Are you a music guru?
I love music.
I always have something on, whether I'm in the car or in my room. I especially love driving at night and listening to the radio. It seems so peaceful to me-just me and God in the car and the roads are kind of empty and its dark.
I also love when we have live music in dance class. "Maestro" is so wonderful and it makes plies, tendus, and turns to songs like "Lord your beautiful"! I even had a pretty decent balance in attitude today! Sorry for the dancer lingo but balances are tricky so that was exciting!God is good all the time!
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3
As for me, I call to God,
and the LORD saves me.
Evening, morning and noon
I cry out in distress,
and he hears my voice.
He rescues me unharmed
from the battle waged against me,
even though many oppose me.
God, who is enthroned from of old,
who does not change—
he will hear them and humble them,
because they have no fear of God.
Psalm 55:16-19
Friday, September 30, 2011
Friday zapped my motivation....please come back!
Motivation=0.
I always have trouble with Fridays. Well, I don't really have trouble I just somehow become unmotivated to do just about anything aside from what I have to do i.e go to class, babysit, ect.
For example, I am blogging and should be cleaning or doing my homework that somehow decided to ALL be due next week. You'd think we have fall break or something.
YES!!! we do have fall break in exactly one week, which is so very exciting!!
Don't get me wrong, it will all get done, just maybe not today. I don't know. We shall see.
I really do love Fridays, especially because they allow us to be unmotivated and enjoy one free evening/day of the week!
Book-in-the-bag went fairly well. I showed it to second graders and most of them had heard it before but didn't know what corduroy fabric was, so hopefully now they do!
We were told to get there between, 9:30 and 9:45 because we couldn't go into the classroom until 10. So I decided to come around 9:40, 9:45. I was on time but I always forget education majors tend to be early....for everything.
If you would like to hear a great message about God's love, redemption, and grace and the value of life, click here and listen to Mrs. Amy Martin. She came and spoke at one of our chapels and was one of the best messages I think I've heard while attending here for the past 3-4 years.
Half of my roommates are gone this weekend and playing two soccer games, one in GA and one in TN!! Have fun ladies and do well!
First dance nursing home visit tomorrow!
Happy Friday everyone, it's a beautiful day!
I always have trouble with Fridays. Well, I don't really have trouble I just somehow become unmotivated to do just about anything aside from what I have to do i.e go to class, babysit, ect.
For example, I am blogging and should be cleaning or doing my homework that somehow decided to ALL be due next week. You'd think we have fall break or something.
YES!!! we do have fall break in exactly one week, which is so very exciting!!
Don't get me wrong, it will all get done, just maybe not today. I don't know. We shall see.
I really do love Fridays, especially because they allow us to be unmotivated and enjoy one free evening/day of the week!
Book-in-the-bag went fairly well. I showed it to second graders and most of them had heard it before but didn't know what corduroy fabric was, so hopefully now they do!
We were told to get there between, 9:30 and 9:45 because we couldn't go into the classroom until 10. So I decided to come around 9:40, 9:45. I was on time but I always forget education majors tend to be early....for everything.
If you would like to hear a great message about God's love, redemption, and grace and the value of life, click here and listen to Mrs. Amy Martin. She came and spoke at one of our chapels and was one of the best messages I think I've heard while attending here for the past 3-4 years.
Half of my roommates are gone this weekend and playing two soccer games, one in GA and one in TN!! Have fun ladies and do well!
First dance nursing home visit tomorrow!
Happy Friday everyone, it's a beautiful day!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Lisa goes to Thailand
Lisa goes to Thailand.
It is hard to drive with tears in your eyes.
I don't like to say goodbyes.
With all that said, Wednesday was a very special night. We had a going away party for my dear sister and friend Lisa Repair! She will board a plane Monday morning and go to Thailand.
Oh how excited I am for her but she will be missed! As I drove away the tears came and I heard a song on the radio about trusting in God's promises. It is so neat to witness God fulfilling His promises in her life! We rejoice with you as God takes you on this adventure!
"God says yes to his promises
Take him at his word
Yeah, you can believe it
God says yes to a child-like faith
When we claim everything he died to give
God says yes...."-John Waller "Yes"
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Book-in-a-Bag
Do you know the story of a bear who lost his button? Don Freeman (the author) does and hopefully a bunch of little kindergartners or first graders will too after Friday!
Here is my book-in-the-bag project. I still have to add a few things (like a flashlight for the night guard) and am thinking about making bookmarks for the kids, we'll see how much time I have this week!
Here is my book-in-the-bag project. I still have to add a few things (like a flashlight for the night guard) and am thinking about making bookmarks for the kids, we'll see how much time I have this week!
Yes, I'm trying to make a pair of overalls
I am making a Book-in-a-Bag project for one of my classes and did it on the book Corduroy, its a classic!
I had some ideas and ran them by mom (always a good place to start seeing as how she made her own bears!) and got started. First, one of the worst things about college is most of your supplies (the ones you could be like, hey do we have ________? and somehow you always did have it at home) well, you don't have them at college and so projects suddenly become expensive. After going to Hobby Lobby (round 2 because I went out there on Sunday only to realize they are closed, which is a good thing) and finding out that they did not have green corduroy, I settled for green felt and beige corduroy. I mean the kids should know what real corduroy looks and feels like!
