Getting ready to PARTAY!

Today we have spent almost the whole day cleaning and setting up for the party tomorrow. It's gonna be so cool! We have a video projector set up down in basement (aka Moria) with stadium seating to watch TTT. The current living room/dining room will be "The Shire" where the "old folk" hang out and visit. The add-on area on the porch (which will be the new dining room and kitchen in a few months) will be Gondor and Rohan respectively. The food and sitting/chatting area will be in Gondor, and the Foosball and Games tables will be in Rohan. On the wall in Rohan (which isn't actually finished, yet, but separates the soon-to-be kitchen from the off-limits room) is a sheet with a forest painted on it. We decided this is Fangorn Forest. As you pass through the incomplete hallway into the built-in garage area, you will enter Lothlorien where the Pool table is.

This is going to be so much fun! Oh, yeah!


Wow, I want to go to the Garrett's New Year's party ... don't you?

Guess I should post something

Well, I'm still at home enjoying relaxing with the fam. We've pretty much done nothing much besides eating, sleeping, and watching movies. :o)

Sarah is planning a New Year's Eve party for tomorrow night. It should be fun. It is going to be a Lord of the Rings theme. Everyone is supposed to bring a pot of food (or food of some sort to snack on). We are going to watch The Two Towers extended DVD, have a LOTR Trivial Pursuit tournament, and have games of LOTR Risk and Monopoly.

If you don't have plans for NY Eve, please join us (I am about two hours from the LA area). Just email me! :o)

Addicting Game of the Day

.:: Castle ::.:. .

Unfortunately, I can sympathize.

Addicting Game of the Day

.:: ! FISHY ! ::.:. .

Merry Christmas!

Addicting Game of the Day

Slingshot Santa

My current high score is 350.4m (got it 4 times now. ugh!).

Beware, it is definitely addicting!

Christmas Cheer for You!

Holiday Snowglobe

White Christmas?

Maybe!

A PACIFIC STORM WILL MOVE INTO SOUTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA CHRISTMAS DAY BRINGING AN INCREASING CHANCE OF SHOWERS DURING THE DAY. (Cold rain in the Desert means snow in the mountains!!!!) WHILE THE EXACT STRENGTH AND TIMING ARE STILL UNCERTAIN... IT CURRENTLY LOOKS LIKE THE MAIN PART OF THE STORM WILL MOVE THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT WITH SHOWERS LINGERING INTO FRIDAY. PRELIMINARY RAINFALL ESTIMATES ARE FOR ABOUT A HALF TO ONE INCH WEST OF THE MOUNTAINS... ONE TO TWO INCHES IN THE FOOTHILLS AND MOUNTAINS AND LESS THAN HALF AN INCH IN THE DESERTS. THE RAIN COULD CAUSE MINOR FLOODING AND MUD SLIDES... ESPECIALLY IN THE RECENTLY BURNED AREAS.

THE SNOW LEVEL WILL START OUT HIGH AND THEN LOWER RAPIDLY LATE THURSDAY NIGHT AND EARLY FRIDAY MORNING. AS A RESULT... MOST OF THE LARGER SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL BE ON THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS OF THE SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS WHERE THERE COULD BE 6 INCHES TO ONE FOOT OF SNOW. UP TO 6 INCHES OF SNOW COULD FALL ON THE HIGHEST PEAKS OF THE SANTA ANA MOUNTAINS AND SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS. THE SNOW LEVEL SHOULD LOWER TO NEAR 3500 (we are at 2500 Feet) FEET NORTH AND 4000 FEET SOUTH BY EARLY FRIDAY MORNING WITH SOME SNOW POSSIBLE IN THE CAJON PASS WITH A FEW FLURRIES IN THE APPLE AND YUCCA VALLEY AREAS (YV is just up the hill from us.). STRONG GUSTY WINDS WILL ACCOMPANY THIS STORM. THE COMBINATION OF SNOW... AND WIND CHILL COULD BE DEADLY FOR UNPREPARED CAMPERS OR HIKERS IN THE MOUNTAINS.

For the first time in a looong time, I'm actually dreaming of a white Christmas ... or, at least white Christmas flurries. :o)

Tee hee! :oD

Home with the Fam

Sorry it's been so quiet here recently. It's been a busy couple days with the family. All but two of my siblings were in a Christmas play at their church Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. I came home late Friday night, so I saw it on Saturday and Sunday. I also took Nate and Matt to see ROTK on Saturday. Sunday was church and a little Christmas shopping. Today was playing taxi, and taking down the set from the play. Finished up the last of my shopping tonight (something I forgot about).

I'm so excited for Christmas this year, even though it's gonna be nothing spectacular. We didn't even get a tree until today, and I don't think there is a lot of money for gifts (I know I am flat broke). It's fun to be home with the family, though. I have missed them a lot, especially recently. Not sure why, but I'm glad to be here with them now. :o)

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to me!

I just found out that I was approved for the APLE loan forgiveness program!

Basically, that means that the state of California will pay off $11,000 of my loans over the next four years if I teach in a low income school during that time.

If I was able to teach Math, Science, or Special Ed in a low income school, they would pay off $19,000. Guess I chose the wrong area, huh?

Wow. I'm so excited right now. :oD

Take the What High School Stereotype Are You? quiz.

FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just turned in my last project. Oh happy day!

I want to be done!!!

So, I'm trying to write a paper, and my roommate is watching a really ... disturbing ... movie. It is so frustrating that some people can be completely done, and others still have so much to do.

On another note, Return of the King is Awesome! Go see it!

Decisions Decisions

Ok, so I go to do laundery, which costs $1.75 per load to wash and dry. I need to do at least 3 loads. I have $2.75. So, basically, I'm about $2 short on quarters.

So, here's my dilemma:

do i start the laundry that i have money for, go get more money and do the rest, and finish it separately?

or,

do i take a shower, go get money, and do all the laundry at the same time?

