Monday, December 28, 2009

A year in review: 2009

What did Christen do in 2009? Hmm...

JANUARY

With the new year came new responsibility. In January, I became super involved in the Regent Undergraduate council [RUC] and served as the council's secretary. Between town hall meetings, office hours, and weekly meetings my schedule booked up quickly. I started the year with a spiritual/mental/physical cleansing. The time of fasting proved to be very valuable; God is good! Oh and the Winter X-Games took place :].

FEBRUARY
The Steelers started off the month with a Superbowl victory, I watched them win at the RUC football party! I flew up to Vermont to surprise my mother for her birthday! I enjoyed several days of SNOWBOARDING with my family- the highlight of the month. I did a project for my GENE class on sex trafficking, learned a lot and raised awareness of the issue.

MARCH
Busy, busy, busy. My parents came to visit, I stopped in at Liberty University to chill with Emily and I finally started to come out of my shell. Olivia, Clairisse, and I just galavanted across campus, tanned, and hit up the beach. My birthday was in March, and my lovely friends Bekah and Emily organized a party for me! I second AD'd for the first time on Audrey and Danny's film Cookies. I helped shoot a reality TV show throughout preview weekend and second AC'd April and Isaac's film 261. The first annual RUC talent show took place and I started working with the youth at Coastlands Community Church. Brooke Fraser's song "C.S. Lewis Song" became an obsession.

APRIL
The last month of classes, summer was quickly approaching, but life just got busier and busier! I stopped home for Easter, but brought Charlie and Meredith back with me! We pranked Josh's room 3 times and went to Buffalo Wild Wings twice :]. The RUC barbeque was a HUGE success, we had over 500 guests attend! This month was INSANELY busy!

MAY
Graduation! This month I hit up two graduation boat rides, Williamsburg, THE BEACH, Tyler's house for movies [and Chick-fil-A in his mustang!] Summer classes started and I made some new friends, since I knew NO ONE in one of my classes! Jenny, Keith, Sarah, and I went Strawberry picking, I stopped home for a week, and started my job in Undergrad Student Services! I really learned to meditate on God's word and use the wisdom gained from studying the Bible.

JUNE
June was the "I just want to be in New Jersey month." I went home every other weekend and surprised the family at 2 in the morning once! But, remember that band HILLSONG UNITED? I saw them in concert. By far one of the most powerful worship experiences of my entire life. The band was incredible and engaged the audience in a mighty God-inspired performance. I started going to Awake on Thursday nights, met Jars of Clay, locked my keys out of my car, and a series of great testing began. Jenny, Keith, Micah and I went to Kiptopeke State Park, and throughout the month I got super tan. :]

JULY
Mary and the Crew led worship, I saw a toddler pooping on the side of the road, and the sillyness of life commenced. I learned that Liv was diagnosed with cancer, but stood amazed at her optimism. Nic, Chuck, and I hung out a lot, found an air mattress, camped, invented Christic Ch-icken, and bought a fish [R.I.P. Tigre el Pescado] I got bangs! We started P90X! And then I had to move out. This month was SUCH a valuable time of friendship!

AUGUST
I went home. I got bored. I ranted about my distaste for Kelly Clarkson. I visited Rah Rah in New York. I struggled with forgiveness. I spend some quality time with the family. Tigre died. I met knew people. I ran orientation. I went to the beach... a lot. I moved in with Olivia, Sarah, and Hilary. In came the fall semester!

SEPTEMBER
Friendships with new students formed and have proven to be strong! I 1st AD'd Josh's film, Blameless and started the pre-pro for April's film Myla. Blameless was fun, but afterwards I needed a break, so I got up and left for Jersey! Haha. I realized that I needed to get into the word because my friends needed me. How can I encourage my friends spiritually if I myself am not investing time with Christ? Bekah, Chelsea, Sarah, and I helped with the McDonnell campaign, too! I bought a new snowboard. It is beautiful. Oh, and I got "set up." Hahahaha. The most rewarding part of this month was morning devos. Jordan, Nic, Gabrielle, and I would get up at 8 a.m. and read our Bibles over coffee. Such a blessing!

