Just Fiddlin' Around

falling up

2009-10-04T00:39:00.002-04:00

falling down, looking up
wandering, unbeknown
in this, too, there is purpose

freedom.

keep it silent,
veiled.

into a sagacious void, i vault.
land not. look back?
never.
plunge

Running in Circles with Pitchforks

2009-08-01T00:57:00.003-04:00

Life often feels like that.

Found a New Comic Site

2008-11-22T18:57:00.001-05:00

Webcomics by girls. Woot!

http://www.katebeaton.com/Site/Welcome.html

When Music Goes Belly Up...

2008-09-12T22:24:00.002-04:00

The realm of music with Christian influences is vast, and many aspects aren't worth mentioning because...well...they're too corny and overtly 'Yay Jesus!' for my taste. This video is worth bringing up, if only because it is the *WORST* Christian song I've heard. Ever. Really. http://www.alittleleaven.com/2008/09/jesus-is-a-frie.html

Crimes of Thought

2008-07-31T02:14:00.003-04:00

Chem class is done for the summer. I am so thankful that it wasn't murderous. Now three weeks to chill. What I will do exactly remains uncertain, but I like living life in a less-planned fashion.

I'm packing up my apartment and preparing to move. Just started that whole ordeal tonight. Being an oddball freethinker at times, I have these late-night bursts of contemplation. They usually come as I wash dishes. Since I've neglected to handle that task for admittedly too long, I've had a chance to think over some stuff that's been floating around my rusty innards (forgive the Star Wars quotes...they're second-nature).

I keep struggling with a lot of the same issues. Trusting fully and completely in God. Letting Him handle the details. Not flipping out about things that He's got under control. So when I read Oswald Chambers' devotional for today (July 31, 2008), it resonated with my heart's internal processor. "Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" —James 1:4. http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php God is always showing me that I should be more patient. It's humbling. Sufficed to say God's still making a lot of things more clear over time even though the epiphanies feel quite slow in coming.

I've been posting way too much crud about myself here, though, so this is turning into more of the fabled LiveJournal entries Randall Munroe has cartooned about than anything resembling a post worth reading. Thinking: Quick! Mention something about little green men, bologna golf or Madonna for a laugh.... Sorry. I typically fail when it comes to being humorous.

Apparent Wise-dom

2008-07-10T01:25:00.003-04:00

Well, I'm a bit confused about life in general. But allow me to post a list of the few things that I do hold to be true under all circumstances:

-People are always people. We're never far from corruption, temptation, despair or insanity (maybe that's just in my case). There's really nothing we can do about this one, even when we try to control everything or make life perfect. Guess it's a good thing God's in the picture.

-Cheese should not be left in the refrigerator for longer than 2-3 months. Scientists have proven this to be an accurate figure. After 60 or so days, the mold colony will move out and head to your living room.

-Life is best lived by those who aren't afraid to get bloody knees on occasion.

-If you're addicted to web comics, it's only a matter of time before you start your own.

Less is More Sometimes

2008-06-30T14:50:00.002-04:00

Instead of boring you all with a blow-by-blow account of what I've been up to lately, allow me to provide you with a couple of visuals:

we celebrated Pete's 20th b-day with pals and Pixar...

This guy amazes me...especially breaking into a jazzed-up version of a Michael Jackson tune mid-jam.

Of corn starch and other oddities

2008-05-27T01:06:00.003-04:00

In a recent, random science experiment, Graham and I had fun exploring the more amusing properties of cornstarch. This substance inspires some awesome possibilities for adventures to come.

This video is pretty dry, but if you get about a minute and a half in, there are some really creepy frames of finger-like cornstarch formations. Who knew?

I'm sorta bummed because my 3.5-week summer vacation is just about to end. I've been having fun hanging out, jamming, having adventures and such with cool people. I haven't written in a while because I've been "on assignment," taking a much needed break from the humdrum existence of the college crunch. My new jobs are going ok (though I now know for certain that food service is not something I wanna do for the rest of my life!!!). Chemistry class starts Wednesday (which is tomorrow, I guess). Well, I've still got an extensive to-do list for the summer in the realm of adventures to be had. Frisbee, biking, late night walks, movies, music and reading are all part of the plan. I've actually started playing my violin again recently. I'll never be Joshua Bell or Paganini, but I am so thankful for music. It's one of the ways I can unplug from the insane world around me. I'm debating making room in my apartment for my drum set. I don't really think my neighbors would appreciate that, but I gotta play. I've soooo been missing my skins lately.

One of the areas God's been challenging me in lately is that of trusting Him with every aspect of my life. It's been amazing to watch Him work in the details of plans and relationships. I went through my prayer journal briefly this weekend and realized I had asked God to make my summer plans clear. He's done all that and more, and the summer's only just getting underway.

If you search for the word "trust" in the NIV translation on Biblegateway.com, several cool passages pop up:

Job 15:31
Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return.

Psalm 9:10
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 37 has some of the most encouraging things to say about trusting in God:
1 [a] Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.

9 For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.

11 But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy great peace.

12 The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them;

13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows their day is coming.

14 The wicked draw the sword
and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.

15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

16 Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth of many wicked;

17 for the power of the wicked will be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 The days of the blameless are known to the LORD,
and their inheritance will endure forever.

19 In times of disaster they will not wither;
in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20 But the wicked will perish:
The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields,
they will vanish—vanish like smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously;

22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,
but those he curses will be cut off.

23 If the LORD delights in a man's way,
he makes his steps firm;

24 though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25 I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.

26 They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be blessed.

28 For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.
They will be protected forever,
but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;

29 the righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever.

31 The law of his God is in his heart;
his feet do not slip.

34 Wait for the LORD
and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

I've struggled, though I know God is in control of all things. It's when the old me tries to creep in that I grow frustrated, wishing, worrying or making the mistake of believing I can or should be able to control all things. I know this is not the case. I know that Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow b/c it will take care of itself. The words of David in Psalm 37 are comforting because God reminds us of His infinite love, care and provision for His people. We should not worry because unlike you or I, God always honors His promises. Wow, this really has turned into a random post; and, I'm now writing about things I am only beginning to comprehend.

A Beautiful Thursday

2008-05-01T12:27:00.002-04:00

Wow. Well, it certainly has been a while since I've written anything substantive on this, my first foray into the world of Web. It's tough for me to list all the cool and amazing things that have happened over the past several months. Allow me to try:

I was going to graduate, move it Indianapolis and start nursing school

Then, God threw me this huge curveball. It's like I woke up one day and realized that nothing I've been studying thus far in school actually excites me in comparison to helping people, figuring things out, being a science geek and embracing my own insanity.

Bye bye, graduation! I realized the best idea was to stick around Ye Olde West Lafayette to get ready for going to med school...maybe...or who knows what? I feel like I have a bit of a direction and besides, I didn't really want to leave Purdue anyway because...well...I'm sort of attached to the place. I mean, they just built that Neil Armstrong statue (he is one of my heroes), not to mention things have started to rock lately. And when you've lived in one place for 22.6 years, well, it's tough to just get up and go when there are so many good reasons to stick around.

Some of us musicians have put together a band of sorts. We're still working on the name. We've kicked around several (none of which will be mentioned here b/c they're all top-secret). We'll see what happens.

And so summer's almost here. Glorious summer. The plan right now is to jam, chill, work and theoretically take a chemistry course. I love that. An excuse to blow things up.

I'll try to do a better job of updating this thing. I mean, what's the point in having a blog if you don't use it, right?

Futurisms

2007-07-10T13:12:00.000-04:00

It's crazy that it's July already. Weirder still to believe that, Lord willing, I'll graduate from college in May. I've been contemplating and praying about the "after-college" life that will eventually make its way here. Then I ran across this article on Relevant Magazine's Web site. For those of you in a similar circumstance, I hope it's at least a tad bit encouraging.

No matter what, though, the coolest reassurances come from the Bible:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

That's from Jeremiah 29. Good stuff. If there's one thing I've learned through the past year, it's that God's always got a good hold on us even when we feel we're free-falling.

Can't Wait for May 2008

2007-06-23T15:21:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm a movie geek and I can't deny it. The fourth installment in the Indiana Jones series is less than a year from release and for those of us who love (most) of the Harrison Ford movies out there, there's only one that's cooler than Indy...Han Solo.

Check out this article from the official Indiana Jones Web site.

Waiting

2007-05-22T22:05:00.000-04:00

It's difficult to wait. It can be really annoying. But there's always a lesson in the waiting. Someone once said "patience is a virtue." Whoever that person was, they were pretty darn right (no matter how annoying they are). They just didn't get at how difficult it can be to be patient. I'm not talking about waiting for a red light to turn green or twiddling your thumbs during a boring sociology lecture (they come in spades during Maymester).

It's the big, life-changing things that can sometimes be hard to wait for. Yet, God always uses those "down times" when we're sitting around wondering how this is all gonna matter to show us something about Himself, His power and His purpose for us. I don't know how it'll all work out over the next few years. I'm still waiting to see how things will shake out tonight. One day at a time is best, though. Taking joy in the little things is the hard part sometimes.

But I love riding in cars with the windows down, sleeping in, staying up late to hang out with friends or just watch a good movie til the wee hours of the morning. I'm really thankful for family and friends. Overlooking these blessings can sometimes make itself easy, but they are worth more than silver or gold.

That's not a very coherent post, but it is Tuesday and there's so much left to be done this week. I'll shut up now.

Goodbye Dear Friends

2007-05-16T11:00:00.000-04:00

I'm really gonna miss my favorite TV show, the Gilmore Girls. It may not be as profound as, say, American Idol (no, I'm not serious about that)...it's only one of the most faithfully individual programs on Tv. It's nice to know there are some things on TV you can count on: Jon Stewart will always be funny (even when he's offensive and foul-mouthed), Rosie O'Donnell never should have been a host on The View. And the Gilmore Girls will always make real-life more witty and digestable thanks to the program's humor and realism.

Check out the finale promo

Also, the show managed to please the often stupid critics. Check out what some are saying...

The Chicago Tribune

Access News

Entertainment Weekly

On Life and Decisions

2007-05-10T23:09:00.000-04:00

Spring semester ended last week. It was an abrupt end to a whirlwind four months. In the haze of projects, papers and assignments, God was with me. I lacked the motivation to serve Him in my studies when January rolled around and felt the most uncertain I can ever remember feeling.