To add to the dilemma: today is a day I needed to get a ton of homework done. It is already 3pm, however, and I have not done diddly-squat. So, that adds another question:

do I put off laundry ... again ... and get homework done.

I hate making decisions.

And today ...

On the Agenda for Today



Watching muppets while I finish up a 20-lesson-plan Thematic Unit. I have 8 lesson plans to go!

Website of the Day

welcome to muppets.com

Missed Phone Calls

I hate it when people call from a restricted number, hang up just before I get the phone, and don't leave a message. I mean, comon! I had the phone in my hand for pete's sake. I was RIGHT THERE! At least leave a message so that I'm not left to wonder who it is that called me from "Unavailable" phone number.

Who was it?!?!?!

Was it you!?!?!?

Procrastination Fodder

Addicting Games.com - Flash games

Orisinal: Morning Sunshine

A rather interesting day

Today I:

*had a breast exam (all is well)
*taught Science to 2nd graders
*tutored Algebra (sorta)
*met Rebecca R Hines

Now I am locked away in the library, hoping to get something done ... so far I've been unsuccessful.

Magic Number 5

I love it that folks are having little conversations on my messages. That's so cool. I just noticed that the previous three posts have 5 messages each. Weird huh? (don't know if it's more weird that there are exactly 5 ... or that I noticed it!) :o) heheh

Stress

noun.

6. a. A mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences and capable of affecting physical health, usually characterized by increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, muscular tension, irritability, and depression.


b. A stimulus or circumstance causing such a condition.


7. A state of extreme difficulty, pressure, or strain: “He presided over the economy during the period of its greatest stress and danger” (Robert J. Samuelson).

A.K.A - 4 major projects due within the next two weeks, and no motivation to do them.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat ...

Welp, got the Christmas lights put up today, and a mini-tree all decorated. And, the most important part, set up the nativity scene.

I love Christmas! :)

CAN'T .... HARDLY .... WAIT ....

YUMMY!

sad

sad
1. Affected or characterized by sorrow or unhappiness.
2. Expressive of sorrow or unhappiness.
3. Causing sorrow or gloom; depressing.
4. Deplorable; sorry.
5. Dark-hued; somber.

Home again, home again, jiggity jig

Well, we made it back safely, and I'm glad. I was ready to get home. When you are sick, nothing is very fun anymore. After we left Oxford, I was wishing we could just jump on the plane and head home.

Over all, I had a fabulous time. I did end up being alone a little more than anticipated, and I did get sick, but I was able to have fun even in those times. I met a lot of the non-Biola Roehampton students, and had a great time getting to know them a little. I am hoping to keep in touch, especially since they are not Christians.

I will try to post some pictures on the web soon.

Now I must go and do some much-put-off homework. It was great to not worry about homework for 10 days. Now the end of the semester is upon me, and I just get busy.

Cheers!

Oxford!

Fun news:
I am in Oxford!
We are having a great time!
Tonight we are going to see the Cinderella ballet!

Sad news:
We are not going to be able to go to Paris.
I am sick. :(

All in all, I am having a great time and seeing lots of cool stuff.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Feeding the addiction!

I'm sitting in downtown London, at Bagelmania (where I just had a yummy dinner of tomato and basil soup, and a cheese bagel). I am wasting time until 7:15pm, when I will walk across the street to the Palace Theatre. I am going to see Les Miserables!!!! The only bummer thing is that I am going by myself. :o( It'll be cool, though. I will just wish that someone was there to enjoy it with me.

Yesterday we went to Stonehenge and bummed around Salisbury. Stonehenge was absolutely amazing. I know it's just a bunch of rocks stood on end, but it's way cool to see it in person. We also saw Salisbury Cathedral ... another amazing place. I would link to pictures and stuff, but they have this computer set up so that I can't find out the picture locations. I'll post pictures as soon as I am able.

Today we made it to the British Museum ... which was very cool. And I am going to Les Mis tonight (in about half an hour!). :oD

Tomorrow we're going up to Oxford, and I get to see Patti! I'm very happy about that!

Overall, I'm having a great trip. I've gotten lost and been alone a couple times, but I just wander around by myself and look at everything. London is so cool, I don't need people around to make me happy (just kidding, of course ... but I do try to make the best of my alone times :oD).

I miss everybody and will see you all very soon. I can't believe I've already been here 4 days! I'm having a great time, though.

Ta ta for now, and stuff like that.

London, the Mother Country

Hello from London!

Things have been going pretty good here. We made it safely, with a couple glitches, but not too bad. It is cold and wet, but that is to be expected. We had hoped to go to the British museum today, but I couldn't find Deb when I was supposed to meet her after church.

Lots of culture shock .. especially working with a different money system.

Gotta go, only have 2 minutes of web time left. It's £1.50 for an hour.

Cheerio!

Feeling sad

I'm tired of sitting alone in the library, leaving alone from the library, going alone to my apartment, and repeating the same the next day. I need socialization. I need a hug. I need to finish this research paper.

Insanity, here I come!

Ok, so, I don't know if it is due to procrastination, poor planning, or just plain bum luck, but I am swamped. I have so much to do this week before I leave ... and not nearly enough time to do it in.

Tomorrow: I work from 8am-12pm, and tutor 3pm-4pm. I have class from 4:30pm-7pm, and "24" from 9pm-10pm.

Wednesday: I am teaching a Math lesson to 2nd graders from 11am-12pm, getting a haircut from 1pm-2pm, tutoring from 3pm-4pm, and in class from 4:30pm-7pm. My research paper is due (which, currently, I have not even started writing ... although the research is almost finished), and I need to turn in two one-page Learning Logs. Also, I need to pack.

Thursday: I teach 4 classes of Jr High/High School History/Art from 9:30am-2:30pm, tutor from 3pm-4pm, am in class from 4:30pm-8:30pm (2 page paper due, along with other work I have already completed), and get on an airplane to fly away to London at 11pm.