I'm not sure how I did it, but there's a pair of overalls.
Don't look too close ;)
I should have had my roomate take a picture because she caught me. I was sitting on the floor with a bear half dressed and stuff everywhere. She was like what are you doing? It was just too funny, I'm sure I looked slightly ridiculous and pitiful at the time.
At this point I was really doubtful that the bear would get his overalls (he would be missing more than a button at this rate) but they turned out ok in the end.
By the way, if you google Corduroy, there are a lot of great lesson plan ideas and projects for the story! The bear is from the Dollar Tree :) I'll post more pics when it is all said and done.
-Life as an El Ed Major
I had some ideas and ran them by mom (always a good place to start seeing as how she made her own bears!) and got started. First, one of the worst things about college is most of your supplies (the ones you could be like, hey do we have ________? and somehow you always did have it at home) well, you don't have them at college and so projects suddenly become expensive. After going to Hobby Lobby (round 2 because I went out there on Sunday only to realize they are closed, which is a good thing) and finding out that they did not have green corduroy, I settled for green felt and beige corduroy. I mean the kids should know what real corduroy looks and feels like!
I'm not sure how I did it, but there's a pair of overalls.
Don't look too close ;)
I should have had my roomate take a picture because she caught me. I was sitting on the floor with a bear half dressed and stuff everywhere. She was like what are you doing? It was just too funny, I'm sure I looked slightly ridiculous and pitiful at the time.
At this point I was really doubtful that the bear would get his overalls (he would be missing more than a button at this rate) but they turned out ok in the end.
By the way, if you google Corduroy, there are a lot of great lesson plan ideas and projects for the story! The bear is from the Dollar Tree :) I'll post more pics when it is all said and done.
-Life as an El Ed Major
Sunday, September 25, 2011
A taste of poetry
First day of Fall! Well its not today, it already passed but I was hoping for something a little brighter for my blog so in honor of fall, this is what I came up with, we'll see how long it lasts. (It didn't last long...I had the orange leaf background but it was too light at the top so at least this one is brownish, which is a fall color!)
Can I just say, I love fall but it still doesn't quite seem like fall. I think it might be because I am in Mississippi and it still feels like summer and spring. One of these days, however, I want to get some of those cinnamon broom sticks, pine cones, or something to help bring in the scents of fall! I should get some candy corn and pretty fall flowers too and put them in the quad. Not sure when that will happen but a girl can try, right?
Whew now that we got that taken care of...
I didnt realize how much I like children's poetry/mother goose rhymes. I read three books of them late last night and found a few I really liked so I thought I'd pass them along :)
The following are from Amen Brother Ben, A Mississippi Collection of Children's Rhymes by Marice C. Brown
"Remember-
Never let a kiss fool you
And never let a fool kiss you."
"G.I. Haircut,
G.I. Hat,
G.I. This and
G.I. That.
G.I. Love you,
G.I. Do
G.I. Hope you love me too."
"Read see that me?"
up will I love
and you love you
down and you. Do
*this one you read down and then up, down and then up
These three were written by kids in something called Autograph books, kind of like how we would sign a yearbook. If only I knew this when I was in middle and high school!
Sing-Song, A Nursery Rhyme Book for Children
by Christina G. Rossetti
I love the play on words in this one!
"....The peacock has a score of eyes
With which he cannot see;
The cod-fish has a silent sound,
However that may be;
No dandelions tell the time,
Although they turn to clocks:
Cat's-cradle does not hold the cat,
Nor foxglove fit the fox."
This one's good too!
"If all were rain and never sun,
No bow could span the hill;
If all were sun and never rain,
There'd be no rainbow still."
Don't worry, I also read Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses. I picked at least 3 favorites from this one but I shall just leave you the titles so you can look them up when you find a spare moment and enjoy them for yourself!
1. My Shadow
2. Sun rise and set
3. To my Mother
Can I just say, I love fall but it still doesn't quite seem like fall. I think it might be because I am in Mississippi and it still feels like summer and spring. One of these days, however, I want to get some of those cinnamon broom sticks, pine cones, or something to help bring in the scents of fall! I should get some candy corn and pretty fall flowers too and put them in the quad. Not sure when that will happen but a girl can try, right?
Whew now that we got that taken care of...
I didnt realize how much I like children's poetry/mother goose rhymes. I read three books of them late last night and found a few I really liked so I thought I'd pass them along :)
The following are from Amen Brother Ben, A Mississippi Collection of Children's Rhymes by Marice C. Brown
"Remember-
Never let a kiss fool you
And never let a fool kiss you."
"G.I. Haircut,
G.I. Hat,
G.I. This and
G.I. That.
G.I. Love you,
G.I. Do
G.I. Hope you love me too."
"Read see that me?"
up will I love
and you love you
down and you. Do
*this one you read down and then up, down and then up
These three were written by kids in something called Autograph books, kind of like how we would sign a yearbook. If only I knew this when I was in middle and high school!