Funny (in a strange way) how things can change without us realizing it all at once. I'd leave class and think of calling home to talk with Mom about something weird that happened or vent a frustration about something I had done wrong or didn't do but should have. I had to get used to her not being around to answer my calls and to being more independent in making decisions about how I'd spend my time. I'm still adapting to the balancing act that is life since there's no step-by-step booklet on managing your time and learning to breathe when what you thought was your life force isn't there to give you constant encouragement.

I don't know much about a lot of things (fixing my computer's faulty motherboard, the state of genocide in Darfur or even how to change a flat tire) but God's been teaching me about how He's the only one we can rely on all the time, every day--always and forever (which is, incidentally, the name of a brilliant children's book).

After my mom died, my brother Pete and I were shopping at a music store. He had decided to purchase a compilation of Switchfoot's earliest albums. Not thinking much about it at the time (other than "that's cool"), I popped in the CD Learning to Breathe. The song by that title rolled around and the lead singer (Jon Foreman) sings about trusting in God to keep us going. God laid it on my heart to start praying more for motivation, for the drive to keep up the fight and keep serving Him. If you know me, you probably know I'm a perfectionist and a fairly driven person. I know me well enough to know that, so experiencing that "blah" phase was disconcerting. I wasn't really sure what God was trying to teach me or what He wanted me to do (no, I haven't quite figured that last part out yet).

Well, reading II Timothy in our college Bible study group was a great starting point. Paul writes in the second chapter about the importance of enduring to further Christ's kingdom, about striving to please the King because God promises that "if we endure, we will also reign with Him" (verse 12). This was challenging to me, but when I came to the third chapter and Paul reminds Timothy and all of Christ's followers not to get bogged down in the things of the world or the ways of perilous men, God reminded me that my focus had been so centered on worldly struggles. Looking to Heaven for everything was what I needed to do.

As I sit here in my warm, humid house on a May evening, I can honestly write that I have no idea what God wants to do with me in a year's time when I graduate. But I don't have to worry about that now. Jesus is right: worry about today because tomorrow will take care of itself. So for the moment, I've gotten learn to be content with the cleaning, catch-up, work and other tasks that I need to do to fulfill His present call for my life to the best of my abilities. What's more, I need to learn to do it with a joyful heart and make things as good as I can every day. I'd be lying if I said it's not hard, but Tolkien wrote something that's always stuck with me: getting out the door and down the road is the hardest part, but once you're moving, it won't be long before you look up in wonder at where your feet have taken you.

Haven't written in a while

2007-04-01T17:10:00.000-04:00

Life's busy and I've been swamped with it. Hopefully for those who check this thing, you're doing well. I'm ok. Really. I agree with Tom Hanks from Sleepless in Seattle...you've just gotta tell yourself to get up every day and keep breathing until you don't have to tell yourself any more.

Cyclones

2006-12-21T21:44:00.000-05:00

Tornadoes have always managed to terrify me. Dark clouds brewing in the western sky and a few silent summer moments creeping along expectantly before tempestuous winds would begin flooding in around my porch--that's at least what I always imagined cyclonic conditions would be like before a real one hit. Thankfully, my family has never been struck by the devastation of an actual tornado pillaging our home and leaving a trail of despair in its wake.

Still, from the age of five or so, no one could convince me to calm down whenever a Tornado Watch went into effect. If the warning sirens sounded, my heart would jump and visions of Dorothy Gale's Kansas home frantically spinning high above the ground in The Wizard of Oz would take hold of my vivid imagination. My mom would always try to comfort me and tell me things would be fine.

On one such occasion, everyone in our neighborhood lost power when a tornado struck an area just north of my town. My mom and I laid down underneath several blankets on our ancient sofa in the dark. I was so frightened I cried for a long time. I suppose I was probably six or seven at the time. Mom held me close and promised that no matter what happened, things would work out. Or at least, that's what I remember from all those years ago. I have a vague memory of us ordering a pizza at about that time since we couldn't cook supper. Mom figured the delivery guy was probably holed up somewhere until things blew over. But in the torrent of rain after the first wave of thunderstorms hit, we heard a car pull up outside our house and sure enough, we ate pizza in the dark. I hope we never experience the trial of a full-blown tornado. But that's sort of what the past few months have felt like.

Mom was diagnosed with this insanely rare form of cancer in April, 2005. A lot of people figure that's a death sentence from the start. Cancer. One of the final frontiers of modern science. An untamable beast so daunting and subversive many lack the courage to even stand up and fight back. Well, mom was not your typical cancer patient. I could go into a lot of the gory details of the past few years. There have been tears, fear, plenty of pain and dashed hopes. But mom refused to give in to her greatest enemy until there was no strength left in her body. I suppose a lot of cancer patients gather a similar kind of courage because of their self-preservational instincts. Mom was different in part because she merely wanted to preserve our family and she figured the best way to do that was to claim victory over her cancer.

Things went well for a long time. She had enough physical strength to make many a 50 something tired just thinking about her packed schedule. A few months back, though, mom's body started to give up whilst her mental determination grew. God was there through everything. His hope was our one thread of silver lining in all the black clouds that kept building. Everyone dies, to be sure, but the thought that mom would die seemed so distant. Miles from any conceivable reality this side of the immediate future, at least. But it's funny how much she and I grew closer over even the past year. We were always close because I'm the only girl in my family, so it was either get along or get out. Thankfully, God planted the seeds of friendship for mom and I long ago and within the past several months, we often didn't need to waste energy speaking out about our opinions, beliefs and preferences. We just knew what the other was thinking and feeling.

I say this is a funny situation only because it's so contrary to our relationship perhaps eight years ago, when I was just a stupid teenager looking for ways to prove how mature I was and quite often missing the mark. But mom didn't care about the junk I put her through in the end. She remembered every fight and every time we stopped speaking because we were rather stubborn. Despite these situations, though, God formed in us the kind of kindred spirits one only reads of in novels like Anne of Green Gables or whatever. Mom forgave me for my sins just like Christ did. That's what allowed us, ultimately, to love each other in such a way that it doesn't matter if I'm here watching the sun set without her by my side or at the other end of the cell phone line, laying out all my joys, worries, hopes and dreams so she can tell me how right or how wrong I am, or how much more I have to learn.

She died two weeks ago today. I could say it's kind of ironic that she passed away on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor since dad works at a company run by Japanese businessmen, but it's not. She died in the fullness of time. She suffered a lot, which is nothing new to this earth, but she bore it well given everything. And with it all she gave more than she received, loved so much, and that's what makes her loss all the harder for those of us still on earth. But Mum believed in her Lord and Savior, so Heaven's her home now. And what a glorious place it must be. No tornadoes, no fighting, pain, destruction, suffering, no cancer. Just God, His people, and mom.

There's no easy way for us to deal with her absence. Few things can be pondered to keep my own heart from bleeding a little more each day, at least for now. But then I read things like this passage from 1 Peter Chapter 1:

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Momma received the salvation of her soul because Christ gave her that gift long ago. She passed along that love to me and while there's breath left in my lungs, I hope to do the same. It's been a while since tornados have truly freaked me out. But sometimes the cyclones God has planned for you can sweep you up inside and, for a while, you can't see further than an inch in front of yourself. But when you're tossed back out into a semi-normal life and face the task of picking up the pieces of the old life, poised to begin the next chapter, it's a new kind of scary because of all the possibilities at hand. I don't know what the future holds exactly, but it's my firm belief that whether it be midterms, cyclones, famine or feast, we must hold on just a bit longer before the things of this world pass away. We new creations in Christ must keep thinking, trying, hoping, fighting and living. Elsewise we begin dreading our tomorrows because of the weight of painful yesterdays.

A Propos and stuff

2006-11-13T20:05:00.000-05:00

It's been nearly a month since I last posted and things have been crazy-busy. Yes, I thankfully recovered from my bad case of bronchitis (turns out the doc I saw sorta beat around the bush when it came to labeling my ailment). Since then, it's been nothing but family issues, work and more work. Group projects have also abounded this semester, but I've been really blessed with group members who actually want to do well, so that's helped make the projects more enjoyable.
Natalie Macmaster

I invested in one of the coolest fiddle albums I've heard in years, Yours Truly by Miss Canada herself. One of my favorite tracks so far is 'Mother Nature,' a flowing and percussive tune complete with African-style chanting. It may sound a bit more folksy than many would prefer, but I'm impressed by Natalie's composition abilities. She's experimenting with the violin sound in a new and colorful way. Innovation's never a bad thing, at least most of the time. Her fiery 'Volcanic Jig' is fun to jam out to because of a rocking electric cello bridge section and a rhythm that makes you want to grab your own fiddle and jam along with her. Check it out if you get the chance!

Plans

2006-10-18T01:14:00.000-04:00

It seems no matter what I do, God constantly reminds me He is in control of my life. Not me.

Case in point: I recently had fall break, a time for studying, getting caught up on projects and homework, not to mention doing a bit extra work at my place of business, sleeping, hanging with the family and such. Well, I had made a mental plan for distributing my time so as to maximize the work/relaxation ratio. God had other things in mind.

Monday--woke up early to do some homework, went to work for a special Election coverage
meeting, visited my alma mater, and then the sore throat, chills, etc. kicked in

Tuesday--barely made it through a board shift and froze while waiting at the doctor's office

The bottom line: I had "pre-pneumonia" or some such infection. It wasn't fun. But I'm beginning to really, truly understand with this second go-around of pneumonia that God's gonna do what He's gonna do with me and I have to submit to His will for my life, no matter how uncomfortable or unplannable the consequences of various circumstances. If it means I can't do something I wanted to, so be it. It's a tough lesson to learn and an even more difficult moral to keep in mind when all the world's telling us we make our futures and charter our own courses for the destinations our hearts desire.

1 John 2: 15-17

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves
the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in
the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride
of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is
passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God
abides forever.

Anthocyanin

2006-10-02T10:43:00.000-04:00

I checked out About.com's 'Chemistry of Autumn Leaf Color' page and found my favorite leaf pigment's chemical name. Anthocyanin creates that super-sweet leaf color with a mixture of red, blue, purple and magenta. Yes, I'm that big a geek. But autumn is the most vibrant time of year. This morning I walked to campus just as the sun was rising and could smell that fall fragrance--the one that could only be enhanced by light rain. I was trying to study my forensic science flashcards but then I looked up and realized the leaves are changing and I'm only just starting to notice. Just one more thing to be thankful for.

photo credit:www.umsystem.edu/.../03/September03.html

A Girl, Briefly

2006-09-25T15:25:00.000-04:00

Busyness and deadlines have been the name of the game lately. After the next couple of days, I should have a chance to do a real post again. I've been missing this outlet for thoughts of late.

