Happy Christmas Mold!

Happy the day after Christmas!

I'm pretty happy that my family has all teenagers, because we open gifts and do all the holiday cheer stuff on Christmas Eve, so we can sleep in on Christmas before we go to the familie's houses.

Because yesterday I didn't really get up until about 2:30.

I was sick. Merrr....but after I got up so late and showered and pumped coffee and Tylenol Extreme Cold into my system I was feeling pretty good.

I went to go see Sherlock Holmes with the Barlows (B.A. and Elyssa and are engaged! And no, don't believe the rumor that B.A. had the ring in his bellybutton when he proposed, even though it is believable).

Tonight I'm going to see Sherlock Holmes with the friends. It's good enough to see twice, plus it has Jude Law in it. . .and a good storyline, that too.

Rebecca and I went on a walk at Spring Mill today, clad in our fleece scarves, thick jackets, and those things that go all the way around the head to keep your ears warm. I knitted myself a light pink one last week, it's pretty cute...but huge I miss counted my stitches.

I got a sewing machine for Christmas, and I've spent a while today trying to figure the silly thing out. I usually sew by hand (which takes a century to get any project done). I've used Rebecca's sewing machine a few times, but it's always set up and ready to go.

I have no idea what to do with a bobbin.

No idea.

Okay, I'm gonna go.

I wear the friendship cardigan all the time.

I'm down to the end of the first semester!

Only...
1 more night of sleep
2 more cups of coffee
3 more finals
4 hours of work
AND THEN I'M FREE!

I've had the sudden urge to knit and never stop knitting. I mean, I'm a knitting fiend right now. Not even kidding.

I can't believe I only have a few days left on my 2009 Dirty Dancing Calender. It's insane, this has been such an exciting year!

At least after I'm done with the Dirty Dancing calender I am switching to the calender that Rebecca got me for christmas. She made it on the internet and each month has different photos of our trip to Honduras. It's seriously cool.

My dad bought me a little space heater for my room because it and I get so cold. It's a teeny little thing, but it really dominates. I have six windows in my room, and I'm next to the garage, but Archie (that's what I named it) still keeps my room toasty. I'm madly in love. Most ardently in love, to quote the Darcy of Austen.

Sometimes when I walk up stairs I forget to breathe. So, when I get to the top I'm out of breath. It makes me look like I am completely and totally out of shape. I thought my brain was supposed to take care of the whole, make sure Melissa breathes thing. Fail.

I have to sleep now, I have those torturous things called finals or the-last-attempt-to-make-a-stundent-stress-out-tests tomorrow.

Llama on the corkboard.

I hate wearing socks. And shoes. I mean, I know they are good to wear...blah blah keep your feet warm, protect your feet from (fungus).

I put it in parenthesis to cut down on the disgustingness. I don't think it worked.

My feet like to be free, you know?

Don't hold me down rib-knit socks from Target.

I'm also sick of this whole decreasing sunlight hours thing. I love sunlight! I love day! I love the endorphins and melatonin that they provide me.

(We actually talked about this in Psycology today, go figure.)

Winter makes me feel so very. . .well. . .I think the most appropriate word is bleh. Or maybe merr.

Either will work just fine. Use them at your own discretion, friend.

Have you ever wondered what God's laugh sounds like?

I think about it all the time. I think it's a mix of a human laugh, a wave breaking, lightning cracking, a breeze blowing, a soprano opera singer, and a ukulele. But, infinity times more wonderful. And I might be different for everyone you know?

God's laugh is the most beautiful sounds you know all mixed together and one million times more clear and brilliant. It's such a strange and lovely thing to think about.

And I'm dancing with myself, dancing with myself...

I'm afraid I have become a slight Glee addict. It's just so darn cute. Merr....silly teen shows roping me in with your melodrama and catchy show tunes.

I have the same teacher for 6th and 7th period. After 7th period I pretty much run to my car because I'm so relieved that I can leave school (better known as the scholastic torture chamber).

So, today at the end of the day I put my things in my locker, which is located conveniently right outside Mrs. Caudell's door. Then, I proceed to walk out the doors of the school, which are also only a few feet from Mrs. Caudell's room and my locker. I say bye to a couple people and almost make it out to my car when I realize that no one else has left the school except for me.
So, I stand next to my car for a bit waiting.

And waiting.

And then I remember, I just got out of 6th period. Not 7th. Darn it. So I literally smacked myself in the head and then booked it to the doors. (Why do people smack themselves in the forehead when they do something stupid? It's stupid to smack your own self in the head. Thus making yourself even stupider).

I made it into 7th period on time but I was cracking up. It was pretty much the funniest thing ever at the moment.

Today was the blood drive at school. They wouldn't accept my blood because I went to Honduras less than a year ago. It made me kind of sad, I was really hoping to give blood. Blood. Blood. Blood. It's such a funny word when you say it a lot. Blood.

