Some introspection

Here I sit, 10:30 pm. I'm half-heartedly watching ER on TV, drinking Mike's Hard Lime (good to be 21, eh?) Anyway...

Um, I was going to introspect, but I forgot what I was going to say.

I think I need my other blog.

Another post

Sorry, a bit of a dirth for interesting titles. Well, let's see... Christmas at my aunt's was fun. Saw Sue Sampsen there and other such people. It was relaxing. Now I'm back at my parents house in WV. My mother started having problems with her leg and she couldn't walk or stand or even sit. So I've been helping her manage. Last night I decided she needed to at least have someone look it but there was no way I could get her down the stairs and into the car and so on. So, we called the hospital and they sent an ambulance for her. Yeah, that was a first for me. I got to ride shotgun. We were there for quite some time. I mean, my dad met us there. I was there for about 4 hours, but then I came home and went to bed. Mom and Dad came home later. Apparently it's sciatic nerve problems and there's not really anything that can be done but to bear through it. Well, that's all for now.

Here in North Carolina

Well, I had to take the bus to Asheville, NC from Champaign because I wrecked my car. It was okay. Seemed kinda the ghetto way to travel, but hey, it was alright. Anyway, yesterday we went to eat on the Biltmore Estate. 'Twas very nice. Then we toured around the house. Supposedly it's the biggest house in the United States. Needless to say, it was very big. Very lavish. Kinda reminded me of what you might think of when you read a book set in the early 18th century, you know, like a lord's house or something. Very cool. Today we went back to the estate and toured around the grounds. Was also very nice. Yeah, so tomorrow, it's off to my Aunt Barbara's house where we will spend Christmas. It should be good. So that's all for now.

By the way, to all who asked, I am not damaged from the car wreck. My back was very stiff the first day after, but other than that I am fine. Could have been a lot worse. Fun fact: The guy who crashed into me was hauled away in handcuffs. I asked the cop why, and he said that there was a warrant out for his arrest. He said I should feel good for helping to take a wanted man off the streets, and I was like, yeah, too bad in doesn't pay for the car repairs.

So, now that's all.

News Flash

Guess what? I crashed my car yesterday. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I did. Got crashed into, I should say. Wanna see?



Now I have to deal with insurance crap. I can't believe it.

I guess I should post...

Yeah, sorry, not much introspection going on right now, so the blog is not that interesting. Um, I now have a cell phone, a car, um, working on the whole job thing. Making scarves for family, doing other Christmas presents. I'm driving back to WV in about 5 days, I think. I don't know what else to say. I don't miss Ireland. I'm happy where I am.

Here's a blast from the past: Cirque Du Soleil's Varekai is currently playing on Bravo. Brings back old times.

Just so you know

Well to my few faithful readers, I just wanted to let you know that I have arrived safely in Illinois. Drove about 8.5 hours today - wasn't too bad. Little bit of snow, but nothing like the other night. Anyway, my Bo and I are off to get a cell phone for me.

"We'd all be in trouble if God had an hoff day." ~ Horace Wilson

The most harrowing two hours ever

Well, I went to see Polkie in Philly, and that was cool. We went shopping in Lancaster, which is Amish country. I saw buggies!!!

Anyway, driving home was fine for the first four hours, and I was forty minutes from home when I hit the snowstorm. Oh, it was awful. It took me about two more hours to get home, and I couldn't see a thing. I thought I was not going to make it home. 30 mph on the interstate. It was just terrible. But I made it. Hope I never have to do that again.

Back in the US of A

Well, what can I say that it's good to be home. I was sad to go, but a little more excited to be back. Today I went and signed the papers for my car! And then I drove it all around! Yay! What a cool thing. Tomorrow I'm up to Philadelphia to see Polk. Yay! I told her she could drive. We will probably get desperately lost but oh well. I will be going to church with her tomorrow night, so I will meet all the people I've been hearing about. Anyway, not much else to say. Bought some wool to knit scarves for Mom and Aunt Barbara. Mom's is going to be way cool. Anyway, flights were uneventful, blah blah blah. All is well.

For the sake of a new post

I just want to say for the record that I do not think that it is lazy to take one day - just one day - like, say in a month, to sleep in.

Anyway, I'm leaving the day after the day after tomorrow. I'm looking forward to being home. Yay.

I've been finding all sorts of wonderful people through Ringo. Very interesting.

That's all.

I need an attitude adjustment

Yes, folks, I do. I've been in rare form since Friday, really. People are just getting on my nerves and I can't seem to stop getting irritated. Ah well. I guess it happens. Argh.

Anyway, that's it.

Another one bites the dust

Sounds rather distasteful, if you ask me.

Tonight I had dinner with Jon and Sarah and the guests, being Janet Meyers, Yvonne Somebody, Karen Deardorff, and Sander and Linda Vander Leek, the last two from Holland. It was scrumptious, of course. I really need to get Sarah's Baileys chocolate mousse recipe before I leave. I made cheesecake this afternoon, and I think it turned out ok, although we won't really know until tomorrow when we eat it. Yum.

More interesting, supposed recent research shows that Einstein's cosmological constant, which he retracted from his thoeries, saying it was his biggest blunder, may actually apply to the dark energy that keeps our universe constantly expanding. So far, calculations have been accurate within 10%. Keep it coming, lads.

I owe my parents $59.23 for ebooks. I will admit to overspending on the ebook front. It keeps me sane, having something read. I would go crazy if I didn't. And since I am an extremely fast reader, I can easily read one or two books a day, therefore I have overspent. I vow to reform. You see, it's very difficult living overseas where they don't have the books that I like, and I don't go into town very often, so I end up putting stuff on the credit card. However, when I get back to the States, I will sign up for a library card, and that will be better. Sorry, Dad, I'll pay you back.

On a similar yet different subject, I know that this next experience is going to be completely different from anything I've ever ventured. I also know that there are worries from several parties that I will sink, rather than swim. I guess living overseas has kept me a little off kilter as far as reality is concerned. Believe me, I'll be just as glad as some to get back to familiar territory. I'll also be glad because for the first time in my life, my finances will be completely in my control. For those of you who don't know how I've lived, that may sound a little strange coming from someone my age, but honestly, my entire life I have been dependent on someone else for money and all that. You guys have no idea how good it is going to feel to know that I am in control (as much as one is ever in control) of the way things go, especially with my money. I know that there are doubts as to my abilities to keep all things in moderation, and that's fine. I don't have anything to prove to anyone but myself. Either I'll make it or I won't. I believe that I will, but only time will tell. Anyway...

Well, I guess that's enough for one post. Comment forth.

This is me being reflective

Well, I've learned about some interesting things in the last couple of days, and here they are:

Rastafarianism is a religion that came into being in the 1930s after Ras Tafar (the Lion of Judah) was crowned king of, um, Ethiopia, I think. The main idea is that Africans everywhere will escape opression if they all return to Mother Africa, and they have special colored hats and don't eat pork, shellfish, coffee, tea, or salt.

Scientology is also a religion, based on the idea of somebody Hubble. The basic tenets are that we all go through life with little unresolved traumas, pre- or post-natal, and if we never get them resolved they seep into our lives and make us off-kilter. These little traumas are called epigrams, or something like that. Anyway, supposedly we are all immortal beings called um, Thetans, and we've lost our way and forgotten what we were, so we go through reincarnation forever, gathering these little traumas. If we ever can truly rid ourselves of them, and get "clear," then we will be um, like operational Thetans, or something like that, with quasi-super powers. Right.

The Carpathian mountains are in Romania.

There you have it, the three interesting things I have learned recently.

As to other reflections, well, I don't know. Convention is, of course, over and most people have left. I, too, am leaving in 12 days. Wow, so soon. I am giving a dinner for a bunch of people on Sunday, and we're going to have stuffed chicken and cheesecake. Yay! I am teaching chemistry on Thursday, and we're just going to do some basic and cool stuff. Anyway, that's all for now.

Half-way post

Well, convention is halfway finished, so that's nice. It's been enjoyable, but honestly, I'll be glad when it's over. WE'VE BEEN INVADED!!!!! Nah, it's not that bad. It's nice to see people. Anyway, I was having a quiet night at home until everyone came home about ten minutes ago, and now it's all loud. I'll just retreat to my room again, I guess. Anyway... I wish I had more to say because I know you all don't get a kick out of reading these short boring posts. Oh well. Sayonara.

Just a note

Lots of people are here that I know, it's super cool. Love seeing people. Convention starts tomorrow. I'm excited. I now officially have a car. Almost. Anyway, gotta go - must call Yanelly!!!! Love you all. Beth, are you still out there? Polkie, we must talk specifics about meeting in Philly.

What I dislike about Christian science books

It seems like most of them are just rather cheesy. For one, you rarely see one that's written on a more technical level than that of a high schooler. Secondly, I don't know, they're so right-wing. I mean, when I think about, say, the beginnings for the universe, or the development of life on earth, who is to say that God didn't use evolution or the big bang. I guess I just don't think that belief in well-known scientific theory is mutually exculsive to believing in God. Personally, I'm inclined to believe that the story of creation at the beginning of Genesis is not all that meets the eye. God often speaks in pictures or types, why not creation? I mean, it seems likely. Besides, who wrote Genesis? Moses. Was Moses there? I don't think so! Now, that's not to say that God couldn't have revealed it all to him, but it seems more on par with God's nature to keep things hidden until we need to know them. Therefore, it only stands to reason that God would enjoy keeping how he made the universe a mystery. I make no claims to know what happened, but that doesn't mean that there's no reason to search it out. Somewhere in the Bible it says that it's the glory of God to conceal a matter and the honor of kings to search it out. Seems to me that the origin of the universe is a prime example of this. Christian science books just explain it all away, with no leeway for things God has not yet reavealed to us. Rather pompous, if you ask me. Just when you think you know everything, God comes and blows you out of the water, so watch out.

