Mission VBS

My background on my computer makes me smile...

Today was pretty good. I just hung around for the first part and then I went to the Goddard's house and babysat Jacob and Jackson. What curious children!
"What's your name again?" -Jackson
Obviously I don't babysit them too often, but they are still a joy to watch.
Later I went to the mission VBS my church is putting on in Chesterfield. That was fun. The children were fun even though I wish I could have gotten to know them more. There was one boy named Terrell that I got to speak about being a Christian. He seemed clueless about Jesus, but he was so into Mrs. Mullis' story of the crucifixion and resurrection. He was an absolute blessing to my day. After the story all the children had a "quiet time with God." I prayed that the children would accept God's beautiful self. I also pray that I can be a brief influence on Terrell's life and that he will know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him like I do. How terribly I want this boy to know God! After their time with God Mrs. Mullis gave out copies of the New Testament and I told Terrell that I would highlight Jesus' story for him. He said he would start reading it tonight. I hope this passionate feeling he has won't just last this week, but for his entire life. God teaches me more and more about myself everyday. I adore Him!
I need a new Bible so badly! But the one I have has been with me since January of 2004. I don't want to part with it!! What a change that has been in me since that date!

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." -John 15:12-15

well..

I miss Sumter really bad! The thought of Nicole, Hailey, Courtney, Kelli, Erin, Alyssa, Megan, Elizabeth, Chasity, and everyone else, brings a smile to my face. I love them. Not that I don't love my Cheraw folks, I just miss the Sumterites a lot.
My birthday is coming up. Time to get my permit. That makes me a little nervous, and I'm sure it makes other drivers nervous too. Just kidding, I don't think it's going to be that bad. I don't know what I want for my birthday. It always makes my mom mad because I can never tell her anything I want because I don't know. I don't want a hammock, I don't think I do, at least right now that is. I would love a trip to Sumter right now though. The last time I saw most of Andrew's family was when I went to the ballet...
I sure wish the weather was better. I could go swimming. I'm sure Erin would adore this weather, though. Yesterday Kevin, Collin, Katie H, and I went to the Mexican resturant. Later Collin had to take Katie to piano practice, so then Kevin and Collin came over here to swim. After a while we dicided to go see a really cheap movie in Hartsville with Majik. That was fun. If they sold the DVD of Herbie: Fully Loaded with Majik and my commentary on it I would totally buy it. It was hilarious! :-D The movie was alright. Wow, there were so many good movies out and then all of a sudden there weren't so many. Anyway, Andrew went to Ambassador Camp for two weeks and it looks like I'm going to be going to Mission Trip instead of working there. Which is okay because I don't think it would have worked out this way if it wasn't God's will.

"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." Jeremiah 29:11

The Day of the Lord's Blessings Upon Us

Today was absolutely magnificent! Well, more like yesterday now. What a blessing that could only come from God! Well, here's what went down. David Watkins gave me tickets to Carowinds Friday night. They were good for a concert Saturday during Sonfest. I invited Andrew and Kevin and we all rode up there with Andrew. Now here is the awesome part; not only did I get to see a great concert by Casting Crows, TobyMac, and Newsboys, but I also got to see Nicole, Hailey, and some other their friends from Sumter! I'm telling you, what a glorious day! We totally jammed out! HAHAHA!!!! Andrew actually rode a roller coaster! Top Gun in fact!! And when we were coming home we stopped at McDonald's and they put TWO pieces of cheese on my cheese burger! It was great!
Well, I'm way too tired to say anything else. I'm gone to bed.

Small Towns

I've been in town one short day and I'm already hearing about drama. I just plan to pray about everything that goes on this week at SummerSalt. God will help us all out. I adore Him!!!

"..what's going on? whats up with all our friends?
let's start a rumor just to find out where it ends.
cause a small town is like a small stage for
teenagers and their drama
instead of playing shows, we'll be showing plays
like 90210 without the beverly hills..." ~Relient K

Washington Pictures!!!

Washington was so fun! I had a great time! Even though Chloe, Kate, and I didn't win anything for National History Day the awards ceremony was pretty fun. Meagan won 3rd place in Senior Individual Exhibit. While Lee and Ben won first place in Junior Group Exhibit. It was so fun celebrating and everything. Joel looked like he had just got out of a swimming pool of sweat. Yeah, I know gross..but it's true. Lee's grandmother was SOOOOO excited about the boys winning! It was great. Oh yeah, and this loser even traded buttons, I had a great time with that!! haha! I had to beat Chloe. Just kidding, it was pretty fun.
As far as the city of Washington D.C. goes...let's just say I would never want to live there. The Metro was awesome fun, but it was so quiet and no one knew anyone so if you talked on the Metro you stood out because you were the only one talking. I resorted to reading, which actually didn't go too bad. I know I worked off some calories this week though! Walking around Washington will really wear you out!!

The Great Washington Monument


The Great Washington Monument again...but from the Lincoln Memorial steps.


Part of the super fancy World War II Memorial. This was one of my favorites! ;-)


Well, I'll never leave those "Northern" roots behind. Had to get a picture of the North Carolina pillar at the WWII Memorial.


And how could I forget South Carolina?!


The Lincoln Memorial...that thing fits on a penny?!?!?


Well, I think that Lincoln Memorial is more like it :-)


Lincoln was HUGE!!


Lions! They were on some art building's entrance. They looked awesomely scary.


Lion #2


The aritecure in Washington is so neat.


See what I mean?


more buildings


This lantern thing was crazy HUGE! Look at the tiny door! I wonder if the thing even lights up..


OOO...The White House. Looks like George is gettin' ready for a super fancy gathering.


My super TIRED feet and my super old New Balances.



Pretty..:-)

i'm super bored..

So yep, I'm going to Washington, D.C. tomorrow. I'm pretty excited. My family doesn't travel a lot, and well..since we got our pool we haven't even been to the beach. I guess I can thank History Day for that one.
I'm incredibly bored right now!!! Not even Gilmore Girls is sufficing!!! I'm so glad I had Anna Grace here this week because I don't know what I would have done without her after VBS!! I should totally be taking advantage of this opportunity and packing for Washington, but of course, I'm being me and procrastinating (one of my favorite past times). I wish I knew what time Andrew gets home today so I could plan something, but I don't. I should at least call Kevin and see if he knows, but I already text messaged him. Wow, I truly need to shut up. I mean why would you care if I called someone or not.
Just shows you how bored I am...

Pray for Ryan as he's off in Texas and Romania for the next few weeks.

God and His Glorious Self!

He just gives me one blessing after another ("From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another." John 1:16). God is wonderful!! If you ever get a chance to read the teen version of It's Not About Me, Live Like You Mean It by Max Lucado do! I'm so happy that Mr. T let us buy a copy of this book from him! What inspirational words that truly place some things in perspective. Check out this quote commenting on Exodus 33:18 ("Then Moses said "now show me your glory."")

" We cross a line when we make such a request. When our deepest desire is not the things of God, or a favor from God, but God himself, we cross a threshold. Less self-focus, more God-focus. Less about me, more about him."

It unnerves me to know how great He is. God's amazement is all around me! In everything I see and do.

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powr's, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

I have to get the link/download/however in the world he has it from Andrew. At least, I think he has it.. What a glorious song!

"All glorious is the princess within her chamber, her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king." Psalm 45:13-14

Sumter People and Boy Meets World

My friends are always asking the timeless question of why in the world I love Sumter so much. It's simple. I adore the people there. Go to Latete's (Nicole) xanga site. Her post on June 5 was quite inspirational. The people in Sumter help me grow in my walk with Christ and I just LOVE it!

Another timeless ponder...
What do Star Wars, Harry Potter, Boy Meets World, National Treasure, and tons of other good movies have in common? The main characters have a lot to do with it (well, in my opinion). Almost every show or movie that have two guys and a girl as the main characters tend to have a pretty good story line. I noticed this the other day when Andrew, Kevin, and I were watching National Treasure and once again observed this classic Boy Meets World thing. Why does this tap into our minds and become such a great story? How can so many people relate to this? Why does it sell? Maybe it has nothing to do with this factor, but I was just thinking about it...

Hey you! Yep, I'm talking to YOU! Since you took the time to read this, why don't you just go on and post a comment!!

