Fun Times

www.hrwiki.org

Thanks to Kyla! Randomly found this on your blog!

Y3K?

Because God is good! Got my scholarship check in today. Man I am glad that all worked out. Went to the bank to deposit my newly acquired 3 grand and it was very anticlimactic. I was waiting for trumpets to sound and balloons to drop from the ceiling. It didnt happened. The clerk just handed me a lil reciept with an "ok done.. so leave already" kind of look. He was so not impressed. Anyway, my dad was proud atleast. It is sort of the finishing touch to this semester getting started. Officializing the fact I am about to leave the country. Yikes. knots in my stomach, heart racing, smile on my face.

First I am excited to see my mom though, I just found out she gets work off next week. Im so excited about that! I cant wait to hang out and just chill for a week with her! I miss her a ton!

Broken Hearted

100,000 lost. How does a person cope with that? How does God feel right now. I can see him weeping and convulsing in tears along with those that have lost loved ones. And over those souls who didn't know him. How do we as cozy americans allow ourselves to be affected by this. Part of me wants to hide in a book, or tv, or homework or shopping. The other part of me wants to get my hands dirty and out of this blasted cozy corner to do something. I want to be someone that can step up and make things better. I feel useless.

God give us the courage to be sad. Give us the courage to trust you. Give us the courage to be patient. Give us the courage to love.

Hate to admit it..

I hate to admit my interest in sports.. but today was a blast. Between the Indianapolis game with Manning winning the game and beating Marino's record.. DANG. PLUS Detroit won too! It was a day of lots of screaming and jumping for the fam!

We went to the other Chill's house, my aunt kris, uncle mike and cousin Brians that is. A lot of people ended up being in town so it was a blast to chill out with tons of food, sports, games and a whole lot of pets. All three families had their pets so we had the dogs : Louis, Tug, Phoebe and Danny, all Labs and golden retrievers, plus Brian's cat whose name I dont remember. She was a hysterical cat, pouncing and gettin fiesty with the dogs despite her lack of size. She had so much spunk and was really cute. I am covered in black cat hair, but she was worth it. I miss my cats.

Got a lot of cool stuff...
Mittens and a hat.. which wont be needed before too long but Ill stow them til next year.
The ENTIRE lemony snicket series.. WOOT WOOT!!!
A watch which is extremely nice, and I fear breaking constantly.
A lil purse which is cute
CASH like crazy from my insane aunt for Uruguay
and a really awesome turquoise leather journal for next semester as well.

I heart my family. Other than all that things were fun, played cards cranium, and tried to figure out my cousins spanish/english computer thing. I sucked. I didnt get it. neither did they though.

I cant believe this time next week Ill be in Missouri, and then a week later Abilene and then a week later another hemisphere. Im stoked, Im nervous, Im petrified, Im prepared.

Christmas Tidings!

Merry Xmas to all! Man its almost 1:30pm, and I am just waking up. Thats the best xmas gift EVER. Not sure what the plans are today, but so far I am enjoying sitting, not thinking and seeing snow, but not being in it.

Hope everyone has fantastic holidays! gimme a holler and let me know what your plans are! I miss my buddies!

WOOT WOOT!!

Got my bilingual bible in today! YESSSS!!! Im stoked..

thats all.

Sometimes Whining Works!

Yesterday I was sad and whining we didnt have any snow on the ground yet for xmas.


OOOOOHHHH MAN.. did we get snow!!
we got about 10 inches last night! I mean its swirling, driftin, pilin, icin! WOOHOO!!! I want to go skiing BAD!!!

Ill take pics if I get the chance.

Miss you guys!

alright

Feeling better today. Got cough med's, etc. Hope it works this time.

Dad and I are making xmas cookies.. hope they turn out.

Updatin

Dad went to the doc today. We got to sit in the ortho ward for like a million hours listening to the doctors pass by patients, explain situations, review cases. It was actually pretty interesting. A girl across the room played ultimate, and was talking about it. I think she played with the AA group I was gonna play with but opted out of. Strange. Anyway. Looks like he's got another 6-8 weeks in crutches. He's not happy. Poor guy. Thats crazy rough.

Other than that not much happened. Watched Napoleon Dynamite. Dad thought it was ok but wasn't too impressed. It really wasn't as funny the second time around. Its funnier to just have Adam BE napoleon now. Its like monty python. You have to have a group of people who have seen it to laugh the second and fiftieth times around. Otherwise.. its just WEIRD.

Im off to the Urgent Care place again in the morning. I am still sick. I hate it. It sucks. i cant breathe. I am now done whining about it.

I got my textbook for the study abroad class. It is useless. USELESS. Oh well, I will skim my lil heart out. atleast its short.

I am officially nervous to leave for Uruguay. I cant believe its here. When I think about it I get knots in my stomach and get all queasy. Im never nervous for this stuff. I guess this is a good thing though. I know God has a lot in store to show me in the next few months. A lot to learn, a lot to see. I hope I soak it all in.

New Additions

Hey,
Added links to the sidebar..

pics of Uruguay and other things will be on my webshots... the phyl's pics link goes to that site..

also, for fam and whomever desires to talk to me this semester, I posted the link for calling cards. Its a cheap card, and is cheaper for you to call me(3c/min) than for me to call you (33c/min or so). So thats that.

Plus my mom's blog has started.. if you dont want it there Ill take it off, but this way itll be easier for me to find it. AND mom you should check Mike Cope's blog every so often. He is our preacher at Highland Church of Christ, and is an awesome guy. You'll appreciate a lot of his posts and such. and anyone else too.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz...

Man it was a long weekend. I am so tired. Last night I got to chill out and talk to my Aunt Carol for hours. It was so fun. She's a blast to talk to. Looks like everyone is coming over for xmas dinner on sunday. Which is exciting. It will be good to get a break from studying. That starts tomorrow. I get to take dad to the doc's then hit the books all week for this study abroad class. Arg. Oh well. Borders will be a pal and let me borrow books and drink coffee. YAY.