Thanks, I just had to get that out. That's all.

Contemplating a car

Yeah, so there's Kia that is at a used car place down from my parents. It's pretty nice. I mean, it's an ugly color, but I'm not being picky. I mean, it's just like a kind of dark tannish silver. Anyway, that's fine.

This blog post if for my sister because she wants me to write even if I have nothing to say. Play practice went well tonight. It'll be funny if only through the roughness of it. I want more books but have run out of money to pay for them. Oh well. Maybe I'll treat myself to just another couple. Anyway, I'm outta here.

From me to you

Ugh, gross coffee. Instant coffee with milk. How sick is that?

Goodness, the callouses on my fingers are getting in my way. Oh well.

I really need to work out, it would be very good for me to do that. I think I might be gaining weight. God forbid! I hate that. Too much stuff to eat around here. Anyway, I'll deal with that sometime.

I don't really have anything else to say, but I just wanted to put in a good word for myself. Can't wait until the next Harry Potter movie comes out. Or the movie they're making from the book Eragon. Especially X-Men 3. I love the x-men. My all time favorites. Anyway, gotta go.

Once again, a long time

I know, I know, I'm terrible. What can I say? Tomorrow I'm meant to be teaching the little mongrels some speech stuff, but what can one really do with 40 minutes? Oh, I don't know. I figure we'll do some basic outlining, some impromptu, and then maybe a little debate. I miss coaching speech sometimes. Ah well, life moves on, so they say.

I've found a new author that I really like. She's kinda, let's see, paranormal and romantic? I don't know. Good entertainment, definitely has me hooked. What will happen next, no one knows.

Anyway, it's only, um, 28 days until I leave. Wasn't that a movie about rabid monkeys or something? Yes, I rather think it was, although definitely more than rabid. So, that should be good. I'm nervous about it, but whatever.

Well, nothing else to say.

Thoughts

It's amazing how you can go hrough life taking things for granted.

(Oooh, Astor Piazzola! Love him!)

Anyway, I have perfect teeth - allways get a clean bill of health at the dentist. I have no cavities, never needed braces. and believe me, it's most certainly not because I had good dental hygiene as a child - quite the opposite, as my mother would tell you. Yet here I am, taking my teeth for granted constantly.

I'm coming up on ten years of having diabetes. I have quite the less-than-perfect track record of being disciplined about what I eat. They way that if you're not careful, complications from poor control can start showing up after five years. Yet here I am, no problems in sight. How blessed am I? Truly, I never want to take that for granted. God help me to stop tempting fate on that score!

Well, as I said yesterday, I'm off in about a month. My only regret is that the minute I step off that plane in Pittsburgh, my dream world ends. This past year has been just that - almost a dream. But, when I get back to the States, I've got to hit the ground running. Car, registration, insurance, job, move, so on and so forth. I'l have to face the fact that I'm broke :( God forbid! I'm not saying I won't be having fun, it's just that then comes reality.

Ha! Bring it on! Do your worst!

Here's something interesting via my sister:


You are a Minister. Technically, you got them ALL
RIGHT!!! I applaude you! I furnished some very
hard questions there! Congratulations! Your
mastery of the Bible is quite impressive - you
are truly Bible-versed! God Bless!


How Bible-versed are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Another quickie...

...come on you guys, you know what I mean!

Anyway, I'm just about to go out with Sim. We're going to go get some coffee. Yeah.

On another, and perhaps more sober note, I bought my plane ticket back to the States yesterday. I bought it and then was struck by panic, wondering if I'd done the right thing, but hey, it's done now, and don't worry, I don't really regret it. The date of departure is December 5. How scary is that. Anyway, more on that perhaps later.

(It's very difficult to write a blog post when you've got someone looking over your shoulder reading what you're writing. Forgive me, not my shoulder, more kind of off to the corner.)

Anyway, gotta go get that coffee. Love you all.

Just a reminder that I'm still alive

Just in case you all thought I'd disappeared off the face of the earth, well, I haven't. Actually, for some reason, Safari keeps quitting everytime I sign into blogger, so I'm using someone else's computer. Anyway, everything is fine and blah blah blah. That's it.

Weeelll

I am dowloading an ebook and stuffing my face with Cadbury's chocolate! MWAHAHAHA!

And, my mom sent me mac and cheese and hot chocolate! MWAHAHAHAH!

And a WVU hat! MWAHAHAHA!

And I'm wearing it! MWAHAHAHA!

And last night I had surprise cheesecake with six candles on it! MWAHAHAHA!

And I had a surprise party that truly was a surprise! MWAHAHAHAHA!

Go Google - free the books, they want to be free! MWAHAHAHAHA!

Happy Birthday to me!

This is going to be quick, but today I turned 21. Just thought you'd like to know that.

Miserable

I'm cold and there's the beginnings of a hole in my favorite sweatshirt and my parents have to get rid of the kitty. How sad is that?

On a happier note, tomorrow is my birthday and the Giles get back. Yay.

Of course, that means I have to talk to Andrew about my plans and I don't know if I'm particularly excited about that. I have now been here three weeks, although it feels like 3 months. It really does. Oh well.

Janelle and me being strange

Janelle and me being strange, originally uploaded by Boj.

I couldn't help but post this, even though it's from a few weeks ago. Hehehe.

All alone

That is what I am this evening. Belen has gone to Drogheda, or however you spell it, Moly has taken her, Sim isn't staying at he chalet right now, the Giles are gone. It's just me and my computer. So, I stages a heist on Moly's tea stash and ordered a couple of ebooks. Argh.

I mean, I know all about finding a hobby or whatever, but honestly, I don't like living in seclusion. I mean, Nora said she was going to come up and I assumed Simeon was here and blah blah blah. But alas, I am all along.

So cold, all alone.

Sandra Wilson came up to me today

It really was quite amazing. We just got to talking there in the middle of the road. She was telling me all about how she and her husband Horace had been praying for me. Then she told me all about how she and Horace got together, about her first marriage, and how he was a gift from God to her, although it took her years to see that. But she said a lot of good things. God gives you desires and dreams, and not just so he can see if you will give them up, but because he actually has something in them for you. How if you thank God for where you are and what you're experiencing, even if you don't feel like it, it will be worth it. I guess why it meant so much to me is that I've been trying to pray about whether I should leave come December. In all honesty, however, I haven't really wanted to know what God wants - I just want to do what I want to do. So I've been praying - God, I don't really want what you want, but I want you to know that and know that I know that's not really right. I don't know, but I see it as a sign for something. I don't necessarily know what, but there you have it.

Well, I really should do something with this time I have to do some stuff like electronics.

Are you ready for this one?

Okay, this is my new revelation for today:

I think I would like to have a boyfriend. I know, I know, I've said it before, but heck, I'm just in one of those moods. Too bad there are next to no options here for me. Well, maybe sometime, someday. I mean, I always seem to half-like these guys that I either don't know that well so I end up feeling really awkward around them, or else they're not very smart and can't enjoy an even halfway intelligent conversation. It's dumb. Anyway, someday my prince will come... tra la la.

I was playing my violin in church this morning and Michael Bailey decided I needed my own mic, which really irritated me because he comes up and shoves it right in front of me. The stupid thing was that I wasn't playing very loudly for a reason. No, I tell a lie, two reasons. For one, I didn't know the stupid song (and yes, it was a stupid song) and on top of that, Claire and Nora decided to play in E! Why E? I hate playing in E. Oh well. It's fine, because I figure, if the recording is terrible, it's Michael's fault, not mine.

I'm really delaying going to pick spinach for a salad tonight. I'd just rather curl up on my bed and read. Oops, forgot, I've finished all the interesting books I have. This is what I read this week - Ender's Shadow, Shadow Puppets, The Plain Truth, Another View, and something else that I can't remember. I just go through them too quickly. And nobody interesting is online right now. Oh well. Guess that means I have to go pick spinach.

Oh, by the way, I'm knitting a scarf. It's the ugliest thing you ever did see, but it's fine, it's still a recognizable scarf. Just the colors and the yarn are kind of nasty. It's really just for practice. That's my exciting thing for today.

Since it's been a while

I'm feeling pretty good right now. I've been playing Mozart's Turkish Rondo and I've finally figured out some stupid little grace notes that were driving me crazy. That made me happy. On the other hand, my violin playing was uninspired today. Ah well, it happens. Anyway, today has been a very relaxed day, so it's very nice. Tonight I'm eating dinner with Daphna and Cathy Middleton, Moly and Simeon. I think it will be an enjoyable experience. So, ho ho ho.

I'm sorry I don't have more to say right now. I'm excited about the future. We'll see what happens.

A day in the life of me

Since Alicia asked so nicely, at the risk of boring you all, I will give you a day in my life. What shall I pick? Monday, Wednesday? Perhaps Friday? Well, how about we randomly pick Wednesday.

