Hello my faithful followers.
I'm trying to be a faithful blogger for you. Sometimes it's hard. I mean, I'm sure we're very similar. This means that many of the thoughts floating around my head are nothing new. Just same old thoughts. Floatin' around. Gettin' kinda annoying. This sort of makes it hard to write things for you. And unless something hilarious happens to me I doubt any of you would be interested in the goings on of my life.
Although (and I blush to confess it) I did manage to burn a cake tonight. I know. To cinders. Ugh. Maybe I can cook, but bake? Not exactly. Dang. But it's ok anyway. It was a pineapple cake, and don't ask me why I had one. I don't know. Cause I sure wasn't going to like it anyway. Now I love pineapples, but as a cake? Meh.
See? That was my one anecdote from the day. Pineapples and burnt cakes. Aren't you glad I shared? Don't you feel enlightened? Entertained? No? See? Told you.
Oh, or how about this? I tried on my old dresses from high school today. Yep, they still fit. And I look better in them now.
Yeah.....that was definitely interesting.
Last night a friend and I chatted about my high school days. We went through my old yearbooks, reading comments, laughing at the things people wrote, "aww"ing at the sweet or touching things from friends, and counting up the number of guys I had crushes on each year. Sophomore year was the worst: 12. And that's only the boys who signed my yearbook...
Oh my readers. You have no idea how ridiculously boy crazy I used to be. I'm calmer now, thankfully.
But it made me think about high school. And how much I lived for theatre and choir. Lived for them, people. They were my passions. I know now that theatre was a passion because I loved the people. I loved being in front of an audience and keeping them entertained. And I loved music because, well, it is the foundation of my soul.
Dang, that's deep.
My love of theatre has transferred in interesting ways.
I love entertaining people. Keeping them laughing. Cracking jokes. Making the offhanded comment that puts people in stitches. As any of my friends can tell you, I bank a lot of my personality on the fact that I'm short, cute, and silly. I lessened early on that I cannot tell a joke or make a whip smart remark very well (although the "your face" formula has yet to let me down), so instead I channeled my ability to entertain into being the one that people laughed AT.
Luckily, God made me naturally clumsy, quirky, and fun-sized--all a rather brilliant combination for being laughed at.
My love of theatre also transferred into being a teacher. Thanks to years of performing I can easily tell when I'm losing an audience, and I'm always thinking in terms of keeping my audience's attention. And if I'm losing it then I just act dumb for a second, people laugh, and we get right back on track.
Ah, manipulation. So good.
In all honesty, it's the people who are closest to me, who I trust most, and who know the real me who get to see my seriousness. The quiet me. If I haven't made a joke in thirty minutes and we're just hanging out, don't worry. Nothing is wrong. You're actually just seeing regular ol' MB. The one without the silly games or the shows of clumsiness or quirky gestures. Although, real MB makes gestures too. Dangit.
And music. We all know music is my soul. And in high school that was choir.
I was asked what my favorite song was. And i wanted to choose something hip. Something edgy. But really, all I can think of is a choir piece.
Nerd alert!
This piece is written for men. It's Franz Beibel's arrangement of "Ave Maria" and I've never in my life heard anything more beautiful produced by the human voice. When I listen to this piece, I lay on the floor. I soak in the exquisite harmonies and the so-beautiful-they're-painful dissonances. Chills creep over me and my heart speeds up. When the "Amen"s begin at the end of the piece I feel like my heart could burst out of my chest, slowly at first, but then building in a crescendo of sound that topples me over the edge.
Phew. Almost makes me blush to read that. But that's this piece for me. It's an almost tangible experience. Take a listen. Please.
Enjoy.
And you're welcome for the tingles.
Showing posts with label Nerdiness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nerdiness. Show all posts
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, October 23, 2010
New York Trip: Comic Con
My trip to New York began well. I flew on my own and with minimal fuss. I discovered that I love to travel by myself. Sometimes I can be a little anti-social, so the ability to move quickly from gate to gate, bury myself in a book on the plane, and not worry about losing my party was great for me. It would have been terrible to die alone, but luckily--no death.
Actually, I'm zombie MB and I'm writing this to you while I'm sitting here eating BRAINS.
Ok, lame. Sorry.
