Arwen's Cantina in Laurelindorenan

The further adventures of our adventurous trio

2007-03-14T22:45:00.000-05:00

And so the three sisters chose to go south. Why? Because as Fangorn put it, "it feels like I'm going downhill." Nothing interesting happened for many days, days beyond count, it would seem, until they unexpectedly fell into a portal. Down and down they spiraled, further and further...Elfweenia was the first to awaken. She found herself in a simple wooden building, a post office, she quickly discovered, only everyone keep saying her name wrong, in fact spelling it wrong. Elweena? It took her a moment before she even realized they were speaking to her. Not only that, but everyone seemed to think she was a...hobbit? They were very nice people, though, so she didn't mind. Here she was starting all over again, but these people needed her help, so she continued on, almost forgetting her sisters.

Sometime later, Amanda Kay found herself in the same world, but in a completely different setting. At least this seemed more like her home in Azeroth. At first she thought she had returned to Dun Morough itself, until she began to sense something was wrong. For one thing, she was considerably taller, and thinner. This she didn't mind too much. It seemed she was now an elf. Oh, the horror! Would her friends ever let her live down being an elf? Maybe they'd never know. At any rate, she quickly settled into her new surroundings, and even began to enjoy them, and her new found friend, a raven.

Both of the sisters discovered that they could communicate in this new land as they had in good old Azeroth, but from Hallane they heard nothing. Where could she have gone? The saga continues...

On the flip side of WoW

2007-01-19T21:11:00.000-06:00

I killed WoW *gasp* I really cancelled my subscription. In other news, I will start a new job Jan. 29, assuming I passed my drug test this afternoon. Good times, and a good deal more than I'm making at Hobby Lobby. They're gonna pay me to play with computers. Woo hoo!!! I survived an entire week of class. I think I can make it. With my new job, I might just resubscribe to WoW for Spring Break, with the condition that I only play on weekends after that, but ONLY if one of my WoW buddies posts to this blog. If not, you have to wait until May! :P

Such follows the account of Elfweenia and how she and her sisters escaped from Azeroth:

Late one evening, Elfweenia decided she was tired of fighting things, and so traveled to Stormwind, her favorite City, to lose herself in the library for a good long rest. She found a nice long history book, a good chair, and settle in for the night. Whether it with thirty minutes or a few hours later, she doesn't know, but an old gentleman she hadn't seen before interrupted her reading.
"Would you like to travel to a different land, miss?" he asked.
"I would, but all the farther areas are to tough for me right now," she replied.
"No, I can show you how to travel outside of Azeroth, where you don't have to fight your way around. You can return here whenever you wish. You will, however, return to this very spot exactly as you are now."
"Hmmm...I won't gain anything from going? But I don't have to worry about getting killed every 5 minutes...how can this be?"
"The are other worlds. You can teleport away from here and return here whenever you wish, but until you've traveled somewhere, it's random where you will end up. Take this amulet. Once you've traveled somewhere outside of Azeroth, you need only concentrate on that place to return there and hold it like this in your hands. To return to Azeroth, you will turn the stone inside it around and hold the amulet this way."
Elfweenia took the amulet, looked at it for a few minutes, looked up to ask him another question, but he was gone. How strange, she thought, as she held it in her hand, but what else have I to do? Just then, a strange glow formed around her, much like teleporting, but purple, then blue, yellow, orange, green...spinning, turning, then all was quiet. She looked around her to find green rolling hills all around, with a small stream running beside her. She discovered she still had all of her equipment with her, so she decided to fish for a bit.

Meanwhile, Amanda Kay just happened to meet the same old gentleman, though she didn't know it at the time. Amanda Kay can be a bit stubborn, ok a lot stubborn when she wants to be, but in the end, curiosity won out and she found herself just over the hill from where Elfweenia was fishing quietly.

Hallane, on the otherhand, did not meet the same old gentleman. Knowing that he would not be able to safely reach her, the old man rode a gryphon overhead, dropping the amulet just in front of her. Taking this as a certain sign of change ahead, Hallane took the amulet in her hands, and looked it over curiously. Unknowingly, she found the secret to using it and found herself across the stream from her quitely fishing older sister.

At first, Hallane was afraid, as she hadn't seen her sister since she was born, and couldn't remember ever seeing a gnome. "Who are you?" she asked shyly.

"Elfweenia, what's your name?"

"Hallane. Could you tell me where I am?"

"I'm sorry, I've only just arrived here myself, but you're welcome to join me fishing if you'd like."

"I don't have a fishing pole, but I'd like to join you. I hope you don't mind me asking, but what are you?"

"I'm a gnome." Just then Elfweenia stopped, realizing all this time she'd been talking to a Tauren and acutally understanding what she said. Then she remembered the small child found what seemed like ages ago and realized this was her sister. Somehow in the short time Hallane was with Elfweenia and Amanda Kay, she'd either picked up gnomish or had learned it since, but how would that be possible? "Do you remember anything about your childhood, Hallane?"

"Not really. I seem to remember a very cold place, all white. For some reason, it seems everyone there was as tall as I was, but I was so small. I don't know how that would be possible."

"You are my sister, Hallane. We found you when you were just a baby, but you grew so fast, we knew we couldn't keep you, so we sent you to the Tauren village where we knew you would be safe."

The two began chatting about their lives, with no worries about the time.

"Well, there you are, sis. I should've known that crazy old man would find you, too. Hello, Hallane. I didn't think I'd ever see you again, but you sure aren't the little squirt you were when we found you. I'm Amanda Kay, by the way, and a dwarf, in case you didn't know."

"Nice to meet you, Amanda Kay. How did we get here? I was hunting near the village when this amulet fell from the sky. I picked up and the next thing I knew, I was here."

"That amulet is how you came to be here. It can take you to many places, far from Azeroth, and return you again. Here, let me show you how it works," as Elfweenia began to explain to Hallane what the old man had told them.

The three sisters, an odd combination, perhaps, thus began their journey to other worlds.

Calm before the storm

2007-01-15T22:43:00.000-06:00

I failed to post here often. :( I start classes tomorrow at the U of A. I had a job interview with Budgetext last Friday morning. My WoW account will expire tomorrow with a lvl 36 (maybe 37) mage, a lvl 12 priest and a lvl 5 hunter. Actually, it just means they go on vacation for the semester. Depending on how things go, I may reactivate my account after finals. Meanwhile, I may in free or in need of stress-relief moments write the adventures of Elfweenia, Amanda Kay, and Hallane (pronunced huh-lawn-uh) on vacation from Azeroth.

Tommorrow evening, Elfweenia will encounter a special portal trainer. He asks her if she'd like to learn to portal to distant lands. Of course she will, but she isn't experienced enough to make portals even to places she's been, how could she possibly learn to create a portal to somewhere unknown to her? The portal expert reassures her that in fact anyone can learn to create these portals, even smelly orcs. There are a few catches, though. For one, anything you do outside of Azeroth doesn't help you when you come back. Second, you have no way of knowing where you are going until you get there, but you can at any time return to the place you left. She will agree, collect her two younger sisters, and embark on an amazing journey which will end whenever I reactivate my WoW account.

Gen X - 1, Baby Boomers - 0

2007-01-05T11:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, there can be lessons gained from the younger generations. I found myself in a rather entertaining conversation with one of my elders just yesterday. Apparently the advice I had just tried to give her had also been given by her daughter who is but a year older than myself. Only time will tell whether the advice is followed, but at least we have tried.

	This is my newest character on World of Warcraft. She is currently a level 5 Tauren Hunter. Hallane is quite unlike her older sisters, but I enjoy both the Tauren starting area and the similarities to native American tribal customs of old. She enjoys shooting things and hopes to have a pet of her own soon. How those two silly sisters have made it to be so old, she just doesn't understand. She wants so much to look after them, but alas, the Taurens chose those nasty orcs as friends, and so she must do the same.
	This is Amanda Kay, the middle sister. She's a level 11 dwarf priest and will take no flack from anyone. She's learning tailoring and enchanting, though enchanting seems quite difficult to get started. She like's Hallane's sensible nature, but is concerned about the company she keeps. It's funny, Elfweenia is the oldest, yet so small. Someday she must be taught she can't aggro a group of three or four and expect to stay alive all the time. sigh
	Don't let her size fool you. There's more punch to this level 32 gnome mage than meets the eye. How Hallane got so tall, is simply beyond her reasoning, but no matter. Herbalism and Alchemy help keep this over-anxious gnome alive, along with high levels of first aid and cooking. Amanda Kay, in case you are wondering, can be quite grumpy in the mornings. The hospitality of the dwarves is renoun...as long as you stay on their good side. Gnomes, on the otherhand, always have an open door for friends. Now, if we could just get those Taurens to turn from the Horde...

