www.flickr.com
This is a Flickr badge showing public photos from carlybish. Make your own badge here.
Something's been on my mind lately. In fact, it's been passing through my thoughts for probably the last six months. I just haven't been able to specify exactly what it is that's intriguing me so much. I've finally decided to jot some things down with hopes that this issue, whatever it may be, will resolve itself.

At what point in time did the world and everything in it become no longer new? I can only see things from my own perspective. If you think you can put yourself in someone else's "shoes" and see things from their point of view, think again. You can't remove your eyes and borrow someone else's. Rather, I believe when you try to understand someone else (ie. in their "shoes"), you're only allowing yourself to become even more blind than before. So even after writing all that, there you sit, trying desperately to understand this perspective of mine... Funny, isn't it? Stop trying. You might hurt yourself.

When I was younger, I used to see things and they had such a glow. I'm not sure how to describe it. Most of the time, it was in the car. Whenever we drove along the street, from the passenger window, I would stare down at the dashed yellow lines. What became fascinating was how the lines seemed to connect, therefore becoming one line, whenever the car sped up and then dashed again as the car slowed. Why was that so amazing then but not so much now? What changed? Something I once found beautiful and great has seemingly become simple and plain; normal.

I guess the reason why I'm writing about this is because I wish I could get back that way of seeing things. I'm not sure what that way was... It could have been the fact that I was younger or that I've seen so much since the age of thirteen. But somehow I can't help thinking somewhere down the line, I decided not to notice; to ignore that glow. Everything has a glow. I remember being able to see it in everything. Everything! In the bathroom tiles! Or a recently vacuumed carpet! When there was good weather, I used to lie on our trampoline and stare up at the evergreen trees and I used to pretend I was one of them. Because they would sway back and forth and I remember imagining the conversations they could be having. I wasn't just a dreamer and I don't think I had a wild imagination. But that's how I saw things. Things and people alike. I used to see them all.

It was a glow, but not the kind that shines or makes something brighter. It was a sort of glow that I couldn't really see, but rather feel. A glow that was simply there. Has the time that has passed simply desensitized me? Have I gone numb over the years?

Holy crap... Have I become jaded?
We did it! The song has been recorded and has been sent to New York for the Pantene Pro-Voice contest! I realize tons of girls have entered this national competition, but I figure what the heck! I may as well! Three finalists get to fly to New York (where I've never been) and perform at Central Park and I can't imagine a better way to start a new year. Just so you know, my new year starts in August instead of January. I'm not sure why, but it's always felt that way. But that's beside the point... The point is--even if I don't make it as a finalist, at least I got a pretty cool song out of the whole thing. For me, those are hard to come by. Thanks to Austin, Ryan, Leah, and Sarah for helping out, whether it be the recording process or just hanging out for support. You guys are the best.

So, now that the song project is through, I've got a couple more in mind. Actually... More than a couple.

First thing--I need to find a job, a regular paycheck, something to add to my already restricting resume... I presently have about fifteen applications in my possession. As soon as I've filled them all out (a very tedious task), I'm going back to the mall to return them. Trust me when I say that I'll be "praying with furver" that one of them will bring me success.

Second thing--finishing school. I have one last group presentation to finish for my psychology class. I also have a volunteer project to complete for environmental studies. Two weeks left of spring quarter and then I'm done. Done. For ten days. After which, summer quarter begins.

Third thing--holding a garage sale. What else can I say? I've needed to have a garage sale for the last six months. Finally, with the weather turning somewhat pleasant, I can have one. Hurrah.

Fourth thing--completing The Alex Golden Movement. Unfortunately, I cannot give too many details about this particular subject. To sum it up, I need to get started on making my friend, Alex Golden, famous. And it won't be easy... But it's going to happen. Oh yes... It's going to happen.

So, right. I've got lots of things I need/want to work on. We'll see how things progress. I'm feeling somewhat optimistic. Maybe my motivation for things is finally coming back. I'm not sure what's improved my mindset, but the fact that my friends have come home may be a factor. I just love those guys.
God: I love you.

Me: But God, I'm not perfect.

God: You're all I ever wanted you to be.
Recording tracks can be one of the most angst-filled proceedures. Ryan and I arrived at Austin's to record a new track only to spend nearly two hours working in vain. After laying down three seperate lines of track--guitar, vocals, back up vocals--the computer suddenly couldn't take it any longer, froze, and we lost everything.

We'll try again tomorrow... Seriously, though. Geez!
Hear that cracking noise? The tearing of tissue? That would be the sound of my heart breaking.

Jason Killingsworth is taking a break from blogging for a while. The world has suddenly become several shades darker.
I find myself battling the normal life. Anything stereotypical becomes something I fight against. Maybe I'm selfish and maybe it doesn't matter, but quite frankly, I'd like to be remembered after I'm gone. Namely, I think of people like CS Lewis or Robert Frost or Leonardo DiVinci and how "ahead of their time" they really were. They went against the grain; they swam upstream; they chose to be square pegs. Funny that Frost and DiVinci were both schizophrenics... Nonetheless, even though I lack the mental disorder, I'd still like to reach that same level.

CS Lewis has said some of the most profound, wonderful things. He's one of the few in this world who make me say to myself consistently, "Why can't I think of something so revolutionary? Why can't I say something like that? Something no one has ever said before?"

It's an overwhelming and overpowering desire to leave some sort of divet in the existence of humankind. Something that dwells in my fingers and in my thoughts. The faces of people who I've made laugh or people I've made cry. I can honestly say they are the drive, the inspiration, the passion behind whatever it is I want. My reasons for wanting to be something besides a housewife.
Believe it or not, I've sent out about seven personal emails this morning... That's above average, which would be "0" emails.

Something happens to me when I have a fast connection. Here at Cascadia, I believe the computers are broadband or DSL... Either way. Something about it overpowers my ability to cease clicking the mouse or tapping away at this keyboard at a ridiculously fast pace.
An interesting night... A guy asked for my phone number this evening. I fought with Leah and Ryan about the whole situation. They maintain that this guy was totally "into" me, and for the most part, I agree with them. However, I just don't like getting my hopes up and do my best to refute any sort of encouraging statement they make.

