You've got to figure out which one has your name on it. Changing your underwear.... a minor change in your everyday life, but one of the most important changes we make. I don't really know where I was going with this comment, I actually just put it because I thought it sounded funny. You know how you can wear a pair of jeans several times before changing them (and if you have traveled around europe with a backpack you know you can go a couple of weeks... yeah, ew, gross, i know.) Anyway, you have to change your clothes. There's no question in that point. But certain things change at certain times. Everything changes in life. Embrace the things that are in constant change (the underwear you have with the days of the week on them), and be aware of the big change that will happen once in a blue moon (yep, your jeans finally smell bad, its time to do laundry).
It was Job in the Old Testament who had everything taken away from him... All of his friends came along and told him to lose faith in God, even his wife basically told him to give it up, but Job stayed a faithful believer. God didn't promise us the security of our possessions, but He did promise us His love. When everything is changing, when you think that you haven't lived up your childhood or college or adulthood dreams, take a sec and look at what you have done and what it means to you. I've had to realize that I may not be the person I expected I would be. There's a reason why certain people have entered my life. There's a reason why certain people have burned me in the past. Everything happens for a reason, it may be a reason that I don't understand at all, but someone bigger than me does, and He planned it that way. And that my friend is all that matters.
9.5.06
I hope you had the time of your life
Something unpredictable but in the end its right... I hope you had the time of your life.I cannot believe I am a college graduate! The question that strikes me at this point in my life is... now what? There are no immediate exams for me to pass. No curriculum that needs to be fulfilled. I am so blessed to have a home to move back into and a family that is... sorta glad to have me back. I have an apartment lined up and a roomie to share it with. I have a job and the benefits that go along with that. So what can I be complaining about? I loved jmu. I will miss the smiling faces. I will miss people waiting for 2 minutes just to hold the door for the next person who walks in. I will miss the brown cookies (i'm not gonna lie... they were the end of the southbeach diet). I'm will miss sitting on the quad in the sunshine. I will miss the Duke Dog. I will miss 5 o'clock and the tune that plays from Wilson Hall. I'm will miss the random tight rope walkers and the guys trying to pick up girls by bringing their dogs to campus. I'm will miss Cru and all the amazing christian people who hung out every thursday night. I'm will miss the sun rising above the blue ridge mountains every morning. I probably will not miss the dog food smell. I will miss monday nights with my Bauer-loving friends at Chris, Chris Wilson's house. I'm going to miss my "old friends" in Bridgewater. I'm going to miss the random moments (aka stalking professors husbands) of SnL Consulting. I'm going to miss being manipulated by a certain friend. I'm going to miss being called "the boozinator" (not for the obvious reasons). I'm going to miss my roomies (aka my b cups, my golden girls).But ya know, God has a plan for me. He's not going to leave me hanging. The next few months may be tough... I may be single and I may only have my family to hang out with... but I'm not totally alone. He's got my back... and thats all I really need.
20.2.06
Chase that rock down the ice!!
As I was getting to the punch line of my not-so-funny story the other day over lunch, I simply said "Yes, I watched curling on tv for 2 hours the other morning!" At this very moment, my mom had one of those moments where you laugh and you do not know what to do because your mouth is full of sandwich... Rather than choking and not laughing, she decided it would be best to spray her chewed up sandwich all over the table! As usual, I was confused. What in the world could have been so funny that caused her to spray food all over everything and everyone?? Did someone trip and fall? Did she think of a funny joke someone told her the other day? What could it be??
After she composed herself, she informed me that the night before, when she was flipping through the channels she noticed curling on television and thought to herself, who on earth would sit and watch this?! Oh man she doesn't know me all that well I suppose.
Many have asked why? To that, I am not sure that I have an answer... I mean, after I sorta figured the game out, I had to see who would win. Several days later, I am still tuning in every morning to see the latest. But here is what I learned this morning: Apparently there 12.9 Million hits on the US Olympic Curling Team website in one day this past week. That right there says something!! (possibly that I am not the only loser in the USA) THEN- On NBC Nightly News they had a quick segment about it (I will put the link at the bottom of this blog)- but basically, President George W. Bush watches Curling also. Now for those of you non-bush fans, I don't want to hear anything. But for those of you who like him, I want you to see how awesome it is that I am watching the same thing as the President of the United States is watching!! (I wonder if he watches 24 also?!?!)
Anyway, I just wanted to stress to those of you who don't appreciate this random game as much as I do, that it can be kinda cool. I mean, there must be some serious strategy to it. If anything, its gotta be kinda cool to learn how to walk with one slippy shoe and one grippy shoe! Seriously, the skill it must take those people to scurry down the ice chasing a stone with a sweeper in their hand... man. haha
Okay- to finish off- go to this link and skip ahead to the 16 minute mark. There is about a minute and a half about curling, including one of the most amazing european commercials! Enjoy! http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?f=00&t=m5&p=angietest&g=db3e343d-51e6-468d-9ba9-520fe0aa38bd
After she composed herself, she informed me that the night before, when she was flipping through the channels she noticed curling on television and thought to herself, who on earth would sit and watch this?! Oh man she doesn't know me all that well I suppose.
Many have asked why? To that, I am not sure that I have an answer... I mean, after I sorta figured the game out, I had to see who would win. Several days later, I am still tuning in every morning to see the latest. But here is what I learned this morning: Apparently there 12.9 Million hits on the US Olympic Curling Team website in one day this past week. That right there says something!! (possibly that I am not the only loser in the USA) THEN- On NBC Nightly News they had a quick segment about it (I will put the link at the bottom of this blog)- but basically, President George W. Bush watches Curling also. Now for those of you non-bush fans, I don't want to hear anything. But for those of you who like him, I want you to see how awesome it is that I am watching the same thing as the President of the United States is watching!! (I wonder if he watches 24 also?!?!)
Anyway, I just wanted to stress to those of you who don't appreciate this random game as much as I do, that it can be kinda cool. I mean, there must be some serious strategy to it. If anything, its gotta be kinda cool to learn how to walk with one slippy shoe and one grippy shoe! Seriously, the skill it must take those people to scurry down the ice chasing a stone with a sweeper in their hand... man. haha
Okay- to finish off- go to this link and skip ahead to the 16 minute mark. There is about a minute and a half about curling, including one of the most amazing european commercials! Enjoy! http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?f=00&t=m5&p=angietest&g=db3e343d-51e6-468d-9ba9-520fe0aa38bd
19.2.06
Random Questions to ask God:
1. What is the purpose of the skunk?
2. Did O.J. really do it?
3. Why to men have nipples?
4. Why is the sky blue... and not green?
5. Does Jesus really have long hair?
6. Can you send me an email one day?
7. What's your screen name?
8. Can I be the skunk tamer in heaven? No... not really.
9. Does Satan really have a tail? How 'bout those horns?
10. Why is Virginia for Lovers?
11. What's your favorite hymn?
12. Contemporary or Traditional?
13. How many hairs exactly are on my head?
14. Pat Robertson...?
15. Coke or Pepsi?
2. Did O.J. really do it?
3. Why to men have nipples?
4. Why is the sky blue... and not green?
5. Does Jesus really have long hair?
6. Can you send me an email one day?
7. What's your screen name?
8. Can I be the skunk tamer in heaven? No... not really.
9. Does Satan really have a tail? How 'bout those horns?
10. Why is Virginia for Lovers?
11. What's your favorite hymn?
12. Contemporary or Traditional?
13. How many hairs exactly are on my head?
14. Pat Robertson...?
15. Coke or Pepsi?
11.2.06
I fell in love
We all know that I am the kinda girl who likes to say she lives on the edge... but really... I don't like change all that much so why mix things up and try something new?! Well by golly was I proven wrong recently.
A few weeks ago I was in line at Java City (for those of you who are unaware of this amazing JMU coffee company let me just say that I think alot of their stuff is better than Starbucks). Anyway, I was in line at Java City and was waiting to get my usual tea or hot chocolate when I decided to "live on the edge"... no I wasn't about to go skydiving or go chat it up the dreamy christian boy a few feet away... I was going to get a drink I had never had before. See, first let me explain the reason why I do not like to try new beverages from coffee stands such as this one in festival. THEY COST $3.50! Yeah, you may think I am a cheap skate, but I am not going to buy a drink that has such a fancy name, that I can barely say, might not like, and waste almost four dollars!! (as the new wendy's commercial says... thats four junior bacon cheeseburgers!!)
It was a thursday, one of my favorite days of the week. There was a line of people waiting to order. I felt the pressure of the people behind me as they were staring at me to make my decision. I rambled a little with my roommate (the innocent, slightly confused and annoyed, bystander) then I blurted out "I would like a medium Caramel Macchiato please!" For a second there I was in shock. That was no hot chocolate I just ordered. And it wasn't even a small! It was a medium!! I proceded to stand there and wait with a smile, as I explained to my roommate and sophomore year suitie that I never order anything like that. :P
The drink finally came. I took one sip.... drumroll please.... oh man I fell hard. I am truly in love with Caramel Macchiatos now. Not only because they are delectible... but because they are amazingly fun to say. Caramel Macchiato. ooooo wasnt that fun??
