::Intense Sensory Overload::

My mom and I had a ladies night out. And boy did we paint the town red. We started at California Pizza Kitchen and shared a salad and pizza (Bon Appetite) and then went down town to see if we could get tickets to Trans-Siberian Orchestra that was playing at that Savvis that night. We got tickets alright, in the first row. I mean like nothing between myself and the stage. I have never sat in the first row at a concert so this was quite a difference as usually I am up in the nosebleed seats. This was the coolest experience ever. I have never seen so many lights, lasers or fire in my entire life. And the music was AMAZING! I have a new appreciation for Rock Christmas music! So thank you momma for a great evening full of fun, food and festivities!

::Fall Break::

I knew coming into this fall break that it had the potential to be rather boring because I had chosen to be on duty (as an RA). That meant four days with no one at the dorms to amuse me. But I was wonderfully surprised that this break has been anything but boring. I feel like I have done tons of fun stuff, while being "stuck" in the dorms. I've gone out for sushi, picked and carved pumpkins, made puppie chow, and played phase ten for hours. Really, it hasn't been too bad. And the fun continues tonight as myself and some friends dive into the land of Quelf (you just have to experience it for yourself). So thank you to all of the lovely people who made this weekend full of festivities.

::Pride Commeth Before the Fall::

For those who know me well, they will have a great understanding on how independent I am. I like to do things on my own, and really don't need help. I think this can be a great part of who I am and the motivation that I need at times. But this is also can be manifested negatively through Pride. This weekend was just one way that I noticed this. So we, some friends and I, got the great opportunity to go see the Mighty Mizzou Tigers battle it out through some football against OSU. Mind you this is the first time I have ever been to a college football game. So I thought I was being smart by wearing "comfortable" shoes (aka flip flops), little did I know that there was a mile and a half walk to the stadium. To make a long story short, I got some really nasty blisters on the bottoms of my feet (bad enough where I was close to tears, and I hardly ever cry). But where my prideful self came in was when we were leaving our "spots" at the game. For those who know the stadium we were on the hill (and when I say hill I mean it....it was steep). So having really sore feet and attempting the hill was a joke. I tried my hardest to get up it and while trying to avoid falling into people, refused all help to get up the hill. Until a young man who will remain nameless offered his hand (for the second time, mind you) I swallowed my pride took his hand and got to the stairs. Why do I refuse help? Because I assume I can do it. Sometimes I feel like I do this to God. I tell him, "I don't need your help, I am fully capable of doing it myself." But in reality, I am so broken and need His direction, mercy, and love, and more often then not his discipline. So I will leave you with this, in hope that I will learn the same.

"When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom. The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them." Proverbs 11:2-3.

::Fireproof::

I feel like I haven't written in forever, I apologize.

Today, I got the chance to get away from everything and saw a movie with a couple of friends.

This movie, Fireproof, was such a refreshment to my eyes and ears. Often in movies we are bombarded with negativity and sadness, but this despite a few tears from happiness left you with hope. It begins with a loveless marriage in which both people want out. But Caleb (Kirk Cameron) is given a challenge by his father that literally changes his life.

It is not often that you hear bible verses, Christian music, and especially the Gospel message in a movie. I highly recommend this movie to all people, not just those who are married.

Happy Viewing!

My "Ebert and Roeper" Score: Two thumbs up

::Four Books a Month::

My Parents have been very charitable lately as they paid for the NANC conference and they also paid for any books that I wanted from the conference. So I picked up a couple....Okay, more like 4. Four amazing book that I need to finish in a month....that is a challenge considering I have at least 8 books for my 6 classes that I am taking this semester. But here are the books that God has challenged my mind and heart to read....

