I'm done with class for the day, well except for choir. I don't really count that as a class though. For the most part I love going to choir. Last night we had our second concert. It went one hundred million times better than our first. More than that even, if that's possible. There were still wrong notes and some forgotten words, but everyone was so much more relaxed and the attitudes were so much better.

Things were a bit rushed beforehand because we ate dinner before the concert (usually we eat afterward), but we still had about the usual amount of time for our devos. I had talked to our chaplain about a week and a half ago and suggested the topic of unity. There's been a lot of dissention in choir, especially amoungst my section. This week that's really changed though, and hopefully last night put a lid on it all. Our chaplain read a really cool section from a devotional book about unity. Unfortunately, she has a very soft voice and that doesn't work too well with one hundred girls. After she spoke I had the opportunity to share a bit and say what God had put on my heart the last couple of weeks. I read Philippians 2:1-6 as well. I'm so glad God's word just speaks for itself. It's so powerful. And I talked loudly, so I think more people got the point ha. Things just went really well, despite my absentmindedness and non clarity of thought. I love it when things go that way though, when you are so uncapable you know it has to be God.

From there we started the concert. Things went well. The building wasn't 100 degrees like last week. We were smiling this week. We sounded heaps better this week. There was a former choir member sitting near the front with one of our members who was sick and couldn't perform. The whole time she had the brightest smile and encouraging expressions. Then she started crying during one of the songs. She was so encouraging to me, without even saying a word. Afterward I went up to her and said, "hey I just wanted to thank you for being such an encouragement to me while we sang." She half laughed then went on about how beautiful we were and how we made her cry. It was cool to talk with her a bit and some of the other returners that knew her.

After that talk I walked over to another table. I don't really remember who I was talking to or anything, but a woman (I think she was someone in the choir's mom) stopped me for a second to talk to me. She told me that she was at this concert and the last one (which is why I think she's a parent) and that each time she was really encouraged by the way I sang and the meaning I put into it. She said I was her favorite person to watch, and that I shouldn't change. I was blown away. Yeah, I've been trying to be joyful up there and have it be genuine as well, but I never thought it would stand out that much. Praise God that I could encourage someone like that. That's totally what it's all about, and it was so encouraging to hear that from her.

I guess I want to have that impact so badly because that's what the choir did for me when I saw them for the first time. It was my sophomore year of high school, and they came and sang at our chapel. I was blown away not only by their skill, but with the meaning they sung with. It was like nothing I'd ever seen or heard before. That was what got me interested in this university, and now I'm here, singing in that same choir, hoping that God will use me to minister to people in just a fraction of the way they did for me. God's so cool how he works.

I just realized I haven't blogged about last night, which is quite a shame because I really want to talk about tonight. But that would result in a ridiculously (notice the I Ali) long blog. So, I guess I'll talk about last night, because if I don't now I never will.

Where to start. Things started out at Wal-mart actually, hours before I left for LA. I was there with a couple other girls, one of which I'd met before, but hadn't spent that much time with her. Yet another international student. These people are awesome. Everyone should meet people from other countries, it's such a great experience. While at Wal-mart we were talking about what we were doing that night, because some people were going to the Switchfoot concert. It turned out that this girl and I were both going on the same trip that night, and we didn't know it. So after realizing that we were both stoked that we were going to know someone there.

We worked with a group called Beans, Rice, and Jesus Christ. It's headed up through a church in LA...I don't know it's name. Sorry. Basically, we met a bunch of people at school for rides at 7:30, drove down to this church and got our instructions there. They gave us half an hour to just pray and prepare our hearts. Then we went out to the toy district of LA and started telling people that we were going to be serving beans and rice in fifteen minutes. Oh, and right when we got there it started pouring. So, we were all soaked. It was a really humbling thing though, to be dirty and wet and cold like all the other people on the streets. There I was all wet, talking to these people who were also battling the rain. Cardboard boxes lined the streets on both sides for several blocks. After inviting them we all gathered around the van and a guy from the church gave a short message. After that we served the people food, then had the next hour+ to talk with them.

