Well, Tomorrow is Calc 3 Test 3. I feel incredibly unsure of this one. But I put in about 3.5 hours today and have been studying for a few days now. Guess it's just gonna happen tomorrow then. But I got a fun suprise study aid today! Thanks for the chocolates Keith!
Unsure of how to act, sorry about that. Trying to act normal, but its new territory. Tomorrow will be fun. Test, then sleeping by the pool all day. Yup thats all folks

GREATEST NEWS 2X's!
1. My Nana finally came home from the hospital today. Pray that she doesn't try to push herself too much and that her healing continues to go smoothly. Also, pray that my grandfather doesn't drive her crazy, bc I think he might! :)
2. Leigh-Ann and Kristi are coming to visit! July 8-12 (yes its during the camping trip, but arg) I'm so excited to have my great Charleston friends come up to create havoc on Naptown.

So, I think I'm gonna give my notice at Nordstrom this week. I hate it, and it's too much. Maybe a relaxing, boring summer is in need! Heck yeah. Def need more time to chill w/my friends up here. Too maybe people I want to be with, but no time. I hate not having time for fun, its summer vacation, one of the last (~tear~) and so it MUST be taken advantage of.

Great line from the original Shrek!
Lord Farquaad: Now, tell me! Who's hiding them?!
Gingerbread Man: Okay, I'll tell you. Do you know the Muffin Man?
Lord Farquaad: The Muffin Man?
Gingerbread Man: The Muffin Man.
Lord Farquaad: Yes, I know the Muffin Man, who lives on Drury Lane?
Gingerbread Man: Well, she's married to the Muffin Man.
Lord Farquaad: The Muffin Man?
Gingerbread Man: The Muffin Man!
Lord Farquaad: She's married to the Muffin Man.

Great line from the original Shrek!
Lord Farquaad: Now, tell me! Who's hiding them?!
Gingerbread Man: Okay, I'll tell you. Do you know the Muffin Man?
Lord Farquaad: The Muffin Man?
Gingerbread Man: The Muffin Man.
Lord Farquaad: Yes, I know the Muffin Man, who lives on Drury Lane?
Gingerbread Man: Well, she's married to the Muffin Man.
Lord Farquaad: The Muffin Man?
Gingerbread Man: The Muffin Man!
Lord Farquaad: She's married to the Muffin Man.

Today was a good day.
1. Went to class, it was boring (we had a sub) so I left way early.
2. Took a nap
3. Went to work
4. Katie and I went Downtown to "chat" and watch the mids
5. Talked to Keith
6. Time for bed!

Its 10:40, just finished a long day of work. It's amusing, Jen and Keith both sent me the exact same TM today while I was at work! It was cute, so awesome to have such amazing people in my life. One might been around longer, but the other is quickly becoming important as well! Guess its weird. I've been feeling really strange about the whole thing (if you know me, you know what I'm talking about). Really unsure about what to do/say. But everyone said it would become easier, it's ok. Maybe they're right. Guess it all just seemed so random, unsure how it came about. Maybe that's not such a bad thing? Dono where it'll go, but the journey might as well be fun right!?!? Been kinda overwhelmed but it all, but maybe the newness will fade away and become copesetic as well? Ok, enough of that. It's bed time. Some of us have 8AM class! Joy...

Dad and I just enjoyed yummy cream cycles!

Summer is supposed to be relaxing right? Well I've been working about 40 hours a week, plus going to school 8 hours and homework a week. So I'm getting more and more exhausted! I've come to the conclusion that I'm not going to class tomorrow, it's time to skip one! Some may say that I'm a slacker, but hey, its summer, thats what its for! :)
James Taylor has been my cd of choice lately, kinda strange, but oddly relaxing and needed. These songs have been jumbling my mind and muddling my thoughts. Why do they keep wedging themselves in? Maybe it's because my emotions are vacillating and need something to sturdy them. James Taylor's music is reassuring and consoling. Here's some of the lyrics that have been tangled up lately:

In my mind I’m goin’ to carolina,
Can’t you see the sunshine?
Can’t you just feel the moonshine?
Maybe just like a friend of mine
It hit me from behind
Yes I’m goin’ to carolina in my mind...

...There ain’t no doubt it no ones mind
That loves the finest thing around
Whisper something warm and kind
And hey babe the sky’s on fire, I’m dyin’
Ain’t I goin’ to carolina in my mind

...Dark and silent last night
I think I might have heard the highway calling
Geese in flight and dogs that bite
Signs that might be omens say I going, going
I’m goin’ to carolina in my mind

The other song goes something like this:

There’s something in the way she moves,
Or looks my way, or calls my name,
That seems to leave this troubled world behind.
If I’m feeling down and blue,
Or troubled by some foolish game,
She always seems to make me change my mind.