I'm doomed!

Ramdon Website for today

Utah Body Piercings Directory

Newest purchase



I have been wanting this for about three years now, and it's finally mine ... MINE .... MINE!!!!

::cough cough::: oh ... heheh ... sorry about that.

yeah, it's a cool CD.

Wanted:

I seriously need a new crush. Any suggestions?

What, my dear Lady Disdain! are you yet living?

Last night, I saw my favorite play, Much Ado About Nothing, on stage at Cal Baptist University. This was the second time I had seen it. The first time I saw this was when I was at Bob Jones. I love this play so much. I relate very well with Lady Beatrice, and have decided she is my new persona. It's such a hilarious play. The actors did a really good job, too. It was set in the 1930's, which they pulled off very well. They made it fit together well. What fun!

Tired of doing homework

I am so tired of doing homework ... and I haven't done any in at least three days. I have so much to do, but I don't really want to do anything. I have been trying to get started on homework for FOUR HOURS now. Uggh!

I'm an exile in my own time

Seems I've been snoring a bit too much lately. I've been keeping my roommate awake with my snoring, and she has been keeping me awake trying to get me to stop snoring. So, tonight, I am trying sleeping in the living room, so we can both get a full night's rest. I miss my pillow and teddy bear already.

I wonder if there is a way to make yourself stop snoring ....

Who knew....

Who knew that, as well as tutoring Algebra, I would also become a mentor to an 8th grade girl who has little female adult influence in her life. Today, rather than help finish all the math homework, I listened as she cried to me about how rough a day she had, how she is making poor grades in Language Arts, how her dad is going to be disappointed, and how I am the only good thing in her life right now. Of course, much of this is blown out of proportion by the age and stage of life, but ... still.

I am convinced that God has placed me in her life to help her with much more than just Algebra. Please pray that I not pass up any opportunity to reach out and touch her with the love of Christ.

Go...see...it....

Another day

Wow, I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted. Sorry 'bout that (if there is anyone who actually keeps up with my life.) I guess the fires are pretty much under control, so I can get back to posting about me ... which is the reason I have this silly blog, after all.

Today I am feeling a bit sad. I had a pretty big argument with a friend last night, and I hate when that happens. We ended up resolving it ... I think ... but it still feels unsettled. I hate having real disagreements with friends. By real, I mean the ones that are very hurtful. Well, we both apologized, so I guess everything is settled ... but why do I still feel sad?

Besides that, I had a pretty good weekend. I went home Friday and came back Saturday. It took 3 1/2 hours to get home (when it should have taken 1 1/2). Stupid 91 Fwy through Ramona. Well, I did end up getting home, and saw the folks before Mom and the three little guys went up to a Halloween alternative party at a church up the hill. I picked Sarah up from work at 7pm, and we went down the hill to another party ... where I found out that she now has a boyfriend. Yeah, it was a shock to me, too.

So I had a nice visit with the fam, and drove back to my little apartment yesterday evening ... only took 2 hours this time. Deb, Sarah, and Elizabeth hosted an 'alternate banquet' last night (not sure what it is an alternate to). That was really fun. A group of their friends (me included) met at BJ's for dinner, then went to Elizabeth's apartment complex to play a murder mystery game. I've never played a game like that before, and it was really fun. I wasn't the murderer, thank goodness ... although the murderess did get a neat prize.

It was after I got home that I had the argument. I knew I shouldn't get in AIM, but I did anyway. The chat started out fine, but somehow degenerated until feelings were hurt. But, I've already said enough about that.

Today was church. The kids were a little wired in Sunday School. I think they have had too much excitement with Halloween and everything. The message was really good, though I did have a hard time staying awake. Pastor J got fired up preaching, which was neat. Today was communion Sunday, so that was great. I love to take time out and remember what Christ did for us. I so often lose focus, getting wrapped up in my own little world. How sad.

I had a pretty good week, too. I started the job with STAR, where I get to hang out with homeschoolers twice per week. It is refreshing to be with folks who have the same values and standards as I have. Even at a Christian college, I find so many people whose standards and values are different from mine. My values and standards have been constantly challenged these past few years. I have allowed some of them to change, but I still am very conservative overall. It is so nice to be reminded that there are other people who have the same types of values, and who live by them everyday.

Well, that's enough rambling for one sitting. I don't think I've ever typed this much on one post. I guess that's what happens when I slack off with my blog. Now you are all caught up with my life. I am going to go find something productive to do ... you should, too.

Looks like we caught us an arsonist

23-Year-Old Glendale Man Held on Suspicion of Arson

Burn area

Burned and Active areas of Old Fire, which is now in the Angeles National Forest.

Picture updates about twice per day, so check back for current information.

Forecast Calls for Rain on Friday

Pray for a Deluge!

Still Speechless

It's just so unbelievable.



Please pray for Camp Cherith at Sky Meadows. They have evacuated the whole mountain (mandatory). Lots of people (approximately 80,000) are trying to get off the hill before the fire spreads to those areas.

God, please send rain.

Don't know what to say

I can't think of anything to say. My mind is so preoccupied with the fires that are tearing their way through Southern California ... only a few miles from where I live. So many have lost everything. Anything I would have to say seems so miniscule in comparison to that. The sky is filled with smoke, and it has been raining ash for three days.

As my pastor pointed out this morning:
"Someone's dreams are scattered across the hoods of our cars."

Luke 12:33-34
33 "Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves purses which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys.
34 "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
(NAS)

All work and no play ...

Two days ago I was jobless, now I have two (maybe three) jobs.

1 - I am going to be a TA and Tutor for the STAR program (which is a homeschool community outreach thing). I will be helping with that three days per week. I will be working in the History class that teaches history using Art. I observed in the class on Thursday, and it is really neat. I might also teach a class of my own in the same subject.