Happy New Year!!!

2007-01-03T19:12:00.000-06:00

And so someone exemplified my last blog a couple of days ago. At any rate, I'm still working on the book, and find it to be quite a different book from last I remember. The current topic of the chapters I'm reading is...erm...well...physical contact between dating couples. Is that a good way to put it? I don't know. Anyway, err on the side of caution is what I glean from it. I don't know, as I've not been in a dating relationship, but it certainly makes sense that the further one goes the further one wants to go. That's really the way with most things, isn't it? I never wanted to go into caves, for example, but once I went in one (the one at Silver Dollar City) and found that the walls wouldn't fall in on me, plus there are really neat things to see down there, then I wanted to go again. I wouldn't quite call myself a caver yet, but I have been in wild caves, gotten covered in muck from shoulders to toes, and will go with someone who's familiar with the cave. All because I went in one very safe, well-travelled cave. Baby steps. How far is too far? The point where you can't help but go farther than you should. The point where you become desensitized to it being wrong. That doesn't mean I wouldn't ever even hold hands if I did date. No, it just means I know to be cautious. I won't cross that line because I won't go near it.

New Year's Resolution number 3141592649: No less than a B in any class this semester.

The year draws to a close...

2006-12-31T10:53:00.000-06:00

And I would like to beat my pastor. I thought my best solution was to drop out of orchestra, but noooooo, the sermon this morning was on faithfulness. Gee, How can I deal with this situation, huh? I don't know! It continues to eat at me, even this morning though we didn't play.

Anyway, There are boys, guys, and gentlemen. I've noticed even gentlemen act like boys sometimes, and even boys have their moments. These labels are not of age but of maturity. For the boys trying to be gentlemen, I salute you. In a world where the hormonal thirteen-year-old mindset is the norm, those of you who diligently strive to be the strong gentlemen you were created to be, though you probably fail at times, are to be commended. Don't give up.

Book, book, vain of my existence

2006-12-30T09:17:00.000-06:00

Elisabeth Elliot must have been one of the most blessed graduating college students ever. She knew exactly what the object of her affections thought of her. Also, they both agreed marriage wasn't God's will a the time. Singleness and knowing someone cares about you? The best of both worlds!

So, if more than one person ever reads this, you are probably all calling me a sick puppy right now. She was completely torn inside over the situation, but one must realize that I don't desire marriage. I am, however lonely and would like very much to have any friends with whom I could spend time. I'm not attractive, nor has any reasonable guy ever been attracted to me. And so, I would joyfully take Matthew 19:12, if such a verse could apply to girls as well as guys. The problem with this, though, is reading such books and trying diligently to seek God has taken me closer to the other path. Mind you, from a purely academic perspective, it is good to learn new things. From the neutral, Jedi-like point of view, one needs to understand people in order to better help them. I do not, however, like the unbidden side effect of growing affections. It shouldn't matter anyway, as no reasonable guy could fall for me, but it is driving me insane. The more I try to do God's will, the more this becomes a problem. If this is simply a test, then I have and continue to fail. It is difficult caring about people knowing most want little if anything to do with you. It isn't difficlt to car, but it is difficult to deal with caring. It's painful I'd rather a person be completly honest with me, even if they don't want anything to do with me, but please, don't keep reminding me! I am not dense. I will not forget what you have said to me. On the other hand, if things change, I would also like to be told, as I will continue to assume what is told to me until told otherwise, even if actions contradict the words.

Completely random, as this poor brick of bread seriously needs some leven. I now have a level 30 gnome mage on World of Warcraft. I will cease playing on Jan 15 to focus on college, but have found this game very thereaputic. It allows me to interact with people without them focusing on my appearance. Well, girls are seriously outnumbered in this game, and my little lvl 30 gnome mage is pretty cute with her lilac pig tails. I don't like random guys heavily flirting with her, though. Last night some guy kept blowing kisses to her, but wasn't being helpful. grrr I think that I will post a picture of both of my characters before I kill my subscription for awhile.

Blog blog

2006-12-29T21:04:00.000-06:00

This is my attempt at blogging almost every day until January 15. What happens that day? I become a hermit to finish my BS in computer science. I either have 3 hard semesters of hermit hood or 4 semesters and take some basic education electives. I'm warning you, you may not hear from me for days\weeks\months at a time if you know me. If this happens and you actually miss me, please e-mail\call\IM me. I probably need the break, and no, I don't hate you.

I am contemplating taking a break even from orchestra. *gasp* Why? Because there's a relational problem between myself and someone else that I need to get away from for a bit becuase it's not getting better, and trying to work on it is only hurting me. That, and the next series pastor's planning is going to bore me to tears. Sorry, I'm not married, not dating, and have no children, therefore none of that series will directly apply to me right now.

A book...

2006-12-28T09:28:00.000-06:00

I'm reading Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot. Why? Because someone thought it a good read for singles. Ok, granted, I am single, and granted 99.9% of singles would benefit from reading this book, but when have you known me to be outside that .1%? The author in college really wanted to marry, but logically thought it not possible because she felt called to the mission field. Then she meets this cute guy, falls for him, then he breaks it off thinking they couldn't marry. She uses her own example with journal entries from that time in her life to address real issues most singles face. It's a very good read for 99.9% of the single population.

Howsomeever...

I'm in the .1% who would rather not marry. For the record, though, I am trying very hard to submit to God and mean it when I say I will do has He commands, even if it means marriage. Honestly, I'd pity the poor guy God will have already chosen. It seems less likely than a year ago, because I no longer have a mentor. She tired of trying to mentor me short of helping much, and I am left very discouraged. I lack the encouragement I think I would need to get me past the fear of even taking an interest in a guy. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Philosophies of a clarinet player

2006-12-26T21:50:00.000-06:00

In my observations, there are three basic types of couples, not including pure neutral which rarely occurs anyway. These are the titles I have given them:

1. "Get a room"
2. "Dramatic rolling of the eyes"
3. "You could put someone in a diabetic coma"

Translation:

1. The relationship is purely or overwhelmingly physical in nature. There seems to be no solid foundation and is doomed to fail.
2. The relationship is pretty decent all around, but still heavy on the physical aspect. These are the people who are often overly affectionnate in public. At least there's a foundation outside of the physical stuff, and so though it might be hard at times these can endure.
3. I generally think of these as the cute old couples. You know who they are. You may never see them more than hold hands in public, but there's something about them that's far deeper than the other people out there. A wrecking ball couldn't separate these couples, and neither could one of them being called to the other side of the world for a time. It's a superglued relationship. When they said "til death do they part", they meant it.

I've now seen all three of these. I've never been a part of any of these, and don't expect to, as I have difficulty understanding any of them.

Daniel in the Lion's den...

2006-12-26T21:36:00.000-06:00

Or in this case, Amanda Kay attending the Clarksville Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) Christmas fellowship\program. For my brothers out there, they run on APO time, for the rest of you, they run about 15min late, or as they say, on Mormon time.

Anyway, it was your typical small church gathering, or so it appeared, except that they closed the evening with a song to Joseph Smith and prayed using King James English. That song was quite uncomfy with me, and I wasn't so comfy there, though the people were nice.

My step-niece sings very well, and not just for a fourteen year old. She sang two songs a this meeting, which btw is why I was there. My step sister and her family are Mormons. Her husband is the current branch president.

Anyway, it's hard to understand how people believe these things, but then you will believe what you are raised to believe unless someone shows you otherwise.

