ohhhh good times....

Tonight I'm standing in my driveway with Bri and this conversation takes place:

"oh god, look, it's a beaver!" -Bri
(I turn around to see what she's talking about)
"umm, that's a raccoon Bri." -Katie

as the raccoon waddles across the yard into the bushes we laugh hysterically at the process of events that just took place....

oh goodness. that was fantastic.

(although I'm sure you had to be there to think it was as funny as it really was).

Merry Christmas

ah, Christmas is upon us. Santa Clause visited my nephews which was fun. Last night I helped spread the reindeer food (which looked like a mixture of oatmeal and glitter) and helped put together a "Diego!" bike for Tyler to awake to. It was full of family and good times (not to mention lots of food). Tomorrow I head to New York to hangout with Mark and his family for a few days, which is pretty exciting. Here are a few pictures from the day of all of the "kids" in the family these days. It's grown pretty extensively these past few years if I do say so myself. haha.

a beggar's plea.

stop the attack
lay your weapons down
my armor has been peeled away
yet the swords still seem to swing

slow your words
they are burning my ears
they are staining my heart
they are etching themselves in my brain

I am tired
tired of the questions
tired of the questions you are asking
tired of the questions you are making me ask

I want to be free
I want to rest in healing
I want to discover the answers

I just want love.

2 of my best...

I hungout with these two jokers tonight. It was a good time. We went to the "tap room" (where I proceeded to see about 7-10 of my old high school friends) and just got to have some fun conversation for awhile. I miss the old days. Joel and I used to stay up til the wee hours of the morning and talk but it seems like it's been FOREVER since that happend...it was nice to have it happen again. It's one of those totally honest relationships that are hard to come by sometimes - so it was really great. So, here's to old friends that are still some of the greatest.... Cheers!

Carrot Top

I stood approximately 2 feet away from Carrot Top today. I was in line buying Mark a Christmas present (at a location I can't name currently so he won't figure out his present), and there he was - standing in line right in front of me. I didn't realize it was him, although I had noticed the guy in the store when I was walking around - but I didn't stare at him or anything or really look at his face. But after he walked away from the register, I heard the guy say "no, that wasn't him, was it?" and the girl said "yea - that was definitely him" and another guy behind the counter said "yea - it was him, I've seen him perform before...." --- I was like "who are you talking about?" and they said "Carrot Top."

I told them to look at his receipt to see if his name was on it, but they said he paid with cash, and then I responded with - who really knows his real name anyway? then we proceeded to joke about how the guy should have said "have a good day Mr. Top" and things of the sort when he left...

Well, I paid and walked out the door and there he as driving right in front of me in the parking lot - and I got a look at him - and it was him alright. Driving a REALLY nice black Land Rover with a Florida tag on it.

He had on a really tight shirt - and he was RIPPED (that is what I noticed when I saw him walking around in the store earlier - I just noticed how big he was) - and a tobagan on to keep his hair down. He was actually quite cute (and really fashionable).

But yea - there was my brush with fame today. I called Mark and told him that one of his gifts had been a mere foot away from stardom. It was really fun....crazy how stuff like that works...how it's exciting to see somebody "famous" - even if I didn't talk to him.

(I probably would have told him a really corny joke if I would have known it was him as he was checking out - like "what is invisible and smells like milk and cookies?" "Santa's burp" and told him to use it when he's on stage. It's probably a good thing I didn't realize it was him until after the fact. haha).

Bad Ass Conversation

I got to sit in the Bad Ass Coffee Shop this evening with one of my best pals in the whole entire world and have tons of great conversation. This is one of the statements that stands out though:

"Lord, give me what I NEED, not what I WANT."

AJ was telling me that Matt Chandler said this statement as he was preaching through the Lord's prayer in one of his sermons - in reference to "give us this day our daily bread...." and I thought it was a pretty fantastic reminder.

Quite an 'anchor prayer.'

AMAZING CONCERT

Last Saturday some great friends (seen in the pictures) and I went to the Ray Lamontagne and Tristan Prettyman concert at the Tabernacle in Atlanta. It was INCREDIBLE. Seriously - the show:
a.) fit the venue perfectly
b.) was FULL of musical greatness
c.) sounded like you were listening to Ray's CD - only way better because you could see him in all his glory as he sang/played
d.) was precursored by a really really great buffalo chicken sandwhich from the Fox Sports Grill, eaten while surrounded by great company.
e.) was followed by a really fun Dunkin' Doughnuts experience and a new to the country Russian teenager who worked there.

Moral of the story: Ray Lamontagne has won a place in my heart, and I have an even greater respect for him as a musician than I did before the show - because he was seriously just THAT great. It was incredible to sit there and listen to him - he is so soft spoken, yet so powerful. I dunno....but I do know this - if you ever have a chance to see him in concert - go. You won't be disappointed. It was absolutely incredible (and I didn't even know a good number of the songs he sang).

Thank you Stacy, for the wonderful birthday gift!!! (she got me the ticket)

(oh, and no, Marie isn't drunk in the picture above - she just had a hard time holding her eyes open when the flash went off - and it was seriously hillarious.)

boy baptism....haha

'tis the season...

Andy P.

Andrew Peterson is THE MAN. He has an album called "Behold the Lamb of God" - and if you've never heard it, go out and buy it, and listen - it is amazing. He is such an incredible lyricist. You won't be disappointed, I promise. Here is a little documentary about the album (thank you to Matt Ables):

Mindy Smith.

She is all over my world right now....

"Peace of Mind"

"I need peace of mind
and a hopeful heart
to lose this rage
and move out in the dark
I ain't looking for rainbows and shooting stars
just some peace of mind
and a hopeful heart...

I need peace of mind
and a lullabye
cuz there's an angry voice in my head tonight
telling me to do things that can't be right
I need peace of mind
and a lullabye....

and a miracle
for this broken soul
a little miracle
for this broken soul...

I need peace of mind
and a gentle hand
as I try to change the way I am
and hope God forgives me when I can't
I need peace of mind
and a gentle hand...

or a miracle
for this broken soul
a little miracle
for this broken soul

I need peace of mind
and a hopeful heart."


amazing.

da' Saturday night run...with some new kicks

Mark and I got some new kicks this weekend (see left). Then we went for a 4.5-ish mile run downtown last night and didn't even really get all that tired. Those "sneakers" musta been magical. Or it was just really good company and good conversation that distracted us from the fact that we ran for 45 minutes. I'm going to go with the latter. It was fantastic...and to top it all off...we got to watch some really great fireworks over the water at the end of the run as we finished. It was perfect timing...a fantastic run....and a splendid time for some really great conversation. I'm kinda diggin' this running thing these days....11 weeks til race day....and counting. Tomorrow the "official" training begins...and I've got some stylin' new shoes to begin it in.

amazing song.

"The blood is dried
and the wounds I hide,
the scars are settling in
so I keep the light low
and they still show
I sit and count every stitch...

What it means,
what it really means...
it's time I let everything go
that is killing me
and turning me
spinning me so out of control.

I don't wanna let go.
Let go...
I don't wanna let go.

I don't know what for
but these open doors
keep slamming in on me
and if life's a joke then it's getting old
and I hope God's looking out for me

What it means
what it really means
it's time I let everything go
that's killing me
and turning me
spinning me so out of control

I don't wanna let go.
Let go...
I don't wanna let go.

