Christmas music shall STILL play!

I just detest that the radio stations stop playing Christmas music on the day after Christmas. I will still be playing it weeks into the new year, that's for sure.

Our days here in Illinois with family have been very fun. It's the first time in four years we have all been together. For two days straight we have been eating like vacuums. There isn't a scale in sight so I'll have to wait a few more days to see how much I gained. I can tell you one thing, though, that I don't fit into my pants any better. I still need a dang belt!

Tonight we are going to the zoo in St. Louis. I haven't been there in...gosh, ages! At least a decade. It's snowy and cold but the Christmas lights are up tonight.


Me and a black and white calf!

Haha, my uncle just won $100 from a scratch ticket! He just sat there and announced it quite calmly...

well after this post I am not getting on the computer for the rest of the trip. I thought I was getting away from internet for a while! Cheerio!

Merry Christmas!!

I am leaving tomorrow to spend Christmas with my extended family. In case I don't get to get on and say this on the actual day...

Happy birthday Jesus! Merry Christmas to all!

Have you ever really stopped to listen? Sometimes I wonder if everyone only hears what they want to hear. Honestly, I think it takes lots of patience and training to become a good listener. But then again, what is a good listener? Someone who will sit and stare intently at your face as you talk about who knows what...ocassionally interjecting a "mmm" or "yeah" to make it seem like they are really engaged?

Gaaaaah. Sometimes I get so frustrated. Not only with other people, about 99% who don't care about a thing I have to say. And with myself, because I believe they don't care. So I don't talk. I don't say what is on my mind. And then I get mad at others for not listening. It's just the recurring circle.

Not Far Apart - Ryan Kelly - Official Video

I'm not dead but I like this song... :)

New Directions

No, I am not copying from Glee. I thought up the title on my own and THEN realized I was sorta copying...

Well folks, I am taking a new direction. Turning off a road that has lasted what seems to be way to long and starting a new part of life. I am desperately trying at the moment to sound passionate and contemplative, but mostly I am too tired to even think about it all. And I don't think it will hit me that I am officially done with high school. Probably because I never felt like I was in high school.

I started out my 12-year-long journey of school at home with my mommy. She is one of those amazing women who dedicated 12 years of her life to giving me an amazing education. Not to mention she got a bit of one herself! I am so so so thankful for a mom who actually made learning a first priority in our lives. School was never trumped by anything else--we were a die hard home school family because it really was SCHOOL at home. She taught me how to write effectively, and it is thanks to her that I can easily pass any writing course now. She incorporated Biblical truths and principals into our learning. Gosh, she just really invested so much into my education.

I spent my first two years of high school doing an online school, then. Still sort of home schooling but the work was way harder than anything Mom or probably most regular schools can come up with. These two years really prepared me for the next year and a half. I breezed through my first semester of 11th grade. Which happened to be my first semester in a public school. The second semester I went to our community college (my high school paid for it) and that is what I did this semester as well. Because I took college courses for dual college and high school credits I gained enough credit to graduate this December, which I have done! Today I took my very last final and now I have some relief from the stresses of school.

I can't believe that 12 years of my life has passed so quickly...and yet so slowly. It's so crazy that for over a decade my life has been so varied, changing, and....just....life-ish! I feel like I am almost finally waking up. That sounds cheesy, I know. I don't know how to express the feelings I have, though, when I think that the chains called "school" that have bound me, in essence, for the last four years are sort of gone. I tell you no lies when I say that all throughout high school, the main priority in my life has been school. Homework. Getting good grades. It has become so apparent to me this last semester how I have so easily pushed other things to the wayside as I focused so heavily on school!

Now I know that I still have years left of education. And even after schooling and college I hope I can still be learning. But Lord knows that after a year of doing college work but having to tell people I am still in high school can be more than a bit frustrating!

So here is to freedom! And to a new direction. May it glorify God even more than any road I've ever been on.

The Voyage

So last night was The Night! I got to go see Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader. If I didn't make so much money babysitting on Fridays I would have gone Thursday midnight with some friends to see it, but alas...I am a poor kid who needs money for Africa. ;) So I called a friend to see if she wanted to go on Saturday night. As is so her, she invited everyone else she knew...anywho, I was only going for the movie so I didn't care who came.

My thoughts on the movie are as follows:
It doesn't really follow the book to a T. I mean, it follows the story, but they add in a really major element that is not in the book. And they leave some key parts out of the movie that are in the book. For example, Caspian and the star princess!! GRRR! Let's just say, no development of that relationship at all.
There was a bit of cheesiness...mostly in the screenplay, some, "No duh, Lucy. Thanks for stating the obvious" moments.
Eustace was actually one of my favorite characters. The boy who played him did a terrific job and I really do wish they'd continue the series with him (and Jill).
Despite all the little (or big) glitches and "Whaaaaa?!" moments I am a sucker for the epic endings. I cry every time at the end of Prince Caspian. And I cried at the end of this one...when you see it, right at the part before the kids go back to the real world. I just cried and cried. I almost cry thinking about it.
All in all, I love the stories. I love Narnia.
Oh, P.S., Aslan had some dialogue that made me VERY proud of Fox for putting it in there. You'll know what I mean when you hear it.

Whoa!

Oh my goodness something weird just happened! My laptop is on my lap and the muscle in my leg just moved so much that it lifted my laptop up almost an inch and then back down! Creeeeepy!

So I am officially done with French and History classes now! For French we performed our final skit today. It went fairly well and I got a 97% so...yaay! And in history I got a 93% on my midterm....haha, wow. Totally was not expecting that good of a grade. All I have left is chemistry and then I am done forever! Or at least for a little less than a year...

Nothing else interesting to say as of yet. Oh, who's excited for NARNIA????!!?!

Celtic Thunder Christmas - Winter Wonderland

The Healing Heart

The Healing Heart
by Gary Hess



Shattered heart forced to heal
as greatness unveils thine soul.
Hope whispered in the distance,
to recover thine lost love.

'Tis night brings tender passing,
healing thine soul with glorious blunder.
Caus' not one or two,
but dissipated nights of dreams.

Sadness comes to end,
happiness conquered hate.
Love sprouting -- sadness shrinking,
hope has come again.

December 2

I was always bad at thinking of titles. I usually come up with something random like song lyrics or a quote...I don't know how to sum up all the muddled-ness in my head into one Title!

So my last day of classes is December 13. Unfortunately I have a big chemistry final that day. Otherwise I finish everything else scary the week before. Once I am done on that Monday I am thoroughly determined to celebrate! I am just imaginging how I am going to use my days once I am done with school. Oh bliss...

Last night I couldn't sleep. And it wasn't one of those nights where you just can't fall asleep. I couldn't fall asleep because I had a million thoughts whirling around in my head and they all seemed to be pressing against my skull. Tons of worries and issues and I knew I'd never get to sleep. So I grabbed my blankie and went into my parents room. My dad is a pretty light sleeper so I thought that if I whispered "Daaaaad" a few times he would wake up. It was my mom who muttered a groggy, "What?". Then I asked for them to pray for me. They did (of course I cried) and then they let me lay down right in between them. Which was awesome because I haven't done that for over a decade, but after a while it got really hot so I went back to my bed. It was just so amazing to have them understand and love me enough to pray for me at midnight!

One of my big worries was about a French test today. Originally I had a C overall grade in the class. I was so freaked out because I need a C or higher to graduate, and I knew that if I bombed the test and got lower than a C and then got a really low overall grade...well I didn't know what would happen! I wouldn't be able to graduate in December. So it really was one of those tests that would make or break...my whole future. O_O Anyways, I got an 86!! WHOOT! Who says God doesn't answer prayer?? I say "Ha!" in their faces!

Needless to say, there are so many other things that are weighing on my mind. Uuuuuugh...I don't even want to deal with it all. I wish I had a machine that had a sign on it "QUESTIONS" and everyday you could ask any question and get God's answer back.

Oh and thanks to all (2 of you! lame!) who told me which actor your dream spouse would resemble! Yours is cute, Ame! And Madds, he is quite handsome. :) Mine is (dun dun dun dun):

Josh Harnett. :) Yes...anywho.

I watched the movie The Company the other day. It pretty much follows the life of a ballet dancer in a Chicago ballet company. I love dance but not enough to live the kind of life she did...insane. And I really want to see 127 Hours! Not only does it look good but I looooove James Franco. We'll see. Right now Voyage of the Dawn Treader is top on my list. And also Tangled looks so good! Maybe that is how I will go celebrate.

I hope he doesn't mind. :) But a friend of mine wrote this amazing sonnet that I just wanted to share with everyone! First off, it is encouraging. In so many ways. Second off, this dude has God-given talent for writing and encouragement.