Confessions of a Cyclone

2006-11-03T22:16:00.000-06:00

This evening marks the first time I've EVER:

gone to a high school football game NOT Russellville
attended a AAA high school game
worn BLUE (as all the Cyclones out there gasp in horror) to a game
sat in the "Band Parent" section
been in the press box

For those who don't know what just happened, I went to the Shiloh Christian high school football game versus Lincoln. Poor Lincoln was creamed 44-0, though admittedly it should have been worse were it not for a few rather nasty turnovers. Shiloh is my church's (First Baptist, Springdale) private Christian school. The team is now 10-0 and gets a bye week for the first round of play-offs. Go Saints! Can they go AAAA? Games are far more entertaining when there's a question as to who will win. While Russellville isn't known for having impressive records like Shiloh, you must realize that they are in a very tough conference. Almost all the teams are good, even Conway, though I admit that grudgingly.

Let it be known, however, that I went for the band. They have marching contest tomorrow and play for the president of the United States of America on Monday. Needless to say, that little band and their one and only band director are a little stressed right now, but I bet they'll do great.

As for me, I've never in my life been around caring people as I've seen lately. People at work and church have actually expressed their concern because I've been quite tired and a little ill lately. There's no way they'll ever understand how much that means to me.

One little interjection, then I'll leave you until next time. There are three people out there I wish more than anything that I could hug. They don't know it and don't realize why, but I appreciate them nonetheless...ok, so one of them NEEDS the hug. I'm not huggy by nature, but sometimes they are merited. There is much about people I don't understand that I wish I could, but realize it is unlikely that I will ever fully understand what comes natural to most.

Friday the 13th

2006-10-13T22:30:00.000-05:00

I'm tres stressed about one particular situation. I am friends with a mom and her daughter. (daughter is my age) This is fine and great, only I've been told I'm not supposed to have anything to do with the husband\father. Now, that shouldn't really be a problem, you'd think, considering my tendency toward guy-hating anyway, right? Well, first I can't help but run into him from time to time at church. Second, he's actually a very nice, respectable gentleman who'd probably be a good influence. Third, if that wasn't enough, he's yet another computer person, which of course is always good for the wanna be\may end up teaching (but that's beside the point) So...What I've been told is if he comes around to excuse myself. I've dealt with this until I'm just about to my "loca in la tete" stage. That expression, btw, is what I'm calling Franglish. Beware as I pick up Spanish that the three languages may begin to overlap. Anyway, this situation makes me quite sad and frustrated. I fear that I may end up pulling away from these two friends because I cannot handle having to avoid something I know to be a really great person.

*breathes*
Ok, if you are actually reading this, way to go! Meet me for dinner Saturday, 7pm, where ever you want to go, as long as it's in Northwest Arkansas, and not some place like James at the Mill.

Another question for you to ponder: Why do people date, when dating is probably the worst way to get to know a potential spouse? How often have you dated someone and tried to impress them? Tried to be someone you're not? Stretched the truth or hid something? I'm guilty of NONE of these. Why? Because I've never been in a dating situation. From my outside perspective, it seems better initially to get to know an individual through group functions. One can still talk to the other one on one, but there's the accountability of others around, there's not the pressure of the dating situation, and hopefully, you are more likely to see the person's true colors. For the record, I have no interest in EVER dating. If God wants me to marry someday, that's fine. He knows what's best for me far better than I do, but my preference would be to remain single. I will not let anyone set me up with a guy, nor will I ever go on a blind date. If anyone knows of a guy who's interested in me, he will get no where unless he can be friends with me first, and be honest about himself and his intentions. If he's too shy, someone can act as an intermediate, but no hiding things, alright?

I now have an answering machine. Now that I have DSL, one can call me at any time, though preferably not after 11pm or before 8am. Please leave a message if I don't answer.

5th graders are great. They're old enough to think critically, enjoy crafts, but are still small enough to mostly respect authority. *woo hoo*

I'm also looking to buy a house in Washington County, as close to Fayetteville\Springdale as possible. I really need at least an acre of land, but I only have about a $40,000 budget according to my mom who used to be in real estate.

Adventures in car

2006-10-07T17:48:00.000-05:00

Today, Mignon and I went on an adventure. Today was the Fayetteville Animal Shelter's Adoption Appreciation and Welcome Wagon, complete with food, games, and prizes, though we didn't win anything. We started by visiting Hobby Lobby, then the Fayetteville Farmer's Market, then a park, before finally going to the animal shelter. I did this so he wouldn't be stuck in the car so long all at once. He was the only cat both at Farmer's Market and at the animal shelter, and so made quite a few friends...and told a few dogs he didn't like being licked. He painted a picture which I may upload at some point, or you can simply come visit sometime! In the end, I opened my car door to put the picture in the car and for the first time ever, Mignon jumpped into the car, over the seat, and layed down in his carrier. As much as he fusses about the carrier, that told me he was ready to go home, so we left. I think we wore each other out this day.

And on a similarly important note....GO HOGS!!!! 27-10 over soon not to be #2 Auburn.

Random Babblings

2006-08-23T22:52:00.000-05:00

My mentor tired of mentoring me. I knew it'd happened a couple of months before she e-mailed me making it official. For those considering being a mentor to someone, I give these suggestions:
* Don't have most of your conversations via the internet.
* Show you care about the person you are mentoring, even if it's just sincerely asking how they are.
* If something bothers you about them, please discuss it with them in person, and suggest alternatives to whatever it is.
* Remember that you don't have to rely on yourself alone to mentor them.

Some time ago, a nice gentleman (early 50s in age) drove me home after pm church. This is someone I know, though not very well, so have no fear that I randomly accept rides from strangers. I know him to be trustworthy. He was concerned because there was rain in the forecast, it looked like it could rain at any moment, and I had walked to church and so was walking home. It's a very small thing, really, but to me it meant a lot. Here was someone who doesn't know me very well, and yet cared enough to take me home. In that short drive (less than half a mile) and the little that was said, he gained my respect. I needed that more than most people could understand.

Anyway, I'm set to transfer to the University of Arkansas in January. I now work in jewelery at Hobby Lobby full time. I've officially been a member of the FBCS orchestra four years. I co-lead a 5th grade Sunday School class. Between losing my mentor and some other things, I have no emotional strength left. I'm strong otherwise, but you may find I am at the moment unable to control my emotions as I should.

Kitty needs a home

2006-07-04T19:01:00.000-05:00

This adorble kitty is named Sunny D. He is currently at the Fayettville Animal Shelter and needs a home. I wish I could rescue him, but my apartment isn't big enough for two cats. Click on the picture for more information. He's two years old and highly recommended by one of the workers there.

I've now finished reading Through the Gates of Splendor. If anything it makes me realize that I would not be strong enough to do what those men did. They knew how dangerous their task was, and yet they went into it whole-heartedly.

Deep Questions

2006-06-30T18:05:00.000-05:00

I'm now in charge of cards and party at Hobby Lobby. I need to find a better paying job, but at least this will be interesting. It also includes cake decorating stuff, which will either be lots of fun or be the death of whatever spending money I might have.

Anyway, Here's a ponderous question for you: Why do people kiss? Having never dated anyone, and so kisses being limited to immediate family, and even that not much, I don't quite get it. Have you ever thought about how gross it might seem, especially if someone has bad breath or dips? Ewww! Ok, if you happen to have stumbled upon this blog and are reading this, even if it's months after I've written it, please post your ideas. A history of kissing, personal stories, theories, anything. Ready? Set? Ding!

Shock

2006-06-25T17:28:00.000-05:00

I'm not really sure how we are supposed to respond, but it was announced this morning that my church's minister of music is resigning and moving to Atlanta, Georgia. I don't know if people in choir had some idea it was coming, but I know we in orchestra had no idea. He'll be leaving after July. It's kinda scary to think about, really. I don't have much conact with him, other than Chris, our orchestra director, telling us that something's changed since last we rehearsed it. That reminds me. If you are anywhere near Northwest Arkansas next Sunday you should come to our Summer Freedom Celebration, 9:15am. I alway enjoy playing the patriotic music. Anyway, Buster's been there...18 years, I believe. I've been there almost four. This makes two important people who've been there forever leaving in the last bit, as our secretary retired a couple of weeks ago. Gosh. Amazing how quickly things can change.

Feline Pine!!!

2006-06-19T23:32:00.000-05:00

Yay! It's great to see someone comment. :) I doubt there's a perfect way to reach the lost, children or adults, and inevitibly some will come forward for the wrong reasons, but it's not for us to judge, only to reach out to others in whatever way God equips us to. I'm glad to be a part of a church that isn't afraid to do seemingly crazy things sometimes if it brings people who might not come to church otherwise.