What it means
what it really means
it's time I let everything go
that's killing me
and turning me
spinning me so out of control

I don't wanna let go...
I don't wanna let go...

The blood is dried
and the wounds I hide
the scars are settled in...."

-M. Smith

Curve.

So, this post may seem really girly, or make some of you want to throw up, or I dunno....but I'm gonna say it anyway.

Mark came to visit this weekend, and we both left this morning around 10 o'clock or so...he left to go home to Columbia and I left to go study. I just got back (about 6:30 or so) and walked into my room....

and it totally still smells like him....and totally makes me miss him like crazy and wish he was here.

yea. throw up if you will....but man...it's crazy...Curve is amazing....and so is my boyfriend.

the end.

my inspiration

Well folks, I think I have figured it out. As I lay in the bed last night watching David the Gnome on my computer, I realized that David is perhaps the reason I am in the medical profession. Seriously, David has been a doctor for 300 years, and saved creatures all over the world (despite being a mere 6 inches tall). Swift, his fox, would take him anywhere he wanted to go, but it was "pleasant riding a feasant" and if he had to go a long way he'd ride a goose, or if it was a quick visit, he'd sometimes ride on a rabbit...but regardless of how he got to the scene, he would always save the day with his surgical and doctor skills.

This was one of my very favorite shows growing up, if not my favorite, and I really do think it could have had a huge impact on my life. Going back and rewatching it I realized that it is also a very "issue conscious" cartoon. It talked about polution, and being friendly to the environment, and to animals, and being nice to your friends, and all sorts of great things.

I'm going to buy the season on DVD (yes, it is on DVD that you can buy online) when I have kids, and make them watch it. It's pretty incredible.

As the show was coming on, the song came on, and man it felt like I was a kid sitting in front of the tv just yesterday - as I started humming the tune, and smiling when the rabbits dance, and David picks up his wife and swings her around. Oh man...good times.

Gotta love David the Gnome. And if you've never experienced this 80's cartoon...you totally should - it may even change your world.

"Look around you...
There are many things to see...
That some would say could never be...
These things i know...
its true and i will tell you so...
they are there to see if you believe...

Trolls and Wizards
And Fairy Kings
Birds That talk and Fish that sing...
and if your heart is true....
then you will find them too....

In every wish and dream and happy home...
You will find the kingdom of....
The Gnomes."

David the Gnome Theme Song Introduction

You might be a doctoral student if...

Tonight I took Boogs (Heather) to study at the college of charleston library. It's really new and nice and an enjoyable atmosphere for studying if you go to the right place in the building. If you can get in the building that is.

We were walking in the rotating doors on the way in, and we both try to get in the same slot....annnnd we got stuck. and it would move an inch or two and then stop again....and move another inch or two and stop again. If you touch them they stop moving....and well, apparently the 2 of us with our bookbags on can't make ourselves very small to fit inside of this little slot. It was hillarious. There were tons of people around, and it felt like they were all staring at us, like, "who are these two morons who can't even get into the building?" I'm sure they weren't...or maybe they were...I dunno. I hope people were watching and were entertained by it. I know I would have loved to see that when I was studying.

Moral of the story: don't try to fit 2 at a time in the rotating doors to get into the CofC library. It won't be pretty....but will give you a GOOD laugh.

ROOTLESS TREE.

my baby....kind of but not really.

This is Cay, and she's the cutest puppy ever. No, she's not mine, but she is currently my roomate and we have been takin' a good many snoozes together lately. She's beautiful. I got up the other morning and took a shower and was getting ready for school and whatnot, and she was still curled up in my bed...and I came out of the bathroom, and she was in the position of the picture on the right...apparently I was a little too loud for her and had turned on the light - so she was trying to cover her face. I couldn't help but laugh at her...and then smile real big because she's just that great. Then she woke up, and was lookin' at me with those big eyes like she was saying "Katie, don't make me get up...please....look how cute and comfy I am." I'm convinced that she's pretty much in love with my fleece body pillow - because well, she makes herself right at home on that thing. Even if I happen to be sleeping on it...she likes to kick me out of position, which she does well, and take it on over. It's ok though - I let her have it - I mean, why would I ever want to use my own pillow? haha. No, but seriously, she's great - and I thought that picture of her covering her face was classic - so thought I'd share it. Three cheers for Cayenne....

for the record...

I would also like to mention the fact that Heather ("Boogs") and Rachel are also in training for this 1/2 marathon.....we are some runnin' fools I tell you. :-)

my land.

I also forgot to mention in my last post, that on the way up to Clemson Mark and I stopped and saw "my land."

that's right - I've had this land that I absolutely LOVE, and for the past few years everytime I drive by I say, "that's gonna be mine one day." I've never driven up in it though....

sooooooooo, on the way up, I said it - so we turned around and drove up the dirt road, and it was BEAUTIFUL. Seriously - we both fell in love. We drove up to the top of a hill, parked, and got out, and just admired it....and dreamt....and watched the sunset.

It was fantastic. If you have some money you want to loan me so I can purchase this piece of heaven...just let me know.

rambles.

Well, there is a dog lying across my stomach on the couch being the cutest thing ever, the new Damien Rice CD is playing on the stereo, and I am just sitting being lazy. So, I figured I'd post a blog. I have no idea what I'm going to say though...just started typing. So bare with me, there is no telling where this may go.

I talked to Matthew Ables today - he lives in Prague and is phenomenal. He comes back soon and I am excited. I am going to try to go to Greenville for the Andrew Peterson/Derek Webb concert that he will be back for, so I can see his smiling face.

My boyfriend sent me a really hillarious email today. It was super-sweet, but then turned super hillarious quickly and made me laugh in class.

I decided to train for a half marathon today. I am going to start on Monday with the training, although the training starts with running 3-4 miles the first week consistently - and well - I'm not sure I can even do that right now. Guess we'll see how this works out. I talked Mark into training for it too....and got yet another hillarious email response from him about another good way that he can stay in shape, according to a health article he read today. 2 funny ones in one day....good work. haha.

I lifted weights today for the first time in WAY too long...hence, my arms now feel like jello.

I had the "roasted almond" flavor of Nature Valley granola bars tonight for the first time...it wasn't too shabby.

Final exams start next week...not exciting. But then I get a month off from school...very exciting.

Thanksgiving break was incredible. I got to hangout with my family, and Mark came along - which was really great. We ate entirely too much, learned some new shag moves from my cousin and Brent and shagged in the house, played basketball from Mark's back (in which, I tried repeatedly to dunk the ball...(aka - he was trying to jump with me on his back) but it only worked like once), stayed up late talking, ate entirely too much again, etc.

I went to Clemson on Friday night and got to go on a double date with Donald and his girlfriend Sarah. They are incredible people, and extremely fun to hangout with...so it was really great. We ate at Ancheaux's (in which we also saw AJ and Lauren), then walked around campus for a bit, then went and ate ice cream (so fun), and went to a movie. THEN, I got to sleep 3-deep at Lindsay's with Lindsay and Marie...also a good time. I heard 2 of the funniest things I've ever heard in my life that night come out of Marie's mouth. Let's just say one involves a bad smell, and one involves a unicorn.