Sing-Song, A Nursery Rhyme Book for Children
by Christina G. Rossetti
I love the play on words in this one!
"....The peacock has a score of eyes
With which he cannot see;
The cod-fish has a silent sound,
However that may be;
No dandelions tell the time,
Although they turn to clocks:
Cat's-cradle does not hold the cat,
Nor foxglove fit the fox."
This one's good too!
"If all were rain and never sun,
No bow could span the hill;
If all were sun and never rain,
There'd be no rainbow still."
Don't worry, I also read Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses. I picked at least 3 favorites from this one but I shall just leave you the titles so you can look them up when you find a spare moment and enjoy them for yourself!
1. My Shadow
2. Sun rise and set
3. To my Mother
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Kingdom Life
As seniors at Belhaven we get to take a marriage, finance, family life class. Ok we are actually required to take it and let me tell you boy are there some interesting comments and conversations. Since the quizzes are only ten questions, I try to read and study. So from my reading here's two quotes that I liked...
"Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking together in the same direction."-Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Gazing at each other is bonus, don't get me wrong :) but its awesome when ya'll are on the same page spiritually, have similar spiritual passions too!
"One more thing about serving together...We find that the soul of our marriage is satisfied most when we do something, even small things, anonymously. To secretly observe the results of our service brings deeper devotion and intimacy."-Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott
So what do you think about love? I know it's not February or anything but love is a big part of life.
"Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking together in the same direction."-Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Gazing at each other is bonus, don't get me wrong :) but its awesome when ya'll are on the same page spiritually, have similar spiritual passions too!
"One more thing about serving together...We find that the soul of our marriage is satisfied most when we do something, even small things, anonymously. To secretly observe the results of our service brings deeper devotion and intimacy."-Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott
So what do you think about love? I know it's not February or anything but love is a big part of life.
Slip on a bannana and find a whole new world
Can we all just go here for a day....I think I want to spend a day with Curious George.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Project-Success!
Today I have been reading. I still have more reading to do. I decided to read the original The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood (its a classic so part of my 50 books project) and its in older English and is quite long. So after reading it for about two hours and only finishing Parts the Fourth and Fifth, my mind was all in another world. Have you ever had the feeling where you were zoned out into the book or something for so long that when you stopped, it was kind of fuzzy? I mean it took me a long time to get there but since its old English,i really have to try hard to concentrate and follow. Well that's what I felt like. I also discovered that I probably should not read (for school) on my bed because I somehow always manage to fit in a nap. I mean after that 30 minutes I'm good to go but I probably could have read a good many pages in that time as well....so to encourage myself (around the napping), after finishing chapters, I sent pics of the new table and quad to my email so I could post them here!
I also had a jazz class which was an excellent break! Did a little Charleston and Swing which is really fun! People make swing dancing look so easy but I find it quite hard. I have to say, for once my lead said I followed! (Always a good thing when a follower actually does what they are supposed to and follows.) My brother tried to teach me how to swing dance once and he said I just didn't know how to relax and follow. Maybe we should try it again and I'd do better. What do you think, Josh, when I come to Portland can we go swing dancing?
Ok so here is the finished project! I'll take you through my first little pre-apartment project....
Here is the duvet cover for the sofa! It's a little big, but it works!
Proof that it's actually Calvin Klein!
We started by sanding and taking the legs off so it would be easier to paint. The table legs actually turned out better than the top. At this point I realized I forgot to take a before picture so this is the best I could do.
Dad helped me set it up so I could paint, that's why it looks like its under construction.
I primed it first. The table legs kind of look like swans.
Finished! I had it sitting under a drop cloth because the paint was supposed to cure for about a week. My friends were like, so when can we actually use it? Now we can, no more stickiness. Katie and I christened it with a late night dinner and episode of The Glades. We both got back late one night (I from rehearsal, she was helping with soccer so we got some food from Basil's. Side note about Basil's they have really good food! I usually get the ham, cream cheese, basil, tomato panini.) We came in and were like, why don't we eat in here!
Sofa cover, pillows, and table all from Goodwill (about $20 plus paint which we had so that was free!)
Oh and the three pictures are from Goodwill too. Poor Katie, Kimber, and Annie. I kept asking them to help me decorate and they were like just hang them up. I kept moving them around trying to decide where to put them and I think I distracted Katie from studying, sorry about that!
I also had a jazz class which was an excellent break! Did a little Charleston and Swing which is really fun! People make swing dancing look so easy but I find it quite hard. I have to say, for once my lead said I followed! (Always a good thing when a follower actually does what they are supposed to and follows.) My brother tried to teach me how to swing dance once and he said I just didn't know how to relax and follow. Maybe we should try it again and I'd do better. What do you think, Josh, when I come to Portland can we go swing dancing?
Ok so here is the finished project! I'll take you through my first little pre-apartment project....
Here is the duvet cover for the sofa! It's a little big, but it works!
Proof that it's actually Calvin Klein!
We started by sanding and taking the legs off so it would be easier to paint. The table legs actually turned out better than the top. At this point I realized I forgot to take a before picture so this is the best I could do.
Dad helped me set it up so I could paint, that's why it looks like its under construction.
