New-fangled Note Taking

Settling down into my Old Testament Lit class I wasn't sure if I had remembered my paper for taking notes. So, I decided that if I hadn't I would ask the girl next to me if I could borrow a piece of paper...but, that's when I realized she didn't have any... She was taking notes on her lap top, and it doesn't work to say, "Can I please borrow a screen and keyboard?" No, with the rise of technology, more and more students are using other means of note-taking. All a little too arduous for me. Who wants to lug around a heavy computer and have to set it up at every class...and who ever heard of drawing diagrams on with their keyboards?? No, I think I'll stick to a light and practical pen and paper, thank you very much.

Sunday and Sunshine

Last week I met vivacious girl who goes by "Sunshine." "That's a sweet nickname," I thought to myself. Then, on one sunny morning, Tuesday, I discovered that she is a fellow English w/ writing track major and is in my British Lit class. This was a happy revelation, but not as random (they're aren't many writing track majors here!) as the one I was about to have. Going down the roll list, Mr. Philippian (yeah, isn't that a crazy name for a prof at a Christian school?! Too bad he doesn't teach New Testament Lit!) called out "Sunshine Haven?" "Oh my goodness, Sunshine is her real name," I quickly realized. Being a class of only about 15 students, the roll list wasn't long, but down the list the proffesor went until he hit, "Sunshine Someotherlastname." "Okay, this is too weird! There are two girls named Sunshine in this class...this tiny class?!?! I've never even heard this random name before and WHEN I DO THERE ARE two! How hysterical."

So, ANYway, I really like Sunshine...the first one (I don't really know the other one) :/ ... and she's closer to my age, so hopefully she'll be a potential bud. And, as for today, IT WAS MY FIRST SUNDAY AS AN OFFICIAL UNIV. STUDENT! So, what'd I do? Went church hunting, scrapbooked, did a little more decorating, of course am writing you ;), and later I'm gonna watch a movie my fellow dorm-girlies and, write another letter and have a facial. All of that and no homework, you ask? Nope. Sundays are one of my driving forces during the week...my light at the end of the tunnel, my violet in the snow, my ... well you get the idea. It's a rest day, and I thank God for setting that example. When I've applied this principle in the past, no matter how much homework sat on my desk, I received blessing for it. And, that's just how I'll continue. So, when Angie in Pollyanna sourly asks, "What's sa good about Sunday?" you know what my answer would be!! :D

The Commonality Between Deer, Eggplant and Ducks??!

They all have to do with my Random Acts for the past three weeks, of course!

Week of Aug. 23:
*Came this close to adopting a duck in southern Oregon ...

Week of Aug. 30:
*Fed a wild deer in the forrest by hand.

Week of Sept. 5:
*Tried breaded egg-plant--and actually liked it!

Stay tuned for further adventures of "O.J.'s Adventures in Radical Randomness"!

Changes ...

For various reasons, I have decided to not continue my web site (RidingTheWaves.com) at this time. However, I would like to somehow pick it back up sometime in the future. But, good news is this blog will remain and I plan to write in it much more frequently... Every day to every other day. Btw, I ADORE most of my classes (Praise God!). Speaking of which, I need to scram to year book!

University Observer

Life here at the university isn't exactly what I was expecting... Some things are better, some things aren't "better ..."

1) World Civ -- I actually love it! Who woulda thot??!
2) Not too much activity in my dorm -- I adore that at night when I'm trying to sleep or while studying (which I haven't done yet! :) ... hey, classes just began today!), however in the daytime it would be rad to hear and see more people in here.
3) Hot babes -- which is just what they are. Everytime I see a guy and and instantly think, "Sheeshhhhhh, he's cute!!" I am quickly reminded that he's probably too young, just a "babe" like most everyone here. So far, I haven't met anyone my age. (But, everyone's way cool...and there are some mature young-uns.)
4) Own "appartment" -- If you walk into my room, you'll witness something I have been longing for, something I thought I would have to somehow wait until I graduated for (about a year-and-a-half) that God has actually blessed me with! I have a two-person room and big bathroom all to my 26-yr.-old self! To add to this bliss, the laundry room and living room (a.k.a.- the lounge) are practically right across from my room and the dorm kitchen is just downstairs. So, baby, it's like I've got my own appartment...and can even offer guests a sink and bed! Howaboutthat!

