Standard Camyron

The Up and Up

2011-04-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

Last week my friend Carrie and I road tripped out to Phoenix, AZ to take advantage of the PIT TICKETS to Arcade Fire that she managed to score in a pre-sale event for super cheap (Thanks Carrie!). Crammed in the pit and waiting for Win Butler to spontaneously crowd surf over us (never happened sadly, but I've heard it has at other shows) while dancing and trying to keep sneaky people from cramming their way in front of us, was in short: THE GREATEST EXPERIENCE.

(Photos courtesy of Carrie's iphone)

Can't get this song out of my head now...

And it was pretty great to see Local Native opening too! I'm pretty sure Carrie and I were the only ones who were actually singing along with all the words, (F.Y.I. Phoenix-ans are a stuffy bunch)but it is really cool to see how great they are live. I've been following them since they were 'Cavil at Rest' and now they are performing with Arcade Fire. So cool!

On Friday I'm seeing Mumford & Sons AND Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Thank you Jon Olsen!

This is an exciting month in the life of Camyron Lee, I will tell you that friends.
-Cam

Added Emphasis

2011-03-09T23:17:00.000-08:00

Two reasons why I can't seem to stop smiling today...

My first article was published in my school newspaper! Not exactly a Pulitzer Prize winning story, but just to know that something all my own has been published is just plain exciting. Also, when I picked up today's printed issue(one of the 10 I snagged) I had made it onto the front page!

Clearing a spot on my refrigerator as we speak...

Check out the Daily Titan online edition and my Story!

Also, Just as exciting, I purchased my ticket to see one of my dearest friends Miss Maritza Skidmore at her place in Seattle!

Good things are happening friends.
Pardon the unnecessarily large amount of exclamation points(!!)

-Cam

Out of Style

2011-01-05T15:05:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been pondering things that have become passe in my life time. I feel like it is one thing to hear an older generation telling a younger "In my day we used to...(fill in outdated tradition)". However, in my own life time I have personally observed things becoming "old fashioned". Things are advancing and becoming obsolete faster than I can keep track of, it is an interesting world we are currently living in. Here's the list of obsolete ideas, gadgets, and traditions that I have compiled:

*CD players
*CD's!(just go download it already)
*cassette tapes
*floppy disks
*VHS, please tell me I'm not the only one with an entire Disney collection on VHS!
*Non-smart phones, I feel like everyone has an i phone
*Myspace
*Talking on the phone is no longer the preferred method of communication:just text, email or Facebook me
*e-vites?
*paper applications, *just apply online
*Outdoor activities, what do you think a treadmill is for?
*Gym membership cards. If you have visited a 24 hour fitness lately, they have most likely shredded your membership card before your very eyes and set you up with a "finger print verification" instead. Totally Weird.

Notable technological developments in my life time, that have become near staples in the daily American life:
-iPod, iPad, iPhone
-Facebook
-Kindle
-iTunes
-Skype
-Text Messaging (emoticons, text-language, i.e. acronyms like: ikr, idk, lol, jk)
-Hybrid cars? Maybe the technology has been around longer, but Hybrids have definitely reached the height of their popularity over the last twenty years

Something I am convinced my kids(or grand kids) will never experience nor remember:

Bank Tellers, I'm convinced by the time I am in the 55+ age group I'll be telling my grand kids about how people used to actually go into banks(and work inside!), and they will look at me in disbelief and ask ..."Why didn't they just use an ATM?"

Fast Paced, crazy world we're living in.
Any other things you can think of that would fit on one of these lists?

Late Night Musings

2010-12-24T22:10:00.000-08:00

Blogs I can't stop perusing....

I am a daily drop-in on my dear friend Blythe's blog. Blythe is currently wrapping up her second Dressember,the promise of 31 days of dresses has enticed me into visiting on a regular basis. Ever since my days of working in the Dress Department at Nordstrom, I've been in love with dresses. Which is why Blythe's impressive dedication to an entire month of them is simply fascinating to me!

Dressember in action:

Hoping to jump on board come Dressember 2011, hold me to it Blythe!

Another Blog I love, Cupcakes and Cashmere : flawlessly combines the enticing genre's of Fashion and Food. Fashionista Emily blogs about everything from "how to's" ( on make-up, curls, & hair-styles) to photo-cataloging
all sorts of confections she whips up. The photos are beautiful, her style is impeccable. I can't help but drop in a couple times a week to see what visual delight she has posted. Serious blog-stalking material!

Also, always hoping to be as cool as the kids on LOOKBOOK or as chic as the subjects of The Sartorialist .

For now I'll just blog stalk and enjoy being inspired by my weekly visits to all the blogs above. Visit them, and fall in love for yourself...

Very Merry

2010-12-23T23:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Jolly Christmas.

Holidays are strange, ever notice that emotions seem to be running high come December 1st? Something about Christmas. Emotions that come to mind or that I have observed in the last month: nostalgia, excitement, anticipation, stress,an acute sense of loss, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Nostalgia, sometime between Black Friday and December 24th an onslaught of traditions are relived and remembered each year. Every Christmas season most people follow the same cookie-cutter routine that they followed the year before, and the year before that. Repetition can be good and bad, it does not necessarily produce the same outcome regardless of how closely you follow the "recipe". Perhaps the gifts you chose last year were more heartfelt, or maybe the dinner turned out better, or any other reason you can think of...regardless of doing the same activity each year the outcome can be very different. I am convinced this is fact, not insanity. Which is why I have come to the conclusion that the holiday season regardless of the variety of time tested traditions we revisit each year, can fill us with a sense of nostalgia and longing for a distant place in our memory where the outcome was a bit different. Perhaps, better suited to the fairytale memory you constructed that year.

Anticipation and excitement is to be expected. The Christmas songs that dominate radio stations during the entire month of December, the extended store hours for your shopping convenience, the assortment of holiday foods: all attribute to this build up that continues to escalate until Christmas day. A whole month dedicated to one day, how could there not be some sort of static excitement in the air?

It is the acute sense of loss that I discussed above that has really struck me this holiday season the most,not only in my own life, but in the lives of my friends and acquaintances. Being a teller gives me an opportunity to have semi-lengthy conversations with a wide variety of people: for better or worse. I hear about people's financial success and troubles, along with numerous other unrelated topics. It is AMAZING/SHOCKING what some people tell the person depositing their paycheck. This Christmas however, I have really gotten an idea of how much pain the Holidays can bring to so many people. With holiday nostalgia comes a longing for the times when loved ones who have passed away were there to celebrate with us. Not having all the people you love with you for the holidays can make a seemingly joyous occasion, painful for so many people. I have nearly been in tears at work quite a few times this month after hearing the pain that people are facing during the holidays, which has caused me to hug my family a little tighter and be exceedingly grateful to have the ones I love with me this Christmas.

Oddly enough, when Thanksgiving was here I was in quite a funk. For some reason I had the selfish misconception that I did not have a great deal to be thankful for. I look back now, and I am completely disappointed in myself for being so blind and taking for granted all the things I have been immensely blessed with.So I'll end this exceedingly long post with a list of things that I am grateful for, a little late...but as they say, better late than never:

A family who loves me without condition
Friends who do the same
A home
A job
A car
The ability to afford and go to school(and only having one year left!)
A savior who continues to bless me, in spite of my ingratitude
Good listeners
Life lessons
Times of refining, and the beautiful outcome they produce
Goals(achieving those goals!)
And so many other unspoken blessings in my life

Tune it next time for: NEW YEARS resolutions!
Thanks for reading if you did...

Merry Christmas Eve!

Sunny One So True

2010-05-02T20:42:00.001-07:00

Work, why must we? Why does money make the world spin and beauty get you everywhere in life? Why doesn't money grow on trees, and what exactly are those "best things in life" that are free?

Why when I attend a school with a staggering enrollment of 37,000 students, have I only managed to make less than five legitimate friends in the last three years? While walking to class recently I noted a few problems with today's "campus culture". No one makes eye contact in passing, people stroll in zombie-like trances to class, with their ipods blaring, earphones in, and text-able phones in hand. In a sea of people, everyone seems so surprisingly disconnected. Not that I am NOT a card-carrying member of this guilty demographic, but still, sometimes I think I do it just because everyone else does. Sure I enjoy listening to cheerful tunes while walking briskly to my next class, but do I do it because it makes me seem like everyone else? While everyone scrambles to fit in, their methods only seem to widen the social gap. We are on facebook, dating websites, chat-rooms(this may be a terribly outdated term, of which I am aware), AIM (maybe only if you are 15), and video chat, hoping to meet someone. Yet, when surrounded by thousands of faces we cannot seem to find the time or gather the gumption to make a friend or even eye-contact. I find it so ironic that as I said, I attend a huge university and yet when I am surrounded by people, all I can seem to do is retreat into a world of my current musical inclination, accompanied by my invisible friends on the receiving end of my text messages.

Also, Murphy's Law.
What a law, what a law, what a mighty bad law.
Darn you Murphy and your constant willing of things to go wrong!

Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

2010-02-08T19:33:00.000-08:00

Tidbits from my exciting life as a college student.

My yoga teacher cannot remember that my name is Camyron, so he asked if he could call me "Camy". Usually, only my family or close friends call me this. It is weird hearing him call out in front of the class "Camy...you need to lean in to the pose more..."
His name is Patrick, fighting the urge to address him as Patty or Pat.

Also, my Political Philosophy Professor tells dirty jokes and attempts to relate them to philosophical concepts. He also ends every class by saying "Alright...party on".

I am pretty discouraged about my grand attempts to study abroad, the cheapest program available was a minimum of ten grand. TEN GRAND. More than I pay for school in a year. I am feeling a bit deflated when it comes to my grand adventure plans.

Told you it was exciting...

Twist and Shout

2010-01-17T23:10:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a while since I have tried my hand at my dear sweet blog.
However, I find that regardless of the amount of time I spend without contributing anything of value to my blog...it seems to be like an old friend, with whom I can easily pick up where I left off. A noteworthy attribute indeed.
Alright, enough with the humanization of inanimate objects...

Anyway, it has been a good couple of months.
Finished school with decent grades, hoping for straight A's next semester. I left some room for growth this semester: I blame Geology. The death of me. I am now confident that I am not going to be a geologist (as if that was in question) and have come to see just how much one can learn from a professor who loves what they teach, passion is key(two unrelated concepts, but I learned them both this semester). I have sat in countless GE courses and wondered, why am I here? If you are teaching a class, why not make it interesting? Why not try and convince the students to enjoy the subjects as much as you do? Why not inject some of the enthusiasm that propelled you through your years as an undergrad and grad student, into the young minds that you are paid a moderate salary to teach? I do not understand the utter lack of interest, some of the professors seem to exude. However, it only makes those professors who put thought, excitement, and passion into their lectures stand out all the more. I had two of the most challenging and thought provoking professors this semester, who, oddly enough taught classes that were completely outside of my emphasis . However, I found them fascinating and engaging...to the point of seriously considering minoring in their respective concentrations.That is the kind of professor that I wish all would aspire to emulate. Hoping to cipher through the snoozers and find a few more gem professors this semester.

Which brings me to my next point...
I officially starting my emphasis classes this semester! It is about time... although I did get my GE out of the way... a lofty feat indeed. I am so looking forward to delving into my core classes. The passion which I originally felt for journalism has seemingly been clouded by the unconquerable number of GE courses I have suffered through. I feel like this semester will be the start of something great, looking forward to inspiration, and figuring out exactly what I would like to do with the education I am receiving.

Also wanting to study abroad, why not take advantage of the invigorating combination of my undergrad education and exploration? Especially when it is so incredibly accessible,or at least that is how the brochures describe it. We shall see about that.I feel a sense of urgency to make the most of my student loans and this short time when my only real obligation is school. Planning on visiting the international programs office when school starts up again.NEXT WEEK! Also planning on looking in to grad schools. I feel suddenly inspired. I have had this idea that somehow, I should be happy just to take what comes. Why? I am still trying to figure this out, but the more places I go and people I speak with...the more I realize that the world is so much bigger than my limited surroundings and far more accessible than I have imagined.

In the next couple of years I want to:

#1: Go to New York, Chicago, and travel along the East Coast(So much history to be seen!)

#2: Go to Europe!

(2010 Goals)

#3: Have the attitude that "Anything is possible".

*One of my best friends, has the most amazing family. Being around them, just inspires hope and excitement. I swear if any family lives by this motto, it is them. Striving to be more like them!

#4: Figure out what I love: and do it. I'm young, this will come.

#5: Love more, be alone less.

#6: Make at least one friend in each of my classes this semester. No more..."strangers in the night...exchanging glances."

Alright, I think that is it. *whew!
This blog is a marathon of random thoughts, kudos if you have read it all the way through!
(However, I will not blame anyone for skimming)

Also, in need of a new layout. However, I'm not diggin' this new "ready-made" template. I need tech support. STAT! Any suggestions?

Consumerism

2009-10-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

Happy October, Hello Fall.

With fall-ish weather in the air(to my delight), I've been thinking of things like: pumpkin patches, oak-glen apple picking, leaves falling...

