Friday, May 30, 2003
Tuesday, May 27, 2003
Monday, May 26, 2003
Well, the wedding, I must say, was awesome! It couldn't have went better. But, I'm sure you'd all like to hear about bad things that happen to me instead of good, so here's how my morning went....
1:00 am Decide to stay at John and Chris's after three hours in the hot tub (those things make a person pretty tired). :)
1:30 am Try to fall asleep.
1:35 am Remind John to set alarm for 6:00 am so that I can return home in time to get ready for my very first day of actual, for real work at 9 am in Wooster.
1:38 am Try to fall asleep.
2:00 am Try to fall asleep.
3:00 am Still trying to fall asleep.
3:30 am Jake trades me the couch for the bed. Thanks, kid!
Sometime the next day: I think,
"Oh my, it's really bright outside. Crap! What time is it? I'm afraid to look....I know it has to be like 9 o'clock."
6:33 am: I think: "Oh, shwew...I'm late but I still have plenty of time. Thank you internal alarm clock!"
6:35 am Jake wakes up from the living room floor and, through his sleep-filled eyes says, "Are you leavin'?"
6:38 am: I try to start my car. I try to start my car again. And again. Ah, there we go....
6:43 am: I stop at red light.
6:44 am I step on gas as light turns green. Uh-oh. I'm not moving.
6:45 am Still not moving.
6:46 am Honda Civic drives by. Driver thinks, "What is that stupid girl doing? Dumb women."
6:46:30 am: Car moves...10 mph...20 mph....20 mph....23.....25.....uh-oh.
6:47 am: Pull to side of the road.
6:49 am: Red 80-something Mustang pulls to the side...two very rapist-looking men ask me if I need help. I ask if they have a cell phone. "Derrr...what's that?"
6:50 am: I am thinking, "I'm going to get raped."
6:52 am: Arrive safely at gas station
6:53-6:59: Call John 8 times. After four, I'm angry he can't have NORMAL phone but instead has a cell phone that is turn offable. :) After 7, I tell myself to calm down. It's going to be okay....
7:00 am: See sheriff pull out of gas station. Run along highway, flagging him down.
7:05 am: Arrive safely back at John's house in back of sheriff's car after getting lost because the sheriff does not know his right from his left, or how to read, apparently.
7:06 am: A very tired, obviously delirious John tells me to take his truck home and to work. After two minutes of making sure he was going to remember this...
7:09 am: I leave John's house...seat as far up as possible...gas pedal still hard to reach.
And well, that's not the end of it...I could go into the fact that since my family wasn't home, I had no one to call, my credit card is being switched so I couldn't have my car towed, I had to take care of our hyperactive puppy, Charlie, and my cat (black, longhair) was taking a nap on my khakis I needed to wear to work, and I got stuck behind a tractor on the way to Wooster....
I still managed to take a shower, do my hair, my makeup, take Charlie out, lock him back up in the basement, pet the kitty, water my plants, and head out the door....
And I arrived at work right on time.
I didn't eat all day and worked ten hours straight selling shoes and running cash register...
BUT since I had to return to Louisville to return John's truck, I got to eat really well again :) Thanks Johnnie!
AND when I returned home from work I got a big, big hug from my mommy. Thanks Mom!
AND I get a new car (maybe). A cheap one! Maybe it will be yellow! Yay for yellow!
Love ya'll and we're off.
1:00 am Decide to stay at John and Chris's after three hours in the hot tub (those things make a person pretty tired). :)
1:30 am Try to fall asleep.
1:35 am Remind John to set alarm for 6:00 am so that I can return home in time to get ready for my very first day of actual, for real work at 9 am in Wooster.
1:38 am Try to fall asleep.
2:00 am Try to fall asleep.
3:00 am Still trying to fall asleep.
3:30 am Jake trades me the couch for the bed. Thanks, kid!
Sometime the next day: I think,
"Oh my, it's really bright outside. Crap! What time is it? I'm afraid to look....I know it has to be like 9 o'clock."
6:33 am: I think: "Oh, shwew...I'm late but I still have plenty of time. Thank you internal alarm clock!"
6:35 am Jake wakes up from the living room floor and, through his sleep-filled eyes says, "Are you leavin'?"
6:38 am: I try to start my car. I try to start my car again. And again. Ah, there we go....
6:43 am: I stop at red light.
6:44 am I step on gas as light turns green. Uh-oh. I'm not moving.
6:45 am Still not moving.
6:46 am Honda Civic drives by. Driver thinks, "What is that stupid girl doing? Dumb women."
6:46:30 am: Car moves...10 mph...20 mph....20 mph....23.....25.....uh-oh.
6:47 am: Pull to side of the road.
6:49 am: Red 80-something Mustang pulls to the side...two very rapist-looking men ask me if I need help. I ask if they have a cell phone. "Derrr...what's that?"