If you haven't figured it out yet, the moral of this story is to "live on the edge!" or you will truly miss out on the little joys of life. Whether is coffee, trying a new flavor of toothpaste, or even mixing it up and trying a new type of trashbag! You will live, you will learn, and you will know what you want to buy next time!! I am pretty darn positive though that my life will be just a tad more exciting now that I have learned to love Caramel Macchiatos. The question is, will I try another new drink since I hit it off with this one oh so well????
A little footnote here: In several of the previous paragraphs I discuss how I am not one to "live it up" however, please know that is only when it comes to trying new drinks and things. I am the girl who has no hesistation when it comes to trying extreme activities. Remember the summer before college... the concussion I got...?? Yeah... there's your proof... (your proof that I am a "risk taker" or an idiot... you pick... just remember if you hit the water going 40 mph... it will knock some sense out of ya!)
A few weeks ago I was in line at Java City (for those of you who are unaware of this amazing JMU coffee company let me just say that I think alot of their stuff is better than Starbucks). Anyway, I was in line at Java City and was waiting to get my usual tea or hot chocolate when I decided to "live on the edge"... no I wasn't about to go skydiving or go chat it up the dreamy christian boy a few feet away... I was going to get a drink I had never had before. See, first let me explain the reason why I do not like to try new beverages from coffee stands such as this one in festival. THEY COST $3.50! Yeah, you may think I am a cheap skate, but I am not going to buy a drink that has such a fancy name, that I can barely say, might not like, and waste almost four dollars!! (as the new wendy's commercial says... thats four junior bacon cheeseburgers!!)
It was a thursday, one of my favorite days of the week. There was a line of people waiting to order. I felt the pressure of the people behind me as they were staring at me to make my decision. I rambled a little with my roommate (the innocent, slightly confused and annoyed, bystander) then I blurted out "I would like a medium Caramel Macchiato please!" For a second there I was in shock. That was no hot chocolate I just ordered. And it wasn't even a small! It was a medium!! I proceded to stand there and wait with a smile, as I explained to my roommate and sophomore year suitie that I never order anything like that. :P
The drink finally came. I took one sip.... drumroll please.... oh man I fell hard. I am truly in love with Caramel Macchiatos now. Not only because they are delectible... but because they are amazingly fun to say. Caramel Macchiato. ooooo wasnt that fun??
If you haven't figured it out yet, the moral of this story is to "live on the edge!" or you will truly miss out on the little joys of life. Whether is coffee, trying a new flavor of toothpaste, or even mixing it up and trying a new type of trashbag! You will live, you will learn, and you will know what you want to buy next time!! I am pretty darn positive though that my life will be just a tad more exciting now that I have learned to love Caramel Macchiatos. The question is, will I try another new drink since I hit it off with this one oh so well????
A little footnote here: In several of the previous paragraphs I discuss how I am not one to "live it up" however, please know that is only when it comes to trying new drinks and things. I am the girl who has no hesistation when it comes to trying extreme activities. Remember the summer before college... the concussion I got...?? Yeah... there's your proof... (your proof that I am a "risk taker" or an idiot... you pick... just remember if you hit the water going 40 mph... it will knock some sense out of ya!)
2.2.06
J-M-U Cruuuuuuu
Today is not only ground hog day, but it is Thursday. Thursday means several things here at JMU. Sadly, to most of the student population it means the weekend has officially started and it is time to get wasted. Wooooo. But to about 350 (a rough estimate....) students, Thursday is about one thing. Cru. So far in my life I have yet to find such a lively group of people, who gather together everything Thursday evening (whether it is raining or not- a reference to freshman year, when it rained every thursday!) to praise God with such enthuasism and passion. It is simply impossible to leave Cru without a tune in your head, a smile on your face, and love in your heart.
Now lets take another little trip down memory lane. My first invite to this truly lovely madness was from my awesome friend who we like to call "Rock" (because "Who Rocks?!") when she told me... "Come! We sing fun camp songs! And there is a dreamy keyboard guy!" Oh man, who can say no to that combo?? Seriously. Does anyone remember the emcee we had for freshman and sophomore year? Man... every week now when they go into the mission of cru (win build or send lost students into christ centered laborers) the only thing I can think of is "Wibuse"... just once I would LOVE for matt to bust out "Wibuse" or the good old hand signals Will would use... ya know where at the end you would say "Send. Who-aaaaa"..... Fun times. Oh Freshman year, I was hooked... however I won't lie, I wasn't the biggest fan of sitting on the floor. No Offense.
Skip forward several years, a few months, and a couple days later, and it is ground hog day, 2006. (today... yeah you are catching on now...) Its 545pm. I just got out of an exam, and I am exhausted. I walked into that ballroom not really feeling the whole thing, but once the music kicked in I completely forgot about that random idea of wanting to be anywhere else in the world at that very moment. The only thing going through my mind was how blessed I am, to be surrounded by such godly people on a college campus when alot of times these people are so hard to find. We sang songs of praise, and thanked God for his love.
Honestly, my favorite part of cru (other than Jesus) has to be the music. This year we have an amazing band... (by the way, we took a vote... they need to make a cd for all of us who will be graduating..... ya know.... so every Thursday I can play it a pretend I am back at JMU). Tonight, the last song that we sang was "Sing to the King". This is an amazing song with incredible lyrics.... but the best part about it, was looking around the room and seeing people singing to the Lord, and cheering when the verse "Satan has vanquished and Jesus is King!" was sung. Gotta love it..... Oh man. It just makes me smile.
Now lets take another little trip down memory lane. My first invite to this truly lovely madness was from my awesome friend who we like to call "Rock" (because "Who Rocks?!") when she told me... "Come! We sing fun camp songs! And there is a dreamy keyboard guy!" Oh man, who can say no to that combo?? Seriously. Does anyone remember the emcee we had for freshman and sophomore year? Man... every week now when they go into the mission of cru (win build or send lost students into christ centered laborers) the only thing I can think of is "Wibuse"... just once I would LOVE for matt to bust out "Wibuse" or the good old hand signals Will would use... ya know where at the end you would say "Send. Who-aaaaa"..... Fun times. Oh Freshman year, I was hooked... however I won't lie, I wasn't the biggest fan of sitting on the floor. No Offense.
Skip forward several years, a few months, and a couple days later, and it is ground hog day, 2006. (today... yeah you are catching on now...) Its 545pm. I just got out of an exam, and I am exhausted. I walked into that ballroom not really feeling the whole thing, but once the music kicked in I completely forgot about that random idea of wanting to be anywhere else in the world at that very moment. The only thing going through my mind was how blessed I am, to be surrounded by such godly people on a college campus when alot of times these people are so hard to find. We sang songs of praise, and thanked God for his love.
Honestly, my favorite part of cru (other than Jesus) has to be the music. This year we have an amazing band... (by the way, we took a vote... they need to make a cd for all of us who will be graduating..... ya know.... so every Thursday I can play it a pretend I am back at JMU). Tonight, the last song that we sang was "Sing to the King". This is an amazing song with incredible lyrics.... but the best part about it, was looking around the room and seeing people singing to the Lord, and cheering when the verse "Satan has vanquished and Jesus is King!" was sung. Gotta love it..... Oh man. It just makes me smile.
Sing to the King, Who is coming to reign
Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain
Life and salvation His empire shall bring
And joy to the nations when Jesus is King
Come, let us sing a song
A song declaring that we belong to Jesus
He is all we need
Lift up a heart of praise
Sing now with voices raised to Jesus
Sing to the King
For His returning we watch and we pray
We will be ready the dawn of that day
We'll join in singing with all the redeemed
'Cause Satan is vanquished and my Jesus is King
Smorgasbord... what a silly word. (this blog is lame)
Wow, it has been awhile since my last blogging experience. I guess I just have not had too much motivation lately, or maybe its just been that I have simply been too busy to write. Either way, I am back, for now.
Where have I been you might ask? Well...
I got to go on a tour of the landfill, and the place where all the trash gets burned here at jmu. That was pretty interesting. The moral of that afternoon (other than to be thankful for the type of person I am... my roommates have heard the venting sessions, and poor lauren had first hand experience with that one) anyway, the moral of that day was a simple one. You might think it is Recycle. Good try, but no. You might think it is not to be a glutton, good try, but thats not my moral, thats the Bible's. You might just try some completely random moral, and go with: don't go dumpster diving unless it is for Wendy's cups; and you would be right! Oh man.... after seeing that trash, the only way I would jump into that landfill was if there was a free flight involved.
I attended the Senior Gala with my lovely roomies last friday. It was not completely the time of my life but it was fun. It really hit me that I am going to be graduating soon. How sad is that? I mean, it is pretty darn exciting, but it is also pretty sad that I will not be at one of the greatest places in the world every day. I will no longer be living with my crazy roommates. I will no longer be able to open up my front door and see one of the most amazing mountain views offered in the Shenandoah Valley. Oh man, how I will miss JMU. But Oh man, will I be living up every moment of the next three months.
