Peas and Carrots!

I forgot how much I enjoy going to the vet's office every week. I am still volunteering, but I am actually getting one credit at school for it, calling it field experience. Sounds so professional, considering I do the same exact thing I have always done before. I did, however, give my first shot to a horse. A horse came in with a big gash in his leg, probably obtained from running into a t-pole it couldn't see in a snow drift. The wound was cleaned with high pressure salinated water, and the extra skin was cut off. It was packed with iodine, and I got to give the shot of penicillin. Score!

So, I have an opportunity to move out with some friends. I think it may be time to get out of a place where I am financially secure and put things in God's hands. I am not saying it is a good idea to make dumb financial decisions; I just acknowledge that it is a wise and responsible thing to not mooch off my parents for the rest of my college career. So, my friends and I are both praying about it, although there seems to be no reason not to at this point. The only dilemma is a mode of transportation. I currently drive a Jeep not owned by myself, and I would need to buy something. Which is obviously an expensive endeavor. Prayer for wisdom and God's supply would be much appreciato!

So, "the stalker" called again. Guess B** didn't scare him off. Stupid persistent weirdo. I tried tracking the number, so I could figure out who it was, but I had no luck due to the fact that it was a cell number. I have an urge to beat the idiot up. Too bad I don't know who he is. He'd be sorry he was ever born...

I am more than halfway to my missions money-$1620. This is now another area to be trusting God in. I had a certain amount in savings, and I thought I could always fall back on that if not enough came in. With moving out, things are changing drastically. I am suddenly going to be strapped for funds to pay tuition. Half of me questions why God is taking me through another "Trust Me" test. *Sigh* Well, now I have last semester to look back on and remember. He got me through. He'll do it again.

Praise Him!

So, I have a "stalker". I got a few random text messages yesterday about weird junk. Luckily, I had a few guy friends around. My phone rang from the person sending the messages, and Ben scared him off. Then I got a few of the guy's phone numbers who were there, saying to call if it ever turned into something. He he! Now my posse has grown from just my Dad to a few more. As a friend would say, a "mantourage". Ha ha!

Praying for wisdom and guidance through it all. Give me strength to hold on and trust you through it all. Open my eyes to the greater picture and help me to get past myself and my little problems that block my eyes from seeing much else.

Improving my pool game. I still haven't won, but I plan on getting at least one in. I can finally hold the stick right, aim for a ball and get it in the pocket about 50% of the time. Compared to like 0.999% of the time.

Things...

Reading: Textbooks! "iGenetics", "Exploring Evolution", some ecology textbook, "Calculus", and "Understanding Chemistry". Talk about exciting stuff! :)

Music in my Head: Nothing really. Mentioning music in my head brings a few to mind, but nothing is irritatingly stuck necessarily.

Drinking: Nothing. Last stuff I drank was probably water.

Wishing: For God's will for my life. Open my eyes and show me!

Considering: Life in general. I have a bad habit of analyzing way too much. I come to a situation and have to figure it out to every last detail. I am working on just enjoying life. Period.

Feeling: A little tired and hoping to catch up on some sleep. I do not see that happening anywhere in the near future however.

Goals: Enjoy life regardless of circumstances, do some more research on the options I am considering careerwise, stop worrying and analyzing every last detail, exercise self control in a certain life area, and be a better pool player.

To do list: Nothing much really. Homework is at an all time low. And who's complaining? Certainly not me!

Hours spent in bathtub last night: Zero. I haven't taken a bath in months. To clarify I have certainly showered, just not relaxed in a bath. There is not enough time in life for that one.

Things accomplished: I got a hold of Lindsay again which reminds me prayer for her would be greatly appreciated. I hope to show her Jesus' love. I also put some streaks in my hair. I had a little too much time in my hands.

Hoping: I will hear Him more clearly everyday and understand Him more.

Chuckling and Wondering

If you're from Colorado....

You'll eat ice cream in the winter.

When the weather report says it's going to be 65 degrees, you shave your legs and wear a skirt.

It snows 5 inches and you don't expect school to be cancelled.

You'll wear flip flops every day of the year, regardless of temperature.

You have no accent at all, but can hear other people's. And then you make fun of them.

"Humid" is over 25%.

Your sense of direction is: Toward the mountains and Away from the mountains.

You say "the interstate" and everybody knows which one.

You think that May is a totally normal month for a blizzard, and you grew up planning your Halloween costumes around your coat.

You know what the Continental Divide is.

You don't think Coors beer is that big a deal.

You went to Casa Bonita as a child.

You bought your car from John Elway.

You were tear gassed at college and you can't even remember why....something about football...

You've gone off-roading in a vehicle that was never intended for such activities.

You always know the elevation of where you are.

You know that there are two kinds of Colorado Girls: those who shave, and those who don't.

