Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow... Except When It's ICON!

This will be my last post before taking off early tomorrow morning for the Key Club International Convention/Tour in St. Louis. I'll return around noon on July 8th. I'll expect everyone to be awaiting my arrival. :P All my faithful lil' companions...

Packing always gets me stressed. I'm one of those people who always worries that a pair of shoes or a particular item of clothing will be forgotten. De-stressing... Ha! Hey, if I made it through a sweltering KC Weekend in Ohio without sneakers or shorts, I should be able to survive ICON. :)

WISH JANICE LUCK! She's in the running for one of 14 International Board slots in the nation. GO JANICE! :P

That's enough for now. And by the way, Evan came over today to give me my birthday/Italy presents. I LOVE THEM ALL! They are soooooooo me! THANK YOU!!! (I doubt he'll read this, but if so, I hope he understands how much I appreciate his thoughtfulness.)

"LOOK! Purple tuna!"

Acta est fabula.

Bonjour tout le monde! Ca-va? Ca-va.
Wow, so I haven't posted in a long time. Not many things have happened, but yeah.
Well, VBS ended. It was bittersweet. I was happy to see them go, but also sad not to see them again. Ah well. We had fun though. As much trouble as they were, they were worth it, in my opinion.
On a lighter note, I got my liscence today. I know I didn't spell that correctly, so you will have to deal with it. Actually, when I went to get gas with my mom, we saw, and talked to, Uncle Stan! So yeah. It was kinda funny.
Saw Troy. I really kinda didn't like it. Ah well. To each their own. I can't wait for Ocean's 12 and the Bourne Supremency to come out. :-D I liked the first two movies, and I am really looking foward to the next two! yay! Ah well.
Quote of the day time!!! Today's quote: Acta est fabula. Have fun. Latest points, I believe:
Alison: 900
Michael: 520
Sarah: 470
Olivia: 460
Nathan: 350
Jonah:320
Evan and Marten: 160
"LOOK! Purple tuna!"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MOI!

ALLO, PEEPS!

As for the question of WHY I haven't been online, it's because I've been in the middle of my birthday celebration week! Thanks for remembering, Omo and Ali! (Just being hard on ya!)

I'm now 16. YAY! Jane surprised me by coming to VBS (fun, fun, right, Jane?), and during the opening songs, Linda had all the kiddies sing "Happy Birthday" to me as Mom wheeled out my cake. HEE! That was so cute! We had some of it during snack time. (More sugar for the kids! - Ash)
Afterwards, we all went out (all meaning Ash, Jane, Marten, Jonah, Nathan, Holly and Adrienne) to Bazbeaux's for pizza. YUM! Then we all went home. :( However, Ash went with me later that night to the kids' showcase, where our VBS kids sang songs and did skits. Well, I played with the video camera and I managed to get one of the three songs that our kids sang, if Marten, Jonah, and of course, Nathan want to see it. I had all three but I accidentally copied over it. :-( I'm slow, remember????? Ah well. And Ash also got some footage of Sarah all hyped up on sugar, singing and dancing with "ze French birthday frog." That could so easily be used for blackmail, Ash. I was thinking the same thing...
Then Ash stayed the night unexpectedly. (I love it when that happens.) When do I ever spend the night expectedly? True. Then today, Ash and I manned our garage sale for a few hours before going out and checking out the 28 other sales around the neighborhood. For once, I managed to spend less than I earned! Aren't we proud? Yes, we are. I earned $35.75 from the sale (Ash earned that, only minus 35 bucks), but I only spent $28 at the garage sales. :) I bought an "egantic" (I'm taking your word, Nathan) stuffed gorilla for my grandfather's birthday next month and a WWII pocketwatch from Russia, along with other things. Ash wants the pocketwatch. Too bad for her. I like it. Plus, I paid for it. Fine then, be that way. I'm still paying you all money, when I get some. No, you're not.

Birthday Gifts:
$50 from grandparents
$50 from aunt & uncle
Jane: fake Louis Vuitton bag!!! :P (grin)
Ashley: French bag w/ "Love" CareBear, fairies, pizza coupons, and a card w/ an upcoming pedicure appointment (yet to be scheduled)
Jonah: The Truth by Terry Pratchett
Linda: a 30-year-old print from Japan signed by the artist, a book with pictures of the Eli Lilly collection of Chinese art, 30 rubber stamps of Chinese nature symbols
Adrienne: Hello Kitty cup, hat, and pillow (that was signed by all at Bazbeaux's)

Sarah happy. :)

"LOOK! Purple tuna!"

