The Howler

Hawaii Vacation

2011-07-27T18:28:00.006-05:00

These are pictures of my week-long trip to Hawaii. It was bliss!

View from the room.

Fire dancer from the Luau I went to. He is the 11 year-old children's division champ of the world!

Dancers from the Luau

My brother learning to hula at the luau.

L'aie, Hawaii Temple.

Matsumoto's Shave Ice. Best in the world!

Plants from the fern grotto. Gives you a little perspective....

The Fern Grotto on the Island of Kuaui.

Pretty flowers on the island of Kuaui.

You might recognize this valley from the movie of Jurrasic Park. No dinosaur sightings...maybe a few geckos...but hey, nobobdy got ate!

One of the many blowholes at the islands.

At the windiest place on Oahu.

My brother's fun at the beach.

At Bellow's Beach.

The family looking at the ocean.

Tim in front of the USS Arizona.

USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri. The start and the end of the US involvment in WW2.

Catching Up

2011-05-01T20:23:00.005-05:00

I've been neglecting my blogging. I am truly sorry. I'll catch y'all up through pictures!

I went to the annual Air Show at Scott AFB (IL). The Blue Angels were the hit of the show!

I participated in my first 5K at the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. The very first 5k ever for the event.

I've been working for a service organization called Americorps. This is one of the big service projects we participated in. It's call Paint the Town. Delilah (the radio host) showed up to paint downtown Belleville, IL.

With Americorps my normal duties are tutoring 7th and 8th graders at a local junior high. I was asked to coach the bowling team. This year was the first year the school has participated in bowling...ever! Which means I was the first bowling coach at the school...ever! I had a blast as a first time coach. This young lady took 7th in the girls finals (individual) and all the teams, both boys/girls Varsity and JV did really well for the first year. Yay!

My newest adventure is that I'm in the process of buying my first home! Yep, you read that right. I will be a homeowner! I wasn't actually looking seriously and then this fell into my lap. I will close on it sometime this month. Wish me luck that nothing goes wrong.

Katy Perry - Firework

2010-11-25T08:04:00.000-05:00

This is my new favorite song.

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-02T21:09:00.004-05:00

This was my costume this year. I thought it was a clever idea. Can you guess? I was a 'mom' because I had eyes in the back of my head!

My First "Real" Afghan

2010-06-06T11:29:00.003-05:00

I finally made my first afghan. I always wanted to make one since I learned how to crochet several years ago. Last christmas my grandma woolf taught me how to make a granny square. I had some leftover yarn and went at it.

This is when I finished all the individual granny squares.

Here are the square stitched into rows.

Finally! The finished afghan!

On a Roll....

2010-03-25T20:05:00.007-05:00

Okay, not to scare anyone or gross anyone out but the following pictures are showing how I spent the day before valentines day. I am okay. Just a 'rug burn' on the elbow a bone bruised shoulder and typical bruises from the seat belt. Plus a bruised ego, I though I was a pretty good driver...not great...but pretty alright.

This is the same elbow over a month later. I think it's healing rather nicely. Bumpy but better than before.

The Adventures of Koozie

2010-02-11T10:22:00.002-05:00

Here are some videos of Kooie that I think y'all might enjoy!

Koozie the Kitten

2009-10-31T22:53:00.003-05:00

This is Koozie. This is what she thinks of homework and studying. Very thoughtful of her!

The Travesty!

2009-10-02T22:19:00.003-05:00

I know this post is a little delayed reaction but I still have the need to post my thoughts on this particular soapbox.

In June I turned....29!!!!!! Ack! What the huh?!?! I can't believe I am one year away from 30! When did this happen and how do I make it stop? Time has flown by, literally. I was talking to a friend of mine awhile ago and were discussing turning 30 and she has given some great advice. Enjoy life and enjoy the moment. Enjoy every minute of being 20 something. You only get it once.

Okay, 'box done!

Slacker

2009-08-25T21:48:00.002-05:00

I know, I know...I'm a slacker at keeping this thing up to date. Please forgive me.

Sooooo.....Recent history has been quite interesting to say the least....

1. I turned 29 in June. Yikes! I feel old just typing that. To think 30 is less than a year away. Scary. I intend to enjoy the last of my 20's. Any ideas of what I should do in the next year?

2. I got a new job. I work in a bakery on the Air Force Base nearby, right next door to the deli I used to work at about 10 years ago. Serious Deja-Vu! I do enjoy it. Steady hours and at a good paying rate. The only thing is how do I juggle 3 jobs and school? I must be crazy.