It was awesome.

Most of the time I talked with this one guy with another girl. He was a Christian, and spent most of the time somewhat preaching to us. That's ok though, because he probably doesn't run across many people that will just listen to him. I also talked to one guy a bit who was from Mexico. I couldn't understand too much though. We exchanged names and stuff, and I gave him information about a church event that was going on the next day. Then I called my newfound international friend over, because she lived in Ecuador most of her life.

The whole night was so stretching, but so great at the same time. I think I'm going to keep going there even after I get my required ministry hours. There's so much to sort after doing something like that though. Last night we got back at 12:00, but I couldn't fall asleep for another hour because my mind was just racing. Why are they out on the streets, and I get to come back to my dorm room at my school that costs a ton of money and take a hot shower? What's the right way to live? How much of a curse is material wealth? So much to think about. It definitely put a different perspective on my day today. I was a lot more thankful for everything. I can't wait to go back next week. I could do without the rain this time though.

I was in the toy district of LA today. Well, I guess technically it was yesterday, but it was only a few hours ago. All of a sudden I just lost my ability to think cognitively. Maybe that's because it's close to 1am. More on this tomorrow (maybe). I'm only going to have an hour or two of free time tomorrow....errrr, today.

An absense of blogging for two whole days. This should be an indicator of how incredibly busy life has been. Today's been nice. I got up at about ten, got a little bit of work done, listened to some music, showered and went to lunch. Both my roommates are gone this weekend. It's so quiet, I love it. My suitmates are gone too (they go home every weekend it seems) so I have my room and the bathroom all to myself. It's nice to be alone after a rather hectic week. I wouldn't want it this way always, but it's good to have some me time.

Last night I got to chill with a girl that I'm getting closer to. I played some guitar for her, because she'd been bugging me this week about playing for her. I love it when people can sense that it's my passion. Some people don't care, other people just think it's cool, but a few notice how entralled I am in it. I love it when that happens. I love it when people recognize it, because it confirms that it's something God has given me and put in my heart. From there we watched a movie with a couple guys. I think it was called Heart's War, or something like that. It had Bruce Willis in it. Very good movie, I'd definitely recommend it. And that's a big deal coming from me, because I'm not all that interested in movies. I actually didn't get to bed last night until one, despite the fact that we finished the movie around 11. I wish I'd gotten more sleep. Ah well, I still have tonight since I don't have to leave for church until 9:45. And now I'd better get to work again.

I noticed something today (well, beside the fact that it's no longer raining ash and most of the sky is actually blue). I noticed that people here take a genuine concern in how I say I'm doing. Often in passing I say hi to people, and they'll ask me how I'm doing. My usual answer is alright. People question that. Several times I've gotten, "So, not so great?" No. Alright. That's what I said isn't it? I guess it's just my reluctance to say good. If my day hasn't genuinely been good, I don't say good. That doesn't mean I've had a bad day, it just means there's been nothing spectacular about it. I guess I just don't want to throw words around flippantly. Let your good mean good and your bad mean bad. Maybe that's in the MELT translation of the bible somewhere.

I'm not complaining though. It's nice to have people concerned about how I'm doing. There are a lot of people here that I'm meeting that are very genuine. I love that. It makes me glad to be here.

The fire is now less than ten miles from campus. Fun.

There's a fire burning 25 miles away from my campus. I guess that's a regular thing during this time of the year because everything is so dry. I hate it. The sky is grey and filled with smoke and there's ash raining all over the place. The sports teams weren't allowed to practice outside today because the air was so bad. Just walking to class you can feel it fill your lungs. Pray for the firefighters and the people that live on those mountains.