My weekend in chronological order....
Movie night
Work
Homework
Wedding
Futile attempt at homework
Sleep
Church
Homework
Church
Homework
Sleep

Yawn....

Laboring, Day and Night

2006-09-03T02:27:00.000-04:00

Though I've never had a hangover in my life, I've definitely got that "smashed" feeling right about now. My fan is circulating wonderfully cool air in my room as I type away, trying to send pictures to my lab group (an endeavor that has taken waayyy too long at this point). Sinuses are throbbing a wee bit and my body is telling me "bedtime;" but I'd much rather stay up and finish all the homework I have to do. Apparently, my profs. got the memo about this being Labor Day weekend and decided to establish new world records for most homework assigned on a Friday--they didn't win, but their own real competition was my 7th grade English teacher, who loved nothing more than assigning "weekend projects," which mysteriously took practically every waking minute to complete.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining about my homework. Actually, I'm kinda glad to have some serious writing assignments for my Professional Writing classes--I'm ready to put my stuff out there and get feedback from other writers. I doubt I've mentioned it before, but I'm a writer. Yep. After years of being in that "I'm not sure what God wants me to do with my life" phase, I'm still not entirely sure. But I at least feel more secure about where I am and what I'm doing for the time being, even if I'm not getting much sleep right now.

A story from the BBC led me to this cool internet radio music service. Check it out...it's free.
http://www.pandora.com/

Pounding Pavement

2006-08-27T01:52:00.000-04:00

Wow, well the first week of classes is officially over and I've actually managed to stay pretty much caught up in each one (with the exception of Speech). I've been writing so much and doing whatever else, so I guess Shep's "Pounding Pavement" title totally applies.

In other news, I actually invested in Phoenix's newest album, It's Never Been Like That. Lately, I've been trying to cool it on the purchases because my trip to France was rather pricy. But I must say, this was and is definitely worth the dough. This collection represents sounds I had not thought possible from any French band--not because the French aren't capable of producing quality rock, but because I had yet to hear any truly impressive work from a French band. Each song has a fresh message along with kicky lyrics. "Napoleon Says" gets things off to a good start with a rockin' refrain. And who couldn't love "Long Distance Call" with its sounds that hearken back to the late '70s or 80s, but with class. If you're looking for a sound more akin to Hawthorne Heights, this group isn't for you. But Phoenix is willing to take risks with this compilation. The perhaps post-Modernist guitar chords that at first listen may seem too simplistic are well-complemented by rock solid percussion and bursts of color during the choruses, not to mention some long but, nonetheless sweet, guitar riffs. Thomas Mars' English-language singing may not sound as smooth as that of Michael Buble or John Mayer, but it's raw and real.

If you have skimmed my profile, wondering why there is such a decided preference for male artists, I'd have to say the answer is simple: male rockers are not so often subjected to/don't necessarily participate in the same tenacious marketing strategies applied to those of the female gender, often involving minimal talent and, lest we forget, body coverage. Don't misinterpret what I'm saying--I'm no feminist in the radical sense. But, I'm tired of hearing the sounds of Britney Spears and the Simpson sisters, which flat out suck (not that I own any of their albums--if you do, destroy them now). Guys are just generally more free to be themselves, and Phoenix seems to be doing a good job at that.

Overall, It's Never Been Like That is a good album to listen to while chilling in your favorite hang-out spot or as you run from Point A to the next most hectic thing in your life.

Attention all artists

2006-08-02T00:40:00.000-04:00

Click here for a thought-provoking article. It's similar to Jared's presentation at the CYA winter conference.

Hoosier Living: A Field Guide, Vol. I

2006-07-31T20:42:00.000-04:00

If there's one thing that we Hoosiers can count on at about this time, it's a series of 90-degree days. Stepping outside between the hours of 6 A.M. and 6 A.M. feel like you're walking through a cloud underneath a heat lamp that's powered by (you guessed it) that frying ball of wax in the sky. Last week was not too comfortable for my fam because our million-year-old air conditioner was not functioning at its optimum efficiency level (which is code for "it's just about dead now"). Dad forked over a nice chunk of change to fix the problem. So, now we live in a meat locker. I'm not complaining, though. I like being cold. But since I've been indisposed of late, when I set foot outside our house to go to the doctor's office this afternoon, I was greeted by my long-lost, sticky friend...the Hoosier mid-summer afternoon. Furthermore, my brothers like to call me a vampire because I avoid being outside at mid-day when at all possible. Now, this may be troubling to some. But the sun typically targets my fair skin and after a few minutes of driving at, oh, 3 in the afternoon, I've got a burn. Thus, it is with a friendly but concerned conscience that I write the following list of some things you need in order to survive the remainder of your summer in Hoosierville.

Fire Extinguisher
When your trusty neighbor, Mr. What'shisname, decides to grill out and the fumes of char-broiled lawn furniture begin wafting through your back windows...this trusty utensil will come in handy. Otherwise, it makes a nice lawn ornament or self-defense mechanism.

Mosquito Repellent
Flipping on a TV is sure to remind you of your own mortality. And if there's one thing reporter's love, it's a story about how mosquitos just might kill us all thanks to West Nile virus (since it's usually pretty dead otherwise during the summer months).

SPF 50
There is some debate among dermatologists as to the efficacy of any lotion above 15, but better safe than sorry

Some seriously good books
There are a lot of them. A whole lot. So, it's no surprise they will help you escape the heat by transporting you to the world of Dr. Zhivago or Utopia.

Cable TV
Okay. This one's really debatable. After all, if people are not tuning in to Days of Our Lives to learn about Sami's latest heist, many are watching the only channels worth watching--the Food Network and Turner Classic Movies. Let's face it: Cable TV is nothing more than punishment for those who watch (with very few exceptions). So, my advice is actually two-fold. Turn off the TV and write your cable company a letter demanding buffet-style service where you only pay for the 5 channels that are actually worth your time. The company where I live has yet to do this, but maybe if everyone does it...

Iced Tea
I can't write too often about this. It's good. You should drink it. End of story.

Cranberry Juice + Ginger Ale

2006-07-28T18:13:00.000-04:00

Makes a really good drink to help you get better when you're indisposed. I got really sick last weekend. I worked pretty hard after coming home from France covering a few stories that kept me busy for several hours at a time. When I came home Saturday night, I felt awful. It was the first time in a looonnnggg time I've had the chills, body aches, a fever, vomiting, coughing... It wasn't fun, needless to say, and I hoped that after visiting the doctor earlier this week, things would clear up. But, my symptoms worsened by mid-week and I saw a new doc yesterday. Diagnosis: pneumonia. So, I can add that to the list of illnesses I've had in my lifetime. One day, I might write a book about all the experiences I've had with sinus infections, strep throat and the like. No one will read it unless it's the only book left after an atomic bomb drop somewhere in the country. But it would be fun to write. In the meantime, I'm taking it easy at home watching Gilmore Girls DVDs and reading my drull public speaking textbook when I can keep my eyes open.

Stay Tuned for Links to Some New Blogs

2006-07-20T10:15:00.000-04:00

2006-07-20T09:57:00.000-04:00

Le Sacre Coeur Paris

Versailles

The Hall of Mirrors

Nantes 2006

Back from a Far Off Place

2006-07-18T02:15:00.000-04:00

Here I find myself, back in my room. Home. It's been a whirlwind three weeks since our team first set foot in France and I have to admit, I'm thankful to be back in the States. We had a great time together trying to serve God to the best of our abilities, speaking French as well as possible and the like. I could go into the minutae of each individual day; but, I'd prefer to post some photos and simply say I'm thankful for having the opportunity to go. I'm still wondering how God will use this experience in my life because I feel I'm too close to the trip to accurately assess its importance. Add France to your prayer list, though. Not that America's much better, but the French are particularly resistant to discussing spiritual matters, which makes evangelism difficult for anyone, but more precisely Americans.

Pics for Tuesday Morning

2006-06-20T08:37:00.000-04:00

Pete's in Kyoto

Phoenix is in Europe, not Arizona

Last Post for a While

2006-06-18T23:20:00.000-04:00

This'll probably be my last post for a while, since I'm heading to the land of camembert, vino, and l'art. I can't really describe how I'm feeling: so much stuff's happened over the past I don't know how long, so everything seems so surreal. It's been one day to the next, not-seriously-planning-anything for so long now that it feels weird--I'm actually scheduling my time out so I can get everything done this week.

My prayer request is sooooo long, it hurts just thinking about it. But, if you're able to remember these things while in prayer, I'd greatly appreciate the help of some prayer warriors.

Mom's health--an issue that has not disappeared, but we're trying to keep the faith

Pete's safe return

Nate's health--hopefully, his condition isn't too serious

France Trip--it's not going to be all fun and games, though I'm sure that will be part of it
Pray we can really get into the French language and connect with people
the Lord would help us plant some seeds or work to cultivate those
already in place
we would grow together as a missions team
God would teach us to rely only on Him, as we'll be in strange surroundings,
often responsible for our own safe-keeping and day to day well-being
we would glorify God in all we do and seek His will above all else
for safe travels and health throughout the journey

Dad's Health--stress is pretty serious stuff, and there's been a lot of it lately from just about
every angle imaginable

If you're reading this far, merci beacoup pour ton patience.

In closing this post, I hardly know where life's taking me these days. It's a wonder to even imagine what'll happen tomorrow, the day after, or the day after that. Thankfully, I don't have to worry about those things and you shouldn't, either.

Psaume 91: 1-2

Celui qui habite sous l'abri du Tres-Haut
Repose a l'ombre du Tout-puissant.
Je dis a l'Eterel: Mon refuge et ma fortress,
Mon Dieu en qui je me confie!

If we thought the French couldn't do anything right

2006-06-13T02:17:00.000-04:00

maybe we were wrong...at least in one instance.

There's this awesome French band I just discovered via NPR, and I totally love their sound.

Phoenix

Check out their music video for "Long Distance Call" by clicking on the post title. It's a link to their "My Space" page, and all you've gotta do is scroll down a ways. Should work if you've got all the necessary accoutrements.

Hailing from the Parisian suburbs (and that's not anything to take lightly, what with the rioting that's gone on in suburbs over the past year or so), there's no doubt about it: their stuff is awesome--po-mo/indie/alt rock--je l'aime beacoup!