Untitled (hehe)

Speaking of The Notebook, I REALLY want to see that! I am jumping at the chance ASAP (I saw the review in the newspaper today and immediately told my mom: "We are going to see a movie this weekend.") because my family has gotten into the habit of going to see movies that I really want to see without me. Luckily I still got to see "Saved!", but I have yet to see "Super Size Me."

I don't know what plans everyone has next week (ie. how long VBS lasts) but if you are free next Thursday, PLEASE come and see the PA Institute voice showcase! It's a combined show for the Broadway, vocal jazz, and solo voice classes. I'll be singing two solos and a duet, at least. It's at 12:30 at the LC Auditorium. If you need a ride, call, because my parents could probably give you one.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

"LOOK! Purple tuna!"

The Notebook

it's out in theatres!!! i just read the book and i cried about 3/4 of the way into it. also read the sequel...not really a sequel because the main characters aren't the same,but it's about the main character's daughter. but the sequel is also very sweet.

i'm very surprised that no one has written on this since tuesday. it's friday!!!! where is everyone??? on a happier note, i won't be staying in indy all summer. during the last week of july or sometime then, we're going to go to canada. lots more shopping to do!!! yay!! i'll bring back something for y'all!!

mainly i just wanted to write in here because no one else was writing. there's only 3 weeks of lifeguarding left!!! yes!!! i was so happy today cuz it's the first time that i taught classes by myself and i actually passed 3 people into the next level!!! anywayz, i'm surprised that im' saying this to y'all cuz you usually have a lot to write without me sayin' anything, but WRITE!!! lol. ttyl.
"LOOK! Purple tuna!"

God Bless Mattie...

In memory of Mattie Stepanek, poet and peacemaker...


On to happier things: JANE CAME BACK HOME! YAY! And I couldn't truly welcome her back without a 4 1/2 hour visit, could I? And I got one of my birthday presents early! Jane got me a... *drumroll, please*

FAKE LOUIS VUITTON BAG!

Ahhh.... That's the best present so far this year. (Although my grandparents' $50-dollar check wasn't bad, either.) It even had a wonderfully-detailed silk bag that it came in. (When I say "wonderfully-detailed," I mean "tearing at the seams with loose threads," and when I say "silk," I mean "burlap.") The flaws are appreciated, Jane. I love it!

I stood up clutching my fake Louis, and Jane told me that "Jean-Luc was not worthy" of me. I replied, "Of course not, darling! He's 2000 leagues under the sea, and I'm a mountaintop." (Like that analogy, Ash?)

I had a dream last night that I had ongoing "relations" with the Devil. He and I IMed each other frequently and ate dinner in foreign fish markets. Apparently, he saw me as a "hard-to-get" girl (Ha... That's an understatement!); and thus, good met evil. He would destroy, but I'd build everything back up again. A nice look at teamwork, I must say. Of course, he killed Jane and Ash for the thrill of it, something I couldn't undo, but I never got mad enough at him to leave. Now that's just sad. Please tell me I'm not that blind.

"LOOK! Purple tuna!"

Docendo discimus.

Lat quote: To be loved, love. Wow. You wouldn't believe how tired I am. (Unless of course you are Sarah, Nathan, Jonah, or Marten. Then you would.) I had fun this morning with VBS, but I am TIRED. I attempted to sleep, but I couldn't. So yeah.
This day's quote is Docendo discimus. Have fun. I'm too lazy to count points right now.
But yeah. Jane: I thought you were coming back the 28th. Welcome home! and Happy belated birthday! Olivia: Yes, I was, and I am, obsessed with ducks. Ask Sarah about my Jungle Duck. (WHich is a big hit!!!!)
THat's all for now. I itch a lot. Evil mosqitos. This post really didn't have a point. Oh well.
"Get up off your knees! You're too young for that..." (This will be changed soon! Promise!)