You wake up to a beautiful, 80 degree day and you wonder if it's going to snow tomorrow.

You don't care that some company renamed it, the Broncos still play at Mile High.

You know that Colfax is a street you would most likely find a hooker.

You get pissed off when people confuse Colorado with Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, or "one of those other big square states out west."

When you hear that the Chiefs and the Raiders are having bad seasons, you laugh uncontrollably.

Every movie theater has military and student discounts.

Everybody wears jeans to church.

You actually know that South Park is a real place not just a show on TV.

You know what a "trust fund hippy" is, and you know its natural habitat is Boulder.

You've made naked snow angels.

You know you're talking to a fellow Coloradoan when they call it Elitches, not Six Flags.

You can never figure out why your out-of-town guests faint from altitude sickness on a picnic to the mountains.

Your two favorite teams are the Broncos and whoever is beating the crap out of the Raiders.

You've been to the original Chipotle near the DU campus on Evans.

When people out East tell you they have mountains in their state too, you just laugh.

You go anywhere else on the planet and the air feels "sticky" and you notice the sky is no longer blue.

The high point of my day: being astonished at the claim that homosexuality is a form of altruism. I can't even elaborate it's so far fetched. Altruism is defined as an unselfish concern for the welfare of others-a tenet which goes against the theory of natural selection or survival of the fittest that scientists have so far been unable to explain. It was postulated that rather than a homosexual person reproducing-continuing the species-that person would instead sacrifice that aspect of life and devote themselves to taking care of maybe their sister's kids. It doesn't even make sense...

Thankful

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love
endures forever.

I'm thankful for....

....my first math class ever that I actually understand without banging my head against a wall every day.

..."Fishing in the Dark" by Nitty Gritty Dirt band.

...going to school so early I can park wherever I want.

...already knowing people this semester.

...an opportunity to talk with Saroj about Jesus.

...an interesting discussion on the London dispersion force.

...learning to play pool-the right way.

...totally being on the same brain wave as someone else.

...remembering He has it all in His hands.

...the brilliant idea of having caramel apples this weekend!

...remembering to see the beauty in sunrises and find the joy in driving with all the windows rolled down.

...starting running again.

...training for my first marathon.

...lifting weights and doing crunches, so my legs aren't the only thing blessed with exercise.

...sledding down a sheet of ice and majorly eating it.

...Carly speaking en Espanol.

...my friends laughing.

...chillling on a couch talking about a love for Jesus with friends.

...getting on my knees and telling Him once again that I am His.

...finally learning how to use a TI-83. Wow, I can graph functions!

...a four day school week.

...looking forward to summer. :) Yes, already.

...God's faithfulness in providing money for Kenya.

Later

Some seriously good music has not only found its way to my blog, but to the front of my notebook. I have a new one-all recycled paper from front cover to back. I have written all over it and sketched a few pages already.



I learned to play pool the right way! I can actually semi complete if playing with a blind person. :) Okay, so I'm a bit better than that. I almost won, but I think that's because J** was letting me...

Too many words to get them all out. It seems like the more I have on my mind the less I can say. The happier I am the less reason there is to open my mouth. Why spoiling it by saying anything? Just sit back and enjoy His blessings. Cross the fingers that it will last...Enjoy it while it does.

Teaching

Good late night discussion last night on whether God has an ultimate plan for life or if it is just do the best with what we are given...Got a great verse about God completely taking our lives and reshaping them.
The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: 2 "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words." 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.
I hate looking back and thinking I may have run from something He was telling me in hopes of just making my life easier. Hmmm, I think not. Once again going back to elementary education believe it or not. God has really placed a desire to serve younger kids-2nd grade range-that are easily influenced and can be shown the love of Jesus. Sure, it will set me back in my graduation plan, but I am tired of running away from what His will might be.

Friday!

"If they give you ruled paper, write the other way." Juan Jiminez
I must try this sometime....

Funny how one little thing can make you smile all day....

First week down! I can hardly believe it. Talk about an eventful one...It went by so fast, and it is "already" the weekend. Now I'm off to hit the slopes. On a sled that is...I'll let you know how it goes.

Have a great weekend!

My Day and a Quote

I am loving my new semester schedule! Yeah, I get tired at like 6:30 in the evening, because of how early I get up, but I am certainly liking early mornings more than late nights. I had five classes straight this morning-non-stop 8 to 1. Get 'em all done in one fell blow! Anyway, I am not sure what it is, but I seem to have less homework. I am not embracing that fact too soon just in case it picks up. Sure, I had 16 pages of calculus yesterday, but at least I didn't struggle through all of it. And I have like 50 pages of reading, a chemistry chapter summary, calc problems, and genetics problems to do this weekend, but it just isn't as stressful. My hypothesis (not theories as stressed in evolution/ecology this morning) are that maybe I am not as uptight as last semester after everything God brought me through, maybe I am used to the whole college thing, or maybe my day off tomorrow-really helps me balance the work load. I need to be quiet now. I'm rambling...