My family came to visit this past week. That was fun. We all spent sometime enjoying time (and might I add free meals) together at Massanutten. MMmmm Gotta love free food, and fun times in the "snow." We had our final blow-out at Massanutten, involving the usual Narnie Spaghetti (the most amazing spaghetti in the entire world), guestures (christen's "clinch" was taken out this year with leslie's version of "wrinkles"), snow tubing (i know owe Steven a smoothie next time I am back in town.... man ya gotta love gambling with under aged people...), and skiing (there is just something absolutely adorable about little kids (like 4-6 year olds) on snow skis!!). It was quite a weekend, and it really made me think alot about how it was the last time we would probably do that... this was the fourth year in a row that my fam and jmu gang have united there at massanutten..... crazy how time flies by.
Sorry for this smorgasbord of topics... but I have one more topics I wanted to talk about, but I think I will have to break a rule and simply type it on a separate blog.... yeah I know, two blogs in one day.... actually two blogs in one hour, but oh boy I have alot of catching up to do!
Where have I been you might ask? Well...
I got to go on a tour of the landfill, and the place where all the trash gets burned here at jmu. That was pretty interesting. The moral of that afternoon (other than to be thankful for the type of person I am... my roommates have heard the venting sessions, and poor lauren had first hand experience with that one) anyway, the moral of that day was a simple one. You might think it is Recycle. Good try, but no. You might think it is not to be a glutton, good try, but thats not my moral, thats the Bible's. You might just try some completely random moral, and go with: don't go dumpster diving unless it is for Wendy's cups; and you would be right! Oh man.... after seeing that trash, the only way I would jump into that landfill was if there was a free flight involved.
I attended the Senior Gala with my lovely roomies last friday. It was not completely the time of my life but it was fun. It really hit me that I am going to be graduating soon. How sad is that? I mean, it is pretty darn exciting, but it is also pretty sad that I will not be at one of the greatest places in the world every day. I will no longer be living with my crazy roommates. I will no longer be able to open up my front door and see one of the most amazing mountain views offered in the Shenandoah Valley. Oh man, how I will miss JMU. But Oh man, will I be living up every moment of the next three months.
My family came to visit this past week. That was fun. We all spent sometime enjoying time (and might I add free meals) together at Massanutten. MMmmm Gotta love free food, and fun times in the "snow." We had our final blow-out at Massanutten, involving the usual Narnie Spaghetti (the most amazing spaghetti in the entire world), guestures (christen's "clinch" was taken out this year with leslie's version of "wrinkles"), snow tubing (i know owe Steven a smoothie next time I am back in town.... man ya gotta love gambling with under aged people...), and skiing (there is just something absolutely adorable about little kids (like 4-6 year olds) on snow skis!!). It was quite a weekend, and it really made me think alot about how it was the last time we would probably do that... this was the fourth year in a row that my fam and jmu gang have united there at massanutten..... crazy how time flies by.
Sorry for this smorgasbord of topics... but I have one more topics I wanted to talk about, but I think I will have to break a rule and simply type it on a separate blog.... yeah I know, two blogs in one day.... actually two blogs in one hour, but oh boy I have alot of catching up to do!
16.1.06
Number One Fan!!
Think about it for a couple of seconds. When you watch a television show how many tv days take place in thirty minutes to one hour of your life? Usually several. Probably because the characters are no where near cool enough that as a viewer, you could, or for that sake would want to follow them around in "real time." For example, Rory Gilmore, I love her to death, but when I am not watching... she has to do some kind of studying, I mean for crying out loud, the girl goes to Yale. I go to JMU and I study more than she even references studying.
However. Brace yourself my friend. There is a show that allows you to follow the main character all day long. Which tells you something about this main character... he must be cool. And oh boy, he is.
"24" has to be one of the greatest shows ever. After watching the season five premiere, I have been reminded of Jack Bauer's off-the-charts coolness level. He defies death more than anyone I have ever seen. He can get out of any jam the terrorists throw his way. He is L.A.'s super hero like Batman was in Gotham. With or without his famous Bauer sunglasses, he is unstoppable. Loyal to his friends, and always caring about the well being of our nation, it would be an understatement to say that Jack Bauer is anything less than "The Man."
Now on a slight tangent... think about the concept of the show. We follow Jack Bauer around for 24 hours.... 24 hours! Imagine if someone was following you around for 24 hours. What would they think? I mean, I do not know if any of us can compare to Jack in the coolness factor, however I surely hope that we are not "wacking" as many people (or any people!) in one day (or ever!) as Jack does! Would you be embarrased if someone was watching you for 24 hours? What would they see? Someone who truely loves their friends and family? Someone who helps the lil old lady across the street? Someone who is patient? Someone who sings at the top of their lungs as they are driving down the road? Someone who has a genuine character? You would only have 24 hours to show the viewer who you really are. I am sitting here thinking, man... I think I am a pretty cool person, but who in their right mind would be such a fan of mine that they would want to watch me for 24 hours?!
God is watching... 24/7. Wow. What a thought. He is a pretty big fan of me... and I am a huge fan of Him. And He's got nothin on Jack.
However. Brace yourself my friend. There is a show that allows you to follow the main character all day long. Which tells you something about this main character... he must be cool. And oh boy, he is.
"24" has to be one of the greatest shows ever. After watching the season five premiere, I have been reminded of Jack Bauer's off-the-charts coolness level. He defies death more than anyone I have ever seen. He can get out of any jam the terrorists throw his way. He is L.A.'s super hero like Batman was in Gotham. With or without his famous Bauer sunglasses, he is unstoppable. Loyal to his friends, and always caring about the well being of our nation, it would be an understatement to say that Jack Bauer is anything less than "The Man."
Now on a slight tangent... think about the concept of the show. We follow Jack Bauer around for 24 hours.... 24 hours! Imagine if someone was following you around for 24 hours. What would they think? I mean, I do not know if any of us can compare to Jack in the coolness factor, however I surely hope that we are not "wacking" as many people (or any people!) in one day (or ever!) as Jack does! Would you be embarrased if someone was watching you for 24 hours? What would they see? Someone who truely loves their friends and family? Someone who helps the lil old lady across the street? Someone who is patient? Someone who sings at the top of their lungs as they are driving down the road? Someone who has a genuine character? You would only have 24 hours to show the viewer who you really are. I am sitting here thinking, man... I think I am a pretty cool person, but who in their right mind would be such a fan of mine that they would want to watch me for 24 hours?!
God is watching... 24/7. Wow. What a thought. He is a pretty big fan of me... and I am a huge fan of Him. And He's got nothin on Jack.
11.1.06
Deciding on a Company Name has never been this fun...
JMUBenji611: yep. i am going to read and sleep. haha
jmu angel kisses: sounds like anohter good plan
JMUBenji611: it will be like a power nap tonight...
JMUBenji611: only a few hours of sleep.
jmu angel kisses: HAHA
jmu angel kisses: i am afraid of being up that early
jmu angel kisses: it cant be healthy
JMUBenji611: a 6 should not be on the clock for the morning
jmu angel kisses: neer
jmu angel kisses: never
JMUBenji611: 6 should only exsist for dinner
jmu angel kisses: only roosters exist at that time
JMUBenji611: hahaha
JMUBenji611: WE COULD GET A PIC WITH ONE THEN!!
jmu angel kisses: well God bless us and our work ethic is all im saying
jmu angel kisses: hahahaha
BRILLIANT
JMUBenji611: and God bless that rooster!
jmu angel kisses: aaaaaaaaamen
JMUBenji611: haha
jmu angel kisses: maybe our team name should be
JMUBenji611: i think i will make this my away message
JMUBenji611: rooster
jmu angel kisses: Rooster Inc.
JMUBenji611: haha
jmu angel kisses: hahaha
JMUBenji611: up before the sun.
jmu angel kisses: or Doodle Doo
jmu angel kisses: haha
jmu angel kisses: Dawn Consulting
JMUBenji611: OOOO
JMUBenji611: hahah
JMUBenji611: "Up before you are" Consulting
JMUBenji611: SnL. We are up before you are.
jmu angel kisses: "Because we work the same hours as the sun"
JMUBenji611: hahaha
jmu angel kisses: haha exactly
jmu angel kisses: oh my
JMUBenji611: SnL. We wake the Rooster up.
jmu angel kisses: HAHAHA
JMUBenji611: ooooh man
jmu angel kisses: "and then we reduce, reuse, and recycle it."
JMUBenji611: recycling is our number one concern... before you even think about waking up.
jmu angel kisses: hahahahaha
jmu angel kisses: sleep is for the weak. SnL is for the strong. Be strong with us.
JMUBenji611: hahahahahahaha
jmu angel kisses: How are you powerful? With SnL
JMUBenji611: hahahaha
JMUBenji611: i wish this was just our project
jmu angel kisses: haha slogans?