3. A few weeks ago I finished my summer intership class and passed with flying colors. Then I have started the fall semester already and have come to realize I am truly crazy trying to juggle everything on my schedule. But it is going to be worth it in the end. Stress relief tips anyone?

4. My family has inherited a kitten. Strays have been coming to my house for awhile and I have been graciously been putting food out on the front porch. There are 3 regulars that come. "Ginger" a skittish red tabby female, "Sergio" a all white male that gets around (if you know what I mean), and "Tootsie" a female kitten who has already been pregnant once and she isn't a year old yet. BUT...last week my father found out that Ginger has given birth to a litter, in the jacuzzi on the back porch and promptly captured the three kittens (all three were pure white, guess who is the father...). They were all suppose to be taken to the humane society two days later but I come home to find out that my sly mother kept one and now we are trying to get her (the kitten) and our very protective house, 15 year old cat Molly aquainted. So we have our hands full!

So that is my recent history. I hope you enjoyed it.

A Pleasant Surprise

2009-05-07T21:17:00.004-05:00

A little while ago I got the most pleasant surprise. A friend of mine came across a song and lovingly shared it with me. I think it might be the best song ever! I would never have thought that I would hear something like this. Yay for friends who love me! The band is Vampire Weekend. You just have to listen to get why this song is so awesome.

Here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFi4E9Wun7E&feature=related

TTFN

Nostalgia

2009-04-30T20:48:00.017-05:00

I've been a bit nostalgic recently. Here are some of my favorite photos from my "blast from the past" episodes.

This is my dad and I. We are at Niagra Falls on a trip. What a cute pair! (1982)

This is me at around age 5. My family was living in Turkey (1984-86). This is one of my favorite pictures of me.

This is a family portrait for when my dad was applying for something or other. This is one of the only times I can prove that I was taller than my brother (who is 6'9").

This is 8th grade, in Hawaii (1992-94). I was in the school band, playing bass clarinet. This isn't the most flattering picture and I thought I rocked in band (which probably wasn't true). I just had a blast.

This is Hawaii. It's on the main island by Kiluea volcano. We went to visit after a swim meet (if you can believe i was on a swim team). (1992-1994)

This is one of my favorite pictures of my borther and I. Mostly because my hair isn't frizzy and I'm actually wearing make-up. This was taken in Texas, I was in high school and my brother in middle school. (1994-1996)

This is still high school. This was a girls camp hike in S. Korea (1997). This was the hike where I sprained my ankle so bad,Iwas on crutches for 3 weeks, plus it was my birthday. But before that we felt like we were on the top of the world!

Korea (1996-1998). This is the DMZ, we are just south of the border between north and south Korea. It was quite eerie being that close!

This is the day I went into the MTC (2001). My brother being goofy as usual!

Update

2009-02-06T17:02:00.003-05:00

I have negleted my blog for awhile now and I feel awful. My live has been a little interesting but mostly uneventfull.

Last fall I went to a Celtic Thunder concert in St. Louis. Very exciting...i'm actually listening to them on my ipod right now. They give a good concert and they are good to look at!

I started back at school in January. I will finish with my Physical Therapy Assistant program the spring of next year. Hopefully with no hiccups. I'm just a little stress about how much I have to do by next wednesday. I think I need to be the recipient of a massage after the week is done. If I end up in a crazy house you will know why.

I started a new job at a fabric store last fall and we are in the process of moving locations so it's craziness trying to figure out what we are doing. We're in liquidation right now and trying to remember everything on sale is maddening! Oh well. We are all excited to get a superstore in April.

TTFN!

High School Reunion 2008

2008-10-19T12:00:00.012-05:00

Over the 2nd weekend of October I had my 10 year High School Class Reunion. I went to Seoul American High School in Seoul, South Korea. I had a great time at the reunion. We had it in Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel. Then we watched a video a classmate put together. It was great to see old friends. It was like we never left, we just picked up right where we left off. It was great! The next day, for those who were still in Vegas, had lunch at a korean b-b-q just off the strip. Fun!

Air Show and Thunderbirds

2008-09-27T14:07:00.006-05:00

I went to an airshow last weekend. It was awesome. I got to see some really cool planes up close and watch the Thunderbirds perform...oh can't forget...met some F-18 pilots! So here are some pictures I took....

I Got Tagged

2008-09-17T17:03:00.002-05:00

2nd Tagged Me....here goes nothin'......