Oh, and these little beauties:

Amazing, I must have one. But then I thought...if only they came in more fashionable prints.
Then I saw this...

Could they get any better?
Then I saw this...

Oh snuggie, you think of everything!

(I dedicate this blog to Stefanie Lynn*)

Up On the Roof

2009-08-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Warning: although this post is lacking bullet points, it is a list of random things I'm pondering and is meant to be read as if there were in fact, bullet points.
Some use of imagination may be mandatory.

I saw Kings of Leon this weekend, amazing. I co-purchased the tickets for my best gal-pal's 21st(I couldn't legally buy her a drink, so I opted for concert tickets). Thought the seats would be terrible, judging by the venue map. However, they ended up being great, small venue, great acoustics, good show. Apparently the last time they played in San Diego at the same venue, they opened for Bob Dylan. They pointed out that the fact that they were head-lining two years later, was quite surreal.

I think I could eat sushi all day, it's like Subway sandwiches: you eat and then you're starving an hour later.

Is anything better than nutella?(answer: no)

School starts this week, looking forward to that.
The first week, there is always the anticipation of such great possibilities. Then by week two, you realize: the classes are boring, the professor has an accent that rivals our governor in clarity, there is no one cute in any of the five classes you chose, and you have to suffer through a minimum of 16 weeks til your next round of classes start.(And the cycle starts all over again...) I've got the system down.

Nevertheless, looking forward to it.

To exit on a lighter note...

awkwardfamilyphotos.com
(Thank you Crista for the tip)

Daydream Believer

2009-08-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

Feeling Nostalgic, like the: "on the verge of tears" thinking about "the good old-days", sort of nostalgic. The kind of nostalgia that creeps up on you, when you're cleaning and come across old photographs. For some reason looking at friends' wedding photos brought it all on. Friends I went to high school with, who were older than myself...but none the less, relatively close to my age, are now husbands and wives. Sure, I've always known that people grow up and move out. Friends go away to school, get jobs in other cities, and end up with lives completely separate from the places and people that they grew up with. Yet, in the last month this fact has really resonated in my heart and mind. In about a month or so, two people that I love dearly will be leaving on their own, separate, life-changing adventures. Both off to college in other cities, not too far from home, but away none the less. The thought of this, kills me. The more I have tried not to think about it, the more time has slipped away and now the change that I've tried to avoid, is right around the corner. I think the hardest thing about these changes, is that I'm not really going to be a part of them. If I was the one going off to school, it would be a different story. I would be expectantly looking forward to wrapping up the Summer, and ushering in a new adventure filled with new experiences and people. However, I am on the other end of the spectrum...at the end of August, the people I spend the most time with(apart from my immediate family), will be gone. Sure there's the weekends and holidays to look forward to, but there is no denying that the distance will change everything. As excited as I am for them, I cannot help but feel a sense of loss and anticipated loneliness.

Which brings me to my next point...
what am I doing with MY life? Currently, I am a student, and I have a job I enjoy. However, in the long run... what am I actually going to do with the major I have chosen. I feel like now that I am about half-way done with my "college" experience, I should have these issues pretty much nailed down.

Needless to say, I'm praying for direction, and clarity in various areas of my life. Relying on God's past faithfulness, knowing that I am His and the plan He has for my life is far greater than any dream or plan I could try to fulfill with my own strength.

Philippians 1:6
"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"

Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths. "

Baby Love

2009-07-07T20:48:00.001-07:00

Blessings list:

-NEW CAR!
-Youth girls
-Weekend getaways, with the ladies
-A job I thoroughly enjoy
-Sleepovers with my niece and nephews
-Having my best friend(s) back in the same county, once again
-The dollar theater(I've found that one's expectations of a two-dollar film are a lot lower, leaving less room for disappointment)

Realization:

Whether you are the "dumper" or regrettably on the receiving end, relationships leave a distinct mark upon your heart. Some feelings never dissipate, some hurts never fully heal. Just because you did not "love" does not mean you will not miss what you had or the idea of what could have been. There are so many cons in finding love or searching for it, that the pros often seem distant and unattainable. Not that I'm rushing off to set up an E.harmony account, nor am I speaking from years of experience. However, through friends and brief experiences of my own, I'm learning that the love that my parents and married siblings have found, is something of a novelty and to be expectantly desired in my own life.

A jumble of thoughts of little consequence, on a topic, I barely understand.

Broccoli and Chocolate

2009-06-15T23:04:00.000-07:00

I recently spent a good two hours wondering around the Disneyland of grocery stores. Nestled, okay, not exactly nestled; Taking Over a large portion of Irvine's "The District" is the most amazing grocery store I've ever stepped foot into. I suppose calling it a "grocery store" is an understatement, this title alone is not exactly capable of summing up all that is Whole Foods. You want a fresh squeezed carrot+ apple concoction? Juice Bar. Espresso? Coffee Bar. Gelato? Sushi? Tacos? Hamburger? Deli sandwich? The most amazing pastries, cakes, and chocolates? You name it, it most likely has its own isle or restaurant. Whole foods combines the "style" of the food-court in the mall and "feel" of an outdoor market, with the gourmet qualities of Bristol Farms or Gelson's. Sure it has fruits, vegetables, fish& poultry, your standard deli, and all the makings of a run of the mill: Vons, Ralphs, or Albertsons. However, I'm convinced that once you enter Whole Foods, there's no turning back.

A tip...
Try the buffet for lunch, mmmm.
When I think of a buffet, I think Sizzler or Home-town buffet "all you can eat" deals. But I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at all the fun choices: vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free, or for those of you who enjoy "normal" food...they've got that too!

I know this is a bit extreme, a whole blog dedicated to a grocery store? Really? But my, oh my, it was quite a noteworthy experience and I'm convinced that others would also benefit from a visit.

Speak When Spoken To.

2009-05-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

It has been a while,and I have a lot of things that are of little, or no importance to ramble about.

I start my first day of training as a teller for Wells Fargo Bank, on Monday.
Should be interesting, I love interacting with people, however, all that money counting... I'm a tad intimidated. It's a new adventure though, long gone are the days of dress selling and smoothie making(maybe not too far gone). Time to look on toward a more grown up future, one that includes business apparel, account managing, and check cashing.

No more pencils, no more books...

I Wrapped up my fourth semester last week.
Slightly disappointed by my grade turn out this semester. No matter how hard I tried, somehow receiving an A, was just not in the cards for me. Every test that I studied longer for, every project I put more effort into, received a B. If I don't try, I get a low B, if I do try, I get a high B. Which leads me to feel as if putting in the extra effort is not truly worth it, since most of my classes are not graded on the plus minus system. So I rarely receive B+ or B-(s). I'm not trying to sound ridiculous here, I am grateful to receive the B's, but you know...I'm shootin' for the stars here...and I'm not even coming close. I just do not appreciate it.

I'm over-joyed at the prospect of my dear friends joining me at Cal State Fullerton in the upcoming Fall or Spring semesters. Blythe, Priscilla, possibly Austin James, and some other freshman that are graduating this month. Yay!

Loathe at first sight...
Those little decals that people can put on their cars, the white stick figures with: the mommy, the daddy, the children, and of course the family pet. You know what I'm talking about. I've also seen little skulls with the same theme, a little skull with a bow, a little dog skull. Really? Today while with some friends, I saw a red mini-van with a similar family of characters strewn across the rear window. Except this family was slightly different than most that I have seen, this one had a man and a woman, with what looked like, 10 assorted animal figures in a straight line. It was like the woman was a "cat-lady" with 5 cats crammed into her apartment, and the guy was a "man's best friend" kind of dude. Together, they made this "our pets are our children" kind of couple. Terrible, Terrible.

Tonight, I went to see one of my youth girls (Carrie, I have youth girls!) perform in her school play. It was cute, fun, witty and at times a bit risque. I bought tickets for five dollars each(not bad), only to find out that since I attend KFC it should have been free. I stifled an FML...and attributed it to being for a good cause, since the production was put on by my former high school. Anyway, half way through the show my companions and I started noting interesting cast members. My favorite: an awkwardly tall kid, who was featured in every scene, and yet, had only one line throughout the entire two hour play. He had long curly locks, that were secured in a pony tail throughout the duration of the play. He slightly resembled Michal Jackson, post plastic surgery make-over, and carried a bright red target purse after the play wrapped. Definitely, a note worthy character indeed.

There is a whole list of things that pop into my head from time to time, and I think..."I want to blog about this." But alas, just when I sit down to share my thoughts via a new post...they seem to escape me at that very moment.
For now, you'll just have to settle for a cross-section of the random thoughts that are currently floating around in my brain.

Cotton

2009-05-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention that cotton, recently adopted Zooey Deschanel as their official spokeswoman. I believe their decision deserves a standing ovation.

Mhhhhm.

Espionage

2009-05-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

Just the CUTEST.

The Foreigner

2009-04-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

For some reason when I'm at school I feel 100% out of my element. Thrown off guard, aimlessly wondering from class to the library, then back to class. It's really strange, considering the fact that I have spent two days out of every week on campus for the last two years. You think this "freshmen uneasiness" would have lessened by now.
I have a mess of reasons WHY I feel this way, floating around in my head. Yet I cannot thoroughly pin it down, why I STILL have this "stranger passing through" feeling in my own little "homeland" that is my college campus, is a mystery to me. Yet, the less I can identify the source of my foreign state of mind, the worse the feeling gets. As a result of this, I get the idea that I am unwittingly doing things to perpetuate the situation. Accidentally of course, but these incidents materialize themselves in a standard fashion(standard for me, at least), coming in the form of embarrassing, awkward moments.

To name a few:

-Today, I was casually walking from my first class to the Library...as I round the corner and start the ascent to the second floor computer lab: I slam palms down on the stairs. Just my luck, it is the time of day when everyone is heading to their next class, resulting in herds of people jamming the staircases. Which means; a sea of people witnessed my embarrassing episode. Only one guy asked if I was alright, thank you guy in the stairwell for caring.I practically ripped my feet off, and all I could choke out in response was "uhuh, thanks"

-It was the second day of what I have labeled as my "awkward class"(Not awkward due to the subject, but the general atmosphere). Comparative Religions 101, great class...bad moments. The first day of class, I came five minutes before class started and WOULD have had to sit on the ground if one of the guys had not offered to take my place on the ground, and give up his chair.Apparently, chivalry is alive and well.
Anyway, it is the second day of class and I arrive slightly earlier than before and start looking for a seat. All of the sudden, this line of guys in the back row start waving at me and pointing to a seat just in front of them. I was slightly caught of guard, unused to such uncanny attention. I get all nervous, and start stumbling toward the chair, feeling awkward and relatively embarrassed. Then as I am right in front of them, practically seated in "the seat"...I notice they all kind of sigh. Like a disappointed, "oooh". Then I look back to see that their friend is right behind me, then I realize that the waving and gesturing was for him; as was the chair. Then trying to repair things, I start mumbling "Do you want me to move? The chair was for him, right?" Making things MORE awkward and worsening the situation, when one guy replies "No it doesn't matter, whatever you want to do".To my delight, I get to see these same guys EVERY Tuesday and Thursday. Needless to say, I stay clear of all vacant seats within close proximately to them and try to avoid making eye-contact.

-I generally use the school printers for printing my black and white homework assignments, attempting to save my at-home supply of paper/ink for more important assignments, and pay the 5 cents to print stuff at school. On one occasion, I arrive at school early(quite a task for me) and run to the library to print my homework for my next class. I set it all up, and go over to the printer to collect my work. For some strange reason my stuff is not printing, I scan my card to pay the fee, and try to print again and again. Nothing. So I approach the "help-desk", hoping to receive some assistance. I tell the lady my dilemma and she says "She'll TRY to help", it is NOT really her responsibility apparently, I appreciate it none the less. Anyway, we go to the printer and as we're walking up, the kid in front of me prints off something without a hitch. She asks me, "Why is HIS printing?", I try to ignore the irritation in her voice. Then she makes me show her step-by-step what I did, first grade status. I hit print, swipe my card and to my expectation: nothing happens. She looks at the screen closer and says at an embarrassingly high decibel "You Don't have any money, Honey". Apparently, without me noticing, I had run down the balance on my card. She made sure, that everyone on the second floor knew this as well. Mortified.

See what I mean about awkward moments? My, oh my.

Sketch

2009-03-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

So I was walking out of work, along the sidewalk, today. Minding my own business. Talking on the phone. When a white SUV with dark windows rolls up, I see someone waving and then they start honking. I think to myself, "perhaps I know this person?". I couldn't really tell, so I keep walking. Then the car pulls to the curb, and is honking. The occupant rolls down their window. I'm thinking "Maybe they need directions". I find out JUST how naive I am, when I back up a few steps and look in the window. I see a guy, leaning across the seat, who yells out "You're beautiful!". I laugh, and let out an "Oh my gosh"(In as rude a tone as I can muster) and walk away. I hear "Wait, Why are you walking away?!"