OCTOBER


Shooting for Myla started, and we got back into P90X. I helped with the Harvest Fest as a part of my job. The "husband/wife-to-be" craze began, Charlie, Eric, Tim, and I shot "music videos" to Hillsong United songs, I visited Emily at Liberty again and this time, tried the new Snowflex! The Yankees won the World Series and my friends and I made a fort in my apartment when my roommates were gone for the weekend. I documented my life for two days as well. I also learned to forgive this month, and truly understood the power of prayer.

NOVEMBER
I had this issue of waking up on time for things. I 1st AD'd Greg's film, Mommy Why, and started pre-pro for Josh's DawnBloom. The highlight of this month was my trip to Washington D.C. with Regent's journalism department! We visited Fox, The National Press Club, The Washington Post, the Newseum, and saw FAMILY FORCE 5 in concert. Thanksgiving was nice, but crazy; we had a huge family reunion! A bunch of us went to Sandbridge and saw a meteor shower, and instead of having a snow day, we had a rain day. Yup, Regent closed school for a hurricane!

DECEMBER
Crazy, crazy month. I thought last month was tough for waking up... this month I overslept for work TWICE. So unlike me! Shooting for DawnBloom was LONG, but SO SO SO SO much fun! We decorated Christmas land, had a fire drill at 1:30 a.m., and made horchata. A fort was constructed in the elevator, I planned the Pancake Feast with Whitney and Bekah, pranked Jordan's room, watched all the Harry Potters, volunteered at a food bank, got "snowed out" and was stuck in Virginia, had a blast at Christmas ball, then came home for Christmas. I received my new baby, Juanita the external hard drive, hung out with friends from home, and played several rounds of Sorry with my family. It hasn't happened yet, but Wednesday I should be going snowboarding! :]

Overall, this year has been an incredible blessing. I became so close to friends, family, and the Lord. Seriously, the only word that I can think of is blessed. I HAVE BEEN SO BLESSED. God has opened up doors, taught me to love, to trust, and to pray. Life has proven to be crazy, but the people in my life and the presence of the Lord have made it all worth while. Thanks to all my friends, new and old for embracing the true me and showing me how to live adventurously! You are loved!

MORE PICTURES FROM THE YEAR!


P.S., most of these pictures are Jenny's, Dan's, Chucks, Charlie's and some other peoples. Thanks for letting me steal your photos off facebook :]

Friday, December 25, 2009

This is my new baby.

I hugged the box when I opened the gift wrap off my lovely new hard drive today.

Her name is Juanita. She looks like this. She is beautiful and has allowed me to backup my whole laptop and eliminate 35 gigs of space :]

Picture of the Day: JUANITA PUANITA!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

CHRISTMAS!

Is tomorrow. Aka, in 7 minutes.

I have this weird, uneasy feeling about tomorrow. I don't know why. It's kind of odd. Like, sort of a guilt for receiving presents. This season I got caught up in the festivities and fellowship of Christmas. We had SO much fun at school just singing as we walked to the library, or making gingerbread houses. For me, that's really all I needed this Christmas. I know, that sounds so cheesy, and I DO need the external hard drive and rain boots I asked for, but honestly, I'm going to remember Christmas land and the fun random memories more than the gifts.

I think that when I'm married and it's just be and my FAH, I want to take a Christmas off. No presents, just time with friends, family, and Jesus. Christmas is so much more than gift wrap and things. I think I would really value the "no spending" season.

Also, speaking of plans for the future- I don't think I want a funeral. Who likes going to them? No one. My aunt Leslee passed away this weekend and we went to her funeral this week. Sigh, it was so sad. It made me think "Wow, I don't want to be here, no one else really wants to be here. People just come to 'pay respects.'" So when I die, can we have like... a party instead? Like a "Wow, Christen rocked, she loved Jesus, and snowboarding, and writing in her blog. Let's read that post where she said 'Can we have like... a party instead' LOLOL Christen was great."