6:50 am: I am thinking, "I'm going to get raped."
6:52 am: Arrive safely at gas station
6:53-6:59: Call John 8 times. After four, I'm angry he can't have NORMAL phone but instead has a cell phone that is turn offable. :) After 7, I tell myself to calm down. It's going to be okay....
7:00 am: See sheriff pull out of gas station. Run along highway, flagging him down.
7:05 am: Arrive safely back at John's house in back of sheriff's car after getting lost because the sheriff does not know his right from his left, or how to read, apparently.
7:06 am: A very tired, obviously delirious John tells me to take his truck home and to work. After two minutes of making sure he was going to remember this...
7:09 am: I leave John's house...seat as far up as possible...gas pedal still hard to reach.
And well, that's not the end of it...I could go into the fact that since my family wasn't home, I had no one to call, my credit card is being switched so I couldn't have my car towed, I had to take care of our hyperactive puppy, Charlie, and my cat (black, longhair) was taking a nap on my khakis I needed to wear to work, and I got stuck behind a tractor on the way to Wooster....
I still managed to take a shower, do my hair, my makeup, take Charlie out, lock him back up in the basement, pet the kitty, water my plants, and head out the door....
And I arrived at work right on time.
I didn't eat all day and worked ten hours straight selling shoes and running cash register...
BUT since I had to return to Louisville to return John's truck, I got to eat really well again :) Thanks Johnnie!
AND when I returned home from work I got a big, big hug from my mommy. Thanks Mom!
AND I get a new car (maybe). A cheap one! Maybe it will be yellow! Yay for yellow!
Love ya'll and we're off.
Thursday, May 22, 2003
There is this lady across the street behind our house and she has these pet rabbits that run around our neighborhood. Is that weird?
When I was little, I was one of those kids who thought that my toys could talk and stuff when I left the room. So, I would leave the room and then open the door really fast to see if they had started moving or talking. Naturally, I also thought that they just might have feelings. So, I took turns sleeping with them just so no one would feel left out, like in the Velveteen Rabbit. So I'm thinking that right now, the wax burner and the lilacs are at war. The lilacs in our house smell so strong, and I can't even smell the wax burner, which is normally very strong. Does the wax burner feel unimportant now? Are the lilacs saying "Mwahahaha, I have taken over!"
Well, you just never know.
When I was little, I was one of those kids who thought that my toys could talk and stuff when I left the room. So, I would leave the room and then open the door really fast to see if they had started moving or talking. Naturally, I also thought that they just might have feelings. So, I took turns sleeping with them just so no one would feel left out, like in the Velveteen Rabbit. So I'm thinking that right now, the wax burner and the lilacs are at war. The lilacs in our house smell so strong, and I can't even smell the wax burner, which is normally very strong. Does the wax burner feel unimportant now? Are the lilacs saying "Mwahahaha, I have taken over!"
Well, you just never know.
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Today I decided that the world would be a better place without a select few of my guy friends, due to their stupidity.
Oh come on, it's a joke :)
Anyway, guess what? I got the job! Yeah, at the sporting goods store. Go me, go meee! I'm going to buy a new pair of Asics and a new running outfit that is ever so cute. However, I have to work at 2 pm on Sunday...yeah, that's right after the wedding...and 9 am on Monday...yeah, that's right after John's party...I'm going to be exhausted. Excedrin, anyone? I'm gonna need that caffeine.
Hmmm...I have to go call Kari and find out what the deal is for tomorrow. I need to start packing! eeeks! I hope someone is planning on feeding me while I'm down there cuz I certainly do not have any money. I might just have to fill out some IOU's. :) Hey, or I'll just lose 5 pounds for the wedding. Either way is fine with me.
I'm excited for Veronica and Alison and their trip through Europe. Fun times. I think I'd rather them go than me because I've just never been gung-ho about super duper trips where you visit a trillion places. I'm the kind of person that likes to make friends with the locals. :)
Hahaha I can just see Veronica chillin in Germany with the locals. I wonder what locals are like in Germany. I wonder if they're like the locals of New Concord. Probably not.
I went to a district track meet today and got to see all my old coaches. I yelled at them for giving me ulcers and chronic knee pain. :) Just kiddin. I love them. Most of them. Hehehe.
Okay, well pray for all of us this weekend while at Kendra's and in that general area. I think we'll all need it desperately. You could pray for me to win the lottery...but I think that's like, against biblical ethics or something. God's will be done, it's the best :)
Grace and peace, ya'll!
Oh come on, it's a joke :)
Anyway, guess what? I got the job! Yeah, at the sporting goods store. Go me, go meee! I'm going to buy a new pair of Asics and a new running outfit that is ever so cute. However, I have to work at 2 pm on Sunday...yeah, that's right after the wedding...and 9 am on Monday...yeah, that's right after John's party...I'm going to be exhausted. Excedrin, anyone? I'm gonna need that caffeine.