Keep a Quiet Heart by Elizabeth Elliot  

Spiritual Disciplines By Donald S. Whitney

Pleasing People By Lou Priolo  

Damsels in Distress By Martha Peace 

::NANC conference::

My parents approached me a couple of weeks ago about attending a conference that my church was holding and said that my pastor said that it would be a good conference for me. I told them that I would look at my schedule and if I could do it, I would be interested. Well my schedule did allow it and tonight was the first part of the conference. This is a NANC (National Assicaition of Neuthetic Counseling) conference which is a three weekend conference on Biblical Counseling and Discipleship. Over the next three months I will gain around 30 hours of Biblical counseling training. Tonight, we learned the foundation of Biblical Counseling and I was very engaged as it was building on many terms I have heard in my religion classes. And this concept of Biblical Counseling is simply focusing on the application side of the foundation of theology. 

Tomorrow's sessions start at 8 am, which is insane for a typical college kid....I suspect lots of coffee will be consumed tomorrow. 

::>2 believers=He will be there::

I feel the need to brag, not on my abilities but on Gods. Over the summer He has brought some fantastic women into my life that encourage, love, and keep me accountable to what God expects. They have been there when I have been sad, glad and upset. They are great examples of women who love God and want to see others grow. Each one of them are very different and are in the same but various parts of their life. They are all important parts of the University and I thank God for allowing them to be a part of my life. Now we are continuing our summer small group into the school year and I cannot wait to see how God moves each one of us. 

::An amazing evening with Shane and Shane::

A week or two ago Kelly surprised me with a ticket to tonight's Shane and Shane concert at Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church. So we got there half an hour before the doors opened thinking that there was going to be a huge line, well there wasn't so we just walked in and found out that the band (Shane & Shane and Bethany Dillon) had just got there. So we offered to help set out shirts or whatever needed to be done, and then walked in this lady with a stroller who looked a little frazzled. She then said her name was Kelly and wanted to know if we could help her. We said yes, and then she asked us if we could take her small adorable daughter, olive, to the green room and entertain her. Kelly and I are not really children type people but said yes. We then realize that Kelly is Shane Everett's Wife and Olive is his daughter. So we are trying to play with a 1.5 year old and in walks bethany dillon, she is so down to earth and just starts chatting with us. Both Shanes now enter and we all sit down and eat dinner together. This was the coolest thing ever. We then go out to the auditorium and pick a front row seat to watch the sound check before the doors even open. 

The concert was absolutely incredible but I was a little distracted from the events just prior. Kelly and I were in awe that we had just met the people who created the music that we woke up to everyday over the summer. Who knew all of the perks of babysitting?

::New Blog: Student Activites:Mobap Style::

For all who want to know what is going on in Student Activites, we have a new blog that will allow us to communicate our fabulous events to the amazing students of MBU! So stop in, leave a comment, and show SA how much you appreciate them.

Peace, Love and Jungle Gyms!

::Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2::

This morning I did something that I have never done. I went to a movie by myself. Mind you, I am a pretty consistent extrovert so this act was slightly out of character, but it was so wonderful. It allowed me to laugh and perhaps even tear (don't let anyone know) without people I know judging me. But on to the review...

This movie revisits the friendship of four different young ladies facing the changing atmosphere of summer during their college years. Each young lady went their own way and found themselves in different but exhilarating ways. It truly made me understand a little about my own life and the ways I run from things. There was one scene that could have been taken out, but you can't win them all. I am slightly disappointed that there will not be a third movie, but I shall survive. 

Overall my Roeper and Ebert score would be two thumbs up!

::Amazed::

Once again I am amazed by our creator and Lord. I was sitting at work the other day and was typing the word "schedule" and while doing this I was wondering, How does my mind and fingers know how to spell and type that word? God is so amazing in his creation. I feel privileged to be called a child of God and that he knew ME (and you) before we were born! I think it is so obvious to see his work, his handicraft, his fingerprint in his creation! I mean How Great is our God! He is the giver and sustainer of life...and worthy, more than worthy, of our every praise!

::1000::

I am excited, no giddy, to announce that my blog has reached a 1000 viewers. I feel like I have won a special award...perhaps the satisfaction in my heart is enough. Often enough my blog is full of oddities and ramblings but I'm glad someone out there in cyber space has enjoyed it. Thanks goes out to viewers like you!