And I feel fine anytime she’s around me now,
She’s around me now almost all the time.
And if I’m well you can tell that she’s been with me now,
And she’s been with me now quite a long, long time
And I feel fine.

Every now and then the things I lean on lose their meaning,
And I find myself careening
Into places where I should not let me go.
She has the power to go where no one else can find me,
Yes, and to silently remind me
Of the happiness and good times that I know, you know.
Well I said I just got to know that:

Haven't posted in a few days... Sorry, been really busy. Work and school have been killing me! Nordstrom gave me about 40 hours, plus my 8 hours of class a week plus homework! So, there's really no free time. Had a big test today, hopefully it went well.
Test drove a 2000 Toyota Celica today. It was a dream! 6 speed manual, WITH AC! Oh, how lovely it was! Black on black! Sunroof, cruise control.
I just got back from Red Hot and Blue. Keith-good call on the sweet tea, I do so miss it! We had the coolest thunderstorm today. Something about them really fascinates me. I put on some James Taylor, read a book and just chilled, it was the most relaxing thing ever!
Life is full of surprises isn't it? Maybe sometimes they take getting used to, even if they're good surprises. Ok, that was my deep thought, and now its time to go. :)

Here's a song that I think everyone needs to hear, or at least read the lyrics. It's called Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) by Chris Rice.

Weak and wounded sinner, Lost and left to die,
O, raise your head for Love is passing by,
Come to Jesus, Come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus and live,
Now your burden's lifted,And carried far away,
And precious blood has washed away the stain... so
Sing to Jesus,Sing to Jesus,
Sing to Jesus and live,
And like a newborn baby,Don't be afraid to crawl,
And remember when you walk sometimes we fall... so
Fall on Jesus, Fall on Jesus,
Fall on Jesus and live,
Sometimes the way is lonely,And steep and filled with pain,
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain... then
Cry to Jesus, Cry to Jesus,
Cry to Jesus and live,
O, and when the love splills over, and music fills the night,
And when you can't contain you joy inside... then
Dance for Jesus, Dance for Jesus,
Dance for Jesus and live,
And with your final heartbeat, Kiss the world goodbye,
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side... and
Fly to Jesus, Fly to Jesus, Fly to Jesus and live,
Fly to Jesus,Fly to Jesus,Fly to Jesus and live,

Something about this song moves me everytime. Maybe it reminds me how we should truly be giving everything, but that is such a trite phrase. Trite but true, and undone! Maybe because I heard it right after Mrs. Peck died and it makes me think of her. How listening to this song is like listening to the song of her life. Every moment I saw her, she was talking about Jesus. She came to Him, Sang to Him, Fell on Him, Cried to Him, Danced for Him, and finally she is Flying with Him. They say that people can be lead to Christ through the actions of another Believer, and in her case, that is the truth. So maybe that's why I want you all to listen to/read this song, because not only does it describe how our Walk is supposed to be, but it reminds me of a beautiful woman who is Flying with my Savior now!

Someone out there is meant to be the love of your life, your best friend, the one you can tell your dreams to. He'll smile at you when you tell him, but he'll never laugh at your heart. He'll brush the hair out of your eyes and send you flowers when you least expect it. He'll stare at you during the movies, even though he paid $8 to go see it. You'll put his picture in a frame by your bed. He'll call you to tell you goodnight before you get into bed or just because he was thinking of you. He'll look into your eyes and tell you that you're the most beautiful girl he has ever seen, and for the first time in your life...you'll believe it...

isn't that a fun quote? It was on a friends away message (we tend to "borrow" them from eachother frequently. I thought it was really sweet. Maybe it's from the chick-flick fantasy and that it's not completely realistic, but its nice. I do, however, believe that "the one" is not real. When I get married, I sincerely hope it's to my best friend. That guy should be your best friend bc you will be together forever. Ok, that's enough of that stuff. I can only handle it for so long :)
On a different note, my Nana's pacemaker surgery went well, but she apparently doesn't realize that she had the surgery yet. Hmm. Also, I passed the math test! Yeah!
AACSers- can you believe that we graduated 2 years ago today? Katie informed me of this today. It doesn't feel that long ago, yet it seems like a lifetime ago. Whoa, how crazy is that.
Keith- have a great time at the beach

Tomorrow at 8am is the big Calc 3 test! Whoa, But after that is the interview at the Main Ingredient, hopefully that will work out and I can quit Nordstrom. I love making coffee, but Nordstrom itself (my department) is so stupid. People gossip, the customers are rediculous, and it's not worth it. If I dont get the job, guess Nordstrom will do for another summer, but making ice storms will be the end of me :) Ok have a great day.