Other than all of that. Its nice to be able to finally chill. No shopping, no running, just sitting.

Got a some really cool books from shyle. SHe works at baker and found a bunch she thought Id like. One is called "Living on the Borders: what the church can learn from ethnic immigrant cultures" ... Hopefully itll be good. Other than that she snagged some cool fiction girlie books. I stole Abraham from my Aunt Trish. Haven't started it yet. I have seen it at borders every once in awhile but never read it yet.

Done Rushin.

Got back from GH today after a crazy busy weekend. I am exhoausted. Friday I got to chill out with shy some, talking and putting together her bookcase. Then we hit up dinner and went to see Mike Morgan play downtown at the Community Center. Got to see all sorts of people, Jon Striker- who is officially on my list for people who will get support letters. Holy cow that kid is loaded for being 19. I cant imagine owning a business at this age. Got to see Kurt French, Melissa Anys, Nate, Drew, Randy McClain, Mike, all sorts of people. It was craziness. Post concert we went to Wendy's for Frosty's in single digit weather. Lyd showed up so she ended up comin back with shy and I to Shy's house. We got to have some girl talkin time. I got lots of good advice and catch up summaries.

Saturday I got to hang out with my brother all day. It was a blast. We got lunch at Johnny Carinos, went to the CRAZINESS of the mall without making a single purchase, played with his Charlie Beef of a puppy, and went to Craig's Cruisers for arcade games and the meeting of the girlfriend. She was really cute, and a sweet girl. Later I went to Bryant's and we got Panera and got to talk for a long while. It was good to chat, and get more advice. heheh.. or atleast be able to discuss.. certain people, i mean topics, I mean topics relating to certain people, crap. anyway.. we talked and ate. Then Lyd and I got Bourne Supremacy after droppin off the B man and sliding ALL OVER Grand Haven. Man it was slicker than snot. Then the "crew" showed up for the movie, I taught grant and kyle how to make puppy chow, which ended up in my possession somehow. After that Mafia happened for like 2 hours. LOTS O FUN. It was nice. 2 am came quickly and I went back to pass out at shyles till church this morning. After Watermark I met up with Russ and we grabbed lunch. MORE good convos, advice, and idea trading. I am home now and rediculously exhausted but feelin good. I am officially ALMOST not sick. YAAAAY.

It is 7 degrees outside. very VERY cold.

Feelin Good

Doing very well today. My drugs are amazing. I can breathe. I can actually stop coughing if I need to. Its amazing. Air... AHHHHH. On top of that my energy is back. Dad's feelin great today too. We went to Adrian to his office today so he could milk it to the bosses. It was pretty funny. It was good to see keith again. Not that I see him that often, but atleast I feel like I knew someone. Someone there offered me someones wife's homemade cheesecake. I tried it and smiled holding back throwing it up on the carpet. THAT WAS DISGUSTING. I carried it all the way back to dads office. It was so gross. Lumpy, cheesy, grossness.

In his office I finished the first lemony snicket. A Bad Beginning. It was pretty good. Im gonna pick up the next one when I get the chance.

I get to go to GH tomorrow night. Aunt Carol is comin up here to chill out with dad, mike etc. I hope I get to see her too. She just finished her PHD so I want to call her Dr. Gallagher. She worked hard. Im excited to see people in GH. I dont think they know Ill be there yet but it looks like an xmas ultimate game is in the works. No worries if I feel good I may play but Ill be bundled up. I need to run around a little. Although these stairs in dad's apartment are rediculous. Who needs to work out. Just go upstairs, and back down, and back up and down.

MMMMM... I bought ben and jerry's yesterday. Im going to go enjoy some.

Dad and I just finished Collateral and are about to start IRobot.

I hope I dont fall asleep.

CHILL'N

Well first thing's first. Went to the Urgent Care place yesterday. Did a breathing treatment, got chest xrays, got antibiotics, inhaler, and steroids to help the weezing. So far I feel a TON better. Im going to a general doc today for a checkup.. if we end up going to adrian. We'll see.

Dad got me pjs a few weeks ago, and I just got them from him last night. They are sooo cool. They are flannel (bottom, and button shirt top.) and light blue with white dotsw and all over them are little penguins and the word "CHILL'N" how cool!

Got to talk to stephen tonight. Didn't know dad was trying to sleep, he probably heard most of our "discussions" until I left the room. Ahh well. Had some good "serious" talking. It was rather odd.. but very good. I think I'm a fan of you Stephen. I haven't quite decided yet. :P

SHOPPING

Today was a lot of shopping. And it was good. The end.

I bought the first lemony snicket book. I think thats how you spell it. And another book that is in the same GENRE.

I dont have anything else fun to say. Goodnight

Cutest.

www.stephenmlamb.blogspot.com

I don't need to dream of a White Xmas!

Well I have arrived and Michigan and it is a snowin! I got here sunday after a great weekend in Dallas with Stephen, Bret, Summer and the munchkins. We got to go see Bret sing in the Men's Chorus on Saturday and chill out a little bit. Then I flew back/up here sunday and was greeted by a cheery MetroCar guy who drove me to my Aunts house.

My dad is in pretty rough shape. He had to get major knee surgery and has a leg cast and cant really get around much. Besides that I get my stubbornness from him, and if you think IM stubborn you have no idea! Its been a rough couple of days. Some short words here and there. I feel bad for him. Its hard feeling like you aren't in control. Its hard needing people. But thats what we're here for. I am planning on stayin in AA most of my time here. I would like to see my brother sometime, but that may entail him coming here. Other than that I leave on New Years to see mom! YAY! I have A TON of homework to do for my study abroad class in the next few weeks, and some xmas shopping to do.

