My heart hurts for the profound loss to our community which took place today.
The burial service was truly touching. And the turnout really wasn't bad, considering.
Many thanks to all who joined with us in mourning.
R.I.P. Savage, Sept. 2004 - Sept. 2004
Dear tankmate. Dear friend. Dear fish.
"He's not ugly, he's just black!"
Savage is survived by Killer and George Gaylord Churchill III.
Please send donations in lieu of flowers to the Kristin and Katie Mu Alpha House Fish Fund, from which all proceeds will be used to the benefit of the surviving marine life.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Monday, September 27, 2004
Obviously, updating my blog has been a high priority of mine in the past couple of weeks.
Obviously, my blog has been a high priority for others in the past couple of weeks, as well.
Obviously.
However, for those of you who have returned to read about how life is going for me:
1. Do I know you?
2. I like you already.
3. I'll like you even more if you leave a comment.
What can I say? I'm easy to please.
As for life... it's good. Here's a sample of what I'm thinking about tonight:
*The Relay for Life on Saturday was really wonderful. Our SAI team came together nicely after singing the anthem with the men of Mu Alpha. I walked for about 5 hours total, which actually isn't so bad considering we only had 7 official participants on our team to last throughout a 12 hour relay. And our team even won an award for its motto... "Cancer's in Treble Now..." (it's SUPPOSED to be dorky, ok?)
*The SAI Charity Ball ended up being one of the best nights of my life. Unexpected, that's for sure... but thanks to the encouragement of numerous friends and "sisters," the compassionate reassurance of two lovely ladies, and the completely unprecedented involvement and achievement of one Erin Ramsdell, I definitely made it to the ball with a renewed sense of excitement, sparkley earrings, and daisies in my hair. The Charity Ball itself was beautiful, the swing music was great, and everyone looked **stunning**. And I still can't get over how neat it was to have multiple dance partners who took my inexperience in stride and still managed to make me look like I knew what I was doing!
*The Rose Tea today was so pretty. It's late at night, my vocabulary is slowly depleting, and I'm running out of flowery adjectives. But it was really nice, and the tea was delicious. Yum!
*I'm trying to figure out whose idea it was to have the InterVarsity Barn Dance on a PATIO this year, and where I can send in my comments and complaints. Just kidding. But let's be honest here. Patios are for barbecues and such. The word "patio" does not send visions of square dancing and hay bales running through my head. Perhaps I'm being picky. But I think last year's venue was an excellent choice.
*My brother got called up to play for Varsity Soccer last week, played in half of his first Varsity game ever, and after being put in, promptly assisted on a goal to help the team win. I'm a proud sister.
*If you haven't heard yet, I have a goldfish. His full name is George Gaylord Churchill III (or just George -- Jorge, for any Spanish-speaking marine enthusiasts), and he's residing at the Mu Alpha house in a tank with Savage and Killer, my roommate's fish. If you stop by the MA house, you should go and visit our fish. You can tell which one is George because he's orangey-gold and looks normal. Kristin's fish are normal, too, but they don't look it.
*I'm really sleepy now.
Perhaps I'll do some more blogging soon, since my mind is *full* of some new ideas and deeper thoughts and random rants and raves I'd like to express... but for now, I think I'm off to indulge in some much-needed REM cycles. Finally.
Good.night. Friends.
Obviously, my blog has been a high priority for others in the past couple of weeks, as well.
Obviously.
However, for those of you who have returned to read about how life is going for me:
1. Do I know you?
2. I like you already.
3. I'll like you even more if you leave a comment.
What can I say? I'm easy to please.
As for life... it's good. Here's a sample of what I'm thinking about tonight:
*The Relay for Life on Saturday was really wonderful. Our SAI team came together nicely after singing the anthem with the men of Mu Alpha. I walked for about 5 hours total, which actually isn't so bad considering we only had 7 official participants on our team to last throughout a 12 hour relay. And our team even won an award for its motto... "Cancer's in Treble Now..." (it's SUPPOSED to be dorky, ok?)
*The SAI Charity Ball ended up being one of the best nights of my life. Unexpected, that's for sure... but thanks to the encouragement of numerous friends and "sisters," the compassionate reassurance of two lovely ladies, and the completely unprecedented involvement and achievement of one Erin Ramsdell, I definitely made it to the ball with a renewed sense of excitement, sparkley earrings, and daisies in my hair. The Charity Ball itself was beautiful, the swing music was great, and everyone looked **stunning**. And I still can't get over how neat it was to have multiple dance partners who took my inexperience in stride and still managed to make me look like I knew what I was doing!
*The Rose Tea today was so pretty. It's late at night, my vocabulary is slowly depleting, and I'm running out of flowery adjectives. But it was really nice, and the tea was delicious. Yum!
*I'm trying to figure out whose idea it was to have the InterVarsity Barn Dance on a PATIO this year, and where I can send in my comments and complaints. Just kidding. But let's be honest here. Patios are for barbecues and such. The word "patio" does not send visions of square dancing and hay bales running through my head. Perhaps I'm being picky. But I think last year's venue was an excellent choice.
*My brother got called up to play for Varsity Soccer last week, played in half of his first Varsity game ever, and after being put in, promptly assisted on a goal to help the team win. I'm a proud sister.
*If you haven't heard yet, I have a goldfish. His full name is George Gaylord Churchill III (or just George -- Jorge, for any Spanish-speaking marine enthusiasts), and he's residing at the Mu Alpha house in a tank with Savage and Killer, my roommate's fish. If you stop by the MA house, you should go and visit our fish. You can tell which one is George because he's orangey-gold and looks normal. Kristin's fish are normal, too, but they don't look it.
*I'm really sleepy now.
Perhaps I'll do some more blogging soon, since my mind is *full* of some new ideas and deeper thoughts and random rants and raves I'd like to express... but for now, I think I'm off to indulge in some much-needed REM cycles. Finally.
Good.night. Friends.
Monday, September 13, 2004
It gnaws at my stomach that I will have to do laundry at some point in the very near future.
A wave of frustration washes over me as I realize that yet another day has gone by and I still have not called to renew my library book from home, which sits un-read and un-renewed on my dresser. I can almost hear the malicious librarians cackling at the thought of their slowly accumulating fortune. Blast.
Language defies me as I try to explain what it's like to get an email requesting guidance and friendly advice from one of my poor freshman mentees who is struggling to find employment while I, his all-knowing mentor, AM STRUGGLING WITH THE SAME DILEMMA FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW. There aren't words.
HOWEVER...
I am elated to report that after a twenty-minute interview with Judson this morning, I was given a position on the new Hillsdale College "Call Team" -- on the spot! Yes, I am bragging... but I am also merely reporting. And besides, this is my blog. And I can do that here.