Today a guy came by our room claiming that we had ordered a pizza. I put an end to his scheme though by telling my roommate that he went to our school. It turned out he'd been going all over our floor doing that, and he had an audience of two people that had been watching them. I decided to join them, which was thoroughly entertaining. Someone even handed him $20. He gave it back after handing her the empty pizza box though. After that we went back to someone's room and played silent football. That is my new favorite game. Completely hilarious. Basically it's a game with a bunch of crazy rules, and if someone voilates one of them someone has to raise their hand and address the commissioner in a certain way to get them in trouble. The accusation has to be seconded, then the accused is given a chance to defend themselves. Then everyone votes if they're guilty or not. If they're guilty, they get a point. Oh, and before the game starts everyone has to agree on a consequece for the loser. Ours was that the loser had to go around to three people (two members of the opposite sex and one of the same sex) and convey to them without using words "I'm not wearing any underwear." Needless to say that was the most hilarious part of the evening. A close second though was when the girl who ended up losing received a point for doing nothing but sitting there. Someone accused her of farting, which isn't even against any rules. We all voted to give her a point though, so she got one. Great times.

My night last night was a great example of college life. Of course it's the first time I've had a night like that, but it was very stereotypically college life. I missed dinner at the caf (hello, why do they stop at six?) so I was contemplating what I was going to do for dinner. I was out in the lobby jamming on my guitar, and all of a sudden two girls walk by, one of which I know pretty well. They were intruiged by my playing, so I asked them if they wanted me to play anything. They thought for a moment then the girl I know said, "Oh there was this Jennifer Knapp song that I played in my room...what's that song called?" She couldn't think of it, so I started throwing out titles. It only took two. The next 3 and a half minutes were spent playing and singing A Little More, with one of the girls singing the melody on the chorus while I took the harmony. It was tight. After that, another friend walked by and he asked me if I wanted some pizza. I said sure. So, he went downstairs to order the pizzas and I chilled a bit more with my guitar. Then I went over to someone else's room and told them I was now in on their pizza.

When the pizzas came we ate them in the hallway. One guy started keeping track of how long it would take each person to walk through our mess. We had a lot of fun eating dinner. International students are hilarious. Actually, hilarious is such an understatement. Really it's these people's personalities, but the cultural differences make things extra funny. It is also quite amusing (and very confusing) when they start talking to each other in other languages. Some of us tried to make an english only rule, but it didn't really work.

After eating we played some game for a really really long time. My team won twice. It was like taboo, except without a word list and with a timer. Sorta like taboo meets hot potato. Anyway, we completely wore that one out, then some of us decided to go on a walk. We talked a lot about home, about how things are there and what we miss. That's another great part about hanging out with international students...hearing about where they're from and telling them about other parts of the country. I'm convinced one girl would love it where I live and that I need to get her up there somehow.

All in all, it was a great night. Mainly the same group of people that I've been hanging out with the past week. Everyone's so caring, and it hasn't been too difficult to be myself around them. And I'm not feeling like such a loser that doesn't have friends :o) Yay for fun friday nights.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jer. 1:5

I lost an earring tonight. That really bugs me.

Jesus likes to ask stupid questions to get his point across. Picture it: five thousand men (probably just as many women and children as well) that haven't eaten for three days. Jesus asks, "how much food do you have?" Jesus knew how much they had. "uhh seven loaves" they reply. Is that enough? Will seven ever be enough to feed the thousands? No way. Will anything I have ever be enough? Not a chance. That's the point he gets us to with those stupid questions. Those questions that make us realize that we are completely incapable of doing anything worthwhile.

Then Jesus asked for them. Seven?! What the heck are you going to do with seven? I was at least hoping I could hang on to these, maybe feed my close buddies or something. Then he uses the seven to feed the thousands. He does something that is completely rediculous that the people are incapable of doing. Seven loaves don't feed thousands of people. It just doesn't work that way.

What are your loaves?
Are they enough? (the correct answer is no)
Can he have them?

Is it really only Wednesday? Is it really only 8:12? Could someone speed this day up a little bit?