I primed it first. The table legs kind of look like swans.
Finished! I had it sitting under a drop cloth because the paint was supposed to cure for about a week. My friends were like, so when can we actually use it? Now we can, no more stickiness. Katie and I christened it with a late night dinner and episode of The Glades. We both got back late one night (I from rehearsal, she was helping with soccer so we got some food from Basil's. Side note about Basil's they have really good food! I usually get the ham, cream cheese, basil, tomato panini.) We came in and were like, why don't we eat in here!
Sofa cover, pillows, and table all from Goodwill (about $20 plus paint which we had so that was free!)
Oh and the three pictures are from Goodwill too. Poor Katie, Kimber, and Annie. I kept asking them to help me decorate and they were like just hang them up. I kept moving them around trying to decide where to put them and I think I distracted Katie from studying, sorry about that!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Community Dance Concert!
The Community Dance Concert went so well! It was so fun and such a privilege to dance for and worship the Lord with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! I heard it was one of the best community concerts ever! I hope to see a video of it soon. It was also neat to take warm up class with so many other dancers. Sometimes it's nice to just take a dance class and not stress over technique. It's always in the back of your mind but to be able to relax and enjoy it as you meet and dance with new people is lovely!
Our piece was the last of twelve so we were backstage for a while so I tried to get a few pics, hopefully there will be more dance pics soon (the above was taken by someone else)....
For some reason I couldn't take a normal picture, I kept laughing.
Hair pulled back so its out of the face for dancin'....Love these girls!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
On this Friday and Saturday
Woke up with a song in my head-love when that happens.....
"You're holdin' me close, and your holdin' me still, in your arms of love."
Went to Jackson Academy to watch a friend perform in color guard for homecoming. Luau last night and boy can some people limbo! Kinda defines the laws of gravity but it sure is fun to watch and commentate :) Finished the night with some friends watching say yes to the dress. I know, I know, so girly but still fun!
The sunshine returned! Lots of dancin' today.
"You're holdin' me close, and your holdin' me still, in your arms of love."
Went to Jackson Academy to watch a friend perform in color guard for homecoming. Luau last night and boy can some people limbo! Kinda defines the laws of gravity but it sure is fun to watch and commentate :) Finished the night with some friends watching say yes to the dress. I know, I know, so girly but still fun!
The sunshine returned! Lots of dancin' today.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Weekend!
It was quite a weekend! Babysat Friday night and saw Mars Needs Moms and Rio, had pizza, and ice cream with the kids. Saturday went and watched my quad mates play soccer! Unfortunately they tied in overtime but Katie scored! Had dinner with MD, miss that lady! Then went to the Mcgehees for a college dinner kickoff! They had low country boil so the shrimp was really good! One of last year's graduates came and surprised everyone. Sunday we had church and a hall party with some amazing creme pie! Small group went really well and Lisa was able to share about her summer New York trip that prepared her for Thailand! All her support is in and she has purchased a one-way ticket! If you'd like to check out her blog, click here! She sure will be missed! Finished the night talking with Kim and thinkin' about the future (post grad life)....which is still very uncertain but that's ok!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Unreal
A day that will never be forgotten. We can never thank those enough who sacrificed and sacrifice for brothers, sisters, friends, and strangers. Beautiful lives. Though tears come, Lord comfort America today.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Oh age is a funny business
Miss Schreck, how old are you?
How old do you think I am?
19, 20, 23, 26, 28, 36
Miss Schreck, how old were you when you were 19?
I was 19....
We played a spelling game called Sparkle....each kid gets a letter and when there are no letters they 'sparkle' the other player out of the game....
Miss Schreck, I like your nails.
Ya, I can really sparkle... since they are so shiny ;)
PS Annie its been a while but....I posted in 3's!
How old do you think I am?
19, 20, 23, 26, 28, 36
Miss Schreck, how old were you when you were 19?
I was 19....
We played a spelling game called Sparkle....each kid gets a letter and when there are no letters they 'sparkle' the other player out of the game....
Miss Schreck, I like your nails.
Ya, I can really sparkle... since they are so shiny ;)
PS Annie its been a while but....I posted in 3's!
Thoroughly Distracted
I fear I had senioritus before I was a senior. Yesterday and today I have felt thoroughly distracted. My room is a bit chaotic at the moment and I know I have reading/hw to do. Nevertheless, I find myself doing everything BUT those two things. Well today is the day! Except that I spent the last hour catching up on news, and blogging and now I should probably get ready for the day. I knew I should have gotten up and done homework in my pajamas (because for some reason that usually works for me). It's just that problem of finding my motivation. Don't worry, I will find it soon!
Best Laid Plans that go quite a bit awry
Best Laid plans. It sounds so nice but does it ever really happen? And if it did happen, all the time, would life really be that enjoyable? Sometimes a little spontaneity is good.
Well I think the trouble with best laid plans comes in is when we are looking forward to something and when the pitcher suddenly throws a curve ball, we end up spinning in a circle like that unexpected baseball player with our bat in the dirt. The challenge? Take a whack at it and hit a home run.