3 JOYS!

1. Music
2. Books
3. Kittens and Puppies

3 fEaRs

1. No marriage in the near future
2. Not being able to breath (ie. choking, drowning, suffocating, smotheirng etc.)
3. No laughter

3 Goals

1. Finish school
2. Weight loss
3. Improve Piano Skills

3 Current Obsessions/Collections

1. Celtic Thunder
2. Movies
3. Twilight Series

3 Random SURPRISES!

1. I want to be an author
2. I watch football
3. Like 2nd I like cheese

3 Taggs. Your Turn Guys!

1. 'B'
2. Sunny
3. Angie

Gladys Knight

2008-09-16T17:22:00.002-05:00

This past weekend I went to a fireside/testimony meeting given by Gladys Knight and the Saints United Voices. It was a lot of fun. I thought I would never hear gospel music done well that was sung by a mostly white mormon choir. I also had to get used to the guests raising their voices as well to the songs. There were a lot of 'yes!' and hoots and stuff. But it was great. Gladys has a great testimony. I went both nights and they both sent chills down my spine because it was that powerful. If anybody has a chance to go see her and the choir I would suggest that you go.

Journaling

2008-09-04T11:43:00.002-05:00

I found this website - LDSjournal.com - and I love it. I haven't been the greatest at journaling. I would start one and be good for a little while and then I would quit. I have years in between entries sometimes. Sometimes things spill out of my head and then my hand cramps because it can't keep up with my brain. So this new website I think will be my kick in the rear to start journaling and to keep it going. No more hand cramps! And they are going to have an option where at the end of the year (or whenever) you can request a hard copy of all your entries in a hard back book. It's kinda cool. You can add pictures and stuff. So, maybe I'll have something to pass down the generations. My life isn't all flashy and stuff but I hope posterity will enjoy it.

TTFN

Personality Test

2008-08-19T17:21:00.002-05:00

I took this personality test (via a friends live journal). Do you think it matches?

Here is the link if you want to try for yourself: http://helloquizzy.okcupid.com/tests/the-quick-painless-enneagram-test/

********
Your Enneagram type is SIX (aka "The Loyalist").

"I am affectionate and skeptical"

Questioners are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

Be direct and clear.
Listen to me carefully.
Don't judge me for my anxiety.
Work things through with me.
Reassure me that everything is OK between us.
Laugh and make jokes with me.
Gently push me toward new experiences.
Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a SIX

being committed and faithful to family and friends
being responsible and hardworking
being compassionate toward others
having intellect and wit
being a nonconformist
confronting danger bravely
being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a SIX

the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind
procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself
fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of
exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger
wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right
being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

SIXes as Children Often

are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn
are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger
form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent
look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel
are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

SIXes as Parents

are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty
are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence
worry more than most that their children will get hurt
sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele
The Enneagram Made Easy
Discover the 9 Types of People
Harper SanFrancisco, 1994, 161 pages

Book List

2008-08-05T13:49:00.003-05:00

I found this on a friends Live Journal and I thought it quite interesting. I wanted to share it. I realized I must be a bookworm when I highlighted 6 right off the bat in the first 10. I wonder how many people have read at least six off this list or who have read more than I have. Who knows?

The Big Read reckons that the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books they've printed.

1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.
2) Italicize those you intend to read
3) Underline the books you LOVE.

1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4. Harry Potter Series - JK Rowling
5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6. The Bible
7. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8. Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9. His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11. Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12. Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14. Complete Works of Shakespeare
16. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19. The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20. Middlemarch - George Eliot
21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25. The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28. Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33. Chronicles of Narnia - CS
34. Emma - Jane Austen
35. Persuasion- Jane Austen
36. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - C.S. Lewis
37. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38. Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40. Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41. Animal Farm - George Orwell
42. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44. A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48. The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
49. Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50. Atonement - Ian McEwan
51. Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52. Dune - Frank Herbert
53. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57. A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time -
60. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63. The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66. On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68. Bridget Jones' Diary - Helen Fielding
69. Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
70. Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72. Dracula - Bram Stoker
73. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75. Ulysses - James Joyce
76. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77. Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78. Germinal - Emile Zola
79. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80. Possession - AS Byatt
81. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83. The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87. Charlotte's Web - EB White
88. The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90. The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92. The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93. The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94. Watership Down - Richard Adams
95. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98. Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100. Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

My Establishment

2008-07-18T14:47:00.002-05:00

I had one of these crazy ideas last night. It kept me from getting a good nights sleep, it didn't help that I had to get up at 3:30 to drive my parents to the airport. This idea was one of those things that you had to get down on paper or my mind would go insane trying to keep the gears going. (it successfully kept me up until almost 1:30am).