The word futon is funny too. Futon. Futon. Futon.

In light of the upcoming holiday,
I am very much thankful for:
-Lots of blankets while I sleep
-Washers and Driers available whenever I need them
-Hot water
-The use of my hands
-Youth Group and all people associated with Mitchell Church of Christ
-Zumba
-Clean water whenever I want it
-Being able to read
-The feeling of being completely myself with people

Productivity is hard thing do sometimes!

Did you know that 33% of all Americans sneeze when they walk into the sun?

I'm one of those Americans.

I also sneeze when I look at the sun.

And did you know that the orange and yellow ladybugs aren't really ladybugs at all?

They are Japanese beetles! Imposters!

Ugh, it's a Saturday morning and I don't have anything to do today. Laundry is done, my room is relatively clean, coffee is made, and I have no homework.

So, I think I might go to Wal-Mart to get stuff to start making Christmas presents, or I might go outside and have a photography day. Either one would be wonderful. Then, tonight I'm going to la casa de Parsley por white flipping chili. Pretty much the best soup in the entire world.

Did you know that Curt Parsley is an amazing cook?

Now you do!

And did you know that it's a beautiful Saturday and I'm wasting it by sitting on my bottom in front of this laptop?

It's true.

Bye!

Chocolo, mi amigos!

You know what one of my favorite things in the whole world is? Getting awesome clothes for REALLY cheap.
I'm talking shirts for $4, boots for $25, belts for $3, nice pants for $11, dress for $10.

Yeah, that all happened yesterday.

I came. I conquered. I now have a lot of new outfits.

Winner.

You know what else I love, and miss, and adore?

The kids in the photo.

I miss Honduras more than I can believe. You know how when you are in the car and are listening to the perfect song at the perfect moment, and then you pull up in your driveway earlier than you expect and the magical moment is over? But, you want so much for it to start back up?

I feel that way about my trip to Honduras. I loved it and then the political issues happened and I wound up in my driveway before I was ready. The song was still playing while I was in my drive-way, but it just wasn't the same. And now, I sing the song all the time hoping it will come back sooner.

Canto del personas en Honduras.

I sing of the people in Honduras.

I went to Lipscomb again Thursday and Friday. I'm so very ready to be living there!

I wearing a Lipscomb fleece pullover as I write this. And, it makes me very happy.

Wow, cowboy. . .green chaps aren't flattering

See this pretty girl in the photo?

Today is her birthday!

My friend's birthdays are pretty much my favorite holidays. That, and Halloween and Christmas. Well, I just really like holidays.

Last night I had a dream that I was at camp and I used some awesome karate moves to beat up a mean woman who was really tall. Then, one of my friends walked up and he had a peg leg.

I think the peg leg part came from the fact that I watched Moby Dick in English that day. I'm not sure about the karate thing. . .I guess I just had a lot of pent up anger. (JOKE)

I can't believe it's a Saturday and I don't have anything to do for a long while. I'm sitting here writing this and it's only like 9:30. I suppose I could have slept in, but that doesn't seem to happen any more in my life. Sleep seems to be a fictional character that only flies in every once in a while.

Laundry would be a good thing to do right now, but I don't feel like it's going to happen.

Five Things I'm Very Thankful For Right Now:
1. the Pre-Cal teacher
2. heat in my car
3. sweat pants and flannel button-ups
4. bottles of acrylic paint
5. lovely friends

Where's the structural damage ma'am?

I went home before 2nd period today.
I felt ridiculously gross.
When I walked into the office to sign out, there was a tornado drill.
So, I sat in one of the office chairs and watched people walk by.
I was trying not to throw up, or fall asleep.
Both are bad when you are sitting outside of the principal's office.

The drill finally finished.
I went home and slept about six hours.
Merrrr. . .

I've been wearing a large pair of my dad's sweatpants, and an even larger red plaid flannel shirt. I look like a lazy lumberjack, or lumberjill? You know what I mean.

Friday night was the Halloween Girl's Night, and Katie, Rebecca, and I dressed up as construction workers. It was pretty legit, let me tell you.

I don't usually paint my finger nails, but I did Saturday. Red. And for some reason it makes me feel just pretty enough. That's why I never paint my nails, to keep that little pretty feeling for when I need it most.

My feet are cold, but I don't like wearing socks.

What cat am I? I don't know, quit touching my stomach!

No photo today I'm afraid.

I went to a hippy store in Nashville, suggested by Nikki and Caroline. Curt found squirrel underwear, and we bought them for Rebecca. I mean, if your squirrel is lacking underwear, go to Pangea.

Halloween is my favorite holiday, and it's coming up soonly! Rebecca, Katie, and I are dressing up as construction workers for Halloween, complete with stick on mustaches and orange vests. I feel like I might wear a mustache to work Saturday and see how many people comment on it. I will ask if I'm allowed first though. . .mmm. . .Halloween is such a fun time.