I would like that more.

Well, with my cliché rant and strange funeral discussion over, I'm going to bed. Merry Christmas and God bless!

Pictures of the Day: Christmas land!

In Memory of Leslee Rotolo

Monday, December 21, 2009

I'm on the Regent Homepage!

Read this article. K thanks. It's about the journalism trip I went on. Kinda cool to see my byline :].

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Stuck.

This is the second time my trip back to New Jersey has been delayed. New Jersey has two feet of snow. Virginia Beach has two flakes of snow. Nevertheless, roads are a mess up North so I am stuck at Regent until the roads clear out.

It's sort of a bummer. I miss my family. It's not a matter of being homesick, it's just the fact that I was supposed to be home yesterday, and I'm stiiiillllll here. Sigh. Luckily, Chelsea, Nic, Jenny, and Jordan are stranded with me. Hopefully they'll be stuck here another day too so I won't be a lonely girl :].

Picture of the Day: The four people who are still at Regent are in this picture.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

4:30 a.m.?

Nic and I decided to prank Jordan last night...erm... really early this morning. Our plan was somewhat successful, Jordan played along, and text both Nic and I saying "You guys suck at this game, you're stinkin loud." Either way, we still had fun "paper towelling" Jordan's room. We placed individual sheets of paper towels all over Jordan's room, then wrapping papered his door and moved some furniture and groceries around. :]

Pics: The door, us in ninja gear, somewhat a success :]

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

What up, new layout?!

So I am sooo digging this layout.

I think it's very... "me." I have been trying to find a suitable blogspot template and this one truly fits.

Ahahaha that lady has a ship on her head.

Peace.

Picture of the Day: More Elevated fun :]
Me, Nic, Jordan, and Greg in our phonebook fort.
Inside the lair.

Monday, December 14, 2009

So I decided to shut off all major communication devices this week.

Yup. I don't have my password. And I shut my phone off last night at midnight.

Charlie text Chuck and asked where I was. It's finals week. I must be awayyyyy. I just finished my script for my Storytelling and Scriptwriting. So that's one major project down. Now I have a paper, journalism package, four discussion posts, one book quiz, two listening quizzes, and I think that's actually it! Then I might be going snowboarding.

P.S. My new bindings came in the other day. They are LEGITTTT! Pictures of my new setup coming soon.

As for now, I must work on my reel. Oh. Yeah, I have a demo reel and resumé to create for my Motion Picture class. I will be the only girl in that class. Yep. And I'm fine with that! Haha.

Okay. now I'm leaving

Picture of the Day: Elevated fun

Thursday, December 10, 2009

This is my 100th post.

Sweet deal!

Anywho. So I gave Rebekah Pepper my computer yesterday and told her to change my facebook password. I will not receive this new password until my homework is done for the semester.

It's been interesting not being able to slack and procrastinate. I've been getting a lot of work done!

Holler at that boys and girls!

Picture of the Day: More Christmas Ball!/My friends :]

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

This is a blunt post.

I am single. I am not in a relationship. Is anyone interested in me? Who knows. Regardless, the following is what I have concluded:

In being single I have bypassed a lot of pain. I see the hurt that my friends have gone through and I am thankful to have avoided the messes that "love" can cause. I see baby momma drama, back stabbing, grudges, and lots and lots of tears. Sure, sometimes it stinks to be the single one, but I have learned so much about relationships just from watching people. I think once I do enter a relationship, and I know I will in God's timing, I will have missed a lot of heartbreak.

I need this post as a reminder that as I journey, by myself, God is working in me. He is building me up. He is building my FAH [Future Awesome Husband] up. This is a time for us both to be separate, walking in God's ways before we can walk together. I'm down with chilling with the Lord. He's a cool Guy and I know He has some mad sick plans for my life :].

Holla Amen!

