More Than One Way to Skin a Cat

I am by no means a world traveler, yet in the past few years I have seen a few different cultures in my treks across these United States. Even though I have spent the majority of my time with other "normal" Americans, I always find it fascinating how differently people live.

There are certain things that we all do all of the time. Basic things, but there are so many ways to accomplish one goal. I love to study how people live and how they make their lives work out. I like to see if one way of doing something is any better than another. If you are not like that, this post will probably be rather boring to you!

Dirty dishes. They are a part of life for every person I know. But there are so many ways to deal with them! (Other than letting them sit for an age and a day) Here are a few of the methods I have seen:

1: "They were never dirty" method. As soon as you have a stack of dishes, dump them in a sink, wash them, dry them, and put them away as quickly as possible. This will leave your kitchen counters clean and make it look like you never used the dishes to start with!

2: "Kill 'it' before 'it' kills you" method. Wash every fleck of food off of your dishes, then let them soak in a sanitizing sink for a minute or two. After this, place them in a sanitized rack to dry. NO TOWELS. TOWELS HAVE CONTAMINATION!

3: "All about the bubbles" method: No sink full of water here! Squirt a little dish soap into your rag, wash a dish. Rinse the dish. Repeat. Again. And again. And again. Because you have nothing better to spend your money on than dish soap.

4: "Pre-Caveman" method: The nice thing about this method is that you don't really need any tools. These people just need soap and water in their sink. They use their fingers and fingernails to get the dishes clean, then stack them in the other sink to dry. (No drying rack) This, my friends, will totally creep out the "kill it before it kills you" type because 'no sink is ever clean even if it looks clean'... =P

5: "It's all food anyhow" method: If you used that pot for gravy and let it sit all night, that's fine. Gravy is edible. Go ahead and make your oatmeal in the same pot in the morning. You'll eventually wash the pot when it's actually necessary.

Which method do you use? I think that my method is sort of a combination of the above. =) 

Now aren't you looking forward to my post on ways to brush teeth? 

P. S. A couple of these are slightly exaggerated for affect. I'm not picking on anybody! =D

Any Other Name

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." - Anne Shirley disagreed with this statement and I just might be inclined to side with her. Names really do affect our perception of things and people.

Take, for instance, the name Ian. I don't want to offend anyone with this name, but the truth is that I have yet to meet an Ian that I like. Hollywood seems to agree with me, too. Think about it!

Ian Hawke: The antagonist in the chipmunk movies

Ian Howe: Antagonist in National Treasure

 Ian Bowles: Not as bad as Ian Howe, but he's just a jerk! (From Emily of New Moon)

Ian Edgerton: Okay, this guy is actually rather cool, but he definitely has issues! I know that he wants the best, but the way he goes about it... 

So... An Ian by any other name would probably be a better person. Based on my experience. =P 

Keep Swimming

Dory isn't always the smartest fish. Actually, she would drive me insane if I had to spend too much time with her. But I have to admit that she does have one good piece of advice: "Keep swimming!" I find myself singing her little ditty every once in awhile... sometimes just for fun and other times because it's a good way to lighten up a little when there's a crisis.

I think that another way of saying this is: "Be flexible!" Life has a way of taking unexpected turns, so it's best just to go with the flow. People will appreciate it and you'll feel a lot less beat up when everything is said and done! Sometimes flexibility is *very* easy for me. I don't get it when people are ticked off in slow traffic. I'm cool with last-minute plan changes. Annoying people do still annoy me, but usually I can shrug it off and not lose my temper. And if someone doesn't get what I'm saying? Hey... no need to get hot under the collar! I can explain it again a little differently!

Some things are harder to swim through, though. Worry for other people. Loss of any variety. Getting weighed down by the future. I think it's okay to take a moment to just sit still for a bit, but the important thing is that you pick up and get swimming again.

Sometimes we have to have help. Praying and/or talking to friends are good ways to get back in the right current. Knowing that you're not alone is SUCH a help when you're trying to swim through difficult circumstances.

Don't just sink to the bottom of the ocean and get bogged down in the sand. Keep swimming!

You know what you gotta do when life gets you down? 
Just keep swimming 
Just keep swimming
 Just keep swimming swimming swimming 
What do we do? We swim, swim, swim

Literary Mix-up

As I have been going through oodles of my blog subscriptions this week, I found this on three or four of the blogs that I follow. I thought it just might be fun to give it a go myself!