Today I did a charcoal of a cow. But, he's rocking a suit and tie. All cows must look nice, you know.

I have two cats currently residing in my home: Mold and Small Cat. That's not their real names, I don't know their real names. But, Mold and Small Cat are really loud. Loud, loud, loud. I thought cats were supposed to be graceful and sneaky and quiet. These "cats" flipping missed the memo. They bang into everything and run into everything and knock over everything. They pulled my flat iron off the sink and broke it. Now my bangs remain curly, instead of straightened. I mean, I'm not gonna buy another thing to burn my hair. It was kind of pointless in the first place.

Are you sure this is the species that the Eqyptians held up so high?

FAIL.

Mold and Small Cat, I might lock you in a closet if you wake me up one more time.

Today Katie, Rebecca, and I had best friend day. We watched youtube videos on subliminal messages, basically they all want you to have sex and do drugs. Good job fake subliminal messages, turning America's children into. . .what exactly? What exactly is your purpose?

Stupiditiy's only purpose is to watch people become stupid like them. Oh, Sublime messages. Don't plant bad thoughts in my mind. Don't secretly tell people to do things. It's not kind.

I'm going to Jackson.

The trees look like they are on fire lately.

Especially around 6:45 when the sun it setting and reflects off the warm hued leaves.

I've decided I shouldn't drive during this special time because I become very distracted. . .like texting and driving. But, admiring and driving.

It's just as deadly, mind you.

Tomorrow morning I'm going with the Parsley's and Lindsay Slone on a roadtrip to TENNESSEE! HERE I COME MY WONDERFUL FRIEND!

We have these moodrings sitting in a brightly colored box up by the register, and I put them on when there are no customers. It always turns purple, then fades into an awful sort of grey.

Purple means romantic. Grey means worried and afraid.

I don't necessarily consider myself romantic, worried, or afraid. I'm pretty much more of a blue-green which means happy. . .I suppose. But grey?!? A grey mood ring? That's just gross.

I think that the mood ring is just based on body temperature, and I'm a cold nature person. Thus, my mood ring turns grey.

Logical, si?

Right now I'm watching 18 Kids and Counting, yeah I am pretty awesome. It's true.

The two dinosaurs in love.

Friday after work I drove to the church to meet Bryan, who was home from Depauw. Lindsay Slone was sitting in the parking lot waiting for Liz and Lauren Young, so they could all go to Alabama for Meghan's wedding.

The wedding I had been dying to go to, but by some bad circumstances thought was impossible to get off work to go to.

I ended up calling Marvin to check anyway. And his lovely daughter, Elizabeth said she would cover my three and a half hour shift. She was on fall break. I told her it wasn't necessary and she should be on break, and not work. But, she wouldn't hear of it.

So, at 9:10 ish we were on our way to Nashville, Tennesse. The home of Lipscomb, and Callie Ann Starkey (who we would be spending the night with). I was ecstatic that I got the chance to go to the wedding! Elizabeth Patton is the sweetest girl in the world!

We arrived at C.A.'s house sometime between 1 and 2 A.M........I was sleepy. We left for the Decatur, Alabama the next morning for the chilly, yet lovely wedding that I was so dying to go to. Meghan Hill (now Meghan Newsom) looked so happy! I have never seen her so happy before. Ugh, it was so wonderful.

Now I am home in small-town Indiana. But, in three or so days I will be returning to Nashville, and other areas of Tennessee with the Parsley's! Tennessee is the place for me.

That was corny. I apologize.

No, actually I don't. I meant it.

Raise Your Hopeful Voice. You Have A Choice.

Everyday I breathe.
Everyday I wake up.
Everyday I put on clothes.
Everyday I am surrounded by people.
Everyday I am loved by these people.
Everyday I walk on feet with shoes.
Everyday I kick off those shoes.
Everyday I talk with someone.
Everyday I look in a mirror.
Everyday I see things with my eyes.
Everyday I hear things with my ears.
Everyday I smell things with my nose.
Everyday I feel things with my skin.
Everyday I taste things in my mouth.

Everday I have so many things that others don't and yet I find myself whining or complaining about something EVERYDAY. Every single day I find something wrong admist so many rights. Where do I find the justification to my pains? Because I do find the justification. I feel that I have the "right" to be mad at something, or complain because of some hard things that happened before.

I never got a certificate from hard times to give me the right to find all the wrongs in my rights and point them out to myself and others.

I'm an underappreciative loud mouth without a degree. The people who have no idea what they are talking about always seem to be the loudest to me. I am one of those people. The guy on the sidewalk that screams your heathen faults at you and tells you to find your personal savior. Be happy, he yells. Your life doesn't suck, find Jesus. My life sucks, he yells at you. But, I love God so I push it aside and don't ever deal with it. Now I'm happy. He yells this loudly so he can convince himself that this way of thinking is just.

