As i write this my mouth waters in anticipation of my subject...
There are some things, that as i pulled out of Jacksonville and drove away, i realized i would miss forever. (that sounds terribly dramatic, but tis true)
...my house
the beach...
..forever21...i could go on...
high on that list was a little place called "Rita's Italian Ice"
I'm not one for chocolate, but i am most definitely one for the sour/creamy combination which is just what you get with one of their decadent gillatos (sp?)
(seriously my mouth spigotts are on full blast just typing out the words)
SO when i found out that a rita's is coming to knoxville!!! it warms my heart and moistens my mouth to think that a piece of home is coming to me
How grateful I will be for that first pleasurable bite into one of the greatest desserts of all times.
Not as grateful as i would be with a forever21 at my doorstep, but grateful enough to give them all the business they need to stay open :)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Day: Made
I love podcasts.
I listen to one religiously (pardon the pun), it's about youth ministry and it's awesome. It's basically a bunch of guys (and sometimes a girl) sitting around answering questions that people write in having to do with youth ministry and such.
They joke around a lot and just give youth workers...something I don't know how to word what it is they give youth workers, they just make me laugh.
So last week I wrote into the show, just a comment about something I've observed,and when it was read out loud every person in the room laughed-heartily.
That five seconds of laughter I heard made my day...nay, it made my week.
It was so awesome and I may have listened to them read my email more then once. :)
I listen to one religiously (pardon the pun), it's about youth ministry and it's awesome. It's basically a bunch of guys (and sometimes a girl) sitting around answering questions that people write in having to do with youth ministry and such.
They joke around a lot and just give youth workers...something I don't know how to word what it is they give youth workers, they just make me laugh.
So last week I wrote into the show, just a comment about something I've observed,and when it was read out loud every person in the room laughed-heartily.
That five seconds of laughter I heard made my day...nay, it made my week.
It was so awesome and I may have listened to them read my email more then once. :)
Friday, September 12, 2008
Outloud
I'm sitting and writing three alternative openings to a paper of mine. Before you go thinking how academic that is of me, don't-it's part of the assignment. But it's actually a good idea because starting the paper I couldn't configure a fun opening as I like to write them, but now having done the assignment I've come up with several to choose from, so mission accomplished I guess.
I haven't talked to a person in a couple hours so after checking my email four times in one minute I decided to blog and act like I was talking to someone. I don't know, I guess i have a bigger "talk to people" need then i thought.
Part of the article I'm writing about makes a claim that "anonymity breeds rudeness" and that our society is moving closer and closer to being completely secluded. I sort of agree with this. With groceries able to be purchased online and headphones becoming as common as sunglasses i can see where technology is pushing us inward. But i don't agree that it's leading towards a day when we'll all live in virtual cubicles, shut off from each other and the world. The fact that I felt the need to talk to someone after being on the computer for so long shows that it will never get to that point. Our need for other people is inherent and unquenchable.
In a book i once read called, "Blue like jazz" the author talks about our need to be loved. He says that hell is really the ultimate punishment since it's being utterly alone for-ever.
It's like a hunger we have, one of our most basic needs to be with people and i'm thankful we have it. I crave that time of laughter and discussion that grows you, and as I'm quickly finding out, the internet (i.e-blogging) doesn't really fill that need.
But, in reference to another point i'm writing about, in my hierarchy of values right now, being with people doesn't need to be number one-getting a good grade on my paper does (quality rather then quantity) so i'm out, and you should be to-get off the internet and go talk to someone face to face!
but thanks for reading :)
I haven't talked to a person in a couple hours so after checking my email four times in one minute I decided to blog and act like I was talking to someone. I don't know, I guess i have a bigger "talk to people" need then i thought.
Part of the article I'm writing about makes a claim that "anonymity breeds rudeness" and that our society is moving closer and closer to being completely secluded. I sort of agree with this. With groceries able to be purchased online and headphones becoming as common as sunglasses i can see where technology is pushing us inward. But i don't agree that it's leading towards a day when we'll all live in virtual cubicles, shut off from each other and the world. The fact that I felt the need to talk to someone after being on the computer for so long shows that it will never get to that point. Our need for other people is inherent and unquenchable.