Today was a complete 180 from yesterday. God was so gracious. Classes went extremely quickly, chapel was awesome, and the day was just really nice. I felt surrounded by people I knew. I found out that a girl I'm in choir with had a crying day yesterday also. She didn't go to church either, and we were probably bawling at the same time. There was one point yesterday when I considered going down to her room but quickly pushed the thought from my mind. How ironic. It was good to talk with her today, to vent similar frustrations and just know that we're not alone. I should check in again with her tomorrow and see how she's doing.

Today was also very nice because I boycotted homework. I'm done with everything that's due tomorrow, so I didn't do anything besides some worksheet stuff. I did not work on my essay, I had no motivation to do so. Especially after my teacher said "nice first try." Whatever man. Ok actually he said some helpful stuff, and it was just the first paragraph of my first draft, so it's not my grade or anything. It didn't make me extremely motivated to work on it more though.

Instead I played some guitar, met some girls down the hall, talked with another friend and had a short conversation with a girl from the czech republic. That girl is the bomb, I love her. I hope we become better friends. I saw her in the hallway when I came out of my room, and she said that now that she knows where I live she'll drop by. I hope so. I've only spent a few hours with her, but I feel extremely comfortable around her. I love people like that. Probably due to the fact that I feel comfortable around them, imagine that.

Now it's time for bed. I'm exhausted. A 7:25 piano class will do that to you. Did I mention my prof is a nazi? No? Well she is. Goodnight.

His grace has been sufficient for me today. Not to say it was fun, but it got me through. Hanging with my roomie (not the previously mentioned one) today was a huge encouragement today, and just something to keep me occupied. But, I'm glad for a new day in two more hours. Hopefully I won't cry that much again for a long long time.

If you take away the parts about it being cold and change Delaware to college this rather fits my situation.

excepts from Welcome to Delaware by Watermark
Welcome to Delaware I know you've traveled far
And it's a lot colder here than what you're used to
And I know that in the winter time things aren't what they used to be
So all you really have here now is Me

So I settled here and that is that
For you to show me who I am
You had to take me to a place I've never been
And all the things I dreaded most about the things I've seen
Have now become the sweetest part of me

I feel like crap. My throat is bad, I keep coughing and I just feel ill. I couldn't go to church this morning because I felt too bad. Unfortunately, everyone else is at church right now (beside my roommate and I). I wish there were someone else around. I feel awful and I want to be at home so badly. I called my mom and that was good, but now I think I just miss her more. I don't feel that comfortable around my roomie. We get along, but I don't think we'll ever be close. I've been crying, but only because she's been asleep, and now she's in the shower. I need to pull myself together before she gets out. I think today's going to be a long day.

I started an essay today. Go me.

The role of Christ to culture is the same that he plays in the entirety of our lives, that of redeemer and transformer. The act of redemption is to be bought back, but it also means to change for the better. For example, if I were to take a coupon for free ice cream I had received and redeem it, I would be given ice cream in return. In this instance I have redeemed a piece of paper that was seemingly worthless for something of much greater value, ice cream. Much like a piece of paper can be exchanged for something of larger worth, Christ has redeemed our lives so that we no longer have to be slaves to sin, but can be heirs in his kingdom. Christ does not only play the role of redeemer in our lives in respect to eternity, rather it is part of his character. In order to be true to that attribute of his character, the interaction between Christ and culture has to be one of redemption, in which Christ uses and improves different aspects of culture to use them to further his kingdom and to glorify himself.

One of the best things that could have happened just did in the last couple hours. I hung out with a group of people and really enjoyed their company. They enjoyed mine as well. Three international students, a michigander and two californians (one being myself). We had a great talk about adjusting to life here, about culture, and about some books. These are intelligent people. These are people that are motivated to learn. I think Americans have a huge tendency to take education (even higher education) for granted, as something they have to do. In some ways, it is something they have to do. Well, they don't have to, but it's strongly encouraged if not forced in some cases.

