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.