Clemson lost the football game, but it was ok - it was still a BLAST to get to be there. I love clemson football more than a whole lot of things in this world....so thank you Marie for giving me your ticket...you rock my world. Tailgaiting was a great time that day as well.

Basically, the break was awesome. You should just trust me. :-)

OK, it is now past 8 o'clock so I think I am going to shower since I'm still stinky from my workout/run and then study some.

Aaaaaaaaaand the CD is finished playing so it's entirely too quiet in here.

PEACE.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
- Matthew 11:28-30

Kraft.

Tonight was great for many reasons - in fact, this whole week has been great for many reasons that perhaps I will post about at a later date...but tonight something really simple happend that I absolutely loved.

I went back to Mark's apartment after getting back to Columbia (around 9:30 or so) - and we were both pretty exhausted. We were planning on just chillin' and watching a movie, when I had the great idea of setting up a "pallet" on the floor with pillows and blankets and whatnot while we watched. So, we pick out a movie (Man on Fire) and get situated...which includes me lighting the Yankee Candle they have on their coffee table, because I love candles and good smelling things - so it's just something I like to do when I go over there. Well, we get comfy, turn on the movie, and both realize we are starving after like 25 minutes of watching.

So my wonderful boyfriend gets up and makes us Kraft Macoroni and Cheese, and brings it back on two paper plates. So, we sit and eat our macoroni on the floor to candle light while watching the movie at 10 o'clock at night. And it made me smile real big.

It was simple, but I would have rather done that than go to the most expensive restaurant in the world or being entertained by something fancy...any day of the week.

(then approximately 5 minutes after finishing my dinner I passed out for like half an hour (I think??) before waking up and thinking 'man, I think I just missed the majority of that movie.' and proceeding to go home to get into my comfy bed which I am now laying in about to pass out again with exhaustion. It was just so great to me that I felt it blog worthy before I closed my eyes again for the night...)


thank you mark.

charleston snow

As I mentioned in my previous post, it was SNOWING today in Charleston. SOOOO of course Rachel and I went outside and built this snowman during lunch. Wish you could have all been there to play with us....

I gave the snowman my hat....oh, and it's REALLY deep snow, hence, you can't see our legs....we're pretty much buried.

snowman??

It's SNOWING in Charleston! that's right - snow. Big ole flakes of it. I'm sitting in class and the shades are open and there are flakes falling all around (while I was driving to school they were coming down too).

Although Brian, Mr. Chicago, says "that's not snow." Psh, hey don't rain on my parade. Just because you're from the north, this is a big deal down here in Charleston.

I mean really, how often does it snow at the beach?!?

So yea, I'm probably going to build a snowman with Rach at lunch. I'll take a picture for you. haha. riiiiiiiiiiiiight.

life.

Ben Harper - Walk Away Lyrics

"Oh no- here comes that sound again.

And (that) means another day without you my friend.

And it hurts me to look into the mirror at myself.

And it hurts even more to have to be with somebody else.



And it's so hard to do and so easy to say.

But sometimes - sometimes,

you just have to walk away - walk away.



With so many people to love in my life, why do I worry about
one?

But you put the happy in my ness, you put the good times into my
fun.



And it's so hard to do and so easy to say.

But sometimes - sometimes,

you just have to walk away - walk away and head for the door.



We've tried the goodbye so many days.

We walk in the same direction so that we could never stray.

They say if you love somebody than you have got to set them
free,

but I would rather be locked to you than live in this pain and
misery.

They say time will make all this go away,

but it's time that has taken my tomorrows and turned them into
yesterdays.

And once again that rising sun is droppin' on down

And once again, you my friend, are nowhere to be found.



And it's so hard to do and so easy to say.

But sometimes, sometimes you just have to walk away, walk away
and head for the door.

You just walk away - walk away - walk away.

You just walk away, walk on, turn and head for the door."

I hate when all there is left to do is write but there are no words.

How can words ever live up to the depth of the emotion you feel?

How do you express something that is so overwhelmingly heavy that it seemingly covers your heart?

You can't. I can't.

All that is left is hurt.
All that is left are pieces lying on the ground.
All that is left is the shit that is being thrown in my face.

There is no care. No concern. No feeling. No emotion. No respect. Only twisting the knife a little deeper. Sinking in a little bit further. Drawing just a little more hurt from the well that I thought had already run dry. Squeeze every last bit that you can. Twist me and ring me until you get every last drop.

Drink up. I hope you're full. I hope you got what you wanted.
Because you've sufficiently emptied me.
And now I'm gone.

intensity
flowing
veins

thoughts
turning
screams

screaming
pounding
shaking

anger
outrage
bitterness

lies
inches
f*ck you

leave
walk out
cry

care
love
confusion

sadness
empty
hurt

lonely
longing
tears

end.

you have a shoulder to cry on....
I'll just cry alone in my room.

today.

So, today had a few funny things happen. I got up, got ready for school, etc. and went to the coffee shop to study for my test today. I had been there for about 3 hours when I see a group of 4 men come in. 3 of them are in their mid-40's or so and dressed pretty nicely, and one guy was in his mid-20s wearing old jeans with paint stains on them, a t-shirt, a hat, and a toothpick in his mouth. Looked kinda like he worked construction or something.

I don't pay much attention to them, but they did catch my eye. Well, they go and sit down on a set of couches that is about 10 yards away from me or so...and I have my headphones on. Well, 2 of them men have little portfolio things and start talking to the younger guy. So, I, of course mute my music (while still having my headphones in my ears so they don't know i'm listening). Turns out, this young guy was a MILLIONARE, one of the men was his dad (I think) and the other two were financial advisors/investors.

It was crazy listening to them talk....about how this guy was now at high risk, and that he needs to be careful because people will start coming him with business ideas they want him to fund, and that family members and friends will come out of the woodworks and want his money, and that he just needed to be careful because everyone knew that he was a rich man now.

They were telling him to come talk to him before he makes any big purchases like "a new house, and cars..." and they know he will want to make some big purchases and he has the money to do it, but that they will be the "quarterbacks" and guide him throughout the process.

They told him that he has enough to be set for life, and his future family/kids will be set for life, but to not leave all of it to them one day, because it tears families apart and they will become irresponsible with it, and it could ruin them, etc. I dunno...they were just giving him all sorts of advice, and he was just sittin' there eating his lunch like it was no big deal. I wanted to just walk over there and be like "dude, did you win the lottery?? congratulate him and walk away." buuuut then they would know I was evesdropping on their whole conversation - but it was hard not to.

So pretty much, I think the dude won the lottery. And I was in the room with him. I kinda also wanted to say - "for a mere $2000 dollars, I will flash you my boobies real quick." but, I refrained from that too...although the money would have been nice. I'm sure he would have paid it...I mean, who wouldn't??? haha, juuuust kidding.

It was awesome. Seriously. I listened to them talk for like 20 minutes, then had to leave to go study someplace else because I couldn't not listen to them.

Then I am sitting in class, and I sit in the front row...and my friend Matt sits in the back. During class, he gets up to close the door and it makes kind of a loud noise. I turn around, and give him the "quiet down" sign (just playing around with him), and he blows me a kiss......well, the teacher was right in front of me (a middle aged woman) and goes "was that for me?!?" it was HILLARIOUS I tell you.

