The Winding Path Up and Out

For some reason, my brain organizes life in sections of time... this many weeks until this event, or this many months since that event.  Almost like milestones or something.  Maybe that is messed up, I don't know. 
Wednesday marks two months since I boarded an airplane in London, returning back to the USA after almost four wonderful months spent in the north of England.  Two months!  Where has the time gone?! 
Since coming back home, I have had a massive amount of time to think and reflect.  It has been a hard road filled with some deep depression and true soul searching.  I'm ever so thankful for the continual faithfulness and patience of the Lord.  I would love to tell you that I bounced back from living a somewhat fairytale life, but that wouldn't be true.  It has been a struggle.  Some days have felt as though I am army crawling up a steep hill, inch by painful inch.  Some days I am up and walking.  It has been a weary journey. 
A couple years ago, I would have guiltily hidden my struggles.  I had this notion that if I appeared weak no one would want to be around be and they would think less of me.  It was only through the advice of trusted friends and family and working of the Lord in my heart, that I realized there was no shame in depression.  That in itself was freeing.  It kinda shoves you to the ground in the realization that there is no way you can do life successfully without God.
So when I once again found myself in a valley, I was not ashamed or fearful.  It was more like an 'oh darn' moment.  I knew without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord would bring me through it, and that there was a reason that I was in this place.  Still, it has been a tough couple months. 
In England, I had a brand new life.  Every day was essentially a new adventure, filled with new people, scenery, experiences, and lessons.  For my personality, that is like pure happiness.  I love new things and might secretly or not so secretly enjoy the unknown.  That is who I am!  The adventure of life holds so much exciting mystery and I love discovering it. 
I had a new church, with a new community and group of friends.  Starting over with that part of life was challenging, but rewarding and filled with inspiring and phenomenal people.  There was a new city, filled with culture, history, streets, and people that I had absolutely no idea about.  And of course, a school. Up until this point, I had never taught full-time... just part-time.  Before England, I wondered if I was truly cut out to teach full-time.  In about a week I realized, that yes, I was cut out for it.  In fact, this was part of my main calling in life. 
I remember the first week I started teaching.  So many nerves!  I was a bit unsure, and confidence wasn't particularly present.  Would I be able to communicate clearly to my students?  Would they think I was dumb?  Would they like music?  Would they learn what they were supposed to?
By the end of the week though, my confidence had grown in leaps and bounds, and I realized that it didn't matter so much what the students thought of me.  What really mattered was that they learned, and somehow found joy in learning.
Most importantly though I was hit in the face by one thing.  These students were human beings.  Now, that sounds a bit silly, but I realized how important consciously recognizing their humanity was.  It opened my eyes to see my students as more than just warm bodies in desks and more than just a way to realize music.  These people had dreams and talents, fears and humor, curiosity, hurt, intelligence, and joy.  It actually overwhelmed me.  Teaching now went beyond the academic subject of music.  It was about life and connecting learning to the heart and mind of each student.  Gosh!  I could teach the 'perfect' lesson, hitting every major point and including advanced teaching technique, but unless it connected with my students, it was an absolutely pointless endeavor. 
I could go on and on about this.  For hours in fact.  Suffice to say, that as I began to incorporate this into my teaching, the responses of my students stunned me.  Sure, some of my lessons sucked.  There is no way around it.  I majorly failed at times.  But my students graciously carried on.  Their patience and support was humbling.  I was astounded by their intelligence, and moved by their love.  To the very end they gave me countless opportunities to confidently experiment in my teaching.  When something went well, they made sure I knew it 100%. 
I realized that my favorite teachers were the ones that connected to me, cared about me, and challenged me.  They expected excellence from me.  An excellence that I didn't always think I was capable of, yet their unwavering faith in me encouraged and pushed me to achieve exactly what I thought was impossible.  I tried to teach that way.  Maybe sometimes I praised too much.  Maybe sometimes we had too much 'fun' in class and not enough 'focus'.  Good gracious, there were many things I wouldn't do the same.  But I do know this... I would always repeat the encouraging, challenging, and connecting times with my students.
The love I felt upon leaving, and have continued to feel since then has broken me time and again.  In a good way though.  The notes received and the messages still being sent never fail to bring me to tears.  How I was blessed to student teach at a school with such beautiful people, I will never understand.  But I am grateful.  Eternally grateful that the Lord placed me in a place where I was able to learn, mature, laugh and cry.  The last two months have shown me that and given me time to reflect with great awe upon the many blessings that the four months in England held.  I have finally begun to move forward.  Moving forward does not mean you forget the past.  Instead, it means going forward in life, having been changed by the past and keeping those memories alive. 
As overly dramatic as it sounds, my students changed my life.  The imprint they have left on my heart and teaching is incredible.  Without them, I would not be who I am today.  I miss them so much it hurts.  The fact that I may never see them again drives me crazy.  But I'm grateful.  It came to me that in my efforts to believe in them, support them, challenge and inspire them, it actually often had the reverse effect in that they ended up doing that to me.  I left them and live on today being inspired because of them.  It boggles my mind.  These kids continue to believe in me, celebrating my successes, hoping for an exciting future, lovingly encouraging me to keep on.  That is love.  Funny how life works. 
This depression fog is lifting.  God is bringing peace despite the unknown future.  And my kids... oh these wonderful people... they are making sure that I know that they believe in me.  So, I'm up and walking again on this road called life.  Purpose and joy are returning.  And I have a smile, that comes from a changed and renewed heart.  Come at me life!