I hope you like my little analogy there but I don't know that I've quite mastered the trick to the point of hitting a home run but I am thankful to say I am a work in progress and am taking baby steps.
So here's the story....
Setting: My roomates have a soccer game at MC (a 20 minute drive or so). Game starts at 4:00, dance department meeting gets out at 3:30, have to babysit at 5:45. If it starts at 4:00, I can go for a good hour or so and be back in time to babysit.
Curve Ball #1: department meeting gets over at 3:45
Curve Ball #2: I don't think to get directions (it's 4 and we haven't left yet)
Curve Ball #3: I lost the person I was following who had the directions.
Curve Ball #4: Time was my enemy unfortunately today.
Curve Ball #5: Football practice gets out. I miss my parking spot coming into campus (after I realize I can't go to the game and return to campus) and say, oh I will just loop around. As I begin to loop, the football players are coming back from practice and decided to drop off and chat. This wouldn't be so bad except that the road is really narrow and parking spots are limited and some are parked on the already narrow road. So I have to wait. As they whip in and out of spots, I watch.
As I shared this story with my friends, just about all of them came back with comments of 'that sucks.' Well, yes, its not the best day BUT i could choose to blame a whole lot of people and circumstances OR I could just realize that clearly, I was not supposed to be at that game. (I kinda figured this out when I was frantically calling my roommate trying to figure out whether I was supposed to take 20 W or E and literally was at the crossroads and got a call five minutes later saying I told you wrong).
Life happens and that's ok.
I sat in the car and thought. I fail. Sure, I did fail and its a pretty funny story when you stop and think about it.
So instead I went to dinner with people I don't see very often, babysat some cute, and a bit rambunctious kids, caught up with some old friends, and headed home.
Do you have any home run stories you'd like to share? Did I hit a home run last night? Well, I'll let you decide....
Well I think the trouble with best laid plans comes in is when we are looking forward to something and when the pitcher suddenly throws a curve ball, we end up spinning in a circle like that unexpected baseball player with our bat in the dirt. The challenge? Take a whack at it and hit a home run.
I hope you like my little analogy there but I don't know that I've quite mastered the trick to the point of hitting a home run but I am thankful to say I am a work in progress and am taking baby steps.
So here's the story....
Setting: My roomates have a soccer game at MC (a 20 minute drive or so). Game starts at 4:00, dance department meeting gets out at 3:30, have to babysit at 5:45. If it starts at 4:00, I can go for a good hour or so and be back in time to babysit.
Curve Ball #1: department meeting gets over at 3:45
Curve Ball #2: I don't think to get directions (it's 4 and we haven't left yet)
Curve Ball #3: I lost the person I was following who had the directions.
Curve Ball #4: Time was my enemy unfortunately today.
Curve Ball #5: Football practice gets out. I miss my parking spot coming into campus (after I realize I can't go to the game and return to campus) and say, oh I will just loop around. As I begin to loop, the football players are coming back from practice and decided to drop off and chat. This wouldn't be so bad except that the road is really narrow and parking spots are limited and some are parked on the already narrow road. So I have to wait. As they whip in and out of spots, I watch.
As I shared this story with my friends, just about all of them came back with comments of 'that sucks.' Well, yes, its not the best day BUT i could choose to blame a whole lot of people and circumstances OR I could just realize that clearly, I was not supposed to be at that game. (I kinda figured this out when I was frantically calling my roommate trying to figure out whether I was supposed to take 20 W or E and literally was at the crossroads and got a call five minutes later saying I told you wrong).
Life happens and that's ok.
I sat in the car and thought. I fail. Sure, I did fail and its a pretty funny story when you stop and think about it.
So instead I went to dinner with people I don't see very often, babysat some cute, and a bit rambunctious kids, caught up with some old friends, and headed home.
Do you have any home run stories you'd like to share? Did I hit a home run last night? Well, I'll let you decide....
Thursday, September 08, 2011
There is more to life than a lizard in the wall.
I was in the shower when I saw a lizard. There is more to life than lizards in the wall. Both of those two statements sound like great titles for books but unfortunately, and fortunately, they are actually real life statements coming from yours truly.
Gillespie has had this little problem of an infestation of these baby lizards. They are pink and speckled. I first encountered the little guys when Kim said, hey you wanta go catch a lizard for someone. I said, ok and found myself in a room of three girls all standing far away from a chair and pointing. One was on the verge of hyper ventilating. I was like where is it, and then I realized it was only about two inches long. So since my mom raised me quite well, and trained me in the art of lizard catching, I said I need a cup and a piece of paper. The little guy was caught and set free and is now roaming around campus. Hopefully he hasn't been stepped on.
My second encounter occurred in the shower. Well, my quad mate was about to take a shower and kinda squealed and said, Come get it! But alas, i was too slow. I decided the little guy climbed back into a hole in the wall.
My third encounter occurred when I was in the shower and saw him emerge. Then I watched him squeeze into the little hole again. If you would like to know why I simply watched him, you must read on.