One day you will awake and realize,
That I am your hero in disguise.
I am your knight although I do not shine.
Quality to looks does not consign.

Just open your eyes and you will see,
There’s more to love than strong arms and blue eyes.
This truth, let no feeling tear apart:
Love is more than a flutter of the heart.

Please do not regard me with loathing
Because I am a prince in frog’s clothing.
Listen not to simple elation,
My true love springs from determination.

Love is faithful and love is true.
One truth I know: I will wait for you.

~Jonathan Thigpen

Fairytale?

So it has come to my attention that perhaps a new craze is beginning. With the dawn of the ever popular Twilight frenzy, a fairytale-esque series, trailers for remakings of classic fairytales are emerging. A friend introduced me to the trailer for Beastly (starring Vanessa Hudgens and hitting theatres in July) and just today another friend posted on my facebook the trailer for Red Riding Hood (starring Amanda Seyfried and coming March 2011). Needless to say, being a die-hard classic Disney girl and loving the actuall classic fairytale stories themselves, neither of these trailers made a good impression on me. Nevertheless, the films will be meeting the world next year and I am curious to see which movie YOU are more excited for. So leave a comment below and tell me which one you would see first and why. Feel free to tell me any other thoughts you have!

Beastly


Red Riding Hood

Even when you feel like crap...

...you're never fully dressed without a smile! That is kinda my motto. I don't really live by it, but I try.


On Sunday afternoon I began to get that feeling that a cold was coming on. And sure enough my nose is stuffy and dry and red from so much blowing. At least I don't have a fever! And today I was putting on my coat and I pulled/twisted my neck so now I can hardly turn my head. Uuugh I feel awful but I could be worse. I could be sitting under a cold bridge with only one old coat for warmth and no food in my belly. My heart goes out to those in our city who must brave this cold night.

I have six followers on the Africa blog! Woohoo!

Today there was some snow on the ground and ice on the roads. It never got above 30 degrees. Oh I love winter days!

If you could marry someone that looked like any actor/actress, which would you choose? Not including personalities, just looks! (Please feel free to post pictures!)

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

It is true. The day after Thanksgiving begins Christmas season in my home. I set my alarm clock this morning on the Christmas radio station. Because of the dog we are dogsitting, though, I didn't get to wake up to magical Christmas music. But you can be sure I put some on the minute I got out of bed. And at this very moment I am listening to the Celtic Thunder Christmas album. At Dad's prompting (can I get a shocked face??) I downloaded it MP3. As an early present from him, I guess! Can I use this moment to say again how much I love this band?

Margie and I didn't end up going shopping today. We were going to but last night I just liked the idea of staying home and decorating better than wasting gas in traffic. Plus, shopping just wears me out and I didn't want to be a sleepy mess tonight at a sleepover we are going to. Maybe next year we will pull it off.

I am definitely not looking forward to the next two weeks. Two weeks and then I am done done done! I feel so un-studied, though. Now I'm panicking...I think I'll go study. Oh school you are the tragedy of my life. And yet one of the biggest blessings. Love + hate = school...

Happy Thanksgiving!

What a great morning! Around 6:30 the little doggie we are babysitting crawled under my covers with me and then at 7 I got up to go watch the Macy's Parade only to find out that it didn't start until 9. So I went back to bed!

The parade was fun, as usual. Except it is kinda dissapointing to me that it is less of a Thanksgiving parade and more of a "Here comes Christmas!" one. Oh well, it is still fun. I love all of the Broadway numbers.

Yesterday I went to the hospital to see Katie as she just had her gall bladder removed. Then that night I went to her house and hung with her and her family. Poor girl was so pale yet she was all over the house cleaning up. Silly girl!

Today some family friends are coming over. They, just like us, have no family in town so we like to comfort each other during holidays. Tomorrow Margie and I are debating going to experience Black Friday for the first time ever. We shall see!

Thankfulness and such and such

I thought holidays were supposed to be relaxing. Haha, nothing in my life is ever relaxing. It seems like ever since high school started 4 years ago my life has been full of stress stress stress.

This week I have to study in all of my classes, prepare a presentation for history with three other kids, try and catch up on my Perspectives reading, apply to colleges, etc. etc. etc. I am just panicking as I think about it.

I am determined to relax though. Maybe Thanksgiving morning I will do homework and then on Friday morning I can sit and watch the Macy's Day Parade. I LOVE that parade! I wonder what Broadway song they will do this year...

Tonight I went to the YMCA with Katie and used one of her guest passes to work out with her. It was quite energizing. I feel so healthy! Tomorrow afternoon I go to meet with the other kids from history to work on a presentation that none of us are excited about. Sigh. We shall chug through it. Friday night I go to some friends' house for a sleepover. Saturday I get together with someone else...and we shall see from there. Monday starts off a whole new round of classes, but within two weeks we are done done done! Which is more stressful than exciting because of all the studying I will have to do. I am just gonna cry right now. Excuse me.

I think I pulled a muscle in my arm today. Weird...

Oh how I love to dance!

My life feels rather hapless and confuddled at the moment. One thing at a time, and yet I don't do anything at all. I swear the day I get out of class I will do something amazing and drastic. I don't know what but I am living for that last day.

I am thankful for:
-Pickles
-Socks
-My family
-Hot showers
-Night time
-Friends (of course!)
-Pillows
-Youtube
-Martin Luther
-Mechanical pencils

Christina Perri - Jar of Hearts

I kinda like this song :)

One of the most beautiful things I've read today

Only "today" because I read Song of Solomon last night, which I think is absolutely enrapturing.

Deep Regret by Adam Young

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

First off, happy happy happy birthday to the most amazing Meghan in the world! Readers, you may see her comments on most of my posts. I have met Meg once in my life, and at that time we didn't really bond seeing as we did not yet realize the hidden treasures of our friendship. But afterwards we really began to get to know each other, and what a privilege that has been! She is a few years older than me but we share many similarities and she is really a terrific online (and offline!) friend. I can't wait to see her again and hug her to death. Happy birthday Meg. :)

oh!! IT'S SNOWING!!!!!!! *dies of happiness*

Guess where I am again? Panera bread. There is an old lady looking at me...she just keeps looking at me. Creepy. Or it would be if she wasn't an old lady with a pink sweater. They have rewards cards for free now here at Panera. Go get one! Once you register it online you get a free something yummy! :

I turned in my chemistry test today. Only one more and then the final. I felt a bit better about this one than the last, I just hope my grade reflects my confidence.

This should be a good week. Tonight my sis and I go out to dinner with a friend of ours. Tomorrow I'm going to Bible study, Wednesday is dance, and on Saturday night I'm going with a friend out to dinner and then to see a community production of "The Importance of Being Earnest". So excited! Plus, I've taken all my tests for a few weeks so I can take it a bit easier.

I need to remember when I hate life that I really do love life.

List of movies to watch before I leave for Africa:

Anne of Green Gables 1, 2, 3
Pocahontas
Wives and Daughters
Pride and Prejudice
Mulan
North and South
Sense and Sensibility
Phantom of the Opera
Beauty and the Beast
Cinderella
Lion King
Singin in the Rain
Miss Potter
Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Please come to us snow!

Today I sent an e-mail with the link to my Africa blog to a bunch of people. I hate doing stuff like that...it just seems so narcisistic and like I epxect everyone to want to read it or something. I mean, I love it when people do obviously but I hate promoting myself in that way for some reason...well, I know the reason.

I hope we get snow today! The forecast calls for it, but down south in the city where our house is rarely ever gets snow. :( I think this calls for a unisonal "Poo-hoo!"

What a crazy weekend I have ahead of me. Today I got to French class and take a test. After that I go babysitting. Then I come home and work nonstop on my chemistry test. Tomorrow morning I go babysitting again until mid-afternoon. I come home and, guess what? Work nonstop on my chemistry test. Then we are having friends over for dinner. I'll probably sleep over with a friend and in the morning I have dance at 9:30. At 1 I have a CNA training thing and then after that I go straight to some friends' house for another sleepover. I get up in the morning, go to church (and hear my dad preach!) then come home and, yet again, work nonstop on my chemistry test. By the point depending on how much I have done I might go to Perspectives (my missions class). If not, I'll stay home and work on the test. Which is due Monday morning.

Only a few more weeks of this school madness! I think the fact that I'm done with high school in December is making me a wee bit apathetic.

I really want to spend money and buy the Celtic Thunder Christmas album! But no. Well maybe. We'll see...

I raked a big pile of leaves yesterday. I might go jump in them before it snows...