JMUBenji611: yes.
jmu angel kisses: could this coversation be in our portfolio?
jmu angel kisses: save this bad boy.
JMUBenji611: um i was just considering making it a blog
JMUBenji611: hahaha
jmu angel kisses: i say we make a portfolio whether we are told to or not
jmu angel kisses: haha very nice
jmu angel kisses: i will read it to hte rooster
JMUBenji611: bc we are the portfolio masters
JMUBenji611: and the donkey you want to sit on
jmu angel kisses: hahahaha
jmu angel kisses: SnL. We bring the farm.
JMUBenji611: HAHAHAHAHHA
JMUBenji611: THAT IS MY FAVORITE
jmu angel kisses: And your husbands.
jmu angel kisses: hahaha
JMUBenji611: HAHAH I WAS JUST THINKING THE SAME THING
jmu angel kisses: AHAHA
JMUBenji611: ooo man
JMUBenji611: do you remember when you said it was quite a luxury for me that i do not have to change my alarm clock this semester?
JMUBenji611: tomorrow... i have to. boooo
jmu angel kisses: HAHA
jmu angel kisses: SnL. We change our alarm clock for you.
JMUBenji611: HAHAHAHA
JMUBenji611: that is GREAT
jmu angel kisses: SnL. We're not just Saturday night.
JMUBenji611: HAHAHAHA
JMUBenji611: we are thursday morning.
jmu angel kisses: sounds like anohter good plan
JMUBenji611: it will be like a power nap tonight...
JMUBenji611: only a few hours of sleep.
jmu angel kisses: HAHA
jmu angel kisses: i am afraid of being up that early
jmu angel kisses: it cant be healthy
JMUBenji611: a 6 should not be on the clock for the morning
jmu angel kisses: neer
jmu angel kisses: never
JMUBenji611: 6 should only exsist for dinner
jmu angel kisses: only roosters exist at that time
JMUBenji611: hahaha
JMUBenji611: WE COULD GET A PIC WITH ONE THEN!!
jmu angel kisses: well God bless us and our work ethic is all im saying
jmu angel kisses: hahahaha
BRILLIANT
JMUBenji611: and God bless that rooster!
jmu angel kisses: aaaaaaaaamen
JMUBenji611: haha
jmu angel kisses: maybe our team name should be
JMUBenji611: i think i will make this my away message
JMUBenji611: rooster
jmu angel kisses: Rooster Inc.
JMUBenji611: haha
jmu angel kisses: hahaha
JMUBenji611: up before the sun.
jmu angel kisses: or Doodle Doo
jmu angel kisses: haha
jmu angel kisses: Dawn Consulting
JMUBenji611: OOOO
JMUBenji611: hahah
JMUBenji611: "Up before you are" Consulting
JMUBenji611: SnL. We are up before you are.
jmu angel kisses: "Because we work the same hours as the sun"
JMUBenji611: hahaha
jmu angel kisses: haha exactly
jmu angel kisses: oh my
JMUBenji611: SnL. We wake the Rooster up.
jmu angel kisses: HAHAHA
JMUBenji611: ooooh man
jmu angel kisses: "and then we reduce, reuse, and recycle it."
JMUBenji611: recycling is our number one concern... before you even think about waking up.
jmu angel kisses: hahahahaha
jmu angel kisses: sleep is for the weak. SnL is for the strong. Be strong with us.
JMUBenji611: hahahahahahaha
jmu angel kisses: How are you powerful? With SnL
JMUBenji611: hahahaha
JMUBenji611: i wish this was just our project
jmu angel kisses: haha slogans?
JMUBenji611: yes.
jmu angel kisses: could this coversation be in our portfolio?
jmu angel kisses: save this bad boy.
JMUBenji611: um i was just considering making it a blog
JMUBenji611: hahaha
jmu angel kisses: i say we make a portfolio whether we are told to or not
jmu angel kisses: haha very nice
jmu angel kisses: i will read it to hte rooster
JMUBenji611: bc we are the portfolio masters
JMUBenji611: and the donkey you want to sit on
jmu angel kisses: hahahaha
jmu angel kisses: SnL. We bring the farm.
JMUBenji611: HAHAHAHAHHA
JMUBenji611: THAT IS MY FAVORITE
jmu angel kisses: And your husbands.
jmu angel kisses: hahaha
JMUBenji611: HAHAH I WAS JUST THINKING THE SAME THING
jmu angel kisses: AHAHA
JMUBenji611: ooo man
JMUBenji611: do you remember when you said it was quite a luxury for me that i do not have to change my alarm clock this semester?
JMUBenji611: tomorrow... i have to. boooo
jmu angel kisses: HAHA
jmu angel kisses: SnL. We change our alarm clock for you.
JMUBenji611: HAHAHAHA
JMUBenji611: that is GREAT
jmu angel kisses: SnL. We're not just Saturday night.
JMUBenji611: HAHAHAHA
JMUBenji611: we are thursday morning.
10.1.06
Minty Fresh!
We all have a mental list (or maybe even one that is written out) of what makes you happy. A list of things that bring pure, simple, clean joy to your heart and soul. The catch to this list is that most of these things only make you happy, and others may look at you funny if you ever told them what is on your list. But bet your bottom dollar I am going to let you in on my secret list...
Hm let me think, pure joy... I love seeing little kids laughing uncontrollably. I love popcorn. I love my dog (she brings pure joy - or horror - to anyone that she smiles at!). I love seeing the sunset. I love watching the ocean. I absolutely love stepping out of my apartment here in Harrisonburg and just taking in the mountain view. "I love lamp" (name that movie...). I love to travel. I love watching people travel. I love the idea of just taking off one day and driving and seeing the world (or as far as a tank of gas would get me...) I love adventures, the thought of them simply excites me and make me smile. And I love those little things that I run into during the day that make me happy... for example, (the point of this blog)...
In my stocking this year I got a two pack of toothbrushes. Now, these are not the usual toothbrushes that I normally buy, however Santa does not shop with me, so I forgave him, only later I was thanking him. Today I opened up these brushes and noticed that they are an extreme form, highly developed toothbrushes. Aquafresh has outdone themselves with this brush. Not only are these brushes fun colors (blue and purple... i guess they are not all that fun, but hey...) anyway, these brushes have the bristles going in different angles AND the top of the brush head MOVES!! And when I say "moves" I mean it is flexible so that it can reach, clean, and even sparkle those hard to reach teeth! Now, I usually do not get this excited about a toothbrush, but today... I found myself getting excited about brushing my teeth tonight! And now that I am all brushed up tonight and ready to bed with a minty fresh mouth I can barely stand the anticipation for tomorrows brushing!!
I have to hit the sack now... the quicker I fall asleep, the quicker I can brush my teeth again!
Please note... I am 21 years old and I have never ever had a cavity. Knock on wood. Go brush your teeth!!
Hm let me think, pure joy... I love seeing little kids laughing uncontrollably. I love popcorn. I love my dog (she brings pure joy - or horror - to anyone that she smiles at!). I love seeing the sunset. I love watching the ocean. I absolutely love stepping out of my apartment here in Harrisonburg and just taking in the mountain view. "I love lamp" (name that movie...). I love to travel. I love watching people travel. I love the idea of just taking off one day and driving and seeing the world (or as far as a tank of gas would get me...) I love adventures, the thought of them simply excites me and make me smile. And I love those little things that I run into during the day that make me happy... for example, (the point of this blog)...
In my stocking this year I got a two pack of toothbrushes. Now, these are not the usual toothbrushes that I normally buy, however Santa does not shop with me, so I forgave him, only later I was thanking him. Today I opened up these brushes and noticed that they are an extreme form, highly developed toothbrushes. Aquafresh has outdone themselves with this brush. Not only are these brushes fun colors (blue and purple... i guess they are not all that fun, but hey...) anyway, these brushes have the bristles going in different angles AND the top of the brush head MOVES!! And when I say "moves" I mean it is flexible so that it can reach, clean, and even sparkle those hard to reach teeth! Now, I usually do not get this excited about a toothbrush, but today... I found myself getting excited about brushing my teeth tonight! And now that I am all brushed up tonight and ready to bed with a minty fresh mouth I can barely stand the anticipation for tomorrows brushing!!
I have to hit the sack now... the quicker I fall asleep, the quicker I can brush my teeth again!
Please note... I am 21 years old and I have never ever had a cavity. Knock on wood. Go brush your teeth!!
7.1.06
You know you are getting older when...
...you stay in on a friday night, only to find yourself playing Scrabble with your parents... and losing.
...the ball drops in NYC, you shout "Happy 2006!" and the first thought that comes to your mind is "Oh crap! I graduate from college in 2006!"
...you read the newspaper in the morning, and not just the comics.
...you go to the nearest starbucks everyother night because you just don't fit in anymore at the skating rink.
...you begin to think about you future... i.e. rent, careers, health insurance... all in all, your budget... and the anxiety attacks lessen.
