I group them together because it is the same awful death scene. You find out first one, and then the other, and you're bawling your eyes out because Fred, Lupin, and Tonks are dead. And you just cry and cry.
I'm crying my eyes out.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Day 5: Saddest Moment
I group them together because it is the same awful death scene. You find out first one, and then the other, and you're bawling your eyes out because Fred, Lupin, and Tonks are dead. And you just cry and cry.
Day 3: Favorite Character
Yeah, this one isn't so surprising if you know me. I positively LOVE Fred and George. Because I love them so much, I'm going to add some more pictures.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Day 2: Least Favorite Book in the Series
As much as I love getting to meet Ginny, this is the least enjoyable book. I find Hagrid's story annoying, so are the spiders. Plus, they haven't started to mature, and if I remember correctly, Percy is still there and he's annoying. Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone starts the series, but then book 2 lags, and then 3 just takes you away. I did like how Rowling referred back to things in book 2 throughout the rest of the series, but it's still my least favorite.
Day 1: Favorite Book in the Series
Yes, this is my favorite book. Here are some of my reasons. Getting more background on Neville and his parents. The time in the house at the beginning (even though Harry gets annoying, but he always gets annoying). Dumbledore's Army--such an amazing part of the book. The fight in the Ministry of Magic. And my favorite reason--Fred and George and their amazing leaving of Hogwarts. I may or may not have a huge crush on them. But honestly, who doesn't love Fred and George?.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Harry Potter Challenge
I'm going to do this. I'm hoping to do it every day, but we'll see. In a month or so, I will have completed this challenge.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Starbucks
I like to go against the grain. So me sitting in Starbucks with a group of college students at 12:45 AM is not my thing. But yet here I am. What happened?
At the end of the summer, I was asked to be a leader for the freshman class. I really didn't want to say yes because of the people I was going to work for, but I thought it would be good for me to do something extracurricular since I let school and work consume my life, and then I have no life outside of school and work. Most of the people I talked to thought I should do it, and one sister was pretty against it. I could understand reasons behind my sister and then the others. I decided to take the counsel of the others, and now I find myself sitting in Starbucks wwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaayyyyyyyy past my bedtime.
I'm not upset that I said yes though. And even sitting here, I know it's good for me. I'm outside of my comfort zone interacting with people I would normally ignore. And I'm learning that there not all bad people. Do I agree with much of what they say and do? Probably not, but I'm getting to know them as people and finding out about interests and likes and dislikes. I'm putting myself out there.
I'm learning to stop judging so quickly. I judge in a split-second, and I struggle with changing my attitude once I've passed judgment. It's not been perfect, but it's not been horrible. I'm experiencing the passing fad of doing homework in Starbucks late in the night. And I'm slowly learning to judge less quickly--that's going to take forever.
At the end of the summer, I was asked to be a leader for the freshman class. I really didn't want to say yes because of the people I was going to work for, but I thought it would be good for me to do something extracurricular since I let school and work consume my life, and then I have no life outside of school and work. Most of the people I talked to thought I should do it, and one sister was pretty against it. I could understand reasons behind my sister and then the others. I decided to take the counsel of the others, and now I find myself sitting in Starbucks wwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaayyyyyyyy past my bedtime.
I'm not upset that I said yes though. And even sitting here, I know it's good for me. I'm outside of my comfort zone interacting with people I would normally ignore. And I'm learning that there not all bad people. Do I agree with much of what they say and do? Probably not, but I'm getting to know them as people and finding out about interests and likes and dislikes. I'm putting myself out there.
I'm learning to stop judging so quickly. I judge in a split-second, and I struggle with changing my attitude once I've passed judgment. It's not been perfect, but it's not been horrible. I'm experiencing the passing fad of doing homework in Starbucks late in the night. And I'm slowly learning to judge less quickly--that's going to take forever.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
An Unexpected Friend
When I started working at Hallmark 4 years ago, I knew one person, and even then, I didn't know her too well. At the time, I didn't think we would be friends at all. This was my first job, so I didn't know that you become friends with those you work with. Some become very close friends, others just become good acquaintances.