Favorite Youtube Videos (in no particular order) #1

Places to where I wander

Nightbirds on Nantucket
The personal blog of a very dear friend. She always has great meme's going and other fun stuff!

Write Out of the Blue
Another personal blog of a mentor and friend. She is quite poetic and contemplative in her writing. She actually partly inspired my blog.

Petite Princess de Noel
The most beautiful blog I know of with very inspiring and gorgeous posts. The author is a true artist and a very wonderful friend.

Rather Whimsical
Another personal blog of a great friend and awesome gal (I think she resembles Audrey Hepburn)!

Peculiar Fellow
A blog by a very inspiring friend of mine...God-adoring gentlemen like him are far and few. It's so nice to read something written by a guy every once in a while... ;)

There are many other blogs I love to read. I would love to see more friends start blogs (and blogger is a great hosting site...hint hint) to add you to my list!

I hate trying to think of titles

Call me an eavesdropper, but I love listening to other peoples' conversations. Right now I am at Panera bread and the women at the table next to mine (a shaded table I am coveting at the moment) are having quite an interesting convo...I'm not sure what about, but there is a cute little baby with them. Aww...

So much to do after I write this up. I can't leave this restaurant until I have...at least four pages of my paper done. That is my plan. I should be able to get that done in less than two hours hopefully. They might kick me out though so I sould probably start. But the sun is blinding me so I can't even like, see the screen.

oh yes, the baby started to cry! the ladies are leaving. I'm going to take their table...

This week we have to buy the tickets for Africa and I need to get my visa stuff filled out. What's funny is the visa instructions are in French! But alas I can't understand them perfectly.

A lot of my friends have said they want to start blogging. I think it is a great idea. I love blogs. I love writing them, I love reading them. If every person had a blog and posted things that are on their hearts...the whole world would be on the internet. I think something I tend to do is put my life on the internet but not invest enough time showing my true self in real life. Something I should probably be working on fixing...but it's really hard.

What keeps you from blogging? It's a personal preference I guess, but I am curious.

Awww, shade. Yes. Now my coffee is cold. I wonder what the Panera people think about someone sitting here for two hours continuously filling up on cofffee? ;)

Broken

broken bones
broken dishes
broken toys
broken hearts
broken radios
broken crackers
broken swings
broken zippers
broken kites
broken locks
broken teeth
broken souls
broken trains
broken pianos
broken cameras
broken fences
broken clasps
broken pencils
broken clocks
broken friendships

Meme Day 30

Day 30 – One last moment
When I made the decision to go to Africa, I just sat on my bed for a moment. Then I called my friend and started crying and laughing at the same time as I told her. After that I just had this feeling of…like, this is all mine. I get to go, and it’s my time to do something. Then I started looking for passport holders on ebay!

:)

trust is not a four-letter word

trust is not a four-letter word.
[at least, that is what i keep reminding myself]

i think you know that place of which i speak.
the small area
[approximately the size of a quarter, i'd imagine]
which rests in the center of your chest:
between the caves of your ribs
beneath the muscles and tissues
of your heart and your lungs

this is the place we feel trust
[or lack thereof]

at its most intense times
[when betrayal is fresh]
the pain and discomfort
radiate across our entire being

the tension in the neck
thre pressure on your stomach
nauseated
[imagine the tire of a texas-sized truck
running over your torso
repeatedly; repeatedly]

arms folded
trying to protect the emotional:
the spiritual:
the mental:
using physical means
survival

[logical redemption]

with grace
and time
forgiveness is chosen
the once overwhelming
sensation of suffocation
retreats back into
aforementioned quarter-sized area
and quietly refrains
from causing disturbances
emerging and unsuspecting

hibernation
by definition
conserves energy in
those frigid winter months

but once the warmth of the sun
touches the air
[touches my being]
instead of spring
the fear of feeling
those things that have been
felt before
[crushing me before]
[shredding me before]
emerge

questioning this new light
[or this one? or this one?]
is real; shining; radiating?

perhaps another fluorescent clone
which will project
a washing out of my skin
[grey]
[lifeless?]

i find myself
staying...
...buried

still afraid
and unable to find it.

[to find trust]

