INTERESTING: Where did the term "pet peeve" come from?

While pretty much everyone can agree that car alarms are aggravating, as individuals we harbor our own set of annoyances, or pet peeves. Language misusage drives some people absolutely batty, while simple acts of discourtesy set others off.

Pet peeves are often very personal and idiosyncratic. Plastic bags in trees, for instance. Or dogs in sweaters. Or the pronunciation of the word "nuclear." Somewhere there's a person who can't stand any of these.

A "peeve," meaning something that is particularly irritating or annoying, is a relatively recent word. Its first printed usage was in 1911. The term is derived, however, from a 14th-century word -- "peevish," meaning ornery or ill-tempered.

The modified term "pet peeve," a uniquely personal irritant, first appeared in print in 1919. It's no wonder it caught on -- it's snappy, alliterative, and pointed.

My Pet Peeves:

> When people make prefaces to things. [i.e. when a teacher has to explain what will happen in every given situation throughout the entire course. Just wait till it happens!!]

> When you can see what was written on a chalkboard after 'erasing' it

> The sound of a fork scratching against a plate

> The sound of someone scratching their head

> The sound of keyboards typing.

> When people honk in traffic jams.

> When people wont stop talking despite continued requests.

School = Blah

Welp, nothing too much has been going on. Um, tomorrow i have to go into school at the normal time (while freshmans, sophomores, and seniors get to come in late) because ALL juniors have to attend ACT Prep classes. Last year it was only required for people with poor grades. BUMMER! But oh well, it will probably pay off in the end - I hope. It will be boring though... An hour and a half of prep classes every other Tuesday, not cool. And tomorrow, sometime before second block, I have to finish a powerpoint for my Health class. I would have done it today in lunch but all the computers were being used. Again, not cool! lol.

So, tomorrow is another fun meeting of H2O. I am going to play the "Dark Forest" CD and my basic reason for that is to remind them of what Jesus did accept to me, the CD personalizes it as a father to a daughter, like Jesus for the world. And also I am going to emphasize freedom of worship - like dont be scared to stand up or sit or kneel of lift your hands or hold your heart or whatever! Just, act physically how you think God would want you to. So, Im hoping that goes well so we can possibly incorporate a worship day once a month. Also dealing with H2O is the Wednesday prayer meetings that we are trying to get started in the mornings. I'll be getting more information on that tomorrow but as far as I know it is all good. And then lastly is the t-shirt situation. I dont know where we can go to get them made and if we'll be able to put a separate verse on each t-shirt. Anyone know or have ideas? Email me please.

gnome

gnome diaries

Ballerina

Boring update

So basically I have been distracted lately. If you've kept up on reading my many other blogs, you'll know why, otherwise, meh. lol. For short, I saw the new harry potter and I thought it was very good. [minus the many things they left out from the book] it was extremely good in intself. Something still bothers me about the most recent book; and that is Snape. He was never a bad guy up until the major event in the 6th book! He let guy go and sent him back to Azkaban! If he was really sooo bad, he would have found a way to keep him out and serve voldemort. But whatever. Besides that, I have just been writing a lot, and reading the "Hobbit" for Creative Comp. Ah, Creative Comp, such a controversial class. Half of the things my teachers reads to the class are extremely offensive - either to me on the religious stance or to others on a racial stance. I hate it but I'm trying to deal with it and kind of get used to things like that because I know its only going to get worse and its going to happen a lot more. Also, as I said, I have been writing. I've written abuot 6-8 poems this month - and that's good for me compared to how many I've written in the last year! You can go to http://acidictear.blogspot.com for some of the poems. Then, I've been leading H2O club at school. The website for H2O is http://h2oclub.blogspot.com . And uhm, yeah, that's pretty much all I feel like updating right now. All I have left to say is: "God is love." Amen to that!

"How-To Pray Correctly" (Creative Comp. class)

There is many times where people feel the need to pray. When someone dies, when they don’t know what to do, or even when they want to grow closer to God. But I have found many times where I, or someone I was with, wasn’t comfortable praying aloud. There is an unacknowledged fear that follows the mere thought of praying out loud – and I am here to acknowledge it. I acknowledge the fact that everyone prays differently and I want to embrace it.

If its your first time it is key that you close your eyes and breathe deeply for a few moments. This is necessary because your heart is racing and you’re already beginning to plan out the exact words you are going to say. Don’t. Don’t worry about using “deep” words and, for whatever reason, trying to prove yourself worthy to the rest of the group that you’re praying with. You don’t have to justify yourself to them or anyone else. And if, at the end, they do judge you by how you prayed – then just brush it off because their opinion means nothing to you.

Now that you’ve taken your deep, cleansing breath you can prepare for the praying. BUT that does not mean you can begin planning words because the point of prayer is to have it come from the heart; not to sound like a monotone recording. Wait for a moment of silence where your prayer will be much welcomed through the pause but do not wait too long because soon enough, someone will decide to close the prayer. “Christians” are impatient like that.

Okay, so now is the time to shut up. I know, this is also where you want to begin to talk but this is when you need to make your mind shut-up – Stop thinking about what to say. When you’re ready to start, don’t worry about how to address God. Say whatever your comfortable with: “Father God,” “Heavenly Father,” “Dear God,” or even “Yo Lord.” Just say it in a way that you are comfortable. I find a lot of times when I start to pray I forget everything I was going to say. When that happens, and it will, you can say “Please bless us all, and “thank you for allowing us to be here.” Basically you can say anything generic that you’ve heard a hundred times before because all your doing is filling the gap so you can regain your composure. Once your composure is regained, you can begin to pray for the things you initially wanted to.

Most times people pray for current world issues loved ones health problems, or money issues. Those are all really great things to pray about but I can tell you what will be the real kicker. Pray about something you’re going through. Make a confession. Confessions within a prayer group will make everyone look up to you as you humble yourself and what not. (Because as we all know “all Christians just want to be praised.”) But really now, confessions are a great thing to do because a lot of times it gives others the courage to admit things they otherwise wouldn’t have mentioned. It can strengthen accountability, fellowship, and a bunch of other Christian-ese terms that probably mean nothing to you.

DO NOT take that last tip the wrong way. I am, by no means, telling you to confess your sins to a person because that is clearly a ridiculous concept. For how can another human being, equally sinful as you, help in any way but by giving you advice that they think will help – even though they also did not take the time to pray about it.

