Happy New Year! Like everyone else, I can't believe 2008 is going. What will 2009 hold? Well, right now I'm focusing on a few days, weeks, months at a time. Foremost on my mind is my last semester of school.
I am really looking forward to spending this time with my friends and hallmates. I'm also really looking forward to the academics. I love to learn and can't wait for my History of Literary Criticism class. First, the class uses an anthology, which is awesome, and second, I get to read philosophy and become better aquainted with the famed writers of the centuries. Could I ask for better? For most of my studies, I have read the fictional works of authors, not I get to read the philosophy and understand the dynamics behind their works. The class has its downsides as well, considering how many papers I'll have to write.
I'm taking 17 credits, and I recently discovered that 6 of those credits end in mid-march to make room for a teaching field experience that I took last semester. So, for the last 6 weeks of school, I'll be ending with 11 credits. :) I'm lovin' it. As some know, I was originally intending on completing 5 hours of 3-week classes from August to mid-September before I go to Germany, but I've recently decided to fit those in over this semester and the summer so that now I won't be returning to school at all. My reasons for this are that I don't want to move everything back to school and find housing and food for only 3 weeks. Also, those three weeks at home working will provide me with a lot of extra money to be used in Europe or after. And thirdly, I won't have to cram getting ready for Germany in one week, but can work into it over the summer. I'm really glad I've made this decision and can truly say that this semester and May-walking will end my time at CU. Cedarville, I will miss, but I eagerly anticipate what is ahead.
What is ahead? Right now, it's all about Germany. I cannot wait for that experience! I have so many thoughts and ideas, but those I'll share another time. Enjoy your New Year, and God bless!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
New Camera
Yes, I am getting very excited about this Christmas for most of the regular reasons plus one or two. First, I love being home. I love my room, I love my bed, I love Missouri water (esp. compared to Ohio), I love my dogs, I love my city, I love my life. In many ways, I'll never be able to revert to the high school ways, but also, I would not want to. No, St. Louis has changed in my eyes as I've changed, but I still love it's new way just as much as the old. This Christmas, I'll be working at Red Robin, and spending time with my family. I got most all of my shopping done and I've really enjoyed recooperating. Every morning I've been getting up at 7 (which means being able to go to bed WHEN I WANT. yay!), doing my devotions for as long as I want, drinking my tea, made on a stove not a microwave, reading my books (currently A Severe Mercy and soon Wuthering Heights.), making quite a bit of money at work, and then baking and doing little odds and ends with my sisters and parents. Ah, home is bliss too often forgotten and too often gone.
But traveling away from my reminiscence, my latest excitement has been the camera I want to get. After some apprehensive searching (apprehensive because of the overwhelmingness of the task), I've decided to purchase the Canon G10 powershot. This seems to be the best of the happy mediums between your compact point-and-shoot and your SLRs. I'm really excited for this! I've often wished to take the aesthetic, creative photographs that I've so often seen online or done by my amateur, friend photographers, but never had a camera that could do it. With this purchase, I will have to really educate myself on how to use the camera and to take such
pictures, but I believe my incentive and interest will carry me through the process. Attached are a few pictures of the camera. Later, I will load pictures that I've taken with it, once I get it. :) Until then...
But traveling away from my reminiscence, my latest excitement has been the camera I want to get. After some apprehensive searching (apprehensive because of the overwhelmingness of the task), I've decided to purchase the Canon G10 powershot. This seems to be the best of the happy mediums between your compact point-and-shoot and your SLRs. I'm really excited for this! I've often wished to take the aesthetic, creative photographs that I've so often seen online or done by my amateur, friend photographers, but never had a camera that could do it. With this purchase, I will have to really educate myself on how to use the camera and to take such
pictures, but I believe my incentive and interest will carry me through the process. Attached are a few pictures of the camera. Later, I will load pictures that I've taken with it, once I get it. :) Until then...Saturday, November 15, 2008
Busyness
My 7th grader's last spelling list contained the word "business." On Friday, I gave them the test, and as I was dictating the words, I realized that I didn't know whether I should pronounce it as in the state of being busy or as in the corporation. I also couldn't remember how I had been saying it all week. Upon talking to my brother, I happened to find out that there was a difference in the spelling and was quite tickled by the fact that I, an English teacher, did not know the difference when my brother, a Chemistry major, did. We all need a little humbling experience, right? :)
Right now I would have to say that "busyness" best describes me. I have an intensive paper due in Multi-Ethnic American Literature; one which I should be much farther on than I am. Hopefully God will be graceful to me, and help me to quickly find an outstanding these to write about. The book I'm writing on is My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok. It's quite good! I've always really enjoyed reading Jewish books and learning about Jewish history. The book is actually about an "extremist" group of Jews that are a part of the Hassidic movement. They would even consider themselves apart from Judaism as they dress and lives strictly to the Jewish laws. They abstain from most everything secular and can be found in large numbers in the New York/Brooklyn, etc., area. The novel is about an art prodigy named Asher Lev who struggles his whole life between dabbling in secular art and aestheticism and following the strictly aesthetic, abstinent Hassidic lifestyle. I really like the book because of its conversation on art and religion. I highly recommend it!