written by Anne Jackson, taken from the book Permission to Speak Freely

Meme Day 29 and Katy Perry

Day 29 – Your aspirations
Haha, “aspiration” is also sucking fluids from a bodily cavity. Just thought I’d share that.
Isn’t this sorta like…what are you goals or dreams in life? Which was already a question. And I really don’t want to think of new little things. Ok, well maybe I can think of a few. I want to make a perfect, beautiful cupcake. I want to go to Boston with my East Coast friends. I want to speak French fluently.

~~~

Just a note. I have had two people tell me that they like Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" and express regret in listening to it due to my expressed feelings on it. I would just like to clarify something. I listen to the song. Now...not necessarily because I like it but because I want to write a really railing devotional about it and so I want to listen to it to keep pumping my outrage. ;) But anywho, just so ya'll know, I don't want any of you to change your ways because you feel like you have to because of me or anyone else. I hope that people can make their own decisions based on their own conciences and on how they feel God is speaking to them. I am glad if I can have some sort of good influence on people through what I say or think but I don't want the outcome to be when the song plays you think, "I shouldnt' listen to this cuz Liv doesn't like it!"

November 2

What a day. Oh.

I am too tired to even write out everything that happened. I voted for the first time. Had my first flat tire ever. Couldn't get a hold of my dad for two hours, which was a little scary and frustrating. Forgot my books for school and had to go back home to get them. Had amazingly yummy pizza in a really awesome NYC themed restaurant. Watched an amazing video from an amazing friend.

May I just take a moment to note that I am disgusted with Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream". Absolutely horrified. Not necessarily at the degrading content of the song (which I am) as the fact that our society--people, parents, and local radio stations--condone it and even...accept the message. Oh so gross. I might just throw something.

I must be a really dysfunctional friend or something.

Got my senior pics...most of you saw them. I am really happy with the way a few of them turned out. Our good friend did them for me--she's amazing. God's amazing to have made me the way He wanted me to look. I just love that I look how God wants me to. Wow...

Tonight at Bible study we were reading Luke something or other, the story about the prostitute or cleaned Jesus's feet with her tears. And it struck me for the first time ever how amazing that story is. Have you ever experienced the amazingness of God so fully that you just cry? Or when a really awesome worship song plays and you are in a mass of thousands of people all singing together and you start bawling? I can imagine that is sort of how that woman felt x 100. I mean, to think that she was sobbing so hard that she could literally clean all of the crap of Jesus's feet. Sometimes I think that's how it might be when I get to Heaven. Not just tears from shame and humility but tears that are evoked by the sheer majesty, love, and compassion from our Lord.

Honesty

With some people I can be honest. With others, I can't. If you think I'm being honest you could be wrong. Because chances are, if I'm being truly honest, you won't be wondering if I'm being honest. Too many other thoughts will be running through your mind...

Meme Day 28

Day 28 – Something that you miss
Slovakia.

Meme Day 27

Day 27 – Your favourite place
I love my grandparent’s home in Michiga…my room, and cozy little restaurants like Panera. My favourite place I ever went was Venice, Italy though.

Colbie Caillat - Here Comes The Sun

Meme Day 26

Day 26 – Your fears
People I love dying. And probably some sort of fear of what people will think of me but I’m not sure how to describe it…cuz I usually don’t care. Maybe I fear I’m not good enough…? For…something?

Meme Day 25

Day 25 – A first
The first time I ever had Marmite, the nastiest thing on the planet. And I guarantee it will be the last time. Marmite is a lot like…vegemite. Not that I’ve had vegemite, but that’s what other people say. It’s a dark colored, foul-smelling, pasty spread that New Zealanders like to eat. Let me tell you, it’s just awful. I nearly puked. But at least I’ve tried it.

The Night

Well, all I can say about the Celtic Thunder concert is...wow!! So much fun. I still can't believe I did it and it's all over. Although this stuffy nose and scratchy throat are reminders.

Katie and I drove up after my class and walked around for a little bit at 16th St. Mall (Denver). It was freezing and windy. Within...oh, I'd say an hour, I could feel my head being enveloped by the sensations I get when I have a cold coming on. Dern, I thought I could make it through the semester without getting sick. Let's hope it doesn't take off and go all haywire.

So we got there plenty early, got all parked and hurried in. The "theatre" it was in was like a big arena...a large flat floor surrounded by seats on all sides. Only half of the floor was filled with seats and people sat up on the sides only about...five rows up. So less than half of the theatre was filled, and it holds about 6,000 people. Katie and I were in the farthest back section...we were surrounded by elderly people. I'd say at least 50% of the audience demographics were elderly people. There is as much unenthusiasm from them as there is enthusiasm, making it probably not so energetic for the performers. But Katie and I did enough screaming for our whole section.

The show was made up of two section. The first they sang a bunch of more Celtic songs that are not on any of their albums. The second was all "It's Entertainment" songs (such as "Home" which I posted earlier). They sang a lot of those songs on the album, the only differences being that Ryan substituted "Bad Bad Leory Brown" with "Viva La Vida" (which was, btw, probably my favorite version of the song). I wish they hadn't cut out "Amazing Grace" just because it is so beautiful and gives Damian more of a solo. Thankfully they did most of the awesome songs like "Home", "I Wanna Spend My Life With You", and "Hallelujah" (which I cried during because it's just so beautiful and it was Tracey's favorite...). But it was still AHmazing!! Their voices sounded perfect considering the high altitude.

Some of the unplanned funny moments...Keith either forgetting the words or losing his voice during a group number. Damian laughing in the middle of a verse during "Home" (I think the pianist did something funny...I didn't see), and Paul starting to lift up Damian's kilt while they were singing "Ireland" at the end. Oh, and Keith doing his trademark little heel click thing as they left the stage after the show.

aaaw, there is a cute little squirrel out back hopping over leaves....

anyways, it was a terrific show! afterwards, I swear, within about twenty minutes of the show ending the entire place was just empty. Katie and I hung around so we weren't caught up in the made car rush. Katie topped off the night by asking the man at the merchandise table if the guys were going to come out. Hahaha...we aren't screaming fangirls or anything. I'm just a singing fangirl...freaked Katie out as we walked to the car by singing "I wanna spend my life with you [Damian]!!"

And now it is all over. :( Someday when I'm even richer (or probably poorer) I might go again and get better seats. But I am sort of relieved that I'm not like, all passionate and emotional. I loved every minute and was not believing I was actually hearing them in person. But for some reason (and I'm not stuck up about this, I'm just so humbly thankful) it was so clear to me that these men have talent, amazing talent, but it's all given to them by God. And unlike Katie, who just felt so passionate about music afterwards, I just thought to myself, "I love music, I love Celtic Thunder, but I know that it's all just worldly passion. Give me Jesus."

Celtic Thunder - Home

Yes, I am in love.

Celtic Thunder - Caledonia

In celebration of The Big Day. Celtic Thunder tonight!!

I want to be like this

Meme Day 24

Day 24 – Something that makes you cry
God’s amazing-ness. When people I love leave. Stress. School. Being tired while listening to an emotional song. Oh, and “Fox and the Hound”, the end of the movie “Prince Caspian”, and the film “Christmas Shoes”.

Bohemian Rhapsody (Glee Cast Version featuring Jonathan G...

I once asked God for a perfect friend. He never gave me one. It wasn't until now that I realized it's His way of saying, "Olivia, I am your Perfect Friend."

Meme Day 23

Day 23 – Something that makes you feel better
Good food or when friends spontaneously go out of their way to make me feel loved.




I love dance. How I will miss it.

I have been craving hot apple cider for weeks. Craving fulfilled.

Oh, I got a 92% on my chemistry test today.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And a 91% on my history midterm.

=D happiness.

Smile, your mom chose life

Pray for the women today who are making the decision between life and death. Pray for the millions of victims who never have a chance to see the sun.

Meme Day 22

Day 22 – Something that upsets you
Hahahahahahahahahahaha. Hahahahahaha.
Would it be pessimistic to start a list? …….. Naw

Abortion. Closed-mindedness. Apathetic Christians. Lying. Friends who don’t care about their friends. People who think all women belong at home in the kitchen. When I pull a muscle. Cults. Favoritism. When my dad decides to do something differently than he did before even though the first time it worked PERFECTLY. When we don’t decorate for Christmas. When it doesn’t snow in the winter. Chemistry.
When I am lazy.

Thanks, Sam, for the song stuck in my head

This morning I watched a video that Sam posted on Facebook of the men singing "Bad Romance" acapella. It's been stuck in my head all day. Grrrrr. Good thing I don't mind that song but it could get annoying.

Agonizing over chemistry. This test may be take home but it is really frustratingly complicated and I'm not even sure if I've learned some of the stuff that is on it...

I saw a recipe on the front of a Betty Crocker magazine in Walmart. Pumpin Chai Cheesecake. *dies* I found a similar recipe online that I think I am going to try making.

Today I spoke with a friend at church who went to Gabon this past summer. I told her that I had applied to go there as well and she was freaking out, so excited for me and was telling me how much I will love it. I was just really encouraged that she told me that and was so excited. Now I'm even more excited and praying that this really is what God wants me to do!!

My prayer life is greatly lacking.

Everyone should get skype.

I love video chatting in case you didn't know! with everyone. So...I'm always up for a vid date!

Oh, and Toy Story 3 is SO DARN CUTE. It was the perfect ending to some great movies. I cried and cried and laughed really hard. Now I think I need to have a Toy Story marathon or something...

Meme Day 21

Day 21 – Another moment
How about the memory of when my sister was born. I wasn’t there, but I stayed with some friends of ours and as we were walking to the hospital my friend tripped on the curb. So of course he started crying and the next memory I have is sitting in the hallway outside of my mom’s room alone because my friend and his mom were somewhere because he was crying and for some reason I wasn’t allowed in my mom’s room. Haha…and I remember my mom’s bed being really really high. Oh the memories of a 3-year-old.

Meme Day 20

Day 20 – This month
Has the makings to be an amazing month. In…two weeks I get to go to a Celtic Thunder concert! I have had many many blessings and some crazy awesome things in the works…school always puts a damper on things but I’m trying to have a more positive attitude. 

Brrr!

I love winter. I love everything about winter. I love the feeling of when you are really, really cold and you fill up a bath or turn on the shower and just warm up with hot water. I love at night when I throw off my robe and jump under all my covers as fast as possible. I love watching tv when the fire is reflecting off the television screen. I love the excuse to drink as much tea in a day as I want. I love love love the snow and when it blizzards so much that we can't leave the house. I love leaving the house and bundling up. I love going to church and bringing a blanket to wrap up in because it is so cold.

Ok, so technically speaking since the grass is still green and it's only 48 degrees it isn't winter yet. But I am dreaming of winter...and snow...

Meme Day 19

Day 19 – Something you regret
There are lots of things I regret doing, but I think I more often regret the things I did not do. And continue not to do. So I seem to always regret…

Meme Day 18

Day 18 – Your favourite birthday
Hmm…maybe my 17th. My first surprise party ever. It was at a really yum Italian restaurant with five of my great girlfriends. We had calamarie (or however you spell it…you know, the fried squid sucker things) and walked around shops afterwards. They made me go in Victoria’s Secret—blech!

Meme Day 17

Day 17 – Your favourite memory
I think this meme was written by either a a) person with no soul or b) computer. Because how can anyone who can function a computer and write coherent words to form this meme (aka, lived a substantial amount of life) pick ONE FAVOURITE MEMORY???? Gosh. Well, a very important memory is the memories I have of living in Slovakia, Europe for a year. There ya go. Ask me sometime.

I am writing this as I listen to a friend talking on the phone...

So I used to think I was a good listener but I realized that just listening to people talk might not be good listening skills. I am so used to listening to other people talk that I've gotten to the point where I can listen to other people for hours and still do other things like write a blog post or watch TV. Usually I don't, but there is a difference between having a conversation with someone and just listening to them blabber on. I am always willing to listen no matter what but I guess I'm just too good a listener. Listen while I clean, listen while I cook, listen while I do homework, listen while I surf the web. I love listening but it seems I do so much of it that I have to do other stuff at the same time.

Priscilla Ahn: Wallflower lyrics

Meme Day 16

Day 16 – Your first kiss
You know, it looks romantic and stuff in the movies but I bet it can be awkward, this kissing thing. I mean, what if your breath was bad?? What do you do with your hands and arms and nose? I’m still sorta on the edge about it...God has to bring someone ULTRA special for me to even consider it.

Grapefruit Sorbet

For giving a pint of blood at school I got a coupon for a free pint of ice cream from Baskin Robbins. I got grapefruit sorbet! After this I may go get some. I even kept my little taste tester spoon so I can eat it but it lasts longer. Teehee.

Today I was looking on Facebook at some people's profiles. And I realized that my family has been forgotten by someone who was special to us. So then I started thinking about being forgotten and I thought of some other people that I love deeply who seem to have forgotten the roots of many good things. I think that being forgotten is worse than being shunned. Because being shunned means that the person just doesn't like you or want to be with you. But being forgotten means that you were never important enough to them to remember you...