My random comment for the day: Feline pine is great. I adopted my first indoor cat a few months ago, and have been using pine shavings which are processed into pellets. Having only limited experience with normal litter, I can't imagine it being better. This you can flush, AND the pine kills the odor. If I keep it scooped, I never have to completely empty the litter box. It's a little more expensive than normal kitty litter, but I think it's worth it for the flushability and odor-eating.

Learned something new today: I was on the Dean's List for this past spring semester. Woo hoo!!

I'm also anxiously awaiting my very own copy of la Sainte Bible, traduction de Louis Segond. I think that's the proper way of putting it. Anyway, as best as I can tell, it's the French equivalent of the English King James Version. I'd had no luck ordering one here, but a friend in Canada had no trouble finding one. Having studied French for four and a half years, I'd someday like to put my knowledge to good use. I have a Francais courrant version, which seems similar to our NIV, but it's falling apart, and I had really wanted a more standardly used translation.

Boggers unite! or something

2006-06-18T18:06:00.000-05:00

I bravely, or perhaps rashly, posted to one of the many blogs out there discussing the Southern Baptist Convention and its recent presidental election. I was a bit frustrated with them misrepresenting my church. I disagree with many of them, but I like that people have started communicating outside their own churches. I'll jump in and discuss with the best of them and maybe things will get better in the denomination...or I'll get flamed. Who knows?

Anyway, here's my bit of insanity: I wanna teach. Why? Don't know. My only though is it's a God-planted seed, but I sure can't see the path right now. Anyway, I'm having trouble finding a job, I'm struggling with NWACC to get things processed on my degree, and afraid to apply to JBU until I know that's set straight. Meanwhile, I still have the heart of a scout. I was a Girl Scout from first grade through high school. I earned both my silver and gold awards, though the paperwork was lost, and so there's no official record of either. There's no record for any of my troop, or any of my service unit for several years around my high school graduation. Anyway, I would like to be a part of scouting again, but feel perhaps I should support a new girls scouting movement, American Heritage Girls. I would like to see my church sponsor a troop, but our children's minister is currently occupied with our new building and doesn't seem interested in such a notion. Also, if an AHG troop is started, I would not want boys left out, and so would also encourage the start of a Boy Scout troop. I always have and still do have a great respect for the Boy Scouts of America, have worked with them some since high school, and even joined Alpha Phi Omega my second year of college. My hope is that in the not too distant future I can see these things come to pass, or at the very least I am allowed to help with what we now call a children's connection group...or Sunday School class as most people call them.

To those who might stumble across my blog: Be not afraid to speak your mind, but be also not afraid to hear the minds of others. Be strong in your faith, but not so hardened to be blind to correction.

Philosophies of the clarinet player

2006-06-15T00:22:00.000-05:00

So first if anyone doesn't know, my church's pastor ran for president of the Southern Baptist Convention and lost. I am a bit upset at how people have portrayed my church, but I'm not usually one to get into such arguments. It shows how many narrow-minded people there are, how easily numbers can be taken an any light one chooses, and how people can form opinions on too limited information. Anyway...

I now have a 1995 Buick Skylark, white with blue interior. I'm happy to have something that isn't a pile of junk, that's paid for, in my name, and has good insurance on it. :)

Now that I've been a member of my church's orchestra going nigh on four years, I've found that an experienced player can greatly benefit from being in such a small group. Being one of 35 clarinets in band growing up, I could rely on others to read through challenging music on the first or second try, allowing me to get it in my head and then play it myself. In this case, I've found I cannot rely on my fellows. There are generally at most four maybe five. I've been playing clarinet the second longest, and the other is now not at rehearsals, leaving me a bit of a mantle of leadership. People, if you're gonna play an instrument in a group, the best way to learn music is to ATTACK!!! Play it the first time, and if you mess up or get lost, maybe the director will hear and go over that section again. In the wise words of a former band director, paraphrased, "If your gonna make a mistake, make it loud." That's for REHEARSALS. In performances, if in doubt, leave it out. July 2nd, 9:15am is our Summer Freedom Celebration. I may end up with a solo by default, though my goal is to get everyone in the section playing those hard parts. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and so goes a group.

Gee, how'd it get to be 12:30am? *yawns* I blame my being up on the gentleman of 30 with whom I'd been discussing the Southern Baptist Convention. I wish everyone were willing to engage in such conversations. :) Be passionnate about your beliefs, but remember to give respect to those who disagree with you. We're all human, and someday you might be wrong. *gasp*

A part of the "degreed" population

2006-05-14T21:42:00.000-05:00

Am I supposed to feel smarter now that I've graduated with an Associate of Science degree? Graduation went well, though no one in NWA who knows me came...even most of my instructors from NWACC weren't there, other than my communications teacher. :( I don't know if an AS will help me at all other than to transfer back to the U of A.

A week ago yesterday, I went to Silver Dollar City. Yes, I'm quite addicted to that place, but at $60-someodd dollars a year to go as much as I want, I try to make it worth it. I went with three wonderful people, and no I don't just say that because they might accidently read this at some point. I enjoyed the trip but if you remember that day, it rained all day long and was a bit chilly. It was rather miserable weather, and I feel terrible that those people took me, as I'm 99% positive they wouldn't have gone otherwise, and fairly certain they didn't enjoy themselves. It was good for me to spend time with such good people, but I regret that they didn't enjoy the trip.

I still need another job ASAP. Suggestions anyone? I would prefer outside of food service/retail.

A friend from Canada is coming in a week...ok orginally he's from England, but lives in Canada. Anyway, he's never seen Arkansas. Suggestions of must sees/dos?

Yes, I was a good daughter and spent today with my mom.

After the Amish and before Graduation

2006-04-28T23:07:00.000-05:00

I'm graduating from Northwest Arkansas Community College with an Associate of Science degree on May 12, 7pm, performing arts building at Springdale High School.

I didn't have much fun visiting the Amish due to time, but the food was definitely good. The guitar recital wasn't as much fun as the first one, but I...survived...anyway.

I know of two people who could use some prayer for healing. As people might read this and know to whom I refer, I won't say, but two older ladies need prayer...like old enough to be most of ours' grand mothers...*grandmother*.

Things I can do that have little or nothing to do with my degree:
decorate cakes
calligraphy
web page design
basic computer troubleshooting
play clarinet and guitar
origami
basic French
touch the tip of my nose with my tongue
tie a cherry stem in an knot with my tongue

Guitar Recital

2006-04-19T23:33:00.000-05:00

One last post for the evening:

I have a Beginning Guitar Recital this Friday, April 21, 7:30pm Burns Hall in room 2303. Translation: That's the main Northwest Arkansas Community College building, in the Music lecture room. If you want to come and are afraid you can't find it, let me know. I'll be racing from a Sociology trip to have dinner with an Amish family so I can't pick you up, but maybe I could meet you at our meeting place.

I'll try to remember to report on the Amish trip. It should be quite interesting.

My car is wrecked, it was the other person's fault, but we're only getting $1,400, which will neither fix the car nor buy another one. :(

Neopets and other things

2006-04-19T23:25:00.000-05:00

Neopets is currently running a "minor" plot. The goal so far is finding the constellations of the twelve founders of a city that appeared after being "disappeared" for one thousand years. So far we've found eight of the twelve.

I've become addicted to Su Doku. Practically everyone forgot my birthday last week, but one of the few who didn't gave me a book of Su Doku. I've done nine easy or mild puzzles in the week that I've had this addictive little book.

I started going through a book called Building Dynamic Faith, by Jerry Falwell. Most of my church read this book in January, but I was unable to do so. My mentor and her husband both went through it, but she agreed to go through it with me again. I'm using his copy...she said I could keep it, but I don't feel comfortable doing so. That's a long complicated story, but anyway...Two weeks have gone by without us meeting because of work stuff on both sides and I've kinda lost interest. I know I need to read the book, but I probably need to be reading a chapter a day as is intended rather than every other day or so.

A month between posts...ouch!