A new favorite quote compliments of Jill at 33 and bravo: "Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves." ~Rilke

1. If you were to find out you were pregnant what would you do?
Um, I won't be anytime soon...

2. Do you trust your friends?
I am initially very trusting. once a trust is broken though, I have a weakness of not giving it back.

3. Would you move to another state or country to be with the person you love?
Um, yeah. Another country, YEAH! :)

4. Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?
Yes. Whether it is our sinful nature or God's plan, I believe there is a purpose and plan.

5. Name two things you would NOT tolerate in a relationship;
cheating and power crazy

6. Which one of your friends do you think would make the best roommate for you?
Kasey! Hopefully soon. :)

7. Can you deal with people who are too concerned with status?
Not really. Cause status generally goes along with cliques which are the worst things of all time.

9. Is there someone who pops into your mind at random times?
My mind is so random, the things that pop into it cannot generally be explained. :)

10. Would you stop talking to your friends because you hooked up? Uh, no. That is the dumbest thing. Plus, if I "hooked up"-talk about lame terms-it would be with a friend.

12. From your friends list, who can you call in the middle of the night if you need to talk?
I'm rarely awake in the middle of the night. Try twice a year.

13. What qualities do you find most attractive in the opposite sex?
character and relationship with god is most important.

14. Fill in the blank. I would NEVER ______ ...
take a cup of chopped kiwi, a teaspoon of salt, and a 1/4 cup of tomato sauce; put it in a blender; pour it into a cup; garnish it with relish; and feed it to my cat.

15. What is your number one priority in life?
My relationship with God, my family, school, some new friends.

16. What can you tell about a person by kissing them?
Uh, if their lips are chapped?! :) He he...

17. When you get married, how would you envision your dream wedding to be?
I don't really think about that stuff right now.

19. If you were to wake up from being in a coma for an extended period of time, name some people you would want to see around your bed?
Well, hopefully a few members of my family would be there...depending on how long I'd been out. :) Uh, some friends as long as they weren't scattered across the planet by that time. A definate possibility with my friends...

20. How many kids do you want to have?
Again, not something I think about, but 1 of my own is good. Or none of my own, and adopt. :)

21. Would you make a good parent?
I've been told I will, but i honestly am not sure about that.

22. Where was your default pic taken?
In my bathroom.

23. What is your middle name?
Sanjeet. Ha! According to Drew...

26. What is your current mood?
Excited to watch a movie with friends tonight.

27. What do you love most?
Good grades, bowls of ice cream, clean sheets, God talking to me

28. What makes you most happy?
The things I love. :)

30. If you could go back in time, and change something, what would it be?
Um, discontent at points in life and that one friendship

31. If you MUST be an animal for ONE day, what would you be?
I'd be an elephant, because that means I could be in africa.

32. Ever have a near death experience?
nope. I'm just boring like that.

33. Something you do a lot?
go to school, drive, and do homework.

34. What's the name of the song that's stuck in your head right now?
I don't know what it is. It is some random tune that goes something like this....hummmm, hmmmmm, laaaaa, hmm, hummmmmmmmmmm. Tell me if you figure it out, k?

35.Who did you copy and paste this from?
Caitlin

36. Name someone with the same b-day as you:
No one I know of is as cool as me.

39. Have you ever sang in front of a large audience?
No way!

40. What's the first thing you notice about the OPPOSITE sex?
weren't we already forced to talk about this?

41. What do you usually order from Starbucks?
i have never had anything from starbucks. I'm not a coffee fan.

43. Ever had a drunken night?
ha! no...

45. Do you still watch kiddy movies or TV shows?
yes. spongebob is the bomb!

46. What is your favorite TV show?
gilmore girls and that 70s show is a new interesting one.

48. Name something funny that happened to you today?
I am looking into being inducted into the International Union of Super People. :)

49. Do you speak any other language?
some spanish and a tiny bit of latin

50. What's your favorite smell?
clean sheets

001: Real Name – Danika
002: Nicknames - Dani, Sanjeet, and I think that's about it. :)
003. Single or taken - single
004. Zodiac Sign -This question is so boring. You think I'd know the answer by now though.
005. Male or Female - female
006. Highschool – I "used to"homeschool.
007. Favorite Colors - dark bright green.
008. How many buddies on your aim- don't have aim
010. Hair Color - dark brown, almost black...ish
011. long or short - short according to most
014. Eye Color – brown
015. Are you health freak- no i love physical activity though, so maybe you could call it that
016. Height - Like 5'4" or 3"
017. Do you have a crush on someone – Why do we always ask this question?
018. Do you like yourself – Sure. I'm not vain though.
020. Think you're awesome - totally! :) JK...
021. Piercing – 11
022. Tattoos – 0 for now. :)

023. Righty or Lefty - righty
024. Surgery - 0
025. First piercing – ears when I was a baby
026. First best friend – Uh, Ashley I believe.