::Peace, Love and Welcome Weekend::

Yup that's right the blessed event is over and was a huge success. Of course there were a few minor problems, but for the most part everything was successful! The Student Activities Staff is responsible for all of it and I am so proud of them. I cannot wait for what the rest of this year has in store. Our activities range from a Chicago trip to a talent show and we have everything in between! So if you are a new student reading this blog, get involved! We want as many people as we can get. 

Now for the even bigger news....school starts TOMORROW! Wow, where did the summer go. I have tons of classes and am super involved like usual! But I LOVE every minute of it, even the ones that involve waking up in the middle of the night to help a resident. And I cannot wait to see how God works through people this year. 

So Peace out guys and lets get ready for a spectacular year!

::Welcome Weekend 2008: Through the Decades::

Well it is that time again...leaves are changing, school supplies have bombarded Walmart and football is on TV...yup School is here! But to bring in the "new year" MBU has Welcome Weekend to welcome (go figure) the new students. Being the Pres. of Student Activities all of the responsibilities of this momentous event usually ride on my shoulders and the other lovely Student Activities staff, but this year I was blessed by a great staff and Reslife. I am so proud of the wonderful people who have gave their blood, sweat and tears to make the event magnificent as of this far. I hope all of the new (and returning) have a great time at Welcome Weekend and make tons of new memories! 

::RA training week::

Let me first begin to say that RA training (RAT week) is not just a week, it is more like 10 days. I am convinced that they claim "week" to make us feel better (it's not working). But in all seriousness, this is my first time going through this blessed event and I am rather excited. We are about half way through (it started last Wednesday) and I have learned some important things. I am now CPR and first aid certified which is good, in case of any mishaps or emergencies during the year. I have gotten to know some new people (there are two new male RA's) and formed deeper relationships with the ones I already knew. I have moved more dressers and desks than I would ever like to see and cleaned more showers than ever before. But hey, it just makes the students excitement about moving in more rewarding. I finally have my room clean (if you know me then you know that this is quite a feat.) and my hall is mostly done. 

I wish I could right more but we have a service project at 8 am tomorrow!!!

P.S. Sorry for the lapse in blogs but our server seems to have a grudge against blogger! :-( 

::Conferences, Tours, and Pirates, Oh My!::

Today was the ending of our fabulous conference. We went to so many different sessions where a variety of ambassador information was delivered. We also went on a spectacular walking tour of the PITT campus. As a side note, anyone who complains that we walk too much at mobap needs to go on a tour of this place....whew...I got in my walking quota for the month :-). Then we went on a bus tour of Pittsburgh, a place that has so much history and people take a lot of pride in. Finally we went to a Pittsburgh Pirates game which they won!! And I got to try a Pittsburghian staple the Cheesesteak sandwich which is not like a normal Philly cheesesteak but is a sandwich with the usual meat and cheese but also has french fries and coleslaw in the sandwich. Let's just say that I only ate half.

::Ambassadors Conference::

I thought based upon my last blog that I should clarify what kind of conference I am at and what exactly that I am learning. So as you know, Erica Jill and I are in Pittsburgh and we are at an ambassadors conference, which goes over the ins and outs of giving tours. I can't begin to say how much I have learned at this conference (and we have only been to two sessions). On top of all the learning, we are gaining ideas for our University from other fantastic schools alike and unlike our own. 

The best part is the passion that is inside of each one of us to change the University for the better, we want to see growth not just in numbers or championships but spiritually and relationally changing. We want a University that is bold about their faith and loves those that attend the establishment. We want to see people who welcome change but still hold onto some traditions that make the university unique. And we want to see other people with the same passion we have uniting for a cause. 

I will never forget the thought provoking conversations that we had in the Cathedral of Learning aka "the tower of knowledge"!