Anyhow. Ryan wanted to make a bet that this guy calls me within the week. I argue that he won't. Basically, while I thought making a bet on things would be fairly ridiculous, it did become somewhat appealing after I got home.

So. Would you like make a generalized assumption as to when this guy will call me? You're choices are Wednesday (today), Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday. Go ahead. Take a guess. I'm not sure what you'll win, but whoever wins may simply enjoy the pleasure of being right (or wrong).

Go ahead... Make my day. Prove me wrong. I maintain that he won't call me. Let's find out who's right.
Typical Job Hunting Experience

A. Printing out several copies of a nice resume.
B. Primping and dressing appropriately; becoming presentable.
C. Combing through the shopping mall.
D. Collecting wanted application forms.
E. Collecting unwanted application forms.
F. Getting checked out/hit on by already employed men.
Dog.
I'm hanging out with my brother in my room at the moment. We've got this new favorite show on MTV called "Surf Girls." When our family took our first-ever vacation last summer to Hawaii, Kyle and I got to experience the beach and the ocean as if we never had before. Growing up in Long Beach, California wasn't the best way to become familiar with the beach or with waves. In that particular area, the sand commonly had large, rough grains and was cluttered with trash. Not to mention, the waves were small and hardly worth any sort of ride.

On the Big Island, the sand was soft like silk and the waves seemed to smile when they curled and burst out laughing when they crashed. Kyle and I could spend anywhere between six and eight hours body surfing and rolling around in every ocean swell. It was one of the funnest times we'd ever had in our lives. While we were there, we kept talking about coming back. We knew that once we left, we would miss it immensely. Whenever we took a break from the water, we would sit and stare back at the waves longingly... as though we already missed them...

I've been thinking really hard about what I want to do with the 6-9 month break I plan on taking after this summer. It was interesting because I came home from class about two weeks ago and my friend Erin was working for my mom that day, so she was there to greet me. We started talking and I mentioned that her boyfriend, Josh, blurted out to me earlier that day, "Carly, you should travel." She nodded her head and said, "You know, I think he's right. But I also think you should spend time in California. At the beach."

"Really?? Well... I don't think so. Not California."

"But I thought you loved it there?"

"Certain parts. But, I've experienced it too often to see it as any place I'd like to go."

"Hmm... I dunno... I just feel like part of it would be right."

"The beach maybe."

I didn't think about that conversation again until sometime yesterday. My thoughts continue to return to that brief discussion over and over throughout the day. The beach maybe...

Hawaii. Far-fetched, I know. But I wonder if it could be right. I'm in love with the Big Island and with the people who live there. It's not nearly as tourist-oriented as Maui or Oahu. It's more of a place you can actually live. I fell madly in love with it when I was there and I don't think I ever let it go. Nearly a year later, and it's true that I watch both Hawaii two-hour homevideos more often than any other video I've taped.

Besides... Imagine the tan I'd have. Note: wink and a brush of sarcasm.
Why I don't make a good witness (yet).

Location: Seattle, Washington.
Event: Folklife Festival
Activity: playing guitar for the people walking past.

A man drops a few quarters in my guitar case. "Are you really going to college?" he asks in response to my "Help fund my college education" sign.

I nod affirmingly and continue to sing and play.

He straightens his back and shoves his hands in his pockets, "Where do plan on going?"

I figure I'm close enough to the end of the song that I can just end it. So I did. "I'm thinking about the University of Victoria in Canada."

"In Canada? Why?"

"The currency exchange rate is amazing."

"You know, you'd probably get more money if you hid your money so people would feel more sympathetic and give more."

"Yeah... I don't want to hide anything from anybody though."

"Well, I'm a college financial aid consultant and you could probably make more money that way. You plan on taking out loans, right?"

"Actually, no. I refuse to go into debt."

"Really?! Wow... Are you're parents helping you?"

"Yes, they are. But I'm not just doing this for the money. I also really love to play for people."

"Haha! You're not really going to college, are you?"

"What? No, no. I'm going to go--"

"I'm kidding. I'm kidding. That's cool."

"Yeah, and it's really a great opportunity to share my faith and talk to people about God."

"I don't know Him."

"Uh--haha--Uh... You don't?"

"No... Am I going to Hell?"

"Er--Uh--Ha--Well... no..."

"H-E-double hockey sticks, huh?"

"Haha! Uh... Ok..."

"So, why don't you go to Bible College?"

"Well, I was actually thinking about it. In Canada, a year's tuition is just between $6500 and $7000."

"No, no, no! Don't go there! Those people are all athiests!"

"What?" Nervous laughter overtakes me. "Canadians are nice."

"Well, it was nice talking to you." The man shakes my hand.

"You too."

"Goodbye! Praise the Lord!" He walks off.

I really suck when it comes to the Good News.
"If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life, as if he were related to one of those intricate machines that register earthquakes ten thousand miles away." - The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald

Page six. I've read that line about nine times now. Let's just say I've been hooked. Now to be reeled in.
Give me my Fufu Berry Jones Soda fortune!

The project that you have in mind now gains momentum...
It really is time for a free write!!!

I have a really cool bookshelf hanging from my wall. I'm very proud of this bookshelf because it's practically the first thing I ever bought from IKEA. Sadly... It just fell from the wall, collapsed onto my hope chest, snapped off two pieces of the shelving, and left several picture frames (glass, mind you) shattered in bits and pieces...

I don't think you realize how disappointed I am right now. First of all, it's a cool shelf. Shaped like a tic-tac-toe and dark navy blue--this thing is really cool looking. Secondly, I assembled it all by myself. That's right! Without the IKEA instructions even! Because I'm smart! S-M-A-R-T! Smart! Lastly, my dad and I put it up on my wall like professional construction workers. We didn't just use nails. No, no. We used a drill-bit and plastic hangers and all this awesome stuff I'd never known how to use before. It was level to the floor and parallel to my window. Absolutely perfect.

