Christmas

I'm sorry to say that Christmas this year just did not feel quite like Christmas for any number of reason. The major one being NO SNOW!!! But it was still a nice day.

Scott gave me the craziest present I've ever received. He got me a certificate for a one hour lesson and two minutes of flying time at the indoor skydiving building in Nashua. Insane isn't it? If you are afraid of missing your opportunity to laugh at me, don't worry, it will all be captured on dvd.

Here are a few of my "favorites" around Christmas time......

Favorite Movies:

White Christmas, Holiday Inn, Christmas in Connecticut, The Bishop's Wife,
The Gift of Love, A Muppet Christmas Carol, Mrs. Santa Claus

Favorite Cds:

It's The Thought by Twila Paris, A Christmas Story by Point of Grace,
These Are Special Times by Celine Dion, A Christmas Celebration by Celtic Woman,
Good News by Kathy Matthea

Did you know?

I'm pretty. Yep. And not just because someone left some random comment on my blog. If you don't know me then how much weight can that really hold. But, the truth is that I am tired of putting myself down and having other people agree with me. It's really just holding out hope that someone will deny what I fear is the truth. Whether we will admit it or not, the truth is that it is important for us girls to feel pretty. More important than most guys know. Thinking we are not leads to extreme things like suicide thoughts, anorexia, and just plain hating yourself. But even if it doesn't take you that far most of the time it just results in a wounded heart and a painful cry. But, you see, I'm not just pretty, I'm beautiful. You know how I know? My brother, who sees the good, the bad, and well....the ugly, told me so. If he sees all of me, my personality and what I look like getting out of bed in the morning, and still thinks I'm drop dead gorgeous, then he must be right. He said never to think differently and I think it's time I started listening to him. And you know what else? I look like a supermodel. This is someone else's idea not my own. And they aren't even related to me. So, any of you who don't think I quite measure up to your standards, your just....wrong. Don't believe me? Take another look, you might've just missed something. I did.

And just for the record, I know some of the most beautiful people walking the planet. Even if I don't always have the courage to say it, I truly believe that.

Interview with a Christmas Tree

Here is a weird assignment that I had to do for Drama class. It's an interview with a Christmas tree. We were supposed to have partners but mine is a freshman and not over inclined to...well, work. So, here is twenty minutes of hurried brainstorming....

Christmas Tree Interview:

Katherine as Sally with Save the Trees, Save the World

Q: What does it feel like to be 57 and just now starting your life's work?

A: I have to admit that is pretty old, even for a tree, and it was extremely frustrating to wait so long. But, of course, now that it is here I don't even think about all that. Being someone's Christmas tree is all I've ever dreamed of.

Q: How does it feel to watch your friends and neighbors being chopped down?

A: It's maddening! What makes them better than me? I mean, just because I have a few holes from the woodpeckers....

Q: Can you tell us what it's like to see someone with an ax walking toward you?

Most people have the wrong idea. They think it's terrifying to see that ax coming your way, but it's more of a relief. It means you've finally been picked!

Q: How did living in your particular forest affect your life?

Well, we're kind of out in the middle of no where so that makes it harder for a family to find you. Only the die hard Christmas celebrators come out to the real forests to get a tree instead of just going to the tree farms.

Q: How do you feel about ornaments?

That's the only part I'm slightly nervous about. There are so many shapes, sizes, and colors and it all depends on the family's taste. Some of those children's ornaments I wouldn't be caught dead in. I'm really worried they won't match my coloring. Oh, for my family out there - I'm partial to blues.

Q: What plans do you have for your future, after the Christmas season is over?

There aren't too many options for Christmas trees after the season is over. Most of us are simply thrown out or cut up for fire wood. A few of the more lucky ones are used for carving or made into something useful. Me, I hope to be planted outside in the yard. It' not a common fate for us trees, but it does happen occassionally.

Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Winter, of course! There isn't much to do the rest of year round. Plus, there's always the hope that this will be my lucky year!

Q: How do you get along with deciduous trees?