Also, my Nana might be getting her pacemaker tomorrow, so if you remember her in prayer I'd really appreciate it!

hey, just so you know, you can now leave comments on my blog! *hint hint* :)

Here's the update on my Nana. She had a partial hip replacement late Thursday evening. I spent the day w/her yesterday and she was on such strong pain medicine that she would talk for like 5 min then kinda doze off for a few. But apparently her heart paused for about 10 seconds early Saturday morning (which is not good at all) so I was there when the Cardiologist came in and actually caused her heart to pause again (trying to see if it was a 1 time thing, or if a pacemaker was necessary) and so Monday morning she's getting a pacemaker. So, if you could continue to pray for her and my family right now it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

This was not a good day, by far. Woke up late, got to class, didn't realize I locked Andy in my room, and he had a fit peeing and pooping all over my room. So, that was fun to clean. Then I had a million and 1 errands to run... But when I got home, there was a message from Gumpy (my grandpa) saying "call me back as soon as you get this". He leaves messages like that all the time, and I rarely call back, bc its usually unimportant, but this time his voice was different. He said Nana had fallen and couldn't really move. That she wouldn't go to the hospital but that she was in a lot of pain. I heard her yelling at him for calling and telling me (she's a private person to say the least) but I called and told mom who told me go to up there and make her go to the hospital bc she wont yell at me. So I drove to Baltimore and took her to the hospital. Today, June 2, 2004, my grandmother's life changed forever. She broke her hip. She now has to have a pin put in sometime in the next few days, and she has to stay in the hospital for about 15 days, which leaves my 90 year old grandfather to be alone, with no one to drive him anywhere or help him out. I've always heard how elderly people can simple fall over and that's it... But it really happened. She was outside sweeping away the stupid Cidadas when she tripped and that was that. It's amazing, she drinks more milk that anyone I've ever met, and yet her bones are still so brittle. I told her next time she wants me to come up and visit with her, that she should just call, not break a hip! Well, I've been in the ER all day, so it's about time to try to sleep some. If you can please pray for my grandparents... That would be so wonderful. Thanks

Got a new drivers license today. The new MD one isnt so horrible. My picture came out ok other than my looking a little frightened in the picture. Today has not been my favorite day though. Lots of waiting in line... getting behind the one stupid person in each line! Arg, well Katie is coming over soon, hopefully it'll get better

I haven't written in a few days, basically because they have been crazy and stressful and everything that summer is NOT supposed to be. Friday I was off right? Well, Keith and I went put-putting, which was so fun! There were all these slow people in front of us, and then by like the 12th hole, they were all gone?!? And, yes Keith, there are mulligans in minigolf! So, I didn't want to carry my purse while playing minigolf, so I left the stuff in my car. Well, apparently I forgot to lock the door, because when we got back from DQ, my purse (wallet and cell) had been stolen. So for a week or 2, I have no credit cards, no nothing and I can't get a new drivers license until Tuesday because of Memorial Day Weekend. My mom was excited to get a new cell phone though. We went to Verizon and were all eligible for new phones at the sale price, so mom picked out a "cute flip phone" and so we got "buy 1 get 1 free" and therefore I have now joined the throngs and have a flip phone.
Saturday was spent trying to get the phones and everything else cancelled and such, then working. Today was better though. Church, nice long nap (OH IT WAS SO SWEET), then went over to Jen's to watch Mona Lisa Smile. It was so funny because Lauren and Kate decided on the way home to stop at the liquor store and get something but the first place was closed so we had to drive to another store. I guess what makes it funny is that here I am, sitting w/my pastors daughter, and Jen's older sister and we're watching a chick flick and they are drinking (nothing out of control) but it's like, whoa we are getting older. I can do that in 6 months... Legally. It was just kinda surreal to see people I have known as underage forever as just sitting around having a drink. Kinda cool !
Well, that's just a quick update about life. Hope it satiated everyone's thirst to know more about what's going on!

Also, here's a random song that I just heard, it makes me think of the WONDER YEARS

We've Got Tonight
I know it’s late, I know you’re weary
I know your plans don’t include me
Still here we are, both of us lonely
Longing for shelter from all that we see
Why should we worry, no one will care girl
Look at the stars so far away
We’ve got tonight, who needs tomorrow?
We’ve got tonight babe
Why don’ t we stay?

Deep in my soul, I’ve been so lonely
All of my hopes, fading away
I’ve longed for love, like everyone else does
I know I’ll keep searching, after today
So there it is girl, I’ve got it all now
And here we are babe, what do you say?
We’ve got tonight, who needs tomorrow?
We’ve got tonight babe
Why don’t we stay?

