Revamped Blog

So, finals are this week and I had my first final due yesterday (it was a take home, but it was the hardest take home I have ever had). I have a final due later today (a paper on "The Devil Wears Prada") so I decided to do this as a break from the paper. I changed up the look of my blog, it took me awhile to figure it out but it is all said and done and is water under the bridge. I hope you all like the new look. Also, I would like to know what you are all interested in (topic wise)I can't really think of anything to blog about so how about some ideas.

Oh and guess what!?! I will be home sometime tomorrow afternoon!
I thought I'd let you know. :)

Twas the night before finals....

Twas the night before finals,
And all through the college,
The students were praying
For last minute knowledge.

Most were quite sleepy,
But none touched their beds,
While visions of essays
Danced in their heads.

Out in the taverns,
A few were still drinking,
And hoping that liquor
Would get their brains thinking.

In my own apartment,
I had been pacing,
Dreading all those exams
I soon would be facing.

My roommate was speechless,
His nose in his books,
And my comments to him
Drew unfriendly looks.

I drained all the coffee,
And brewed a new pot,
No longer caring
That my nerves were shot.

I stared at my notes,
But my thoughts were all muddy,
My eyes went a'blur,
I just couldn't study.

"Some pizza might help,"
I said with a shiver,
But each place I called
Refused to deliver.

I'd pretty much concluded
Life is unfair and cruel,
Since our futures all depend
On grades made in school.

When all of a sudden,
Our door opened wide,
And Patron Saint Put-It-Off
Ambled inside.

Her spirit was careless,
Her manner was mellow,
She looked at the mess
And started to bellow:

"Why should us students
Make such a fuss,
About what those teachers
Toss out to us?"

"On Cliff Notes! On Crib Notes!
On Last Year's Exams!
On Wingit and Slingit,
And Last Minute Crams!"

Her message delivered,
She vanished from sight,
But we heard her laughing
Outside in the night.

"Your teachers won't flunk you,
So just do your best.
Happy Finals to All,

And to All, a good test."

Lost Amongst the Wealth

I was procrastinating by watching random video clips on YouTube
I found this really fascinating video about poverty in America... well mainly California. Please watch!

Joy of Baking

On Sunday when I got back to school I decided that I wanted to get all of my friends together for a last hurray before finals and going home for the holidays. "What did I decided to do with them?" you ask. Well, it is Christmas time and the only thing that I could think of was baking and decorating Christmas cookies.

Yesterday I held a cookie decorating "party". Sure they weren't anything too fancy, just the very simple sugar cookies and homemade frosting. I made the dough, rolled it, used cute little cookie cutters (Christmas tree, candy cane, star, and Christmas stocking), and baked them just before everyone showed up so they were still just a little bit warm and the cookie aroma was lingering around my apartment when everyone showed up. I made lots of homemade frosting (it's a secret recipe....(OK you got me it's the one on the back of the box... but I did make it from scratch!)) and dyed it (red, yellow, and green (and left some to stay white)). I really thought I was in over my head, like what was I thinking in over my head... then I started to think about how many people would really show up because there is homework to do and finals to study for.


You know how all you need is the faith of a mustard seed, I had that. Boy was I wrong about being in over my head!!! It was a HUGE hit, tons of people stopped by to decorate cookies... (there's maybe a dozen that aren't decorated yet...) If I knew how much people enjoy decorating cookies I wouldn't have been so nervous about nobody showing up...

Christmas Jokes

So, I found a few Christmas jokes that I thought were either cute or funny; BEWARE some/all of them are just a bit LAME...



Q: What did one Snowman say to the other Snowman?
A: Do you smell carrot?

Q: What never eats at Christmas time?
A: The turkey, it's usually STUFFED!!!

Q: What do you get when you cross an archer and a gift-wrapper?
A: Ribbon Hood

Q: What do you get when you put a snowman on roller blades?
A: A Snow mobile!

Q: How does a Yeti get down the hill?
A: by-icicle

Q: What is an ig?
A: A house of an Eskimo without a loo

Q: What did the cow say on Christmas morning?
A: Mooey Christmas!

Q: What is the most special part of your body at Christmas?
A: mistleTOE

Q: What is the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the original alphabet?
A: there is NOEL

Q: What is a mom's favorite Christmas carol?
A: Silent Night

Q: Why is it always cold on Christmas?
A: Because it's Decemberrrrrrrrr

Q: Why is it difficult to keep a secret at the North Pole?
A: Because your teeth chatter!