Another way you can get people to look up to you through how you pray is by praying while quoting the bible. Please though, steer clear of John 3:16 and Proverbs 3:5-6 because every Christian knows both verses by heart and will not be impressed by your bible biceps; cute Christian-ese term for Scripture Memory.) Otherwise, choose a verse that really fits what you’re praying for. If you’re praying about money, don’t throw in some genesis 1-let there by light stuff. Rather, throw in a verse that’s relevant to what you’re praying about. For example, if you’re praying about a hard situation – like a loved one died- maybe mix in a little James 1:12 and see where that gets you. If you never regained your composure from the very beginning, you’re a helpless case. All you can do is end the prayer. If you’re so stuck that you cant even think of a way to end it, say: “Thank you Lord, Amen.”

- - - Keep in mind, How-To papers are supposed to be stereotypical.

Retreat in the morning 

Retreat 

Partners Field Trip  

Partners PE 

Gulu Walk Day - October 22, 2005

Around the world, we're rising to our feet,so Ugandan children can put down their arms.Every night, as many as 40,000 children in northern Uganda "commute" for several miles, to the nearest town, in search of safety. To stay home means risking abduction and life as a child soldier, sex slave or even death.
For 19 years, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has been fighting to overthrow the government of Uganda. LRA rebels based in southern Sudan capture and use children as frontline soldiers. More than 20,000 children have been kidnapped — and the conflict continues

On October 22, in 32 cities around the world, men, women, teens, and families will walk in a show of solidarity with these 'night commuters', the true victims of this all but forgotten 19-year civil war. What started out as an attempt by two young men to better understand the ordeal of these courageous children has grown into an urgent, impassioned worldwide movement for peace.Participating cities include:

USA: Austin, TX

Boston, MA

Chapel Hill, NC

Chicago, IL

Denver, CO

Lawrence, KS

Los Angeles, CA

New York, NY

Pittsburgh, PA

Rochester, NY

Seattle, WA

South Bend, IN

Syracuse, NY

San Diego, CA

Washington, DC

http://guluwalk.com/participate/

http://guluwalk.com/chicago/

Wi-Fi at Hyatt!

Hey yall. It's October, THE BEST MONTH OF THE YEAR! (as we found so many to agree) Cool noodles. H2O is set to start October 11, 2005 -oka: next Tuesday- I'm pretty excited and a but nervous but it will all work out I'm sure. The main purpose of this update was to get my first October post, but I guess I can talk a little more about what's going on: Every week I am going to rent a few "classic" monster flicks and watch them. This week I rented "Bram Stokers Dracula," "The Bride of Dracula," "I was a Teenage Warewolf," and "Wolfman." Also recently I have been practicing my REM sleeping (Rapid Eye Movement) I drove on the expressway for the first time this weekend. I met my friend's new boyfriend whom is now known as my brother. And uhm, yeah, that's about it.

Amuse-bouche (noun): a small complimentary appetizer offered at some restaurants.
Battle dress uniform (noun): a military uniform for field service.
DHS (abbreviation) : Department of Homeland Security'
Hazmat (noun): a material (as flammable or poisonous material) that would be a danger to life or to the environment if released without precautions.
Metadata (noun): data that provide information about other data.
Otology (noun): a science that deals with the ear and its diseases.
Retronym (noun): a term consisting of a noun and a modifier which specifies the original meaning of the noun. ("Film camera," for instance).
Tide pool (noun): a pool of salt water left (as in a rock basin) by an ebbing tide, called also tidal pool.
Wi-Fi (certification mark): used to certify the interoperability of wireless computer networking devices.
Zaibatsu (noun): a powerful financial and industrial conglomerate of Japan.

H20 Club

Yesterday I went to a book signing for Tamora Pierce at Borders with my sister. I read eight of Tamoras books around seventh grade, but none recently. I really enjoyed her books [reccomended by none other than my close friend Melody -Tiffanys older sister-] and I really enjoyed seeing her speak. She was surpringsly blunt, but extremely funny. Cool lady, I like her. Other than that, not too much has been going on. "Christian" club is set to start up next Tuesday, with me as the general leader, but as of yet Im not too sure if that is going to happen. I havent been able to get ahold of the sponsor for the club and that means there are no posters around the school, no designated room number, etc.. Im thinking this may just be a minor set back from the enemy but I'm just trying to let it play out. I'm a little nervous going into all this because Im not much for public speaking. I know, whoever is reading this should know, we all know it.. And not to mention the fact that I was only able to pray about it for a few weeks (taking into account my problem with slacking off in my prayer life lately) so Im just, hesitant... about going into this without a very blunt "YES" from God. lol. Perhaps that "YES" is still coming, or maybe it never will, but Im going to go ahead with it and see how it plays out because my backing out could just be my own fears and apprehensions and not God telling me I shouldn't. Anyway, so much for my over analytical self taking the better of all situations. But something else that has been bugging me a bit is how it's called "Christian" Club. I dont necessarily like that. I want it to be a sort of outreach to everyone in the school and I want everyone to feel welcome, Christians, Catholics, and Mormans alike. Whether or not there's a difference is for the people to decide, but apparantly the title implies only "Christians" are welcome and I dont want to be the case. Hopefully >cross my fingers<>

See you at the Pole

Today was a half day at school so afterward I saw "Broken Flowers" with my mom. It was really good. One bad scene, but for once -in a long time- I feel like it was almost necessary to get the point across. So I would definitely reccommend it to yall. Really good movie... Bill Murray and Julie Delpy, how can you go wrong? And in other news, I made a Xanga because Crystal told me to and I figured "why not?" The link is www.xanga.com/gnome_star And in even more other news, See you at the pole was Wednesday and it was a rather good turnout. About 10 people showed up but the best part was that a teacher, Mrs. Jackson, told us that the offer for H2O [Christian Club] is still out there. I have been trying to find her for a few days now but she's always in a class when I'm free.. But once I get ahold of her I'm going to try and get that started up and hopefully [cross my fingers] I will get a "Uganda Awareness" thing started up, to let people know what is going on in the world - specifically Africa. I want to get them to agree to play 'Invisible Children' in the History classes but I dont know what the legistics are and if that is even a possibility. We'll see. Pray about it. But that is the only basic new thing right now. Peace out.