(can't think of anything)

This week should be interesting. Andrew and Katie won't be here, but strangely awesomely enough Erin will. At least until Monday or Tuesday that is. Anna Grace will be staying with me this week and I'll get to work with Kate Stanton at VBS. I'm Excited! This week might go by faster than I thought. Of course, I'm assured long days seeing as I'm going to be working at VBS and have to wake up super early. Anyway, I'm going to really miss hanging out with Andrew and Katie this week. But hopefully Kevin, Jonathan, Anna Grace, and I will get to hang out a little. That is going to be a really strange group if we get together though..and that might be a little awkward. We'll have to try to work out something.
Some people dampen my spirit. Well, not just my spirit, my friends' spirits too. I always think about how people just throw around the word love, but there are other words that people throw around talking trash about other people. Ugly. A short four letter word can hurt more than breaking your toe and falling down stairs. How can anything from God be ugly? We are all His sons and daughters, uniquely made. This hurts my soul. The world dampens my spirit..

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would both be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

See the tree on the far left? That's the tree I fixed up all fancy for VBS!! Woo! That's our (Shelly, Beka, and I) moose and mountains too!
I've gotten a little picture happy now that I know how to work this thing. :-D

Chinese Rabbis and Gilmore Girls

Today was pretty darn great. It started off this morning when I met Andrew, Kevin, and Katie at Coles for breakfast. Then we talked at our table and got sad because this would probably be one of the last times in almost three weeks when we would all be together. Well, at least I was sad. I'm really going to miss them. Then I had to work on history day with Kate, Chloe, and Mrs. Ingram at the Presbyterian church, which turned out pretty good and we got a good bit done in my opinion. I dread having to memorize that writing of Sarah's, though. Afterwards I went home and Mr. Thomas called to see if I wanted to help set up the classrooms for VBS. I went and Rebeka, Shelly, and I had a crazy wonderful time making mountains, trees, and a moose! MOOK!!! Anyway, then we started acting crazy and Shelly and I dressed up in the little kid costumes. She was Barbie and I was a Chinese Rabbi (with a symbol [cymbal]). Anyway, it couldn't have been more fun. After a while we all got hungry so Shelly, Beka, Mr. T, Little Debbie, and Mrs. Tana all went to Fiesta. I asked Felix how many times I'd been there this week and I think we came to the conclusion of four times, and I've still got two days left this week. Then Beka, Shelly, and I went to Shelly's house to watch Gilmore Girls. Holy cow, that has only got to be the best show...ever!!! And I don't even watch a whole lot of television, it's weird that I absolutely LOVE any show.

Gilmore Girls

Hammock

I want a hammock really bad. It's not something I've always just had an abnormal desire for, but I want a hammock so I can go outside on warm days and just lay there and think and talk to God and read and whatever I just felt like doing at the moment. That was a total run-on, but who cares!? School is out! Well, I guess there have actually been times when I really wanted a hammock. Like the time when my neighbor and I ran from her dog (or maybe it was just me because I was just scared of the dog) and just sat there looking at him because he was about the size of us put together. He's a huge Saint Bernard. And then there's the time at Kate's house for her birthday party or something when a bunch of our friends were hanging out on her hammock and made it turn over with a bunch of us on it. That sort of hurt. At least, I think that happen. It might have been a dream. But I do know that Kate had a hammock either way. Hammocks are almost like a safe place for me (at least other than falling out of them). One saved me from being eaten by my neighbor's dog. Well, it's totally weird that I have strange and completely random memories of hammocks. Maybe I have always wanted one, just never admitted it to myself..

today

I feel like typing up a post, but I really don't know what to say. Today was pretty cool. I babysat Brynna and Courtney this morning until around 12:45 when Andrew picked me up and we went to Movie Gallery to meet Kevin and Katie. We sat in his car for a while waiting on them, and I found out that he won't be able to go to Ambassador Camp...at ALL!! I honestly don't understand why because I know he wants to go more than anything in the world!! We rented Spanglish, and then we went to "The Pig" and he actually let me buy him ice cream to try to make him feel a little better. But there's no way ice cream could make him feel better about that situation :-/. So we watched Spanglish with Kevin and Katie, which was nice. There was a hilarious comment about calling someone 40 times and leaving messages can seem a little needy! I guess it was hysterical because when Andrew and Kevin were mad, Andrew probably called Kevin 50 times! Not that Andrew's needy!!!
Anyway, after they left I took a shower and then went to M.N.M for our Monday night Bible Study for church. There were only four other people there, including Mr. T (Shelly, Ryan, David, and me). But I had a pretty good time, and I'm pretty excited about our study. We're using Max Lucado's book, It's Not About Me.

From the fullness of his grace we have all recieved one blessing after another. John 1:16

Random Thoughts

Number of times I've seen Star Wars Episode III: 3
Money I've spent on tickets: $8.00
(Andrew bought my ticket one time, and my dad bought it another)
It's basically a pretty great movie and now I guess you could classify me as a Star Wars geek. I've got to be one of the only girls around that actually appreciates Star Wars.

Erin is supposed to come to graduation tomorrow. I'm pretty excited. Even though I acted like I wasn't when Andrew first told me. Key word there: acted. Of course I'm excited!!! :-D
So graduation is tomorrow. It's pretty sad to see my few senior friends leave. I'm really going to miss Katie, MK, and Ryan. Church and band are going to be really different are going to be really different without the three of them. The fact that they're leaving hasn't quite hit me yet though..

Hopefully Andrew and Kevin are officially friends again. I don't know about the "Boy Meets World" times being totally back, seeing as we all spend so much time with Majik, Collin, and Jonathan now, but talk to each other now. I hope everything clicks again like it did a while back..

missing.

I miss the good ol' "Boy Meets World" times. I wonder if they'll ever be back...

Mini Cooper

That was so cool. Mr. Bryan just took me for a ride in the mini and that had to be one of the coolest things EVER! Other than Kevin taking his shirt of today at the park (okay, okay, okay---I'm honestly just kidding!!!!!!)!! Anywho, it was pretty excited and they have a ton more room then they look like they have. I'm telling you, those are NICE cars!
Well, back to my last post...I'm A-okay. I worry too much for stupid reasons and there's nothing wrong with me. At the moment life's pretty good, other than waiting for school to get out! Well, I just had to make sure everybody knew that. ;-D

Defining Moment

You know that feeling when you know you did something wrong and everything just goes downhill from there? Maybe you don't. But for those of you who do understand, well, that's exactly how I feel right now. I dispose it. Especially since I can pinpoint that defining moment of when I messed up and ruined everything! I wish I could take it back because now I feel terrible. No, I haven't done something un-Christian like have sex outside of marriage or stolen anything. I just don't want to talk to anyone about it right now, but I've ruined my summer, or so it seems. I messed up and now I don't know what I could ever do about it. I've lost trust and I honestly don't know if I will ever get it back. Everything's fake now, but I'm dealing with the world...what do I expect?

Whoa-o...I've been banging my head against the wall
Whoa-o...For so long it seems I knocked it down.
Yeah, it got knocked down
Whoa-o...And the heating bill went through the roof
Whoa-o...And the wall I knocked down was the proof
That my landlord needed to kick me out
I got evicted now I'm living on the street
My spirit's lifted...oh wait, that wasn't me
Too many turns have turned out to be wrong
This time I learned that, I knew it all along
When car crashes occur
Then I'll be what you were
When I see what I should
When I see that it's good
To experience the bittersweet
To taste defeat
Then brush my teeth
Experience the bittersweet
To taste defeat
Then brush my teeth
Cause I struggle with forward motion
I struggle with forward motion
We all struggle with forward motion
Cause forward motion is harder than it sounds
Well every time I gain some ground
gotta turn myself around again
Whoa-o...I've been banging my head against the wall
Whoa-o...For so long it seems I got knocked out.
Yeah, I got knocked out cold.
Whoa-o...And the medical bills went through the roof
Whoa-o...and the scar on my head is the proof
That I'll still remember this when I get old
When I grasp the concept
Then I'll sleep where you slept
When I know I need help
When I allow myself
~Relient K

hmmm...

I care too much about what other people think about me. I used to not so much, but I do now...it's actually pretty annoying. Loser...
Anyway, I'm actually on a role here updating every couple of days and whatnot. Seems pretty silly considering I pretty much say the same thing every time I do though. Just that I'm ready for summer and all that jazz.
This is actually a very pointless post, but because I took the time to even write it makes me think I might as well publish it..