Q: What goes red white red white red white?
A: Santa Claus rolling down a hill

Q: What do you say to Santa Claus when he is taking attendance at school?
A: Present!

Q: What do you get if you deep fry Santa?
A: Crisp Kringle

Q: What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
A: snowflakes

Q: What do you get if a vampire gets crossed with Jack Frost?
A: frost bite

Q: What animal can write?
A: a pen-guin

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Oakham
Oakham who?
Oakham all ye faithful...

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Wayne
Wayne who?
Wayne a manger...








Oh! This made me laugh too!!!

Office Holiday Memo

To: All Employees
From: Management
Subject: Office conduct during the Christmas season

Effective immediately, employees should keep in mind the following guidelines in compliance with FROLIC (the Federal Revelry Office and Leisure Industry Council).

1. Running aluminum foil through the paper shredder to make tinsel is discouraged.
2. Playing Jingle Bells on the push-button phone is forbidden (it runs up an incredible long distance bill)
3. Work requests are not to be filed under "Bah humbug."
4. Company cars are not to be used to go over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house.
5. All fruitcake is to be eaten BEFORE July 25.
6. Egg nog will NOT be dispensed in vending machines.

In spite of all this, the staff is encouraged to have a Happy Holiday.

SURPRISE!

HAHAHA!!! Yesterday, I got a call from Courtney, she was informing me that my 21st birthday is on Mardi Gras! (YAY BEADS!!! (just kidding)) I told Courtney that both of my Tuesday classes were canceled and that I'd still be leaving school on Tuesday (today). Courtney didn't like that idea and suggested that I come home early like after my last class on Monday (yesterday). I thought that it was an option I hadn't thought of, Courtney even mentioned that if I came home early then we could surprise my mom. Well, I did just that, I loaded my car before class and left for home right after class. I even talked to my mom in the process of packing and right before I was on the road, but I kept my mouth shut so I could surprise her! I left Azusa at about 4:30pm and got home around 9pm I made perfect time (there wasn't any traffic). I wanted Courtney to be there when the whole SURPRISE happened, so I stopped by Courtney's place (she was having bible study and was close to being done (and I really had to go to the bathroom... I held it from the grapevinve until I got home... not a smart idea!)). Courtney was ready to head over to get her dogs, and I followed behind her giggling the whole time, Courtney walked into the living room with me in tow, my mom was confused and when she realized it was me she screamed a little and started laughing because our plan had worked and I had surprised her!

MmmMmm Good....

List 10 random things about you and food:

1. I love ICE CREAM!
   
2. I can eat a whole economy size bag of craisins in a week.
   
3. I love baking cookies and brownies, but don't usually eat them.
   
4. I HATE lamb, mayonnaise, and fresh tomatoes.
5. I never had tried kiwi until I was 18 (that's how I found out I'm allergic).
6. I love bananas, but only eat them when they are still a little green
   
7. My biggest food weakness is anything with peanut butter.
   
8. I eat In-n-Out at least twice a month.
   
9. Pretty much everyone on my mom's side CAN cook. I know that I won't be going home hungry.
   
10. I hate eating by myself. I think it's because since I was little we always ate dinner together as a family.
    

iSleep

Sleep... who needs it? Well, apparently I do. I haven't been getting a good nights sleep since Hawaii. I go to bed at a decent hour let's just say midnight and for some reason I just can't wake up! Also, the school fixed the code entry for the gated entrance (my apartment happens to be at one of the entrances), all I hear at night it beeping and it lasts for hours! Seriously, there could be an emergency and I won't wake up. All this sleep, has led me to staying up later. I'm sick of not being able to fall asleep by midnight, and waking up by 8 a.m. at the latest. Even when I do wake up before 8 a.m., I feel so lethargic and crash not long after waking... boring classes lead to a snoring student... (I really don't snore) the harder I try to stay awake the worse it is. If I give in and take a nap I find myself up until 3 sometimes 4 a.m.

So, should I give in and take a sleeping aid? Will I become dependent (have to always take a pill to fall asleep)?

A Great Song

My friend Jolene Kline wrote a song called Boys Are Dumb, she even recorded it! Well through her laptop... Anyways I can't for the life of me figure out how to post it, so if anyone knows how to post audio clips let me know!

I've Decided...