I didn't expect Sarah and I to become such good friends. At the beginning, I was frustrated because she didn't know what she was going to do, and she kept reliving her high school days. But then I got to know her, and I looked past all of that and saw her as a person. I stopped judging and started listening and loving and stopped focusing on myself. I'm not sure at what point it happened, but we became friends. She was one of the first friends that I realized I didn't have to be exactly like them to be good friends. Our differences made the friendship better.
It's been amazing to see her change and grow over the past 4 years. I've seen her go through a relationship and the hardship of a break-up. I've seen her go through the questions of, what next? I've seen her question why she studied what she did at school. I've seen her expand her knowledge of movies. I've seen her being such an encouragement to others at church. I've seen her leave her comfort zone to reach out to some ladies. I've seen her stay in a job which was difficult. I've seen her become an independent woman. And I've loved it all.
We said goodbye today. I know I'll see her again, and we'll pick up right where we left off in our friendship. (We have that kind of friendship where we can talk every couple of months and be good.) But I never expected her to be a good friend, and I never expected it would be hard to say goodbye.
However, this is a good goodbye because I'm so happy for where she's going and how everything has worked out. I'm so proud of her for taking this next big step after having seen all the little steps.
So, goodbye Sarah. I love you, and I'm so thankful for our friendship. I will miss you, but I hope you only come back to visit. Have an amazing time starting this next step in your life!
I didn't expect Sarah and I to become such good friends. At the beginning, I was frustrated because she didn't know what she was going to do, and she kept reliving her high school days. But then I got to know her, and I looked past all of that and saw her as a person. I stopped judging and started listening and loving and stopped focusing on myself. I'm not sure at what point it happened, but we became friends. She was one of the first friends that I realized I didn't have to be exactly like them to be good friends. Our differences made the friendship better.
It's been amazing to see her change and grow over the past 4 years. I've seen her go through a relationship and the hardship of a break-up. I've seen her go through the questions of, what next? I've seen her question why she studied what she did at school. I've seen her expand her knowledge of movies. I've seen her being such an encouragement to others at church. I've seen her leave her comfort zone to reach out to some ladies. I've seen her stay in a job which was difficult. I've seen her become an independent woman. And I've loved it all.
We said goodbye today. I know I'll see her again, and we'll pick up right where we left off in our friendship. (We have that kind of friendship where we can talk every couple of months and be good.) But I never expected her to be a good friend, and I never expected it would be hard to say goodbye.
However, this is a good goodbye because I'm so happy for where she's going and how everything has worked out. I'm so proud of her for taking this next big step after having seen all the little steps.
So, goodbye Sarah. I love you, and I'm so thankful for our friendship. I will miss you, but I hope you only come back to visit. Have an amazing time starting this next step in your life!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Half-Way
I'm half-way done with my college career, and I'm super excited about my Junior year. There's something special about Junior year; you're half-way done, getting deep into your major/minor classes, you've made good friends, you're starting to make post-college plans (unless you're me--I've had post-college plans since I was 10), but it's not at the crunch time of needing post-college plans finalized. I'm on the downward hill. This is just so exciting.
Everyone says this, so I know how cliche it sounds, but I honestly can't believe how fast time has gone. My youngest brother went through all the lovely freshman orientation this year, and I was thinking about my time two years ago in freshman orientation. It felt so long ago, yet like time barely passed.
I have changed greatly in these past two years. My life goals have altered and become more focused. I have become more outspoken. I have made lots of different friends. I think my group of friends are eclectic, but I really like that. Why would anyone want all their friends to be exactly the same? I think only people who are afraid of everyone being unique and different. Life is boring with everyone exactly the same. I have grown academically, spiritually, and physically. I left the States for the first time. I spent a whole summer on the west coast. I had crushes which thankfully I got over. It was a fantastic two years despite not being where I wished to be.
Since another busy semester commences tomorrow, and I always miss sleep during school, I'm heading to bed to sleep without the worries of school hanging over my head.
I'm so excited I'm finally a Junior.
Everyone says this, so I know how cliche it sounds, but I honestly can't believe how fast time has gone. My youngest brother went through all the lovely freshman orientation this year, and I was thinking about my time two years ago in freshman orientation. It felt so long ago, yet like time barely passed.