::Was that a Blimp?::

So this is my last "vacation" of the summer...it is truly bitter sweet. This vacay involves two lovely ladies and a conference. That's right....conferences can be vacations too! So Jill, Erica and I piled into the schools Honda Pilot and hit the road this afternoon, nine hours later we are in this Cozy little Hampton not to far from Columbus! The conference starts tomorrow and is in Pittsburgh. So hopefully after a good nights sleep under the comfort of this lovely duvet, I will be ready to learn about how to give a great tour of a campus. It may not sound too exciting but I am sooo psyched to gain more knowledge about this topic and to get to know some new people! 

P.S. We were passing through Indy and saw this blimp...I don't think I have ever seen a blimp before!!!

::The Dark Knight::

Tonight, a friend and I went out to dinner because she had just got back from a mission trip and then we wanted to see a movie, which ended up being The Dark Knight. 

First of all I love comic book heroes, but she didn't, and had the cards already stacked against the movie. But we both ended up loving it.

Some of my thoughts....

::What is with batman's voice? Really, How does he do that?

::Batman's "Bat mobile" or whatever it was called was much different than what I thought it would be. Usually it is a shiny new sports car, or something of the like. But this time it looked more like an all terrain vehicle. Plus it turned into an all terrain motorcycle...could it get any cooler?

::Could Heath Ledger do a better job? It was one of the best portrayed villains, I have seen yet.

I have yet to see any of the other batman movies and The Dark Knight had me on the edge of my seat and covering my eyes.

I give this movie a Roper and Ebert two thumb up!

::Apples full of tears::

My goal this summer was to save up all of my money and buy myself a brand new wonderful computer. And as the summer begins to wane I am approaching my goal, as I have around $800 saved. I knew that soon I wouldn't be able to work and would be a little shy of my mac's $1200 price tag so I asked my beloved father if he would help me out a little.

Today at work I get a call from my dad asking if I would prefer a 13" or 15" screen. I am taken back a little and say 13", thinking he was questioning my judgement on choice of computer. He then basically says, "Good It will be there in 21 days". At first I am confused, did he really just by my mac for me? And then I am on the brink of tears (I know this sounds a little superficial as I hardly cry at anything) and cannot find the words to thank him. And don't know if I ever will.

I am so thankful for this wonderful gift and want to let my dad know that this means alot to me.

P.s. I think I know the perfect way to spend the money saved up..... a little trip to see my dad!

::Wordle-It's like a word doodle::

This describes my blog to the world: And makes me conscious of what I write about!
Hope you enjoy!

::Tan Tar A: Bringing SAC together::

I must confess that on typical SAC trips I really don't get to relax that much, but this one was the exact opposite! Our "vacation" started with a quick meeting to go over some SAC Maintenance and then we were off to the lake. We arrived at TanTarA, which is an amazing resort next to the Lake of the Ozarks, and then got acclimated with our accommodations. This vacation was filled to the top with swimming, sunning, laughing and riding. Riding you ask? Yep that's right, we went horseback riding. I got the privilege of riding the tallest horse whose is affectionately named weasel. He definitely was a lot like me as he did not want to follow those around him and created his own path.

Overall, this is one of the most relaxing vacations I have had, despite the intense burn that my dear shoulders bear.

::My Big Fat Family Vacation::

So let me give you a day by day peak into my crazy vacation (prepare for a long Post).....

July 3: So my mommacita picks me up to go to lunch with my stepdad (thank you Dr. Lacey for a half day at work) and we go to this Kosher Deli Called Kohns Kosher Market and I had a wonderful Bison Burger. Then we are off to get our rental car Which is....a Mustang....yup that's right boys think of two mustang sallies!!!! So we were off....

July 4: We ended at a wonderful hotel and after a little breakfast we continued our trek to Tunkhannock Pennsylvania. After 16 hours and two days of driving we finally arrive and are whisked away to spend our fourth "livin it up". Our Cousin took us to the top of a large bank building and we saw all of the fireworks of the night from that location. It was the neatest fourth I have had. There is no way I could but the adequate words to it.

