(Written at 4am on December 31st)
So I just returned from a Walmart trip with my sister...but before I get to that story...
This morning I got up at 5:30 (after 4 1/2 hours of sleep in my new bed!) and headed to the Jacksonville airport. I got some reading (Christine Cain=stellar author) done, enjoyed my awesome new iPod (5th generation pink Nano=thanks padre!, had soup in a bread bowl at Atlanta Bread Co. during my layover, read some more, and by 1pm I was in Lynchburg. Lindsay and I did some shopping, ate amazing Chick-Fil-A,and saw The Blind Side (highly recommend it). Then Linz dropped me off and I got to see my adorable niece. Awesome day-time for bed, right? Uhm...apparently not....
See tomorrow is our family Christmas so logically it was time for my sister to go Christmas shopping. Clearly the fact that Christmas was actually 5/6 days ago, completely managed to escape her. (We may look alike, but....) So yes, we headed out to shop...and of course Walmart is the only store open in the middle of the night.
So we started on our adventure...aAfter taking pictures for youth group scavenger hunt kids, searching relentlessly (and eventually successfully) for socks with "grippies" for the madre, and staring at way too many candles and diffusers for...EVERYONE, and over 2 hours of general middle-of-the-night-Walmart-fun, I was exhausted.
So exhausted, in fact, that I couldn't find turkey bags and had to ask a man for help. When he pointed to his ear and shook his head, I almost forgot I knew sign language and was almost as surprised as he was when I asked again in ASL.
To add to the comedy, as we were looking at books for my brother and sister-in-law, Jeremy called to ask if my mom would like a Nicholas Sparks book (keep in mind it's about 1am)...apparently, he too was Christmas shopping at his neighborhood Walmart in West Virginia to prepare for his trip down tomorrow/today.
As we were leaving some crazy old man started telling us jokes, but I was so delirious that I was almost in tears laughing before he got to the punch line. I tried to control myself, but the task quickly proved impossible. The man then took my laughter as encouragement and mistakenly assumed I thought he was funny. This lead to many more jokes. (something about the dead sea being sick and a 400 hundred year old man...oy) We were finally able to escape and head to Jes' house.
Since there was ice on the car and windshield, it should have been no surprise that her driveway was completely frozen. Yet it still caught me completely off guard...and I almost wiped out. We wrapped a few presents and now I'm off to bed.
Pretty sure, I've been up for almost 24 hours and I was in Florida this morning! Wow....what a night!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Fractal: In Honor of Defying Gravity
I have to admit that I mostly watched this strange "Grey's Anatomy in Space", because its title caught my attention. Apparently it premiered at the beginning of August...but I never had a chance to watch it until last night. I was admittedly saddened that there were no references to the song with which it shares its name. (Not that I really thought there would be...I just love Wicked...so it would have been nice!) :)
Anyway...back to the point of this post. It was announced today that Defying Gravity has been canceled! I would say that I don't care, since the show was pretty much a lame soap opera that occurs in space....except I loved the very end of last night's episode!
I tried (unsuccessfully) to locate a video clip,and my explanation would never do it justice. So I'll just say that the astronauts found BETA. And though we (the viewers) are not allowed the full vantage point of the astronauts, we are permitted a small glimpse. This snapshot reveals a beautiful fractal tomato garden with whale-like musical calls. (See...my explanation is definitely not doing it justice...you're going to have to trust me...it really was beautiful!)
Anyway...it reminded me of an essay I wrote several years ago (and I do mean several! I was an undergrad at the time!) in response to the following quote:
“The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science.” – Albert Einstein, Living Philosophies, 1931
I decided to post it here as motivation to start blogging again. I really wanted to edit it, because it's slightly long and the perfectionist in me doesn't like to "publish" anything that isn't finished! But I decided to post it in it's original state.
So if you haven't lost interest yet and feel you can forgive the amateur writing and lack of focus, feel free to read on...
Albert Einstein is a wonderfully insightful man and I admire all that he accomplished in his lifetime. Though he was a brilliant man who strove to discover so much, he also understood that mystery is a beautiful thing.
I love learning anything, especially pertaining to math, science, and art. Though many see those three as separate entities, I am drawn to them because of their connections and dependency upon one another. To study any of them without the others would be an injustice to each subject. As I see them intertwining throughout the world in dance, sports, medicine, machinery, and countless other examples, perhaps the most beautiful, interesting, and inexplicable exists in nature.