2006-04-19T23:18:00.000-05:00

I apologize to anyone who might read my blog for my lack of posting. The end of a semester is just plain insanity, much like the insanity of World of Warcraft role playing. I'll start with that. So, first of all, I'm playing a 6th level gnome priest named Kitli. If you know anything about WoW, that combination is quite odd, apparently, just like me! Anyway, the group in general is quite an odd assortment, so it works. We have a night elf who's recently sprouted "devil wings," as many in the group are calling them. This has caused most of the group to be quite distrustful of the night elf. Kitli is wary, but realizes that the night elf is still remaining true to the group, has caused no more harm than had in the past, and has given her no reason to believe he would turn on the group thus far. I think you might compare her to Luke Skywalker believing there was still some good left in Darth Vader. Will the same hold true in this case? Only time will tell...

Everything I need to know about missions I learned coaching 4th grade basketball B team.

2006-03-19T21:05:00.000-06:00

This comes from my small group (Sunday School) class this morning, guest taught by Lon Vining. I found this interesting enough I wanted to share it with everyone. Two things he did with this team: First, he let every child have a chance to play no matter how bad they were. Second, they won their division championship.

1. Take a job you're passionnate about.
2. Cast the vision and do not waver from it.
3. Set high expectations.
4. Know the opposition
5. Stick to the fundamentals.
6. Develop the team, NOT just the stars.
7. Learn from other coaches.
8. Do whatever it takes to obtain your goal.
9. Stick with it to the end.

Happy March, peeps!

2006-03-07T20:18:00.000-06:00

After much going back and forth, I have now done what is necessary to get a course substitution, as it is called, and hopefully graduate with an Associate of Science degree in May.

My dad had a very mild heart attack last week. My mom is struggling with an allergic rash.

Lots of small stresses. Add those to normal school homework, not working enough, being emotionally confused about one person, and struggling to understand another...not much fun.

It's not all bad, though. My guitar class is going well. My cat is as rotten as ever, but highly entertaining. Be warned: He bites and scratches, but he's never left a mark. I think he just sees everyone and everything as a toy or a playmate. Suggestions? Taxes are filed. My communications class is teaching me a little bit of social skills.

I'm sure you all are well aware of my horrible social skills. I'm trying to improve, but I've found that finding normalcy is difficult, and learning to interact properly is quite a challenge. I've thoroughly frustrated my dear mentor, who cannot fathom why I have no desire to marry, and why publicly affectionnate couples make me uncomfortable. I'm not sure what to do.

ponderances

2006-02-25T21:27:00.000-06:00

What does it mean when you have this really bad feeling for no reason you can see? That happened earlier today, then not long ago after trying to talk to someone I know. It's quite stressful.

How many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll center of a Tootsie pop?

I desperately need to find another job. I'm not even making enough to pay bills presently.

I'm officially short one math/science class of graduating. Pray that I can successfully petition one of my classes that aren't currently counting toward graduation.

I feel like a failure. I cannot communicate to others what I am thinking. I have a mentor, but as wonderful as she is, even she doesn't understand me.

Cat Pic and other things

2006-02-08T20:16:00.000-06:00

This is Alexander Mignon Ladkahm the Great. He's my wonderfully sweet 2 year old cat. I'm sorry I'm not as good a photographer as I am other things. He's quite even-tempered, easy going, and all kitten boy.

My apartment is clean!!! People can come over now. o<]:-) I do quite miss people I've not seen in awhile. They marry and disappear on me. *sniff* Anyway, I'm rather a Neopets addict. If you are ever on neopets, I'm elfweenia. Drop me a line!

To rejoin my former Sunday School class, join another, or continue to be without one. That has been my question for several months. I don't know what to do, honestly. My...heart? still cares for certain people, though logic and everyone else tell me I should have nothing to do with them. I do not understand what I do. I do that which I do not want to do and do not do that which I want to do.

not a blog

2006-02-02T17:31:00.000-06:00

The only comment posted to this blog in the last month or so was an ad. I guess no one reads this, not that I blame them. I'm reminded of something said to me not long ago, "You're not worth the effort." I realize I'm emotionally far behind my peers. I realize that without others willing to make effort, I'll never be able to connect to others on my own. I realize there's always someone or something more important than me. I have a wonderful cat to keep me company. I suppose that must always be enough.

Random thoughts and a new cat

2006-01-29T16:21:00.000-06:00

I now share my apartment with Mr. Alexander Mignon Ladkahm the Great. He's 2 years old, and soo sweet. He goes by Mignon, which is French for cute. I will post a picture once I figure out how to get the flash on my digital camera turned on again.

Not long ago, I had the opportunity to interact with someone who's been more than a bit intimidating to me. I will not mention who, as anyone who knows this person would laugh at me. Anyway, I knew this was coming, and I was quite nervous. It's funny now, because in the short time I was around this person, I quickly saw why everyone I know speaks so highly of them. Am I still intimidated? A little, but not nearly as much so. :)

It's really nice having someone to come home to. Yes, he's a cat, but he actually likes me. He's currently asleep on the floor near my computer desk. He follows me everywhere and is sad when I have to leave. Awww. for those who don't know, here's his entire story:

I've wanted a cat for many years, but since first moving to NWA, I've never lived in a place that would realistically allow me to have one. Moving into my second apartment, my lease allowed pets, but a non-refundable deposit, plus an extra $50/mo was required. Not good. In moving to this apartment, the only stipulation is a $100 pet deposit, which may actually be refunded, depending on apartment condition. yay!

So, then it was a matter of saving for the pet deposit. I'd decided I would use my tax refund this year to get a cat. I figured I'd probably get back enough to pay for one, but that became unnecessary. One VERY wonderful person decided...or two? probably two...ok, thank you very much Mr. and Mrs. Merrifield!!! Anyway, I was very very surprised, but still wasn't sure how I'd actually pay for the cat, so I was still thinking tax refund. At that time, only a couple of weeks ago, I was also quite concerned about paying for my textbooks this semester. It was looking like at best they'd cost around $250 and at worst over $300. Well, two rather incredible somethings happened. First, as I've mentioned, was money for my books. Well, then I found 3 of my books for much cheaper than the used price...half or less, making my total for books around $125. That left just enough to get a cat.

So, this week I went to the Fayetteville Animal Shelter. Monday I found a sweet tan tabby named Tanner. I turned in my adoption application and went home to wait. Tuesday morning I received a phone call saying my adoption application was approved, they would give Tanner his shots and tests, and I could pick him up that afternoon. Excitedly, I bought stuff for him, leaving my phone in the car. I arrived at the animal shelter to learn that Tanner tested positive for Feline Leukemia, so I could not take him home. Sadly, I cried, but then went to find another cat. This time I found an orange tabby, also quite sweet, called Sam. I again said ok, and they began the same testing and vaccinations. Sam came back positive for Leukemia AND FIV. :(

Wednesday I received two phone calls from two different animal shelter workers about a third cat. Alex, as he was called, had knee surgery about 3 weeks prior for a luxating patella. Someone has applied to adopt him, but the adoption had fell through. Alex had already been tested and came back NEGATIVE, had been neutered, vaccinated, and was ready to go. I once again returned to the animal shelter Thursday to meet Alex. We went to their educational room and spent some time together. He explored the room a bit, then came up to me, jumped in my lap, and decided to go home. He looks a bit like Frankenkitty from his surgery, but the hair will grow back. He doesn't like riding in the car at all, and didn't even want to go outside with me this afternoon, but he's quite happy here, it seems. Anyone have a suggestion for a scratching post? I bought one with rope wrapped around it, but he won't use it. Also, he doesn't like having his paws messed with, but I need to trim his claws.

PTL

2006-01-18T19:39:00.000-06:00

Wow, talk about answered prayer. My car is falling part, BUT today in orchestra, I was given money for textbooks. I'd been a little stressed because I knew I didn't have enough to pay for them, but someone gave me more than enough. I don't know who, whether one person or multiple. It was just an envelope with money in it and a note that said,
"For your books
From: Jesus"
Wow. What else can I say? I found one of my books online for $11, and another for $34 that would have been $78 if I'd bought it at the campus book store. I don't think I've ever felt so blessed.