I am here

The past couple weeks have been hard.
My heart has felt bombarded by sadness, loneliness, and desperation.
My times with Jesus have been hard to come by, in the midst of midterms and life.

Last week as I was singing in choir, the Lord spoke to me.
Out of seemingly nowhere.  But maybe if I had been listening better before that I might have heard Him.
But this day, God was graciously louder in my life.
It had been a long week, my joy was being sucked away from every direction.  I felt like I was failing and falling and not sure anymore.

And it was in that moment, as I was singing... that His voice came and said "I am here.  I am present in this room.  I am here with you.  I am honored by your heart and love for me."
That was it.  Those words.  Exactly.
I am not making it up.  I couldn't come up with those words in that time.  No way.  Only God could.
That was one of the biggest encouragements.
Maybe you doubt that was really God.
But when you hear His voice, its like... WOW.  On your knees in awe and worship.  In that moment I would have been on my knees in a second if I could have... the presence of God was so strong.  I am still overwhelmed and grateful.
So trust me.  It was Him.  I am grateful for Him speaking loudly, graciously, and so lovingly into my heart that was struggling between the world trying to drown out His voice and a desire to live intimately with Him.

Those precious moments of His voice, speak volumes to me of His faithfulness.

Psalm 36:5

"Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the clouds."

So here it is

I have had so many people ask what I am taking this quarter that I thought I would just put it here.  Its not the schedule, just the classes.  :)

*Voice lessons
*Accompanying lessons
*Voice Master Class
*Accompanying Master Class
*Concert Choir
*Aural Skills 4
*Music Seminar: Opera History 1
*Conducting Practicum
*Hispanic Literature

Accompanying: 2 mezzo-sopranos, 2 tenors, 1 flautist - practice and their lessons

Preparing for: Conducting Concert Choir at the 2012 Invitational Choral Festival, Choir tour to Europe, accompany 1 mezzo-soprano's junior recital and 1 tenor's junior recital.

Also... choir director at church.

This quarter is seriously going to be one of the best ever!  So excited!!

Faithfulness in the midst of doubt

God's faithfulness is something so big, so perfect, so contrary to this world, and so beautiful that often I am blown away by it.  Humbled by it.  Encouraged by it. 

I am ashamed at how often I doubt, only to be undeservingly swept away with countless reminders that God is indeed there and is still radically working despite my sin and skewed motives.  Sometimes I get so frustrated at my lack of trust.  Somehow I think I need to do something about my situation, and so I go about frantically trying to "make things right", or at least attempting to make things right.  Ah!  Why can't I just strive to live my life for Jesus and do things to please Him all while simply trusting.  Easier said than done isn't it!

God's faithfulness....
Webster's defines faithful as "steadfast in affection or allegiance".  It is pretty amazing that even though we constantly sin and make poor choices God remains the same in His love, forgivness, strength, and peace.  Unconditionally loving, protecting, forgiving, chastising.  Its beautiful.

My worry about finances, relationships, school, and life is unbelief and a lack of trust.  I am so thankful though that God is constantly reminding me that He is always faithful.


"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:30-33 ESV)

Musings of a child of God

Friends... I must write this out. God has been working in my heart and opening up my eyes to certain issues lately, and for that I am truly grateful. It has been painful, wonderful, and stretching. Sometimes I can't think anymore because my mind hurts. And so, in a feeble attempt to organize my thoughts, I thought I would write it all for you all to see. Think what you will, pray hard, and consider.

Through our own personal walks with Jesus we each grow and learn more about our Saviour. We are refined, and taught, and encouraged. But we are always learning.

Things change through life as we discover more about God's grace and love and also about how we need to let those qualities live through us and affect our relationships with others.