While fractal geometry can explain so much from the design of an amusement park ride to the shape of a simple maple leaf, those who have no knowledge of these algorithms are able to enjoy the created and natural world just the same. I love that we have computers that can repeat an equation so many times that we can see shapes and patterns emerge, but I know that an equation can never explain the beauty and mystery of nature. “Clouds are not spheres, mountains are not cones, coastlines are not circles, and bark is not smooth, nor does lightning travel in a straight line.” (The Fractal Geometry of Nature, 1982)
Newton believed that the entire future could be predicted through his laws and yet the chaos theory shows why that is not true. Small changes in any complicated system will have great effects. Yet, we see the same general patterns again and again, never repeating themselves exactly. The unpredictable and predetermined together unfold to make our world what it is.
Each day we are making new discoveries and it is wonderful. I am thankful that we no longer believe that the flu is caused by the influence of the stars or that the earth is flat, and I wonder what it is we will discover in my lifetime. And yet I feel that knowledge is a dangerous thing as it ruins the simple pleasure of life.
Life’s delight is not in the single moments of discovery but the journey as a whole. Each moment of life is a small mystery. Will it stop raining soon? Will I go to graduate school next year? Will I live to be a hundred? Though many of our questions we can answer with some confidence, we also know that there is always an element of uncertainty. Life does not follow our plans, and thus our plans are changed to follow life.
Just the same, Science is full of theories and laws that are ever-changing in a world of discovery. We often find that the things we thought or believed to be true are in fact not the case. Will we ever discover it all? Certainly, not. As we answer one question we are faced with hundreds more.
Science is the study of mystery and art the expression of it.
As an artist conveys his message, he is articulating his own inquiries of life. He communicates his journey and discoveries through each choice of color or placement as he creates a masterpiece in any media. And yet as each person views a play, listens to a melody, or gazes at a photograph he sees the same general piece, but never exactly the same.
Einstein’s thoughts have been echoed on more than one occasion in the 75 years since he wrote Living Philosophies, by persons of all backgrounds, education, and walks of life. I think it is best articulated in the words of the character Septimus in Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia when he states, “When we have found all the mysteries and lost all the meaning we will be alone, on an empty shore.”
The enjoyment of life is not in the pursuit of the mysterious, but in the mystery itself.
Anyway...back to the point of this post. It was announced today that Defying Gravity has been canceled! I would say that I don't care, since the show was pretty much a lame soap opera that occurs in space....except I loved the very end of last night's episode!
I tried (unsuccessfully) to locate a video clip,and my explanation would never do it justice. So I'll just say that the astronauts found BETA. And though we (the viewers) are not allowed the full vantage point of the astronauts, we are permitted a small glimpse. This snapshot reveals a beautiful fractal tomato garden with whale-like musical calls. (See...my explanation is definitely not doing it justice...you're going to have to trust me...it really was beautiful!)
Anyway...it reminded me of an essay I wrote several years ago (and I do mean several! I was an undergrad at the time!) in response to the following quote:
“The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science.” – Albert Einstein, Living Philosophies, 1931
I decided to post it here as motivation to start blogging again. I really wanted to edit it, because it's slightly long and the perfectionist in me doesn't like to "publish" anything that isn't finished! But I decided to post it in it's original state.
So if you haven't lost interest yet and feel you can forgive the amateur writing and lack of focus, feel free to read on...
Albert Einstein is a wonderfully insightful man and I admire all that he accomplished in his lifetime. Though he was a brilliant man who strove to discover so much, he also understood that mystery is a beautiful thing.
I love learning anything, especially pertaining to math, science, and art. Though many see those three as separate entities, I am drawn to them because of their connections and dependency upon one another. To study any of them without the others would be an injustice to each subject. As I see them intertwining throughout the world in dance, sports, medicine, machinery, and countless other examples, perhaps the most beautiful, interesting, and inexplicable exists in nature.
While fractal geometry can explain so much from the design of an amusement park ride to the shape of a simple maple leaf, those who have no knowledge of these algorithms are able to enjoy the created and natural world just the same. I love that we have computers that can repeat an equation so many times that we can see shapes and patterns emerge, but I know that an equation can never explain the beauty and mystery of nature. “Clouds are not spheres, mountains are not cones, coastlines are not circles, and bark is not smooth, nor does lightning travel in a straight line.” (The Fractal Geometry of Nature, 1982)
Newton believed that the entire future could be predicted through his laws and yet the chaos theory shows why that is not true. Small changes in any complicated system will have great effects. Yet, we see the same general patterns again and again, never repeating themselves exactly. The unpredictable and predetermined together unfold to make our world what it is.