So, made it to the Big Apple. I was a little hesitant when it came to getting from Jersey into Manhattan (because I flew into Newark instead of JFK), but I made it quickly to the city and with relative ease.
After leaving Penn station, I decided that I would explore that side of town (middle West side) and ended up on the edge of the island about an hour later. I still hadn't found the convention center, however, which worried me. My phone was low on battery and my backpack was starting to get awfully heavy.
I decided to give it one last go, so I hopped onto the next street headed East and lo and behold, there it was. The conference center. Finally.
After waiting in line for about fifteen minutes, I finally had my press pass. Turns out that a press pass only gives you permission to enter everything; it does not give you a guaranteed seat to any event. Luckily I didn't have my sights set on any event that would be too difficult to enter.
Panels and Workshops
1. Justifying using graphic novels in the classroom
This was a great workshop, and I am so glad that I made it into the Con in time to attend. The presenters were regular educators and librarians (who probably felt a little out of place among all the costumes and booths) who had used graphic novels in their classroom successfully. Their students had really enjoyed the entire process and learned much more about literature throughout than most people might assume. I took an entire page of notes and cannot wait to get them typed up and put together. I don't think I'll be able to incorporate anything until next year for my regular English classes, but I can't wait to try some things with my Creative Writing kids. I think they'll enjoy it!
2. Trailers
I wandered into a screening of the latest trailers from some major studios. It wasn't necessarily what I would have chosen to attend, but I was actually waiting for the next panel (see event 3!). I saw a great trailer for Battle: Los Angeles, and the newest Harry Potter trailer. I also saw the trailer for Sucker Punch, which looks like it's going to be just that, but I'd already seen the trailer this summer. Once that was done it was finally time for the event I'd originally come to see.
3. Hanna panel
This panel was for a new movie coming out next March called Hanna. It's directed by Joe Wright (Pride and Prejudice, Atonement, The Soloist) and stars Saoirse Ronan (Atonement, The Lovely Bones) and Eric Bana (Black Hawk Down, Troy, Time Traveler's Wife). I will admit that I went to go see Bana in person, and he was even more handsome in person--even if he did have short hair (I prefer longer hair). What I wasn't expecting, however, was how good Hanna looks. I think it'll be a very interesting movie, and I'm sure I'll enjoy it since I've enjoyed everything wright has done so far.
4. The Floor
The Floor. Capital "f." Seriously, it was just one big maze of gaming and company setups, booths, shops, and other exhibitions (like a crazy section for the re-release of the Alien movies on Blu-Ray). To be honest, I found this the least interesting part of the Con for me. I wasn't really there to shop or to meet any artists, so I basically wandered around looking at everything. I did stop by Her Universe though, a shop I've loved for awhile now. I finally got my Empire Strikes Back thermal hoodie, my new favorite piece of clothing.
5. Sherlock screening
By far my favorite part of the Con. As soon as I saw the it was screening I made sure to have my butt outside and in line a full hour-and-a-half early. Since it's written by Steven Moffat and Mark Gattis (two people behind Doctor Who) I was quite excited for the quality of the writing. BBC America approached me to do an interview (I think the guy chose me because he thought my shoes were cool), and I even signed a release, but the doors opened early. I decided to forgo the interview so that I could get a good seat. The show started, and I was in heaven. I've never watched a movie with such a responsive and fun audience before! These people knew when to laugh, appreciated all the inside jokes, and clapped at all the right times.
That screening made me so excited I decided to invite my students over for the American premiere on PBS tomorrow night. I hope they enjoy it as much as I did, but if not, at least I tried.
Here are some pictures from the convention for you all:
Actually, I'm zombie MB and I'm writing this to you while I'm sitting here eating BRAINS.
Ok, lame. Sorry.
So, made it to the Big Apple. I was a little hesitant when it came to getting from Jersey into Manhattan (because I flew into Newark instead of JFK), but I made it quickly to the city and with relative ease.
After leaving Penn station, I decided that I would explore that side of town (middle West side) and ended up on the edge of the island about an hour later. I still hadn't found the convention center, however, which worried me. My phone was low on battery and my backpack was starting to get awfully heavy.
I decided to give it one last go, so I hopped onto the next street headed East and lo and behold, there it was. The conference center. Finally.