Basically

I'm ready for summer. I miss everybody in Sumter, I actually got to go the other weekend. Let me tell you, it was exciting! Erin, Alyssa, Megan, and Elizabeth were in a ballet and it was so beautiful!!! We rode golf cars and four-wheelers, played the OLD Nintendo, and had a lot of fun. Goodness, I love that place and the people there! I got to see Latete, Haley, and Rebekah too!
The next couple of days are going to consist of nothing after school, other than if we have homework, and we better not! But Andrew's on that AP trip and Kevin and I aren't going to do something together, just the two of us, because that would seem weird and neither of us ever plan anything. So I guess I'm basically going to be chilling at my house doing nothing for a while.
I'm so ready to get out of school! Thank goodness, that essay for Mr. Stafford will be out of the way tomorrow!! :-D

Updating!

nor·mal
2 a : according with, constituting, or not deviating from a norm, rule, or principle b : conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern
;-D

Well, I haven't updated in a while and someone asked me about it so I figured it was about time I popped in. There's too much going on; what with school, Freshman 101 marching stuff, preparing for National History Day, church, writing essays, and getting ready for exams and such. You could say I'm staying pretty busy. I'm totally ready for my busy summer to get here! Seriously, I think I'm gonna have like two weeks to myself, even though most...all of the stuff I will be doing with at least one friend. I just don't know how long I will be able to make it. I have to babysit four days of the first week I get off. The next week there's VBS, then Nationals and SummerSalt. Two weeks of hanging out, my birthday, two weeks of Ambassador Camp, and the next week marching band practice starts! This should be an interesting summer, but I'm SUPER excited.
Goodness, it feels like it should be Friday...and it's only Wednesday.

Drama..

There's too much in this small town!!!

WOOHOO!!!!

Life's pretty awesome right now. I've gotten to hang out with Katie Graham a whole lot lately, which happens to be pretty awesome. Things with Andrew and I are going pretty well; prom is this Friday. Kevin and I seem to be brother and sister now..totally weird. Other than that stuff...State History Day is this Saturday so Kate, Chloe, and I got to make sure we still know all our lines and whatnot. Nothing more as of now, but thank goodness that blasted Shakespeare project is OVER!!!! BUT HEY EVERYBODY!!! I totally miss SUMTER!!!

I HATE...

THIRD PART!!! It's insanely stupid! I want to play second clarinet part soooooo flippin' bad!!!! But I can't now because I've been practicing third for a while and now my fingers don't even find it natural for the old fingerings. I might as well not even go to concert festival and waste my time! I could be doing much more important things! It's terrible, but right now I despise band, and Pruitt is making this whole situation ridiculous! I just want to go cry; I honestly do. I don't want to go to concert festival playing third part. And I probably wouldn't if I explained that to Pruitt, but I'm to much of a chicken to even say anything about it! We have to have "balance" in the section. Well, if I'm playing the wrong stinking notes the score will be worst than if the clarinets weren't balanced!

HOLA!

I still exist and have not been wiped off the face the earth...I just haven't posted in what seems like a year (or...15,000 years! hehe). Anywho, I've been pretty busy lately and when I haven't been, I've been trying to spend time growing in my relationship with God. Acquire the Fire has got to be the awesomest thing ever! It was sooo great. Last weekend I went to there with Andrew's aunt's church. I met new people and that was super exciting and I can't wait to get my camera developed! HAHA!
History Day went pretty well. Today we went to the district competition and Kate, Chloe, and I got first in the Senior Group Performance category! It was pretty exciting, but then again, there were only three performances total. It was nice to get another person's opinion on our project though.
So..the school year is almost gone, but I know I've got tons of work ahead of me. From history day to some crazy Shakespeare project for Mr. Stafford to working on Solo and Ensemble (with the same people I'm doing history day with). It's probably gonna be chaos! I absolutely can't wait until summer! I don't have a ton of things on my agenda, but I'm hoping I can get some details about Ambassador Camp and I know I've got SummerSalt. Mission Trip is a little if-ish right now, depending what my other plans are. Other than that nothing new except the fact that I'm going to be able to speak Spanish before I ever take Spanish 1 thanks to Andrew, Kevin, and Majik! ;-)

Boy Meets World ;-)

Well, life has been pretty great lately. It seems kind of like Boy Meets World. Everything I've done over the past week or so, as far as hanging out and stuff goes, has been with Andrew and Kevin. It's great though. I'm just really getting to know Kevin, and he's pretty awesome. I really really really really hope I get to go to Aquire the Fire with them and Collin! Texas hold 'em is a pretty fun game. I finally actually learned how yesterday at Bryce and Braden's house.
I GET TO SEE BRANDON TODAY! I'm soooo excited! I haven't seen him once since he moved! Well, I guess I'm out for now, I've got some school work to get done and I need to clean my room...I don't think any of it will get done, but anyway.

The Past Little While

Andrew is sooooo crazy!!! Meagan, Bryce, Andrew, and I were all watching The Ring at Meagan's house. At the end went the TV is all fuzzy-like right at the end, the phone rings! We were all flippin' scared! But guess what!! Andrew had my cell phone and called Meagan's house! It was too funny! but it really did scare the rest of us!
I haven't posted in a while...haven't had a whole lot to say. Andrew couldn't drive this past week..trouble with..Mr. 790 (no comment). Turning in history day stuff was pretty great. Our script ROCKED! Friday night I went with Little Debbie, Shelly, and Beka to Fiesta where we met up with MK. Then we all went to Shelly's house and watched a movie (A Cinderella Story) and talked about how we're all starting to get a little tired of Cheraw people. Well, the ones in our grade mostly. I just guess we've all been here with them for so long we know practically everything about them and their annoying qualities are starting to come out. But I still love them all.
Well, I really don't have a whole lot left to say, and I'm tired. So I'm gone to bed.

The Quadrilateral Space

Okay, so some people know the whole reason behind "The Quadrilateral Space Between The Lattice Boards," The title I mean (if you don't, read my very first post). But anyway, since The Ring Two is coming out and all I keep thinking about this...where is the ring of light coming from? I mean if there was a stone covering the top of the well, then wouldn't the stone fall inside it because the space where the light is coming is around it? That might not make any sense, but anyway. What's The Ring Two gonna be about anyway? Did they make a DVD of the tape?!?!

This Week...

HAS GOTTEN A TON BETTER!!!!
YAY!!

AND IT'S ONLY MONDAY!!!

I really despise days like today. I don't know how to feel. I mean the highlight of my day was probably the basketball game when Majik and Mrs. Locklear were dancing and I was laughing so hard. I don't know, everything's been terrible since I got home! I can only think about how I think Ashley might be mad at me (which I don't understand, and I think it's all in my head anyway- at least I hope), and how Andrew doesn't feel well, and how aggravating stalemates are, and how I'm supposed to be home all the time, and how my mom got all mad at me, and how it's only Monday!

Ski(..?) Trip

So yeah, ski trip was pretty fun. It was rather Banks filled, seeing as Beka was sick (which is terrible) I hung out with him most of the time. As for the skiing part of ski trip..err...I can't ski. I tried snow blading...I could at least slow down, but not much. I couldn't stop either and I'm sooooo sore because to stop I would make myself fall down. Banks took me on a couple of runs, just so I could get used to the blades (which happened to be the only runs I did). A run that could have taken him five minutes took about and hour because I fell down so many times and had to get back up! But other than that is was a pretty fun experience. I roomed with MK, Shelly, and Mrs. Shelly. We had all these S names in our room so it got really confusing sometimes. And then we went to Subway, and played cards, and then all the chaperones disappeared! alright, I'll stop rambling now.
The puzzles were awesome! and I got all the pieces back in the box! WOO! (but that was the only one I figured out!!)