I'm middle brained

It's been awhile, since I could.. Um, nothing much has really happened. Jase asked me to do some things for Ro0ts but that's still up in the air, still on the ping pong table in my head. Partners PE is going great- I love those kids so much. One of the boys stands in awe as the freshman girls gym class do their coordinated jumping jacks.

Psychology is going pretty good but Im not good at tests so it's bringing my grade down. I think my teacher for that class has some sense of spirituality in his life but it's hard to tell these days. I was just talking to my mom about when people say they go to church.. Im referring to people who were completely anti-religion for as long as you've known them and then they tell you theyre going to church. Naturally, you want to get excited and what not but the fact of the matter is, we cant because their are so many misleading churches out there and we dont know what they're really be told, etc. So there's that.. and, nothing has been resolved with the friendship issues going around as of yet but I'm praying about it so hopefully it will just work itself out.

And I made a huge accomplishment this week. I finished the Left Behind kids series for good! Number 40 .-]check[-. I started/continued from last year, reading "Case for the Creator" and Im looking forward to gaining knowledge from that book.

Random updates... I went to the Blomers (soon to be) wedding shower this weekend and Mercy's 16th birthday party. All fun times, minus the cold I "suffered" through all night. Today I took my 'potentially' "NEW" car for a spin. It dates back to 1991, but hey man, whatever gets me from A to B [which would most likely be home to church/youth group.] If Im lucky, that will also be home to my job, and home to school. But that depends on getting hired and getting a parking permit. This leaves me with one last thing to say. It has been the center of almost all of my thoughts lately, "Come Jesus, come." I think the time of Jesus' second coming in nearing and that is just my ultimate prayer right now. AMEN? Amen.

Echo Boomers: Making a difference

In Psychology, we have been talking about the Echo Boomer generation and what scientists have found our distiguishing traits to be. Our generation has already been noted as one of the most over achieving generations ever. Here is what studies have reported:

"They have been heavily programmed. The kids who have had soccer Monday, Kung Fu Tuesday, religious classes Wednesday, clarinet lessons Thursday. Whose whole lives have really been based on what some adult tells them to do," says Levine. "This is a generation that has long aimed to please. They've wanted to please their parents, their friends, their teachers, their college admissions officers." It's a generation in which rules seem to have replaced rebellion, convention is winning out over individualism, and values are very traditional. They are also the most diverse generation ever: 35 percent are non-white, and the most tolerant, believing everyone should be part of the community"

The rest of the article is here, and I honestly thought it was very accurate.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/01/60minutes/main646890.shtml

For example, think of all the songs out there about pleasing our parents. Simple Plans song, "Perfect" is a perfect example. (no pun intended). The songs starts off with:

"Hey dad look at me, Think back and talk to me, Did I grow up according to plan?, And do you think I'm wasting my time doing things I wanna do? But it hurts when you disapprove all along, And now I try hard to make it, I just want to make you proud."

"It's all these people talking about how great technology is, and how it saves all this time. But, what good is saved time, if nobody uses it? If it just turns into more busy work. I mean, you never hear somebody say, "Well, you know, with, uh, the time I've saved by using my word processor, I'm gonna go to a Zen monastery and hang out." I mean, you never hear that."

That is a quote from the movie "Before Sunrise" - which was made in 1995 - and I think it hit exactly what our generation has become. Looking back at the article, it says that our generation is over achieving, multi tasking, technology driven nuts! And that is precisely what the quote above is referring to. And where does it get us? Nowhere.

And furthermore, that is why were called the "NOW" generation - because everything has to be fast for us. Seriously, if I'm at a grocery store and the check-out person is ringing my items up too slow, I get really frusterated. I just want to scream at them to hurry up!

But, there is another quote from "Before Sunrise" that I feel it is necessary to quote because it leads me right into my next rant.

"I hate, I hate that 300 kms from here there's a war going on, y'know, people are dying, and nobody knows what to do about it, or they don't give a crap, I don't know. I hate that the medias, you know, they are trying to control our minds.You know its very subtle, but you know, its a new form of fascism."

And that is what's going on in Uganda right now. There is basically a war going on and nobody knows or they dont care! So, for anyone reading this who doesn't know the situation, this is it in a nutshell.. There are a group of people called the LRA [Lords Resistence Army] who want to overthrow the Ugandan government. And I can't fill in all the between details because I dont know them, but I know that for the last 20-or-so years they have been kidnapping innocent children between the ages of 8-16 [I think] from the town of Gulu to train them to be Geurillas. The kids [also known as 'Night Commuters'] have been commuting two miles every night to a safe town. In the morning they have to commute back to make it to school. They live in constant fear for their lives. Like I said before, I dont know all the details but this is a serious situation going on right now and almost nobody knows about it! It was rated number ONE in the top 10 least talked about stories last year! The lead actor of Hotel Rwanda, Don Cheadle, has become an activist for Afica because after filming the movie, he has taken notice to how bad things are getting over there. Well, make of this what you will but I strongly encourage people to find out what's going on and try to help, in whatever way possible. Dont forget to pray, and maybe donate to some organizations helping the cause if its an option. Search "Invisible Children" and your sure to find some stuff about the situation. Dont ignore this any longer. This is our generation, let's DO something to make a difference....

Tonight was a night of revelations

I recently heard that Deja Vu is just when your brain is a second ahead of what is about to happen. So that feeling of having already done or been somewhere is because your brain is a second ahead of you; your brain HAS already done it, but you havent.

Tonight, something clicked in my brain. If that is true, if deja vu is just that our brain is a second ahead of what is about to happen, then creastionism is almost irrefutable! BECAUSE how can our brain be a second ahead of something that hasnt happened, UNLESS there is a plan! God has a plan for us, and knows what is going to happen. I dont know if anyone is following this, but it makes total sense to me...