Each day we are making new discoveries and it is wonderful. I am thankful that we no longer believe that the flu is caused by the influence of the stars or that the earth is flat, and I wonder what it is we will discover in my lifetime. And yet I feel that knowledge is a dangerous thing as it ruins the simple pleasure of life.
Life’s delight is not in the single moments of discovery but the journey as a whole. Each moment of life is a small mystery. Will it stop raining soon? Will I go to graduate school next year? Will I live to be a hundred? Though many of our questions we can answer with some confidence, we also know that there is always an element of uncertainty. Life does not follow our plans, and thus our plans are changed to follow life.
Just the same, Science is full of theories and laws that are ever-changing in a world of discovery. We often find that the things we thought or believed to be true are in fact not the case. Will we ever discover it all? Certainly, not. As we answer one question we are faced with hundreds more.
Science is the study of mystery and art the expression of it.
As an artist conveys his message, he is articulating his own inquiries of life. He communicates his journey and discoveries through each choice of color or placement as he creates a masterpiece in any media. And yet as each person views a play, listens to a melody, or gazes at a photograph he sees the same general piece, but never exactly the same.
Einstein’s thoughts have been echoed on more than one occasion in the 75 years since he wrote Living Philosophies, by persons of all backgrounds, education, and walks of life. I think it is best articulated in the words of the character Septimus in Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia when he states, “When we have found all the mysteries and lost all the meaning we will be alone, on an empty shore.”
The enjoyment of life is not in the pursuit of the mysterious, but in the mystery itself.
Friday, June 26, 2009
It's a Girl!!!!!!!!! :)
Meet Raelynn Rebekah
She surprised us all by arriving a month early! She made her entrance at 1:58pm on June 25th weighing in at 4lbs 9oz. Momma and baby are doing well and I'm a very proud sister and aunt.
Off to spoil a tiny baby! :)
She surprised us all by arriving a month early! She made her entrance at 1:58pm on June 25th weighing in at 4lbs 9oz. Momma and baby are doing well and I'm a very proud sister and aunt.
Off to spoil a tiny baby! :)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Under Construction
My house got behind schedule during the recent rain in Florida. It's quite difficult to do electrical and plumbing work during torrential downpours. But after airing things out, replacing all the doors, and working through the weekends, they are back on track! :)
I had my pre-drywall walkthrough today. Very Fun. You can actually tell it's going to be a house now! :) And it should be done in 60 days! With the aid of a few pictures and your imagination, I am taking you on a tour of my townhouse!
After entering through the garage or front door you will find yourself in an entryway leading to my kitchen/dining/living room. What you see here is my flooring (left) and kitchen cabinets and counters.
As you walk upstairs you will see the loft and bedrooms (2) painted and carpeted in beige. Boring but neutral and ready for lots of fun decorating! (But I can't reveal all of my secrets!)
I have 2 and a half bathrooms. From left to right: counters, cabinets, paint.
And for a sneak peak at one room of decorations....my bedroom will be decorated in these colors to make me feel like I'm at the beach all the time! :)
I had my pre-drywall walkthrough today. Very Fun. You can actually tell it's going to be a house now! :) And it should be done in 60 days! With the aid of a few pictures and your imagination, I am taking you on a tour of my townhouse!
After entering through the garage or front door you will find yourself in an entryway leading to my kitchen/dining/living room. What you see here is my flooring (left) and kitchen cabinets and counters.
As you walk upstairs you will see the loft and bedrooms (2) painted and carpeted in beige. Boring but neutral and ready for lots of fun decorating! (But I can't reveal all of my secrets!)
I have 2 and a half bathrooms. From left to right: counters, cabinets, paint.
And for a sneak peak at one room of decorations....my bedroom will be decorated in these colors to make me feel like I'm at the beach all the time! :)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
A path already written, but not yet uncovered.
I know I'm a bad blogger, I truly do apologize. :) But my life is boring! Consequently, I can't ever think of anything to say! :) (Pretty much I just keep a blog, so that I have a place to keep track of all of your blogs!)
So since there's not much to say about my life right now (or at least nothing I want to share with the world wide web), I'll start by sharing another lesson God has been reminding me through a song.
Disclaimers: To those of you who think it's boring when I blog about God and my faith: You should listen to the song anyway, it's a really good rock group and you might like it! To those of you who think I use Christian music too much to make my point: I promise I also read books, including my bible, and go to church...I just really like music!) :)
Anyway...the lyrics of this song remind me that sometimes life requires a second glanse and a new perspective to see the beauty in all that surrounds us. The new day isn't always what we were expecting, but sometimes it's even more beautiful.