Another late night tonight. I am definitely feeling the effects of this house-sitting thing. My friend is staying with me tonight and she isn't even here yet at...10 pm. And when she gets here she has lots and lots of homework to do. So maybe tomorrow I will stop for a Dutch Bros to give me a boost. Grrrrrrr I hate chemistry.

It is extremely quiet. I wonder where the cat is...

Meme Day 15 (halfway point!)

Day 15 – Your dreams
-To be a missionary full time
-To travel all around the world…seriously, anywhere. Even Siberia
-To fall in love
-To lead someone to Christ
-To win a debate with a Mormon, Atheist, and evolutionist
-To climb Mount Olympus and defy the Greek gods!

Meme Day 14

Day 14 – What you wore today
Jeans, black Allstars (with mud on them), my pretty red shirt that was covered by my black Jillians dance hoodie because it was so cold. Not really outside, just in the classrooms ;)

Housekeeping and Narcissism

Is blogging for narcissists? An entire "website" devoted to talking about myself, my thoughts, and my experiences. It's sort of like a journal but one that we write hoping someone will read it. It's either a great success when all the people who love you read it or a great embarassment when no one does. But I will keep writing because maybe in a few years I will love to go back and read what I wrote.

My brain right at my forehead feels like it is being smooshed together. Ouch.

French test tomorrow. Study study study...

I understood something today in chemistry!! Now let's hope this trend continues...


PLEASE if you leave a comment and don't have a google or blogger or Lj account leave your name at the bottom of your comments so I know who you are. :)

Meme Day 13

Day 13 – This week…
…was not as busy as the week before. Truth is, I can’t remember my days/weeks very well. It all sort of blurs together. I went to class, went to dance, went to Bible study, did homework, lazed around, and now I am feeling the effects of my laziness. Friday was MY day, a day completely for myself. I watched a friend play some tennis, scrapbooked for several hours with another friend, then went to a different friend’s play that night. When Mom and I got back from the play I came right over to the house and…well, you can read about that experience down below. Last night I went to a friend’s surprise party and then came back and watched 27 Dresses with another friend. We got to bed well past midnight and were only fifteen minutes to church! Shared stories about dreams. And now I am crunching for time to get things done that need to be done. That should have been done long ago.

for you

kinda silly but fun :)

House-sitting Day 1

The first-time house-sitter's tips for other first-time house-sitters:
-Make sure you know how door locks work.
-Introduce yourself to the neighbors before something bad happens
-Pay attention when the house-owners explain to you how to use the TV. It is awkward to call and ask how to play a DVD. I mean, for all they know the cat could be sick but you WANT TO WATCH A MOVIE!



Silence. Almost too much silence. I can hear a ticking clock, the buzzing of the refrigerator, and an occasional sizzle from my warming egg rolls. But otherwise, there is not a sound to accompany my rapid typing. I always said that when I lived alone I would blast music and sing as loud as I want. But for some reason--maybe out of fear, maybe because this silence is such a different sound--I don't want to make much noise.

It is Day 1 of my house-sitting job. My FIRST house-sitting job, as was so apparent to myself and the next-door neighbor this morning as I knocked on her door at 9 am. Only moments before I had walked out the front door to get the mail. Because the cat is ABSOLUTELY NOT ALLOWED OUTSIDE I shut the door behind me. And guess what? The handle has a trick lock. Whether it is locked or not, from the inside the handle moves as if if were unlocked. So I opened the door quite easiy and didn't realize that it was locked. That is, didn't realize it until after I shut it behind me. And of course my phone and keys were inside. After trying to break in on my own (but after two minutes realized it would be impossible) I went over to the neighbors. Turns out they work at night so at 9 in the morning they are just getting to bed. But she was very nice and helped me pry open the screen on a window that I had THANKFULLY opened before I went out.

So yep. Does that make me the worst house-sitter in the world? I'm trying to tell myself it doesn't seeing as I cleaned the kitchen and bathroom floors today. Maybe tomorrow I will get the living and dining rooms done. C (what I am going to call the lady who lives here, and her husband is T) told me that she would pay me for cleaning but I would have done this anyways even if she wasn't. Shoot me now but there is something therapeutic about making something dirty into something clean.

Of course I did spill milk on the kitchen floor after it was clean.

There is a cat here but he is very shy and I have only seen him twice. But I know he's alive and here because his food is gone that I put out for him.

Meme Day 12

Day 12 – What's in your bag
Well in my purse I have my wallet (usually always), my phone, sunglasses, a mini French dictionary, a CPR mask, some girlie things, chapstick, lip gloss, and gum

Looking for hope in a hopeless world-Margaret Becker

My parents have a shelf full of CD's that we've had since I was a little girl. Just recently I've started pulling off random ones and popping them into my lappie-top. Ha, a year ago I never would have listened to my parent's music. But now I'm burning most of them onto my computer. Right now I'm listening to Margaret Becker...pretty good!

So what is there to look forward to in the next month? Hopefully cooler weather. I'm still switching between capris and pants. And I still leave my window open at night. But October highlights include:

-Celtic Thunder!
-House sitting

haha, I thought there were more things. Oh well, those two are good enough to cover the whole month! Oh, and an extra special is when I donated blood I got a coupon for a free pint of ice cream from Baskin Robbins. So I'm going to get some for house-sitting!

I am actually very proud of my French abilities. I know I could be studying harder and learning more but seeing as I don't study that much and just go to class I think I'm getting the jist of it.

I've realized how much I really do not prefer texting. Like, I don't mind it for little "hello's" or asking questions, but it irks me when people want to hold a convo completely over texting. I don't know why, it's just not my style.

So I figured out some statistics about my life. Recently (because of a bad test grade in chemistry class) my parents have been demanding I give up either Bible study or some of dance. And I will post it loud and clear for everyone to read because I am ashamed of them: MY PARENTS WANT ME TO GIVE UP BIBLE STUDY FOR SCHOOL!!!!
Anyways. I figured out how many hours a week I spend on certain activities.
45 hours free/homework/housework
18 hours class
9 hours work
7 hours dance/Bible study
So can you see how frustrated I am??? The least amount of time a week I spend on fun stuff and my parents want me to give some of that up!

I am really frustrated. What great parents they are but sometimes I don't think they really understand what it is like to go to class, go home, and sit inside doing homework and homework and homework. I need a break!

Meme Day 11

Day 11 – Your siblings
Ok, so by blood I have only one sibling.   My little sis Margie (her real name isn’t that, but it’s the nickname I gave her several years ago…)...because she sorta hunches her shoulders over and she does this hacking thing with her throat and flem and stuff that reminded me of a little old grannie. So I call her Margie. Oh and she is 3 years younger than me. I love her like heck. Yeah, she’s annoying and vain and taller than me and grumpy in the mornings but she is also the closest person to me. No, I can’t tell her everything but I share the most memories with her, laugh the most with her, and if I had to choose one person in the whole world to spend all of my life with just traveling and being awesome I would choose her. She loves pigs (as an animal and a food....gross) and plays soccer and has a gerbil.
I also believe that spiritual ties are stronger than blood ones. So all my brothers and sisters in Christ...I love them.

Meme Day 10

Day 10 – What you wore today
For most of the morning I wore my mickey pj boxer things and a big t-shirt. When I went to class I put on some jean capris and a teal mid-length sleeve top with a hood on the back. And dangly earrings with hearts on the end. And my brown ballet-flat crocs :)

Meme Day 9

Day 09 – Your beliefs
Ok. Jesus is the Son of God, part of the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God created the earth all on His own, no help from natural selection the Big Bang, or macro evolution. Everything in the Bible is true but you need to read it in context sometimes to understand it. I believe that anyone can be saved and that God desires all people to come to Him. But it’s of free will—He wants those who truly love Him to spend all eternity with Him. I believe Christians’ main life purpose is to worship God. Abortion is always murder, homosexual unions may be politically correct but who cares what society says—man and woman, people! They fit together like blue and pink lego pieces (maybe that doesn’t work, cuz my fave color is blue so that would make the guy…pink?). However, God loves all sinners. I am a sinner. You are a sinner. Maybe you killed an old lady and I only stole a cookie but we both need Jesus’ forgiveness equally. And you know what, we don’t have all the answers. No one does. So I just say, read and know the Word of God. Strive to worship and honor Him in all you do.

Just another manic Monday

Thank the Lord Mom gets home tonight. It's been so weird having her gone. Not like, weird that she isn't here, but weird that things seem so crazy with her gone. Mostly on my part since I'm the one doing dinners and cleaning up and went shopping today because there was no food in the house. If her plane crashes on the way back I will get in my car and drive to Kansas.

I made some cupcakes today!! Alas, I didn't want to even mess with scratch batter so I just got some chocolate mix from the store. But one of my friends told me that someone had told her that if you put marshmallows on the top of the cupcakes when they are in the oven that they will melt in a nice glaze over the top. Do you think it worked? Check my cupcake blog in a few days to find out!

Today I nearly blew up at my computer screen. I read something someone had posted and I just got this impatient, tired feeling. Tired of games and tired of not knowing what's what.

Had an interesting convo with a couple at church yesterday...waiting for an e-mail from them. Maybe I'll have awesome news in a week or so.

Margie (my little sis) had her first homecoming on Saturday night. Not only her first ever but her first this year. Yes, she is going to two. And good thing she doesn't read this blog because she would kill me that I'm broadcasting it all over but...she went to this one with a boy! But most of you know that. And it isn't what you might think. They grew up together, our families are very good friends, so they just went as that sorta "friends" couple. Margie looked so pretty and her friend was so handsome! I think the fact that my sister has a guy date to homecoming in 9th grade is foreshadowing of the future...she's totally going to get married first. Which is FINE with me. ;)

I'm wearing more make up lately and I'm kinda mad at myself for it.

Had a great late-night convo with a great friend last night. Watched Miss Congeniality and While You Were Sleeping with the guy-date's sis (one of my oldest and dearest) on Saturday night. But that is about the extent of my social life right now. What with work, taking care of the house, my cupcake adventures, and school school school! there isn't much free time.

Oops, gotta go make dinner...

Meme Day 8

Day 08 – A moment
Sitting in my car in the middle of a dark church parking lot with our former exchange student girl from NZ. We had bought a big piece of chocolate cake from Walmart and were eating it while playing “Guess my person”. And it took her about 20 minutes to guess Sandra Bullock. When she finally did she screamed really loud in excitement…

Meme Day 7

Day 07 – Your best friend
Jesus. I am beginning to realize what sole dependence on Him for every type of companionship is like. I used to be all into having human best friends but not anymore. I don’t believe in favoritism—I strive to love all my friends equally. Each one is different and that is what I like. I have God friends, fun friends, crazy friends, etc. etc. etc.

Meme Day 6

Day 06 – Your day
Woke up, ate a poptart and hot chocolate. Drove my sister and the neighbor to the bus stop. Drove to my babysitting job and was there until about 12. We went to the park where we saw another little boy and his babysitter for the second time. Fun! Then I went to Subway then to a CAN place to finish paperwork. Next I went to the church to stuff bulletins and then to a friend’s house I am going to house-sit for. Stayed there and chatted, then came home and cleaned and organized my room. Making lasagna for dinner, looking at scholarships, going tonight to a movie night at church.

Spontenaity--Olivia style!

Tonight after having a very enlightening conversation with my fellow Fearless-Feminist friend (who also happens to be one of my regular followers) I decided something. I decided I need to make some very impactive (is that a word?) changes in my life.

For starters, I am very very very heavily leaning towards migrating from the country next year. Yes. Seriously. Migration. M-i-g-r-a-t-i-o-n. Yes, peoples. You have a migrant on the loose. Lose. Loose. Whatever. Anyways! No, not really. I'm not sure what the definition of "migrant" is But, I am seriously considering being serious about going away next semester to another country and serving in some sort of way. As I told my friend tonight, I feel stuck in the toilet bowl of shallow American living. You just sorta sit there and every once in a while you go round and round but then you just end up sitting there again. On yo fat butt. That's right, I said it. Actually, on my bed. Here. Right now. On this computer, doing nothing important and saying nothing of significance. Not bettering my life or mind in any way or doing anything with my life for other God or other people.

So that is the one major change that could be happening. Oui.

Other major changes. Well, as this last week has shown me (and oh my goodness I can't believe I made it through this week without crashing, getting extremely sick, or screaming at someone) I need to work on my time schedule. I need to do my homework when I can, do my chores, do other things, and other things, so then I can do fun stuff! And read good, enlightening books. And bake. And work. And maybe even volunteer. I wish, but it sounds noble to say that. So in short, I need to be more productive and on top of my life. Oh my gosh, see? I was supposed to do Bible study with my sister tonight and I totally didn't. Instead I sat on the couch for like, fifteen minutes. Showered. Now I'm here. I prove my own point.

Major changes coming people. Hold me accountable. Call me, text me, e-mail me, throw cream pies in my face that read "Olivia, get it under control."

Meme Day 5 and more

Day 05 – Your definition of love
So both Sam and Amy have the PERFECT answer:
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 " 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away."

and also my definition of love is: God. God is love.