One more thing, my regards go out to the England and U.S. World Cup teams...I'm rooting for you guys all the way!

For the first time in a while

2006-06-04T23:02:00.000-04:00

I feel like blogging. Things have been absolutely insane lately, what with work and classes, stuff going on with my family, driving here there and everywhere. Yesterday was the first Saturday in a while where I worked, went out to lunch with the fam, slept for like three hours, went to an awesome classical concert, and chilled.

Today, dad, nate, and I visited with my family in the southern part of the state...since one cousin was confirmed and the other graduated last weekend. Then we came home quickly and had dinner with some very good family friends. It's always nice to share stories about our travels, etc.

One last week of statistics class and work tomorrow night, but hopefully things will slow down slightly after that. I have to do a watercolor painting for an art show and I've got, like, two weeks to start and finish the thing, get it to the framers, and submit it!

Plus, there are all the preparations for heading overseas. I don't even want to think of all the French I need to study and what not, but for the moment, my bed is calling.

I haven't had time for any reading lately, or taking pictures and painting. However, I've been playing the piano and violin some, which is always a balm for my soul. Plus, a good friend and co-worker let me borrow a ton of awesome classical cds such as Joshua Bell, Yo-Yo Ma, and I've been tuning in to the Christian rock station lately. Music is the Virgil to my Dante sometimes.

Summer-Like Evening

2006-05-26T22:21:00.000-04:00

I haven't written lately because I haven't felt like writing. There's so much to write about, so it's difficult to know where to begin. Perhaps the middle is best.

Today, I...oh, who am I kidding. You guys don't want to hear about my life.

Let me leave you with the words of Billy Boy Shakespeare...

"Oft expectation fails, and most oft there
Where most it promises; and oft it hits
Where hope is coldest, and despair most fits."

--From All's Well That Ends Well (II, i, 145-147)

It's worth thinking about. I love the smell of rain and wish it would come to visit in the waking hours when I've time to greet it.

Vinny is Back

2006-05-12T21:52:00.000-04:00

My sinus infection, which has never really died, is back. The usual sore throat, sinus headaches, and general blah feeling have been hanging around. But thank the Lord for antibiotics, which sometimes work.

In other news, maymester starts Monday. I'm not too excited about it, but I'll have to be come the end of the weekend.

Thus ends my Friday post. I can only add a picture of my favorite contemporary actress...

This'll be quick

2006-05-10T22:44:00.000-04:00

I'm in desperate need of sleep. But I watched the last fifteen minutes of the season finale of Gilmore Girls last night. Now, I know. Some of you are thinking, Okay, she's watching Gilmore Girls, so she's going to be disappointed because...it's Gilmore Girls. But trust me. This is the only show I actually watch aside from BBC World News when I have time.

That said, I was disappointed with the finale because Lorelai doesn't marry Luke, she gets back together with Chris, her lame-o dude from the past. Someone needs to have a chat with the scriptwriters about this, but anymore, the Luke + Lorelai relationship was my reason for continuing to watch. Rory and Logan--bad from the get-go. But Lorelai and Luke, that's another story. Dr. Laura Schlesinger, please talk to them!

I'm outtie.

Studying

2006-05-04T22:08:00.000-04:00

I've spent the majority of the day in the French language, manipulating the variables of pronouns, conjugations, tenses, modes, etcetera. It's crazy to think by this time tomorrow night, I'll be free...for like, a week, and then summer classes get started. I'm scared about not knowing what the future holds, but in the sense that I'm afraid of what God has planned for me. I know He's in control, but it's an awesome thing to know the Lord of the universe is at the helm, able to do anything. I just read a verse in Matthew where Jesus says with God, all
things are possible. I love that.

Wow

2006-05-03T16:48:00.000-04:00

This week is almost half-way finished! I'm kinda nervous about my big French final on Friday because I know it's gonna be uber-tough, but I'm thankful my forensic science stuff is finito for the semester! Likewise, I had an awesome time at Primaries last night. I love doing live stuff.

Congrats to Nate, by bro' who passed his Cisco certification exam yesterday! ! ! I knew you could do it, especially with the help of Peter Packet.

In other news, my friend and roomie, AnnaBanana, is officially finished with college and in the throws of job hunting. I hope she finds a sweet job for the summer and that she can go to Japan (which is what she seems to be leaning towards?). It's always weird to reach the end of something so big, like you've been climbing a mounting looking up for such a long time and once you're at the top, what next?

I'm thankful for green leaves, birds chirping and good friends.

Praying

2006-05-02T10:19:00.000-04:00

for my forensic science exam. I'm working to memorize defintions such as "contusion," "laceration," "mass spectrometry," and "gel electrophoresis." It's crazy. I've made flash cards up throughout the semester and my pile is thicker than my forensic science book. Now, if I can just remember all the courtroom terminology and the difference between a revolver and a semi-automatic rifle, hopefully everything will be alright.

Will update later--peace out.

La Bonne Vie: An Essay in Words and Pictures

2006-04-25T11:21:00.000-04:00

So here's what I've been up to since last Friday.

We had Kara, Sara, and Andrew over for dinner. That was fun because we chatted about worshiping with Psalms vs. hymns and the like--very interesting and thought-provoking, as most of my converstations are with anyone from the Wegener clan:0) We later had a rally and photo scavenger hunt. The story there is relatively simple, but better told with illustrations...

Our group, scaling the Beering Fountain...

Invading the Quad...

Making pyramids near ugly statues on campus...

Catching some air-time with really tall people...

Chillin' like villains...

And spending a good deal of time
working on what all of us must focus on
during dead week...projects. I have
one final on Friday and I'm praying it
won't be too horendous; but. I gave
my French history presentation today.
I am thankful it went pretty well.
Also, I got to paint with my watercolors and play my violin this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't be excited enough about that--it felt like life was back to normal again. I stained up my hands and my clothes pretty seriously with Dr. PhMartin's watercolor pigment (which I'm crazy about) and experimented with Yupo paper, which is basically synthetic paper. It's pretty sweet. And thanks to Kara and the folks who sangs praise songs yesterday, I got to play my violin in the warm sunshine. Life sure is great sometimes.

Last night, WIT was awesome too because we got to hear Allison's testimony and we chatted at Starbucks. It's so refreshing to hang with fellow believers, especially good friends (Kara, I'm talking to you and the rest of WIT, as well). As much as I don't want everyone to leave for summer break, I'm enjoying the way things slow down so much once finals roll around.

Peace out.

Scavenging for Photos

2006-04-23T00:23:00.000-04:00

It's been a couple of days since I last posted, and since then probably one of the coolest things that's happened has been the corps photo scavenger hunt. I'm trying to work on my French Resistance presentation at the moment, but I'm going to upload those pictures in the next couple of days.

When Roomates and My Camera Collide

2006-04-19T22:24:00.000-04:00

When we have fun at our apartment during those brief moments of insanity we all experience between homework and whatever else, pillows...cameras...blah blah blah.

And Anna threatened to kill....

a cucumber

for our

evening meal.
We got tired of regular salad for dinner, with the usual veggies held hostage.

But then the lowest blow came when Anna showed us her latest move from Cirque du Soleil...

She managed to fold her feet around in front of herself and stare questioningly at her big toe....

Casserole Wives

2006-04-18T16:13:00.000-04:00

I'm having an awesome time writing a short story called Casserole Wives. The plot will perhaps infuriate some, but it's based in truth. I can't wait to finish it for my English class next week. This creative writing monster is a nice beast to have hiding under your bed. It makes life more interesting. My monster's name is Vinny and when he comes to visit, craziness ensues.

Peace out...gtg to Forensic Science class

On Hobbit Pipeweed and Other Topics

2006-04-17T12:59:00.000-04:00

I was searching for a title to go along with a random Monday post and decided Tolkien would be the best place to start.

I spent the majority of Easter weekend doing one of several things:

Friday evening, we huddled up in our hallway when the Tornado Warning sirens sounded and listened to the radio, praying nothing too serious would pass through the area. Thankfully, the Lord was merciful.

Saturday morning, reported to work as usual, received a call from a Brit named Pierce, watched Life is Beautiful with my pals Sonja and Jennifer, read The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down for sociology class.

Easter...reported to work, wrote wrote wrote, ate lunch with family and Grandpa, watched some of Gone with the Wind (I just love that movie), and read The Spirit blah blah blah, went to evening service

Have realized I'm not particularly fond of horseradish. Love tea, though. Hope you're feeling jolly on this beatiful day.

Cheerio

The Emperor Gets a Job

2006-04-12T23:56:00.000-04:00

Click here to see an awesome Star Wars spoof from G4 Tv.

The actor's make-up is pretty convincing, not to mention the subject matter.

It's never to late for a mockumentary--a day in the life of a Star Wars character.

Succinct

2006-04-12T11:16:00.000-04:00

This will be fast--French class calls. I'm having a somewhat cool, if not stressful, week because of all the stuff to be done. But, things are going okay.

There's a link I've gotta post to a totally sweet Star Wars spoof. I'll find it.

Stay Tuned...

One Paper Down

2006-04-11T14:55:00.000-04:00

And several more tests, assignments, a report, and a project...then finals! This semester is nearly gone!

Yikes

2006-04-09T22:31:00.000-04:00

I have tons to do with little time to do it all. Pray the Lord would give me speed, diligence, along with spiritual, mental, and physical strength.

Ah

2006-04-08T22:14:00.000-04:00

The feel of the keys underneath my pensive fingers as I ponder what next to write, what next to hope for, and what next to be thankful for. Perhaps the Braveheart soundtrack that graces my ears with its odes to my family's homeland, Scotland. Or perhaps the socks that warm my feet.
I know not. I simply know that the bagpipe is one of my top 3 favorite instruments. I shall listen till the day (or night, in this case) is through...or until I'm done with homework...which is never. I'm so glad tomorrow is Sunday b/c I've been yearning to sing the Psalms. I hope you have, as well.

Now, my faithful reader, I must leave you where the leaving is to be left, at this very spot, where past intersects with present, if only for a minute. Where you eyes linger for a nanosecond, and your finger clicks the mouse button to some better blog or cooler site. I only ask that you think for a moment of how beautiful this life really is, despite all the sour things that happen, all the ankles that are sprained, and all the rain that ruins your watercolors. Think of these things with reference to the great moments when Christ shines through to remind you that life is about more than erased term papers or scratched Cds.

Doesn't Take Much

2006-04-06T09:24:00.000-04:00

Just four mod haircuts and you're good to go.