I have changed greatly in these past two years. My life goals have altered and become more focused. I have become more outspoken. I have made lots of different friends. I think my group of friends are eclectic, but I really like that. Why would anyone want all their friends to be exactly the same? I think only people who are afraid of everyone being unique and different. Life is boring with everyone exactly the same. I have grown academically, spiritually, and physically. I left the States for the first time. I spent a whole summer on the west coast. I had crushes which thankfully I got over. It was a fantastic two years despite not being where I wished to be.
Since another busy semester commences tomorrow, and I always miss sleep during school, I'm heading to bed to sleep without the worries of school hanging over my head.
I'm so excited I'm finally a Junior.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The Help
I first heard about the book at Christmas time. My aunt suggested we should listen to it on audio book because the lady who read it was incredible. I didn't think much about it. I was going to read the book when I had time at home. But the time was not going to come until summer. (I don't like to listen to audio books. I prefer reading at my own pace and holding the book in my hand.) My parents bought it for me in May, and I didn't have time to read it until a couple of days ago.
It's a good read. But it wasn't life-changing. For some, maybe. But not for me. Racism has been a huge issue for me as long as I can remember. I've always been absolutely opposed to it and have never understood why people get so hung up on what is on the outside. I was disgusted by building separate bathrooms for the help because the employers were afraid of getting diseases. I was disgusted by how everyone was so narrow-minded. I was disgusted by the treatment of African American's. I was disgusted because we are still dealing with racism issues today--50 years later from the big civil rights movements.
I wasn't super happy that Skeeter left at the end of the book for New York, and Abilene and Minny had to stay in Jackson. I felt again that the Caucasian was escaping and the African American's were stuck dealing with the problem. (As I read about the author, I realized Skeeter left because Stockett left when she was 24. The Help was fiction, but it also had lots of autobiographical parts that probably most of us will never realize.)
I was happy that Stockett used a Caucasian lady who wanted to change the way African American's were being treated. She wanted to help them out, and maybe she wanted to start breaking barriers down. I liked the way the book flowed--hearing Abilene, Minny, and Skeeter tell the story. I enjoyed seeing Johnny actually treat his wife in a decent manner.
It may be a good start for those of you who haven't thought about the sin of racism. But there are many other books out there which deal with it much better--To Kill a Mockingbird. It was an interesting read and an easy read, but I probably won't read it again.
We'll see how much the book gets massacred in the movie.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
A Conclusion
I finished it. And I finished it at the right time, in the right place, with the right person.
My heart was just as sad as when I finished the last book some years ago. I was sad because P and I would have no more character discussions and plot debates. I was frustrated with the conclusion, yet happy because the romantic in me was satisfied in the final picture. I was sad because the story was concluded; the last words had been spoken. No more surprises; no new funny moments to laugh at; no new parts I was going to cry when I read.
My favorite memories from going through the series were the discussions P and I would have about what was going to happen next. For a year solid, we discussed everything in detail on our walks to orchestra. Every day we would rehash our debates and discussions from the previous day. I don't remember half of what we said; I just remember our constant discussions and debates and how much I loved them.
I also loved the anticipation for what was coming next. I believe the anticipation was half of the amazingness of the series. She knew how to keep us waiting and wanting more. And we knew how to build the anticipation while we were waiting and wanting more.
That was when I finished the originals. Today, I finished adaptations.
I cried. I laughed. I cried. I stared. I cried. I was frustrated because it wasn't like the original, but P and I always have that debate. I want it to be exactly like the original; he doesn't mind the changes. I still cried though.
It's concluded. No more waiting, no more anticipation, no more debates and discussions specifically on what's happening next, no more surprises, no more character development. It's done. I have to keep saying that because I still don't believe it. Yes, I can go through the originals and the adaptations again, but it's not quite the same. I always wish there was more, but all good things must come to an end.
Thank you for being a part of my adolescent and high school years. Thank you for the privilege of being one of your fans. I'll always be one. Thank you for F, G, S and L--my favorite characters. Thank you for the surprises. The laughs. The cries. Thank you for building another world to enjoy. Thank you for being the fad during my elementary and adolescent years--I'm so glad I grew up with you. Thank you for starting the debates and discussions. Thank you for sharing your imagination. Thank you for the originals which I'll go through again and again and again. Thank you for the adaptations which helped my imagination. However, I won't go through those again and again and again. I'm a purist--the originals are the best. Thank you.
Farewell.