2 - I am tutoring an 8th grade girl in Algebra. I met with her last night and helped her study for a test that she had today. We should know how she did on Monday. I will be meeting with her for one hour per day Monday through Thursday. Man, you don't realize how hard Jr High Algebra is until you have to re-visit it after being away for 15 years.

3 - I am supposed to start tutoring another Jr High girl in Algebra, but I don't know if that will work out. I should know about that sometime next week.

Thanks for all your prayers! God answered them tremendously ... isn't He good?!?

Random Website for today

How much do you weigh?

Crossin' the line

So, I crossed the picket line at Albertson's for the second day in a row. Yesterday I just went for chips and soda to take to movie. Today I went for the whole enchilada. I was seriously out of food, and I prefer to shop Albertson's over Stater Brothers, so I went. I was shaking in my boots yesterday, but today was much easier. I really disagree with the strike altogether, but I don't like to go against the flow, or upset people, so it was a big deal for me. Albertson's has so many good deals right now, too! I won't post them here, cuz that's kinda silly, but you can go check them for yourself. :o)

Another day, another $2500

Today was a rather odd day. I didn't get much homework done, but I did get my refund check from Accounting. Trouble is, it's pretty much gone already. Which means I get to take out another loan ... and get a job. I did have an interview for a job this morning. It was at Gateway Educational Institute -- which is basically a Korean Tutoring agency. She said I would hear from them in the next couple weeks. I have another interview on Thursday with the STAR program. I don't know if that will work out, though, since they want someone long-term, and I will not be available during the days next semester, due to Student Teaching. We'll see I guess.

After the interview I came home, paid bills online, then went to school to meet with my advisor. I should be completely finished with all my credential work after next summer -- so I can get a real teaching job! Then I will just have 6 classes and a project to complete my Master's degree (about 17 units total). I'm not sure if I will take one or two classes at a time -- it pretty much depends on money, since I really should not take out any more loans. If I don't take two classes, however, my loans come due. Oh well ... guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Tonight I went to Trop and watched 'Matrix Reloaded' with "the group." I sure have missed everyone. Even though the whole group wasn't there, it was still nice to hang out with friends that I haven't seen in a while. :o) I wonder if there are any plans to go see 'Revolutions' when it comes out in a couple weeks. Hmmm.

Well, it's 1am, and I'm in sleep procrastination mode again. It is Torrey conference this week, so I only have one class, which is tomorrow night. I'm halfway finished with the homework, and I will only have about an hour tomorrow to complete it, so I should probably do it now. Trouble is, I'm so unmotivated that I would rather sit here and type random stuff that no one really cares about than actually do homework. I'm so weird sometimes.

Ok, I'll stop torturing you with my ramblings. Now go -- do something productive with your life. :o)

New Addition

Check it -- I added a countdown until I leave for London! ^up there^ I'm such a nerd.

Oh my, I gotta get the application for my passport in TODAY!

Golly

Just when I get all down and depressed, something happens that cheers me up. God is so good. :o)

Sadness

RIP Penny.

Have I mentioned that I have extreme empathy? I have noticed it more and more lately. When someone is sick, I actually start to feel the symptoms of the sickness. When someone has a headache, I get one, too. Yet, at other times, I can be incredibly cold and unfeeling. So much so, in fact, that it's no wonder my friends don't want me around.

Tonight I am feeling very sad, but I don't think it's sadness for the loss of a beloved kitty as much as it is the realization of the sad state of my human condition.

I want to be beautiful on the inside.

Death from Bladder Explosion

If you remember from a previous posting, I mused as to whether or not one can die from bladder overload
... apparently one can!

Joy says:
"The famous astronomer, Tycho Brahe, was at a formal dinner one time, and it was out of the question to ask to be excused, and so he tried to hold it. His bladder exploded, and he died from the ensuing rampant infection"

I love my church

We had a "Pastor Appreciation Potluck Picnic" today after church. Practically the whole church showed up at the park to fellowship together, have a good meal, and celebrate our pastor and his family. It was great to visit with the families from church. My little Sunday School kids have decided that they love their teacher, so one of the girls kept following me. Wherever I would sit, she would bring her little lawn chair over and sit beside me. How cute! I love being part of the body of Christ and especially my local church. :o)

New Counter

Got tired of studying, so I took a break and added a counter to my site. Check it, it's below the Archives. :o)

Computer Nerd

I set up a little wireless network here in our apartment today. My roommates and I bought a Dell Wireless Router and I hooked it up to our Cable connection. My laptop has a wireless card, and I installed a wireless card onto Jenna's computer. Michelle has a desktop, so she is just going to connect with a LAN cable. I am now connected via my first wireless connection. I guess I am either a Computer Genius ... or a big nerd. :o)

Went to see Luther last night. It's a really good movie. You should go see it. Find out more by clicking here.

RubiksQb1: I think there should be a Midget Toss club at Biola.
Squirt5ft2: there aren't enough midgets around to start one
RubiksQb1: Part of the club's activities would be rounding up some midgets to toss :-)
Squirt5ft2: ohh, i see
Squirt5ft2: definitely a good idea
RubiksQb1: Meeting 1: Find some midgets :-)
RubiksQb1: Meeting 2: Strategies for catching some midgets.
RubiksQb1: Meeting 3: Strategies for avoiding being arrested for Midget kidnapping.
RubiksQb1: Meeting 4: Saran Wrap = no injuries from Midgets.
RubiksQb1: Meeting 5: Creating a Midget-catching glove.
RubiksQb1: um...
RubiksQb1: Meeting 6: Finding covert Midget-tossing locations.
RubiksQb1: Meeting 7: Midget storing (For after the tossing sessions.)
RubiksQb1: Meeting 8: Convincing your friends that Midget tossing is not inherrantly evil.
Squirt5ft2: anymore?
RubiksQb1: Meeting 9: Convincing yourself that midget tossing is not inherrantly evil.
RubiksQb1: And...just to make a round number...
RubiksQb1: Meeting 10: Midget disposal. (Was that one going a little too far? lol.)
Squirt5ft2: um, i dunno
Squirt5ft2: :-)
Squirt5ft2: you gotta do something with them!
RubiksQb1: He he. I guess so.