My roommate and I (re)discovered the joys of kicking the soccer ball, cartwheels, and punching football "dummies" at dusk the other evening after going on a "roomie walk," and now I can't wait to frequent that field again and again -- to PLAY! It was a glorious release of energy and emotion and everything we cannot do in the classroom, and I would recommend it highly to anyone and everyone. If you are thoroughly confused or are inspired and would like someone to come PLAY with you, come talk to me. I think we all need a bit more PLAY and a little less stress in our lives.
And, finally... listen to The Blood of Cu Chulainn off of The Boondock Saints soundtrack. If it doesn't lift your spirits, almost move you to tears, and make you want to tap your toes -- yes, all in the same song -- I would venture to say that there may be something wrong with you.
So. About that laundry.
A wave of frustration washes over me as I realize that yet another day has gone by and I still have not called to renew my library book from home, which sits un-read and un-renewed on my dresser. I can almost hear the malicious librarians cackling at the thought of their slowly accumulating fortune. Blast.
Language defies me as I try to explain what it's like to get an email requesting guidance and friendly advice from one of my poor freshman mentees who is struggling to find employment while I, his all-knowing mentor, AM STRUGGLING WITH THE SAME DILEMMA FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW. There aren't words.
HOWEVER...
I am elated to report that after a twenty-minute interview with Judson this morning, I was given a position on the new Hillsdale College "Call Team" -- on the spot! Yes, I am bragging... but I am also merely reporting. And besides, this is my blog. And I can do that here.
My roommate and I (re)discovered the joys of kicking the soccer ball, cartwheels, and punching football "dummies" at dusk the other evening after going on a "roomie walk," and now I can't wait to frequent that field again and again -- to PLAY! It was a glorious release of energy and emotion and everything we cannot do in the classroom, and I would recommend it highly to anyone and everyone. If you are thoroughly confused or are inspired and would like someone to come PLAY with you, come talk to me. I think we all need a bit more PLAY and a little less stress in our lives.
And, finally... listen to The Blood of Cu Chulainn off of The Boondock Saints soundtrack. If it doesn't lift your spirits, almost move you to tears, and make you want to tap your toes -- yes, all in the same song -- I would venture to say that there may be something wrong with you.
So. About that laundry.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Sometimes...
Sometimes a Saga dinner can be a completely unrewarding culinary experience. Especially when you mistake sesame seed oil for balsamic vinegar and proceed to douse your entire salad with that most foul-tasting concoction ever produced. But at least it's still fun to people-watch.
Sometimes a hundred little conversations with Jesus throughout the day can make me feel closer to my Savior than one long prayer before I go to bed. He almost starts to feel like one of my best friends. And that's the way it should be; He's my Best Friend.
Sometimes a nap doesn't have to complete an entire REM cycle to be refreshing.
Sometimes dancing around the room with a hairbrush, belting out the latest Dashboard Confessional songs can be a major emotional release. Sometimes I use my waterbottle, and that works, too.
Sometimes you (ok, I) miss class because you're (I'm) kind of an idiot; like if you (I) just forget when the class starts, so you (I) keep talking to a professor outside of Delp and even think to yourself (myself), "wow, this is great -- I might even have time to check my email!"... but really, you (I) end up being 15 minutes late. Then it's really a pain because it's hard to say to your (my) professor, "I'm sorry, I missed your class because I'm kind of an idiot." I'm not sure how you (I) would do that. I hope that never happens to you (me). HA.
Sometimes Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream solves problems. Even the complicated ones... temporarily.
Sometimes some people make me wonder. But I guess maybe I make some people wonder sometimes, too.
I like this year so far. It's full of interesting people and situations and relationships and challenges and laughs and cries and hurts and smiles and friends and fellowship and worship and prayer and Saga meals and lectures and homework and papers and exams and parties and barbecues and movies and girls' nights and music and cosmic bowling and Oakley and Mu Alpha serenades and baking and The Gathering coffee and Catacombs and singing and SAI and study nights in the Snack Bar and long walks and porch monkeying.
And animal crackers. Yum.
Sometimes a Saga dinner can be a completely unrewarding culinary experience. Especially when you mistake sesame seed oil for balsamic vinegar and proceed to douse your entire salad with that most foul-tasting concoction ever produced. But at least it's still fun to people-watch.
Sometimes a hundred little conversations with Jesus throughout the day can make me feel closer to my Savior than one long prayer before I go to bed. He almost starts to feel like one of my best friends. And that's the way it should be; He's my Best Friend.
Sometimes a nap doesn't have to complete an entire REM cycle to be refreshing.
Sometimes dancing around the room with a hairbrush, belting out the latest Dashboard Confessional songs can be a major emotional release. Sometimes I use my waterbottle, and that works, too.
Sometimes you (ok, I) miss class because you're (I'm) kind of an idiot; like if you (I) just forget when the class starts, so you (I) keep talking to a professor outside of Delp and even think to yourself (myself), "wow, this is great -- I might even have time to check my email!"... but really, you (I) end up being 15 minutes late. Then it's really a pain because it's hard to say to your (my) professor, "I'm sorry, I missed your class because I'm kind of an idiot." I'm not sure how you (I) would do that. I hope that never happens to you (me). HA.
Sometimes Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream solves problems. Even the complicated ones... temporarily.
Sometimes some people make me wonder. But I guess maybe I make some people wonder sometimes, too.
I like this year so far. It's full of interesting people and situations and relationships and challenges and laughs and cries and hurts and smiles and friends and fellowship and worship and prayer and Saga meals and lectures and homework and papers and exams and parties and barbecues and movies and girls' nights and music and cosmic bowling and Oakley and Mu Alpha serenades and baking and The Gathering coffee and Catacombs and singing and SAI and study nights in the Snack Bar and long walks and porch monkeying.
And animal crackers. Yum.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
So I'm twenty years old.
Yesterday was my birthday.
Sweet.
I'm twenty years old now. As in, I am no longer a teenager. My parents can no longer tell their friends and aquaintences "We have a teenage daughter" and watch in dismay as these uninformed ninnies roll their eyes, "tsk, tsk," and shake their heads in pity, as if they had just been informed of some sort of natural disaster. No more.
I'm twenty years old now. I've completed two decades of my life. And although part of me thrills to the knowledge that no one will make assumptions, unfairly judge, or automatically label me by my "teen" status anymore, another part of me trembles to think that that loathed term -- my safety net, my security blanket, my built-in excuse -- has been taken forever.
So I'm twenty years old.
Sweet.
This is going to take some getting used to.
Yesterday was my birthday.
Sweet.
I'm twenty years old now. As in, I am no longer a teenager. My parents can no longer tell their friends and aquaintences "We have a teenage daughter" and watch in dismay as these uninformed ninnies roll their eyes, "tsk, tsk," and shake their heads in pity, as if they had just been informed of some sort of natural disaster. No more.
I'm twenty years old now. I've completed two decades of my life. And although part of me thrills to the knowledge that no one will make assumptions, unfairly judge, or automatically label me by my "teen" status anymore, another part of me trembles to think that that loathed term -- my safety net, my security blanket, my built-in excuse -- has been taken forever.