After waiting in line for about fifteen minutes, I finally had my press pass. Turns out that a press pass only gives you permission to enter everything; it does not give you a guaranteed seat to any event. Luckily I didn't have my sights set on any event that would be too difficult to enter.
Panels and Workshops
1. Justifying using graphic novels in the classroom
This was a great workshop, and I am so glad that I made it into the Con in time to attend. The presenters were regular educators and librarians (who probably felt a little out of place among all the costumes and booths) who had used graphic novels in their classroom successfully. Their students had really enjoyed the entire process and learned much more about literature throughout than most people might assume. I took an entire page of notes and cannot wait to get them typed up and put together. I don't think I'll be able to incorporate anything until next year for my regular English classes, but I can't wait to try some things with my Creative Writing kids. I think they'll enjoy it!
2. Trailers
I wandered into a screening of the latest trailers from some major studios. It wasn't necessarily what I would have chosen to attend, but I was actually waiting for the next panel (see event 3!). I saw a great trailer for Battle: Los Angeles, and the newest Harry Potter trailer. I also saw the trailer for Sucker Punch, which looks like it's going to be just that, but I'd already seen the trailer this summer. Once that was done it was finally time for the event I'd originally come to see.
3. Hanna panel
This panel was for a new movie coming out next March called Hanna. It's directed by Joe Wright (Pride and Prejudice, Atonement, The Soloist) and stars Saoirse Ronan (Atonement, The Lovely Bones) and Eric Bana (Black Hawk Down, Troy, Time Traveler's Wife). I will admit that I went to go see Bana in person, and he was even more handsome in person--even if he did have short hair (I prefer longer hair). What I wasn't expecting, however, was how good Hanna looks. I think it'll be a very interesting movie, and I'm sure I'll enjoy it since I've enjoyed everything wright has done so far.
4. The Floor
The Floor. Capital "f." Seriously, it was just one big maze of gaming and company setups, booths, shops, and other exhibitions (like a crazy section for the re-release of the Alien movies on Blu-Ray). To be honest, I found this the least interesting part of the Con for me. I wasn't really there to shop or to meet any artists, so I basically wandered around looking at everything. I did stop by Her Universe though, a shop I've loved for awhile now. I finally got my Empire Strikes Back thermal hoodie, my new favorite piece of clothing.
5. Sherlock screening
By far my favorite part of the Con. As soon as I saw the it was screening I made sure to have my butt outside and in line a full hour-and-a-half early. Since it's written by Steven Moffat and Mark Gattis (two people behind Doctor Who) I was quite excited for the quality of the writing. BBC America approached me to do an interview (I think the guy chose me because he thought my shoes were cool), and I even signed a release, but the doors opened early. I decided to forgo the interview so that I could get a good seat. The show started, and I was in heaven. I've never watched a movie with such a responsive and fun audience before! These people knew when to laugh, appreciated all the inside jokes, and clapped at all the right times.
That screening made me so excited I decided to invite my students over for the American premiere on PBS tomorrow night. I hope they enjoy it as much as I did, but if not, at least I tried.
Here are some pictures from the convention for you all:
I enjoyed my time there very much, but I realized that I'm positively mild compared to other fans. It helped put my geekiness in perspective. I spent my day there on Friday and half of my day on Saturday. That was plenty for me, and I feel like I got to see all that I wanted to see. All in all, I'd say it was a success.
Next post:
The city
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Confession
I have a confession to make.
Despite the fact that I am a self-professed nerd, I haven't actually seen any of the Star Trek films except for The Undiscovered Country and the newer Star Trek.
This might be a shocker to you until you remember that I veered off in the direction of all things Star Wars.
This means despite the fact that I grew up on a diet of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek-themed murder mysteries being held at my home (complete with my parents in full regalia and face putty), and purchasing Data Christmas ornaments for my mother, I somehow ended up on the other side of the tracks.
All of this to say that I'm now working my way gradually through the many Star Trek movies.
Last night I began with Star Trek: The Movie. This is an oft-criticized film, mostly for its slow pace and lack of action. I now have to admit something, and it's going to place me in a difficult position as a nerd.
Not sure why?
Here, I'll give you a reference.