Now, I have a mess of videotapes and books and journals and picture frames scattered across my floor. Jumbled and broken things. Book covers folded backwards or in half. Disorganized and utterly hopeless looking... This is quite tragic.

As I stare hopelessly at this pile, I can't help wishing I could plunge into the mess. No doubt, I'd blend right in.
In This Moment...

One Day I'll Fly Away
Nicole Kidman

I follow the night
Can't stand the light
When will I begin
To live again?

One day I'll fly away
Leave all this to yesterday

What more could
Your love do for me?
When will love be
Through with me?
Why live life from
Dream to dream
And dread the day
When dreaming ends?

One day I'll fly away
Leave all this to yesterday

Why live life from
Dream to dream
And dread the day
When dreaming ends?

One day I'll fly away
Fly, fly away
Remember the dreaded messy room back in April? Well... I neglected to inform everyone that I attained cleanihood once more (even more than it was before the nuclear warhead hit)...



However, that was at the end of April. My room is back to its normal, cluttered state now. At least now we all know the vast amounts of potential it could have...
I realize this is her entire post, but I just couldn't help it. It's that funny.

May 19, 2003

O Glorious Instant Messenger.

Lesternelson: So, you want to hear a not-so-funny story about hamsters?
Sarahhatter: Sure.
Lesternelson: Adam and I drove down to Portland when I was moving down here, and we got really stoned and drove to Beaverton looking for supplies I needed. We decided (because we were stoned) "shit, forget these supplies. we can live without them. let's buy hamsters!" So I bought two hamsters, and Adam bought two baby hamsters, and I ended up buying almost 200 dollars worth of cage-stuff (tubing, a rotating sky-restaurant, a floating orb wheel, etc)... Anyways, when it came time for Adam to fly back to Alaska, they wouldn't let him bring his baby hamsters on the plane with him because they didn't have birth certificate and registration. So I had to take care of four hamsters now. But anyways, the first time I drove to Puyallup, I left the hamsters home and they got out of the cage and Adams babies got out of my apartment (because they were the only ones not fat enough that they could fit under the door). We found one of them in the lobby fifteen floors down, so apparently it took the elevator or something. We never found the other one. And by "We", I mean "I." Fast-forward to last weekend. I drove to Puyallup again, leaving the hammies at home. I left quite a bit of food in the cage, but they ate it all really fast I guess, because when I got home, I found that one of my hamsters ate Adam's remaining hamster, and all that was left was his jaw and a small fluff of fur. And the BAD hamster that ate Adam's hamster was laying in a pool of his own blood, dying. So I skipped school that day, to tend to my dying hamster, hoping to bring it back to life. I cleaned it, and tried to feed it and water it and before I knew it, it wasn't breathing. So I gave it mouth to mouth and pressed on it's chest with my thumbs (seriously). And to make a long story short, Adam's dad is having an affair.
Sarahhatter: That is the funniest thing I've ever read in my entire life.
Lesternelson: Thanks. but it wasn't funny at the time, it was depressing.
Sarahhatter: Right. That's what I meant.
Powered by audblog
We want money...

leah: ah coool. I was just reading the paper and ran across it.. you know, Catherine is getting paid 550 bucks for a clinical study.
leah: we should really find some good ones
carly: Haha! Wow... What clinical study is she doing?
leah: something with drawing her blood..
leah: she and afriend are doing it
carly: Wow..
leah: it's liek for two weekends and all they do is sit around and play board games
carly: Haha! Cool.
leah: I wonder where we could find some of those...
carly: I dunno... We can be depressed for a day or two and sign up for one of those depression clinical studies.
leah: hmmmm
leah: where!?
carly: I dunno! I actually hear them being aired over the Christian radio station quite occasionally. Apparently, quite a few Christians are depressed.
leah: sad sauce
leah: hmmm
leah: that is something to consider
carly: definitely...

I never saw it coming to this...
Bored yet?
A saw this picture and came to a decision...



...I'm going to start playing softball again.
Ryan and I went out last night. First to a barbeque at some stranger's house, then to St. Mark's Cathedral to listen to the monks sing beautiful harmonious hymns. That was amazing. Unfortunately, somewhere during the middle of the ceremony, an older gentleman sat about three or four feet from us and he reaked of urine. A human toilet. No exaggeration--it was quite distracting. Still, the singing was very moving.

From there, we went to the U-district of Seattle to acquire my favorite bubble tea beverage. Ryan and I played two games of Checkers while we were there and I lost both times. Miserably.

After leaving Pochi's, we didn't quite feel ready to go home. We decided to drive somewhere. First, I recommended we drive to Vancouver, Canada. Then Ryan suggested we go to Ocean Shores in Oregon. After considering all the options, we decided we would visit Alki Beach so to watch the sunrise.

It was simply a wonderful evening into morning. We kept reminding each other of how random we were behaving and I fell in love with that feeling. Stepping out of my daily routine, doing something different, and being abnormal.

On the beach, there were several spots reserved for bonfires. Eventually, a couple people left their fire and we took over. Poking and turning the coals was the only thing keeping me from becoming tired or falling asleep. I just kept tending the fire...

We got back to Ryan's home at about 6:00 am. I slept in a spare bedroom until about 12:30 pm. After I returned home, I got a call from my mom. She was up around 5:45 am and saw that my car wasn't in the drive and basically... freaked out. I hadn't come home that night and I hadn't left a note saying where I'd be. Needless to say, when I talked to her on the phone and told her what I had done with my evening, she was pissed.

In her words, "I don't care how old you are. So long as you live under my roof, you abide by my rules."