First day of Junior Year

So, today was my first day of school... I woke up at 5:30 (after having gone to bed at about 12:30) and got ready then left. Nothing exciting happened before school. First block was Partners PE where I work with the Special Ed students at Hoffman. Um, that was cool - intimidating though. Half of the girls already knew most of the partners because they had taken the class last year so it was weird not knowing who any of them were. Um, then one of the partners kinda hit on me and I didn't really know what to do so that was weird... I still dont know how Im supposed to react to that. Second block was drivers Ed. That was alright - nothing special. Just that I was supposed to have my permit by the first day so now I HAVE to have it by the 29th of august or I may get dropped so I have to study the rules of the road book (which I got today) and take the test before Monday. No pressure... >_> Third block was Psychology. That was probably my favorite class of the day just because my friend Sancha is in that class with me and it wasnt so uptight and it was more layed back. Then seminar, which was blah. Overall, it was a fine first day, but not great, and not bad. People looked different, which was no doubt a surprise because who actually changes over the summer?! But they did, so that was weird. And the hallways are a lot more crowded. Besides those few minor details, nothing exciting. Maybe it felt blah because I was tired, but who really knows. I think tomorrow I will be going for a Monster. AND, if anyone is wondering, I was up until 12:30 watching "Dead Poets Society" because I thought Crystal had seen it and said it was amazing, but it turned out she hadnt. All the same though, it was amazing and anyone who is reading this should see it! Oh, and I just thought of something else. God answered prayer today- and I saw it! In the morning I was praying that God would give me confidence, boldness, comfort, patience, etc... Right when I walked into school, one of my former teachers told me I looked "soo good. your eyes look great!" and yadda yadda. As awkward as it was to occur in the middle of the hallway, it was a slight confidence booster so AMEN to that. I was bold in first block in talking to the partners, and felt comforted all day, like who cares what they think of me? Patience was eh, going as how crowded it was but I can work on that. SO YEAH, Eccelsiastes is a great book [I read some before first block] and it totally got me through the day. Praise God, but pray for the rest of my year.. For though Im not starting college or anything, it is still a new school year for me and another year for God to do a major work. Most of the bold christians in the former years were seniors last year, so that leaves me (as far as I know) and a few others to start up christian club and get things going again. And wow, I just typed way more than I intended so Im done. Out.

LAST day of summer 2005

Tomorrow is my first day of school. I thought this demanded some sort of update on my blog, so here goes: I went for my first driving lesson on Friday and it was a lot less scary than I built it up to be. It was actually rather fun, I liked it. Saturday I missed Ro0ts because Crystal had to work so I did not have a ride - not cool. So, instead of Ro0ts I watched "The Terminal" on HBO. [Love that movie!] On Sunday I went to church, which was good. I really liked Romans 14 [which was reccomended for the congregation to read] It put my thoughts about judgement into words. After church, I spent an hour thinking about some things and that was really good for me I think. I jotted down some of those thoughts and they're nice and organized now for me to present to a youth leader - and from there DISCUSS. lol. After church, I want on my second driving lesson. This time I did more of turning than before but still, not scary - just fun. That leaves me with Monday, today. I went to get my hair cut kinda like Ashlee Simpsons and it looks alright I guess. Thankfully, not much was taken off the length so the biggest difference is just that I have bangs. So, tomorrow is my first day of school. Crystal will be driving me and my Ma' will pick me up. Uhm, yeah... Im not excited nor nervous; it just is what it is. So, that's all folks!

Mat. 7:12-14  

My Junior Year Schedule

Semester One
1A Partners - RAK - Gym
1B Algebra 2 (314)– JAH - 230
2A DR-ED – M5L - 108
2B DR-ED – M5L - 108
3A Psychology – TAB – 064
Lunch: D
3B Psychology – TAB – 064
Lunch: D
4A Seminar – DLY - Cafe
4B Seminar – DLY - Cafe

Semester Two
1A Partners - RAK - Gym
1B Algebra 2 (314) – JAH - 230
2A Health Ed – KLA - 106
2B Health Ed – KLA - 106
3A Psychology – TAB – 064
Lunch: B
3B Psychology – TAB – 064
Lunch: B
4A Creative Comp – RBB - 046
4B Creative Comp – RBB - 046

Semester Three
1A Partners - RAK - Gym
1B Algebra 2 (314) – JAH - 230
2A English 308 – A1T - 269
2B English 308 – A1T - 269
3A US History – D2M – 063
Lunch: B
3B US History – D2M – 063
Lunch: B
4A Seminar – DLY – Café
4B Seminar – DLY – Café

Semester Four
1A Partners - RAK - Gym
1B Algebra 2 (314) – JAH - 230
2A English 308 – A1T - 269
2B English 308 – A1T - 269
3A US History – D2M – 063
Lunch: B
3B US History – D2M – 063
Lunch: B
4A Adv. Reading – A1T - 269
4B Adv. Reading – A1T - 269

Texas Trip 2005 

Goodbye Texas

August 14, 2005
So we’re back from Texas now. Overall, I could say the trip was good but if I were to get into detail I would say the trip was really challenging for me to get through. On the way home, I sat in back with JooRoo and Lindsey. Again, there is a lot I can say about the ride home, but so much is better left unsaid so all I will say is that it was good while it lasted but I’m glad to be home. At one point, in St. Louis, we got stuck in a bad storm [potential tornado] and I was freaking out. Lol, my fear of natural disasters got the better of me yet again but on the plus side, it entertained me for a good hour of the drive home. My theme song for the trip is “Crossing the Line” by Trust Company but my soundtrack to the trip is The Dark Forest CD. My books for the trip were Hebrews, Amos, and Obadiah. My verse for the trip was Hebrews 3:13, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.”

Last Day in Texas

August 12, 2005
Today the two teams got together and shared some experiences we had in the Summer of Love. We found that the Chicago team had to learn consistency and commitment. After that, we split into two groups: JooRoo, Lindsey, David, Dan, Mrs. Hester, and myself went to the mall while Reese, Erik, Crystal, Paul, and Charity went to the JFK thing. Tonight, we went to Trail Dust for dinner. I got a HUGE salad which was really good. I danced for 2.5 seconds with Crystal but that was it. Afterwards, we went to the Rodeo. It was cool to go to once but I don’t think it’s my thing. During it, my mood was low and I think I was pretty rude to people, so I actually prayed in my head for a bit of the rodeo because I wanted my last day in Texas to be good. When we went back to the Judys to drop the guys off, I waited in the car and did my own thing. I was the first to go to sleep because I had a lot to pray about. Goodbye Texas.