So, over all, it's been good so far. I am homesick and I also need to gain some good friends. I mean, I've got friends, but most are just laying a little over the edge of aquaintence. So, I am excited to see how God will continue to work out this great adventure. Would appreciate prayer! Now, it's time to go hit the books ... ;)

Undefeated football team and Water bottles

My parent's are an hour behind me in traveling to my vacation, so I stopped by the coffee shop to say, "Hi!" It's so funny what you observe...I heard a shopper holding up our university's football shirt and say, "We don't have a football team! This says our f-ball team is undefeated!" His friend, whom I'm assuming is his girlfriend, smiled back to exclaim, "That's why we've been undefeated since 1987..."
AND, while waiting in line for my frap I realized I was missing my water bottle...again...EVERY time I come this school I lose my water bottles, in the bathroom, in the coffee shop, wherever...but this time I caught it before I completely lost it. HA! I defeated the habit at this univeristy... ;)

Sing with me!

I start school, I START SCHOOL, I start school, YAH, YAH, YAH YAHHHH!!!

Yes, after years of almost getting back in school, then deciding, "no, maybe not..." then almost getting back in school...blah, blah, blah ... I'm finally on my way today--for real. It's hard to believe. And, only a year-and-a-half 'til I'm done. (God rocks!!) After all this hard preparation, tho, I'll get my stuff to the university today and then head to Ore. and stuff for a week. So, it's my last morning at home for awhile *weird*. I will not have been away this long since Virginia... *weird again* So, I would appreciate prayers that I adjust easily, have plenty of free time, don't get homesick, find an additional job (preferable tutoring) and make great friends fast. Oh, and I'm TRYING OUT FOR THE CHEER SQUAD!! How fun would that be?!

Anyway, it is the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and I know it will be a great one (even tho I have to study! 3 of my 5 classes are lit!) ... Life is grand...and I'm almost packed. :)

Have fun for the next week while I'll be away from my friend the computer ... Live well, succumb to randomness, know I'm praying for ya. *hugs* :)

Proverbs 3:5-6

80 mph

I had no idea that even taking time off from work that I'd still be running around at 80 mph to get everything ready for school. But, with just one day to go, it's get to the finish line or have annoying left-overs. But, God has been gracious with me. I've had some time for ever-important rest AND for random acts:

du du DUUUUUUU!!! This week's random act is:
Driving a big 'ol, diesl engined U-haul! Freaked out at first, I quickly learned how to manuever...and didn't even run anything over! And, I also learned that, can you believe it?!, not every gas station sells diesl fuel! (so I had to back up in this thing!! ahhh!! Thank God He provided someone to help navigate.

So, like I said, God has given me time for rest ... and that's what I'm about to go do... Nighty, night...

"Are You Watching??!"

I think it's so funny when you're listening to two separate phone conversations in your house, both people watching the Olympics and both all-of-a-sudden exclaiming things to the persons on the other side like: "Did you just see that?!" or "Are you watching the Olympics?? What did you just think about that DQ?!" And, the funny part is that both parties are watching and both conversations can be focused on it, cuz it's in front of them all. Because everybody is watching. Because no matter what sport they are usually dedicated doesn't matter because it's now the Olympics and they are interested in everything. 41 million viewers.

I think it's so cool that when I now look at the TV Guide I know the person on the cover (Natalie Coughlin, Concord, CA, US Gold Medal Swimmer, a dominant force in swimming). It definitely makes the Olympics even a million times more spirited and makes the enthusiasm sore to greater heights when you actually know people there (esp. when they medal!), anywhere from coaches, to athletes to their family and friends. Between my 5 fam members and I, we have had the priveledge to have gotten to see and or/gotten to know quite of few of the synchronize (whole US team) and regular swimmers (including coaches). In fact, the bio shot that I'm about to use for my site (I love it! It was taken at Stanford Univ. at a Cal-Stanford swim meet... [Btw, I have become a major Cal fan. Go Bears!]) was taken by Coughlin's uncle, an incredibly nice guy. These athletes are great inspirational, and humble, people and I'm so glad they represent us and have this opportunity. To see they're family support is inspirational in itself ... It just all makes you proud to be American. GO USA!!!!!

I Wore My PJ's to ...