I'm gonna sing this song
To let you know that you're not alone
And if you're like me
You need hope, coffee, and melody
So sit back down
Let the world keep spinning 'round
For yesterday's gone and today is waiting on you to show your face
It might not be
The prettiest thing that you'll ever see
But it's a new day, oh baby, it's a new day
And it might not look like
A beautiful sunrise
But it's a new day, oh baby, it's a new day
I'm a pilgrim soul
I've traveled far and come back home
This land is hard and cold
For those who long to love
And I know it might seem
That the world is crumbling
But it's me and you dancing in the kitchen at 2 am
And we're still alive
It's the calm of the storm that comes blowing in
It's the springtime saying I'm back again
The clouds that roll by
Crossing moonlight
Me and you love - everything's alright
Standing in the rain with nowhere to go
Laughing and we're spinning and I hope that you
Remember this day
For the rest of your life
Me and you love - everything's gonna be alright
And it just might be
The prettiest thing that you'll ever see
It's a new day
Oh baby, it's a new day
If you look outside
To see a beautiful sunrise
It's a new day
Joyce Meyer always says, "I used to pray for God to bless my plan". I must admit that I was and sometimes still am very guilty of this prayer. I always have my idea of how I think my life should go and how and when things should happen, but I've learned that God's plan is even better. So I'm striving for my prayer to be, "God reveal your plan for my life to me in your perfect timing. Help me to trust You to guide my steps."
This song by According to John has often been a part of my devotions during the last decade, showing up most often in decision-making times. I'd love to share the song, because it's really beautiful...but I can't find it. The lyrics will have to suffice.
All I’ve got
All I am
All my dreams and
All my plans
I’m holding back
I’m holding nothing back from you
I surrender it all
I lay it before you
For all of my days
I’ll give you the glory
You caused me to see
My heart is divided
Lord, take all of me
‘Cause I have decided
Yeah
CHORUS
All I’ve got
All I am
All my dreams and
All my plans
I’m holding back
I’m holding nothing back from you
Whatever it takes
I trust you completely
I’m here in your hands
If you need to break me
CHORUS
All I’ve got
All I am
All my dreams and
All my plans
I’m holding back
I’m holding nothing back from you
All I’ve got
All I am
All my dreams and
All my plans
I’m holding back
I’m holding nothing back from you
Hey, nothing back
Nothing back from you
So since there's not much to say about my life right now (or at least nothing I want to share with the world wide web), I'll start by sharing another lesson God has been reminding me through a song.
Disclaimers: To those of you who think it's boring when I blog about God and my faith: You should listen to the song anyway, it's a really good rock group and you might like it! To those of you who think I use Christian music too much to make my point: I promise I also read books, including my bible, and go to church...I just really like music!) :)
Anyway...the lyrics of this song remind me that sometimes life requires a second glanse and a new perspective to see the beauty in all that surrounds us. The new day isn't always what we were expecting, but sometimes it's even more beautiful.
I'm gonna sing this song
To let you know that you're not alone
And if you're like me
You need hope, coffee, and melody
So sit back down
Let the world keep spinning 'round
For yesterday's gone and today is waiting on you to show your face
It might not be
The prettiest thing that you'll ever see
But it's a new day, oh baby, it's a new day
And it might not look like
A beautiful sunrise
But it's a new day, oh baby, it's a new day
I'm a pilgrim soul
I've traveled far and come back home
This land is hard and cold
For those who long to love
And I know it might seem
That the world is crumbling
But it's me and you dancing in the kitchen at 2 am
And we're still alive
It's the calm of the storm that comes blowing in
It's the springtime saying I'm back again
The clouds that roll by
Crossing moonlight
Me and you love - everything's alright
Standing in the rain with nowhere to go
Laughing and we're spinning and I hope that you
Remember this day
For the rest of your life
Me and you love - everything's gonna be alright
And it just might be
The prettiest thing that you'll ever see
It's a new day
Oh baby, it's a new day
If you look outside
To see a beautiful sunrise
It's a new day
Joyce Meyer always says, "I used to pray for God to bless my plan". I must admit that I was and sometimes still am very guilty of this prayer. I always have my idea of how I think my life should go and how and when things should happen, but I've learned that God's plan is even better. So I'm striving for my prayer to be, "God reveal your plan for my life to me in your perfect timing. Help me to trust You to guide my steps."
