"probably the best katy in the world."

people.

2011-06-28T11:50:00.001-05:00

i have really wonderful relationships. the older i get, the more i understand that this is not the case for everyone. it's actually kind of rare. a lot of people don't have "people". i think it's one of the reasons i loved my bsm job so much. i get to create opportunities for people to find their "people". bsm is how i found my "people".
at 25 and single, i've found that a lot of people's "people" start to find other "people", namely husbands and babies, and other people with husbands and babies. however, i have found that i somehow got to side-step the lonely road that should be 25 and single. it was a surprisingly un-lonely journey for me. especially this last year. and i feel the need to thank three specific people:

Chase Gandy Dunn. my loyal co-worker and friend. My job got about 300% better when Chase came to work with us. I saw Chase almost every day for 10-months. He sat about 8 feet away from me, we spent about 50 hours a week together, and still chose to hang out on the weekends. He acted as personal assistant, therapist, sounding board, think-tanker, personal driver, and provided MUCH necessary comic-relief and sympathy when no one else understood. Thank you, Chase Dunn. Let's be friends forever.

Kristen McMath. I met Kristen as a kind of favor to our mutual friend Lauren. We had a "blind date" and assumed nothing would come of it (because that's not how friendships happen...awkward). But, turns out, I think we were both in need of someone to process life with. Although neither of us would normally be confident enough to say a phrase like this, I think God had a hand in bringing us together this last year of life. Thank you, Kristen McMath. I'm happy you're going to stay close in this next phase of life.

Aleece Methvin: How does one describe Aleece Methvin? Aleece is one of the most unique people I know. She's a ridiculous mix of sass, sarcasm, compassion and honesty. She'll cuss you out and bake you a cupcake all at the same time. She was a hipster before there were hipsters, and will continue to be one when they're all gone. She's up for anything, with anyone, at any time.
Aleece has provided more adventure and companionship in this last season of life than anyone else. I'm grateful for her, and confident she will not be replaced. Thank you, Aleece Methvin. I pray we have many more adventures together.

thanks to my people. you're great.

functioning skepticism

2011-06-01T02:35:00.000-05:00

I feel I should title this next stage of my life as "seminary for the skeptic". Because that seems to be the most fitting word to describe where I'm headed. In fact, I believe skepticism rightly describes me in more than one setting.

I might actually label my whole life as some sort of "functioning skepticism". I feel that for the amount of doubts and questions I have, I am surprisingly committed and productive, especially as it comes with Christianity.

And my deep hope is that seminary doesn't just drown the whole thing with intellectual, non-applicable BS that acts as concrete boots.

Because, ultimately, I'm doing this whole thing for the skeptic and the cynic. I want to sort all of this out for us. I know you're watching...with some subtle (or not so subtle) hope that I'll prove it all right. And hoping you don't have to face the day I admit that I got it wrong and we both have to figure out what to believe and what to do with our Sunday mornings.

Me too. I pray I never face that day. And functionally-skeptically say it will never come. :)

recent revelations

2010-08-26T11:42:00.001-05:00

my time at SPC BSM has taught me a whole slew of things about myself and life and the Lord. Here are a few personal discoveries i have made:

--I have a weird speech pattern. I never knew this. No one EVER told me. but, due to my very honest, very good friends here in Levelland, I am now so very aware of this. my speech pattern, partnered with my mitten hands, has probably been the #1 impersonated quirk in all of West Texas (special thanks to Aleece Methvin for this one).

--I am predictable. I always thought i had a little spontaneity in me, but i have come to realize that this is really not that true. I order the same foods. I react in the saw ways. [show me a baby animal, what am i going to do?] it is what it is. and sometimes this plays out in very positive ways. consistency and dependability are great things. but, other times, it's just straight boring. shame.

i need to mention this: MANY of my preferences as a child came from my extreme timidity and lack of confidence. and set the trend for my adult life as well.
also, i feel as if everyone thinks they're unpredictable. you're not. just like you're probably not laid back, as much as you want to be...

-- i am a worrier. dang. there it is. i worry A LOT. i very rarely worry about my future or the Lord providing for me. My worry comes mostly in the form of worrying for other people. I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. and it is my deep hope/trust that no matter what happens in my life, the Lord WILL come through for me. however, i deeply worry that He will not come through for other people. For example: when/if i go to the mission field, will God take care of my mom and dad at home? when my best friend has a baby in ICU, will God show up to comfort them? when my friend is surrounded by grief and terror in Kabul, will God sustain her?
and my constant realization is this: this is not my burden to carry. it is presumptuous of me to think that God will provide for me and not for them. and just not my place to worry. matthew 6:26 is probably the most comfort i have found. Jesus makes it clear that worrying is not my place. that my friends will be loved and provided for by the Almighty, just as I am. however, this is out of my control, and is at the core a trust issue. i cannot sway the heart of man toward God, nor the heart of God toward man. i am left only with my ability to trust and obey.

-- i cannot consistently maintain a blog.

thoughts on boredom...

2010-08-06T18:14:00.000-05:00

hello. i have a few key topics i would like to blog about. they are completely unrelated, so they will demand their own posts. i will start with the lightest topic, and perhaps on a more reflective day i will go in to more detail on the other few items.

i have recently been thinking about boredom. i fell that i am usually very good at entertaining myself. and very seldom would i really claim that i am bored. this may almost be to a fault. i can waste an entire day and not even know it. because it just doesn't take much to keep me occupied and happy.
however, with that said...i have realized that sometimes i do claim to be bored. especially in my younger years, i would often complain about being bored. and often i see facebook statuses of other people claiming boredom.
from my own self analysis (over-analysis) i have found this to be true: my boredom only comes when i feel left out. almost always, i'm really not bored, i'm just aware that there is something way better i could be doing, but i didn't get invited, or am just unable to be doing it. and i think i express it in boredom. and discontent.

but really, when i say i'm bored, it probably means i'd just rather be doing that one thing that i can't be doing, either because my friends didn't invite me, or because my circumstances won't allow me to do it.

in other words, it's all in my head.

if you read this whole thing, i am grateful for your commitment to our friendship. because i just read over it, and it is barely worthy of a journal entry that no one would ever read.

you're lovely.

gratitude

2010-06-29T23:32:00.001-05:00

a few items of current gratitude:

you--you, the loyal reader. why would you continue to follow such a sporadic, uninspired blog? i don't know, but i'm grateful.

my friends--i have had a chance to spend some good quality time with some great people already this summer. this includes people like ashlee stricklin, kayla herring, anne vickers, shauna swinney, alexis kissick, the extended coomer clan, and all the former SPC BSM interns. i think often people are judged by their friends. if this is the case, i am funny, classy, thoughtful and awesome.

rest--i don't think i can adequately describe how nice it has been to do nothing. with no one. i'm pretty sure i didn't know the extent of my burn-out last semester. it has been so refreshing to spend time with the Lord on my own schedule, read what i want to, watch several entire world cup games a day, and let my phone die because it doesn't really matter. so nice. so very nice.

borderline poverty--this is a dramatic label. however, i do think my experience being an intern at the bsm, and therefore making about (maybe less than) half of what i would be making otherwise, has blessed me a lot. in college there was this understanding that if i overspent, or had an automobile malfunction, my parents would cover it. i really wasn't poor at all. but now, as a semi-pro trying to live independently, i am realizing how much things cost, and how many people live on less than me. it's really eye-opening in [at least] two ways: 1) i have to prioritize. i can't have everything. 2) i am gaining insightful perspective/compassion for people who live on limited funds (especially with children, etc.)

this list could be very long. but, i probably wouldn't read any more if i were you. so i will stop. but i am grateful. to many people, and one specific entity, for a lot that is present in my life. it is good.

bah

2010-03-26T15:57:00.007-05:00

i feel that facebook and twitter and every other form of instant update socialization + my lack of time = my lame, non-existent blog life. and i apologize for that. i really enjoy blogging. but i have just not been inspired lately.

my life is good. i am happy. and very blessed. i am more aware of my abundance now than maybe i have ever been. i also feel that this semester has been the most challenging/refining one yet. not easy, but good.

i recently have been desiring to get more serious about photography. it seems like it's everyone's #1 hobby, so i almost feel like a sell-out for claiming it. art is not something i excel at, but i do enjoy the process of creating. i specifically like the challenge of finding beauty around me. these are a few taken from my house:

my beloved paco. this is not his first appearance on the blog:

and...my backyard. (i boosted some color on this one, but for some reason it is not loading...)

that is all. i make no promises on the timeliness of my next update.

reality

2010-02-17T17:10:00.004-06:00

my boss always tells me something like this: "when you choose to love people, you choose to open up your life to the possibility of heartbreak and pain." he says it better, i'm sure...but the message is there. and i feel like it has embodied itself as the theme of my week, maybe even my semester.
it is truth...when the people you love get hurt, you hurt. whether self-inflicted or out of their control, it still hurts my heart to see people i love walk through pain.
it has left me currently in a sense of helplessness. maybe a little bit of defeat mixed in there. however, i feel that in this state, i have also found a deep need for the Lord. across the board, i have seen people, my students, turning their face toward the Lord. He is most definitely making good out of bad. and that is great.

i've also been learning about prayer. it's a mystery. that's all i know.

i feel that this is a bit vague. but...i wanted to update my blog. and i wanted to be honest. so...i wanted to write this.

winter

2010-02-07T23:49:00.005-06:00

it's been a crazy past few weeks in my life. i don't even know where to begin.

one: i got accepted to truett seminary. i am both excited and unsure. upon admittance, i also was told i did not get a large scholarship i had applied for. attached to that sheet of paper was another sheet asking me to accept the scholarship (opposing papers). i called and they clarified: i did not get the scholarship. that was an interesting feeling.
but...i did get accepted. this is an exciting option for the future.

two: the weather has been crazy. we had 2 snow days last week. that was an enjoyable break. photos:

aleece with her snow angel in the background. awkward, but lovely.

playing in the snowed-over corn field next to my house. welcome to west texas. doesn't it just look cold?

three: i did my taxes. i'm getting a decent amount of money back. this is a great blessing. however, i forgot to put my W2 in the mail with my form. i expect this to be a problem shortly.

four: there have been several events/experiences lately that the Lord is using in cool ways. I feel like in general they all culminate to bringing me out of my head and into my heart. I don't know if it's my age, my stage of spiritual growth, my job, or just the way my mind works, but I have been trapped in my head for a few weeks. I mean...really obsessing over trivial theology--trying to master concepts that ultimately are unconquerable. and getting distracted from what matters most. and it is both humbling and astounding to see how the Lord moves in my life to stir my passion for Him--how He knows me and loves me and finds ways in my life to draw me back to loving, trusting, and abiding in Him.

thoughts on God.