In a book i once read called, "Blue like jazz" the author talks about our need to be loved. He says that hell is really the ultimate punishment since it's being utterly alone for-ever.
It's like a hunger we have, one of our most basic needs to be with people and i'm thankful we have it. I crave that time of laughter and discussion that grows you, and as I'm quickly finding out, the internet (i.e-blogging) doesn't really fill that need.
But, in reference to another point i'm writing about, in my hierarchy of values right now, being with people doesn't need to be number one-getting a good grade on my paper does (quality rather then quantity) so i'm out, and you should be to-get off the internet and go talk to someone face to face!
but thanks for reading :)
Monday, September 8, 2008
insesent drum roll please...
I've decided on my nome de plume
I've come upon this decision because I plan on actively searching for a place my short story can be published.
I thought of getting it published today when I sat down to write a paper so I typed "publish short story" on my rough draft so that I wouldn't forget.
I thought I might forget because I've been siting writing a paper for four hours straight now and my butt is crying for relief from the chair.
And my rambling ends there.
But I did decide and thought briefly of sharing it with you...but then I changed my mind.
After all
What good is a nome de plume if everyone knows who you are?
Yeah, so I must get up and walk now cause numbness is right around the corner.
But feel free to repeat "nome de plume" over and over outloud-it sounds very nice.
:)
I've come upon this decision because I plan on actively searching for a place my short story can be published.
I thought of getting it published today when I sat down to write a paper so I typed "publish short story" on my rough draft so that I wouldn't forget.
I thought I might forget because I've been siting writing a paper for four hours straight now and my butt is crying for relief from the chair.
And my rambling ends there.
But I did decide and thought briefly of sharing it with you...but then I changed my mind.
After all
What good is a nome de plume if everyone knows who you are?
Yeah, so I must get up and walk now cause numbness is right around the corner.
But feel free to repeat "nome de plume" over and over outloud-it sounds very nice.
:)
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Summer's Greatest Moments.
Taking a cue from my favorite podcast, I'm going to post my favorite moments of summer. I intended to make this funny but as I wrote I found my eyes becoming moist so the humor isn't as thick but don't let that deter you...
1. The moment of walking out the double doors of the church and walking down the isle as Norah Jones crooned on is untopable. Heaven was glimpsed as I passed faces from all areas of my life, some of which I haven't seen in a long time, and time took a smoke break for in those steps everything slowed down and just glowed. It was beyond the greatness I had imagined it would be.
2. Dancing with my Dad was another great moment. We were both tired and so, so happy. As pictures from our life played behind us and "And I love Her" by the Beatles played in the background, all the sweat, blood and tears from planning the wedding melted away and all that was left was that perfect moment where I thought to myself, I will remember this forever. His look of uninhibited joy will always be fresh in my mind.
3. While I could list the entire week of our honeymoon as my favorite moment, I will pick but one in particular and keep it PG ;) ...One night after eating dinner at yet another fantabulous restaurant in Charleston, we started walking back to our hotel and got caught in a rain storm. There were no dark clouds, only droplets of fun as we raced back laughing and slipping hand through hand as we went. Charleston is very much a college town so as we ran we passed people our age doing the same thing, all of us laughing in unison. I love this moment because not only was it giggly fun, but in it I felt so safe and in love and I never plan on feeling any different.
4. Camp this year involved probably the biggest range of emotions I've ever experienced in one week. But the first moment of that week was one that will define me forever. We walked on stage to play praise and worship the first night and after we did Jon got up and with tears streaming uncontrolably down his face, reminded us that what we do is way bigger then ourselves, that it matters more then we think. "Look at them," he said, "they're so hungry for it." We turned around and there at the front of the stage were the faces of our youth looking at us so expectantly and they hadn't heard a word Jon said, they were just standing there waiting to be ushered into the presence of God. A moment like that couldn't be manufactured, and it will drive me for the rest of my life.