Hmmm...I have to go call Kari and find out what the deal is for tomorrow. I need to start packing! eeeks! I hope someone is planning on feeding me while I'm down there cuz I certainly do not have any money. I might just have to fill out some IOU's. :) Hey, or I'll just lose 5 pounds for the wedding. Either way is fine with me.
I'm excited for Veronica and Alison and their trip through Europe. Fun times. I think I'd rather them go than me because I've just never been gung-ho about super duper trips where you visit a trillion places. I'm the kind of person that likes to make friends with the locals. :)
Hahaha I can just see Veronica chillin in Germany with the locals. I wonder what locals are like in Germany. I wonder if they're like the locals of New Concord. Probably not.
I went to a district track meet today and got to see all my old coaches. I yelled at them for giving me ulcers and chronic knee pain. :) Just kiddin. I love them. Most of them. Hehehe.
Okay, well pray for all of us this weekend while at Kendra's and in that general area. I think we'll all need it desperately. You could pray for me to win the lottery...but I think that's like, against biblical ethics or something. God's will be done, it's the best :)
Grace and peace, ya'll!
Monday, May 19, 2003
I had an interview today at the sporting goods store. It would look promising, but they have about 20 more people to interview, so I'm not counting on it.
Guys are funny. So I went to WalMart with Johnnie and Chris lastnight to buy:
1. Tiki Lamps with citrunel
2. Bottled Water
Those two things they bought last, after they ended up picking up tons of candles, citrunel lights, some food, some grilling tools, some car wax, etc. etc. And then we found a really cool outdoor lawn set that Chris might pick up today...300 dollars, maybe? Oh dear. 3 Cheers for impulse shopping! I'll have to get these guys in to MC Sporting Goods if I work there to buy a treadmill. I would get 20 dollars for every treadmill sold. So hold off on those treadmill purchases, folks. If you're a salesperson, always target those 20 something single guys...they don't have to worry about buying refrigerators, wedding invitations, baby cribs, etc., etc...
Well, off to the Y to work off all that Chinese food :-)
Guys are funny. So I went to WalMart with Johnnie and Chris lastnight to buy:
1. Tiki Lamps with citrunel
2. Bottled Water
Those two things they bought last, after they ended up picking up tons of candles, citrunel lights, some food, some grilling tools, some car wax, etc. etc. And then we found a really cool outdoor lawn set that Chris might pick up today...300 dollars, maybe? Oh dear. 3 Cheers for impulse shopping! I'll have to get these guys in to MC Sporting Goods if I work there to buy a treadmill. I would get 20 dollars for every treadmill sold. So hold off on those treadmill purchases, folks. If you're a salesperson, always target those 20 something single guys...they don't have to worry about buying refrigerators, wedding invitations, baby cribs, etc., etc...
Well, off to the Y to work off all that Chinese food :-)
Friday, May 16, 2003
The Job Search Continues!
Places I've Applied:
MC Sporting Goods
Pierce's Sporting Goods
Putt-N-Stuff
Some Cheese House place
Gift Shoppe
Winning Image Formal Dress Boutique
Das Dutch Kitchen
Seattle's Cafe
Toyrifix
Kidron Towne and Kountry
Dravenstott's
Movies Ten
Wooster YMCA
Orrville YMCA
Dalton YMCA
Think I'll get a job?
I'm hoping to get the job at the Seattle's Cafe place. It's really cool and college like and I think I have a really good chance, and it'll bring in the most money. It's a little pot-smokerish but I think I'll be all right :) The guys there said I'd do great with my first-grade teacher look and smile :) Ya'll will have to come see me and we can chill outside listening to Dave Matthews while strumming our guitars, drinking cappucino and some Coronas. Yeah... Make sure your hair is long and your beards unshaven. ;-)
Places I've Applied:
MC Sporting Goods
Pierce's Sporting Goods
Putt-N-Stuff
Some Cheese House place
Gift Shoppe
Winning Image Formal Dress Boutique
Das Dutch Kitchen
Seattle's Cafe
Toyrifix
Kidron Towne and Kountry
Dravenstott's
Movies Ten
Wooster YMCA
Orrville YMCA
Dalton YMCA
Think I'll get a job?