...you get asked "so what are you going to do in six months after graduation?" every day.
...you enjoy wine.
...you get together with highschool friends and all you can do is talk about who is engaged, pregnant, married, or already divorced.
...you have been a bridesmaid.
...you do not want to date someone just to date them. You have to get serious at this point in your life... or so you think.
...you buy a grill.
...you make your little sister pimp your myspace page and learn that no one really likes your favorite music anymore. (Sorry Hootie)
...you stop using facebook/myspace.
...the age of your friends does not matter anymore. They could be 8 years younger or 8 years older.
...the only guys that say you are "stunning" are fifteen, or they are related to you... or better yet, they are both.
...you have friends living all over the world.
...you believe that the Disney Channel has changed their target market.
..."checking someone out" doesn't mean, looking them over to see how attractive he is, but it refers to looking to see if he is wearing a wedding ring.
**All, some, or none of the above might apply to you, me, or all of us**
...the ball drops in NYC, you shout "Happy 2006!" and the first thought that comes to your mind is "Oh crap! I graduate from college in 2006!"
...you read the newspaper in the morning, and not just the comics.
...you go to the nearest starbucks everyother night because you just don't fit in anymore at the skating rink.
...you begin to think about you future... i.e. rent, careers, health insurance... all in all, your budget... and the anxiety attacks lessen.
...you get asked "so what are you going to do in six months after graduation?" every day.
...you enjoy wine.
...you get together with highschool friends and all you can do is talk about who is engaged, pregnant, married, or already divorced.
...you have been a bridesmaid.
...you do not want to date someone just to date them. You have to get serious at this point in your life... or so you think.
...you buy a grill.
...you make your little sister pimp your myspace page and learn that no one really likes your favorite music anymore. (Sorry Hootie)
...you stop using facebook/myspace.
...the age of your friends does not matter anymore. They could be 8 years younger or 8 years older.
...the only guys that say you are "stunning" are fifteen, or they are related to you... or better yet, they are both.
...you have friends living all over the world.
...you believe that the Disney Channel has changed their target market.
..."checking someone out" doesn't mean, looking them over to see how attractive he is, but it refers to looking to see if he is wearing a wedding ring.
**All, some, or none of the above might apply to you, me, or all of us**
27.12.05
A difference was made... in our lives too.
Simply stated, I love how God works.
Today 10 of us went to the Union Mission in Norfolk, Va to serve the homeless folks dinner. I really did not know what to expect before I went into it. But it was a good experience, something I definitely want to do again sometime.
The "team" of us that went in there worked so well together! My whole family was there, as well as Jean and Lou (god mothers), and then Leslie's friend Ashley (kinda like another little sister), Caitlin (my friend since... 1st grade!!), Jeff (a friend from church), and Amanda (my roomie- please see the blog from December 12th to learn more about her). We all got down there and really meshed together. Our first task was to prepare things in the kitchen. Everyone had their certain jobs and it went really well. While my mom cut the frozen solid cakes, Jeff and I put them on plates, Leslie put them on trays, Amanda carried them, Caitlin wrapped them. If Dr T would be reading this, I would have to say we were quite the scientifically run organization! It was great working with everyone for a good cause.
At 5pm the first group of people came to eat. There were about 150 men and a couple women, who are all staying at the Union Mission, most of them sleeping on the floor though. While we were finishing up the preparations, I was looking to see what everyone in our team was doing. Most of us were just hanging out, then I noticed Jeff was out there talking to people. It was great! Eventually I made it out from the kitchen to put crackers on the table. I am pretty shy when it comes up to walking up to people and just chatting, but God works in crazy ways! I was wearing my livestrong and marc broussard bracelet and one man came up to me and asked if I got them at Heaven and Earth. I said no, but it lead to me briefly talking to him about the Bible and Jesus (who he referred to as "some guy he heard alot about") I don't know if my quick little chat with him made any kind of difference or anything, but it was cool to just talk to him about how wonderful Jesus is. Funny how God used my bracelets to attract a man from across the room, to talk about the Bible. Way to go God, way to go.
The feeding frenzy started, we all divided up into random serving jobs and before we knew it, everyone was eating, and most of the food was gone. The first group of people are only given 30 minutes to get their food and eat it. Most of them were extremely grateful and friendly. It tore me up to see that some people were my age... well, atleast under 30. What could have happened in these people's lives that have caused them to rely on free, gross looking food three times a day? As Jeff said, it really makes you appreciate your college education. After shaking hands with some of those men, who were so excited to meet me and learn my name, I thought to myself, I wonder what his story is? I wonder if he knows Jesus? I wonder if he has a family, if so, where are they? One man asked me if I had a Merry Christmas, I answered yes! And asked him the same. As it was coming out of my mouth... I kind of hesitated... but it was already out there. I mean, he is homeless. Do you ask someone who has nothing, if they had a Merry Christmas? But that is when you remember, like it was stated in the Grinch Who Stole Christmas- "It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags!.... Maybe Christmas is a little bit more..." The man smiled at me and said, Yes, I had a wonderful Christmas! Thanks for asking! :)
We cleaned up the kitchen, swept around the tables, and set up for the second round of people. At 6pm, Union Mission workers came through the line. This time everything was mostly self serve. They were not as desperate for the food, yet they were. This group was alot more quiet. They had the assurance that there would be food, while for the first group it was a wild card as to whether or not there would be enough food to go around.
We cleaned up the kitchen one final time. We put away all the left over condiments. And then, I went to help Jean put away some of the extra food, which was almost a full tray of bean soup. (which looked disgusting, but these people didn't care. it was a warm meal, and thats all that mattered to them.) But she was pouring all that bean soup into the trash. Part of me really cannot understand that. I mean, the first group of people were waiting on the street before we arrived. They came in. They ate. And after 30 minutes they were rushed out without much time to sit and enjoy their food. It was no european style eating establishment... it was more like a McDonalds on crack or something! But my question is, is why couldnt we have given all that soup to someone? I am sure that there was someone staying with that ministry that could have gone for seconds, or even thirds of that nasty bean soup! Why throw it in the trash?! Oh well I guess. I won't take the critical approach tonight... I will just go with the flow.
So anyway, let me just leave you with a couple of last words. This was quite the experience that I should really sit down and ponder for a little while. I am sure that there is so much that could be learned from it. Mostly though, I am sure the moral of this story is to count your blessings and love God. He will not leave you high and dry. While those men had next to nothing, some were carrying all their belongings in a brown food lion bag, the ones who were open about following Christ had smiles on their faces and love in their hearts. The obvious did not seem to matter to them right then... where I live, what kind of car I drive, what kind of job my parents have... none of that mattered. What mattered was that we were friendly faces providing them with food, and a little hope, to get them through their tough times.
We went there to make a difference in the lives of a few homeless people, while in the end, maybe they were the ones who made the difference in our lives. Pray for those people who are living less than 15 minutes away from here, who do not have a home, and who are sleeping on the floors of the Union Mission tonight.
Today 10 of us went to the Union Mission in Norfolk, Va to serve the homeless folks dinner. I really did not know what to expect before I went into it. But it was a good experience, something I definitely want to do again sometime.
The "team" of us that went in there worked so well together! My whole family was there, as well as Jean and Lou (god mothers), and then Leslie's friend Ashley (kinda like another little sister), Caitlin (my friend since... 1st grade!!), Jeff (a friend from church), and Amanda (my roomie- please see the blog from December 12th to learn more about her). We all got down there and really meshed together. Our first task was to prepare things in the kitchen. Everyone had their certain jobs and it went really well. While my mom cut the frozen solid cakes, Jeff and I put them on plates, Leslie put them on trays, Amanda carried them, Caitlin wrapped them. If Dr T would be reading this, I would have to say we were quite the scientifically run organization! It was great working with everyone for a good cause.
At 5pm the first group of people came to eat. There were about 150 men and a couple women, who are all staying at the Union Mission, most of them sleeping on the floor though. While we were finishing up the preparations, I was looking to see what everyone in our team was doing. Most of us were just hanging out, then I noticed Jeff was out there talking to people. It was great! Eventually I made it out from the kitchen to put crackers on the table. I am pretty shy when it comes up to walking up to people and just chatting, but God works in crazy ways! I was wearing my livestrong and marc broussard bracelet and one man came up to me and asked if I got them at Heaven and Earth. I said no, but it lead to me briefly talking to him about the Bible and Jesus (who he referred to as "some guy he heard alot about") I don't know if my quick little chat with him made any kind of difference or anything, but it was cool to just talk to him about how wonderful Jesus is. Funny how God used my bracelets to attract a man from across the room, to talk about the Bible. Way to go God, way to go.
