Dear Santa, Please??

http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1265646869747&c=Page&cid=1319078561312&pagename=vsdWrapper

National Kissing Day 11/30/2011

Pucker Up! Today is National Kissing Day, so it’s time to get your lips in tip top condition to lay a wet one on someone you know-or don’t know.

Eating Me Alive

Well, I found you outside like a sunrise,
That melted my eyes from my skull.
As I turned into ash before for my sweet demise,
The end of me was so beautiful.

Well now you're stuck in my head like a love song,
That climbed to the top of the charts.
How the fuck can something be so wrong and so right?
All the wrong words but all the right parts.

And you can sit there and tell me that I didn't try,
And I can honestly tell you that I never lied.
I can't stand this dark feeling, the shark eating me up inside.
Eating me alive
Eating me alive

Well I found you out there in the moonlight,
In your eyes there were diamonds like stars.
I was bound by your father, the jewel thief,
That night as you said he was still behind bars.

Now you're stuck in my head like a love song,
The words I can never forget.
As I sucked on your neck for way too long,
And drained you of every last drop you had left.

You can sit there and tell me that I didn't try,
And I can honestly tell you that I never lied.
I can't stand this dark feeling, the shark eating me up inside.
Eating me alive.
Eating me alive.

Here lies a homicidal story, sad but true.
The time has come and gone but I'd do anything for you.

You can sit there and tell me that I didn't try,
And I can honestly tell you that I never lied.
I can't stand this dark feeling, the shark eating me up inside.
Eating me alive.
Eating me alive.
Eating me alive.

-The Alkaline Trio

Christmas Time Is Here

It's about that time of year!

Giving Thanks

Today and every day I am thankful for many things. I'd just like to list a few of my favorites.


-My family: my Mom, Dad and Animals. Going home to them when I take breaks from school is such a huge blessing. I can't imagine going to college in another state and being able to see them less and less. I am thankful for those weekends when I just need a warm hug, a home-cooked meal and couch time with my Daddy.


-My friends: I have so many! For those friends that I have known longer, and they live in my hometown, getting to see them when I can is a special blessing. And even one of my best friends who lives all the way in Australia! Those new friends that I have met at school seem to be making the studying and stress-taking a lot easier. Without some of my very best friends I would be completely lost. Those friends that I write letters to, not getting to see them is so hard sometimes, but in the end I just look forward to opening my mailbox. So, Kadence, Amelia, Oliver, Megan, Matt Austin D, Alayna, Ivan, Jamie, Tyler, Charlie, Joel, Caleb, Emily, Charlie, Erin, Caitlin, Ixchel, Megan O, Landon, Matt L, Josh, and Matt D, thank you all so much for being who you are. 


-My sister, getting to talk to her a little bit more and getting a little bit closer, step by step. Andrea, I am so happy to have been able to meet you. I love you so much.


-Creepy websites like Datemyschool.com, for helping me meet such nice guys, some of which live on the other side of the country. I am thankful for those new connections.


-My home, even though my mother keeps it at such a cold temperature, it's still nice.


-The postal service, who bring me all of my letters, and send all of mine away to some very special people. There are some very large packages coming your way, mail men, be ready!


-My wonderful father who makes our turkey every year. This time for 19 people! For taking me to soccer games, for ordering me pizza, for bringing me coffee, for giving me bear hugs, for being such a great dad. I love you, Daddy.


-My amazing mama, for calling me a "sour patch", for joking with me, for talking to me when I'm lonely, for her laugh, for adopting me, for pushing me towards my goals. I love you, Mommy.


-My kitty cat and doggie, Ethel and Sadie, thank you for cuddling with me, for being there when I cry and for being so darn cute.


-For the Chapel, for keeping me close with so many wonderful people, and bringing me closer to God.


-For the Lord who continues to bless me, even though I do not deserve it. I am so thankful for His never-ending love and grace.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Spend it with the people you love.

First Comes Thanksgiving, Then Comes Christmas

As excited as I am about Thanksgiving, to eat food, to give thanks, to spend time with my family and to shop on Black Friday.... I have the best Christmas gift ideas this year.
Be ready, everyone.