My random act for last week (8/13/04):
I wore my PJ's to Safeway... Hey, I was going to a sleepover Friday night and had to pick up a salad... (had my denim jacket on, tho!) Why change back into clothes for such a short jaunt only to change again?? :)

"You Dropped Your Smile..."

"Excuse me, miss, you dropped your smile..." said a good-looking chap sitting on a bench outside of Target. So, I flashed him a big laughing smile as I passed by. And, as I continued strolling toward the store to exchange my jeans I had the same thought as I have had too many times before when similair comments have been made, "I really need to smile more!" My ready excuse has always been, "That's just the way my face falls, [in a frown], so I can't help it..." HOWever, I have realized that my sometimes negative spirit, which makes my face appear sorrowful at times, needs to shift. And, that's what I wanted to share with you all, my new mission: focus on the positive in life, the blessings God has bestowed. If you do that (fully relying on God at the same time to help), and you struggle with stress and negative thoughts like me, you just may be able to catch your smile! And others will catch it, too. *smiles* :) (no pun intended...hehe)

Starving Students

I had my first sighting just a few weeks ago, but every time now that I see one, my face breaks into a smile. The company name "Starving Students" with a big read heart in the middle is stretched out across all their moving trucks. I think it's a great idea, but another reason to smile is that I don't need the use of one when I move up to the university... all of my stuff is safely stored away (and, I've got the 3-a-day meal plan, so Lord willingly I won't starve!).

A Language Barrior/Prayer Request

I was ministering to a little girl from Taiwan (who's here in the U.S. for a month) today when, after explaining the Good News she decided to ask Jesus into her heart. However, before she said the prayer she asked me a question. I answered it and we talked a little and when I asked if she now wanted to say the prayer she said, "no." And with a smile on her face she proclaimed, "I never want to do that!" Totally confused, I wondered if, since there is a language barrior, she took wrong something I said. So, I would appreciate prayer that she be saved. Thanks so much! (She's adorable!)

Handful of People

Something my pastor brought up at church a few months ago inspired my thinking: we should be focusing on just a few people in our lives: ministering to them, forming tighter relationships with them and really spurring them on in Christ. It seems to me Jesus focused on His disciples, but yet He was still able to minister to the masses. But, again, the majority of the time He spent with people, it looks like to me, was with the twelve.
After this principle ripped wildly through my mind I thought, "Hey, this topic would make a rad article!" But, as happens, the plan got pushed aside and I kinda forgot about it. Then, recently, I felt like I was supposed to show up at a Bebo Norman concert...even tho I was tired, it was late, and the concert was already more than half over. After sitting down in the dark auditorium, I wondered why in the world I was there and kept asking God, "I love Bebo and everything, but I'm by myself and I'm tired, so why am I here?" Shortly after the question, under a marriage of colors, Bebo brought one of his passions: the same "handful of people" principle my pastor inspired me with! Immediately I was pretty sure God was reminding me to write the article ... and now to get quotes from Bebo. So at concerts end, I found out he wasn't appearing to sign autographs, but that just the VIPs could aquire a chat with the Beeb. HOWEVER, a contact I had made earlier that evening kinda snuck me in to talk with him. hehe And, after shaking hands and sharing with Bebo my idea, he agreed to give me the quotes to put in my article. (I have to admit this is a fun field I am in ... And, just earlier that day I told God I missed being involved in the Christian music world... I gave the desire to Him essentially and... boy, did I get a quick answer! God rocks!)
So, I am left with this thot, who are my handful of people? And, who are your's? God can really use us to rock their worlds!

Play Like A Child

Last week (for the record this is for my Randomness Archive :) ) I found myself at the park. Now, normally I wouldn't play on the structure, but, as I sat on the grass, I caught myself thinking, "Why not play on the structure...Just cuz I'm not under 10 doesn't mean it's somehow stopped being fun!!" Then, glancing at the tunnel slide I decided I would most indubidibly fit through there... So, bounding across the sand I went to join the kids...I even had to say the special password to gain entrance to the "BIG slide"! :) And, I must have really looked like I was enjoying myself, because after a few minutes it really got fun due to the fact that my friend Anna came and joined me! However, my friend Shalana was too nervous because we reported to her that, yes, even after all these years slides still shock you! So, of course Anna and I began chasing her around trying to shock her. hehe I played on the swing (even jumped off!), ran around in circles with a bunch of kids and a fun parachute, then found myself chatting in a carefree circle of kids, watched Disney movies and let a six-year-old "hair fashioner" named Kamra fix my hair in a "1/2 up, 1/2 down" due. ;) I guess I looked really cool. :) And, through all of this letting my hair down (no pun intended) that day I realized that revisiting my childhood was a release. It relieved TONS of stress and brought back to remembrance just how INCREDIBLY FUN IT WAS TO BE A KID... and still is ... hehe!