Okay... Four more months and that won't be the case anymore. This has been a joyous day.
I went to CRU on Wednesday. It was extremely nice having the fellowship. But to be perfectly and utterly honest, I've felt quite bitter towards Christians and Christianity as of late. Mostly because everyone who believes the same things I do seem to take to it so much easier than I am able. That may not be true, but it's the way it feels. Perhaps everyone struggles in the same exact ways, but that's not what I see. People can lift their hands and they can whisper affirming "yes, God's" and "amen's" during all the prayers. I can do those things too, but not without thoroughly thinking out every reason I should. Others appear to do things without thinking, without wondering if their actions are a result of how they genuinely feel. Because there are so many things we do that are simply routines that have become just short of meaningless. Not only do the people who practice shallow gestures frustrate me, but also the people who practice pure and honest acts of worship. Just how do they do it?! And why can't I do the same?! The truth is that I can, but I'm not sure how. People will say, "If you know God's love, then it comes easy to praise Him," or "God's grace is enough to humble me." Fine. But as complex the love and grace of God is, that doesn't change the fact that I've known God since I was three years old.

However, even though I struggle and wrestle with God most (if not all) days, I would much rather be someone who truly knows and questions God than someone who readily denies God without knowing who He is first. That's a mistake we all have made--saying "no" to someone before allowing a single word to escape his or her lips.
Update--the job working at the golf course will not be happening. I have to be 21 years old. Which sucks.
Jones Soda fortune today:

The longest journey is started by a single stop, take it.
I tell stories. It's one of the things I do. I was telling a story tonight and I somehow managed to bring all the attention on myself, when I was actually only telling the story to Austin. I maintained eye contact with him as I explained the story, but I could feel several other people's eyes falling on me... I'm not sure why, but I was very self-conscious during that time. And I can honestly say that 95% of the time, everyone was laughing. And fairly hysterically. I was embarrassed. Really, really embarrassed. At one point, Leah made a gesture about my head... I'm not sure, but I think she was joking about it becoming inflated or something because of the reaction I was receiving from everyone. And I became even more embarrassed. All innocent. All just having fun. I've never felt that way after making people laugh.

Leah kept joking around and was patting my cheek. Her hands were freezing.

"Your face is really warm, Car."

"Yeah... I know... And your hands are really cold, so that actually feels pretty good... Keep doing that..."

Anything to hide the fact that my face was burning red from feeling so out of place... And it was so weird! Because making people laugh is quite a normal thing for me! I don't know what my problem was... That's just never happened before.
Nothing's happened with the job search. I haven't heard back from any of the places I've applied for... I talked about it with Ryan and Leah on Tuesday night. We're all in need of a job. We all desire a regular paycheck.

However, I think a solution may have provided itself this afternoon. My sister and brother-in-law have been working every summer at Willows Run, a golf course and a restaurant. Solomon (my sister's husband) did such a wonderful job last summer that they've promoted him to manager this year. He's able to hire people. He happens to have a spot open in the snack and beverage shack located on the green. The people who have been working there have been stealing from him. Candy, money, golf balls. The girls in there can't keep their sticky fingers off the stuff. Solomon can't trust them anymore. He wants to hire me. Because... Well... What need have I for golf balls? None whatsoever.

I guess I've reached my last resort. Not that it's my "worst" option. In fact, I think it is quite possibly the best one I've had thus far. Basically, I'm at my wit's end. What's a "wit"? I'm not sure... But I'm sure we all have one.
I'm going to CRU tonight. I haven't been there in weeks. I'm actually nervous. Just a bit. Because I'm wondering about the varying looks that will be sent my way all evening.

Of course, there's also the inevitable arm around my shoulder and the just-under-a-whisper, "Hey... You doin' ok?" And the automatic response, "Yeah. I'm good." Followed by, "You sure?" which is quickly cut off by, "Yes. I'm good." Nodding heads all around.

All in all, it will be genuinely wonderful seeing everyone. I've missed them all. Homework has become my closest friend recently, but I've got to admit--homework isn't exactly a loyal dependent.

After tonight's festivities, Ryan, some of his buddies, and I are heading to the town movie theater to see the midnight showing of The Matrix: Reloaded... I really hope the movie owns up to all the hype that's been hovering around it these last few months. No doubt it will.

I should mention yesterday. It was a lot of fun. Leah, Sarah, Karen and I hooked up to play frisbee at a nice park near Karen's home. From which, we proceeded to find the nearest Big Toy and utterly abuse the slide. It was the slickest slide I've ever experienced. There was one time when the slide defeated me. I had tried surfing down... Unfortunately, the slide's invisible and tricky hands grasped my ankles and sent me flying. I landed rather awkwardly, one of the side-railings pressing viciously into the center of my back. It got me once, but it wouldn't get me again. I surfed down about three times again after that. Very successful. End score: Carly - 6, Slide - 1. I came, I slid, I conquered.

Sometime amidst the frisbee-throwing and the surf-sliding, Ryan gave us a shout. He invited us to join a group of kids at Gas Works Park in Seattle for a smallish worship service lead by the infamous eyeball-licking Jon Johnson. I had always wanted to go to Gas Works Park and I was really glad to have gone. Once there, I fell into a somewhat sultry-mood and didn't talk much. Of course, people noticed. That was not my intent. However, I dissuaded any conversation about what was up because I honestly didn't know what was going on. It came down to one word: overwhelmed. Lots of things going on at the moment. Especially with school, looking for a job, figuring out what I want to do after the summer's over, and guy-crap. During the actual service, I couldn't even bring myself to sing most of the time. It didn't feel appropriate, but by the end of it, I was starting to release my pipes and it became a semi-release of everything that was bothering me. It felt good.

Well! Ryan has arrived! We're off to CRU! Wish me luck!
I sunk to an all-time low today. I bought jeans with holes already sewn into the knees because they are... trendy. However, I think I made up for it by purchasing a thrift store T-shirt labeled "Cubs In Space" across the chest. Yeah... I feel pretty spiff.
This has to be the most righteous mullet I've ever seen in my life...

Church Billboard reads, "If God had a refridgerator door, your picture would be on it."

Ok, now that's just reaching...
Bah... Will the sloth-like pace of school never gain speed??

The amounts of homework I have had these last four weeks have been so much, I literally haven't had any time to spare to see anyone I normally see everyday at school. I haven't been to CRU in about five weeks and I haven't really heard from anyone there either. Not seeing friends' familiar faces or hearing their voices doesn't quite add to the motivation needed to go see them.