So I'm twenty years old.
Sweet.
This is going to take some getting used to.
Friday, August 20, 2004
It's Definitely Time To Go Back...
I want to have a structured -- or at least semi-structured -- schedule.
I want to have a 2 hour long conversation... in the Koon community bathroom.
I want to study while watching "Braveheart," "Finding Nemo," "Memento," "Emma," and other random movies in the lobby.
I want to have roomie pizza nights with Kristin.
I want to use a non-Neolithic computer.
I want to devote an un-tethered amount of time to prayer and devotions.
I want to spend an entire night remembering art history names, dates, and titles based on such non-sensical explanations as "one for each eye!" (love you, Leah)
I want to do cartwheels and round-offs in the quad after midnight and not care about grass stains or dirt in my fingernails.
I want to get back to a place where the word "Oakley" implies a sandwich, not sunglasses.
I want to sip tea and read in the library.
I want to take long walks and take pictures in the Arb with Christy.
I want to waste an hour wandering through WalMart just because it's there.
I want to bake cookies in the Whitley kitchen with Natalie.
I want to laugh with good friends in cozy dorm rooms.
I want to Instant Message with my roommate, as she sits at her desk, five feet from my own.
I want to sing the songs we sing at InterVarsity.
I want to nap in the middle of the day because I was up until 3 in the morning.
I want to *almost* set the fire alarm off using the Koon microwave to make popcorn.
I want to complain daily about the lack of mail I receive.
I want to conveniently forget the fact that there is no one to whom I send it regularly.
I want to pore over J.Crew catalogs with other monetarily-deficient Koonies.
I want to make late-night BK runs.
I want to regret spending money on late-night BK runs.
I want to cut across the KKG lawn.
I want to talk with the men and women at the nursing home and not just hear them -- but really listen.
I want to stand with my tray and look for a table of familiar and friendly faces.
I want to listen to Sarah McLachlan, Savage Garden, Michelle Branch, Jars of Clay, Evanescence, New Found Glory, David Crowder Band, Enya, Goo Goo Dolls, Josh Groban, and all the other ridiculously random cds in my collection.
I want to stay up until all hours with "writers' block" until every last word is written.
I want to dance in the rain with my shoes off.
I want to come perilously close to being late for class.
I want to paint my toe nails and read Alexander Pope at the same time.
I want to throw an all-night study session, cram instead of sleep, and ace an exam because of it.
I want to reach out to new friends while still holding old ones dear.
I want to post a blog from my dorm room.
I want to watch/assist friends in sneaking tea bags out of the dining hall. Sugar packets, too.
I want to sit on the benches around the quad and pretend to do homework.
I want to walk to the baseball fields at night and look up at the stars.
I want to discuss (and occasionally analyze) current events at the end of the day.
I want to drink coffee at The Gathering.
I want to dance on the stage in Markel with no one there and all but one light out.
I want to write -- sometimes for hours -- in my journal.
I want to brush my teeth, shower, study, and sleep with dear friends just steps away.
I'm ready to get back on campus.
I just know God's got some big plans for this year, and I'm ready to face new people, new emotions, and new situations by His grace.
May this year be filled with faith, obedience, and contentment.
I want to have a structured -- or at least semi-structured -- schedule.
I want to have a 2 hour long conversation... in the Koon community bathroom.
I want to study while watching "Braveheart," "Finding Nemo," "Memento," "Emma," and other random movies in the lobby.
I want to have roomie pizza nights with Kristin.
I want to use a non-Neolithic computer.
I want to devote an un-tethered amount of time to prayer and devotions.
I want to spend an entire night remembering art history names, dates, and titles based on such non-sensical explanations as "one for each eye!" (love you, Leah)
I want to do cartwheels and round-offs in the quad after midnight and not care about grass stains or dirt in my fingernails.
I want to get back to a place where the word "Oakley" implies a sandwich, not sunglasses.
I want to sip tea and read in the library.
I want to take long walks and take pictures in the Arb with Christy.
I want to waste an hour wandering through WalMart just because it's there.
I want to bake cookies in the Whitley kitchen with Natalie.
I want to laugh with good friends in cozy dorm rooms.
I want to Instant Message with my roommate, as she sits at her desk, five feet from my own.
I want to sing the songs we sing at InterVarsity.
I want to nap in the middle of the day because I was up until 3 in the morning.
I want to *almost* set the fire alarm off using the Koon microwave to make popcorn.
I want to complain daily about the lack of mail I receive.
I want to conveniently forget the fact that there is no one to whom I send it regularly.
I want to pore over J.Crew catalogs with other monetarily-deficient Koonies.
I want to make late-night BK runs.
I want to regret spending money on late-night BK runs.
I want to cut across the KKG lawn.
I want to talk with the men and women at the nursing home and not just hear them -- but really listen.
I want to stand with my tray and look for a table of familiar and friendly faces.
I want to listen to Sarah McLachlan, Savage Garden, Michelle Branch, Jars of Clay, Evanescence, New Found Glory, David Crowder Band, Enya, Goo Goo Dolls, Josh Groban, and all the other ridiculously random cds in my collection.
I want to stay up until all hours with "writers' block" until every last word is written.
I want to dance in the rain with my shoes off.
I want to come perilously close to being late for class.
I want to paint my toe nails and read Alexander Pope at the same time.
I want to throw an all-night study session, cram instead of sleep, and ace an exam because of it.
I want to reach out to new friends while still holding old ones dear.
I want to post a blog from my dorm room.
I want to watch/assist friends in sneaking tea bags out of the dining hall. Sugar packets, too.
I want to sit on the benches around the quad and pretend to do homework.
I want to walk to the baseball fields at night and look up at the stars.
I want to discuss (and occasionally analyze) current events at the end of the day.
I want to drink coffee at The Gathering.
I want to dance on the stage in Markel with no one there and all but one light out.
I want to write -- sometimes for hours -- in my journal.
I want to brush my teeth, shower, study, and sleep with dear friends just steps away.
I'm ready to get back on campus.
I just know God's got some big plans for this year, and I'm ready to face new people, new emotions, and new situations by His grace.
May this year be filled with faith, obedience, and contentment.
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
fancy shmancy...
This is kinda cool. That I can make all these spiffy embellishments, I mean. Who needs a plain old boring blog when you can blog in style?
Or at least in color.
Whatever. I guess I'm not that impressed. And I'm certainly not compelled to apply a new font and/or color to every paragraph I type. That would just be a pain. In short, I suppose my blog will remain virtually the same, despite all the added options. Pity.
Ok, so... life. The abridged version.
*A tan would be nice. Really nice.
*Work is good. Days off are better. Paychecks are best.
*King Arthur, to be honest, was disappointing. The frozen-lake battle scene was impressive, but not worth the price of admission. However, if one happens to be of the male variety, the movie does boast incentives (blood, fire, weapons, body paint, and Keira Knightley) that might make a new hole in one's wallet a bit more bearable.