First, pick 12 literary characters before you look at the questions.


1. Margaret Hale from North and South
2. George Wickham from Pride and Prejudice
3. Jane Eyre from *gasp!* Jane Eyre
4. Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride
5. Molly Gibson from Wives and Daughters
6. Harvey Cheyne from Captain's Courageous
7. Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility
8. John Chivery from Little Dorrit
9. Beth March from Little Women
10. Tom Sawyer from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
11. Lady Catherine from Pride and Prejudice
12. Edmond Dantes from The Count of Monte Cristo


Now, answer the questions by putting the correct characters instead of the numbers.


1. Who would make a better college professor, Harvey Cheyne or Lady Catherine de Bourgh?
Oh, my soul! Harvey would once he's grown up a bit! Though it would be very interesting to see what Lady Catherine would teach. How to properly pack trunks?


2. Edmond Dantes sends John Chivery out on a mission. What is it? Does it succeed?
The mission is something to distract John and to teach him to wait and hope. It does not succeed.


3. What is, or what would be, Beth March's favorite book?
She likes Pilgrim's Progress. For some reason Dana's Valley comes to mind, too... But that might be too sad for her. =P


4. Would it make more sense for George Wickham to swear fealty to Harvey Cheyne or the other way around?
Neither would make any sense at all! No one (except Lydia and other silly people) would ever swear fealty to Wickham and I don't see Wickham swearing fealty to anybody unless it was for show.


5. Molly Gibson is looking for a roommate. Should she room with Beth March or Tom Sawyer?
Beth March. For obvious reasons.


6. George Wickham, Elinor Dashwood, and Edmond Dantes are going out to dinner. Where are they going, and what do they discuss?
They are going to a very nice place, but one that isn't too over-the-top. (Thus accommodating Elinor's good sense as well as Edmond's money and Wickham's tastes) The discussion between Elinor and Edmond is intelligent and they are sharing life lessons with one another. Wickham won't listen and keeps butting in with inconsequential or repetitive topics.


7. Jane Eyre challenges Tom Sawyer to a duel. Who wins?
Not happening! Ever! But Tom would most likely win unless it was a duel of minds or words.


8. If Margaret Hale stole John Chivery's most precious possession, how would he get it back?
He would plead and cry. Not that she'd ever steal anything!


9. Suggest a story title in which Elinor Dashwood and Edmond Dantes both attain what they want.
Well... They both had a lot of struggle before they finally found love. Silent Hope and Vengeful Discoveries. lol That's the best I can do spur-of-the-moment.


10. What kind of plot device would you have to use to get Margaret Hale and Inigo Montoya to work together?
That would be one crazy plot! Perhaps just compassion from Margaret would induce her to help Inigo.


11. If Elinor Dashwood visited you for the weekend, how would it go?
It would be great! We could drink tea and read novels. =)


12. If you could command Jane Eyre to perform any service or task for you, what would it be?
I would ask her to teach me to draw.


13. If George Wickham had to choose sides between Inigo Montoya or Molly Gibson, what side would he choose?
Inigo. No doubts there.


14. What might Tom Sawyer shout out while charging into battle?
He'd give an Indian war cry.


15. If you had to choose a song to best describe Jane Eyre, what would it be?
Nothing comes to mind... Maybe "Perfect Day"? lol I can't think of anything that actually really works.


16. Margaret Hale, Harvey Cheyne, and Edmond Dantes are having a dim sum at a Chinese Restaurant. There is only one scallion pancake left , and they all reach for it at the same time. Who gets it?
Harvey. He's younger and faster. And less mature. ;)


17. What would Molly Gibson most likely be arrested for?
Maybe for inappropriate conduct due to clandestine meetings with a man... But anything that she would get arrested for would be a misunderstanding.


18. What is Harvey Cheyne's secret?
He has always wanted to be good, but he didn't know how 'til life taught him. (Wow.. unimaginative answer on my part!)


19. If Lady Catherine and Beth March were racing to a destination, who would get there first?
I can't picture the two of them racing, but Beth would probably get there first. Lady Catherine would be far too concerned about decorum.


20. If you had to walk home through a bad neighborhood late at night, who would you be more comfortable walking with, Elinor Dashwood or John Chivery?
Wow. This is a tough one. I guess I'd say John just because he's a guy, even if he's definitely not my type of man!