2010-01-16T00:33:00.004-06:00

a good thought from a book i'm reading:

"The Master's life of communion with the Father is evidenced in his way of thinking and speaking about God. Only a limited part of our thought of God has sprung from our own immediate experience of him, our communion with him in prayer, our consciousness of his voice in conscience and ideals; only a little has come through the experience of forgiveness and the practice of his presence. But in Jesus you find no borrowed thoughts on God. We clamber up to God; he starts with God as an immediate intuition. God never is in his thought as an hypothesis to explain the world, never is discovered as a conclusion at the end of an argument; God, in a word, is not so much with the Master an object of thought as the subject of inward experience."
--Henry Emerson Fosdick, The Manhood of the Master

it is my prayer that as my journey continues, my view of God is shaped more and more by experience and less by borrowed thoughts.

return

2010-01-12T14:35:00.004-06:00

two questions that have been the basis of most my decisions lately:

1. financially: how will this money best be used to advance the kingdom/show the love of Christ?
2. dietary: will this food help or hinder my goal of looking hot for shauna's wedding?

two factors that will increase my blog updating:

1. as of tomorrow i will have internet access at home.
2. i now have memory on my computer, therefore i can share information (photos, etc.) from my home computer again.

two things i just think you should know:

i am now a twitter-er. it is useless but fun. follow me at twitter.com/katy_reed
i am in the process of hanging a shelf. i feel for some reason that it has taken a decent amount of effort. it really hasn't. but i think i will be proud when it is done. pictures to follow.

returning soon. promise.

lady books

2009-10-23T16:10:00.006-05:00

this semester i feel as if i have been doing more ministry in the way of "women's ministry" than i ever thought i would. this is not a complaint. i feel like it's what the Lord has for me. and i feel like i'm making a difference. i've just never particularly had a passion for reminding girls that they are daughters of the king, and one day their prince will come.

and, sadly, this is the negative stereotype i have of women's ministry. that it is a series of self-seeking retreats and sleepovers full of girl-time, gossip and absolute envy of anyone and everyone who is married/dating. (and i really like girl time! i do! i just don't want to facilitate it for a career.)

a few weeks ago i thought i might run off a few copies of a section of a book i [half-way] read in college, because i remember it having a few good points. upon re-reading it, i was a little disappointed in the points it was trying to make.

thus...a line by like analysis of why i don't like most lady books: Lady In Waiting, p 15

Take your alabaster box to Jesus and break it in His presence, for He is worthy of such honor.--good. lay everything you have aside in the pursuit of Jesus.
Having responded to your heavenly Bridegroom in such a manner you can wait with confident assurance that, if it be God's will, He will provide you with an earthly bridegroom.--mm...what is the ultimate goal here? radically pursuing Jesus, or getting a husband? and, what's the wait all about? what are we waiting for? live your life, women!
How do you know if you have broken your alabaster box at the feet of Jesus? Such a decision will be relected in reckless abandonment to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.--agreed. good again.
When the Lord gives you a difficult assignment, such as another dateless month, you receive His terms without resentment.--i do not view this as an assignment. i view moving to Africa as an assignment. if the ultimate goal in the pursuit of God is to gain enough strength to last 30 days without a date, then we are thinking too small.
Your attitude will reflect Mary's response to the angel when she, as a single woman, was give a most difficult assignment. Mary said, "I belong to the Lord, body and soul...let it happen as you say..."(Luke 1:38). --good again. i'm not fond of the comparison between a dateless month and being divinely impregnated as an unmarried woman in a completely intolerant culture, but...i do like what Mary says. we belong to the Lord! and we want to do what He wants. period.

i am in no way in opposition to women's ministry. i just never want to make the mistake of selling our women short and not challenging them beyond these stereotypes. let's live our lives!

fun with light

2009-10-06T10:22:00.003-05:00

i should start with this: i have the best boss ever. his name is arlano (are-lane-oh). he's really nice, super-wise, always supportive, never disappointed, etc. a lot like Jesus he is.

anyway...about a month ago, we had a discussion about digital SLR cameras. arlano has a really nice nikon d90. and we were talking about the differences in the models, etc. anyway...arlano, in his infinite generosity, decided he would indefinitely loan me his old camera, a Nikon d70. i feel generally undeserving of this sweet camera. i mean...i don't really even know the intricasies of my canon powershot. it's like giving a taylor guitar to someone who barely knows how to play her beginner alvarez (also me).

anyway...yesterday, i got to utilize the camera. what i consider to be my first successful photos with this camera:

hopefully there will be more to come.

219-C Poplar

2009-09-07T15:45:00.004-05:00

Ask and you shall receive. Knock, and the door will be opened...the door to apartment 219-C, the happiest place in the world.

a little tour for my non-Levelland folk.

this would be my dining room/kitchen. sadly, all you really see is my fridge. which, coincidentally, is the nicest thing in the kitchen.
notice the greenery/decoration above my cabinets. my friend, jeb, is king of all things style/fashion/decor. he is responsible for that. also, sorry for the poor picture. not sure what to credit that to.

this is my living room. many good times take place here. at the moment, i don't have cable or internet, so many hours are spent watching the office on that 70's miracle couch.

the other side of my living room. this picture serves to help you better understand the layout, and to highlight my only source of air conditioning (which will be important later).

next...the bedroom, or at least my bed. this room has yet to be complete. but i figured it was important to note.

through the bedroom is the bathroom... wow....

now...what you've all been waiting for...the contraption. this device is necessary for anyone who lives in a jank apartment without central a/c. it simply makes life better. notice how the cool air hits the airflow directing device (shower curtian) and channels it nicely into my room.

and...when i have company over...the classy version. hardly even noticable, right?

Sorry for the awkward angles, and poor quality of the pictures. it's difficult to take photos in house.

you are welcome.

recent revelations

2009-08-27T18:46:00.003-05:00

i hate hot. i have recently been trying out a number of sleeping situations to optimize both my comfort and energy efficiency levels. this involves a very complicated combination of my window unit, oscillating fans and thinner blankets...as well as a new contraption i have rigged involving a shower curtain, chip clips and a handful of nails (in order to channel the cold air from the window unit into my bedroom). also, i received some very helpful advice from my friend sarah: it is not wasteful to sleep with the air conditioner on. thank you. two things could vastly improve my sleeping conditions: 1) central A/C or 2) autumn. i am not sure which will come first.

i have an abnormal fear of having surprise guests show up while i'm in the shower. to the degree where i plan showers differently. the woes of living alone: paranoia.

i have too much silverware. 5 days ago, i had too little. thank you ikea bargain bin.

i believe i have been around people too much lately. i enjoy it for the most part. but, if i could calculate how much time i get to myself, i think it would be astoundingly small. i think it's unhealthy. in the past two months, i believe i've spent 14 nights by myself (out of 62). that's not counting evenings, that's overnighters. ! this is a combination of one giant roadtrip, camp, an intern retreat and general friendship. alone time: necessary.

i feel like i could be living a more abundant life. i would not change anything big about my life in the way of my job or friends or living situation. but i feel that my spirit could be more alive. i am going to pursue that.

thank you very much.

roadtrip: second half

2009-08-25T12:43:00.001-05:00

it was awesome!!!

check my facebook!

roadtrip: first half.