Please be praying for my dad, and that I can remain patient and serving for him. I don't want his initial recovery to feel like a war zone. I dont want my last few weeks in US to make me not want to come back.

Miss you Stephen!

Congrats to Ruth!

Holy Crap! Today my roommate from last year, Ruth Kelly, attacked me in our courtyard downstairs and showed me her brand spankin new diamond! She's engaged! That is insane to me. I mean I expected her and jon to get married eventually, even engaged fairly soon, but I just can't believe it! That girl is so fantastic, and jon is a great guy. I just can't believe it! It makes me feel old. She is a year younger than me and already engaged. Its not that I feel like Ive missed the Diamond train or anything, its just crazy. Plus my two friends who are graduating this december are getting married next sunday, and Curtis and Lauren got married this past august! Crazyiness! Its strange to be at that age where every one around me is gettin hitched. Given being at a Christian University where the "MRS" degree is highly prevalent doesn't help. But these arent homemakers to be! These are MY friends! Sane, adult, semi-mature people! Crazyiness.. CRAZINESS!

I am proud to say I am NOT THAT GIRL. Stephen. Im glad you aren't THAT GUY as well. Takes a load off I tell you what.

On a different note: I went to the doctor today for my freight train cough. Looks like a lot of people in our dorm have been gettin allergies cuz of mold problems. She gave me all sorts of drugs and I am hoping they will kick in pretty soon. My cough stuff is makin me kinda loopy.

My dad had his surgery today. He was pretty loopy on the phone. He sounds like he's doing ok although apparently there were some issues earlier on. Prayers are welcome. Love ya pops!

Sorry I had to hang up so quickly tonight mom, it was crazy driver night in Atown. Ill call you tomorrow

We are off to Dallas tomorrow night to hang out with summer, bret, and their munchkins micah and anna grace. Summer's on bedrest cuz of pregnancy complications, but it will be fun to serve HER for once. She's a sweetheart.

I am ready to get out of this dorm.

And lastly: I admit I already miss Stephen.. Sad:(

Grade Check

For those interested.. mainly my parents, this post is an exclamation over grades!

It was a rough semester. My friends know that, Stephen most definitly knows that. A LOT of hard work, a lot of business, and very little Ultimate.. sad. Atleast we got our tourney in while we could!

So here is the rundown:
World Literature I: I should have an A, I just got my Hindu paper back w/ an A+ which made me jump for joy! My exam went pretty well. I was so tired, and being sick doesn't help.

Intercultural Communications: I will definitly have an A. I had 93 without my extra credit and exam score. SO I am good to go. I got A's on both the papers that were due during "the week of hell" and my presentation went alright.

Missionary Anthropology: This one is borderline. I think I did well on my exam this morning. I was the first one done, which doesn't necessarily mean I did well. The hard part is that we didn't really ever get any grade updates to know how we were doing in the class. So I am hoping for an A but I really have no clue. My reflection paper and Exam will determine it so we'll see.

Western Civilization: I will have a solid B in this class. It was a terribly difficult class. The grades were based on 5 exams that were killer. I have had steady B grades on them. Unless I get a 100% today on my exam I will still have a B. Im ok with that. It was a rough class.

Gymnastics: Ehem.. funnest class. EVER. hehe.. Im glad I took this class. It was challenging, but it was a blast. I hope to take the second part next year. I will have an A. I better anyway!!

Last but not least:
Astronomy: My grade depends on my exam. If I get atleast a 50% on the exam, I will pass the class.. with an A. This class was pretty boring. We learned a few interesting things but overall I wished I was sleeping every MWF at 8 instead of listening to Towell talk. Oh well. One more Gen Ed out of the way.

KEREER!!

Because roommate phil rocks my face offf.. I decided he needed his own little post.

Actually he just told me he was mad because he wasnt in my previous post about missing everybody.

Well.. Ill miss you kid, Ill miss the triple Phi/yl combo, and all the other crap we just talked about on aim.

Peace Out!

I miss my mom

Im sick. I have a cough that sounds like Im being run over by a freight train. I can't laugh, I cant breathe, I cant sleep. Sadly, I still retain the mental capacity to study my face off for finals. My comms final went well tonight. I will have an A in the class. I am grateful for the strength and clarity of mind God is granting me this week. Despite possible bronchitis, I can walk, talk and fill in scantrons like nobody's business.

Lately I have been able to hang out with my roommate Erin a lot. I am so grateful for that. We have been hanging out, getting dinner and watching movies (which entails cramming and cuddling around her laptop on her bed since my couch is in storage). Tonight we went to Midnight Breakfast at the bean and listened to horrible Karaoke. One of the guys from my study abroad group sang Hero by Enrique and I was laughing (and honk/coughing) so hard. The food was horrible, the room was loud. But I won a game, and got to see Miss Tracy a smidge. It was fun times. Ryan Kamarovski showed up. Thats always awkward. It cracks me up that he weirded me out so much when he asked me out because he was a 5th yr senior and "old" but when stephen asked it wasn't like that. I was freaked out by stephen, but mostly cuz i wasnt expecting it, not cuz he was older. Well. thats not all true either. The age thing was a little weird, but he could always make me laugh. Which counts for a lot.

Tomorrow is my english final, and most of the day will be spent studying and moving stuff to storage. The week hasn't even started. Yet I feel like its already over.

Be praying for my dad. He has surgery for his knee on wednesday. It makes me nervous.

Learning I'm learning...

This saturday we had our very first class for study abroad. Our Uruguay group went to our teacher's house and enjoyed chili and fellowship. It looks like our group is going to be a blast and the girls are terrific as far as I can see. It was nice to be able to meet them in more comfortable situations, and get to know backgrounds and such. By the time we actually went to class we were comfortable and joking around a lot. Man I love smart people with senses of humor.