Also in the class she is talking about the development of gait, and how it proceeds from walking to running to galloping to hopping to skipping or something like that.....so, I, being the smart-butt that I am say "could you please demonstrate the gallop for us?" ---- then she proceeds to gallop across the front of the room...like she's riding a horse. It was INCREDIBLE. I was laughing an insane amount....you probably have to have a mental image of this lady, but trust me - it was funny.

Then I took a test. That wasn't very funny.

Now the dog is layin' all over me like she owns me - and has her muzzle resting right in between my boobs as she sleeps. Man, she's got the life.

Sorry to discuss my boobs twice in this post. Oh well, I mean, I'm a girl, everybody knows I have them.

Aaaaaaaaaaand I'm done. PEACE.

"and her heart lives in my song
the melody comes and just as quickly
the melody is gone..."

-Amos

Amen Sista!

My good friend AJ posted this to conclude her latest blog entry, and I thought it was fantastic. An excellent reminder to stand firm in truth and press on, so I thought I would share.

"God is shaping me for something unique. He always has been. My heart breaks for those around me who will not keep the faith, both those who don't know and those who know, but turn away. Lord, don't let me end up like them, disqualified at the end. We press in and we press on. We daily choose to believe that the way of Jesus is truth and we stand firm in that faith."

Hold on to truth. It is a daily surrender, so get on your knees.

PUNCK.

OK, so this keeps making me chuckle, and I'm supposed to be studying, so why wouldn't I post a blog instead? haha.

Friday night - we're hanging out in Lindsay Koeper's wonderful apartment in Clemson. I don't even remember the whole scene - except for this:

Marie Hegler is sitting there next to me on the love seat - and begins spelling the word "punk" to the tune of the "B-I-N-G-O and bingo was his name-o" song. And the room suddenly gets silent and all you hear is Marie singing "P-U-N-C-K..." Then someone goes, wait - "did you just say P-U-N-C-K?? that is totally NOT how you spell that." And she was totally oblivious to it...and it was AWESOME.

The room erupted with laughter and it was beautiful. For the rest of the night, the "p-u-n-c-k" was sung directed towards Marie at random times.

I'm sure you had to be there to think it was funny...but trust me, I'm still laughin' at the thought.

Glorious.

Why Men Aren't Secretaries:

Rachel sent me this email a few weeks ago, and I just read it again, and again, it made me chuckle. I thought it was blog-worthy and wanted to share...


Husband's note on refrigerator for wife:

Someone from the Gyna Colleges called.
They said the Pabst beer is normal.
I didn't know you liked beer.


hahahaha. gotta love it. :-)

great lyrics.

"sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same."

In fact, I think I'd be safe to say that MOST of the right things are also the hardest things. hmmm...

Break Out the Bubbly!

I'd just like to say congratulations to Mr. Mark Austin Smyers for becoming the "official" Outdoor Recreation Programmer at the grand institution of Fort Jackson Military Base today.

Shake that man's hand the next time you see him. :-)

ummmm....yea.

You should read this. Seriously. It's long, but it's worth the time. God is speaking truth through this man. Funny how that happens - I haven't read John Piper in months, and decide to today - and God knocks my socks off with this passage.

Speak Truth with Your Neighbor


Here's a sample of some great parts of it to wet your whistle if you don't have time to read it all right now:

"Ephesians 4:25

Therefore, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

we must not play fast and loose with this issue as though it were a matter of indifference to God whether we tell the truth or not. There is some kind of connection between the practice of lying and the condition of the heart that makes Biblical writers certain that those who practice lying in their ordinary lives are outside the scope of salvation. So we do well to ponder this matter together.

You recall that Ephesians 4:25 is a specific, practical instance of verse 22. Verse 22 says, "Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts (i.e., desires)." Then verse 25 uses the same word for "put off" and says specifically, "Therefore, putting off falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another."

So it is clear that falsehood is a specific characteristic of the "old nature" referred to in verse 22. Put off the old nature, specifically, put off falsehood. Why is this helpful? It is helpful because it shows us where lying comes from.

Verse 22 says that the old nature—the pre-conversion nature—is corrupted because of desires, and the thing that makes these desires bad is that they come from deceit. There is nothing wrong with desire in and of itself. What's bad is when desire goes after the wrong things. And the reason desire goes after the wrong things is because our hearts are deceived about what is truly desirable.

But now we have seen that lying is one of the characteristics of this old nature. In other words when Paul says that the old nature is corrupt he means (among other things) that the old nature is a liar. And this means then that the corruption of lying comes from the desires of deceit. Very simply this means that the reason we lie is because we have desires that we shouldn't have, and the reason we have them is because we are deceived about what is truly desirable.

To pick up the lesson from verses l8 and l9, our hardness of heart against God leads to darkness of understanding and darkness leads to ignorance of what is truly valuable and desirable in life, and ignorance lays us open to all the deceits of Satan who Jesus says is the Father of lies (John 8:44).

Let's be specific and make ourselves aware of some of the deceitful desires that tempt us to lie. I think all the desires that lead people to lie can be summed up these two: fear and greed.

if the body is eating with a fork, and the eye lies to the hand about where the mouth is, why, the hand may stab the eye. In other words, when you deceive a fellow believer it's like deceiving yourself. When you mislead a believer it means that the truth of God concerning the body of Christ hasn't renewed the spirit of your mind.

When the truth concerning the reality of the body of Christ and your part in it really hits home and you believe it, the spirit of your mind will be transformed about how you act toward other believers. When the truth of the body of Christ renews the spirit of your mind, you will no more intentionally lie to a brother or sister in Christ than you will intentionally close your own eyes while trying to adjust the blade on a live buzz saw.

Let's end with this summary and application: With the possible exception of very extreme life-threatening situations, lying is part of the corrupt old nature. It is caused by desires that come from the deceit of Satan about what is truly desirable. And therefore it should be stripped off with the old nature in ALL our relationships."

-John Piper

an iTunes repeat

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Chorus:

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Chorus: (2x’s)

grace.

grace like rain falls down on me.



(tonight my best friend who lives on the complete opposite side of the country in L.A. prayed for me over the phone...one of the most sincere, incredible prayers I have ever heard. I had tears streaming down my face the whole time. I am so blessed. And my boyfriend is an absolutely AMAZING man, for those of you who may not have already known that. Christ covers him like crazy and it is so completly evident. Man...I'm lucky in so many ways.)

still searching
not knowing where this road might lead
the sun is shining
but the colors fade so quickly now
green turns to brown
in the blink of an eye
leaving a broken past crunching beneath my feet

wipe your eyes
and don't miss the colors

savor the sound 'neath your feet
and let the wind blow
blow on by.

THANK YOU!!

