Apr 29, 2005

good times...

So I bought my first-ever pair of Airwalks today. The slip-on kind. They're black with pink trim. I like the statement on their hang-tag. It said, "we made this for you. feel the love. mad styles since 1986." I got them for half-off at Payless because I bought another pair of shoes, too. Two pairs of shoes in one day... life is good. I also got a minor problem with my car fixed today... quickly and for free... can't beat that. And I had a spicy chicken soft taco supreme from Taco Bell for lunch... surprisingly good.

On Thursday nights Rob and I are in the habit of watching "The O.C." at 8:00. So we were sitting on his couch last night, like every other Thursday night, awaiting the voice that says, "Last time on the O.C. ..." and what do we hear in its place??? "The President of the United States." I have no objection to the President addressing the nation, but during prime time??? Can't they put it on during the middle of the day where if you really wanted to watch it you would have to make a special effort, and it wouldn't interrupt any quality television, only soap operas? That would seem logical to me. But the good news came today that next Thursday will be back-to-back episodes, the one we missed out on and the one that would have shown next week anyway.

I just read an article about Copeland in the latest issue of Relevant magazine. I really enjoy Copeland. I like what Aaron is quoted as saying: You need to "do whatever makes you the most positive, loving and Christlike." The article mentions the fact that Copeland is Christian guys playing in a band without being a "Christian band." I liked that it said "They prefer performing in clubs and smoky bars because that is where they can best identify with people, and on the other side of the coin, it is where there is the greatest need to hear Copeland's messages of pain, spirituality, faith, and hope." They seem to be good guys.

Other exciting news: I got to see my niece Allison yesterday. She's cute. Learning how to scream, though. But it's just one of those things little babies go through. I think she'll outgrow it quickly. Amy was practically dying yesterday because she so badly wants Allison to laugh (as she hadn't quite mastered that yet), but Mom said this morning that Allison laughed for the first time last night for David and Amy. That's exciting. I think those little "milestones" are cool. I look forward to the day I'm a parent marking down all the cheesy little things I find to be amazing about my child. Other exciting news: Mom took me shopping at Old Navy yesterday and I got some good stuff. That's always cool.

Sad news of the day: Christina is packing up. We will seriously miss her.

Looking forward: going on a date tonight... dinner and watching "Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Sure to be a good time.

Apr 27, 2005

sorry...

Public apology to my roommates for my over-reaction in the last post (the comments have since been removed). I do love you girls and I'm sorry I didn't approach things better. Thanks for hearing me out when we talked though. Love you all.

Apr 26, 2005

drizzling...

Yes, there are probably a million other things I should be doing besides posting right now, but this alone is what I feel like doing. I could be cleaning the bathroom, cleaning under the kitchen sink (which desperately needs to be done), finishing my resume, doing my quiet time (as I have not done it yet today), filling out the application for my next FTCE, .... the list goes on. As for the cleaning options, I have been telling myself for days that I would do those things.

***

I led ladies' Bible study last night. I think it went well. We had lots of good discussion, which is what I always hope for in Bible studies. Looks like I'll be leading again next week because half of the girls will be away on the Mexico mission trip, and the others who will be left didn't want to take next week. I'm speaking at Fusion next Wednesday, too. Not sure on what yet. The following Friday is Phil and Tracy's wedding, which is very exciting, and the next day is the Edge. All in all, that should be a fun weekend.

That's all my news for now. Grace and Peace.

Apr 25, 2005

good weekend...

Well, my last-ever finals are over! Life is good. I spent this weekend in Ft.Lauderdale with Rob's family for his sister Megan's baby shower. Rob and I and Megan's friend Erin all rode down on Friday evening. Saturday, the females did the shower thing, which was fun. By the end of it I was sort of done with all the girlieness, but then it was nice to sit around with the other three "under-25" girls and sort all the good stuff that Megan got. (The average age of those in attendance at the party was probably 60... church friends and family members.) Sunday Rob and I led worship at the church where his family attends... small, older-generation Nazarine church... a lot different than leading at Fusion, but it's still fun. After a relaxing lunch with the family, we headed back home to St.Augustine.

Today has been nice and relaxing. I got to sleep in, and then didn't have anywhere to go. I made some calls about potential summer jobs, but so far no luck. I had a nice lunch with Rob, despite slight chaos involving ducks. Then, I came home and reviewed the stuff for ladies' Bible study because I'm leading tonight. I like leading Bible study because all there really is to it is telling what I learned from the verses and then having other people share their thoughts. It doesn't rely so heavily on me, like speaking at Fusion, which I'm doing a week from Wednesday. I don't mind speaking. Truth be told, I probably would hardly ever volunteer for it without being asked, but when I am asked I don't turn it down because I know that those are specific opportunities that God is giving me. I try not to tell God "no" any more than I already do! Still working on not doing it at all.