*Szechuan Empire (new Chinese place nearby) is super yummy. And I've discovered that although Hot and Sour Soup holds no appeal for me whatsoever, I'm a big fan of Won-Ton Soup.
*My friend's mother is recovering beautifully from surgery -- praise God.
*Re-connecting mid-summer with Hillsdale voices is a lovely thing... I only wish that more of my dear friends were reachable.
Well, there's more to say but no time to say it.
For now... Banana Boat, I will not give in to the temptation of the bottle. I spurn your fake-tan-orangey-ness.
HA.
This is kinda cool. That I can make all these spiffy embellishments, I mean. Who needs a plain old boring blog when you can blog in style?
Or at least in color.
Whatever. I guess I'm not that impressed. And I'm certainly not compelled to apply a new font and/or color to every paragraph I type. That would just be a pain. In short, I suppose my blog will remain virtually the same, despite all the added options. Pity.
Ok, so... life. The abridged version.
*A tan would be nice. Really nice.
*Work is good. Days off are better. Paychecks are best.
*King Arthur, to be honest, was disappointing. The frozen-lake battle scene was impressive, but not worth the price of admission. However, if one happens to be of the male variety, the movie does boast incentives (blood, fire, weapons, body paint, and Keira Knightley) that might make a new hole in one's wallet a bit more bearable.
*Szechuan Empire (new Chinese place nearby) is super yummy. And I've discovered that although Hot and Sour Soup holds no appeal for me whatsoever, I'm a big fan of Won-Ton Soup.
*My friend's mother is recovering beautifully from surgery -- praise God.
*Re-connecting mid-summer with Hillsdale voices is a lovely thing... I only wish that more of my dear friends were reachable.
Well, there's more to say but no time to say it.
For now... Banana Boat, I will not give in to the temptation of the bottle. I spurn your fake-tan-orangey-ness.
HA.
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
My twenty-two year old cousin, Drew, has been in Iraq since January. He wasn't here to celebrate his wife's birthday with her. He was overseas when Clayton, their first child, had his fourth birthday party. He was away when Carter, their other little boy, turned one and had his first piece of birthday cake. And, as it is with so many daddys in the armed forces, his family assured him of their love and appreciation by phone on Father's Day.
But Drew, who just got word last week that he did receive a scholarship from the army and will be going into the fall semester at Western as a sophomore, is on his way home.
From Iraq to Germany to Maine, Drew is finally back in the States. Soon he'll be in Fort Hood, Texas, where his wife is waiting expectantly for him. And by this time next week, God-willing, he'll be back here in Michigan surrounded by his loving wife, his precious children, and the rest of his absolutely thrilled family.
Praise our glorious King for His matchless mercy and unfailing provision!
He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones ~Proverbs 2:7-8
But Drew, who just got word last week that he did receive a scholarship from the army and will be going into the fall semester at Western as a sophomore, is on his way home.
From Iraq to Germany to Maine, Drew is finally back in the States. Soon he'll be in Fort Hood, Texas, where his wife is waiting expectantly for him. And by this time next week, God-willing, he'll be back here in Michigan surrounded by his loving wife, his precious children, and the rest of his absolutely thrilled family.
Praise our glorious King for His matchless mercy and unfailing provision!
He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones ~Proverbs 2:7-8
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Interestingly Enough...
*Ownership and maintenence of a bonzai tree is NOT all it's cracked up to be... AKA, I have a feeling that were it physically capable of doing so, mine would have legally emancipated itself from me and walked out on this sub-par botanical enthusiast weeks ago. I've forced the poor thing to go thirsty (unintentionally) numerous times, and at this point I'm forced to admit that perhaps foliage just isn't my forte. Shame.
*I read today in our store's little informative update-type newsletter that one of our sales associates somewhere in Tennessee recentely fixed up an order for a Betty Reese Witherspoon, mother of actress Reese, who asked her mom to tell our store and all its employees how much both women love shopping at our store in Nashville. Although I've been employed there for less than a month, I'm flattered and almost giddy over the idea of it in quite a superficial, idolotrous way. And I wonder if that counts as some sort of six degrees of seperation or something. Just kidding.
*I'm trying to decide at what point I must give up my pursuit of the beautiful summer suntan I've desired and, instead, resign myself to the idea of a more Nicole Kidman-inspired look. (Read: It's cold here, there's no sun, my ghostly, almost-translucent skin is beginning to testify to my Irish/Polish heritage while staunchly denying any Greek descent, and I'm losing any and all hope of improving the shade of my melanin-impaired skin.) Input requested. Encouragement appreciated.
Later, kids.
*Ownership and maintenence of a bonzai tree is NOT all it's cracked up to be... AKA, I have a feeling that were it physically capable of doing so, mine would have legally emancipated itself from me and walked out on this sub-par botanical enthusiast weeks ago. I've forced the poor thing to go thirsty (unintentionally) numerous times, and at this point I'm forced to admit that perhaps foliage just isn't my forte. Shame.
*I read today in our store's little informative update-type newsletter that one of our sales associates somewhere in Tennessee recentely fixed up an order for a Betty Reese Witherspoon, mother of actress Reese, who asked her mom to tell our store and all its employees how much both women love shopping at our store in Nashville. Although I've been employed there for less than a month, I'm flattered and almost giddy over the idea of it in quite a superficial, idolotrous way. And I wonder if that counts as some sort of six degrees of seperation or something. Just kidding.
*I'm trying to decide at what point I must give up my pursuit of the beautiful summer suntan I've desired and, instead, resign myself to the idea of a more Nicole Kidman-inspired look. (Read: It's cold here, there's no sun, my ghostly, almost-translucent skin is beginning to testify to my Irish/Polish heritage while staunchly denying any Greek descent, and I'm losing any and all hope of improving the shade of my melanin-impaired skin.) Input requested. Encouragement appreciated.
Later, kids.
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Goodness.
Dear faithful readers: I am truly sorry for allowing my extreme shallow enjoyment of a game like basketball to get in the way of my normal blogging patterns. Don't be fooled, I DO realize it's just a game, thank you. But it's a nice diversion from the stressful reality of two new jobs, recurring migraines, having to finish a class left "incomplete" from last year, impaired eyesight, and family issues, as I'm sure most of you can appreciate to some degree or another.
Anyway...
Apparently I've been devoting too much effort to expressing my Pistons-inspired enthusiasm. Now, at the request of a couple of dear friends, I'll proceed in the coming posts to enlighten you all as to how I'm "really" doing. No more Lakers trash talk, no more NBA chatter, no more scoring predictions, no more Finals fever, and no more Pistons fanatacism.
I promise.
So, as for me, I'm well. Holding up, anyway. I still have not been able to schedule an appointment with my eye doctor to get a new lens prescription for my glasses, so the sight out of my right eye remains impaired. Unfortunately, I won't be able to be evaluated until my pupil can completely constrict, but the doctor says it always takes longer for light colored eyes to recover from being kept dilated. This is frustrating because it is still hard to go out in sunlight for too long and I've been getting headaches virtually daily because of working and just normal functioning with bad vision. Now that I've spent an entire paragraph complaining, I think I'll stop and move on to something else. HA.