Well, my birthday was a few weeks ago - so I thought I'd share some of the awesome things I got, and thank those of you who got them for me. My parents got me the coolest gift ever - airline tickets to see my long lost love Erin Mathis who now lives in LA. I've never been to California, never seen the Pacific Ocean, and never seen where she lives - so needless to say, I'm pumped. They also got me some new tennies...which were way needed. Mark surprised me and took me to Carowinds for a fabulous time (see pictures below), and Stacy bought me tickets to see Ray Lamontagne and Tristan Prettyman in Atlanta the weekend after my exams...and some other amazing people are coming along with us. (AWESOME!) My flex-ex clan at school bought me a new tennis racket and tennis balls b/c they knew I wanted to start playing and didn't have one...which I'm pretty stoked about - watch out Serena (again, see picture below). Heather got me some of the best granola in the world (bear naked) because she knows how much of a fan I am. Susanna bought me one of the best gifts EVER - an afro and some circus peanuts - holla!!! If you are on facebook you can totally check out the 'fro - it was and is amazing - and is currently hanging up on my mirror in my room. The siblings got me gift cards, and a new shirt, and the grandparents gave me some moo-la, which was MUCH needed. Stacy and Marie took me out for a whoooooole lotta sushi in Columbia - that was faaaaaaantastic. Oh, and I can't forget, Kenny gave me Groucho's gift certificates (another one of my favorites) - AMAZING. So yea - 'twas a fabulous birthday, so thank you to everyone who thought about me - who got me gifts - etc. No matter how big or small, they are all appreciated. That's the great thing about gift giving - is that it doesn't matter WHAT you give someone (or well, me anyway), it doesn't matter how much it costs (it could be totally free - make a cd, buy a goodwill t-shirt (my favorite), etc.), doesn't matter how pretty it is wrapped (or not wrapped for that matter) - the fact that you cared enough to take time and think about me, or figure out things that I love, or something that would put a smile on my face - I am so thankful. I in no way deserve any of this, but you are all so amazing that you gave of yourselves to make my day that much better. So, I know it's late and long overdue, but THANK YOU. Thank you for the effort, and for the caring. I can't tell you how much I love each of you!

-afrolady

sounds that go deeper

An all-time favorite of mine. I could listen to this on repeat a thousand times over - and well - I have before. It's one of those that is so much bigger than the words. It's one that plays and part(s) of my life are replayed like a film in my mind. It will always be amazing...the memory will always be vivid....and will always be on repeat.

"If you wait for me
Then I'll come for you
Although I've travelled far
I always hold a place
For you in my heart

If you think of me
If you miss me once in a while
Then I'll return to you
I'll return and fill that space
In your heart

Remembering
Your touch
Your kiss
Your warm embrace
I'll find my way
Back to you
If you'll be waiting
(Please say You'll be waiting)

If you dream of me
Like I dream of you
In a place that's warm and dark
In a place where I can feel
The beating of your heart

Oh I've longed for you
And I have desired
To see your face, your smile
To be with you
Wherever you are

Together again
It would feel so good to be
In your arms
Where all my journeys end
If you can make a promise
If its one that you can keep
I vow to come for you
If you wait for me

And say you hold a place for me
In your heart
A place for me in your heart"

-Tracy Chapman

PRESENTING....

The newest edition in my family, Anna Grace.

It's amazing how much you can love someone who has only been in the world for a day, who I've never even held, and who I just laid eyes on for the first time an hour ago. The moment I saw her I was glowing...beaming. She's my brother's little girl. He's a daddy. It's amazing.

"Innocence is beautiful." -M.H.

That is the truth. The undeniable truth. She is so pure, so beautiful. So wonderfully beautiful.

studs.

I've been on quite the picture posting kick these days - so thought, why not add another? These are two of the men in my life that have my heart. Quite the little sweater vest studs aren't they? Hopefully by the end of the day I'll have a picture of my brand new beautiful niece. And when I do, don't worry - she'll be up here too. Gotta show 'em off when they're this awesome, ya know??

dressing room tennis anyone?

You can call us "Venus" and "Serena" - we are basically tennis stars in our matching tennis skirts/tops. Look how intimidating we are...you don't wanna mess with these guns. Adidas wants to sponser us...we're still thinking about it though. I'll let you know what we decide. Then I'll sign you an autograph.

we work out.

I also like this one. We are at the beach, if you can't tell by the bathing suits we're wearing. We go to the beach often to show off our great bods. (and our great hair - but that's a given)

Euphoric.

I love this picture for some reason - even if it's blurry. Euphoric describes it wonderfully.

crumple it up and throw it away....
just so long as it isn't seen.
heard, written or spoken for that matter.
be careful.
you might have to tip toe.
or just don't come around
ignorance is bliss right?
wrong.
no one has ever been more wrong.
skate around
ever so slightly
and maybe one day it will just blow away.
or maybe one day
there will be a smile.
a gaze beyond the eyes
or maybe it will just be buried
with the rest of it.
but maybe one day there will be a glimpse....

a matter of the heart

I just read this and thought it was really good:

"If through a broken heart God can bring His purposes to pass in the world, then thank Him for breaking your heart."

I got all of 'em cut.

These are for my fanclub that live afar that wanted to see my haircut. I took some pictures of myself - and it was kinda awkward. (Oh, and the ones of me in my PJ's on the phone are for Mark - I wanted to give him a shoutout - he's on the phone. Isn't he hot??)

yes, you

You should read chapters 1-3 in Romans right now. Yes, it might be a little lengthy, but seriously - it won't take more than 3 minutes of your time. So do it. It's good stuff. You had 3 minutes to check this blog and read it - and believe me, the Bible says WAY more good stuff than I will ever say. So now, go read that.

It's truth. You can't hide truth.

So, right now....get out your Bible, or if you don't have one near you write yourself a note to read it when you get home, or if you don't even own one, ask me, b/c I will give you one....and read it. Or hey, you know what - google "NIV passage lookup" or something along those lines and type in Romans - and you will have the whole book at your fingertips in like 5 seconds.

No excuses, right?

Excellent.

Enjoy your reading - I hope and pray that God will speak. Or rather, that your heart will be open and you will listen, because I know that God is speaking.

Amen? Amen.

screaming loudly but don't worry,
no one hears it.
wishing there was something
anything
inside.
hope is bright then in a moment
leaves me blinded
alone in my world of confusion.

I never knew it could be so loud.

addendum to the addendum

It turns out that Stacy bought me a frozen bananna. Grant was just the deliverer. It was good.

I like them both.

addendum

I would also like to say that Friday night at Amos Lee, a great friend named Stacy "supported" me, if you will....and a good time was had by all. Trust me.

And the company at the fair Saturday night was absolutely fantastic...even if the people Mark and I were with (stacy and grant) punked out on the best ride that was there. ;-) juuuust kidding. Oh, and my stupendous friend Grant bought me a frozen chocolate bananna on a stick because he knew I wanted one. What a guy. :-)

welp, it's official. I'm bored outta my mind. I've been home from school for 2 and a half hours now....and done nothing exciting. made a grilled cheese sandwhich. walked the dog. checked the mail (which is exciting, but I didn't get anything), watched wheel of fortune, and jeapordy!. Jeapordy was slightly entertaining, and had some really funny moments....like the category "football" and no one got any answers right. For instance, what does PAT stand for when the kicker is kicking this? Yep, no one got it.

Too much alone time.

Good thing there's a dog around to keep me company, although she took the biggest, messiest crap ever this morning, which I was still trying to clean up this afternoon. She's passed out on the couch right now, sprawled out in what looks like an extremely comfortable position.