Just because we made mistakes in the past doesn't mean that we were horrible and awful and that that previous life should be forgotten. I think God created us to learn from the past and even amongst all the bad, there are still positive kernels in there. We just have to look. And sometimes hard.

Grace is not an excuse for sin, nor is it an excuse to act the way we want no matter what. Grace is a marvelous and undeserved gift from God that we are to use for His glory and His glory alone. When I think about the fact that God loves me unconditionally and no matter what I do, I am still His child, my brain starts spinning. But that amazing gift we have does not mean we live our way. Oh how it should motivate, inspire and will us to live for Jesus... to live only for His great name!

Does this all make sense? Am I rambling? Probably, but thats ok.
My last point... God is great, we are not, His plans are perfect, and ours are messed up. So how can we view our spiritual growth of the past as negative when it is all God's doing?? We don't live in a perfect world, hence we aren't perfect... our churches aren't perfect, and what we do isn't perfect. But we should strive to live for Jesus... for He is perfection.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I believe it is wrong to see our past as negative and bad and full of error. Truthfully it is full of errors that we made: the sin we committed... but what happens in our lives occurs through God's will and we must learn and grow from it but at the same time thank Him for His love.
I love my Savior and am so grateful for the undeserved grace He bestowed on little wretched me and I pray that my life will be one that shines brightly for Him.

Pain, Numbers, and Black Belts

This past weekend, my sister and I set off on an adventure of unknown proportions which delt with areas of life which were at that time unmapped. We came out of the experience with a large quantity of learned material, a renewed energy, sore bodies, and pages of notes. What was this experience that I speak so highly of? Well, how about I give you the long-ish version of that! ;)

On Friday morning, I woke up at the rather indecent hour of 4:30am and pulled on some clothes, grabbed a half-filled backpack and headed out the door. At 6:30am, a 15-passenger van pulled away from the karate school, filled with people headed for an instructor training conference approximately 5 hours south.

Now, I have to admit that I was rather dreading this long trip because truthfully I can tend to get rather grumpy on trips longer than 15 minutes. And so in my mind, how could a 5 hour trip be fun when there are 8 people in a van and you sit for that long?! Well, I was proven quite wrong... something of which I am happy for. The trip down turned into a laughter-filled, cookie happy, and hot drive, complete with martial arts fights along the way.
On a side note, no long-distance trip is complete without cell phones, texting, and many uses of cell phone cameras. Here are some pictures which prove my point as well as show that I myself and one of those "cell phone users".

Upon arrive at our destination, we all piled out of the car, and completed a quick tour of the martial arts school before we had a bite to eat.

The first seminar got off to a rather late start, but we all still got our mental and physical workouts for the day. Half of our group went to the marketing seminar and the other half went to the grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seminar. I went to the marketing and at times felt like I did way back in pre-calc class... lost and desperately trying to keep up.

But as time wore on, I became used to the jargon and my notes were no longer merely writing down what the speaker said, but rather writing down the key points the speaker said, because I was beginning to understand what was key and what wasn't. We learned all about how to advertise and market and the difference between the two and how to better our schools and increase attendance. The seminar wrapped up with a speaker who shared numbers. I got lost from about minute 1 and never regained my footing, although I tried desperately. Let's just say I was a good actress at that point, pretending to look and puzzle over rows of meaningless numbers.

After the seminar we proceeded back to the hotel where we dropped off our things and then went for a walk to the nearby park where things just got better. It was now around 5pm and the day had been sweltering. We had all been having a blast, but the heat was rather oppressive. And so all of us partook in big snow cones, decked in gorgeous rainbow colors and gently situated in adorable plastic bowls. Then we had a good look around the park with its beautiful flowers, old buildings, and unique set up.

And yes, we even discovered the hidden talent of Eli, who can beat any models pose in his grace and charming nature! ;)

Half of our group went back to the school to watch a mass intro.

Mass intros are where a large group of people come for a first-time class and get trained for about 45 minutes and then the owners try to sign people up. It was a great experience and we all learned a lot.

By the time we got back to the hotel, it was 8pm, and to say we were all hungry was an understatement. And so, we all headed off on foot to find seafood. We settled upon a restaurant and more priceless memories ensued.

For me, the cool part was being able to look across the river and see Oregon. And no, we never crossed the state line, although I wanted too!

After a wonderful meal, we ventured back to the hotel, practiced stick fighting, swam, and then played games and talked. For young people, I believe it is quite impressive that we quit our activies and went to sleep before midnight!

The next morning dawned beautiful and after a hearty breakfast complete with pancakes that came fresh out of a machine... we packed up the van and headed out. But I am rushing my story. These follow pictures only begin to touch on the vast array of personality, sense of humor, and memories over the weekend.