P.S. Christmas Ball was amazing. Yes.

Picture of the Day: Regent Christmas Ball '09

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

R.I.P. Fish

Here are the names of the fish owned by me/my inner circle of friends this semester. All these fish are dead. This post is in memory of the Regent Commons fish.

Tigre El Pescado
Isabella
Ferdinand
Poopface
Genghis Khan
Bullet
Dorian
Purple
Fred
Cory Matthews
Matsui
Shiki
Tum Tum

May they rest in peace in the sewer/Regent pond.

Picture of the Day: In Remeberance of Fish

Thursday, November 26, 2009

I. AM. BLESSED.

I made a similar list last year. Here is this year's list, in no particular order of...

"What/Who I am Thankful For"
Charlie boy
Oatmeal
The ability to run and exercise
My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
My roommates Sarah, Olivia, and Hilary
My Cinnamon
The beach
Snowboarding
Accountability
Morning devos
My beautiful laptop
The ability to express myself freely
My lovely home in New Jersey
My dad's humor
Catherine's laugh/spontaneous spirit
Smoothies
Coffee
Financial stability that enables me to study on-campus in Virginia
My job
My two awesome bosses Kyle and Whitney, and my ex-boss Cheryl
Prayer time
Final Cut Pro
Corrie
Katie
Meredith
Thanksgiving food
My mother's sweet heart
Eric
Rebekah
Mary Plays with Cats
Chuck/Mary
Markers and paper
Sarah's fashion/clothes she lets me borrow
Clairisse
Random adventures
Forts
Burton and Roxy [the cats... and the companies I suppose :)]
New Jersey
Jen
Delaine
Kim
Salvation
Hillsong United
Regent School of Communication and the Arts
CHS
Cellphones [even though mine STINKS]
iPods
My car
Nic and Jordan
Electricity
The piano
Singing


Sunday, November 22, 2009

D.C. Lovin'

I haven't loved broadcast journalism this much since my prime TV years in the first half of high school. This past weekend I spent time visiting FOX News, The Washington Post, the National Press Club, and the Newseum with Regent's journalism department. Along with three professors, my group of 16 students travelled through Washington D.C. in an effort to further our journalism learning experience. While we were there, seven of us attended a FAMILY FORCE 5 CONCERT! They were SO AMAZING.

The trip was an incredible time of fellowship, fun, learning, and practice as a journalist. Thanks for my professors and fellow students for making this trip so memorable.

More details to come, perhaps in article or video form? Most definitely :].

Picture of the Day: Memorial to Fallen Journalists [Newseum exhibit]

Video of the Day: I forgot to post this when I finished it. Here is my "Real World video" aka my life at college :] This was a journalism project.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

You should go to this.

Dear Christen. Wake up.

Let's reminisce on my past three mornings.

Monday, November 9: I woke up at 8:43 a.m. I needed to be at work by 9:00 a.m. In twelve minutes I was out of the apartment and in the parking lot. "I can still get to work on time!" I said to myself. "Wait, where did I park?" Oh, that's right. I left my car parked in front of the Comm Building on Saturday. So picture me, speed walking to the Comm Building in a pencil skirt with my laptop bag hanging from my shoulder and my heels in my hands. What a great start to my week.

The late morning trend continued...

Tuesday, November 10: Class started at 8:30 a.m. I woke up at 8:18. Luckily, my professor doesn't take attendance. I was thirteen minutes late. And I couldn't help but fall asleep. I had work later in the afternoon, and managed to get there early! :]

However, as evident by this morning's incident, my late morning starts are still running strong.

Wednesday, November 11: Class was through tokbox.com today! That means I could have slept until a little before 10 and still make it to class on time. Except I woke up by a text from Chelsea saying "Wake up!" It was 10:07 a.m. Class started at 10:00 a.m.

Man, I need to get on my A-game! I guess I'm a little sleep deprived!

Picture of the Day: Class via Tok Box!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Fort Take 2

Sometimes my friends and I make forts when my roommates are gone for the weekend.