Penance for the long silence

2006-01-15T23:22:00.000-06:00

I really should post more. I did finish the cross stitch. Sadly, I did not get a good picture of it, so I can't post it here, but she did seem to like it. :)

Last Sunday, I quite fell apart. Acutally, it started that Saturday after reading an e-mail someone sent me. I've come to see my church orchestra as my family in NWA, but I was reminded by someone I care about that I'm not part of their family, and family will always come first. I accept that, but it came at a hard time to hear. The next day though, two other people in orchestra were a GREAT comfort. Two good hugs, and one who listened to me and then prayed over me. I'm very grateful God sent them.

I'm almost finished making rolled fondant roses for my final cake decorating course cake. It will be a two layer cake, the top 6" round by 4" thick, the bottom 10" round by 4" thick. It requires 38 roses, so I'm making 50 to be safe. I've finished 35 or so, but the rest I should finish in the next couple of days. Someone's taking a picture of it for me, as my digital isn't very good, as I've learned the hard way. They get the top half, then the bottom will go to my mom, "Evil" step-father, and their neighbors. After that, if anyone needs a cake made, I will be happy to make one for you at only the cost of supplies...at least until I get better at this.

Let's see...classes start next week, and I'm taking...guitar! Among other things, of course. I need a job. I have one, but I don't like it anymore. I've broken the 450 mark in cookie cutters thanks to KERRI!!!!! :) Still planning to par-tay at 500.

Please pray for a girl named Heather. She's early 20s, single, pregnant, and her parents want her to go in front of their church and repent. She's excited about the baby, of which I'm glad to hear, but plans to move in with her boyfriend. I wish I knew what to say to her, but that's the one subject with which I'm very uncomfortable.

Crazy Color Quiz

2006-01-13T20:32:00.000-06:00

I took this color quiz a friend sent me the link for. Here's my results:

Your Existing Situation
Insecure. Seeks roots, stability, emotional security, and an environment providing greater ease and fewer problems, but is either unwilling or unable to exert the effort.

Your Stress Sources
Wants to overcome a feeling of emptiness and of separation from others. Believes that life still has far more to offer and that she may miss her share of experiences if she fails to make the best use of every opportunity. She therefore pursues her objectives with a fierce intensity and commits herself deeply and readily. Feels herself to be completely competent in any field in which she engages, and can sometimes be considered by others to be interfering or meddlesome.

Your Restrained Characteristics
Becomes distressed when her needs or desires are misunderstood and feels that she has no one to turn to or rely on. Egocentric and therefore quick to take offense.

Your Desired Objective
Needs a peaceful environment. Wants release from stress, and freedom from conflicts or disagreement. Takes pains to control the situation and its problems by proceeding cautiously. Has sensitivity of feeling and a fine eye for detail.

Your Actual Problem
Needs to achieve a stable and peaceful condition, enabling her to free herself of the worry that she may be prevented from achieving all the things she wants.

Your Actual Problem #2
Does not wish to be involved in differences of opinion, contention or argument, preferring to be left in peace.

Missions Accomplished

2005-12-20T20:51:00.000-06:00

I now have my 2005 SDC ornament and my 2006 season pass and free passes. Woo hoo! Mind you, that was the least of my excitement for Sunday, just below the 6 new cookie cutters. Game of the day: I said something that day I'd never said before. Guess what I said and win a prize. Current cookie cutter count: 446. Par-tay at 500.

I'm still cross-stitching away. I know I'm making progress, but it still seems it will take forever. *grumbles* Well, I won't see the recipient again for 2 weeks? :( so I have some time to get it done. Maybe not enough time, but I'll make some serious headway.

I now have 4 scarves and hats on Runescape for doing the Christmas quests. I'm racing a new friend on Neoquest II. I'm playing on Evil mode, she on normal, as she's not beaten it yet. I've decided NQII is the best way to make neopoints, as you get 10,000 for beating on normal, 10000 during game play, plus a weapon that has some value, BUT if you then play on Evil, it's 30,000, and a weapon that's worth a few 100k. Insane! gives you 50k and a 1mil+ weapon, but you only get the weapon once. The best deal is to beat all 3, then play on Evil whenever you aren't sick of it.

Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe ROCKS!!!! I've seen it once, and that with a rather unexpectedly large group. Still haven't seen the new HP movie, but should tomorrow evening.

Thanks for the last comment. What's your e-mail? You definitely should come over sometime. :) I'm elfweenia at arkansas dot net.

Anyone have plans for New Years? I don't.

Question of the Day: You walk up to a hot dog stand. What do you buy and what do you put on it?

The air grows think with excited anticipation...

2005-12-13T23:30:00.000-06:00

less than 5 days until Silver Dollar City aka Steal your dollar city, aka steal your dollar silly? :) And I get to drive...does that mean I have license to drive those coming with me crazy? oh, please, do I?!?! I'll make sure I take some extra sweets for the trip home, since the park doesn't close until 9pm. If anyone's wondering, it's definitely worth the trip if you like seeing Christmas lights.

For everyone who missed my church's Christmas program, which is probably everyone who'd read this, maybe, you missed good stuff! I, of course, am completely biased, as I like anything where I get to play my clarinet.

What I've learned today: If you have new toys for your computer, a Windows XP system is your friend. If your computer crashes and dies, you are better off if you'd had a win 98 system.

And just for the Carl/Jeff's out there: Guess what I did around 1:35am Monday morning? Give up? I threw up all over the carpet. ewww! I was one very sick person Monday, and wasn't completely well today, but I'm better now. No more vomitting, no more headaches, but a few people who got on to me for working Monday. At least I know they care. Wow, it's really odd having people who care who aren't even related to me. Odd in a warm-fuzzy nice way. Like the Grinch...did you see the movie with Jim Carrey? Picture him at the end of that movie. That's kinda how I've felt lately. It's odd but nice. I just wish people who decided they couldn't put up with me any more could see me now. I'm not the person I was even a year ago. Woo hoo!!

Watch out Silver Dollar City!!!

2005-12-07T21:14:00.000-06:00

First, we must observe a moment of silence for the death of the Miller-mobile...

...

Ok, that's enough. Sadly, their car broke down and role playing will not happen this week. *sniff*

Anyway, I started cake decorating course 3 this week, woo hoo! In case it isn't obvious, I really do enjoy cooking/baking and other such things. My official statement is thus: If you would like me to make a cake for you, I'll do anything you want with it, (assuming the subject is rated g, please) if you will buy the supplies.

This Sunday is my church's Christmas program. It's not quite the major production it usually is, but it should still be great, 4pm, be there or be sad. Tonight was dress rehearsal, and a little caotic, but we usually have multiple full rehearsals, so I guess that's expected. Now this brings me to a rather...odd problem I seem to have. There's one particular person who...well, I see this person at church, I know people who know this person well, so I hear a lot about them, but alas, I've not had the chance to get to know them at all. I feel quite ackward around this person, though I know this is a perfectly nice individual. There's no particular reason for me to be so shy, other than not quite being sure if it's ok by the people I do know for me to get to know this person better...or at least be friendly. Ideas? Suggestions? Does anyone reading this know the person in question?

I have a Silver Dollar City season pass. This is my 3rd or 4th year. Yes, they are a bit expensive, but I think it's worth it. I'm going with two AWSOME people a week from Sunday, and more excited than I'm showing right now. 3 girls, one park, 2+ hours in a car one way, I'm driving, captive audience, cookie cutters...oooh, cookie cutters...Christmas lights...GOOD FUN!! If all goes well, I will also purchase my next year's season pass, and so have 3 free passes for next year. Over time I've tried to be careful with my free passes. I've chosen people who've never been to SDC before, people I would like to get to know better, wonderful, great people, completely insane people...sometimes it seems random, but every trip has been well worth the time and cost involved. It's not all about rides, food, music, or even cookie cutters ( I now have 436, including a 12 days of Christmas set ). No, it's about spending time with someone or people. As Christmas approaches, please remember it isn't about presents or food. Remember first why we even HAVE Christmas, then remember that it's the thought that counts, and sometimes your loved ones would rather just spend time with you than have some gift they may never use.

Hot Chili, cold weather, and...Mamasita?