Sorry, that came out of pretty much nowhere. I've been busy the past few days studying and editing some audio for a project at work. It's pretty cool--audio editing is so awesome, though we do use Macs (the ultimate evil).

Thanks to Anna

2006-04-03T17:10:00.000-04:00

For introducing me to Remington Steele. I love the corny acting, along with references to other great detective movies and stories.

Hmmm

2006-04-01T13:39:00.000-05:00

La vie quotidienne a Paris au printemps...

A Day of Mourning

2006-03-30T21:03:00.000-05:00

If you're a gigantor Coldplay fan, as I am, you might want to prepare for a potential disappointment: Coldplay might be going mainstream. dun..dun..DUN.....

I'm so sad after viewing their latest music video for "The Hardest Thing" off of X&Y.

Click here.

Now, I don't want to jump to too many conclusions--perhaps it's a brilliant spoof of 80s talk shows (Joan Rivers, please stand up)...but, come on! They're British and anti-concept music videos!

Marco

2006-03-29T16:35:00.000-05:00

Polo.

So here you are, visiting my blog. Unfortunately our chief lackey is busy making coffee for the big guys who actually write this thing, and since there isn't any coffee to be had yet, we shall refrain from discussing earth-shattering topics, which require at least a little coffee to make any sense at all.

Tomorrow, it's going to be 70 degrees outside! The folks at Just Fiddlin' Around were shocked when their meteorological correspondent got word of this most recent development. We're anticipating much singing, dancing, and feasting to mark the auspicious occasion.

Stay cool--we're (that's the royal "we") are battling the homework monsters!

2006-03-28T05:36:00.000-05:00

People who say forensic science can't be fun need to have their fun-o-meters checked.

This is a picture of a partial footwear impression cast my lab partner and I extracted from sand a few weeks back.

More random photos.
I took this one in
Uzbekistan a few
years back...

I'm currently typing up papers for English and trying to study for a French exam tomorrow. My heart goes out to those of you up late studying. It's sure gonna be nice when school is finished for the semester!

The Resistance

2006-03-27T09:10:00.000-05:00

I'm just getting started on a research project for my French class on the Resistance during World War II. It's pretty interesting because Charles de Gaulle, one of the greats in French leadership, helped lead an underground movement to overthrow the German forces who had invaded France in 1940.

The weather is finally starting to act like spring, and we've only got 5 weeks (plus finals week) left in the semester! I've got to get cracking.

Congrats to Peter for having Spring Break this week--you're nearing the end: )

Somewhere Only We Know

2006-03-24T14:50:00.000-05:00

I walked across an empty land,
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand,
I felt the earth beneath my feet,
Sat by the river and it made me complete

Oh simple thing,
Where have you gone,
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on,
So tell me when you're gonna let me in,
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin.

I came across a fallen tree,
I felt the branches of it looking at me,
Is this the place we used to love?
Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?

Oh simple thing,
Where have you gone,
I'm getting old and need something to rely on,
So tell me when you're gonna let me in.
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin.

And if you have a minute why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know.
This could be the end of everything,
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know.

Keane, and so poetic.

Congrats to Chelsea

2006-03-23T22:07:00.000-05:00

Advancing to the FA Cup playoffs--awesome, indeed.

__Did you know that your fingerprints do not change from the time you're born until you die?

__Did you know that Diet Cherry Coke actually contains some natural flavors?

__Did you know you can fry an egg using the radiation from two cellular phones?
(just kidding)

__Did you know "taking out the mickey" is British slang for knocking the wind out of something/someone, or simply beating them up?

__There's only one hour and 35 minutes until the next to last Friday in March, 2006...

European History Month

2006-03-22T18:00:00.000-05:00

My younger bro' informed me that Daisy and Anna (from church) declared last Thursday "Italian Heritage" Day in honor of their Italian roots. After all, if there's Hispanic History Month, African American History Month, and Women's History Month, we should definitely make room for the Europeans--they sort of impacted our culture is so many ways that people in the States not only eat bread with Nutella, but we owe our country's name to an Italian (and not Rocky, either) and the Statue of Liberty to the country of cheese and wine. So, we should consider having a European Heritage Day/Month--not in a racist sense, but in an effort to remember our Founding Fathers, the religious oppression our ancestors fled from, and to give thanks for the sanctuary established across the pond in America. No, things aren't perfect here, but we've got a great country that's young compared to so many others, with so much to be thankful for (I'm putting this here to avoid ending a sentence with a preposition).

Hey There

2006-03-21T09:35:00.000-05:00

Amazingly enough, it's snowing outside on the first official day of spring. Wonders never cease. I've gotta run because I've got an exam to study for, a short story that must be written, and other decisions to make about summer school, etc. But, let me leave you with the wise words of Obi Wan:
Who's the more fool, the fool, or the fool who follows him?

Sunny Sunday

2006-03-19T17:22:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I just sit down and wonder about how things end up like this, how I always allow myself to get so far behind with virtually everything I'm supposed to be doing. It's easier said than done to stay on top of the ball, and I haven't been doing the greatest job this semester. I guess it's mostly my fault--either I'm too content with letting things slip, or I'm not content enough to manage the things I must do with a cheerful heart. All the same, the sun's still shining outside and I can't help but hope that the Lord will show me what I'm supposed to do with this mess I've gotten myself into, and that He'll help me do everything I must to improve what I can, trusting in Him to help me deal with what I can't control. School begins again tomorrow--the home stretch of just six weeks left, filled with projects, exams, papers, reading, work, and hopefully a chance to recover what I've managed to let slide.

Psalm 16

1 Keep me safe, O God,
for in you I take refuge.

2 I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing."

3 As for the saints who are in the land,
they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. ^[b]

4 The sorrows of those will increase
who run after other gods.
I will not pour out their libations of blood
or take up their names on my lips.

5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;
you have made my lot secure.

6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.

7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.

8 I have set the LORD always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,

10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, ^[c]
nor will you let your Holy One ^[d] see decay.

11 You have made ^[e] known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Bible Passage Credit to Biblegateway.com

I need to work on prayer and trusting in God. Give thanks, the sun is shining!

AHHHH!

2006-03-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

School's Starting Soon!!!

Back Home and Warmer

2006-03-17T11:03:00.000-05:00

Kara, Sarah, and I had an awesome time in Chicago.
We saw works by van Gogh, Monet, Girodet, and
countless others at the Art Institute. My favorite,
though, was John Singer Sargent. I love his work
because it's very expressive and impressionistic--
his use of light is fantastic!

This piece, "The
Fountain, Villa Torlonia Frascati,
Italy" is so
cool because his
brushstrokes are big,
laying on thick layers
of oil paint. His
sense of composition is
dead-on, too.

This is a Sargent Watercolor. Naturally, I love
watercolors, so an artist who can do remarkable
work in both oil and w/c is impressive!

Didn't see this at the Art Institue, but you
have to check him out--one of the greats
of 19th Century.

I'll be posting pictures from our trip once I can get
some from Kara. Otherwise, we had classic Chicago
pizza and walked a long, long way to Navy Pier to
see a radio station.

Windy City Here We Come

2006-03-15T23:18:00.000-05:00

I'm a bit nervous, as always, before traveling. What's more, the weather's not going to be great. But this is going to be our shot at a spring break "trip." yay!

Developing Stories

2006-03-15T14:17:00.000-05:00

I got up this morning to the sound of my boss interviewing someone on-air, and proceeded to eat some oatmeal. In preparing for work, I listened to music and thought of all the things I must do before spring break concludes, not the least of which includes watching movies and going for some nice, long walks with a certain four-legged creature who happens to be my furry sister. In other news, I'm hoping to have an awesome time in the Windy City tomorrow with Kara and Sara. It will hopefully be awesome, and Mia, I know you won't read this for a while yet, but I JUST got your message about taking care of your fish. I'm gonna make sure he's okay!

Johnny + Teddy

2006-03-14T20:32:00.000-05:00

I love John Stossel and Ted Leo. If you don't know who John Stossel is, he's a Libertarian journalist who does work for 20/20. He's very cool because he researches and reports stories most other journalists won't come near. For example, while in my high school econ class, our teacher showed us his expose on Global Warming--namely, how it ISN'T Happening! This was so cool: he talked to a group of scientists from all the major think tanks and research universities and of roughly twenty, only three believed global warming is actually going on, while the rest said it is an over-blown and speculative theory marketed by greenies and wacko-liberals nationwide. Stossel then interviewed a group of elementary school kids to discover whether or not they believed in global warming. Not surprisingly, every kid raised his/her hand to say they believed it was happening. That's powerful journalism!

Ted Leo is the awesome song-writer and singer behind the Ted Leo + The Pharmacists band. I still listen to "The Tyranny of Distance." If you love rock that's not exactly formulaic like, oh, I don't know, Green Day, you should totally check them out.

I hope you're all having a sweet break or at least a nice Tuesday evening. I'm chillin' with the fam', about to watch the rest of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!

MOnday POst

2006-03-13T15:38:00.000-05:00

Hey gang,
Monday of spring break--sleep and more. Heidi and Michelle hosted Caroline and I over the weekend...very awesome times. We talked and laughed soooo hard and visited southside church in Indy. Very cool. It was like a Purdue reunion down there. On my agenda today, lounging around the house, napping, and watching movies. I'm so thankful for a vacation from the grind.
Peace and patience.

Spring Break!

2006-03-10T22:42:00.000-05:00

Hey guys, it's spring break, so we can all sleep and do nothing......or, do homework and then do nothing......or do homework and more homework with some nothing-time in between. Keep it real...

Anatomy of a Thursday

2006-03-09T14:29:00.000-05:00

So I'm just about written out, here, with spring break just around the corner and one last paper to compose. Comparing and contrasting three cities in French sounds like a fun time in some freakish, parallel universe. But all I really wanna do is take a nap, watch some movies, go for a long walk in the 60-degree weather, and pull out my watercolors and camera. Freedom--so close, yet so far.

I'm listening to some sweet music at present, hoping there's a chance for peace and piece of mind in the forecast sometime between here and eternity.

MOABites Attack, Girl Writes Sociology Paper

2006-03-08T18:41:00.000-05:00

[Somewhere Amidst Cornfields, IN] AP Wire--In a cunning and slanderous attack, the heated e-scuffle between MOAB and Edomite dissidents continues. A girl somewhere doesn't care what the MOABites do to her or other members of the Edomites. The truth will reign, the sun will set, and her sociology paper will still be due tomorrow by 4 PM. But, MOABite cyber-terrorists should know freedom will reign, if not here on earth, then in Heaven.