2009-07-17T14:27:00.009-05:00

as most of you (imaginary followers) know, i have dedicated this month of july to a roadtrip with my friend, aleece. we are journeying across the western half of the united states/canada. so far it has been delightful. i now remember why people like the united states. it's pleasant!

sorry for my inconsistent blogging. internet has not been overly accessible on this trip. so...i will give you an update of the first half of our trip.

stop one: santa fe, NM. spent the majority of our time visiting bandalier national park. passed the time in the evening watching steel magnolias in the tent. pleasant. pictured: some indian ruins.

stop two: the grand canyon, AZ. apparently we did the wrong thing by just driving to the south rim, taking picture and leaving. but...we did get to see it, which was our only goal. pictured: me and the canyon.

also, we stayed at the most magical campground in arizona--flinstone campground. stoners everywhere, here is your safe haven...

stop three: las vegas, NV. although initially disappointed with vegas because of its consumer-driven, sexually-exploited, american overinindulgant tendancies, we were quickly won over by a few unique experiences: the fountains at bellagio, $1 margaritas, and the most memorable of all, a drag queen magic show. pictured below: the best night vegas has ever seen.

the drive to and from vegas is horrible, and almost not worth getting to spend one night in vegas. on the way out, we passed through the mojave desert.

stop three: bakersfield, CA. hello krezinski family! my good friend chris and his wife kelly were gracious enough to let us stay with them for a few days. and, we were lucky enough to have chris take us to the sequoia national park for what turned out to be the greatest day of my life. behold, the most beautiful place on earth:

stop four: yosemite national park, CA. beautiful but overpopulated. too many people, but if you are adventurous enough to get off the path a little, it is pleasant. sadly...very sadly, my computer deleted the first 50ish pictures i took of yosemite. i was very sad for several hours, but it is out of my control, so...well...pictured below: the best that didn't get deleted.

stop five: redwood national forest, CA. probably great, but not after the sequoias. just kidding. but really, i think by this point we were a little numb to big trees and pretty forests. but still a pleasant time. below: the largest tree in the redwoods, the coast, the largest paul bunyan statue in the world (hopefully).

stop six: the oregon caves, OR. small but nice. i got a little antsy about being so closed in. pictured: me going deeper. and some cool formations. i stopped paying attention to figure out what they're called.

stop seven: portland, OR. visiting the greers! what a pleasant visit it has been so far. and, portland is quite the lovely city. so far so good. below: us and meredith. fun times.

well...that summarizes the last two weeks of my life. good weeks. more fun to come, including vancouver island, more of canada, minnesota, kansas, denver, then home. we think.

pleasant count: 5

early summer happenings

2009-07-09T23:02:00.003-05:00

hello.

sorry for the pause. i am currently on a month-long roadtrip with my friend aleece. so far, it has been very enjoyable....but i will post more about that later.

for now, i wanted to document the beginnings of my summer...2 weddings, a baptism and a trip to the lake.

first of stops: the wedding of haleigh ballow and caleb howe. a few of us after the reception:

and...the wedding of katelin lawrence and bucky demel. at the reception:

and...the closest thing we got to a group pic at the lake...boy time, girl time. precious.

and...i lack documentation from the baptism. just know that it was great.

more roadtrip pics to come soon.

tomorrow, off to yosemite...

books

2009-06-15T15:10:00.004-05:00

a few books i've been reading:

Putting Women in their Place...The Baptist Debate Over Female Equality. I am so intrigued by this book. It is a compilation of 12 different Baptist authors and their view on women's roles. Although I have only read the introduction and half of chapter one, I think i would already recommend it to others. I'm not sure if I agree with it yet, but it is definitely a thought-provoking read.

Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile. Also a thought provoking read. The first half of this book was slooow going, but I really liked the last 2-3 chapters. Probably my favorite idea brought up was the idea of entitlement, and how (American) Christians feel entitled to what we have, like we've earned it, and that others are without because they haven't earned it. and how this entitlement complex is the root of our problems. I agree with a lot of this. However, sometimes don't like the way Rob Bell talks in such absolutes. I feel like he talks with such certainty on topics that are really uncertain (ie. the mark of the beast).

The Da Vinci Code. Definitely anti-church. but definitely fiction as well. I think as long as you can differentiate between truth and fiction, you can enjoy this book. I think i enjoyed this book for several reasons. 1) it was a good murder mystery...lots of plot twists, an unpredictable killer, lots of riddles, etc. 2) all of the mysteries were explained in a reasonable way--nothing supernatural (ie. a smoke monster). i appreciate both of those things.

on the list of books to come:

The Way We Were. How Southern Baptist Theology has changed and what it means to us all. This would be a part of my 6 month quest of theology-shaping literature in hopes of finding a seminary that best fits and will best cultivate my views and preferences.

recommendations are welcome.

el paso.

2009-06-12T20:46:00.006-05:00

so...$5 to whoever can tell me how to get this un-underlined. what happened??

anyway...i went to el paso may 16-22. we took about 35 students. it was good.

a photo documentary: (the blue...it stops...)????

some pleasant grafitti:

the obligatory group picture:

my boss pulled a tooth. it's ok, he has an MDiv.

and...i washed my hair in a spicket.

anyway...it was really good. my boss and i returned a few days later to go to juarez to host a pastors and wives conference. well...he hosted. i just hung out. it was probably my favorite part. the most appreciative people i've met. and probably the most dedicated to the Lord. good people.

a promise i am sure to break... i will update soon!

tripping

2009-05-15T11:53:00.003-05:00

thank you everyone for your vast support of my communal living ideas. i guess i will just have to live communally by myself. ...think about it. no, i know it seems ridiculous and out there. i just still think it's...right.

i'm headed to el paso tomorrow for a mission trip. necesito practicar mi espanol. real bad.

another exciting trip in my near future would be a little adventure i'm planning with ms. aleece methvin. since i don't want to type 1000 words, i will leave you with this:

communal living

2009-05-12T11:34:00.003-05:00

i want to live communally, but i'm afraid of getting taken advantage of.
i wish we could all just share everything.
i think the idea of claiming land, putting up a fence, calling it your own, and not letting anyone else enter is an interesting idea, although now completely socially acceptable and necessary. but i feel like if it never existed, then it would never need to.
i hate money. if it never existed, it would never need to.
if we all just loved each other, and instead of hoarding up our excess, we just shared, and took what we needed, then the world would be pleasant.

these are all thoughts of an idealist.

*i realize there are colonies of communal living sprouting up. they are not exactly what i had in mind. they're for the benefit of the planet, not so much the disadvantaged.

cinco de mayo

2009-05-05T14:06:00.007-05:00

hola.

it's cinco de mayo. in celebration of this special holiday, i have decided to return to the blog. all apologies for the long absence. [i started writing this on may 5th. today is not cinco de mayo. sorry to be misleading.]

the past few months have proven to be exciting, challenging, fun, exhausting...and...lots of other emotions. west texas is an adventure.

a few highlights:

i hang out mostly with boys. i don't know how this happened, i just know that it happened. one delightful weekend, we took off to ruidoso, new mexico.

me and the boys:

i also ventured south for a spring break mission trip called beach reach. this trip was co-ed.

the boys and the girls:

a lot more has happened this semester. but i feel as if i might just have to apologize for not keeping you updated, and recommit to updating this more often. the last 4 months of my life will remain a vast mystery.

one last note: star trek was awesome.

levelland, texas

2009-02-02T00:49:00.003-06:00

a small update on my life:

i am...

-really happy where i am right now. levelland is cool. i found the section of the city that doesn't look like it's from the 70's, so that was neat. and i like my job.

-constantly hanging out with people. i have to fight the temptation to introvert (not a verb) myself, because i am somewhat overwhelmed by all the people. but, they are really cool. south plains: cooler than your average junior college. i definitely am struggling to find the balance of people to non-people time. sorry if i've back-burnered you (if you don't live in levelland). i'm learning.

-being introduced to a lot of cool music. probably because south plains has a fantastic music school (who knew?)

-learning a lot about the Lord. i want my nature to be more like His nature. but, sadly (or happily...?) i'm learning that i still have a lot more of my nature than His nature in me. it takes work.

-enjoying living on my own. my mom said i would, and she was right. and my apartment is growing on me...it has ugly shag carpet and a window unit. other than that, it's great. although, in my 22 days of being here, i think i've had about 5 nights without a guest. i had a japanese student staying with me until she could get her housing lined out. she was pleasant, though. and now she lives 2 buildings down.

i haven't taken one picture since i came here. but as soon as i do, i will post some. i keep telling myself that once i clean my apartment and get it all set up, pictures will be taken. so...feel free to take bets on when that will happen.

ok...thanks for reading.

alive

2009-01-15T09:44:00.001-06:00

hello.

i'm still alive. so sorry for the 3 month hiatus.

i've moved home from costa rica, graduated, turned 23, went to portland, went to 3 weddings, and moved to levelland, texas to work at a bsm.

more to come.

katy

shauna and me

2008-10-23T19:42:00.010-05:00

so shauna came to see me last weekend. it was so good. i wish it would have been about 2 weeks longer, but i enjoyed it nonetheless. thanks to her for making the journey.

a few highlights:

us with our protective rain gear in front of vulcan arenal. about to embark on a rainforest hike.
we went on the best rafting tour on friday. because it is low season here in costa rica, we were able to be the only 2 people on our tour. so it was just us, 3 tour guides and the rainforest. very enjoyable.perhaps the ugliest dog ever recorded in a photograph. saw this jewel on the way out of town.

anyway...love this girl. glad i got to see her. it's always refreshing.

weekend fun

2008-10-15T09:16:00.009-05:00

sorry i haven't been updating this as consistently as i would have liked. but, alas, here as some photos.

my friends and i went to a beach on the Caribbean coast 2 weekends ago. we stayed in a small town called cahuita. turns out there's not much to do there. so...after a one hour struggle to find lunch, we finally ate and spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach. then we got some pizza and played cards the rest of the night. it was a good time.

fun at the beach:

it should be noted that this was probably the worst sand ever to bury someone in. but kim insisted, so we obliged.

our grand hotel:

this past weekend we went on a day trip through a tour company. saw this monster on a river tour:

my best friend/roommate from college is coming to see me today. i'm quite excited. look forward to updates from our weekend.

saprissa vs. la leagua

2008-10-06T19:35:00.004-05:00

a few weekends ago a group of us went to a costa rican futbol game. it was pretty fun. at first i thought it was definitely the most sketchy sporting event i've ever attended, but after the men in gas masks and armored police on horseback went away, it was actually fairly enjoyable.

here's really the only good picture i got:

the red lights were possible road flares--which explains why all the creepers had on masks outside the stadium. also, the flares are to blame for the smoky haze across the stadium.

costa ricans definitely know how to cheer on a team. i have to admit, though, i still don't like soccer that much, and it just made me want to go to a cowboy's game when i get home.

in other news, i think i have moved through a few stages of culture shock in the past week. i definitely went through a phase of really not liking it here, and now i think i've kind of adjusted to seeing it for what it is, and for the most part enjoying it. so i'm thankful that i'm "over the hump" so to speak.

more to come.

for updation's sake.