My heart was just as sad as when I finished the last book some years ago. I was sad because P and I would have no more character discussions and plot debates. I was frustrated with the conclusion, yet happy because the romantic in me was satisfied in the final picture. I was sad because the story was concluded; the last words had been spoken. No more surprises; no new funny moments to laugh at; no new parts I was going to cry when I read.
My favorite memories from going through the series were the discussions P and I would have about what was going to happen next. For a year solid, we discussed everything in detail on our walks to orchestra. Every day we would rehash our debates and discussions from the previous day. I don't remember half of what we said; I just remember our constant discussions and debates and how much I loved them.
I also loved the anticipation for what was coming next. I believe the anticipation was half of the amazingness of the series. She knew how to keep us waiting and wanting more. And we knew how to build the anticipation while we were waiting and wanting more.
That was when I finished the originals. Today, I finished adaptations.
I cried. I laughed. I cried. I stared. I cried. I was frustrated because it wasn't like the original, but P and I always have that debate. I want it to be exactly like the original; he doesn't mind the changes. I still cried though.
It's concluded. No more waiting, no more anticipation, no more debates and discussions specifically on what's happening next, no more surprises, no more character development. It's done. I have to keep saying that because I still don't believe it. Yes, I can go through the originals and the adaptations again, but it's not quite the same. I always wish there was more, but all good things must come to an end.
Thank you for being a part of my adolescent and high school years. Thank you for the privilege of being one of your fans. I'll always be one. Thank you for F, G, S and L--my favorite characters. Thank you for the surprises. The laughs. The cries. Thank you for building another world to enjoy. Thank you for being the fad during my elementary and adolescent years--I'm so glad I grew up with you. Thank you for starting the debates and discussions. Thank you for sharing your imagination. Thank you for the originals which I'll go through again and again and again. Thank you for the adaptations which helped my imagination. However, I won't go through those again and again and again. I'm a purist--the originals are the best. Thank you.
Farewell.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
I'm Here
I missed blogging! I didn't know that I could get hooked so easily.
So much has occured these past two weeks that to write it all would take forever. I'm certified in CPR and First Aid. I've sat in many hours and hours of sessions. I've spent many hours in the lake and discovered what lake irritation feels like--it's not pleasant. I've met many different kinds of people. I've slept little, and I sleep even less as the weeks progressed. I've walked in so much sand that I don't even know what to think about it any more. My feet are constantly dirty because of all the sand. I burned paper for hours, and I've searched the area for rocks. All in all my time has been quite filled up, and I'm having a good time.
I just wanted you to know that I was still available for blogging. Now, I'm going to catch-up on some sleep. Hopefully it won't be two weeks until I visit you again.
So much has occured these past two weeks that to write it all would take forever. I'm certified in CPR and First Aid. I've sat in many hours and hours of sessions. I've spent many hours in the lake and discovered what lake irritation feels like--it's not pleasant. I've met many different kinds of people. I've slept little, and I sleep even less as the weeks progressed. I've walked in so much sand that I don't even know what to think about it any more. My feet are constantly dirty because of all the sand. I burned paper for hours, and I've searched the area for rocks. All in all my time has been quite filled up, and I'm having a good time.
I just wanted you to know that I was still available for blogging. Now, I'm going to catch-up on some sleep. Hopefully it won't be two weeks until I visit you again.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
California
I have wanderlust. As a child, I traveled regularly, and I believe it is what started my wanderlust. I would like to visit other places in the States, but mainly, I want to travel outside of the States. Of all the places I'd like to visit, California has never been on my list. Yet that is where I'm going to spend my summer. Tomorrow morning I leave to live in the desert for 11 weeks.
I've never wanted to visit California because of all the hype people make about it. I have this attitude, no attitudes not the right word. Let's see what's the right word? Desire, that's it. I've this desire to not like what everyone else likes. For instance, I don't like warm chocolate chip cookies (actually I've never liked warm chocolate chip cookies), I'm a closet chocolate lover because I don't want to be stereotyped as a girl who loves chocolate (I'm picky about my chocolate too), I preferred glasses over contacts long before glasses were popular to wear (they were more comfortable, and I thought they made me look studious), and I despise Mac's (the company thinks way too much of themselves). So I've never had a desire to go to California because so many people have such a love and desire to go there. Plus the climate and region are not my type.