This idea that randomly came was that if I owned a company or establishment this is what it would probably consist of. This is a totally random thing I don't even know if it would work.

It would be two levels. One ground level and the other like a basement. On the ground level, there would be a station for goodies. Most likely fresh bread/cinnamon buns and cold stuff (ice cream, sorbet, sherbert etc), and an old timey soda fountain. There would also be a section with soft chairs and shelves for books that customers bring in for a book swap type thing. This section is offered for book clubs, poetry readings and the like. A third section would be with checkers/chess tables (you know the ones with the game board printed on top of the tables) and customers would be able to play those games and other games to the customers liking. The establishment will probably have card games available. These table people could also eat at.

The 'basement' would be an open area with chairs and standing tables. There will be a stage at the far end. Event taking place here would be like performance arts (maybe from the local college or something). Also, like a guitars unplugged or music groups could perform. There would probably be a night for game competitions and a night for speed dating and whatever else pleases me and the masses.

This place would be only open Monday to Saturday. No smoking and no alcohol will be permitted.

Well, this crazy idea might not make it beyond this blog but it's out there now. Mabye I might get a good nights sleep tonight!

Brynn Woolf Copyright © 2008

Wowza!

2008-06-18T16:31:00.002-05:00

Today I turned 28! Yikes!

I'm that much closer to 30. I'm old. If you asked me 10 years ago about what I thought I would be doing at this point in life, it would be totally different. I was so off! :) But it's all good. I've enjoyed my life so far. I've recently been planning to go to my high school reunion in Vegas. I am so excited! I still feel old, but hey that's all good. I still can't believe it's been 10 years since I graduated high school. It has flown by. I've enjoyed my life so far and hopfully the 10 will be even better. (prince charming has to show up sometime)

Jeff Dunham Blooper

2008-06-08T12:25:00.001-05:00

I thought this was hilarious!

Funny Cats

2008-05-23T21:15:00.001-05:00

SAHS MASH Play on AFN

2008-05-18T22:44:00.001-05:00

I just recently found this randomly, just messing around on youtube. I was in this play my senior year of high school (1997/98). I had a small part, but it was fun. It's like a little time capsule from 10 years ago. The memories!

Shaky Business

2008-04-18T09:54:00.002-05:00

This morning I awoke with a start. My bed was shaking and stuff was rattling on my desk making noise. I thought someone had come in and started messing with me. Then I realized no one was in my room and it wasn't stopping. I then started freaking out. A ghost? A prank? Nope. Once I hopped out of bed the room still shook, so it wasn't just my bed. I had just experienced an earthquake! It only lasted a few moments but those were enough. I went downstairs and turned on the news. The earthquake epicenter was about 100 miles away on the Illinois/Indiana border. It was amazing how far it traveled. This was my first earthquake and I hope it is my last.

Happy Leap Day

2008-02-29T19:55:00.002-05:00

Have you ever noticed that as kids we made a big deal about leap year and that extra day that we get. But when we grow up that we don't notice it as much or lose track when leap year comes. I think that is a little fascinating. Also fascinating is that those leap year babies only get so few actual birthdays. I wonder what it would feel like to have my birthday on leap day. I would have the excuse of acting childish because I would only be still in single digits when in actuality I would be in double digits! Oh happy day! Since I am not a leap year baby I will have to get over it. Oh well. Happy leap day everyone!

The Giggles

2008-02-24T20:27:00.002-05:00

When I get stressed, I mean really stressed, I find that I giggle. Like uncontrollably. It's only happened truly twice in my life where I started and couldn't stop for at least an hour. Today it threatened. I was giving a talk in church and I said something funny, the congregation giggled, then I started giggling back and almost couldn't stop to finish. Then the congregation started giggling more...aagh...it wouldn't stop. Luckily I finished my talk but I couldn't stop smiling through the rest of church. I suggest that when you get the giggles that you just giggle until it all comes out. Hopefully it won't be in front of a lot of people. Thought I would let you know. SMILE!

New Beginnings

2008-01-05T16:08:00.000-05:00

Out with the old and in with the new. 2008 already brings something new for me already. Today was my last day on my old job as a circuit trainer and then on Monday I start my new job as a Physical Therapy Tech/Aide at a rehab. center. It's nice to actually have a 'real' job. Not that the old one wasn't but this new one seems to be more concrete and more reliable...more hours, regular/consistent hours (instead of sporatic), probably better pay as well (yay!). It's also nice to get a foot in the door of the career I am in school for currently. It will really look good on the resume. Wish me luck!