The position I will now find myself in is very similar to the position in which I would place someone who spoke of The Phantom Menace and said that it was "Not that bad." Those three words would spark a violent reaction in myself, accompanied by many vocal protestations and lashing out physically. Those are dangerous words to utter to she who aligns herself with the Wars.
So, without further ado, time to place myself into a difficult position.
And I defend myself because I found 2001: A Space Odyssey very good and I happen to like slow and plodding movies.
I found Star Trek: The Movie . . . .
. . . not that bad.
Despite the fact that I am a self-professed nerd, I haven't actually seen any of the Star Trek films except for The Undiscovered Country and the newer Star Trek.
This might be a shocker to you until you remember that I veered off in the direction of all things Star Wars.
This means despite the fact that I grew up on a diet of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek-themed murder mysteries being held at my home (complete with my parents in full regalia and face putty), and purchasing Data Christmas ornaments for my mother, I somehow ended up on the other side of the tracks.
All of this to say that I'm now working my way gradually through the many Star Trek movies.
Last night I began with Star Trek: The Movie. This is an oft-criticized film, mostly for its slow pace and lack of action. I now have to admit something, and it's going to place me in a difficult position as a nerd.
Not sure why?
Here, I'll give you a reference.
The position I will now find myself in is very similar to the position in which I would place someone who spoke of The Phantom Menace and said that it was "Not that bad." Those three words would spark a violent reaction in myself, accompanied by many vocal protestations and lashing out physically. Those are dangerous words to utter to she who aligns herself with the Wars.
So, without further ado, time to place myself into a difficult position.
And I defend myself because I found 2001: A Space Odyssey very good and I happen to like slow and plodding movies.
I found Star Trek: The Movie . . . .
. . . not that bad.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Wherein I display my true colors (with a timeline!)
I've been doing some soul-searching lately. Not the serious kind, mind you, just the kind that prompts one to take a step back from oneself and ask, "Is this who I truly am?"
You see, I don't often think about it, but I was raised by two people who dearly loved science fiction and fantasy, picking apart films, and not apologizing for it.
Oh yes, you see where this is going now. Be prepared.
And now that I've just said that I can see Scar looming over a canyon full of dancing hyenas. Awesome. I'm going to go listen to the Lion King soundtrack real fast. Hold on.
And I'm back. And I'm not kidding. I'm seriously listening to Jeremy Irons try to sing. And I'm helping him.
Anyway, the way I was raised naturally instilled a few natural tendencies in me. I remember spending the entire summer of my 10th year locked in my bedroom devouring my parents' novels about people who ride fantastical dragons on a planet named Pern. My parents had to throw my outside for an hour each day. I'd spend that hour poking around, dreaming about riding a gold dragon, and counting down the minutes until I could come back inside and dive back into that world.
Those of you who know me will not find that strange. I have obsessive tendencies. They come in handy when those obsessions line up with my current position in life. For example, my current obsession with being the best English teacher ever lines up perfectly with my current position as an English teacher. Lovely!
But one obsession I've always had has been my love of books, TV shows, and films that treat life in a fantastic way. The dragon books, Star Wars (both books and films), my love of Agatha Christie novels, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the Harry Potter world, Pushing Daisies, Spaced, and my ongoing attraction/repulsion relationship with horror films (but excluding torture porn). This obsession has always been in an up and down cycle in my life, often dependent on the people around me.
Here's a rough timeline for you:
Ages 3-9:
Family time on Sunday nights included watching an hour of Nature on PBS, and then an hour of Star Trek: The Next Generation with a few bowls of popcorn topped with Parmesan cheese.
Age 12:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer airs for the first time. Instant love. Who knew that TV could ever be so good? My parents buy me a t-shirt. I wear it like it's the coolest thing on the planet. My parents buy Star Wars in the brand new VHS release. I immediately run them into the ground.
Age 14:
High school begins. I realize that no one else likes the things I do. Or, if they do, not to the same extent as myself. I stop wearing my Buffy t-shirt. Much to my shame, I'll admit I also stop watching Buffy on TV.
Ages 14-18:
Ages 18-24:
Brief moments of shining nerdiness peek through: Attending two midnight releases of two Harry Potter books, debating the suckiness of the Star Wars prequels with friends, mainlining the extended editions of all three LOTR movies and all the commentary tracks (that's 60 hours of movie-watching, in case you weren't aware), and discovering Harlan Ellison. I discover Doctor Who.