027. First Award – Probably AWANA. I did that for quite a few years.
028. First Sport You Joined - swimming
029. First pet – Samuel Pickles, the coolest cat
030. First vacation - Who knows. Cali?
031. First Concert – Don't laugh, but I think it may have been +1. Talk about embaressing!
032. First crush - Hmm, I will pass on that one. Kid at church. Major weirdo....

___Currently___

049. Eating - Nothing.
050. I'm drinking - Nothing...
052. I'm about to – go to Carly's to see amovie.
053. Listening to - The Rasmus
055. Waiting For– Some time to go by to leave.
057. Wearing - he he...pjs.

Your Future
058. Want Kids? -Maybe
059. Want to Get Married? -Maybe
060. Careers in Mind –Vet, science writing, or research

___Have you ever___

078. Kissed a Stranger – no!
079. Drank bubbles – Maybe when I was a dumb little kid.
080. Lost glasses/contacts- never worn em, but I am sure I would if i did.
081. Ran Away From home - no
082. Broken any bones - no
084. Broken Someone's Heart –doubt it
086. Turned Someone Down – yes
087. Cried When Someone Died -yeah
088. Cried at school – Um, don't think so

___Do You Believe In___

089. Yourself – *sings I believe I can fly*. :) JK
090. Miracles – yes
091. Love at first sight – no. I don't think that's love, but rather infatuation.
094. Magic- no
095. Heaven - yes
098. Kissing on the First Date - Um, I don't think so. Kinda odd...
099. Angels - yes

___Answer Truthfully___

100. Is There one or more people you want to be with right now?
Sure, I'd like to hang out with some ppl

Tuesday

*Edit* I think I am understanding more and more how God works. One of my biggest fears in life has been that God will take away my dreams and desires and give me something mediocre. He is really opening my eyes to the true reality though.
Today I got a letter in the mail saying that I was taken off the waiting list for College of the Ozarks. Honestly, if I had gotten that letter a few months back, I would have been devastated. I was placing everything in that. Honestly, at this point, for some reason, I'm okay with it. In the past weeks, I have come to realize that I am happy where I am at. The school I attend has a fantastic science program, I can transfer my credits straight to CSU-FC for vet school (if this is where God is leading), God has taught me some amazing things at this school, I have strengthened family relationships tremendously, and I have made some great friends or restarted friendships.
If I had gone to Missouri, I never would have met or got back together with Audra, Kasey, Mikaela, or Carly. You guys are awesome! First time coffee drinking, some amazing rock climbing, intense running (I did my first eleven with two of you guys!), amazing encouragement from my "lost" friend Carly, some sweet sledding, Espanol speaking, and soon to be weddings *winks* I may have missed. Oh, and I can't forget Africa. Who knows if I would have ended up there...
Okay, so my edit is turning out way longer than I planned. All this to say, God has blessed me in the place I am. I want to live every day in that realization and never diminish any of it by wishing I was somewhere else! *End Edit*

"NEVER PUT A BRACKET ON INFINITY!" So said my calculus teacher in class this morning. Yes, he yelled this statement at 8:30 in the morning, effectively waking all of us up. We were working on domains and ranges...but it is funny regardless of what we were learning about. This one is going in my notebook. :)

Tuesdays I only have two classes. I got done at ten today, did my calc homework-which literally consisted of sixteen pages-and headed out to the vet's office. Then I had to buy a one hundred dollar calculator and a thirty-five dollar "clicker" to take attendance with in evolution/ecology. That was a little stinky, but, now, I have a calculator that could possibly become smart enough to take over the world someday!

I am planning a spaghetti dinner to raise money for Africa. It will be on February 3rd if anyone lives close by and is interested. I have a neighbor that volunteered to make two pots, and then I am going to use my in house resources for the rest of the pots and the breadsticks, AKA my Mom and sister. I will help, of course, but they will have to let me know what kind of spaghetti sauce to make. I need something that will make a lot for a little.
Update: I have reached the $755.00 mark! Praise His faithfulness!

First Day

Quick post before heading off to Genetics class. Which I am very excited about by the way.
It's great to be back to school. I didn't think I would be saying that. My getting up at 5:30 in the morning to be at school by 8 wasn't as bad as I thought, but I am not sure how long that will last.

I seriously slept like an hour last night. :) That's gonna hurt later....