This is love... amongst boys. :)

And this my friends is a 12 year old who is exhausted because he only had 6 1/2 hours. Poor kid, he doesn't know whats coming to him!

These are awesome people and our most awesome instructor (man next to Melissa).

And these two pictures show the humor and toughness of some great people! Don't mind Gary's smile... he is tougher than you think! Never mess with these people!

Back to my story... Day 2 was great. Day 2 hurt. Day 2 was my most miserable and sweaty day ever. Day 2 almost killed me.

Day 2 I participated in the physical training portion. What I thought would be good to learn proved exactly that, but in no way that I expected. After 5 minutes of training I began to wonder if I was nuts, and after 10 minutes I began to wonder it everyone was nuts. By 15 minutes, my only thought was trying to do what was being asked. And so the next hour passed! By the end, I was literally soaked with sweat. The mats beneath me were wet. There was not a dry person on the mat (and there were 55 people). I no longer felt a difference between the room full of black belts and myself. We all hurt, were sweaty, and realized there were tons of things we needed to do for our fitness level and that of our students.

After a short lunch break, we commenced more of the same. A total of 4 hours of constant sweat, burning muscles, and a yelling voice, contributed to the hardest and most rewarding of physical "boot camps".

Even now my ribs hurt from the push-ups and random exercises we did.

Around 5:30 we began the long trek home along with 3 additional passengers. That trip was much different that the trip down, but it still had its memories.

Like this one:

Melissa fell asleep, and then moved onto Jason's shoulder without realizing it. Poor guy. A sore shoulder for him and 45 minutes later, she woke up... rather mortified and tired.

And long rides do something to you... so I took pics. Here is a familiar sight...

And here is Mt. Rainer!

And even through the soreness I could not resist a picture of the cute owl at the mall!

What a trip! What memories! What pain!

But what great friends to do it with! You have never felt safer, than when you travel with a van full of black belts!

Drama in life and other such things associated with times like these...

Sometimes things in life just don't go quite according to plan. Such was my Thursday. What was so special about this day? Well , it was supposed to be my audition for Cedarville University. Corina was going to meet me at church and video it, then we were going to her house to send it via email. Simple process... right? I guess not, because it turned into a ordeal that neither one of us ever thought possible.
Now that I think about it though, it all started the night before. I was emailing my friend Caleb, and asking him about a few things regarding sending the recording, but when he found out what kind of video camera it was (we were originally going to use Corina's) he flipped out and said that it wouldn't work. So I re-did my plans and my friend Kelsey offered to lend me her camera. I got all of that squared away and went to bed quite happy with the thought that I had been saved from anything going wrong. Such was not the case.
I arrived at church the next day ready to play for my audition. Corina and my mom arrived, then camera was set up and then we recorded the audition. It went ok and then we left for Corina's. When we arrived we had something to eat and started figuring out how to get the video sent. This was at 2:00 in the afternoon. At 3:00 no progress except in the amount of stress we were both feeling. Finally I began calling people. My list of contacts became a list of who might possible have a firewire. I called so many people, texted people, and freaked out on the phone. Then I waited... still nothing. Then we had an idea... my mom was still in town and so she went and bought that firewire cable for us. What a relief!
Except it didn't end there. All those people that I had called or texted began returning my calls. My phone was busy for the next 2 hours.
I could tell you that this was the end of the story, but that's not true. When we finally got the firewire, then we had to get the recording onto the computer. That took another 1/2 hour. Then we couldn't figure out how to get in from one computer to the next (the one with Internet). Caleb was going to remote access the computer and then Corina got it to work. But first it had to reformat the recording. Another long wait, and in the mean time I went home for a little bit. I arrived back at Corina's house 1 hour later only to find that it was just finishing condensing (or whatever the word is) and about 10 minutes later it was sent. By then it was 6:30, which meant it was 8:30 Ohio time. My stress dissipated only to be replaced another kind of stress. What if it was too late? I left with Vanessa for dinner and time at Woods. While at Woods I received an email from the professor at CU saying that he had received the audition, that it wasn't late, and that he would review it with others the next day. And so after all the stress and preparing, I now wait. And wait. And WAIT. Soon I will know what the outcome of that audition is... but in the meantime I can do nothing but wait ( and check email).

HoHoHeHeHaHa... ummm

Ho hum. My title has nothing to with my post and my post has nothing to with anything any particular. Am I making sense? See there are little thoughts running here and there in my brain... some may actually turn into posts... but thats in the future.
So I was thinking... what do radicals, exponents, and roots have to do with playing the piano? If you know the answer could you please let me know, because I have yet to find the answer to that question.