Road Blocks

Okay, life was all awesomely peachy keen. And suddenly, it's just like I'm turning into someone I don't want to be, someone who can't be herself, someone who can't deal with her emotions, and can't be who they truly are because they're so wrapped around someone/something else. Let me just be honest here, I feel like I can't be the person I am without Andrew. I have to keep reminding myself of Romans 12:2a, Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your heart. I think that Beth and Brandon officially think I'm one of those "wrapped around their boyfriend" chicks, and that's who I'm afraid of becoming, but who I'm turning into. Not all of my friends are at church like they used to be. Andrew has introduced me to Meagan, Bryce, Braden and I've gotten to know Julie and Ashley a ton better. And now that ski trip is coming up this weekend I've got this rotten gut feeling like I don't want to go because none of them are gonna be there to hang out with. I feel like a horrible person, even though Banks and his awesome self has told me I'm not. I just don't want to be a person of the world, rather someone who is remembered as a person who was different in a Godly way. And I'm falling into the world and I HATE it...PASSIONATELY!!!!

11:15 Okay, I actually feel a lot better now. After talking to Andrew and Banks about this. ;-) Alright, actually this weird one here feels a ton better...I don't understand the sudden change either...:-D

What's goin' on?

Hola folks!
What's been goin' on?!? I haven't been around in a bit. I've been waiting on the new DSL modem we've got here.
So life's pretty good. Andrew and I have been together for a month and two days now (that probably doesn't seem like a long time for most people, but it's been an awesome month and two days!). I'm totally stealing this from him, but it's almost like we were made for each other. I could never ask for a better boyfriend. This past Saturday Andrew, Meagan, Bryce, and I all went to Florence to eat and see "In Good Company". It was pretty good, but the time I got to spend with Andrew was infinite times better! So the day was pretty awesome.
Region band was okay. I did really well and (for some strange reason) got more nervous as I went along. So my solo and sight-reading (the two biggest parts of the thing) was pretty much crap. I found out today that I ranked 42nd out of all the clarinets that tried out in clinic, which wasn't too bad considering I didn't feel really prepared like I should have been and I'm a freshmen.
Well, I guess that's about it for now.

(I'm missing you like always!)

Err..Can't Think of One at the Moment

The Connect Conference was pretty cool. I had a lot of fun, but in a sense I agree with Ryan. The guy speaking was quite a "shoot everyone with the Gospel" type. I agreed with him sometimes and then other times I didn't. I think I'm more of a person who has to get to know and understand a person before you start talking about God with them. But that's just best for me. There are different ways to witness to a person and because everyone is different everyone would prefer a different way to be approached. The Connect Conference most definitely helped me in seeing a way to reach out, but I think I should have a solid foundation with a person first. But that's all just me. I do think small things like wearing a shirt with a Christian message or something like that does effect someone a little and when you conduct yourself in such a way of that of Jesus, people really do take notice.
That's not to say that I only want my close friends to know Daddy, "everyone" should know him and have a personal relationship with him, I just think it would be easier for me to reach out to people by getting to know them first. I guess you could say I don't really know what to think about the whole thing, but I do think that going to the conference was definitely something I should have done. The concert was also really awesome.

Last night I went with Andrew, Ashley, Julie, and Jonathan to Florence to see White Noise. Yes! My parents actually let me ride all the way to Florence with Andrew! I was surprised too. Anyway, it was totally awesome. White Noise was okay, I don't have a whole lot to compare it to, considering I haven't always been much of a scary movie person. I think there was only about two times where I actually started freaking out or whatever. I don't have any idea what David and Collin were talking about that movie being really awesome! But someone is really proud of Andrew ;-)

Other People

Well, I've been hinted at that a lot more people read this than I thought. If you read this, post a comment to just say who you are. I'm just curious.

Missing Computer!

Wow, it's been a couple of days without the computer, which basically stinks. AOL or some connection or something crazy like that got really messed up and I couldn't get on most of the weekend and earlier today. I didn't talk to Andrew once this weekend because he was in Sumter either, and the few times that he was on I wasn't because of the blasted computer. Which "sucks for me" (I'm quoting Banks so I didn't say "sucks"). So, onto what's happen since I last updated.
Not a whole lot. Modest Mouse is cool. So is The Postal Service (no, not the one that brings the mail). They're a lot different from what I would usually listen to, but I was listening to Chole's ipod and she had "Float On" and one of the Postal Service's songs on it. It was pretty cool.
Uh...I'm going to the Connect Conference, which should be pretty awesome. The thing is I can't go with Beth and Brandon to move or whatever this weekend. I really hate this, but for some reason or another I think God really wants me to go to this. I really hope they understand..err.

First Day of the Semester

Well, school's back and that basically stinks. No new classes, no new people...everything's the same thanks to the "great" ninth grade academy. Although now I get to see Andrew less. How great--yeah right! I'm trying to find all the possible times in which I will be able to see him (it's not much). Beka has gym the same period has him and she's a complete loser because seeing as you don't do anything in gym she will be get talk to him and whatnot.
Band is pretty lame. It's like attack of the sophomores because Julie, Ashley, Samuel, and Jarrett Leviner are all in the freshmen class. Well, I love all of them, but yeah. I've also got to get my solo down considering I didn't exactly work on it during the break. I felt bad, but I think I can get it down. Plus I've got to work on my scales again.
Well, seeing as I've got so much work to do on my clarinet I'm off to practice..

To My Much Loved Readers

As I have learned, blogs are not completely safe from public eyes. Well, at least from those crazy people I love!! I didn't know that Beth, Brandon, and Beka too all kept up with this thing. I mean I know I gave you guys the link or whatever a while back, but I had no idea you guys kept up with this thing (you guys must be really bored)! That's pretty awesome though. It's a good way to keep up with what's going on in my life. I'm gonna have to find a way to keep up with y'alls! I've been pretty slack on entries lately though. December has like a whole of what? Five entries! Anyway, I just thought I'd make the first entry of the year for you guys!

BeTh!
It has been AWESOME getting to know you! I feel like I could tell you anything and no one would ever find out. I guess that's something that comes with being a big sister! But thanks TONS for all the advice, talks (especially at mission trip. I don't know if you remember, but the whole thing about how people are different...if you know what I mean), story times, and all that awesome stuff! I'll never forget the car peeing on me! haha! Or YOU!! I love you tons!!!
BrANdOn!
WOO! It's been awesome getting to know you too! Remember the letters on the tissues and napkins at ski trip last year?!?! What fun! And who could ever forget yelling at Thomas to "STOP!?" It's been CRAZY FANTASTIC hanging out with you. I feel like I could tell you anything as well. Us otters have to stick together! I'll never forget you! I love you tons!!!

Even though I don't have a big sister going to see a boyfriend or some crazy connections getting me up near Clemson I'll be up there as much as I can! I'm going to miss you guys more than you know! I know everyone else is too! You've done more than enough in our lives and we'll never forget y'all! Tons of hugs and kisses!!!

BeKa!
Wow...I was thinking about the year on New Years. Think about it...how much have we gone through in one year?!?! There are so many times when we have been so far and mad at each other, but look! We always come back to each other! Girl, I love you soooooo much and I thank you sooo much for being there to support me and know I'm always here when you need me.

:-* Loads of love to all of you!! Wow, it looks all valentiny (if that's a word; well, it is now).

I'm Back Again

I would have titled this entry "Christmas" but I guess it's a bit too late for that. So I stuck with "I'm Back Again" because I haven't updated this thing in a LONG time. I guess because I haven't had a load to write, I mean no stress from school and whatnot so yeah.

Christmas
My Christmas was pretty great. I got a good bit of stuff (stuff that I don't deserve for any reason, but it was nice to get things) here's a few things I got...
-a cell phone (yeah, I admit that I am on the spoiled side of life).
-Seven or eight totes/pocketbooks. I ended up exchanging one of them. I mean who really needs that many? At least at one time that is..
-a much needed clarinet case
-money/giftcards
-clothes
You know the classic teenage girl stuff, besides makeup, which I wouldn't wear anyway.
My Christmas break has been pretty good though. Andrew and I started "going out" (where we are "going" I don't know, I guess the better word is "dating") on the twenty-second and it's been great to just relax from school crap for a while. I've missed Andrew a ton though. He's been in Sumter most of his break. Although he doesn't really have a choice; it's with his family or whatnot.

Hair Cut
I got a hair cut that I do like. I don't know if a lot of other people will seeing as I haven't seen anyone besides Anna Grace and her family since I got it cut. Oh yeah, and Chris (Kate's little brother; as if he cares) and of course my family.

