I'm GRADUATED!!!

On the morning of April 29th, 2006 . . .

WOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

(From Simpson U.)

The Next Step

Because I am back in school, it has been especially interesting to observe all of my friends that are my age (and not in school). First they all began getting married. Then they all began having babies. Now they're all buying houses. As an upcoming college graduate who is single and is just now looking for an apartment (a.k.a., not finding someone else to live with)--add to that all my extremely unique personality traits and quirks--I am truly an individual. And, even if someday I join all my non-single, parental house owner friends, I will always be extremely unique--what can I say? It's the way God made me. . . . And I'm learning to be cool with that.

Earnestly Ashland

My girlfriends and I just returned from the beautiful, very Shakespearean, Ashland, Oregon from witnessing a WONDEROUS adaption of Oscar Wilde's comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest. It was a wet and snowy trip up, but we enjoyed yummy, natural iced cream when we got there (in the spirit of the state I was now in, I chose a very unique Oregonian flavor--Rogue River Pear *mmmmm!*), so it was worth it. :) We of course did not forget the the famous bead shop or the Shakepearean costume displays (my suitemate actually pointed one out to me that was worn by the character Olivia in Twelfth Night--so obviously I HAD to snap a picture of me with it!), either. All-in-all it was a great time. Friends, fun, food, and . . . comedy. Oh! How could I forget that it was also a break from homework. What more could'ya ask for? ;) Here's to an earnestly awaited trip!

(Oh, and just so you know, only 26 more days 'til graduation . . .)

Worldviews--"Theisteclectis"

Because so many different worldviews are so prevalent in our American society, I think there should be a new one called "Eclecticism." Essentially, I am a theist, but I have also been painted by other worldviews, such as postmodernism and even some new age ideas (nothing "religious," but more food ideas and such). For example, I believe many things, even certain things I have grown up believing, should be questioned (not that I can't go back and latch onto what I believed before, but it is healthy to know why you believe what you believe, and maybe even change certain things) or at least better understood (like Christianity) and that the food we eat effects our minds (chemically). Once we have our faith in God, I do not believe we need to question the cores of our faith, however we do need to understand them better. Questioning our faith can put our feet upon dangerous waters. As I said before, I am predominantly a theist, but if you are not a pure something-or-other (which I do not believe most people are), go ahead and call yourself by my new worldview: eclecticism. Maybe I'll even call myself a "theisteclectis." :)

25...24...23...

Only 25 school days left (that means only 38 total days) until I'M DONE with school--FOREVER!! Still caring somewhat about my grades, however, ;) I have been getting a ton of A's and B's, which qualifies me to enter my university's Academic March Madness for which I WON THIS WEEK (me and a guy named Alex, actually)!! I can now head to American Eagle and buy anything I want for $20! Combine that with the fact that I just saved a bundle smogging my car (God worked a miracle!) and the fact that I am very adequately passing physics, things are really looking up. :D Yippee-doo da!

Hail Man

It's FREE---ZING here in the land of sunshine...California. It's below the freezing point, I shiver on my way to classes and had to shift my walking plans with a friend to dinner plans because, surprise!, it's all white outside as we're in the middle of a hail storm. A super fun fact is that right now there is a girl outside my room building a "hail man," with stick hands and everything! SO cute! I'll have to snap a shot. In weather like this, it just doesn't seem like normal life should be going on. Seems like we should just be able curl up and watch movies and drink hot chocolate. Instead, I've got homework and can hear the distant sound of a tractor digging across the way. Hmmm... But, the forrest outside my room is all white--so, it's all good. Yae! :D

The Professorship Has Spoken

This week in class, one of my professors, whose name will remain anonymous, finally admitted that he and fellow professors join together while planning a semester and agree upon a time when they will sabbatage us all simultaneously with homework. We students always suspected as much! ;)

Another New Hobby

Yes, I have been beginning bonsai, but I have also began sewing--which, trust me, is strange, but my mom is proud. All through growing up she tried to get me to enjoy sewing, but the few projects we completed together (mostly her), I trudged through complaining I didn't have enough patience for it. This just proves my theory that, given time, most people will come around. :) Anyway, my latest sewing project is a grouping of three sage green/white, leafy throw pillows for my apartment. They will adorn my light and airy, whimsical, Japanese/S.F. style living room (yes, I'm very eclectic, but I pull it off very well). So, yae! I'm really excited. :D A couple of my next projects are a really cute pair of checkered '60s shorts and a 1930s evening gown. (Yes, I'm also very into period clothing.) Yae for sewing! :D

I'm So Dirty, I Had To . . .

This is one of my friend's photos that I just had to share. ;) Nothing like college life . . .

One Of My New Favorite Verses

"There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deuteronomy 33:26-27, NIV). Nothing to fear! :D

Gettin' Into . . .