Just One Of Those Days

Today was a good day. I spent the majority of the 24 hours, lying around in my sweatpants, watching chick flicks and then consuming an entire pizza all by myself. It was brilliant and much needed. Tomorrow I'll be writing an essay that I procrastinated on. But hey, at least I admit it, right?

Anyway, one of the last movies that I watched today was Father of the Bride, you know the one with Steve Martin? It's one of my favorite movies and I've been in one of those weird moods where weddings become a bit of an obsession. I'm a girl, it happens. I guess I shouldn't be spilling all of my weird quirks over a public blog, but I can't be the only girl who gets teary eyed at wedding vows. 

Ukelele-ing

Tonight, I went over to the LLC South to hang out with my friends, Joel and Caleb. Caleb ended up leaving Joel and I, like usual, so I told Joel I wanted to record something with him. Joel has an amazing voice and he's an amazing musician. He helped me so much with all of my vocal parts, because, as much as I hate to admit, I just can't hear them like I used to. So, Joel and I decided on Somewhere Over The Rainbow, and boy did I have a hard time with it! I played the uke part and tried my hardest to sing a difficult harmony. Joel had to teach me the parts before hand and then I'd practice and we'd finally sing it with the ukulele. I had a difficult time finding the chords online, so I had to figure them out myself. That's something I'm good at, chords and melody, but not harmony. So, Joel pretty much has the song perfected and I have to practice at it, but hopefully we'll have a pretty decent video up on Facebook or Youtube soon enough.

Procrastinating

I must say, if there was an Olympic sport in procrastinating, I would be a gold medalist. Probably multiple years in a row. I have a paper to write today on Athenian Democracy, the Roman Republic and the Augustan Principate that's due on Monday. I fully intend to finish it, and it's going to be an excellent paper, I just need to get in the mindset of actually starting it. The thing that I like about this paper in particular is that it's a resource paper, so you need to do a lot of reading and really know your stuff while you do the research. But, that's not even the best part. The only resources we're allowed to use are primary documents that we have gotten in class discussion, lecture notes and obviously, the history book itself. Once I get my outline done this paper is going to be a breeze!


On a more exciting note, The Hunger Games is going to be in theaters in a mere 4 months! I've already started getting excited, since the trailer was released only a few days ago. I need to re-read the book, and if you haven't already I strongly advise you to go read it!
Seriously.
Stop reading my blog and go get yourself a copy!
I need to start going on my paper now.....

Finally Back

So, I've taken a very long break from writing on my blog and I didn't even think about it until someone brought it up. I didn't know I had readers out there, until I heard the complaint.
Well, here it goes, an update.
I met a guy online about a month ago on the website: Datemyschool.com. It's a safe college dating website for college students and I honestly wouldn't have ever thought of joining, because I didn't know anything like that existed. I was in History class one morning and completely zoning out because it was about 8:00am and I was so not in the mood to be lectured on Western Civilizations. I saw a sign on the wall opposite where I was sitting, Datemyschool.com, it said. I thought it was a joke until I looked it up on my iPhone and it was real. I couldn't access the whole website then and there, and I decided to be a better student anyway and pay attention to the lecture. 
Later that day I made a profile and in about 8 hours I was flooded with inbox messages and "views". People who had viewed my profile but had not bothered to message me. One of those messages was from a guy in North Carolina who wanted to talk to me about my ukulele playing. So, I told him that I played, covered songs and occasionally wrote one of my own. I dunno if he believed me, so he wanted to skype video chat and have me play for him. I thought this was so weird and I'd never done anything like this before, but he seemed nice enough so we skyped. I played, he listened and we ended up talking for two hours. I had never struck up conversation this easily with anyone before and it was refreshing to talk to such a nice guy. Now, we've known each other a month, we talk everyday, we've written letters and we skype about twice a week. It's wonderful to have a friend who lives on the West Coast, but at the same time not so wonderful because I can never see him. That's about to change.
On March 30th, there will be a Military Ball in North Carolina and I am invited! This is during my spring break and I cannot wait to go, meet him in person and his family! I can tell that this is going to be a very exciting adventure. 