Have Thoughts, Will Travel

2006-03-07T12:37:00.000-05:00

A list of the stuff I have to do in the next 72 hours...

Study random facts about Tahiti and French grammar for a whopper exam tomorrow

Read about symbolic interactionism theory and how it relates to terrorism--shared meanings
and weird logic + 7-syllable words galore!

Write paper about said theory

Compose convincing paper about the people and places of francophone culture

Sleep in my bed instead on our loveseat at the apartment (it really makes your neck sore)

Look forward to visiting Heidi this weekend with Carolina, and hanging with the fam' once
a beloved vacation finally commences

Posting While Tired and Thankful

2006-03-06T20:15:00.000-05:00

Whoever said Monday is the worst day of the week is wrong. It can only be the worst day of the week when you've got zillions of things to do and your body tells you not to do any of them because sleeping is more important. I can't complain, though. Anna and Caroline made an awesome dinner while I napped, and Dr. Mom worked her magic again, so hopefully I'll be feeling better soon. Plus, I'm so thankful Mr. Wonderful is gone and that my French test has been moved to Wednesday. Merci Dieu!

I'm posting poetry I've written recently because I need feedback and don't have much else that's eloquent to say.

Russian Winter

I flip on the dim light in my small St. Petersburg hotel room,
The scent of dirty linen and cigarettes in a bare room,
Decorated only by an outdated television.
Grabbing for the remote,
I want to understand what Russians watch, think, feel.
Yet the words of Oprah Winfrey are inescapable, even
In the land where grey ceiling crowds out the sun,
Spreading out like watercolor on paper,
A bleakness you can feel.
She looks into the camera and says something Russians already know,
You cannot have strength without struggle.

My Western shoes hit pavement,
And glancing into the face of a Russian man,
It’s like catching the flash of a fur-capped,
Sullen mirror
Reflecting the sky’s grey canvas amidst an Arctic breeze bearing
Frustration,
Hunger.

Dozens hustle along wide walkways,
We rush past the glum faces of
Wanna-be European shops filled with face-painted, wooden women
The natives call matryoshka dolls.
Another window holds hand-painted balalaikas,
As phony as the strings stretched across the fingerboard,
An instrument to hang on a wall as a monument to some fallen empire,
The kind of trinkets only tourists and oligarchs
Would buy.

Turning every corner begins a fresh assault of big city smells,
The pungent odor of car exhaust poisoning the sky,
Last week’s garbage wafting from a back alley where my eyes meet
The blue souls of a twelve-year-old with a Mohawk
And cigarettes.
This and the vapid, expensive
Fur coats
The occasional Mercedes Benz
In a city thriving on blood and cheapened dollar bills

One block
Then another as I bolt across the avenue near an ancient cathedral,
Just missing the onslaught
Of Russian boxes made to work
Like cars.

I hurry to find sanctuary from the chill and the concrete,
But drunken laughter bears several of the tongue’s hundreds of profanities
Attacking my seemingly ignorant ears.
The beer-bellied men drown dull weather using
Paychecks exchanged for vodka and cheap laughs
Lasting only an evening

The neon lights of one too many pubs and the newest Pizza Hut reflect
Off nearby apartment windows filled with pain.
The morning after comes and nothing but bread and milk for little Mosha and Dasha,
Because every Russian kid must eat.

A land taken over by Al Capone’s capitalism,
Glimmering store fronts and new-found materialism,
I wonder if something I once read by Samual Clemens is true in a place like this,
Honesty is only the best policy as long as money is involved.
Why so much artificial red to break
Up this fine grey?

Music I Love

2006-03-01T17:53:00.000-05:00

Jamie Cullum is so cool. He's British and he makes music that's enjoyable, classy, and artistic.

Coldplay, wow. They got me through a
trip to Uzbekistan in the back of a bus,
traveling along dusty, desert roads.
I owe these Brits a lot.

I've gotta stop posting now, because it's time to study for a forensic science test tomorrow. But, I've been having a nice day thanks to God's gift of warmer, sunnier weather. I hope you have been, as well. There's a quote from Mark Twain
that's so fitting for Wednesdays: Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live.

I don't know that much about her, but she's got the coolest style.

Isaiah 40...

26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one,
and calls them each by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.

27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
and complain, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the LORD;
my cause is disregarded by my God"?

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Thanks to the folks at Biblegateway.com

Sleeping Noodles

2006-02-27T22:26:00.000-05:00

Things that get more sleep than most of us:
Dogs
Cats
Noodles (think about it, I mean, really...)
Toothbrushi (the appropriate plural by some rulebooks)
My right arm when I'm sleeping on it
Vinnie (the sinus infection that's set up shop in my head for the past year)
Bill Clinton (Hilary's out there attempting to save the world in her own "It Takes A Village" way)

Try as we might, this is the best we at the just fiddlin' around blog can come up with for the time being. But never fear, because our trusty interns, lackeys, and minions are making us coffee while working mandatory overtime so we can get this post done.

In other news, we've just learned the administrator of this blog is being held hostage by a notebook containing the secrets to the next "World's Largest Pizza" endeavor folks at Guinness have been scheming up since 1987. Apparently, something went awry when BJ was on the phone and a radio signal bled over the phone line, containing the secret codes to Fidel's locker in the basement of a Turkish bath (he always planned to take over the world starting with America and the fastest way was through our bellies). Dangerous as it may be, she is attempting to keep us posted though trapped in a bomb shelter 47 stories below the earth's surface with a guy who thinks he's Stalin and a songwriter named Tori Amos who can sing, but can't write worth a darn...

And that's around the world in the time it takes for you to read this random post that started with all things drowsy and is wrapping up with the insane, inane, redundant, pungent smell that is news-but-not-news writing.

Blogging Insanity

2006-02-20T11:10:00.000-05:00

Cheerio! I've got about 10 minutes til French class, so I'll make this quick...
The weekend was nutso-bizarro.
Didn't get a lick of homework done b/c I worked an 8-hour day Saturday and came home to discover I'm dying of sleep deprivation. So, Dr. Mom prescribed several days of solid rest, of which I got a bit and am feeling on the mend (another viewing of Pride and Prejudice + a heart to heart chat with Kara definitely helped, as well).

However, my homework pile is still festering, so I'm working on finding a remedy for this situation. Read a passage from Romans 12 last night that mentions the importance of "not lagging in diligence" and being "patient amidst tribulations." Must work on these two things, but first must shut off the valve that is supplying abundant hydration to my nasal cavities.

In closing, I'd like to thank the folks in Switzerland who developed the Ricola cough drops. I am forever indebted to their genius.

V-Day 2006

2006-02-14T19:15:00.000-05:00

Look at that technique!

Just a reminder that Chelsea is officially leading the Premier League by 12 points!
A picture that will hopefully inspire you this V-Day

Things I've Taken Pix of Lately

2006-02-10T22:21:00.000-05:00

My WAY too long photo post

So I'm way tooo tired right now to do an actual writing post....here's what my camera and I have been up to:

Back-pack Zippers...

Cameras are just the coolest things. Reading the instruction manual from time to time also helps.

Cereal at Green Gables

Berries on campus...Rolling Stone Text, and More

Macrophotography is awesome and so is reality.

At this point, I'm adding in some Shakespeare

Sonnet 116 (btw, an awesome sonnet)

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O, no! it is an ever-fixed mark,
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

happyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfriday
happyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfriday
happyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfridayhappyfriday

G
e
o
m S
e E
t P
r A
i H
c S

I'm watching Gilmore Girls with Mia and Carolina right now--I love that show. Witty banter, what could be better???!!!!

Gender Inequality?

2006-02-07T12:47:00.000-05:00

I'm reading my sociology text right now, specifically the chapter about gender inequality. It's very interesting. For example, concerning women in the military:

Whereas all Coast Guard positions are open to both sexes, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps all restrict opportunities for women. The traditional explanation is that women are not as strong as men, although this argument makes little sense in a high-technology military. The real reason certainly has more to do with gender itself. Many people have difficulty with the idea of women--those our culture defines as nurturers--being put in a position to kill and be killed (Macionis, 92).

Women are in the position of killing or being killed every single day. Every moment, just as a man, a woman has the choice of taking her own life, killing someone else, or letting someone else kill her. That's not the issue. Where do women stand? As the book points out earlier, the Bible is clear about a woman's place in terms of hierarchy: she was made of man and is subject to his authority just as we are all subject to God's authority.

I just had to write about this while reading through it--it's so incredible to understand what other people think about these issues. It's difficult to articulate my viewpoint sometimes, or to know exactly what my convictions are about a specific topic that is so shrouded by cultural mores and stereotypes (politically-correct or otherwise).

Just Another Manic Monday

2006-02-06T10:30:00.000-05:00

Here's my day so far:

Alarm went off at 5:45A.M.
Quickly shut alarm off and continued the REM session
Woke up an hour later, thought about getting up to do French homework, commenced another
short REM session
7:15 A.M. Got up, did French, read about Racial and Ethnic inequality in America, and ate oatmeal
9:30 A.M. Realized I haven't read enough classic literature or listened to enough classic rock, and I need to do more watercolor painting
10:17 A.M. Realized the Grissom computer lab is my favorite place--there are usually at least two open computers

I'd just like to hand it to Kara, Andrew, Patrick, and Josh for strumming on their guitars to Christian praise songs on the Engineering Mall in the cold temps--very brave.

Photo post coming soon...

My Fault

2006-01-31T00:18:00.000-05:00

I am just going to have to learn how to say "no" again. I spent Saturday afternoon chasing down stories for our station. Well, I love reporting and everything, but it's so difficult when I had to work that morning, then again in the afternoon, and go to PHC that evening. Sometimes, I just can't say "no." So now, I'm trying to cram definitions of forensic science terms into my brain and get this material down pat in time for my test this afternoon.

I hope that doesn't sound like complaining...I am merely frustrated with myself. Every time I say, "Self, this time around, we're going to get ahead and stay on top of things," a monkey wrench comes flying out of nowhere, shattering my wonderful day dream of peace, justice, and organizational time management. But, obviously, it was God's will for me to work, just as it's God's will for me to study. Gotta keep hitting the books. God speed, pilgrims.

A Shameless Plug for Revolution

2006-01-29T22:43:00.000-05:00

If you're a gamer, or even if you aren't but you enjoy humorous fan films, you should check this out. Follow the above link...

Here's what my bro' Pete has to say about it...