God's will is a cool thing I think. It happens in the little things of life. As I was praying last night I acknowledged that God knows what He's doing by not telling us everything all at once. For example, He tells us to go somewhere without telling us a purpose, but He has intended for something good to happen to us if we go. If we are obedient, and therefore are in the right place at the right time, whatever it is that God had planned for us will happen. I think that's why I don't tend to get so worked up about "What is God's will for my life?" because I know that He accomplishes that will little by little in the day-to-day stuff. All I need to be concerned with really is doing the little things He tells me to do. That's sometimes easier said than done. Sometimes I don't want to do the little things He tells me to do... because I don't see the purpose in them, or I just don't feel like it, or it seems too inconvenient, or whatever. And other times I want to worry about all the other stuff besides just being obedient. But if we keep our focus where it's supposed to be, God's will happens. That's cool.

Apr 15, 2005

concerns...

It's weird when you feel particularly concerned for certain people but can't really do anything to help their situation. Right off hand, there are five people that come to mind that I am concerned for right now. Three that I'm freinds with currently, two from the past. All completely different situations. None of which I have any direct influence over. The most I can do, for those I speak to, is to be a positive influence in their lives and speak the truth to them and let them know of my concern. As for the two from the past, one of them I have no real desire or reason to speak to; the other, even if I wanted to speak to, it would be weird to call after so long and just be like "hey, how's life? I'm a little worried about you." Come to think of it, I guess there's a lot of people from my past that I could say I feel concerned for. Such is life, I guess. We all take different paths, some of which are not quite as good as I would hope. Anyway, these are my thoughts tonight, spawned from various conversations and situations of the last several hours. The end.

Please pray for me as I take my Teacher Certification Exam on Saturday morning! Thanks.

Apr 12, 2005

the light...

There is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel. My portfolio is done. My presentation is tomorrow evening, and while it will no doubt be stressful, it's really not that big of a deal. I also have an exam tomorrow, so it will be a busy day. Saturday is my K-6 certification exam. Next week are my final exams. Then it's over! I'm DONE with college... except for my internship, but I'm looking forward to that. I'm too tired to write anything else, so I bid you all a good-night.

Apr 7, 2005

changes...

I'm sitting here at work with nothing to do (as if that's out of the ordinary). Marcie is out of the office today, though, so there's even less to do. Theoretically, I should be making adjustments to the content of my portfolio, but I'd rather sit here and mess with my blog. So what I was going to say is that I considered changing my blog template, but the only one I liked looks exactly like Niki's with a different color scheme (green of course), so I didn't want to be a conformist and have my blog look just like everyone else's. I did update my music list on the left, however. I thought it would be appropriate to take off the bands that I haven't listened to in ages and add on the ones that currently tend to be played in my car.
success...

I finally created my official Blogger profile. You can view it under the "about me" link in the box near the top of the page. Although, for most of you who actually read this, it will not be new information. And it's slightly incomplete, for instance I like far more bands than I actually listed under the music section of the profile, but maybe eventually I will have a more complete list for your viewing pleasure. Anyway, it was fun to make.

Apr 5, 2005

two days in a row...

Yes indeed. Two posts in two days. It is truly amazing.

Part of the verse of the day today says "Let your gentleness be evident to all" (Philippians 4:5). I like that. It reminds me of what Krissy and I were talking about (during the college basketball game) yesterday. We were basically talking about evangelism through love, and how the real way to help people come to know Christ is through loving them. Erica will be speaking on that topic in a few weeks at Fusion. I just think that the most important aspect of being a Christian in a non-christian society is living in a way that the difference in our lives is clearly evident. That's my little blerb for today.

I have three tests tomorrow. Have I studied for any of them yet? Absolutely not.

Apr 4, 2005

let me introduce myself...