2008-09-30T15:37:00.003-05:00

so it's been a few days. all apologies.

i feel that there is nothing of great significance to post about, my life is becoming a little more mundane, which is suppose is expected.

i've been in costa rica for 6 weeks today. been at the school for 3 weeks. i've begun to teach a little--i've taken over a sixth grade class and tomorrow i get full control of a 10th as well. soon to come: 7th and 11th. good stuff. i like the kids. it's a good school. i've added a lot more information about the school (and my life) in my e-mails. if you're reading this and would like the e-mails, let me know.

as i have already pointed out to shauna--i've realized that a lot of the women here have a very poor awareness of their undergarments. like...they always wear really see-through shirts with bright white bras. or really tight shirts with really bumpy/decorated bras. always.

i'm getting excited about having a few friends come visit. i miss good friends.

i went to a big soccer rivalry game here. i plan on posting pictures here soon.

ok...that is all...i'm still alive. life is good.

pura vida.

katy

arenal, la fortuna waterfall, monteverde, etc.

2008-09-09T15:53:00.005-05:00

so we headed to the mountains this weekend to do some orientation with my professor and the dean of education. it was a good time. mostly because of it's beautiful scenery. here is a waterfall we hiked to...notice the people swimming at the bottom.

also, here's a view of arenal volcano from our van ride. nice.

and...perhaps the coolest part of it all would be the ziplining through (actually, it was more above) the rainforest. hopefully this video will load and you can watch it.

started student teaching today. so far so good. i like my mentor teacher, so that is excellent. right now i'm just trying to observe it all and get my feet on the ground.

i also move into my new host home today. let's hope they're good, because i will be with them all semester. cross your fingers.

more to come.

the host family

2008-09-04T21:52:00.007-05:00

hello again.

so...day 16 is wrapping up, and this is now officially the longest time i've spent in another country. uncharted territory from here.

i moved out of my moravia host home today. we took a group photo:

that's jake, joe, fanny, lucky (on the lap), and me. behind us is one of joe's paintings. pretty good, yeah?

here's another. my personal favorite:

yes...i have to say that as far as host families go, jake and i lucked out. they were very hospitable and very caring. they allowed us to be a part of their lives and treated us very well. so thanks to them for being so generous with their lives/home. i expect many future visits. also, it should be noted that i have been knighted as katy ramos-martin. sorry reeds.

one final (and very exciting!) note. we have been reunited:

after shipping them off to be restrapped, and having them arrive the day after i departed for costa rica, i was happily reunited with my chacos today after several long weeks of waiting. i don't think i've ever been happier to see shoes.

that is probably enough information for now. i should mention that there was a pretty great photo shoot that took place the other night, and i will be sure to post pictures shortly.

we're headed to arenal volcano tomorrow morning. should be cool.

thanks for reading.

manuel antonio

2008-08-27T13:24:00.005-05:00

hola.

so, last weekend 7 of us headed to manuel antonio. it is a town on the pacific coast of costa rica. it took us about 3 1/2 hours on a bus (which only cost $5...awesome). it was a good first trip. thanks to our host dad, joe, for the recommendation.

here are a few pictures:

this is the beach that was about 100 yards from our hotel. bueno.

then we went to the national park...which was very pretty. lots of wildlife...birds, iguanas, monkeys, raccoons, etc. however, my very favorite was this:

a sloth! i have never seen a sloth in it's natural habitat. by far worth the $10 entrance fee.

a view from the top of a hike:

i'm sorry to say i didn't take more pictures. we swam at a beautiful beach in the park but i failed to take any pictures of that. sorry.

anyway...that's all i have for now.

everything is good so far.

katy

hola.

2008-08-21T13:26:00.002-05:00

so...i'm in costa rica. made it safely, not big problems, etc. i'm currently in san jose, in an area called guadalupe. doing language school for 2 weeks, then we are headed to arenal (a volcano) for an orientation. the we start student teaching after that. so...that is a rundown of my next 2-3 weeks. i haven't taken any pictures yet, but plan on it.

my host home is nice. the food is pretty good. they have a dog named lucky (pronounced lookie), who peed on my workbook last night.

my friend jake and i are attempting to master the public transportation, which is easy for him and hard for me. so i guess it's good that we are together.

not much more to report.

pictures to come (after i take some).

thoughts.

2008-08-07T16:36:00.003-05:00

i think most clearly right before i fall asleep and right before i wake up. in that twilight of lingering consciousness. sometimes i wonder if that is what being high feels like and if i would be that pensive all of the time if i were high. but...i don't wonder enough to try it. maybe i should just get really tired. and start writing.

that is all.

by the way...i'm moving to costa rica in about 2 weeks. that is both paralyzing and liberating.

that is really all.

revelation.

2008-07-18T16:52:00.003-05:00

so i just got back from portland. i really only took one noteworthy picture. this is it:

this is my good friend meredith. i like her a lot and wish that we lived closer to one another. but we don't.

i also had a small realization that i am intelligent enough to have a decent conversation with most people in an airport and come away sounding reasonably educated. and that's good enough for me.

also, i am pretty much always hungry. what is that all about?

the perks of not being at camp.

2008-07-07T14:43:00.004-05:00

quality:

so this is how i spend my summer.

depth and wisdom.

2008-06-03T11:27:00.002-05:00

i want to be deep. and wise (almost like the vbs song).
however, i am not.

i am relatively shallow most of the time. i mean...every once in a while i have a profound thought. but for the most part, i pretty much take things at surface level. i am somewhat gullible and often don't read into things as much as i could. i often times find it difficult to take a conversation to a deep level. that is reality.

i also lack wisdom. i want to be wise in the Lord. i want to give wise advise and live wisely. i want to choose my friends wisely and spend my timeand money wisely. but...i don't. i'm really more foolish than wise.

yes...i'm shallow and foolish. outwardly, i probably don't look like the posterchild for foolish shallow people, but...i feel that way. i would like more.

so...perhaps this is should be called summer 2008: the pursuit of wisdom and depth.

wish me luck.

...i'm pretty sure i know where to look.

faces.

2008-05-07T11:30:00.002-05:00

i feel like i'm in the middle of a wild paradox. i am an uncertain mix of emotions.

at any moment in the day, i am feeling a million contradicting thoughts.

today's thoughts:
i really wish i could give all religions a fair chance. but i cannot. because i have committed to Christianity. i am not unsatisfied. i just feel bad for all the other ones that i have ruled out, without really considering. i mean...i understand it. i don't feel like i need to abandon Jesus and check out all my options. i just feel bad that i never really gave the others a chance. it's like marrying your high school sweetheart.
i don't know if i need to explain the contradiction in this thought process. i feel like it would take a lot of words, so...i'm not going to. i think it's obvious enough.

the largest of my contradicting thoughts would be my attitude toward this place. there are so many things/people that i really have no interest leaving. i mean...so many. but then in the other pocket there are a crapload of things that i will never miss. i many not even think of them at all. the worst part would be these random semi-familiar faces that i see around campus. there are so many people here that i recognize and it's beginning to drive me crazy. people i just barely know, like maybe we had a class together or they've been to the BSM once. or i've helped them open their PO box before. for some reason, i just really want those vague, half-known people to go away. (which will come in the form of me going away.)

this is nonsense.

yes.

2008-05-04T22:13:00.000-05:00

lots going on.

not much to say.

more to come.

anywhere but LA, Jesus.

2008-03-31T22:53:00.002-05:00

so...small realization.

there are really 2 places in my mind that i would just NOT want to live. places in which i would NEVER just pack up and decide to set up a residence. and those places are both LA's: Los Angeles and Louisiana.

i don't know why. I have a lot of friends from Louisiana and i like them just fine. they are actually really great people. and, it's only an hour from where i live now. probably not a big difference. but...man...i just could never get excited about that.

and LA...oh dear. i think i might just be extremely opposite of that city. i'm sure there's great stuff there as well. but...man, no thanks.

please Lord, do not call me to LA.

thought of the day.

2008-03-28T19:06:00.003-05:00

i've been thinking.

i blog more when i'm 1) bored and 2) don't have another outlet. and right now, i'm not bored too often, and i seem to have a sufficient amount of people to listen to me.

so...if i haven't had too many posts lately, it's because i'm busy and...blessed.

that is all.

more to come, when my life slows down and my friends abandon me.

*edit: one large #3 i need to add. i also blog more when 3) there is actually interesting stuff going on in my mind...thoughts worthy of recording. yes.

you? me? me? you?

2008-03-17T12:07:00.006-05:00

so...spring break...hello goodbye.

a few highlights:

steven hogue and his random, random mind.

sadly, i think you had to be there to get it. but...here's a little snippet to help you relate:

hope that helps.

there was also the nightly kansas ultimate reality tour...or something....

and...oh yeah...the whole reason we went to greensburg:

working. helping out. giving back. being Jesus' hands and feet. servant evangelizing. doing to others what i would have them do to me, etc.

yes, well...that was pretty much the trip. i would say my favorite part was the hang-out/get to know you part. especially with my 4 roommates. good times.

oh, hey there.

2008-01-31T11:23:00.000-06:00

of all the things going on in my life right now, i choose to write a blog about this:

a few of my favorite christian pick-up lines. don't expect too much.

-"is this pew taken?"

-"i just don't feel called to celibacy."

-"you are so unblemished that i would sacrifice you."

-"i believe one of my ribs belongs to you."

-"i went on a beach mission but all I ended up doing was mission you."

-"my favourite species of vegetation is the church plant."

-"now i know why Solomon had 700 wives... Because he never met you."