2005-12-02T09:40:00.000-06:00

In case you haven't reallized it yet, I thoroughly enjoy cooking. I've now moved from a 1 bedroom apartment in Fayetteville to a 1 bedroom apartment in Springdale. Why? Because now I could walk to church and W-Mart if I wanted, and I'm closer to work and half of my spring classes, not to mention the rent is cheaper...anyway, yesterday was my first official meal cooked in my new apartment. It will take time adjusting to having an electric stove instead of gas, but that's ok. I made a nice double batch of chili for those I role play with on Thursday nights. It must've been enjoyed, as none was left by the end of the night. yay!

It's now cold here. No snow, sadly, but last Sunday it was nice, moderate weather, then high winds brought in a more seasonal cold front. brrr. Why do I say this? Because everyone was LATE last night and my chili and I were a bit chilly until the object of door opening was found.

Now here's a question: How can one have 7 moms in her lifetime, but only one dad? That's what I'd like to know. I have my real mom, of course, and she's great, but over the course of my 26 years there have been 6 other really great ladies who've been like a mom to me. Not all at once, mind you. That might be a little scary, having 7 ladies trying to take care of me all at once. But for anyone who might be confused, here's the rundown:
mom number 2 was "Yo Yo" Yates, the first leader for GS troop 235. I was friends with her daughter until they both left the troop.
mom number 3: "Snakey" Stancliff, my best friend through high school's mom and the assistant troop leader until we graduated high school. Her nickname came because she wouldn't kill snakes, and wasn't afraid of them, rather she caught and released them where they would do no harm.
mom number 4: was called mom number 3 because by that point Yo Yo was no longer part of the troop. Mrs. Dodson was the second troop leader to take over after Mrs. Yates left. We never gave her a nickname, but she stayed until we graduated. :)
mom number 5: Mrs. G as she was nicknamed, was my 8th grade science teacher. She's the first person I actually talked to about things, though our conversations never went very deep. I could NOT have survived those years of high school emotionally without her. For Mrs. Graham I say THANK YOU!!! I doubt she realized it at the time, though.
mom number 6 is an odd case. I first met her in 3rd grade as my music teacher, but it wasn't until I started taking clarinet lessons from her in high school that I came to know her better. It took a long time for me to relax around her, but in the end, she gave me my love of music, and I salute her.
mom number 7 is the only one of these with whom I have any contact now. It is difficult now, looking back, to understand why it took me 2.5 years to even talk to Melissa, but that's what happened. She's literally an answer to prayer.

I could not have made it this far without these 6 wonderful ladies. They have made a difference in my life. I hope everyone will realize both the value of your elders, and your own ability to make an impact on the younger generations.

I still wonder why there were never other "dads" in my life. I now wish there had been or could be. No offense to any guys who read this, but most of my life I have had a very bad opinion of guys in general. I know you aren't all bad, but it seems that way most of the time. I've never dated anyone, but I've heard enough horror stories to wonder why anyone enjoys dating. I've often been told that our view of God, our heavenly Father is greatly based off our relationship with our earthly father. I love my dad, but if this holds true, it greatly explains my shortcomings in spiritual growth and faith.

It looks like no one reads this...

2005-11-13T19:50:00.000-06:00

but I will try to be more diligent in posting anyway. Updates on me: I am moving the end of the month to another apartment. I have registered for classes for the spring semester.

There is an almost 2 year old who seems to have taken to me. I do not understand why. Yes, I would vote him the number one almost 2 year old on the planet, but what causes him to like me? For two weeks he's come up to me and wanted to sit in my lap. Of course this is fine, but I am at a total loss. I've had very little experience with young children. Anyone have insight on this?

I detest romance novels and I quite dislike the romantic comedy genre of movies, but real life tells a different story. When I was young, I remember old couples...ok, for those of you reading this, old by my definition is over 70. If you are at least 70 you have earned that right, and I have great respect for you. Anyway, what has always touched me even in my strongest guy-hating days was those older couples who so love each other you can tell simply by looking at them. Seeing older couples holding hands to me is far more meaningful than anything fiction can tell. I've never desired to marry because I have been afraid that I would repeat the mistakes of my parents, and because I had no perception of what God intended for marriage. The last few months I've had the priviledge of getting to know someone who's not even that old and yet have that wonderful Godly marriage that I fear I will never begin to understand. Some people are simply created for one another. We live in a world that doesn't know how to be patient. People see marriage too lightly. Divorce is entirely too common. People marry for the wrong reasons. Why? Marriage should be a life-long commitment. It should NOT be taken lightly. I know singles who push themselves so hard trying to find that perfect someone, but I say it is better not to marry than to marry the wrong person. For singles out there, please let God choose your mate. If you don't believe in God, I pray you one day will. For anyone who is married, I pray that you do not consider divorce as an option. For those who've been married longer than I've been alive, I salute you. May you all be the "cute old couples" if you aren't already.

Wow! Someone actually posted!!!

2005-11-01T19:14:00.000-06:00

Nope, the blog's not dead. I just got busy and forgot to post. So in the last month and a half I've now completed the second cake decorating class, I went to a wedding...ok, everyone should be WARNED that I don't do well with weddings. It's hard to explain, but it messes me up for a couple of days and anything I say is probably going to be really negative and dumb...anyway, that was Saturday, so today I am back to normal.

I still play RuneScape, but now it's not as exciting as a non-member, because I've done all but two of the quests and have learned how to do pretty much everything, but it's still pretty good.

I'm moving at the end of this month, so I may be sparse in posting, but I won't let it permantly die.

Oh, and role playing WoW with friends ROCKS!!! I'm a gnome priest named Kitli and quite enjoying it...if only I could level up my diplomancy some more and take charge... *lol*

More later

Runescape Rocks!

2005-10-03T22:49:00.000-05:00

well, actually, it's rather lame if you aren't a member and aren't like level 60, but I'm trying. My highest level is in mining...27 and lowest is 2 in archery. After getting my melee attacks up to 20 or better, I don't like shooting arrows to infinity at puny monsters trying to up my ranged attack. go figure. I need real live people in offline role playing. Are we on for Thursday? I'll be free after 4:30 or so.

Sunday night music was fun stuff. It seems to have cured my asthma...for the moment, at least.

Where are we playing? What are we doing? Should other people be allowed in on the fun? If we die, do we get set back to the starting town with nothing but the weapons we were using when we died?

Carl's coming state-side! Woo hoo!!!

Are we going to go watch "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" as a group? if so, will it be a midnight showing or a first day showing and where?

Anyone else found this yet?

Oh, and getting out and doing thing with people who don't hate me seems to be a good thing. Couldn't imagine why, but I definitely look forward to dinner at church and orchestra rehearsal on Wednesday, then a day of helping at Shiloh on Thursday. I've been told that I'm quite helpful, but often it doesn't seem so. But I do realize any help, however small, is still help.

Cake Decorating again and other stuff

2005-09-28T23:52:00.000-05:00

I have officially completed Wilton Cake Decorating Course 1, and even have a nice certificate to show for it. I will start Course 2 in two weeks, hopefully. I enjoy it, but my hands are a little shaky, and I need to practice more.

I want to Role Play with Jeff and Lisa and whoever else! Tell me when and where!!!!

I'm quite addicted to RuneScape, though I wish I could be a member. I think I will become a chef in the game. yeah!

Being lonely and depressed is not fun. I realize I have some serious issues and pretty much no one wants to deal with them. Unfortunately, most of those issues are only made worse by the fact that almost no one wants anything to do with me. I've been a bit stand off-ish toward a really nice person because I'm afraid she will tire of me also.

Helping at Shiloh is great. I am learning a lot about computers and about people's computer literacy levels.

My church is having a night of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs this Sunday at 6pm. Everyone should come if you have nothing else to do. It'll be great. I'll be there happily playing my clarinet in orchestra.

The Adventures of me, Part II

2005-09-18T20:05:00.000-05:00

To soothe my poor suffering Razorback pride, my mom and I went to Silver Dollar City today. Woo Hoo! And for anyone who wants to know, you can buy a season pass for $65ish. Sound like a lot? Buy it in December. You get to go all the next year as many times as you want, AND you get free passes to bring friends along. If you go during 4 of the festivals, you also get a pewter ornament at Christmas time. Anyway, that meant mom got in free, and I ended up with some really nice stuff...cookie cutters and a puzzle jewelery box made in Vietnam, among other things.