I decided to start the preparation to decorate my apartment. I have started to cut snowflakes out of paper. There I said it... sue me... I'm a hypocrite! But, they aren't hanging yet and probably won't for a while. As I said I'm preparing to decorate.

Books

I have actually read books other than textbooks this semester, which has been surprising. I have read mostly Nicholas Sparks books, like Message in a Bottle, Dear John, The Choice, and A Bend in the Road; I have also been rereading Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge; I have also been able to read Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone (it was for my English class, but it's not technically a textbook); and of course I have been reading my Bible (not just for my Exodus Deuteronomy class) I actually choose to read it (that sounds bad but it's true).

I have been against reading a certain book series just because it doesn't sound that appealing to me. I'm sad to say that I have been persuaded to read the first book of the Twilight series... I haven't started it yet but I am borrowing a friends book. I feel like I shouldn't be reading this book, especially it took since the very beginning of June until now that I put up a fight about not reading it. almost 6 months... 1/2 a year... so why now? I'm out of books to read... there are no more books in my apartment that I haven't read... I need something to do other than Facebook, Myspace, and Pioneer Woman, and you can only do so much homework in one sitting. Christmas is just a little too far away, I've made my list of things I want and books are in that list, but I can't buy the books I put on the list unless I don't get them for Christmas.




Also, I decided after getting an "A" on the narrative I wrote earlier in the semester to add to the story of my dream wedding. I will be working on it off and on so far, changes have been made, there is more description, and the reception is being thought out. I'm hoping I can put enough story line in to it that it becomes a book... I can dream and pray and cross my fingers right?
I'll keep you updated on my endeavor. If you have any ideas for the story let me know! All ideas will be considered and grately appreciated!

Since When?

Since when do Police have their own parking spots in a shopping center? Last night, I went and saw Quantum of Solace, the new James Bond movie (it's good), but while we were parking the only open spot said "Police", really do the cops need a spot that bad? Besides it wasn't that great of a spot. I thought it was hilarious so I took a picture. :)

They would have their own parking spot.

Hair Today. Gone Tomorrow

Yesterday I got my haircut, at a 5 star salon. Before you get all that's way too much money; on me. Hear me out. So, in September, I bought a package deal, this promotion includes a) Back Facial b) Hair Cut c) Facial and d) Hair Coloring/Highlights, this deal is originally just over $300... I got it for $40... So doing the math 4 different things equals $10 each... It's a steal if you ask me! But, it does have its perks with discounts on products and other gimmicks. I've so far, done 2 of the promotions, the Back Facial (seriously a facial for your back, my back was clear of blemishes so it turned into a massage) and the Haircut (shampoo, deep conditioner, scalp massage, cut, and style).


My hair was in dire need of at least a trim, but it was also at this really awkward length. So, I told Nicole (the stylist that cut my hair) that it's too thick and a solid length and it's just awkward! Nicole fixed my hair, she left the length (I really do want to grow my hair out), and she put lots of layers instead of just one, and thinned my hair out...


You know when you first get your haircut differently and you're not fully sure if you like it or not... I've been trying to figure it out all day, I liked it while sitting in the chair after she had finished all the snipping and cutting, but when I got back to my apartment I wasn't so sure what to think... It's cute but I'm not so sure how much it fits me; it isn't quite my style...

Sorry, it's a mirror shot.

This one is a little better.

I learned that if I don't do my hair right it looks like I have a mullet, great, I can't just throw my hair up into a ponytail. Thank God for hats!

Tell me what you think...

Title's are Over Rated

I know, I haven't finished talking about my trip to Hawaii, school has been a little busy (it has taken over my life). Most of you read my sister's blog, and well, it's the same story... except she has pictures too! So if you're that interested in knowing about the rest of the trip, take a gander at my sister's blog.


So, my life as of now is very umm... it's well... hmm... I'm not sure... it's boring! I have class and chapel and homework and finding time to just relax and hang out with my friends. That's what's going on here.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I'm over Adam. He's dating another girl, who happens to be best friends with my roommate. But, I met a guy in one of my classes who is really cute, he's a christian, was in the Army, smart, nice, older than me (is 25 too old?)... have I mentioned that he is from Turlock, CA? So, my new crushes name is Garren. I'm not going to get ahead of myself, this is not in my hands to control.

I'm pretty much rambling now, so I'm just going to stop here. Have a great day!

41 days...