-"how would you like to join my Purpose Driven Life?"

- "do you need prayer? because i am certainly willing to lay hands on you"

-"let's go for a ride in my zondervan"

-"i have a bible verse tattoo. its permanent. its also in ancient greek."

yep...that's what i do with my time.

in other news...i won $500 on a $1 scratch off, bought a wii, and [unrelated] went on a great cruise with my roommate.

paco show.

2007-12-23T20:35:00.000-06:00

if any of you know me, you know that i have this teddy bear. his name is paco. i've had him as long as i can remember and i still sleep with him every night.

when i was younger my mom would buy outfits for him. (they were actually made for beanie babies...but they happened to fit him well enough.) and while i was looking for boxes in the top of my closet yesterday, i ran across all of these delightful outfits.

therefore...i give you...

the paco show.

paco in his natural state.

paco the sheriff.

paco in his cool old navy performance fleece (with hood).

santa paco.

my personal favorite...the pajamas.

with the butt flap

thanksgiving turkey paco.

paco the frog.

with the tail hole...

paco the moose/reindeer.

man i hope someone appreciates these as much as i do. i forgot i had most of these. and yes, i do feel a little ridiculous dedicating an entire blog to these outfits. but it is totally worth it to have someone share these with me.

yep.

2007-12-21T18:05:00.000-06:00

i got my grades in. 4 A's and 1 D. way to go katy.

my room is a big fat mess. proof:

however, my room did get a new edition last night:

it turned out looking like ornaments. not really what i was going for. but...it will hang year-round. or at least until may.

i just bought jon foreman's new cd. i think i like it. it's very...chill.

welp...it's almost christmas. and i'm done shopping. love it.

papa.

2007-12-09T22:28:00.001-06:00

so...my grandpa died on friday.

he was a pretty cool guy. the earth is crappier without him.

the funeral and graveside are tomorrow. feel free to pray for my mom and grandma if you think about it (/read this).

RIP papa.

my best friend's wedding.

2007-11-28T18:02:00.001-06:00

well...my best friend got married about 2 weeks ago. and i haven't posted any pictures yet. so i thought i would. seems blog-worthy.

the bride and me. she looked pretty great.

the fam (minus my brother).

yep...all in all the wedding was great. i think she had a really pleasant time.

goals.

2007-11-09T18:51:00.000-06:00

a few goals that have emerged in my life:

-do more than just survive.
-find a husband.
-buy a cheap old motorcycle.
-learn to ride a motorcycle.
-be a better friend.
-get better at reading the Holy Spirit.
-write more.
-clean and keep clean.
-travel to another country for a length of time that cannot be labeled "a trip".
-write the paper that is due at midnight tonight.
-then, stop putting things off until the hour before.

thoughts.

2007-10-29T00:02:00.001-05:00

so...i've been doing a little bit of traveling this semester. some for amie's wedding preparation, some for BSM events, and some for camp things. i've been gone from nac all but one weekend since i got back from the summer. for the most part, they've been enjoyable trips. so far this semester, i've been to dallas 3 times, franklin twice, waco once, college station once, tyler once, and amarillo once.

anyway...in general, i don't really mind to drive. however, i guess that i have reached my limit of hours in my car by myself. usually the ipod is enough to keep me entertained until i've reached my destination, but...i have begun to feel like i am just wasting my life away listening to music.
so...i bought an audiobook. a "book on tape" if you will. i'm usually a pretty visual learner. really NOT an audio learner, so i was hesitant. anyway....the point...i bought shane claiborne's irresistable revolution. it was recommended to me twice by two very different people, so i thought it was probably worth looking at. all this to say...i really am enjoying it. it is definitely a lot to take in. part of it seems a little preachy or "my way is the right way", but i think it helps that i am listening to him speak it...like i can get his tone or hear him laugh when he's joking or i can realize that he's not really being as cynical as he is optimistic.
yes....i like it. but, i think it was the wrong book to buy in an audio version. i think i need a good storyline to listen to...not some deep theological/spiritual content. i need to read and reread that kind of thing. i need to sit it down and come back to what i've underlined in half an hour. this is hard when i don't have paper. or a bookmark.
anyway...all of this to say...i like the book. i feel like it articulates a lot of the feelings i have inside of me. and challenges me in somewhat personal ways. i would definitely recommend the first 4 hours of it to you. i'll get back to you on the last 4.
i look forward to listening more next weekend. yes.

destinations for the remainder of the semester: back to dallas, then waco, austin, and finally franklin for wedding of the century (pictures SURE to follow.)

food for thought.

2007-10-09T19:35:00.000-05:00

so i've hit my tires [hard] on the curb the past 3 times i've pulled into my spot at the BSM.

what does this mean?

my friend posted a few camp pictures on facebook this week. this would be my favorite:

yes.

still kicking.

2007-09-27T12:07:00.000-05:00

hello all. i'm still alive.
and well.

i'm headed to truett seminary to see if it (it=truett and seminary in general) is something that i might be interested in. i'm just not sure. but i think it will be a fruitful trip.

i actually like what i'm learning in school. so...that's neat.

how about a few costa rica pictures? they haven't made it on here yet (except the not-cool extremely ordinary bug [which i found AGAIN at pine cove a few weeks ago]).

the purpose of our trip was to teach Costa Ricans how to run a successful Christian camp. this was our camp.

this was my cabana. they are awesome. although, i've never spent any time with 9 year olds.

and our team got to spend some evenings hiking and being adventurous. which was very cool.

yes...so that's costa rica. and i liked it very much. and now i'm considering the option of going back to student teach. however, i have realized that i like small town costa rica, and i'm not sold on large city costa rica, with the crime and traffic and discotecas.

focus.

2007-09-10T20:55:00.001-05:00

so...i went to focus this weekend. it was unexpectedly good. not to say that it's usually bad, i just seem to find God more personally, in my day to day life, not in a large convention center. so, i just didn't expect it.
however, i indeed do feel more focused after coming back. a few fears i had lingering are now gone. and i'm excited about the future. for the first time.
and. i'm starting to develop a deep compassion/urgency toward Muslims. i feel like i need to learn a lot about their culture and beliefs. and that very soon this knowledge will be put into practice. i don't know what that means.

yes. i don't know...i'm beginning to attempt to plan out next summer and the fall semester. the possibilities are endless. innumerable. pray for me.

thoughts...

2007-09-04T20:16:00.000-05:00

this post is two-fold. it could in fact be two separate posts.

so, i've realized that i really just want one big adventure before i have to settle down and get a career. i want more than just a vacation, too. i just want to do something different or dramatic that is off the beaten path. and i have figured out that this is why it is so hard for me to focus or be content here in nac. i really just want to do something. and i have no time/money to do it. and that's that.
but...i haven't given up hope. i just need to be creative.

and...

i took this picture of a cool spider when i was in costa rica. i was kind of excited about finding such an interesting bug, because i was sure that it was exotic and regional and nearly extinct. and for sure i was one of the only people on earth that knew about such a cool creature.

however...

i took this picture yesterday. in franklin, texas. outside my front door. unfortunate.

i guess i'm not as special as i once thought i was.

nacogdoches

2007-08-23T10:37:00.000-05:00

ok...so i'm back.

it's been interesting so far.

today was my first day to sleep in since may 23rd. and of course my alarm went off at 7:30. even though it decided not go off at 7:30 yesterday, when i actually wanted it to. yes...so...oh well.

i also got a new computer, which excites me. so far, so good.

i start back at work and school on monday. i think i'm ok with that. i looked online at the list of books i'm going to need. it is large and in charge. but hey, i'm starting to develop an appreciation for books, so...maybe i'll be alright.

speaking of which...

i am currently reading the best books i've ever read. straight up.

the mark of the lion series by francine rivers. i'm on the second book. and it is good. (please take into consideration the fact that i am not a reader, and have a very limited selection with which to compare these.)

yes, well...back in the swing of things.

see you soon.

camp.

2007-06-17T12:19:00.000-05:00

well...camp has begun. i've already been here about a month. 9 weeks to go. that's a little strange.

but i like it. my role is totally random. the only consistent part is driving. and i sleep in the same bed every night. but pretty much i live out of my car, which is good until some camper leaves a wet trash bag in your car and it smells like rotten diapers.

but, for the most part, i'm good. i get sad that i'm having to put a lot of relationships on hold for the summer, but i'm doing ok keeping up with a few. to the rest, i'm sorry.

ok...i'm outside and it just started raining. sorry...

...

2007-05-23T15:25:00.000-05:00

so i'm on my way to camp. it should be ok. sometimes i wonder why i want this. but i think it will be good. but i will miss my roommate. and not having to sleep underneath someone.

i promise updates.

katy

holy moly.

2007-05-15T23:54:00.000-05:00

i'm a little shocked. and i little way too excited for my own good. i got a C in western civ II. and it makes me very, very happy. i had pretty much come to terms with the fact that i was going to have to take it again next semester. but...now...I DON'T. so, thanks, Jesus.

in other news, my week has been spent wedding planning with my best friend, amie. today involved bridesmaid dresses, invitations, flowers, the church, and a search for the perfect place for the reception. and surprisingly, i'm really enjoying it. i like having a part in this. and it's good that we have the same taste. so i don't have to lie when i tell her i like things.

camp in a week. kind of excited, kind of not. but...it will be good.

i'm a rebel.