*I bet you're glad I stopped blogging about the Pistons for THIS*
A few random facts I've discovered to be true in the past few days:
*It is uber disappointing to call one of your best friends to wish her a happy birthday only to discover that you were off by three days... ESPECIALLY when you were also responsible for giving the incorrect information to at least two of her other girlfriends. Thank the Lord for creating a characteristic like graciousness.
*When working in retail and putting on a large semi-annual sale, there is absolutely no point in trying to promptly re-stock merchendise everytime it seems to dwindle, clearing out fitting rooms, neatly folding clothing, or avoiding a mess behind the counter. Simply paste on a friendly, if somewhat plastic, smile, ignore the burning blisters rubbing into your stylish black sandals, keep the store's image pristine by folding the top two shirts of each pile, dismiss the deplorable conditions of the fitting rooms, smooth back your hair, wipe the sweat from your brow, take a deep breath, and ask in your most sugary-sweet -- I mean, polite -- voice, "would you like your receipt with you, or in the bag?"
*Mosquitoes are evil things, and although temporary relief may be found in the form of Benadryl spray, that in no way redeems the agony and suffering inflicted by those tiny, bloodthirsty creatures. And welts really are so unsightly.
*There are a few scents at Bath & Body Works that I absolutely cannot abide. I really don't know if it's wrong to say, since I work there and all, but it is in my own personal (and perhaps, professional) opinion, that anything and everything "Cucumber Melon" positively smells like sin. "Warm Vanilla Sugar" is detestable as well.
*Sleep is a good thing... a good thing I need a bit more of right about now.
Hope that satisfied any readers who may have felt deprived over the past few posts. Never fear, I shall return soon bearing more insight and Katie-speak, but for now, my pillow impresses me as my most appealing option. Off I go. G'night all.
Dear faithful readers: I am truly sorry for allowing my extreme shallow enjoyment of a game like basketball to get in the way of my normal blogging patterns. Don't be fooled, I DO realize it's just a game, thank you. But it's a nice diversion from the stressful reality of two new jobs, recurring migraines, having to finish a class left "incomplete" from last year, impaired eyesight, and family issues, as I'm sure most of you can appreciate to some degree or another.
Anyway...
Apparently I've been devoting too much effort to expressing my Pistons-inspired enthusiasm. Now, at the request of a couple of dear friends, I'll proceed in the coming posts to enlighten you all as to how I'm "really" doing. No more Lakers trash talk, no more NBA chatter, no more scoring predictions, no more Finals fever, and no more Pistons fanatacism.
I promise.
So, as for me, I'm well. Holding up, anyway. I still have not been able to schedule an appointment with my eye doctor to get a new lens prescription for my glasses, so the sight out of my right eye remains impaired. Unfortunately, I won't be able to be evaluated until my pupil can completely constrict, but the doctor says it always takes longer for light colored eyes to recover from being kept dilated. This is frustrating because it is still hard to go out in sunlight for too long and I've been getting headaches virtually daily because of working and just normal functioning with bad vision. Now that I've spent an entire paragraph complaining, I think I'll stop and move on to something else. HA.
*I bet you're glad I stopped blogging about the Pistons for THIS*
A few random facts I've discovered to be true in the past few days:
*It is uber disappointing to call one of your best friends to wish her a happy birthday only to discover that you were off by three days... ESPECIALLY when you were also responsible for giving the incorrect information to at least two of her other girlfriends. Thank the Lord for creating a characteristic like graciousness.
*When working in retail and putting on a large semi-annual sale, there is absolutely no point in trying to promptly re-stock merchendise everytime it seems to dwindle, clearing out fitting rooms, neatly folding clothing, or avoiding a mess behind the counter. Simply paste on a friendly, if somewhat plastic, smile, ignore the burning blisters rubbing into your stylish black sandals, keep the store's image pristine by folding the top two shirts of each pile, dismiss the deplorable conditions of the fitting rooms, smooth back your hair, wipe the sweat from your brow, take a deep breath, and ask in your most sugary-sweet -- I mean, polite -- voice, "would you like your receipt with you, or in the bag?"
*Mosquitoes are evil things, and although temporary relief may be found in the form of Benadryl spray, that in no way redeems the agony and suffering inflicted by those tiny, bloodthirsty creatures. And welts really are so unsightly.
*There are a few scents at Bath & Body Works that I absolutely cannot abide. I really don't know if it's wrong to say, since I work there and all, but it is in my own personal (and perhaps, professional) opinion, that anything and everything "Cucumber Melon" positively smells like sin. "Warm Vanilla Sugar" is detestable as well.
*Sleep is a good thing... a good thing I need a bit more of right about now.
Hope that satisfied any readers who may have felt deprived over the past few posts. Never fear, I shall return soon bearing more insight and Katie-speak, but for now, my pillow impresses me as my most appealing option. Off I go. G'night all.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Detroit Pistons, 2004 NBA Champions
R.E.S.P.E.C.T
NBA Finals Wrap-Up
Game 1: Detroit
Game 2: Los Angeles
Game 3: Detroit
Game 4: Detroit
Game 5: Detroit
(G5 Final Score, DP:100, LAL:87)
The team whose motto is "Goin' to Work" had put in a little overtime, and the once-mighty Lakers hadn't just been defeated, they had been stomped and crushed like Italian grapes. The Pistons didn't just beat L.A., they reduced it to a single letter: "L," as in loser.
...
Some will call this the biggest upset in the history of the NBA. How amazing is it? Well, remember, the series was preordained as the Lakers versus "the other guys." The Pistons were supposed to be mindful of their station. "Forget what happened before," pundits kept saying. "This game, you'll be put in your place."
...
They were. Their place is on the victory stand.
...
So how will history remember these Finals? Mostly for their shock value. Here's how shockingly good the Pistons were. They beat the Lakers in five, and the Lakers had home-court advantage. Remember, these were the same Lakers who knocked off San Antonio, the defending champion, by winning four straight, then knocked off Minnesota, the West's top seed. Obviously, they must have been doing something right. But suddenly, in this series, as the losses mounted, it wasn't about the Pistons' success, it was about the Lakers' loosening their screws. This Finals series, it seemed, would only be over when the Lakers said it was. Even before Tuesday's head-chopping -- facing a 3-1 deficit that no team had ever come back from in the Finals -- the purple-and-gold superstars acted as if fate had promised them a championship.
"I'm telling you right now, we'll win Tuesday," Kobe Bryant said.
Too bad.
"We have every intention of winning this game," Phil Jackson said.
So sad.
"Got to win," Shaquille O'Neal said.
Buh-bye.
~Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press, 16 June 2004
They were square pegs uncomfortably squeezed into circular confinements. And within the ground rules of perception, a failure to conform easily morphs into an inability to succeed.
Chauncey Billups couldn't lead.
Richard Hamilton couldn't learn.
Rasheed Wallace couldn't leave well enough alone.
And Ben Wallace just couldn't... period.
Each eventually found the right fit in a franchise that eschewed conventionality. And as the long years of frustration dwindled into precious minutes of anticipation Tuesday, each assumed a look of stunned amazement as the weight of their actions finally registered.
...
Detroit Pistons -- 2004 NBA World Champions.
Raise your lunch pails in salute.
~Drew Sharp, Detroit Free Press, 16 June 2004
The Pistons -- America's Team, the People's Champions -- did it the right way. They never stopped working and won it on their home turf. There's only one reason to go back to L.A. now: Disneyland!
~Two Cents, Detroit Free Press, 16 June 2004
Eleven months after assembling what was supposed to be the greatest team in NBA history, within a week of their professed destiny, the Lakers fell dramatically apart.
Piece by Hollywood piece. Bit by selfish bit. Their ingrained sense of entitlement dismanteled by a more powerful sense of teamwork.
As if sent down by the sports gods to deliver a message, the Pistons crawled out from the shadows of hard work, away from the anonymity of defense, and into a spotlight that showed the Lakers everything they used to be.
A team that shares the ball. A team that shares the floor burns. A team that shares the glory.
An NBA champion.
~Bill Plaschke, L.A. Times
The Laker regime ended like Czechoslovakia's -- without a shot. They lost with little grace and with minimal class, 100-87 to the Pistons.
~Mark Whicker, Orange County Register
"What about people who say you can't win without a high-priced superstar?" someone asked Dumars in the jammed Detroit locker room.
"I guess they're gonna have to find something else to say now," he beamed.
...
Here is their story: one hyperactive shooting guard, one proud but ignored point guard, one quietly determined small forward, one passionate, hot-tempered power forward, and one hard-jawed, oak tree of a center backed by one unflappable immigrant big man, two boyishly energetic reserve guards, one nasty, muscled backup forward, one senior citizen backup center, several other role players, and a coach who has called a lot of NBA places his "last stop," but only here could actually say that from a mountain-top.
...
We in the Motor City are more accustomed to people trying to beat us, not join us. So this is new....But for one night, anyhow, the team from Detroit was the team from everywhere, the public school kids beating the preppy private school kids, the beer league softball team beating the stiffly uniformed semi-pro squad, the local bowler outrolling the visiting pro, the duffer playing a winning round against the club champion.
"I don't really want to be America's Team," Hunter said.... "Forget about being America's Team. I want to be Detroit's team."
~Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press, 17 June 2004
"Teams beat individuals, and we picked the wrong time to be individuals." ~Rick Fox, L.A. Lakers
"Me and Detroit, coming to this city, me and Detroit, we just started rooting for each other." ~Ben Wallace, Detroit Pistons
So...
Motown is officially 'Frotown. Hockeytown, at least for the summer, has become Hooptown. The Lakers were L.A.'d off. And the Pistons, our blue-collar champs, made "goin' to work" look easy. Guts and grit over glitz and glamour. Motown over Tinseltown. ANYTIME.
The NBA Finals are over, but here in Detroit... the party has only just begun.
YEAH, PISTONS!
R.E.S.P.E.C.T
NBA Finals Wrap-Up
Game 1: Detroit
Game 2: Los Angeles
Game 3: Detroit
Game 4: Detroit
Game 5: Detroit
(G5 Final Score, DP:100, LAL:87)
The team whose motto is "Goin' to Work" had put in a little overtime, and the once-mighty Lakers hadn't just been defeated, they had been stomped and crushed like Italian grapes. The Pistons didn't just beat L.A., they reduced it to a single letter: "L," as in loser.
...
Some will call this the biggest upset in the history of the NBA. How amazing is it? Well, remember, the series was preordained as the Lakers versus "the other guys." The Pistons were supposed to be mindful of their station. "Forget what happened before," pundits kept saying. "This game, you'll be put in your place."
...
They were. Their place is on the victory stand.
...
So how will history remember these Finals? Mostly for their shock value. Here's how shockingly good the Pistons were. They beat the Lakers in five, and the Lakers had home-court advantage. Remember, these were the same Lakers who knocked off San Antonio, the defending champion, by winning four straight, then knocked off Minnesota, the West's top seed. Obviously, they must have been doing something right. But suddenly, in this series, as the losses mounted, it wasn't about the Pistons' success, it was about the Lakers' loosening their screws. This Finals series, it seemed, would only be over when the Lakers said it was. Even before Tuesday's head-chopping -- facing a 3-1 deficit that no team had ever come back from in the Finals -- the purple-and-gold superstars acted as if fate had promised them a championship.
"I'm telling you right now, we'll win Tuesday," Kobe Bryant said.
Too bad.
"We have every intention of winning this game," Phil Jackson said.
So sad.
"Got to win," Shaquille O'Neal said.
Buh-bye.
~Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press, 16 June 2004
They were square pegs uncomfortably squeezed into circular confinements. And within the ground rules of perception, a failure to conform easily morphs into an inability to succeed.
Chauncey Billups couldn't lead.
Richard Hamilton couldn't learn.
Rasheed Wallace couldn't leave well enough alone.
And Ben Wallace just couldn't... period.
Each eventually found the right fit in a franchise that eschewed conventionality. And as the long years of frustration dwindled into precious minutes of anticipation Tuesday, each assumed a look of stunned amazement as the weight of their actions finally registered.
...
Detroit Pistons -- 2004 NBA World Champions.
Raise your lunch pails in salute.
~Drew Sharp, Detroit Free Press, 16 June 2004
The Pistons -- America's Team, the People's Champions -- did it the right way. They never stopped working and won it on their home turf. There's only one reason to go back to L.A. now: Disneyland!
~Two Cents, Detroit Free Press, 16 June 2004
Eleven months after assembling what was supposed to be the greatest team in NBA history, within a week of their professed destiny, the Lakers fell dramatically apart.
Piece by Hollywood piece. Bit by selfish bit. Their ingrained sense of entitlement dismanteled by a more powerful sense of teamwork.
As if sent down by the sports gods to deliver a message, the Pistons crawled out from the shadows of hard work, away from the anonymity of defense, and into a spotlight that showed the Lakers everything they used to be.
A team that shares the ball. A team that shares the floor burns. A team that shares the glory.
An NBA champion.
~Bill Plaschke, L.A. Times
The Laker regime ended like Czechoslovakia's -- without a shot. They lost with little grace and with minimal class, 100-87 to the Pistons.
~Mark Whicker, Orange County Register
"What about people who say you can't win without a high-priced superstar?" someone asked Dumars in the jammed Detroit locker room.
"I guess they're gonna have to find something else to say now," he beamed.
...