Class was alright. It was a lot of concept defining. And I laugh now because I got so frustrated with it. We were talking about Relativism, Stereotypes, Ethnocentrism and Pluralism. Americans (me included) crack me up. I preface this with one comment: All semester i have been taking classes that have been reiterating and illustrating different parts of culture, and examples within them that revolve around these four topics. I have had four months to contemplate, and work out a lot of the issues regarding my own ethnocentrism and really understand relativism and how it interacts in a flexible way with Christianity. Anyway..

The discussion was beginning to shape around moral relativism in the world. (Christianity aside). Comments that confused me were as follows:

"Murder is an absolute, you cant tell me that most people around the world who kill someone dont feel bad, or that others around them think it is wrong"
(meanwhile the terms genocide, infanticide, human sacrifice, and so forth)

This comment specifically confused me. She was trying to prove that morals arent relative with a comment that actually proves they are. I dont think murder is right, within my religious context or out, but there are people out there that depending on the context, it is justified. Anyway.. moving on.

Then my teacher was trying to make an example he said:
"What about this... are equal rights for females relative?" Everyone said NO.. every woman deserves equal rights being their reason.
I said yes, and he looked at me perplexed. I didnt really argue back because there wasnt a point to it.. but I think my yes was justified. I think of Islam and Hinduism.. "equal" rights for them is almost wrong. They see independent women of America as dishonored and unprotected and disrespected by men. This is a rather blanket statement I know, but in my eyes there are cultures where "equal" is relative. I think women in those religions may desire a few more rights, but not the same as men. It is their religion and life and culture to be female and have their place in life. It isn't undeserving, or unworthy, just different.

There were more comment made that had the motive of showing an "understanding" of the issues but in reality their own ethnocentrism showed right through. Whats more ethnocentric than an American judging another culture based on the freedoms of an American system. There is no comparison between America and Africa, or India, or Uruguay. In fact I would say in many ways it would be worse for them to take on "American" ideas.
Its like trying to make Iraq a Democracy. Good Luck.. their minds dont work like that.
AND THAT IS OK. God is the ultimate creator, of culture, relationships, and morals. deal.

I Heart My Roommate

Tonight was a girlie night for Erin and I... the itinerary was as follows:

Walmart Run
Chinese Food
Raising Helen
Dye my Hair
Elf
Facial Masks
Foot Scrub stuff.
SLEEP.

It was fantastic. She is a great girl. Ill miss her next semester....

Sad day...

today was my very last Sigma Pi Phi chapel. there were very few people there, but we got to pray for each other and sing together. Its strange realizing that i wont see most of these people again. Over the past year and a half they have become family down here. God blessed me trememdously when I got here to school last fall. As an itty bitty bee toting freshman I was ecstatic to see a big group of people show up to play ultimate the night I had happened to ask some of the freshman from Welcome week to play. They tried to make me bird call, they freaked out over being a fellow "phyl". I remember feeling so welcome yet strange at being invited to "stev's birthday bash at greyskull". The language (body and verbal) was so strange and yet so inviting. It was like learning a new culture. Over the next weeks and months, this group of friends took me in. I was one of only a few freshman and sophmores.. most were juniors. Through strange circumstances, I got to hang out with brooke, julie and whitney a lot. They became sisters. Brookelynn became a familiar friendly freshman face. EC, Robin and Lauren became a refuge for smiles and fun. I looked up to you girls so much, and still do. Rachael gave the best hugs and smiles, kristen cracked me up. Tracy is and will forever be a sweetheart. Katrina always made me feel special, and welcome to say hello. I loved helping you with the art project, and working with you on the tshirts, I will treasure those times. Melody and Adriane, girls you rock my face off. Each of these women have come into my life and left important foot prints. I wish I had more opportunities to see those that are graduating this year, it is sad that I will miss your last semester. I am sure it will be eventful.

Then there are the boys. Stev, Mark, Bret, Rot, Daniel, Phil, Curdit, you are all men of God whom I cherish having in my life. Each of you have had special impacts on my life as well, and spurred me on to become a better servant for Christ. Keep having fun, and keep loving God.

Thanks to all of you for an awesome few years! Congrats to those graduating! Love to those whose names arent mentioned but you know you are adored!

Give me a hug ASAP if I see you!
Dont forget Finals Ultimate! Same place same time!

Shout out to like five people...

Check out Mike's Post and link ...


www.mikecope.blogspot.com

Mike Cope is our preacher at Highland Church of Christ down here.. he posted a link to an article that is really ... umm great.. I dont know what else to say... read it and let me know what you think?

Midget Postage

Ok.. so blogger has something against me.. officially. it has taken me like 3 or 4 times to actually get to be able to post about thanksgiving.

It was fantastic. Stephen's family is amazing, I had the best time.
Noteworthy moments:

Realizing our moms would get along perfectly.
Beating up Thomas (youngest brother) as if I hadn't just met him 2 hours before.
Hugging a bear made out of a fake bush and other fun Opreyland pictures.
Watching home movies of stephen... nice blush kid.
Getting beaten in Spite and Malice for the first and LAST time by stephen.
Taking a Family Trivia game for David in his absence... he failed.. hehhehe
Giving a "talking to" to Stephen.
Electric blankets and ladybugs.
Mario Twins: www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/mario.php
Davids happy sad face and the nightmares to follow.
Hating life watching the Chronicles of Riddick.
Fabulous coffee EVERY MORNING... and my own personal Lucky Charms
Luke. Period. oh yah.. and cheesecake, and "I love you baby"
Getting Fazoli's with Greg.. sorry kid, I dont date people whose age is within four years of my own.

Summation: Stephen's family was awesome. I didnt feel like a stranger. and I assume I got a thumbs up.. even though I called them a flock instead of a herd.