This song by According to John has often been a part of my devotions during the last decade, showing up most often in decision-making times. I'd love to share the song, because it's really beautiful...but I can't find it. The lyrics will have to suffice.
All I’ve got
All I am
All my dreams and
All my plans
I’m holding back
I’m holding nothing back from you
I surrender it all
I lay it before you
For all of my days
I’ll give you the glory
You caused me to see
My heart is divided
Lord, take all of me
‘Cause I have decided
Yeah
CHORUS
All I’ve got
All I am
All my dreams and
All my plans
I’m holding back
I’m holding nothing back from you
Whatever it takes
I trust you completely
I’m here in your hands
If you need to break me
CHORUS
All I’ve got
All I am
All my dreams and
All my plans
I’m holding back
I’m holding nothing back from you
All I’ve got
All I am
All my dreams and
All my plans
I’m holding back
I’m holding nothing back from you
Hey, nothing back
Nothing back from you
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Tell Me You Remember This!
Okay...so at my church small group we do an ice breaker each week. A few weeks ago, the question was "If you could be any super hero, who would you be?". I, of course, said She-Ra!
No one at the group knew who I was talking about! Please tell me that I'm not crazy, and that all girls that grew up in the 80's wanted to be She-Ra, Princess of Power! I mean come on she was He-Man's twin sister! That alone makes her cool. Anyway...if you're still with me on this here's some other things you may recall.
You Know You Grew Up In The 80's or Early 90's If:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do the Carlton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You wanted to be a Goonie
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey from "Blossom" and that "How Rude!" comes from Stephanie from "Full House"
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Two words: Hammer Pants
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales" (Woo ooh!)
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It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
L.A. Gear....need I say more?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON, WAX OFF"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us...head-to-toe)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You saw the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the big screen.. and still know the turtles names
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You took lunch boxes to school... and traded Garbage Pailkids in the schoolyard
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Homemade Levi shorts.. (the shorter the better)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You remember Hypercolor t-shirts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You remember "Where's the Beef?"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You thought She-ra (Princess of Power!) and He-Man were amazing!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You watched the Pound Puppies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters club and tried to start a club of your own
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You owned those lil' Strawberry Shortcake pals scented dolls
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You remember Popples
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't worry, be happy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You had big hair and you knew how to use it
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You remember watching both Gremlins movies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell," The ORIGINAL class
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gummy Bears were not just candies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You remember when mullets were cool!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You had a mullet!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You remember watching Rainbow Bright and & My Little Pony Tales
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You wore (or knew someone who wore) a ponytail on the side of your head
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You wanted to change your name to "JEM" in Kindergarten. (She's Truly Outrageous)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You've gone through this nodding your head in agreement
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The Motions
This is another song that God has really used to speak to me lately. Sometimes I feel we are too guilty of doing good things, but for the wrong reasons. We get caught up in the day to day and forget what's important. It's hard in the business of life to keep our passion. It took a possibly life altering surgery for Matthew West to write this song. I hope that as I am making some transitions in my life this year that I will continue to examine my life and not wait for the huge moments to make me change my focus.
Monday, April 20, 2009
My New Favorite Song
I'm pretty much in love with this song...I was struggling with things before break and heard this on my way to South Carolina. Music always speaks to my heart with a clarity that can't be replicated through other mediums.
Oh and did I mention that I went to college with Meredith Andrews. I always knew she'd make it big. I need to buy her CD so I can listen to all of her songs!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Spring Break!
Can I just say that this title and picture seem to be a bit of an oxymoron! I mean really, isn't Easter when we put away our winter clothes? Apparently, I left Florida...to visit winter! But I'm getting a little ahead of myself.
First of all, let me say...I know I'm a terrible blogger! I stopped blogging cause I was getting busy. First I had house buying stuff and my dad and mom visited. Then I started getting involved in my church and playing tennis. And then I had a rough month or so with school and some personal relationships....and then I had eye surgery and couldn't see! And somewhere in there my friend Steph came to visit again. Oh and I did a ton of races (a 10K, a 15K, 2 1/2 marathons, and 3 5Ks in 3 months!)
But I'm going to try to start posting again. So I thought I'd start with break! (And let me just tell you...I've never been so excited for a week off in my life!)