5. Finally, Sunday night, as in this past Sunday night held a great moment for me. We had friends over and as we sat their till all hours of the night talking and laughing I thought, "this is exaclty what I want my place to be used for, to relax, to be with friends, to just have fun." And we did and I hope it's the first of countless nights just like it.
If no one reads this at all it was worth reliving the emotions of this past summer. Writing each one gave me the chance to relive in greater detail all the things that I'm eternally grateful for.
Until next time...
1. The moment of walking out the double doors of the church and walking down the isle as Norah Jones crooned on is untopable. Heaven was glimpsed as I passed faces from all areas of my life, some of which I haven't seen in a long time, and time took a smoke break for in those steps everything slowed down and just glowed. It was beyond the greatness I had imagined it would be.
2. Dancing with my Dad was another great moment. We were both tired and so, so happy. As pictures from our life played behind us and "And I love Her" by the Beatles played in the background, all the sweat, blood and tears from planning the wedding melted away and all that was left was that perfect moment where I thought to myself, I will remember this forever. His look of uninhibited joy will always be fresh in my mind.
3. While I could list the entire week of our honeymoon as my favorite moment, I will pick but one in particular and keep it PG ;) ...One night after eating dinner at yet another fantabulous restaurant in Charleston, we started walking back to our hotel and got caught in a rain storm. There were no dark clouds, only droplets of fun as we raced back laughing and slipping hand through hand as we went. Charleston is very much a college town so as we ran we passed people our age doing the same thing, all of us laughing in unison. I love this moment because not only was it giggly fun, but in it I felt so safe and in love and I never plan on feeling any different.
4. Camp this year involved probably the biggest range of emotions I've ever experienced in one week. But the first moment of that week was one that will define me forever. We walked on stage to play praise and worship the first night and after we did Jon got up and with tears streaming uncontrolably down his face, reminded us that what we do is way bigger then ourselves, that it matters more then we think. "Look at them," he said, "they're so hungry for it." We turned around and there at the front of the stage were the faces of our youth looking at us so expectantly and they hadn't heard a word Jon said, they were just standing there waiting to be ushered into the presence of God. A moment like that couldn't be manufactured, and it will drive me for the rest of my life.
5. Finally, Sunday night, as in this past Sunday night held a great moment for me. We had friends over and as we sat their till all hours of the night talking and laughing I thought, "this is exaclty what I want my place to be used for, to relax, to be with friends, to just have fun." And we did and I hope it's the first of countless nights just like it.
If no one reads this at all it was worth reliving the emotions of this past summer. Writing each one gave me the chance to relive in greater detail all the things that I'm eternally grateful for.
Until next time...
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
More then Religion
I just got done reading a very long debate over the motion that "America is too religious" and I have some things to say...
Both sides of the debate did a respectable job at presenting their case. The people who were for the motion and under the belief that America is, in fact, too religious, cited many many religious fanatics and their admittedly, crazy practices and the harm they could do on the fabric of our government and our society.
The other side argued that if you look back in history Christians are at the forefront of every positive change in our way of life and that the morals they hold can only do us good.
I think it's interesting that you have so many people willing to speak up for the absence of God in our society and yet the hours/days following 9/11 you had people all over the nation praying, using "God", and repeatedly asking for Him to bless the USA. So I guess in times of crisis it's ok for God to show up, but we apparently don't need Him in every day life.
Tomorrow in class we get to talk about this debate. There's no question in my mind which side the professor is on. He's used the small amount of semester so far to serve up his political agenda on a silver plater and most of the students have looked over the selection and sampled without question. I don't think it's his place to gripe about the President or pass on political beliefs in an English class, but I guess others would argue that I'm crazy. Which is exactly what you can call me for thinking English should be about writing and not about left or right agenda's.
But tomorrow I'm going to enter class and pick over each argument in this debate about religion and I'll get to hear as most of my classmates bow down to the professors beliefs and bash religion and it's place in our society. And while I won't sit there and try to cram my own beliefs down their throats I will try to convey that religion is more then having God's name stamped in prominent places of government, but that it's protection of a higher power.