If you ask me, I think they're rather jealous of us. I mean, can you imagine being stuck in the woods for your entire life. The only thing they have to look forward to is maybe getting struck my lightening. Not to mention, they lose all of their leaves every autumn! It's positively embarrassing to watch!

Q: How do you feel about Global Warming?

Global warming....what's that?

Big News!!

Yesterday at church, Pastor Paul told me that I could go back to Ukraine in February. In October, I had expressed my desire to go again and he said that he would make an exception since I didn't go to NCA and wasn't going with the dance team.

For several months I hadn't heard anything and was about to send him an email, but apparently he didn't forget! It sounds like I will be going especially work with my girl from last year who has had some life changes. I can't wait!

I have the sweetest brother

Since August, Brandon has been teasing me about the present he got me for my birthday. He's told practically everyone but me. So, I finally got to open it tonight because I will be gone by the time he wakes up tomorrow. And...he got me an exact silver replica of the Evenstar from LOTR!!!! It's so beautiful!! I've been wanting it ever since we watched the movies. I have the best brother ever!!

Here They Are....

Here are a few of my senior pictures. Let me know what you think....

Senior Pics

My senior pictures are in! Mrs. Berube was the photographer and she was amazing. She makes you feel so good about yourself and you have fun doing it. Most of the shots turned out pretty good. In some I got that western cowgirl thing going and surprisingly Mom likes those best! So, I had my chance at modeling.....there goes my 5 minutes of fame.

Bad Movies

You know how when you watch a bad movie everything horrible in it just seems to stick in your head and the only cure is to immediately follow it with something good and wholesome? That happened tonight and thankfully the sweet has overcome the bitter. The story of Little Women is timeless and if ever I was forced to pick a favorite book I would have to choose that. There is something about it that still touches my heart even after I've read it for the tenth time. When a book can make you cry every time you read it then it has done its job.


P.S. I finished my first ever short story. More amazing is that it was to my satisfaction. I've only shown it to three people but their response was well worth the risk. It is only a small accomplishment, but there is hope I may be a writer yet.

GOIAM

This was my fourth year of GOIAM. It was just Jess and I for the most part with some help from Catey on Wednesday. Although Jess had to go it alone today, but I really wish I could have been there. Alan Ross was there once again and blessed me like he always does. It's so uncanny to have some look inside you like that, but on the other hand it gives you some hope too. Helping out at GOIAM is one of my favorite things of the year and it always brings back memories. It's not sadness exactly...I guess you would call it nostalgia though it can feel sad. I'm going to miss doing this conference and if there is anyway I can possibley do it next year I'm going to.

R. T. Kendall was the main speaker this year. He was head of Westminster Chapel for 25 years. I was disappointed that Graham Cooke wasn't there this year, but R. T. could be just as funny sometimes. Strangely enough, he had no accent. His wife, however, can do nearly every accent you can imagine. He made her get up and give us a sample. Pastor Paul brought in a Jewish Comedian who managed to drag at least two dozen people WAY out of their comfort zone and send the rest of us rolling on the floor in laughter. I'm sorry it's over.....

Braces and Backpacks

Hmm....that sounds like the name of a weird story. Actually those are the two things that have made me miserable today. I went to the orthodontist and had a whole manner of things ripped out, put back in, and tightened. That never makes for a pleasant day. The only interesting thing was that I had a British lady named Sarah working on me and she told me all about the candy called "rock" that they make by the sea side in England. Evidently the pink stripes on my shirt reminded her of it.

As for the backpack, well, the one I hall around co-op two days a week turns out to weigh around 30 pounds and it is hurting my back. I've had the most horrible headache all day from tension in my shoulders and my back aches all the time. This is the second time this week. Suppose I'll have to do something about that or I'll be permanently bent by the end of the year.

Ok, I've done my complaining so I'd better get back to work or there will be no sleep tonight.

Dream.....