Hope you can:

A. Understand the video
B. Appreciate the video
C. Laugh at the video
D. Be moved enough to buy the Revolution

An Evening of Garrison Keillor

2006-01-29T22:35:00.000-05:00

So Paris from the Gilmore Girls was totally right about Garrison Keillor--the man sure can go on about any one thing forever and a day. But he is one of the last standing radio personalities willing to continue the tradition of live radio in the age of impersonality in radio, and the era of XM-satellite stuff from the self-proclaimed center of the universe, NYC. The cool thing about seeing A Prairie Home Companion live last night was that, not only did I get free tickets thanks to the generosity of a co-worker, but I got to see how live radio productions such as these are done--and boy, was it cool. I have a new career goal, if that's what my calling truly is. Click on the above link to check out the show--I'm not endorsing everything the man has to say or anything, but he's got a great voice and knowledge of history, etc. that is the trademark of public radio.

Newsflash

2006-01-24T23:52:00.000-05:00

I actually agreed with Kurt Vonnegut about something he said on NPR yesterday. Not that he's a Christian or anything, but he likened the debate about teaching intelligent design in public school classrooms to tribal warfare.

He basically said that Darwin's theories don't satisfy our brains because they just don't add up. How could humans have possibly evolved from sludge millions of years ago and still be where we are today? According to Vonnegut, they may teach this in classrooms, but it's the kind of issue you think about all the time. Once you're done memorizing the chain of evolution in science class, you leave, and go on questioning Darwin. Why? It just doesn't add up. Everything he said during the interview from there on out made little or no sense; but, he concluded intelligent design is as valid a "tribal viewpoint" as evolution is.

Now, I'm no expert on Vonnegut, but when some whacko-liberal author starts admitting truths such as this one, we've got reason to rejoice!

Kara's Edward Goes for a Sunday Stroll

2006-01-17T23:23:00.000-05:00

Many of you may know that Kara has found her significant other, Edward.

But, she lent him to me Sunday afternoon during Winter Conference to experiment with my digital camera for forensic science class.

Here are the results...

Edward is my hero. Yes, indeed, because he is the strong, silent
type, and a very submissive subject.

I've discovered my Olympus digital camera has an
awesome macro-focus feature, which allows me to
take pictures super-close-up and in focus.

Soft Landings After Winter Conference

2006-01-17T15:11:00.000-05:00

Dear Reader,
I had the pleasure of attending the CORPS Winter Conference over MLK Day weekend. It was awesome. Midnight chats with Kara about our futures as espionage and counter-intelligence agents, sweeping dirt-covered floors with Mia, and the highlight: Pastor Selvaggio's messages about The Song of Songs from the Bible, coupled with Jared's workshop on Christ's Kingship over the arts.

I loved this year's conference way more than last, even though I didn't share a room with the exact same set of girls. God has taught me so much about depending upon Him, and not on myself or on other people, for strength and stability in an increasingly shifting world. This is going to sound trite, so forgive me, but sometimes it's difficult to get out of bed in the morning when you know you're going to have to hack and slash through another day of doing homework, working, running here and there, and trying to come up for air at the end. But, I'm reminded of how blessed I am to be able to do those things and to be on this earth, living for Christ--with or without a boyfriend/husband.

I don't deserve anyone or anything that's in my life, but through Christ, I'm made whole. And I am even excited about doing homework sometimes (shocker of the century!).

Before I head off to another class, I'd like to add that I'm so thankful for all the people in my life (mom, dad, bros, AnnaBanana, Carolina, and the rest of the crew).

All the movies I watched during Christmas Vacay

2006-01-11T16:17:00.000-05:00

Bundle of Joy--an uplifting romantic comedy from the 1950's with Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher (future parents of 'Princess Leia' actress Carrie Fisher)

Meet Me in St. Louis--an awesome Christmas time musical with Judy Garland and child star Margaret O'Brien...a must-see for anyone with taste

Foreign Correspondent--an excellently scripted Hitchcock masterpiece. Unfortunately, the film is deteriorating, so there are many points when the picture is clearly over-exposed or the sound over-modulated. Nonetheless, a film you have to watch if you love Hitchcock!

The Thin Man--definitely cool for the mystery buff. The dry wit of Myrna Loy is, needless to say, so Myrna Loy. Cool beyond cool.

Batman Begins--wow. I didn't think Hollywood could write a decent script anymore. Or make a good Batman movie, for that matter. But, I was proven incorrect in that assumption yet again!

Pride and Prejudice--I've already posted on this blissful re-telling of the story. It's good, so watch it.

If you can't already tell, when I wasn't working, I was watching movies with my family. A bad habit or a way to relax? That's up to you. But to me, it's an escape from the ordinary.

The Adventures of Pete and Pete--Okay, so I didn't watch them all, but some. I love the episode where little Pete starts up WART radio!

Some might think this show is simply revolting, with phrases such as, "Eat my dust, blowhole!" But if you grew up in the '90s, it's one of those shows that chronicles the trials and tribulations of public schools, the ice cream truck, and summer vacation.

Season 5 of the Gilmore Girls--yes, I watched the entire season, but not in one sitting or even one 24-hour period. Can we say, "Oy with the poodles, already?!"

I had the pleasure of watching this movie with Kara's siblings while in B-town last week. Good, good, good.

Yes, I saw the pilot episode of Seinfeld. That guy is always great for a good laugh!

Last, but definitely NOT least...

Not always can a great book be
adapted into a good movie; but folks
Walden Media, while perhaps not
always intending to, achieved some-
thing quite impressive with this
film. The soundtrack is quite good,
good, as well (though Alanis
Morrisette does turn up).

And then, I watched my favorite musical....
I love Donald O'Connor--a funny guy. Plus, it's so cool that Gene Kelly co-directed this!

Murder on the Boilermaker Express: The Final Straw

2005-12-21T23:07:00.000-05:00

When we last left our story, the girls of Bag End had just discovered the true appearance of their ill-mannered acquaintance. However, his real identity was yet to be discovered. Our heroines will soon embark on perhaps the most dangerous adventure of their lives. Let's read what shall unfold in the tale's dramatic almost-conclusion...

As the girls realized what sort of fellow the self-proclaimed Black Lung must have been (a pirate no less), it dawned up them that this gent was either severely confused about when Halloween occurred (for it was now November), or not quite right in the head. Anna managed to collect her senses and regain a bit cordality.

"Hello there, Mr. Black Lung, sir. We-"

"No," interrupted the scruffy-looking nerf-herder. "Just Black Lung, if you please."

"Alright, Black Lung," continued Anna. "We just stopped by to offer you these chocolate chip cookies. We thought you might be in need of a snack or something."

"Oh, I see, tryin' to buy me off, aren' we , now. Well, why don' we just dispense with the plaisentries and ge' righ' down to't. Yuh've got something tha's hitchin' your skirts. What migh' that be, now?"

"Well, you see," said Bonnie, "We've noticed that you have a pan flute you've been practicing on. And, by the way, it does sound quite nice; but, our roommate is dreadfully allergic to the toxic sound waves emitted by the flute, Black Lung. And, there are laws against that sort of thing. We've been wondering if there's any way you might stop practicing here because it's so dangerous. All our water lilies have died slow and painful deaths, owing, no doubt, to the flute."

Throughout her speech, Bonnie noticed this Black Lung didn't flinch. "Obviously not a very considerate pirate, is he, now," she mused.

Anger reared its ugly head as Black Lung stepped forward across the threshold. He put his face right up to Bonnie's, and the noxious aroma of (you guessed it) methyl bromide escaped from his putrid-looking mouth.

"Beggin' your pardon, miss," shouted the pushy Black Lung, "but I don' think I need your permission to be playin' my pan flute! And I won't be askin' for't. Tail your roommate she'll 'ave to move out if she wants to get away from the flute, or from me. Now get out of here, and hang the cookies!"

He shuffled back over the threshold and slammed the door so hard, the leaves on nearby trees rustled uneasily in the dusky silence.

"I guess this will be a long year," said Anna.

So the girls fought back through the garden of ill-tempered plants that lay between them and their doorstep. But, when Caroline learned the news about a bad-tempered neighbor named Black Lung, she decided to launch a peaceful counter-attack of her own.

To be continued...

Finals Week

2005-12-12T00:05:00.000-05:00

Dear Reader,
Hey there. I'm currently listening to Ted Leo and the Pharmicists, staying up late to study for my History of Rock'n'Roll exam that's only a few hours away. This finals week is going to be so crazy; but, I must say that I'm psyched about Christmas vacation.

A word about dress code: one thing I noticed this past week when I had to dress up three separate days for three separate presentations was that guys generally hold doors open for girls when they're dressed up than if they're just wearing jeans and a sweatshirt or something. Interesting.

But, I'm loving this music right now. I've gotta get back to studying now, but sorry about the extra, extra, extra long delay for my Murder on the Boilermaker Express saga. To be detailed at a later date!

Je Suis Libre!

2005-12-02T17:56:00.000-05:00

J'ai pris mon derni^`ere examen pour le francais 202!

Mais, le travail, ce n'est jamais finis!

Pendant les jours venant, je vais e^'crire deux papiers pour mon cours d'histoire et pour mon cours de russe. Apr^`es ca, je dois lire un autre chapitre dans le livre, Putin: Russia's Choice. Ca, c'est un livre epuisant. Mais, un jour, je sais que

An Awesome Movie

2005-11-29T10:24:00.000-05:00

Love it, love it, love it!!!

The Who

2005-11-21T00:29:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in a while, but here's a list of things that have held me hostage since my last update

--The Russian Mafia (cleverly disguised as my Russian prof.)

--Forensic Science (I was bound and gagged, with ligature marks around my wrists and mouth, thankfully, no choking or asphyxia was involved)

--Knitting (the yarn was used by an assailant to booby trap Bag End)

--Harry Potter (the 4th movie was well worth the wait, though perhaps a bit disappointing in some respects--but it was worth losing one night's sleep over)

Due to some recent developments, my post about the Murder on the Boilermaker Express continues to be forthcoming, and I must say I've gathered some more source data to add in since my first chapter was posted.

Thanks for being patient and I only ask for a bit more.

Crazy

2005-11-09T10:15:00.000-05:00

My next two days are going to be totally crazy. I have a linguistics exam this afternoon (I should be finishing studying instead of posting), and a French test tomorrow.

Michael Jackson's "Best of" album's pretty cool
The Bee Gees' "Best of" album is likewise awesome

I'm reading through Exodus right now. I think Moses is so cool.