I keep walking, needless to say.
So sketchy. I feel like a little kid, I'm far too naive.
Maybe it was the honking that threw me off guard.

Home Alone

2009-03-10T22:53:00.000-07:00

My parents have been gone for the last two weeks, visiting my brother and his family in North Carolina. This is the second time they've left us to fend for ourselves since we've come of a relatively responsible age. I love it, free reign of the house and cars, no restrictions, no need to keep things too tidy, until D-day when my parents return. Basically, I think if living on my own included a free car, and a free house...I could handle myself quite nicely.

However, I can't say the same for the baby of the family. My younger brother has had a slightly more difficult time adjusting. The guy wants to know where I am every minute of every day, texts me saying that he is "cold and alone", always asks me to come home, and goes into a frenzy when he finds out I'll be home late.

My parents stocked the fridge before they left and gave us food money, we're totally set(and spoiled). But tonight, he was complaining that his arteries are going to become clogged after all the fast food he's been eating. He refuses to buy milk for breakfast(can't afford it, he says) and yet consumes Del Taco like its going out of business.

My, Oh my.
What will I do with him?

Plus sides:
He has been cleaning the kitchen(total new developement). He told me that he knew I didn't mind living in filth, but he could not stand it any longer. Ironic words coming from a 17 year old, mother-proclaimed, slob.

Inside Joke

2009-02-25T12:48:00.001-08:00

Do you ever wish that EVERYONE indulged in the same TV shows as you? (If you're Carrie, those shows may include: The Biggest Loser, TopChef, American Dance Team, or any other ridiculous reality show...)
I digress.

However,
I was in a certain scenario today with some of the girls from my work, and a comment about cats and hairballs was made. I was dying for a fellow Office viewer to understand my reference to Angela and her Web-cam. To my disappointment, no one in our little group enjoys the dry humor of my weekly addiction. Sad. I hate those moments, when you're burning with a comical reference from your favorite show, and no one is around to understand or share in a laugh with you. If they were, rest assured they would be LOL or ROFL(a shout out to all you text-abbreviation addicts).

Once again, I've tackled one of the mysteries of life in another pointless blog.

Nothing Special

2009-02-24T18:57:00.000-08:00

I have an 8:30 communications class, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. We meet in a huge lecture hall, and I'm guessing that there are at least 150 students in the class. Like a majority of my classes, this class is always too warm inside, very conducive for dosing: which at least 1/3 of the class does, on a weekly basis.I always arrive late, so I usually sit in the back. Why interrupt the class by whispering "excuse me", making people move, or crawling over people to find a seat? Well at least, that is MY general outlook. However, some people have absolutely NO problem making a scene. I am usually at least 5 minutes late, however, I never miss out on experiencing "the rolling back-pack girl". Every class, Approximately 15 minutes into the lecture, I hear the outer door slam, the rumble of wheels across the antechamber, then the main door opens and I see: HER. She struts down the side isle, wheeling her portable book-case with her. Instead of following my lead, she walks all the way to the front of the class, rolling all the way, and starts weeding her way to the middle of the row. Whispering and Shuffling her way to her usual seat, located dead center in the middle of the room. Now that is audacity. I find it quite amusing.

You get a lot of interesting people in a random group of 150 students, in a GE required class, in a state college.

Surprise!

2009-02-11T23:01:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else think this is random?

Apparently Mandy Moore and Ryan Adams are engaged. Not quite sure what to make of this.

In other news,
I "google image-d" my name and to my suprise NOT ONE picture of me came up. Pictures of my dear friends did:

Oh my, the word random keeps bouncing around in my brain.

Three of a Kind

2009-02-07T23:52:00.000-08:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
3
or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

I feel pretty darn unique. In a generation full of Ashleys, Sarahs, Jordans and Chris', I feel pretty close to being ONE of a kind.

However, I am one of 672,000+ Lee's and 1,500+ Camyrons.
But at least the odds of meeting another Camyron Lee in my life time, are very slim.

Thanks Carrie*

Memory Lane

2009-02-06T11:34:00.000-08:00

Things I miss:

High school, youth group, and youth events.

...If you were there, you know exactly what this picture is.

Broom Ball/Triple Threat.

Senior party...

Sleepovers at Carrie's dorm and apartment.

Fun things from this year:

Two part birthday bash...

First Visit to the Getty...

Going again for my art class, who wants to join?

My sister's wedding in October...

Visiting Bethany and Tita in Seattle, with Carrie...

House Sitting...

Fun, Fun.
The End.

Oh, the Difference a Month Makes

2009-02-05T22:23:00.000-08:00

In ten days, I will be HAPPY to say that I have not purchased any apparel items in one month! On the 15th of January I decided that I spend way too much on clothing, and have more clothing than I can possibly need/use. After doing some serious soul searching, I came to the conclusion that I shopped out of mere habit. Habits are not easily broken. Here are a few reasons WHY it was just so difficult to quit shopping, cold turkey:

#1: Working at a mall provides far too many opportunities to blow my pay check

#2: I was doing a lot of damage during my one hour lunch breaks. I spent them perusing through the stores, I could basically have done a mental inventory of H&M and Forever 21, on any given day.

#3: I work at Nordstrom, and everyone feels the need to look so amazingly stylish all the time, I felt the need to keep up (or at least attempt to do so)

#4: I am physically incapable of passing up a bargain
Example:
Two weeks into my self inflicted torture, I was browsing through Anthropologie.I happened upon an amazing find: an adorable, affordable dress.(I work in the dress department, so have been re-programmed to favor dresses above all other clothing items). It was on the sale rack, my size, and only $40! I decided that I had been good for about two weeks, and I was really the only one holding me back. So I walked the dress toward the register, trying to talk myself into caving before the month was up. Such a great price, and if it did not fit me, I would give it as a present. Convincing,right? Meanwhile, I was secretly hoping it fit. THEN, LIKE A BOLT OF LIGHTNING, I stopped, Put that fabulous dress down: and walked away. Just like that.

Encouraged by my new found self-control, I decided that I could indeed, make it an ENTIRE month...
I decided that there needed to be some serious changes.
I stopped perusing through the shops on my break, and brought homework or a book to pass the time. I also, stopped browsing through the different departments, when it was slow at work. My tactics proved successful. I am ten days away from achieving my goal.

Pathetic, perhaps. But definitely ground breaking, for me personally.

la musica

2009-01-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

The Stand

You stood before creation
Eternity in your hand
And you spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to stand
You stood before my failure
And carried the cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon your shoulders
My soul now to stand

So what could I say?
And what could I do?
But offer this heart oh God
Completely to you

So I walk upon salvation
Your spirit alive in me
This life to declare your promise
My soul now to stand

So I'll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the one who gave it all
So I'll stand
My soul Lord to you surrendered
All I am is yours

Heritage Park

2008-12-31T11:02:00.001-08:00

Life is short.
In the end it is only the impact you have made on others and the tangible heirlooms you managed to create, that will remain long after you are gone. This morning my Dad pulled out this beautiful quilt that his grandmother had quilted: she's been gone for over forty years. She stopped quilting twenty years prior to her death...I never knew my great-grandma, but sitting here, writing this and thinking of her quilt, I realize that only scraps of memory exist of her full life. Her memory is carried in the minds and hearts of her aging children, all now over the age of eighty, and tangible to her grandchildren only in the squares and patterns of her quilts. She raised twelve children (gave birth to fourteen) on a farm in Arkansas, during the depression. My grandmother is the youngest of her children, now 84 years old. Throughout her life, she has made a quilt for each grandchild, newlywed couple, and great grandchild that came into her family. Some day my children will ask, where the old quilts in the closet came from, and I will tell them of the remarkable woman, who was their great-grandmother. A woman who loved her family, and raised four children in Covina. An ordained minister of the Four Square Church: who performed countless weddings (including a few of her own grandchildren's), dedicated her great-grandchildren to the Lord, and walked the halls of the local hospitals sharing the name, and love of Jesus Christ with twenty years worth of patients, in desperate need of a savior. And the impact and legacy of my grandmother's life will continue...
Just like her mother before her.

I have learned a lot about life in the last month. Messages, books, movies, and people: all serving to remind me of the brevity of one's life. Each stage, and day of my life is a gift. I want my life, and the things I do on this Earth to matter, to count for something other than a short span of time that was taken up by meaningless effort to find fulfillment. I want to spread the name of Jesus Christ with my actions, and words.I know that there will be more people in heaven because of the dedication and diligence my grandmother has shown, in effort to share the amazing love of our savior with those patients. I want to be remembered in the same way that she will be. This life will eventually end for me, and the only thing that will remain will be the impact that I make on the lives of others.

Melodies...

2008-12-29T22:51:00.000-08:00

I know this is trivial, I'll admit it.
However, the musical possibilities this union may present are NOT.
Zooey Deschanel and Ben Gibbard, may or may not be engaged (I try NOT to rely heavily on supermarket tabloids for credible information).

John and Yoko,
Sunny and Cher,
Johnny and June,
Zooey and Ben...

It fits...
Maybe Baby.

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

2008-12-24T22:47:00.000-08:00

Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
(The Holiday edition)

1. Christmas Lights

2. Christmas songs: I established a few favorites this year*

"All I want for Christmas is you" -Mariah Carey(Don't judge Me)
"What Christmas Means to Me" -Stevie Wonder
"Baby Please come home"-Ben Gibbard
"Last Christmas"- WHAM!

3. Christmas Shopping (Has anyone been to Victoria Gardens? It is like a
mini-shopping city.Definitely worth checking out.)

4. Seeing SNOW on the mountains

5. Christmas sweater parties: Just can't get enough of them...

Exhibit A:

6. Christmas Cookie Parties

7. 5 WEEK VACATION

8. The Holiday Shopper?

Now, I know that generally the Holiday season is infamous for bringing out the WORST in the American consumer: creating greedy, angry, bargain hunting shoppers.
However, this Christmas, I have met more patient, kind,and caring people, than I can count on one hand. I don't know if people are just more appreciative of the little things this year, but my customers have been willing to chit-chat long after they're shopping is completed, have graciously allowed me to ring others before themselves, and have been overly appreciative of my assistance. Refreshing.

9.

Isaiah 9: 6-7
" For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, [b] Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this."

MERRY CHRISTMAS to All, and to All a good night...

Used.

2008-12-22T23:06:00.000-08:00

And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me-
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation."

Luke 1: 46-50

We serve a great and gracious God. Who chooses to use lowly, unworthy, human beings to do great things in his name: King David, The Apostle Paul, Esther, Moses, and Mary. God does not NEED us to accomplish his will. However, he allows us the great privilege of being used to further his kingdom. Vessels and tools in his hand, as he moves in people's lives, and accomplishes his sovereign plan through us. I am repeatedly amazed.

A day dedicated to me?

2008-12-21T20:56:00.000-08:00

http://www.sun7news.com/index.php?code=557fM98IL991cz6ygk0i&CMP=OTC-WWYCOVS1001

Oh thank you Sarah, I feel so special.
Seriously...so legit. Watch it, and wish you were this cool.

Twilight

2008-12-16T23:31:00.000-08:00

I have officially caved to the pop-culture driven, Twilight Phenomenon.
I read the book, skeptically at first. "Not my kind of book" I said, "I don't have time" I said. Well...come to find out: it IS my kind of book, and I MADE the time to read the first book(currently reading the second). When the movie came out, I had yet to start the book: if it was NOT my kind of book, it was definitely NOT my kind of movie. Then tonight, after reading the book(always better), I decided on a whim to go see the movie.(Perhaps not of my own volition, I was semi-convinced/FORCED to see it by a true twilight cheerleader, Miss Stefanie Bammer).

*First Impressions: Over-actor award of the year goes to...Robert Pattinson(Edward Cullen.) Bad special effects, and sadly, a lot of the details were lost in translation from book to film.

However, after thinking about the book details in relation to the film, and paying attention to the (as Stefanie pointed out)amazing sound track:I decided that I loved the movie. Great film. Did any of you critics pay attention to the background tunes? Radiohead, Muse, Iron&Wine. Completely legit.

I liked it, I loved it. It was not the book, how could it be? There is so much you can write in a book,and so many pictures you can paint with words, that cannot translate onto the screen. I just took the movie, as it was: knowing what I know about the book and relating those details to what I saw in the film. It worked and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My advice, read the book first and connect the dots.

(Sarah-- I'm totally down to see it again)

Deck the Halls...

2008-12-16T12:50:00.000-08:00

In the last couple months, I have gotten to know a group of amazing girls. They are all so different, yet with striking similarities. Which reminds me of the amazing unity that comes from being a follower of Christ. Anyway, who are these amazing girls you might ask? Well, I'm privileged to be a small group leader with one of my amazing friends, Pam, for our high school group's froshmore(freshman & sophomore) girls.

We recently got to have a fabulous night, of cookie baking and movie watching fun. If I may flatter myself, I throw a mean cookie decorating party...even though my dear sweet, amazing cook of a mother, did most of the work.
I must say that some of the girls may have a possible career in cake decorating: They ALL displayed some very impressive skills.