You see, I grew up in the South. Yes, South Carolina is quite southern and we have creatures. Particularly roaches (but we also have lizards and skinks), or more kindly referred to as Palmetto Bugs. I just call them roaches. I have also mastered the art of disposing of roaches. I'm pretty good. You just need a good shoe, a piece of paper, and a toilet (they must be flushed otherwise they fake you out and aren't really dead). See, I told you I was an expert.
I think everyone in the South has a roach story. I will never forget the infestation in Caldwell, I heard there were like 50 of them. Boy did some of my friends go at it with the Roach Spray...we may have lost a few brain cells from that one. My all-time favorite roach story was when my dad had a roach on his shirt. If you did not know, roaches do fly. Sometimes they can even make people dance. That's all I'll say about that story, if you want the whole thing, I shall be happy to share with you this tale in person!
So back to my reasoning of "there is more to life than a lizard in the wall." You see, since I grew up with lizards in the house (yes, we had a friend come over and as they walked out the front door they pointed out to us that there was a lizard on our wall) and plenty of roaches (yes, if dad's around, I always let him get rid of them!) I got to the point where I was lazy, apathetic, or merciful (I'm not quite sure which) but for whatever reason, I would just let roaches go. I would see one, and say huh, there's a roach and leave. Or ya know, turn on the light and see it run, turn off the light and go to the other room. So with this philosophy, I watched the lizard come out and go back into the wall. No screaming, no squealing and its gone. And life goes on.
Now for that more to life.....
God has given me the privilege to catch up with friends. One of my favorite parts about college is all the people you meet. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming as there are so many people I would just like to sit and listen to and catch up with. My friends and I joke about how we would love school if we could just take out that whole academic side. Don't worry I know, and have experienced, the benefits of both academic and social life at college.
God has also blessed me and allowed me to be a part of an amazing dance piece. What a blessing to work with choreographer Aaron Chen. Last night, we finished learning the choreography and are supposed to perform next Saturday. So here's some of the wisdom he shared
-its not about the performance, its not about who comes. its about praising Jesus
.....Emily's conclusion: I want to dance for an "Audience of One."
-your only comfort is the cross of Christ
.....conclusion: your grace is enough. God is enough. The cross, I boast in the cross (Galations 6:14).
-you are sacrificing your time tonight. He sacrificed His life for you, for forever. The bruises and the pain, oh yes its all worth it.
....conclusion: for my Savior, I can do this!
-its great to praise with your dance but there's a time when you need to use your voice. imagine the Israelites surrounding Jericho. the walls didn't come down until they shouted. God would give them the town, if they shouted. What if we cried out for the town of Jackson, what if that oppression just fell?
....conclusion: God is asking if I trust His power to do that miracle. Girl, you gotta learn to shout! practice shouts in the car? This may need to happen.
-It's like my little girl who cries, daddy, daddy, look at me! daddy, look. Scrambling for my attention until she is right in front of me. God says, yes daughter, what do you want? What do you need? I'm here.
....conclusion: Audience of One. I can't put words to the incredible depth and vastness of God's love for His kids (Ephesians 3:18-19). So often, He is right there. Making Daddy proud tonight, that's all that matters.
There's more to life than a lizard in the wall.
Gillespie has had this little problem of an infestation of these baby lizards. They are pink and speckled. I first encountered the little guys when Kim said, hey you wanta go catch a lizard for someone. I said, ok and found myself in a room of three girls all standing far away from a chair and pointing. One was on the verge of hyper ventilating. I was like where is it, and then I realized it was only about two inches long. So since my mom raised me quite well, and trained me in the art of lizard catching, I said I need a cup and a piece of paper. The little guy was caught and set free and is now roaming around campus. Hopefully he hasn't been stepped on.
My second encounter occurred in the shower. Well, my quad mate was about to take a shower and kinda squealed and said, Come get it! But alas, i was too slow. I decided the little guy climbed back into a hole in the wall.
My third encounter occurred when I was in the shower and saw him emerge. Then I watched him squeeze into the little hole again. If you would like to know why I simply watched him, you must read on.
You see, I grew up in the South. Yes, South Carolina is quite southern and we have creatures. Particularly roaches (but we also have lizards and skinks), or more kindly referred to as Palmetto Bugs. I just call them roaches. I have also mastered the art of disposing of roaches. I'm pretty good. You just need a good shoe, a piece of paper, and a toilet (they must be flushed otherwise they fake you out and aren't really dead). See, I told you I was an expert.
I think everyone in the South has a roach story. I will never forget the infestation in Caldwell, I heard there were like 50 of them. Boy did some of my friends go at it with the Roach Spray...we may have lost a few brain cells from that one. My all-time favorite roach story was when my dad had a roach on his shirt. If you did not know, roaches do fly. Sometimes they can even make people dance. That's all I'll say about that story, if you want the whole thing, I shall be happy to share with you this tale in person!
So back to my reasoning of "there is more to life than a lizard in the wall." You see, since I grew up with lizards in the house (yes, we had a friend come over and as they walked out the front door they pointed out to us that there was a lizard on our wall) and plenty of roaches (yes, if dad's around, I always let him get rid of them!) I got to the point where I was lazy, apathetic, or merciful (I'm not quite sure which) but for whatever reason, I would just let roaches go. I would see one, and say huh, there's a roach and leave. Or ya know, turn on the light and see it run, turn off the light and go to the other room. So with this philosophy, I watched the lizard come out and go back into the wall. No screaming, no squealing and its gone. And life goes on.