I felt comfortable around them all. There weren't any masks, we were all just being ourselves. When a couple of them said come over any time and one girl asked for my phone extension, I knew they were genuine. I will hear from that girl again. I will be able to go over to that girl's room for tea again. I had two cups of tea for my aching throat, it was wonderful. I when I stood up to leave, one of them gave me a hug. Not a charity hug or a common greeting hug, but a real hug. I haven't hugged anyone since I've been here. If I have, it's just been a really casual thing. It felt good to be comfortable with people. When I got back in my room I could not help but say a prayer and just say thank you God. What a great night.

I'm almost done with my second week of school. I have a sore throat and cough to show for it. And I have a paper to start on this weekend. No problem with that though, the paper requires no research so I can just sit in my room and do it. This weekend I'm going to sleep, eat, do that paper, and practice piano. That's it. I hope that sleeping takes up the majority of my time. I need to kick this illness in its rear, it's driving me crazy.

Drama in the dorm room. Well, it's not too bad, but my roommate broke up with her boyfriend yesterday so I've overheard plenty of interesting conversations today. Not so fun.

I'm starting to wonder if my psychology teacher isn't a bit mental. It's not that she isn't mentally sound, I just don't know if she's capable of acting "normal." I put normal in quotes because there can be no complete, concrete definition of normal...but still. I don't always understand what's going through this woman's head. Actually, I don't understand what's going through her head most of the time. That should make class a bit more interesting.

I'm feeling better today than I was yesterday, but my throat is completely raw. There's no way I'm going to be singing in choir today. I had piano at 7:25 today. Immediately afterward I proceeded to admissions to drop it because it was way too easy. I already know how to read quarter and half notes on the treble clef. I'd like something a little more challenging thanks. So, I got the neccessary forms signed and added the next level class. That one meets at 7:25 as well, but on Monday when I already have morning classes. So, I can now sleep in until 9:30 on Thursdays. That's going to be awesome.

This morning I woke up at 6:45 (when my roommate's alarm went off) and realized that at that time one year ago, two planes were headed on their way to the trade towers. One of them (I believe) was only a few minutes from it. That's unreal to me. No matter how many things I read, how many things I see on TV I could never imagine what it would be like to have that realization that in a few moments you are going to die.

Disclaimers first. Well, not really a disclaimer just a clarification. Leah, this is in no way toward you. I doubt you would take it that way, I just didn't want to sound like "geez leah's doing it all wrong, let's find a way to subtlety tell her so." Not at all. It's just a similar subject that's been in my mind today and it clarified itself a bit two minutes ago with a sort of mini epiphany. This is why I want to get it down somewhere for the record.

All the music majors had a meeting today. We had to fill out an info card, and one of the questions asks for our emphasis. I also joined a new class today, and as the teacher was trying to get to know me a little, he asked me what my emphasis was. To both I answered commercial music (technology, recording based), but with reservations. I've been going back and forth a lot lately. Church music, teaching, theory (which would include composition), back to commercial. Today though I felt church music the strongest. Technically I can do two emphases and still graduate in four years (if I continue to take 17 units like I am now), but I've been thinking more about the job I really want to have and what my calling really is.

Today I had a realization about worship. It's such a production. Why do we spend thousands of dollars on new sound equipment, new instruments and powerpoint/slide show materials? I know basic preparations need to be made, but are these really it? Shouldn't we be able to worship just as (if not more) meaningfully and passionately with just our voices. Or a slightly out of tune guitar. Or a somewhat shaky piano? Granted, poor musicianship can be a distraction, but I wonder how much of the hype is really needed. How much of our singing is really about God and not about the sound? It's tough for me. I love to play music. I love it when the worship band is rockin and I feel like I'm about to bust a move down the aisle (which I've never done btw). But do I dance unto the Lord, or unto the beat that I'm digging?