Have you ever participated in writing 154 comments on a Facebook picture? I have and let me tell ya, its hilarious.

I am doing a poster board (blog post to follow in the future on this) for geography. Well, thats what I am doing right now (when I am not on the computer). Actually Trevor, another guy,and I are doing. Just me right now. All the stuff is at my house and I am the "decorator/organizer" or whatever you wanna call me. Its due tomorrow and we are so going to get an A!

I just sneezed... life is great!

What would it be like to have no school and live in Hawaii? Don't you think it would be glorious?

I went to a different church this Sunday. I went my church and then left early and went to this other church. It was great! Couldn't understand a word cause it was all in Russian... thats why we had a translator, but it still was awesome. I think I am going to go back again with the friends I went with... good experience. I also think that I am going to go to a Spanish church soon... so anyone wanna come with me?

My music is on, I think I am going to change the playlist because I have listened to two of Jesse MacCartney's songs about 15 times. Hmmmm... how about some Chris Rice.

Its almost Christmas! Well kinda not really... with the way time flies it will be here before you know it.

I believe that universities and Attila the Hun have many similarities. They both tear you in pieces. I hate decisions... and yes those two statements go together.

Which spelling do you like better? "True" or "Troo"? :D

I am starting to be sad... basketball is almost over!!!!!!!!!!!! Boohoo!

Auditions for "Music Man" are in 3 weeks... still haven't decided it I am going to audition. Prolly but who knows.

I am so playing softball this year. Wait maybe I should say "attempting to play". lol

Went to a party at my friends house on Friday... stayed up till way late... got home at 1:00 am... was so rad!

Did you know that... ya, well I forgot. I will save it for next post.

Here comes the STORM!

"Get out your umbrellas and put on your rain coats... 'cause here comes THE STORM!!!!"

Its basketball season and I wouldn't be a true basketball fanatic and true fan of the Squalicum Storm Boy's Basketball Team if I didn't share a little something about this sport. And so, because of this I must write down a few of my thoughts regarding this amazing team!

This is my team from last year after they won 3rd in the state 3A tournament. We are so proud of that accomplishment! But now it is time to look at this current season. What a fantastic team!

Let me introduce you to the starting line-up.

First there is Michael G. who is my all time favorite. When he puts his arms out, they are as wide as he is tall. We are very happy that he has grown another inch which now makes him 6'5! He is very humble and a great encourager, plus he can make awesome 3-point shots! Go #33!

Second is Derek D. who is a great 3-point shooter. He needs to smile more but other than that he is awesome. He is a quick player who can quickly exhaust the other team's defense. What a huge improvement he has made in his game over the years. Go #12!

Next is Kyle H. and for those of you who know his last name, you know it is a pretty awesome name for a basketball player! He is super tall... way taller than me. lol His 6'7 frame towers over most of our opponents. Not only has he become a lot quicker and neater in his passes, but he can shoot pretty good too and I can't wait to see him dunk the ball soon. Go #42!

Fourth is Patrick V., who constantly amazes me with the amount of energy and quickness that he has. Sometimes he is just a blur as he zips in and out of groups of players. He can shoot from all over the court and he has some of the fanciest moves I have ever seen in high school basketball. Go #24!

Last, is Keith S. who is the team's captain. He has so much aggression when he plays and knows just when to back off (well, most of the time... haha)so as not to foul. He can play any position on the team and can rebound just as well as he can shoot. And wow! he can shoot; he can make baskets look like they are the easiest things to do. Go #13!

But no team is complete without the rest. The whole team is equally important in my view. Caleb T. is playing his second year on the varsity squad and I am so very excited at how much his game has improved and I look forward to all the he will bring to the team. I always grin when he get to play because he is so much fun to watch. Go #34!

Travis, Nathan, Joshua, Jeremy, and Zach make up the rest of the team and they all are pretty amazing as well. They can shoot, steal balls, and rebound like crazy! It is so cool to watch them play and I hope they have a lot of playing time this season!

Then we have the coaches with my favorite and best coach being Mr. D. His humbleness, kindness, and love for the team and the game of basketball are apparent. I love watching him as he coaches the team during games. They have a wonderful example in him! Then there is Brian, Kurt, and Chad who are also fantastic!

As I look at the remaining season for all these guys I have to grin. It will be a tough one, but one that may very well lead them to the first place trophy at the state tournament. Currently, they are ranked No. 1 in the state for 2A. They have worked very hard and deserve to succeed. Not only are they all good basketball players, but they are kind people and you can see their love for each other in the way they play so unselfishly.