I get up at 8 AM. There is actually a little devotional get together thing at 7:45 for those who are so inclined and it lasts half an hour, but I'm afraid I don't usually get out of bed for that. Anyway, people usually converge on the kitchen after that for breakfast. Everyone pretty much gets their own - cereal, toast - it's a pretty quick affair. About 15 minutes. Work starts officially at 8:30. On Wednesdays, I work all morning in the garden with Sarah. This morning we were clearing out nasty plants, weeding, and cultivating the many beds around here. It was wet and a little chilly. At 9:50, we have "drinks." The kitchen puts on a pot a tea and everyone again gathers together for about fifteen to twenty minutes just for a respite. For me, it's then back out to the garden. For the last bit of the morning we were cleaning a greenhouse so as to stop algae growth. I go home about 12:10 PM to get changed for lunch. Lunch is at 12:30, a sort of buffet style affair, and fairly informal. Everyone does dishes in the kitchen. We usually have about 20 minutes to do whatever after that - check email, play the piano, in my case. At 1:30, the gears start grinding again. Wednesday afternoons I have time alloted to studying as I am doing some self-guided courses in electronics and computer programming as well as doing some calculus review. 3:30 brings drinks again, until about 3:35. After that, I work in the Microlit office, or wherever I can find some workspace, trying to see the Little Doctor data logger. Work ends at five, and dinner is at 6 PM. Dinner is more put together, with a bit of a chart for where people will sit. Again dishes, and then Wednesday evenings are free. I usually play the piano, the violin, or get online to chat or blog. I usually go to bed around 10:30 or 11 PM. And that's it. Some days are variations on the theme, but you get the general idea.

I hope that satisfies your curiosity, dear. I think you'd like it.

On another note, the house is empty tonight. People here, there and everywhere. Oh well, I hope someone is online later. Love you all, keep in touch.

I feel as though I should comment

Well, with all the turmoil going on in what was until recently my home, I feel as though I should at least attempt to say something.

I was really sad when I learned the Tom Blohm had died. He was such fun to live with. I remember we'd cajole him into playing cribbage with us, Janelle and I would. He was always very competitive about it, begrudging us every win. He was a very encouraging person to be around. I loved him a lot, and even though I hadn't seen him in a few months, I'll still miss him.

Amazing about the Diases, really. Talk about an answer to prayer.

And of course the dear Ekstrom family. I don't really know all the circumstances surrounding them leaving. I know they'll be missed. Wow. What else can you say to something like that? They looked out for me the first year that I was there at Whitestone, and I really got to love them. Wasn't so close to them in later years, but still... And of course, Cara used to be one of my best friends. I wish them well, I guess.

I think that's all I have to say about that. Sayonara.

Little Doctoring

Hey, is anyone out there interested in an inexpensive and small data logger? Most data loggers you'll find can cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, and this small logger is available from Microlite Electronics for €79.99 + VAT including software and necessary cables. As the new sales rep, I'd really like to make some sales. So if anyone is interested, let me know. Just leave a comment here. It's the neatest little thing and you can do all sorts of things with it. Look at the website for the Little Doctor. Try it, you'll like it.

I just had to put that in here. Hey, you never know. I would buy it, if I was still in school. Maybe next year. Anyway, I'm just working on Little Doctor stuff right now. Unfortunately, the computer to which I need access to really accomplish anything is being used by someone else, so I'm at a bit of a loose end right now. I don't really care, though.

Well, perhaps more later, but that's it for now.

Doing fine

Well, I slept this afternoon and that was really nice. I played my violin in service this morning and everyone just loved it :)

Anyway, I don't really have anything else to report. Life is much the same as usual.

Gosh, sorry, I wish I had more to say. Just write me emails, k?

And so on...

I had a good talk with my parents last night. I mean, aside from the runny nose and flowing tears. Right. But you know, it helped me see what I really want to get from my time here, no matter how long I am here. Honestly, I had a lot of good reasons for coming here, and I know that I don't want to miss out on whatever God wants me to get out of being here. Truly, I don't. That is uber impotant to me. That doesn't mean that I feel hunky dory. In fact I was making stuff in the kitchen this morning and Nora W. was there and she asked me what was wrong because she could tell I wasn't fine, and I broke down all over again and was really honest with her about how I was feeling and such. She was really nice about it and very encouraging.

I was asking my dad last night how I can stop doing things based entirely on emotions. I know that I have that tendency - I'm not stupid, you know. I mean, to be honest, almost every decision I make is based on how I feel. That doesn't mean that God can't use it, and often things I want to do are what God wants me to do, and that's great. Like going to Whitestone - God was definitely in that, but I also really wanted to go. I think the same thing about coming here to Ireland. I think I was riding on some pretty high emotions from having fun here this summer, and so I wanted to come back, and God said, ok, I can work with that. However, the emotions were wearing off before I even left the States. So, now I'm left in a place that I was brought to a little by emotions, and my gut feeling is to want to leave, also based on emotions. Anyway, my dad said I needed to find a plan of attack for my life, something that really requires me to stick it out, and just do it. Do something logical, not that logic is the highest, but it helps if you're trying to combat emotions. So I'm working on that. The best plan, the most practical one, would require me to be in Illinois by mid-December. We'll see.

So, eventually, one day, I'll figure it all out. I'll get a hold of myself. Maybe. Hahaha.

Oh, and Janelle, of course I still love you. Always will.

I miss home

I have refrained from saying this too outrightly on this blog, but honestly, I really want to go home. I've been here a week and a half and I'm already not sure how I will make it. People keep telling me to just hang in there and it will be so great and don't think of myself, blah blah blah, and not to belittle those encouragements... but I just don't know if I can make it. I really, really don't. I hate to be a wimp. I don't want people to think I'm a failure and that I don't keep commitments, I just don't know if I can really take this. I don't know why it's hitting me so hard, but it is. Will someone tell me what to do!!!!??? I know, it's like, grow up, Boj. How do I deal with this? I really, really want to go home. It would be one thing if I was going to be here for a month, but six? Seven? I just can't do it. I'm sorry, but I really don't think I can. HELP!!!!!!

An interesting thought

I wonder what happens to all those people who stop blogging? Why do they stop? Did they just forget they had a blog? Did they swear off the internet forever? Sometimes I peruse blogs of people with like interests, and a lot of them have last posts from a year ago. What happened? I just get so curious. But then again, Josiah doesn't blog anymore, and that's just because he doesn't. That's so silly. Oh well. No big deal.

For Nika

Yes, you are right, I did get an email from you and that counts for SO much. However, I had already written that post when I got it, and, proportional to the amount of emails I sent out, one is but a drop in the bucket. NEVERTHELESS, it is duly appreciated. I should also say that I have since had another one, from Nate, thank you. Gotta go!

Here I am, running as fast as I can

That's a song, just in case you didn't know that. So, today was pretty good. I have now been here one week. So, yay and all that. I've been writing emails to the outside world, but not a lot of feedback. Come on people, write me!

I've discovered that I miss having a roommate. Rather, I should say that the pros seem to outweigh the cons of having one. That's just what I've decided. I mean, I go home at night, and I'm all alone in my room, and that's kind of lonely. No one to talk to, no comforting presence across the way. I felt that way even before I came here to Ireland - even at my parents I thought that. Well, anyway, enough of that.

I would die for an espresso drink right now. Like a mocha. A mocha breve. Mmmmm! Yummy.

So, did I tell you about the cool book I'm reading? It's called The Elegant Universe, by Brian Greene. He's a physics professor, currently based at... Columbia University, I think? Anyway, it's about how superstring theory unites the discrepencies between quantum mechanices and relativity. It sounds daunting, but it's actually pretty good. And then he's got another one out called The Fabric of the Cosmos. I'm sure thats good, too. So... that's what keeps me occupied these days. In the words of Rascal Flatts, "Yeah, that's what I'm doing these days."

So, cool.

More from the heart of Boj

Posting, shmosting. You know, I think that if I didn't have the outlet of blogging as a form of contact with the outside world, I might, just might, go crazy. But it's okay.

So, today I cleaned and worked and ate lunch and weeded and so on. It was fine. That's all I have to say. Sorry.

Satiated

Interesting word, eh?

Well, yesterday I got very homesick and I missed my parents. Are you still allowed to do that when you've not been living with your parents for five years and you're almost 21? Ah well, I don't care anyway. Suffice it to say that I did. It was very sad and I cried. But I feel better now. So it's okay.

Anyway, this afternoon I'm just hanging out doing not much of anything. Blogging, obviously. Um, I started my electronics pseudo-class. It's interesting, a little. I know it will be useful. I mean, I couldn't even define voltage and current, so I guess it's good to have some more knowledge than that. Tonight we're having a dinner for Jon R. who just had a birthday. I'm sure that will be enjoyable.

I wish I had more to say, but I don't really. Oh well.

What merriness

Hmmm... I've gotten so few spam comments that I've not bothered to turn on any preventative measures, but that one takes the cake. I usually just delete them, but I think I'm going to have to keep that one around for the funniness of it all. Glad you all enjoyed it.

I've been working this morning on learning about the Little Doctor, which is a data logger that Michael Bailey has developed. I'm supposed to be the news sales rep apparently, but I'm a little nervous about it. I'm not good at selling. I surprise myself with how much I don't want to do this, but I think it's just me being silly. Ah well.

Anyway, thanks for all your love and support :)

I'm here

Well, this isn't going to be long because I don't feel like taking forever on the computer tonight, but I made is safely to Ireland. Both times I've entered the country, the customs people give me hell. Oh well. I did get in, eventually. I'm recovering from jetlag and other than that all is fine. I love you all out there immensely.

I spent a butload of money today

I bought a new computer. Spent more than I should have. Got a PowerBook. I like it. Found a nifty program, totally free, to download songs from iPod to Mac. It's called Senuti. Get it? My other harddrive was a goner. Lost all my pictures from Europe. I was really bummed out. Argh. Leaving on Monday. Yay.

Did you know...

...that it's after two in the morning and for some reason I am not yet in bed.

Here are two things about me:

1.) I think books, movies, and TV are far more interesting than my life and would rather spend hours pretending I am not living the life that I am.

2.) I am a complete lame-o because I go to the movies on a Friday night by myself, and then go spend all day drinking coffee and reading in a bookstore. Even the coffee maker guy thinks I'm strange.