Lovin' Life

Today:

I taught Synonyms and Antonyms to 5th graders
interviewed for Student Teaching
got some cold, hard, cash.

Now:

I'm hanging out in Liz's room
chatting with Josh
listening to Classical music via iTunes for Windows.

Life is good. :o)

I actually have lost weight recently. It's funny, cuz my clothes are starting to get too big.
Well, I guess that isn't really funny, cuz now I have to buy new clothes.
And, if you know me, you know how much I hate shopping for new clothes.
Guess that fat isn't as good of friends as my body thought! :o)

Denny's can kill ya

My bladder nearly exploded tonight. I went to Denny's with Josh and Kevin. While there, I drank two cups of coffee and two big glasses of water. By the time I got home, I felt like I was going to explode. Thankfully, I made it in time ... but just barely. I couldn't help thinking, What if my bladder exploded. Could I have died? That's really something to think about the next time I decide to go to Denny's and drink a gallon worth of liquid.

Today was a neat day. I spent the whole morning at the Elementary school. I wanted to spend a whole day in class, to see how a normal day flows. It was neat. I even got to help teach the Math lesson, and helped four boys try to understand the concept. We also had a fire drill and had to go outside and stand in the middle of the field in the hot sun.

Tonight I went to the Trinity Reformed Baptist Bible Conference. It was really good. I went last night, and plan to go again tomorrow and Wednesday.

All in all, today was a very good day.

Korean TV

You may or may not know, I have been watching Korean television to fulfill an assignment for one of my classes. I think I am actually beginning to enjoy it, too. Last night I was watching some sort of dating show, I think. These four guys were doing lots of silly stuff. At first they were just sitting around talking to this pretty girl. They took turns going and spinning a wheel, and the audience would laugh or squeel and clap. After that, they were all dressed in these funny outfits and playing some sort of charades that also involved a bow and arrow.

The last thing they did was sit at this table by a pool. There was a different pretty girl inside a plastic shelter sitting at the center part of the table, and two guys were on either side of her. At random intervals, one of the guys would have gallons of water dumped on his head, or one of the guys' seat would eject him backwards into the pool. It was actually pretty funny. I have no idea who was deciding to dump or dunk the poor guys. After all the guys were completely soaked, the girl chose one of the guys and put a grape in his mouth. Another of the guys was hoping she would choose him, so he kept being silly and making her laugh a lot. I was glad she chose the guy she did, he was definitely the cutest of the four. :oD

Since the show was completely in Korean, both the speaking and the writing, I have absolutely no idea what was really going on ... but it was really funny.

Looky, looky what I got!



If the picture doesn't work, try this -- sweetness

Sleep Procrastination

I don't know what it is, but every night around this time, I start fighting sleep. I love to sleep, but, for some reason, I procrastinate going to sleep at night. Even when I am really tired, I procrastinate sleep. Even if I am bored out of my mind, I would rather sit at the computer trying to find something to do rather than sleep.

I don't know what is wrong with me. Maybe I have some leftover childish tendencies. You know how, when you were a kid, you would fight sleep, no matter what? Mom would say, "It's time to go to bed." And you'd be like, "But Mom, just five more minutes?" No matter how tired you were, no matter if you were bored out of your mind, you would fight to stay awake, even if it was just for five more minutes. Maybe that's what it is. Maybe I am refusing to be grown up. Maybe I just want to be a kid, and stay up all night, even if there is really no good reason to do so.

Check It

I'm procrastinating on sleep again, so I decided to add a little comment section thingy here. Let's see how it works.

Leave me a message, so I'll know you're reading!

A Much Better Day

So, today was much better than yesterday. I think sometimes it's good to have bad days, so that you can appreciate the normal days. On the downside, I did wake up late, and missed going to observation. But I got some work done, and lots of lazing around the house. Tonight I went to class, had dinner, and studied (or at least tried to study) in the library. Nothing spectacular. Just a normal day in the life of a jobless grad student.

What a lousy day

Ever have one of those days that are just bad? That was today.

I woke up at 6am, after 5 hours of sleep, and could not get back to sleep for anything. I tossed and turned and tried everything I could think of, but could not go back to sleep. I was covered with sweat, because it was very hot and stuffy on my loft. I tried turning the fan up, but to no avail. I finally gave up the fight at 6:30am, and got up.

After observation at the Elementary School, I went to Biola to turn in my Student Teaching application and finish up a paper that was due tonight. Once I got there, I realized that I didn't have the app, because it was in my notebook at home. So, I came back home. That wasn't too bad, really, because I was able to eat lunch, and I got the application all finished at home.

So back to school I go. I decided to stop in at the Financial Aid office, to see the status of my aid. They have been dragging their heels since the beginning of school. You can see the results of that visit in my previous post.

Next I went to pay for the desk I picked up on Friday. They decided they need to charge tax, so the total is $16.24. As luck would have it, I only had $16.05 on me. Another wasted trip, and another errand to run on another day.

Finally, I went to class, nothing too exciting there. Presented my paper and listened to 15 or so other papers ... pretty boring ... I had a hard time staying awake.

After class, I went shopping and got some much needed food. I had to put some stuff back, since the only money I had was some cash from cashing a couple small checks. I'm so poor, I can't even pay attention anymore.

So, tonight, I figured it was time to pick up The Art of Divine Contentment again. I would do well to heed the words of Thomas Watson.

The wise God has ordered our condition. If He sees that it is better for us to abound, we shall abound.
And if He sees that it is better for us to want, we shall want. Be content to be at God's disposal. ...

Shall I be discontented at that which is enacted by a decree and ordered by Providence?
Is this to be a child or a rebel?