Hanging Out with Anna Grace and the Rest of Her Crew
I've been with Anna Grace and her family for the past two days. It's been pretty cool seeing them since they live in "big" town of Summerton now. I really miss those folks. But anyway, I spent the night at their house and we watched Napoleon Dynomite. My review for the movie is that it was rather pointless, but it was funny. I didn't have a real story plot at all. It was just a bunch of random things happening to this guy and the strange stuff he did. But it was funny, plus it was actually a movie without any cussing and whatnot so that is a major plus. Today we went shopping in Florence and then went to Summerton for a bit.

Okay, I know that you could not possibly be more bored reading this (why you are I'm not actually sure), but I'll stop typing now because I am bored as well. Well, I'm off to play the GameCube with my brother.

Long Day..

Today has been one of the longest days ever. I'll start at the beginning. Well, you know it's the Friday before we get out for the holidays and of course we had to go to Coles this morning. Once again a load of people were there: Andrew, Dorterra, Mark, David, Collin, Landon, Bryce, Braydon, Caitlin, and Megean. Then of course, you know school. What fun; of course we didn't do anything, considering all of my classes were like twenty minutes today. Afterwards I went to Florence with Katlyn, Mrs. Sandy, Rachel, and Beka. That was pretty cool. I finally got Katlyn and Rachel's Christmas present and I still don't know what to get Beka. That is so terrible! So anyway, we had to get home early because Rachel had to babysit, but it was cool because I ended up going to the basketball game with a load of folks. Then my mom had to come and pick me up because everyone was going to the Mexican and I can't ride with anybody. Then everyone went to Mark and Jess's house to play German Spotlight which was pretty cool. Of course I'm surprised no one came out of their houses trying to find out what in the world we were doing. Anyway, that was a rough summary of my day. I'm gone to take a shower and get some sleep.

Life As of Now

Well, I haven't posted in a good little while. I've been so busy and had so much on my mine. Here's what I've been doing since the last time I posted...

Wednesday- Working on our script for history day at Kate's house. Then worked on history day at my house until really late.
Thursday- Talked to Andrew on the phone. Yeah, I might as well go on and say it, considering everyone and their brother already know; he's the guy I'm talking to. Correct that, "we're getting to know each other better and considering a relationship." David doesn't like the term "talking." Anyway, then I went to the Long Middle School band concert. I also had to work on history day, considering it was due the next day.
Friday- Went to eat at Coles with Mark, David, Andrew, Katie, Bryce, Braydon (I think that's their names, I'm probably really wrong), Megan, Landon, Dorterra, Caitlyn, and Jonathan. Very big crowd. History day was finally due and over with, at least for a little while. At four-o-clock I left for the S.A.L.T. trip. It was awesomely good fun! I needed the break, but because Mr. Stafford has a project due this coming Wednesday I had to take it with me to work on.
Saturday- Still at the beach for the S.A.L.T. trip.
Sunday- Got back home for the beach, came home and took a much needed nap. Then went to Bradley's Christmas program at the church.

I've been really busy and I'm ready for my much needed Christmas break! And now I'm off to work on Mr. Stafford's "devil" (as Ryne put it) project.

"Talking"

I haven't updated as often as I did a week or two ago. I've been totally busy trying to learn the oboe, which I'm not a whole lot better on...which stinks. I've also had a little drama, but it's almost a good thing. Me and this guy are "talking". I know, I know, I know! The whole thing with God won't allow me to go with him, or like him for that matter! My God thing is until I feel He tells me I'm ready for a relationship with a certain guy. The feeling of waiting for a guy is almost gone. As if I should try to be in a relationship with this guy, or at least get to know him better, because it's what is best for me right now. So right now we're just talking and getting to know each other better. But I'm happy about it and according to him and his friends he is too. So that's pretty awesome.
Not a whole lot of other news, so I'm out.

The State Championship Game

Well, Cheraw lost to Broome, but those guys played really hard and I know there was a lot of pressure put on them from the town. I thank them for making state though because I sure had an awesome time. I mean how many people actually get to go to a State Championship game during their high school years?
On the way there Beka and I had a long conversation about guys and such. That was interesting. Then Andrew started singing. It was not the greatest thing I'd ever heard. Then, we finally got there to Columbia. We warmed up a little (the band I mean), and then we practiced the National Anthem with the Broome band (who we did beat at state). You know, then we went in a played it for everyone and then climbed up the USC stadium seats. Of course all of us band dorks had a good time. Erica, Malcolm, Alex, Chloe, and I were all dancing, Andrew was yelling at his uncle (he's the coach, by the way), and of course we provided all of the entertainment for the night. Just kidding! Anyway, so during half time we performed movement 4, made this new drill set that said "CHS," and made a tomahawk. It was so great to march again. I absolutely LOVE it! Afterward we got third quarter off in which I caught up with Banks who was looking for Beka, who I had no clue where she was. I don't think he ever found her either. He said that him, Beth, and Brandon were all looking for everyone they knew while we were performing, and I was the easiest to spot. Especially when after we formed the tomahawk and played the war path, we marched to the sideline. Because I was standing next to Willie and Jarret L. I looked even shorter.
When we got in the stands it seemed like everyone was all pumped up again. Later we were beating Broome of a little bit, but a load of the fans got really cocky and we Broome got two more touchdowns and beat us. That stank.
On the was back I sat with Ashley most of the trip and then we stopped at Burger King, and I couldn't eat half of a large fry (that's all I got obviously). Afterwards, I was sort of tired, but I couldn't get very comfortable in the bus seat, so I sat up and talked to Dana, Erica, and Malcolm with their crazy selves. And now I'm here typing this stuff...and about to go to bed because it's been a pretty long day.

GO FRESHMEN AND SENIORS!!!

WOOHOO! We beat the sophomores and juniors. I officially cannot wait until next year's Powder Puff game.
But jeez, some of those girls on the S/J team were being rough. Meredith and Mary K got hit in the face and I got hit in the cheekbone by Jackie's forehead. It was all worth it though. Playing right guard, I didn't do a whole heck of a lot besides block, but it was pretty fun. But when we were playing defense I was always across from Nancy, which was pretty funny. As soon as she would go to block she would start saying "no, no!" over and over. A couple times in the fourth quarter I thought I'd bug her and I was like "yes, yes!" All in all it was probably one of the best times I've had getting really hot and sweaty in a long time.

Oh yeah, this are a bit better with my History Day partners, so that's pretty awesome. And I played a load more during band on that oboe today. It was pretty awesome too.

A Few Reasons Why Today Sucks

Yes, today actually sucks. I never say sucks so obviously it really does. Anyway here they are (in no particular order)...

1. I can't play oboe. I've been playing for approximately four days, all of that practice fully on my own and I'm supposed to be able to play nine scales, Unison Scales Sheet Part 1 (obviously there is more coming. how exciting!), and freakin' Christmas music. I've gotten myself all worked up over it, even to the point of crying which is not necessary. And I thank David for helping my finally realize that. I've not only got that to practice, but I've got to work on Mr. Stafford's project and History Day.
2. Speaking of History Day I'm getting frustrated with not only it, but also my partners. I don't mind if they read this because I have a feeling that some time very soon I will come right out to them and let them know they are driving me crazy.
3. Mr. Stafford's project...HA! Haven't even had a good start on it. I've taken, what, a page of notes. That's sure to get me an F! Just what I need in that class. I also have to catch up on Lord of the Rings journal entries, again!
4. Because I've got all this stuff to do people find it a good idea for me to just take a day off and work on it. This is causing me stress as well because I'm having many thoughts about actually asking my mom for a day off. Although, considering I have NEVER missed a day of school since kindergarten, I don't think I am going to go and miss one in ninth grade just because I need to catch up on school work.
A solution to all the work would be for the seven teachers I have get together and know who is doing a project when. This would help so many students and there stress. No wonder so many people are failing! I can't wait until next year. Only four classes a day and one of them band (I still absolutly love it, even if I can't play oboe).

Okay, so maybe there aren't as many reasons why today sucks as I thought there was. Maybe I just didn't want to go into great detail because I would have said something I didn't need to. But really when all of these things come together in one day, it really isn't the greatest feeling to have at the end of the day. All in all today hasn't been the best day ever.

Confusion and Christmas; They Really Go Hand in Hand, Don't They?

I don't know what to do. I don't know if it's just a guy thing or what, but why do they have to get their friends to talk to you for them? I would just like people to come to me with their feelings. And with the feelings I know are there I don't want to have to pry for expressing.