Sure, not everything I've been through or going through in my life is completely easy. But, I'm sincerely and truly blessed. And EVERYDAY I am seeing that more and more.

And everyday will be hard, but I'm not gonna push it aside and yell. I'm going to hand it to the Lover of my Soul. I'm going to give away burdens and not hide behind false documents. And everyday I am learning to embrace this way of thinking.

AND NOW I WANT TO SCREAM IT TO THE WORLD! (but not on a sidewalk, on a mountain top)

I AM A BLESSED DAUGHTER OF THE MOST WONDERFUL SAVIOR! AND I AM HAPPY BECAUSE HE HOLDS ME UP AND FILLS THE DARKNESS WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LIGHT!

The Not-So-Leaning Tower of Dios.

I bought some music from Itunes just now--Yiruma, an Asian pianist. I've never heard anything just flow like this before.

It's more than it really is.

It's like when you open a door and sunlight spills across the floor.

It's that refreshing laugh you haven't had in a while.

Or holding someone's hand.

Or crying after you have seen something tragically beautiful.

I feel like a lot of moments in my life have felt like Yiruma's music. Mainly, the people that surround me. Things in my family have not been the easiest, but if I just reach out a hand five take it. I have a safety net of people that mean more than they realize. They are more than just people in my life, they are holding my hand. Holding me up.

God has provided so many people that love and care for me.

A structure of strength that puts any great architectual feat to shame.

What storms dare to come up against this steel frame that so lovingly holds me together?

God is the Great Builder.

Addy, get out from under the bed!

I realize that this is totally strange---but, my internet is on the fritz and a photo would not load. I'm beside myself. It's true.

So, lots has happened since I last wrote! They include an amazing Lipscomb visit, a rally of youth in SPRING MILL BIBLE CAMP or Campo de Iglesia (Church Camp). First business, discuss the Lipscomb visit. Lipscomb University is my future home. That is a definite; I can't imagine myself anywhere but there. I've known since about 7th grade that Lipscomb is where I belong. For the visit, I selected Art Teaching for my major. Art education isn't as definite for my future as Lipscomb is, but it's looking pretty good. God really blessed me with the Big L. It's lovely to have that little place to look forward when things are pretty rough.

Second business, Fall Retreat at campo. Honestly, I didn't really dig into spiritually...mainly because my thoughts were bogged down with the fact I had to work through it and etc. I'm not gonna whine. Anyway, the weekend was a chance for me to grow closer with lots of new girls in my youth group. We all fit together like puzzle pieces. God really knew what He was doing putting us all together. I love them already, I'm so ready to spend the next two years with Rebecca, Darci, Katie, Chelsea, Addy, Jocelyn, Lindsay, Lauren, Alyssa, Grace, and Ashley. It's going to be wonderful (I mean we all are really quite insane, it works out so well!)

Third Business, Alene and I were up at the register and a adorable little boy and his parents come up to the counter. Alene says, "Aren't you cute! How old are you?"
"Four." (Insert a I'm Too Old For This look).
"Oh, well that's good! When do you turn five?"
"On my birfday." Duh.

I couldn't stop laughing. I mean, like cracking up. No one else found it that amusing...but what can you do? That was the same day I anwsered the phone, "Ace Franklin Ben Hardware. How may I help you?"

I am so thankful for colors. I love sunsets, paintings, leaves, eyes, skin, and flowers. They would be so boring without colors! Colors define the mood of something, turn it into something that means more. They transform something dark into something joyous. Thank You Daddy, Father, Lover of my Soul, for making colors. Thank You God for putting excitement into something so normal.

Please return all the white gloves.

My day started at about 6:30 a.m. I worked the 5k run, which means ripping off sweaty tags from people as they go through the finish line. Rebecca did most of the ripping, and I put all the tags in order on a spool.

Spool is a silly word.

Then, we went to her aunt's for lunch. Which was awesome, because it was a Burris shindig. Any Burris event is worth going to.

After that Rebecca and I went to Lehigh Field to help carry a humongous flag in the parade. We were supposed to have about forty people there, but we only had about twenty show up. So, I turned into Commander Wilson for a little while and yelled a lot.

We ended up with enough people with the use of many cell phones and a guy in a golf cart.

We got to wear white gloves. I felt pretty legit, let me tell you...

I saw Bryan, Callie Ann (who ran in the 5k!), Caroline, Nikki, and Erin. It made me pretty much really happy.

When I got home I ate some things I shouldn't have and then slept for about four hours. Woops.

And, so here we are. After this crazy hectic day this slightly crazy girl is sitting in her computer chair typing about things that don't necessarily matter, but seem worth writing anyway.

Also, I learned two pizzas is not near enough for a girls night. Lesson learned.