I registered for my classes today. I signed up for two seperate Art courses, Geology 101 (remember, I failed it winter quarter?), and a 1-credit Business course. A total 16 credits.

Summertime fun.

On to other things... At the beginning of this school-year, I believed things would be different. Relationally. Romantically. And they have been. Because God assured me they would be. It's been an interesting twist to my life. I'm not quite sure what to think about it anymore. All I know is that nothing has been ultimately successful... There have been good times. But nothing substantial has happened. Then again, perhaps I shouldn't be thinking about anything long-term. I still want to finish all my schooling before I get married and I'll be at least 22 or 23 by the time that happens. I suppose it's just nice to have that company. Consistent. Local. Honest. Genuine. And someone who smiles. Thinking about who that could possibly be makes me smile despite myself.

If you like reading about this stuff, "stuff" being the romantic aspects of my life. Things may change eventually and you may see more of it. But when you do, the person it'll be about won't know the link to this page until the day he proposes. I would rather he know me for me than he come to jeffersonair. and fall for a pipedream he's never even looked in the eyes before.
Here's something that makes me want to say the word "noodle" several times in a sentence...

"Every cell nucleus in your body contains the genetic matter code for the entire body. It's as if every room in the Tower of London had a bookcase containing the architect's plans for the entire building. These plans run to 46 books--23 donated by your mother... and 23 donated by your father...

Our genes are in turn defined by a four-letter alphabet of life, composed of bio-chemical letters called nucleotides. The smallest human chromosome (Y) has 50 million nucleotide "letters"; the largest has 250 million. Collectively, some 3 billion paired nucleotides define the genes that determine your individual biological development. To get a sense of the vast library of information contained in each of your "books" containing your complete genetic code would need to run more than 30,000 pages each." - Exploring Psychology, David G. Myers

Hence why I believe in eternity. It comes down to this: It simply takes more than one lifetime to read (thoroughly and completely) 43 books each running more than 30,000 pages. Why would God create us wth such a vast amount of information (seemingly locked away at present in little rooms we're unsure how to get to) without giving us an eternity to explore those things after we die? Believe me... It's then that I'll realize I'm really living...
It is sooo time for a free write...

Exercise. It's something I hate, generally. I know it benefits the body and I know it sharpens the mind. But all in all, I hate the way it makes me feel while I'm doing it.

Fatty. No. Chubby. Stop it. Overweight. Get over yourself! Let it go. Fat. Knock it off! You'll never be... Yes I will... You never have before. Doesn't mean--Yes it does. I'll always be? Yup. No, I won't. Yes, you will. I'll prove you wrong. Yeah, sure, uh-huh, whatever! Shut up! Fat...

Don't get all huffy. I'm not the only one who struggles with this and don't read into the text. It's not like there are a bunch of voices going on inside my head, battling it out. And maybe there are. Who doesn't have conversations in their head based solely on the decisions they ought to make?

I've been running in the mornings this last week. And riding my bike in the afternoon. And then going for a brisk walk in the evening. I usually dread each activity, but by the end of each, I'm very happy to have gone.

I feel like an absolute cliche. This isn't interesting whatsoever. So I'm going to--

STOP.
Whenever I can't think of anything to write, I'll always refer back to one of the first books that caused me to fall in love with words and the power they are capable of. I've read this story approximately seven times now... Born with a wicked curse of having to be obedient, no matter what the demand (whether it be hopping on one foot for two days or chopping off her own head), Ella will always and forever be my triumphant heroine. Enjoy this excerpt:



Hattie didn't tell anyone about my obedience. When she had an order for me, she'd tell me to meet her in the garden after supper when on one else was near. On the first such occasion, she instructed me to pick a bouquet for her.

Luckily, she didn't know I was goddaughter to a fairy cook. I picked the most fragrant blooms, then ran to the herb garden hoping to find something useful. Effelwort was my preference. If I found it, Hattie would have an itchy rash on her face for a week.

Most of the herbs were the ordinary sort, but as I turned to leave, I spotted a sprig of bogweed. Taking care not to breathe its scent, I plucked it and placed it next to a rose.

Hattie was delighted with the flowers and buried her face in them. "They're sublime. But what . . . .?" As the scent of the bogweed worked on her, her smile faded, and her expression became vacant.

"What would make you stop giving me orders?"

She answered in a flat tone, "If you stopped obeying them."

Of course. I had wasted a question and I had no idea how long the bogweed scent would last. But as long as it lasted, I could ask her anything and she would answer honestly.

"What else would stop you?" I asked quickly.

"Nothing." She thought. "My death."

No likely release from that quarter. "What orders do you plan to give me?"

"I don't plan."

"Why do you hate me?"

"You never admired me."

"Do you admire me?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"You're pretty. And brave."

She envied me. I was amazed. "What do you fear?" I asked.

"Ogres. Bandits. Drowning. Becoming ill. Climbing mountains. Mice. Dogs. Cats. Birds. Horses. Spiders. Worms. Tunnels. Poi--"

I stopped her. She was afraid of everything. "What do you want most in the world?"

"To be queen."

A rabbit queen. Only I would obey her.

Her face was changing, resuming its usual expression of gleeful malice. I tried one more question. "What are your secrets?"

She didn't answer, just tugged cruelly on a handful of my hair. Her eyes lost their dull cast.

"Why am I standing here?" She looked down at her flowers but didn't sniff them again. "Oh, yes. What a good lady-in-waiting to bring me such a beautiful bouquet." She frowned. "But one scent is not sweet. Take it out."

I removed the bogweed and ground it under my foot. If I had thought of it, I could have asked her how she could be defeated.

- Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine
Thanks for the plug, Michelle. You flatter me and lift me up and make me feel cool. Thanks again.
Between the ages of 15 and 16, I went through a time of rebellion. A time when I didn't care what anyone thought and I especially didn't care what my parents thought. Everything revolved around my friends and youth group and the time I spent hanging out with those friends at church. It didn't matter whatever else was going on in my life. All that mattered were those friendships and everything my parents said and complained about was "crap" and didn't mean anything to me. It especially didn't help that I loved a particular boy who went to this church--it only fueled my big-headed-ness. I look back on that time now and I can see how much pain and hurt and real crap I went through because of those friends. My parents were only concerned about my feelings and didn't appreciate the times I blew them off, lied to them, or did things I knew they wouldn't like. It was a stage I'm happy to have closed the curtain on. I wouldn't wish that mentality for anyone. I suppose nearly everyone goes through it, but I wish they didn't.