Enthusiastic calc teachers with accents. This could be a good semester....

Prison gates won't open up for me
On these hands and knees I'm crawlin'
Oh, I reach for you
Well I'm terrified of these four walls
These iron bars can't hold my soul inAll I need is you
Come please I'm callin'
And oh I scream for you
Hurry I'm fallin', I'm fallin'
[Chorus:]Show me what it's likeT
o be the last one standing
And teach me wrong from right
And I'll show you what I can beSay it for me
Say it to me
And I'll leave this life behind me
Say it if it's worth saving me
Heaven's gates won't open up for me
With these broken wings I'm fallin'
And all I see is you
These city walls ain't got no love for me
I'm on the ledge of the eighteenth story
And oh I scream for you
Come please I'm callin'
And all I need from you
Hurry I'm fallin', I'm fallin'
[Chorus]Hurry I'm fallin'
All I need is you
Come please I'm callin'
And oh, I scream for you
Hurry I'm fallin',
I'm fallin',
I'm fallin'
[Chorus]Hurry I'm fallin'

Snowmen, Shakespeare, and the Chaos Theory

I am going to-once again-going to attempt to show the snowmen Aubry and I made in our last big snow. I've tried several times to share the fabulous creations, but it hasn't worked so far. Curses to the new Blogger! Anyway, mine is on the top, and Aubry's is on the bottom. Aren't they lovely? We used dried noodles for hair and colored water in a squirt bottle for clothes. Who ever heard of an unclad snowman.... :)





















The never failing Shakespeare has once again come through:
"Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved."
Now that is real love...the kind that comes through regardless of trials, circumstances, and appearances.

I have found a new fascinating idea. The chaos theory! Also known as the butterfly effect, this theory can be summed up in the title of a paper written in 1972: "Predictability: Does the Flap of a Butterfly’s Wings in Brazil set off a Tornado in Texas?" This theory asks whether or not every single action a person does or doesn't take affects life...forever. Examples of this theory can be seen in "The Butterfly Effect" and "Jurassic Park".
Once again, this idea seemingly brings up an interesting question of the sovereignty of God. How much sovereignty does He essentially "put into effect"? And how much do our decisions change and effect our lives and the lives of those around us? For example, say God was calling me to go into full time missions work. Because of my sinful nature, say I didn't. Would that change the course of my life and someone else's life or would God intervene and make things still go the way He wanted? I acknowledge that He is all powerful and completely in control, but I do wonder sometimes how much our decisions play into the course that our life takes. I mean, say my Mom hadn't decided to go to wherever it was that she met my Dad that day like...I dunno...twenty or something years ago. Does that mean I wouldn't be here if she had decided to stay home and watch a movie? Hmmm.... :)

Oh, and check out the new blogs on the sidebar. One is the fabulous Bonnie's blog, and another is a newly discovered blog from the Boundless magazine. I have been reading their articles, but I did not know they had a blog. Also, see the blog of Markus Wolf who is a missionary in Ukraine who does a lot of work with kids.

The Notorious Dinner

So, I was WAY tired after work. The rest of the family was going to a potluck. This meant I needed to figure out dinner for myself. All these circumstances equalled a microwave dinner-my first ever. Believe it or not. Since I am a really....yeah, I guess REALLY poor college student, I got one at the dollar store. I told Emily that and she said it gave her "make-fun of rights" for a really long time. Well, I am sad to say I didn't discover some great, new cheap food. Uh-uh. I discovered rubber that you pay a dollar for and call food. Guess I'll have to try the lasagna next time...Or not!
This part of the night makes up for my "soon to be notorious if left up to Emily fettucine" story. I made calzones. Yeah, I did it all by myself. And, yes, I know they are ugly, but I taste-tested two for dinner after the fettucine was a failure, and they were fabulous. I made like twenty, so I can put them in the freezer and just grab them really quick for school in the morning. Considering I have to leave town at 6:30 for a calculus class. *Mutters about leaving warm covers for a math class* Anyway, it was my type of cooking! I made dough, and then rummaged through the fridge for all the cool pizza fillings I could find. I made barbeque hamburger meat with cheese ones, meat lover ones (bacon, hamburger meat, and pepperoni), and just cheese and pepperoni. I made a nice big mess and actually had fun cooking. :)

Africa, Verses, and Girlyness

Africa Update: Up to the $655.00 mark. Talk about seeing God work in the process of raising money. My great-grandma who is in a retirement home showed my letter to her neigbors who decided to help me out. People I don't even know are sending donations. Talk about God having everything in His hands!
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matthew 6:26 NIV)
Talk about a verse which you can find freedom in. How much do I worry about grades and tuition money and future career and the desire to serve God in missions? Way too much. God has everything in His hands-even the animals. And when it really comes down to it, how much more does He care for us as human beings? A lot. I think I can stop worrying!