I prefer cool weather over heat. I also love green foliage--green grass, green trees, green leaves, green everything. When J sister and I were driving today everything was so beautifully green--I love that about my states. I also love the seasons--spring, summer, fall, and winter. I love them all; I love the changes; I love what each one brings. And I love farm country, and the people which come with it.
California has none of that. (Happy cows do not come from California!)
I'm not going to California to see celebrities or visit the beach or get famous or get a tan or surf. I'm going to work with young girls and to be completely outside of my comfort zone and to learn different activities and to be stretched and to learn and to grow in my walk with the Lord. My reasons are different than most others, and for me, the reasons behind this travel experience make a world of difference and make California bearable.
I've never wanted to visit California because of all the hype people make about it. I have this attitude, no attitudes not the right word. Let's see what's the right word? Desire, that's it. I've this desire to not like what everyone else likes. For instance, I don't like warm chocolate chip cookies (actually I've never liked warm chocolate chip cookies), I'm a closet chocolate lover because I don't want to be stereotyped as a girl who loves chocolate (I'm picky about my chocolate too), I preferred glasses over contacts long before glasses were popular to wear (they were more comfortable, and I thought they made me look studious), and I despise Mac's (the company thinks way too much of themselves). So I've never had a desire to go to California because so many people have such a love and desire to go there. Plus the climate and region are not my type.
I prefer cool weather over heat. I also love green foliage--green grass, green trees, green leaves, green everything. When J sister and I were driving today everything was so beautifully green--I love that about my states. I also love the seasons--spring, summer, fall, and winter. I love them all; I love the changes; I love what each one brings. And I love farm country, and the people which come with it.
California has none of that. (Happy cows do not come from California!)
I'm not going to California to see celebrities or visit the beach or get famous or get a tan or surf. I'm going to work with young girls and to be completely outside of my comfort zone and to learn different activities and to be stretched and to learn and to grow in my walk with the Lord. My reasons are different than most others, and for me, the reasons behind this travel experience make a world of difference and make California bearable.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Fine Arts in This Day and Age
I was sent the link of John Adam's commencement speech. Read it; it's worth your time. Below are some of my favorite quotes from the article
"A life in the arts means loving complexity and ambiguity"
"And it means that you value communicating about matters of the spirit over the baser forms of human interaction, because you know that life is not just a transaction, not simply a game about winning someone’s confidence purely for purposes of material gain. "
"We can hear or see just about anything online now, but how often are we bowled over, how often have we been forced to stop all other discursive mind wandering and just sit there in astonishment, listening or looking in rapt amazement? "
"So if I can leave you with some words of wisdom . . . I would probably urge you to do one thing over all else, and that is never to consider yourself sufficiently educated."
"A life in the arts means loving complexity and ambiguity"
"And it means that you value communicating about matters of the spirit over the baser forms of human interaction, because you know that life is not just a transaction, not simply a game about winning someone’s confidence purely for purposes of material gain. "
"We can hear or see just about anything online now, but how often are we bowled over, how often have we been forced to stop all other discursive mind wandering and just sit there in astonishment, listening or looking in rapt amazement? "
"So if I can leave you with some words of wisdom . . . I would probably urge you to do one thing over all else, and that is never to consider yourself sufficiently educated."
A Rainy Day
Rainy days are my favorite. I enjoy the short summer thunderstorms which come, but my favorites days are when it rains all day. And it's cooler. And you have nowhere to go. And you have nothing to do. You can spend the day sleeping, reading, watching movies, and absolutely relaxing.
Today was somewhat like that. It has rained all day. I slept in. I watched a movie. I read. I relaxed. However, I've been out and about, I've places to go still, and I've things I should accomplish.
What made today so relaxing?