Similar Lives, Years Apart

Lately I've been running 80 mph trying to get prepare for university life and catch up with my regular one, as well (I live such a complex one, you know). :) Anyway, while wading through a flood of papers near lunch today I picked up the phone to one of my sister's friend's. Holly wasn't home, so her friend and I began chatting...a chat that lasted an hour! She needed to talk, and I like the girl, so talk we did ... I came to find out that she, like me, will be a junior at a university this fall. In addition, I discovered we are pretty much at the same spot in life in relation to guys, outlooks, goals and much more. I chuckled to myself when I thought back to when she was more of a little sister to me (she's about 21) and realizing that now we are pretty much at a relating basis. Sure, I might be turning 26 next week and only finally advancing to my junior year, but I've had a lot of adventures in my years away. And, I've made a lot of special friends along the way ... But, now I'm especially relishing the "re-discovery" of my "little sisters" who are ... a bit more relatable now. :)

Radical Randomness

As a lover of crazy and random acts, three weeks ago I resolved to do at least one random act per week. However, I am finding total randomness just happens in my life anyway ...

Week of July 18th:
1) Was secretly allowed into the VIP backstage of a Bebo Norman concert.
2) Became a model.

Week of July 25th:
1) Made mango jelly with a group of kids.
2) Studied kualas.
3) Learned to hula dance.

I love life! Oh, and if you have out-of-the-everyday ideas to try, send 'em my way.

Locks of Oops!

Edging on the adventurous side, I finally pulled out my mom's haircutting scissors tonight and chopped away at my long blonde tresses (I had been growing my hair out, but again didn't make it all the way...). I decided to layer it in a fun, cute little Meg Ryan tossled look. And, it was coming along smashingly, until I let my hair down and realized, to my horror, that the first layer had been cut uncorrecttably wrong. The whole front sides of my hair are missing, except for a little on the top. Looking at the ridiculous image in the mirror I immediately began thinking of hats ... Then, the possibly saving idea of a new trendy short due crossed my mind, but I'm not so sure short hair is very becoming on me. Oh, dear. Then, I decided to dawn an even more adventurous spirit and let my mother see what she can do with it ... Yes, she can probably fix it! Oh, when will she be home?! Please come! (I really crack myself up!)

Spidey!!

They got together!! I knew they would ... :) I think my two favorite parts were 1) the little '70s "nerd" stroll (haha!) and then 2) the wall scene ("this is pretty heavy..."). I have been a Spiderman fan for almost as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories was running around playing tag at my 3rd birthday party, all of us little tykes in Spiderman masks and then blowing candles out on my Spiderman birthday cake. :) I've still never really read the comic books (well, I've read a couple) and I'm not really one of those suspense movie people, but, hey, Spiderman's got something, something that most suspense movies don't ...
Anyway, my dad took me to see SM2 today and it was SOOO exciting! But, it is most indubibly the romance I love the best. I think it's cuz I can relate to Peter Parker or somethin', being the picked on underdog, the very unique individual ... and still getting to have this awesome romance
altho I'm still waiting for that). But, it gives me hope. hehe ;) So, anyway, if you haven't seen it, you should.
And, next? I sure hope Princess Diaries II is also a good sequel! I know I can count on romance for that one, too ... :)

Thank God for Cell Phones!

You know, it's funny, after hanging with my sister and friend for over a week and almost always being together I'm finding it hard to all of a sudden be distanced from them. I miss being able to just turn to them and tell them whatever... I miss the comeraderie and the "anytime we feel like it prayers." And, then, I begin thinking, "Hey, we've all got cell phones!" And, they come in handy ... Not quite the same as being face to face, but they can do the trick in a pinch! :)
Luv ya'll!
O.J. =:-D

Jeremiah 29:11