dance...

Happy Cinco de Mayo! I would have said the whole greeting in Spanish, but I couldn't remember what the word for "happy" was and neither Christina nor Erica is here to ask. Speaking of which, Erica is with the group from church in Mexico right now. How cool to be in Mexico for Cinco de Mayo! Well I think it's cool anyway. I'm looking forward to Phil and Tracy's party tonight. It should be lots of fun. It's at Habana Village Cafe, which I think is more Spanish (as in Spain) than Mexican, but that's close enough I suppose. I don't think there's really any true Mexican places around town anyway. I would say I'm looking forward to a nice Sangria as well, but I'm not sure how the crowd that will be there tonight feels about such things, so maybe that will wait until another time. I'm sure the menu is all wonderfully planned out anyway.

It's been raining for the past... oh I'd say 36 hours. I am, consequently, thoroughly unmotivated to do anything at all. I do, however, like how the leaves of the tree outside our window twitch when impacted by the raindrops. It's interesting. It's not as though I have by any means had a lack of sleep this week, but all I want to do when it rains is sleep. I'll try reading instead. I have 40 pages left. I'll finish today.

For those who didn't get the official memo, this is David Crowder's blog. (also linked on the side as "rock you like a hurricane") As much as I love David Crowder, I wanted to check it out a few times before I really avidly recommended it, but I have now and it is indeed worth-while. So if you're a fan, or if you're into the technical stuff that goes into recording music, or if you're just bored, check it out. He even talks about Bhor's model of the atom, although I'm not quite sure why. To be expected, I suppose.

That is all for now. More to come later, I am sure.

reading...

He was not looking at her, but he had a perspiring radiance that I attributed to his being so near to her.

Cat's Cradle

big deal...


Cat's Cradle

I am nearing what is possibly one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. Yesterday I began reading Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle and completed half of it. If I follow in a similar fashion today, I may very well finish a book in only two days! That will be monumentus as it will be a first for me. Even if I don't finish today, the mere fact that I read half a book in one day is huge in my world! Anyway, just wanted to share my excitement. (Sorry for the tiny picture.) Later.

settled...

I think I've decided on what I'm talking about tomorrow night. Unless, of course, God has something else in mind that He drops in my lap by tomorrow. But I finally feel fairly confident about the topic. It's a combination of the two I mentioned in a previous post. I had one idea all planned out and everything already, but I just didn't feel any peace about it, so I went out to the porch today and read through stuff again, and it finally came together. Speaking of the porch, the weather these days is just incredible! I wish it would stay just like this.

Looking forward to:
1. Fusion on Wednesday
2. Phil and Tracy's Cinco de Mayo rehearsal dinner on Thursday
3. Phil and Tracy's wedding on Friday
4. The Edge on Saturday
5. Mother's Day on Sunday

headlines...

For all those who enjoy reading funny things online, the onion is a satire-type magazine that my quirky-yet-loveable new roommate Marilyn suggested to me. You might enjoy.

tuesday...


*

So I don't think I've officially posted about the following, so I will now. I get to go to NYC in just a few weeks with the youth choir at my church. My friend Kathy was supposed to go as a chaperone, but she couldn't because of her work, so she asked me to go in her place! How awesome is that! I've been to NYC twice before, but I'm still really excited to go. Not so sure about the train ride, though. That's the way we traveled last year and it was miserable, but I'm hoping things will be different with a big group of people rather than just four of us. It'll probably be like any long bus trip I've been on, so I guess that's not too bad. I do really wish we were flying though. I've only gone on one trip in my entire life that required flying, but I LOVED it. Anyway, I talked to Mrs. Donna yesterday (the director of the youth choir, and Phil's mom for those who know him) and she wants to do a service project where we bring shoe boxes of small gifts to the Police and Fire Departments in NY, so I'm now in charge of getting those together before the trip. And, during my conversation with Mrs. Donna, she was sure once again to throw in a comment about her seemingly-overwhelming desire for Rob and I to get married! (The first time she told me that was the first day I met her! But that's just how she is.) Funny to me how if two people meet, start dating, and after only five months decide to get married (get engaged) people are like "oh my gosh! can you believe that?! they've only been together five month!" But then you have two people who don't jump right on that let's-get-married-even-though-we've-only-been-together-five-months bandwagon and people continually make the suggestion that they should. Am I the only one that sees the irony in this? Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled that so many people think it's a good idea for me and Rob, but the irony of it is just funny to me. Anyway, that was my random tangent of the day! I'm going to go finish my smoothie that I made and see what productive things I can do today while I am still unemployed. Later!

happy may...

"i'm here" explodingdog.com

random thoughts of today...

I am in love with... Rob Stone. Crazy in love. I had a wonderful time visiting the pier yesterday. Very redemptive after watching Family Guy ;)

I am encouraged by... many things, but specifically right now my good ol' friend Quinn and his new blog. Lots of good stuff to read. Also encouraged by studying Ephesians currently. It's awesome. I like when I get to lead Bible study because I get deeper into the scriptures we're looking at. Also encouraged by Louie Giglio. I've been listening to a sermon series of his in my car this week instead of music. What a communicator of God's message!

I am praying for... my girls and everyone else who is on mission in Mexico this week. I know God is using them in huge ways.

I am committing to... being healthier. I am giving up sugar (for a while), and have been several days without it thus-far. (Yes, the sugar-free ice cream at Cold Stone is a reasonable substitute.) I plan to shop and eat healthier in as many ways as possible.

I am waiting on... the job God has for me for the summer. I had an interview today with a staffing agency, and I hope to hear from them with a job placement in a day or two.

I am preparing for... Wednesday night when I am speaking at Fusion. Thoughts are still whirling around in my head, but as of right now, the plan is for me to speak on Christians being the "stones" of the temple of God built upon Christ the cornerstone. (See Ephesians 2:19-22) But we all know how plans go... they really don't matter because it's all up to God! I may incorporate something about grace compelling us to do good works, as that was my first idea, but I may not. We'll see.

I am..... hungry. So I'm going now. Peace out!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.