Granted if belief in this higher power isn't had by all then the effect of even mentioning it is null and void, but if I can convey to them the awesomeness of living for someone who loves you beyond bounds then I will. If I can get the point across that having a close relationship with your creator is like everything good on this earth combined and multiplied by a billion, then I will.
If I can erase the notions of religion that say that God is angry at you or that He hates you because of the sins you commit then I will because He doesn't.
I sat in on a class once where a girl told the teacher that God hates people who get divorced. And I just sat there. I said nothing. I sat and listened as the teacher was astounded and believed everything the girl said. I could have remedied that but I didn't, I could have said, "God doesn't hate those people, He loves them!" but didn't and it's still something I regret, but I'm going to learn from it and move on and no longer sit idle as other notions like that are tossed around.
I've got to go to bed, or else I'll keep writing, but I pray that God gives me the wisdom and right words to say throughout the rest of this semester in this class so that I can leave a lasting impression for good and cause everyone to walk away wanting more of God.
Both sides of the debate did a respectable job at presenting their case. The people who were for the motion and under the belief that America is, in fact, too religious, cited many many religious fanatics and their admittedly, crazy practices and the harm they could do on the fabric of our government and our society.
The other side argued that if you look back in history Christians are at the forefront of every positive change in our way of life and that the morals they hold can only do us good.
I think it's interesting that you have so many people willing to speak up for the absence of God in our society and yet the hours/days following 9/11 you had people all over the nation praying, using "God", and repeatedly asking for Him to bless the USA. So I guess in times of crisis it's ok for God to show up, but we apparently don't need Him in every day life.
Tomorrow in class we get to talk about this debate. There's no question in my mind which side the professor is on. He's used the small amount of semester so far to serve up his political agenda on a silver plater and most of the students have looked over the selection and sampled without question. I don't think it's his place to gripe about the President or pass on political beliefs in an English class, but I guess others would argue that I'm crazy. Which is exactly what you can call me for thinking English should be about writing and not about left or right agenda's.
But tomorrow I'm going to enter class and pick over each argument in this debate about religion and I'll get to hear as most of my classmates bow down to the professors beliefs and bash religion and it's place in our society. And while I won't sit there and try to cram my own beliefs down their throats I will try to convey that religion is more then having God's name stamped in prominent places of government, but that it's protection of a higher power.
Granted if belief in this higher power isn't had by all then the effect of even mentioning it is null and void, but if I can convey to them the awesomeness of living for someone who loves you beyond bounds then I will. If I can get the point across that having a close relationship with your creator is like everything good on this earth combined and multiplied by a billion, then I will.
If I can erase the notions of religion that say that God is angry at you or that He hates you because of the sins you commit then I will because He doesn't.
I sat in on a class once where a girl told the teacher that God hates people who get divorced. And I just sat there. I said nothing. I sat and listened as the teacher was astounded and believed everything the girl said. I could have remedied that but I didn't, I could have said, "God doesn't hate those people, He loves them!" but didn't and it's still something I regret, but I'm going to learn from it and move on and no longer sit idle as other notions like that are tossed around.
I've got to go to bed, or else I'll keep writing, but I pray that God gives me the wisdom and right words to say throughout the rest of this semester in this class so that I can leave a lasting impression for good and cause everyone to walk away wanting more of God.
Boobies and STD's
I went to the most hillbilly festival ever yesterday. It was called "Hoorah for Harriemen" (Harriemen being the place)One booth we passed had a big sign on the front that read "Buckets for Boobies" :) the picture of it now serves as my cellphone wallpaper.
In other news...
I'm among the many who have cultivated fame over YouTube and my fame is spreading even further...my sister in law showed a video Dayton and I made last year for youth in one of her classes and it garnered a lot of laughs so here's a re-run for your enjoyment...
In other news...
I'm among the many who have cultivated fame over YouTube and my fame is spreading even further...my sister in law showed a video Dayton and I made last year for youth in one of her classes and it garnered a lot of laughs so here's a re-run for your enjoyment...
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