Definitely something to think about.

I hate Financial Aid

Not the money, of course. I'm speaking of the department at school. I've been waiting for over two weeks now for Financial Aid to confirm my award packet. I go in today, hoping to finally be able to touch my money, and ... it's gonna be ANOTHER two weeks. It FINALY got confirmed yesterday, but it seems the money won't actually post for two more weeks. GRR! The whole reason I quit my job early was so I could study, and because I THOUGHT I would have money by September 15. Now, it's gonna be at least a whole month later. I've already been charged late fees for payments that I was expecting to be able to make from my Fin Aid money. I've had to max out my credit card to pay rent, and if I have to wait ANOTHER two weeks, it's only gonna get worse.

"Well, you can talk to an account counselor." Why? So they can tell me it will be two more weeks? uggh. I don't have time for this.

Denny's is my new home

Went to Denny's tonight to study with Lissa and Josh. Well, first we went to It's A Grind, but the counter lady kindly informed us that they were closing in 10 minutes. So, we left and went to Denny's. I got a whole chapter read. That was good.

Today was so nice. I slept so late (1pm, uggh!) I wonder if it is because of the bump on my head. When your body is healing, you need extra rest. After I finally got up, I fixed lunch, then tried to do some homework. I opened up the windows in the living room and sat on the couch and studied .. mostly. I really like this apartment.

I should sleep now, since I have observation tomorrow at 8am. I really like the teacher I am observing.

It is finished!

I finally finished packing! All I need to do is take out trash, return the disassembled desk to Staples, and put up a shelf. I'm so happy. There is one box of books that is stored in my closet, because I have no idea where to put them. ::contented sigh:: I'm so glad to be finished moving.

My roommate and I had our first disagreement of sorts today. We have differences of opinion about how storage should work in the room. The room is rather small, and we both have a ton of stuff. She wanted me to move my bookshelf and TV so she could put a dresser in. We ended up compromising, and I gave her the top shelf and the top of my big bookshelf. To do this, I had to unload and repack a whole box of books and move my neatly arranged stuffed animals (I have a feeling she didn't like them there, anyway). The book box is now sitting in the top of my closet (this is a different box from the one I mentioned earlier). What do you do with old books that will probably never get read? She is still talking about putting a dresser (or chest of drawers, as mom would say) in there, but I have no idea where. I put mine on my side of the closet, but her side is already jam-packed with clothes. I don't know how she could have more. ;oD

Besides that, our little apartment is coming together quite nicely. The living room looks really cute, and the dining room is almost cleaned out of our stuff. I think we are going to get some throw pillows for the couch, so that will be cute. I don't know about some of Summer's decorating ideas, tho. She seems to be a little ... determined ... with some of her ideas, but I might have to disagree. There is this little light she is trying to find a place for. It's pretty silly looking. We'll see what happens. The four of us have been able to agree pretty much so far, or we just go with majority rule. So far there haven't been any major issues.

Oh, and I hit my head really hard while I was diassembling the desk. I went to lean down, and the counter was in my way. I'm going to have a lovely bruise right in the middle of my forehead. If the bruise follows the pain, it will probably go right down between my eyes, too. I'm so sleepy right now, but I'm afraid to take a nap, in case I have a concussion (I hit it that hard). Not that I wouldn't mind seeing Jesus tonight, but I'm sure there are a few people who would be sad if I were not around (my roommates at least would not want to have to put up with my stuff, or with having to find someone else to pay 1/4 of the rent).

Well, that's enough ranting/griping for now. All-in-all, today hasn't been too bad. I did finish unpacking, after all. Once we all are settled in, things should smooth out a bit. Maybe I'll go see a movie tonight, to reward myself for working so hard.

Roommates and stuff

I have awesome roommates. We just had a nice dinner of stew together. I threw together a stew, and they liked it so much, they completely stopped what they were doing (making their own dinner) and ate it up. :o) That made me feel good. Michelle told me that she doesn't even like stew, but this was so good, she just had to eat more. Summer said I get to be "Mom of the day." Warm stew in the belly makes everyone feel good! :o)

I finally started observations at the elementary school. I've been trying to get started for 2 weeks. I am falling so behind in that class. Hopefully I can get all unpacked this weekend, and then get into the groove of school. It's tough to move right in the middle of the semester.

Mike came and helped me put a desk together last night. It took two hours. Uggh! Then, I found out that they are selling surplus desks at school for $15 (I paid $80 for mine). I like the school desks better, so I bought one today. Now I have to disassemble the desk and take it back and get my $80. They said I can bring it back assembled, but I don't have a way to get it there. ::sigh:: I'm trying to decide how to tell Mike ... if I tell him at all (wonder if he reads my blog....)

I GOTTA UNPACK! UGGH!

Tonight I am going to play lazertag with the Star Wars club. I was undecided about whether I wanted to go, then I won a free game. That pretty much made my decision for me. I hope a lot of people are there. Lazer tag is much more fun when there are a lot of people you know. (Actually, the only time I have played was when the Utah team went, and we filled up both teams.)

Guess I better get busy. I got another free mattress, since the first one I got is too wide for my bed. So, I gotta get that switched out, then disassemble the desk ... and I gotta meet everyone for lazer tag at 8:10 (which is about an hour and a half away.)

Have a great weekend! Think of me as I unpack.