As soon as school was done (Friday March 20th) I rushed home to finish packing and cleaning and hit the road for Charleston. My friends Rachel and Stephanie met me at my Dad's townhouse and we ran in the Cooper River Run. Way fun...definite plans for an annual event! Though at one point I thought I would surely sustain a concussion from the fruit that was being thrown at the runners. (After the race...apparently it's difficult for 40,000 runners to move efficiently through lines to get food so the volunteers just started lobbing apples, oranges, and bananas at the crowds!)
I was exhausted from a crazy week, a long drive, and a very late arrival...so it wasn't my best run...but Steph and I stuck together and she got me through a very long 6.2 miles in just a little over an hour. Then we hung out in Charleston. It was my first time and I loved the open market. We even got interveiwed by the local station and Steph was on the 6 o'clock news.
It was great to see my dad and Kathy (his fiancee) and my uncle. My dad took us out for some awesome seafood at a local place and we slept in on Sunday! What a great weekend!
Then I headed to Tennessee where I spent my time visiting my former students, hanging out with friends, having eye surgery, and watching a lot of movies! On Saturday Rachel, Steph, and I drove up to Mt. Rogers, VA and saw Jes, Ben, and "Little Mel". (That's what I call Jes' baby; she refers to him as "Leroy")
Anyway...we did some very low key hiking and got to pet the wild horses. (There is a possibility that we also fed them...but don't tell any park rangers!) It was so cool! I want to go back one day when it's not as cold! (I didn't pack appropriate attire...luckily my sister had an extra sweatshirt of mine and I always keep a jacket in my car...but it was FREEZING!)
After spending a week in Tennessee, I got my bandage contact lens off on Easter Monday. Then I spend 10 hourse driving through the rain, trying to get used to my eyelid touching my eye again.
I still can't see very well and decided to sit out the next session of Tennis. But I'm hoping that by the summer, I'll be able to see clearly. If not, I guess I'll get a contact! :) And life will move on.
Lot's of you have been asking about my house. They got behind because of the weather but will be pouring the foundation on Tuesday. I'll post more on all of my decorating plans soon. (I promise!)
Friday, January 30, 2009
"Everybody's Doing It" (aka-25 Things)
1) I hate memes. I never do them. Of course that can't be entirely true because I'm doing this one.
2) I'm a terrible swimmer, but somehow I passed the lifeguarding test and got a job lifeguarding. If this scares you-it should. It scares me!
3) When I was in middle school I was sent to the principals office for calling my friend a B---- during gym class. (In my defense she tripped me!...Also we are still friends)
4) My first job was in Southpark Mall working at Pretzel Time and The Country's Best Yogurt (aka-TCBY). I still can't eat pretzels (do you know how much butter those places use...well I do!)...but I have no problems with ice cream!
5) Occasionally my boss (at Pretzel Time) would need someone to work at the kiosk he owned in the same mall. This kiosk sold Metabolife. There is a small possibility that I told customers that I took it and "it really worked" just to make sales. (What...we got a $2 commission on each a bottle! I can't help it if people are gullable and desperate after Christmas!)
6) When I was growing up, I collected clowns. Who does that!? I have over 100. They are in storage in Ft. Lee VA. I'm hoping that I can sell them on eBay whenever my parents get our things out of storage. I'm hoping there are other strange people who collect clowns!
7) I just tried to count the number of speeding tickets I've gotten in my life. I got to 9 and lost count.
8) Now that you know number 7, you should be quite frightened to know that I once held a license to drive an ambulance.
9) I now feel as though I should explain number 8. When I was 16-17 years old I was in an EMT program through my highschool. As part of our course we were trained and received certifications in First Aid, CPR, EMT, Hazardous Materials, something I can't remember, and Emergency Vehicle Operations. I had to drive an ambulance through lots of cone obstacles. One of these being backing the ambulance up through a serpentine. (Reminder: the rear view mirror of a bus looks at the patient!) Somehow I passed the test, but they had to wait until I was 18 (more than 6 months after my test) to actually give me my license. (so it came in the mail) Also noteworthy, there was no actual road portion to this test.
10) I've done a few (ahem) pageants in my life. I've only won one, and I can't even remember the name of it. All I know is that my mom said my imaginary friend's name was Miss America (I was 3...cut me some slack).
11) At Miss Preteen VA, I stood on the stage for nearly 5 minutes of dead silence as they tried to get my tape to cue. I finally had to be excused while the next person went. I was so nervous when I finally got to go that I forgot my dance and made one up on the spot. I think that was the start of my choreography career.
12) In the 4th grade I ran for SCA secretary. When I got on stage I froze and couldn't read my speech. To this day I have a dreadful fear of public speaking.