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20
Satan and other enemies have set out to destroy, but God is turning it around. I get up and fight and use that attack against me to glorify Him. Last night at Bible study, we were talking about battles. Sometimes I get up in the morning, not ready for the day. I wonder what battles might come up and I feel discouraged. But I'm forgetting who I have on my side. Duh! :) Jesus is on my side of the war, and when I wake up in the morning and remember that, I think Satan becomes a very fearful being.

I was just thinking about the whole bridesmaid thing today. And I thought, "OH MY GOSH! I WILL BE WEARING A DRESS AND MAKEUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!". So, if you are new to my blog or just don't really know me, you won't get what I am saying. I'll attempt to put it into perspective for you. Last time I wore a skirt was at graduation in May, because I was forced to by a dress code. Before that was camp, um, three years ago for another picture dress code. As far as a dress goes....I was probably seven last time I wore one. Oh, except for that time I was co-erced into wearing one when I was hanging out with some friends and some crazy person thought it would be "fun" to try on prom dresses.
Makeup next. I never wear it. My parents let me start wearing it when I was sixteen. Since then I can probably count the number of times I have put it on with one hand. I found out it was nothing special. The last time someone put on my makeup, it was bad. Again, I was forced into it by a crazy person who thought it would be "fun". My eye started having spasms. Dude, why do girls stick pencils on their eyeballs? Come to think of it, these days I guess guys do it also. It hurts! Anyway, my eye was wacking out so much I ended up looking like a raccoon. So, all that preface to say I can't believe I am going to be wearing a dress and makeup in a wedding.
Now after the preface and exclamation comes a disclaimer: Once again, my sarcastic nature comes out. I am not seriously worried or bummed or irritated about being girly for a day. As a matter of fact, I am excited to "dress up" for a day. I've never actually worn a nice dress. I love my friend, M****** who is getting married, and I would wear a dress every day for her if it really meant a lot to her....As long as I could wear some jeans and chuck taylors underneath. :)

Seeking and Other News

"But seek first His kingdom"....
I have been wondering what exactly this might mean. The past few-quite a few-months have been caught up in me seeking something. I don't know exactly if I was seeking the right thing though. For example, I just go crazy wondering what His plan for me is with a career, where I will be with school, where I'll live next semester, who my friends will be, if I'll go to graduate school or veterinary school, and more recently questions about missions. I think all of these things were good things to wonder and seek God about, but in the flurry of the seeking these things I have neglected to seek His face. I looked too much at circumstances and plans and forgot quite a bit about just knowing Him more.
I often get scared that I will become that certain type of person I don't want to be if I stop trying so hard. I become afraid that I will never do anything for Him if I stop asking what He wants for me. Even in writing these two sentences down, I see how selfish they really are. Both involve my desires and personal satisfaction. I think I need to pick up some tunnel vision-with only Him in front of my eyes. :)
In order to focus on God more, it helps me to write all my worries down, put some plans on paper, and then try to leave it alone. Today, I made a graduation plan and figured out where things like research, missions work, and so forth will fit in. Now I am working on putting the piece of paper away, walking in these plans day by day, seeking Him. He may bring other things up. He may take that piece of paper, rip it into tiny pieces, and give me a new piece. :) But I know it will be a better plan. And along the way, I am just getting to know Him better, trying to stop wasting time, worrying, wondering, and sometimes even seeking.

In other news:
I am going to start writing for the newspaper again. I figure this will be a great way to build my portfolio in anticipation of possible graduate school!

School starts in five day. I am planning on taking seventeen credits. I will see how far I get with that one.

Thanks for all the feedback on my last post. It actually made me rethink a little bit. I still think that there is one person God has for each of us-if we are meant to get married. However, if for some reason, choose to....look the other way when that person comes along, I think there are others that are out there. It's not as if no one else is compatible or possible to get married to.

I forgot to post the names of the people who did the music in my last post. The first was Regina Spektor and the second was Blake Shelton.

New Music And A Future

I found some good new music videos!! They have nothing to do with each other. :)





Today marks seven days left....It is hard to believe it will be a month since I've been in school. It certainly doesn't feel that long! :)

So in a matter of about four days, I have heard the worst theory ever twice. Supposedly, God has no specific plan for any of us. We just go along in life, doing the best we can. What happens... happens. For example, I read an "article" saying that if a person is meant to be married, God doesn't have someone specific for them. One just gets to know people, finds a suitable person, and once they get married, that person is "The One". The second time I heard it, it was said that there couldn't be a specific person for everyone. What if that one person is on the other side of the world? How would we ever get to "The One". I say if we are meant to be married, and that one person is on the other side of the world, He will get us to the other side of the world one way or another. I should say that "The One" isn't foremost in my mind. Rather, I am concerned with the thought that God doesn't have an absolute plan for us. Sure, we can choose to go against the plan, but I refuse to believe He put me on this earth with no plan or purpose!! I may not know exactly why He has me doing what I am doing right now. I may not understand why He takes me through this crazy stuff. I do know that He will bring me through and keep His promises. To give me a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11-"For I know the THOUGHTS that I think towards you, says the Lord. thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a FUTURE AND A HOPE.