I got an email today counting down the days until Christmas. FYI: there are 41 days until then.
Christmas really seems to have slipped up fast. Everyone at school (minus me) have been decorating and spreading the Christmas cheer. I feel like Scrooge, I'm just not ready for the Christmas cheer. Whatever happened to Thanksgiving? I keep hearing the same excuse, "We want our decorations up for longer than a week". You see we technically only have one week until Christmas break after Thanksgiving, well one week of actual classes and then the next week are finals. I understand the wanting to decorate, and the reason for decorating so early, but Christmas has almost caught me by surprise by sneaking up on me so fast. I've made my Christmas list it's separated into 2 different sections. No, I am not anal, I decided to make my list into Needs and Wants. I never in a hundred years thought I would be asking for home decor or kitchen appliances, but there is a time where you grow up and move out and have to start from scratch.

For the sake of me, could you so kindly not be all Christmas-y until after Thanksgiving?

21 Tips to Live a Good Life

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, 'I love you ,' mean it.

FIVE. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson !

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship..

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.

A Few Photos of HI

I learned how to make lei's

there's a sea turtle somewhere in the water next to me...

orchids, so pretty... and these ones smelled like vanilla

some horses owned by Parker Ranch that are held in a field behind my aunt and uncle's place they didn't come up to us until I gave them apples

I was luring them in with the apples

we found a chameleon in my aunt and uncle's front yard we named her lolo it means crazy in Hawaiian (she has crazy eyes)

on the beach before we left for the airport

my dr. pepper while everyone else (minus Courtney) got beer

this is what I do when at a beach and then I swim and dry by laying out....

numero uno

I really suck at this whole blog thing. Especially on keeping you all updated on my Hawaiian adventure like I said I would.... whoops :o/


Tuesday October 21, 2008

My flight departed from LAX at 8 am, but getting there was a another story! My friend Aimee drove me to the air port which was very nice of her, except that she didn't want to leave until 7 am, while I wanted to be at the air port by 7. LAX is not that close to school it's actually probably 40 minutes without traffic, but being that my flight was pretty early in the morning everyone was trying to get to work causing the traffic that we had got stuck in. I arrived at the air port and checked my luggage just in time to catch my flight. My flight was different, to say the least I flew to Phoenix, Arizona.... I had a layover and then boarded the airplane that took me to Hawaii (Big Island). My mom and aunt were there awaiting my uncle and my arrivals. We then proceeded to meet up with the rest of the gang at the beach. After a little while of swimming and relaxing we headed off to my Aunt's house in Waimea, where we staying. We showered ate dinner hung out for a bit soon it was off to bed.



To Be Continued....
also pictures will be posted later :)

ALOHA

Tomorrow morning I will be boarding a plane, because I am going to HAWAII! I'm meeting my family there. I'm taking a week off of school and getting the heck out of dodge. I'll keep you posted on what we do while there, I really don't know what is planned, but I do know we're going snorkeling and we will be at the beach!

I'll keep you posted!

My yesterday :)

Yesterday was nice. I didn't have to go to my firsts class; it was test day and all tests are all online. Cool, I got to sleep in some. I checked my e-mail and found out my other class was canceled. AWESOME! A day to myself get things done before my escape to Hawaii. :)
Later, like around 5p.m. Liz and I were getting our i.d. cards to get some dinner with our friend Rob, when my R.D. Jonny saw me and was like "I was just going to find you! You're getting a roommate." I wasn't going to get my hopes up like the 5 other times, so i just went on with my day. After dinner I ran into my R.A. Kyle who told me that my new roomie was going to be stopping by my apartment to get my signature on a paper later that night. So, me looking at my apartment in disgust, midterms, research papers, figuring out my schedule for next semester was being displayed throughout the whole apartment. I frantically started to clean, I didn't even get to my bedroom... when I heard knocking on my door, it was Ally my new roommate and Kyle.
She's going to be moving in sometime today and I'm at peace about it all. Everryone is shocked that I'm so OK with this happening 2 months into school but there is something about this situation that I'm at peace.

God has really been using me these past 2 months. I may not know what the purpose of it all until a later date, but I'm glad he is using me. I have really been struggling down here and I feel I'm supposed to be here now. I'm hoping this feeling will last for the rest of my school career.


I just thought I would update you all... please pray for me.

Tag you're it!

Rules: go to your 6th picture folder and select the 6th picture and then tag 5 people... I really don't want to tag other people so this game of tag is ending here... SORRY!!!