2007-05-10T01:19:00.000-05:00

but not really.

i will be very happy when my room is clean. i enjoy it very much. but apparently not quite enough to keep it that way.

i currently have 3 gifts in my room waiting to be given. this brings me much excitement/anticipation.

i bought the new damien rice cd. it is very nice, i only wish there was a clean version i could have purchased. one song started off good, but then crashed and burned with a long string of F-bombs. needless to say, i will try to keep that one out of the rotation. disappointing, though.

i'm beginning to get excited about camp, and also a little sad about leaving.

five finals down. one to go. but i can't seem to study. sound familiar? yes.

my professor (who reeked of hard liquor) told me she didn't like my major today. and it has got me thinking. but i doubt that it will result in change.

i like shauna's rabbit. we're friends now.

ok, i have to learn some HTML before i fall asleep. i'm sorry this is random and somewhat pointless, but...in my defense...1) it's been a while since i've written a post like this, 2) it's late, and 3) it's finals week.

zero complaints.

2007-05-07T00:48:00.000-05:00

so...after a weekend at home talking to one of my mom's friends (and my friends' mom), i have decided to have no more complaining in my life. this even includes any negativity, and any hurtful or slanderous sarcasm.

apparently there's a new book coming out about it that's supposed to be the new craze. and the idea involved a little purple rubber bracelet (how trendy) and you switch it from hand to hand everytime you say something negative. so the goal is to keep it on one hand for 21 days. (!) the author says on average it takes a person 7 months to complete 21 days.

so i'm gonna do it. i mean...maybe not exactly that...but more of a zero-negativity policy in general. because for real...there's nothing fun about a negative person. it gets old quick. and i don't think it's what God likes, either. so, i think it will be a positive experience for all involved.

and...this isn't just not negative. it's more than neutral...i want to be positive. so punch me in the face if you hear something negative. please.

edgardo.

2007-04-28T00:27:00.000-05:00

due to an overwhelming number of blogger inquiries, a little closure on the heated edgardo's country of origin issue...

he's...puerto rican. one of us. but he went to school in the states, and now lives in miami. and he's really good at tennis. and dreamz really did screw him over.

for more information on edgardo...you can go here.

...i'm really not obsessed.

a successful week.

2007-04-22T13:50:00.000-05:00

what a good week in reality tv. maybe there really is good in the world.

jael...out. thank you very much.

sanjaya...you should have been out 3 months ago.

the only sad reality news of the week...the loss of edgardo. you didn't deserve to go. dreamz is a pansy.

perhaps a lame post. but i thought the world needed to know.

i hit a car.

2007-04-12T00:54:00.000-05:00

i hit a car. on university drive.

i got home last night. the car was parked next to my spot.

i hit my neighbor's car on university drive.

who knew?

the art of friendly competition.

2007-04-02T17:00:00.000-05:00

lately i have been pondering the thought of service within the body of believers. i think it's one of the harder things for me to do. this all started over spring break when i went on a mission trip which was very service-intensive. it was all about service to non-Christians and providing them with pancakes and van rides and love and an entire array of good things. and while we were doing these things i saw an outpouring of love in myself and my friends towards these people and it was a good thing, it was beautiful. and then we would return from these events and it would be as if we were out of love, completely void of the one thing we were full of a half hour earlier. (and i understand that this was an exhausting trip, and that we may have indeed felt very out of love at several stages along the way, but this trip was only the beginning of analysis that isn't limited to that week alone.) and it just makes me think that perhaps within this body of believers that there is a lack of love for one another, and a lack of service to one another, especially in my life.

and i feel the struggle because sometimes i feel like it's pointless and that my love and service could better be spent toward someone who doesn't know Christ. but i disagree [with myself] because i see the need for love within the church, and within the bsm and within my circle of friends. i mean in John 13:35, Jesus says "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." i don't know...i just think that we would be more whole, and more Christ-like, and more joyous people if we loved each other a little more.

so what's the point? well, it all comes down to this--i'm nervous about the softball game tomorrow night. i know, it may seem unrelated. but, you see, tomorrow night is perhaps the most important game in intramural history. that, of course, being the night when both bsm teams play one another. what a night.
and i feel like tomorrow night could, tragically, be one of the greatest examples of the lack of love within the community of believers. i fear that it will result in anger, hurt feelings and sore losers, instead of encouragement and fellowship and all of the great things that it could be. and i realize this seems menial, but it's exactly these things that are the most important. i've got to learn to love people, especially Christians, in the mundane, regularity of intra-bsm softball.

so, with all that said. i hope that didn't come off as a rant. it's just what's been on my mind. and, if you made it through the whole thing, thank you.

why not...

2007-03-30T23:26:00.000-05:00

let's get some pictures one here.
you'll all find out soon enough, anyway.

being still and quiet.

2007-03-26T18:02:00.000-05:00

so at church last night we were talking about spiritual maturity. and one of the recommendations as to how to attain this maturity was to spend time in silence. and everyone was talking about how hard it is for them. and i just wanted everyone to know that it is not hard for me. i thoroughly enjoy a good sitting. and thinking. however, i don't think there is a direct correlation between these sittings and spiritual maturity. therefore i think there must be some other element to maturity than silence. and i know that "being still and knowing that He is God" is different than sitting in silence. i wasn't really trying to make a connection there. i'm still working on the mastery of that discipline. i was just letting the world know that i think i'm ok at sitting. in silence. and not doing. i like the sit. just ask my roommate.

love,
katy

wait.

2007-03-23T14:07:00.000-05:00

ok...this might not be that entertaining to anyone else. but we were talking about this like...3 days ago. so i thought i'd share...

let me preface this with the fact that i love my grandma a lot. she's cool. and she didn't write this, so i'm not dissing her at all. but...my granny sends me all kinds of forwarded emails. most of them are either spiritual or political...or both. so today i got this one...it's just a prayer that you pray...and it really wasn't that bad. i was rolling with it...reading through it...and i got to this line. and i chuckled a little. and so...i share with you...

I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those that will delete this without sharing it with others I pray for those that don't believe.

yes, people who don't forward this e-mail are in just as much trouble as those are are misjudged, misunderstood, lost and un-believing. hallelujah.

anyway...that's it...hopefully someone that was involved in that conversation will appreciate this email...and my grams.

beach reach

2007-03-20T19:34:00.000-05:00

i decided this needed its own post.

on my own merit, i probably would never go on a trip like beach reach. it's seems to me to be a little too "in your face" than what i'm accustomed to. however, it was good. very good. i think i learned a lot. and i don't think it was too "in your face". and i think God was pleased by it. so, i'm glad i trusted the Lord on this one. it blessed me. so...yes. spiritual growth....never easy, but always worth it.

yes. more to come. i'm still processing.

my heart is becoming holey...er

2007-03-20T19:28:00.000-05:00

so...my computer crashed. praise Jesus for me getting a new iPod the week before, so i didn't lose all my music. for real, this is a big deal to me. thanks, God.

but...i did lose everything else. and it is taking me forever to get the music from my iPod back to my computer, and i can't figure out where the music is being stored. but...it could be worse.

and...props to the shack for getting my computer back to me 26 hours after i brought it to them. can't complain too much about that...and it's free.

but...it is disappointing. things could be worse. always. but, if i could write my life story, it would not involve a computer crash at any point. or headaches.

bsm softball starts tonight. team name: bsm. team color: undecided. go team.

hole in my heart.

2007-02-27T18:50:00.000-06:00

so...i got in my car yesterday morning and plugged my iPod in. but...it froze. straight up. this is about the 3rd time it's done this. but this time, it's not fixing. i tried plugging it in at home, but now everytime i plug it in again it gives me the "pick a language" screen. and when i try to pick a language it beeps uncontrollably, as if to say "gotcha...again". and there's nothing i can do about the beeping until it dies again. because iPods don't have batteries that you can take out. i tried.

so, anyway. i couldn't be more disappointed. i've grown quite fond of the little white wonder. and it couldn't have happened at a more inopportune time, with spring break just around the corner and all of my money going straight toward costa rica.

so...we'll try life without an iPod for a while. i mean...i did it for 19 years. it can't be that bad, right? wrong.

work.

2007-02-21T17:19:00.000-06:00

i figured i would join the group and write the "odd work experience" blog. by the way, i work at the SFA post office... here it goes...

so part of my job at work is answering the phone. it's probably my least favorite part, because people are really cranky when it comes to mail, and they usually don't understand why i don't know why their mail isn't here. probably because i'm not omniscient. and they should have gotten delivery confirmation.

anyway, yesterday...

ring ring.

katy: sfa post office, this is katy.

crazy: hi katy, if i got a postage due slip in my box, will the letter be at your post office or the main one? (good question...not weird at all)

katy: it'll be here, just bring the slip and your ID to the front desk.

crazy: oh, thanks. it's my difference check and blah...blah...blah and could you PLEASE not return it to sender, because i can't come today. it's raining and i have bad diarrhea and can't make it down there.

katy: . . . uh...mam, you just sit tight. and your letter will be here tomorrow.

crazy: thank you so much.

katy: yep.

maybe you had to be there. but, it was slightly ridiculous. this was just one of many awkward moments of yesterday at the sfa post office. others include: a five minute debate concerning a woman's ability to mail a package to the UC, and my defense that all USPS mail will just come to the post office, a boy trying to flirt his way into me letting him change his forwarding over the phone, and about 309405 incorrectly addressed packages. did i mention i make 5.15 an hour?

but...i could have a worse job. or no job. so, all is good. but i am glad that i'm in college. and this job is temporary.

i'll play.

2007-02-03T16:14:00.000-06:00

by request of ched...