My new home

Tonight I spend my first night in my new apartment! I am sharing a room with Summer, a Sophomore (who should be a Junior) Graphic Design Major. She seems really cool. There are two other girls here, too -- Michelle and Jenna. I know Jenna from a class I had last semester, and I just met Michelle tonight. I think it is going to work out. After two years of being in a room by myself, I am so ready to have roommates! Now I just have to finish unpacking. :o(

I wanna be an itinerant MK teacher

I was reading through a Wycliffe brochure, and talking with an MK (Missionary Kid) friend yesterday, and I think I have decided what I would like to do with my life. I know that my calling is to teach children, so that is not the question. The questions have always been "where?" and "who?" Well, I think this is what I would like to do. With itinerant teaching, I would travel around the world, to remote places where there are no schools, and help the Missionary parents educate their children. I would spend approxmiately two weeks with each family, helping them teach, looking over their materials and curriculum, and giving them pointers for the next year. Andrew (my MK friend from Camaroon) was telling me that the itinerant teacher that came to visit and help his family was a huge blessing. He even went so far as to say that his life would not have been the same without her influence.

So, this is something I will be looking into. It definitely seems to fit with my life history, and what I see for my future, so I can see God's hand leading me in this direction. I have had constant change in my life. Perhaps all the change was just preparation for the amount of change that is to come. I have the spiritual gift of Administration, which could definitely be used to its fullest in helping parents prepare educational materials for their children. I love children, and want to impact the lives of as many as possible. Also, I have a heart for supporting missionaries who are already on the field. Having someone come and help train their children would be a wonderful blessing to those who are on the front lines doing Bible translation and missionary work. Further, my perpetual singleness makes me ideal for this job. Having a husband and children would make it very difficult for me to travel and live with various families for weeks at a time. Perhaps God has other plans for me besides familyhood.

In any case, it will be at least a couple years before I will be able to do this. I have a mountain of student loans to pay off, and support to raise, so I'm sure I will be stateside for a while (unless God decides to work a miracle ... which is OK with me! :oD)

Today is a good day

Ever have those days when it seems everything is going right? That's how today has been.

* Got enough sleep
* Found out my parking ticket appeal was granted
* Received a really nice compliment from a really hot boy
* Finally got in touch with a teacher who I have been trying to contact for two weeks
* Sat at the Club Fair and talked to lots of cool people about a really cool club
* Finished up my homework for class tonight

The only negative was that I had a hard time finding a parking spot ... but even that isn't so bad, when everything else is going so well.

Thank you, God, for days like today! :oD

I wonder how long this will last ....

Tired of being lonely

Ever get those days when you just wish there was someone there?

I do.

Moving done ... mostly

Well, I got the moving pretty much finished. Josh, Nicole, Lissa, and Lissa's mom and sister helped. We finished up in about an hour, which was as I had planned. All you have to do is prepare all day, and the actual moving of the stuff goes rather quickly. Afterward I had dinner with Lissa and her mom and sister, then went to see "Italian Job" (again) with Nicole. Hey, for $1.50, you can't beat it ... and it is a very good movie.

Now I need to do homework, but I don't want to. I want to visit with friends, but they are all too busy.

-whining-
Ok, so I'm gonna have a short pity-party here. I miss my friends. Everyone is so busy with school and roommates, that it seems they have forgotten about lil' ol' me. :o( Sad, isn't it. I knew you would think so. Cry me a river, right? Well, seriously, I hate it when people get all busy, and wrapped up in stuff, and don't have time to hang out and visit. Yeah, I know, I have plenty of friends, what am I worried about? Well, I miss the ones I don't ever see anymore. Alright, I'll stop. No need to get out the violins, that's all I wanted to say.
-/whining-

Guess I'll head over to the library and study. I need to finish up reading for tomorrow, and work on an article presentation for Wednesday. Problem is, the two articles I chose seem to have nothing in common. At least one is really short. :o)

More later, as the need arises.

Moving, please help!

Today I am moving, and have two people who are kind enough to help me for one hour. If you have a kind bone in your body, and are free anytime today or tomorrow, please help me out. I hate moving, and I especially hate moving when I have to do it by myself, and with an itty bitty car. Call my cell, or shoot me an email if you will help.

Another weekend gone, but not forgotten.

What a great weekend. As you may have read before, I went home to visit the folks, and move stuff. I didn't get much moved, because Uhaul charges WAY too much money. Dad will be bringing it down on a trailer later in the week. I had a nice breakfast/lunch with Dad on Friday, and lazed around the house pretty much all day. Mom, Bek, and I went shopping at Wal-mart in the afternoon, and the kids and I watched "Holes" that night.

Saturday was spent with Matt and Seth going through my storage stuff (which is stored in a broken down moving van). I ended up throwing out a LOT of stuff, because it had leaked in there, and a bunch of stuff had mildewed ... ewww! Also, there was a rat that decided to use some of the paper stuff for his/her nesting supplies. I also threw out some old love letters and pictures from Dean and Scott. Needless to say, it was not a very fun time. I almost passed out once, because I didn't really eat much, and I hadn't had enough water ... and it was a pretty warm, dry day. I went running inside just in time to collapse on the couch and regain my stability.

Saturday evening I went with Dad and the boys over to Aaron and Teri's house for a BBQ. I didn't really want to go, but went because I was hungry, and there really wasn't any food at the house. I'm really glad I went! Mike and Joy were there with their girls. I haven't seen them in over a year (maybe even as long as three years). It was really great to visit with them. They are such Godly people, and are always an encouragment. They are expecting their third baby, which hopefully will be a baby boy named Benjamin. They haven't been able to agree on a girl's name, so if it comes out a girl, I guess they'll have to call her Benjamina! :oD

I left the party early to meet Daniel in Palm Springs, and we drove back to school. I taught my Sunday School class this morning, but came back and went to sleep afterwards. I didn't wake up until 3pm! After that I visited with Josh for about an hour at JavaCo (a coffee shop near school). I stuck around after he left to get some homework done. I did a little, but ended up talking with Marila, a girl who works there. She was so bored she was literally pacing the floor. She doesn't know many people out here, because she just moved from Florida two months ago, so we might hang out and visit sometime.

Tonight Lissa and I went to see "The Italian Job" at the Dollar Theatre, and went to Denny's. Now I am not really tired, but should probably get some sleep. I need to spend tomorrow packing, so I can get everything moved. Nicole is letting me use her truck, and Josh and Kevin Wong are supposed to come help me haul stuff. Hopefully we can get most of it moved in about an hour ... hopefully.