The feeding frenzy started, we all divided up into random serving jobs and before we knew it, everyone was eating, and most of the food was gone. The first group of people are only given 30 minutes to get their food and eat it. Most of them were extremely grateful and friendly. It tore me up to see that some people were my age... well, atleast under 30. What could have happened in these people's lives that have caused them to rely on free, gross looking food three times a day? As Jeff said, it really makes you appreciate your college education. After shaking hands with some of those men, who were so excited to meet me and learn my name, I thought to myself, I wonder what his story is? I wonder if he knows Jesus? I wonder if he has a family, if so, where are they? One man asked me if I had a Merry Christmas, I answered yes! And asked him the same. As it was coming out of my mouth... I kind of hesitated... but it was already out there. I mean, he is homeless. Do you ask someone who has nothing, if they had a Merry Christmas? But that is when you remember, like it was stated in the Grinch Who Stole Christmas- "It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags!.... Maybe Christmas is a little bit more..." The man smiled at me and said, Yes, I had a wonderful Christmas! Thanks for asking! :)
We cleaned up the kitchen, swept around the tables, and set up for the second round of people. At 6pm, Union Mission workers came through the line. This time everything was mostly self serve. They were not as desperate for the food, yet they were. This group was alot more quiet. They had the assurance that there would be food, while for the first group it was a wild card as to whether or not there would be enough food to go around.
We cleaned up the kitchen one final time. We put away all the left over condiments. And then, I went to help Jean put away some of the extra food, which was almost a full tray of bean soup. (which looked disgusting, but these people didn't care. it was a warm meal, and thats all that mattered to them.) But she was pouring all that bean soup into the trash. Part of me really cannot understand that. I mean, the first group of people were waiting on the street before we arrived. They came in. They ate. And after 30 minutes they were rushed out without much time to sit and enjoy their food. It was no european style eating establishment... it was more like a McDonalds on crack or something! But my question is, is why couldnt we have given all that soup to someone? I am sure that there was someone staying with that ministry that could have gone for seconds, or even thirds of that nasty bean soup! Why throw it in the trash?! Oh well I guess. I won't take the critical approach tonight... I will just go with the flow.
So anyway, let me just leave you with a couple of last words. This was quite the experience that I should really sit down and ponder for a little while. I am sure that there is so much that could be learned from it. Mostly though, I am sure the moral of this story is to count your blessings and love God. He will not leave you high and dry. While those men had next to nothing, some were carrying all their belongings in a brown food lion bag, the ones who were open about following Christ had smiles on their faces and love in their hearts. The obvious did not seem to matter to them right then... where I live, what kind of car I drive, what kind of job my parents have... none of that mattered. What mattered was that we were friendly faces providing them with food, and a little hope, to get them through their tough times.
We went there to make a difference in the lives of a few homeless people, while in the end, maybe they were the ones who made the difference in our lives. Pray for those people who are living less than 15 minutes away from here, who do not have a home, and who are sleeping on the floors of the Union Mission tonight.
22.12.05
Cruisin' the Seas
Okay... so cruise number two of my life... done. I definitely saw my fair share of the Sea... all 12 feet of the waves that were attacking our Royal Caribbean ship! The first cruise I went on, I could not even tell that I was on a ship. This one... oh boy was the ship rockin' the entire trip! I have been off the ship for about 12 hours now, but I am still swaying!!
After my dad went home, my mom, sister and I met up with my cousin Katie and my aunt for a four day cruise to the Bahamas. The first day was spent on the ship, which was decorated for the holidays. I heard more christmas music in those four days than I have heard in all the Christmas's of my life added together!! haha. Now I thought airports were a great place to people watch.... cruise ships win though! People are running in all different directions having no idea where to go or what to do! You hear lots of screaming kids, college aged people talking about how wasted they are, several fun different accents, with a few clueless elderly folks thrown in there.
The second day we went to "Coco Cay" This is the private island that Royal Caribbean owns. It was chilly and drizzily. Which was really dissappointing. However I did have a Bahama Mama at about 10AM... so that helped. I will have to insert a picture here... to show you the stormy weather we experienced, instead of the happy and sunny bahama weather.
Day three was spent in Nassau, Bahamas. We headed to Atlantis... which in my mind IS the HAPPIST PLACE ON EARTH. The second I saw it, all the fun times that jess and I spent there came back, and I was homesick for one of my best friends. Aw geez... Jess we HAVE to go back there together!! We took the water taxi back to Nassau, and did a quick shopping tour. As we lined back up to get on the ship, the sky began to fall and we got soaked!! Anyway... we spent some time that night enjoying the ship and the whole nine yards. It was alot of fun!
The biggest thing that I got out of the cruise trip was looking at the cruise staff. Yes, it was great to see the job that the activities director has... that looks like fun. But when you look at the wait staff, and the "state room attendants" and you talk to them, and you hear their stories, it just seems so sad to me. We heard stories from our waiters about how they basically work 24/7 for six months straight. They have families at home that they do not get to talk to very often. They have girlfriends/ boyfriends that are at home or on the opposite side of the world. They are not allowed to enjoy any of the fun aspects of the enormous cruise ship that the guests get to enjoy. Obviously they are not allowed to "mingle" with guests, but from my point of view, it is just so sad to "befriend" someone and then never ever see them again.
We got to hear the stories of Santan (our waiter) and Geza (our assistant waiter) and we really got to know these men. I don't know if they act friendly to all of their guests, but I really feel like we got to know them. The waiters all do a little song and dance thing on the last night, and Geza and Santan waved and everything right to our table... It amazes me how big of a difference you can make by just taking a minute or two and talking to people. Instead of asking Geza what kind of roll we were about to eat, but asking him where he was from, if he has family at home, and to hear him talk about his girlfriend that lives in Germany. This morning, we went to breakfast at 7AM, and were greeted by Geza, who had a huge smile when he saw us and was saying "GOOD MORNING LADIES!" You know that look that someone has when you know they just need a hug, and they will be okay? When we said goodbye to Geza, I felt like I should run up and hug him, just to help him get through the next few months of loneliness. Especially this week... he said they do not have any kind of church services regularly, but there might be something special that will happen this week because it is Christmas.
The moral of this story is that we are all human beings. We all share the same kind of feelings. Give everyone a chance. Take time out of your busy day, and ask other people questions. Learn about their lives. Naturally, people like to talk about themselves. Especially if they are lonely. So just take a second... ask some questions... and "fill their bucket!" Because when you fill someone else's bucket, you fill your bucket in return!
I would love to do a "behind the scenes/true life: i work on a cruise ship" and interview and talk to the "help" on these ships. So many different people, so many different cultures, so many different nationalities, so many stories. In reality, no one is better than anyone else. Yes, they may have the job of waiting on us hand and foot, but we are all God's children, we are all equal.
As I was leaving the ship, I was thinking to myself, I wonder if what we said to any of these men made any kind of difference. I wonder if they will ever think about any of us ever again. They remembered exactly what we had to eat and drink the night before, will they ever think back on us? On something we said to them? On the garden gnome that they took a picture with? I wonder if Daio our "Stateroom Attendant" will keep the "Thanks for your great job and Happy Holidays!" note that we left for him.
Like it was said at the Farewell Show, there were about 60 different nationalities getting along together on that ship without drama or war. Why can't we all get along together in the real world?
After my dad went home, my mom, sister and I met up with my cousin Katie and my aunt for a four day cruise to the Bahamas. The first day was spent on the ship, which was decorated for the holidays. I heard more christmas music in those four days than I have heard in all the Christmas's of my life added together!! haha. Now I thought airports were a great place to people watch.... cruise ships win though! People are running in all different directions having no idea where to go or what to do! You hear lots of screaming kids, college aged people talking about how wasted they are, several fun different accents, with a few clueless elderly folks thrown in there.
The second day we went to "Coco Cay" This is the private island that Royal Caribbean owns. It was chilly and drizzily. Which was really dissappointing. However I did have a Bahama Mama at about 10AM... so that helped. I will have to insert a picture here... to show you the stormy weather we experienced, instead of the happy and sunny bahama weather.
Day three was spent in Nassau, Bahamas. We headed to Atlantis... which in my mind IS the HAPPIST PLACE ON EARTH. The second I saw it, all the fun times that jess and I spent there came back, and I was homesick for one of my best friends. Aw geez... Jess we HAVE to go back there together!! We took the water taxi back to Nassau, and did a quick shopping tour. As we lined back up to get on the ship, the sky began to fall and we got soaked!! Anyway... we spent some time that night enjoying the ship and the whole nine yards. It was alot of fun!
The biggest thing that I got out of the cruise trip was looking at the cruise staff. Yes, it was great to see the job that the activities director has... that looks like fun. But when you look at the wait staff, and the "state room attendants" and you talk to them, and you hear their stories, it just seems so sad to me. We heard stories from our waiters about how they basically work 24/7 for six months straight. They have families at home that they do not get to talk to very often. They have girlfriends/ boyfriends that are at home or on the opposite side of the world. They are not allowed to enjoy any of the fun aspects of the enormous cruise ship that the guests get to enjoy. Obviously they are not allowed to "mingle" with guests, but from my point of view, it is just so sad to "befriend" someone and then never ever see them again.