"Hi, my name is Megan. I'm sure you don't remember me since it's been forever since you heard from me!" Okay, so I know it's been forever since I've put up a post, but life has been keeping me busy. And for the record, last Tuesday I wrote up a beautiful and lengthy account of all the latest happenings of my life so that all three or four of you who actually read this would be up-to-date, but when I hit the button to submit my post, it disappeared. I was quite annoyed and have not had any time to recreate said post. So I'll "spread it out for you in a nutshell." Since College Weekend, which was basically the last thing I wrote about, I had a two-day "spring blink" which was entirely rainy, save Thursday which I spent doing laundry. I did get to see Copeland in concert, however; Rob took me up to Five Points that Friday night. It was a good time. The next day we took a drive down to Daytona for some photo supplies, and we spent the majority of the rainy day shopping. We went to church on Saturday night to avoid the Sunday morning Easter crowd, and then went to the sunrise service at the beach on Easter, which was followed by a surprisingly enjoyable breakfast at IHOP. Registration the following day was the easiest thing I've ever done: I handed the Registrar girl my ID, said "I'm interning for elementary ed," she punched a couple of numbers into the computer, and I was done. Beautiful. This past Friday Rob and I had dinner at Harry's, and had intentions of doing the Art Walk, but the rain canceled those plans. Saturday I woke up early to do a beach clean-up project which I had been elected to head up for Kappa-Delta-Pi, but due to the early morning rain it wound up being just me and one other girl. (Rain wins again.) But we did what we could, and it actually went pretty well. Later that day was Phil and Tracy's shower, which was really nice. Rob and I put together a game for it where we asked Phil and Tracy questions about each other to see who knew the most. We then presented them with prizes which consisted of random dollar-store finds... including matching dollar-store lingere. Tracy's face was priceless. Quinn and Shelley also got married in Jacksonville on Saturday. Quinn's the first person I grew up with that I actually stay in any kind of contact with to get married. It's kinda weird. But I'm definitely very happy for the two of them. They're perfect for each other. Speaking of, Rob and I ran into Quinn and Shelley last week at the Copeland concert. It was nice to get to talk with them and catch up a little. Anyway, then Saturday night was the Edge, which was great, as usual. The UCF Campus Crusade band was there, which consists of two of Rob's friends who actually grew up here at Anastasia. Then came Daylight Savings Time. It is definitely of the devil. Sunday was a little hard to wake up, but today was far worse. So anyway, now you're all caught up. This week I have my intern meeting, three tests, and an extra day of work. Saturday is yet another wedding, which I haven't actually been to one recently, so I'll enjoy it. And hopefully I'll also be going to the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art, too. Sunday is my dad's birthday. Next Wednesday is my portfolio presentation, upon which my very existence hinges. Friday is a party for the people on Fusion Leadership. Saturday is my K-6 teacher certification exam (AAAAGGGGHHHH!). The following week is finals. Then Ft.Lauderdale for Megan's baby shower. Then SUMMER!!!!!!! Oh my gosh I can't wait! Nine days of school, then finals. If I make it through, it will be possibly the most anticipated summer ever.

Mar 18, 2005

finally...

At long last, a very relieving end to my week has come. Actually, for as busy as I have been this week, it has been a relatively good one. Not too stressed out, as I was last week. And God has definitely blessed me in lots of little things over the course of the past several days, so that's really cool. It's cool that God is so good to us, even when we don't deserve it. I guess it's like the prodigal son, which Rob reminded me of yesterday... from a Bright Eyes song, oddly enough. Part of the song talks about this guy who is in the hospital from overdosing on drugs, and his dad is there in the room with him, and he tells his dad he's sorry for being so stupid, and his dad is like "there's nothing you could do that would make me not love you." God sees us that way, and that's cool to me. What's ironic, however, is that (in my opinion) when someone tells us that ("there's nothing you could do that would make me not love you") it makes us want to do better. I mean, we could be like, "Sweet, I can do whatever I want," but that's not how it seems to work. The fact that we are receiving unconditional love seems to make us want to work harder at deserving it. On the other hand, if we are told that we will only be loved if we meet certain requirements or expectations, it's like we blow it off and say, "Well forget that. I'll never be good enough. And I don't need them anyway." Funny how that works. But a good thing, because I know I could never deserve God's love. And that makes me want to try. hmm.

I had no idea I was going to write that when I sat down at my computer a few minutes ago. I like posts like that. Well, that's all for now. I think Rob and I are headed up to Jax Beach to go to Al's Pizza, which I've never been to, but have heard lots about. It should be tons of fun. Later.

Mar 15, 2005

the latest...

So I got my official intern placement in my box today. Very exciting. I actually knew about two weeks ago where I was being placed because I ran into the VP while I was doing my practicum. Anyway, I'm going to be working with Mrs. Johnson at R.B.Hunt, who is a second grade teacher (perfect), and current teacher of the year, so she must be doing a pretty good job. I met her when I first found out I was being placed with her, and she seems very nice and very helpful. I am looking forward to my internship for the sheer fact that it means I don't have to take any more classes, but now I'm definitely encouraged that it will be a good experience.