The fruits(cookies) of our labor.

Such a fun time! Ate way too much frosting, cookies, and soup. However, totally worth it.
Merry ALMOST Christmas...

Cool Camp Videos

2008-12-13T19:48:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else remember being scared beyond words when your trusty camp leaders showed all 150 students this great video?

Oh wait, your leaders didn't show you this?
Interesting.

You say goodbye, I say Hello

2008-12-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

All the good ones go away.
Doesn't it sometimes feel that way?
(I'm the rhymnoceros- Hopefully SOMEONE catches my Flight of the Conchords Reference)

For instance, I have now worked at Nordstrom for a little over a year. I have met so many nice people. When you work with people all the time, because your shifts co-inside it makes for a lot of extra "bonding" time.Even though we aren't supposed to be "making small talk" on the selling floor. 8 hour shifts + a store that is slow 90% of the year + lots of interaction with other departments = you're bound to make a few friends. However the sad thing about work friends, is that they often move on to other opportunities. They move, switch stores, get promotions, go to lunch and never come back(yes, this happened*), switch departments, or just quit. It is really sad. I hate it. I feel like everyone that I REALLY like has left or is leaving: MOST of the people I started with are long gone.

Of course with employees leaving, we DO get new people: sometimes a good thing, I'm lookin' up...but it tis bitter-sweet.
I really do feel like it is all the good ones that go away.

Oh, but I DID get to visit the VERY FIRST Nordstrom, while I was in Seattle. And the Love affair continues...

See the Glorious sign through the trees? I MADE the girls go inside the store, because after all... how often do I go to Seattle?

(Also, B I can't wait for you to come home!!)

Killing Me Softly

2008-11-29T12:00:00.000-08:00

Benefit of the Doubt. I find that giving people this, often leads to disappointment. We use phrases like "One more chance" and "One last time", trying to believe that people will change or somehow prove that they are worthy of those chances. Not one time, that I can recall, have I given someone the "benefit of the doubt" and been completely happy I did so. Most of the time, I end up kicking myself for repeatedly allowing myself to be vulnerable to the hurt that comes from repetitive forgiveness and wishful thinking.

Lord, How do you do it?
So many chances, so much forgiveness. I can barely handle the verbal repetition of apology and forgiveness: without true change.

Head -Over Heals

2008-11-27T22:58:00.000-08:00

In the last month, I have experienced on THREE SEPARATE occasions the kind of "brotherly" affection that brings me back to fifth grade(or so).
I've been left, shaking my head in confusion three different times in ONE month.

My older brother used to give me what I can only label as a "headlock/noogy", painful and embarrassing. I wasn't sure if this was the exact term, so I went to a reliable source. The trusty word-bank, known as : Urbandictionary.com(Totally reliable, second only to Wikipedia*).

Turns out that "noogy" IS the correct term, and here's the definition:

"To grab someone around the neck with your arm, pull their head against your body (thus subduing them), make your other hand into a fist, and grate your knuckles painfully against their scalp. If you're sneaky enough, grabbing them around the neck may not be necessary.

A favorite tactic among bullies and older siblings."

Yep, totally accurate.

Anyway,

Occasion #1:
Culprit: John Krutsinger

We were at the election party, and I got up to say goodbye. He flips me around and puts me in a head-lock, and gives me a noogy. "Seriously?" I think, I'm a girl. YOU DON'T give girls noogies, unless they're your sister.

Occasion #2:
Culprit: Adam Sabolick

Going on-stage, right before worship on Sunday Morning. I compliment him on his orange, puffy vest and say "Adam, I haven't seen you in so long" and precede to give him a hug. Then it happened AGAIN. He grabs my neck and gives me a noogy. Messing up my hair, and causing me stumble awkwardly onto the stage. Fixing my hair as I go.

Occasion #3:
Culprit: Frank Sanchez

After the "Thanksgiving-Eve" service, chatting a bit with Frank. I said something cheeky, and it happened for the third time in a month. He hugged me and turned it into a headlock/noogy.

Why? I don't understand...
I'm not a boy, and I'm not their sister: maybe "In Christ", but that is AS far as it goes.

Yep...

Oh the head shaking, mysteries of life.

Oh, Canada

2008-11-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

I think I would have thought the world was coming to an end, had I seen this BRIGHT flaming ball headin' my way.

Rock around the clock tonight...

2008-11-11T17:22:00.000-08:00

Three Days Until I'm here:

I feel like this is what I have been waiting for, since the day we bought our tickets.
I made it through mid-terms, through my sister's amazing(yet highly stressful)wedding and now I'm looking forward to an amazing vacation!

I get to see my loves, and get to experience a glimpse of what has become their everyday.

+Get to visit the VERY first Nordstrom.
+Finally feel like it is Fall!
+Wear winter clothes: scarves, hats, coats, boots.

Charmed

2008-10-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

I would love to be described as charming: "She is a very charming girl" or "She has a charming personality" or maybe "She has a charming disposition."
It just sounds so classy.

Sweet Caroline

2008-10-21T00:09:00.000-07:00

duh, duh, duh...
good times never seemed so seemed so good.

I'm done, free, and oh so happy to A) Say that I now have a married sister, and an amazing new brother B) Happily admit that I survived giving my toast and C) Finished mid-terms!

Feelings: Relief, Wonder, Thankfulness.

Once again, God has shown himself so faithful in my life.

" For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies."
-Psalm 108:4

He has seen me through every stress and worry, and I am confident that He will continue to do so. He never leaves, never forsakes. He is patient with my doubts, and shows me unending mercies. He never fails. And for this: I am so thankful. I would have no hope, no light at the end of every trial, no constant feeling that everything will turn out alright: if not for the loving reassurance of my savior.

Psalm 121

"A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore."

*This post is a random mix of thanksgiving and updates, of which I am aware. Bear with me, friends.

Things I can now EXCITEDLY look forward to:
-Seeing Bethany this week!!
-Palm Springs in November
-Flying to Seattle, with Carrie, to spend a long weekend w/my favorite girls(B&T)
-Thanksgiving
-Cold Weather
-Christmas

(It is just all fun and games from here on out, yay!)

All Time Low

2008-10-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

Today I hit an all time low...
and NOT for reasons that would be expected of a student struggling through mid-terms.

Today while meandering through BIG LOTS(Formerly Pic-N-Save), I was humming whatever song was blaring over the state of the art sounds system. When it happened...
I walked past the kitchen isle, Halloween decorations/costumes(complete with plastic machetes, masks, and other haunting decorations), christmas decorations (Which I'm pretty sure they carry year-around), and was making my way toward the back of the store when I looked down the isle to my right as I passed: I see a man (Total father of four material), in a collared shirt.
Just out of my peripheral vision.
I thought nothing of it...until I began to make my way back towards the front of the store.
I passed the home decor isle and saw the same "Dad." This time I look as I pass and he smiles and says "Hello."
As I'm thinking just how weird that was...I hear "Hello, excuse me...".
I turn and see "World's Greatest Dad" looking at me. He's like "Oh, I'm sorry...you don't work here, do you?"

No, No Dad of the year...I don't work at Big Lots. I can't direct you to the isle with the 5 year old canned goods, or last year's Halloween candy.

* ALL TIME LOW.

Other random things I found there:
-Guitar shaped plastic containers with Elvis on the front, filled with pop-corn(I also located large plastic beer bottles filled with the like)
-Blistex for 59 cents (A find indeed)
-A (plastic) machete and butcher knife (Which Chris and I chased each other around the store with)
-A bag full of "fun-sized" pop-rocks (Chris just couldn't pass this deal up)

Oh Big Lots, A storehouse of cheap random items.

*Side Note: Has everyone at least BEEN into SMART&FINAL.
That place is amazing, its like costco with party stuff and TONS of fresh baked goods *IN BULK

Oh the places I have been, in search of random wedding items.

Extra Points

2008-10-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

For Creativity.

You got to hand it to the guy, he had a lot of nerve proposing on national television. Lets ponder JUST how awkward the segment would have been if she said "NO".

Scary Stuff.

2008-10-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

The DOW had dropped 500 points when I woke up this morning...
Then it dropped to 700...
My brother refreshed the page just now and the Yahoo News headline said it is down 800 points.
The first time its dipped below 10,000 since 2004.

What happened to our knight in shining armor: 700 billion dollars coming to our rescue? All the talk of the "Bail-Out Plan" helping?

I have not really followed the stock market very closely or monitored how the world economy was functioning. However, this is BIG. Scary Big. Germany, Russia and other parts of Europe are now effected.

Dum, Dum, Da Dum

2008-10-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

My sister gets married in exactly 17 days...
Thoughts on the subject:

- Still have to buy shoes to go with my dress.
- Still have to finish writing my Maid of Honor Toast.
+- Excited for the wedding, scared to death about the toast (99.99% chance I'll cry)
+Can't wait to see my brother and his family!
+Can't wait to see Crista coming down the isle
-That week is going to be crazy.My mid-terms land smack dab in the middle of the "wedding week". My whole family will be out and I'll be locked away studying computer programs and the US Constitution. Solid.

Busy-body

2008-10-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

I tend to dread classes where the professor announces on the first day that the class is a "discussion class." Which automatically either means, (A) Random Fire questions are used to spur on discussion or(B) the teacher waits for people to raise their hands...which leaves it up to certain group of "constant hand-raisers" to dominate where the discussions lead. Either way, maybe its because I am really bad at impromptu speaking or the fact I am just not that eager to spread my opinions around...I hate both ways of conducting discussions.

Anyway yesterday while we were discussing a film on female workers in Mexico, I took a few notes on the members of this group of "constant hand-raisers." All of them are very distinct, each with there own unique characteristics and tactics in making their points.

(1)The Loud-Pregnant Chick who sits in the front-
I have two classes with her, and yet in my Women's Studies class she is exceedingly boisterous. She always speaks just a few decibels higher than anyone else in the class. She blurts out anything and everything she thinks, until someone cuts her off or our Professor turns the conversation away from what she is yelling about.

(2) The 40 year old feminist who is taking the class for fun-
There is a lady who sits in the far right of the classroom and talks to the Prof all the time. She is a wealth of information on the economy, and unions. She boldly blurts out that women should be able to work construction and any other "male oriented" job they so please, in fact SHE HAS. She worked construction for years; her and her boots, or sandals with socks loved it. She is pretty legit, although secretly I'm pretty sure she is just dying to teach the class. Just one time.

(3) The captain obvious students-
These kids rarely talk during discussion time. But when they do...the class is left thinking "what, are you serious?" For instance in class we are discussing the injustices imposed upon workers, by the factories who are operating in the free trade zones in Mexico.Women are the primary workers, therefore they are the primary victims. However, even though this fact has been discussed repeatedly over and over again, there is always that one person that raises their hand to passionately blurt out "Well women are the ones suffering!" like this is some novel idea. The whole class is stifling a "duh!"

(4) The know-it-all in the back of the class-
There is this one Indian guy who sits in the back of the class, he sits with his girlfriend(who always looks embarrassed when he takes the floor). He always starts out dove-tailing on what someone else just said, he starts with "That may be true, but..." or "Here's the thing about that...". When he does this, he sounds like he is going to make some sense. Then he just goes on and on about the same thing, usually using circular reasoning that only confuses the class and leaves a "Where the heck are you going with this" look on the Proffessor's face. The bad thing is, he is completely oblivious to visual signs. Blank stares, other people raising their hands trying to be heard...he ignores them all. Further hammering out his pointless point. Completely cocky about it the entire time.

(5) The one worth hearing out-
There is this one girl in my class who is so brilliant, I'm convinced, and yet you would never know it. She is calm, and actually raises her hand versus blurting out her points. She links things together in ways that totally make sense, and yet offer a completely new outlook on the topic. She is one really worth listening to. I like her, I wish I could eloquently make my points without being boring or like any of the people above.

Anyway...

Cheers to the "Constant Hand-raisers" of the American Classroom.

Surreal.

2008-09-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

I was on my bed chatting with my Mom and my Brother, when my brother pushes the dog off the bed and she freaks out. She starts barking and my brother being the pain in the butt that he is: starts yelling "who's here Lola? Go get 'em!"
She flips out and runs out of my room, then the door bell rings. I jokingly yell "there's my boyfriend!" and start running with the dog to get the door. Then I look down my stairs and see a guy at my front door. My brother yells "They're trying to open our door!" I look closer and the man at my door starts shining in his flashlight and pounding on the door. I back up and yell for my Dad. He goes down to open the door to the out of control Police officer, that is pounding on our door at ten o'clock at night. My Dad opens the door and the officer looks in and is like "Do I have the wrong house? What number is this?" We tell him our number and he talks into the dispatch receiver on his uniform. The person on the other end corrects him, by saying the disturbance is at number 63. He runs across the street and starts pounding on #63's door, then another police car pulls up. Along with a fire engine. Our patio overlooks number 63's patio and we witnessed the whole thing.

The man who lived just across the grassy island that separates the houses, had a heart attack and died. Just like that. Right on his patio, the same place he sat every morning and every night.