Now for that more to life.....
God has given me the privilege to catch up with friends. One of my favorite parts about college is all the people you meet. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming as there are so many people I would just like to sit and listen to and catch up with. My friends and I joke about how we would love school if we could just take out that whole academic side. Don't worry I know, and have experienced, the benefits of both academic and social life at college.
God has also blessed me and allowed me to be a part of an amazing dance piece. What a blessing to work with choreographer Aaron Chen. Last night, we finished learning the choreography and are supposed to perform next Saturday. So here's some of the wisdom he shared
-its not about the performance, its not about who comes. its about praising Jesus
.....Emily's conclusion: I want to dance for an "Audience of One."
-your only comfort is the cross of Christ
.....conclusion: your grace is enough. God is enough. The cross, I boast in the cross (Galations 6:14).
-you are sacrificing your time tonight. He sacrificed His life for you, for forever. The bruises and the pain, oh yes its all worth it.
....conclusion: for my Savior, I can do this!
-its great to praise with your dance but there's a time when you need to use your voice. imagine the Israelites surrounding Jericho. the walls didn't come down until they shouted. God would give them the town, if they shouted. What if we cried out for the town of Jackson, what if that oppression just fell?
....conclusion: God is asking if I trust His power to do that miracle. Girl, you gotta learn to shout! practice shouts in the car? This may need to happen.
-It's like my little girl who cries, daddy, daddy, look at me! daddy, look. Scrambling for my attention until she is right in front of me. God says, yes daughter, what do you want? What do you need? I'm here.
....conclusion: Audience of One. I can't put words to the incredible depth and vastness of God's love for His kids (Ephesians 3:18-19). So often, He is right there. Making Daddy proud tonight, that's all that matters.
There's more to life than a lizard in the wall.
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Creatures and projects on Labor Day
Sometimes there are no words. You just have to look and wonder. Labor Day weekend can be quite the experience in Atlanta. I came home for the weekend to tie up some loose ends from the summer and visit my parents! Mom had mentioned going to a Dragon Con parade early in the morning and for whatever reason I didn't think much of it at the time.
Now though, it will be a weekend to remember, thanks mama :).
Saturday, dad calls goodmorning and since I went to bed at about 2:00 the night before (driving home and watching soccer with dad) and it was only 8, I didn't exactly get up. So when mom said, "Emmmillly, are you awake?" and I said "nooooooo" I figured I should probably get up.
We made the hour trek, (no pun intended) and found some parking and walked up to Peachtree St. to find a spot for the Dragon Con parade. Now I'm not a huge scifi person or trekky (though there may be some in all of us) but I have to say, the costumes were amazing! And if you were a little kid, it's like your dream come true! My favorite was watching this little boy light up and cheer and name all the characters from a show. I don't know if I've ever seen a kid so excited!
There were so many funny experiences that I don't know that I can even list them all. We decided we do not want to go to the Underworld, alternate history is interesting but we are pretty happy with how our history turned out, and Spiderman will always bring cheers. Darth Vader made quite a few appearances and the lego scifi characters were pretty cool. Buddy the Elf popped up to help represent fantasy and yes there were some Trekkies. Java the Hutt and Chewi were also walkin' by. Oh and how could I forget Dr. Who! There was so much more, you shall just have to go one year!
Oh and have no fear, as a new Mississippian, if I ever need a ghost buster, I know who to call.....apparently GA and Alabama have quite the ghost buster crews. Just have to go over a state or two. And yes, "They believe you."
It is a trip that you just have to experience for yourself.
Dad snapped this pic right after the parade-what a success!
Following the parade, we grabbed some lunch at good ol' Chick-fil-A and then went to a Book Fair in Downtown Decatur. It was rather hot so we didn't last too long but there were tons of authors and publishers. (I picked up a few cards for when I try to get started on those kids book ideas).
Stopped by the Decatur Farmer's Market on the way home. Boy did we eat well, fresh shrimp that were cooked to perfection by daddy!
Goodwill was also on the list and mom helped with some great finds! I have been lookin' for some items to help decorate our living room area in the quad and we found a Calvin Kline Queen Duvet for $3.93 (we looked up the original price online, it sells for $311!) I am hoping to put it on the Futon Kimber brought (no more pink princesses to her delight i hope). Also found two pillows to match. I even got a coffee table for $10 (it was originally a holiday rental). I'm painting it black and am really excited. (Will try to post pictures of the Labor Day project when it's all finished!)
Today we went to church-great message about being laborers for Christ. Your job, your school, your home is your mission field! Look at the example of Priscilla and Aquilla, they were ordinary laborers making an extraordinary difference (Acts 18)!
As per tradition, I made chocolate chip cookies. Whenever I come home, mom asks what I want/what I want to do. Almost always one of my first responses is do we have chocolate chips and milk? I had to use stevia and actuvia because we didn't have any sugar but they still turned out well. I'm afraid I may have eaten a bit too much cookie dough, but can you ever eat too much cookie dough?? I mean someone had to make sure they turned out ok. Love to bake and bring goodies back to school!