Here is how you partake in a round of Literary Lucky-Dipping:

1) Skillfully grab the book closest to you

2) Quickly open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence

3) Post the text of the following three sentences

4) Name the author and book title

5) Tag an indefinite number of people to do the same (so, it could be '0')

But the Macedonianas who head the speech were thoroughly astonished at the moment, and remained there in silence near the platform; nor when he retired did any of them accompany the king, except his personal Companions and the confidential body-guards. Though they remianed most of them had nothing to do or say; and yet they were unwilling to retire. But when the news was reported to them...they were no longer able to restrain themselves; but running in a body to the palace, they cast their weapons there in front of the gates as signs of supplication to the king.

well, this is found in A History of Western Society by McKay/Hill/Butler but i think it's actually an excerpt from The Greek Historians by Goldophin. i think.

well, ched i think yours may have been a little more exciting...although i am a little curious about the rest of this story.

blog worthy.

2007-01-27T21:22:00.000-06:00

so...i took a trip to waco today. to go to my best friend's surprise engagement party.

she said yes...

perhaps a little corny, but...given the circumstances, cute...

so, congratulations amie and jonathan.

7 am and dirty dogs.

2006-12-28T13:26:00.000-06:00

so, i'm home for the holidays. it's been pretty good. little bit slower paced, but a break is good, so...no complaints here. except one...

i guess working at the SFA post office has done me in forever. i can't seem to sleep past 7 am anymore. at all. so, every morning since i've been home (this is my 5th), i wake up. and this morning, it was special. this morning i woke up to this:

attempting to burrow inside of my covers (while stepping on my bible). and, if that weren't enough, this lovely animal:

laying on top of my legs. awesome. so, after several failed attempts to get them off of me, i gave up, and fell back asleep with my 2 canine companions for another 3 hours. and then woke up with them in the exact same positions.

at this point, i made an omelet, discovered there was no coke left in the house, and found a spot on the couch where more burrowing and leg-laying ensued. and this is how my time at home is spent.

the odd couple?

2006-12-11T12:01:00.000-06:00

i'm telling you...shauna has got to clean her room soon...or stuff's going to start growing. sometimes i don't even know why i put up with it. i must really like her.

the first day of my life.

2006-12-04T17:23:00.000-06:00

so...about two years ago my friend greg came to my dorm room and uploaded a substantial amount of music onto my computer. and i have just recently been exploring these cd's and checking out the music. and, i have indeed found one that i really like. it's called the first day of my life by bright eyes.

so anyway, i just thought i would share the song with you. i think it's got some nice lyrics that could perhaps be equated to someone's experience meeting God for the first time. not all the lyrics...but a select few...anyway...give them a look if you will...

This is the first day of my life
I swear I was born right in the doorway
I went out in the rain suddenly everything changed
They're spreading blankets on the beach

Yours is the first face that I saw
I think I was blind before I met you
Now I don’t know where I am
I don’t know where I’ve been
But I know where I want to go

And so I thought I’d let you know
That these things take forever
I especially am slow
But I realize that I need you
And I wondered if I could come home...

and if you would care to hear the song (by watching the video)...you can go here...although the video is not as resemblant to someone's experiences when first meeting God. (but it's not like dirty or anything...)

..But I’d rather be working for a paycheck
Than waiting to win the lottery
Besides maybe this time is different
I mean I really think you like me

the eiffel tower.

2006-11-28T00:02:00.000-06:00

so today i was pondering the greatness of the eiffel tower. and to be honest, i'm not sure if i think it's as great as everyone says it is. however, i have never been there, so i can only give a partial opinion. but, from what i see, it is a large tower. this doesn't mean that i don't want to visit it. it also doesn't mean that i don't want to learn more about it. perhaps the next post will be one of apology to the tower, because i have since found it to be cool. but for now...too much hype?

edwin starr.

2006-11-14T19:14:00.000-06:00

so...every morning at the post office we listen to music, and it's mostly oldies, and there isn't a huge variety. so i've become well acquainted with a few of the songs. and there are 2 songs that have caught my attention. one is "love machine" by the miracles (which perhaps will get it's own post later)...
but for now...the other song i really like is edwin starr's "war". you can tell that he cares about what he's singing about. and i like it. he is definitely passionate about how much he hates war. and...btw... i'm not really trying to cater to one side or the other...i also like "proud to be an american", but...this time, i like war a little more. so anyway, just thought i'd let yall in on my musical likings of the week (and update my blog).

Edwin Starr - WAR

WAR! I despise,
'cos it means destruction of innocent lives,
War means tears to thousands of mother's eyes,
When their sons gone to fight and lose their lives.

I said WAR!...huh...good God y'all,
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing...say it again
War! Huh...What is it good for (Edwin sings 'Wohh oh Lord' over the top)
Absolutely nothing...listen to me

WAR! It ain't nothing but a heartbreaker,
War. Friend only to the undertaker.
Ohhh! War is an enemy to all mankind,
The thought of war blows my mind.
War has caused unrest within the younger generation
Induction then destruction...who wants to die? Ohhh

WAR! good God y'all huh
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing...say it say it SAY IT!
WAR!...uh huh yeah hu!
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing...listen to me

yes, well.

2006-10-29T17:42:00.000-06:00

there's a lot going on in my life right now. yet i don't feel like i have anything to write on here.

i changed my sheets for the first time since i moved in. that's sick. i know.

i would enjoy being really good at the guitar...or anything for that matter. i think it's neat when people can do things exceptionally well, even if it's useless. like cup stacking.

shauna bought me big kid scissors. and i cut myself getting them out of the package. there's a reason i've been using round-tipped fiskars for the past 20 years.

i'm going home this weekend. i'm a little excited.

ok.

2006-10-15T18:18:00.000-05:00

i finished decorating my room. i cannot keep it clean for the life of me.

i bought a regina spektor cd. i don't regret it.

i don't have much free time anymore. and if i do have it, it seems to immediately turn to nap time.

i miss my family.

i like my living situation.

map-tastic.

2006-09-30T17:45:00.000-05:00

shauna and i finished decorating the hallway today. thanks to kacie phillips for inspiration. and keith swinney for a killer map. i'm white. shauna's blue. red is just...special (like nac, franklin, splendora).

hopefully after our year-o-fun, our map will be more holey. especially that dang southern hemisphere. we have to hit that up.

yes. yes.

2006-09-27T00:52:00.000-05:00

test in the morning...seems that the best blogs are written under these circumstances. however, this is not guaranteed to be one of those "best blogs".

not much to say.

i studied with friends in the library for the first time in a long time tonight. it was good.

keith dailey is 21. that means i'm soon to be 21. and that is weird.

i admire my roommate and her discipline. i'm pretty sure it's like 839 times greater than mine.

every day i debate over these two things: 1) what to do next summer. 2) what to do the rest of my life.

sometimes i wonder if people will ever read my journals after i die. and if they will think i was deep or clever or inspiring. and sometimes i don't.

i don't know what i'll be doing next summer, or the rest of my life, but i do know that at some point within the next ten years, my best friend/roommate (who apparently will remain unnamed) and i are taking a year off of life and seeing the world. and this makes me a little happy.

soup.

2006-09-10T23:04:00.000-05:00

"Only the pure in heart can make a good soup. Anyone who tells a lie has not a pure heart, and cannot make a good soup." -Ludwig Van Beethoven

lately, it has been brought to my attention that i consume an abnormally large amount of soup. so, to everyone who thinks this...i say to you: i think you eat an abnormally small amount of soup. and it is my humble opinion that everyone, without exception, should consume at least 2 bowls of soup per week, and this is a bare minimum for healthy living.
let me take a moment and outline this for you:

indeed, the wise man partaketh of the soup. The bible says "eat, drink, and be merry". i say to you...do it all at once, with a nice bowl of soup.

"i live on good soup, not on fine words." -Moliere

yes, yes. here i am.

2006-09-04T18:23:00.000-05:00

finally...an update. i feel like so much has happened in the past few weeks. and i haven't been around to update anyone on it (as if the 2 people that read this don't already know exactly how my life is...but, just for the sake of the cause, let's pretend that some stranger (perhaps a tall dark and handsome stranger) reads this every once in a while, and we need to catch him up).

classes are ok. they're just awkwardly spaced.

i got a job at the SFA post office. so...i'm definitely reading everyone's postcards.

i'm all settled in the apartment. the bookshelf has books. the walls are [somewhat] decorated. i even had guests last night. and...so far i've thoroughly enjoyed living with my best friend. especially when she reads me bedtime stories. or lets me use her computer to update my blog.

i've really enjoyed meeting the new freshmen at the bsm. it's definitely a quality group. and i'm excited about being able to work with all of them. it'll be nice.

well...that's about all that's going on with me. except for a few random outings to cheeseland, my life is pretty uneventful. but...no complaints.

focus is this weekend. that should be nice.

mark zuckerberg, we need to chat.

2006-08-22T10:36:00.000-05:00

ok...i enjoy facebook. i'm not gonna lie. however, i have seen the evolution of facebook. the adding of events and photos and away messages and phone uploads and now...a blog. are you for real?
so now facebook can act as a mail center, photo upload, online dating center (if you so choose), and now...a blog. and you can even automatically upload your blogs from blogger, so everytime you publish a post, it puts it on your facebook "notes". lame-o. facebook is becoming like the walmart of online media centers. one stop networking.
what's next: music?

facebook, be yourself. i liked the old you. the real you. come back.

home?

2006-08-21T15:15:00.000-05:00

well...here we are. i moved in yesterday. it's pretty homey. my room is really white. lots of bare walls.
turns out...when i decorate, my ultra-indecisive side comes out. i moved the bed 3 times today. i put up one poster in two different spots. i've held this one cross on pretty much every spot on the wall, and still haven't hung it. i'm afraid to put my books in my bookshelf, because then it's gonna be too heavy to move. and that's commitment. so yes, i guess i'm going to have to get a decisive person to come in and tell me what to do. sigh.

bsm stuff starts tonight. that's fun.

i bought a desk yesterday. it took me about 3 hours to put together. (that's about as many hours as it took shauna to hook up our internet. thanks, friend.)

before:

after:yessssssss.

surprise!