Here is their story: one hyperactive shooting guard, one proud but ignored point guard, one quietly determined small forward, one passionate, hot-tempered power forward, and one hard-jawed, oak tree of a center backed by one unflappable immigrant big man, two boyishly energetic reserve guards, one nasty, muscled backup forward, one senior citizen backup center, several other role players, and a coach who has called a lot of NBA places his "last stop," but only here could actually say that from a mountain-top.
...
We in the Motor City are more accustomed to people trying to beat us, not join us. So this is new....But for one night, anyhow, the team from Detroit was the team from everywhere, the public school kids beating the preppy private school kids, the beer league softball team beating the stiffly uniformed semi-pro squad, the local bowler outrolling the visiting pro, the duffer playing a winning round against the club champion.
"I don't really want to be America's Team," Hunter said.... "Forget about being America's Team. I want to be Detroit's team."
~Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press, 17 June 2004
"Teams beat individuals, and we picked the wrong time to be individuals." ~Rick Fox, L.A. Lakers
"Me and Detroit, coming to this city, me and Detroit, we just started rooting for each other." ~Ben Wallace, Detroit Pistons
So...
Motown is officially 'Frotown. Hockeytown, at least for the summer, has become Hooptown. The Lakers were L.A.'d off. And the Pistons, our blue-collar champs, made "goin' to work" look easy. Guts and grit over glitz and glamour. Motown over Tinseltown. ANYTIME.
The NBA Finals are over, but here in Detroit... the party has only just begun.
YEAH, PISTONS!
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Motown's own Aretha Franklin sang the National Anthem, Karl Malone didn't even wear his warm ups, the "Diesel" ran out of fuel, the Pistons D-stroyed any glimmer of hope Los Angeles had of turning this series around, Chauncey Billups was announced playoff MVP, and to thunderous applause which erupted all across metro Detroit and inside the Palace, the Detroit Pistons became the 2004 NBA Champions. Sweet.
Ya know, it took a while to get used to yelling "WE WANT LARRY" instead of "WE WANT STANLEY" ... but I *think* I'm catching on.
Details, analysis, quotes, and more to come... but for now... I'm off to bed. I've got to work in the morning.
Have a nice flight home, Lakers... and you can take Jack with you.
WAY TO GO, PISTONS!
Ya know, it took a while to get used to yelling "WE WANT LARRY" instead of "WE WANT STANLEY" ... but I *think* I'm catching on.
Details, analysis, quotes, and more to come... but for now... I'm off to bed. I've got to work in the morning.
Have a nice flight home, Lakers... and you can take Jack with you.
WAY TO GO, PISTONS!
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 15th...
KIDS WHOOPING IN THE STREET. PHONES RINGING OFF THE HOOK, "ARE YOU WATCHING THE GAME?" RED AND BLUE AND WHITE BANNERS STRUNG. 'FROS UNLEASHED. SOUNDS OF MOTOWN BLARING. LUNGS BURNING. HEARTBEATS RACING. HANDS WRINGING. MUSCLES TENSE. SHEESH...
AND THAT'S JUST LIVONIA.
Two hours and counting before the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers face off in Game 5 of the NBA Finals at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons could win it tonight. If they do, they'll be the first team ever to win all three middle games of a finals series. If they win this series -- whether it happens tonight or in Game 7 -- their coach, Larry Brown, will become the first coach to obtain both an NBA and an NCAA championship. On the other hand, if the Lakers come back tonight and then sweep the rest of the series (as they must to win), they will become the first team ever to overcome a deficit of this kind -- down, three games to one -- to win an NBA title. So history will be made. Which team, coach, players, and, inevitabley, city will claim this victory... achieve this glory... command this respect... earn this honor... and write their names in the history books remains to be seen.
No matter what happens tonight, this is gonna be good, folks...
NBA Finals, Game 5
Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers
TONIGHT, 9:00pm, @ the Palace.
GET YOUR TV, YOUR RADIO, YOUR TECHNOLOGICALLY-SUPERIOR-CELL-PHONE-ON-STEROIDS, OR JUST CALL ME FOR UPDATES... CUZ ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, YOU'LL WANT TO BE THERE. IT'S TIME FOR SOME D-TOWN B-BALL.
GO PISTONS!
T-MINUS 90 MINUTES...
KIDS WHOOPING IN THE STREET. PHONES RINGING OFF THE HOOK, "ARE YOU WATCHING THE GAME?" RED AND BLUE AND WHITE BANNERS STRUNG. 'FROS UNLEASHED. SOUNDS OF MOTOWN BLARING. LUNGS BURNING. HEARTBEATS RACING. HANDS WRINGING. MUSCLES TENSE. SHEESH...
AND THAT'S JUST LIVONIA.
Two hours and counting before the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers face off in Game 5 of the NBA Finals at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons could win it tonight. If they do, they'll be the first team ever to win all three middle games of a finals series. If they win this series -- whether it happens tonight or in Game 7 -- their coach, Larry Brown, will become the first coach to obtain both an NBA and an NCAA championship. On the other hand, if the Lakers come back tonight and then sweep the rest of the series (as they must to win), they will become the first team ever to overcome a deficit of this kind -- down, three games to one -- to win an NBA title. So history will be made. Which team, coach, players, and, inevitabley, city will claim this victory... achieve this glory... command this respect... earn this honor... and write their names in the history books remains to be seen.
No matter what happens tonight, this is gonna be good, folks...
NBA Finals, Game 5
Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers
TONIGHT, 9:00pm, @ the Palace.
GET YOUR TV, YOUR RADIO, YOUR TECHNOLOGICALLY-SUPERIOR-CELL-PHONE-ON-STEROIDS, OR JUST CALL ME FOR UPDATES... CUZ ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, YOU'LL WANT TO BE THERE. IT'S TIME FOR SOME D-TOWN B-BALL.
GO PISTONS!
T-MINUS 90 MINUTES...
Monday, June 14, 2004
NBA Finals Update
Game 4
Sunday, June 13th, 9:00pm @ the Palace
FINAL SCORE
Detroit Pistons: 88
LA Lakers: 80
Finals Recap, in case you're living in a cave with no access to any form of media coverage:
*Game 1: Detroit
*Game 2: Kobe...oops, I mean, Los Angeles
*Game 3: Detroit
*Game 4: Detroit
You know what they say when Darko gets in the game...
Game 4
Sunday, June 13th, 9:00pm @ the Palace
FINAL SCORE
Detroit Pistons: 88
LA Lakers: 80
Finals Recap, in case you're living in a cave with no access to any form of media coverage:
*Game 1: Detroit
*Game 2: Kobe...oops, I mean, Los Angeles
*Game 3: Detroit
*Game 4: Detroit
You know what they say when Darko gets in the game...
Friday, June 11, 2004
Hmmm...
So I now work at B&BW with the younger sister of an ATO back at the 'dale.
One of the older women working there has a son who participated in the same junior high advanced placement program as I did and then graduated from my high school's cross-town rival, all maybe three or four years ahead of me.