Also Also, I learned that being friendly in a grocery store and trying to be nice and have a small conversation with the cashier is a harder task for me...because I drop things and leave things and the old guy with the mustache in line behind me gets slightly annoyed. Lesson learned, but not going to change the politeness level.

The Queen of Hearts

I love candles. I have probably five in my room--all different scents. I never burn them all at the same time, but they are always there in the case that I must burn them.

Sleep has not been happening for me lately. But, when it does I have the strangest and most vivid dreams ever. I had a dream a couple nights ago that I had to make frames for my work, and if I stopped for any reason I would be fired. Unfortunately, I really had to throw up...but, I couldn't stop to throw up or I would lose my job. So, I continued to make frames.

I suddenly woke up and sat up in bed. Then, I jumped out of bed and started breathing really heavily because I felt like I was about to throw up everywhere.

One time my brother and I were sleeping in the living room. I woke up to him beating me on the back because I was throwing up all over the floor. It scared him half to death. It scared me too. I had been dreaming that I was throwing up, dying and no one was saving me.

I don't like the fact that my dreams kind of force their way into my reality.

And I really hate to puke. I puke like the flipping exorcist girl...and my body will hurt for days.

Now, I must leave to work on some sketches for an art portfolio I really need to get finished. They are inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

The Skeksis and The Mystics and Two Gelflings

I've been listening to the Steve of many Wonders in my car. And, at home I listen to some random songs I bought until I get my ipod back. They include MIKA, Regina Spektor, Imogen Heap, and I'm ashamed to say....the Mamma Mia soundtrack. Shun me if you must.

I think I might watch the Dark Crystal for the millionth time before I go to sleep.

I read the Secret Life of Bees finally, therefore I can watch the movie now. It's a cute book, kind of strange in some parts...but that might be why I like it.

I also went to see The Time Traveler's Wife last weekend. The movie was really good, it was a lot like the book. The book was really raunchy, though. I'm not a fan of that. The movie wasn't bad in that aspect, the raunch was kept to a minimum. Props to the director.

My dad told me to stop making the coffee so strong because he can't even handle it. I told him to stop being a wimp and drink it like a man. He didn't find it as funny as I did.

I fell asleep on the couch for a little while, and when I woke up the stock market channel was on. No wonder I fell asleep......stocks=the most boring market of all markets. I love farmer's markets, flea markets, etc. Stock markets not so much.

My current project: I'm turning an old text book into a sculptural book. I'm cutting a square out of the middle of a lot of pages so it makes like a secret place to put things. Then, I'm going to decorate the outside of the textbook in Jane Austen theme--with flowers and vintageness. It's gonna be a good time. Plus, I just really like turning a stupid old Personal Finance book into something artsy and happy.

Take that stock market. Even your silly little books aren't safe.

I got a whole bunch of free books from the library:

-The Philippines' Fight for Freedom
-Make Your Own Professional Movies
-Knickenbocker's History of New York
-Six Who Dared
-Journey Through the Land of Eloquent Silence
-The Land and People of Chile
-Mother India's Children

A Thousand Faces

Once upon a time there was a girl.

And she had a gnome collection and a tendency to fall down and trip over things.

Her hands were always covered with ink, paint, charcoal, pastel, and graphite.

She sneezed everytime she walked out into the sun.

One of her favorite things to do was shower. And, to wake up in a place and know that she was surrounded by people who love her.

She would knit until her knuckles hurt.

I found this girl one day while I was staring into a mirror and we shook hands.

She was quite nice, but sometimes I would become very annoyed with her.

But I would forgive her again, and we would go back to being happy with each other again.

And we praised God when good things happened, and cried when bad things happen.

And everything was good.

The Not So Much of an End.

They accepted us as one of them.

You know how sometimes you walk into a room and you don't know why you went in there in the first place?

School makes me feel that way all the time.

I don't belong in the whole "high school" thing.

I'm on Student Council, which means I'm required to work the homecoming dance. I bring a big thing of soda, set it on the table with the others, and socialize awkwardly and avoid dancing at any cost.

The Cha-Cha Slide and The Cupid Shuffle are do-able.

Today marks the 8th anniversary of 9/11. I was in the third grade when the terrorist attack happened. I remember very little, but mainly the faces of the people around me. I see my dad, feverously flipping through the news stations. Sitting on the very edge of the chair in the living room that he usually reclined and lazed in. I sat on the floor, watching the different channels flash back and forth. I remember some of the faces I saw. Mainly, I remember knowing one thing, one thing even a slightly confused nine year old can understand-- there were people hurting and there was nothing anyone really could do to stop it.

There was nothing that could reverse.

No universal remote that could rewind pain.