Thankfully, Hurricane Lee fizzled down and is bringing some much needed rain. Back to J-town tomorrow...
Friday, September 02, 2011
I finally read it.
Yellow. Yellow is such a happy color. Today I've got my yellow chicklet earings on and my yellow flower. Ya just gotta bring some flare to the world sometimes. Today is an exciting day...for lots of reasons. Most people are psyched about the return of the SEC football season, most of my friends won't let me forget that one! Roll Tide, Hotty Toddy, Go Gamecocks, take your pick. Another friend is getting a puppy tomorrow and of course its Friday, which most everyone will enjoy the celebration of a long weekend! For me, GA's on my mind. I get to go home and for that I am excited and thankful!
In other news I finished Alice in Wonderland. I babysat last night and boy did I have some interesting conversations. I may have to save them for that book that I should write some day, the one that's like kid's say the darnest things. Anyway, I now have a new appreciation for the story. Today, Ms. Quinn showed us a pop up Alice in Wonderland! I was sold! One of my favorite things to do, yes you can probably tell I'm an El Ed major, is to check out all the books in the Children's section of the bookstore. Oh it's just so fun. Next time you go, you must look for this book. Growing up, I was never really interested in the story. I never saw the Disney version all the way through and when the remake based on 'Through the Looking Glass' came out with Johnny Depp, though I love the actors, I still never really had a desire to read or watch it. With the pop up story, oh it's great!
There is some discrepancy as to the actual author of the story. Charles Dodgson aka Lewis Carroll was a professor of logic and math. Some say he was too logical to write such an illogical and silly children's book so he did it under a pen name. Still others believe that Queen Victoria is the secret author. She asked Dodgson to publish it and because it wasn't his work, he used a different name. I mean who else could make fun of the Queen in such a way? Her oldest daughter's name was Alice. The Queen was said to have always worn black, after the death of her husband, save for Alice's wedding day in which she added a white collar. Can you spot any other similarities? Pretty interesting. Wonder who really wrote it?
Well here are some of my favorite lines from this rather uncanny tale. You certainly have to be in the right mindset to read this one...
"For, you see, so many out-of-the-way things had happened lately, that Alice had begun to think that very few things indeed were really impossible."
Good way of thinking!
" 'I am older than you, and must know better.' And this Alice would not allow without knowing how old it was, and as the Lory positively refused to tell its age, there was no more to be said."
There are some advantages to being older.
" 'That's the reason they're called lessons,' the Gryphon remarked: 'because they lessen from day to day.' "
Now ya gotta laugh-out-loud at that one!
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Let the reading begin
I am taking a Children's Literature Class again. It is supposed to be part two of the class I took in the Spring but with curriculum changing, this course is going to have some repeat of last semester's too. Anyway, we have to read 50 books this time and I'm starting with 10 classics. So the first one I read was Pinocchio by Collodi. Here are some of my favorites quotes....
"And Pinocchio, although he was a very merry boy, became sad also; because poverty, when it is real poverty, is understood by everybody-even by boys.....He returned shortly, holding in his hand a spelling book for Pinocchio, but the old coat was gone. The poor man was in his shirt sleeves, and out of doors it was snowing. 'And the coat, papa?' 'I have sold it.' 'Why did you sell it?' 'Because I found it too hot.' Pinocchio understood this answer in an instant...." p. 36
" 'When the dead person cries, it is a sign that he is on the road to get well,' said the Crow solemnly." p. 69
" 'Then my medicine has really done you good?' 'Good, I should think so! It has restored me to life!' 'Then why on earth did you require so much persuasion to take it?' 'Because, you see, we boys are all like that! We are more afraid of medicine than of the illness.' 'Disgraceful! Boys ought to know that a good remedy taken in time may save them from a serious illness, and perhaps even from death.' " p. 73
Oh how true this is, makes me think of how Jesus came to heal the sick not the healthy and how often we miss the medicine He offers.
Now on to book 2-A Christmas Carol...
"And Pinocchio, although he was a very merry boy, became sad also; because poverty, when it is real poverty, is understood by everybody-even by boys.....He returned shortly, holding in his hand a spelling book for Pinocchio, but the old coat was gone. The poor man was in his shirt sleeves, and out of doors it was snowing. 'And the coat, papa?' 'I have sold it.' 'Why did you sell it?' 'Because I found it too hot.' Pinocchio understood this answer in an instant...." p. 36
" 'When the dead person cries, it is a sign that he is on the road to get well,' said the Crow solemnly." p. 69
" 'Then my medicine has really done you good?' 'Good, I should think so! It has restored me to life!' 'Then why on earth did you require so much persuasion to take it?' 'Because, you see, we boys are all like that! We are more afraid of medicine than of the illness.' 'Disgraceful! Boys ought to know that a good remedy taken in time may save them from a serious illness, and perhaps even from death.' " p. 73
Oh how true this is, makes me think of how Jesus came to heal the sick not the healthy and how often we miss the medicine He offers.
Now on to book 2-A Christmas Carol...
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