Not the normal pleasantries

I wrote a two page blog post.

It's gone now. The computer kidnapped it.

I might just cry.

or write it again.

The Christmas Spirit of Giving.

"Tis better to give then to receive."

I need to buy a camera. This camera: Canon Rebel XTi. It costs approximately $700. We currently are about $700 dollars away from our goal.

In the spirit of the holiday I'm offering you a chance to give.

*I accept any amount, but we have special categories you can reach + receive benefits (listed below). Please consider becoming a:

$10--"Bronze Benefactor"
--I write you a thank you note.

$25--"Silver Star"
--I write you a thank you note.
--If I get my camera I will take your picture, post it on my blog along with your name on the "Lucky Star" wall of fame.

$50--"Gold"
--I write you a thank you note.
--You are gold
--Your picture + name appear on my blog on the "Gold" wall of fame.
--When I get my camera I take a picture of you, professionally print it and give you a copy with my signature to cherish forever (for all time).

If you give over $50, you reach the status of "Life Hero"
--All of the above, and,
--Once a year for 5 years I change the name of my blog to "Thank you, (your name here)!"
--In the span of the next 2 years, twice a year I dedicate a long post to you, my Life Hero.

Contact me for more information or to learn how you can get on the monthly donation plan.

Merry Christmas.

I'm tired of being sick.

morning musings

"In ten minutes a creepy man is going to rob our house." Luke told me.

After this startling revelation Luke went on to explain why. He informed me that he had seen a creepy man in a truck ride around our neighborhood TWICE.

"...and now the guy has seen mom and Hope leave..." he said in a matter of fact tone.

I started laughing. So much so that I ended up in a heap on the floor.

After this fit of laughter I went back over to the computer and sat munching thoughtfully on my pineapple.

Luke starts pointing out the bay window. "ANNA--the truck is in the driveway!!!" he shouted dramatically from the kitchen. His expression was one of of shock. My heart did a thump thump and a jump. I sat in fright for a few seconds until...

I saw Luke's face. He started laughing at how he had scared me.

I went to my room and as I was walking back out to the kitchen I heard knocking at the door. I don't know why a robber would knock. But, I jumped a little thinking it might be the guy. Luke started laughing as he stopped knocking. He laughed at me.

I'm just waiting for him to do something else...

I'm prepared now.

---------------------------------------------------------

Luke and I both don't like to answer the phone. So, Luke said we should take turns. Thus, Luke answered the first phone call and I was SUPPOSED to answer the second one. However, I kept laughing for no apparent reason. It's been like that all day. I finally picked the phone up and was about to say hello when Luke made a loud, obnoxious sound. I started laughing and hung up on whomever it was. Then the phone rang again and I tried to control my laughter...but, to no avail. So, Luke answered. He says I have to answer the next two phone calls.

I am hoping no one will call.

abcds.

I made it through my classes.

Unfortunately, I've proven it over and over again that I'm a real dumb dumb at taking tests. I cannot interpret what the teacher is asking in multiple choice questions. I absolutely fail when it comes to answering those things. I can get all the problems done perfectly, but, when I have to circle a, b, c, or d I panic. If it is NOT termed the way I remember it I lose it and don't sit and think about it critically. I just get all sweaty and wonder when we covered that certain material. It must have been that day they secretly met without me. The thing is...the teacher isn't trying to trick me. But, I get it into my mind that she is messing with the words just to confuse me. Ugh. I'm so horrible at multiple choice IT actually is funny [in that pathetic sort of way].

For instance, if in my notes I had written: Yellow + blue = green

and the question on the multiple choice asked: Green = what two colors?

I'd get it right. Because that's a really easy question. But, you see how they are phrased differently? That's what messes with my mind. Plus, how teachers will throw in words like "veraciously." I'll concentrate so much on that one word, I neglect what the question is asking.

It's frustrating because I know the material. Dang it. If it weren't for multiple choices--I'd be scoring hundreds on all my tests.

Unfortunately, I'll have to settle for something in the nineties.

my favorite color of fall

...and you said I know that this will hurt

but if I don't break your heart then things will just get worse

If the burden seems too much to bear

Remember

the end will justify the pain it took to get us there.

-Relient K lyrics

I found an enchanted forest today. Colorful leaves carpeted the ground and a chilly wind swept through the woods. Rusted bridges led me across murky waters and various miscellaneous activities lined the edge of the nearly forgotten path. I spun upside down on some chains, crossed monkey bars brown with age, climbed the rope leading up into a tree and laughed at the signs indicating how you were supposed to go about each "challenge." The first one was a Leg stretch. Instructions: Bend over and touch your toes. Mmm.

Six days, Faith. Six days.

hurried seconds

Another crazy Sunday night for the procrastinator. It just means a little less sleep and a lot more stress. Although, this weekend I have had ample amounts of excuses to defend my lack of studying. Including three parties [the first one I decided to miss because I knew I should study instead].

It was good to see familiar faces on Thursday night. My sister came home for the weekend and we went out to eat at La Tol Teca. In addition, that same night, I played pick-up volleyball at Bennet. It has become a much anticipated thing, for me, over the few years I've played there. In the fall through the winter the school lends out its gym to anyone who wishes to show up and play co-ed, pick-up volleyball. To my delight I'm normally one of the youngest there. Over the years the same people come out to play with a few newbies trickling in every once in a while. Unfortunately, there are multiple people missing this year, including Sarah. Consequently, a missing person [a very good friend] can make it sad.

But, oh--I love volleyball. Thursday nights are still fun.

As for Friday night--I went to the 2nd party. It was a smashing surprise. I spent the majority of the day happily driving around helping set it up. I enjoyed the company of my friend. We played extreme dodge ball on an indoor soccer field: parents included. Some of the men were getting quite competitive + a good many of the guys had excellent throwing arms. In comparison I really stink at throwing. When I throw a ball it goes a few feet and then weakly hits the ground with a dull and pathetic thud. Yes, it is quite sad. But, I can dodge and catch. So, that works.

I worked 8-4:30 on Saturday then picked up some friends, bought some clothes hangers to roast marshmellows on and headed to the 3rd party. As for today: Church, lunch with the family, and then accounting homework. Now excel and later on tonight macro and English.

See? I was and am slightly busy.

Nevertheless, complete all my work I shall.

Time doesn't stop moving.