They wouldn't let us go out to recess that day. I didn't exactly know the reason why, but I didn't question. I wasn't really old enough or important enough to question. Someone told me there were snakes on the playground so we had to stay in. I think, another said it was bees. Or, a stray dog that could possibly be dangerous to a group of 200 third graders.

My dad took off his glasses and rubbed his forehead a few times when watching the news.

I moved up to the rocking ottomen and rocked back and forth as the images on the television screen flashed.

He told me to write the words, "Twin Tower Attack" in my homework log. So, I did in my crude third grade scrawl. I either threw away that homework log book, or it is sitting in the drawers in the living room. I'm not exactly sure.

I hate pain. I hate the pain that others feel that I can't take away.

I also hate that it takes so much pain to bring people together and acknowledge each other as fellow people again. Pain makes blinders come off and realizations of humanity and likeness in others set in. Strange isn't it?

I mean, look what Jesus did. His pain brought humanity to it's knees.

A people is more than its faces, but how it treats each other.

Ghandi has nose hair.

4th Street Festival is a very amusing place to be. It's an arts and crafts fair that I went to yesterday with some friends. Pretty great times. Some of my favorite artwork included a bobble head type Ghandi, a chicken made of hot rollers, a woven forest, and pottery. I love all pottery.

Hannah and I are going to put a table in the People's Festival on 3rd Street. It's a local artist fair rather than a widely known artist fair, like on 4th street. Hint--3rd street is much cheaper and still really quite schweet.

We got "free" oragami, and by free I mean, with a donation to a Catholic Fund.

I bought a cameo necklace for only eight dollars. That pretty much rocked. And, I got some kick butt prints from some ladies at 3rd street. Art is pretty much life.
Like air and coffee.

Today at work Elizabeth and I started setting up Christmas trees (I know it's early, but technically it's only a forest until we decorate them). We set up this one that was an "upside down table top tree". We called it the Christmas Bush. And so, after we got done putting together all these trees we smelled like "synthetic Christmas". Because, as you might have guessed, these trees are not real.

Shocker.

I think I might start on Lomography. It's a type of photography. You can tell by the -ography's at the end.

We had a Michelle Obama paper doll book at work. Well, I suspect the book was all first ladies, but M.O. was really huge on the front, so she gets all the credit. Good job first lady on teching little girls how to dress their paper dolls.

Tomorrow there is no school because it's Labor Day. And, it's my birthday. I was born on Labor Day.

Get it? Pregnancy goes to labor which goes to child. And hence, I am upon this Earth.

My hands still smell like plastic trees.

Influenza Porcina

I'm slipping into a sugar induced coma right now. Never let me convince you into going on a late night candy run. Even if I say that I've been craving candy corn all day. Really, though. I'm pretty sure I ate enough candy corn and those silly orange slice things to kill someone.

Thanks, Slone. (But really, thanks for going along with my sugary needs.)

I started knitting some purple fingerless gloves with and owl cable on the front of them. The pattern I used was screwy, so I'm going to frog it (undo it) and start again my way.

Tomorrow I'm going to an art fair with some of my favorite people in the world. Then, bonfire at Rebecca's house with more of my favorite people in the world. Saturdays are delightful.

And you know what I very thankful for? God put my birthday and labor day on the same day this year. Why is that so special you ask yourself? Two words: no school. Mhmm...no school on the birthday.

I let my hair do it's own thing tonight after I took an early shower. It got so big that my shadow looks like I'm wearing a helmet, or maybe a spacesuit. I'm actually quite impressed. It wins the award for most unintentional afro of the day. Ten points, hair. Ten points.

I couldn't figure out how to open a graphing calculator today. If I can't get the silly lid off, how in the world do they expect me to do actual math and things on it? Graphing calculators are made especially to make sad little Pre-Calculas people cry and throw things. It's a true story.

My current art project right now is a pastel of an old Irish man sitting on a stone wall.

There is an industrial sized germ-ex in all the class rooms so we don't all die from the flu of the swine.

H1N1 is upon us all.

I'm really trying not to laugh.

Trying really hard.

And failing really bad.

Epidimics aren't funny, Melissa....

I don't know your name, small child.

See the little boy in the photo? He was afraid of me. Well, he was afraid of white people in general. He had never seen an American before. He lives way up in the La Tigre mountains of Honduras. I suppose that missionaries had never ventured up into his part of the mountains in the past years of his short life.

That threw me off a little, the fact that he's afraid of the people who want to help him just because he had never seen anything like them before. How was he supposed to know? What he saw were some loco gringos with bandanas, loose shorts, muddy tennis shoes, and bags of food. How often does that come to YOUR house? How often does that come to MY house?

What if God approaches me just like we approached the little boy? What if God comes in ways I'm scared of, in ways I'm not used to seeing? Like a peer at school that I wouldn't normally spend time to, or an older lady at church who just needs to be loved.