~~~~~~~~

Today.

-Went through a red light when trying to turn left out of an intersection. So pretty much turn left or sit in the middle of the intersection during the red light. Oh and guess what? They just installed red-light runner cameras at that intersection. So that will probably be another chunck of my pay-bill.

-Attended orientation for a possible CNA job today. If all goes well I will be hired with the company and just have to wait for a case to open up. Oh and I'm adding three more hours to my babysitting job so...lots of working to pay all of my red-light tickets.

-Forgot to do my French homework before class so I was out in the hall fifteen minutes before doing as much as I could.

-Bought a Naked smoothie at school. Banana/strawberry, but it wasn't as good as the mango one.

-Got a 95% on my French test!

-I love getting voicemails from friends on my cell phone.

-Some random pen markings on my finger look like a smilie face.

-Oh, I almost ran over my sister today in the car.

-And thus the neighbor boy we also drive to the school bus stop must think I am the worst driver in the world.

-I almost threw away $5 today. Or actually, I found $5 in my trash can. So I saved the $5 from being thrown away.

-I am sitting in the library and I just watched an employee fix up the children's area, setting Teddy bears upright and stacking puzzles. And I wished I could have so few cares as to walk around a children's room making it look organized and cheery.

-But I really don't have that many awful cares. Nothing God can't use for His glory. The hardest part? Trusting Him with all of those cares.

Meme Day 4

Day 04 – What you ate today
Most of a chocolate muffin with milk, a banana, mixed nuts, crackers and cheese, some carrots, and a mint brownie. And a cup of tea. Maybe I’ll get another one. 

oooh!

I have 1 follower. Yay!

The end.

Meme Day 3

Day 03 – Your parents
Mom and Dad (no names for privacy sake). Mom is an awesome mom. She home schooled me for 10 years (no sweat, especially compared to my sis!), cooks amazing food, cleans all the time (something I wish she might not do so much of!). She is also pretty easy for me to get along with and probably spoils me more than I realize. She has an awesome salvation story and was very pretty when she was young (not that she isn’t now, I just don’t notice like I do when I see her pictures of when she was in her 20’s). Dad is referred to as Chuck Norris by people at his school, our church, and pretty much anyone else we know. So yeah, you have an idea of what he looks like. Beard and everything. He lives in a house full of females but he rocks all the more for it. He actually loves Jane Austen films and is currently reading “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” to better his mind. He’s way fun and a little scary and annoying sometimes. But I know he loves me and my family tons and will cry every night when I leave the house. Oh, and did I mention he makes gross sounds when he eats??

A God thing!

I just love how God blesses us with little things that may not be life-changing but are regular reminders that He's got it all under control.

So on Saturday I was going to see the film "Flipped" (SOOO cute, go see it!) with some friends from church. The theatre was downtown and I spent about ten minutes trying to find good parking. Finally, I had to drive up past the theatre again to go to a different road to park. I had just driven by the theatre and there was nothing open (which I never expected there to be) and as I was driving past I saw an open spot right in front! I swung in with a victorious whoop. Then I grabbed some quarters to put in the meter and guess what?? There was already 30 minutes on it so I only needed one quarter! Yaay!

I went into the theatre and my friends had already purchased tickets for the film. So I got in line right after my friend to buy one and when I got up to the counter and said cheerily "One ticket for Flipped please!" (cheery because I was SO excited to see it)...something bizarre took place. I can't even remember how it all went, but for some reason the guy didn't want to sell me a ticket. Even though my friend had just bought one, he was reluctant to give me one. He said that "there are only 6 seats left" and "you might not be able to sit with people you came with" and "In my opinion it's our lowest selling movie". It was as if he was trying to convince me not to buy a ticket! I explained that my other 2 friends had bought tickets and we realized that we might not sit together, but he just told me to talk to his manager (who was sitting at a booth right across the small room. So I got in line to talk to him but the other dude called me back. "Ma'am," he said as he pulled out a ticket. Then he ducked down a bit so that his face would be hidden behind mine from his manager's view. He handed me the ticket and said, "If there are no seats up there then come back down and we'll work something out." FREE TICKET!! I was thinking, "Umm.....you could've just sold me this" but I just said "Thank you" like he had just saved my life and off we went to watch the cutest movie I've seen all year. It was so bizarre but quite a blessing! Those tickets are expensive! I think God knew I was having a crappy day and He just wanted to say, "Look Olivia, I still love you. Here's a movie ticket on Me."