I promise to write more

It was raining on the day that we first met, but you held my hand and the sun came out. I've been holding my breath ever since, because it doesn't make sense how a prince like you could end up with a girl like me. But so long as the story ends happily, I don't care.

Many Things Happen in Short Periods of Time

At the mandatory hall meeting on Sunday evening I met some pretty chill guys. They live on the floor above me and they're very nice to hang out with. Especially when my roommate has yet to physically live in our room. Her stuff is here, but she is MIA. I've been heading to classes, learning Italian, meeting new people, having deep conversations, finding new things I like, meeting people who love God and keeping myself busy. 

I love the college life. This was 100% worth the wait.

College Kids

someone please save us, us college kids!
what my parents told me is what i did
they said go to school and be a college kid
but in the end i question why i did

i'm poor, i'm starving, i'm flat broke, i've got no cash to spend
sell all my books for front row tickets to dave matthews band
my girlfriend's at another school, i know this year will test her
i called, found out she had three other boyfriends last semester

and that's why i say
oh no! not for me, not for me
call it torture, call it university
no! arts and crafts is all i need
i'll take calligraphy and then i'll make a fake degree

80 grand later i found out that all that i had learned
is that you should show up to take your finals and your midterms
the party scene is kinda mean, i think it's sick and twisted
the navy showed up at my dorm and claimed that i enlisted

and that's why i say
oh no! not for me, not for me
call it torture, call it university
no! arts and crafts is all i need
i'll take calligraphy and then i'll make a fake degree

don't get excited. she'll say "no" without a doubt you see
and i've decided college girls just won't go out with me
they make me nervous and they always catch me off my guard
like cell phone services i drop out cause college is too hard

it's time to call my father
cause it's his alma mater
good grades aren't what they seem
i think he knows the dean
it's time to call my father
cause it's his alma mater
he says he's proud of me
but college always was his dream
and i would always say it's not for me

oh no! not for me, not for me
call it torture, call it university
no! arts and crafts is all i need
i'll take calligraphy and then i'll make a fake degree

someone please save us, us college kids!
what my parents told me is what i did
they said go to school and be a college kid
but in the end i question why i did

do what will make you happy
do what you feel is right
only but one thing matters
learn how to live your life


(phi, beta, delta, cappa
someone please save us, us college kids!
what my parents told me is what i did
they said go to school and be a college kid
but in the end i question why i did)

do what will make God happy
do what you feel is right
only but one thing matters
learn how to live your life 


-Relient K

Late Nights and Good Times

Last night was Freebies at Freddy's. Needless to say, it got pretty crazy. If you're at all unaware of what I'm speaking of, Freebies at Freddy's is when UO gets about 2 gigantic greyhound buses and about 11:00 at night, everyone lines up to get on the bus and you head to Fred Meyer where pretty much EVERYTHING is on sale and they give you awesome coupons for things like groceries, apparel and electronics. It was intense! I got on the bus with some friends and came home with four boxes of Reese's Puffs, 12 pairs of socks and a gigantic Redbull. 

Then, after getting back on the bus and heading back to campus, I hung out in Joel and Caleb's room in the LLC. It is sooo nice in there. I definitely wish my room was that big. I got back into my dorm about 1:45am and hit the hay because I have church this morning! 

I'll be getting a ride to Ekklesia Eugene and hopefully meeting some really great new people. I can't wait to start doing things with YoungLife College here in Eugene, getting closer to the Lord and really finding what He is calling me to do. I've had this horrible emptiness in myself for the past few years because I just haven't been living my life for Christ. I need to get rid of that space inside me so that I can fill my life with the Lord once again.