WE MADE IT!!

Hey kids, thought I would leave y'all with an update on how things are going over/down/up here in nashville. We got here on tuesday pretty smoothly with some fun in the airport. We got to color with a lil four yr old named kelsey that was adorable, and sprint between terminals in Nashville. Drove around town some when we got there to see some of the city. Its a neat place so far. Stephen's family is fantastic, as expected. Wednesday we went to the opreyland hotel and chilled out for movies and such. Today we went to turkey dinner with the fam and had a blast. They kept telling me they arent that insane all the time but I dont believe them, and I am glad. If they arent as insane as they were today, I may not fit in when they calm down. Needless to say it was a blast. We are chillin with Stephen's bro David now, and the rest of the weekend will be spent chilling and hangin with buds n such. Thomas has become my funmusic pal. He's a slickshoes, mxpx, acetroubleshooter kinda kid and its awesome. He's funnnnny. More later, Im off to go find the boys and get made fun of more..
Enjoy your turkey days!!

I am perfectly calm

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Matt 6:25 (Packing my stuff for tomorrow.. ehem.)

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matt 6:34 (I hope I will sleep tonight)

Another verse that made my day was about not worrying how you will defend yourself. At this point Im worrying I will need to.. hhehe.. Im excited to go tomorrow. Im nervous, and Stephen if you tell your parents how nervous I am you will be dead by midight. Just thought Id let you know. hahah..

Right now I am passing time til class at 3:30. Then I am chillin for a couple hours tonight, Im skipping out on class to make sure everything is ready for tomorrow. I would love to play frisbee tonight if anyone is interested.

God is so good.

What have I learned this weekend? God is so good. I have been stressing for weeks now over making sure this weekend goes well, that I would get my work done and have it be quality. I especially wanted to be able to enjoy this weekend with my dad cindy,stephen and the buds. Missions Accomplished. This weekend was fantastic. Lots and LOTS of great food, got some great time with my dad and Cindy. Got to watch Michigan get stomped (sadly..), made xmas cookies and made them well. Got to be "domestic" and cook a little as adam put it. I was proud of the skills, Cindy was a great teacher. Now all that is left is class tomorrow, I get my History grade tomorrow as well as get to finally turn in my Hindu paper. Then I get to pack and pack a little more. I want to get some stuff packed for over xmas break to go in storage for next semester. Bfast with Brookster tues including a built in "no worries" pep talk. And then we are off to Nashville. Man. Im nervous to meet the folks and fam but I am also very excited. God got me through this week with astounding food intake capacity of which I am still reeling. I trust that this week will go smoothly as well. ALthough any family that produces someone as fantastic as stephen must be fun, although slightly off kilter. But hey, in that case I should fit right in!

I decided tonight while pondering with stephen that one must be "silly" atleast once every five minutes or so. I mean, seriousness is fine 4 out of 5 minutes, but without a silly face, or a poke, or some witty banter... life would dwindle away to nothingness. I believe this wisdom is something to be coveted for all eternity. So... check your clocks and make sure you've smiled in the last five minutes, if not.. snort, pinch, tickle, even fart your way back to the safety zone of sillidom. do it. or else.

shmorrrgusbored.....

Green koolaid makes me smile...
so does 8 dollar jeans at old navy and a fuzzy fleece to pass away the chilly blues..

No tests or homework til Finals. Now thats a smile and a sigh...phew. ITS OVER!!!

My passport came today. Makes me nervous and makes me excited. I cant wait to send postcards and forget the 3 hour difference and see a new set of stars including the southern cross!!

Erin is gone today checking out Baylor and seeing friends. I will miss her. We got along so well this semester. Honesty is refreshing. I hope she finds someone she can laugh with at baylor.

I have a 22 lb turkey in my freezer.

I miss my mom. She always knows how to encourage me, what I need to hear, and doesn't hesitate to tell it straight. I can't wait to see you, hug you, and cry when I leave.

We have fire ants in our room. My toe is the size of kentucky. Well it was yesterday, its about like new hampshire now. I like that I sat and thought about which state best described my swelling toe. Yuck.

Im already packing up some of my stuff for the semester, paring down, and figuring out where the stink my couch is gonna go. My beautiful couch. ahhh.

Im bringing my dad to the Feminine Epitome tomorrow so he can see my possible future residence. I felt really bad and presumptuous when I asked the girls if that was cool. I wish Julie was still gonna live there. I hate that I am inserting myself in there. I hope the transition is ok and that julie comes over alllllllll the time cuz I want to partake of her wackiness and will need a fellow non nursing major. I love you girls.

My Baby's All Growed Up..

Last night is was an exciting but sad night... I got a glimpse of the bittersweetness of babies growing up. Our beautiful little Brileigh has started walking. She is one of our girls in the nursery. She is a chunk of a girl, always with her chubby cheeks and sprout of hair jetting her massive cabeza. She has dimples the size of milwaulkee and has the best laugh. She has been one of the more energetic of our kids, and her mom is a favorite of mine. Its so amazing to be able to make connections with parents through helping nurture their children. Well, Brileigh took her first few steps this week and has graduated into cruiserdom. I am so proud of her and she is adorable in her teetering and plopping. She still lets me give her belly raspberries, and swing her upside down, but I fear that soon my arms will break under the pressure of her weight. She is already a big girl.. now she's walking. Its happy and sad. The saddest part is that by the time I get back next year most of our kids will be out of the nursery and I won't see them much. It has been such a blessing getting new kids, and getting to know their likes and dislikes. Kelton likes kissing other babies whether they like it or not. Chloe the conquerer is like king kong on a good day. Caleb has the cutest cry, and will be a knock out someday with his baby blues. Lily is so sweet, and a brick wall for anyone who dares to try to make her laugh. Charlie is growing up and beginning to actually have fun. I know noone but me and my roommate really care, but it has been such a great experience.