Second Picture of the Day: FORT!

Okay I just have to share this...

This is my desktop photo right now. Every time I open my computer I laugh a lot.

The end.

Photo of the Day: This is my desktop/The cutest pug picture I've ever seen


Thursday, October 29, 2009

Dear Yankees,

Please win the Worlds Series.

Thank you.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Regent :]

So right now I'm at Liberty. Last time I visited Liberty I left with the desire to change things at Regent. I wanted to see Regent flourish spiritually amongst students. I wanted to see more Bible studies and spiritual interaction on a student-to-student basis. The result of that trip was that I was not extremely pleased with Regent's efforts. However this time around, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Liberty really is a great school. Students are bustling across campus, sitting in class all day, attending events; there is a lot of organized fun and events for students. While Regent isn't at the capacity to have such crazy events and organization, the looseness and trust granted to students has made my college experience very unique.

Rules [or lackthereof] that I appreciate about Regent:

-No curfew: Instead of violating quiet hours, I can be out somewhere else making noise. I can work out at 2 in the morning. I can stay up and finish the movie we started at 11 p.m. I can walk around campus. I love not having the time restriction, it helps me fit in my social life when I need to get my schoolwork in by midnight.

-No dress code: Even though the school doesn't have a dress code, I am still pushed to dress modestly. It creates accountability for me to dress in a God-pleasing manner. I make my own choices, but have to deal and stick with the choices I make. I wear what I wear because it is what I want to put on, not what the school requires. Dressing modestly and honorably is a choice, a choice I am glad I have.

-No room restrictions: I am so glad girls and guys are allowed to hang out in each others rooms. My friends can all meet together for pancake day, or devotionals, or movie time. I have made some really great guy friends and I don't know how well those friendships would have formed if we could not hangout in each other's living space.

Also, while Regent doesn't have football, or a year-round snowboarding slope, there is a lot of room for me to make my own fun. Some of my favorite memories are of me and my friends building forts, cooking, pitching tents, hardcore parkouring, playing volleyball in the rain and going strawberry picking.

Dear Regent,

Even though sometimes I wish you were more like other colleges, I love you and am glad you are the college I go to.

Love, Christen

Picture of the Day: Regent I larve you.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

WORSHIP

Tonight Charlie spoke at youth group about worship and what it means to truly praise the Lord. Worship can be expressed in so many different forms, from working with people, to playing music, to teaching. While Charlie talked, my mind was running. Here are my thoughts...

I miss leading worship.
My senior year of high school I collaborated with a super sick group of high school kids from First Baptist Red Bank and started a youth praise band. Having a full youth band was something the church had never seen before and it was awesome to be the start of its roots. Between practicing, leading for youth group/church and prepping chords, lyrics, and powerpoints, my mind seemed to constantly be in a mode of worship. Worship was so much more than just singing and playing piano, there was a whole set of things that added up to this worship experience. Now, I play from time to time on worship teams, or lead chapel every once in a while, but it is entirely different from my past on the FBC youth team. With the youth group, my worship came in so many forms, especially in the form of leadership. I don't mean this in a cocky way, but being the "band leader" was so special. I connected with God in a way that I never have before because I was truly pushed by HIM to lead people through music. I never improvised or used only chords on piano until this time, and to be able to pick up a set of chords and play now is truly an act of God. I was stretched, but God worked in me. Now, I am usually under someone else's leadership, and it is mad different than being the typical leader. And that's okay! This is a new season in my life, but I just realized how much I miss the way things used to be.

Where was my heart today? 
Every time I come home and visit FBC, the Sunday morning worship is usually so difficult for me to engage in. The congregation feels cold, clapping is awkward, and raising hands is scare. I understand that everyone has their own way of worshipping, and that's totally cool; however, I often feel limited in how I can express my praise. A lot of it has to do with my distaste for the song choices, or the way the songs are played, but I have to question my heart. I think I have hardened my heart towards the worship at FBC and it really isn't fair.