Making New Friends

Last night I was out and about until 2-am, hanging out with my friend Kate that I met in Europe and her roommates. They live in an apartment down by Autzen Stadium and it was really nice being able get off campus for awhile and hang out with some new friends. We watched the movie Bridesmaids and just hung out and talked. It was pretty great. Then, this morning/early afternoon I met up with my friend Lindsey and we walked around getting to know campus a bit and finding out where our classes were at. The buildings themselves are pretty far from the dorm, but they're all nicely grouped together and easy access during the day. My goal was to work out today, but the Rec Center was closed, so that was kind of a bummer. I also picked up my bike from the bike shop and it works nicely now. Then, Lindsey and I got a bite to eat at the Dux Bistro where we had pretty decent wraps and delicious smoothies! YUM.
After wandering around for a bit longer we headed back to my dorm where I set up my printer and coffee maker. As I was doing this I heard a ukulele outside and told Lindsey that someone was playing a uke outside. She told me I was hearing things. But, then I heard the music again and I decided to stick my head outside the window and see where the music was coming from. Then I yelled out, "Play again!" And there the music was again. Pretty soon I heard a voice and the ukulele player was on the floor ABOVE me. So, he came down with his gorgeous Kamaka Tenor uke, with a pick up! The exact kind of ukulele that I want. And we jammed for a little while. It couldn't have been more perfect, we are obviously meant to be. He's from Hawaii and has a girlfriend of two years (dang it.)
Oh well, plenty of time to meet others.

Second day on Campus

I got an insane amount of stuff done. I got everything that I needed for my dorm, batteries, lightbulbs, an extra pillow, things you don't really think about until you realize that you don't have them. This morning I woke up and I discovered that I didn't have any shampoo or conditioner. Instant freak out. I had made a point to buy new sh/co before I even came to Eugene just so I would have more. I ended up just knocking on my neighbors door and asking nicely if I could borrow some shampoo. They were extremely sweet about it and I felt a lot less embarrassed.
My dad actually came back to Eugene today, he took me to Target and that's where I got more stuff. We got extremely lost trying to find our way around. It's very confusing because there are a lot of random one way streets and roads that are basically like the freeway. Coburg road=one of those terrible places.
I also had to get my bike fixed today. The brakes were sticking and I had to get some new lights. Walking all the way to the bike store wasn't one of my favorite pastimes, especially when it's about 90 degrees outside. As much as I love the sun, I can only handle a little bit at a time.
So, now I'm back in my dorm getting to ready to skype my Megan, who lives in Montana. She goes to Montana State. We met during my first year at kids camp and I still write her endless letters and we make a point to see each other whenever I'm in Idaho or Spokane. I plan on going to stay in CDA for a week this coming winter break so that Megan and I can hang out and she can show me all of her favorite winter time activities.

First Day in Eugene

Today I drove to Eugene with my parents and best friend, Amelia. It was a lot of running around and getting done with last minute things, and freaking out because we all wondered if I had enough stuff or too much? My dad helped me load everything into the truck and Amelia and I did some last minute graffiti on the car. Eugene Bound and GO DUCKS! Then I said goodbye to my baby kitty and my doggie and left my home. We started out on the road around 10:00. We wanted to get to UO as early as possible because then it wouldn't be so hectic getting all of my crap into my room.

It took a few hours, a breakfast stop, fabric stop and two rest stops to get to Eugene. Also, mom got lost so that contributed to some time loss, but it was perfectly fine. Amelia and I jumped out of the car on the corner of 15th and Agate so I could check into DeBusk hall, Bean West Complex. I got my room key and we started unpacking. It took lots of rushed minutes to get all of the boxes up to my room, then registering my bike with DPS and getting my laundry card and whatnot. I met some cool kids with YoungLife College and decided to get as involved as I can with that. I also want to get involved with Complex government here at the Bean Complex and maybe run for Publicity Director.

If you were wondering at all how small my room is, it's pretty tiny, but not nearly as mini as I thought.I guess it's pretty cozy. I absolutely adore my roommate's bedspread. I got to meet her today and she seems really sweet. I can't wait to talk to her more and get to know each other.

My parents, Amelia and I went out to eat at TrackTown Pizza after I was all moved in, though not quite organized. Best pizza ever, if you ever want good pizza in an awesome town like Eugene. Then we went to this little odds and ends store, which I cannot remember the name of, but this store has EVERYTHING. And I literally mean everything. Except for food. It was AMAZING. They even had a post office, which I plan on using like crazy because two of my best friends live out of state, one of which lives out of the country. Needless to say, Eugene is one the coolest towns I have ever had the privilege of living in.