I pictured myself coming into a church as a new worship leader/pastor, and tried to imagine where I'd start. Naturally I'd work on song selection. Naturally I'd work with the band. But I started thinking of that church that Matt Redman went to, when they stripped all the instruments away so that the congregation would come back to the real meaning of worship. I don't mean to rip him off, but he had such a good point. I don't think I could come in as a worship pastor and take away all the instruments my first week, but I think that's something I'd consider. That way the congregation (including myself) could learn to worship in spite of the sound. It would also give me some strategic time to work with the band and regroup and build a vision. Plusses all the way around. True worship in the church and one vision with the worship band. I'd want to correlate that time with the sermons as well. Do a series on worship and conditions of the heart while all this regrouping is going on.

I'd be so amazing to see a church family growing corporately on the same issues. And how cool after everything was said and done to see the transformation that could take place there, just because we were all seeking God. When you all seek God, He shows up, no question. There's no way I could even come close to guessing what He might do.

So that's my little epiphany. I have no clue if it was just kind of spur of the moment, or if it's some kind of direction. I have another year or so to decide, so there's not a huge rush. I have been praying a bit (probably about once a week for the past couple weeks) about God's will for my future by the advice of a friend of mine. I guess the next year will definitely be a time of seeking that out. For now though I'm just trying to get through these classes. They're hard enough.

I made it, and it wasn't all that bad. Of course I have no mental capacity at the moment, but that's beside the point. I still have choir to go, but that won't be hard at all, especially with 200 other people to cover my voice up. Hopefully dinner will give me the energy I need to write a couple of the papers I have.

So I didn't wake up sick today, but my voice is all low and raspy. Wonderful choir. But again, who cares with 200 other voices to cover me up.

Five classes. Will I make it?

My eyelids are drooping, my throat feels raw, but my headache left after lunch. I think I might be coming down with what my roommates had. I really hope not, seeming how today was easiest day of the week for me. Tomorrow's not going to be fun if I wake up with a full blown cold, especially since I have five classes. I really wish I had some tea right now.

It's 5:58 on sunday night and I just finished my homework baby. Bring on the rest of the weekend....hmmm wait a second...what rest of the weekend?

Here are the results from the poll. The poll which didn't get participation by the way :(

Should Krystle pierce her eyebrow?
Yes, within the first month! You're free baby! 4
Yes, but wait until after holidays. 2
No. Be a good girl. It'll leave a scar. 0 (thank you, that would have been a lame response)
No! Those things are ugly! 3 (thanks for the honesty)

I added and dropped my one class today. I am now the proud owner of a schedule with ten classes on it. Thirty units baby! Ha just kidding. Actually, only sixteen right now, and after I get my voice lesson stuff straightened out it will be 17. My school is out to jack the music majors. "NO, you can't have a life! You want a life? HA HA HA I laugh in your face!"

Both of my roommates just left to go to a baseball game. Half the campus (or more) is going to be gone tonight at the game. There's going to be close to 1000 of them, so if you watch the dodgers/astros game tonight you might see them on tv. I think they'll be out in right field. I am so happy to have some space to myself. People have asked me why I'm not going. I've generally said, "I hate the dodgers." That is very true, but it's only half my motivation. I also want to be alone. One glorious night with the room to myself. It's going to be great. I can bust out my guitar as loudly as I want.

Just so you know, the tables are still open for bets on how long it will take me to crash and burn.

I just filled out the forms to add 5 classes to my schedule. Actually, I'm adding 6 but dropping one, so it comes out to five. Those five classes ony make up three units, but definitely take up more than three hours of my time. The joys of majoring in music. My free time just got cut in half at least. Thing is, I actually feel less stressed now. I know I'm going to be insanely busy, but at least I'm taking all the classes I need for my major. And, I didn't have to drop any of the three unit classes I'm taking now...all of which I love.

Bets are now open for how long it takes me to become utterly exhausted.

I gave up religion today.

I'm not "walking away", I'm not "backsliding", and I'm not "following my heart." I'm done with the religion. I'm done with the attitude, with the pride, with the huge wall that I put around my heart. I don't want to have the false humility anymore. I don't want to go about my day deceived into thinking that my life is somehow important, that God should look out for me, that He needs me. He doesn't.