*vents*
The single adults at my church are entirely too indecisive. They spent over an hour debating whether or not to play volleyball Thursday night. I finally left at 8:30 all frustrated. In the end they played one game...leaving around 9:30 when they were supposed to start at 7. Go figure. What does this mean? It means role playing would be the perfect excuse to get me away from these people! I sometimes work as late as 8pm or so, but not always. I'm in, Ding! They're nice people, really. I care about them, but they seem to be excluding me most of the time. If any of you find this, and you know who you are, I really do want to be a part of the group, but people need to learn to make decisions, and at least act like you miss people when they aren't around.
*end of venting*

Ok, so three great awesome people read this blog. Does anyone else yet? I don't know. Oh, and I downloaded the Everquest II trial, but it's going to take like 98 hours to download everything. help!

Have I mentioned the two really incredible people at my church enough yet? If anyone wonders how God intended marriage/parent-child relationships to be, you should meet these people. I mean that as a COMPLEMENT, if either ever reads this. I've been lacking that in my life. To have the privilege of getting to know Melissa and Bill has been more than an answer to prayer. :)

Oh, and I finished getting the tablet pieces, and I've defeated Terask II again...making the 4th time in all.

Mappin' a temple

2005-09-16T22:08:00.000-05:00

So, I'm a little ADDICTED to Neopets. Right now there's a plot going on in the Lost Desert and you have to find pieces of a tablet, then read it and some stuff...you have to do things to find parchments which tell you which door in the Temple of 1000 tombs to enter to find a tablet piece...I've mapped this place and there's like 100 rooms each with 5 doors or passageways. You can only enter the temple once every hour unless ...
ok, anyway, it's been fun so far. I like it better than some of the other stuff they've done, which was either insanely expensive or required killing lots of virtual monsters with your virtual pet.

Cake Decorating class was hard this week. I can't seem to make a nice looking shell for some reason. I must practice...I must practice...

I really want to role play again, but I never know what night I'll be free, so pick a night and let me know! If I'm free, I'll be there with bells on, or maybe a potion of random musical instrument, or wand of lightening bolt...

BTW, I collect musical instruments, (especially odd random ones) cookie cutters, (I have 420) and wooden puzzles.

The adventures of me, part I

2005-09-13T14:55:00.000-05:00

It seems posting about every 2-3 days is good for those who seem to be reading it...at least for getting responses, anyway. I've had quite a bit happen since my last post, so here goes:

So Sunday, one of my fellow orchestra members talked to me after pm church. That's odd of itself, as I don't know him very well - he's a trombone player, all brass sit on the opposite side of the stage. It was an unexpected blessing, though, as he asked about my job situation and picked up on the fact that I'm considering elementary special ed after college. No, I'd not mentioned this before to much of anyone.

Another really wonderful person I know in orchestra - oboe player, and I know her better than the other one - left for Laurell, Mississippi to help with the disaster relief effort down there. She's part of the second team from my church to go, each one staying about a week. An interesting thing happened to me yesterday: I met a lady who's two sisters and mother are staying with her after the hurricane. She lives in Northwest Arkansas, but her family is from Laurell, Mississippi. What a small world we live in.

This morning I helped out at one of the disaster relief shelters in Siloam Springs. Of all the things I could have ended up doing, I helped people register online with FEMA. At least I was in the only air-conditioned building there. I was a little cold, but met some great people.

Now I'm at home until cake decorating class tonight, which should be fun, since we are finally playing with icing, not just watching. How does the blog look, everyone? I'm working on this and my neopets user lookup before I eventually start rebuilding my webpage. I'm more for form than function so people can tell I really do know how to design a website.

Be true to who God created you to be...

2005-09-11T13:45:00.000-05:00

Does anyone really know me anymore? I've spent so much of my life trying to please others, hiding things that are part of who I am, and forcing things that are not. I've neglected many of my hobbies for the sake of "fitting in," at which I failed miserably.

Now that we've settled the point I'm not doing THAT anymore, the picture you see here is one of a few I will post over the next week or so that I like. It's American Gothic, a painting I happen to like for it's down home feel, combined with the 3rd greatest musical instrument God ever created. Note: I play clarinet, but alas, it is 3rd, under the bagpipes and oboe.

Spyware is evil incarnate...

2005-09-08T22:25:00.000-05:00

I've been helping out at one of the local schools with computer stuff. Yesterday there was a computer someone asked the regular computer people to fix. Apparently this is a family computer, all the children use it unsupervised, and at least one of them visit some rather...interesting websites...needless to say, it was practically dead from spyware, viruses and other stuff. Now, I have to wonder what caused shortcuts to be linked to open Windows Media Player which was so corrupted it wouldn't load at all, but you couldn't reinstall it because of another problem...we removed 114 adware/spyware items, and it still isn't working well.

Moral of this story: don't let children, particularly teenage boys run amok on the internet...and keep ALL of your computer's CD's so if it DOES happen, you can format the harddrive and start over. Believe me, it's a LOT simplier than trying to go through THAT mess.

The joys of cake decorating

2005-09-06T20:38:00.000-05:00

Today, I started learning to decorate cakes. Why would I want to do such a thing, you might ask? Because I like baking, and if I'm going to make a really good tasting cake, then it should look nice, too. Anyway, my mom's paying for it, so I'm not complaining. If you know me and would like me to make you a cake in the distant future, I just might. Let's see how well I do in the classes first, though, ok?

A warning to my readers: Don't give me, "the KJV is the only real version of the Bible". I'll argue with you until you are blue in the face. I'm not anti-KJV, mind you. I grew up on it, but most people don't understand it well, and I think a person should read what they can understand. Do you want to learn Hebrew and Greek or Aramaic just so you can read the Bible in its original version? I don't think so, unless you're odd like many of my wonderful friends, but anyway...Just as an aside, I prefer the New King James Bible because I like how it is worded. I don't like how the NIV sounds reading it, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good translation.

Oh, and I can finally breathe again! My dad basically made me go to the doctor, who gave me a perscription for an albuterol inhaler. Much better than Primatene Mist, which Carl says is like inhaling acid.

Strange things are happenin' to me....

2005-09-04T21:52:00.000-05:00

or my blog, in any case. Well, if jm needs an e-mail addy he can take my standard online nickname at the state we live in . the thing you catch fish in.

Now, I do wonder who these strange people are...no, Jeff and Carl don't count; I know them. :P

Anyway, my advice for today is always stay on the good side of the Lion...and don't EVER try to grow up. Growing up is just wrong. You can't help your physical age, but that doesn't mean you have to be a stick in the mud. Having fun is not a crime unless what you are doing is a crime, but that shouldn't be fun anyway.

I can definitely say The Chronicles of Narnia will make you think. If they don't, you should have your head examined.

Not your everyday phone booth user

2005-09-03T20:35:00.000-05:00

This is how you get rid of people wanting to use the phone...and door to door solicitators...

Note: The Cantina prize department has been unable to begin disbursement of prize to one j.m. due to a lack of valid mailing address. If j.m. is able to provide such information to the proper e-mail address, his prize can begin to be awarded in a timely manner.

That is all.

Good job, Jeff Miller

2005-09-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

He seems to be the first person to find my lame little blog. Congratulations, Mr. Miller, you've won the adoration of your friends, thousands in Monopoly money, paid at $1/year for thousands of years, and a vacation in Narnia...if you can find it...oh, yes, and I am reading those books currently. Can you believe I'd never read them before now? No, I don't know what rock I crawled out from under...:P

Anyway, I've been given the task of brainstorming for a website, and learning Flash, Dreamweaver, and any other goodies I find learning guides for on this learning site I've been given access too. Woo hoo!

Oh, and asthma is EVIL! Down with ASTHMA!

So it begins...

2005-08-30T14:36:00.000-05:00

As an aspiring computer geek...web developer, it has been brought to my attention that I should have something to show as an example of my capabilities. Furthermore, it has also been told to me countless numbers of times that I should keep a journal. I do not have any desire to journal, nor do I want to have a personal website; however I shall do both in conjunction with one another. Keep in mind that my personal website is primarily for form and not for function. If you want to know more about me...trust me, you don't! But if you do, there might be some stuff on said website eventually. For now, this will keep you updated on that, and on stuff up with me. Good luck finding this blog. Oh, and if you do, please tell me. This is also a test of how fast information gets spread. Bienvenue!