Then I move to a small town and I live alone. I don't need to hide this nerdiness from anyone. I budget so I can go to ComicCon in the future. I finally see Spaced. My attention settles on successful and talented people in the entertainment business who embraced their inner nerd and it took them far (I'm talking about you, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Edgar Wright, and, of course, Bill Hader).
I realize that I can do this. Nerds truly do inherit the earth.
Or at least, they inherit the earth I care about.
You see, I don't often think about it, but I was raised by two people who dearly loved science fiction and fantasy, picking apart films, and not apologizing for it.
Oh yes, you see where this is going now. Be prepared.
And now that I've just said that I can see Scar looming over a canyon full of dancing hyenas. Awesome. I'm going to go listen to the Lion King soundtrack real fast. Hold on.
And I'm back. And I'm not kidding. I'm seriously listening to Jeremy Irons try to sing. And I'm helping him.
Those of you who know me will not find that strange. I have obsessive tendencies. They come in handy when those obsessions line up with my current position in life. For example, my current obsession with being the best English teacher ever lines up perfectly with my current position as an English teacher. Lovely!
But one obsession I've always had has been my love of books, TV shows, and films that treat life in a fantastic way. The dragon books, Star Wars (both books and films), my love of Agatha Christie novels, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the Harry Potter world, Pushing Daisies, Spaced, and my ongoing attraction/repulsion relationship with horror films (but excluding torture porn). This obsession has always been in an up and down cycle in my life, often dependent on the people around me.
Here's a rough timeline for you:
Ages 3-9:
Family time on Sunday nights included watching an hour of Nature on PBS, and then an hour of Star Trek: The Next Generation with a few bowls of popcorn topped with Parmesan cheese.
Age 10:
Discover the Dragonriders of Pern series. Life is perfect. I vividly remember listening to my very first cassette tape (Alanis Morrisette, Jagged Little Pill-- that's right, I'm not kidding) while reading the first chapter.
Age 10.5:
Discover my parents' stash of Star Wars novels. Devour them all. This marks the beginning of my Star Wars fixation and the decline of Star Trek, sorry Mom and Dad.
Age 12:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer airs for the first time. Instant love. Who knew that TV could ever be so good? My parents buy me a t-shirt. I wear it like it's the coolest thing on the planet. My parents buy Star Wars in the brand new VHS release. I immediately run them into the ground.
Age 14:
High school begins. I realize that no one else likes the things I do. Or, if they do, not to the same extent as myself. I stop wearing my Buffy t-shirt. Much to my shame, I'll admit I also stop watching Buffy on TV.
Ages 14-18:I begin my quest to know everything about film, cut back a little on the fantasy book reading, and think way too highly of myself. Seminal films for me at this time include A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, Moulin Rouge, Vanilla Sky, and The Matrix.
Age 18:
I go to college and vow to become a cool nerd. This is reinforced when I begin dating a boy who does not share my love for science fiction and fantasy (I should have known it would never work when he refused to watch The Lord of the Rings with me).
Ages 18-24:
Brief moments of shining nerdiness peek through: Attending two midnight releases of two Harry Potter books, debating the suckiness of the Star Wars prequels with friends, mainlining the extended editions of all three LOTR movies and all the commentary tracks (that's 60 hours of movie-watching, in case you weren't aware), and discovering Harlan Ellison. I discover Doctor Who.
Age 25:
The decline and subsequent end of my relationship with that boy prompts a resurgence of nerdom. My friends and I host Doctor Who watch parties for season 5, I attend a Star Wars watching party and debate various weaponry and technology with a friend, I begin my countdown to Inception in January. I discover Firefly.
Then I move to a small town and I live alone. I don't need to hide this nerdiness from anyone. I budget so I can go to ComicCon in the future. I finally see Spaced. My attention settles on successful and talented people in the entertainment business who embraced their inner nerd and it took them far (I'm talking about you, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Edgar Wright, and, of course, Bill Hader).
I realize that I can do this. Nerds truly do inherit the earth.
Or at least, they inherit the earth I care about.
And, on another note, I discovered this artist. His name is James Hance, and his artwork is exactly what I want. I'm going to buy some of his prints and hang them up in my home as my art.