I'm hoping to get the job at the Seattle's Cafe place. It's really cool and college like and I think I have a really good chance, and it'll bring in the most money. It's a little pot-smokerish but I think I'll be all right :) The guys there said I'd do great with my first-grade teacher look and smile :) Ya'll will have to come see me and we can chill outside listening to Dave Matthews while strumming our guitars, drinking cappucino and some Coronas. Yeah... Make sure your hair is long and your beards unshaven. ;-)
Thursday, May 15, 2003
Happy day! Sarah and I are chillin today in good ol' Orrville...or Canton, or Wooster, or something like that. You know. I think our dates with Ben and Jerry days are over due to my recent incline of intolerance to lactose. Oooh, that sounded intelligent. STILL no luck on the job front, and I am starting to worry....starting to wonder how I'll be able to afford my own place by next summer, my own car... Ohhh nooo what am I ever going to do? Don't worry, Amanda, God has a plan. I know He does. Then why are you freaking out? I'm NOT! Leave me alone! Yeah, so um...I'm a little scared. A little scared of growing up. That's okay. Hopefully I'll just move in with Lindsay and she can help me take care of myself. Sigh. Triple sigh.
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Had another wonderful dinner lastnght...softball game was fun :) I kept jumping when the ball would hit the fence right in front of us. It was quite scary. Today, I'm going down to Muskingum and then Kari and I will head down to St. Clairsville for our last fitting. I am still goin' strong with my 15 dollars. I'm hoping it'll last me awhile. Sarah and I are doing something tomorrow, so I'm pretty excited about that, and then tonight I might go over to the Jr. High Youth Group Bibe Study, but probably not cuz I'll be all tired and stuff from the Muskingum trip, and I'll probably end up being there awhile. Cuz I miss my girls! K. Byebye!
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Monday, May 12, 2003
This is an email that I received from my friend, Meredith today. I was truly touched by it and I hope you are, too, and that you would consider praying for her and this ministry she is in. Meredith was a senior in high school when I stopped leading Young Life my sophomore year of college. It is amazing how much this young woman has grown since becoming a Christian. She is truly an inspiration to me. It's so wonderful, to see the ones we once "led" or "taught" go as far as we have prayed for them to go, and surpass all of our expectations. At one time, I may have been an inspiration to her, but wow, I think our roles have changed. I am sure I could learn more from her now than I could ever teach her. I think that's the goal of most leaders and disciplers and teachers... Meredith, I love you, and God is certainly writing your life story to be an awesome one. Your email made me so happy (in a concerned, motherly sort of way) and I will praying for you and thanking God for you every day.
Dear Friends,
Hello there! It has been quite a while since I last sent out a mass email, updating you about my life. It seems that these must almost always come with my apologies for losing touch with some of you. :( At the end of Fall Semester, I transferred from Liberty University [in VA] to Eastern University [in St. Davids, PA--20 mins west of Philadelphia]... Then, at the conclusion of the Spring semester I moved into a Christian community/outreach house called 'The Stephen's House', located right in the inner city of North Philadelphia. I am not exaggerating when I say it is in the 'inner city'. The house was intentionally placed in a low-income, pre-dominantly black neighborhood as a means of racial reconciliation as well as Christian outreach. The needs are many in our neighborhood and the drug problems are rampant. I am often in situations where there is no clear-cut moral answer on how to respond, and I have to figure things out for myself. My focus is continually brought back to Christ and the way He interacted with people. At the same time, I wonder at the reflection of Christ that shines from the eyes of the "least of these". I want so much to help these friends out of their situations---to help them get into drug rehab, homeless shelters, and other social programs that are instituted to help them. But many times people are not yet ready to be helped and they just need someone to hurt with them and understand them. I cannot tell you how many times I stop and wrestle with the question of how Jesus would interact with these people or how He would respond to these situations. Even then, the answer is rarely clear. I hope that somehow, I am of a positive influence to my friends in the city. I do know that they are helping me to more deeply understand what life is truly about... Love.
"No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and
His love has been brought to full expression through us" 1 John 4:12
Dear Friends,
Hello there! It has been quite a while since I last sent out a mass email, updating you about my life. It seems that these must almost always come with my apologies for losing touch with some of you. :( At the end of Fall Semester, I transferred from Liberty University [in VA] to Eastern University [in St. Davids, PA--20 mins west of Philadelphia]... Then, at the conclusion of the Spring semester I moved into a Christian community/outreach house called 'The Stephen's House', located right in the inner city of North Philadelphia. I am not exaggerating when I say it is in the 'inner city'. The house was intentionally placed in a low-income, pre-dominantly black neighborhood as a means of racial reconciliation as well as Christian outreach. The needs are many in our neighborhood and the drug problems are rampant. I am often in situations where there is no clear-cut moral answer on how to respond, and I have to figure things out for myself. My focus is continually brought back to Christ and the way He interacted with people. At the same time, I wonder at the reflection of Christ that shines from the eyes of the "least of these". I want so much to help these friends out of their situations---to help them get into drug rehab, homeless shelters, and other social programs that are instituted to help them. But many times people are not yet ready to be helped and they just need someone to hurt with them and understand them. I cannot tell you how many times I stop and wrestle with the question of how Jesus would interact with these people or how He would respond to these situations. Even then, the answer is rarely clear. I hope that somehow, I am of a positive influence to my friends in the city. I do know that they are helping me to more deeply understand what life is truly about... Love.