Eriks B-Day

August 11, 2005
Today was a calm day. Daniel led a study for us first, then everyone finished Pirates of the Caribbean while I went to Starbucks with Heidi, Mrs. Hester and Lindsey. Me and JooRoo were all about journaling and writing today, or at least at the same time today. Then Michelle showed us a video called “Invisible Children” and talked to us about the organization a bit. That was a powerful video and I still don’t know what to do with the information I attained from it. At night we went to the Judy’s for dinner, Thanksgiving Dinner, and then the Seniors went on their night out. While they were gone I just read Harry Potter. When they got back, we played Capture the Flag for a while but I quit after the first round because my mind was too preoccupied with other things. I talked with Lindsey after that and then we went back home. I think tonight was the one night that I wished Jill was with us the most because I had to talk to her! lol. Happy Birthday Hadj! [On a side note, my thought of the day was "Why do I depend on others moods to determine mine?"]

Scavenger Hunt

August 10, 2005
Today we went on a Scavenger Hunt and did debriefing for the two teams. During debriefing we had to go around and encourage one another. I went first, so everyone in the circle had to say something encouraging to me. I was, rather embarrassed but it was encouraging and I was glad to be able to tell people why I appreciated them. A few months ago I wrote down why I was thankful for the people in Ro0ts so it was kinda’ cool to actually tell them face to face; but at the same time it was hard for me, personally, because I’m not good at talking and I felt weird telling them. The problem that arose with doing that was that soon after telling them, sometimes they would do something contradictory to what we said [I’m sure I did too.] The Scavenger Hunt was fun: but I think my experience was tainted by some comments people were making. I think my favorite part was when Daniel screamed up at the building requesting to be on some team. That was hilarious. Tonight, as everyone was watching Pirates of the Caribbean, I read Amos and Obadiah, per request of David when he found out I was going to read my bible. The two books turned out to be really good and I enjoyed reading them much. Man, that kid is so wise!

The Lake

August 9, 2005
Today we went to the lake. Everyone went tubing and jet skiing and Julia went wake boarding. It looked like fun but I don’t like to get wet. I can made up a hundred and one excuses as to why but when it comes down to it, the real reason is too personal and I wasn’t willing to explain it to anyone so yeah. It was fun though, watching everyone on the tubes. I got a little sun burned, but its not that bad because compared to everyone else – who have really sore muscles AND sun burn – I got nothing to complain about. I stayed dry the majority of the day, until Mr. Judy dunked the front of the boat into the water and got my entire left leg soaked. Then, when he got on the Jet Ski and splashed a lot of water where I was sitting – twice and I was wet the rest of the day. Haha. I spent most of the day with JooRoo.

Quiet Time

August 8, 2005
In the morning, the Judes had us all separate for an hour and a half to spend some quiet time with God. I went out into the field and, though at first it was hard to concentrate, I did it and it was great. For awhile I just talked to God, but as the red ants bit my ankles, I found I was too distracted so I sang to god for awhile. I remember I sand “Here I am to Worship”, Steve’s song, and “All in All.” Then I sat for a bit thinking about Lord of the Rings (which probably wasn’t the most productive of things to do but it helped me relax a lot.) I tried to journal next, but my pens died so I read a bit of Hebrews. I ended with just praying that God would help us all to be broken this week and for the unity of Ro0ts to be strengthened more than I can imagine. Eventually the Judes rode out to tell me I could go back. They gave me a bottle of water and I was just so thankful for the Judes - they are so great. When I got back, Julia took me out on the ATV’s. I was thankful she did because I wouldn’t have done it without her. Finally, we drove back home and showered and did our own thing. We also went to a “haunted house” on the corner of the Hesters street.

Middle Earth. "The Land"

August 7, 2005
This morning we went to UBC and worshipped with David Crowder. It was really cool, I thought, because they left the lights off –for the most part- and it took away a bit of the self conscious attitude while worshipping. I loved the music, I loved the atmosphere, and the message was good but it felt a lot more like a youth group than a church to me. I think it was an awesome experience but I don’t think I could go there every week and feel satisfied. There has been some talk about that church today: “Did you like it?” “What do you think about them playing secular music in the background?” We talked a bit about this stuff at a coffee house called Common Ground. On a tangent, I will say that Common Ground is an awesome place and it is the typical coffee house – very artsy, very calm, very cool, laid back. I loved that place. But back to the day. After Common Ground, we drove out to “The Land” – or what is better known as “Middle Earth.” There was a house that we crowned “Sheelabs lair” and a field that I crowned the Shire. We basically gave everything a name. While there, the Judy’s brought over their ATV’s and allowed everyone to go four-wheeling (I chose not to). Then they gave everyone a chance to shoot off a gun (I chose not to again.) Later in the night we had a campfire and sang worship songs around it. That was probably my favorite part of the day. After that, Dan, Erik, Daniel, Jason, David, Paul, Charisse, Julia, Lindsey, Charity, and myself went out to a former graveyard on the Land and tried to dig up a grave. I actually didn’t dig but it was cool all the same. We only got about three feet down when we realized it was going to take way too long and we gave up.

So it begins

August 6, 2005
So I’m on my way to Texas right now. Yes, I decided to go. It has been a long, arduous journey in determining for me to stay or go. In the end, I assumed the regret of not going would outweigh the guilt of going [and there in leaving Dad to fend for himself for the week.] I still feel a little guilty and I am still questioning whether or not I made the right choice but I am so looking forward to spending time with the youth group and –hopefully- gaining out unity again that I think it will be okay. Not to mention that I am confident this trip will strengthen me in the faith department. I also know I need this trip before school starts – as school will be a challenge in itself this year. I need this trip to gain the unity in Ro0ts back, to give me confidence in my friendships again before entering the rocky friendships I have at school. As for right now though, I am just looking out the window at the clouds and trying to entertain myself as everyone else sleeps.