I also discovered that a girl who began working for B&BW during the last holiday season (and who has returned for this summer) is a girl that I played soccer with for countless seasons, starting when we were probably no more than eight years old!
A girl I work with at Tlbts* (*name adjusted a little to protect privacy... or something) had my uncle as her English teacher for a year in high school.
Another woman I work with at Tlbts has a niece whom I graduated from high school with in 2002.
Yet another co-worker of mine at Tlbts is the aunt of another fellow Hillsdale student -- one Melissa Leismer, to be exact! How's all that for coincidence?
ON A DIFFERENT NOTE... (with, say, an Anita Baker-type sound?)
My dear SoCal Brother... we brought our "A-game" to the Palace... but it looks as if ya'll left yours at home... pity.
Well, much as I'd love to stay and gloat about the D-struction of the Lakers last night (DP:88 to LAL:68, for all those who may have missed it), that wouldn't be nice... besides, the Pistons still have two more games to win before they can claim any titles, and we all know LA is totally capable of pushing this to Game 7. For now, I'll just pick up my fake 'fro and continue to support the Pistons in their quest for an NBA Championship! The (Bad) Boys are back in (D) Town, and for all intents and purposes... KOBE WHO?
So I now work at B&BW with the younger sister of an ATO back at the 'dale.
One of the older women working there has a son who participated in the same junior high advanced placement program as I did and then graduated from my high school's cross-town rival, all maybe three or four years ahead of me.
I also discovered that a girl who began working for B&BW during the last holiday season (and who has returned for this summer) is a girl that I played soccer with for countless seasons, starting when we were probably no more than eight years old!
A girl I work with at Tlbts* (*name adjusted a little to protect privacy... or something) had my uncle as her English teacher for a year in high school.
Another woman I work with at Tlbts has a niece whom I graduated from high school with in 2002.
Yet another co-worker of mine at Tlbts is the aunt of another fellow Hillsdale student -- one Melissa Leismer, to be exact! How's all that for coincidence?
ON A DIFFERENT NOTE... (with, say, an Anita Baker-type sound?)
My dear SoCal Brother... we brought our "A-game" to the Palace... but it looks as if ya'll left yours at home... pity.
Well, much as I'd love to stay and gloat about the D-struction of the Lakers last night (DP:88 to LAL:68, for all those who may have missed it), that wouldn't be nice... besides, the Pistons still have two more games to win before they can claim any titles, and we all know LA is totally capable of pushing this to Game 7. For now, I'll just pick up my fake 'fro and continue to support the Pistons in their quest for an NBA Championship! The (Bad) Boys are back in (D) Town, and for all intents and purposes... KOBE WHO?
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Hooray for TWO jobs!
Hooray for working at Bath & Body Works with the sister of a fellow Hillsdalian!
Hooray for Tampa Bay beating Calgary for the Stanley Cup!
(small boo for Smarty Jones losing his Triple Crown bid in the Belmont)
Hooray for eyelashes more than half-grown back!
Hooray for a new Chinese place five minutes away!
Hooray for no more drilling in the street!
BIG HOORAY for the Detroit Pistons beating the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night in the first game of the Finals! (um, who needs Shaq Diesel, Malone, and Kobe when you can have 'Sheed, Rip, and Big Ben?)
Ok, so maybe we can't win it all (they're glitz, we're grit)... but LA fans didn't get their sweep, and that's good enough for me.
They learned, at least for a night... don't mess with the D, and... fear the 'Fro!
YEAH, PISTONS!
Motown vs. Tinseltown, LA's Staples Center, 9:00pm, tonight. BE THERE.
Hooray for working at Bath & Body Works with the sister of a fellow Hillsdalian!
Hooray for Tampa Bay beating Calgary for the Stanley Cup!
(small boo for Smarty Jones losing his Triple Crown bid in the Belmont)
Hooray for eyelashes more than half-grown back!
Hooray for a new Chinese place five minutes away!
Hooray for no more drilling in the street!
BIG HOORAY for the Detroit Pistons beating the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night in the first game of the Finals! (um, who needs Shaq Diesel, Malone, and Kobe when you can have 'Sheed, Rip, and Big Ben?)
Ok, so maybe we can't win it all (they're glitz, we're grit)... but LA fans didn't get their sweep, and that's good enough for me.
They learned, at least for a night... don't mess with the D, and... fear the 'Fro!
YEAH, PISTONS!
Motown vs. Tinseltown, LA's Staples Center, 9:00pm, tonight. BE THERE.
Friday, June 04, 2004
*My neighborhood has become an obstacle course, and I am developing a deep resentment for construction workers.
*The eyelashes on my right eye are so totally growing back, and I'm starting to look close to what you might call... normal. I would say, "it's about time," but I have this feeling like that wouldn't be such a good idea... AKA: God would decide I haven't learned my vanity lesson yet. So I'll hold that thought.
*Highly recommending Joseph Stowell's book, Perilous Pursuits, to anyone and everyone... it's a solid dose of conviction from cover to cover.
*Just got hired yesterday to work part-time at an upscale women's clothing store at the local mall, and I start training on Monday. Now I have an interview at another place in the same mall this afternoon to see if I can supplement the rest of my hours with them. Yay-ness!
*Last night I went with a friend to see Troy, and as much as Brad Pitt tends to own the screen (in my female opinion, at least), I must admit that another man stole the show (and my girlish heart) right away from my blond, arrogant, muscle-bound Achilles. Hector is my hero... and I think Eric Bana has now displaced (and misplaced, as he is not actually his character) my affections. For shame.
*The eyelashes on my right eye are so totally growing back, and I'm starting to look close to what you might call... normal. I would say, "it's about time," but I have this feeling like that wouldn't be such a good idea... AKA: God would decide I haven't learned my vanity lesson yet. So I'll hold that thought.
*Highly recommending Joseph Stowell's book, Perilous Pursuits, to anyone and everyone... it's a solid dose of conviction from cover to cover.
*Just got hired yesterday to work part-time at an upscale women's clothing store at the local mall, and I start training on Monday. Now I have an interview at another place in the same mall this afternoon to see if I can supplement the rest of my hours with them. Yay-ness!
*Last night I went with a friend to see Troy, and as much as Brad Pitt tends to own the screen (in my female opinion, at least), I must admit that another man stole the show (and my girlish heart) right away from my blond, arrogant, muscle-bound Achilles. Hector is my hero... and I think Eric Bana has now displaced (and misplaced, as he is not actually his character) my affections. For shame.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.
Jesus! The name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease,
'Tis music in the sinner's ears,
'Tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.
Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come;
And leap, ye lame, for joy!
My tongue shall speak... praise all the day long ~Psalm 35:28
My great Redeemer's praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.
Jesus! The name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease,
'Tis music in the sinner's ears,
'Tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.
Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come;
And leap, ye lame, for joy!
My tongue shall speak... praise all the day long ~Psalm 35:28