21. Margaret Hale and Beth March reluctantly team up to save the world from the threat posed by Inigo Montoya's sinister secret organization. Lady Catherine volunteers to help them,but it is later discovered that she is actually a spy for Inigo. Meanwhile, Inigo has kidnapped Edmond Dantes in an attempt to force their surrender. Following the wise advice of Molly Gibson, they seek out Jane Eyre, who gives them what they need to complete their quest. What title would you give this fiction?

Projects for a Bookworm

Every once in awhile you may end up with a book that you don't want or already have. You may even end up with a book that's in bad condition. There are many ways to deal with these situations: eBay, paperback swap, the recycle bin, donating to the thrift store, etc. Today I'm going to share three projects that I have done with books that I didn't need.


Project One: The Hideaway 
You need: A book, a 3x5 card, an X-acto knife

This is probably the simplest of the three projects. Simply find a book that you don't want and open it up several pages in (I used an old beat up copy of The Count of Monte Cristo and started at page 100). Grab a 3x5 card and trace it on the page, then take an X-acto knife and cut through the pages until you reach your desired depth (I did 250-300 pages).

Project Two: The Invisible Shelf
You need: A book (I prefer hardcover), an 'L' bracket, a carpet knife (or other tough knife), small flat head screws, large screws, tape measure or ruler, glue

This is a more detailed project. Here are the instructions that I used! My shelf won't hold as many books as one of the pictures shown because I bought a cheaper/less sturdy 'L' bracket. That's okay with me, though... it's still pretty cool!

Project Three: A Novel Vase
You need: A novel-length book (preferably paperback) , glue, X-acto knife, vase template (I used this for my template)

First: Remove the cover of the book.
Second: Cut your vase template in half and line the flat side up with the binding side of the book. Trace.
Third: Using the X-acto knife, cut along the traced line a few pages at a time.
Fourth: When you have cut through the entire book, use the glue to affix the back and front to each other to round out your vase.

Note: I used an old 735 page copy of Daniel Deronda. It was the thickest book I had that I was willing to cut up. Even so, the vase barely fits my index finger... so if you want a vase that will hold a bouquet of flowers, you're going to need a GINORMOUS novel or several novels of the same size. =)

I just made my vase this week, so I don't have anything to put in it yet. I'll let you know when I do find something! I'll also see if I can come up with a few extra ideas on what to put in a vase that's no bigger than a finger. =) Do you have any ideas?

Barbossa is Hungry

Hey, everyone! I did this awhile ago, but I'm doing it again because I thought it was fun. =) Great farewell post, I know... lol 

To do this yourself, get your mp3 player or iTunes or something and shuffle the songs. The first song is the answer to the first question, second song is the answer to the second question, etc etc etc

If someone asks "are you okay" you say?

Darcy Returns - Carl Davis

What would best describe your personality?

His Wondrous Love - The Wilds

How would you best describe yourself?

War at Home - Josh Groban

What do you like in a guy/girl?

All Hail the Power - Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team

How do you feel today?

I Will Never Leave You - Mac and Beth Lynch

(Okay... that might be what I WANT... but I'm still leaving tomorrow)

What is your life's purpose?

Test Drive - John Powell

What is your motto?

Our Great Savior - Don Marsh and orchestra

What do your friends think of you?

Here is Love - SoundForth

What do your parents think of you?

When God is Silent - The Wilds

What do you think of most often?

Saphira's First Flight - Patrick Doyle

What is 2 + 2?

Send in the Clowns

What do you think of your best friend?

Heritage of the Wolf - James Horner 

What do you think of the person you like?

There's No Higher Calling - Ron Hamilton

What is your life story?

I Was Made to Praise the Lord - Ron Hamilton

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Guitar Lullaby - Mark Mancina

What do you think when you see the person you like?

Healing Incantation - Mandy Moore

What will you do at your wedding?

Coriakin and the Map - David Arnold

What will they play at your funeral?

Underwater March - Klaus Badelt

What is your hobby/interest?

Return of Bingley - Carl Davis

What is your biggest fear?

Wonderful Words of Life - The Wilds

(SO not true!)

What is your biggest secret?

A Last Reading - Adrian Johnston

What do you want to do right now?

I Stand Amazed - James Koerts

What do you think of your friends?

Sweet Dreams - Jim Brickman

What is the worst thing that could happen?

Jane's Escape - Dario Marianelli

What is the one thing you regret?