Bonsai! The whimsical, coastal look of bonsai has sucked me in. In planning a future back yard, I decided I would love it to mimick the Japanese Tea Gardens in San Francisco. Looking forward to the apartment I will more than likely have (woo hoo!) in May, I have decided upon a very whimsical, San Francisco, Japanese flare while light and airy. One way I plan to pull this off is with bonsai (I know how to keep it humid around the plants)--my dad bought my first bonsai plant and pot for me this weekend. :) It is a beautiful purple blossomed serissa that I will be able to shape myself. How exciting!

P.S.

I'm sure I'll post a photo when it takes shape.

Top Flicks

As I sit here spooning apple raspberry sauce into my mouth, I am surprised at the movies that I ended up penning onto my Top-21 Favorite Movies list, surprised that movies such as Pirates of the Carribean, Spiderman and You've Got Mail did not make it on--though they are still very high on my ultimate list. :) Here's what I came up with:

Top-21 (in no particular order):
1. Love Comes Softly (which a friend of mine is in :D)
2. The Goonies (ah! I LOVE it!)
3. Princess Diaries I (oh, San Francisco . . .)
4. Anne of Green Gables and Avonlea (oh, so whimsical)
5. Meet Me in St. Louis (what a beautiful dream turned reality--and fun songs!)
6. Newsies (the perfect combination of history, journalism, songs, dancing and, when I was in high school, cute guys!)
7. A Walk to Remember (moving story and music, I actually know someone w/ a similar story)
8. Extreme Days (so very COOL, fun, wish I could do something like that!)
9. Little Women ('90s version) (inspirational for me as a writer--tho I vow to chng. the ending!!)
10. Tammy and the Bachelor (what a sweet love story . . . )
11. White Christmas (FUN! I just love the Kaye/blonde girl couple)
12. The Sound of Music (I cannot say enough . . .)
13. The Parent Trap (original--always wished I had a twin so I could trick people like that!)
14. Wives and Daughters (way more fun and relateable than Jane Austen)
15. Pollyanna (always was compared to Haley Mills--and I've always wanted that pos. attitude!))
16. Christy (w/ Kelly Martin--what a sweet and inspirational story, love that time era, too)
17. Pearl Harbor (what drama, what music, what history, what cute guys!)
18. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (my first PG movie ;) )
19. Sweet Home Alabama (there's just somethin' about it)
20. Bambi (did you collect the happy meal Bambi character figurines??)
21. An American Tale (ahh! gotta love Fivel--and the colors)

-I'm also amused that two of these movies were directed by Steven Spielberg and two are Christian Bale flicks. Guess I definately no dramatic when it comes to movies--I'm enough of a dramtic naturally, for goodness sakes. ;)

Some of the Tops I believe everyone should watch:
1. Passion of the Christ (to understand Christ's sacrifice in a fuller way or for witnessing)
2. End of the Spear (to catch onto a Christian passion--though there is native nudity :( )
3. The Raid (3-6= for a better understanding of history, what a government can do to its people and what our freedom really means)
4. Swing Kids
5. Saving Private Ryan
6. Blackhawk Down
7. The Greatest Game Ever Played (to be inspired give seed to your dreams that they may bloom . . .)

My Week Was . . . Like an Erupting Volcano

In my story book of life I would have to include the last two weeks. No matter what horrid event occured, another one took its place 5 minutes-1 hour later--no real rest, no peace. I went through so much shock that I literally began crying and shaking uncontrollably. I haven't learn the trust God method all the way yet. :) In fact, I think this is paritally why all this occured. I had to pass an exam without taking a the class for it--MAJOR STUDY TIME!! Pass or fail, baby. Talk about pressure. Then, my graduation was nearly taken away after already well into my graduation countdown (BIG, GIANT, COLLOSSAL mess I had to sort through while essentially taking 23 units), then I nearly lost (through financial aid confusement) all my money with no real answer of how to pay pay my bills, or even more important, how to buy food and not starve. Then a couple other things happened after those. The first three, however, lasted long periods of time--and with conflict--which I hate, loathe and DESPISE. Overall, it took me a good 3 or so days to recove after the storm passed over. On Monday, a thunder storm approached my life, and I nearly couldn't handle it (due to the shock I had already endured), but my mom quickly reminded me of what God has shown me over the past two weeks. And, God, quickly reminded me that He is here with me and is calling.

A volcano erupting during one wave of my life . . .