Tomorrow is a new day where I will work out, run some errands and basically live it up here and soak up the college experience.

  

It's Finally Here

I can't believe I am headed off to college TOMORROW! I finally finished packing, and I think I have way too much stuff. Enter my mother to help me sift through what I will and will not need. Now I just have to go pick up some extra things, toothpaste, allergy medication and that's pretty much it. Can't wait to be on the road tomorrow!

(anyone who lived in a pretty how town)

anyone lived in a pretty how town
(with up so floating many bells down)
spring summer autumn winter
he sang his didn't he danced his did

Women and men(both little and small)
cared for anyone not at all
they sowed their isn't they reaped their same
sun moon stars rain

children guessed(but only a few
and down they forgot as up they grew
autumn winter spring summer)
that noone loved him more by more

when by now and tree by leaf
she laughed his joy she cried his grief
bird by snow and stir by still
anyone's any was all to her

someones married their everyones
laughed their cryings and did their dance
(sleep wake hope and then)they
said their nevers they slept their dream

stars rain sun moon
(and only the snow can begin to explain
how children are apt to forget to remember
with up so floating many bells down)

one day anyone died i guess
(and noone stooped to kiss his face)
busy folk buried them side by side
little by little and was by was

all by all and deep by deep
and more by more they dream their sleep
noone and anyone earth by april
wish by spirit and if by yes.

Women and men(both dong and ding)
summer autumn winter spring
reaped their sowing and went their came
sun moon stars rain

-E.E. Cummings

Do you know which line is tattooed on my back? 

The Best Day

I'm five years old
It's getting cold
I've got my big coat on

I hear your laugh
And look up smiling at you
I run and run

Past the pumpkin patch
And the tractor rides
Look now -- the sky is gold
I hug your legs and fall asleep
On the way home

I don't know why all the trees change in the fall
I know you're not scared of anything at all
Don't know if Snow White's house is near or far away
But I know I had the best day
With you today

I'm thirteen now
And don't know how my friends
Could be so mean

I come home crying and you hold me tight and grab the keys

And we drive and drive
Until we've found a town
Far enough away

And we talk and window-shop
Until I've forgotten all their names

I don't know who I'm gonna talk to
Now at school
I know I'm laughing on the car ride home with you
Don't know how long it's gonna take to feel okay
But I know I had the best day
With you today

I have an excellent father
His strength is making me stronger
God smiles on my little brother
Inside and out
He's better than I am

I grew up in a pretty house
And I had space to run
And I had the best days with you

There is a video
I found from back when I was three
You set up a paint set in the kitchen
And you're talking to me

It's the age of princesses and pirate ships
And the seven dwarfs
Daddy's smart
And you're the prettiest lady in the whole wide world

Now I know why all the trees change in the fall
I know you were on my side
Even when I was wrong
And I love you for giving me your eyes
Staying back and watching me shine

And I didn't know if you knew
So I'm taking this chance to say
That I had the best day
With you today 



-Taylor Swift

Packing

I guess you never realize how much crap you have until you actually have to pack all of it up, drive two hours away where you are going to put said crap into a dorm room, that's about half the size of the bedroom you already live in. Also, that room houses another person. I can't wait to meet my new roommate and all but the space issue is not my ideal situation.

I'll be spending the next few hours cleaning off my desk and organizing things that will go on/in my new desk. I hate that they neglect to tell you how much space you'll actually have to go off of. As of right now I don't even know what I can and cannot take, such as storage space. Should I bring the small drawers under my desk? Would they fit under my dorm desk? I don't know. At this point, I'm guessing it would be better to be safe than sorry, but then you'll have less room in the car to take other things.

Mind you, that's just the desk situation. When I start getting around to clothes and whatnot, I'll be pulling my hair out and cursing the sky.