Books of 2006

Talk about college life shooting a hole in your reading habits. For example, in 2006, I read 24 books. (That is shockingly pathetic and sad.) In the first half of 2005, I read 50. In the first half. That makes me sad. Well, I guess that is what comes of reading textbooks instead of good books. I will put my list and rate them even though I am ashamed. :)

1. "The Last of the Mohicans"-James Fenimore Cooper-3 stars-Why is this a classic? It is relatively interesting, but so unbelievable. These society girls are kidnapped by Indians literally 4 or 5 times and never die.

2. "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"-Mark Twain-4 stars-Now that I look at this I realize I actually listened to this on tape. Ha ha....Well, it was a very good book anyway. One always hears about it, and I thought I should actually read it instead of watching all the renditions Disney seems to do.


3. "Fahrenheit 451"-Ray Bradbury-4 stars-This is a 1984-esque book about, well, books. A life without books...Something to fight against!


4. "Something Wicked This Way Comes"-Ray Bradbury-3.5 stars-I still haven't seen the Disney movie they-I assume-based off of this. It was another off beat R. Bradbury book, given high marks because of the amount of quotes I put in my commonplace notebook out of it. Very intersting words and language!


5. "The Historian"-Elizabeth Kostova-4 stars-I generally don't read the New York Times Bestsellers, becauase they usually disappoint. However, it was about vampires, and I went through an interest in vampires stage, therefore I picked it up. Excellent story that kept me up pretty late reading!


6. "Frogs"-Ellin Beltz-4 stars-This was a non-fiction book about frogs with GREAT pictures. Here I learned that all toads are frogs, but not all frogs are toads. :)


7. "Angela's Ashes"-Frank McCourt-3 stars-Maybe I'm just insensitive, but this book only made me mad. First, the family just lets the Dad steal over and over. To top it off, the star of the book struggling to succeed in life only ends up becoming like his Dad. What a disappointing ending.


8. "The Making of a Woman Vet"-Sally Haddock-4 stars-Odd book choice for many I'm sure! However, it was well written and gave me a lot of insight into vet school and the life of a vet.

9. "Smith of Wooten Major"-Tolkien-4.5 stars-Tolkien never fails. Great short story!

10. "Farmer Giles of Ham"-Tokien-4.5 stars. Again, Tolkien never fails. Great short story!

11. "Out of the Silent Planet"-C.S. Lewis-4 stars-It has taken me FOREVER to finally read these, and as I am still on the third of the trilogy, it has taken FOREVER to finish. It isn't as if they are not good books...I think it is the amount of philosophy and theology in them. I suppose you could call it easy deep reading. Definantly reccommended, especially for science fiction fans.

12. "Cannery Row"-Steinbeck-3 stars-One of the first Steinbeck books I wasn't thrilled with. Going to Cannery Row over the summer gives it higher ratings though. :)

13. "Dark Tower and Other Stories"-C.S. Lewis-4.75-All I can say is read these books. They are absolutely amazing. I wanted to copy the whole stories and put them in my commonplace book! Just beware before reading "The Dark Tower". It is unfinished. I held off from reading it for a while, couldn't handle it, and gave in. The unfinished story plagued me for days.

14. "Perelandra"-C.S. Lewis-4 stars-Space trilogy continued. Ransom is my hero!

15. "Brave New World"-Aldous Huxley 2 stars-This should NOT be a classic. I only gave it two stars since I put a portion in my commonplace book. Bad writing, and after "1984" this was pathetic.

16. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"-J.K. Rowling 2 stars-Surprised? I didn't really enjoy the books. I didn't understand all the raving.

17. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"-J.K. Rowling 2 stars-Yet I continue.

18. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"-J.K. Rowling 2 stars-I finally stopped after this one.

19. "12 Trademarks of Great Literature"-J.F. Baldwin I go to a bible study this guy teaches and bought it at a worldview camp. Collection of essays, stories, etc. If you can't hear his lectures, try the book out.

20. "Night"-Elie Wiesel 4 stars-Well written book about World War II concentration camps.

21. "East of Eden"-Steinbeck 4.75 stars-This one beat "Grapes of Wrath"!! Considering how much I love that book, this one must be pretty good. It was set in World War II.