13) Somehow last year my coworkers convinced me to overcome this fear to speak in front of 450 people. I did it...but I doubt it'll ever happen again.
14) I love to sing, but I've always been afraid that I wasn't any good, so I rarely sing in front of people. Though I would love to be a country music singer turned contemporary christian artist.
15) I had a slight moment of confidence my senior year of high school for a strange 3 months. First, I sang the national anthem with my sister at a basketball game. And then sang "There is a Candle" with her at baccalaureate. Oh the things she can convince me to do. A month after graduation I sang "On My Knees" in Spanish on a mission trip. I've since gone back into hiding where my voice belongs.
16) If I could do anything in life, I'd be on broadway. Singing, dancing, and acting. Ah, to be a triple threat. (Jack of all trades, master of none...the curse)
17) I'm going to have my 7th eye surgery in April.
18) When I was growing up I hated having a lazy eye. I tried to paint my stupid pirate patch in art class. (Splatter paint-cause the 80s rocked). I lied to my mom and told her it was an accident. (Sadly, she probably believed me)
18) I give lots of reasons for not drinking alcohol. But the one that is probably the one that actually makes me obstain, I rarely say. Truth be told, drinking makes me cross-eyed. I've spent my life trying to keep people from noticing or commenting, (the mean kids in French III called me magic eye). It's why I don't make eye contact when I'm tired.
19) In high school I used to leave school to go to Chick Fil A for lunch...but then we bumped into my superintendent in the mall. Oops. (PS-the same principal from middle school was now at the high school. After he got a phone call, he decided to make the door by my locker his stake out spot everyday after fourth period....oh how I missed Chick Fil A)
20) In sixth grade I was writing a play and used the word "B------". I had no idea it was a bad word. Oops. At least my teacher believed me and I didn't end up in the principal's office.
21) My first apartment was $425/month...but we really wanted the washer and dryer so we splurged for the $460/month. We didn't know until we moved in that you had to pull this washing machine into the middle of the tiny kitchen (blocking access to your entire kitchen) to hook it up to the sink in order to actually wash clothes.
22) We also later found out that having dishes in the sink during this process causes ones sink to overflow onto the floor. (We found this out twice) We also discovered that using ones microwave while washing or drying clothes causes a fuse to blow. (We also found this out twice...or more)
23) A man broke into my second apartment. The only thing he stole was porn. (That sounds like we had some...but he just used our direct TV). We got rid of the chair.
24) I ran track in high school. I tried really hard and even ran on the weekends at home...but I came in last every time. The only exception to this was when I passed a girl from Prince George. As soon as this happened, she hurled on my shoes...but she kept on running...so I was second to last.
25) When I was young, I hated the beach. I didn't like sand, getting dirty, salt water, or waves. Now it's one of my favorite places.
2) I'm a terrible swimmer, but somehow I passed the lifeguarding test and got a job lifeguarding. If this scares you-it should. It scares me!
3) When I was in middle school I was sent to the principals office for calling my friend a B---- during gym class. (In my defense she tripped me!...Also we are still friends)
4) My first job was in Southpark Mall working at Pretzel Time and The Country's Best Yogurt (aka-TCBY). I still can't eat pretzels (do you know how much butter those places use...well I do!)...but I have no problems with ice cream!
5) Occasionally my boss (at Pretzel Time) would need someone to work at the kiosk he owned in the same mall. This kiosk sold Metabolife. There is a small possibility that I told customers that I took it and "it really worked" just to make sales. (What...we got a $2 commission on each a bottle! I can't help it if people are gullable and desperate after Christmas!)
6) When I was growing up, I collected clowns. Who does that!? I have over 100. They are in storage in Ft. Lee VA. I'm hoping that I can sell them on eBay whenever my parents get our things out of storage. I'm hoping there are other strange people who collect clowns!
7) I just tried to count the number of speeding tickets I've gotten in my life. I got to 9 and lost count.
8) Now that you know number 7, you should be quite frightened to know that I once held a license to drive an ambulance.
9) I now feel as though I should explain number 8. When I was 16-17 years old I was in an EMT program through my highschool. As part of our course we were trained and received certifications in First Aid, CPR, EMT, Hazardous Materials, something I can't remember, and Emergency Vehicle Operations. I had to drive an ambulance through lots of cone obstacles. One of these being backing the ambulance up through a serpentine. (Reminder: the rear view mirror of a bus looks at the patient!) Somehow I passed the test, but they had to wait until I was 18 (more than 6 months after my test) to actually give me my license. (so it came in the mail) Also noteworthy, there was no actual road portion to this test.