Oh and here's another thing - The only reason I write in my blog is because I always feel like I want to have a deeply empassioned thought session and then I get distracted and never actually get around to it.

God, when did I become so terribly lame?

HELP! I CAN'T STOP POSTING!

Seriously, you'd think three posts in one day was enough. Well, I plead insanity, and I plead, um, mercy due to the fact that it is almost tomorrow, and um, I plead the fifth amendment, except that I don't really or else I'd stop talking. Okay, no more pleading. Please!

Man, I hate it when I get too introspective. It happens when I don't have enough to keep me busy. Then my brain goes off the deep end. My subconcious begins to laugh maniacally and say, "MWHAHAHAHA! Now is the time to grab control!" Wow, okay, maybe not. Forgive the anthropomorphic personification of the subconcious.

All that too say that the past couple of days have been filled with self-analysis and wonderings. Which really isn't a bad thing, it's just the way things are. It is almost midnight. I am listening to Keane. I am chatting with Lt. Polk. Okay, so here is what my amazing brain has been thinking... I would very much like to go on a date. Now, those of you who don't really know me personally or the way I've lived (Lord knows if there are even any of those people who read my blog) will think that there is nothing that unusual about wanting to go on a date. But for those of you who do, you'll know what I mean. It's not really about going on a date, it's about just wanting the ability to do that kind of thing. I want to meet some guy and be good friends with him and be really attracted to him and he to me and then I want him to ask me to go out with him. And that's all. What I mean by "that's all" is that I'm not looking for a lightening bolt of relationshipness, I just mean to have some fun. And I don't mean "have some fun" in the sense of going out and living a life of debauchery, I just mean, having a good time. God I hate explaining myself, but I hate it even more when I don't get across exactly what I mean. Anyway, but now I'm galavanting off to Ireland I certainly won't get any dates over there. Goodness, this is so difficult.

Maybe I just want some interesting people to talk to. That's probably why I started conversing with some random guy the other day. I read his blog and he seems nice. He made me laugh. I wish I knew more people like that in person. No offense to all you funny people out there. Maybe it's some desire to be able to start over. The people I know I've known for quite some time. And that's good, because they love me through all the bad things I've done and we have strong bonds. I don't know, maybe it's impossible to explain what I want. Maybe I don't even know. Ha, that's more than likely. The stupid thing is that you can't really be friends with random people on the internet. I mean, I guess you could if they wanted to as well, but usually they just think you're some psycho. Is everyone so satisfied with their lives that they don't feel the need to reach out beyond the borders of their own worlds? Like, I find myself wanting to be friends with everyone. Like the guy who makes my coffee at the bookstore. He seems like a nice guy, but I can't just go around chatting up some guy. I mean, I could, but he'd think I was a psycho. Are we catching the theme here? PSYCHO, PSYCHO. Okay, so I only say that because I would obviously think someone was psycho if they did that to me. Maybe I just need to be more open-minded.

(No real need for a paragraph break here, just doing it to keep you going. Long paragraphs are hard to get through.)

You know, it could be that all this adventure in my life, like as far as moving around so much and travelling, has given me a taste for new and different things, hence a taste for new and different people. Who knows. Just humor me.

And Mr. Random Guy that I talked to the other day on Yahoo!, thanks for talking to me, hope to do it again. I'm really not a psycho... honest.

Desist rambling.

Some lovely tidbits I have stolen from other blogs.

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

And on a different note...

do........the stuff that buys my beer
ray.......the guy who sells me beer
mi........the guy who drinks the beer
fa........the distance to my beer
so........and so, I'll have a beer
la........I'll have another beer
ti........no thanks, I'm drinking beer

that will bring me back to.......
oops looks like an empty keg

GOD... that's funny.

My Daddy

Your Daddy Is Pedro Martinez

What You Call Him: Dada Why You Love Him: He's the Mack Daddy

Who's Your Daddy?

I don't know what this is supposed to mean, but there you have it.

Break the wrist and walk away

Napoleon Dynamite and such a stinking quotable movie! I can't get it outta my head, man!

Well, breaking news is that I slept until three this afternoon. I feel justified, though, because I travelled all night the night before. Hate airplanes. I'm just figuring that out. I've spent half my life travelling in one. My official home is a freakin' 747. Nah, I'm not in a bad mood, I'm just ready to find a home. You know - even just an apartment to call my own for a couple of years, a place to put up some book shelves and unpack my personal library. I think that any place I can do that deserves the name of "home" to me. Me and my sacred library.

I've often wondered what it is about books that just makes me happy. Seriously, I have so many it's insane. I remember when I first started collecting my own personal library, as I called it then. I decided that borrowing books for the public library wasn't good enough because I always had to turn around and give them back after a month. I think I must have been twelve, and I'd just finished reading my fourth Tom Clancy book. Honestly, who reads Tom Clancy at twelve? The first of his books I ever read was Hunt for the Red October, and I just loved it. Oh well, no need to establish the fact that I'm a little eccentric... we already knew that. Anyway, enough of that. Tonight, I'm going to go to my old haunt, the Barnes and Noble down the interstate, and get some coffee and peruse the books to my hearts content. Yay.

For those of you out there who care about where I am and where I'm going, I'm in West Virginia right now. Had a great couple of weeks in Alaska. I'll be here with my parents for a week and then I'm flying off to Ireland for seven or eight months. I'm struck with how fast that will go. I mean, I don't even know where I'll be in a year. And a year is such a short time as it is. Anyway, that is my itinerary.

Love and kisses to all you out there.

It was beautiful

The wedding was very nice. Pretty much par for the course for a Whitestone wedding. It was pretty short, but that was fine because I was only there for the food. Just kidding. I did have two pieces of that fruit tart thing. I know, I know, I'm such a pig. Chris had written a beautiful song for Laura that he sang at the dinner on Thursday, but he sang it at the reception yesterday by request. It was beautiful. I love watching people's faces when they are in love. The love in Chris's face as he looked at Laura and sang was beautiful. I was honored to be able to see it.

Anyway, last night Nathan and I sat and drank coffee and talked for a couple of hours. I really enjoyed that. I like Nathan a lot and I wish him the best.

I leave tomorrow. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad. I'm ready to go. I'm really glad I came up here because now I know past any doubts that I might have had that I'm ready to move on. I remember when I was in Ireland earlier, talking to Simeon, and I said that I just couldn't believe I had left. It hadn't sunk in that I had really done it. I needed to come up here and put a few last ghosts to rest. I won't go into what they were, but suffice it to say that I've done it. Don't get me wrong, it's still a tad bittersweet, but in a good way. Those of you who have had to move on from a place or a circumstance that meant a lot to you will understand what I mean. I'll never forget the people, the memories may make me cry sometimes, and up until this point, I can honestly say that these have been the best five years of my short life. Despite all of that, though, I'm ready to move on with no regrets and no wonderings of what might have been. It's right.

It's an honor to have someone trust me enough to be honest with me. I have good friends, and I have many people that actually look up to me. What I think matters to them. I influence people. I've never realized just how true that was until this visit. I think I may have noticed it more because I came back with these experiences that people wanted to hear about and it was like people really wanted to talk to me. Suddenly, I was someone to reckon with. But I digress slightly. I'm learning to take the influence I have on people seriously. I am a very, very opinionated person, and I have no problems flaunting my opinions with a devil-may-care attitude. But I'm learning that I have to be careful. There are some who trust me to give them advice, who honor me with that. And it is indeed an honor. I view myself as a nobody, but I'm not. Not in the eyes of the people who care. And with this new-found revelation, I realize I have to be more cautious. I have to be honest, and I have to be real, but I have to remember that I have more influence than I dared realize. But I don't view this as added responsibility, I view it as a gift. And it's a gift I want to use wisely. I want to care more. I want to be worthy of this honor.

I am a more confident person than I used to be. I don't know when I changed, nor if it was so sudden as to be observable, but somewhere along the way it became noticeable. To me anyway. I used to think I would be more confident if I was skinnier, or more disciplined. In all honesty, it was none of those things that I thought would culminate in self-confidence. I still have all the weaknesses I used to have. And yet, here I am, a more confident person. Was it my vast range of experiences this summer? Maybe a little. Is it just that now is the time? Have I only just begun to grow up? Probably. Honestly, I can't answer the questions. But I'll tell you one thing - I like the change. In truth, people have said that I look good. I was told I looked lovely at the wedding, by many people. But I haven't changed outwardly. Maybe my haircut suits me, maybe I finally got around to doing something about my eyebrows. But I haven't really changed. I know that's not what they're seeing. It's because suddenly, I'm not undermining myself by my inherent sense of worthlessness. It doesn't mean I don't feel rejection, or any of those type of things, but suddenly I can move past it. I can feel it and not be angry at those who unwittingly inflict it, because it doesn't hurt as much as it used to. It's good.

I cannot honestly tell you what changed, but there you have it.

I saw Sam at the wedding. I hope his life turns out. His rough exterior doesn't hide the fact that his heart is breaking. I hope he does right by that woman. And her kids. Be a man for once, Sam. Don't flaunt your opinions and then cower in the corner. Do what's right, and damn what people think.

Tonight, we are having a dinner in my honor. Yay. I think it's going to be Janelle, Dan, Jessica, Hannah, Josiah, Anthony, Abigail, Rita and me. And Alicia's going to come over later. My closest friends. I'm honored.

I have used that word many times today. It all makes me feel rather small. What a privelege.

I think I'll stop now, before I become far too introspective. I'm sure I've already done enough analysis for one day.

Well, it's a good thing...