And I don't care what anyone thinks of it!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Dear Lord, God please don't break my brain.
Today I did more work in my classroom. I can feel the weight of the time crunch beating down on me. Ugh.
AND I found out some lovely news today. I was under the impression the health care for teachers was covered. Always covered. Ha. Are you paying attention? It's not.
Basically, the school system will only pay for half of my monthly coverage, which, as it turns out, is really expensive. I'm all about a certain health insurance company that contains what Jesus died on, the acronym of a certain Marvel Comics law-enforcement agency (and yes, I'm using a comic books reference, deal with it), and the primary color that is not red or yellow.
Waiting . . .
. . . almost there . . .
. . . now you've got it.
Ok, so I'm all about that company. But not when I have to pay half of the lowest monthly option. Because that wonderful company knows it's wonderful. And what do people do when they know they're wonderful? Well, folks, they charge lots and lots of money.
Why do you think Julia Roberts makes so much money? Because she knows we all think she's wonderful. And she is a little wonderful, God love her. We'll just overlook the forthcoming Put-Things-In-Mouth-Then-Chew-Them-Then-Swallow-Them, Talk-to-Deity-of-Your-Choice, Strong-Feelings-That-Are-More-Than-Like.
Waiting . . .
. . . wondering why she chose to write the title that way . . .
. . . got it, albeit with a little bit of huh?
Anyway, with a $2,000 deductible (that's right, you heard me. I'll give you a second to pick your jaw up off the floor. Lord knows I needed more than a few to do the same thing . . . . . . . . ok, ready? And, we're back.), I better not get so much as a runny nose while I'm here in Ashland.
Oh, God.
Knock.
On.
Wood.
I just know when I finish writing this post I'm going to trip over my own feet, forget to catch myself with my hands, smash my face into the corner of my kitchen counter, and break my nose all the way up into my brain.
Yes.
Break my nose. Into my brain.
It's a real thing. I looked it up.
In other news, I love my classroom. I really mean it. Love, love, love. It's a comfortable place. It's big, it's sunny, and it's cleaner than most of the rooms in the building. I've been figuring out how to buy some movie posters for the room without spending a lot of money. So far I have a Star Wars poster. Nothing fancy, nothing official, but at least I'm representing (I like using the "g" at the end to emphasize my whiteness).
Love you all. Miss you.
AND I found out some lovely news today. I was under the impression the health care for teachers was covered. Always covered. Ha. Are you paying attention? It's not.
Basically, the school system will only pay for half of my monthly coverage, which, as it turns out, is really expensive. I'm all about a certain health insurance company that contains what Jesus died on, the acronym of a certain Marvel Comics law-enforcement agency (and yes, I'm using a comic books reference, deal with it), and the primary color that is not red or yellow.
Waiting . . .
. . . almost there . . .
. . . now you've got it.
Ok, so I'm all about that company. But not when I have to pay half of the lowest monthly option. Because that wonderful company knows it's wonderful. And what do people do when they know they're wonderful? Well, folks, they charge lots and lots of money.
Why do you think Julia Roberts makes so much money? Because she knows we all think she's wonderful. And she is a little wonderful, God love her. We'll just overlook the forthcoming Put-Things-In-Mouth-Then-Chew-Them-Then-Swallow-Them, Talk-to-Deity-of-Your-Choice, Strong-Feelings-That-Are-More-Than-Like.
Waiting . . .
. . . wondering why she chose to write the title that way . . .
. . . got it, albeit with a little bit of huh?
Anyway, with a $2,000 deductible (that's right, you heard me. I'll give you a second to pick your jaw up off the floor. Lord knows I needed more than a few to do the same thing . . . . . . . . ok, ready? And, we're back.), I better not get so much as a runny nose while I'm here in Ashland.
Oh, God.
Knock.
On.
Wood.
I just know when I finish writing this post I'm going to trip over my own feet, forget to catch myself with my hands, smash my face into the corner of my kitchen counter, and break my nose all the way up into my brain.
Yes.
Break my nose. Into my brain.
It's a real thing. I looked it up.