This is of a family friend Ron and his granddaughter Sadie Rose at Oktoberfest quite a few years ago... this is also the Oktoberfest that Sadie took her first steps...

Ode to Paige

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAIGE!


This street sign is on 99 south in between Fresno and Bakersfield
I see it every time I'm on the road either to or from school.

I think we're at Universal Studios waiting in line

Today is my sister Paige's birthday. She is is 17 months older than me. I'm really happy that it's her birthday (my birthday is in February and I'm turning 21 you figure out why I'm excited). I dislike the distance that's between us... you know the 200 plus miles apart... which makes the drive just a little under 4 hours... yuck!

Paiger, I love you and hope that today is an amazing day!

Allergies...

Last summer I found out that I am allergic to kiwi. OK, cool, whatever, I had never been allergic to anything before. Like really allergic: itchy throat, swollen tongue, trouble breathing, blood shot eyes, an itchy feeling all the way to the inside of my stomach. I'm used to the seasonal stuffy nose and watery eye thing, that's nothing compared to my newly found allergy. Today, I found out that I am allergic to more than just kiwi... I am allergic to yet another fruit which happens to be one of my favorites; crenshaw melon. You see I could care less that I'm allergic to kiwi. Why you ask? Because I never liked kiwi to begin with, but this melon is my favorite of all melons!

What does the fruit have in common? Well, kiwi, crenshaw, cantaloupe, and honeydew all have the same enzyme. I just happen to be allergic to that enzyme. Lucky me! Strange thing is that I haven't had a reaction to cantaloupe or honeydew yet but to avoid in itchy swollen innards and throat and tongue, I now have to avoid eating more fruit... Do you know how hard it is to always be checking juice labels to see if if you're allergic? It's a pain in the hiney!!!

My thoughts

I told Walker that I don't feel the same way for him. Somehow he convinced me to go to The Music Man and so I'm not sure if he thinks that it's a date... I really don't want to lead him on, but I don't think he realizes that me being nice and a friend just means that I want to be friends... He's never had a girlfriend, or even told a girl that he like her. I don't want to hurt him, but I don't want to hurt myself either. I feel pressured by not only Walker, but also my friends. When I asked them what to do they said "date him, give him a chance." I just don't want another clingy relationship; Walker seems dependent, whereas Adam is very independent and I'm attracted to Adam's independence. I just don't feel the chemistry between Walker and I as much as I do between Adam and I.




I've been trying to get a hold of Adam to tell him that I like him, or that he needs to stop sending mixed signals if he doesn't feel the same way towards me. So far no luck. By the end of this weekend I'm going to talk to him about it!

Say it isn't so

So Walker called me up and wanted to hang out today. Cool, so I thought... He was really nice and asked me how things were going with Adam, I laughed and told him he was opening a can of worms. I told all the recent news about Adam, I how I've tried to not like him and all the crap that's been happening. We got on the subject of if someone were to like me if I would want them to tell me, I said yes like a dumb shit... Walker confessed that he likes me and wants to take me out on a date, and how all the talking of me liking Adam is really hard for him. I had an inkling that Walker likes me I knew it deep down, I just hated telling him that the feeling isn't mutual. BUT, because Adam is a LOSER, we are going on a "date"-ish thing... we're going to see the school's production of The Music Man on Saturday. I guess I'm just going to see where dating Walker goes? I'm not too sure about this whole thing, actually I'm really feeling awkward.

I still like Adam a lot, and I'm planning on telling him that I do like him and that how he acts around me is sending me mixed signals and if he doesn't feel the same way his actions are showing, then he needs to just STOP!

No matter what I want to keep the friendships that I have with these two men (boys?) it's just figuring out what my heart truly wants and whether the feelings are mutual between both the guy and me.

That is how my weekend is starting off....

Dream Wedding

This is a narrative that I wrote for my English class. I'm told that it's good, but I'm not too sure. Tell me what you think.

P.S. You will probably want some Kleenex close by...

Dream Wedding

It was a cold October, the day was supposed to be perfect, but there was a storm rolling in. I was nervous and had butterflies in my stomach; it was half an hour before the ceremony would begin and the guests were already starting to arrive. I was able to see those that were coming in from the room where I was waiting. I saw many of my friends, even my youth minister from my high school days.