"No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and
His love has been brought to full expression through us" 1 John 4:12
Saturday, May 10, 2003
Well, well, well...this is an awesome summer! It's so awesome that I haven't been online in over two days! I've been really busy decorating, cleaning, and organizing. My room looks amazing. I love it and I added a sort of beachy theme, so it's way cool, complete with some beachy-like fabric on my bedside stand and a big pillow that I sewed by hand. I did not paint my bedside stand, but I think it looks all right. I painte another stand for my TV and it's really cute. Today I found some INCREDIBLE deals...I got some little old magazine advertisements to hang on the wall from the antique store, potting soil, flower pots, a hanging plant, and these ever-so-adorable daisy plants that are "just to die for!" I also got applicatons for Kidron Town and Country and Putt-n-Stuff. I know Kidron Town and Country is hiring...but that's definitely a last resort. I stopped by Shisler's Cheese House and they're not hiring, either, although the lady said she would probably need help over Christmas. They have a CAT there! WOW! It'd be super great to work at Putt-n-Stuff. I don't know why I didn't think of applying there before...I could just kick myself now. They have a rock wall and bumper boats and go karts and batting cages and laser tag...how fun is that? Perfect for Mandi :) Hmm...except the go-karts. :o) Laser tag...I never score points in laser tag cuz I just hide! I ain't no James Bond. And well, I've never set foot in a batting cage. Heaven knows I hate balls enough...I don't need some blind machine throwing 'em every which way. Maybe I shouldn't work there, afterall.
Well, Thursday night at John's house was won-der-ful. Say it with me: "Won-der-ful!" I have three things to say: chicken, 3 cats, hot tub. Who could ask for more? Tomorrow I get to head back over there for a little graduation celebration. Tomorrow I also get to go to church! I'm desperately hoping to see at least 4 super great friends and make plans to hang out :) Without Winey here, it's going to be tough doing the "planning" thing on our own. Sigh.
Yesterday I got to spend QUALITY time with the lil' bro. And when I say quality, I mean quality. We played basketball for like an hour, walked Charlie down to the root beer stand, bought some ice cream (I had a Coke), and rode bikes. It was mar-vel-ous.
Well, I'm off to fill out some apps. Check ya later, folks. Grace n peace.
Well, Thursday night at John's house was won-der-ful. Say it with me: "Won-der-ful!" I have three things to say: chicken, 3 cats, hot tub. Who could ask for more? Tomorrow I get to head back over there for a little graduation celebration. Tomorrow I also get to go to church! I'm desperately hoping to see at least 4 super great friends and make plans to hang out :) Without Winey here, it's going to be tough doing the "planning" thing on our own. Sigh.
Yesterday I got to spend QUALITY time with the lil' bro. And when I say quality, I mean quality. We played basketball for like an hour, walked Charlie down to the root beer stand, bought some ice cream (I had a Coke), and rode bikes. It was mar-vel-ous.
Well, I'm off to fill out some apps. Check ya later, folks. Grace n peace.
Wednesday, May 07, 2003
On Plans for the Summer
Well, I'm hoping that in the month of May, I will be able to miraculously come up with about 700 dollars so that I can pay for wedding stuff, buy a snake, take my sister out for her very belated birthday, buy a new swimsuit, buy some visits to the tanning bed (only because I'm wearing a yellow dress in the wedding), pay for gas....etc., etc.
I also hope to go through all my education classes stuff and sort things out into some type of file box. Yeah right. That'll never happen.
I want to refinish my bedside stand and my other bookshelf...and I'm thinking about doing the porchswing too, but that would take oil-based paint and oil-based paint is not cool. Maybe if I just varnish it it will be okay :)
I need a couple dozen little white picture frames. Well, I'll have to paint them white. But yes, that's another thing to do.
I want to buy some pretty plants for my bedroom.
I really want to buy a little pet snake to start out with before I get my boa or my python. Yay :) But that would require buying a tank and all those supplies and something weird for the snake to eat like crickets or something. Weird :-p
I'll be helping out with our Junior High Youth Group, I believe. Maybe a miracle will happen and they'll hook me up with an office job or something there. It would be nice.
But, I'm hoping that maybe I'll get the YMCA Day Camp job. Even though I'm kinda ticked at them.
I hope that I'll get to hang out with people like Emily and Laura and Jeff a lot this summer because I miss them.
I'll probably be traveling over to Louisville once in awhile too.
I hope also that I'll get to read a lot of books!
Wedding! May 24!
I think it's going to be a great summer...a God-focused one, I hope...so, I'm kind of excited about it.
Well, I'm hoping that in the month of May, I will be able to miraculously come up with about 700 dollars so that I can pay for wedding stuff, buy a snake, take my sister out for her very belated birthday, buy a new swimsuit, buy some visits to the tanning bed (only because I'm wearing a yellow dress in the wedding), pay for gas....etc., etc.