New Seasons

Going on to college has been my dream since I was in 7th grade. I just couldn't wait to get out, meet new people, learn with people that actually cared about learning and being on my own. I honestly didn't know if this day would ever come. Waiting for high school to be over seemed like waiting on something that would never happen. I got sick of the popularity rush, the need to be "original," the people that would stab you in the back as soon as you got close to them. I was exhausted of feeling like the only person that cared. I wanted to take classes that wrapped up with my major, I wanted to be with people who actually wanted to be in school, and I wanted more in common with the people around me. Now, I'm finally there. I leave for Eugene this Thursday and I couldn't possibly be more excited (or nervous!) I wonder about the people that I'll meet, how hard my classes will be, if I'll be able to find a church that fits me well, will my roommate like me? I can see right now that I am going to love my college experience and I cannot wait for this new season of my life to begin.

Catching Up

It's been awhile since I've written and I have a few things to blame it on. About an hour after my last post, I logged onto MTV.com to see if they had any Teen Mom episodes available, turns out they had EVERY SINGLE ONE. So, I got to rewatch and watch more episodes than ever before. Saying that I am addicted would not be an understatement, so then I had to watch all episodes of Teen Mom 2 because that was available as well.

During my time with Teen Mom, my hair extensions had been coming to an end, due to the fact that my natural hair was growing too long and dreading around the surgical tape that held my extensions. A very painful experience. The salon that I went to in CDA is my favorite salon of all time, Frattelli, it's an Aveda concept salon and everyone is so great! When I got my extensions done I was told that they were called Great Lengths Extensions and they were very easy to take out, and you could in fact, re use them if you had saved the extensions and kept them in good condition. So, about every 4-8 weeks you must take out the extensions. I had mine in for about 5 weeks when they started dreading. My dad and I went all over Portland trying to find a Great Lengths bond that would take out the extensions, but we had no such luck. Instead we used acetone, deep conditioning treatments and at one point some scissors (all which did not do ANYTHING to get these out of my hair.) Finally, I got the sense to call the salon in CDA and ask exactly what to do with the extensions and apparently they were a completely different brand of extensions that was in my hair. HotHeads. We got so lucky because they're main salon is in Tigard, so we went out and got the spray that would take care of the extensions. And now....short hair!! I have also gotten a new kitten. Her name is Ethel, because our other cat's name is Lucy and they will be besties. She's such a good kitty, comes when I call, is litter trained, cuddles with me during the night, I just love her. I'm gonna miss her when I go to UO.

I saw Ray LaMontagne when he came to Edgefield, I even jumped the fence to see him closer. It was pretty amazing, I love his music. My dad and I have been going to numerous Portland Pilots women's soccer games before I go away to school, we go to every game and have amazing fun every time. That's probably my favorite thing to do with my dad. Well, I am pretty sure I've caught everyone back up and now to resume watching the shows that have neglected me from blogging.

Summer

I'm in love with your crooked little smile.
I wish I could see it again.

I brush the scent off of my side
and watch the lightening threaten us from way up high
and the lake breathed a clear gust of air
three hundred miles from home
and I don't care


Adjust my eyes and just watch the sky
I'm waiting for some luck to arrive
and pray that God will do His job
and save me from becoming what I'm not


An empty bank account at last
the numbers burned from our exhaust 
in the form of gas
and all the highways buckled like an earthquake passed
I worry that your brakes just might not last


Adjust my eyes and just watch the sky
I'm waiting for some luck to arrive
and pray that God will do His job
and save me from becoming what I'm not


I watched a few weeks of your life
bad string of luck and then you left me
but hope remains beneath you all this time
it wakes you up and keeps you sleeping through the night


So adjust your eyes
and expanse your time
you're waiting for some luck to arrive
but you're scared to tell 
and you're scared of how
I've never seen you lean on someone else


And now you're left with all you've kept inside
adjust your eyes

I drive you home under the streetlights
because all the stars have gone to sleep
I don't know why I'm so exhausted
you've got me running far too thin


I shouldn't have to work so hard
for something that will never last
you drink the poison that I despise
just filling me up with all your lies


Never thought I'd want to see you go
now I just shove you out the door
don't think of me
you won't be on my mind


I listen to the tapes you made me
songs you sing running through my head
baby just tell me you love me one more time
I thought I was over it long ago