My wedding was supposed to be outside, but with the unpredictable weather we rushed to the closest indoor location. There was an old rustic barn that happened to be on the same property as where the ceremony was originally supposed to take place. What a blessing that I noticed the bard during one of our walk-throughs at the venue. With a little magic and a lot of help we could turn the old, rustic barn into one of the most romantic ceremony sights I have ever seen. It hit me, this is where I’m going to get married, in front of friends and family, to the man I love and want to spend the rest of my life with.

We had white candles leading the way to the altar. Christmas lights and Chinese paper lanterns were hung from the rafters and beams. It looked like a fairy tale, my very own fairy tale that only I could have dreamed of came to life; it was so romantic.

As I stood waiting in my dress I reminisced on what it took to find it. I had gone shopping with my mom, we visited three stores and I tried on close to thirty dresses. But when I slipped this one on, I just knew it was the right one. It fit like a glove, like it was made special for me. The dress only needed one alteration to the hem. It was an A-line (Princess) silhouette, with a Basque waistline, and a Sweetheart neckline. The color was a crisp white, with a satin ribbon that tied around the waist.

My hair was pulled back in a chignon bun surrounded by perfectly, smooth curls. Tucked on the right side of the up-do was a white phalaenopsis orchid. That particular kind of orchid was symbolic because it was my grandmother’s favorite. This is my way of remembering her on this special day; and the orchid placed on the right side because that's the side that faces the audience from the front of the altar when I face my groom.

I was almost ready to be given away, when my Dad, my strong tower, gave me one of the best father daughter talks I could receive on my wedding day. He said, “You will always be my little girl, but today I will be giving you to a young man who loves you almost as much as I do”. My Dad was a strong masculine man who very rarely showed any emotion, but as he was talking he started to get choked up and teary eyed. As he fought back the tears he spoke softer saying, “Darling, you aren’t going to need me to fix your car or come to save you when you’re in need. You will have Eric to do all those things for you. I won’t be your hero anymore, he will, but I will always be your Daddy, and I will always love you. Now go and make me proud, get down that aisle and say “I do.” As I dabbed at the tears welling up in my eyes I told my Dad that I loved him and that no man could ever get in the way of that. He smiled and asked, “Well, are you ready kid?” and with a nod we proceeded to the barn.

I stood at the end of the line. First my bridesmaids walked down the aisle. Their dresses are perfect; each dress style is different for each girl. Some are short, some are long. Some have sleeves, some are sleeveless. But all of the dresses are a gorgeous shade of sage green. Each girl has her hair done differently, something unique to their individual personalities. The florist did an excellent job on their bouquets. Deep colored sunflowers, with a lot of foliage, very simple. One by one my girls are walking down the aisle. One by one it gets closer to my turn. Closer to my future.

There goes the flower girl, my niece. She wanted to make sure that she sprinkled the petals just perfect. So cute. She practiced a lot according to her parents, my brother and sister-in-law. It has been such a job watching her grow up the past five years.

My future stood waiting, Eric, was a mess of nerves; the anxiety had built up from all the hustle and bustle of getting ready just for this moment. When the doors had opened for my entrance, he was the first and only person I looked at. Butterflies had started to flutter in my stomach, not out of nervousness, but out of excitement to start a new chapter and life as Mrs. Karen Johnson. His face in awe of my beauty, he couldn’t take his eyes off of me. It was the reaction I had always dreamed of; it had sent chills up and down my spine that made me more anxious. I felt as if I were the only person in the room. The butterflies had grown bigger with each step towards him. My grip to the bouquet of cal lilies grew tighter and my palms clammy as I reached my Prince Charming. When my Dad had given my hand in marriage I knew that this whole “dream” really wasn’t a dream. Our childhood Pastor, Reverend Brad Smith, talked about watching us grow up, and how to keep our love strong long after the wedding. We wrote our own vows, with words of love and hope of a great future. My sister was my matron of honor; she read a passage from the bible about how love is always patient, kind, never boastful, or full of pride. Our mom’s got up and placed a combination of flowers in a vase to unify our families. Eric wrote a song for me; about his undying love for me, he sang with what came from his heart while my brother played the guitar. Our uniting kiss was magical as if it were straight from a fairy tale. I will never forget the day that I declared my love by saying “I do”.