My brother is 15 now. He's a sophomore in high school. He'll turn 16 in August. I hang out with the kid daily. I take him to school in the mornings and I pick him up in the afternoons. We go out to dinner and we see movies together. We talk. We help each other. My brother is one of my biggest heroes and I'm one of his.

But he's in that stage. He doesn't care. He rebels against my parents. Sometimes, against me. His priorities are with friends and his favorite subject in school, which is drama. He cares about nothing else. It's true--Kyle is lazy.

When mom and dad took their vacation to Cannon Beach last weekend, Kyle decided to use that time to his advantage and invite several friends over, even though he knew he was grounded from having anyone to our house. His grades have been slipping significantly due to how all his effort is poured into drama, and so our parents have restricted him from everything, including friends. He knew it. And he did it. He went ahead and had friends over anyway. He assumed they wouldn't find out. How wrong he was.

And now... Kyle is in for some trouble. My parents are extremely close to stripping Kyle of what he loves most--his drama class and the musical production he's in right now. My parents talked to his drama teacher today and has agreed with them that Kyle's attitude and priorities needs to change and really soon. I'm sure Hjamer (the teacher) will have discussed the issue with him today. Kyle is going to be really mad. I'm going to pick him up and he's going to have a stern look on his face. He's going to complain to me about how mom and dad aren't being fair and don't understand. He's going to hate being around them and he's going to continue disliking his circumstances. He'll turn to his friends at school and they'll all agree, saying, "Man, Kyle... I'm sorry. Your parents are way too hard on you." The support Kyle desires will all come from kids who are feeling the same way about their own parents. Kids who are all going through the same phase. Kids who just don't care.

And I'm going to sit there, turning the wheel in my car, shifting and whatnot, while Kyle rambles on and on about how wrong our parents are. And he'll probably start getting tears in his eyes. And suddenly, I'm going to feel as though I'm sitting next to my 15-year-old self. And I'm going to want to slap her him.
After working approximately 16-18 hours on a 3-dimensional brain model for my psych class only to be told by my group, "We don't like it," I really wanted to scream. My hands had become callused from working the wire, shaping the different lobes of the brain. I twisted and pried and made it look as much like a brain as I knew how using wire and only that. For the most part, it did--it looked like a brain. And after so many hours creating it, I was fairly proud of myself for trying so hard.

I came to class with it on Monday, prepared to give our presentation on Parkinson's disease and it's relation to the human brain. One of the girls in my group saw the wire and cocked her head.

"Is that our brain?"

I held it up. "Yeah! What do you think?"

"Um... Well... Hmm... Maybe we can go on Wednesday..."

"...Huh?"

"Nothing."

It was obvious. She didn't approve. And I knew then that we had to avoid presenting that day so I could have the opportunity to make another one. Something better and something more audience friendly.

We were lucky enough to have a PowerPoint presentation that wouldn't work and therefore had the chance to move our presenting day to Wednesday. Today. And yes, granting me the privilege of making another brain model.

This time, I decided not to try so hard to be creative and original. The other groups had made posters. That was acceptable. Therefore, I would do the same. However, I gave it a certain flavor I didn't think anyone would expect.

Two large white posterboards, one on top of the other. The first one was a design of the outer-brain, colored so to clearly see the seperate lobes and cortexes. Then, I cut around the edges of the brain, but not entirely because I didn't want it to be competely seperated from the rest of the board. So, when I peeled back the cut-out brain piece, it revealed the second poster board underneath. Underneath, one could clearly observe the interior design of the brain. Including such aspects as the medulla oblangata and the varying nerve endings dispersed throughout. However, I wanted to be able to replace the cut out piece easily without having to hold it up with my hands. So, the solution? It was simple, really. The answer was this: Velcro. I used velcro! And it couldn't have worked better!

I just finished giving my presentation. There, on the class isle, sat my brain poster. Appearing rather colorful and somewhat cartoonish, but by the audience's standards, regular as any other brain poster. It was my responsibility to discuss the brain anatomy (due to how I'd actually designed the model) and I referred to my poster as I went along. After a brief moment of breaking down what the outer-parts are all about, I daringly pulled back the first poster layer. And what did I hear? The most satisfying, confidence-boosting, ego-fueling sounds of "Whoa..." and "Wow..." and "That is so cool..." and the laughter of admiring people who couldn't think of anything to say. That's correct. I had made the "coolest" poster of the class. And I knew it.

What seemed to be a moment that couldn't have possibly improved itself, a surprising bowl full of cherries was added to my cake. Upon returning to my seat, I saw a small stack of papers. It was my corrected and graded take-home exam from two weeks prior. It was hard and it had very difficult questions and I was nervous to suddenly read how I had scored. Unfortunately, I knew it would already be one grade lower than the grade it deserved because having missed the day it was assigned, I had to turn it in one day late. So, if I had scored a "B" she would give me "C" and so forth. I flipped throught he pages, noted her suggestions and comments. Turning to the last page, my eyes scrolled down... What was it? A hefty 83% was scribbled in the bottom-left corner. Had I turned it in on it's due date, I would have received a 93%.

"Frickin A, dude. Frickin A!" - Jon Johnson, the guy who licked my eyeball
I was going through some of my old journals and notebooks and came across one from last year's Writing Short Stories course. I found this piece and I don't even remember writing it. Funny how things unsignificant at the time of creation suddenly seem intriguing after so much time spent away. I haven't read through this. I just read the first line. So reading it is as much a new experience for me as it is for you. I'm hoping it's good... And if not, I hope I've improved.



Penny had worked all night. Her muscles ached and there were some bruises from where old men had pinched her. Younger men tended to smack her, but they were usually too drunk to hit very hard. She pulled the grey trench coat around her tightly and pushed the collar up around her face.