I was going to play frisbee tonight...but didn't get home from school in time to change and get out there - and was hoping to hangout with a friend anyways, so wasn't going to go. Buuuut, that didn't happen either.

This wasn't meant to be a negative email - I was just typing b/c I'm bored. But, Deal or No Deal just came on, and I hear Howie calling me back to watch more mindless television. I should be reading...maybe I will.

My boyfriend also made a nice suggestion of what I should do with my night that I am totally considering. (he's really great, by the way).

This weekend I saw a FANTASTIC concert. Amos Lee played at the Music Farm here in Charleston - and it was by far one of the best concerts I've ever been to musically. He was phenomenal.

Then I went to the state fair the next night, and my boyfriend won me a "family guy" pillow. We also got to ride a freakin' awesome ride, and eat some really not healthy food. Good stuff.

School is back in session. Gonna take a little bit to get back in the swing of things. It's harder than I thought it would be.

Well, back to sitting on the couch. Feel free to come keep me company if you are in the nearby area, or even if you're not.

Oswald is the man.

"Then Jesus prayed this prayer: 'O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike.'"
Matthew 11:25

In spiritual relationship we do not grow step by step; we are either there or we are not. God does not cleanse us more and more from sin, but when we are in the light, walking in the light, we are cleansed from all sin. It is a question of obedience, and instantly the relationship is perfected. Turn away for one second out of obedience, and darkness and death are at work at once.

All God's revelations are sealed until they are opened to us by obedience. You will never get them open by philosophy or thinking. Immediately you obey, a flash of light comes. Let God's truth work in you by soaking in it, not by worrying into it. The only way you can get to know is to stop trying to find out and by being born again. Obey God in the thing He shows you, and instantly the next thing is opened up. One reads tomes on the work of the Holy Spirit, when one five minutes of drastic obedience would make things as clear as a sunbeam. "I suppose I shall understand these things some day!" You can understand them now. It is not study that does it, but obedience. The tiniest fragment of obedience, and heaven opens and the profoundest truths of God are yours straight away. God will never reveal more truth about Himself until you have obeyed what you know already. Beware of becoming "wise and prudent."

-O. Chambers

reality check.

I got this from my buddy Jon. He's awesome. He apparently got it from a guy named Matt Chandler. I'm sure he's awesome too.


"The law was not given to merely be obeyed. It was given to reveal you can't; and in our failure, we would find our hearts ready for a saviour. . . You just kept failing and pretending you weren't failing and finally you just gave up and you thought 'Jesus doesn't work for me' and in reality you never really tried Jesus because Jesus is saying 'Of course you can't. Of course you can't, are you tired enough?'" - matt chandler

crazy beautiful

The past week of my life has been a whirlwind, to say the least.

But never before in my life has God been so evident.

There is a long way to go - but He has been faithful through and through and I am confident that He will continue to be....whether His hand is seen directly or not.

Forgiveness abounds.
Chains are broken.
Peace encompasses.
Love wins.
Love ALWAYS wins.

never before in my life have I felt....


this.

the switch is turned off
suddenly
i find myself standing in the dark
my eyes shift blindly
to try and regain focus
to try and make sense of it all
the familiar has faded
the images are now obscure
and all that is left
is a memory of what was
and a hint of what could be
if only...

the real thing.

Tonight on the way to church I got to talk to a good buddy of mine. We haven't gotten a chance to talk in a while, and don't talk very often anymore - but it is always pleasant when we do. Tonight we only got to talk for about 10 minutes, but the awesome thing about it was that 3 minutes of those were chit-chat, and about 7 were "real-chat."

In that short amount of time I really didn't learn all that much about his day to day stuff, except that he's enjoying his kids he's teaching right now, and a few of his future plans...but I did learn a lot of his thoughts on well...love. Basically because I asked him for them.

We pretty much have a cut to the chase relationship. It's great. We're real and appreciate each other's thoughts and opinions. It's like he said - we see eye to eye so well that it's almost like we're a long lost brother and sister.

It's nice to have a relationship like that. One where you know you won't talk often because life takes you in different directions, but one that you know will always always always be honest. No masks, no nothing. In that 10 minutes we talked about some of our similar fears, and hopes, and confusions, and well...just life.

The great thing about it was that when I got to church, the sermon was about "taking off your masks" with each other. About being real. About stopping trying to make people believe that you're always happy-go-lucky...and being real with one another. Sharing your thoughts and concerns and fears with one another.

It's nice to have friends like that....so if you don't have somebody you can be real with - really seek that out. It's amazing what the Lord can do with it. It doesn't even have to be a best friend or somebody that you talk to all the time - but I guess it comes down to letting yourself be real and take off the mask for a little while. Even if it's just for 7 minutes in the car driving, talking to an old friend you rarely speak to anymore. It's quite refreshing.

love. simply.

you can never love too much. pour it out. keep pouring it out. even when you feel like you have nothing to offer. even when it feels so hard to give. even when you feel like it goes unnoticed. or when you feel like it falls on the rocks. when you are weary. when you are hurting. keep pouring. keep giving. keep serving. keep caring. never stop. LOVE. always.

a state of:

These past 2 months I've felt a lot of extremes of emotions.

extremely....

excited.
abandoned.
tired.
hurt.
loved.
ignored.
crazy.
peaceful.
passionate.
lost.
intelligent.
confused.
embraced.
alone.
carefree.
relaxed.
scared.
terrified.
nervous.
disatisfied.
content.
low.

life is hard. life is always changing. usually with one of those extremes comes a whole heap of other ones. emotions often seem to get in the way...but without them, would we truly be living?

right now the weight of emotion has created tears welling in my eyes....

it's crazy how much those can encompass. how they can be from excitement or from pain.

complexity abounds.

amazing....

Soooooooo, this morning I wake up to this IM left for me by my friend Erin Mathis....it made me laugh in the 6 o'clock hour while I was lying in my bed. I thought I'd sharebecause it made me smile, and maybe it will make you smile too.

Dear Katie,
I love you. I hope you feel better soon. I hope you have sweet dreams when you sleep. I hope I get to see you again soon. I hope we get a lot of time together. I hope we will be best friends forever. I hope each of us has a great sex life with our husbands one day. I hope you aren't working. I hope you get to see your boyfriend. I hope a rainbow will come out for you tomorrow. I miss you

A man showed up at a Williams Bryce Stadium with a little dog with a red collar and a little garnet sweater with a Gamecock on the back. The gate
guard said "Hey, that's a cute dog, does he know any good tricks?"
The man replied, "Yes, I take him to all the games. When we beat Vanderbilt he will run from the top of the stands to the bottom, skipping every other step. When we beat Florida he will walk up and down the aisles on
his front paws. When we beat Tennessee he will turn little back flips..."
The guard smiled and said "Well, that's really something. What does he do when we beat Clemson?"
The man looked down and said, "I don't know, I've only had him 4 years."

well folks, the self-diagnosis was confirmed today by the doctor....mono it is. boooooooo.....

Sometimes in order to enjoy the warmth of the fire you have to also endure the burns.

I have had a headache for 4 days now...at least. That along with a ton of other really aggrevating signs and symptoms that make me think 'mono' a little bit. It's probably not, and I'm crossing my fingers that I will wake up in the morning feeling 100% again - but just out of curiosity - if you've ever had mono, let me know what you felt like in the beginning stages.