So what do you think? Leave some feed back. :)

Advise From a Guy

So, during brunch yesterday with Walker, somehow we stumbled on the conversation about who we like or more towards who I like. Even though I'm pretty positive that Walker wasn't/isn't the best guy to be getting relationship advise from he is well a guy so I kept it simple, didn't mention any names, and well asked him solely because he is a GUY! I asked and he listened, thought and responded. My questions really were simple like "If a girl liked you would you want her to tell you?" or "Do guys want as to be a "chase" or simply be tangable?" even "If a girl were to tell you she likes you how would you want her to tell you?". Simple as that, he answered all of my questions, (don't worry he would respond by saying Adam's name, so he knew who I was refering to. He wasn't thinking I like him(Walker). Anyways something that he said really struck me as good advise, "...If he isn't initiating anything he's probably not interested... although he could be shy around girls he likes even though he doesn't seem like he would be, but he easily could be shy". Walker also quoted the speaker from chapel on Friday she said, "You are significant with or without another." Her whole reason for saying that is because in this world, and in our culture it is very uncommon to not be engaged or married, but if your purpose for engagement and marriage is to have a social status then you are in it for all the wrong reasons. Love is to special and important to waste for status. So, "You are significant with or without another" really puts in perspective on how God looks at us with or without a significant other.

Today, being a typical Monday, I went to class, walked to chapel, saw Adam and talked with him for awhile, later in the day get text saying "it's One Tree Hill night and I still have your plate come over" so around 9 go to Adam & Karl's apartment watch OTH and hangout. So, taking Walker's advise from yesterday, that Adam's probably just not interested, this made me utterly confused! Adam came and sat down super close to me, was totally flirting with me, he was even interested in what's been going on in my life. AGH! Right when I was trying not to like him, right when I was set on nothing happening between us, right when I was just going to be friends; he starts the whole process over again.

I really wish I can say that I'm over him, I wish that I can only see him as a friend, but why is it right when I decide that it just isn't meant to be he starts to initiate things?

I'm back to where I started CONFUSED. I really think that he's not worth all of this thought and confusion, this game, and this frustration.

Quote Of The Day

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'." I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When Isay... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that that I'm weak and need his strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, my flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches so I call upon his name.
When I say "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!

--Maya Angelou--

Only a Week? Really?

So I have officially been living here for a little over a week actually closer to 2 weeks. It's been a crazy week too! Let's see, well I moved in last Friday and had no electricity until Wednesday. I had to register for classes on Tuesday when classes started Wednesday, so I didn't get all of the classes I would have liked to be in and at what time. Oh well, I'm enjoying the classes that I'm in so that's what matters right? Adam and Karl live diagonally and across the lawn from my apartment. Adam is a whole different story that I'll get into a little bit later. I've been living on my own and today I found out that a girl who also lives in my court but with 4 roommates has been approved to move in with me! YAY I get a ROOMIE!!! I've made quite a few friends some who are commuters and some who live in my court who are also transfers. Also, my bestest friend in the whole wide wolrd since 4th grade is going to fly out and visit me in October! So much has happened I just can't think of it all... sorry.

So you open my front door and this is what you see. My living room.

My Dining Area.

My Kitchen.

Half of my bedroom.



That is a brief tour of my apartment I left out my desk and the bathroom... oh well!

I went to buy some of my books today, which my luck was only 2 of the 7 books were in stock, but the bookstore did have this super cute backpack and camp pretty much distroyed my backpack trust me it has seen better days! So, I bought a new backpack and it's really nice, it has a special pocket for sunglasses, and a insulated pocket to put cold sodas in... and it can carry my laptop which is what I need since all my classes allow them.

Isn't she a beaut?

Now for Adam. Well, I didn't really see him in the beginning of moving down here but lately I've been seeing him around more, and not like passing him on my way to class its like stopping by my apartment to hang out. But, I still have no clue what we are... if we are anything...

Do you want the good news or the bad news?

Good News: I'm living on campus
Bad News: Don't have a roommate yet and I'm not sure if I'm getting one until Spring Semester.
Good News: Living in the apartments... the same court as the boys!
Bad News: I have no electricity or gas until Tuesday/Wednesday


I'll take pics. to give you a tour of my APARTMENT!

Time Flies

Time flies when you least expect it!

Change of plans for the BIG move. We are no longer leaving Friday afternoon with Courtney, we are leaving tomorrow right after I get home from some appointments... crazy huh? So all the time that I wasted by sitting and relaxing from my exciting/ exhausting summer, I should have been packing everything up.

WOW! This summer seriously flew by... Where did it go?

OK. So, I know I should rely on God for a few things such as where I'm living, what courses I will be taking, and who my friends/ roommates are, are they going to be nice?