My throat is hurting today. I hope it's just my sinuses being weird and not me getting sick. I don't have time to be sick.

I had a wonderful surprise last night... I am now the proud new owner of my very own, very handsome orchid plant. It was accompanied by a nice letter and a great mix cd, and of course the handsome boy who brought it to me, who had to lie to get me to find it on my front porch. I'll forgive him though :) Orchids are my absolute favorite flowers. I decided today that God put them on the earth simply for my enjoyment if for no other reason. They're out of the ordinary, and actually a little weird in a way, which is probably why I'm so drawn to them! I think as much fun as receiving them last night was finding one of the blossoms on my windshield this morning. It made me smile. So despite the craziness of school right now, this has been a very nice week.

College weekend went very well this past weekend. (And Easter is coming up in another two, although plans have not been determined for that as of yet.) My parents and Rob's parents met over the weekend, which seemed to go over well. I built a pinhole camera this week, and hope to get a decent picture made from it tomorrow. I have had two tests so far this week, and other than the regular stuff, all I have left is to finish the case study I am working on. I say "all" as if that's a small task. It's really not. The improv team is "performing" or whatever you call it at Fusion tomorrow night, which should be fun. And I hope to see the one-act plays at school this weekend. Also, the pictures from everybody in my photo class and Photo 1 are hanging in Flagler's art gallery this week, so I hope to get over there at some point and see them.

So that's the latest on my life. Thanks for reading. Hopefully more to come next week, as I hopefully will not be as busy. Later.
at last...

at last! my love has come along!
my lonely days are over
and life is like a song...


I love that song.

Mar 10, 2005

taking a breather...

In the midst of the craziness that is my life, today I am glad to be sitting at work with absolutely nothing to do. It is nice. So, I hope you all are having a wonderful day... I am off to savor the next two peaceful hours, and then a few more having dinner cooked for me and watching reruns of Friends or something. Peace.

Mar 9, 2005

how awesome is this...

For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.


Romans 8:3-4/NIV

Mar 6, 2005

good song...

This is "Do You Remember" by Jack Johnson from his In Between Dreams album. The whole CD is so good! Thanks, Honey.

Do you remember when we first met? I sure do
It was some time in early September
You were lazy about it, you made me wait around
I was so crazy about you I didn't mind

I was late for class, I locked my bike to yours
It wasn't hard to find, you painted flowers on it
I guess that I was afraid that if you rolled away
You might not roll back my direction real soon

I was crazy about you then and now
The craziest thing of all is over ten years have gone by
And you're still mine, we're locked in time
Let's Rewind

Do you remember when we first moved in together?
The piano took up the living room
You played me boogie-woogie I played you love songs
You'd say we're playing house now you still say we are

We built our getaway up in a tree we found
We felt so far away but we were still in town
Now I remember watching that old tree burn down
I took a picture that I don't like to look at

Well all these times they come and go
And alone don't seem so long
Over ten years have gone by
We can't rewind, we're locked in time
But you're still mine
Do you remember?

Mar 5, 2005

the same...

I would like to say things are less hectic now, but they're not. I told Rob today that I was looking forward to next weekend, meaning that I couldn't wait till this coming week was over, but then I remembered that next weekend is College Weekend at church, and while I am looking forward to that, it also means that I will have an additional two days of busy-ness. For now, I am going to the EDGE for what will hopefully be a relaxing and fun time of worship. Later.

Mar 3, 2005

aaaagggghhhhh...

Life is CRAZY right now! Maybe one day things will calm down. All is well, though. God is still God, and He is good.

Mar 1, 2005

for niki...

This survey was created and posted by my buddie Niki. Some of the questions/answers will only make sense to her.

Mother’s maiden name: Manhart

Name of your first pet: Cindy was around when I was born, I think. (she was a beagle-mix) Sweetpea was the first one I claimed as my own, even though she started as my brother's. (she was just a mut... but a wonderful dog)

Do you like Mikhail Gorbachev?: i'm apathetic

If you didn’t know me would you think that I was weird?: no, i don't think so

If you were a character in Lord of The Rings who would you be?: one of those talking trees

Who did you vote for?: Bush

Favorite color: green

Stripes or dots: stripes, usually

Photo albums or frames: neither... currently either matted pictures or "loose" ones in a shoebox

Last song you listened to all the way through: whatever country song just finished on marci's radio

Favorite movie: Notting Hill

Last thing you said: can't remember. probably "Heidi Ricker just called you. I left her number on your desk."