I've Got a Dream - Mandy Moore 

What makes you laugh?

The Prince's Decision - George Fenton

What makes you cry?

Seaside - Samuel Sim

Will you ever get married?

My Faith Has Found a Resting Place - Ron and Shelly Hamilton

What scares you the most?

On the Wings of Love - David Osborne

Does anyone like you?

It's a Real Job - John Debney 

L. O. L. 

If you could go back in time, what would you change?

Emma - Rachel Portman 

What hurts right now?

September Healing - Spencer Lewis

What would you want to say to the person who tagged you?

I Sing the Might Power of God - James Koerts

What will you name this note?

Barbossa is Hungry - Klaus Badelt

Thoughts of Spring Blog Party

How would people describe your personality? (If they could only use ONE word.) Are they right?
     I asked my friend Bailey about this, and she said, "Helpful." I'd like to think she's right!
What celebrity/celebrities would create a “Star-Struck” feeling if you saw them in real life?
     Well... I'm not really one of those girls that is all goo-goo over movie stars and would flip out if she saw one. So I'm not seeking them out or writing in for autographs. I guess if I *had* to meet a "star" in real life, I'd pick someone from the cast of Sue Thomas.

Jack's picture was the first one I found with good quality, but I'd love to meet Sue, Bobby, or Tara, too. Or Lucy. =)


Are you a hopeless romantic?
     Define hopeless. I really don't know. Probably. Would it qualify me as a hopeless romantic if I get all excited when Jack proposes to Lucy in While You Were Sleeping? Or when John Thornton proposes and gives that look in North and South?

     It took that question for me to realize that two of my favorite ever proposals take place near a train. Is it a sign?! ;)

What is your comfort food/drink?
     Smoothie or cinnamon roll, depending whether I want cool comfort or warm. =)

Be brave – tell us something very random and weird about yourself.
     I have a hard time going to sleep if I have socks on my feet.

What is your greatest fear or strange phobia?
     I don't know. The first one that comes to mind is burning myself on the oven. I'm always very careful to open the oven door completely and stay as far away from the racks as possible.

Movies: Action, Drama, Romantic Comedy, Documentary, Comedy? What are your favorite genres?
     I like so many different genres... but period drama are a favorite. And adventurey stuff.

Books: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance, Biographies, True Stories, Self-Help, Devotional/Study? What are your favorite types of reading material?
     I love books! I like suspense, historical fiction, true stories, etc. This is one of my favorite things in the world:

Music: Funk, Rock, Country, Jazz, Classical, Film Score, Blues, Classic Rock, Crooner, Alternative, Heavy Metal, Techno? What are your favorite types?
     Classical, sacred, and soundtrack. With some fifties thrown in for good measure. =)

What movie or book character can you most relate to?
     Well... My father has never been unjustly sent to prison, but I have always felt a strong kinship with Roberta from The Railway Children.

Name one weakness of yours (confession is good for the soul).
     I watch Tom and Jerry. There's a safe confession. lol

If you could live anywhere at all (and take all your loved ones with you), where would you go?
     England, most likely. Or Prince Edward Island.

What is one of your favorite things to catch a whiff of?
     Rain. Pure, country rain. I'm always sad when it rains here in the city 'cause it doesn't smell as good.

When you leave a social gathering, do you wish: You would have talked more or You would have talked less?
     Depends. Sometimes one, sometimes the other. Usually I'm pretty cool with my amount of silence vs. my amount of speech.

If money wasn’t a factor, what stores would you shop in?
     Barnes and Noble is a no-brainer. And thrift stores. And Kohls. I'm leaving something out, but there you have it.

What are your favorite animals?
     Dogs, I guess. =)


I will post later today or maybe tomorrow with some pictures and more details from my Dad's accident.
That's all, folks!

Just for Laughs

I saw this for the first time today and got a kick out of it... so of course I decided to share! =D

The gum chewing girl,

and the cud chewing cow,

they are alike,

yet different somehow.

Ah, yes,

I see it now,

it's the thoughtful expression,

on the face of the cow.

Do You Know Me?