From our patio we could see his wife crying on their bed, and the officer trying to console her. It was the saddest picture, I can't even imagine that feeling. Utter despair, fear, knowing you've lost someone you love and thought you couldn't live with out. As I write this, I can hear her crying across the way.

Please pray for this woman. That God will bring peace and comfort to her and her family. And ultimately, that he would reveal himself to her through this terrible time.

Speechless.

2 Corinthians 1: 3&4

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

Rick, Rick, Rick

2008-09-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

Remember that Rick?!
To all my fellow Kaitlin Lovers...

The original: (Excuse the commercials, none the less: totally worth the wait)

And here's a good one, but the embedding feature was disabled.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOHOqCvb-T0

Death by Computer Science

2008-09-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

Last month, while choosing my classes and gearing up for the beginning of school my sister suggested that because I need a science, I should do an easy course. Such as: COMPUTER SCIENCE. "I like computers" I thought-- and my dear sister said her class was a piece of cake. Taking her words of wisdom, I decided to enroll. The first couple of weeks I LOVED it...then, as of late, things have taken a turn for the worse.

I signed up for the free software (upon my thick-accented teacher's request) so I can finish our in-class projects at home. Unfortunately once it finished downloading, I thought that I had wasted all that time downloading the wrong software...then I realized I just needed to burn the software onto a disc. Okay, I could do that. Then I realize I don't have any blank CD's. Shoot. So I go to class with out my project and realize that we have a quiz...which consists of basically a sheet of paper and we have to build a program to produce the content as its output. Great. I finally finish it, and give it to my prof...then he writes -4 on it. I ask him why he did that and he is like "You asked me 2 questions". Apparently questions asked on quizzes are worth two points each, which are taken off your over-all grade.He never stated this. Nice.

Then I miss my Thursday class due to traffic + NO PARKING. Now today I try to burn the program on the blank CD I stole from the church (Thanks Carrie;) and it does not have enough memory to retain all the information. GREAT. So I was resolved to just print the three problems I had already completed and call it a night, then I go to get it out of my email... and the email containing the project has magically disappeared.

Great, awesome.
Crista...thanks for the great advice.
Remind me to thank you for it when I see you!

Waaaaaaaaaa

November Rain

2008-09-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

Late Last month My darlings packed their bags and headed(Via Train--yah, they're THAT cool) to Seattle, Washington. They set out in search of a new environment and an uplifting, spiritually enriched atmosphere. The answer to their search came by way of dove...the Calvary Dove to be exact (God usually uses doves, as you may know). They are now attending Calvary Chapel Bible College In Seattle, and LOVIN' it! However, since the last night I saw them--I have missed them dearly. Sometimes I'll get out of class early and think, "Oh, I'll see if B wants to go for a bike ride" or "Maybe Tita wants to come hang out while I clean my room" or "We should all go to the Coffee Klatch." (Oh, how I miss those late night chats over Chai)

Thankfully...

Come November 14th, I'll get to see these party animals once again!
AWOOOOOO

Can't Wait to see you Ladies!

P.S.
Thanks to Carrie for letting me tag along on her trip...
And I was kiddin' about the Dove, occasionally God uses donkeys and snakes.

The Cure

2008-09-08T11:39:00.002-07:00

I am going to cure myself of awkwardness...
You watch. I'll do it.
By NOT acknowledging awkward moments, it is my intention to see them magically disappear.

Step #1: Delete blog that is dedicated solely to awkward moments in life.

Fiercy Piercy

2008-09-08T11:39:00.001-07:00

Last night a group of us headed up to the Hollywood bowl to see radiohead. Carrie, Stefanie, Pierce and myself were in the furthest possible seats from the stage. Fourth bench from the back of the amphitheater. If you've been to the Bowl, you know that the air may or may not be thinner up there. One girl was trying to find her seat and remarked that her " nose was bleeding", seemingly due to the altitude. Alright, I'm exaggerating...but they were pretty bad seats. The show was still amazing, bringing me near tears at times. Even though I have been repeatedly criticized for not being the biggest fan of radiohead. However, things took a turn for the better when we decided to stick around in our seats to wait for the crowds to disperse. That delay allowed us to find ourselves in front of the "Artist Entrance" just as a small crowd began to gather. Rumors of the band's possible exit through the mentioned door, began to circulate through the small cluster of fans. Soon Phil the drummer was gracefully making his rounds up and down the guard rail, signing shirts/tickets anything sign-able and taking pictures.

Our foursome decided that the only way to prove that this miraculous event took place, was to snap a picture with Phil. He graciously consented and we all gathered in, my head blocking his view of the camera and Pierce mistakingly clutching Phil's shoulder instead of Stef's. Someone offers to take it for us, but around the time the camera SHOULD have been flashing: the lens recedes back into its place and the camera shuts off. Someone else steps in and heroically attempts to fix the camera and take the picture. After what seemed like an eternity, the camera still was not working. Finally, some random kid is like "Here I'll take it!" and FINALLY we get a picture. (Carrie, if you're reading this: Email him!). Anyway, super awkward moment. Everyone staring at us, waiting to get their stuff signed and pictures taken. And us, holding this stupid pose for seriously at least two minutes.

Then, the security guards announce that Thom is coming out...we all have our tickets, albums, ipods/iphones out and ready to be signed. At that moment, the realization hits: Thom Yorke is coming out through the door directly in front of us. After several false alarms, he walks out, black velvet in hand (A drink Bono introduced him to: Champagne and Guinness) and graciously makes his way to the crowd. Everyone of us, are in awe. Completely silent. However, leave it to Pierce to say what he thinks. He remarks, rather loudly, "Wow, he's a little guy." Every head turns in our direction. I am not sure if Thom heard, but...needless to say: awkward moment number two.

This is Pierce. Pierce is probably one of the most enjoyable people to be around, simply because Piece is: awkward. Entertainingly so. He is one of the founding fathers of the wolf-pack, former barista to the stars, and the guy you hope makes your non-fat vanilla latte every morning...just so you can hear his stories. Beloved Pierce managed to make something so amazing into a comically awkward situation.

Anyway...awkwardness at a radiohead concert: dedicated to Pierce.

Harvest (Not the Holloween Festival)

2008-08-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

This years Harvest Crusade topped the charts, if I may be so BOLD as to say. I have attended the crusades with my family since I was five. Every year I'm touched by the mass amount of people that flood the field to receive the gift of salvation, through Christ Jesus. This year I attended both Saturday and Sunday night(I was not planning on either one). It totally slipped my mind that we were taking the High School kids to the youth event on Saturday night, and I was charmed into going with Carrie on Sunday night. Anyway, Saturday night was really great. Not because of the bands, although P.O.D and Kutless (My two favorite bands--;) totally rocked, but because of the lives that were changed all over the stadium. It is an amazing thing to watch the packed stadium empty out as people flood the field.

However, the second night was, for me, the most touching. I ended up having to go with Carrie onto the field for follow up counseling, even though I didn't have a badge. So...yes, as Carrie stated--people thought I was getting saved as well. But whatever, it was seriously worth it. I have never been on the field during the alter call, and I was so astounded by the sudden change in atmosphere. When you are looking up at the stands and watching the rows of broken hearted, humbled people, stumbling onto the lawn in a daze of tears and emotion: it is a completely different scene from the one witnessed in the bleachers. As Pastor Greg gave the alter call on Sunday night he stated that those who's hearts were softened should do what over 7 THOUSAND PEOPLE, had done in the first two nights and make a commitment to Christ. As I stood there, I realized the power of the gospel message. The power of the name above all names, that can shake the hearts of thousands of people and draw them to himself instantaneously. This verse came up on my DBV and it seemed to be the most appropriate verse to include in this post:

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father."

Philippians 2:9-11

Just to make things clear, the statement in the first line of this post was simply a personal observation. And the event did not "top the charts" because the Harvest team did anything different, or because the bands were any better, or the message any clearer...it simply impacted my life this year, more than any other year that I have attended. It was my own personal perception of this year's crusade, and it was truly an amazing gift to be a part of it.

Laurie Peters

2008-08-05T23:10:00.001-07:00

This evening was like most Tuesday evenings, slow and boring.
Until a lone "customer" made it an evening to remember.

I was doin' my thang...sizing and colorizing the sale rounders, when I see a woman with a handful of items rush by. She has a few pairs of True Religion jeans and other items stacked over her arm. When I ask if she needs a room, she declines my offer. I thought this odd, since it looked as if her arm would fall off if she were to add anything else to her pile. Then without warning about 15 minutes later I see a rush of activity coming from the lingerie department, I see the same woman at the register dumping her items on the cash-rap. Out of the corner of my eye I see a woman on a walkie talkie running down the back isle, yelling "GO TO PETITES!" to the person on the opposite end. Before I know it I see the sketchy female "customer" running out the door with a pair of jeans in her arms. She runs out onto the bridge that connects the second story with the parking structure. I hear screaming and I, as well as various other employees, run to the middle isle to get a clear view of the events as they unfold. I see two people from Loss Preventions tackling the lady, she's screaming and crying. One of the guys had literally jumped on top of her and was wrestling her down to the ground. She was struggling and screaming at the top of her lungs. Apparently, The person who was waiting in the car for her just outside the door, booked it as soon as he saw her being captured. Bummer. I guess that is one way to find out who your true friends are.

Anyway...thank you sketchy shop-lifting lady for making my Tuesday night pass a little quicker than usual.

*We at Nordstrom take designer jeans very serious, so don't try to lift a pair on your way out. You will be caught and brutally wrestled to the ground.

Thanks YouTube

2008-07-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

I guess the She&Him Video for "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here" premiered on MTV a few days ago...not sure how I feel about IT. Leaning towards corny, but also love the band/song so much its hard to decipher my feelings on the matter.

Here's this little ditty for your viewing pleasure:

Also,
Johnny Cash and June Carter...
Singing one of my favorite duets.

This is what I do with my precious days off.

Shifting Shadows

2008-07-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

James 1:17
"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."

*Thanks DBV(Daily Bible Verse), you managed to throw out one of my favorite verses on July 14th. This verse always leads my thoughts to this song...

With rain, with sun
With much, with less
With joy, with pain
With life, with death

The only things that satisfy come from You
They come from You

Everything that's beautiful
Everything that's wonderful
Every perfect gift comes from You

It comes from the Father of Lights
It comes from the Giver of Life
It comes from the Heavens above
It's coming straight from Your heart
To the people You love

Why don't we sing this anymore?

O' happy day

2008-07-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

The official Party Pics...
Randomly ordered.

Camera Creds: Bethany Pee

Birthday

2008-07-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks Gals, You rock my socks off.

The night was...ultra-fab.

All you need is Love

2008-07-05T22:57:00.001-07:00

I love how awkward kid-crushes can turn into meaningful, much appreciated friendships. I've decided that people grow in and out of love...or what they "think" is love. Also wondering, how you know if it(love) will remain. How do you know If it is worth fighting for? So far all I've got is that earthly love is fleeting and based on ever-changing emotions, heavenly love never fails. For now, I'll cherish the love that is constant...until someone comes along who proves me wrong.

Psalm 103:17
"But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children-"

He remains

2008-07-01T11:44:00.001-07:00

I have been having this feeling of complete complacently, as of late. I had this sinking feeling that because I was not doing anything new or exciting with the love I have for Christ, it would disappear. It would somehow be null and void. I wanted to go and DO something different, I had this burning desire to ACT upon the faith that I have. Things kept falling through and my faith in His perfect will began to waver.

Why do I let my circumstances determine the amount of faith I have in Christ, the faith I have in his will for my life? I started reading 1st and 2nd Timothy this last week, thanks to some references Carrie brought out in our bible study. I love how when questions and insecurities seem overwhelming, words of surety seem to make themselves clearly visible in his word.

1 Timothy 2:13

" If we are faithless, He remains faithful. He cannot deny Himself"

1 Tim 3:14-15
"(14)But you must continue in the things you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them (15) and from childhood you have known the scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

I need to continue in faithfulness, relying on his perfect will. The beauty of the Christian life, is knowing that even when my faith in Him wavers, He remains unfailing.

Thought Bubble

2008-06-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

Thoughts:

-I have developed a strange affinity for vanilla ice-cream(Used to hate it)

-I really love people who can remember your name, when you've only met once

-I am thoroughly enjoying Coldplay's newest musical/lyrical novelty

-Why doesn't anyone call them Deathcab for Cutie anymore?

-Biking is invigorating...biking to the gym and back: painful

-Sometimes I wish I was a boy, more freedom

-Nordstrom is killing me, my summer is disappearing and my work schedule is increasing in hours(I am reminded of how this is to be my life, from here on out)

-"I'm so lonesome I could cry..." -Hank Williams

- Enjoying meeting with the ladies, for weekly bible studies
-I am completely uncoordinated (Taking Hip-Hop classes at the gym, only serves to make this point MORE obvious) *Going with a former dancer--the worst Idea*

-I'm really stoked about helping out in high school, three solid weeks under my belt.