I also hope to go through all my education classes stuff and sort things out into some type of file box. Yeah right. That'll never happen.
I want to refinish my bedside stand and my other bookshelf...and I'm thinking about doing the porchswing too, but that would take oil-based paint and oil-based paint is not cool. Maybe if I just varnish it it will be okay :)
I need a couple dozen little white picture frames. Well, I'll have to paint them white. But yes, that's another thing to do.
I want to buy some pretty plants for my bedroom.
I really want to buy a little pet snake to start out with before I get my boa or my python. Yay :) But that would require buying a tank and all those supplies and something weird for the snake to eat like crickets or something. Weird :-p
I'll be helping out with our Junior High Youth Group, I believe. Maybe a miracle will happen and they'll hook me up with an office job or something there. It would be nice.
But, I'm hoping that maybe I'll get the YMCA Day Camp job. Even though I'm kinda ticked at them.
I hope that I'll get to hang out with people like Emily and Laura and Jeff a lot this summer because I miss them.
I'll probably be traveling over to Louisville once in awhile too.
I hope also that I'll get to read a lot of books!
Wedding! May 24!
I think it's going to be a great summer...a God-focused one, I hope...so, I'm kind of excited about it.
God Defend New Zealand
(New Zealand's National Anthem)
Words: Thomas Bracken Music: John J. Woods
hear the tune here
Verse 1
God of nations! at Thy feet
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our Free Land.
Guard Pacific's triple star,
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand
A Description of the City Where I Will Most Likely Be:
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand / Aotearoa. It is also the cultural, administrative and political center of the country. Two aspects of the city that will immediately strike any visitor are the sprawling harbour and the dramatic, hilly terrain. Everywhere you go, the sounds and smell of the ocean hang in the air, and green hills and valleys wrap you in a bear-hug embrace. At night, Wellington offers up a spectacular, shimmering cityscape that is unlike almost anywhere else in the world. Even after seeing it for the hundredth time, it takes one's breath away. Wellington is a vibrant, scenic, windy, cosmopolitan, diverse, eccentric, maddening and hilarious place. It has the some of the best museums, art galleries, restaurants, microbreweries, and coffee houses in the country. It is the storehouse for the nation's historic, cultural and artistic treasures. Being the first place European settlers arrived, it also boasts lots of historic streets and buildings.
There's a children's science museum too! Maybe we'll take a field trip :)
(New Zealand's National Anthem)
Words: Thomas Bracken Music: John J. Woods
hear the tune here
Verse 1
God of nations! at Thy feet
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our Free Land.
Guard Pacific's triple star,
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand
A Description of the City Where I Will Most Likely Be:
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand / Aotearoa. It is also the cultural, administrative and political center of the country. Two aspects of the city that will immediately strike any visitor are the sprawling harbour and the dramatic, hilly terrain. Everywhere you go, the sounds and smell of the ocean hang in the air, and green hills and valleys wrap you in a bear-hug embrace. At night, Wellington offers up a spectacular, shimmering cityscape that is unlike almost anywhere else in the world. Even after seeing it for the hundredth time, it takes one's breath away. Wellington is a vibrant, scenic, windy, cosmopolitan, diverse, eccentric, maddening and hilarious place. It has the some of the best museums, art galleries, restaurants, microbreweries, and coffee houses in the country. It is the storehouse for the nation's historic, cultural and artistic treasures. Being the first place European settlers arrived, it also boasts lots of historic streets and buildings.
There's a children's science museum too! Maybe we'll take a field trip :)
Tuesday, May 06, 2003
Lately,when I walk by myself, I repeatedly say in my head, "G'day mate!" just for some practice when I go dun unda (that's New Zealand accent for "down under"). This one professor says it's more that likely that I will visit Australia and Japan while I'm there. But you know what, there are so many beautiful places in New Zealand, I'm not sure I'll want to vist anywhere else!
I'm thinkin' a going away party would be nice come January in good ol' Orrville. Luggage, laptop, camera, bathing suit, beach towel? Teacher clothes, grading book, journal? 'At's roight, mate.
I'm thinkin' a going away party would be nice come January in good ol' Orrville. Luggage, laptop, camera, bathing suit, beach towel? Teacher clothes, grading book, journal? 'At's roight, mate.
Monday, May 05, 2003
Let this goodbye be like the tall, withstanding
Lake side trees, remaining strong but soft,
Ancient and crooked and wise.
And let there be that last look
We see only once, only in goodbyes
That are uncertain of their tomorrows.
Past years have built us so beautifully,
Too beautiful to be lost.
When once I hoped it would happen quickly,
I can only think now
That it has come too soon.
I took a walk today, to this little secluded lake near our campus...
And I thought long and hard about the past two years, about what my friends have meant to me,
About things that I have learned. I've learned so much, so much about God...