I am proud to be a Storm fan. The team has nicknamed us (some of my friends and I) the "church girls" which is something we accept with pride. With about half the season over now, I wish them the best. Come to a game sometime and see my great team play!!

GO STORM!! May there be many great times, many great shots, and many great wins for you all this season as you once again awe us with your talent. May you become stronger as a team and proudly represent SQHS. See you at the State Tournament!

Roller Skating

Tonight was SBCC's annual roller skating night, and what a night it was!!! There was so many people there... wow! It was crazy and at times rather stressful when those young whipper snappers went flying by or crossed right in front of you. I must say though that overall it was a really fun time! I have so much to tell about the time spent flying around the roller rink. But... no story is complete without a little humor. Alas and most embarrassingly it happened to me. *sniff, sniff*
Toward the end of the skating time, those in charge had certain groups of people stay on the rink. For instance the boys eight and under got to skate by themselves for about 5-8 minutes. Eventually it was girls... thirteen and older, which meant I could go out. Oh it was lovely... no small ones making it stressful... just a big open rink with about 20 other girls. I was having so much whipping around at what I considered "high speed". I was trying to ignore all my friends lined up along the side trying to get high-fives from those skating. That is when it happened. I sped around the corner and wobbled a little, but regained my balance only to lose it once again and as a result I crashed into the wall at top speed and fell on my knees. Pride got me up and kept me going... and actually it was kind of funny. The next lap I informed the laughing viewers that I would be giving autographs after the skate. lol I now have a burned and bloody knee to show for that marvelous crash. Hahaha... it was pretty awesome!!
Back to the rest of the evening. It was fun helping Stephen and Hudson around! I found out that Squalicum won their game from earlier in the day and enjoyed telling Granty and Jordan. The slow skate was quite refreshing to tired legs and it was fun being with Shelby and having Dylan drag us around. And I was soooooo happy that Corina finally got out there with us all... it wouldn't have been right without her. :D
The hokey pokey was a hoot!!! Hahaha... Corina's face was so funny to watch during this, especially when the guy sang out each new move. I was so proud of Adrienne for winning the limbo game... most impressive.
Oh and no post is complete without some talk of music. The music tonight was so great! I loved all the songs!
These sort of times spent with wonderful friends are so great and I treasure them all!

Boy Defender

Trevor... hahaha... poor guy. He has now become what I have officially termed the "boy defender".

My story is as follows.

First, I am in Geography class with Trevor. I am also in this class and math class (right afterward) with another guy that we will name "Mr. Not Cool". The problem with Mr. Not Cool is that he has sat next to me in both geography and math class nearly everyday. I know (as you all gasp in complete shock)!!! Horrible isn't it, sitting next to a boy, I mean he might have germs?!?! Trevor can sit next to me but not this guy, because this guy is just not right (and I am going to trust my intuition here, ok?). Anyways, he is always looking at me, and sharing my book, and it really has been creeping me out. So a couple of days ago I told Trevor about my predicament with Mr. Not Cool. Trevor very kindly said that he would switch the seating up so that I would not have to be seated next to Mr. Not Cool.

Yesterday we began our attack against the so not cool Mr. Not Cool. Round one was completed with great precision (most of the time) and I don't think the enemy even realized our strategy due to Trevor's great slyness. Trevor introduced himself to Mr. Not Cool and talked to him... he is trying to read his mind, I just know it. I believe that we have the advantage in this attack! We have completely camouflaged our attack and we will not give up until the enemy retreats far, far away (like seats and rows away).

Seriously though, I consider it quite gentlemanly of Trevor to watch out for me (careful now, don't get to big of a head Trevor... or you are going to have to take a head-shrinking class too).

I am quite indebted to Trevor for his help as the boy defender. :D

Running and Shorts in January

Alas because of my busy schedule and the weather my days of running have almost ceased to exist. But I hope 2009 has changed that. Along with making the resolution to be more organized I also made a resolution to end my procrastinating. Because of this I actually have time in my life to do things like running!
This month though has not been very condusive to running... first the snow and then the horrible rain (yes I know I could run in the rain, but I just don't find that overly enjoyable). Today after days of waiting for safe weather I went on a run. It was so exciting to get my running clothes out of the drawer! I made the decision to wear shorts (see Corina, I knew there would be a time to wear shorts) and when I came upstairs I looked like a cherry... red and round, due to red shorts and a red shirt. :D
I put my shoes on, Daddy lent me his MP3 player (wasn't he sweet?), stretched for a few minutes and then was off. My warm up was glorious and my run was even better. Sure I was barely going faster than a snail but who cares?!
The wind was blowing, it was misting, and the clouds were dark and ominous but my heart was light and happy!
I ran four miles and it felt great ( tomorrow will be the true test). I know now why I named this blog "The Wind in my Face"...