The Dark Forest: Number 5

Come quickly, my daughter, let’s hurry, now cease your chores
My daughter, grab the saddle, mount the horse
Oh father, my father what is going on
Oh father my father, wont you tell me what is wrong
Come quickly, my daughter, lets hurry, he’s gaining fast
My daughter, into the woods and don’t look back
Oh father, my fathers something gaining fast
Oh father my father a shadow reaches out and grab
Come with me, I have come for your blood
You can not resist me, you now belong to me
Come quickly, my daughter, lets hurry and don’t give up
His power grows stronger with the saddie
Father my father, He reaches for me
Father my father he has grabbed me
Come with me, I have come for your blood
You can not resist me, you now belong to me
You now belong to me

Father my father, he has pulled me off my horse
I am on my way to save, you
You are not match for me, I am stronger than you
Stronger is a father’s love, than any strength in your veins
Father my father, he is ready to work tough
Nananananana. I wouldn’t let you take my daughter
Prepare yourself to fight, you shall not feel my wrath
For my daughters life I am not afraid to fight
Father get up, Father, he has captured me
Come with me, [captured me] I have come for your blood [captured me]
You cannot resist me, you now belong to me
You now belong to me, you now belong to…

My Trip in a Nutshell

"Crossing The Line"
Somewhere tonight.
Inside of me.
A smile so distant... memory.
Covering up my face.
Landed on my knees.
So you can never see
The darkest part of me
[CHORUS:]Shutting my eyes,
I'm dying inside...
I've lost myself
A thousand times.
But i can remain
In spite of the pain.
I'll cross this line
Just one last time.
They are part of me;
These words that never heal.
They still remind me
That all of this is real.
Hiding from the world,
Lost in my disease.
So you can never see
The darkest side of me.
[CHORUS]
I can feel it...I can feel it......
Just for a second I want you to see
I hide myself from you
I hide myself from you
I feel so infected from these memories.
I hide myself from you.
I hide myself from you.
(from you, from you...)
[CHORUS]
Just one last time.
I'll cross this line
Just one last time.
Just one last time.
I'll cross this line
Just one last...Just one last time.

Texas Trip

There is a lot I can say about the Texas trip, but I’ve thought about how much I really want to let people know about my experiences, and I decided some things are better left unsaid. So sometime in the next few days, I will post about The Land [Middle Earth], and the Lake, and the Rodeo, and Trail Dust, and the Scavenger Hunt, and all that good stuff.

I am a BOHO Fanatic!

I read an article about Bohemian Fashion because I have been really getting into it lately and I thuoght it would be smart to find out where it came from. Thankfully, this guy already did the research for me and all I had to do was read the article. lol. But it's really cool. Only downside is that its apparantly getting popular, so its not that original anymore.. >_> Oh well.

"The boho look made its stylish debut on the back of Anita Pallenberg in the 60s. Often called the sixth member of the Rolling Stones, Pallenberg was known for her individual style that gave bohemian the funk it needed. Long before Pallenberg, the term “bohemian” came from the term La Bohème in France. It was used to describe the bands of gypsies that traveled through Bohemia — now the Czech Republic. “Bohemian” refers to a stereotypical way of life for artists and intellectuals. The lifestyle is rooted in the American “beat” movement of the 50s. Members of the movement, beatniks, rejected conventional middle-class values and embraced radical and exotic customs. “Bohemian” stands for a free-thinking, free-being philosophy that favors unconventional habits and clothing. In the past, bohemians often wore out-of-date, unfashionable clothing that defied mainstream fashion trends. This grew into a widespread embrace of haphazard mixes of colors and fabrics by many artists. Now, the boho look is a perfect balance of intentional messiness, artistic creativity and vintage chic."

That's life

Well, yesterday was the ultimate bum day of the century. I did not wake up until 4:00 PM because, well, when I did wake up I couldnt think of a reason to stay up so I kept going back to sleep. Then the entire day I lazed around the place and watched TV/Movies. On the plus side, I did get to watch "Runaway Jury" with John Cusack and "I.Q" with Meg Ryan. Both pretty good movies. I found myself like I.Q. a bit better because for one thing, I adore Meg Ryan (though I also love John Cusack so that factor singles itself out) but because the movie was about Meg Ryan being the neice of Albert Einstein it appealed to the funny and gave me a good laugh. I went to bed at 4:30 ish and woke up at 11:00 so I could go with my ma and my sister to help organize my ma's new place.

Everytime I go there I get an overwhelming urge to either decorate - because her place is so drab - and to get my own place! The concept of having my own life, and my own place is just fascinating [but I am sure that is mostly due to the circumstances we are going through now.] But today I just measured and cut some shelf liners for her cabinets while Crystal watched 'Funny Face' starring Audrey Hepburn. I realized our love for Audrey runs in the family; our Grandma Rose apparantly loved her, as did my mom, my sister, and as do I.

As for the rest of tonight, I intend to watch "Million Dollar Baby" and possibly some Lord of the Rings, read some of "Must Love Dogs" so I can finish it before the movie comes out, and maybe do some writing. Then, I will sleep ALL day tomorrow until about 4:00 or 5:00 where as I will get ready for bible study, go there, then come home and do something similar. Except Thursday I will get up a tad earlier to go to the Chicago Hang out day. And lastly today I did my weekly weigh-in on the cursed scale. I lost 3 lbs all together, but only one since last week. I think its a good steady pace, one or two a week, but not as fast as I would wish. lol. Oh well, 3 lbs is 3 lbs, and that's 3 less lbs I have to work off later. Woot.

A Call for Surgery, Prayer, and Forgiveness.

Well, this morning, right before church started, Crystal and I got a call from my dad saying he had to go into surgery TODAY. If you recall from a while back, they said, (specifically Dr. Kain said) that another surgery for him would be suicide. Well, now, if he doesn’t get one he WILL die, no doubt. It’s because of his hernias or something. So today they are performing the surgery. Dr. Kain is performing the surgery. My Dad is scared, obviously... And I am scared. The chances of him making it out are "50/50" they say. But those aren’t very good odds. Right now, I’m pretty upset.

>>>Edited Post: we got a call from my aunt and my Dad made it out of surgery alive. I guess he had a colon-octomy or whatever it's called. His colon was swollen so they had to do surgery on it.. I assume that means it was not for the hernias. Um, Dr. Kain said now is where things get tricky (as if the surgery wasnt tricky enough) Um, the worry he has now is my Dads body being able to heal. I wont talk to my Dad for the next few days though, because they have him sedated. But that's the update as of yet.

Unbelievable.

This guy, a sex offender from a while ago - in Boise, Idaho - kept a blog and they just recently found it and released it to the public. I was reading a little of what he wrote, out of curiosity, and I am shocked. It is crazy though. He sounds terminally depressed, and possibly demon posessed? I am actually fairly sure he was, at least in the end, demon posessed because he wrote: "God has shown me the right choice, but my demons have me tied to a spit and the fire has already been lit," . I think this guy needs a lot of prayer. But after I thought that, I was reading an article about his situation and they recently found a body that may be his. He may be dead... I was immediately overcome with a sense of grief, or something like it.. A weird feeling actually. This guy could be rotting in Hell right now. For all eternity. It just boggles my mind, I dont know what else to say. Anyway, here is the link:

http://fifthnail.blogspot.com/2005_04_01_fifthnail_archive.html

A Fools Paradise

The world is a fool’s paradise. Nothing is what it seems, just a fraud worth living for, a game worth playing to reach the end, or a movie worth watching for the ending credits. The world is a whore easily bought out for a cheap sin. It is Hells Alley. Satan’s playground. And Sin city.