I finally heard back from Andrew Giles, for myself and via my pa. Thankfully, I will be getting support as a contributing member, as it were, of society, so that solves a big problem. Did you know that in Ireland, diabetes medicine is free? That's outta control! Too bad I probably won't be able to benefit from that, just being a "visitor" and all. Anyway, good times and all that.

Packing my stuff yesterday was a real thrill and a half. I'm leaving so much behind, but that's fine. Anyway, I got it down to six fairly heavy boxes, and shipping was a total of $181. Considering that I was prepared to pay twice that if I had to, I'm counting myself fairly lucky. Anyway, it's good to have that done. I'm going upriver again today to haul stuff down that I'm leaving behind, so that'll wrap up that process.

Sayonara, tsetchem leshalom, and gluckliche Reise!

Here today, gone tomorrow

Well, this is the week of festivity. Yay, hurray. The men's shower for Chris is tonight, and then on Thursday is the wedding dinner, and then on Saturday, all of it comes to fruition, as it were. Good times.

I just finished a Terry Pratchett book called The Science of the Discworld. It's more non-fiction than fiction, although it has a bit of that too. If you enjoy science, like real science (as opposed sci-fi) it's really interesting. It took me a while to read through it, mostly because I was reading it really in depth, so I wanted to take my time and read it all. I really liked it though. I feel like I actually learned a lot reading it. Made me feel smart. Call me silly and you'd probably be right. Anyway, apparently he's written another two somewhat similar ones. I'll get them sometime.

So, I'm off to pack up all my crap for the 80 Acres and erase almost every trace that I was ever here. Hahahah!!!

Gosh

I guess nobody likes my blog anymore. No comments. Hate that.

I have been working in the kitchen, which has been fun. I still don't like it very much, but it's nice to hang out with people. The silly thing is that I came all the way to Alaska to see my friends, and I'd rather read a book than work with them. How lazy of me. But then, I already knew that.

Well, I guess, Ireland, here I come. Should be interesting, I guess.

No interesting title readily available

You know, it's funny - I am having a great time seeing everyone here and such, but I find I am not feeling the pull like I thought I might. I think I know I'm making the right move for now, as much as it freaks me out. I guess I'm just thankful that I'm not once again second guessing myself like I seem to always do. A little encouraging.

On a more interesting note, Emerson W. wants to come back here, I guess. That's a hard one. I mean, he was in torment for so long, it's hard to imagine he really knows what he wants after four months. But I can hardly judge. I just hope he's making the right decision, and if he is, then more power to him.

Last night, I went out to the island with Dan, Janelle, Steven, Jinni, Nathan, and Vanessa. We made a fire and had chicken and rice. It was a lot of fun. Reeked like smoke when I came back, but that's all part of the deal.

Meghan Bailey has become very cute. Fortunately, their little pants that I got them in France fit - even too big. Sigh of relief. Jessica is becoming such a little girl. She came up and gave me a big hug when I got here. I'm glad she remembered me.

Saturday evening I had dinner at the 80 Acres. Goodness, it was just like old times. I sat there and howled with laughter the whole time. It was a lot of fun. I also gave all my gifts away, and that was fun. You know, it's funny, I'm so nervous about giving my gifts. I think it's because I put thought and money into them, and I'm just worried that people won't like them. I think that comes from my amazing ability to take things way too personally. Of course, no one dislikes my gifts, that's just my personal little insecurity.

Today, Janelle is on laundry, and I'm hanging with her. Except for right now she's sleeping. I don't feel like going back to bed, I guess. I mean, I'm plenty tired. Just seems silly.

Let's see, what else...

I think that's about it for now. More later, of course.

Back in the saddle, after a fashion

Well, here I am, coming to you live from Delta Junction, AK. Good times, good times. I'm really enjoying seeing all the cool people. I can tell that my brain still isn't quite sure how to wrap itself around this little visit. I mean, I don't live here anymore, but it feels sort of like I do, yet I'm a visitor for all intents and purposes. It's just kinda strange. Oh well, I am having fun. Love you all out there.

Away from West Virginia

Man, that is some good coffee I made!

Um, right, so I'm flying out to Alaska tomorrow. I'm sure it will be fun. You know, it probably will not be near as exciting as I've built it up to be. No offense to anyone. But I mean, I'm going to see my friends, and that will be great, and then I'll just be hanging around for two weeks. You know, I think the fact that I'm writing this says something about how I react to things. Just follow me here. I mean, I used to get really excited about stuff, and just build it all up in my mind that whatever it was was going to be this amazing thing, and then it wasn't all I cracked it up to be. And so now, it's like I try to super down play my excitement about things. Makes me not so optimistic as I once was. It's like I'd just rather not think about how exciting something is going to be and then be disappointed. So, I'm sure AK will be fun. But, there is going to be a wedding happening, so the focus will pretty much be on that. That tells you how selfish I am. I wish I could have all the attention. Hate to say it, but there it is.

Well, there you go. That's it for the next couple of days, probably.

Deja Vu

That word looks funny, but that's how it's spelled. Except for the accent marks.

Anyway, I was reading some blogs, and it reminded me of back when we had our little house blog, and the discussions that happened over the blog were out of control. They should have taken place in person and not in a public forum. Because once the words were out, I could delete the post, but it had still been read and the damage had been done. It was regrets all around. Just a bad idea in general. We would say things in the heat of anger and regret them later, because that's just the way things go in relationships with people. It's why our blog went to pieces.

So, enough of that.

Do you ever get that where you think you've forgotten about something and then all of a sudden it crops up again and you can't stop thinking about it? Grrr. Last night, I was laying in bed and it was all just going through my mind over and over and I couldn't make myself stop thinking about it. Maybe my brain was just trying to make up for the last couple of weeks when I never thought about it at all. Silly brain. It will pay for this!!!

All this fuss...

...about the hurricane down in the Gulf of Mexico makes me glad I don't live there. I don't know why one would in the first place, honestly. Terrible weather, hurricane or not. Can't imagine why people are still milling around down there. I mean, I guess it's hard to believe that something that bad would really happen to you, but still. Guess we'll see what happens.

I love Bach's Cello Suite 1, Prelude. Very well-known piece, but still, I think it's beautiful. Wish I could play it on the violin. Oh, speaking of which...

Yesterday, I ended up going on a total shopping spree. Part of that spree was that I bought a whole set of Dominant strings for my violin. Cost $50, but I think it will be worth it. I can't wait to try them out. 'S going to be great. And I bought tons of clothes. And the coolest pair of shoes. I don't usually get off on shoes, but these are super funky. Yay.

The menace that is cold coffee

You know, I get busy and then forget that I ever poured myself a cup, regardless of the fact that it's sitting right in front of me. Absent minded, I guess.

Last night I hauled myself out to watch the Brothers Grimm. It was pretty good. I haven't had a lot of luck in picking movies recently. Rented Constantine, not aware of just how violently demonic it was. Ugh. Turned it off after half an hour. But Brothers Grimm was good. Funny. A little slow at first, but oh well.

I went to the doctor yesterday. That was dumb. I just hate going to the doctor. It's like, haven't I seen enough doctors in my life to last a little while? But then I have to remind myself that some people have it a lot worse than I do. I didn't want to get the blood work but I knew I should even though I cringe at what the results will be. So I got the stupid blood work. My elbow still hurts. Is that what you call the inside of your elbow joint? Probably not. Whatever. Must have hit a nerve or something 'cause it's making my arm ache.

Going to Alaska in a week. Looking forward to that, seeing friends and all. I think I might go shopping for something to wear to the wedding. Hate shopping. Actually, I don't hate shopping, I just hate looking in the mirror and thinking how much cuter that would look if I was 30 lbs lighter. I know, I know... I don't want the lecture.

Been thinking about Cornell University lately. They have a great astronomy/physics department. Probably way out of my price range, but then, heck, isn't everything? Sometimes I think I'm one of those people who dream big but never have the guts to go through with anything. Hmm.

Okay, I've had enough of you all.

My cat is a menace and so are TV ads

Super funny - my aunt is here visiting, and she brought her little dog Joey. I forget what kind of dog he is, but he's white and fluffy and fairly small. We, on the other hand, have this monstrous cat. He's a huge, orange, 20-pounder, and very protective of his territory. The puppy just wants to make friends, and the kitty hisses and sends the dog cowering into the corner. It's funny.

Have you ever listened to some of those insurance ads on TV? They go like this - "If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident..." I get what they mean, but honestly, that's a little hokey. Yes, I have been killed in a car accident and I would like to sue!

Okay, that's it. I'm bored of this.

Argh! Tagged!

Well, okay, so I gather I'm supposed to put down the 5 top songs I'm listening to these days, so here goes:

1) Artist: Nickel Creek, Album: Why Should the Fire Die?, Song: When in Rome

2) Ditto all above, Song: Jealous of the Moon

3) Artist: Train, Song: When I Look to the Sky (I think)

4) Artist: Michael Buble, Album: It's Time, Song: Home

5) Ditto all above, Song: Save the Last Dance for Me

I guess I get to tag people now... let's see...
Bethany
Jessica
And hey, why not, my mom.

So, that's it. Thanks for tuning in.

This is me from a year ago with the tow truck driver who pulled our van out of the ravine. I'm really just testing this program called Hello.

Another day, another destiny, another post

I stole the first part of that from Les Miserables, the musical. That is the one DVD that I own. Love it. Anyway, somehow that line ended up in my blog title. I don't know about things like that.

I'm enjoying West Virginia. It's very peaceful out here where my parents live. Yesterday I went to church with them. They're really excited about what's happening in their church, and it was good to be able to see that. I had a hard time getting into it myself, but you know, there were extenuating circumstances. I had a low blood sugar right in the middle and didn't really have anything to take care of it, but I ate a couple lifesavers and it righted itself eventually. Anyway, it was good though.