Looking back at these concerns, I see the value through all the rubble of turmoil and confusion. God never left me in any of it. There were times that I did not spend with Him when I should have, but He stayed with me, and got me through EVERY situation. EVERY one--in fact, He reminded me, there has never been a situation that He has not brought me through with amazing results. He has never brought me to a point where I felt like I was hanging over the cliff's edge and left me there. *selah* :) And, not only was HE there for me, but He also brought around my amazing friends. This showed me just what kind of friends I have -- a friend (math major) who gave me as much time as I needed to help me study to pass my big pass-or-fail math exam. Another friend took time to type out and send me a Bible verse she thought would help me. Some friends took time to pray with me and offer their support in any way possible (e.g., time, financial). Another friend who knew I had a hurricane room that was stressing me out, came in, without me knowing it, and cleaned it for me. What a blessing! I cannot begin to thank them--and especially cannot begin to thank God for all of His blessings through this time--not only for bringing me through and for bringing me real friends and a MAJOR supportive and loving family, but also for shaping me and drawing me closer to Him. :D Praise God.

23--And I Used to Be Scared of 14 . . .

Howdy,
Just a quickie to ask for ya'll's (that looks weird) prayer. I have got 23 units as of yesterday (LONG story) and have a possibility to test out of one class (3 units) on Mon., Jan. 30th @ 6:30p--will you please pray for my SANITY, wisdom, health, STRESS, GOD'S STRENGTH to me and that I'm able to test out of that class (math). These are my current classes, and if they all pass, I grad. in April: physics (inc. lab), math, american cinema, faith and culture, life and letters of paul, western lit., technical writing, ministry practicum/event planning internship. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S.-
God has been showing me He is there helping and saving me, so please pray that I completely tap into that. THANK YOU!!! Prayin' for ya'll, too.

You Go Boys!

As a student, I totally understand the need for goofiness to balance out . . . the "s" word. s, s, s-c-hool. There. Visiting a friend's site recently I stumbled across this video clip of Two Chinese Students--whom I totally relate to. :) It's FABULOUS! As my friend Sara said: "I'm not sure if there are words to describe it. Don't think it's funny? Try watching it late at night. It certainly is one of a kind... LOL" Check it out for yourself by clicking on the photo--have fun (esp. my student friends)!

Today's Act of Randomness

Today's "O.J.'s Radical Acts of Randomness" was . . .

. . . making a 2c purchase--have you ever done that?! Kinda cool feeling like I lived back in the early-1900s for a sec. :)

L O V E

The Wide Wide World of ME!

Since it's been awhile, I thot I'd better say, "HEY, OUT THERE!!" Christmas break was interesting, to say the least. My sister and I had fun romping throughout IKEA (I ended up with tiny glass ingrediant cups and Swedish ginger cookies -- couldn't stop eating those!) in Bizerkely one rainy afternoon and eating Swedish fare in a restraunt overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Mmmmm... How wonderful can life get. :) As my New Testament prof. from the Bay Area (he's "on loan" to us from Pleasanton!) said last semester, even though San Francisco has many problems, there are many great things happening there for God and many impacting churches. He also said that much of the ministry that occured in the New Testament took place in cities--and they weren't always the most moral places in the world. San Francisco is his favorite city, as it is mine.

Now back at school (my LAST semester--finally!!--ahhhh!!!), I am career searching, looking for a public relations internship and actually enjoying my, dare I say it?, physics classes! Being my last semster here, I am planning on really exploring the area in a fuller way. I'm itching to check out the Oregon Trail! One of my friends is currently making me an amazingly beautiful Rennasaince princess dress for me to go to the Ren. Fair in and a couple other friends want to me to catch another Shakespeare play with them in Ashland, Oregon, this semsester (where I might be able to wear my Rennasaince dress again!). Fun times!

Will post some photos soon. Until then, I've got things to do and people to see--chei! :)

THEY'RE OVER!!!! :D :D

Memories From Last Finals Week . . .

We had to read Lady of Chelot (sp?), and all kinds of other amazing and heavy stuff, and . . .



. . . yes, it was arduous: for British Lit killed me!




But, we didn't let death stop us! For we plugged away until the bitter end and . . .



. . . then got to celebrate! Mmm! Sweet victory . . . (and, yes, we all passed. ;) )


(Yes, I'll got study now! Sheesh . . .)

Two Finals Down . . .

. . . And three to go! (Yes, I'm actually taking them. ;) ) American Lit and Theology are done, next is History of English in which I will make a presentation, then tomorrow I have grammar (all together now, "Ewwww!!" I may be an English major, but I DESPISE grammar) and New Testament (love that class!). Then, tomorrow at approximately noon, I WILL BE DONE!! Then, it is off to my next sewing lesson where I will make pink pom pom pillow cases. Woo hoo! Hanging out with me for Christmas, you might get one! ;D Ahhh, the joys of taking a break . . . or procrastinating, however you want to look at it. ;) Gotta eat breakfast, and then I'll finish my presentation. IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS!!