Here's a quiz for ya'll... Just to see how well you know me. Or maybe how well you can read my past blog posts and facebook information? LOL The idea here is to think of 15 questions that you want to ask your friends. I'd love to see what questions you guys would pick! Here goes mine. =D

1. Which stuffed animal do I collect?
   -Rabbits
   -Dogs
   -Elephants
   -Monkeys
2. What is the 506 in my blog title?
   -Psalm 50 verse 6
   -My phone's area code
   -May 2006
   -Just a random number
3. What are my favorite books?
   -Jane Eyre and The Count of Monte Cristo
   -Pride and Prejudice and Phantom of the Opera
   -Emma and Captain's Courageous
   -Let's Roll and Danger in the Shadows
4. What is my favorite breakfast?
   -Cold cereal
   -Cinnamon rolls
   -Muffins
   -Egg casserole
5. What drink do I order at restaurants?
   -Pepsi
   -Iced Tea
   -Coffee
   -I always just get water
6. How old will I be on my next birthday?
7. Do I usually prefer Mexican or Italian?
8. Name one of the three websites I spend the most time on.
9. What animal am I most afraid of?
10. Do I like nuts in my cookies and brownies?
11. How many siblings do I have? 
12. Do I prefer chips or pretzels for a snack?
13. What type of music do I listen to the most?
14. Which version of Pride and Prejudice is my favorite?
15. What state was I born in?

Okay... let's see how you guys do! If you don't know the answer, you can leave it blank. =D Don't forget to write your own quiz, if you'd like!

Little Things

• I've been thinking about rereading When God Writes Your Life Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy. If I do this, would any of you be interested in my doing a weekly chapter-by-chapter review? Or even reading the book along with me?
• I read a quote yesterday in my quote journal that has had me thinking... "The life of a Christian is not defined by three or four big decisions, but by hundreds and hundreds of small choices made along life's road." The little things DO count!
• Earlier this week Seth was reading aloud to me, and I discovered a little problem. He has this habit of reading only the left side of the page! For some reason the right side just escapes him or doesn't catch his interest or something.
• I filled out an application to work with Grand View Ministries this coming summer. I really hope it'll work out! I have always wanted to work at a camp.>
• Right now I have junk all. over. my room. Poor Erica is kinda suffering as I go through it all. Do any of you have a clue what 5 or 6 years of accumulation adds up to? I have thrown away an incredible amount, organized a bunch, and still have loads of stuff that I'm just not sure what to do with.
• One week from today I'm going to be playing offertory at my church. I had less than two week's notice, too! Lovely. Anyhow... I'm planning on doing a somewhat easy arrangement of Brethren, We Have Met to Worship. Maybe I'll record it and load it onto YouTube.
• Speaking of that song, have any of you seen Sheffey? LOVE that movie! And the music when everyone is coming to the camp meetings is awesome! If you haven't seen it, you really should get your hands on a copy. It's the true story of an amazing circuit ridin' preacher named Robert Sheffey.
• Thanks for all of your lovely comments! I love you guys! And sorry I was so down about blogging a week or so ago. I promise I'm not quitting on ya'll!

A Little Friday Randomness

Item number one: New Voyage of the Dawn Treader footage!!!!!!!! I am really excited about what these clips show. They are obviously chopped up preview type clips, but they are still pretty cool. I'm very happy with Will Poulter. =D Although these clips do raise a few questions and at least one concern, overall I'm thrilled!

Item number two: Okay, I know it's not Tuesday, but that doesn't mean I can't post videos, right? This one just makes me laugh:

Item number three: Today I'm going to spend a couple of hours at Barnes and Noble. I will probably read Austenland by Shannon Hale or Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter. The Ally Carter books are... for entertainment purposes only. LOL They have absolutely no value whatsoever. Shannon Hale's books, however, move a step beyond entertainment because I love her writing style and try to analyze it to make myself a better writer.

Item number four: My dad made me an invisible book shelf this week and we finally got it in place yesterday. I'll try to remember to take pictures so ya'll can see it. If you're interested.

Item number five: I have an awesome new Bible! Before all of the newly graduated seniors leave for college, the church presents them with a new study bible. All of the seniors got one last Sunday even though half of us aren't going to college just yet. =)

Item number six: My sisters and brother are starting school on Monday. It feels really REALLY weird to me to not be getting my schedule and supplies together with them. I'm going to be helping teach Seth some things. Oh, boy... hehe I'm looking forward to it, mostly. We'll see how it goes.

Item number seven: Okay, I totally do not get why everyone liked my handwriting. =P But thanks, guys!