TRUST IN GOD IS ALL I CAN DO....

Wish me luck!

I'm Home!

So, I'm home for a week before I go and move away for college APU here I come!
My last week of camp was emotional but so fun! To start off with the fact that I had met 2 of my campers earlier in the summer (that made some things easier), Zan "Avocado" turned 21 on Tuesday so on Monday at midnight a few of us snuck out of our cabins to celebrate with sparkling cider and breaking in the kitchen for some cookie dough and chocolate ecairs, on Tues. I played a little soccer with some campers and injured my big toe, Wednesday went to Urgent Care to see why my toe was still swelling and bruising found out that it's shattered like a piece of glass, the start of staff leaving for home/school. It was hard to leave but, I can say that this summer I have grown up and grown spiritually.


I'm Glad To Be HOME!!!

Staff Banquet

Saturday, August 9, 2008 was the Staff Banquet. It was so much fun! We took pictures, had dinner, the girls wrote a song for the guys and gave them gifts and visa versa, AND then we DANCED the rest of the night away. Which by the way I made Adam jealous by dancing with one of the other guys which was so much fun he twirled me and dipped me and he actually knew how to dance but like half way into the song Adam and the girl he was dancing with decided that they were going to cut in and so she danced with Paul and he danced with me!


P.S. I had kept my dress a secret from all of the guys and the majority of the girls... I was told that I was a KNOCK OUT!!! You tell me...

Adam and I.... (I'm wearing high heels... I barely make it to his shoulders... lol)

Just A Few Of The Girls

ALL OF THE GIRLS ON STAFF (minus some of the 1st half L.I.T.'s)

My "D" Group (small group)
"Tropicana" Kaitlyn, "Totally Awesome" Shannon, "Buns of Steel" Corey, "Sweet Pea" ME, "Jumper Roo" Alyssa, "Rica Suavecita" Johanna, "High Five" Angela

Home Sick

Have you ever been home sick?

I have... well I am it's almost been 3 months of me not living at home... and well I just miss it.
I miss my family, my bed, not living out of a suit case, home cooked meals, my friends, my MOMMY (everything about her. Her hugs, kisses, conversations, cooking, even being embarrassed by her....)

This is definitely the longest I've been away from home and it's starting to really show that I miss it. I know I've gone home twice while living here but it's not the same and not nearly enough time. The next time that I go home, which by the way is in 2 weeks, I will be packing up for college and I only have a week to get the fulfillment of my family...

Here's a Little Something to Look at

Michelle "Cliff Hanger" was leaving and I couldn't resist to take a funny Picture.

The first half L.I.T.'s I miss them!
(Orbit, Luchador, The Temp, Tinkerbell, Electric, Dinkydoodle, Rip Tide, Handshake, Duct Tape, Shaka, Jackpot, The Barn, B.O.S., & Cliff Hanger)

Week 7 Girls!

Me at mini bikes before I crashed....

"Nirget" (Eli), Me, & "Orange Crush" (Jodi)



These are just a few pictures from the last 3 weeks, so I hope you enjoy!

Don't Know Where to Begin

So, I know that a lot has happened since I last wrote. What has been happening in my life you may ask? A LOT!!! Ok so, I went home after being on rotation, I was only there for 1 night not even for 24 hours. I filled out lots of paper work stating that I will be attending APU this fall, and where to live STUFF! I then went to get my car SMOG it failed so in order to get back to camp I got to barrow my mommy's car!!! YAY! So then I had to go back home to get my car once it was fixed (the next weekend). In the meantime of having my mom's car I was counseling, it was Christmas in July week... and it was my worst week EVER!!! This last week I was also Counseling and it was besides the fact that they were 9th graders and my all time favorite cabin It was my best week!
My girls although I tried to hide the fact and act as if nothing were happening they figured out that I like Gumby.... They didn't let me live it down either!!! They teased and pestered me about it the whole week! But, he didn't help the fact I'll explain later...



Anywhoskies, Abby is possibly coming to visit this Friday/ Saturday. Val and I are going to the beach in 25 min. (it's my day off!). And this Saturday is the Staff Banquet at 6:30p.m. and I found the perfect dress (it only cost me $10)!!!


I'll fill you in later!!!

Who is he?

Ok so they aren't good clear pictures of him but the mysterious guy in these pictures is Adam Lofgren a.k.a. "Gumby"



I hope this helps put a name to the face or how ever that saying goes....