New Year Bash 2007

2008-01-01T21:05:00.000-05:00

I just had one of the most fun activites for New Year's Eve in a long time. I threw a party at my house and it rocked! I had pool a table and games to play, food, others brought more food and a friend brought his PS2 and Guitar Hero to play. I've never played that game before but I really enjoyed it. When it hit midnight the crowd went wild and we honked our toy horns and clappers for a good five minutes it seemed like and then went back to the pool table and Guitar Hero. What was really exciting was that we all found out that a couple got engaged last night! Yup, good things do come in the new year! Next thing I know it was 2 in the morning and no slowing down. By that point I did have to put a damper on the situation and put a cap on the time. Another hour was good so 3 am came and went and then I crashed. Good times.

Happy New Year!

Personality Profile

2007-12-14T15:59:00.001-05:00

You Are An ISFJ

The Nurturer
You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal.A good listener, you excel at helping others in practical ways.In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music.You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for.
In love, you express your emotions through actions.Taking care of someone is how you love them. And you do it well!
At work, you do well in a structured environment. You complete tasks well and on time.You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist.
How you see yourself: Competent, dependable, and detail oriented
When other people don't get you, they see you as: Boring, dominant, and stuck in a rut

What's" Your Personality Type?

It's a small world...

2007-12-11T23:18:00.000-05:00

What can I say more? It is a small world. I apologize now that this song will remain with you for some time, it's inevitable. I enjoy my time with my friends. Even when I might not see them ever again, or again that might seem like never. That might sound wierd but in my head it works. I'm tired...and stressed....anyways. It never ceases to amaze me that I have met many wonderful people and will continue to do so in my lifetime. I just need to keep in contact more. I love friends!

(more soapboxes on this subject to come)

I've Been Tagged

2007-11-22T09:19:00.000-05:00

From doing a little research I think I know what being tagged means. As I understand it I have to write down 5 things that people don't know about me (or very few people know). So here goes nothin'!

5. In the last few years I have had the urge to write a novel. I don't know about what just yet. But hopefully inspiration will hit me soon so I can go ahead and write that bestseller!

4. By the time I was 18 years old I have lived half of my life OUTSIDE the Continental United States.

3. Because I moved around so much as an Air Force Brat I attended several American schools in foreign countries. But not many can say that they started AND ended school in a different country. I started school (preschool and kindergarten) in Izmir, Turkey and graduated high school in Seoul, South Korea.

2. This one is for all those LDS people I know. I used to go help visit teach in the White House. When I was really young, my mom visit taught a person who worked there. This person didn't have much time so she had my mom come to the White House and visit teach her there. My mother would take me on the visits with her.

1. I eventually want to learn a language and go live and work in that country for awhile.

I hope you guys enjoyed this post.
I think I want to tagg:
Beth
Matt
Katie

Writer's Block

2007-11-17T23:09:00.001-05:00

I always mean to update this thing more often than I do. When I sit down to write something I come down with a case of writer's block. I really do hate when I do that. It is rather inconvienient. Sometimes I think my life more boring than I realize. Maybe my fun is all in my head. But when it all boils down I have work, school, church, home. That's it. Maybe an occasional get together. I should probably create an alter-ego and write about her much more exciting life. Who knows, it might be a bestseller!

Naptime

2007-11-05T15:20:00.000-05:00

I think daylight savings time is a bit cooky. I mean, in the fall we get an extra hour of sleep but who actually goes to bed after they change their clocks back? I don't. I stay up that extra hour because it says that it isn't time to go to bed. So in all actuality I don't get that extra hour of sleep that I probably really need. So what is the point? I'm sorry, I'm tired. Soapbox over.

The Howler

2007-10-01T12:22:00.001-05:00


	My Flixster

Jeff Dunham and Peanut

2007-09-28T22:35:00.001-05:00

Jeff Dunham

2007-09-28T22:23:00.001-05:00

Overwhelmed

2007-09-12T21:42:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay...I think I have to update this thing. It's been awhile since my last post and I am sorry if people wanted more.

I have been a bit overwhelmed. That might not be the right word, maybe a bit understated. I have started school...again. I have been accepted into a Physical Therapy Assistant program and there is a lot that is involved in the learning process and rushed in the beginning. Even the professors have said so and when they say that you know that the students will be a "bit" rushed and such. I have been thankfully treading water with some minor sinking moments but all is well (she said with her fingers crossed behind her back).