 And honestly, Project 245 youth, I think you've done the same thing. We laugh, we clap off beat on purpose, and imitate guitar strumming, and sure, it's funny, but why can't we worship like we do at youth group or at camp?  I know that today was the 325935739058th time we sang "Shout to the Lord," but is that any reason to resist worship? I recognize that my heart wasn't where it should have been today due to my own flesh; my desire to do things my way and in my timing. Why was I able to truly engage in worship tonight when Charlie played, but not this morning when the adult band played? It was a matter of choice. Guys, I think we've put off addressing this way too long.  Even though we may have decided to lack enthusiasm in church this morning, God was still in that service, waiting to see us lift up our voice and praise Him! I feel like a jerk just being like, "Sorry God, this person is leading worship right now and they've played this song too many times for me to 'get anything' out of this." It's not fair to God. I don't mean to sound preachy, but through this whole thing I am speaking straight to myself.

So what can I do? 
I have such a desire to write music. God's done so much in my life and singing and playing is my favorite way to worship. I am working on learning guitar so I will be able to pick up the instrument and worship on the go. It's tough to transport a baby grand :]. I know I need to be in a worshipful mood all day, every day, so I can worship in class, when I write my papers, P90X, etc. Charlie boy, you really got me thinking about what I need to do and how I need to be worshipping. God is good, He will provide, I am stoked to see where He's going to move me within the next few months. :]

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."- Colossians 3:16-17

Video of the day: FBCRBYGPB

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Husband to-be? Oh goodness.

Based on my recent silly/immature behavior, my roommates decided that my husband is going to have to be the "special, stop eating the paste" type of guy. With that, Sarah, Olivia and I wrote lists of necessary qualities we would like in our husbands. My list is at follows...

CHRISTEN'S HUSBAND-TO-BE MUST:
-Eat paste
-Be crazy
-Love snowboarding
-Be absolutely, completely in love with Jesus
-Play with Play-doh
-Appreciate the German Good voice/elephants
-Not be a Benny
-Play with candle wax
-Be a good hugger/affectionate
-Dig working out
-Be a spiritual leader
-Communicate in person, no texts/ims
-Encourage with Scripture
-Like playing sports (especially those that are ultimate/extreme)
-Like coffee
-Like random adventures
-Be a Mac user
-Enjoy playful water/shaving cream, etc. fights
-Love to worship
-Be funny
-Attempt to live a healthy dietary lifestyle
-Hardcore Parkor/play Hot Lava
-Be a good kisser, haha!
-Love my family/be bffs with Charlie.

I love my roommates. Our lists are posted on our wall. Haha

Picture of the Day: 317 Girls

Monday, October 5, 2009

Update of Life...

Right now, it is 2:27 a.m. and I am beginning this post.

So. What's been going on in my life? Well, everything. Let's make a list, shall we?
1. Myla shoot this week: Crazy, high TI levels, but overall a valuable learning experience.
2. Screenwriting homework: I really like formatting scripts, probably because I am so OCD with things like proper spacing, alignment and evenness, I'm definitely digging my script formatting assignment.
3. The neXt: I'm in charge of expressions for the month of October. Week 1- success! Cool expressions, good coffee, fun times :].
4. P90X Kenpo: So tight. It felt nice to throw some punches and bring out some powerful kicks. Good times.
5. Storyboarding: I told Derrick I would draw storyboards for him. Something new to try. I'm down.
6. 1st ADing: Note to everyone, I really like 1st ADing, so ask me to work on your projects.
7. Piano: Haven't played in a while, definitely missing it.
8. Food shopping: Apparently most people say "grocery shopping" instead of "food shopping." I've used the term "food shopping" all of my life. Hmm...
9. Green tea: I am drinking green tea right now and it is amazing.
10. Please read 1 Samuel 2:13-17 in NIV: Then read it in KJV. HILARIOUS. God, You're a funny dude :].
11. Snowboarding: T-minus 77 days until winter.
12. Chicken Fajitas: Excellent choice for lunch with friends.
13. Apple Pie Coffee: Yes, I made that today. Holler.
14. Devotionals: Gabrielle, Jordan, Nic, and I have been doing Devos together. It's been pretty sweet, early, but certainly rewarding.
15. God: He's a cool dude :].