Testing OVER!!

Had an Astronomy test and a History test today. Last tests til Finals. Man that feels good.

Got an 86 on my Astronomy test which means all I need is to manage a D on my Final and Ill still have an A in the class. that feels FANTASTIC. Im hoping the rest of my classes turn out as well. Im worried about History. The test I took today is definitive in my semester grade. The test I am getting back for English this afternoon will be integral in my final grade for that as well. Luckily I know Ill have an A in Gymnastics, Comms and Astronomy now. All that leaves is History and Anthropology. Im workin hard to bring up my Anthro grade. If I can pull off all A's and one B i might make a 3.75 gpa. That would be a nice ending to a long semester of hard work. Im really trying to earn this Uruguay semester. Its gonna be a blast but its gonna be a lot of work. I hope I earned it this semester. I feel like I never stopped studying for more than a few minutes here and there.

I am ready for Thxgiving break, ready to go home for xmas. Not ready to start a new semester over, especially internationally, but I know it will be the time of my life. I have already met a few of the people going, and its a great group. I just hope I can fit everything in my suitcases!

Profound apologies..

Wow, I hate computers. The last three times I have tried to post my computer froze and my words were erased. ARG. I am normally relatively computer savvy. I am often the one to help with formatting or computer issues for roommates and friends etc. Today I am just a frustrated computer. Problem with networking at schools: bugs, viruses, spam, spyware, and STUPID SLOW INTERNET. It is normally an awesome network but the past few weeks my computer has upchucked a lot and crashed. Thank God for Microsoft and its revovery programs or all my papers wouldve been wiped multiple times.

Anyway... Homework update: Hindu Paper.. DONE. Comms case study... DONE. Anthro case study...DONE. Comms Presentation... DONE. phew! All I have left are my two exams tomorrow morning, and a few reflection papers. Well technically I still have to revise my Hindu paper, but having the first draft looking as good as it does is VERY encouraging. So needless to say I am scarfing down some Bluebell Mint chocolate chip ice cream and brownies. Needless to say.. but said anyway.

This weekend my Dad and Cindy are coming into town. I am excited for their arrival but nervous for the weekend to go smoothly. Not regarding social aspects, but because I fear taking over Stephen's house all day Saturday. I only slightly asked if it was alright before really knowing how time consuming this event might become. They are coming in on Friday night, and stephen and I are racking our brains for fun places to eat. the options so far include:
Jo Allens: good texan culture
Los Arcos/Farolitos/other mexican restaurant: COMIDA!!!
ZooKimi's: soup/salad/potato bars. Their soups are SO GOOD! and its a neat lil restaurant.

any suggestions guys? I dont really want to go to AnnThai's, Buns over texas, texas roadhouse, or any food chain. Id like to find something fun and unique to Abilene. Im tryin hard.

Anyway.. Saturday We (dad,cindy and I, I think stephen is helping too, he doesnt have to though, he's already allowing us to use his house) are cooking thanksgiving dinner for the four of us plus some of stephens roommates. It will be a huge meal, with lots of leftovers.

So far Im interested to see how it goes. We have a lot of tradtions that go along with Thanksgiving. Including Football (Michigan plays Ohio State Sat.! Go Wolverines!), which Im not even sure if we'll have on cable, since we're in texas. and lots of chilling out. It would be one thing if stephen came home to join our traditions, but its hard to bring traditions somewhere else and expect the same thing to happen. The hardest part is that most of the roommates will probably be studying around the house all day, and I really don't want to be a royal pain and be intrusive into their house too much. I mean we may be cooking them food, but that doesn't mean we live there yet. Anyway. Dad, or stephen, if you read this no worries. We'll work it out this weekend. BUT please be understanding about this. I dont want to ruin anyones holiday.

Enough of that. Tonight is devoted to Astronomy and History, and a break for Gilmore Girls.
Lots of prayer will be needed for this weekend. So get started. I have.

Unable

hmm... what to say today. Its been an interesting week. Its only tuesday. Yet I remain speechless.

Today I was looking up ACappella gospel chorale music. I miss my high school choir dearly. Our Chamber Choir is and was the best in the state. Last year they sang in Carnegie Hall, the year before that we were state champs, and Outstanding Choir for MSVMA and Youth Arts. I mostly miss the hours and hours of work we put into a single song, and most of all our very best performances when you know you just blew the socks off of everyone in the audience. I miss standing ovations, I miss nitpicking to pieces a song, knowing you have things to improve, and that it will happen. I miss feeling the reward of a personal best performance, of finally hitting that note, and hitting it well. Man I miss singing in general. I wish ACU's choir was better. I wish I had enough initiative to look for a choir to try out for. I get too nervous in auditions. Like dance, holy cow I would love to find a dance class in the area. I still plan on trying out for Shades next year, but I hate that it is a year away. Well my performance art filled heart will have to be patient, and have enough guts to start getting more involved.

otra de esa....

En mi clase de communicaciones interculturales, tengo una presentacion en dos semanas. Tengo hablar sobre Americanos y como ellos no saben muchos idiomas, solo ingles. estoy pensando que debo empezar mi presentacion en espanol por sobre dos o tres minutos. Pues, erin penso que esta una buena idea. No se, No creo que mi profesora se gustare la idea. eh pues...

Goodbye Corpus!

Wow, what an amazing weekend! Despite feeling like I had a car stuck to my butt ALL WEEKEND.. it was such a fantastic trip. Pictures will be on webshots soon but the rundown for unattenders is as follows:

Thursday:
Near death experience count: 3
Hours of driving: well we left at 5, had some technical issues, dinner, and arrived about 1:30. about 8 hours?
Number of cars in caravan: 2

Highlights:
EC's High Curb Diet
Hard Eights B B Q
Intercar 20 questions
Slaughtering Curtis and RM in our word game.