In other news, I love my classroom. I really mean it. Love, love, love. It's a comfortable place. It's big, it's sunny, and it's cleaner than most of the rooms in the building. I've been figuring out how to buy some movie posters for the room without spending a lot of money. So far I have a Star Wars poster. Nothing fancy, nothing official, but at least I'm representing (I like using the "g" at the end to emphasize my whiteness).
Love you all. Miss you.
Friday, July 30, 2010
I want, want, want.
I have found a website made just for me. Thank the lord for Ashley Eckstein and her desire to cater to female Star Wars fans. It seriously is a market that's way too small.
The site is called Her Universe. And it has these T-shirts. Short sleeved shirts are $30 each and long-sleeved shirts are $40. I may have to space out my purchases, but someday I shall start my collection. And I will wear them proudly.
The site is called Her Universe. And it has these T-shirts. Short sleeved shirts are $30 each and long-sleeved shirts are $40. I may have to space out my purchases, but someday I shall start my collection. And I will wear them proudly.
Check them out if you like Star Wars, sci-fi, or general nerdiness. And I call dibs on the Luke Skywalker tee. That's going to be my first purchase. Han, who? I was always, always a Luke girl. He's my Jedi Knight in shining armor.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Star Wars and Missions
It's been far too long since I've posted. Perhaps not technically, but mentally. You know how they say it takes 30 days to form a habit, but only 1 day to break it? Well, the habit of keeping this blog (and I started it for all of you who want to keep tabs on me as I move) has formed well as I've updated regularly over the last month. This weekend, however, I just did not feel like posting. And it's totally true. I felt, hmmm, I should post tonight. Then I thought, nah, I can post tomorrow. Uh oh. That is a recipe for NEVER POSTING AGAIN. And I would know. I've "restarted" this blog at least three times.
So. A real post for today.
And in case you were wondering about my day yesterday, it was great. Talked to Amy about teaching Speech, and she gave me a ton of great material. Then lunch with Mal, which was delicious and fun. Then home for some house-cleaning, garden-watering, and sun-tanning (I gave in and decided to lay out yesterday). THEN I got a frantic text from Saras telling me that Star Wars was beginning at her house and I better get over there. They may not have realized it, but I moved so fast that I would have been a blur if you'd seen me. I started laundry, washed the dishes, showered, dried my hair (a considerable feat) and got ready in a matter of 45 minutes and was at her house an hour after she texted. And then. My friends. It was wonderful.
Star Wars is probably my most favorite series. Ever. Perhaps if a movie was made out of The Dragonriders of Pern it might be up on the top, but not even Harry Potter can surpass Star Wars for me. Perhaps the most fun of the evening? My friend Ben is also a major Star Wars nerd (and you can't even call yourself a Star Wars nerd unless you have done much more than simply watch the movies). So he and I spent much of the movies discussing the various technology of the galaxy, arguing over the merits of certain lightsaber duels, and quoting our favorite lines. An example of my nerdiness? As we watched Chewbaccca, I proceeded to relate to those watching how a young wookie enters adulthood through a dangerous ritual which enables him to procure plant fibers to weave a belt--which Chewie was wearing. They appreciated it. I know they did.
Lately I feel like I've been writing a bit of fluff. Mostly that's because no new developments have taken place in the moving process; however, I absolutely loved church this morning.
It was my last Sunday playing worship for church. So bittersweet. I love my violin so much and the chance to worship the King with it is such a blessing, but I'm still saddened by the fact that I have to leave the worship team. Nate told me that I could play when I come back to visit, which lightened my heart considerably.
Then Jim spoke this morning. For those of you who don't attend our church, we have three men who speak. Terry is our senior pastor, and Jim and Dave are associate pastors, or whatever we call them. Terry speaks about very practical things, and his messages are full of life application. Jim speaks about very complicated subjects and loads his messages with Scripture and tough theological ideas. Dave speaks about life areas people struggle with and uses Scripture to inspire, convict, and challenge. They are all great speakers, and while some people respond best to certain speakers, I usually respond best to Jim's messages. At least, that's how it's been going for me lately.
This morning he spoke about living missionally. And he made so many solid points, but the one that stuck out to me the most hit me squarely in the chest. God asks us to pray for workers to go out into the harvest. Anyone can go. It's easy. You pack your bags and you go. But it's selfish at its most base level. If all you do is go, then you're doing so on your own terms. But God commands that we ask Him to send people into the field. Being sent is different. When you're sent, it's not on your own terms. It's on His.