I can't even remember what it's like to live before God in a completely open way. It's been so long since I've walked around without all the walls and without the pride. Somehow I've made myself out to be some "spiritual leader." Who am I really? How dare I think so highly of myself, and all the while think that I have a real relationship with God. The only relationship I have with Him is one of experience, feelings, false humility, and short-lived promises. I don't want to make another promise. I just want to get away from the religion. I want to walk each day with my heart bare before him in complete honesty. And I want to live that honesty with those around me. That's a bit harder. More on that later (maybe).

Today I began my career as a college student. It was very easy, I was pleased. Ok, so my music theory homework took me over an hour, but that's because it was extremely tedius and my ability to think deminished quickly throughout it. I don't mind the homework though. Intellectually I've been so bored that I'm not minding the extra work. In fact, I've already started in on a paper/journal that isn't even due for a week. Maybe I'm just a big nerd. I don't care though, it's nice to be motivated to do school work. It would be very nice if things stayed that way.

I don't forsee that happening however.

Today kinda stunk. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. I'm grateful for new days and a chance to start over.

These are the funniest things ever.

Today we went out with our small groups and passed out fliers to advertise a carnival we're going to have in a couple weeks. I went out with four girls around an apartment complex and knocked on doors. It reminded me a lot of Mexico two years ago, when we'd go out and invite people to our service each night.

Por favor venga a un servesa anoche

"Shoot, we just invited them to beer last night."

No, I didn't do that, but one girl in our group did. It was supposed to be sevicio, not servesa. At least they tried. There weren't any foul ups like that today though. One girl in our group spoke spanish fluently, so if we ran across a language barrier we were still able to invite the people to the carnival. A lot of people seemed really interested just in that complex. There were other groups all spread out around the area (hundreds of people) so I'm sure we'll have quite a crowd when the date comes around.

So I tried to post here earlier today and it didn't work. It ticked me off, because it was a very long post and I lost it all. That's alright though, it was mostly just a run down of my day. Instead I'll sum it up in list format

1. Got up at 8:30
2. Didn't eat breakfast (that's going to stop though)
3. Met with my small group
4. Walked to the store then ate lunch with my small group (in the blazing heat)
5. Played wiffle ball (in the blazing heat)
6. Relaxed in my dorm
7. Ate in the caf
8. Played crazy games for orientation

So there you have my day. Lately I haven't really had much to say. Maybe things are just coming at me so fast that I haven't really had much time for introspection. That's alright for now though, I sometimes have a tendancy to think too much. Ok, maybe I have that tendancy a lot. The break's been nice. It's been good to just go through my day without thinking of every little implication in every activity or every thought I might have. I've noticed my thought life has been so clean. I guess that's what tends to happen when you keep yourself occupied.

Today after all the crazy games I was talking with a girl I'd just met. Turns out she lives in the same town as one of my roommies, about an hour from where I live. It was interesting, because a large part of our conversation was about the fact that neither of us are extremely outgoing people. We don't make frivilous conversation, and we like to have our alone time. We also talked about trust, and how weird it is that no one here really knows you. It was cool to meet someone who was feeling and thinking the exact same things that I've been. Ok, maybe I have been thinking still, just not to the same degree that I usually do. I could tell she was a very introspective person as well. It turns out she's in choir with me, but I hadn't met her. Though it didn't help that she chopped her hair off last friday. Maybe I would have recognized her otherwise. At any rate, I think I'll try to hang out with her sometime this week. We're both not the most talkative people in the world, but we managed to hold our own for 15 minutes or so. Here's to another random friendship. Only God knows where they'll all go.

Why is it that on Labor Day (when you're not supposed to have school or go to work unless you're going to get paid a lot) that my school requires us to go to an orientation event at 10am? Does anyone else see anything wrong with that?

Yay for silly skits where people drink each other's spit. That was really gross.