Picture of the Day: Roommates at the Bier Garden

Monday, September 28, 2009

A Smorgasbord of a Post...

I went home this weekend. Here are the thoughts I gathered over the weekend. Enjoy.

family accent
I realized whenever someone in my family gets angry, the Jersey accent comes out. Exhibit A- Charlie defending himself. Here's a paraphrased account of what happened in my house the other day. Imagine this scenario with a Jersey accent.

[Catherine walks in the house with pens in her back pocket]
Mom: "Catherine, you shouldn't put pens in your back pocket, ask ya brother."
Charlie [slightly angered]: "Mom, what are ya tawking about? I don't put pens in my pockets!"

End scene.

driving
I know I have blogged about this before, however, after being home I feel the need to reiterate how stupid some drivers are. A few things:
1. Please use your blinker.
2. Go the speed limit, especially if you are in the left lane.
3. Do not flash your lights telling me to get out of your way when there is another car in front of me.
4. It is unnecessary to come to a complete stop when going through EZ-Pass
5. Green means "go," not "stay where you are."
6. Virginia, please take your green arrows and turn them into "left turn yields to traffic," signs. I'm tired of sitting at red arrows when the traffic is clear for me to turn.
7. Pennsylvania caravan, double check your directions so you know when to get onto the parkway. That way, Charlie won't beep at you and you won't be stuck on the median trying to get in the line of traffic.

running
There is nothing like running on the boardwalk back home. It makes me want to run all the time. Running three miles at school does not compare to running three miles by the water. This weekend the weather was cool, sunny, and slightly breezy. The water was navy blue and a teal green. Absolutely beautiful. How could you not love running when you are beside such an awesome creation? With that being said, I want to run. I want to get back into running shape. I miss it. I want it.

jesus time
Just being honest, I haven't been in the Word as much as I would like to. I'm crazy busy. I stay up late doing stupid things like playing cards, or working out way too late. I lose sleep and neglect to spend time with God. I let my friends down when I fail to read my Bible. For instance, I had a friend this week who needed encouragement. Did I have God-inspired Scripture to give her? No, because I hadn't read my Bible in almost a week. I would appreciate accountability in my Bible reading, I need to get back on track.

84 days till winter
Goodness I can't wait. I need snow, 360s, boxes, chair lifts, cold air, powdered trees, brother bonding time, open trails, butters, flat spins, aching legs, and goggle tans. I miss it. I'm getting anxious just waiting for the snow!! I have my snowboard with me now, so hopefully riding will come soon!

pumpkin spice lattes
It's that time of year again. That is all.

picture of the day: i would


Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Just sayin'...

Despite the insane amount of stress and extreme lack of sleep, I am really enjoying life :].

My friends are basically REALLY awesome. We have fun doing random things like camping, roasting marshmallows, swimming, staying up really really late, cooking, and just so many other things.

I am blessed. I'm starting to form some cool relationships with some new students and I am so thankful for the bonds that are starting to form.

School is cool and God is good :]

Saturday, September 12, 2009

The things people have recognized me as this week...

-Exercise girl
-The girl who knows everyone
-Short, brown haired, extroverted girl

Hahaha my life.

Friday, September 11, 2009

I have so much to write about... so I'm just going to say it all.

in remembrance of today
September 11 always make me sad. I always feel the need to tell where I was on September 11 because I remember the day pretty vividly. I remember sitting in my sixth grade math class with Mr. Basiak. A teacher came into our classroom and asked if anyone had parents who worked in New York City, saying that traffic would be really bad getting home. Keep in mind I'm from Jersey and soooo many people commute to work in the city.