Dream
Michelle Tumes

I believe there is diving imagination
Give it wings for it created aviation
Every little hope you're holding inside
Every little gleam you keep in your eyes
A dream, yeah, a dream

Before a seed became a flower there was a vision
The dream is planted deep, He'll shower it with wisdom
Flowing with the love that's making you smile
You've waited and you've prayed, you've dreamed your whole life
Your soul begin to fly

There's a dream in your heart
And His heart is your prayer
You can move mountains with your life in His hands
He'll tear down the walls and He'll walk where you can't
Have faith in the power to believe
He's given you a dream

I pray your dream will leap beyond your expectations
You'll see miracles He has no limitations
Listen to His voice a spark will ignite
Let Him be the strength to carry your life
He'll raise your spirit high

You will find the bloom beneath the sunshine
Reach inside and saild to His horizon

Faith in the power to believe
He has given you a dream

Guess what I got in the mail......

A new LAPTOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After many months of Mom and Dad saying I couldn't have one, especially one that could go online, a box showed up on our door step this morning and little unsuspecting me hadn't the faintest idea what it was. It's an eMachines MX4625, whatever that means. One day I'll learn all that technical stuff (I hope), but for now it is enough that I know it is wireless, can play dvds, run a search engine, and my language program. Now I must go drag my head out of the clouds and back to my physics homework.

Rascal Flatts Concert

Where: Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester
When: Thursday October 12
Who: "Me and My Gang" Ok, it's actually going to be me (glances hopefully at parents) but only if I can find a friend or two willing to go with me. The tickets were a bit pricey causing the adults to lose interest so it would be me and whoever else I can scrape up. If that's you send me an email, please! BTW- the tickets for the "upper decks" are around $60

Last Day of Summer

Labor Day...my last official day of summer. Went to the Septemberfest but it was the wrong end of it so there wasn't a whole lot going on. Pretty quiet day. I started to put my (new!) desk into order and enjoyed my lovely wood floors. So anway....

Summer on a scale of 1 to 10, I would say in terms of what I expected, um....a 2. If we're talking enjoyment, maybe a 4. Experience....I'd say an 8 or higher. It was not what I wanted or what I expected but it's what I got and I don't regret it.

Let me know how you would rate your summer.

File: 8001

Time: 8:57 a.m.
Location: Mine Falls
Situation: Two girls walking alone armed with nothing but cell phones

Those of you who understand the implications of this are probably going, "Dumb idea!" However, it was a bright sunny day, we were desperate for the outdoors, and I was sorely in need of a walk there. But, of course, it did turn out to be a bad idea.

Problem: Two BIG black guys following us
Solution: Pray hard, walk fast
Resolution: A little shook up but otherwise ok
Conclusion: Maybe I'm not ready for Boston after all

Camping On Conway

Finally I am home, just me and my family, after four weeks of relatives and two weeks of camping. There is only one week left to a summer which has turned out nothing like I wanted, but has had some lovely surprises just the same.

About camping.....
- there was getting up each morning never later than seven and sometimes before six
- seeing many glorious sunrises and spending hours in sweet solitude with only my heavenly Father and my thoughts for company
- starting out climbing my first mountain in a state of utter exhaustion and some pain but ending with the greatest sense of awe and accomplishment that I have ever experienced
- learning how to throws knives in my own clumsy fashion
- holding a gorgeous northern water snake (Katrina, your rubbing off on me) and watching eagles soar
- nearly freezing to death hiking to the bathrooms early in the morning and very late at night (those of you who know how easily I get cold will be more apt to believe this)
- going on the craziest tubing ride ever (I have the scars to prove it)
- getting to know this awesome guy named Lee
- finding Life is good!!!

A Homecoming Song

Oak, granite,
Lilies by the road,
Remember me?
I remember you.
Clouds brushing,
Clover hills,
Remember me?
Sister, child,
Grown tall,
Remember me?
I remember you.

- Gail Carson Levine

Home Again

We finally pulled into our driveway at 9:30 last night after a 13 1/2 hour drive. It feels good to be home. (Thank you for the welcome Katrina!!) But about the trip.....
The Highlights

- Driving for the first time on our trip in a torrential downpour. It stopped as soon as Mom took over.
- Listening to the new Rascal Flatts cd
- Swimming in the pool!!
- Listening to Andy at the Appomattox courthouse in the sweltering heat and then making a bee line for the air conditioning.
- Boating in Tennessee w/ family...jet skis, water slides, jumping off the roof of the boat, warm water
- Playing with the littlest cousins
- Walking down broadway in Nashville
- The view from Monticello
- Going out with my Aunt
- The niece party
- Out to eat with everyone
- Coming home once again

So there you have it. If you want to hear more about anything please ask!