I think God comes Loco Gringo style into our lives all the time, but we don't accept it because we don't understand it. These little blessings he sends us are denied because we don't know how to open our hearts to these disguised gifts of love. Or just because we don't see it at all. Is that wrong or shameful, or is it just a mistake on our part?

This school year I'm making a point to find these people. These people that either I am the Loco Gringo too, or they are to me. Someone I normally would look past or just not invest time into. This year I'm going to be myself, and let others find me for who I really am.

Or, at least, I'm going to try.

Yesterday I wrote about how I wasn't doing anything astounding for God in the place of my life where I am right now. I really was wrong, Curt encouraged me in that. How could I say something like that?

Don't the little things count too, Melissa?

I'm human, I suppose. Although, most times I don't feel like it. (slight giggle after that sentence)

Water erodes a rock over time.

Starbucks brought back the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
This makes me very happy.

Grandma had lunch today.
This makes me very happy.

I got to work with Wes today.
This makes me very happy.

MIKA has a new c.d. coming out.
This makes me very happy.

I'm going to an art fair Saturday.
This makes me sooo very happy.

Basically, life is just really schweet lately. Busy, yes.
I'm worn out beyond what I could ever believe. I wasn't even this worn after building houses and working in Honduras. I think that's because the work I was doing in Honduras was ayude otra personas en el nombre de Jesuchristo. And my work here (work, homework, babysitting, cleaning, blehh) really is quite necessario, but not necessario por el kingdom. The "work" I do now isn't helping anyone grow spiritually, or really doing anything positivo por anyone. It's hard coming from such uplifting and encouraging things to things that need to be done, but don't really fufill anyone's life with love and compassion and God.

I wish I lived in a place where I could directly see how my life affected others. That way I know whether or not I'm doing good or just wasting time and love.

All this aside, where I'm at right now isn't so bad. It's stable at least. That's something I always strive for.

I do wish that I lived somewhere by an ocean, like a little village in Greece. That would be lovely.

Sleep seems more important than blogging about frivolous and random things...so bye.

Via con dios.

I'm not wearing socks

So, my alarm clock didn't go off this morning. I set it for eight, but that didn't happen. Either that or I subconciously turned it off because I was so insanely tired. (That's what happens when you go to a movie then stay at a friend's house until 2:30.)

I went to go see District 9 with Tyler last night. It was like watching a kids movie that some messed up grown-ups took and added a lot of gore and the F word a million times to. I loathe the F word, really really loathe it. There are so many more intellegent things to say, I promise.

It was a rather unfortunate thing for it to majorly suck. I really like alien movies.

I worked in the fabric section at work yesterday. I moved a shelf full of ribbon. And, I cut some fabric. And, I cut some fabric. Then, I cut some fabric. Then, I vacuumed and my work was over. It was a successful evening over all. There are some very happy older ladies with cotton floral print fabrics now.

I'm in the process of organizing my room and getting rid of everything. And by that I mean, donating lots of stuff to Goodwill. I feel cluttered. I will only keep bare minimals and my insanely huge yarn stash. Oh, and my gnomes.

My friend Katie (known to me as Kathe) and I are going to be building a window seat. I have six windows in my room and four of them are together, they are begging for a seat to be built in front of them. And, there will be lots of throw pillows. Love.

Roisin Murphy is good. You should listen to her.

I'm out of gas in my car and all four of my tires are pretty much flat. Mmm...

Every morning I drink coffee, this is happening right now. And, I'm drinking it out of a Disney princess mug.

My friend plays the ukulele.

Dear Cat, you are annoying me.
And you scratched my foot.
I'm afraid it's time for you to straighten up.

My brother wrecked his dirtbike. He fell horizontally off of a triple ramp. He crushed his ball in his shoulder, so they had to fix it and put it back in the socket. And, he broke his growth plate and his clavical. All of this was on the right side. He had surgery this morning, and he is now sporting a rod through his shoulder and screws on his clavical. Basically, his right arm belongs to the Terminator or the Bionical man.

Right now I am not working on my Pre-Calculus homework. If I was a good girl I would be, but I'm not a math person. Actually, I despise it more than I can ever tell you. But, I figure that I am blessed enough to have a place to get a good education, so I might as well put some effort into it. There are children all over the world that don't even get to go to school. And, even though I whine and complain, I really am quite thankful for the opportunity for a good future and college and endless things that come from an education.

Random fact: I can stand on my big toes. Not for long, mind you. But, I can do it.

Maybe God intended me to be a ballerina? No, I'm a horrible klutz. Maybe He just enjoys the fact that I have strong or coordinated big toes? He made me the way I am for a purpose. My big toes must mean something, right? This is all a bit silly, really. I'm going to stop talking about big toes and their relevance in God's plan for me.

I took a four hour nap today because I was so worn out from this past week.
Downside being that I will never sleep tonight and I have an early morning meeting for S.A.D.D. board tomorrow morning. Sleep is such a crazy thing.