Now I'm not making any sense
thoughts of you make it hard
to separate what I should say
from what I want to say


I think of that Sunday
lying next to you
as we wait for the race
but now I'm the one running
away from the memories of you

Waiting Takes Patience

About three years ago I had the opportunity to take on a second Australian Exchange Student for two weeks just after the winter holidays. I was Junior and I was going to meet a girl of my same age and she was going to stay with me for a couple of weeks along with several other students from her school in Mackay, Queensland in Australia. I hadn't ever had the chance to really talk to her before she got to Portland, just a simple letter that was sent with the information telling me the basics about herself, Kadence New, loves the Beatles, good books, music and so many other things that we had in common. Well, the day came when I finally got to go with my parents and pick her up from the bus that dropped everyone off. My dad and I made a sign that said: Welcome Kadence, with lots of fun things on it and bright colors. She ran off the bus and was practically freezing when she gave me a hug. I knew that we'd be pretty much inseparable! Kadence and I did so many fun things during the two weeks she was here, she met my boyfriend, we watched movies, went shopping, went to church, ate pizza, showed her Wal-Mart, Forever 21 and even went to Winter Formal together! I had an insane amount of fun while she was here in Oregon and when it was time for her to go back to Australia I didn't realize how much I'd miss her. We became fast Facebook friends and soon we were chatting over FB chat and exchanging wall posts and messages and became even closer than we were while she was here.
I finally got a skype and I told Kadence that she had to get one too and that we would be able to video chat, mind you this was a year after we first met, and soon we were skyping all the time! I got to learn even more about Australia, talk to Kadence about what universities she was looking at and what she wanted to study. I met Kadence's mum over skype, toured her house, her dorm room, met her friends and laughed constantly about words and customs that Americans differentiate from Australians. To this day, almost three years from when we first met, we still talk all the time. I am so sad that I cannot simply text her everyday, especially when it's one of those moments that only Kadence would understand and make me feel better. I have so much love for one of my best friends who lives on the other side of the world. Kadence plans on studying abroad here at the University of Oregon and I plan on studying abroad at James Cook University (where she goes to school.) Kadence is going to be an AMAZING radio broadcaster one day and I know she'll excel in whatever she does. I only hope that we can spend more time together in the near future and that I can come wade in the water of the beautiful beaches of Australia.

                                                                    
                                                                   ^That was then^

              
                                                                        ^This is now^ 

Tire Swing

I took the Polaroid down in my room
I'm pretty sure you have a new girlfriend
It's not as if I don't like you
It just makes me sad whenever I see it
'cause I like to be gone most of the time
And you like to be home most of the time
If I stay in one place I lose my mind
I'm a pretty impossible lady to be with

Joey never met a bike that he didn't wanna ride
And I never met a Toby that I didn't like
Scotty liked all of the books that I recommended
Even if he didn't I wouldn't be offended
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/k/kimya_dawson/tire_swing.html ]
I had a dream that I had to drive to Madison
To deliver a painting for some silly reason
I took a wrong turn and ended up in Michigan
Paul Baribeau took me to the giant tire swing
Gave me a push and he started singing
I sang along while I was swinging
The sound of our voices made us forget everything
That had ever hurt our feelings

Joey never met a bike that he didn't wanna ride
And I never met a Toby that I didn't like
Scotty liked all of the books that I recommended
Even if he didn't I wouldn't be offended
'€¦wouldn't be offended


Now I'm home for less than twenty-four hours
That's hardly time to take a shower
Hug my family and take your picture off the wall
Check my email write a song and make a few phone calls
Before it's time to leave again
I've got one hand on the steering wheel
One waving out the window
If I'm a spinster for the rest of my life
My arms will keep me warm on cold and lonely nights

Joey never met a bike that he didn't wanna ride
And I never met a Toby that I didn't like
Scotty liked all of the books that I recommended
Even if he didn't I wouldn't be offended.