More later, and rest assured, the next chapter to Murder on the Boilermaker Express.

Ready for

2005-11-02T17:00:00.000-05:00

A whole buncha homework, not. Yeah, so, in keeping with the usual insanity that is my schedule, it looks like I'll be working Friday night, along with a possible 1.5 shifts on Saturday! In the past two days, I've realized a few things:

I don't like the New York Dolls or the Velvet Underground
I need to watch the entire Lord of the Rings extended trilogy over again
I need to practice my testimony, like, a zillion more times
CD's are legal addictive stimulants

Green Retainers and Backdraft

2005-11-01T12:49:00.000-05:00

The link will take you to the top English Premier League Football (Soccer, here in the states) club.

My retainer is sitting here, staring at me as I listen to a lecture on Fire and Arson for my forensic science class.

I'm quite psyched because my schedule for next semester should be great (although I wish Kara could be in my social problems class).

Here's what I've done over the past few days:

Studied about the rise of capitalism in Russia
Studied how fire operates
Studied words like "washing machine" in French
Remembered why I'm not majoring in Physics (thanks to Peter)

That's all for now.

Fantabulous

2005-10-28T23:50:00.000-05:00

is a great word. Today has been awesome, and I should be in bed. But first, for those of you LOTR fans, today my family and I packed the van and traveled to the State Museum to see the LOTR exhibit. Totally awesome! I got to see Aragorn's costume, cell paintings from the movies' conceptual artists, and tons of other cool stuff. A must for the true fan, though a bit pricy.

In other news, our Rally this evening was awesome, esp. since the topic was suffering, something that's been hitting close to home lately. Can't write too much more at present b/c dreams of tea, crumpets, and Sherlock Holmes should be looming ahead...and, oh yeah, work.

Iced tea...yum

G'Day

2005-10-27T14:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday! Okay, so maybe it isn't the happiest Thursdsay, but it's still a Thursday, meaning tomorrow's Friday.

I'm kinda tired, still feeling a bit iffy after getting sick Monday night. But I have to say thanks to my family and my roomies for making my b-day fun. I've since been enjoying the sounds of Switchfoot's newest album (thanks, Pete:-)

I can't believe how much stuff I have to do. Every time I sit down in hopes of getting some things accomplished and actually *gasp* getting ahead, I realize "Nope, nope, just ain't gonna happen."

Well, don't get avian influenza or anything and stay tuned. I'm hoping to post some fun stuff at some point soon!

Bring me that horizon...
Jack Sparrow

Murder on the Boilermaker Express

2005-10-21T17:07:00.000-05:00

DISCLAIMER____
The following is nothing more or less than the musings of silly girl and her silly life, be they factual or fictitious. Any resemblance to people, places, or objects in the real world, while intentional, is not intended to be harmful in any way. Read at your own risk...
___________________________________________________________________

It was a lovely Indian summer afternoon set amidst the rambling oaks that make up suburbia in a little town of some consequence, West Lafayette. As Caroline, Anna, and Bonnie finished putting spatulas, plates, computers, and everything else in their rightful places, they were settling into their apartment. It was obvious the much anticipated, but sometimes dreaded semester was about to begin.

"I wonder who will be living downstairs," mused Anna.

"I don't know," replied Caroline, "but I hope it will be some nice girls or something."

At precisely this moment, a rusty, red truck with an outspoken muffler pulled up in back of their apartment--the fated neighbors had arrived.

Craning their necks to see who the newfound acquaintances would be, only the voices of some less than reputable chaps could be heard.

"Poot tha' in the back! I down't want anithing to be broken! My panfloot's arownd here somewheres!"

"But a pan flute? This can't be!" cried Bonnie.

Listening as their keys turned in the lock of the back door, the girls sat, waiting.

Noises of all sorts filtered through the air shafts, shouting, shoving furniture to and fro. But still, no sign of the neighbors.

"Not there, Kumquat!" cried someone.

"I don't care. It's going there, and I'm not moving again!" cried the apparent Kumquat.
The back door banged shut, and then very little more was said.

As the girls went about their business, a toxic gas began wafting through the air vents.
"What could that be?" cried Caroline. "Not...methyl bromide, one of the deadliest pesticides known to man?!"

The trio opened the windows, hoping their neighbors would be considerate enough to negotiate with them for their lives...after all, you only have two lungs.

But no, no. Days passed, and still no sign of the neighbors. The girls went to classes, came home, ate, slept, and entertained company with little sign of life, aside from the occasional blackguard who would make his way to the back porch some afternoons.

"Since they won't make peace with us, but instead threaten our lives, why don't we offer a diplomatic gift. Say, cookies for the people downstairs," said Anna.

"Well that way, maybe we can give them the message that we don't want a pan flute in the area," said Caroline.

So Anna set out to make the peace offering. And once it was finished, she and Bonnie warily ventured to the dark, dank back porch, all the while fearing for their lives. They fought off carnivorous weeds and snakes and spiders to boot, using only their handy hairclips that doubled as Japanese throwing stars to eviscerate the hungry flora and fauna.

Upon reaching the door to the questionable abode, Anna peered in through the door but couldn't see much. It was dark...and some fellow was singing along ("Off-key," thought Anna) to David Bowie's "China Girl" from the basement. After a polite knock, it was clear the chap wasn't listening. So, Anna hesitated, and banged several loud times. Up the stairs came the sound of a peg leg, and then the door opened.

A lad of about 20 appeared, wearing a stained linen blouse, sandals, an eye patch, and a wooden leg. His scraggly beard was the only impressive feature about him. And that wasn't saying much. And then, there was his pan flute in hand.

"Heloo thar, lasses," said the gent. "You must be the broads from upstars. I'm Black Lung and the fellow that lives with me is my trusty assistant, Kumquat."

To Be Continued...

So I'm Copying Off Patrick

2005-10-20T20:43:00.000-05:00

but that's okay by me.

Today:
_Went to bed at 2 A.M. after studying for forensic science exam
_Woke up at 6:45 to continue studying for said exam
_Contemplated taking a shower
_Abandoned all hope of showering
_Worked
_Went to French class
_Took said exam
_Walked home in the rain, and talked to Nate on the phone
_Realized I'm being eaten alive by (not flesh-eating maggots), but by spiders
_Took the bathroom by storm for a shower
_Found an injured cat, took it to animal shelter
_Pieced together the puzzle of the missing roommate from downstairs (ask me sometime, because it's a tale worth telling and involves murder, intrigue, and piracy)

If I get the time, I'm going to do a post about all the things I'm thankful for. Why? Well, why not?

Wednesday

2005-10-19T20:50:00.000-05:00

Okay, so it's Wednesday. I'm a bit less enthused about my French oral evaluation than I thought I'd be, mainly because there are so many tenses. But, I'm thankful the Lord answered my prayers and helped me come up with the right words at the right time for the most part. Plus, my History of Rock'n'Roll exam went pretty well. I love that class, even though we've been covering the 1960s counterculture.

Aside from today, tomorrow's the big guy and Friday's exam is essentially the Mt. Kilamunjaro of tests (Forensic science tomorrow and French midterm Friday). The third season of Gilmore Girls is sitting there, waiting to be opened, but not yet. Not yet.

If you're looking for some rocking sounds, check out switchfoot.com. I love the guitar licks for their new single. Need to buy that album.

Thoughts on Russian economics in as few words as possible.
Lenin had it right. Sharing things communally is a wonderful theory. The idea of nationalized market economy and the end of private businesses is great. In theory. But the problem with communism is simply this: man is fallen, so sharing stuff as a nation really doesn't work because, since we're dealing with people, things are gonna get messed up. It's entropy all over again. That's why democracy in the Thomas Jefferson, big governments are evil, tax-cuts are blessings, let businesses be owned by individuals, let each man earn his keep kinda way works.
End of story. And though no one from my Post Soviet Experiences class is reading this, Communism isn't the answer, no matter how idylic and romantic it may seem. Why, you may ask??? Because it assumes humans are capable of being something they will never be able to acheive--perfection in its truest sense.

That's it for me. I always knew I couldn't be a good historian or economist.

But I've got a funny story to tell and I'll have to save that for later.

Just a quick minute

2005-10-18T08:38:00.000-05:00

Hey guys. I don't have much time to write b/c I've got 4 exams this week, two of which are for French class. Sacre bleu! Well, we haven't heard much from the lads downstairs, but we're keeping our eyes peeled and the gas masks at hand.

Perhaps after I finish college, then I can read all those books I've been meaning to read for ages, and then paint!

Something Suspiciosis

2005-10-13T18:50:00.000-05:00

Late last night, I was walking through our backyard in the dark, flashlight in hand. As I passed the back porch, the smoker from downstairs (a.k.a. Mr. Wonderful) was partaking in his suicidal habit with another "gentleman."

After saying the customary "hellos," my flashlight illuminated a wad of cash totaling $200 right there on the lawn. For a split second, I thought, "Wow, that's a lot of dough!" And then, I asked, "Did one of you guys lose some money because there's a bunch of it right here." Like I would own that much cash...the best joke I've told in a while!

This next part only solidifies my hypothesis that Mr. Wonderful at least has links to the drug dealing circuit locally.

The "gentleman" rushed to the lawn, grabbed the cash, and yelled out, "Oh my (explitive)! That's a whole lotta money! I don't know what I would've done if I hadn't found that!!! Whoa! This is...!"

The rest of their conversation isn't important. But, this raises a few interesting questions which make my deductive wheels turn:

What was a college-aged guy doing with that much cash? After all, I don't know that many wealthy guys who would hang around Mr. Wonderful on any given Wednesday at 11:30 P.M. smoking like there isn't enough carbon monoxide in these environs and shooting the breeze in the dark.

What is the origin of that awful stench that isn't cigarette smoke but is definitely equally toxic drift through our air shafts?

Why is there a great deal of activity at all hours downstairs?

Now, some might say I'm being paranoid. But a good investigator never listens to what others are saying. And here's the thing: Indiana ranks something like 4th in the nation for drug dealership in suburban areas (and the Lafayette area has been a hot bed for drug busts of late). I don't know where Mr. Wonderful is from, but this is just crazy. I'm going to keep my eyes, ears, and what's left of my olefactory senses atuned to the goings-on downstairs. The first sign of drug paraphenalia and it's going to mean some time with the WLPD.

For those of you who read this, I'll keep you posted. But, for the safety of my roommates and I, there is reason for some concern.