Maybe because I watched a stupid movie with sister J, and we made fun of it the whole time and completely enjoyed it. Maybe because I ate an almost perfect sub with an almost perfect pickle at Jimmy Johns--Milo's makes the perfect sub and perfect pickle, but Jimmy Johns is a close second. Maybe because sister J and I drove and listened and sang along with classics while enjoying each other's company. Maybe because I slept till 10. (Yes, I know that for most people sleeping in till 10 is not sleeping in, but I'm a morning person, so I don't like sleeping the day away.) Maybe because I finished rereading Harry Potter 7 at 2 AM, and that I had read most of it in one sitting. (I love Harry Potter, and I can't wait to see the last movie!). Maybe because I found more shorts which fit and will work for the summer. (I hate clothes shopping). Maybe because I know when I get home tonight, I'm going to watch a good movie, and then fall blissfully asleep in my bed. Maybe because I could be in my town, and it was not infested with people. Maybe because I don't have any homework to complete. Maybe because it's summer. And maybe because it rained all day.
Today was somewhat like that. It has rained all day. I slept in. I watched a movie. I read. I relaxed. However, I've been out and about, I've places to go still, and I've things I should accomplish.
What made today so relaxing?
Maybe because I watched a stupid movie with sister J, and we made fun of it the whole time and completely enjoyed it. Maybe because I ate an almost perfect sub with an almost perfect pickle at Jimmy Johns--Milo's makes the perfect sub and perfect pickle, but Jimmy Johns is a close second. Maybe because sister J and I drove and listened and sang along with classics while enjoying each other's company. Maybe because I slept till 10. (Yes, I know that for most people sleeping in till 10 is not sleeping in, but I'm a morning person, so I don't like sleeping the day away.) Maybe because I finished rereading Harry Potter 7 at 2 AM, and that I had read most of it in one sitting. (I love Harry Potter, and I can't wait to see the last movie!). Maybe because I found more shorts which fit and will work for the summer. (I hate clothes shopping). Maybe because I know when I get home tonight, I'm going to watch a good movie, and then fall blissfully asleep in my bed. Maybe because I could be in my town, and it was not infested with people. Maybe because I don't have any homework to complete. Maybe because it's summer. And maybe because it rained all day.
Monday, May 23, 2011
"I'm a goofy girl"
Cindy tells me regularly that she's a goofy girl. I usually agree with her because the statement tends to follow goofy statements and/or actions. I've become attached to Cindy during these last nine months, and saying goodbye tonight was tough. At least I'll be reunited with her in September. (By the way, Cindy is my little sister through Big Brother Big Sister.)
I'll manage through the summer, but I'll miss her and her funny ways. Especially the way she lights up at our house, and how excited she gets when she sees my parents and my sister. She loves my sister, and I think my sister loves her back. I love the way Cindy has become a little sister to all my family members who've interacted with her regularly. I'm sad about both of us being gone this summer because she won't be able to meet my other family members, and she'll have to be with her dad and step-mom all summer.
See, I know I'll make it through. But will Cindy? I'm not sure what I can and cannot disclose, so I won't disclose anything. But I will say that when I was driving away, I wanted to take her away from everything. I felt horrible leaving her off, and than escaping to my home. I felt bad that she's stuck, and there's nothing she can do; I felt awful that I could drive away from it all and return to my home where I could shut everything away and forget it all. I started BBBS to make an impact in a young girl's life and to be an example of Christ's love, but how could I know that she would make such an impact in mine? How could I know that I would become so protective of her? How could I know I would fall in love with her? Cindy, in all of her goofy ways, has caught my heart.
I'll manage through the summer, but I'll miss her and her funny ways. Especially the way she lights up at our house, and how excited she gets when she sees my parents and my sister. She loves my sister, and I think my sister loves her back. I love the way Cindy has become a little sister to all my family members who've interacted with her regularly. I'm sad about both of us being gone this summer because she won't be able to meet my other family members, and she'll have to be with her dad and step-mom all summer.
See, I know I'll make it through. But will Cindy? I'm not sure what I can and cannot disclose, so I won't disclose anything. But I will say that when I was driving away, I wanted to take her away from everything. I felt horrible leaving her off, and than escaping to my home. I felt bad that she's stuck, and there's nothing she can do; I felt awful that I could drive away from it all and return to my home where I could shut everything away and forget it all. I started BBBS to make an impact in a young girl's life and to be an example of Christ's love, but how could I know that she would make such an impact in mine? How could I know that I would become so protective of her? How could I know I would fall in love with her? Cindy, in all of her goofy ways, has caught my heart.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Not Just One Reason
I'm not starting this blog for one specific reason. One reason is that I need to write regularly and consistently because right now, I'm a horrible and disconnected writer. Another would be I need an outlet for all the thoughts and ideas which run through my head. Instead of scribbling down the idea which I've been pondering for days on a sheet of paper which I'll later misplace, I thought it would be better to blog about them, and then I wouldn't misplace them. Another would be to see if I could actually keep the blog going. I've journaled on and off throughout my life, but my hand gets tired of writing. Plus typing is faster and easier to rework. Another would be because I want to keep certain people updated on my summer adventures. I'm positive I'm going to have quite the adventures and experiences this summer, and I would like to share them with others. There are more, but for now, I'll stop listing the reasons I started this blog.