Meme Day 2

Day 02 – Your first love
Wow, this could potentially be embarrassing. Except I am not answering this in the terms that you all want to know and that the question implies. Oh wait, actually...it asks my first LOVE, not my first CRUSH. My first love was probably...reading. Books. My first real human love would have to be very recent. Damian McGinty. Youtube him. But he’s mine, so don’t fall in love with him.

Meme Day 1

(stolen from Amy...looks fun, I'll post an answer every day if I can. would love to see other people's if possible)

Day 01 - Introduce yourself -
Hi....I’m Olivia (hello Olivia). My middle name is Joy, not that I live up to it but I try to. I think the only time I live up to my middle name is the in mornings when you compare my disposition to my sister’s. Anyways, I’m 18 years old and obviously very narcissistic since I love doing meme’s so much. No, I actually don’t think people who do meme’s are narcissistic. I like to read about others! I just happened to think I was narcissistic even before meme’s were invented! Ok, getting back on track. I am a senior in high school but I don’t really tell people that because I’m actually going to our community college full time and I figure that if I do the work of a college student I should be able to tell people I am one. My life goal is FIRST to worship God ALL THE TIME. Ha, the impossible dream, but the best one there is to have. Second my goal is to do overseas missions and I actually decided today my ultimate missions dream would be to do missions to unreached people groups. I mean, I can’t save the world but Jesus can and I can speed up His return by finding and befriending and witnessing to all those who don’t know Him.

Random facts -
-I love mint gum more than any type of gum
-I don’t like butter and I don’t prefer vanilla ice cream
-I am allergic to mushrooms (or actually I wish I was)
-Je suis une fille. (French. =D I just felt like showing off my awesome French skills)
-I love rain and snow and cloudy days more than any other type of weather
-My favorite natural aspects are stars, clouds, and the ocean
-Tea is my favorite drink
-I still sleep with my baby blankie
-My dad makes the grossest sounds with his mouth while he eats cereal
-I would work and save up all my money just to travel
-I am trying to think of something REALLY random...my toe nails grow this fast: I got a pedicure in the middle of August and already the bottom half of my toenail has no polish on it and the top half is still perfectly polished like I got it. Yeah, it’s gross. OH, and a HUGE pet peeve is when dancers have long toe nails—it rips through your shoes and just pushes up against your nail. Very awful feeling.

Just a thought

If only all the lonely people out there realized that with Jesus there is no loneliness. Maybe an earthly sort of loneliness, but never an eternal type. And all your friends could desert you but it wouldn't matter.

Is that detachment or true acceptance of Jesus' love and friendship?

It is well with my soul.

I am going to try and make this post as optimistic as possible. Call me a Pollyanna, but I do believe that when we start focusing on the things in life to be thankful for the bad things just sorta get pushed into the back of one's mind. Not that I don't have TONS of things to be thankful for! Gosh, I am more blessed than so many people. I wonder why God just heaps blessings on someone like me...

So the exchange girl who has been living with us for several months is going home to New Zealand on Saturday. We are going to miss her terribly as she has become a part of our family quite easily. And the fact that I get my own room and bed back doesn't really make it better. Surprisingly I didn't mind sharing a bed with my sister...NEVER thought I'd be saying that. But we worked out the sleeping arrangement quite well. I sleep with my head at the feet of the bed and set up my pillows so she doesn't accidently kick me in the face. Anyways, back to our "sister" leaving. Yep, it will be sad but I am happy that she is happy to be going home. And knowing that she isn't leaving because of anything wrong with our family is quite comforting, as you might imagine.

Funny thing, as we are talking about blessings. On the day I found out that our student was leaving earlier than planned a couple from my church called to ask if I could house sit for them for ten days at the beginning of October. I would have been thrilled to do so any time of the year but I think it's so amazing that God knew I would need a little "escape" like this at this point in time. Needless to say I am quite excited to be on my own for a little bit. Not that I'll be a total loner--my sister will stay on the weekends with me and a few of my friends might give me company some nights. Oh, and the husband of the couple called me "ultra responsible" when his wife mentioned me for the job. Haha that made my day!

I applied for another CNA job today. I have mixed feelings about it. Part of me really feels like I need to get a steady, good-paying job. But then again, seeing as there is a possibility I might not be in the States next semester I wonder if it is worth it. But compared to the actual possibility of leaving the country for a bit but trying to find out how or why or when....the job thing is kinda not stressful at all.

Ha, I've just been typing like nuts about nothingness. It's this new computer, the keyboard is so fun to type away on.

Oh, I think I've decided I really like the Beach Boys. :)

Dance is going so amazing! Our lyrical dance is AMAZING. Definitely will record it when we are done and post it somewhere. And our tap dance is acapella and quite groovy. Plus on Saturdays I help out with two classes which of course I love, being with dramatic little ballerinas.

Well, I've got French class in two hours. I haven't taken my first test, but I am LOVING this class. It's my longest but the two and a half hours seem to fly by. Au revoir!

"I finally died, which started the whole Earth living"

What an absolutely awesome Labor Day weekend. Except for the fact I was not nearly as productive as I wanted to be. In fact, I have done hardly any homework. Typical college procrastination going on here. Oh if there were only a medicine for procrastination sickness. What's that you say? There is? It's....work. Yeah.

So I love pictures, and I think I will do updates with some pics.

Sunday

So one of my childhood memories is of waking up early on Labor Day Sunday and going down to our city's downtown park to watch hundreds of hot hair balloons take off. This year I was all gung-ho about going until I found out no one else in my family wanted to go. But as I laid in bed contemplating the hard decision of if I should go alone or not, I realized that it was possibly my last year to attend for a long time. Turns out Dad was up for going with me, so at 6:30 in the morning we walked with crowds of other tired people towards the park. It was an awesome morning, just getting to walk around and look at the cool booths. We saw tons of friends we hadn't seen in a long time. And some awesome balloons, too!


Sunday night-Monday morning

Dad had a sort of spontaneous desire to get away to the mountains for a night. And I didn't hesitate (much) to go with him. Originally Tracey was supposed to go with us but she got sick so I invited a great friend of mine, Katie (my God-friend). We packed up some granola bars, sleeping bags, NO tent, and took off. The hike itself was only about an hour and a half. Dad knew of a secluded flat spot across the creek and we plopped ourselves down there for the night. After hiking the rest of the trail to St. Mary's Falls we came back and hung around the fire. Then we put our sleeping bags around it (JUST LIKE COWBOYS!!) and laid under the stars. Let me tell you something. God is amazing. So we see one shooting star. It was gorgeous, as can be expected. Then as we laid there, I prayed "God, please send one more". And guess what? Right before I closed my eyes, a long, shimmering star shot across the sky. You ARE amazing, God. It was such a surreal night. I would wake up, look at the sky for a moment, notice how the stars had moved slightly as we rotated, then go back to sleep. How blessed I am, how amazing my life is, and how wonderful the Lord of all creation is.

New laptop!

Dad got me a new laptop today. If you knew all the troubles we had with our old one, you might understand this spontaneous act. It's a shiny purple one--Toshiba--and quite snazzy. Maybe I'll take some pictures sometime...maybe not. Oh, and there's a built-in webcam! So now I can video chat all the time with all sorts of people. Ooh-la-la!

Tomorrow we are going backpacking. I cannot wait to just sit and stare up at the stars.

My dog is scratching furiously at the door

Listening to the soundtrack of "Love Never Dies", the new musical sequal to Phantom of the Opera. I am highly doubtful. Three songs in, I'm still doubtful.

It wasn't such a great night.

I ate hardly anything today. Waffles, a cupcake, a granola bar, a smoothie, and an apple.

Dance starts tomorrow. I. Can't. Wait.

Dad's going camping Sunday night. I really want to go, but then I'd miss my Perspectives class. I could make it up Monday night at the other church...still contemplating this.

Planning on leaving early tomorrow morning to get a bagel and coffee at Panera.

I randomly wished today for the Olympics. I love the Olympics. Can't wait for them to start...but that's like, a year away. :(

Verging on 90 degrees...