Resolution #1

Along with many people I made some New Years resolutions, although I am not convinced that they really work. I made the list short in hopes that the things on it would actually be eventually carried out.

One of my resolutions was "Become more organized". Thats pretty broad, but oh well. :D

And so in an attempt follow this resolution, I purchased 3 items today. First was a big calendar that I am going to hang on my wall; it has really fun colors and designs for each month. Second is a folder with 8 organizational pockets ( I love the green and polka dots too!!!) that I am going to use for school and university info. Last but no least is my new brown daily planner. I have never had one of these before and hope that it might make my life just a tad easier.

I have this feeling that the planner is going to be a "friend" and will probably get more travel time then Freddy (poor guy).

My new planner!!! Look at all the room to write!!!! :D

2009

Today is the last day of 2008 and tomorrow is the first day of 2009!!!
Where did the time go?
2008 has been a record year in many ways for my family, for the world and for me... 1st completed year of college, daddy loses his job, ride our horses, first black president elected, first college acceptance letter, 26 basketball games attended in one season, new paint job on our house, I turned 18, first cruise (and probably the last), and so many wonderful blessings from the Lord!
The years fly so fast and so I pray that each one of us will enjoy the blessings of each year and be content with where the Lord has placed us and what He wants us to do. Each year is different... full of adventure, trial, and trust in our Savior.
Aside from all the records of this year, more important things have occurred. Christ has become infinitely more dear to me and I marvel in the grace and love that He shows day in and day out. I also feel so very thankful for the people He has chosen to place in my life. Truly amazing and wonderful people that have made life fun, crazy, hard, and full of blessing.
Have the most marvelous New Year everyone!!!! I will see most of you next year!

"To God be the glory, great things He hath done!"
~To God be the Glory

Igloos, snow, and such

After almost two weeks of snow, I finally decided on Friday to go out and play in it. Its sad that it took so long to finally get out there, but when you have to work a lot in the snow, playing doesn't seem all that fun. LOL

It was late afternoon by the time my sister and I made our way out into the deep white fluff. We promptly decided to make a "fort", making me remember the days where forts, lions, and pretend food were all the rage.

There was a huge drift/pile of snow from dad's shoveling job that was in the front yard and we both decided that would be the perfect place to create a snow home.

And so the digging commenced. This digging was done by the best shovels known to man: hands (but gloved hands). Melissa and I took turns digging at the opening to our "home". My aunt quickly informed us that we looked like dogs digging a hole in the ground. I suppose we did, especially as we got deeper and all you could see was the back of our legs and our feet sticking up in the air. :D

After a while a nice tunnel began to take shape and we excitedly ran to ask dad if we could sleep in our igloo ( much better term for a snow house). The answer came back quickly "NO". The reason: it might collapse on top of us.

Now in my mind this did not seem quite right, after all I had taken a geology class and we had learned what to do for an avalanche and two of three feet of snow collapsing over our heads was hardly an avalanche (there is my rather stupid logic).

We finally decided that the igloo was finished when both Melissa and I could fit inside it and turn around. You know, it was quite a marvelous feeling... being in something you made ,being warm, and the novelty of the snow and all.

Melissa and I laid in our igloo talking for about 20 minutes, enjoying the dark and the white snow surrounding us while wondering how we were going to be able to convince dad to let us sleep in it.

Finally we wandered out, wet, hungry and hopeful... but alas, the answer was still no.

So we proceeded to go to sleep that night in our real home... wistfully dreaming of a night that could have been spent inside a tunneled out pile of snow.

Sadness... we awoke the next morning to find that our igloo had fallen in, right where our opening was (due to rain). Dad was right in the end, although I still think it would have been funny to be in there when the opening fell in.

A Christmas Blessing

Merry Christmas!!

I pray you all have a marvelous Christmas!! Remember who this season is about!!!

Hammer in the water tank!!