It wasn't until I went home that I found out what was going on. I walked through the door and looked for my mom; I discovered her sitting in the basement in front of the TV with tears down her face. That was when I saw it. Across the television screen were people running from smoke and the World Trade Center tumbling to the ground. In an instant I was sobbing. I was so scared! I cried basically all day. I met my brother when he hopped off the bus and told him the news, and within minutes we were all glued to the TV. I had vocabulary homework to do for science that day, but it took me hours to do because I was so distracted. I was afraid that a plane would hit my house and hurt my family. My dad finally came home and our whole family was just sad and in awe of how something so terrible could happen. Corinne's uncle died in the towers, along with so many more.

The next day my dad took us to a park where you could see smoke from the towers across the bay.  Red Bank had a memorial over at the Waterfront Park, with countless candles, pictures, and flowers in remembrance of those lost. There were so many "Have you seen this person?" pictures. :[ Months later, we went to another park area and saw the two tall lights that replaced the towers. 9/11 always gets to me. If it's 9:11 p.m., I need to see the clock turn to 9:12. I'm always remembering that day.

how can i stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Last night's awake was incredibly moving. God has my life in his hands and I am SO confident of that. I know He will provide for me and do great things for my life. Last night was a time of surrender, of humbleness, and praise. God is so good and I am so thankful.

I feel like there is more that I needed to say. If I remember, I will post it.

Picture of the Day: I love my Family!



Tuesday, September 1, 2009

The Three 'S's of the College Student's Life

Studies.
Sleep.
Social Life.

In my college experience I have discovered that one of these three must be sacrificed in order to have the other two. The girl down the hall from me goes to sleep by 11, thus giving up her social life. My friend upstairs forgets that his assignments are due because he's busy with friends. As for me, I have not had a reallll night's sleep [we'll say at least eight hours] since... oh.... I forget. I need to start sleeping. I'm doing well in school and have been meeting a lot of new people, but right now I am exhausted! And my body is starting to regret it. Uh oh... :[

So here I am a week in, focusing on school and my social life. My classes are AH-MAZ-ING. Love 'em all! Sans Philosophy because it's online. Not digging the online class thang.

I've been to the beach a few times, baked A LOT [maybe too much, lol] and have been making an effort to hit the gym every day. So far, so good. Except there has been a lot of drama already, DUN DUN DUN! :[ Not down with that, especially since we're only one week into the semester. However, things are clearing up, so that's good.

I'm planning on Daniel fasting it soon, I'm feeling led, so we'll see where that goes.

Let's see, what else is worth saying...

Oh, true. I won at Apples to Apples. Holllllllleeerrr!

Picture of the Day: Today is Keith's Birthday

Monday, August 24, 2009

I haven't written in a week...

Bummer. Sorry. Haha. I moved back to school this week so things have been pretty hectic. Between orientation, going to the beach, and meeting new people I have really kept myself occupied.

I am INCREDIBLY blessed with some awesome roommates and floormates this year! I am stoked for what's in store.

Soooo about life. I don't understand why, but for the first time, really ever, I am having SUCH a hard time with forgiveness. Maybe I need time, maybe more space. I will "forgive" but then when I come face to face with what hurt me, the bitterness comes back. It is so hard. I definitely have a weight on my shoulders right now, but I am staying optimistic. My God is the God who provides! He will get me through and teach me how to love and truly forgive. 

Peace!

Picture of the Day: Photobooth with some adorable girlies!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Click the links within the lyrics :]

Savior I come
Quiet my soul remember
Redemptions hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as lost

Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You

You were as I
Tempted and tried
Human
The word became flesh
Bore my sin in death
Now You're risen
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as lost

To your heart
To your heart
Lead me to your heart
Lead me to your heart

Friday, August 14, 2009

This should have been posted a billion years ago...

R.I.P. Tigre.

In memory of Tigre El Pescado Lord/Morris/Allocco

[Approximately] July 13, 2009- August 12, 2009

May he rest in peace. In the sewer.