We got to hear the stories of Santan (our waiter) and Geza (our assistant waiter) and we really got to know these men. I don't know if they act friendly to all of their guests, but I really feel like we got to know them. The waiters all do a little song and dance thing on the last night, and Geza and Santan waved and everything right to our table... It amazes me how big of a difference you can make by just taking a minute or two and talking to people. Instead of asking Geza what kind of roll we were about to eat, but asking him where he was from, if he has family at home, and to hear him talk about his girlfriend that lives in Germany. This morning, we went to breakfast at 7AM, and were greeted by Geza, who had a huge smile when he saw us and was saying "GOOD MORNING LADIES!" You know that look that someone has when you know they just need a hug, and they will be okay? When we said goodbye to Geza, I felt like I should run up and hug him, just to help him get through the next few months of loneliness. Especially this week... he said they do not have any kind of church services regularly, but there might be something special that will happen this week because it is Christmas.
The moral of this story is that we are all human beings. We all share the same kind of feelings. Give everyone a chance. Take time out of your busy day, and ask other people questions. Learn about their lives. Naturally, people like to talk about themselves. Especially if they are lonely. So just take a second... ask some questions... and "fill their bucket!" Because when you fill someone else's bucket, you fill your bucket in return!
I would love to do a "behind the scenes/true life: i work on a cruise ship" and interview and talk to the "help" on these ships. So many different people, so many different cultures, so many different nationalities, so many stories. In reality, no one is better than anyone else. Yes, they may have the job of waiting on us hand and foot, but we are all God's children, we are all equal.
As I was leaving the ship, I was thinking to myself, I wonder if what we said to any of these men made any kind of difference. I wonder if they will ever think about any of us ever again. They remembered exactly what we had to eat and drink the night before, will they ever think back on us? On something we said to them? On the garden gnome that they took a picture with? I wonder if Daio our "Stateroom Attendant" will keep the "Thanks for your great job and Happy Holidays!" note that we left for him.
Like it was said at the Farewell Show, there were about 60 different nationalities getting along together on that ship without drama or war. Why can't we all get along together in the real world?
The Happiest Place on Earth
Two Words for you: Disney. World. The happiest place on earth.... :)
We arrived in Orlando, and I immediately made a fool of myself. When asked by an airport official what flight I just came in on, I happily announce to him that I just flew in from Orlando. My face turned red, my family made fun of me (for about 24 hours), and we continued the family vacation.
What is the first thing you think of when you hear Disney World? Mickey Mouse? No. Minnie? No. Pirates of the Caribbean? Almost but not quite. How about lines? YES. Lines in Disney are as prevelant as sorority girls at JMU. They are all over the place. The second you walk into that world you are surrounded by them! We were in the airport, and standing in line just to get on the bus to go to our hotel. My dad made a point to announce to us that as he looked around he noticed that Leslie and I were the two biggest kids there with their parents. Yep, thats right folks. Amongst all these 5, 6, 7, and 8 year olds was a 21 year old and a 17 year old. Oh but we fit in better than some of those kids did!
Disney was fun. I would definitely say that my family took on Disney like the Griswald family would have if "Disney Vacation" with Chevy Chase was ever created. We conquered all four Disney Parks in a day and a half. Now if that is not a world record then I do not know what is!! There were only two rides out of all four parks that we did not make it to, but other than that.... it was quite a whirl-winded adventure. The only thing I think I might go back and change if I could... would be the bratwurst I at at Epcot which was directly followed by Mission Space (a ride where Leslie swears she felt 100 Gs. haha crazy kid).
The Christmas Celebration at Magic Kingdom was fun. It "snowed" on the main street... although the snow slightly resembled soap suds, and it kinda smelled lemony fresh. Despite the fake snow, it really felt like it could have been cold enough for real snow. Who woulda thought that people in Florida actually have to own scarves and hats and gloves. I had to give in and buy the mickey mouse santa hat simply to keep my head warm. Plus, all the little kids had them... and someone from our family had to step it up!
So yes, no matter what time of the year, what the weather is, or how many strollers almost run you over... Disney... yes it is one of the happiest places on earth... however... more or less, I would have to say that Disney World is one of the most exhausting places on earth!
We arrived in Orlando, and I immediately made a fool of myself. When asked by an airport official what flight I just came in on, I happily announce to him that I just flew in from Orlando. My face turned red, my family made fun of me (for about 24 hours), and we continued the family vacation.
What is the first thing you think of when you hear Disney World? Mickey Mouse? No. Minnie? No. Pirates of the Caribbean? Almost but not quite. How about lines? YES. Lines in Disney are as prevelant as sorority girls at JMU. They are all over the place. The second you walk into that world you are surrounded by them! We were in the airport, and standing in line just to get on the bus to go to our hotel. My dad made a point to announce to us that as he looked around he noticed that Leslie and I were the two biggest kids there with their parents. Yep, thats right folks. Amongst all these 5, 6, 7, and 8 year olds was a 21 year old and a 17 year old. Oh but we fit in better than some of those kids did!
Disney was fun. I would definitely say that my family took on Disney like the Griswald family would have if "Disney Vacation" with Chevy Chase was ever created. We conquered all four Disney Parks in a day and a half. Now if that is not a world record then I do not know what is!! There were only two rides out of all four parks that we did not make it to, but other than that.... it was quite a whirl-winded adventure. The only thing I think I might go back and change if I could... would be the bratwurst I at at Epcot which was directly followed by Mission Space (a ride where Leslie swears she felt 100 Gs. haha crazy kid).
The Christmas Celebration at Magic Kingdom was fun. It "snowed" on the main street... although the snow slightly resembled soap suds, and it kinda smelled lemony fresh. Despite the fake snow, it really felt like it could have been cold enough for real snow. Who woulda thought that people in Florida actually have to own scarves and hats and gloves. I had to give in and buy the mickey mouse santa hat simply to keep my head warm. Plus, all the little kids had them... and someone from our family had to step it up!
So yes, no matter what time of the year, what the weather is, or how many strollers almost run you over... Disney... yes it is one of the happiest places on earth... however... more or less, I would have to say that Disney World is one of the most exhausting places on earth!
The moving sidewalk story
Well Well Well. It has been quite some time since my last blog. So let me kick it back up. I am going to write a few on the past week and its adventures. (Depending on how I feel after I write one or so...)
So lets get things started with the airport. It has been well established that I love to watch people in airports. Right when we get to Norfolk airport, the people-watching began. We crossed the moving sidewalk and were waiting for the elevator and all of a sudden, a family of 5 or so came flying off the moving sidewalk. No seriously, they flew off. The first child, probably about 4 years old shot off the end and fell down. Right behind him was dad. Dad stopped short and tried to help him up, when right behind him two other small children shot off and hit their dad! It was a pile of about 4 people at the end of the moving sidewalk!! Now... my family... being the nice, helpful, christian family we are... what do we do...?? Bust out laughing! What a way to start a family vacation... laughing at other families! Nothing beats seeing a pile of people at the end of a moving sidewalk, three kids screaming and crying, the father trying to help the kids up, and the mom yelling at the dad.... oh geez, how I love watching people in airports.
So lets get things started with the airport. It has been well established that I love to watch people in airports. Right when we get to Norfolk airport, the people-watching began. We crossed the moving sidewalk and were waiting for the elevator and all of a sudden, a family of 5 or so came flying off the moving sidewalk. No seriously, they flew off. The first child, probably about 4 years old shot off the end and fell down. Right behind him was dad. Dad stopped short and tried to help him up, when right behind him two other small children shot off and hit their dad! It was a pile of about 4 people at the end of the moving sidewalk!! Now... my family... being the nice, helpful, christian family we are... what do we do...?? Bust out laughing! What a way to start a family vacation... laughing at other families! Nothing beats seeing a pile of people at the end of a moving sidewalk, three kids screaming and crying, the father trying to help the kids up, and the mom yelling at the dad.... oh geez, how I love watching people in airports.
16.12.05
Dear Big Ron, (and other readers)
Dear Big Ron... aka Mr Spivey,
It has been brought to my attention that you read, and enjoyed my blogs. Thank you for that. Amanda said that you might even subscribe to my blog... which really excites me, however I do not know what it means to "subscribe" to anyone's blog. Good Luck with that. haha.
To Mr Spivey and any other readers I might have:
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any specific topics you would like me to cover. And- you should sign that guest book thing, whatever it is. I would really like to know if anyone actually reads this! Other than the few people I force to read it! :) hehe
Sincerely,
Suz :)
It has been brought to my attention that you read, and enjoyed my blogs. Thank you for that. Amanda said that you might even subscribe to my blog... which really excites me, however I do not know what it means to "subscribe" to anyone's blog. Good Luck with that. haha.