-19 sounds JUST as young as 18

- I really miss Aubree-Anna

-In church you become friend with people, whom outside of church, you may have never even met: I enjoy having one common bond with so many

(Pointless thought post #2)

Jumper

2008-06-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

I like this one too Carrie.

& then...

2008-06-14T22:43:00.000-07:00

I came, I went, I saw... I left disappointed.

Zooey ,you let me down. I love your amazing lyrics, great covers, and perfectly blended harmonies. I love that you are cool enough to co-star in Elf, and still manage to put out a decent(dare I say swell) album with M. Ward. But, the "Happening"? Really? Your awkwardly delivered lines and constant shifty eyes really bummed me out.

Don't even get me started on M. Night Shyamalan...

Poop Deck

2008-06-12T19:19:00.001-07:00

So on Tuesday I had to take my dear, sweet, mitsubishi to the dealer to repair a seat belt that was sticking(If the car hiccups my Dad takes it to the dealer, he's that guy)
Anyway, the perk of taking it to get repaired is that they wash it for free! Since my Dad demands weekly cleanings, I was stoked. It was clean and I didn't have to pay or lift a finger.

After work that night I headed to Bammer's to stay the night. It was quite fun, we had a hair dying party (one of life's simple pleasures*) and watched movies. Although, one of the downfalls of staying at her house is the parking. I had to park up on a hill, at an awkward angle. As if that isn't bad enough, I woke up to find this:

Apparently a group of unruly, renegade birds decided to pull together and destroy my car, while I slept. My Dad so eloquently remarked "They aimed at you from every angle." Indeed they did. Little pesks.

Anyway...It prompted an impromptu cleaning sesh, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The result: better than any cleaning job the dealer could have done.

It's the little things

2008-06-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

Life's simple pleasures:

-Customers who actually respond when I say hello
-Making coffee on my day off
-Hair dying parties (Tita, you want to have one soon?)
-Reconciliation
-Sleeping in
-Being on time (Which is rare, yet quite enjoyable)
-Hearing Narrow Stairs playing in almost any trendy store I enter
-Sleepovers at Carrie's(No matter where they may take place: Mansion/Biola)
-Planning vacations
-Johnny Cash
-Catching up with old friends
-Bike Riding
-People who laugh at everything
-Hour-long lunch breaks at work(It is amazing what an hour does for your mood)
-Shopping with my sister and Mom
-Naps

And I'll end it with that...

Priceless

2008-06-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

First of all, let me start out by chastising ALL those were supposed to take up the remainder of the 14 tickets(approximately) we had reserved. You guys missed out and let us all down. GOOD ONE. I won't name any names, but you are all flakes! Okay, I'll name names: Carrie, Landon, Blythe and her crew, Dickie and those who we invited last minute: Jono & Simone. Also, since we got the tickets online and let 7 of them go to waste we will most likely be banned from purchasing more in the near future(So says Carrie Marie). Although I have my doubts about this theory. (And all this should be read in my very sarcastic,non-angry voice: just to clarify)

All that said, the remaining die-hard PIR fans set out around 6 and 7 o'clock this Monday morning to reserve those seats closest to all the action, specifically: the camera.In order to achieve this goal, we took two cars. The ladies in one(Bethany, Bammer, Ashley, Pammy, and our new friend Breanne),departing around 6am to beat traffic and the boys in the other car( Frankie, Jordan, Johnny and myself)departing at 7am. Obviously, I am the exception to the "all guy" car...however I opted for leaving at 7 am instead at the break of dawn with the ladies. With traffic, the latter arrived just after 9 o'clock and thankfully for us, the ladies had already gotten the tickets and ensured our spots in line as #'s 86-92.

We then had the pleasure of waiting on benches for two hours or so, then proceeded to be name-tagged, and interviewed as a group. If you know anything about Frankie and Jordan, you know that when they get together people stare and laugh from amusement. And that is exactly what the 100 people did, who surrounded us on nearby benches. The entire two hours. Frankie entertained the crowd by catching peanuts with shocking swiftness and accuracy. Jordan entranced them by pointing out random items that people were eating such as : my fruit bowl and a nice lady's salad. And saying loudly "WHAT I wouldn't do for a ________" After a few times of saying "What I wouldn't do for a salad right now." That nice lady brought her half eaten salad down the row just for him. Needless to say, by the end of that time we had a group of fans that were convinced at least one of our red-clad group would be called to "COME ON DOWN!".

"Drew's Crew"

After the interviews, we were all ushered to MORE benches(located slightly closer to the set) where our phones and cameras were confiscated until after the show. We were placed in numerical order around 12:30 and waited there another hour or so. Total wait time: over five hours for the first car-load. However, when all that was done we were directed up the stairs to a room "smaller than seen on TV" and draped in 70's themed decor. While the groups were ushered in, to tunes like "Xanadu", "I will Survive" and "YMCA" no one seemed to be dancing.Our group just couldn't understand why. Soon one by one, our crew got up on our feet and began to move it to the tunes. Soon, the entire 300+ studio audience members were up on their feet groovin' to hits from the 70's. It was awesome. Then the announcer guy came out, with his corny voice and asked us if we were stoked to be there. The audience, a tad winded from all the dancin' but hyped for the show, jumped to their feet and burst out in applause(Which became less enthusiastic as the show progressed).

The show started, and in between takes Drew Carrey(who I had marked as the arrogant, game show host) came out to talk to the audience. He made inquiries about family, hometowns, occupations and topics of the like, to the various contestants and audience members. He signed shirts, gave hugs and told a lot of stories. He kissed a few ladies on the cheeks(upon their request) and really seemed like a great guy. There were so many interesting characters in the audience. For instance, one of the contestants, Doris, had come to the taping on June 9th, 2008 to fulfill a life long dream. She was not only an audience member, but she was actually called up to be a contestant. Her skill won her a treadmill and a kitchen dinette set. Much to her 20 something group members' delight. Some were on the verge of tears and others were jumping up and down. It turns out that Miss Doris had six months to live, and her family had all accompanied her to see her dream come true. It was so sweet, who knew that a game show could mean so much to someone? Another contestant, Matthew, from Boston: went to MIT and had the t-shirt to prove it. Yet poor Matthew couldn't seem to ever guess the right price, he stayed in his little bidding box the entire show. Bummer. However, apparently it was a lucky day on the show. Almost all of the contestants were winners. Some of the prizes included trips to both Mexico and Tahiti, as well as: a scuba set, jacuzzi, and living room collection. Anyway, although none of us were lucky enough to be chosen to "COME ON DOWN!" we had an amazing time, and oh yes...did I mention Frankie got Drew to sign his red shirt and give him a hug. Solid.

So amazing, the group and the game show. Definitely will be a next time.

Wake Me Up Before You Go

2008-05-28T22:38:00.001-07:00

Today, I had to get blood taken. I've been shaky as of late, and I had a hip problem going on(which my doctor passively dismissed). So the tests were mostly due to the shakiness.

After filling out a long form, asking if I have ever had nearly,every kind of disease one could possibly imagine, I waited in my little room for the doctor for another hour(Reminding me why I hate the doctor's office). He moved my leg around, asked some questions and prescribed aleve and stretching before the gym. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I waited for two hours just to be told to do what I already have been doing. Then when he asked if anything else was going wrong, I spilled my guts. I have a cold, and I tremble a lot:with or without food in my stomach. He said it could be familial tremors(but this was most likely not the case because of the lack of family history), then he said it could possibly be an overactive thyroid(then looked me and up and down and said "but.."(Which can only mean one thing, I am far too "hefty/healthy" looking to have an overactive thyroid which causes weight loss). Bummer. Then, He asked some more questions and told me he wanted blood tests.

So my Mom and I headed back to the lab this morning, I thought it wouldn't be too bad. I wasn't really nervous, until I saw her tie the rubberband around my arm. Then I began giggling, to keep from crying. The nurse, was like: "See not that bad? Although, I've never had someone laugh the whole time". I assured her that it was simply to keep me from passing out. Which, after I was done and in possession of three less vials of blood...I'm pretty sure I started to do. Things turned black,and my ears starting ringing. Then I about threw up, and apparently turned completely pale. TMI? Anyway, bad experience. Still have the cold, and my hip still hurts. Yep...really glad I went to the doctors.

Another thing,
Too many changes all at once. Not necessarily in my own life, but in the lives of those around me. Graduations, Girlfriends, Moving, Mission trips, Vacations...I'm getting the feeling that life is changing and I'm the only one that is still sitting complacent, stuck in the hum-drum of everyday life.

A couple of things I have come to value, and yet see little of: loyalty, honestly, optimism, stability, genuineness.

pros/cons

2008-05-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

This fall, it will be one year since I started working at Nordstrom. In one big leap of faith, I applied online and got a call back. Thanks Dona.

I said goodbye to: Mandeep (World's nicest boss), Free burritos and chai on Saturday mornings, Borrowing magazines from the Deli, Being asked to "make it thin" or substitute banana for pineapple, Working with one of my best friends, and wearing bright colored shirts paired with a (usually stained) pair of khakis--never out of style.

How I miss thee, sweet, sweet smoothie king.

Then I woke up to a reality that didn't involve sitting in the back on B's computer or doing homework, waiting for a customer to walk through the door.
It involved business casual apparel, putting on a smile no matter what, 8 HOUR SHIFTS, rude fellow employees: trying to steal my customers, being pressured into opening new accounts, making 50 phone calls to my "valued" customers while still trying to sell dresses to those who happen to stumble onto my floor, putting away more articles of clothing than I can imagine, trying to remember how to deal with shady customers who are trying to steal or return 500 dollar dresses that they stole from another Nordstrom,getting the run-around when trying to return things(simply, because I work there) and quite a few other things that make life at Nordstrom quite difficult.

*Another fun fact: every single employee that works on the second level of Nordstrom is a female. And if you have any experience with females who are all competing to increase their own sales, open new accounts, and form personal relationships with customers, you know that things can get quite ugly.

However,
I have also really enjoyed getting to know the many ladies who have come and gone in the departments that surround my own. I really love the girls in active and narrative, we don't get mad at each other, and we don't steal sales. In fact, the other day a lady who was, of course, trying to return a 350 dollar dress that she stole(she's in the system for shop lifting) from another store, commented about how nice we all were to each other. Quite a rarity among competing females. Also, I have the best manager I could ever ask for: who certainly doesn't get enough respect or kudos for all she does. When she gets a bonus for making our department goal for the month(most managers keep it), she had bought us all dresses or on another occasion: given us all gift cards. Not to mention, she works her butt off to make sure that all of her girls get to work the days we want and have off the days we have school or activities. She is so amazing, I can talk to her about anything and she's always giving me sales that should have been hers. I love her. She makes working there worth it. Another thing that makes my job gratifying, is seeing a lady who has already decided that; her knees are too wrinkly, her thighs are huge and her arms are too flabby for a dress, walk away with a huge smile and a lovely dress that gives a boost of confidence and makes her feel great.It always makes me happy, oddly enough.

Dear Nordstrom-
I'm still undecided on how I feel about you.

Congrats...

2008-05-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

To my awesome friend Carrie Marie(Panda/Mom/Former Bossy Youth Leader/Current Bossy friend). Today she graduated from BIOLA University with her bachelors in Biblical Studies. With crazy stories of Greek class, and other ridiculously difficult courses, it was definitely really awesome to see that ALL of her hard work paid off. Carrie, I know you worked really hard, even if you didn't have a little star by your name in the program. I'm so proud of you!

(The Tres Penguinos Halloween of '07)

Also, another jewel of a verse came out of my, often loathed, DailyBibleVerse emails:

I sing quite often, and I say a lot, but how much of what I say or sing is significant? It is not enough to do these things, it is more about the heart with which I do them. This was a reminder to constantly give thanks to my God in everything, for his mercy and abundant blessings.

Ephesians 5:19-20
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Grief

2008-05-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today, I honestly saw something that broke my heart.

I was driving home from work, tired and barely aware of my surroundings, when I noticed an SUV in front of me with a huge sticker scrolled across the back window. I normally don't pay attention to things like that, but for some reason it caught my eye.

I began to read it, and then started crying.

The writing on the back window read:

In loving memory of (in bold letters),

My loving wife(with the date of her death)
Daddy's little angel
Daddy's boy
Daddy's little boy (with the distance between his birth and death being only one year)
and another name(with the date of his death beside it)

All of the dates of death were on July 17th of 2003.

I don't understand how someone can lose so many people they love, and still survive.
How do you recover, rebuild, and go one with your life after something so tragic?

I will never forget that sticker, and the sorrow I felt for that person inside.

Finally

2008-05-15T22:16:00.000-07:00

Finals are finished! I have officially completed my freshman year of college. Weird. The funny things is...I do not feel like I am smarter, or that I have learned any great lesson that I will carry with me through my life. I guess all the GE courses I took, could explain some of this. But, I just feel like I spent my entire freshman year procrastinating, barely skating by, scrambling to complete things, being overwhelmed and forming other unnecessary, non-beneficial habits.