Some women liked the lifestyle, but Penny despised it. She hated the stupid hair extensions and the uncomfortable, yet hardly existant underwear. She hated the other girls when they called out, "You go, baby! Show 'em that beautiful ass!" They'd cackle and squeal as Penny tried to numb her mind. It was her vain hope to forget who she was. But most of all, she hated Teddy, the club owner, for all the times he'd stroked her cheek or felt her up. She hated him for taking her money and she hated how he called her "doll-face."

As she passed through town, she wished for a blue-berry muffin and a cup of coffee more than anything else. More than a change of clothes. More than her tired, worn bed.

She stopped in front of the town cafe. She knew George, who owned and managed it. Many times, Penny had entered inside to rest from the long walk home. The little amount of cash she kept from Teddy was strictly reserved for paying her rent. George always seemed to understand and would treat Penny to some free coffee and a complimentary muffin. George was a very good man.

But tonight, all of Penny's money was gone. Teddy had taken it all due to how Penny's regular viewers had switched to Kimberly's performance.

"If you don't pick it up, and soon, I'm riddin' myself of ya! Got it?" Teddy rubbed a fistful of cash in her face.

Penny got it, but didn't want it anymore. As she approached the cafe window to peer inside, she could see George cleaning the bar counter. No one else was there--it was too early yet, so she walked inside.

"Hello, Penny," George greeted her.

As Penny sat on a stool, she shivered and her eyes and cheeks became flushed. George could tell she'd had a long night.

"Are you ok?" he asked.

"George?"

"What?"

"Did you always want to serve coffee and clean counter tops?"

"Nope."

"Then why do you do it?" Penny was pleading.

"Because it's what I want now," George answered.

"Well," Penny sighed. "I don't want this anymore."

"So stop," George shrugged.

Penny laughed outright, "As if it's that simple!"

"Isn't it?" George smiled. "How about some coffee? You look like you need some. I'll get you a muffin, too."

"No, George," Penny threw up her hands and the cheap plastic jewelry jingled around her forearms. "I can't pay you."

"That doesn't matter."

"Yes, George, it does," Penny was upset. "As much as I want that coffee, I don't feel right taking it."

"I'm giving it--"

"And I'm taking advantage of your generousity! No thanks, George!" Penny stood and charged for the door. George stared after her.

Penny looked to her left and saw the sun begin to rise. A new day was beginning and life was slowly creeping into the neighboring stores. She looked to her right and saw a fountain with a centerpiece of sculpted angels and naked babies with wings.

George stepped through his front door and the bells chimed as he did. Penny glanced in his direction and then back at the fountain. With a smirk, she dashed for the angels, spilling water over their cement garments.

"Penny!" George shouted.

Penny stopped at the three-foot barrier surrounding the fountain. She stared up at the angels and her breaths grew short.

"I wish for a new life," Penny said as she stripped of her coat, exposing her half-naked body, and stepped daringly into the circular pool built around the heavenly centerpiece. The left heel on Penny's tiny shoe slipped and she toppled into the water. She gasped in shock from the cold.

"Penny! What are you doing?" George screamed as he ran towards her.

Penny quickly stood up and began collecting all the change she could hold in her hands.

"This is my wish!" she shouted to herself.

George looked at her. "Your wish is to freeze to death?" He paused, but Penny didn't respond. She continued to grab at and drop coins. George reached for her, "Penny, get outta there! You're gonna get hypothermia!"

Penny stopped and through shivers, managed to say, "I-I-I'm ti-ti-tired, G-George." She wanted to give up. "I don't--I don't want to do th-this anymore..."

"So stop," he whispered, taking up her coat from the slippery ground. He reached his hand out to her. "So stop."

Penny looked down and realized her ridiculousness. She smiled depite her chattering teeth and chuckled softly.

As she reached for George's grasp, she said, "Thank you, George."

George slipped the coat over her shoulders and guided her back to the cafe.

Writing Exercise, written May 8, 2002

Wow. Almost exactly a year ago. How coincidental I should find it just now. Perhaps?
I've lost my optimism. The brighter side of life. The full half of my glass. At the present time, anything considered good is on the other side of the fence, where the grass is greener. I feel teased by my own future, which appears daunting and critical. I have no idea as to why I allow myself to become this discouraged. I suppose it comes from weeks and weeks of not hearing anything uplifting or trying desperately hard to do well, only to fail at reaching any sort of goal.

The sun was shining this morning. Hardly a cloud intruded the sky. Spiraling rays of warmth prompted me to break out a pair of shorts and sunglasses. I went outside, embraced the gracious spring, and stared into the sky. Rain began pelting my face. Jean pants and two layers on top--I've retracted back into my post-winter attire. It's been pouring down ever since.

Instead of cracking open a Heineken, I down a Fufu Berry Jones Soda. My fortune under the cap?

"Your present plans are going to succeed."

Oh really? Would you mind telling me what plans those are? Because as of right now, I haven't any. Or do I? Perhaps it all comes down to something I presently lack--optimism. I've got to work on that. I feel held back. Whether by myself or someone else... I feel so weighed down, chained, and left alone.

Time to say something optimistic. Let's go with math, something measured. Something rarely referred to. Something only a fanatic algebra teacher would say.

"For every one of these negatives, there is a positive conclusion. Just check your sums." - Dr. Yurik Newdabaker, math professor at some college
"I do not believe that I am now dreaming, but I cannot prove that I am not." - Philosopher Bertrand Russell (1872-1970)
Life just doesn't ever seem to slow down, even the times when I wish with all my heart that it would...
...I'm so proud of myself. I sang Ryan to sleep. No joke. It was in the middle of Oasis' "Don't Go Away" and he just slipped into silent slumber. He's still out there, dozing quietly... I wish someone were here to pat me on the back.
Ryan is home! I met him and his dad at the airport. Unlike the last pick-up, instead of a royal blue "Superman" shirt, he wore a bright orange "Mr. T" shirt with the infamous quote, "I pity the fool!" across the chest. From the airport, we went to Pikeplace Market in Seattle and Ryan bought what he's been craving for months--Chinese humboughs. Soft pastries filled with whatever meat you prefer. I refrained from one, but I was very happy to partake in a large cup of bubble tea from the Japanese drink-shop, Pochi's, on University Ave. Bubble tea is an icey-drink with tiny tapioca balls located at the bottom. Most people don't like them, claiming, "It's like eating an eyeball!" Trust me. They don't know what they're saying.