While I am reading all of these multi-ethnic novels for the class, and am at the same time reading Dracula. Do not ask me why I started that book except that I learned of the original story behind Count Dracula from my Romanian friend from school (Asheritah, I love you :) and was quite intrigued by it. The story is rather sensational (something for which its received some criticism), and as a result, I can hardly put the book down. Ann Marie had to take it from me and keep it in her room until I would get my work done. That was the day after I read several chapters of it in the local graveyard and was too scared to sleep that night. :)
Some other time I will explain my fascination with grave yards.
Right now I would have to say that "busyness" best describes me. I have an intensive paper due in Multi-Ethnic American Literature; one which I should be much farther on than I am. Hopefully God will be graceful to me, and help me to quickly find an outstanding these to write about. The book I'm writing on is My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok. It's quite good! I've always really enjoyed reading Jewish books and learning about Jewish history. The book is actually about an "extremist" group of Jews that are a part of the Hassidic movement. They would even consider themselves apart from Judaism as they dress and lives strictly to the Jewish laws. They abstain from most everything secular and can be found in large numbers in the New York/Brooklyn, etc., area. The novel is about an art prodigy named Asher Lev who struggles his whole life between dabbling in secular art and aestheticism and following the strictly aesthetic, abstinent Hassidic lifestyle. I really like the book because of its conversation on art and religion. I highly recommend it!
While I am reading all of these multi-ethnic novels for the class, and am at the same time reading Dracula. Do not ask me why I started that book except that I learned of the original story behind Count Dracula from my Romanian friend from school (Asheritah, I love you :) and was quite intrigued by it. The story is rather sensational (something for which its received some criticism), and as a result, I can hardly put the book down. Ann Marie had to take it from me and keep it in her room until I would get my work done. That was the day after I read several chapters of it in the local graveyard and was too scared to sleep that night. :)
Some other time I will explain my fascination with grave yards.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Post-election Thoughts
Well, it's all over. The election that is.
I don't think it is yet real in my mind that Obama is to be our next President. The pressing issue that comes to mind as I think about this is how many more innocent lives of the unborn will be slaughtered under his policies. Some of my initial thoughts were to question what I could do about this. I may not be able to change government policy, but I can change the individual lives of those I am in daily contact with. I can educate myself on the emotional and physical struggles of unsure mothers, and be able to sympathetically reach them. I can volunteer at the PRC clinic and work with young women to show them a better route. I can make my friends, church, and students more aware of the impending crisis and specific needs I come across. All this I can do. God does not call me to change the world, He calls me to be obedient in my every day life. If that means changing the world, then I will be very happy. :)
On a lighter note, one of my last hall meetings (I'm an RA and schedule hall activities) was a pilates night. We played classical music accompanied with waterfall and bird noises (rather unique) and were instructed in some basic stretches and moves of pilate. I did not realize how weak my core muscles were, nor how difficult pilates can really be. (Wikipedia defines it as follows: Pilates called his method Contrology, because he believed his method uses the mind to control the muscles. The program focuses on the core postural muscles which help keep the body balanced and which are essential to providing support for the spine. In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and aim to strengthen the deep torso muscles.) I really enjoyed it, and since, my roomie, Sharon and I have been doing what we can remember of them in our room. I've always had a lot of muscle pain in college, and this is clearing it right up. It feels so great to find a simple solution to an irritating problem. Next on my agenda is to get a pilates tape and mat to help me be disciplined with these exercises. My PT once said that 90% of arms/legs/joints pain and problems are a result of or part of the lack of muscle strength in one's core muscles (abs, back, etc.)
Now, to read My Invented Country, A Chilean novel which I am not enjoying. :(
I don't think it is yet real in my mind that Obama is to be our next President. The pressing issue that comes to mind as I think about this is how many more innocent lives of the unborn will be slaughtered under his policies. Some of my initial thoughts were to question what I could do about this. I may not be able to change government policy, but I can change the individual lives of those I am in daily contact with. I can educate myself on the emotional and physical struggles of unsure mothers, and be able to sympathetically reach them. I can volunteer at the PRC clinic and work with young women to show them a better route. I can make my friends, church, and students more aware of the impending crisis and specific needs I come across. All this I can do. God does not call me to change the world, He calls me to be obedient in my every day life. If that means changing the world, then I will be very happy. :)
On a lighter note, one of my last hall meetings (I'm an RA and schedule hall activities) was a pilates night. We played classical music accompanied with waterfall and bird noises (rather unique) and were instructed in some basic stretches and moves of pilate. I did not realize how weak my core muscles were, nor how difficult pilates can really be. (Wikipedia defines it as follows: Pilates called his method Contrology, because he believed his method uses the mind to control the muscles. The program focuses on the core postural muscles which help keep the body balanced and which are essential to providing support for the spine. In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and aim to strengthen the deep torso muscles.) I really enjoyed it, and since, my roomie, Sharon and I have been doing what we can remember of them in our room. I've always had a lot of muscle pain in college, and this is clearing it right up. It feels so great to find a simple solution to an irritating problem. Next on my agenda is to get a pilates tape and mat to help me be disciplined with these exercises. My PT once said that 90% of arms/legs/joints pain and problems are a result of or part of the lack of muscle strength in one's core muscles (abs, back, etc.)