The minor sinking moment was that I had to do a practical ("hands on") check off last week, since it was the first one of my new student career I was definitely anxious and nervous and didn't really know what to expect. When it came to my turn to show the teacher that I could perform what we just learn I spaced out. utterly and completely. I couldn't remember part of what I should do! The teacher kept asking me questions (i think to try to help me...) but it made me even more flusterd and upset. Of course I failed that attempt...fortunately everyone is able to have two more tries to pass. Then I try my attempt a second time and I went to measure the joints I needed to measure (range of motion) and I had to measure the fingers and assumed I just needed to do one finger (to show i could measure fingers) but most people have five and I failed that attempt. SO on my last attempt I was able to pass and move on in the class. Whew!

I don't know why I such a problem last week because my check off this week went with flying colors! It's so typical of me. Not consistent. But hopefully this will be more consistent from here on out. Wish me luck!

So anyways, that's what is so exciting in my life right now. Well, maybe not exciting to everyone but it was to me.

Loves!
So wish me luck!

Birthday Wishes

2007-06-23T12:14:00.000-05:00

One year older and wiser too! Happy Birthday to you! Or rather ME! Yeah, I just got another year old this week. It was a good day, I took myself out see a matinee and then dinner. Although, I did have to work that afternoon, I didn't really matter. As I get older I have realized that my birthday isn't about getting things (or lots of things) or having a big party, if I have a good day I am content. It's funny how our perspectives change as we get older, at least mine did anyway. But money is still always good....but that's another can of worms...let's not get into that.

27 yrs seems to be good to me! (so far...)

Loves!

It's My Party....

2007-05-19T18:32:00.000-05:00

I finally had a housewarming party, or I should say 'apartmentwarming'. It was a really hectic trying to prepare for it; like all the cleaning, getting the food ready...etc. I really don't know why I fussed so much, but I like being prepared for things like that. It wasn't like my apartment was filthy and such, but I like to know that my guests were sitting in a clean area. Anyways. What was really funny was that I was actually late to my own party! Yeah, I know, super lame. I was planning to leave work early (i needed to pick up one more thing) and arrive home before people got there but of course, one more person had to show up to work out 30 minutes before closing (nobody had shown up in awhile), frustrating as that was, and being the nice person I am, I let them work out. Then, of course, being in a rush, I caught ALL the red lights and was behind the slowest drivers in the world. I mean these drivers were actually under the speed limit! Geez louise! Anyway, I was about 20 minutes late for my own party. But thank goodness nothing else bad happened. I just was happy anyone showed up. cue the music....maybe now I can 'cry if i want to'.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2007-05-01T17:54:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite smells is rain. Recently it has been raining quite a bit. So, needless to say, I have been in a good mood. Other people have been complaining about the weather but I actually am one of the strange ones that enjoy it. With the wet weather brings the cool tempuratures that I thrive in. Not to hot, not to cold. Cool weather. Illinois summers brings lots of heat and lots of humidity. So I am not looking forward to it. Yay for favorite smells!

Craziness!

2007-03-26T09:05:00.000-05:00

I have decided that being driven to craziness is going to be a never ending story in my life. Let me tell you why. I usually love my extended family, they are generally sane and fun and gracious and what not. Except for the ones I'm living with now (which will remain unnamed). They are driving me nuts! I knew something wasn't right with this one step-relative, but I didn't know the extent of it until I moved in and was living with it on a daily basis. Lets face it; living with someone that has a serious but treatable mental illness that they won't recognize and treat can wear a 'normal' person down. I'm just sick and tired of walking on eggshells around this person; not knowing how this person will react to whatever I do or say. Grrrr! Needless to say, I will be moving out on my own fairly quickly. (like within the next week, yay!) The only good thing that has come of this is that my cousin (their son/stepson) has moved back in and he and I can vent and stay sane and normal together.

On the other hand, on the upside of crazy...I have recieved some very exciting news! I have been accepted into the Physical Therapy Assistant Program I applied for! Yay! I will be starting in the fall and everything will look better once I get started. I love when things go right!

Loves!

Making a Joyful Noise

2007-03-17T12:30:00.000-05:00

Here are the lyrics to some of my favorite songs. They have gotten me through some ups and downs of my life. Enjoy!

Beautiful
Sung By: Christina Aguilera

spoken: Don't look at me

sung:
Every day is so wonderful
And suddenly, it's hard to breath
Now and then, I get insecure
From all the fame, I'm so ashamed

I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring me down
So don't you bring me down today.