I take that back, I have learned a life lesson. Procrastinating and being lazy in my study habits has gotten me no where. Being late, speeding, staying up late and other last minute make-up tactics can all be avoided: if I choose to be diligent and avoid putting things off.

Note to self: DO NOT PROCRASTINATE, its not worth all the stress it causes.

On a brighter note: whats done is done. Now I have the SUMMER to look forward too!!! Done, done, done:)

Genocide

2008-05-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

Today, while studying I ran across a map of various places where genocide and atrocities have taken place. I was astonished, it was a map of the world and a little over twenty places were marked with little red sculls and the death toll beside it. Each place had numbers ranging from 3 thousand to 20 million deaths. Personally, I was only really familiar with two of them. The Nazi extermination of Jews and Non-Arian Peoples during the Holocaust(12,000,000 in 1939-1945) and the genocide in
Rwanda(800,000 in 1994).

These are some of the sites that were shown on the map:

Iraq 1980-1999 (600,000 through ethnic cleansing and germ warfare)

USSR 1924-1987(20,000,000 through forced famine, ethnic cleansing, and political purges)

Nigeria 1967-1970 (1,000,000)

Turkey 1915-1918 (1,500,000 Armenians in Turkey)

Congo 1900-1908 (3,000,000)

Millions of people died: murdered, starved, raped and gassed. For what? Who is one group or dictator, to decide who is worthy of living? Why did no one stop them? Were there so many people, who agreed that a whole ethnic group should die to cleanse a nation? I don't understand.

Stefanie and I visited the Museum of Tolerance this weekend, I have been there twice: cried both times. So much pain, inflicted on these people who are just as valuable as the Germans who decided they were not.

Thoughts: mostly of grief for those who perished and fear for those who will have to answer to the God who created the people they chose to destroy.

Good Luck

2008-05-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Things that I have noticed that are definitely standard in my life.

#1:
My room is always dirty, and the when I do make an attempt to clean it: It is thrashed by day two.

#2:
I am extremely awkward around people that I haven't seen in a long time, I literally would rather NOT say hello..than have to make awkward conversation.
I
#3:
Saying things are awkward all the time...makes things awkward ALL THE TIME.

#4:
As much as I try to save money...it is impossible. I am still trying to figure out why there is under a hundred dollars in my account EVERY time pay day rolls around. Which means, it takes me approximately two weeks to blow through 500 bucks?!

#5:
I will never be gutsy enough to tell someone how I feel about them, even though I tell myself "life is short...who cares?"--I'm just not that convincing I guess.
(However, I'm pretty sure this is a good thing)

#6:
I will always spill, no matter what. I also make a ridiculous spill EVERY time I see Carrie Allen...only giving her more ammunition with which to torture me. Last week, while sitting at her "Rock for Justice" ticket booth...I convinced her to ask one of the guys going into the cafe, to bring me back an ice-cream cone. After he so graciously brought me back a cone filled with creamy goodness, I dropped the top half right off the cone. A chunk of ice-cream just plopped right down on the table.

#7:
My new favorite phrase is "Don't judge me." Works like a charm.

#8:
New favorite hand motion..."the wolf."
Thank you Pierce. Owwooooooo

Yesterday.

2008-04-28T23:08:00.001-07:00

So today I saw the Normans...well Tatum + kids anyways.
She stopped by to say hello while at my work, I LOVE when people come by, so it was quite a pleasure. It was good to see the kiddos and for the first time ever...they seemed pretty stoked to see me. Even Cade was creeping out of her chair and waving her arms to say hello(This is big, given that the Norman children usually don't like me in their earliest stages of life).

Anyhow, this made me think of Hawaii last summer and all the lovely memories that went along with it. Then I thought about how Ryah just turned 5, and I met Tate when she was pregz with her.Then one thought lead to another and now I'm reminiscing about the old days of youth group and being a freshmen again. Heck, just high school period. It was so much easier! I felt like I had a place to go(youth group), and even though I begrudged the strict rules(no two-piece bathing suites, no PDA, no slapping each others' butts;), I felt quite at home. I felt like I belonged at Calvary Laguna, on Wednesday nights and at really any time. I remember being nagged by the Normans to spill all the juicy gossip(or lack there of) when I'd babysit, bake sales/car washes, winter/summer camps, worship nights(Pizza, Prayer and Praise), small groups, the original FUZE(thank you ONEREPUBLIC for making our all-nighters legendary)and random overtimes on warm summer nights. I MISS IT ALL! I don't have pictures to blog, but I certainly do have some great images on file in my head.

+

2008-04-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

Jeremiah 33:3

Wedding Bells.

2008-04-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

My sister is getting married in less than six months! My beautiful, amazing sister is tying the knot! So weird, that she will be a wife and in a while: a mother. This thought is killing me. In my mind she has been and will remain 23 years old. Single gal(by choice...even though guys were constantly falling for her), friend lovin', party goin', waitressing, sister.She had a car and lived on her own by the time she was 18(I feel like such a slacker). In her condo by the beach, she continued to be free and live the crazy life of a twenty-somethin' year old. She has always been the big sister that I have always hoped to be like, and now she's morphing into this ultra-chic career women. She is affianced to an amazing guy and has a huge rock on her finger to prove it. She received her undergraduate degree in communications(public relations) and is now working for a small Public Relations Firm in Newport/Costa Mesa. She is only becoming more beautiful as she gets older, and to see her in her wedding dress was a truly spectacularly surreal moment.

Which brings me to the fact that: drum roll please... I am her maid of honor.
When I was younger and we had discussed her future wedding I had been told that someone older should be the maid of honor, so they could plan all the "events" and such. When she called me five or so months back to tell me that John had proposed, I didn't know what would happen. However, when we sat down in the hotel lobby(where he had popped the question) and she sat there gazing at her platinum engagement ring...she asked me to be her maid of honor. Tear* She told me that I was her best friend, and I was the only one she could see as her maid of honor(We were both crying.)Who knew that after all these years of petty sister squabbles, and arguments over borrowing clothes she would ask me to stand beside her on one of the most important days of her life. Time changes a lot, and I am so happy to be given this honor. We have truly become closer than I could ever have hoped for. And for this, I am truly thankful.

Which also reminds me that I have the "honor" of giving the toast at the reception.The thought alone gives me the creeps. All those eyes watching me, what will I say? Something sentimental? Something witty? Something Serious? Or all of the above? Oh well, I guess I'll figure it out when the time draws near. For now, I'll just shiver at the thought and push it to the back of my mind.

Anyway,
Congrats Crista!

Kiddos

2008-04-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

(She is saying "ask")

Ok, excuse the use of the p word on the second video(luckily its just an anatomical term).

Seriously, HOW cute are these kids?
I love itsss.
They crack me up!

---

2008-04-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

We bow our hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes
From evil things
Oh Lord we cast down our idols

So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let this be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob

We bow our hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes
From evil things
Oh Lord we cast down our idols

So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands--Oh God
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob

Oh God of Jacob

I love this song, by far one of the most touching worship songs for me, personally. I'm pretty sure I can narrow it down to the last part of the chorus, when the song cries out to the "God of Jacob". When I consider God in terms of his faithfulness to the "heroes" of the old testament, I remember that his faithfulness didn't end when the last book of the old testament was completed. He is still the faithful God of Jacob, Moses, Joshua, and David, to this day. He is the mighty God who wiped out the armies of Egypt when they threatened his people. He is the mighty God who parted the red sea, Who sent manna from Heaven to provide for his children, and caused the walls of Jericho to fall to the ground. Hearing this song reminds me that my God is faithful and mighty. And I can call out his name asking for purity and diligence in seeking his face, and he will hear me...and answer.

Psalm 24:1-10

Shout to the LORD!

2008-04-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

I think this is so amazing...
I can't tell you how many times I have heard this in church. I love this song, it was always my favorite growing up(Yes, I know I'm still growing). Who knew that the millions who tune in to American Idol weekly, would ever have a chance to hear this on National Television. The great thing is, its not some random Lawrence Welk re-run gone into sindication on TBN--it is prime time TV!

God is so good!

Grace.

2008-04-06T22:23:00.000-07:00

One more thing,
grace.

I have been shown quite a lot of this lately by those who, in my opinion, owe me the very least. The 500 dollars I owed, to pay for the dent in my neighbors car, should have actually been 709 dollars. My neighbor told my Dad that I was a "good kid", and because it was an accident he wanted to pay anything over and above my insurance deductible. Which means, he payed over two hundred dollars that he didn't have to pay, to repair the damage caused by my carelessness. Then my parents wrote him the check for the 500 dollars and told me I could make payments. I thought this was really swell, considering I was quite short of that amount in my bank account(I am not a saver). Then this morning my Mom came in my room and wanted to talk, with the way things have been going lately, this sounded ominous. However, she just wanted to tell me that her and my Dad wanted to show me grace. They wanted to pay for half of my debt, and told me I could pay off the rest in smaller increments.

Thank you Lord for those who show me grace that I do not deserve.

Beauty.

2008-04-06T21:42:00.001-07:00

Once again, I should be writing my English paper--and yet I am inspired to write about nothingness.

All inhibitions aside, today was a truly magnificent day. Not because of anything that happened or the way my life is going currently, it was just beautiful. If you didn't look out the window or spend time out of doors: you missed out. The day was flawless outside. My life has been so confusing lately, like I said in my earlier post. I feel like all that is in me is wanting to escape; from work, school and people. Completely discontent with the way things are going, I have something similar to a 7-year itch (slightly premature). Yet today after a short nap and a good cup of coffee(compliments of my brother), I decided to go outside and take advantage of what was left of the beauty of the day. I was surprised to find that it was almost fully intact, the way the sky was turning made the leaves and the air look and feel clean/fresh. It was kind of windy, which made riding my bike all the more enjoyable. I went with my Dad (Turry--to all my friends), who I have lately been quite on edge with. I guess with all my mishaps(s), as of late, things have been a bit tense between us. However today was great, we had a long overdue conversation ranging from car buying to bible college(It was a long ride). After telling him how much I feel like my life is monotonous and how jealous I am of friends who have "gotten away" from it all, he reminded me of the beauty that is all around me. It was hard to argue when the day had been truly lovely, and we were out in the perfection of God's creation. I am blessed to be where I am, and I love the fact that I take after my dad. Since I can remember, he has never failed to point out the snow on the mountains or the way the sun was setting, and say "Thank you Lord, for the beautiful day". I feel like I have always felt closest to God when I am surrounded by the wonder of his creation. A long time ago, I heard in a message something that really struck me as profound. The guy teaching brought out that God didn't have to make things beautiful, or pleasant to us. Food didn't have to taste good, his creation didn't have to be lovely...but he did. Personally, I think God made things beautiful to remind us of what we will have one day in Heaven.

Thank you Lord for the beauty you so graciously placed in your handiwork.

Psalm 19:1-3
" The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard. ^[a]"

Well Aware

2008-04-01T18:47:00.001-07:00

I have recently become quite aware of just how awkward I am...

and I have been spilling more than usual. I don't know what is going on.

Awkward handshakes, Talking too fast on the phone(making it really awkward for the other person), Hugs that just weren't meant to be, Saying stupid things, Working too little, Crying too much, Not working out enough,Procrastinating , Never paying attention to my surroundings(resulting in car accidents and exaggerated clumsiness) ....

Life has been weird as of late. Or at least I HAVE been weird as of late.

Side Note:

Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path."

I used to constantly recite this scripture when I was afraid, or unclear about the direction of my life. I think it is a verse worthy of re-visiting, and this is certainly a good time to do so .

Realization.

2008-03-30T21:10:00.001-07:00

This week has been by far one of the hardest of my life. It is so sad to me that in this last week alone, I have seen more friends than I have in months(possibly years). So many people that I just got too busy to call, or visit. I feel like that is what happened with Josh, I just became so busy that he was just another person I neglected to stay in touch with. Looking at pictures of him with his long, curly hair ( Linda said he was growing it out to donate), and the hat that he (apparently) wore all the time; brought on feelings of realization. I never saw him with long hair, I don't remember the hat that he never took off and I did not know that he was in so much pain. All these things I would have observed, if I had only taken the time to remember my friend.

I knew Josh all the way through high school, we went to the same church and when I joined SCA we went to the same school. My earliest memories of Josh consist of him playing the sportscaster in our news team and him slurring over "Lebron James" in his sports-segment. During our practices he would say his lines really fast and somehow it always sounded like he was mumbling at a rapid speed(which is usually impossible). It was constantly "Josh E-N-U-N-C-I-A-T-E!" Mrs. Nogy and his Mom were always on him. Yet, he just kept plowing through the lines at the same rapid pace. Trying to juggle difficult sentences and ridiculous cliches, while making an effort to enunciate enough to appease them. Those were some of the most entertaining nights of my life. Trying to get our mess of a group to be uniform, and struggling to put together a convincing version of a newscast. We managed to pull it off three times, and finally take a win the third year of competition.