So back to my summer adventures. This summer, I'm heading out to California to work with kids ranging from 4th-7th grade for 11 weeks. For those of you who know me, you know working at this place is completely outside of my comfort zone. I'm not the kind of person who likes hot weather or being outside all the time. I enjoy being outdoors, but this will definitely stretch me in ways I can't even begin to imagine. I also love to read, watch movies, and visit with my family, and I'll be able to do none of that this summer.
In preparation for this summer, the company has been sending me copious emails which I must read and then take a quiz over the information. (I'm done with school for the semester; I don't want to be taking any more quizzes.) The quizzes, however, are the least of my worries. I'm reading the company's philosophy on dealing with kids, rules, regulations, standards, and I'm freaking out. They're telling me things I have to tell the kids to uphold and listen to which I don't believe should be upheld and listened to.
One of the quiz questions asked, "List an area of your upcoming responsibilities in which it may be hard to be part of the 'real' team." Here is the company's definition of being a real team member, "Being a 'real' team member means you understand why we’re doing what we are doing, and you enthusiastically and wholeheartedly work at doing your part so that the whole team can be successful!"
I didn't dare answer that some of their policies regarding counseling struck the wrong chord in me, so I said I was leaving my comfort zone, and not having spent a large amount of time in situations like the one I'll be in this summer I'm not yet sure which responsibility will be the hardest for me to carry out wholeheartedly and enthusiastically. I couldn't tell them I already disagreed with some of their philosophy. I haven't even made to the job yet! Which brings up the point of me judging people and places too quickly. Which is a whole other discussion.
But enough about my summer. The reason for this blog post was to state some of the reasons I started a blog, and now that I've done that, the post is finished. I just got side-tracked about the summer because it's one of the many thoughts running through my head which needs an outlet. And I tend to get side-tracked easily.
Should make for an interesting journey.
So back to my summer adventures. This summer, I'm heading out to California to work with kids ranging from 4th-7th grade for 11 weeks. For those of you who know me, you know working at this place is completely outside of my comfort zone. I'm not the kind of person who likes hot weather or being outside all the time. I enjoy being outdoors, but this will definitely stretch me in ways I can't even begin to imagine. I also love to read, watch movies, and visit with my family, and I'll be able to do none of that this summer.
In preparation for this summer, the company has been sending me copious emails which I must read and then take a quiz over the information. (I'm done with school for the semester; I don't want to be taking any more quizzes.) The quizzes, however, are the least of my worries. I'm reading the company's philosophy on dealing with kids, rules, regulations, standards, and I'm freaking out. They're telling me things I have to tell the kids to uphold and listen to which I don't believe should be upheld and listened to.
One of the quiz questions asked, "List an area of your upcoming responsibilities in which it may be hard to be part of the 'real' team." Here is the company's definition of being a real team member, "Being a 'real' team member means you understand why we’re doing what we are doing, and you enthusiastically and wholeheartedly work at doing your part so that the whole team can be successful!"
I didn't dare answer that some of their policies regarding counseling struck the wrong chord in me, so I said I was leaving my comfort zone, and not having spent a large amount of time in situations like the one I'll be in this summer I'm not yet sure which responsibility will be the hardest for me to carry out wholeheartedly and enthusiastically. I couldn't tell them I already disagreed with some of their philosophy. I haven't even made to the job yet! Which brings up the point of me judging people and places too quickly. Which is a whole other discussion.
But enough about my summer. The reason for this blog post was to state some of the reasons I started a blog, and now that I've done that, the post is finished. I just got side-tracked about the summer because it's one of the many thoughts running through my head which needs an outlet. And I tend to get side-tracked easily.
Should make for an interesting journey.
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