Comments

My sincerest apologies to those who have commented on my blog and found that I didn't respond because they didn't show up. I fixed the problem and look forward to hearing what you all have to say in the future.

Godly Young Women

"Like a lily among the thorns,
So is my love among the daughters."
Song of Solomon 1:2

Godly womanhood... the very phrase sounds strange in our ears. We never hear it
now. We hear about every other type of women: beautiful women, smart women,
sophisticated women, career women, talented women, divorced women. But so seldom
do we hear of a godly woman... It is a far, far better thing in the realms of
morals to be old-fashioned, than to be ultra-modern. The world has enough women
who know how to be smart. It needs women who are willing to be simple. The world
has enough women who know how to be brilliant. It needs some who will be brave.
The world has enough women who are popular. It needs more who are pure. We need
women, and men, too, who would rather be morally right than socially correct.

-Peter Marshall, quoted in So Much More.

Sisters, do not be afraid to stand alone. Be willing to be a lily among thorns.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Yes, I saw the movie opening day at 3 in the afternoon. It was creepy, it was funny, and it was a cliff hanger ending if ever I saw one. I won't spoil anything for those of you who haven't seen it, but there were a few things I didn't understand. Can't wait to see the next one, only a year to go.

P.S. I also watched X-Men 1 and 2. Good movies...wolverine is awesome!

A Long Weekend

Guess what I finally got to watch...Narnia! I know, I know, it's about time. I think I'm the last person I know to see it. How ironic since I wanted to go for my birthday and be one of the first. Oh well....it was pretty awesome watching it late at night with a couple of other Narnia fans. And it was even better than I had hoped. Lewis's allegory came to life in the eyes of Aslan and how could childlike faith be more evident then in Lucy?

The rest of the weekend was pretty cool too. Had some friends stopping in on their bike tour of New Hampshire and got to take them kayaking since they just weren't tired enough. :) We swung by Taz and Heather's graduation party (Congratulations guys!) and met Heather's brother Spencer. To top it off youth group went walking in Mines Falls. What a day.....

Oh, and a recommendation for anyone interested in the works of C. S. Lewis, you should read Out of the Silent Planet. And if you bother to really read it, you might just discover somethings about mankind that we should know, but for some reason we don't.

Yipeee!!!!!!

I went online today to check my SAT scores and if I'm reading them correctly I got a 1970!!!!! A perfect is a 2400. My essay was one point away from perfect. I'm beyond excited and have been bouncing off the walls and squealing for the last half hour. Test scores are probably no big deal to a lot of people but it was really important to me that I be able to prove that I could do really good in school. That score is good enough to get me into an Ivy League school which is something I've only dreamed about. Even if I don't go there it's a nice thought to know that I could. The funny thing is my worst score is usually my math but I did the best in that subject. I am constantly amazed at how God sees the deepest desires of your heart and gives them to you in the most unexpected ways.

Announcing......

The engagement of Sharon Litchfield to Justin Hall on the 25th day of June 2006. Yes, that's right my friend is getting married. I can't wrap my mind around it at the moment. Sometimes the hardest lessons are the ones we are not expecting to learn. She has asked me to be her maid of honor and that generous gift has left me humbled. Perhaps it is I who am not ready for this; I feel too young.

Life is Good....

Books are good
Jane Austen books are very good
The lake is dreamy
Sunshine is relaxing
Breezes are sweet
Kayaks are fun
Islands are enchanting
Peace is heavenly
Quiet is refreshing
Fathers are blessings
Family is precious
God is extraordinarily good

Presenting....

our new car, the Element! Otherwise known as the Honda, Ugly. I have a confession though.....I like it. It may look small, but this thing is roomy and I love the turning radius. No more van! However, at the moment Mom won't let anyone touch it, especially me. One day though, I'll get behind the steering wheel and then it's "look out world!" :)

Meet Invisigirl

It's amazing how someone can know your name and who you are, but other than that you are totally invisible to them even if they see you ever single week. That seems to be my speciality. I don't like being invisible. I wish the people I wanted to would see me. My brother says it is a state of mind and maybe he's right. But if it is, how do you change that? Still, I wish.....