A more ... wholesome ... quiz. :o)


You're Most Like The Season Autumn ...

You're warm, and the most approachable. You have
that gentle prescence about you. People can
relate to you, and find you easy company.
However it's likely you've been hurt in the
past and it has left you scarred so things can
become rather chilly with you at times. Being
the third Season in, you're mature, trustworthy
and loyal to your friends but prone to
depression and negative thinking.

Well done... You're the shy and sensitive season :)


?? Which Season Are You ??
brought to you by Quizilla


Thanks to Angela for all the cool quizzes.

Home, home on the range ...

Tonight I am at home. I drove out after class to visit my family for part of the weekend, and to move stuff to my new apartment on Saturday. I really hate moving, but I think this is going to be a good thing. I am moving in with three girls from school. I have lived alone for the past two years, and I am ready to have some roommates ... I think.

The drive out was nice. I brought a freshman from school with me, who wanted to visit some friends in the area. His name is Daniel. I dropped him off in Palm Springs. It was really nice to have the company. I talked so much that I missed my exit off the 15 Fwy, and ended up at the 210 before I figured it out. That has never happened! I think I need more consistent human interaction! My voice was hoarse by the time we got to Palm Springs. :oD

I really need to go to sleep, since it is almost 2am, but I just don't want to. Maybe I will watch Newsies on my laptop until I fall asleep. I hate when I get in these modes ... I just procrastinate on falling asleep. I don't know why it happens, but sometimes it does. It's not insomnia, because I could fall asleep if I would just go to bed. I don't want to go to bed, though, I want to be awake, even though I am tired. Weird, huh?

A bit more risque`, but fun, nevertheless.


Nerdslut


What's your sexual appeal?
brought to you by Quizilla

Pray for Overseas Student Teaching Opportunity

Just a quick update before bed. I am hoping to do student teaching overseas next semester. I spoke with Dr. Campbell today, and she is going to do what she can to get me set up with that. I have an opportunity to go to Papua New Guinea, but there need to be three other Student Teachers as well. Also, this would be in February, and will require quite a bit of money. If this doesn't work out, there is another opportunity available in April, and with a different organization. They might not accept me, however, because I have not done an overseas mission trip, and because it is such short notice.

I really just want God's will in this area. It would be a big stretch for me to go overseas for Student Teaching, but it would also be an amazing opportunity. Please pray that God's will be done, and that He provide, whatever happens.

That's all for today. Time to go to sleep. Good night!

My day

Guess it's time to update this again.

Yesterday was a good day. I mostly ran errands, and got some homework done. I went to Harmony last night. Harmony is a Hymn club that I helped start at school. I was the president for two years, and have now passed it on to Jessi. She's doing a great job, so far. I love hymns.

After Harmony, I went to visit Megan and Liz in their dorm (since I was already there for the meeting). I was there for a little while (except for when I walked to Common Grounds ... the coffee shop on campus ... and got a Chai Tea ... yum yum!) We watched Star Gate and played Counterstrike for a little while.

Today I bought my ticket for London! Deb and I leave November 20 at 11:30pm, and get to London Friday night. I am very very excited!

I also went to visit Financial Aid and Accounting. Hopefully they will hurry up and review my account so I can get some money! Rent is due in a week ... oh boy.

I had class tonight, which was good. Now I'm gonna head over to Denny's to meet Carrie and Anthony. Anthony seems kinda depressed, so we are going to see if we can cheer him up, as well as do homework. Carrie has a speech to work on, and I have lesson plans to .. plan. :o) (This is the first time I have hung out with either Carrie or Anthony. Guess we'll see how it goes.)

Well, guess that's enough for now. Tomorrow is another pretty non-exciting day. Wake up, eat, go to school, and class tomorrow night. Oh, I do have a meeting with Ms. Campbell to see if I am qualified to go to Papua New Guinea for Student Teaching in February. Pray for that, if you would. I would love to go ... it could be an amazing experience!

Fun website of the day:

Fox Hound Names

Don't know what a "Fox Hound Name" is, but I am kinda fond of "Samurai Grasshopper".
"Ninja Hamster" is fun, too. :o)

I don't necessarily recommend the rest of the site, but this one page is fun.

Fun and random website of the day:

Hip Lingo for Pirates

See if this works

I'm Jean Valjean!
(No, really.) Some people may see me as a little sanctimonious, but though I care deeply about doing right, I'm not above a little skulduggery in a good cause. Being in touch with my spiritual side doesn't make me an easy target... on the contrary, in fact. Which Les Miserables Character Are You?

Ok, so I've finally given in, and joined the millions who have one of these blog things. Yes, I'm a pathetic loser who wants something dedicated solely to me, and only me. I wonder how you add pictures to this thing.



So, anyway.

Today was a really cool day. I went to church and taught my first Sunday School class in a long time. I have the 4-year-old class. They are sooo cute. I had a little bit of difficulty with one boy, but his parents got wind of it, so I think the problem will be resolved next week. The sermon in church was really good ... but I was so tired that I had a really hard time paying attention. Guess that's what happens when you stay up until 2am chatting on AIM :-[.

After church I went to lunch with Anne and Veronica. That was really cool. We talked a lot about church, and the way they would like to see things be different in our church. I kinda like it the way it is. :o)

After lunch I met up with Deb, and we did some long overdue catching up, chatting, and praying together. Did you know that Deb and I are going to London over Thanksgiving? I'm very excited.

Now I am just being kinda lazy. I'm very tired, since I didn't get enough sleep last night, or the night before (I went camping at the beach ... which was WONDERFUL, but not very condusive to a good night's sleep). I think I will make myself something to eat, watch a movie, and fall asleep early. I really want to go to chapel tomorrow and hear Dr Talley speak.