there's more to living than being alive

I went to another Invisible Children screening the other night. Every time I watch one of those films or go to a rally, I come out the other side a little more changed. A little more aware of the horrors I can hardly fathom being apart of, a little more driven to change the world.

If there's one passion I have, it's changing the world; yes, I know it's cliche. Changing lives, showing EVERYONE they are loved, leaving the world a better place than when I arrived- I'm going to make it happen. I've had that mindset for as long as I can remember, but it really wasn't until I saw Invisible Children: Rough Cut, almost three years ago, did I actually believe I have that power and capability. The fact that three young men my age uncovered such a tragic story is inspiring. What makes it all the more incredible is the progress this movement has gone through.

Thoughts of Africa keep invading my heart and mind. I would love the chance to travel there and work with the hurting first hand, but could I handle it? IC has a six-week Teacher Exchange Program, but they look for teachers of older children, not younger. There's also a much longer four-month internship. Should I make the attempt to become apart of one of these privileged groups? I want to pack up and leave tomorrow, but I don't trust myself taking a semester break from school. Would I return back to my schooling? Could I return? I'll just have to wait it out, but that's okay. If I want this bad enough, it will happen.

"If I go to America, will they love me?"

Those words were spoken by Roseline, an invisible child. I need to show each and every single one of these children that they ARE loved. It all starts with love. It always starts with love.


You get one life, one chance, so why not make the most of it? Do what you love, pursue your passions by whatever means it takes.


"The more I live I see- this life's not about me."

Kind strangers

This morning, after glumly noticing that I was out of coffee, I decided to stop by Starbucks on my way home for Labor Day. At the last minute, I decided instead to go to Dunkin Donuts, because it's right next door and I wouldn't have to back track. Upon driving into the plaza, I was second guessing my last minute choice of Dunkin Donuts, but proceeded in anyway. As I approached the counter, I was greeted with "Hello! What would you like this morning?" and a humongous smile. "Um... a medium coffee" was my timid reply. We exhanged a few polite words while he was getting everything together. Upon taking my receipet, he gave me another face-eating smile and said, "Here you are and have a blessed day!" I was completely taken aback by the sincerity in his parting comment. I could truly tell that he wanted me to have a blessed day. As I was exiting the Dunkin Donuts, I, too, had a big smile across my face. His happiness and sincerity was contagious, and all day long I've been in a wonderful mood.

I want to be that kind of person. I make a feeble attempt to be that kind of person. I want to improve someone's day with just a smile and a few kind, meaningful words. You don't have to say a lot, but you have to truly mean what you say. This Dunkin Donuts boy inspired me. He inspired me to spread my happiness to others, to people who might be having a difficult day.


Thank you, kind stranger. You've made my day wonderful and full of smiles. I plan on meeting again.

There's no place like home.

My goal is to go home every other weekend. To see my family and to go to my church. This past weekend was my first scheduled weekend home.

Saturday night my brother, a friend of his, and a friend of mine saw the latest Quentin Tarantino film, "Inglorious Basterds." I was really shocked at how much really I enjoyed this movie. I don't like blood, gore, or war movies in general- you can ask any of my friends or family. However, Tarantino's depiction of blood and gore in this movie were both done artistically not grotesquely, so I wasn't as bothered as I could have been. It also helps that, as devastating and horrifying as it was, I've always found the story of the Holocaust to be interesting. Also, the plot was AMAZING. I was hanging onto every word. It was a rather long movie and I had to force myself to leave the theater to use the restroom. There were some subtitles, and at times, I think they can get pretty annyoing, but they didn't bother me once in this movie. So, overall I really enjoyed this movie, and I can see myself watching it many more times in the future.

Sunday's church service was a dreary affair. Normally my young pastor, he's 26, is very energetic, entertaining, and humorous. But this Sunday, as he got up to welcome us, I could tell something was wrong. He delievered a few announcments then we had worship. As he was beginning his sermon, he mentioned that he had a really difficult week. His son, who's only seven months old, was hospitalized early in the weekend and he was having serious family issues. As he was speaking about his family, he just broke down and started sobbing. His mother went to the front of the church and they were hugging and crying. It was one of the saddest things I've ever witnessed in my entire life. My pastor has done so much for our church and he's so appreciated, and seeing him in such pain was almost unbearable. Most of the congregation was crying, mourning for our pastor. It was a somber service, much different than what I'm used to.


Tomorrow promises to be a busy day: another job search, completing my small pile of homework, grocery shopping, a meeting with Outlanders, aka CAMPING CLUB- so excited!, and ice cream with my roommates!

Goodnight, moon.

This is proof.

Summer of 2009, you were one to remember.

I went to St. Augustine on Memorial Day.

I helped bake some cakes for the LOST season 4 finale.

I celebrated my 20th birthday by going to Disney with two of my best friends.

I went camping and failed at setting up tents.

I went to Washington, DC and participated in an event I will never forget.

I was even blessed to have the opportunity to meet a hero while in DC.

I went to a Wizard Rock concert. :)

I celebrated free Slurpee day.

I celebrated the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. <3

I played a lot of Fluffy Bunny.

I went to a few game nights. I love Risk now.

I celebrated Christmas in July.

I even went to the beach a few times!

So long, sweet summer...

lazy day

I spent almost the entire summer going non-stop, with babysitting, various church activities, and spending a lot of time with friends and family. Today was quite the opposite. I can recall only a few other days out of this entire summer that was as laid-back as today was. I woke up before eight, even though I went to bed a little late last night. Probably because it was my first night on my own (whoa!). I did a lot of nothing today. I watched a lot of television, which I hardly ever do, got some school stuff taken care of, ran some errands and went on a crazy search for ink cartridges- can you believe there isn't a Wal-Mart near by?!-then watched some more television. I've felt rather unproductive. I could've continued my quest for a job, but I just wasn't motivated. Tomorrow it has to get done. My checking account misses those deposit's. Even though I'm not very tired yet, I think I might hit the sack soon. I don't like this feeling of not doing much...

the day is finally here

Well, today is the day. I begin moving out. Mom took three days off work to help me get settled, so my last night at home isn't until Tuesday night.

I'm excited about moving, but I'm starting to feel anxious and nervous. I think if my mom wasn't as upset, it would be easier for me. I'm the oldest child, so this is the first time she's had to go through something like this and it's taking a toll on her. I keep reminding her that I'm less than an hour away and I'll be home every other weekend, but it doesn't help any.

I've let Sage, my pup, sleep in my room the past few nights. It's going to be so hard not seeing her everyday, as well.

But... I really am excited! I painted my bedroom a few weeks ago, so it's no longer a bland beige-ish color, now it's white and teal! Yesterday I sanded down and painted my great-grandmother's old desk and it looks a million times better. I have an old dresser from the thrift store my grandpa so kindly fixed up. I think it's all going to look really good. The most exciting part of this move is re-decorating my bedroom! I've done it on a relatively cheap budget, which makes it all the better.

Once everything is in, I'll post a picture or two. But for now I bid you adieu.