To all your friends, you're delirious
So consumed in all your doom
Trying hard to fill the emptiness
The piece is gone and the puzzle undone
That's the way it is

You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words won't bring you down
You are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words won't bring you down
Don't you bring me down today....

No matter what we do
(no matter what we do)
No matter what they say
(no matter what they say)
When the sun is shining through
Then the clouds won't stay

And everywhere we go
(everywhere we go)
The sun won't always shine
(sun won't always shine)
But tomorrow will find a way
All the other times

We are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words won't bring us down
We are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words can't bring us down
Don't you bring me down today

Don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today

You Rasie Me Up
Lyrics: Brendan Graham
Music: Rolf Lovland
Sung By: Josh Groban

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, and so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up....to more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up...to more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
And I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up....to more than I can be.
You raise me up....to more than I can be.

Beautiful Soul
Sung By: Jesse McCartney

Chorus:
I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold
I don't want my love to go to wast
I want you and your beautiful soul
You're the one I want to chase
You're the one I want to hold
I won't let another minute go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul

Verse One:
I know that you are something special
To you I'd always be faithful
I want to be what you always needed
Then I hope you'll see the heart in me

Chorus:
Your beautiful soul, yeah

Verse Two:
You might need time to think it over
But I'm just fine moving forward
I'll eas your mind
If you give me the chance
I will never make youcry, c'mon let's try

Chorus

Break:
Am I crazy to wanting you
Baby do you think you could want me too
I don't want to waste your time
Do you see things the way I do
I just want to know that you feel it too
There is nothing left to hide

Chorus: 2x

Your beautiful soul, yeah....

B.A.S.S. Fish

2007-03-03T15:54:00.000-05:00

Okay, I have to explain the title a little bit. In my life I have not had much experience when it comes to guys and dating. To this day I can count all my dates on one hand (pathetic i know). At one point I was so frustrated with things that I voiced my thoughts on the subject to my then college roommates. We came to the conclusion that Boys Are So Stupid! My roommate and I needed MEN in our lives and that there must be other Fish in the sea! So if you figured it out that the title is an acronym for how my roommate and I felt about the opposite gender.

So the million dollar question is...where have all the available men gone? All the ones that I have ever liked/crushed on/adored, have all gotten themselves married to someone else. Granted I might not be the rod thin supermodel or drop dead gorgeous blonde bombshell, why can't just one tall, dark and handsome just adore me? It's all about me right?

(sigh) I guess I have to settle for a four-legged, golden retriever, named Rex. No matter how many times he tries to "kiss" me that he isn't going to magically change into some handsome prince. (i've tried to tell him many times that he isn't a frog either, hee-hee). Rex's owners giggle every time I try to say that.

Oh well. Someday my prince will come.

Tornados and Internet Cafes

2007-02-08T15:06:00.000-05:00

I have settled in my new "home". Yup, Illinois has to watch out because I am here to stay, for a long while anyway, who knows. I have safely moved from Virginia without incident. Which can be a very good thing. I like good adventures, but smooth ones. I actually made the trip in one day, which made my trip a whirlwind one! One cold morning and 13 hours later I pulled into where the tornado has landed me. I can say it was a good landing.

I have to say, right now I am doing something that I thought I would never be doing. I am actually at an 'internet cafe' using my computer and internet. It's a very unique experience. I like the privacy of using my computer at home, but this has helped me see it in a new way. It makes me ponder a little bit. It's hard not to do anything illegal on the computer while using it in public. I wouldn't use my technology in any illegal way whatsoever anyway in public or in private. But it seems to me that the dark and dirty ways that good and wonderful technology can be used is a very private/secret thing. No wonder more bad things happen at home and in private to very good people. So no wonder it is a good idea to use technology out in the open whether it be in an often trafficed room at home or 'internet cafes'. I have always wondered what makes people do what they do. With my mentality and personality it is hard for me to understand the uttermost dark sides of people. I know it happens, I know we have to deal with it and help heal from the outcomes but it is just urksome to me. grrr!

(okay, i have now stepped off the box)

Movin' On

2007-01-15T11:11:00.000-05:00

You know what. . .life doesn't turn out the way I plan them. Which can be frustrating and rather refreshing at the same time. With my life Change is no stranger. I do like consistency and try to create it anywhere and anyway I can.