It is a story only told on dark nights to children looking for an easy scare. There is no climax, just an ending to a long awaited theme that never arises. In worldly terms, there is no true happy ending to the story. Just lives worth talking about on dark nights.

For the world, life is meaningless – especially to those who think the world is all there is, who make the world into a hidden treasure that they think they stumbled onto in a field in a momentary strike of luck, or who believe there is no evil existing. For the world, life is a nightmare and everyone is just waiting to wake up – hopefully to a place called Paradise.

Paradise is a place that some can only dream of though, and most assuredly not wake up to. It is the epitome of what is right in the world and what is perfect outside of the world. Paradise is a place of bliss, felicity, and joy - all qualities lacking here on earth. It is a place worth dreaming about, because its definition is a place worth striving to get to. Heaven. It is a beautiful, spiritual, everlasting communion between the blessed dead and God.

One question remains in my head though. Why, if earth is so utterly lacking in even fractions of joy and perfection, would people choose to ignore the Paradise existing all around us to dance with demons in a sinful lust? Furthermore, if people can manage to find joy living on earth, in its grotesque manner of war and hate, why deprive their souls and hearts any longer to the hope and knowledge of there existing a real Paradise just over the horizon of our perception?

Well, today Dad went [is in the process of going right now] back to the hospital. His breathing has been weird since Wednesday afternoon. I have been telling him to go in since then, but he said it was fine. Finally, now that he is almost throwing up again, he is going in. Crystal is going to drive him. I knew this would happen, but it still stinks. Cant catch a break.

Besides that, Happy Fourth of July everyone! Cleo is barking like crazy! Its really annoying. And Crystal got back today, from the Cornerstone concert. She went with Dan and Josh. It sounds like she had fun. The funny thing is, when I ask her how each band was, it always turns out to be a band that wasnt there. For example, I'd say, "How was Seventh Day Slumber?" and she'd tell me they werent there. Them, alone with Sky Harbor, Insyderz, Ever Stays Red and other bands who I would much have loved to see.

Obvious prayer requests: Dads health, the youth groups bible reading at home, the youth groups unity, the churchs' unity and example of love, Tom Cruise, work to continue in Romania, the Czek team, Steve in the Philippines, Jackie in Ireland, the college students finances, my junior year of high school to be a good one for God, my crush to fade away, Gospel for Asia, Devon Street, Kids Club, Frankin Park Team, Chicago Team, etc. Just to name a few.

Things I love:

1. Bohemian Style clothing/decorating

2. Vintage Style clothing/decorating

3. Classic movies

>>>(a) Cool Hand Luke

>>>(b) Casablanca

>>>(c) Breakfast at Tiffanys

>>>(d) Original Psycho

>>>(e) Pillow Talk

>>>(f) Moulin Rouge

>>>(g) Lord of the Rings 1,2,3

>>>(h) Down with Love

>>>(i) Big Fish

>>>(j) Finding Neverland

>>>(k) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

>>>(l) The Green Mile

4. Minnie Cooper Car

5. Gold Jewelry

6. 1940's fashion

7. Hollywood concept

8. Classic Photography

9. Big Band music

10. The word Pseudo [i.e. psuedo intellectual]

Sparkling Diamonds

These movies, Moulin Rouge, You've Got Mail, Finding Neverland, Big Fish, and Serendipity, are some of the most enchanting movies I have ever seen. When I read quotes from them, or see pictures, I get butterflies in my stomach and for some reason something inside me gets really excited. I dont know why - I cant explain it, I dont even know what may be the cause of such a love-sick reaction to mere movies except that I love movies and I love getting caught up in the reality of something that would rarely, if ever, happen in the world we live in. I like to get caught up in the hope that for only a few hours, I can escape whatever horrible things may be going on in the world or in my life and join Christian is his endeavor to win the heart of the lovely Satine, or join Mr. Barrie in Neverland for a portion of my day. I can only imagine that Heaven will have some similarities to movies, only better. Heaven will be a place that I will have that constant love-sick, butterfly-in-my-stomach, giddy feeling but I think it will be perfect. The difference though, between such movies and Heaven is that Heaven will be flawless, everlasting, and pure. Such qualities that are extremely hard, if not impossible, to find in movies anymore. And so:

Christian: [voiceover and typing] Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months. And then, one not-so-very special day, I went to my typewriter, I sat down, and I wrote our story. A story about a time, a story about a place, a story about the people. But above all things, a story about love. A love that will live forever. The End.

Kathleen Kelly: Once I read a story about a butterfly in the subway, and today, I saw one. It got on at 42nd, and off at 59th, where, I assume it was going to Bloomingdales to buy a hat that will turn out to be a mistake - as almost all hats are.

Will Bloom: In telling the story of my father's life, it's impossible to separate fact from fiction, the man from the myth. The best I can do is to tell it the way he told me. It doesn't always make sense and most of it never happened... but that's what kind of story this is.

J.M. Barrie: Just a dog? Porthos dreams of being a bear, and you want to shatter those dreams by saying he's just a dog? What a horrible candle-snuffing word. That's like saying, He can't climb that mountain, he's just a man, or That's not a diamond, it's just a rock. Just.

Dean: Yet even in certain defeat, the courageous Trager secretly clung to the belief that life is not merely a series of meaningless accidents or coincidences. Uh-uh. But rather it's a tapestry of events that culminate in an exquisite, sublime plan.

Movie Poster Mock up 

Ro0ts Youth 

QUOTES

Eric: [singing] For he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow...

Cory: Oh my god, it's happening. Eric, look what you did.

Eric: [singing] The curtains are on fire, the curtains are on fire. They're chopping down the dorm room, they're chopping down the dorm room.

Cory: [singing] My brother is a moron.

Eric: [singing] Which nobody can deny.

_________________________
Ephram: You're talking faster than my brain processes language.

_________________________
Genie: Excuse me? Are you lookin' at me? Did you rub my lamp? Did you wake me up? Did you bring me here? And all of a sudden you're walking out on me? I don't think so, not right now. You're getting your wishes, so sit down!