I know it’s late, I know you’re weary
I know your plans don’t include me
Still here we are, both of us lonely
Both of us lonely
We’ve got tonight, who needs tomorrow?
Let’s make it last, let’s find a way
Turn off the light, come take my hand now
We’ve got tonight babe
Why don’t we stay?
We’ve got tonight babe
Why don’t we stay?

Since Monday, I've been attending Calc 3 classes from 8:00-9:50am. Arg, no one should ever have to be awake that early in the summer. But today was funny, I was wide awake, coherent and chipper. If you know me, you know that is NOT my morning self. I was taken aback by this. (side bar- my puppy is licking the bottom of my foot and it tickles... Ok he's interested in a bug now!)
The Blue Angels flew today. They are so amazing. The way they fly so close together and that booming supersonic roar that just rattles right through you. Amazing. All you can do is stare. Then on top of that they do twists and such. It has been wonderful to grow up near the Academy because they fly, without fail, every year and it's tradition to skip school to go watch them. Sometimes you can even get it excused. I remember senior year, a bunch of us were in Mr. Leith's class, bc we hadn't come up with viable excuses to leave school to see the Blue Angels. Well, we asked him if we could go outside and watch (they flew right over school so class was basically pointless) and he said no. Normally, I'm very obedient and such to authority figures, but that day, like a week before the end of high school, sitting listening to them fly over... I walked out. And as I would have expected, a few followed (suprisingly the well-behaved ones!!) and eventually Mr. Leith himself joined us. See, the moral of the story is that EVERYONE SHOULD SKIP WHATEVER THEY ARE DOING TO SEE THE BLUE ANGELS!

Sunday May 23, 2004

Just got in from my first trip to Rita's this year! Dad and I ventured out and he got lime (to make his tongue green) and I got blueberry (bc it has lil blueberries in it and it makes your tongue really blue)! It was such fun. We just sat in the car and listened to Kenny Chesney! What a great end to an amazingly lazy day!!!
I found a bookmark today that would have been so great to have during the fall 2003 school year, but finding it now, it makes me smile and be thankful for God preserving me through that time. It goes as follows:

DON'T QUIT
Don't quit when the tide is lowest,
For it's just about to turn
Don't quit over doubts and questions,
For there's something you may learn.
Don't quit when the night is darkest
For it's just a while til dawn.
Don't quit when you've run the farthest,
For the race is almost won.
Don't quit when the hill is steepest,
For your goal is almost nigh;
Don't quit when you're not a failure
Until you fail to try ~Jim Wolf

It's really a great feeling to have stayed at a college for more than a semester, and not only be content with the school and my life, but to love it and long to get it started back up. Don't get me wrong, the days of floating on a floaty and sleeping in Katie's pool are priceless gifts each and every time, but this year has been such a huge accomplishment!
Also, people say "I feel so close/distant from God lately" and I have to say I'm in a funk (no Katie... I didn't say the dreaded word that we must never say). Maybe starting class at 8am will help get back into the routine. Waking up early and having time for devos was great, but with my lack of any kind of regimented schedule, you'd think I'd have more time for devos, but like the saying goes "idle hands do the devils work" and not that I've been behaving badly, but I haven't been praying or studying like I should. It'd be great to be able to say that God just isn't there, or that He's just distant now, but that'd be falling into a trap that the devil has set up. That Lucifer, he's a sneaky one, but we still all fall for his dastardly little tricks don't we? Rather, the blame must lay fully upon my shoulders. Christ is ever-present and it is not He who separates Himself. Why does He keep taking me back after everything? Arrogant, selfish, demanding, rude, callous, lustful, uncaring... And those characteristics could describe me on a good day. But like Mr. Peck said today, we all need to rebooted into the Spirit-OS (Operating System). Jesus continually wants us to be booted up with Him at the center. So, that is the goal of the week: pack my bags and get back on track, and have the Spirit-OS!

Wednesday May 19, 2004

So, today I made a slight blunder. Hopefully not cataclysmic, but definitely not the best move. Apparently, one part of a family was not supposed to know another family member was in the hospital. So, when I saw that family that wasnt supposed to know, and they mentioned that the other family had missed the bday party that day, I told them where they were. Well, apparently, that was not supposed to happen! Arg, why cant people tell me when things are supposed to be kept on the downlow? bc then I can do that! arg, now I feel really bad! So, I'm sorry!

On another note... Work officially starts tomorrow. The lazy summer must be put aside for a few weeks. Time to buckle down and work and go to class. JOY!! Also, Tonight I successfully got Katie hooked to DDR! YES!!!!!!!!! Is anyone from SC planning to come visit up here? Bc that would be so tight! Nan, I cant believe youre going to Taiwan soon. Hopefully God will use you there, but that He will work in your mightly. Though you are going to minister... you are also being ministered to. That will be an amazing time to grow! I'm so excited for you.