The Countdown Continues

4 days, 18 hours and 10 minutes until kickoff of the 2006 Tiger Football Season.....

I'm about to wet myself.


haha. BIG SMILES.

(I do not wish to become a beggar with no luck)

You Tube Material

So, today I'm at work and my CI is doing a scapular glide on a patient...so I'm just kinda chillin' on the stool at the end of the table watching, when I look up and look out the window at what I would say the perfect time, and see this happening across the street:

A bird is flying (this is no hummingbird, it's a rather large "gull" type bird) at a pretty rapid pace, when WHAM, he flies directly into a huge mirrored window of the hospital and bounces off into the bushes...where it then proceeded to flap around after several seconds of no movement (I'm sure he was passed out), he stands, takes a few wobbly steps, then flies a struggling 3 circles and crashes into the same exact window again because it was so dizzy and disoriented from the first mishap....and I'll tell you, it was HILLARIOUS.

If I had it on camera, I'm pretty sure it would have been viewed gillions of times on You Tube. I actually audibly said "oh no!" then started cracking up....but no one else in the whole clinic witnessed what I saw.....so I had to enjoy the memory all alone.

But don't worry bird lovers - I saw some people stooped over it a few minutes later, and one guy picked it up (with his bare hands...gross, I know) - and carried it away...I'm sure he was going to go help it recover. Or we'll pretend that's what happend, anyway for the sake of a happy ending to the story.

quality has been on my mind lately. in the relational sense. for a lot of reasons.

on that same note, I get to see my best friend Erin in 11 days. 6 months is way too long to go without having someone that significant in your life. it has been harder than I expected, that's for sure. but it will be more than exciting to get to hug her neck and have her back on the east coast for a little while.

I want to meet Michael Jordan.
I had a blueberry muffin this morning for breakfast.
They forgot to put my dad and my curly fries in the bag tonight at Arby's for dinner, and we of course didn't realize it until we got home and sat down at the table to eat.
The thunderstorms in Columbia lately have been incredible.
I need to buy some new pants.
Clemson football starts in 11 days.
and I need to use the bathroom.

There you have it. Goodnight.

this, that and the other

This was going to be a good, long post....but it's now later than I intended it to be and I need to sleep so I won't be exhausted tomorrow at work.

Yes, work. I'm a workin' girl these days - 8-5 everyday officially...longer than that unofficially. It's been interesting thusfar...and fun. Yesterday was my first day, and it wasn't all that great - not bad...just not great. Today was different though - I got to see some new patients and watch/help with some initial evaluations on some interesting patient cases.

My first patient came in this morning and we were doing an initial evaluation on him and he reported that he was HIV positive...so that was a little eye opener. We found also that he had significantly diminished sensation in his feet and hands - so got to try to research what may cause that since he wasn't diabetic and it wasn't neuropathies secondary to his condition. Turns out it is more than likely due to the HIV and HIV medication. The next lady was a patient who had previously had a stroke and came in for back pain that was so excruciating she began crying during therapy. But she didn't really fit a "pattern" - so my "boss" and I got to sit around and chat about some possibilities, and theories, and I got to give my suggestions and reasonings for my thinking and it was really fun. Just bouncing ideas off of each other like colleagues...it was great.

The next patient I saw was my favorite part of the day. She is a high school basketball and soccer player who came in after having shoulder surgery. It was her first treatment post-op and was so much fun. I got to talk with her and swap stories and just have a good time while we were getting some work done...and I absolutely loved it. I felt like I could relate to her so well, and we had so much in common and it was just absolutely fantastic. It made me realize that I really really love that population and would love to one day work with youth and young adult athletes.

Ok so this post is longer than I expected.

Also, aside from learning something great and reassuring about potential future plans, I also learned another one of my favorite things. Reading poetry with Brianne. The other night we just laid in bed and read poetry, and can I tell you...it put the hugest smile on my face. I did most of the reading and loved every second of it. It ranks right up there with some other of my favorite things in life.

You know what else is a good thing in life? when you take a picture for an ID card of some sort and it actually turns out to be a good picture. Usually pictures like that where everyone will see them all of the time turn out to be absolutely terrible of you...but today I got my ID badge made at the hospital and well...I was pleased. That was a nice perk to my day...haha.

I like ice cream.

I went on a run tonight and it was really great.

I also talked to my long lost pal Amol from high school - and he's coming to Columbia this week, so we're gonna get to hangout. He's absolutely hillarious, and we haven't talked in FOREVER...so we're both pretty pumped about the fact that we're gonna see each other. I believe he lives in Pittsburg now, after graduating from the University of Michigan.

OK, now I will make myself go to bed and quit typing all of the random things that enter my mind. It's just how I roll though, I guess.

Peace out playas....

outside is my refuge, is my calm.

sitting, waiting, watching, wishing....

(how many of you are now singing jack johnson? that's not what I was refering too though - it just popped into my head as I was typing those words...so figured it probably popped into yours too as you read them. but then again, i think in song lyrics all too often, so maybe i'm the only crazy one who began singing his stuff)

but it's true. it's what i'm doing. there you have it.

late night thoughts...rambles...

A lot has changed recently - or is about to change in my life.

I finished up my 4th semester of 9 here in PT school which means I'm almost halfway finished...and that, my friends, is crazy and exciting and scary all at the same time. It is absolutely FLYING by.

I moved out of my apartment I have lived in the past year here in Charleston and into an apartment down the road with my friend Bri. BUT, in 10 days I must temporarily "move out" again and move to Columbia for my first rotation. Once again - exciting but scary. Apparently the patient population I will be seeing a lot of are "neuro patients" (stroke patients, brain injuries, etc.) - which should be challenging, and interesting, and rewarding, and scary and all of that good stuff packed into one.

I've been learning things...slowly (and sometimes painfully)...but "learning" nevertheless which is wonderful. I'm learning new things about myself, my shortcomings, my thoughts, things about other people, about relationships, friendships, things I value, etc.

I've been busy with finals. I cared about them but didn't all at the same time. I'm glad I'm finished. I know I probably didn't give it my "best" effort - which may reflect a little in my grades - but well - it's over now. I'd much rather have a little fun, invest a little in relationships, and sustain stable mental health than ace every exam I have to take. Personal preference, I guess.

I went shopping today. It was nice because I've been in the mood to shop for weeks now.

I really love art and creativity and photography -- I wish it was something I was great at. I have the ideas - I have it in my head...something not too many people probably know about me (or anyone I guess)...but it just doesn't ever come out too often I guess due to resources (I can't afford the really great things that I want or love), lack of tangible artistic talent to "create" things myself, etc. I wish it had an avenue of escape sometimes....I wish people could see inside my head.

Would it surprise you if I told you my favorite movies are musicals and always have been? Would it surprise you if I told you how much I love the symphony, or how much I love ballroom dancing (and wish I could be really great at it)? Would it surprise you to know that I could walk around art museums all day long and be happy - or sit in a coffee shop or bookstore for days reading? Would you be surprised if I told you how much I love reading poetry or that I really would love to learn how to quilt?

I wish I was a better writer. Or well, maybe not "better" - but I wish I actually sat down and let that be an avenue of escape of my emotions or thoughts. I usually just let them drip dry inside of my head.