Onto less complicated things. I finally got some Christmas shopping done. I'm quite happy about that. I've good bit more to do though.
History Day is not getting very far and I officially despise deadlines, with a burning passion that is. I need to get together with Kate and Chloe but there's no time to do that with PowderPuff football practice and game, along with marching practice this week. I've also got to work on that wacko research paper for Mr. Stafford. I really don't know what to do with that.
Well, all I'm doing is rambling. I'm out for now.

Football's State

WHATWHAT?!? Cheraw's football team is going to STATE, buddy! But that's not the best part! We get to march this at Williams Bryce stadium. The Williams Bryce part isn't the best, but hey, we get to march this week (wow, I am such a band dork).
Anyway, onto the game. We beat Hanahan 35 to 7? Something around that. Andrew started dancing...that was...interesting. He also spilt his hot chocolate on some woman he didn't know and she got all mad. It was on one of those ski type jackets though, so it would have wiped off with water. Erica, Dana, and Malcolm were acting crazy, big surprise. That's who I was hanging out with most of the time. Oh yeah, and Willie. I think someone purposely broke his reed during our third quarter break; it looked terrible. The guy couldn't even play his saxophone.

My Thanksgiving was pretty good. I got to sleep until like 12:30, but unlike any previous Thanksgiving I was at my grandma's house. I totally missed the Macy's parade and I was a little bummed. Of course I found some channel with the DCI chamionships on, so that was pretty awesome. And then I just hung out with the family for the rest of the day.
I really have so much to be thankful for though. I've got LOADS of friends and everything is just great right now. Things with God are pretty good too. Of course how can it not when life is? I need to catch up on my Bible reading though, I'm seriously slacking off.
Well, if you note what time it is, you know that's it's late. Or early which ever way you would like to put it. I'm tired and out...

My Freak Out

Today was really scary. I'm worried that I might have diabetes or something like that, but it doesn't make sense. This morning I ate breakfast at Coles with Collin, Andrew, and David. Then I had school or whatever. When I got to Mrs. Ellerbe's class we had a pizza party because we brought the most canned goods, ect. for the food drive. I had two slices of pizza and three Kik-Kat bars. When I got to lunch I felt okay for a while, but I didn't eat anything because I've pretty much been eating all day. I did have a bottle of water though. During lunch Coach Jones, who I don't really know, came over to where Katlyn, Beka, Banks, Leslie, and I were sitting and told me that Dr. Cobb (the principle) needed to see me. I swear my heart stopped of a second. As I stood up to go see him I totally got zoned out and the entire lunchroom got silent. I was so freakin' scared. And all he talked about was the Powder-Puff football game. That pissed me off. Although, when I got to Mr. Stafford's class I asked him if I could step outside and get some air. I felt like I wasn't getting enough oxygen to my brain or something. He was like "I can't let you leave class," so I just dealt. Then we had to go to the library because we have to do research for some paper we have to do for his class. It was cool in there so I really hoped that maybe the nervous feeling would go away and I would be able to breathe easier. I started looking really flushed and my eyes got red and glassy. Regina, who is in my group for the research thing told Mr. Stafford I really needed to get something or call because I never feel bad. He was like if she needs to leave she can make a pass to call home. I didn't want to leave though. You have to be present so much of each block to be counted present, and seeing as I've had perfect attendance since kindergarten I didn't want to leave. My eyes started watering, along with me crying. Mr. Stafford said I needed to call or stop crying because I couldn't just sit there. So I finally stopped, but I still felt really shaky. You couldn't tell I was shaking, but I could feel my nerves just shaking inside. Regina has diabetics so I got to talk to her about it. She was told me it was possible that I might have it, but I mean it could just be something else, but I don't have a clue what. Later Mr. Stafford came over and felt my forehead because he finally realized that I really didn't feel good; I'm usually so talkative and hyper in his class. He said I was a little warm, but I knew I was really hot earlier. After the craziness in there I felt like someone was watching me all afternoon.
After school I didn't know if I wanted to tell my mom or not, but I did. She's a little worried because I've been tired a lot lately and I'm always taking naps and whatnot. I'm a bit worried about what might be going on with me. :-/ Please pray for me.

annoyed~

I know that Thanksgiving is coming up and all, but my mom is driving me crazy! I can't do anything; I feel like this is one of those cliche teenager shows that you always hear about, where in the end everything is okay. Well, guess what! Right now I'm not to the "everything is okay" part. I should be so happy and flattered, but I just can't be. We have only two days of school this week, a football game on Friday, and four people like me! But on Wednesday my mom and dad want to go to Kings Mountain where all my family lives. I want to go, but they don't plan to come back until Sunday! The thing is I pretty much have to go to the game on Friday. I mean, I've got to play with the band and all. I don't want to be one more thing that Mr. Pruitt has to deal with and I know so many people aren't going to be there anyway. I also would like to be in Cheraw to listen to Thomas ending sermon on relationships and whatnot. But on Sunday, my Great Aunt is having a big lunch, just like she does every year. I don't have a problem with this, I just wish I could get back in time for church Sunday night.

Those Tigers and the Craft Show

How 'bout those tigers!?! Clemson won of course; what did anyone expect!?! At the beginning of the season I thought we would get our tails beat. By the end I knew who would win :-D!
So yeah, today was pretty cool. I got to sleep until twelve-thirty this afternoon. My dad finally came into my room and was like "Wake up! It's almost one-o-clock!" I totally shouldn't have because I needed to get ready to work at the Craft Show. Well, when I finally got there I hung out with Regina and her friend Katherine. We were looking around at some bracelets and stuff and I got a really early Christmas present. I only had five dollars on me, but I found one of those pearl-like bracelets, that was that much. I didn't want to buy it because I couldn't get a drink later if I did. So she bought it for me for Christmas. Then I hung out with Majik; that was pretty cool. We talked about random stuff...the Clemson/Carolina game, all that good stuff. Then the Craft Show was basically over. Thomas Cassidy had this really neat purse that he bought for his girlfriend, Raechel, for Christmas. It was like a Skittle bag, it was weird, but pretty neat. I walked over to the booth where he bought it and they had some inexpensive wallets that I had to get one of. I bought a Kit-Kat one. I really think those would make cute gifts for Christmas.
Then we had to help load up everybody's stuff. After that Mrs. Ballard (who I miss SOOO terribly) took me home. Then I got online tonight and found out straight from the person that he likes me (which is good that he told me. I get sick of other people telling things like that). I'm totally flattered that people like me, I just don't feel ready for a relationship right now. Not that I don't like this guy. I've thought about liking him, but I wouldn't let myself. I really don't think I'm a normal teenager. Most teenage girls would almost kill for a boyfriend, and I'd rather not have one. I don't know, I just have to wait on God's good time. Only he can let me know when I'm ready. Until then I just hang with everybody.

Lord of the Rings

Wow! I'm never going to be able to get up in the morning, but I'm not tired. I've been in my room writing journal entries for the past who knows how long trying to prepare for any checks or test Mr. Stafford might decide to have tomorrow. He sort of hinted. I've written thirteen entries and watched the movie so I better be ready for any test. But guess what! I've done all those journals and I still don't have them all done! Lord of the Rings really isn't that bad, well the movies at least. I had being made to read it though.
Well, I've got to go get some sleep. Good Night!

"A Night in Tunisia" Better Known as "Manteca"

Tonight the band had that live TV performance. Yes, I was on TV. Whatwhat?! Actually I was playing my clarinet and I was on ETV. Who in the world watches ETV anyway!?! Well, I guess most of Cheraw did for an hour. Anyway, the show was about Cheraw and we had some TV special about it because of Dizzy Gillespie. Or maybe just about Cheraw. I don't know.
Anyway, so this is live TV or whatever and before we are about to perform the announcer person said we were going to be playing "A Night in Tunisia." We had already played "A Night in Tunisia" for the opening. So we ended up playing "Manteca" as planned. Well, most of us did. The peanut gallery (drummers) started playing "A Night in Tunisia." Thankfully they were actually looking at Mr. Pruitt who gave them the "What the heck are you idiots doing!" look and they stopped. Of course, we all knew something would probably go wrong, being on live television and all.
Katie was interviewed after we performed and they asked about the song or whatever. She should have been like actually we played "Manteca and you folks messed up." That would have been funny, but I guess sort of mean.