Well, as seven is a number of perfection in the Bible, perhaps I should stop there! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

My Handwriting =D

I saw this on Lindsay's blog awhile ago and finally got around to doing it. =D

Here are the rules:

• Write down the following, snap a picture (or scan the document), post it, and tag others.
• Name/Blog Name
• Right handed, left handed or both
• Favorite letters to write
• Least favorite letters to write
• Write: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
• Write in caps: CRAB HUMOR KALEIDOSCOPE PAJAMAS GAZILLION
• Favorite song lyrics
• Tag 7 people
• Any special note or drawing

P.S. Blogger won't let me put a larger picture up, but you can click on it to see the larger version. =D

Packing Up

I hardly expected that I'd be saying this any time soon, but I'm packing up to head back home to the Denver area. Dad is being put on another job that's closer to home. I knew this would happen eventually, but I have to admit that it feels much *much* too soon for me.
Dad would probably disagree.
Anyhow, we're leaving either tonight or tomorrow morning. Not sure how we're going to fit everything into the car, but I guess we'll manage.
I really wish this could have lasted just a little bit longer. Independence is something I love and that I feel I don't have in the city. Here it is so easy to get around and walk around town, visit the library, etc. I've probably mentioned this in previous posts, but I hate being unable to go anywhere when I'm at home. My whole life is completely dependent on my mom's plans or her mood. Everyone keeps saying, "Get your license, then you'll be independent."
Wanna bet?
1. I still wouldn't have my own car, so that would probably present problems at times
2. I don't have a job, therefore I can't pay for gas, which I assume my parents would want me to do
3. I can't get a job because I don't have a car

Anyhow... I guess I'll just keep chillin at home and hopefully finish the last of my schoolwork and then see where life takes me.

Random question for the day: Ixnay or exnay? I have seen many people spell this word both ways. Which way would YOU spell it? (I do know the correct spelling, but it seems to be the least used of the two. =P)

Life in Arizona

A few random things:

*Cuddle the babies at night when it's cooler. You'll get less sweaty that way.

*Do not just walk up to the door and unlock it and enter the house. Approach cautiously (maybe carrying a big stick) and look for black widows first. If you do not do this, there will be a black widow there. (Thankfully no one was hurt!)

*Do not go into tourist shops if you freak out about snakes. The heads, skins, and stuffed bodies of those scaly things are everywhere!

*Do not brush food out of dishes and into the trash with your hands if the dishes have been sitting out all night. You may be stung by a scorpion. (I saw him before he saw me, thankfully!)

*Enjoy a walk to the air conditioned library to update your blog. Good side effects of this would include developing a nice tan.

*Remember to log out of your email and blog accounts when you leave the library, or you may still be logged in when you come back the next day! (Uh-oh...)

*If you remembered to clear the doorway of black widows, but there weren't any, don't assume you're safe. They're probably just waiting on the ground instead of in the doorway. (Again, no one but the spider was hurt.)

*If you do not like the smell of Raid, either do not live in Arizona, or find some other way to kill undesirable creepy crawlies.

*Just have fun. It's a great place to be!

(Sorry... I was going to post a few more positive things, but the library closes in 5 minutes and they want me to get off the computer)

Saturday Somethings

Today I'm just going to post a few random things. I love it when my friends do these kinds of posts!

1st item on the randomosity list: One of my favorite typos is when I'm visiting my blogger account. It is very likely that I will type in http://www.blooger.com instead of http://www.blogger.com - it's a booger of a problem, 'cause now this 'blooger' thing is one of my most typed-in websites. =P

I'm thinking about doing a series of posts on Mondays or Thursdays with some of my favorite moments in literature or movies. My top ten proposals (or maybe just five), my favorite confrontations, whatever. Do you guys think that's a good idea?

Last week I got a checking account with Wells Fargo. I got my debit card in the mail on Thursday, so now I'm dying to go spend some money so I can use it! Probably really childish of me, but I guess that's just the way I am! =P

I just read Predator by Terri Blackstock. I really enjoyed it - I love suspense! =D I also read Cape Refuge, so now I want to read the rest of that series. Has anyone else read Terri Blackstock?

I'm thinking of starting another module or two on the side of my blog for favorite movies, books, and TV shows. I also might ad some music to my blog. So be watching for some changes in the near future!

I was asked by my friend Buttercup whether or not I have a blog button. It's in the works. I was having a bit of trouble with the rose part of it. I may just end up leaving the rose off.... We'll see.

Okay, That's All, Folks! Talk to you next week!