Now, back to my Pre-Cal.

Hey, I'm a Goat.

Bus #5 has no problem with driving on the wrong side of a country road.

I would know.

It almost hit me on my way to work.

I almost got hit by a flipping bus.
That's freaky.
I passed it again today.
I hope this doesn't become a trend.
I may change my route to work.

I looked into a blue glass orb that I was selling to an old lady at work. You know, those ones you put on pedestals in your front yard? Well, I looked at myself in that silly lawn orb. I look terrible in blue glass lawn orb reflections. It's awful, really.

My current art project is a combined pastel, charcoal, and india ink of Mother Teresa. My art class this year is self-directed. And, I am really enjoying it so far. Next project-- burning maps, glueing pieces of the charred mess together, mod-podging it, and painting something on it.

I'm drinking Diet Dr. Pepper right now. It's my very favorite soda in the entire earth.
My favorite tea is Irish Breakfast.
My favorite coffee is from Honduras or Kenya. I can't decide.
My favorite juice is white grape.
My favorite Gatorade is the light purple kind.
My favorite water is clear.

Oh, and I hate the way guys call me "babe". I got that from a guy that came into the store today. He was very much high. And, he was very much not respectful at all to me. And, another guy stood in by the candles and smiled at me for a couple of minutes. I prentended to be busy with something under the counter. He eventually got tired of smiling, I suppose. I peeked up and he was gone.

Mmmmm...creepy men...

This has been yet again, another pointless posting from Melly.

7-Dollar Flatbread

Suprise. I changed the font size.

Today was my 2nd day back to my school.

Today was also my first day of work.

I am now employed, and I love it quite immensly. Also, the job really is a good one for a high school student. I'm not flipping burgers, life is good. And, the people I work with are all wonderful. God really worked out a good thing for me. He's pretty great that way. I love Him a lot.

I've found that I have an unfortunate addiction to sleeping in a while after my alarm clock goes off. My snooze has been abused. I'm afraid I beat it at least three times each morning. I tell myself to get out of bed, but I think my mind and my body become frightfully disconnected at such an early time. I never really had much of a problem with this last year. I've always been a morning person.

Five little things I'm very thankful for at this moment:
-My mattress
-The way the wind feels when I put my top down when I drive
-Art Class
-The fact that I can go into my kitchen and get clean water whenever I want it
-The ability to laugh and smile

I really like squirrels.

I am now offically employed at a local craft and hardware store. I like the thought of actually having money to pay for things. It's a really nice concept.

When I wake up in the morning my hair tends to resemble a curly haired Ziggy Stardust (or David Bowie for those of you who aren't fans). It's really quite hard for me to face a mirror to fix the mess. So, I had an amazing idea for no more bad hair days and universal acceptance of looks.

We all go bald.

And, to express our individuality we paint our heads.

It would be like dry-erase heads. We could get those markers that wipe off and just write little memos on our foreheads. There would be no need for planners or bumper stickers. All you have to do is write how you feel or draw your heart out on your head. The world would know you by what you put on your cranium.

And, you would save a lot of money on hair products.

This has been another pointless blog.

Have a good day.

In the Beginning...

My friend Tanmoy says, "You should start a blog."

I say, "Umm...maybe."

And, well that night I started working on one. I suppose I don't have very much resistance.

I'm not so great at the whole "writing" thing, but I do love it quite a lot. We will see how the blog works out. And, by "we" I mean myself.

For a small town girl, lots of eventful things do happen to me. (Let me clarify- I am easily amused so these so-called "eventful" things might not be so eventful at all.) I'm almost a strange or creepy events or people magnet. I've been hit on by old men and men without teeth since I was in fourth grade. It makes me feel really classy, let me tell you. Also, just crazy things happen to me.

This summer I went to Honduras with Torch Missions. They informed that there was a little political turmoil, but no one really thought anything of it. But, the Sunday after I arrived there was a coup (or a political overthrow of the president). There was rioting and a bombing in the city, but we were up in the mountains. We ended up having to leave the country early, but we couldn't get tickets out! Even the U.S. Embassy wouldn't help us. Mind you, they backed the deranged, power-crazy former president, Zelaya. I didn't feel to proud of America for that.

Anyway, we ended up leaving (it was more of a calm flee) that Friday. We were scheduled to leave on a Monday, but we ended up getting plane tickets for the flight on Friday. That Sunday (I think it was) the president tried to get back into the country so they blocked the airport for a few days. So, we wouldn't haven't been able to leave the country that Monday. We would have basically been trapped in a foreign country.

Also, another less exciting example: I was proposed to by a stranger on a street in Gatlinburg. I said yes, but I never added him on facebook.

Well, I suppose this was a pointless post. If it's any condolence, I enjoyed writing it.

The End.

Oh, and all the photography I post is mine.