2006-08-18T22:41:00.000-05:00

so...i've been in franklin for about 4 days (on and off) now. when coming home, my mom told me that i would be encountering a few surprises. surprises like...the house is for sale, my dad got a new lawnmower, my mom got a new car, my brother moved out and bought a ghetto oldsmobile that broke down 2 days later, etc. but, the most significant warning i got before arrival was this: MUFFIN'S HAIR IS GROWING BACK!
yesssss. friends, this is big. i love me some muffin. and she has been losing hair for a long time. we can't figure it out. but my parents got her on some new meds, and according to my mom, her hair was growing. cool.
however, on arrival at home, i soon realized that my mom's information was a bit skewed. for when i opened my car door, this is what i saw:

whoa, cathy. are we looking at the same muffin? are you kidding me? that's maybe the ugliest version of my best buddy that i've ever seen. poor muff. but, ladies and gents, have no fear. they are soon to try some new remedies to cure her. after all, her 11th birthday is coming up, and who wants to spend their birthday naked?

updation.

2006-08-05T20:04:00.000-05:00

hi. camp has been amazing. 5 cabins in a row. maybe the most stretched i've ever been. also the most selfless i've ever been. i feel like this summer has better prepared me for a life of service to the Lord than any summer before. it's been cool. and it's not over. and i can't wait to see how it rolls over into school.
i like it. and i miss my friends. so...see you all soon. one more week. then i'm home. yep. woot.

goodness.

2006-07-02T03:58:00.000-05:00

so, my day at home is over. and i leave for camp at 8:30 in the morning. that's 4 1/2 hours. this is definitely a challenging turnaround. but, i know this is where i'm supposed to be for the next few weeks, so...off i go.

a few more africa pics:

and i'm back...

2006-07-01T10:45:00.000-05:00

so, the other side of the world proved to be exciting.

it was quite an amazing trip. many new sights and tastes and smells and lifestyles. africa definitely functions differently than america (surprise). but yeah...ask me if you want to hear about it. i'd love to tell you.

katy reed, star wars enthusiast?

2006-06-11T21:33:00.000-05:00

to make a long story short, i had a recent realization that i had only seen one of the 6 star wars movies. so, in my 2 weeks at home, i decided to rent and watch in order [of release] each star wars movie. however, the video store in franklin doesn't own episodes 1 or 2. so, not wanting to drive to bryan, i rented 3 before seeing 1 or 2 so i actually watched 4-5-6-3-1-2.

and i must admit, i really liked them. george lucas has a cool mind. these are movies i would watch again. odd...because i really don't like watching movies over and over. but, these i would. so maybe i'll catch them on sale some time. anyway, i'm glad i watched them. i'm also glad my entire summer won't be this uneventful.

cha-cha-cha-chaco!

2006-06-10T22:40:00.000-05:00

oh yes. after one long week of patiently waiting, i have finally received my new pair of shoes:

the chaco zx/2 unaweep sandal in the REI exclusive savory green. oh yeaaaaah.
and you might be thinking to yourself, "why did katy buy ugly shoes?" katy says to you...they're not ugly, they're just not trendy. and i like them. they're comfortable and will come in very handy in the next 2 months. what better way to walk through the african desert? there's not. and to run around pine cove? no better shoe.

countdown to africa: 6 days! are you kidding me?!

ok.

2006-06-07T22:32:00.000-05:00

amie (my best friend from home) is in lebanon for the month on a mission trip. she sends an update every week. this is how she ended her last email:

I love you guys, and I'm thankful for your prayers and friendship. Please know that I am here because i love Jesus. I really do. I wouldn't be here if I didn't. It's hot. The days are long. We can't flush toilet paper, so our bathroom smells. Our kitchen smells like feet. The food tastes weird. People yell at us and chase us out of buildings. But I count it a joy because Jesus is so worth it to me. He really is. I do not talk to a lot of you too much about this, but know that this isn't just a cool trip or doing something adventurous, but "Christ's love compels me." It's all I know to do. I believe that the world has to know that He is good and loving. They don't know. So many don't know. They worship an angry god, a false god. Mine is loving. That is why I am here, and I love it.

i like this. it makes me happy that these are the words of one of my closest friends. it makes me happy that after so many years of friendship, we're still on the same page. maybe I like it because I know amie and I know her heart, and I know that it’s hard to talk to close family and friends like this. So yeah…props to amie today.

well, there it is.

2006-06-01T10:13:00.000-05:00

amie is in lebanon.
shauna is on a plane to central asia.
i am at home. with muffin.

but, it is good. because in 2 short weeks, i will join them in my own overseas adventure. woot woot. so, for now...lots of preperation for the next 2 months of my life. i need 6 ridiculous outfits for camp and a few skirts for africa. and if i'm lucky, my parents will hook me up with a new digital camera so i can take top notch photos of my african adventure. yessssssssss.

a small sidenote...my blog audience is getting smaller. the glory days of 5+ comments are over. but, i suppose this means life is picking up for everyone. so, i hope everyone has an amazing summer. and, if you are still reading, feel free to leave a comment. ok byeeeee.

yes. yes. not here.

2006-05-19T10:39:00.000-05:00

off to camp for the week.

and i cut my hair. it's really not this poofy.

home.

2006-05-14T14:17:00.001-05:00

so home is where the heart is, eh? i guess i just have to figure out where my heart is now.

i've been thinking about that...about where i feel most comfortable, most...homey. and i can't really pinpoint it. the dorm is comfortable. it's very homey. i mean..it was my home for 2 years. but, i dunno...i was pretty comfortable at shauna's house. but...obviously that wasn't home. i'm comfortable here at my parent's house. it's not like i feel like a visitor or anything...i feel free to do whatever...i lived with them for 18 years, but it's still not "home". they've changed. i've changed. things are just different.

a few things that i do feel very comfortable with, very homey with, would be my laptop, my car, my NIV life application study bible, and paco. those 4 things bring alot of peace...all in different ways. and only 2 of them can go with me all summer.
and as far as permanent living places go, i guess that will come a bit more after the summer. but until then...i guess i'll find my home with Jesus. oh, katy, how cheesy (yet completely honest) you can be. this really is a time where the whole "God is unchanging" thing is quite comforting. and i like it.

speaking of summer...i thought i'd give you a detailed schedule. just in case you wanted to know:
today-may 18: franklin, texas.
may 19-may 27: pine cove.
may 28-june 15: franklin, texas (with a brief but exciting splendora/dallas excursion)
june 16-june 30: northern africa.
july 1-august 13: pine cove.
august 14-forever: nacogdoches, texas.

all in all, i think it's going to be an amazing summer. i am confident that i'll be sitting here in three months writing about how amazing God is, how much i've learned and grown, and how much i don't want to go back to school. but for now...i miss yall. and i am sad that things won't ever again be like they were this year.

hebrews 13:8--"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

perhaps the best scrapbook ever made.

2006-05-12T13:16:00.000-05:00

so...i was over at shauna's yesterday afternoon. and she says "hey i made you something." then she pulls out this...

the best scrapbook ever. of my entire sophomore year. full of pictures of people and trips and events and randomness...pretty much everything you could hope for in a scrapbook.

i'm not sure that this would qualify as just a "hey i made you something." but whatever, shauna.

just a few of the 42 pages...

thanks, shauna! i'll carry it with me everywhere i go.

preach it, shauna.

2006-05-08T22:13:00.000-05:00

perhaps some foreshadowing of a future vocation?

i'm just saying...looks pretty natural to me.

stink!

2006-05-06T20:45:00.000-05:00

i just made this collage to be my new facebook picture. i thought it would be funny...like...take up the whole side of the page...because of it's ridiculous length.
then it wouldn't upload. and now i'm a little sad. so i thought i'd show it to yall. mourn with me.

edit: i kinda made it work. but i'm still unhappy.

john 12:23-28

2006-05-04T11:11:00.000-05:00

alright..well...

you can tell by the title that i was going to write a post about john 12:23-39. but then, after dwelling on it...the discussion in my mind shifted to john 12:28-33...mostly just 29. then i started asking myself alot of questions. then it wasn't a very good post. it is an interesting passage, though. i just can't get all of my thoughts gathered. but i still thought you should know.

sorry.

p.s. are you happy, cornelius?

the end of an era.

2006-05-01T17:24:00.000-05:00

so...i like familiarity. change is not a desired companion in my life. i've had the same screenname for around five years. i'm not very trendy. i will most likely have the same job for 40+ years. i could eat chicken soup at all meals. i 've worn the same watch every day since 2004. i don't retire shoes until they break beyond repair. if i like things, i stick with them...friends, soap, cars, schools, sheets, whatever.

so, after wearing this ring for a bit, i knew i would like it and it would stick with me. and it did. until the fatal day...

friday, my adventure education class met at the ropes course. little did i know, it would be the worst day of my life. after repelling off the tower i took my glove off...only to see this smushed to my hand...

are you kidding me?? i don't even know how to approach the situation. well...ok...i do...i'll probably get it fixed. or replace it. but that's not the point. the point is i don't like change. and i don't like my naked finger. and i don't like messing with fixing it.

so...i leave you with this. if you look close enough, you may be able to see my hand being crushed. or not.

LIBERATION!

2006-04-24T10:01:00.006-05:00

it is finished.

that's 5500 words, 18 pages of pure political analysis. the last 4500 words were all written yesterday between the hours of 1:00 pm and 4:00 am. that's 15 hours, friends. and i've known about it since the day i stepped into the classroom 3 months ago. celebratory shower? yes, please.