July 5: We spend the nights at the Shadowbrook "resort". I say "resort" very loosely. But we spent our Saturday cleaning, painting, washing and vacuuming my Great grandmothers house. This was such a ministry opportunity and I'm glad that I got to be part of it. I also got to see my family in a much different light.

July 6: My family went to my great grandmothers small country church, where everyone seems to be related. The message was wonderful and include some great patriotic quotes. What a mighty but fragile country we live in. Then the belle of the ball (my great grandmother) was put in her chariot (the mustang-that was a show) and taken to her 90th birthday party! I saw family there that I haven't seen since I was a very small child. I didn't remember most of them but it was nice to see all of the love that we have for this one special woman.

July 7: I like to call this day the "Great Switch", because the ball (myself) was handed off from one team (my mom) to the other team (my dad). And I spent another 7 hours in a car. Let me tell you this I have never seen a grown man get so excited about a trip to a furniture store. We passed an IKEA and the man practically dove off the deep end (but I heard a rumor that this need was fixed on the way home when they only spent two hours there). Finally we (my dad, Stan and I) arrived in Gaylord, Michigan.

July 8: I have to confess, I have never played many lawn games until this vacation. I played so many games of washers, lawn darts and badminton, that I was sure that my arm was going to fall off. But the uncontrollable laughter kept all of us going.

July 9: My grandfather and grandmother flowers came up to my grandma and pa chickens house. This is a rare occasion to see them together so we took it too our advantage and had a lovely time with them all.

July 10: During these days of great food, lawn games, poker and laughter, I got to talk with my family and see how they were doing. I love being with my dad and spending time with my sister.

July 11: This day we got to go up to Mackinac City and see lake Huron. While there we ate fish and chips and went shopping. We got back just in time to clean the house for the block party. This was an interesting experience and I learned alot about myself and others.

July 12: We got to sleep in after a late night and when we got up I got to see my grandfathers Airplane. He is an excellent Pilot and I really do admire him. Then we lounge around til our intense Euchre Tournament that was briefly interrupted by our dinner of pizza. Then we went to bed because we had a 6 am wake up call.

July 13: My Uncle, Sister and I pack up to head back to the Lou. Yes the vacation was over....

All in all I got to see my family (on both sides), and stay in two states. I learned tons of things about myself, and found out that I can spend about 40 hours in a car and SURVIVE!

::Leave a Smile on my Face::

Some of my all-time favorites:

*Fuze - I love the stuff...I used to only find these guys at gas stations but now Walmart and Target carry them! The fruit flavors are so great...right now I am drinking Tangerine Grapefruit!

*Qdoba - Two summers ago I worked as a Shift manager at the Q, and I still love the food! My favorite is the Naked Chicken Queso Burrito with chips instead of a tortilla!

*Starbucks - Recently A friend gave me a couple of coupons for, get this, Free drinks.....that is right there is nothing better than a free tall frappacino...

*Love Spell Fragrance- I always get compliments on this perfume. This lovely smell was recommended by a good friend of mine and I have been stuck on it since!

*The perfect Picture - I love the feeling that a picture emanates. It just makes me smile real big.

*A verse that speaks directly- You know the kind that makes you think, Wow, my Savior loves me so much! Or Man I am so selfish.

these are the things that leave a smile on my face and a whistle on my lips...enjoy!

::My Personality::

A couple of months ago I took a personality test and agreed with most of it, but I thought I would take it again and this is what I got.

According to typelogic.com The ESTJ is outspoken, a person of principles, which are readily expressed. The ESTJ is not afraid to stand up for what she believes is right even in the face of overwhelming odds. ESTJs are able to make the tough calls.

And the website told me that the most well known person that shared my personality was Barbra Stanwyck. Hmmm...perhaps I should become an actress.

