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.

Time.

Last night my thoughts wouldn't shut off, my light bulb burnt out and I slept with my socks on. All of which are relatively abnormal. During school days it doesn't take much for me to fall asleep. Normally I'm just thankful to get five hours. However, last night stress was prevalent, and evident, but excitement exceeded both. There is always something to look forward to; even when the present is so hard to get through.

My lightbulb burnt out because I keep it on almost 24/7. I love the light--it exposes the dark.

I never sleep with my socks on. That was very bizare...I can't explain that one. But, then again...I don't really care to know the answer. It's not important.

This blog post is jumping. My thoughts are still scattered. I'll write one more random thought and then go attempt to pursue something with a little more order.

Recently I've trained myself into the habit of ironing my clothes. I don't mind trucking downstairs with a shirt or two or perhaps some pants. The result is worth the time it takes. It just makes it better. Almost like the satisfaction of clean sheets.

Life has a way about it and I just have to continue on, wending my way down its path. The warmth that lingers on an ironed shirt, the replacement of a light bulb, or the way a leaf will fall almost as if it is dancing... can most definately help. Sometimes the little things are the things that get me through.

Climbing bridges.

photograph by: annie

It's very cold inside today.

...and besides that little fact...I haven't much to say.

thoughts...

As time goes on it seems more and more difficult to say goodbye. I treasure the moment s leading up to a farewell--but, hate the actual "goodbye." Loving someone leaves my heart so entirely vulnerable. I absolutely detested watching Sarah, whom I hold in such high regard, slowly disappear as I walked through security and on to gate number 43. I didn't try to find her with my eyes once I was through. I was afraid of the tears that were threatening to escape.

As we took off I watched in memorized awe as the mountains drifted on past. I wondered whether the couple sitting next to me was even half as disappointed as I was to leave. They were working on a crossword puzzle and did not even glance out the window at the beautiful land that was passing beneath us. When we arrived in Denver, three days before, I couldn't see the mountains because it had been late in the night and the darkness had hidden the bumps on the ground. It had been my mission to find them the next day. I had eagerly pointed them out with a hop+ a bounce saying "I see the mountains. Oh look! The mountains..." And now, as the plane took off, I found them again. That's when I cried. But, very little--the couple next to me seemed to be having such a good time with their crossword puzzle. I wouldn't have wanted to interrupt their game with loud weeping. I'm sure that could be rather disturbing.



It wasn't the sight of the mountains that made me so sad, although that certainly attributed. I loved Colorado; it's a beautiful place. The coolest; near to perfection. But, it was the people I had further begun to know, learn about and cherish that made the place what it was. I looked ahead a couple rows and saw Annie's head pressed against the plane window as well. I was glad one of my friends was coming home with me. But, I had left two.


I'm so very glad I was able to travel with annie to Colorado. It was one of the best trips I have yet to experience. annie was wonderful company; a perfect traveling companion. It has been fun finding out how similar our tastes are. Except, she doesn't like green beans. But, I'll forgive her for that grievous mistake because she pumpkin tasty things, loves looking at the sky, reading good books, taking amazing pictures, laughing at memories, valuing God above everything, listening to Christmas music and sharing her enthusiasm with me. Annie and I have grand adventures no matter the circumstance.


I have a myriad of memories to share with her now. and I am very very very thankful for them.
Leaving was sad. Very sad. I dreaded coming back home and falling once more into the routine of school. On the flight home the burden seemed to dramatically fall with a BIG thud on my shoulders as I studied frantically for a test I had to take at eight the next day. I feel as if I get so easily discouraged by family, friends, strangers, circumstances. In Colorado it was...different. Life seemed to become what it was meant to be--alive. I know why. Little detour right now...stick with me and you may read some sort of sense in all of these words. I'm trying. (:

I'll state the obvious: God is all that matters. When I take my eyes away from Him the world seems to cave in and swallow me up. For instance, this weekend we went hiking. Half-way through the hike I began to think about departure, leaving sarah...etc. I had had the most fantastic time in the span of 24 hours and I was overcome with a surge of hopelessness at leaving it all. Thus, I grew aggrivated w/ myself and intimidated by the lives of the people surrounding me. Sometimes I wish I could be half the people they are. That's what's so incredible, you see, these lives shout something more to me. Just looking at the past few months and what God has done in their lives is awe-inspiring. I'm so very happy for Sarah and the way God has made it clear that Colorado was the right move. But, during the hike I let that leave my mind and I dwelt too heavily on the sorrow when I could have looked at the joy.

When I get sad I don't feel like talking to many people. I'd rather just be stubbornly silent. So, I was. I'll steal a quote in order to relay how I currently feel: "I regret that from the deepest part of my tiny heart" because it wasted precious time. I could have looked at the good things.

Which, is why Colorado was so great. The people I was with looked at the good things. They had THE best thing in mind at all times + didn't hesitate to ever share it. Their lives are examples of Christ to me. Sarah is content in the bad and good times. I'm very bad at that. I'd rather party while life is going my way and hide in a hole when the world seems to be against me.

Christ remained the center in this trip. That's why it was so great. He blessed us. immensly. Even though I was selfish and acted like a loser...He gave me this weekend to remember.

Sarah Meadows is my wonderful friend. She's taught me and continues to teach me. Annie is my beautiful friend who has stood beside me and continues to stand beside me. I got to be with these two really cool people this week.

and I can't help but smile at the many, many good things that happened...
this is not the end. it's just the beginning. We have an eternity left to spend together(!)
photography by: annie

"Anything that tastes like pumpkin is delicious."-annie

It's the day of the dead today.
We went to several "Day of the dead" parties and/or art exhibits. Annie says we had "The time of our lives."

We forgot our face paint. But, nobody else did.

We also saw an old couple riding a steel, fire breathing crocodile across the street. They honked the horn and the tail scraped "like nails on a chalk-board" on the pavement as they maneuvered into an alleyway.

We went to the Denver art muesum where Annie was apparently previously informed of the artists' styles as she blended right in with one of the exhibits. Plaid. Unfortunately, she later ruined her matching outfit while over exerting the range of shoulder motion while playing volleyball in the squishy grass. However, we captured a few pictures of the phenomenon before the untimely expiration of her dress occured.

I also found out what the "coolest thing in the world" is. Have you?

We love it here.

fyi...they're is a 2 hour time difference. annie does not respond to babysitting requests at six o'clock in the morning. Stop calling. On the other hand, I do respond to text messages. If I think you're cool enough.

goodnight.
Tomorrow is national "Sandwich Day."
We have big plans.