My mom is on the phone coaching one of her friends whose first child is going away to college this year. My mom is the expert on empty nest stuff - my sister has been gone for 8 years and I've been gone for five. Good on you, Mom. Anyway, I wish I had a funny story or an interesting thought, but alas, there is none for today. Maybe later.

Here in West Virginia

I made it safe and sound to the home of my parents. It's fun to be here, I guess. I had a great time giving them their gifts. It's going to be nice to have three weeks where I'm not actually living out of a suitcase. So, that's good. I had to get up at like 4:45 this morning to catch the transport to Midway Airport, and then my flight wasn't until 12:30, so I sat in the airport for like 4 hours. Oh well. My life is just one airport after another these days. My own choice, I guess.

To all my homies out there - I love you. Keep in touch, guys. Stay cool.

Friends

Well, I guess the most breaking news is that my friend Brooke is in labor. She has been for about 14 hours, poor girl. Hope everything is okay.

Got the "go ahead," as it were, for Ireland. Have to make plans now.

I wonder

...well, I wonder a lot of things, and I thought I was inspired to write about them, but I find that I no longer feel like it. It's because, I think, they are things that require a different forum. One less public, perhaps.

Not that I don't love you guys or anything. You know how it is. Where's my journal...

Broke and loving coffee

That's me. Watch out, house. I will call later.

Disappointment

I am very disappointed in myself right now. I mean, extremely. I mean, so much that it is making me sick to my stomach. I don't know what to do about it, really. It's like even while I was doing it, I knew it was wrong, and I just didn't draw on the strength to fight it. And then I was like, way to be a loser, Joanna. I mean, I know what is right and what is wrong, and sometimes it feels like I just can't stop and yet I know that I can because I have. Grrr. I am just so ashamed of myself. And then I want to say, God, help, I'm sorry what can I do? But I feel like I can't sometimes because I just did something that I've been asking for help not to do and it's like I just ignored the fact that He is there to help me and did it and then I want to turn around and say, Oops, sorry, golly gee, won't do that again...NOT. I mean, how can I ask God to understand? I wouldn't understand. And I know that is totally not how God thinks, but I'm used to thinking human so it's difficult to understand that God doesn't think human style. Ugh, this is so humiliating. Maybe the way I should look at it is that God knew that I wasn't going to pass this test, and there is something very specific that He wants me to get out of not passing it. I'm not saying that He set me up for failure, although it might seem like it, it's just that maybe there's a bigger picture. Some picture that unless I see, I'm going to keep making the same mistakes over and over. I don't know what that picture is, nor do I have any clues, but it's a thought. I think I just need some perspective on this stuff. I shall go watch a movie and get some. Ha... I know that doesn't really make a whole lot of sense.

POLKIE!!!!!

You are in big trouble with me, I just want you to know that. For one, I don't know that I'm going to be staying at the house when I come, and for two, I am definitely not staying in the high bed, and for three, where is your other roomie, anyway? So, there you go.

Beth, I'm glad you liked the post. My deranged mind is coming up with all sorts of things these days. Anything for a good laugh, hey? Do write some more.

I am eating peach yogurt and drinking coffee. Super cool.

Tonight

Okay, here's the newest venture - I'm trying to change the comment thing. To clarify, you know how at the bottom of the post it says 0 comments, or whatever, and some people have changed that to see funny/witty things. I know you have to change the code, I just can't figure out where to change to make it work. Anybody out there who knows, let me know. I should know how, and if my computer was up and running I could do it because I am queen of macs, but PCs throw me for a loop. Well, whatever.

The new template is in honor of my new found boredom. Actually, if I go up to Alaska for two weeks, which I am, that means it's going to only be like another three weeks that I'm sitting before things go into motion. Actually, I really need to know for sure if I'm set to go to Ireland, because as soon as I know that for sure, then I need to do a bunch of quick calling and arranging of things. Oh whatever.

I might go see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory later. But you know, I'm kind of tired. I think my brain is working even slower than my typing is. Or maybe it's going the other way around and I just can't tell. Not sure about that one.

I wish I had more to share with the world. I'll keep you updated.

There you go

See, I can keep myself entertained. Thank you Janelle. If you like the story, I will continue it sometime. I read about the "tenth planet." Are we allowed to call it that? The Kupier Belt object. Anyway, you know I don't make cards and I only write long, hand-written letters if I have something really important to say, and I don't. And going to the gym costs money, which I don't have. I do go on walks, though. It's way too hot to run. I shall look into the "window shopping."

Here's a story beginning...

...that I may or may not ever finish. I just came out of my head, so I wrote it down.

I’m watching the sun rise from the hazy horizon. How many times have I sat here, on mornings just like this, staring vacantly, half-awake, as the big orange ball spreads light in its path? Today, of course, is different. This is the last day I will see this sun rise in just this way. My name is Ashley Callaghan, and I am a 23-year-old prison inmate. Today, I leave Earth and I am never coming back.

Do you ever wonder if you could go back and change just one thing in your life, if you could make just one decision different, what it would be? There is no question in my mind what decision changed the course of my entire life. It was the night when I told my little brother Derek that liars go to hell. I proceeded to describe in grotesque detail what they did to little liars down there. What can I say - he was an impressionable kid back then. Of course, I must also admit that as a young teenager, I only cared if he stayed out of my room and didn’t touch my stuff. Little did I know that in a few years he would be incapable of telling a lie that would be the only thing to stand between me and my own private life in hell.

Lalalala

I am talking to myself. That can only mean one of two things - either I've spent too much time around Ted Keller, or I am officially going insane. Maybe both. I'm wandering around the house talking to myself simply because I am so bored. I am not being mentally stimulated. The biggest thrills I'm getting come from going to the bookstore and reading some stupid novel that does nothing for me traveling on the path to clarity. Honestly. It's like, get a life, Boj. See, I'm even talking to myself on my blog. Ho. Well, that's all for now folks. Drop a comment or two.

Yay

Well, here I am listening to my favorite Nickel Creek song of all times. Yay.

I wrote Andrew Giles today. Told him the whole deal. We'll see what happens. Yay.

I am writing yay things today. I'm going to run out of them pretty soon. Yay.

I went on a walk this morning. Yay.

Walked down to Aromas and got an iced mocha, but it was gross, so I threw most of it away. Yay.

Met a legally blind lady walking home, helped her cross the street. Yay.

Will vacuum the carpets at some point and be bored the rest of the day. Yay.

Can't believe I'll be sitting around doing nothing for another week and a half until I go to my parents for who knows how long and have a great time but still be doing nothing. Yay.

Can't do squat with my ticket to Alaska, but can change my mom's to be mine and only pay $200 extra, I think. Yay.

Maybe I'll go up to Whitestone for a couple of weeks, if they'll let me. Yay.

Got an email from Karen Austin this morning out of the blue. Yay.

Check out her website - Austin and the Energy - there's not much there but some cool pics and a bio. Yay.

I am very bored. I don't know what else to do with myself. I'm already doing all the dishes, which tells you that I'm super bored or somewhere along this way I got responsible. Yay.

I am bored because I am boring. I guess. Whatever. Yay.

Wow, I am boring. Oh well. Yay.

Here again

It's five to eleven in the morning, I think it's August 2nd. My face is kinda breaking out for no apparent reason. Oh well. It'll pass. My stuff is getting a little spread around the living room because there's nowhere else for it to go. I'm listening to Michael Buble. It reminds me of Simeon, mostly because that's who I nicked it from right before I left. I tried to make some coffee this morning, but it was just plain terrible. I hate that. I'm a little bored. I think I'm going to go on a walk. Feeling kinda blobish, you know? Hate that, too.

I got a nice email from Andrew Giles this morning. I guess Yang and Shu left. It's terrible really. That's three people in the space of like, a week. It's just too bad because they seemed so blessed by the youth camp and such, and then they take off. Not a lot of staying power. Oh well. I guess when you've only lived in community for a few months it doesn't get into your bones as much as over ten years does. Anyway, so, yeah, the email was nice. It was nice to hear from there, really. I'm glad I could be encouraging.

My bank account is overdrawn. Again. I need to call them or something. I'm so broke right now. I don't know how I'm going to support myself for the next little while. I seriously have no money. I mean, I do, but not exactly accessible right now. What to do, what to do. Can't even buy myself a cup of coffee.

The cat is snoring behind me. Super funny. She sheds a lot.

I hate this feeling of being caught in limbo. I mean... whatever.

I'm a list person, I'm realizing. I feel so much better when I have everything down in a list and I can see what I need to do and mark it off as I go. It's sort of the same reason why I blog. I need to write me thoughts down somewhere so that they don't all float around and hide in corners until inopportune moments.

What am I waiting for? I mean, do I think I'm going to change my mind? Am I? It's important that I answer that question before I do anything rash.

I need to get my eyebrows waxed. I know you all wanted to know that. I mean, I could just take the time to do them myself, but it's just such a strain. Not really, I'm just being lazy. Sharon plucked them so I felt like a freshly plucked chicken, but I'm kinda letting them get out of control, so they look kinda ungroomed. It was so funny, Brenda, Nathan's mom, could not stop raving about my hair. It does look better now then a couple of months ago when it was a bit too short.

This afternoon, I need to go the Green Street and exchange my British pounds. Okay, now I'm going to get my bank account fixed up. Oh wait. I can't. I don't have a phone. Poop. Grr. Not sure what happened to the one that I had that was Grandma's. Argh. Oh well.

Enough rambling. Stay cool, guys.