Last thing you heard: the radio... country music... blah

Your name backwards: eelellehcimnagem (first, middle, and last all together)

Euthanasia. Is it murder?: i want to say yes, but i don't think i'm 100% convinced of that. i haven't thought about it in a long time.

If you could live anywhere where would it be?: right here, st.augustine

Best Friend: allison

Close second: krissy

Enemy: no one in particular

Future kids names: girls: Audrie Dyllan, Madylin Evette. boys: Peyton Brook, Owen Douglas

AIM or Yahoo: AIM, but i haven't used it in ages

Text or call: call, unless it's allie... we text all the time

Leather or Lace: neither, since i'm not a lace-type person, nor do i want to sound like i dress like a biker. i think i own one shirt with lace trim on it. i don't own leather, other than shoes, watches, and belts.

Is SpongeBob gay?: oh my gosh yes.

Middle name: Michelle

Birthday: September 16, 1983

What’s my birthday?: umm... is it in August??? now i feel bad.

What is my mother’s birthday?: i'm really not sure. i feel bad again.

What is my Father’s name?: oh i know this...... it starts with a D....

If I said EWB who/what would I be talking about?: ??? your cat Elvis? or is Elvis your dog anyway? i don't know.

Who is Lola?: your car! I got this one!

HTR?: ???

Favorite band: yours or mine? yours is Hanson. Mine is in a transitional phase.

Cell phone brand: the actual phone is Nokia

What time is it?: 2:44, according to the computer

What day is it?: tuesday

Where are you?: at work

If I said “Hand me the decator” what would you hand me?: umm... the remote control?

Dating?: yes

Will your wedding dress be white?: yes.

Should it be white?: yes

Should it be slightly off white?: no, but funny question nik!

Are you lying?: no

What color is my hair?: that depends... what day is it?! i'd say strawberry-blond, but sometimes just blond, sometimes light brown, sometimes reddish...

What color is your hair?: dark brown

Who is Moobassoc Ikin?: you. backwards.

Who is Mlehliw Einahpets?: Stephanie Wilhelm (a crazy, crazy girl)

Who said “May the tides of Stephanie be kind”?: i'm not sure, but i'd go with you or Rachel

How well do you know me?: not well enough to answer all of these questions, but well enough to guess the backwards names before even thinking about it

Pet peeve: the door that constantly slams in the stairwell at Flagler while I'm in the classroom adjacent to the stairwell; when people refuse to turn the knob in the shower far enough to make it stop dripping when they exit the shower... my room is only three feet away.

Next vacation: spring "break" if you can even call it that... we only get two days off of school... the 24th and 25th... i'm hoping to do something fun at least one of those days

Legolas or Aragorn: i'm not a fan enough to pick

Napoleon or Kip: ditto

Why isn’t it 4:45 yet?: because it's 2:52

Sneakers or Flip flops?: flops

Staple or Paperclip: staple, usually

Last book you read: hahahahahaha!

Last time you had chocolate milk: last thursday night

If you could eat dinner with anyone in history who would it be?: Jacqulin Kennedy

Dooney or Coach: neither

Favorite Blog: mine! haha. actually, i'd say niki's

Favorite Website: B&H photo

What did I just stop and do?: buy a diet coke?

Elvish?: no

What color is WS Mauve?: a putrid purplish pink, slightly darker than your average mauve. i'm making that up.

I seriously want some pizza rolls right now: sweet!

Whose picture is the screen saver on my cell phone?: stephanie?

What are you doing tonight? writing a rediculous paper for my curriculum class. i've procrastinated. and i've been busy.

High School: TCA

Hometown: J-ville

Favorite month: September

Favorite saying: "Solomon... you know." (from Rex) "Tuesday." (from Marti) "...because it's tuesday." (from Rob)
disappointed...

I literally feel sick to my stomach when I see Christians who willingly allow circumstances to get the best of them, when they suddenly begin acting rediculous in response to those circumstances. Here are the facts: life is tough and things WILL go badly sometimes. The thing is, you HAVE to GET OVER IT! You can't allow yourself to remain depressed over it or to act like a raging idiot just because you are still bothered by stuff that happened. And furthermore, you can't go making up scenarios and stating them as though they were fact simply in response to your emotions. My overall point is that Christians should act like Christ... no matter the circumstances. Regardless of whether you are happy or sad or encouraged or depressed or any other emotion, it is your God-given duty to represent Christ accurately. This includes the way you act, the way you speak to people, the words you use, the thoughts you think, the places you go, the activities in which you participate... everything. Live like Christ. That's what we're here for. Life is not about our satisfaction.