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.