::Commitment::

I can't even begin to explain to you how sore and exhausted I am. No, I haven't just fought forty ninjas for seven hours, but I have moved more mattresses than I ever care to see again in my life. Then today I began the final room change of the summer. I knew when I interviewed for the position of Resident Assistant (RA) that summer would entail a lot of cleaning and moving large pieces of furniture, but I didn't realize the degree of this momentous task or the commitment it would take. I enjoy serving other people, but it is difficult when one cannot see the joy of a freshman's face while seeing their dorm room for the first time. I know move-in day is fastly approaching, but I don't necessarily want it to come any faster.

Then again, soon all the halls will be set up appropriately and my room will be ready for my roommate to move in.

....Do I smell the seasons of change?....

::Birthday's Bring Families Together::

My family is a little non-traditional. I have a dad, who lives in Virginia (whom I dearly miss). I have a beautiful sister who is just a tad younger than me. I also have a mom who is remarried to a man named Luther and he has two daughters. Holidays are very different as we often do not celebrate them on the designated days with the traditional food and fixings. But what we do well is Birthdays with extravagant and eclectic (as we often choose different ethnic cuisine) dining.

So, my mom, stepdad, sister and I went out recently to celebrate Fathers day and my stepdad's birthday. Usually I love and hate celebrating birthdays because the food is usually so good but the conversations can make a turn for the worse. But this time we went to Picassos formally known as Nino's (although we didn't know of the name change which made finding the restaurant a bit of a problem). Lets just say the food was not up to par. But I did get to try escargot for the first time. I was so excited, as I love trying new things.

The thing that really surprised me though was the conversation. It seems that as my sister and I get older, we are able to hold great conversations with our parents. Perhaps I am speaking for myself only when I say this but I truly enjoy talking with my parents (as long as they avoid the topic of money of course :-) )

All in all the evening ended wonderfully with a kid scoop of Ben and Jerry's!

::Get Smart::

As mentioned before, I saw this movie on Saturday morning. I wanted to see it because I like Steve Carell in The Office and so I thought he would also be great in this movie, especially with his co-star Anne Hathaway. They were a dynamic duo and the only thing that could stop them was the repulsion Agent 99 has for Max. This movie is filled with humor, both dry and slapstick, which filled the theater with laughter. It seemed the movie catered to male humor as the two guys I went with raved about the movie even hours after it was over. This movie is pretty clean and has a little romance.

If I were Roeper or Ebert I would give it a 1 1/2 thumbs up.....

::Blessed Sunday::

Oh Wow, yesterday was such a blessing. It started out with attending The Journey in west county. I enjoy the worship so much, as it is a mix of old hymns with a up-to-date beat. Then Darrin Patrick, the lead pastor, continued his message of Finding Jesus in the Old Testament. I appreciate the historical context that he began his message with, as often times this is left out of a sermon.

After Church, A couple of friends and I went to Red Robin for lunch. At lunch, we discussed so many things including the sermon and the impact it had on each of us. I thank God daily for the friends he has put into my life.

That evening I went with my boss and her children to Fee Fee Baptist Church to see a concert, which they have every Sunday night. Brittany Howard did such a great job with the talents and gifts God has given to her. She has such a beautiful voice and she uses it to praise the Lord. After the concert the church served the congregation dinner. I personally appreciated their servant hearts.

Overall it was a great Sunday and am thankful that my heart is renewed for another week!

::The Girl is back in town::

That's right, a college friend of mine (T) spent the weekend with me as we painted the town red. Okay we really didn't paint the town red, and it wasn't just me and her, as she often has ulterior motives for coming to see "me". But I still had a great time. My best friend and roommate was out of town so T was a nice distraction. It started out with a easy lunch on Friday afternoon followed by watching a movie until T and her "ulterior motive" left for dinner. Then I took a nap and got a call later to meet up with them and other friends to play a rowdy game of phase 10. We finished up really late and made plans to see the movie Get Smart (Review of that to come later). So the next morning T and I got up to see the movie then went to the wonderful Chick-fil-A for lunch. All in all it was a good day. Then this morning T left for her home, I hope there will be many more great weekends with T.