To Mr Spivey and any other readers I might have:
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any specific topics you would like me to cover. And- you should sign that guest book thing, whatever it is. I would really like to know if anyone actually reads this! Other than the few people I force to read it! :) hehe
Sincerely,
Suz :)
A plethrea of comments
I woke up this morning to a true winter wonderland. Although, it reminded me a little bit of the game CandyLand, in the top right corner of the old version of the board, there was that princess who was all white and was in charge of the frosting... it looked like she had made a little visit to Harrisonburg overnight and covered everything in ice. It only took me about 40 minutes to break the 3/4 inch thick ice off of my truck, cut my hand, and skate down the stonegate 1805 steps a few times. However, there was just something great about taking a piece of ice that was the exact shape as my sideview mirror and smashing it on the ground! Almost like a "Take that Winter!" or "You suck Stonegate!" It was kind of invigorating!
Loading all my stuff up to get home was fun.... When I tried to hold on to the hand rail, not only did my feet slip, but my hand slipped too due to the ice that molded itself onto the railing. As I let go, the circle of ice shot off the railing, very similar to the scene in "Christmas Vacation" where the icicle shot off the Griswald's house, broke the neighbors window and ruined the stereo... "Something had to break the window, something had to ruin the stereo... well I DON'T KNOW MARGOOOO" Ha.
Any whooooo, I eventually got packed up. My truck looking like a closet with clothes, shoes, and christmas presents scattered everywhere. It was difficult to pack for this break... One suitcase for warm tropical weather, and the other(s)... for the nasty winter crap.
Taking off tomorrow for Disney World, directly followed by a cruise to the Bahamas. I am pretty darn excited about Disney though... MY DAD IS GOING WITH US!! Its gonna kinda be like a family vacation! :) First one in a lonnnngggg time! And I am sure this one will be great- because NYC was HORRIBLE... so there is no possible way this trip could be any worse. :)
So I will keep ya posted on how that trip goes, in the mean time, let me leave you with this:
Stay warm, and when you can't... think of me. As of tuesday I will be on an island drinking fruity beverages hopefully getting a tan of some sort. :) (wow that was a little harsh... just kidding about that "think of me line"- I hope you just have a chai tea latte when you are cold! :) hehe) I be-jamin.
Any whooooo, I eventually got packed up. My truck looking like a closet with clothes, shoes, and christmas presents scattered everywhere. It was difficult to pack for this break... One suitcase for warm tropical weather, and the other(s)... for the nasty winter crap.
Taking off tomorrow for Disney World, directly followed by a cruise to the Bahamas. I am pretty darn excited about Disney though... MY DAD IS GOING WITH US!! Its gonna kinda be like a family vacation! :) First one in a lonnnngggg time! And I am sure this one will be great- because NYC was HORRIBLE... so there is no possible way this trip could be any worse. :)
So I will keep ya posted on how that trip goes, in the mean time, let me leave you with this:
Stay warm, and when you can't... think of me. As of tuesday I will be on an island drinking fruity beverages hopefully getting a tan of some sort. :) (wow that was a little harsh... just kidding about that "think of me line"- I hope you just have a chai tea latte when you are cold! :) hehe) I be-jamin.
15.12.05
Ask Jeeves: Who was the first person to ever write a blog? Hmmm....
After writing my last blog about Amanda and her blogging inspirations I think it is only appropriate for me to write a blog about my blogging inspirations.
First off, you must consider the person (or persons) who inspired me to begin blogging. One day I was randomly googling a quote and some girls blog popped up. I began reading her blog, and realized, "hey! i could do this! and maybe someone, somewhere in the world might read it!" So that was my true start. However there is a little twist to this inspiration. Tonight I watched "Hollywoods 50 cutest child actors, all grown up!" and basically relived my childhood. But I honestly have to say, that after watching that show, and recollecting on all my favorite shows from when I was a kid... I decided that it is only appropriate to dedicate this blog, to one of the first "bloggers" that ever existed. I had a crush on him for several seasons in the early '90s. He was a blond genious. He began and concluded every episode Carrie Bradshaw style, yet while his IQ was higher that Miss Bradshaw's, his writing topics were not quite as adult.... or were they? Well, if you haven't figured out who this is yet... let me just say, Here's to you Doogie Howers, MD.
As for the topics of this blog... I owe it to you. My friends, my family, fellow JMU-ers, and people who walk by me on the street. Ya gotta learn to observe the world around you, and put a happy spin on it. I mean, if we don't, who will? So- when you see someone chompin' on incandescent gum and it annoys you... smile and remember, it could be worse. It could smell like sour green apple too. Or when you bust your butt from falling down a "Mountain-like Hill" smile and think to yourself- someone might laugh... real hard... if they heard that you fell... TWICE! (then... write about it, even if you are a sucky writer like myself!)
So let me finish tonight, with a quote from Doogie's journal that we can all appreciate:
January 8, 1993
Living on my own has made me realize one simple thing: unlike the eagle that soars high through the majestic skies and the bear that burrows its way through endless seasons, my toilet won't clean itself.
You are a wise boy Doogie, a wissseeee.... man?
First off, you must consider the person (or persons) who inspired me to begin blogging. One day I was randomly googling a quote and some girls blog popped up. I began reading her blog, and realized, "hey! i could do this! and maybe someone, somewhere in the world might read it!" So that was my true start. However there is a little twist to this inspiration. Tonight I watched "Hollywoods 50 cutest child actors, all grown up!" and basically relived my childhood. But I honestly have to say, that after watching that show, and recollecting on all my favorite shows from when I was a kid... I decided that it is only appropriate to dedicate this blog, to one of the first "bloggers" that ever existed. I had a crush on him for several seasons in the early '90s. He was a blond genious. He began and concluded every episode Carrie Bradshaw style, yet while his IQ was higher that Miss Bradshaw's, his writing topics were not quite as adult.... or were they? Well, if you haven't figured out who this is yet... let me just say, Here's to you Doogie Howers, MD.
As for the topics of this blog... I owe it to you. My friends, my family, fellow JMU-ers, and people who walk by me on the street. Ya gotta learn to observe the world around you, and put a happy spin on it. I mean, if we don't, who will? So- when you see someone chompin' on incandescent gum and it annoys you... smile and remember, it could be worse. It could smell like sour green apple too. Or when you bust your butt from falling down a "Mountain-like Hill" smile and think to yourself- someone might laugh... real hard... if they heard that you fell... TWICE! (then... write about it, even if you are a sucky writer like myself!)
So let me finish tonight, with a quote from Doogie's journal that we can all appreciate:
January 8, 1993
Living on my own has made me realize one simple thing: unlike the eagle that soars high through the majestic skies and the bear that burrows its way through endless seasons, my toilet won't clean itself.
You are a wise boy Doogie, a wissseeee.... man?
12.12.05
I am not as inspiring as I thought I was... or am I??
A Blog about my roomie:
(but first... let me start out with this quote, which could be used as the thesis of this blog:)
ASpidancer: Is it wrong to post more than one blog in a day Now... often times I am the one who is made fun of for giving in to dumb little trends... and then trying to talk my roomies into giving in also. (i.e. facebook and myspace). So last night I recieve an IM from ASpidancer aka AMANDA MY ROOMIE that shocked me! She was telling me that she was going to write a blog! Now... I want to believe that I was her true inspiration for this. Without the use of any of my persuasive skills that I have acquired for JMU's SCOM department (more specifically dr yoon... the little asian professor I kicked in the shin the other day)- anyway without the use of these persuasive skills, I managed to get Amanda to become a "Blogger" so to speak. How crazy is this?!
The more I continued to think about it, I realized that I was not her true inspiration. For those of you who do not have the privildge of living, or simply knowing Miss Amanda Spivey, let me give you a little background on this girl. *me being an expert since I have live with her for several years*
Born and raised in Smithfield, Virginia this 80s lovin, balerina went to a small school in which she played the saxafone. (Ha- this kinda sounds like one of those fill in the blank Mad Libs things doesnt it?!) Anyway, I met Amanda and got to live with her freshman year, along with our other roommate Bob. (for those of you who do not know, Bob is a ghost. Yes you read that right, Bob is a ghost.) We continued to be roomies sophomore year, even after I bubble wrapped her side of the room while she was gone for the weekend. :) Oh yeah, we also went on a quest together to see the Golden Girls house in Orlando Florida. That was a great time.... I got to see Amanda cut in front of little kids and almost take down Jafar and Disney World. Anyway, we continue to live together now... but in addition to loving Austin Power and Old Disney Movies, Amanda has developed a recent love... might I say addicition... for Marc Broussard. NOW here comes the point of this blog... Mr Broussard writes a blog.... which sadly Amanda subscribes to. Therefore, thanks to my amazing detective skills, dare I say that it was not me that inspired her to write her blog, but Mister Marc himself?!
Well folks... take it for what you will... but amanda has a couple of loves in her life... marc and me :) so maybe we both inspired her.
With that... let me say that YES Amanda DID write two blogs in ONE day... and YES she is a wonderful roomie despite her over use of her blog.
(just kidding smack dab- you can blog as often as you would like!) :)
PS. Here is a picture of Amanda at one of her craziest moments:
10.12.05
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my heart is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final death
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final death
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
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