Can I just say that Ryan's dad is the best? He gave me money for gas and for lunch when we were at the airport AND he called me later to ask if I would be interested in dog-sitting for $15 a day. Real laid back, take him out in the morning for a walk and once again at night. That's all. Yeah... I think I can do that. The dog is an adorable boxer named Harley. The fact that they named him Harley is enough for me.

My parents left this morning for Cannon Beach in Oregon. They'll be gone until Monday. Need I say more? Basically, they've been in great need of a break from everything and I am extremely happy for them. They took one of our dogs, Moose, and my sister's dog Rudy. We haven't had "just two dogs" in the house since the beginning of time. Seriously, I can't remember when it was. Normally, there's a herd of them in the house. Right now, Boomer and Betty are the only canines I have to deal with and for the most part, they just sleep. Excellent.

I'm still housesitting. I'll be finished on Sunday. I still have to write up my resume and go to the Home Depot. I think I may wait on that until I find out what happens with the Seahawks office. As far as I'm concerned, money just keeps making its way into my hands. Praise God, because it's like I don't even have to try all that hard. He just provides. I guess that's how it's supposed to be since I fully trust Him with my finances. Well, not fully... But at least He can see that I'm trying to.

Started running again. Susan has a treadmill. How I love those machines. I really do. If the right music is playing, I could probably go on one of those things for two hours. I fall into a rhythm that seems too good to give up after an hour. It's at that point that I come to understand Forest Gump's character when he "just kept run-nin'." I mean, why stop? I have a goal for September. To be two to three sizes smaller than I am now. And I really want it. And I want it for me. And I think that's the right place to start.

Ok... I think I'm done for the day.

"In case I don't see you--good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight!" - Jim Carrey, "The Truman Show"
The espresso place is no longer hiring. They weren't able to get the other stand located in a nearby town. Therefore, they can't hire anyone at the present time and will not know for another month whether or not they'll have another coffee spot.

Bummer.

However, there is another cafe place located in the local Home Depot. They are hiring. Not to mention, they are closer to town and closer to my school. I've decided to write up a resume (the best I can come up with) and head in that direction. We'll see what happens! I'm feeling pretty optimistic.

Tuesday, Leah and I got "dolled up" and went to the Seahawks office located in Kirkland. Unfortunately, we weren't I wasn't able to make as strong an impression as we I had hoped. Leah got called back. I did not. However, Susan, wife of Vice President of the Seahawks Company and the woman I babysit for, has a strong voice in that office. I figure she can help me out. Oh, the advantages of knowing people in high places.

School is going really well. For a number of reasons. First off, I'm only taking 11 credits right now. I dropped that cinema course at the beginning of the quarter and I'm about to drop my 1-credit business in technology (BIT) course, which is digital imaging. It's pointless. Digital imaging, itself, is a wonderful thing, but the class I'm enrolled in is pathetic. I have better use of my time. I am sure I can take the same course and get a lot more out of it from another school. So that's exactly how I have it planned. Other things that make school great are how I'm turning in excellent work, studying well, and schmoozing my profs. They love me, what can I say? My environmental studies prof took some warming up, but I think I've got her to where it doesn't matter what I turn in--it'll score well.

Ryan comes home tomorrow morning! He's probably on the plane this very minute! Sleeping! Dreaming! Of evergreen trees and "scrumptious bubble tea!" I'm going to pick him up tomorrow at the airport, from which we'll go have lunch somewhere and then to wherever he desires to go. I'm looking forward to seeing him. I don't think it's all too well known that he and I were "at each other's throats" not too long ago... But we were. He knows it. I know it. We're over it now. We're just all that much stronger as buddies.

Life is returning back to its original familiarity. All my friends will be around. I'll probably go out with at least one of them everyday. Ultimate frisbee games, concerts, bike rides, midnight walks around the neighborhood, and long talks will become religious practice. I'll continue to take summer classes at Cascadia and go out to lunch with friends whenever I don't have class. It will literally become "like old times" and I strongly believe it'll bring me out of this funk I've been in as of late. However, while it brings me out of that funk, I'll be working at weaning myself from everything and everyone. Because I know that once summer is over, and all my friends have gone back to school, I'll have to be fully prepared to leave and go wherever it is I end up going. Pack my bag, grab my guitar, and hoof it out of Washington.

And just go...

I rather enjoy not knowing. To go and have absolutely no clue as to what the outcome may be. To have no control. To know nothing. But to have faith. Yeah... That's how I like it.

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. Hebrews 11:1
"Singing is my favorite type of music." - a line from the movie "The Tuxedo," starring Jackie Chan.
Ok. The moment has come. Here it is. A time to throw myself into the face of vulnerability. Private and personal and, dare I say it, intimate--here is something I would normally keep hush-hush and prefer not to release in public. But because I've been accused of being impersonal, bottled up, and vague to what's really going on, I've decided to give you a tidbit into what I would normally keep private. If you treat it nicely and with a fair amount of respect, perhaps I'll work on being a little less secretive as I have been in the past. Think thoroughly before you comment anything, because it's not that difficult to know the wrong thing to say and/or ask, thereby tresspassing onto my feelings. So please, be careful. Here it is:

Jets and I talked on the phone for two hours.

There. Chew on that for a while. Because the curtain has been pulled shut. The doors have been closed. My life was bore to you for a full sentence, which is a lot more than anything I have done in the past. Enjoy it. Relish in it. Consume it. And understand it for what it is before coming to me demanding more.
Haiku's seem to be all the rage these days.

Pacing the phone line
A penny for every wish
I have desired you