::Go Crazy for Crazy Bowls and Wraps::

I must confess I did not want to leave my comfy bed this morning and get myself ready for a busy day of work, especially since I was sore from moving furniture that I conquered last night. And so when I entered my beloved office I was less then happy. But through the actions and love from my fellow coworkers, my mood brightened. But what really made my day was my lunch with Marie and Jacob. After I dumped far too much money into my gas tank we went to Crazy Bowls and Wraps. I love CBW and usually get a pesto chicken wrap but got a vegetarian wrap with feta cheese. Both are great choices. After a great lunch with awesome friends, I was ready to face the rest of my day.....

::Jumper::

The original plan for last night was to go see (drum roll please) Indiana Jones in the theaters, but due to many reasons a friend and I had to change plans. So, Kyle, a coworker of mine, rented Jumper and we watched it in the dorms.

Now I was excited to see this movie despite my slight disappointment due to Indi, but by the end of the movie I was frustrated at it. The plot of the movie was fine enough until it touched the family side of his life. They are, most likely, attempting to set up for a sequel but I know I wouldn't see it because the first could not keep my attention. I think that the best part in the movie was the scene in the roman Colosseum. The movie also didn't explain the concept of the jumpers very well.

If I were Roeper or Ebert I would give this a 1/2 thumbs up....

::Lights, Camera, Action::

We just finished filming for our promotional SAC video. I wanted to thank everyone who put on their MBU apparel and drank perk coffee for our AMAZING video. Even though it was a hot day and it took tons of shots I know it will be great. Today we finished the voice overs and the dialogue shots and we wanted to thank our wonderful filmer and "producer". They were so patient and encouraging. But now we are on to another momentous task......New SAC slogans.....

Please tell me what you think:

::What can SAC do for you::

::Is SAC in you?::
::SAC. It's everywhere you wanna be.::

::Foreign Films::

I love learning about different cultures and yearn to one day travel about the world. This ambition will most likely happen a little at a time and I will do most of it through mission trips. As of lately though I have been accidentally seeing a few foreign films and so far they have been incredible. I am loving the "Bollywood" types of films with tons of beautiful songs and lively colors, like Saawariya. But I also watched Pans Labyrinth, I appreciated the language of the film but it was a little dark and scifi for me, and there was a lot more blood than I expected. If you have any other suggestions on great foreign films please send them my way!

::The Office: Season 2::

For those who don't know me, last summer I created a list of about 100 things I want to do before I die. Well, I completed one of them yesterday, #13 Watch a whole season of a TV series. Ben, a friend of mine, let me borrow his season and I got the privilege of seeing all of the awkward moments and the intense cliff hanger at the end. Now I can't wait to watch the next season. Okay I am hooked. My list also has some other crazy things that I want to accomplish before my demise, like, #6 Stick my tounge to a pole during winter, #17 Be part of a jury, #28 Go see the Northern Lights, #47 Work with underprivileged Children in another country, #69 Learn to love the unlovely, and #87 See a Sumo Wrestling match.

This shows you just a little how truly zany I can be.

::Odds and ends::

::Koffee with Kelly at Kaldi's::

Today being Friday, my job celebrates the wonderful thing called half day Fridays, which allows me to use half of my Friday any way I please. I had originally planned to go swimming or lay out but mother nature had her own plans as it is raining. So Kelly and I went to Kaldis for lunch, Koffee and relaxation. There are many things that I'm contemplating for the future and I'm not sure of the path that God is directing me to go. So I shall wait until I am directed further....

On to more wonderful things....

Right now I am saving up for my wonderful Macbook that I am wanting to buy at the end of summer and when I get it I will get Photoshop. But until then I have all of these photos that are screaming to be worked on. Now I am a firm believer that a photo should speak for itself without being "worked on". But after Kelly introduced me to the wonders of Picasa, which is a free photo editor (kudos to you, Google), I am now a believer. I will never be a pro but now at least my photos can have a little pizazz too.

::Before::

::After::