22. "Marley and Me"-Grogan 5 stars-I admit it. I'll say it. It made me cry. I never cry. I probably did, because I had just put my dog to sleep before reading this, and this is about the world's best dog-who was really Chuck. Anyway, it was a really good book! Oh, yeah, and about crying, that is a secret, okay? ;)

23. "The Red Pony"-Steinbeck 3 stars- It took me a while to get that this was a collection of two short stories. I am finishing the book, wondering when the two are supposed to connect. Suddenly, oh....They were relatively good. I like Steinbeck's novels much better!

24. "The Picture of Dorian Gray"-Oscar Wilde 3.5 stars-I have been waiting ages to read this book. It was fairly good, but not as good as I had made it in my mind.

Best Movies of 2006

FAMILY
"Monster House"-Most of what I found amusing was the animation.

"Night at the Museum"-Most were surprised when I said I really liked this one. All the characters were hilarious! There were quite a few big names too-Dick Van Dyke, Owen Wilson, Mickey Rooney...

DRAMA

"V for Vendetta"-I still can't make up my mind about this movie. The reason I put it in this list is because of how oddly fascinating it was.

"Lady in the Water"-M. Knight will always be my favorite maker of movies. He has never disappointed me. The imagination of he storyline is enough to make the movie. I won't even get into the interesting characters.

Because I cannot get eight images into one post, you will have to see the next post for the remaining categories.

Best Movies of 2006 Continued

ACTION

"X-Men III"-Who couldn't list this classic one?

"Inside Man" Great, imaginative movie with interesting twists.
COMEDY

"Nacho Libre"-I'm brought back to the good old Napoleon days. Good times.... :)

"Little Miss Sunshine"-Good funny, quirky character movie. Warning: May want the fast forward button handy.

Three and Highlights

Three things that scare me: failure, cold dark water, betrayal

Three people who make me laugh: Audra, "Jack" the dog (story later), and James Herriot [I just realized how odd this list is]

Three things I love: doing things on my list of things to do before my life is over (like ice fishing!!), good fiction books, dogs

Three things I hate: ice cream with nuts or baked goods in it, arguments, popularity/cliques

Three things I don't understand: Relationships, why people have no sympathy or respect for others or things or animals, the mind of Einstein

Three things on my desk: weekly planner, 2000 piece puzzle to return (I have a duplicate one), and pictures of friends

Three things I'm doing right now: writing this meme out, thinking about "Jack", and thinking of all the things I have to do before school starts.

Three things I want to do before I die: adopt an african baby boy, swim the english channel (this is a new idea of mine), and run a marathon

Three things I can do: several thousand piece puzzles, ice fish, and drive in the ice and snow

Three things you should listen to: "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes, "Black Balloon" by Goo Goo Dolls, and "She's Everything" by Brad Paisley

Three things you should never listen to: jazz (I have not acquired a taste for this one), most hip hop, and nails scraped over most surfaces

Three things I'd like to learn: sign language, how to scuba dive, and how to ocean fish

Three favorite foods: ice cream, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli

Three beverages I drink regularly: water, orange juice, and milk

Three TV shows/Books I watched/read as a kid: Bill Nye the Science Guy, Reading Rainbow, and Arthur

Three blogger friends that I am going to tag: You, you, and you (Whoever wants to do it.)


Well, I guess I took an extended leave of absence for the holidays. Good times! Here are some highlights:
-Saw "Night at the Museum". Great movie! I would recommend it.
-Battle for Contentment is getting easier.
-Reading "Every Young Woman's Battle" and "That Hideous Strength". Both are five star books.
-Researched more graduate schools and came up with a few more options.
-Made snowpeople with Aubry after our giant snowstorm.
-Made a snow fort with Josh, Sarah, Laura, and Amelia.
-Sledded with Kasey, Audra, Carly, and Carissa on Sunday.
-My friend is engaged and I am a bridesmaid!!!! I am giving in to wearing a dress, but crossing my fingers that visions of pink bridesmaids do not dance in my friend's head.
-Went to a concert where I found an abandoned dog whom I rescued. The shelter was closed, so he came home with me for the night. Well, one night turned into two since the shelter was closed New Year's. He ended up going ice fishing with my Dad and I (Which was a blast by the way). He was a great dog! He ended up sleeping in my bed last night since he was scared of the coyotes or wolves he heard while in the mudroom. Anyway, he wouldn't stay on the floor, and considering it was two in the morning, I was in no position to argue. We dropped him off at the shelter today to see if his owners come find him. It was very sad to say bye. I had a dog for a few days. :) I "named" him Jack, hence Jack the dog making me laugh.

*Edit* Trebonte asks when the money for my missions trip is due. I changed my dates to June 28th to July 14 since my friend is getting married, and I am in the wedding. I assume that I would need the money before June 28th. *End Edit*