How amazing, how powerful, how loving He is...how angry He can be...
I've learned that Satan can so easily take control when we are not filled with God's Holy Spirit.
I've learned that fellowship with God's people can just---wow, it can just move mountains. It can break down walls. It can be rough. It can involve a lot of tears. It can involve a lot of risk. It requires a lot of sacrifice, a lot of love. The rewards, however, are immeasurable.
So I thought I'd be happy to say goodbye to this school year, because it really has involved a lot of turmoil. There are people and situations I won't miss, but from these experiences I've learned that---
I can't blame other people for my own stupidity.
I keep forcing God to teach me the same lessons over and over and over.
I've learned that a little bit of sin is easy to fall into and hard to come out of.
I've learned that it doesn't matter what people think, as long as God knows your heart and your heart is right with God.
I've learned not to change my personality, my views, my appearance, my values, my morals, my beliefs...in order to suit someone else's desires or expectations.
I've learned that children can teach us more knowledge than most adults ever could.
I've learned that God really can use me.
I've learned that God will prepare me for challenges I will face. He'll even warn me if I am listening.
I wish I could say I've learned how to trust, but what I have learned is that we all need to be very, very careful of who we trust.
I've learned how to love through Christ,
And not through emotions.
And in two or three days, I will be saying goodbye to people I love more than I ever thought possible. And yes, I will be sad. However, the bonds that bind us are stronger than miles. We have shared tears, laughter, heartbreak, friendships, prayers, worship, songs, late nights, loooong conversations, pizzas, cookies, popcorn and pies! We have shared our hearts, our love, our lives. And guess what? I love you!
"Catch the wind, taste the rain, and touch all of your tomorrows."
Lake side trees, remaining strong but soft,
Ancient and crooked and wise.
And let there be that last look
We see only once, only in goodbyes
That are uncertain of their tomorrows.
Past years have built us so beautifully,
Too beautiful to be lost.
When once I hoped it would happen quickly,
I can only think now
That it has come too soon.
I took a walk today, to this little secluded lake near our campus...
And I thought long and hard about the past two years, about what my friends have meant to me,
About things that I have learned. I've learned so much, so much about God...
How amazing, how powerful, how loving He is...how angry He can be...
I've learned that Satan can so easily take control when we are not filled with God's Holy Spirit.
I've learned that fellowship with God's people can just---wow, it can just move mountains. It can break down walls. It can be rough. It can involve a lot of tears. It can involve a lot of risk. It requires a lot of sacrifice, a lot of love. The rewards, however, are immeasurable.
So I thought I'd be happy to say goodbye to this school year, because it really has involved a lot of turmoil. There are people and situations I won't miss, but from these experiences I've learned that---
I can't blame other people for my own stupidity.
I keep forcing God to teach me the same lessons over and over and over.
I've learned that a little bit of sin is easy to fall into and hard to come out of.
I've learned that it doesn't matter what people think, as long as God knows your heart and your heart is right with God.
I've learned not to change my personality, my views, my appearance, my values, my morals, my beliefs...in order to suit someone else's desires or expectations.
I've learned that children can teach us more knowledge than most adults ever could.
I've learned that God really can use me.
I've learned that God will prepare me for challenges I will face. He'll even warn me if I am listening.
I wish I could say I've learned how to trust, but what I have learned is that we all need to be very, very careful of who we trust.
I've learned how to love through Christ,
And not through emotions.
And in two or three days, I will be saying goodbye to people I love more than I ever thought possible. And yes, I will be sad. However, the bonds that bind us are stronger than miles. We have shared tears, laughter, heartbreak, friendships, prayers, worship, songs, late nights, loooong conversations, pizzas, cookies, popcorn and pies! We have shared our hearts, our love, our lives. And guess what? I love you!
"Catch the wind, taste the rain, and touch all of your tomorrows."
Sunday, May 04, 2003
Thank you, thank you...for all the positive reinforcement. However, I know there are at least 20 other people that read this thing that have never responded. I am disappointed in you! But I, not being a forceful person, will forgive you. ;-)
Hmm...studying is going extremely well, thanks to the help of my roommate who is like, a supernatural angelic like creature. I'm starting to wonder if you're real, Lindsay. Are you real?
I've decided that I can pretty much write whatever I want for the take-home section of my 409 final. I think that based on previous grades, the professor will give me an A. I really doubt that most professors read everything in these final papers because they don't even have to give them back to us. If I were a professor and it was the end of the year, and I came across Amanda L. Harrington's paper, I'd put a nice big A on it because "she's a nice girl." Hmm. Yeah, I think I might risk it. I just can't do this "working hard" thing right now. I even have a list right here about all my reasons why I need to study. Number 5 is "I need to improve my work ethic." This is true. There are some psycho people at this school that work full time and go to class and stuff and I'm just like, hmm...don't think so. I just can't take all that stress. Afterall, when would I make time to write in my online diary?