10) I've done a few (ahem) pageants in my life. I've only won one, and I can't even remember the name of it. All I know is that my mom said my imaginary friend's name was Miss America (I was 3...cut me some slack).
11) At Miss Preteen VA, I stood on the stage for nearly 5 minutes of dead silence as they tried to get my tape to cue. I finally had to be excused while the next person went. I was so nervous when I finally got to go that I forgot my dance and made one up on the spot. I think that was the start of my choreography career.
12) In the 4th grade I ran for SCA secretary. When I got on stage I froze and couldn't read my speech. To this day I have a dreadful fear of public speaking.
13) Somehow last year my coworkers convinced me to overcome this fear to speak in front of 450 people. I did it...but I doubt it'll ever happen again.
14) I love to sing, but I've always been afraid that I wasn't any good, so I rarely sing in front of people. Though I would love to be a country music singer turned contemporary christian artist.
15) I had a slight moment of confidence my senior year of high school for a strange 3 months. First, I sang the national anthem with my sister at a basketball game. And then sang "There is a Candle" with her at baccalaureate. Oh the things she can convince me to do. A month after graduation I sang "On My Knees" in Spanish on a mission trip. I've since gone back into hiding where my voice belongs.
16) If I could do anything in life, I'd be on broadway. Singing, dancing, and acting. Ah, to be a triple threat. (Jack of all trades, master of none...the curse)
17) I'm going to have my 7th eye surgery in April.
18) When I was growing up I hated having a lazy eye. I tried to paint my stupid pirate patch in art class. (Splatter paint-cause the 80s rocked). I lied to my mom and told her it was an accident. (Sadly, she probably believed me)
18) I give lots of reasons for not drinking alcohol. But the one that is probably the one that actually makes me obstain, I rarely say. Truth be told, drinking makes me cross-eyed. I've spent my life trying to keep people from noticing or commenting, (the mean kids in French III called me magic eye). It's why I don't make eye contact when I'm tired.
19) In high school I used to leave school to go to Chick Fil A for lunch...but then we bumped into my superintendent in the mall. Oops. (PS-the same principal from middle school was now at the high school. After he got a phone call, he decided to make the door by my locker his stake out spot everyday after fourth period....oh how I missed Chick Fil A)
20) In sixth grade I was writing a play and used the word "B------". I had no idea it was a bad word. Oops. At least my teacher believed me and I didn't end up in the principal's office.
21) My first apartment was $425/month...but we really wanted the washer and dryer so we splurged for the $460/month. We didn't know until we moved in that you had to pull this washing machine into the middle of the tiny kitchen (blocking access to your entire kitchen) to hook it up to the sink in order to actually wash clothes.
22) We also later found out that having dishes in the sink during this process causes ones sink to overflow onto the floor. (We found this out twice) We also discovered that using ones microwave while washing or drying clothes causes a fuse to blow. (We also found this out twice...or more)
23) A man broke into my second apartment. The only thing he stole was porn. (That sounds like we had some...but he just used our direct TV). We got rid of the chair.
24) I ran track in high school. I tried really hard and even ran on the weekends at home...but I came in last every time. The only exception to this was when I passed a girl from Prince George. As soon as this happened, she hurled on my shoes...but she kept on running...so I was second to last.
25) When I was young, I hated the beach. I didn't like sand, getting dirty, salt water, or waves. Now it's one of my favorite places.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Let's Face It...I"m No Maria Sharapova
I signed up for tennis lessons and I had my first one tonight! Let's just say my 10th grade gym teacher was not very successful in that unit of Physical Education. Though I distinctly remember playing in class, I can't remember her name or anything she taught me. And let me just tell you, I'm not a natural!
I might be athletic, but a girl who has no hand-eye coordination and has broken her elbow should probably not attempt this sport! I'm not expecting this to be a life-changing experience...I'm not even expecting to be good...but I am hoping that in 8 weeks, I will be able to play a game of tennis.
Tonight we learned how to grip the racket and hit the ball with a fronthand and backhand swing. There is so much to remember! I can't imagine it ever just feeling natural! But it was fun and hopefully in a few months I'll be able to play even if I'm still terrible! :)
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Guess what I did on my birthday?!?
*I'll give you a hint...I got to write "Jennifer R Kilpatrick, 1/21/09" just a few times. (And by "a few" I mean my hand almost fell off!)
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