Olivia's List of Favorite Actors (in no particular order)
Entry #2: Johnny Depp
Why? The modern James Dean, Depp doesn't conform to usual acting patterns. He has starred in romance, comedy, drama, horror, musical, and even Disney films. Indie, original, totally cool accent, and not bad looking for an old guy.

So once August is over the birthdays pretty much are, too. We celebrated...seven birthdays this month. And I have two good friends with birthdays in August. Three people at the moment in our house are August babies. Personally, I'm glad I wasn't an August-ie. It's too popular. June is just perfect for me. :) So anyways, we are going tonight to Denver to celebrate my sis's 15th birthday. Pictures will describe our destination better than I can, so be on the look out for those!
Last night I went babysitting for a few hours. On the way home it was dusk and I knew I'd be going home to an empty house, so I decided to drive to our city's little hiking park. There is a great overlook of the city from there and it was indeed beautiful with all the lights and the mountains in the backround. There were a few whispy clouds in the sky, and I felt that if I could fly I would soar up to them and let them rest on my skin. Oh I want to know what a cloud feels like so much!
Still don't have a job. Maybe I'm being lazy on that note...I really wanted to get a job with this one agency, but it hasn't happened and it's sort of an indefinite thing. So I guess I have to fill out more applications. And maybe get a dress-suit for interviews?
Dance starts on Wednesday. I feel like there are million little "dance!" bubbles floating around in me and won't pop away until I start. I've never been this anxious for dance to start! It must be my awesome classmates...I grew so close to them last year and this year I think we'll really feel like a family.
I had a random movie moment pop into my head today as I watched my friend play tennis. Remember from "Napolean Dynamite" where Pedro realizes that his head is hot because of his hair? So he shaves it all off? Yeah, that was my movie moment.

Celtic Thunder - Brother in Arms

Oh the endless possibilities

Today as I sat in my two hours and twenty long minute French class and realized that I would be spending five hours a week the next nineteen weeks listening to my teacher blabber on in French, a realization struck me. For the next four-six years I would be carrying just as heavy a load of schooling to try and get a four-year degree. And the idea literally made my insides sink. It's not that I try to find no joy in school or that I really do detest homework like I say I do. But would I rather be doing something else? Most definitely. Am I lazy? Maybe. Or maybe I'm not meant to be cooped up in a classroom?
So then I was like, "Ok, what are my other alternatives?" I could come up with two.
One, don't go to college and hope for the best. My first move would be to go onto the missions field, just volunteering wherever and not really spending any money. And maybe do that for the rest of my life? Or if I had to hang out here, just work as a CNA or waitress all my days and bum out with my sister when she gets a place of her own.
OR...I can do what I always was more against doing than anything. Perfect my cooking and cleaning skills, buy a bunch of make up, and go to social events to find myself a nice Christian guy who will support me forever. And thus life will be easy for me as I raise babies and cook dinner.
NOW. Absolutely no offense to any house moms or wives out there. I think motherhood and wifelyhood is fantastic. Especially when those mothers and wives are using those roles God placed them in for His glory. It's just that I can't remember ever in my life wanting to "grow up and get married and have kids". Not even when I was little. Sure, I wouldn't mind if God brought along a Jesus freak dude who would save up to go to Europe with me or throw on a backpack and roadtrip to Mexico. Not someone who gets so caught up in the routine and comfort of American life that we never go out and be disciples and witnesses to those more needy than us. Because that is what I want to do. I believe it is what God is calling me to do. And so be it if I need to take more years of school to do it. Being a self-sufficient young woman can be hard, but so be it.

Olivia's List of Favorite Actors (in no particular order)
Entry #1: James Dean
Why? A legendary classic, didn't conform to the expected "characters" of the time, didn't have his own "shell" or "mold". He was his own person.

Today was my first day of school this semester. I am attending Pikes Peak Community College...Rampart campus. Last semester I went to the Centennial and Downtown campuses, so now I am hitting the last one in the city. The thing I don't like about this campus is that most of the student body is made up of students about my age. I like the atmosphere at the other campuses where a class is made up of people of all ages. In most of my classes last spring I was one of the youngest in the class. That could very easily not be the case at Rampart. Thankfully I am in my longest, hardest class with a good friend of mine. Oh, and that's chemistry. Give me biology or anatomy any day, but chemistry...if this class doesn't transfer to my 4-year school I will literally flip. My other two classes are World History and French (French I am going to tomorrow). It's only three classes but they add up to 13 credit hours, only one less hour than last semester with four classes. And I have a feeling this chemistry class will suck my guts out of me.
Playing phone tag with a potential employer...
It's raining. absolute bliss.

Paradise

How do I imagine paradise? Forests with ground so soft with moss that even a child with tender feet could walk barefoot on it. The water everywhere--rivers, lakes, or ponds--as clear and pure as crystal. When the sun glitters on the water, the pathway of water diamonds feel warm and tingly as you swim through it. I imagine a place with tall mountains covered with green trees and plants of every kind. When you climb to the top of one, the clouds are like cream that you can scoop with your hands and taste. The clouds would taste sweet and cool and soft. Sunsets and sunrises would be beautiful every day with no dark clouds to cover them up. The stars would shine brightly every night and when you look at the sky, you can't tell if there is more dark space or more glittering stars. When it rains the rain isn't too cold to your skin but always a sweet downpour that refreshes rather than drenches. And God's presence could be felt in every place. It would be dense and overwhelming, so much so that it brings every person to their knees in tears of joy.

Babies

I have two thoughts about babies.

1. I don't want them.
2. They are precious.

Bishop Allen - Butterfly Nets

So God does speak to me...

"And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God." ~ Ephesians 3:18-19

Two days ago I was reading a chapter from my current devotional "Completely Irresistible" (by Shannon Ethridge). It was Chapter 16 titled "Live Loved" and dealt with believing (and living out that belief) that God loves every person individually. The author referenced to John, who was referred to very regularly as 'the one Jesus loved'. In this chapter, the author challenged readers to think about how our belief in Jesus' unconditional love affects our lives. She writes, "The God of the universe loves you--passionately, deeply, tenderly, unconditionally. Once you've got that fact firmly rooted and established in your life, it's going to bear fruit."
I don't know how to put it eloquently, but my life does not reflect this amazing love very well at all. And that's because it isn't a truth that I have an easy time believing. You know the feeling when you KNOW something, say...that gravity is holding you down but it's hard to really understand it. It's just a fact to you. That's sort of how the truth of Jesus's love for me is.
As you might imagine, reading that devotional was pretty hard. I kept thinking, "I believe this, I know this, but how do I really KNOW it and reflect it??" Obviously this is a topic God really wanted to pound into my head, because today I opened up my new favorite book "Come Away My Beloved" (Frances J. Roberts. go buy it.) and read this devotional. I am going to post the entire thing, even if it is only for my benefit.
The Blessings of the Pure in Heart
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." - Matthew 5:8
Is not My heart drawn out toward you to bless you? Have I not said that I would shelter and protect you and be your strong support? Yield your whole being to Me. I am your loving Father. I know your need even before it arises. My provisions are not only sure, but also full and overflowing, so that you may confess with the psalmist, "I shall never want." You will see with a vision denied to many, for your heart is pure, and to the pure of heart is given the promise that they shall see God. How much more glorious than to behold the beauty of a thousand sunsets! How much more thrilling than the sight of the fairest faces ever to grace the earth!
Yes, I shall reveal Myself to you and you shall know Me face-to-face, as Moses did. You shall walk with Me and talk with Me, and I will hold your right hand and be a brother and a friend to you. Yes, in joy I will be an added comfort, and in sorry I will be to you the peace that surpasses understanding.
Do not look to people to tell you more about Me. Look to Me directly, for I will reveal Myself to you in a personal way, in ways no other could tell you. I will be as personal and as dear to you as I was to John, the Beloved. I would take you aside as I did Peter and talk to you of things that concern yourself alone. I am not only the God of congregations, but the God of the individual, and I am as concerned for you as I was for Abraham or Joseph or David.
You are never one of many to Me. You are precious and dear to My heart, yes, even as a very special treasure. For I love you more than you can ever comprehend, and I long to gather you in My embrace and hold you close to My heart. Do not hold Me at arm's length because you have a sense of unworthiness. Have you not read that the redeemed are brought near by the blood of Christ? Your sins are not covered; they are washed away! They are not only forgiven: They are forgotten! Don't hold back My love.
Be as the prodigal when embraced by his father. Though he would have resisted for a moment, he swiftly accepted his father's forgiveness and reciprocated his love and affection.
I, too, would bring you into My house and spread for you a feast of blessings and place upon you the garment of praise, the ring of relationship, and the sandals of peace. Come, for all things are prepared for you and nothing shall be denied.