Powder-Puff and Searches

So yeah, today was pretty cool. I'm at Chloe's house chilling by myself because her, China (her sister), and Bradley (he went to watch) are at play practice. Oh yeah, her mom's here now. She just walked it a few minutes ago. I'm supposed to be working on homework or history; I'm not, obviously. Powder-Puff football practice was pretty cool. We learned a good many more offensive plays, and started some defensive. While we were out on the practice field some of the guys that are cheering for the game came out there. They watched and laughed at us. Then they got out on the field and started playing around.
I don't know what Andrew thinks. We were blocking or whatever and he gets across from me and starts blocking back. Then he was like, "Come on! Hit me hard!" I didn't want to of course, I mean that would be not only weird, but I didn't want to hit him. He asked me why, you're going to have to block Tuesday night (that's when the game is). I said that I wouldn't have a problem with it Tuesday, I just didn't want to just hurt him (not that I would). The reason I won't have a problem Tuesday night is because a lot of the people on the other team aren't exactly my favorite people. Anyway, he did that a couple more times, but then just left. I don't know if he was freaked out by what I said or what. Anyway, that was pretty weird.
The rest of today was pretty good. Better then how my stressed out self was yesterday. We had a random nine-weeks search during Coach White's class and all of us had to go out to the hallway and get us and our things searched. Everybody was fine and the beeper thing, only beeped on things like belt buckles and whatnot. Until, the guy got to Ryne. I felt totally sorry for him. I mean the least amount of trouble he's going to get into is five days OSS. He had a pocket knife in his pocket. He said that he had those pants on last night, and he forgot he had the knife in there. I wonder what kind of trouble he got into though. I mean I don't think he would do anything with the knife. After the search he was taken to the office and later he came back to Coach White's room to get his stuff. Then he left again. No one knows what happened to him after that.
Oh yeah, I just talked to my mom on the phone, the doctor said my grandpa did fine, but they're going to have to wait on news of his recovery.

"Today is a Good Day"

Today was absolutely crazy! Seriously, I was stressing out, but you would have never known if you saw me because I was really happy and smiley. I get that way when I'm stressed because I have to try to make myself think positive. I kept telling myself, "Today is a good day." I'm determined that if I tell myself that enough that today will actually be a good day. Coach White asked me how I was doing today in math. I just about let all of my feelings out, but I still had the hyper face going so he thought I was on some kind of adrenaline rush. So anyway, drama from last night kept me thinking. Then Kristin told me about someone liking me which is weird and one more thing I have to deal with right now. I mean I am totally flattered, but as I've said many times previously, I have to get God and me right before me and another guy. Thankfully at lunch I found out that David is NOT mad at me which is great, and one thing I don't have to deal with. I really just need to go to sleep and get my mind off these things.
Anyway, this afternoon was a load better. I had Powder-Puff football practice after school and that was pretty cool. Today I was the...uh...Right Guard...yeah. That was fun and I'm sure watching us all run around trying to play football was too. After that I had to go to Saint David's, the school where my mom works, to work at family night. "Miss" Mary wanted me to dress up as Clifford since they had a book fair and all; I didn't feel like because I obviously haven't had the best day ever. So I didn't end up doing it, and I felt pretty bad. I'm usually one to do something crazy like that. I ended up helping serve hotdogs. Later some of the little kids had to go sing and I didn't feel like watching that either, which was also weird because I love little kids. Afterwards though, I got to hang out with some of my favorite little kids, Summer and Sully. They're really great.
Well, because the only time I've been home today has been this morning before school and right now, I've got to go do homework.

Anyone who reads this please be in prayer for my grandpa who is having surgery tomorrow. Also for my mom and dad who are going to see him and my grandma tomorrow.
Oh yeah, be in prayer for me as I'm as stressed out like I was today. Leave any prayer request if you have any.

Aggravation

I truly thank God that this thing was not working about ten minutes ago. Seriously, I was about mad as heck. I feel MUCH better now. I got to talk to my dad and blow off some steam. Anyway, as to why I am mad. Some people act like stupid hoes and when they get in trouble they're even stupider hoes. I'm really sorry about this at the moment, but I'm mad. Alright, I really need to get off this subject because if God had not not had this thing working, all that had happen would have been written about in here and I am not one to start rumors.

Okay, today Chloe and I actually got some history day work done. Which was really good considering yesterday. We got some sources, once again we didn't have time to actually take notes because we wouldn't have time to on all the sources we found at Francis Marion. So we just wrote down all the info about the title, author, and whatnot. We're going to have to get the books from the state library this week, seeing as we can't check them out not being students there and all. But those books looked like no one besides us two had ever touched them, even though a few had some writing/notes in them.
Well gosh, it's amazing how fast things can change. I think David's mad at me now. I have absolutely no clue why either. I mean he popped up on Instant massager and was like "hey" "you know what?" I responded "what?" Then he goes "nevermind" "bye." That is such a David thing to do when he's mad; start saying something and not finish (which, by the way, I cannot stand!!!). I really don't like this! Considering he's like a brother to me he's one of the few people I HATE being mad at me. And things at church were so great...

History Day Research!

Today was pretty cool. Earlier I waited around the house for Chloe to call because we were going to go to Francis Marion to do research for History Day. Well, when Mrs. Pat came to pick us up she had to go see a patient; she's a home health nurse. Anyway, so we got to this person's house it was supposed to take at the most like thirty minutes, but it took a while longer...like and hour and fifteen minutes longer. It was cool though. Chloe and I sat in the car the entire time waiting on the car to roll down the slope we were parked on. We looked at her new issue of Teen Vogue. Chloe started sitting upside down then she wondered what would happen if someone that lived in the house came outside and saw her like that what the heck they would think. I would think she was mental or something, but then again she is...just kidding!
So anyway it turns out Mrs. Pat got back too late, but that was okay because we still got to go to Florence and hang out. Chloe and I went to a few stores. We stayed in Charlotte Russe for thirty minutes and ran into Nancy and one of her friends. Chloe bought two pairs of earrings and I got a flower pin for my hair.
So yeah, as you can see the whole plan to do history day research didn't work out. So tomorrow we're going to Florence to work.

Uh...I Can't Think of a Good One Right Now...

Today was a pretty good day. Wow...my life really rather crazy. Anyway, school was awesome considering I came home with no homework because us band folks got to march in the parade. I missed two classes and that was awesome, because one I really cannot stand becuase I don't understand anything in there. That's NOT my fought though. I haven't been explained how to do it, ask anyone else in the Honors class.
This afternoon was pretty weird though. I'm just hanging out on the computer when Bradley, my brother, comes upstairs and says we're going to the movies. I, knowing the movie theater that we would go to in Florence is forty-five minutes away, didn't believe him. I mean COME ON! It was like six-o-clock on a school night! Anyway, it turns out because he had been bugging my mom all afternoon about going to see the Polar Express she finally decided to go. Which I thought was sort of weird, ya know being a school night and all.
The Polar Express is a good movie though. I mean yeah loads of people are going to say "that's a little kid movie." Yeah, it is, but I enjoyed it because I am a little kid at heart anyway. It was really sweet or whatever.
So yeah, today was a good day, and I think tomorrow will be too. Considering of course I will go to Cole's Diner and eat with Collin and Andrew and anyone else that might show up. We have a pep rally at school (which gets me out of class and I get to hang out with band folks). And the football game tomorrow night! With more band folks! Anyway, as you can see I love my band folks, but I love everyone else too.

Oh yeah I noticed that Kate added two entries to her blog. Which is a jump...she had only one (she added two in one month!). Just kidding, girl! If you want to get to it and don't feel like searching my blog for the link...http://skiplittleworld.blogspot.com/.

Roller Coaster

Well jeez, my life just seems to be one crazy roller coaster. One day it's absolutely great and the next day I don't feel so good. My entry from yesterday was about how happy I was, but now I'm in one of those tired thinking modes. I'm being strangely quiet and the only things I feel like doing is sleeping or typing (weird, I know. Typing makes me feel better though). Plus I've got all this homework which is what I'm about to go do. I'm out. :-/

Oh yeah, The Scarlet Ibis is a really great story. I was crying by the end of it, even though I read it last year.