Friday:
Near death count: about 5, though that is debatable
hours of driving: 2-3 (to and from Corpus)
Cars in Caravan: 6

Highlights:
Beach: burying EC, Jelly fish, clams, sandcastles, dance party, seagulls, waves of death, getting mooned by the random guys passing by, I officially hate saltwater.. yuck. I am way too spoiled with freshwater lakes.. i mean wow.
Hannah's house for dinner: Elk, Boar, Deer, and lots and lots of fooooood, Paint the Moon and other fun games
Back at the Family Living Center: Lots of ball throwing, frisbee tossing, and light breaking.
Got to talk to stephen.. wow long weekend.

Saturday:
Near Death count: 4
Hours driving: 3ish
number of cars in caravan: 2 to the aquarium, 8 to Pizza Parlor

Highlights:
Aquarium: what a blast, blue lobsters, little kids, dolphin show, dive show, stingrays, baby palm trees, christmas light jellyfish, crabs, cabbage patch fishies.
Dinner at Pizza Parlor: sharing beverages, great pizza, telling jokes, Joanna's presence in general,
FLC: Volleyball, Volleyball, Volleyball, Ultimate, Volleyball.
Whataburger trip: WOW 35 people dressed in rediculous clothing attacking a Whataburger full force. Wow. We didnt even get kicked out!

Sunday:
Near Death Experiences: Fat Rain Scariness, but other than that none. Well besides EC's offroad excursion.
Hours driving: 8
Cars in Caravan: avg of 4

Highlights:
Church: Lauren and I went to an awesome spanish class that Hannahs dad was teaching. It was amazing to sit and talk and listen. Mostly just listen. The service was good too.
Potluck: Oooooooooohhhh Fried Chicken! Lots o food! Lots of great people!
Drive home: Lots o Rain, little sleep.
Getting home: great to see stephen.

Im sure that was a riveting summary of our trip. It was a blast, long, tiring, way fun, and generally dramaless. Thanks to Curtis, Lauren and RM fror being great car pals. Thanks to Robin, Hannah and everyone else organizing for putting together a great trip. Kudos to drivers, leaders, and all sacrificial lambs for making this trip possible.
Pics will be on webshots soon!

Pancakes, Coffee, and a Smiling Face

This morning Brooke and I adventured to Ihop. Its amazing what a good pancake can do for you. Its funny what faces bad coffee can cause. Its interesting to hear the conversations of two girls that haven't had girl time in a while.

Our server was so sweet. If I had the cash I would make it a point to go there on her shifts just to be able to make conversation with her, and see her wrinkly but smiling face. What a great woman.

After Ihop we made a "quick stop" in Family Christian bookstore. Our quick trip turned into like an hour and a half or something. I could live in that store. I found some cute thank you/encouragement cards and blank cards that have a P on them like my grandma always used to send me. I was always jealous. In fact I found one of the notes she sent me last year when she was just beginning to get sick. It was always nice to have an ally in Christ across the country. My aunts and uncles and grandma have always been soo encouraging. I need to start sending them notes again. Thats why I bought them. They deserve reciprocated encouragement.

I decided today I miss my Grandma, but that it is ok. I taught stephen how to play spite and malice. I plan to teach him more fun games soon that my grandma always loved to play. I would love to get my hands on one of her old decks of cards. She had the coolest cards. I wonder who ended up with King Oil? I hope its still around. My goal is to learn how to make her sugar cookies when my dad and cindy come into town. Dad dont forget the recipe! We have to conquer the recipe! My Grandma was such an amazing woman, Ill miss her, but she has left so many influences on my character that she will never be forgotton. I strive to love my family, and serve my family as she did.

Meat to Chew On

"... rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be OVERJOYED when his glory is revealed... If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." 1 Peter 4:13-16

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth" 1 John 3:18

"Now if we are children, we are heirs- heirs of God and coheirs with Christ-if indeed we share in his sufferings that we may also share in his glory" Revelation 8:17

"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,"
Phillippians 3:10 (this chapter is bewildering.. I want to be able to say the world is rubbish to me, I have given up all things for Him. I want to have 3:10 be my life anthem)

"But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
1 Peter 2:20

Hey Pops! 

Mumma and bruddah. 

I wuv my sister... Nice hat Berz.

My baby girls. Left is Ada, Right is Z.  

Enter the dark side of the Jessica. 

My ballerina Niece Jessica. She's way feistier than she seems.  

Cowboy Albert. He's trying to be like me. Why I I will never know. 

My sister's fiance Billy. He will obviously fit in very very well. 

My Hula-ing Nephew BIG AL. 

My beautiful big bro. Good face drew! 

Isn't that just the perfect representation of us! Gorgeous, just Gorgeous! 

A Warrior

God, I can hardly believe it. It has been a long battle, a heartfelt cry, and my heart's deepest desire. To see them see You. At times I doubted, and yet your peace always rushed in, encouraging and reminding me that you were listening, and you were answering. You have always reminded me of how Your spirit is working within them. Seeing her eyes light up at Your name, Oh God, I can't describe the joy. For so long I have despised the mockery your name had endured at their words. Thank you for not denying them your grace, and thank you for not denying me your grace either. God, help me to help her. I want her to experience you in the deepest way Lord. Continue to be with the rest of them as they search and come to find you. I trust your hand, you have reconfirmed your listening ear. My hope is renewed daily. I trust your Love and its transcending, transforming Power. Blow their minds.

God, help me to seek you the way you wish I would. Help me to understand your ways, your desires. Bring me closer to you, heal my heart and renew my spirit.

God bless stephen. Bless our relationship, help me to remain holy in your sight, and honor your desires. I know you love me, and desire the best for me. I trust that you know every fiber of my body, and mind and soul. I trust that you are working within our relationship, in the midst of us, in the midst of our decisions. Thank you for the ability to love.