SCHOOL'S OUT!!!!

Yes, that's right, I finished school for the summer. Well.....except for my mile long reading list, but I can live with that. So now (hopefully) comes all the stuff I have wanted to do like get together with my friends, go bike riding, swimming, camping, and a whole manner of other things. Wow, only one year left......not something I am fond of contemplating. How time flies. Perhaps it will do me the favor of slowing down...just for a summer. Ok enough of that. Here's to the best summer I've had in many a year, maybe the best one ever.

Ambidextrous: Are you biased?

The Latin prefix ambi- means "both" and appears in several English words. An ambiguous statement is one that can be taken two ways. Ambivalence is the inability to decide which of two possible courses to follow. This prefix also combines with the Latin dexter, "right," to form ambidextrous. It is an example of the prejudice against left-handedness since it assumes that it is an ambidextrous person's left hand that measures up to the facility of the right. One could just as well call a person equally skillful with both hands ambisinstrous, from the Latin sinister, "left," thus suggesting that it is the right hand that is as skillful as the left. This latter root is still another example of the historical bias against, or in this case fear of, left-handedness. A sinister person by today's definition is one who is bad, wicked, or evil.

Pygmalion Premiere

My parents have ordered the video of Pygmalion which should hopefully arrive sometime this month. I know some who wanted to come see it weren't able to, so if you would like a private viewing let me know and we'll see what we can do. I'll attempt to post some pictures of the play soon.

WARNING: Images may contain graphic depictions of 19th century dress. Owner is not responsible for any permanent damage to sense of style.

Happy Birthday Emma!

Today one of the coolest people ever is turning 12. This amazing girl (and the best little sister anyone could ask for) is also having her first violin recital. Unfortunately for me I couldn't make it because I know I'm missing out on an awesome performance, but I'm wishing with all my heart that I was down there celebrating with her. I love you Emma! Happy Birthday!

Try Solving This One

Read the following SAT test question, then click on a button to select your answer.

• ƒ(2n) = 2ƒ(n) for all integers n
• ƒ(4) = 4

If ƒ is a function defined for all positive integers n, and ƒ satisfies the two conditions above, which of the following could be the definition of ƒ?

1. ƒ(n) = n – 2
   
   
2. ƒ(n) = n
   
   
3. ƒ(n) = 2n
   
   
4. ƒ(n) = 4
   
   
5. ƒ(n) = 2n – 4
   
   

Yes, I spent my Saturday morning locked inside Nashua High North for four hours taking the incredibley boring SATs. For the past month I have been cramming my brain full of information and now I await my fate...I mean score. I plan on avoiding a second round at all costs. A little advice for those who are still looking forward to their turn: Bring a book or something to do because if you finish early staring at the clock and watching the seconds tick by is not entertaining. Don't leave your cell phone on, they tend to frown on that. And don't forget to sharpen your pencils...not good. Last but not least, don't get nervous! I didn't so I can honestly tell you there isn't anything to be nervous about. Good luck!

Another ending......

So many things seem to be coming to a close for me and here is another. Last night was graduation/promotiong night at First Agape. The few weeks I've known about it I didn't think it was a big deal, but being there......well let's just say watching your best friend graduate is a big deal. I actually had a tear when they were showing the video by her parents. But it was exciting too. Congratulations Jess! You did it and you deserve the best!

Of course there was also the good byes for the summer. I hadn't really made any friends until the past couple months when I finally realized Jess wouldn't be there next year and there were some really cool people that I wanted to get to know. God has truly blessed me because it was nothing I did that made them see me, but they did and I can't thank him enough. Their amazing friends and I'm going to miss them!

Strange title I know.....

It's just a comment that Scott made a while ago and it kind of stuck. (Probably because it's true) So here's my new blog where you can find out what's happening in my life for all those who care. Enjoy!