Now, to read My Invented Country, A Chilean novel which I am not enjoying. :(
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Generation Joshua
Well, I believe it is about the beginning of the end, though there are still 5 weeks left in the semester.
I received a call today from my friend Josh, a student at Patrick Henry College, who told me that several students from his school are going around the country to do some last minute campaigning for Conservative, pro-life officials. He himself is going to TX, but the group he was interested in for me, was a group traveling to Cincinnati. His friend and fellow student is leading the team there to do door-to-door during the day and phone calling at night. He is working with a group called Generation Joshua, something I was unfamiliar with until today. (Check it out quickly at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Joshua). This group looks awesome as I read up on it quickly, and I'm really excited to help. So, my role?
Well, I'll be team leading a group of students from AL who are coming up to campaign the suburbs. Most groups are staying from Friday through the election on Tuesday, but I can only help Saturday. I'm really excited for this opportunity because I have done nothing like it before. I've wanted to be more involved in politics as a Christian, and finally here's my way how. I'm also excited about meeting up with people from around the states with similar passions and beliefs.
I'm only staying Saturday because of the other big, controlling issue in my life, school. :) I'm very excited because coming this Monday, I am beginning my 5-week field experience. This involves teaching two, 80 min. class periods of 7th grade English. Woot! So, I've spent much of today and tomorrow preparing for that, and hope to finish up the week of lesson plans on Sunday. I'm going to learn so much; I'm excited! I'll let you know how the weekend goes!
I received a call today from my friend Josh, a student at Patrick Henry College, who told me that several students from his school are going around the country to do some last minute campaigning for Conservative, pro-life officials. He himself is going to TX, but the group he was interested in for me, was a group traveling to Cincinnati. His friend and fellow student is leading the team there to do door-to-door during the day and phone calling at night. He is working with a group called Generation Joshua, something I was unfamiliar with until today. (Check it out quickly at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Joshua). This group looks awesome as I read up on it quickly, and I'm really excited to help. So, my role?
Well, I'll be team leading a group of students from AL who are coming up to campaign the suburbs. Most groups are staying from Friday through the election on Tuesday, but I can only help Saturday. I'm really excited for this opportunity because I have done nothing like it before. I've wanted to be more involved in politics as a Christian, and finally here's my way how. I'm also excited about meeting up with people from around the states with similar passions and beliefs.
I'm only staying Saturday because of the other big, controlling issue in my life, school. :) I'm very excited because coming this Monday, I am beginning my 5-week field experience. This involves teaching two, 80 min. class periods of 7th grade English. Woot! So, I've spent much of today and tomorrow preparing for that, and hope to finish up the week of lesson plans on Sunday. I'm going to learn so much; I'm excited! I'll let you know how the weekend goes!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
First Post
As I begin, I want to say that I am not in the habit of posting my thoughts online. I often get tired of the Myspace/Xanga/Facebook postings that scream "Drama" "Attention" "Notice Me." Really, what people are willing to post publicly is a sad commentary on the state of their personal lives.
This blog's focal purpose is three part. 1) A place to keep in contact and to update friends and loved ones as I accumulate acquaintances from various locations and as I learn new things in my journey of life. 2) A place to express myself in hopes that it will benefit the hearer. As I learn Spiritual truths and as I travel through the difficult times, I want you, my friend, to know and learn, grow, and be encouraged by my stories. 3) To develop and creatively expand my ability to express and write. Blogging is a great way to develop my communication skills through both an understanding of myself and an understanding of how people listen.
So, the journey begins. The journey of my self-discovery, Christ, Truth, communication, rhetoric, friendship, faithfulness, and so much more.
Please comment: let me know how you are doing, what you think of my posts, and questions.
Signing out.
This blog's focal purpose is three part. 1) A place to keep in contact and to update friends and loved ones as I accumulate acquaintances from various locations and as I learn new things in my journey of life. 2) A place to express myself in hopes that it will benefit the hearer. As I learn Spiritual truths and as I travel through the difficult times, I want you, my friend, to know and learn, grow, and be encouraged by my stories. 3) To develop and creatively expand my ability to express and write. Blogging is a great way to develop my communication skills through both an understanding of myself and an understanding of how people listen.
So, the journey begins. The journey of my self-discovery, Christ, Truth, communication, rhetoric, friendship, faithfulness, and so much more.
Please comment: let me know how you are doing, what you think of my posts, and questions.
Signing out.
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