Double X Represent What?! What?!

So holy cow its been a long LOOONG weekend.Friday was a blast with lots of burgers, balloons and brooke surprisin. Then came saturday. The longest day of my life, for good reasons. Ultimate Tournament! It was out of this world! Props to the SPP boys for playin hard! We had such a blast seein our cheerleaders out there. I was proud to represent the Double X females and bring home the bacon! Needless to say the "ligers" won. WOOT WOOT! After the Tourney I drug/dragged/ sauntered my lifeless body back to my dorm for a freezing and beautiful shower. and proceeded over to the Delaney's for some babysittin of lili and clara. Cute girls I tell you what. After that stephen and I hit up Teeb's (Taco Bell) for a late night dinner, and I crashed quickly. It was a long day. Today was "devoted" to studying for my two tests tomorrow, as well as two papers due wednesday, punctuated with visiting and takin a break w/ stephen.

What do you think when your boyfriend tells your mother he's crackin the bull whip. Im pretty sure he was talking about keeping me in line. But.. it was rather ambiguous. I think my mom agrees. Speaking of which be praying for her and her health she is having some issues.

A Fear of Fall

A developed phobia. Yes.. I am afraid of the Fall. Not like adam and eve's "Fall", or even falling, which I often partake in. The season. A season of browning trees, gradually chillier air, and lots of homework. Unfortunately over the past few years all of the "crap" in my life happens in the fall. I have participated in funerals for a four person car accident, 2 drownings, a grandmother and a friend with cancer; an almost pregnant best friend, divorced parents, suicide attempts (cousin's not mine), injuries, brother/sister feuds, breakups, holiday disasters, and so so much more! It seems like every time fall comes around I can expect and experience a tragedy or emotionally draining and trying time. Now all of this sounds like complaining I know, but I have developed an appreciation and gratefulness of brokenness before God. As much as I fear the hurt and pain of losing loved ones, or dealing with trying times, I know that this is merely an ironic answer to prayer. After my very first tragedy (losing four good friends in a car accident) I began a continual prayer for a soft heart. I feared that at losing others, mourning and feeling hurt I would harden my heart against emotions for the sake of self preservation and relief. Only now do I realize that those prayers are answered by a continual brokenness (ironic that fall, a season of death, is followed by spring, a season of renewal). What I did not know is that although I may fear being hurt again, part of me desires those continual tests as a way in sharing the raw heart of compassion Jesus had as well. I would rather feel pain often and be able to share that with others hurting, than to stand in the sunshine and not understand why others are so upset. As much as I wish many of the horrible things that happened wouldn't have happened, I also would never desire to have lived without those experiences. I am the person I am today because of the things I have overcome. I know that there are many people in the world who have had to overcome so much more than me, that I am blessed, safe, happy and surrounded by people who love me. I also know that there are many people at this school alone who have faced few trials in their lives, and their faith reveals that.
I believe that God teaches, and molds us in specific ways through losses and trials. He reminds us that He alone is the source of life when we lose people to death. He reminds us who is important in our lives, and how to depend on others for support while holding true to Him first and foremost. He reminds us that he is in control, and protecting, when we escape predicaments and barriers.
Thank you Lord for your constant work and saving grace in our lives. I say this with a tentative heart, but soften, and gently continue to break and remold my heart as you see fit. I desire more of you, and in that desire your death and shame as well. Thank you for the opportunity to partake in the truth of your broken body.

Got Jacked..

Most of you were present for the oh so painful assault last thursday evening at frisbee. It's sort of hard to explain from the recieving end. Ill hold it to the "commenters" to really put into words what it looked like from a spectators position. For me I was casually going in for some "D" to "snag" a "disc" from a "guy" who was holding it. All that came after that was pretty blurry except the thought "AAAHHHH STEPHEN!!!". Basically I got barrelled over by my quickly running boyfriend. I know he likes hugs but I prefer to be stationary without a shoulder in my trachea a crushed elbow and a newly jacked up knee. Haha. Oh well. Post flying approximately 100 feet through the air and waking up in a crater created on impact. I awoke startled as stephen was still in view. Leaning over me. Not on the ground. Now I know I'm smallish, but I've got some brawn to me. Did he really not move? Oh well.. I guess I should be proud to date a Brick Wall. He's BRIICCKK HOUUSE! well anyway the evening continued with angry words under my breath (at myself), a few tears, and a bitter limping girl. Poor stephen. He felt HORRIBLE. I sort of laugh at that, because in his position (size and motive) I would have done the same thing. I might have chickened out long before.. but I would have otherwise. I went to the Doc friday to check it out my knee just in case. It was rather painful and swollen. He proceeded to tell me that I slightly tore my LCL on my left knee and that I can't do my gymnastics class for 3 wks or anything else for that matter. SCREW THAT. My mind went stubborn. Ok.. Ill allow stephen to be Mama Lamb and not let me play disc for 3 wks. But I just got excited about my gymnastics class. And after walking around yesterday, 9 advil, and being stubborn, I'm not in pain anymore. So mind mind is made up. I deny any injury, any accident, and any and all smothering. I guess all in all, if anyone was going to "put me out of commission" Im glad it was stephen. I can't be mad at him for too long. He's just too darn cute.

Last night, being friday, I went out to dinner with Stephen and his roommates Brian, Adam and Sam. Now that was an interesting dinner event. Those boys cracked me up. Our server quickly attained the nickname "lowcut Queen" or something to that effect. It was humorous to watch the bouncing eyes of the boys as they tried to not stare at her chest. I must admit it was hard to avert even my eyes. Its sort of ironic to me that the shirt that will get her better tips, is making it possible for her to afford a new shirt.

Needless to say.. its been a fun weekend so far.