Walk Like the Animals

There's a song in Doctor Dolittle that goes something like, "Walk with the animals, talk with the animals..." I don't know. It just happens to be what came to mind when I first saw this. [Edit: The "this" right there is a link... it's not showing up too well, though! Maybe the coloration on my computer is off... but in case yours is, too, I thought I'd mention it!]

Insane? Totally.

Cool? Absolutely!

haha I would never spend that amount of money just to be able to walk like a faun, but hey... it's a cool concept!

Anyhow... just thought I'd share. It's one of those different things that you don't see every day. =D

A Hodge-Podge Post

First off, the pictures I promised! =D In case you're not sure what I'm referring to, I was able to go to a banquet on the 8th. Here are some pictures from the banquet!

My amazing friend Bailey and myself

The back of my dress =D

Me

Bay, her mom, and her aunt all worked to make this happen:

Anyhow... It was a great night! Soooo much fun! And just in case you're curious: I got the dress at the thrift store for a really great price! The jacket is from JCPenney.

...:::...

Erica was gone all last week for the AACS (American Association of Christian Schools) Fine Arts Tournament. Our Bible Quizzing team took 2nd in the nation! Way to go, guys!

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I got my hair cut last Thursday. Almost 5 inches off! I'm so relieved to be able to say that I like it! If ya'll want, I can post pictures of that, too.

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On this day in history:

The Oklahoma City Bombing (1995)

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere (1775)

The Shot Heard 'Round the World (1775)

"By the rude bridge that arched the flood,

Their flag to April's breeze unfurled;

Here once the embattled farmers stood,

And fired the shot heard 'round the world."

The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising (1943)

Sorry

Sorry I haven't been around much lately. I especially apologize to my dear friend Kyrstin. She has been absolutely amazing and so encouraging by commenting when I DO post. I'll try to be around more this week... we'll see what happens, though. In the mean time, here are a few random things about my life right now.

.::. I just reached the halfway point in algebra. After years of struggling, this is a major success for me. It's only 2 months 'til graduation, though... so please pray that the last half will go smoothly!

.::. I am going to a banquet on Thursday night... pictures will come, I promise! It's a FORMAL! Woo-hooo!!! I am majorly beyond excited. I have this really awesome dress that has been made modest with the help of a really awesome jacket. The whole outfit and everything has been made possible by my kindred spirit Bailey, and my totally-beyond-wonderful parents. =D

.::. My sister is going to Bob Jones University for the AACS competition. She leaves on Sunday morning and I will miss her sorely until her return on Friday. *cries* If any of you can drop by or anything, please come cheer me up! =D

.::. I just remembered that I never posted this one post that I was planning on posting, so I think I'll go do that now! LOL

Happy Birthday to a Musical Genius

Happy Birthday to Andrew Lloyd Webber! And if you aren't familiar with him... go listen to the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack. I can pretty much guarantee that you'll fall in love with it. =D So go check it out... it's all I ask of you. LOL ;)

P.S. Not all of the songs are awesome... just most of them. A few have language or sensuality.

P.P.S. To make things easier on you... how about I just post a couple of my favorite songs via youtube? =D







**Note for the video below... The beginning features a rather immodest Christine. I don't like the way she's dressed, but the song is amazing!

Little Random Pieces

First off, my dear friend Amber brought it to my attention that maybe, just maybe, my lack of followers has something to do with the fact that there is no 'follow' button on my blog. *gasps* There used to be... but it disappeared. So as of 4:00 this afternoon, there is now a 'follow' button down near the bottom of the right sidebar. Please use it at your earliest convenience! =D
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Everyone seemed to really like the idea of the helpful hints post that I'm going to be doing. In fact, so many of you were happy about it that I am now afraid that the post won't live up to everyone's expectations. So how about giving me a lift? If you know of something that you think would be useful for everyone to know, leave me a comment to tell me what it is! I have several things on my list, but the more the merrier!
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I am 1/4 of the way through my algebra now! I took the test this afternoon and I think I did pretty well. I hope. For those of you who are not aware of this, my history with algebra is VERY long and VERY sad. LOL So I have 3/4 of it left, and only 3 months 'til graduation. Not really an ideal situation, but I'm going to make the best of it.
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I'm going to be reading When God Writes Your Life Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy again and I wanted to know: Is anyone interested in reading through it with me? It might be a good book to have discussions on. It's been awhile since I read it, but I know I was blessed.