I was stumped at what to write here... after all I have not written in a long time. :D
Then I thought of it!!!!
We have snow... I know you all are saying "DUH!" But there is more to that story!
Today we went to the boys (fyi that is the horses) and that means chipping ice out of the 100 gallon water tanks. We take axes and hammers and proceed to bang away at the ice. Well, my sister was working on that job today while I was checking quail and chickens when all of a sudden I heard "Haaaannnaaaah" in a rather sheepish but frantic voice. I looked over and with a grin Melissa stated to me that she dropped the hammer into the water tank (on accident) and she couldn't get it out with the pitch forks. I groaned and as I tromped over to the tank I tried desperately to figure out a way to get the hammer out without getting wet. Obviously Melissa was NOT going to get the hammer out, she had made that clear. The wind was howling around us making the temperature -5 at the most. Then I did the only thing I could think of. I took my coat off and peeled my sweatshirt sleeve as far up as possible. I looked at my sister and then plunged my hand in. Oh the pain... it was soooo cold. I yelped as the cold bit at my arm. Finally I had the hammer and I drew it out of the water, plunked it on the fence and tried to warm my frozen arm. Already there was ice all over my arm as the wind had quickly frozen it. I ran out of the stall, rubbing the part of my body that was now numb and covered in ice and as I closed the door I heard that all too familiar "Haaaannnaaaah". My hear sunk as I heard Melissa say "Storm knocked the hammer back into the tank." Before I had a chance to think too long I ran back into the stall, ripped my sleeve up and plunged my hand into the water, screeching as once again the water bit at my arm. When the hammer was out for the second time I quickly informed my sister that I would NOT be doing that again and so she had better make sure the hammer stayed OUT of the water. So that is my story... but it was so not cool!!!!

Freddy

Yes, you see, I feel it necessary to tell you about this new "one" that has entered my life. He is no ordinary creature, in fact you couldn't even call him a creature he is that special. Well, you have probably already looked at the picture and are wondering when I lost my mind, so I had better explain. Freddy, as he was so aptly named, is a penguin (in case you didn't know), and a penguin from the movie "Madagascar". He even has a thing on his back so he can roll and slide around like real penguins do. Freddy came to me because his previous owner deserted him. I know its sad isn't it... desertion? It was the worst kind of abandonment, but at least the previous owner had the decency to name him.

I have decided that Freddy is going to be my school companion. Whenever I go to school he shall go with me, traveling in the top of my backpack where an Ipod (that I don't have) would go. If you want to see Freddy (which I know you all are dying to do) you must treat him with the utmost gentleness and care, for if you hurt him, well... just DON'T.

Already I have been laughed at for associating with such a friend as this, but I shall not be deterred or influenced in any way. Freddy is such a nice little thing, riding along in such a compliant manner and smiling and waving to any passerby who might get the privilege of viewing him. Currently he is on break, or should I call it hibernation, until winter quarter starts. I am quite excited to take him on all sorts of adventures. He shall go to psychology class and get psyched out, to Spanish class and become bilingual, to chemistry and learn the wonders of science, to math class and learn how to count, and listen to all my conversations at school (and yours too, so beware!). What a well-rounded and educated penguin he shall be in a matter of a few years! I am still contemplating taking him to graduation. I will have to see if he behaves himself, and IF he doesn't get himself lost then he has a marvelous chance at walking and receiving a diploma with me.

Saying good-bye to the 2008 school year!

Its OVER!!! No more school during 2008! I am so excited! Wednesday I had a Spanish Oral Exam which went awesome... it was so fun to have a conversation in Spanish. I got paired with this Christian guy and so it was really easy and fun to talk. Then I had my Biology final that was on DNA and genetics. The teacher had said that it was going to be hard, but it wasn't and I actually had a lot of fun taking it!
Yesterday I had a Spanish final... not so good. It wasn't supposed to be a cummalative final but it was. Hence was not quite as prepared as I would have liked. I forgot how to conjugate in a certain tense and so made my own conjugations up. I think I got some of them right. lol After that I tried to study but it was rather difficult because the certain people I was studying with were talking... thats ok, it was funny and laughing is much better than studying. My geology teacher told us that our final was going to be a lot easier than the other tests... ummm, it wasn't. 14 pages of test and a fried brain were the results of that test. But its OVER!
No more homework, I can sleep, eat 3 real meals a day, sleep, clean my room, sleep, see my friends, sleep, bake, sleep, read, sleep, watch movies, sleep, ride, sleep, play piano, and SLEEP!!!
I am going to miss seeing friends everyday at school, but break is going to be AWESOME! Congratulations to all of you out there who have now finished Fall Quarter '08!!! Good-bye to the 2008 school year!

Why I write the way I do

Drama, ah it makes life so interesting! So here is just a quick explanation on my drama. Yes, I am very dramatic in life. Yes, it is normal for me and when I relay my stories they are as honest as I can make them. If they seem over the top, well... thats how I lived it. I apologize if they seem random, wacky, odd, and completely unbelievable. :D
It is really awesome to be able to make people laugh and I love that! Laughing is such good medicine. Anyways, I am not exaggerating or telling tall tales! What happens, happens!
Merry Christmas to all and I pray that those of you in school will live through finals week!