Return of the King

Mwahahaha! Guess who's back.. back again! And it's better than some lousy old king. Yep! It's ME!!!!!!!!! You may all rejoice for i have returned to you! PARTY! hehe... Vietnam was fun with some not so fun times. Sooo much happened.. too much to write so i'll have to tell you all stuff about it another time! I just got back home yesterday. If anybody would be as obliging as to get me a jet that can take me to vietnam or from there back here in four hours without a bunch of babies crying continuously during the whole flight then you would forever be my savior. hehe... geez you all write a lot! sorry i havent read every entry yet but i am caught up on the more recent ones! well i am weary so i shall leave you all with a tootles!!!

"Get up off your knees! You're too young for that..."

Orange you glad to see me?

I now have a t-shirt that says that. :o) I went to Aeropostale today and got six t-shirts and a pair of pants. Aeropostale has the cutest t-shirts ever, and really good deals (2 for $25 and a third for $5!). YAY! Ashley: weren't you the one who was obsessed with ducks for awhile? One of my shirts says "Ducky love" and has a cute beach scene of a duck "couple." It made me think of you!

Ahh, Alison, your post made me sad because it made me think about people going away. Grr. But I'm sure there will be great opportunities for you at the Academy, and I suppose I have to accept the idea of all of us leaving each other eventually. *tear*

My classes have been extra exciting lately. The other day my Broadway/vocal jazz teacher played through my songs on the piano and just reaffirmed my belief that he is one of the coolest guys ever. I'm really looking forward to the showcase that we're having at the end of the four weeks!

I miss HOBY but I've been having a lot of fun lately -- music classes, sleepover last night, shopping... Hope everyone else is as happy as I am!

"Get up off your knees! You're too young for that..."

Ut amaris, ama!

Hello all! Wow! I am slap happy tonight!!!!!
That could be because I got the COOLEST THING EVER tonight! I got-get this- from a dollar store-a FRENCH cd of an artist from the 1930's! It's the COOLEST! I love it to death! It's awesome! This is the-wow-I've run out of words. C'est absolument FORMIDABLE!!!! Et maintenant, je parle en francais!
Ce "post" est le 100me, n'est pas? YAY! 100! Cent!!! wOOt! That makes me happy! Happy 100th post!
To Sarah: Yay! 100 posts!
To Olivia: YAY! 100 posts master!
To Ali: We've written 100 posts! yay!
To Jane: Wish you were here! Happy 100th post and happy birthday!
To YouNa: Woohoo! 100!
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okie dokie. Now on to what I've done with my time.
Thursday: I got up and talked to Evan. Then, my grandfather and I walked, for some really strange reason, around Kroger. We had some lunch, and then we went to Lowes. We then walked aroudn the mall. Actually, at the mall, I saw this little boy who I worked with in his special ed class at Sunnyside. I didn't stop to talk to him, because I didn't recognize who he was with. It wasn't his fahter, so yeah. But that made me really happy. Then we went home, and we ate dinner later. After dinner, Evan came over and we had ice cream. He met my grandfather and such. It was fun, especially because I haven't talked to him in a while, because he was in Italy and then he's leaving for an IU program on Sunday. He'll be back Friday I believe though. So yeah.
Wednesday: I spent the day with Sarah helping her at church. We got ready for VBS next week, which should be lots of fun and awesome!
Today:Today, Sarah came over and then we went to a movie with Nathan, Jonah, Thomas, and Michael. We saw the Terminal. I enjoyed it. It was cute. Then I came home and did more VBS stuff. I made 20 crickets and 20 leaves. I enojyed spending time with everyone, although, I am not sitting next to Michael again, lol! (Just kidding!) But yeah. I'm happy. This summer is becoming better than I thought it would be. At least I am happy (or happier) this summer. So yeah.
My grandfather leaves tomorrow morning. I am going to miss him, and not miss him. If that makes sense. Ah well. I'll write more later!!!!
"Get up off your knees! You're too young for that..."

Waterboy

Right now, i'm at the indiana aacademy right now typing on my I book!!! it's a lap
top computer for those of you who don't know what it is. i'm so excited!!! everybody at the academy gets one and today is the first time that i've been able to get online. we get to use these the whole year and we can download stuff, burn cd's and even watch dvd's. it's the most awesome thing ever invented...for right now. of course, when i first got my cellphone, they were the most awesome thing ever!! it's got wireless internet but it only works on ballstate campus.

i'm a little sad that i'm the only person here right now. yesterday, i arrived here in the morning and have been taking placement exams pretty much all of yesterday and i met some new friends,. they're all from northern indiana and it's referred to the as the region around here..never heard that before, but it's a new place. the dorms here are not that bad.,.except for the fact that i don't have an airconditioner but that can be fixed. the people here are really nice and they are really outgoing so it's not hard to get to know people. i wish all ofyou could come!!! gotta go and figure out what i'm going to take next year.