Recently, I have to change my life once again. This time it isn't because of my dad's job, it is because I want to do it. In the next couple of weeks I will be moving to Illinois. Yeah, I know, random. I used to live in Illinois before I went to college. So in a way it's like going back home. I will be moving in with an Uncle and Aunt and then be going back to school. Physical Therapy Assistant school seems to be the right step for me. I think it will turn out great. So keep your eyes and ears open for any new information!

Dude! Where's 2006?

2007-01-03T18:57:00.000-05:00

I think 2006 disappeared in an instant on purpose. It's like I went to bed January 1, 2006 and then I woke up in 2007. Grrr, it's not suppose to do that, or feel like it anyway.

The new year has brought some good memories that were forged, good times had and new twists and turns in one fell swoop. At moments I think my life is pretty typical: work, eat, sleep, friends, family. But then things go drastically in the opposite direction that I decide to move to Illinois and get yet ANOTHER degree that is completely different from the first two. I know, random. I think fate has something to do with it and that whole "change" thing that seems to lurke around every corner.

I hoped to have this great epiphany when I was writing my entry. You know, like Dougie Howser (sp?) does at the end of each t.v. episode while he is writing on his computer. But alas, to no avail.

Happy New Year!

Change

2006-12-21T22:08:00.000-05:00

Change. Recently I have pondered on that word. It's such a small word for something that can be so big, so intimidating, something so pivitol that it can change the course of the world. As a military brat, I have come to face that fact. Maybe not on a world stage, but on my own little stage of life. I have been accustomed to change my whole life. New countries, new cultures, new people, new friends, new experiences and on and on it seems to go. I was actually born during a move and ever since have paid the price of moving every few years during and/or on my birthday. Change can be rather frustrating at times, but in hindsight it is really for the best. I would never had the great experiences of living in wonderful countries or meeting very wonderful people. Thank you Change and I will be expecting you in times to come.

My Soapboxes

2006-11-21T08:51:00.000-05:00

A few years ago, before we moved apart, a friend and I had these moments where we would get on our soapboxes and vent our frustrations on any subject that was happening at the moment. She would actually stand on something up off the floor: coffee tables, sofas, etc. They would be performed in such a way that by the end of each episode we would actually be splitting a gut laughing. It was a great stress relief. I enjoyed those moments and those memories keep bringing a smile to my face.

In a figurative way I want to get on my soapbox. My most recent soapboxes to myself include: education and respect. Currently, I'm a substitute teacher and still looking for a full-time teaching gig where I live. While I have been a substitute teacher some of these students that I interact with have just appalled me! I have been given such disrespect by some of these students that if I was their parent they would be grounded for the rest of their life! When I was still in k-12 grades, if we gave anyone disrespect, regular teacher or not, we would have been given the wrath of God! I don't know where this rising generation gets the idea that they can just do whatever they feel and get away with it. Don't get me wrong there are great young people around. It seems that the others are getting so much more attention recently and in greater numbers. It's just really frustrating to see these kids to act in such disregard for adult members of society.

On a brighter note. I think education is such a great thing. I can't stop learning. Either in a lecture hall or the classroom of life. I like to think of myself as a sponge for information, whether or not if I can regurgitate it at a certain moment later on. Learning should never stop. What a stale world this would be if learning didn't progress and imagination stopped.

Sigh. I think that is all for now. Thank you world and thank you soapbox!

Ponderables

2006-11-14T19:00:00.000-05:00

I think ponderables are amusing. I think I should share a few. Enjoy!

If quitters never win, and winners never quit, what fool came up with, "Quit while you're ahead?"

How come Superman could stop bullets with his chest, but always ducked when someone threw a gun at him?

Why does lemon juice contain mostly artificial ingredients but dishwashing liquid contains real lemons?

Who exactly are THEY? And, why do THEY know so much?

If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn't it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, tree surgeons debarked, and dry cleaners depressed?

OK, so what is the speed of dark?

Ever wonder why we drive on a parkway, and park in a driveway?
If a mute swears, does his mother wash his hands with soap?

If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is it considered a hostage situation?

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

When you choke a smurf, what color does it turn?

Why do they call it a TV set when you only get one?

Do radioactive cats have 18 half-lives?

If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting?

Somewhere to Start

2006-11-13T15:26:00.000-05:00

Every good thing has to start somewhere. I guess this is my time to start. I've been thinking about doing this for awhile and finally took the plunge. I guess it's my time in life to put my thoughts out there in the world and maybe get up on my soapbox occasionally. This blog of mine might end up the most random thing but that's okay. I tend to be a very random person and have been told so on several occasions (whether that is a good thing or not I can't say), but I think this relaxed type forum will forgive me for that. World here I come!