Good ol' Days

You really can't beat good ol' days like today. Well, at least the ending of this day. Of course there was the FCA meeting a 6:00 that was fun. The speaker to night was this black guy (not that I am racist or anything. It's basically the easiest to explain it). He was really awesome because he was really getting into it, and started using all the hand motions. It was cool. Afterwards, Katie, David, Collin, Andrew, Rebeka, Nancy, one of Katie's senior friends (don't really know him..), and I all when to Pizza Hut and had a time. We talked to Nicole who graduated last year and was in band. She works there or whatever. There was this one waitress we all thought had been sucking helium for the past two hours because her voice was really high and she scared David at one time. She was really cute though (not that I am judging girls or anything, but you know!).
Anyways, after we finally got done Bek was supposed to take me home, but both her mom and dad were at the Band Booster Club meeting. They weren't able to get out of it at the time so I had to get a ride with Andrew, who is a junior in high school. This happens to be one of the many rules of my mother; not to ride with high schoolers. I see why, but I mean COME ON! It's hardly a block from Pizza Hut to the bandroom. Well, I actually had a pretty clean conscience about it and rode with Andrew. He was a very safe driver too. He even had the emergency break when we got out, HAHA! Anyway, I knew that I would end up telling my mom anyway so when Mrs. Tana took me home I had her tell my mom that she told us to, which she did.
Bek and I got to sit in the last few minutes of the Booster Club meeting. That was pretty cool. They were talking about color guard and how we need to recrute some dance sudio people because I mean they have an idea of what to do. I mean at least to be expressive. Anyway, now I get to write down some people I know have taken dance in the past for Mrs. Lona. That's pretty cool. Well, I've homework to do.

Weird...a bunch of things today were "cool..." Oh yeah, I'm actually going to play oboe because Kate wants to play bass clarinet. That's cool too.

Stressing Out!

Alright, I'm about to be seriously stressing out! First of all, I miss marching band sooooo terribly badly! I wish I could do it all the time! Kate, Chloe and I seriously need to work on history day. The next deadline is in about a month, and we've got major work to do, so that bites. I've got seven classes to study for and keep up with regular homework in. On top of this I've got to do Lord of the Rings journal entries and whatnot!
Katlyn called earlier to ask me if I wanted to go to the beach with her and her family for her birthday. That would be awesome, but guess what!!! I might be working on history day. Not that it's a problem, I just feel really stressed out with all these deadlines and classes. Plus I've got to figure out what instrument I want to play because now, I've got the choice between oboe and bass clarinet. Chloe's doing bassoon (she's pretty sure anyway), and I think Kate is wanting to do bass clarinet, so luckly me, it works out that I get to play the instrument I think I want to play. Hopefully I will be able to. Anyway, I can't wait until next year and only four classes...stupid ninth grade academy...

Choices

I don't know what I'm going to do. If I should go back to dancing or learn to play oboe. And the worst part is I have to let Mr. Pruitt know if I'm interested in the oboe by tomorrow! UGH! I hate decisions. I hardly never know which choice is the best for me, and I tend to try to make other happy first. I just don't ever want anyone mad at me.
Yes, I did change my template. The other one was getting a little too old. You also can't read my previous post because I had to make them in white rather than black colored font. If you must read them highlight them because if I go back a change the color of one I'll want to change the color of all of them.
Well, it's late on a Sunday night. I've seriously got to go get some sleep.

Thinking

Okay, I've really got to get out of the thinking mode. It makes me soooo tired all the time. I take naps all the time and it's a waste of my time. Wow, life changes fast. Yesterday I was saying how good life was. Not that it's bad or anything, I'm just tired of being tired..
I need to talk to someone, but I don't know who right now, and I'm not sure that I really want to talk to someone right now. I think I'm going to go in my room and pray or think for a while. I'll probably fall asleep though...

Life is good.

Except when you get hit in the face with pingpong balls and basketballs. So yeah, I've been listening to Relient K all week so that's cool. There was a football game tonight so that was awesome. Chloe did her awesome impressions of the wacko movie about "The Cask of Amontillado". Don't ask! Then Erika wouldn't hush saying "I'm quiet now, but when you leave, I'll be talking again". Don't ask about that either (I mean that should be self explanatory; it's Erika. Just kidding). Anyway, then she got the phrase stuck in my head; I didn't hush saying it.
Our marching performance during half time was pretty good. Mr. Pruitt said we were too good for Cheraw. Like all of three people probably stood up to clap for us. I mean not that we're the greatest, but COME ON! WE GOT SIXTH AT STATE!! Of course I guess most band parents were in the concession stand. Not that that's the only people we should get applause from.
Oh yeah, right before we were about to march out of the game JP called Chloe, Kate, and I over to see if any of us would consider playing the oboe. I'm really going to consider it. I mean, I thought about learning to play trumpet, but they're so loud and well we have enough of those. Of course most of the time oboes sound like gooses (yes, they are gooses). But I would get used to it I guess.
Fifth quarter was crazy. When I got there I had to change out of my uniform and then I played pingpong with Lee and Leslie. Then we started playing Extreme Pingpong where you play it off the walls and stuff. Lee hit me in the forehead with the pingpong ball. I had a circle on my head for five minutes. It started getting really hot in the building so Leslie and I decided to "roll out" and play basketball with Jed. Then like seven other people wanted to play and that was pretty dumb. Will hit me in the head with the basketball. That was weird. I mean I was just standing there, and suddenly I couldn't see anymore. He didn't meant to or anything. But I'm fine or whatever now. Not that you care or whatever.

The only thing that's hard about life right now is probably dealing with people that like me. I mean I love everybody, but I just can't like anyone right now. I totally don't mean to be a braggart on myself (but if you have a problem with that don't read this because the only reason I type in this thing is to stop thinking about things I don't care to call someone and tell them. They would think I'm a total idiot. I mean not that you reading this makes you interested and if you think I'm a total idiot then stop reading. Okay nevermind...). Once again, I have to get God and me right before I go off making me and some other guy right. I mean I'm totally flattered, but I just don't think a realationship would be good for me right now.
My life is also very spastic. I feel like I'm answering fifty questions a minute and explaining myself all the time. It's like I'm dreaming or something, ya know? I guess I refer to it as dreaming because the past couple of dreams I remember I was running. I don't know why though...

Wow, I feel really braggy about this entry..

Dance?

Today was a pretty good day. I went to Flo-town to get the new Relient K CD, which is pretty awesome. Then I went to McFayden Music to get some reeds and trumpet stuff. Now I've just gotta get a trumpet from the school or something. Then I went to the mall and saw Mrs. Tarelton (my science teacher), Jarret N., and Lindsay from dance. I talked to Lindsay for a while about dance and whatnot. She said there were only like four people in her class this year and that I should really start taking again now that marching band is over. I don't know what I'm going to do. If I should focus on music or start dancing again :-/. I'm really going to have to think about it.
Later I went to Books-A-Million and the new Old Navy. I didn't really get anything there, but I saw Katlyn at BAM. I also saw Jarret and some guy he was with again, but he didn't see me. Anyway, I've got homework to do...

Truly Random Ramblings

So yeah, I'm not quite missing band yet, but I guess that's a good thing. I think the reason I'm not missing it yet though is because I took a nap after school and that took up a lot of time. The one thing won't miss about band is the rumors. I absolutely hate them. I won't deny that I haven't heard some and probably said something about them. Although usually I won't say anything about them. Once I hear them I drop them and that's the end of it. Of course some times I would go and ask the person if it's true or not. I mean how real can you get there? But in actuality what will I do without band?!? I'm actually going to have to go do something to write down on my "Out of Class Fitness" sheet for gym!!!
Oh yay! The new Relient K CD comes out tomorrow! I can't wait! The songs I've heard on http://www.purevolume.com/relientk were pretty awesome, so yeah. I just hope I can get out of Cheraw tomorrow, since we don't have school and all, to go get it. I mean I highly doubt our local Wal Mart is going to have it!
Recruiting little kids for marching band is fun. I can't wait to be an actual upper classmen to somebody. That will be cool, ya know? hehe. Being the Freshmen gets old...fast. It's fun though cause you know next year and the year after and the year after that you'll get to pick on them so it's all good.
In other ramblings...I really wish I could type something that I've been thinking about for the past few days, but I don't want just anyone to know, so I guess I can't. I'm just... ugh, papaya! (another band thing) frustrated.