Guess what? I won something! Yeah, can you believe it? Now I've won, in my entire life, these things:
1. 50 dollars on a lottery ticket when I was 10
2. Bobby Brown single tape at the 5th and 6th grade dance "I Gotta Get Away"
3. Books Etc. basket at the Basket Bingo with my aunts :) Yay for books!
4. Ten Shekel Shirt CD...go me!
Hmm...studying is going extremely well, thanks to the help of my roommate who is like, a supernatural angelic like creature. I'm starting to wonder if you're real, Lindsay. Are you real?
I've decided that I can pretty much write whatever I want for the take-home section of my 409 final. I think that based on previous grades, the professor will give me an A. I really doubt that most professors read everything in these final papers because they don't even have to give them back to us. If I were a professor and it was the end of the year, and I came across Amanda L. Harrington's paper, I'd put a nice big A on it because "she's a nice girl." Hmm. Yeah, I think I might risk it. I just can't do this "working hard" thing right now. I even have a list right here about all my reasons why I need to study. Number 5 is "I need to improve my work ethic." This is true. There are some psycho people at this school that work full time and go to class and stuff and I'm just like, hmm...don't think so. I just can't take all that stress. Afterall, when would I make time to write in my online diary?
Guess what? I won something! Yeah, can you believe it? Now I've won, in my entire life, these things:
1. 50 dollars on a lottery ticket when I was 10
2. Bobby Brown single tape at the 5th and 6th grade dance "I Gotta Get Away"
3. Books Etc. basket at the Basket Bingo with my aunts :) Yay for books!
4. Ten Shekel Shirt CD...go me!
Saturday, May 03, 2003
Aww, is it Saturday already? That means...that means, (sigh) I have to start studying (sigh). However, college is just like, totally awesome. I mean, if I wanna slack one day, I can. If I wanna skip, I can. If I wanna stay up all night long, I can. In college, it's pretty much like you can do whatever the heck ya want. I like that. I think I'll miss it when I get a real job. Maybe I WILL go to grad school. I could stay in college an extra year and pick up another major. Hmm...probably not. I think I'm just about ready to leave. Yeah, I'm definitely getting there. Especially by the time January comes around and I'll be leaving for....Newwwwwww Zeeeeeealand! haHAAA I am soooo excited. Nothing better screw it up :-p I hope I don't chicken out or anything. I'm a loser like that sometimes :) Aw, it's going to be "rufus" man ("rufus" is something the guy from New Zealand always says on Rocket Power, the best cartoon that's on these days). Okay. Byebye.
Thursday, May 01, 2003
Some of the elementary school kids were outside running today, around in circles like we used to for the mile, and their gym teacher, who is the coolest, funnest gym teacher ever, was running with them with a fishing hat on his head, just laughing and running with the kids. Very cool.
I almost told a kid to stop being a smart ass today, but luckily I caught myself and said "Smart Alec."
Some of these kids think I'm evil! I wish they weren't so stinkin bad so I didn't have to yell at them all the time! It's like my week in Pines revisited.
My mom and aunt Cathy came to get me at school today and we went to Theo' s and the antique store. I bought two scarves for my head...one pink and one white. Very cool :)
The chicken chimichanga at Theo's is wayyy delish!
This stupid dog is going to be killed in a matter of seconds if he doesn't stop CHEWING ON THINGS!!!! He keeps getting things off the floor, the counter, the table...when does it end? It's like having a furry quadriped two-year old.
I am home! Very cool :)
The stupid hair place ran out of bleach! Not cool! How can a hair place run out of bleach? They might as well just run out of scissors.
The library doesn't have the book I wanted. Sigh. But Jeff and I are going to hang out tonight. Very cool :)
I'm visiting Mt. Union tomorrow, and that is also very cool. :)
I almost told a kid to stop being a smart ass today, but luckily I caught myself and said "Smart Alec."
Some of these kids think I'm evil! I wish they weren't so stinkin bad so I didn't have to yell at them all the time! It's like my week in Pines revisited.
My mom and aunt Cathy came to get me at school today and we went to Theo' s and the antique store. I bought two scarves for my head...one pink and one white. Very cool :)
The chicken chimichanga at Theo's is wayyy delish!
This stupid dog is going to be killed in a matter of seconds if he doesn't stop CHEWING ON THINGS!!!! He keeps getting things off the floor, the counter, the table...when does it end? It's like having a furry quadriped two-year old.
I am home! Very cool :)
The stupid hair place ran out of bleach! Not cool! How can a hair place run out of bleach? They might as well just run out of scissors.
The library doesn't have the book I wanted. Sigh. But Jeff and I are going to hang out tonight. Very cool :)
I'm visiting Mt. Union tomorrow, and that is also very cool. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)