Hugs are one of the greatest things God invented. Deep hugs.

I miss my friend, Erin. I miss our crazy antics. California is too far away and I am far too poor. She spilled blueberries tonight all down the aisle in the grocery store and I wish I could have been there to laugh at her...and with her...but mostly just at her.

I am in the mood to go to the mountains...to play the guitar...to sing at the top of my lungs...to be myself and not always worried I'm going to do something wrong...

I'm going to drift off to dream now...goodnight.

panty liners: use #17 - kids nude art

this cracked me up:

why kids shouldn't be left alone:

gooooooodmorning

It's become more and more apparent lately that I am a morning person. There's just something about being outside when the world wakes up and stretches its legs that's incredibly refreshing. mmm....

WINNERS vs. WEINERS

The verdict is in:

I have officially deemed that taking a shower after getting really really gross on the beach is one of the best feelings in the whole world.

I mean think about it - you're all salty and sandy and sweaty and sun tan lotiony (yes, I made up a word) and all dried out like a raisin - and you go and take a shower and put on really good smelling lotion....mmmmm.....it's NICE.

You should try it out. I have a beach and shower available for use if necessary. It's a must.

(oh, I'll even provide the good smellin' lotion if you need some of that too)

hahaha

ok, this made me laugh (heather speaking about her experience with her new little cousin and her annoying aunt who kept taking him away from everyone else holding him saying "he wants grandma"):

Heather: he doesn't want grandma - he's 3 months old, all he WANTS is his MOM'S BOOB!!

louder than words.

words whisper. actions echo.

dance dance revolution

dance like nobody's watching.....or is it dance and hope no one's watching??

haha - I just had a major dance session in my room. That's right - all alone, in my room, with some Rusted Root - "send me on my way" blaring.

it was quite amazing if you ask me...if there by chance was an onlooker present, they'd probably tell you different.

It made me smile though, regardless.

I highly recommend it...blare the music, and dance like there's nobody watching, or at least make sure no one is watching. :-)

For some reason every time I eat a "big" meal these days I get a headache. What's the deal with that? Not cool.

I feel like it's been awhile since I've posted. And I want to post...I just never seem to write the things I'm thinking about putting up for y'all to read. So yea, here are some pictures of what I've been up to lately...

I took Bri to Atlanta for her birthday. We hit up the art museum (this is outside the museum while listenin' to a little jazz), some dinner at a little Italian restaurant, and went to the Imogen Heap concert. All of which were fabulous.

I took Mark on a date for his birthday as well, a week or so after the Atlanta trip. We did all sorts of things from hangin' out at BestBuy, going to eat Japanese, playing at Frankies, eatin' some ice cream (ok, ok I ate ice cream), and going to see X-Men 3. Once again...a fabulous time. This is a picture of him in the batting cages at Frankies hitting home run after home run with the ole 70 mph pitches comin' at him. He's a stud.

Well, I started school once again after a month off. Exciting, I know. We did have a party though out at James Island county park for the first years that was a good time. This is Scoobs, B-diddy and I fillin' up the ole water balloons before it got crunk. woot for water balloons!

Bri and I got our apartment - and started getting it all set up and whatnot. It's pretty much awesome already...and we're not even finished with the decorating. It's probably gonna be featured on MTV "cribs" one day for how to ball on a budget while livin' the high style. This is me movin' some of her stuff into the apartment to put in her gigantic closet. No seriously...it's huge.


I got to hangout with one of my favorites, AJ, on Sunday. It is always fantastic to spend time with her...and for some strange reason it always involves ice cream, which makes it eeeeeeven better. haha. We sat at Baskin Robbins for several hours talking about life and struggles and questions and well....life. I wish I got to see more of her face, that's for sure. I always leave encouraged...

Well folks, that's about it for now....hopefully I'll start keeping up with this thing a little better....I know it's pretty vital for your existance. ;-)

PEACE.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch

So, I'm standing in the kitchen making my breakfast...Cinnamon Toast Crunch. I pour it in my big ole mug (a must for eating cereal) and look at the box and realize that I haven't seen a cinnamon toast crunch commercial in a really long time. Remember the old professor lookin' guy with white hair and glasses who would always say in his accent: "cinnamon and sugar in every bite!" Yea....it's been awhile since I've seen one of those. I'm pretty sure they used to be the commercials where they'd get swirls in their eyes and stuff, but I dunno about that for sure. Anyway - just thought I'd see if anyone else has seen one of those commercials anytime lately or have they become extinct? Lemme know if you have any inside scoop. haha

SHOUT OUT...

I'd just like to give a shout out to one of the most amazing people I've ever met...the birthday girl herself - Brianne Siciliano. In approximately 1 hour she turns the wise old age of 23. hip hip, hooray! Bri, I wish you nothing but the best this coming year...and let's be honest, you're moving in with me...so you're pretty much already guaranteed the best year ever. haha, I kid, I kid. I love you Bri - happy birthday!

twinkle twinkle....

Sometimes you just need to sit outside under the stars. Tonight was one of those nights. I was sitting outside on my dock writing, and it went from me writing my own thoughts, to God writing to me without me even realizing it until I came inside and read it.

There's just something about being outside in the dark when the stars are out. Gotta love it.

play on playette....

I'm such a player. No really, today I realized that I like to play. Well, actually I've always known that (let's be honest) - but for some reason it stuck out today. Probably because I was playing all by myself and was totally OK with it. I mean sure, it woulda been cool to have someone else there...but you know you're a true playa when you do it by yourself....

First, I started by cycling a few miles on dad's phat-nasty roadbike....I also played basketball for awhile, then decided to play soccer for awhile in my front yard (mind you I have never played an actual game of soccer & yes, I was still by myself - so I was basically just chasing the ball around), then I played a little more basketball, then I wanted to play tennis - but didn't have any tennis balls so scratched that idea...then I got out the golf clubs and "played" golf in the yard....then I went bike riding again until it got dark.

Yes. All by myself.

Oh, then I came in and played scrabble with my mom.

So, in a nutshell what I've learned today is this:

no matter what you just gotta play on playa...or playette in my case.

the man on our couch

Hey Bo.

slightly paranoid.

I went hiking today. About 6 miles....and I found a tick on me in the process. No big deal, right? I saw it on my leg, peeled it off, went on with the hike. Well, my roomate then found one on her ankle several hours after we returned. Then the paranoia set in. Were there more? Could they have already entered us? Were they in our hair? Then of course you start itching...everywhere. And you start noticing little tingles or sensations on your skin and you become even more paranoid. Then you start researching ticks, and lyme disease symptoms, all the while you're still scratching and inspecting every little itch. ohhhh good times. but hey, you still gotta love hiking. I was actually probably getting ticks all over me during this picture...I'm hard core though, I can take it. haha.


Disclaimer for all of you who are worried: it turns out that it is actually very rare that ticks will cause any health problems, even if they have been "feeding" on you and are carrying any bacteria/diseases/etc. Lyme disease only occurs in about 1.2 to 1.4 percent of those who have been a host to an infected tick, and it can be treated with antibiotics if you are in fact infected. (yes, my paranoid self has done a little research...haha).

Happy trails to you!