Well, well, well

I have the house to myself tonight. Bo is taking a CPR class and Nathan is out playing pool. I'm kind of just bumming around - watching TV, doing dishes. Rather, I was watching TV and I will do dishes. At some point. I don't really have anything else to say. I'm still on the road to figuring things out, but I'm getting more sure about going to Ireland and not going to UAA at all. We'll see.

I am woman...

...hear me roar.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Weel, I'm in London today, flying back to the States tomorrow. I've really appreciated Andrew Giles' help for arrangements while here in London. It's been totally awesome. Today I got on the train and headed back to Russell Square to pick up some stuff I had left there. It was interesting. I had to take a convoluted route and walk some places because the Underground is still out of service in some areas. The Russell Square station is all blocked off, and there are policemen at every station. But, I'm now back at James and Wendy Croxsons, where I am staying. Wendy apparently even met my grandmother and was telling me how she thought she was amazing. Of course, I think so too...

Already I miss everyone from Blessington. I don't know what the future holds, but I think it's going to have to be different from what I was thinking. I'm sorry if that upsets anyone, but I have to do what I think is right, and right now I don't want to be in Anchorage. I am a friend needing person, so why am I leaving friends behind right, left, and center? It doesn't make any sense. I can just as easily take classes in Ireland as I can in the States, and I can be with people I love. It makes sense to me. Anyway, that's all for now.

Going

Leaving today. Not happy about it. Very mad. Don't want to go. Don't know what to do. Can't deal with this. Oh well.

Silly

I am a silly little girl. So much for that, eh? It's okay, some day my brain will figure things out. Until then, I'm just certifiably off my rocker. Oh well. Not like it's anything that hasn't happened before.

I feel compelled

Not for any particular reason, but I was reading various blogs and they made me sad. I mean, not the blogs, just certain posts. It makes me sad that some Christians proclaim to be such and don't act it, and others who don't have the time of day for such things seem to understand what it means to really love and forbear. I am a Christian. I don't know what that might mean to other people out there, but to me, it means that God loves the world, so He gave His Son to die for my sins that I could be redeemed. A little simplistic, but there you have it. It's not the end of the matter, I don't think, but I think that's where some of it begins. So all I can say is that if God loves me that much, than the least I can do is do my best to do as much for others. Don't get me wrong, I believe that God hates sin, but I think that while He gives grace, His heart breaks for all of us who struggle with sin. As Paul said in the New Testament, we are all sinners, and I the most of all. I so often feel like that. I wonder sometimes how I could sink any lower. There are so many things of which I am ashamed. I ask myself, how many times am I going to do that again, and swear I'm not going to go down those same paths, and before you know it, look where I've gone? Sometimes I'm sick with myself. But at the end of the day, I accomplish nothing if I remain in the mud, wallowing in what I could have been and how I might have done things differently. The most I can do is get back up, no matter how many times I've done it before, and believe tomorrow, I can be different. The cynic in me (which is most of me on a bad day) says that I will never change, and that I'm stuck in a never-ending circle of falling and getting up and I never actually manage to proceed forward. And that is so easy to believe, but I can't think that. Because the moment that I do believe that, it's true. I quit working to move forward, and I stay in the mud. I can only do the best I can do, but I believe that with God, the best I can do is better than I could do on my own. And I have to believe that. If I can be where I've been and still believe that God forgives, and gives me what I need to go on, then I will be there for others as well. I haven't gone through hell for no reason. Sure, sometimes it feels like it, but I refuse to believe there's not more purpose for my existence.

Ah, well. That is the best I can do for now. I wish I had more deep insight, but that's about as good as it gets.

Not to go overboard with the Terry Pratchett, but I'm reading Night Watch. It's where the Ankh-Morpork City Watch Commander, Sam Vimes, gets, by a fluke of both nature and magic, thrown back thirty years in time, and he has to train himself up to be a good cop because in the alternate reality someone kills the guy who actually did teach him to be a good cop. So now it's his job to make sure that the future that he knows actually happens. Man, I just love a good satire, and Pratchett does the funny stuff well.

Okay, enough already, you are saying. I am agreeing. Love you all.

Blog to top all blogs

Probably not really, but it sounds impressive, doesn't it? I'm currently checking all my email addresses, a sum total of three, and chatting with Rebekah and Erika, checking eBay for no particular reason since I'm not selling or watching anything, and buying sheets because the mattresses at UAA are extra long. I'm listening to Air Supply and continuing the relaxation from my afternoon.

Speaking of which I read a Terry Pratchett book this afternoon called The Dark Side of the Sun. It's one of his earlier books, and it was a bizarre mix of Isaac Asimov, Douglas Adams, and the Terry we all know and love. Asimov because it reminded me of the robot books about the Spacer worlds, and Douglas Adams because it had this thing where they went into infinity something, where you could see anything, because if it could exist in any particular universe there was a possibility that you'd see it there, and that reminded me of the hyperspace infinity drive thing where you could come out looking like a chair before reality righted itself, and Pratchett because, while not particularly funny, it had some good one-liners. So that was interesting.

You know, I'm worried about myself being on my own. That may sound strange, but what I mean is that I can just see myself going to pot without the structure I'm used to surrounding how I live my life. For instance, whenever I go visit Bo, I always kind of just laze about and such. I mean, not entirely, but a lot. I mean, I know I'm going to have homework and classes, and I'll get a job and stuff, I just hope that I can be responsible enough to be smart about all the things there are to be smart about. Sorry, I know that's kind of convoluted. I'm also worried about my diabetes control. If I don't be very stern with myself, I'm not going to do well. And when it comes to being disciplined, I'm not very good at being stern with myself. It's an extreme, extreme trial to do it with a more structured lifestyle, much less when I'm out on my own. God, help.

I also read a good Terry Pratchett book the other day called Thief of Time - I really liked it. He's been my favorite author because it's difficult to find the American authors I'm used to over here in Europe, so he was one that I knew I liked and could find easily over here.

Speaking of books, can't wait to get my hands on the new Harry Potter. I'll probably wait until I get back to the States.

Okay, well, I have to go order sheets. Love you dearly.

Another quick one

Sorry, this has to be fast, too, because I'm on the expensive internet line. London bombings were terrible to hear about, especially having been there and like I can actually picture some of the places. Like Russell Square was where we were staying at the hotel in London. Anyway...

If you all want to look at a blog where many from my tour group are posting things, you can look at it here. Note - I am in no way responsible for whatever bad language, etc. you might find there. Read at your own risk, but you might find it interesting.

Love you all. By the way, does anyone out there in the world of my blog know Emerson Sr.'s email address? Send me an email with it if you do. Thanks.

Really quickly

Well, just to let my fan club out there know that I'm fine and things are fine and everything is going finely. Right... anyway. I'm only going to give a short update because Nathalie is going to find herself an email address. Anyway, so yeah. Things are good. Youth camp is in two weeks now, and this morning Carlo and Angela Minotti and their two children arrived here for the duration. Can't believe there are only three weeks left until I pack it up again. I love you all dearly.

In answer to your question...

Main Entry: bof·fin
Pronunciation: 'bä-f&n
Function: noun
Etymology: origin unknown
chiefly British : a scientific expert; especially : one involved in technological research

There you are, Bo.

Some interesting things

Here are some fun things I found on my sister's blog:

Your IQ Is 120

Your Logical Intelligence is Above Average Your Verbal Intelligence is Genius Your Mathematical Intelligence is Exceptional Your General Knowledge is Exceptional

A Quick and Dirty IQ Test

I am worth $1,684,716 on HumanForSale.com

Something else interesting.

Here we are

I've now been here for about a week. Just over. I'm really enjoying myself and I'm getting along with the young people really well... I think :) Simeon and I hang out a lot and he's a real blast and a half, but don't tell him I said that because it would ruin all the nasty looks of scorn I give him whenever he tries to be funny. Just kidding. The internet is fairly slow here, like the good old days. Oh well. Let's see, what else... I'm just kind of doing whatever. Working in the kitchen, cleaning, doing some typing stuff for Brother Andrew Giles. Yeah so it's all good. Don't know what else to say. I'm still getting in my piano practicing - the Moonlight Sonata and Fur Elise... the old faithful ones. Anyway, I'm going to go now, but I love you all tons. Bethany, thanks for checking up on me here. Let's keep in touch.

Here in Ireland

Well, I know it's certainly been a while since I have blogged and much, or not, has happened. After hauling two incredibly heavy bags on the London underground and flying across the way, Jon and Sarah picked me up at the Dublin airport. I've now been here at the community for a couple of days, and so far I'm enjoying it. They'd no qualms putting me to work, which is great, because that's what I'm here to do, you know? Anyway, so I'm having fun and enjoying getting to know everyone. It's funny because it's almost like my other trip never even happened. So I'm here for about a month and it should be fun. Another nice suspension from reality.

Back in London

Well, here we are. The tour is over and it was great fun. The big news is that we learned that Amy, our tour guide, was doing her first ever tour. We had been told that it was her second season at it. We were all totally and completely flabbergasted. She didn't seem unsure of herself for a second. Wow. Impressive. Anyway, tomorrow I fly out to Ireland. Quick change of pace, you might say. I say, Indeed. Anyway, I'm off to have one last hurrah with the group. Love you all.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

It's a cute little city, famous as it may be for drugs and sex. Tonight most of the people from our crew are off to a sex show. I decided not to go :) Yeah, and they're all planning on getting stoned while here, just because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. Whatever. Tomorrow I have to buy my last two gifts and I want to visit Anne Frank's house, the Van Gogh museum, and somewhere else - it's where all Rembrandt's works are. Anyway, so that should be good. Then we're off back to London. And that will be all. Hopefully I'll be able to give you all a big post about reflections rather than just facts later. Love you all.