When Josh's Dad, Ed, was really sick in his senior year, Rebbecca thought it would be a good idea for Josh and I to do a Duo-Interp (An interpretation of literature: performed by two people) that she had hand-selected for us. With all the pain of slowly losing his Dad, she thought it would be a good distraction for Josh. For me it was like pulling teeth, I hated(still hate) public speaking and yet I was swindled into doing competitive speech for three years in a row. When I was whining and complaining(sometimes crying) with discouragement, Josh never gave up. At his memorial service I heard so many stories of how strong and determined Josh was, I can attest to it. His Dad was really sick when the competition time came around, and yet not for a minute did he hesitate to perform. In fact, I remember performing our duo for Ed in their living room during one of our many practices. No, we didn't win a trophy that competition...we didn't even place. But, I have so many memories of late nights at my house with my Mom and Rebbecca breathing down our necks. The same story, "Josh, slow down and enunciate!" and "Josh, act like you love her!" and he did the very best he could...all the way through to the end. I also remember Josh at the Kauai garage sale, and on the trip. I just recall this one night, mid-mission trip when I had gotten word that Josh had told AJ to go ahead and "go for me". I was fuming and decided to set him straight. It is funny looking back, how things like that seem so insignificant now. I think that is one thing I have truly begun to realize since I found out that Josh passed away: how short life is and how meaningless it is to place life's busy-work(school/work) before human relationships, before people who need a friend. So many are hurting and in need of a shoulder, an ear, an "I love you". I think that "life" gets in the way of what really matters: the people who are in it.

Give Me Time

2008-03-26T23:47:00.001-07:00

I was telling Stefanie tonight in the car that I feel like I have so much to say about Josh, so many memories and happy times. So many things to say about how I will always remember Josh Kaplan ;the brave friend that I was blessed to have in my life. Yet, no words or sentence I could string together would do his life or my feelings justice.
So I will wait, and hope that after some time I will be able to express how I feel and how much I cared for and will miss Him.

Please keep praying for the Kaplans. It is now just the three of them(Linda, Jeremy and Christina), please remind them that they are not alone by visiting and being with their family through this difficult time. Show them the savior's comforting hand through your love and support.

/

2008-03-20T21:34:00.000-07:00

I hate that when it feels like things are finally getting back in order, they fall apart again. I think today tops the charts on my list of bad days. I don't know why, but it was really bad. Then to top it all off, I find out that the damage that I caused to my neighbors car(When I backed into it) is going to cost $800 to repair. Great, because the $300 that I owe my parents for car stuff, and the $180 that I just had to pay to get my keys out of my car(only to find out after the fact; that they had slipped through a hole in the seam, and were in the bottom of my purse) wasn't enough. Oh, ya luckily I'm getting my tax returns back..but that money has to go to my parents and toward my new found debt. Yep feeling good.

Then to come home and have to hear about all of the above, really tops off the day.

Ethics

2008-03-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

Oddly enough, I am convinced, that my English class this semester has been turned into an ethics class(thanks to my professor). I thought I was taking a required freshmen English class where I expected to write a few papers and dabble in the writings of Shakespeare, Jane Austen, or Hemingway. The standard focus texts in most English classes, right? instead I'm learning about plagiarism, internet hacking, and other unethical behavior. I am not complaining at all. However, I was not looking forward to re-arranging my schedule and "wasting" an extra quarter tank driving up to Fullerton and back on Monday nights. For an English class, I love English,but somehow this just did not seem to be worth all the effort. After three hour class #1, I seriously considered dropping it. If it wasn't for the stupid "good student" insurance deal that I have going on, which requires me to go to school full time, I just may have.

I am so thankful for all the reasons that kept me coming back on Monday nights. I have learned so much, and really love the class. Like I said, my pseudo-English class has turned into a class where we are taught the value of ethics. I love it. The biggest eye opener for me, occurred while writing an in class essay on the long term effects of plagiarism on students, the business world and American culture(The makings of a great thesis). It became clear to me that the ethics and practices we develop during our years as students or young adults, carry over into our professional lives as we advance. It is so easy to cheat in high school and college, especially with all the pressures that surround student life. Students often view plagiarism as the only way to meet the high demands put on them by professors and academic programs. In my opinion, the way one behaves under pressure is a good indicator of his/her morals and ethics. It is easy to explain away plagiarism or other mild forms of cheating in school with excuses like "I was going to fail, if I didn't cheat". However, these excuses are less believable coming from the architect who fudged the numbers when building your home, or the doctor who fabricated lab results while conducting a test on a new medication(Ethics in the 21st Century: Trent). The consequences may seem minimal for cutting corners in school--but when those ethics(or lack there of) are used in the professional world the consequences are greater. Due to that architect's unethical decision, your home may not be structurally sound. The people who receive that medication, where the doctor made up results, could be seriously harmed. Our actions lead to consequences, the ethics we develop now when the decisions are smaller and pressures less ominous, will inevitably follow us through out our lives. Guiding and determining the decisions we will make in the future.

All that to say, make ethical decisions now. Develop ethics that are honorable and will guide you towards the right choices in the future.

A Revelation

2008-03-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

I tend to get annoyed watching my inbox fill up with emails from thedailybibleverse (This sounds bad, I know), but sometimes they are the most random verses. Especially around the holidays (when the verses take on a "holiday" theme). However, sometimes they are amazing verses and I read them and know that God is speaking to me through his word. And I didn't even open the bible: thanks to modern conveniences, i suppose. Anyway, these are just a few that really struck me, and reminded me of the deep love and majesty of my savior.

Oh, the depth of his riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! "For who can know the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?" "Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?" For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
-Romans 11:33-36

You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
-Nehemiah 9:6

*The God who did all this and is worthy of the praises of these verses, reaches out to his people: His creation. And at the end of Revelation and all the judgments, and impending earthly destruction in this book, he offers grace. He offers a life line, a way of escape from all of it. He says "come!" He never leaves us to ourselves, or to destruction--even the person furthest away from God can turn from self and worldly destruction. If they would only hear the saviors voice, the bright and morning star calling out their name and saying "come!".It is the cry of a God who created man for the sole purpose of having fellowship and a relationship with Him. His creation turned their back on him, but he longs to have them near. So much so, that He says he sent an angel to testify in his church, and says for the lost to come and take the water of life freely. He sent his only son to die, so he can have that same relationship, that we threw away. The mighty God, who created all, who knows and sees all:loves all. Loves me.

16 "I Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:16-17

Thank you Lord.

Personality

2008-02-29T11:37:00.000-08:00

After a recommendation from my dear friend Miss Blythe Hill, I took the Myers & Briggs personality test. Very interesting...I feel exposed.

Here It goes--this is who I am:

I am the "journalist" (Fascinating, considering my major is journalism!)
Uncanny sense of the motivations of others. Life is an exciting drama.
8.1% of total population.

Characteristics:

outgoing, social, disorganized, easily talked into doing silly things, spontaneous, wild and crazy, acts without thinking, good at getting people to have fun, pleasure seeking, irresponsible, physically affectionate, risk taker, thrill seeker, likely to have or want a tattoo, adventurous, unprepared, attention seeking, hyperactive, irrational, loves crowds, rule breaker, prone to losing things, seductive, easily distracted, open, revealing, comfortable in unfamiliar situations, attracted to strange things, non punctual, likes to stand out, likes to try new things, fun seeker, unconventional, energetic, impulsive, empathetic, dangerous, loving, attachment prone, prone to fantasy

Favored careers:

performer, actor, entertainer, songwriter, musician, filmmaker, comedian, radio broadcaster/dj, some job related to theater/drama, poet, music journalist, work in fashion industry, singer, movie producer, playwright, bartender, comic book author, work in television, dancer, artist, record store owner, model, freelance artist, teacher (art, drama, music), writer, painter, massage therapist, costume designer, choreographer, make up artist

Disfavored Careers:
data analyst, scientist, researcher, financial advisor, business analyst, govt employee, office manager, mathematician, investment banker, office worker, computer tech, it professional, network engineer, strategis (Basically any kind of legit job)

I took another similar test, the results discussed the spider web-like style of thought and conversation patterns. Jumping from topic to topic often confusing the listener(One of my standard character traits). It also stated that people of my "type" are often witty* --
(you called it b!!)

Poem

2008-02-28T09:14:00.001-08:00

God is so good. Honestly, I think it is in all the small things that I see His hand the most in my life. I love it. I see how he grows people in amazing ways, and how he uses them for his glory. What an amazing gift to be a tool in God's hand. The more I thought about it, the more I saw that we are not just tools--we are valued artwork(I would have settled for being a tool). Whenever Ephesians 2:10 comes up in Norman's(My Pastor) messages, he always points out the fact that the word "handiwork" literally means: poem. It never fails to get to me, that a God that is so great in power would care enough to look at each one of his saints and want to tell a love story through their lives. To be given that privilege of being God's poem, something he takes great pride in making perfect. My life, as a Christian should walk worthy of that calling. The verse goes on to say that we are created to do the good works that he has predestined for us and that we should walk in them. The creator of the Universe has planned out this poem and I am the theme. It is about me, using my life and the abilities I have to glorify him. To do good works--not because it will give me a ticket to heaven. But because that is what his poem(my life) is about, a Christian glorifying him through my actions.

i am a sap

2008-02-26T16:56:00.000-08:00

I should be working on my History paper-- but this sentiment just had to be written down before it was forgotten.( Beware, it is abnormally sentimental and sappy)

Today my Mom left her phone at home while she went to the doctors(not shocking). I was waiting for a call from my sister in-law and I heard it go off, but did not catch it in time. I saw that my Dad had called, and I decided to listen to the voice mail before calling him back to say that my Mom didn't have the phone. I am so glad that I took the time to listen to it. In that voice mail, I learned so much about the caring and loving person my Dad is. Honestly, I can only hope to find a man that loves me, as much as my Dad loves my Mom, after thirty years and four kids. He had called to ask my Mom a question, but He didn't just ask it and hang up. He repeated three times(not consecutively) that he loved her so much. He asked his question, told her he loved her again and then went on to say that she was an amazing wife and mother and that he was so blessed to have her. I was so surprised, not that I don't see my parents as "being in-love". I suppose it is just because I never really took the time to relate their relationship to the kind I hope to have some day. You see those kind of things in movies, the guy who just calls to say hello and "I love you"...and girls hope to have that dream guy some day. I think it is safe to say that after thirty years of marriage, my Mom has had that "dream guy" since day one. When I told my Mom about it she just said that he was "always" that sweet. Who would have thought?

I have conformed

2008-02-24T20:43:00.001-08:00

I decided to do it, in a single burst of randomness that seems to come standard in my life--I decided to follow the masses. I figure, I journal and I occasionally read blogs...so why not make one of my very own?
Well this is it...
more to come.

Embarrassed

2008-02-24T20:40:00.000-08:00

(I decided to put this one on here too--)

Thinking back on my most embarrassing and or clumsy moments:

First klutzy moment that comes to mind, there's quite a few to choose from.

One of my friends had just gotten a new hammock (to my excitement of course). Regardless, I recognize the fact that I am ridiculously clumsy and for a while I stayed clear of it. Then, one day while at his house, I decided to go for it. I hopped on while he was sitting in it and sure enough, I flipped us. I leaned too far back and we both landed upside down on the astro-turf matt in his backyard. Now, normally a girl who is significantly lighter than her 6 foot tall counterpart would be unable to overcome this great feat, but I did it. Me and my miraculously clumsy self--managed to pull it off. I had a rug burn, and he hurt his back.

On another occasion when I was ten, I managed to smack directly into a parking meter in Laguna. I was walking down the street with my sisters and I was pointing out some ridiculous car to them. Not paying attention to my surroundings, I turned from my antics JUST in time to slam my face right into the parking meter. Literally, it hit the side of my head so hard. My Mom was further behind us, and she said she heard it clang from half way down the street.

Another time, (This isn't clumsy: Just plain embarrassing) it was at the end of the service at my youth group and I got up to do the closing worship songs. I walked up on stage and I hear someone whispering loud enough to get my attention "Camyronnnn..." then I heard snickers. By this time, I am quite confused. Considering my worst fear is walking out of the bathroom with toilet paper stuck to my butt, or hanging off the back of my shoe, I began to get a bit nervous. Then I see Carrie, pointing to my butt. Mouthing "There's something on your pants." I am mortified. Like I said, worst fear. I discretely turn around to check, and sure enough...a big, white piece of tissue is stuck to my butt. Then I remembered how I had put my gum in a piece of tissue directly before I did opening worship. I must have come back to my chair and sat directly on the tissue. Nice one. That was pretty bad, only perpetuating my fear of random objects clinging to my behind.

The great thing is, these are just a few of the times in my life, where I look back and can't help but laugh. Realizing that over the years, I have not changed a bit. I have sprained both ankles by falling(within a three month period), I have sung words completely wrong to a song that I was supposed to be leading, and I have said the most unflattering things only to have the person I am smitten with(at the moment) walk in and hear me make a fool out of myself. I have dropped and broken more dishes than I can count, and lost more valuables than I can remember.

Overall I am a mess, but embracing that I am hopelessly clumsy and accident prone is half the battle.