_________________________
Young Ed Bloom: There comes a point when any reasonable man will swallow his pride and admit he made a mistake. The truth is... I was never a reasonable man.

_________________________
Ira Kane: Unfortunately I couldn't give an 'A' to your papers because of the paragraph you wrote which I was unfortunate to memorize: "Cell's are bad. My uncle lives in a 'Cell' in which he only has a magazine to read and the same lousy food to eat. THE END"!

_________________________
George Wade: Before you came into my life I could make all kinds of decisions now I'm addicted I have to know what you think. What do you think?
Lucy Kelson: I think your the most selfish human being on the planet.

George Wade: Well that's just silly. Have you met everybody on the planet?

Howard Hughes: I want ten chocolate chip cookies. Medium chips. None too close to the outside.

_________________________

Frank Dixon: I'm talking about bombs. I'm talking about human dignity. I'm talking about human rights. Viktor, please don't be afraid to tell me that you're afraid of Krakhozia.

Viktor Navorski: Is home. I am not afraid from my home. [pause]

Viktor Navorski: So?

Frank Dixon: [whispering] All right.

Viktor Navorski: I go to New York City now?

Frank Dixon: No.

Viktor Navorski: No? Uh... Okay. I'm uh... I'm uh... I'm afraid from ghosts.

Frank Dixon: Okay, thanks very much!

Viktor Navorski: I'm afraid from, uh... Dracula!

_________________________
Nicholas: Perhaps my mouth should say what my eyes have not. I have scarcely seen the lady three times but should I have seen her 30 or 30,000, it would be the same. I have not one thought, hope or wish connected with her unless it is part of the picture I keep in my mind of one day being able to turn my back upon this accursed place and never to think of it again with any feeling but loathing and disgust
_________________________

Naomi: I thought you thought i thought you were thinking about what to think about
_________________________

Naomi: Thursday is tainted because its the day before the day that is tainted because the next day is the last day before we have to go back to school.

_________________________

Michael Llewelyn Davies: Excuse me - you're standing on my sleeve.

J.M. Barrie: [moves his foot and looks down to face Michael] I might point out you're lying under my bench.

_________________________

J.M. Barrie: Young boys should never be sent to bed... they always wake up a day older.

_________________________

J.M. Barrie: [watching George react to the knowledge that his mother is seriously ill] Magnificent. The boy is gone. In the last 30 seconds... you became a grown-up.

_________________________

Astrid: Beauty was my mothers law, her religion.

So tonight I saw "Howls Moving Castle" with Erik and Crystal. (My friend and my sister) It was really REALLY funny, but it made NO sense! lol. ::ponders movie again:: yeah, no sense..but really funny! So, we saw that at 10:35 p.m., after bible study - which was also good. I was way too hyper for my own good because I drank half of a XXL monster energy drink but that was my own fault so whatever. Crystal drank 1 and 1/2 XXL Monster Energy Drinks! [Yes, this is my sad plea in brain washing the world through a method below the threshold of conscious perception called subliminal messaging into drinking the XXL Monster Energy Drinks] But besides those two things, today was dullsville. I got up at 10:00, then went back to sleep from 1-3 because I was dead bored. Now, I realize I should have read but when your bored it seems like nothing sounds appealing. Tomorrow I am going to Humble Park in Chicago to babysit some toddlers. About twelve to be exact. (That is a funny comment ABOUT 12 to be EXACT. Doesnt quite fit. Kinda ironic)

I Know You're There
by Matthew West
I think I'm over-thinking this whole thing about believing in something I cannot see. 'Cause when I think about it I think there's no doubt about it I do it every single day It's just like the air No one knows where it comes or where it goes But when I breathe in I believe again and again.

[Chorus] So, if the whole wide world says You're not there Well, I still know You're there. And even if they call me crazy, I don't care I still know You're there And if they say there's no such thing as heaven or a God who waits for me I just point to the air And I know You're there

I had a science teacher Who tried to make me a believer That evolution made the earth But I can't give a big bang credit for this whole thing Life is too beautiful for that to be true It's just like a child A new born baby, there are no two the same tiny toes, finger prints And with that thought I rest my case

When a nation cries When a loved one dies When we wonder why I still know you're there When the nights are long In a world gone wrong There's still a feeling so strong That tells me you're there You're so undeniable You're so unconfinable And your love is so reliable And it tells me you're there

Ma' name!

"Nanomi offers you fabrication methods for your nano and micro engineered product. Featuring high aspect ratio Electron microscope photograph showing a phase separated polymer microsievestructures in almost any type of polymer, our phase separation moulding technology might give your idea a bright future. "

"So, 2005 is here and with it comes a brand new recording project from The Naomi Star. We've been writing and practicing and will soon be recording. "

Looking

Whos eye is whos?

Whos hand is whos?

Stop the Judging Madness [Dont expect Perfection]

Okay, this is my current rant. Politics! I hate when people are so, blahh! I used to be a democrat, I admit that, but as time went on, I became republican. Im not ashamed to admit it. I support our country, I support our president (even though I dont agree with EVERY thing he does - hes only human) and I support the local police and fire departments. Why is it that people can only focus on when police mess up?! Okay, so a group of police officers beat a guy in a jail cell, HELLO?! YOU CANNOT GENERALIZE that to all police. Its not fair to say all police suck because a few police officers did that. Police arent perfect. But hey, something we've learned as a christian, or something that all people should know, NOBODY IS PERFECT! Another thing I hate, sort of going along with it, is when people generalize hollywood people. They say, i.e., that Ashlee Simpson isnt saved because of the way she dressed or what she does in concert. But she does pray. So who are we to judge her salvation? Shes a person, just like the rest of us. The only difference is she is in the public eye and Hollywood chooses what parts of her life they show and what parts they dont. For all we know, she goes to church (Im not saying she does but its a good example) Anyway, WHEN WILL THE JUDGING STOP?! If were so concerned about these hollywood type being a good exmaple of their supposed faith, why not pray for them?!

Shes growing up so fast!

The Official [and completed] Storyboard

>>> + Essay <<<

http://moderndaymiracles.blogspot.com/

GILES! farewell 

Dan, Josh, Erik 

Sara  

Sophomore, 2005 

Saloni 

Nazree (Sp?)