And I realized that I am blessed beyond anything I could imagine. Why? Because God is sending me. Holy-freaking-cow. How selfish am I by dwelling on the fact that I don't want to go away from my friends here in Wichita? Of course I don't want to go to Ashland. Things on my own terms would never look that hard. But therein lies the beauty. I know I'm being sent because of that very reason. Being sent will always require sacrifice, prayer, strength, and courage. Going has a sort of cavalier quality. Being sent is not personally exciting or fulfilling.
But then again it IS exciting and fulfilling. But only when looked at correctly. By loving His mission and living to see His purpose accomplished (whatever it is, for only He knows) I can and will find INFINITE benefit.
Oh Jesus, please give me the courage to trade my life today.
So. A real post for today.
And in case you were wondering about my day yesterday, it was great. Talked to Amy about teaching Speech, and she gave me a ton of great material. Then lunch with Mal, which was delicious and fun. Then home for some house-cleaning, garden-watering, and sun-tanning (I gave in and decided to lay out yesterday). THEN I got a frantic text from Saras telling me that Star Wars was beginning at her house and I better get over there. They may not have realized it, but I moved so fast that I would have been a blur if you'd seen me. I started laundry, washed the dishes, showered, dried my hair (a considerable feat) and got ready in a matter of 45 minutes and was at her house an hour after she texted. And then. My friends. It was wonderful.
Star Wars is probably my most favorite series. Ever. Perhaps if a movie was made out of The Dragonriders of Pern it might be up on the top, but not even Harry Potter can surpass Star Wars for me. Perhaps the most fun of the evening? My friend Ben is also a major Star Wars nerd (and you can't even call yourself a Star Wars nerd unless you have done much more than simply watch the movies). So he and I spent much of the movies discussing the various technology of the galaxy, arguing over the merits of certain lightsaber duels, and quoting our favorite lines. An example of my nerdiness? As we watched Chewbaccca, I proceeded to relate to those watching how a young wookie enters adulthood through a dangerous ritual which enables him to procure plant fibers to weave a belt--which Chewie was wearing. They appreciated it. I know they did.
Lately I feel like I've been writing a bit of fluff. Mostly that's because no new developments have taken place in the moving process; however, I absolutely loved church this morning.
It was my last Sunday playing worship for church. So bittersweet. I love my violin so much and the chance to worship the King with it is such a blessing, but I'm still saddened by the fact that I have to leave the worship team. Nate told me that I could play when I come back to visit, which lightened my heart considerably.
Then Jim spoke this morning. For those of you who don't attend our church, we have three men who speak. Terry is our senior pastor, and Jim and Dave are associate pastors, or whatever we call them. Terry speaks about very practical things, and his messages are full of life application. Jim speaks about very complicated subjects and loads his messages with Scripture and tough theological ideas. Dave speaks about life areas people struggle with and uses Scripture to inspire, convict, and challenge. They are all great speakers, and while some people respond best to certain speakers, I usually respond best to Jim's messages. At least, that's how it's been going for me lately.
This morning he spoke about living missionally. And he made so many solid points, but the one that stuck out to me the most hit me squarely in the chest. God asks us to pray for workers to go out into the harvest. Anyone can go. It's easy. You pack your bags and you go. But it's selfish at its most base level. If all you do is go, then you're doing so on your own terms. But God commands that we ask Him to send people into the field. Being sent is different. When you're sent, it's not on your own terms. It's on His.
And I realized that I am blessed beyond anything I could imagine. Why? Because God is sending me. Holy-freaking-cow. How selfish am I by dwelling on the fact that I don't want to go away from my friends here in Wichita? Of course I don't want to go to Ashland. Things on my own terms would never look that hard. But therein lies the beauty. I know I'm being sent because of that very reason. Being sent will always require sacrifice, prayer, strength, and courage. Going has a sort of cavalier quality. Being sent is not personally exciting or fulfilling.
But then again it IS exciting and fulfilling. But only when looked at correctly. By loving His mission and living to see His purpose accomplished (whatever it is, for only He knows) I can and will find INFINITE benefit.
Oh Jesus, please give me the courage to trade my life today.
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