-Kimya Dawson

Monopoly

I've had this incredible craving to play Monopoly ever since my best friend suggested it about 4 days ago. Amelia and I decided that we needed to play and that we needed at least three people to play. We must have called at least 7 people, none who responded and texted about 5 more. Then, because no one was answering our desperate pleas for a third player, we posted on Facebook. Amelia made her own post and I made mine, we figured that if we both made posts we'd be more likely to get people to come play. Well, no one commented. But we did get a few likes. What is it with people and board games? No, we'd rather be bored doing something else less exciting than buying fake property with fake money.
I'm sick of this. I wanna go back to kids camp. My babies would play Monopoly with me.

Managing Money

I keep telling myself that I'm going to save money, I'm going to put it away into my savings and not spend any. Obviously that hasn't been happening, and now I'm pretty much broke with no rain coat to start the school year at University of Oregon. I thought that I would have learned a lesson from the last time I had no money and could barely afford gas to drive myself to work, you know, to earn more money. But, alas, I get broken down once again at Target when I compulsively buy things like sheets, packs of diet coke, movies, books, a robe? New sweat pants? A sleep shirt to match the sweats and robe? I either need to stop spending my money IMMEDIATELY or a sugar daddy. Takers?

morning sun
has entered through
the windows of your bedroom
and all the light
that warms your skin
is ignored while you sleep in
and you sleep well

so I lay next to you
thinking of a bad excuse
to wake you from recovery
last night was a mystery
that you'll repeat

and I can't help but think
that this person next to me
is not the same as when we both had gone to sleep
the drinks that filled your blood
absorbed with pleasure as they flooded
your remaining consciousness with memories

you seek to learn the truth
or at least just something new
from everyone that's standing in the room

you cut your hair and learned a language
got some culture, made some changes
I was left to try and keep up with

this change of scenery
surprised you with hope and strength
to purposely forget your problems as you need
ask yourself why am I alone
and you'll find out
that the faults your own
I was waiting here so patient all along

you're all dressed up without a place to go
but that's ok because I know
that you'll find a way to be 
anywhere but home

ask yourself why am I alone
and you'll find out
that the faults your own

you're so cold
now that you've left home
it reminds me of
someone we both know
a person that you swore you'd not become 

What do you have a taste for?

All I want is to go back to the very last week of June and stay there for a very long time.

Troutdale vs. Coeur D'Alene

Who would win? That's pretty simple. Coeur D'Alene wins, and here's why:
1. The lake.
I promise, if Troutdale had a lake it would be that much better. There's a really nice path along the way that is great for dates and long walks with friends.
2. The people.
Honestly, the people are pretty much the same. I'm sure if Troutdale had a lake girls would dress even more scantily.
3. Sherman Dr.
The downtown area of CDA is magnificent, I love all of the cute little shops, walking by Java and Wiggetts Antiques (best vintage shop ever!) And Jamm's Frozen Yogurt is just as good, if not better than YoCream.
4. Pretty Scenery
I think that Troutdale and Coeur D'Alene sort of tie on this one, in CDA you can drive out to Black Rock, or look at the lake and it's beautiful. But, here in Troutdale you can drive to Multnomah Falls or hike around some cool places. But, then again, CDA has Tubbs Hill, so... Yeah. Coeur D'Alene wins again.
5. Kid's Camp
The Black Rock kid's camp will always hold very fond memories for me. The people that I've met through work and the kids that I've gotten to work with are some that I hope I'll always be able to keep in my life. I met one of my very best friends through working at Black Rock and I can't wait to visit her this winter!

wake me up with your glow
grab my wrists, then we'll go
return to winter so severe
where I belong and you are near


the cold air fights its way into
our open hearts and every room
the sun is leaving darker skies
they cover earth but we dont mind


I found myself with you
alone with the truth
I woke myself from sleep
a full recovery


the summer sun hangs above casting spells on everyone
but we stand close in the grass unaffected by the glow

unaffected by the glow


I wake you up in the cold
to look at you, then I know
with morning sun's first peaceful glow;
an answered prayer, as I had hoped


through your town we take a walk
on the square and then the park
I was clumsy; slipped on pavement
beneath the stars and shining lights

I found myself with you
alone with the truth
I woke myself from sleep
a full recovery

the summer sun hangs above casting spells on everyone
but we stand close in the grass unaffected by the glow