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

It is so amazingly beautiful here. Just - there are no words. Tomorrow I'm going to truck up Jaungfrau, on the highest cog train ever. Should be fun, eh? Well, nothing else to say. I love you all. Thanks for sticking around. Love to Beth, hardly a common folk, ya?

Mountain biking

Yeah, it was fun. More exercise than I've gotten in the past few months :) How embarrassing is that? Oh well. I'm definitely going to be sore tomorrow. Austria is indeed a very beautiful country. Our biking took us around through the lower Alps, so that was kind of cool. I'll try to post more pictures, but I don't know when I will get to it. We'll see.

By the way, Dad, I don't think you added me as the right person, because all my photos are public and I have a cool picture :)

Yo

Isn't that a dumb title? The appropriate answer is, "Yes." Thank you.

Tonight we are in the lovely little village of Hopfgarten, Austria. Yes, we are back in Austria, a fact for which I am thankful. I think Austria has been my favorite country on this tour, although we really haven't spent that much time in it. I just get good vibes from it, you know? Anyway, tomorrow we will get a chance to go mountain biking and walk around the town. This morning we walked around Munich some, I bought a tie for Ted and some Terry Pratchett books for myself. I forgot how much I enjoyed them. Super funny.

Anyhows... (as Judy Grapengeter would say)

After here we go to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, and then on to Amsterdam, I believe, which is our last stop. Hard to believe that we only have 6 days left.

Well, the internet time runneth out. Love you all.

Oh, Dad, I got a cash advance on the Visa, hope that's ok :)

Munich, Germany

Tonight we went to a Bavarian beerhall. It was fun. I even had to get up and do karaoke. It was great. Today we went to Mauthausen, the last concentration camp to close in 1945. It was a very moving experience. Actually, that doesn't even begin to describe it. Then we travelled on to Mondsee, where the church is that they got married in in the Sound of Music. Anyway, tomorrow we're on to Hopfgärten, Austria. Okay that's it.

Venice, Italy

That is where I currently am. Had a good time seeing the pigeon square - lots of pigeons. For those of you who care, it's actually called San Marco's Square, because it's right in front of the Basilica of St. Mark, where he is supposedly resting. Very nice. Also went shopping, saw glass making, got some cool pictures of that, and saw some Venetian lace. And of course the gondola ride. It was very fun - we had a fun crew on our little gondola. I got some great pictures of the canals and such. The canals are actually kind of dirty, but they weren't too bad. Apparently the water was fairly low, so we could actually walk on the streets instead of jump from board to board as they do when the water is high. Anyway, tomorrow we're off to Vienna. I'm excited about going to a Mozart and Strauss concert. Yay.

By the way, those pictures were totally random. I had no idea which ones I was uploading, so those were just what I happened to grab. That's why they're not necessarily spectacular, or of me. Thank you, Rebekah, for setting me straight on the lions in Trafalgar. Ok, well, that's it for now. Love you all.

Leaving Greece

Today we are catching the ferry to float up the coast of Italy to Venice. There, I shall be able to have a gondola ride - what fun! Thank you all for your avid support of my blog. I shall now post six random pictures.

Buildings in London

Buildings in London, originally uploaded by Boj.

I thought it was cool. I took this from one of those double-decker tour buses.

Lions somewhere :)

Lions somewhere :), originally uploaded by Boj.

Yeah, that's currently the best I can do on this one.

Nathan and Lydia

Nathan and Lydia, originally uploaded by Boj.

Both from Australia, seem to like each other, if you know what I mean. This was in France.

A church in Monaco

A church in Monaco, originally uploaded by Boj.

Yeah, so that was nice...

Fragonard's perfumery

Fragonard's perfumery, originally uploaded by Boj.

We visited this place on the way from France to Italy, and they showed us how perfume is made and all that. Bought some nice stuff.43

A church in Florence

A church in Florence, originally uploaded by Boj.

Very pretty. The brown dome in the background is the "duomo," as some may remember from Judi's history class.

Hello from Corfu, Greece

Now, this is a vacation! We have four days to relax and do whatever we want here. Me, I slept in and then relaxed by the pool today. Tonight we are going to have a traditional Greek party, plate-breaking and all, or so I'm told. Tomorrow I'm spending all day on a boat out in the Mediterranean. And I already have a really good tan. Ho ho. Anyway, not much else to report.

Wow, what an experience

Well, I just got back from touring around the Vatican City. The line to get it was very, very large. We were probably in line for about 45 minutes. What's funny is that we rushed to get there as early as possible, and the line was very long, but later, when I left, the line was much shorter. It's like everyone thinks if they get there early they'll get in faster, and then everyone gets there at the same time. Whatever. Anyway, that was super cool. I really, really enjoyed seeing the Sistene Chapel. It was awesome - literally. I didn't want to leave because I couldn't help but think that I may never be back, and I wanted to take it all in. Anyway, then I went round to St. Peter's Basillica. That was also very amazing. Took a bunch of pictures. There was a hugely massive line to check out Pope John Paul II tomb, so I didn't bother. Anyway, that's where the Pièta is and such. Then I took the metro and walked about 2 miles back to the campsite. It's currently 3 PM and I'm going to go swimming.

By the way, the time has been set on Alaska time, but I will change it from now on so you know what time I'm posting from over here.

Hannah, actually, yes, at the disco, that's exactly what I thought of - dancing wildly in our living room. Good times, good times.

Florence and Rom

Those are the two places I have been since I last wrote. Florence was great - bought a leather coat, some jewelry, and a present for Bo. Spent a lot of money. Today we went on a walking tour of Rome, and we saw the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and other things. Tomorrow it's the Vatican, and I can't wait to see the Sistene Chapel. Oh yeah, and in Florence, I saw the Duomo and the David and other stuff. Last night we went out to a Space Electronic Disco. I had a lot of fun - it was so fun getting out on the floor and dancing. It was fun until sleezy Italian men couldn't keep their hands and yes, other various anatomical parts, away from you. Went home at that point. Caught a taxi with Nick and Megan and Johno and Gemma - who was wildly drunk, very funny. Anyway, gotta run. After Rome it's Corfu. Love you all and keep reading.

News from Cannes

Yes, I'm strolling the streets of the French Riviera. Saw the Grand Casino in Monte Carlo last night - very posh. Walked around with Rebecca Brown, a nice girl from... I can't remember... Florida, maybe? Anyway, fun fun fun.

I really have to go to the bathroom, but I don't know where to find a toilet.

Tomorrow we're off to Florence. Our days in France are almost done.

Well, nothing else to report as of yet. I'll keep you all informed.

Yes, I am having a blast

Sorry if the last post sounded unenthusiastic - I was so frustrated trying to type on the French keyboard that I couldnt get much more out then the bare minimum. Anyway, today we had a bit of a hike, and a picnic lunch out in the Beaujalais wine region. I got so fried. I am radiating heat. Oh well, what fun anyhows. Tomorrow we are headed to the French Riviera - Monté Carlo casinos, here we come.

As for the people, there are 39 on this tour. I am still working on peoples names, but theres Corey, Nathan and Damien together from Australia, Nick and Megan, brother and sister from Edmonton, Lydia from Australia, 6 people from California, etc. Our tour guide is Amy - shes great - and our bus driver is Pete, who is an absolute clown. They are both from Australia as well. Last night we went out to an Irish pub here in Lyon where most of us got at least a little drunk, some more then others. It was fun. Anyway, thats it for now - hopefully more details later on a better keyboard.

Oh, yeah, and the French guy was definitely a little too sure of himself. Nice to talk to, some guys I know could take some lessons in charm and niceness from him. Didnt want to kiss him, but still...

Oh to be in Lyon

Well, here I am in Lyon, France. Paris was great. I saw the Louvre, and that included the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, etc. Then I walked to the Musèe d Orsay and saw so,e Van Gogh, Renoir, and Monet. I went up the Eiffel Tower - terrible lines. Anyway, this French guy was talking to me and flirting wildly and even tried to kiss me a couple of times, but I wasnt too impressed. By the way, this is a French keyboard, and I cant find the apostrophe anywhere, so there will be none in this post. Anyway, thats all for now. Its very difficult to type on this thing.

The first European installment

Okay, folkies, I have been in London since 7 AM. I arrived after an uneventful flight, and lost 6 hours, consequently losing 6 hours of sleep. Basically what I'm trying to say is that I didn't sleep last night. I got on the London Underground, the Picadilly Line to be precise, and that was fine. I just sat there and watched people come and go until my stop. Then I wandered around with two big bags looking for the Royal National Hotel, and finally found it. I dropped off my bags with the porter since I couldn't check in until 2 PM. I wandered down to the American Express and traded a traveller's check for some pounds. I ate breakfast in Russell Square, a quaint, well, square, down from the hotel. Then I hopped onto a tour bus and toured the sights of London for a couple of hours. Here's what I saw, most of which I have pictures of until my batteries ran out... Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Thames, 10 Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, the Royal Exchange, Monumen to the London fire, London Bridge, the Tower Bridge, the HMS Belfast, a navy cruiser used in WWII, now a museum, the Tower of London, where tons of people have been killed over time, Cleopatra's Needle (it's on obelisk), Fleet Street, the London Aquarium, the Marble Arch, the London (a nifty ferris wheel type observatory), Houses of Parliament, the theatre where Woman in White is playing, St. Thomas Hospital, where Florence Nightengale started her school of nursing, Lambeth Palace, Buckingham Palace, Victoria, and Wellington's Arch. Whew! Then I checked in and here I am. Oh, and I forgot - I lost my ticket so when they did a ticket check on the bus, I couldn't find it and had to get off and walk back to the hotel. My shoulders are soooo sore from my backpack. Anyway, that's it, more later.