"Get up off your knees! You're too young for that..."

"Game"

HA! I get the 98th post! I'm so lucky!

Anyway, I just got back from another exhausting day of VBS set-up. We left at noon, returned at 8:30... Whew! I'm tired... And I have almost an entire day of it tomorrow, followed by two free days (what we call a weekend) before I return for the actual week of VBS. Today, I had the privilege of moving trees, sticking old, artificial Christmas tree branches into holes beneath the stage, mounting 54 pieces of green crepe paper onto the ceiling, writing the names of all 90 kids on gold/silver stars, and hanging fishies. (Yes, Ash, we hung the fishies today! You'll love them! And yes, they were tripped over... several times. Oops...)

Nothing else to say. Bored as all get out, but that's the way it is for most of us, I'd say. OH! How could I forget the fact that I broke an Ayu CD while trying to get over my parents' crap in the garage? I may be thin, but there are some instances when squeezing over - and not through - is the best way out, even if it means having to import another CD. :(

"Get up off your knees! You're too young for that..."

Je m'aperçus bientôt que l'amour ressemble à la soif : une goutte d'eau l'augmente.

Hello all! Hm..I need to title this entry, but I am having a problem with yahoo. Argh. And all my wonderful sites are saved on my yahoo. Ah well.
There is your quote: Je m'aperçus bientôt que l'amour ressemble à la soif : une goutte d'eau l'augmente.
Scores: (names in descending order)
Alison
Michael
Olivia
Nathan
Sarah and Jonah
Evan
Scores stand at what they were last time but Sarah has 160 more points. yay!
My grandfather is here. He got here around 10:30 am, meaning I was only half an hour off in my prediction. We went to lunch today and then drove and saw mom at work.
Well, I must go now. Sarah will be here soon to pick me up, so yeah. I'll tell you how that goes later.
OH!
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE!!!!!! JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE!!!! FELICAM NATALAM!!!!!!! 16!!!!!! wOOt!!!!!!

"Get up off your knees! You're too young for that..."

OUTSTANDING!!

I am back from my temporary blog hiatus. I'm sure you all missed me. ;-P If you don't feel like scrolling all the way down to read my last post, I will tell you where I was: HOBY, aka Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership, a four-day leadership seminar for incoming high school juniors from around the state (and a few from Illinois.) Arrival time was between 8-10 in the morning on Thursday, and the closing ceremony was over around 3:00 on Sunday afternoon. However, the days were so jam-packed that it felt a LOT longer. We had about five hours of free time the entire weekend. The rest of the time was filled with panels, motivational speakers, small group discussions, leadership activities, and more casual activities like a talent show and dance.

HOBY was one of those things that you don't really understand unless you were there, and it's hard to explain to an outsider. I met a lot of really cool people and made several new friends. I stepped out of my comfort zone and got inspired. I learned new things about myself and other people. We all started out awkward around each other, and by the end we were talking to each other freely and screaming silly cheers. I heard so many interesting things that weekend, I can't even begin to remember them all. HOBY was truly incredible and I believe that it changed my life, even in subtle ways. I miss the environment but I hope that I can bring the same feeling to other places and people.

Well, I'm blabbering, but like I said, it's just impossible to understand if you weren't there. Lucky for me, I *was* there, and I will always be thankful for that opportunity.

(In case you're wondering about the title, we said "OUTSTANDING" and gave thumbs-up signs all the time. After every panel, every speaker, "Hey HOBY, what do we think of so-and-so?" "OUTSTANDING!") :o)



"Get up off your knees! You're too young for that..."

Raising Helen

Just saw that movie this weekend. It was so sad...i got so teary when kate hudson found out that her sister had died:( anywayz, it was a good chick flick.

I still have really nothing to talk about so this will be a very short post. So far, i've been working mondays through fridays from 8am-2pm @ LN as a lifeguard for swim lessons. lemme tell you never be a lifeguard because it is the most boring job in the world and you just sit in a chair watching people swim while you daydream about whatever comes into your head. To keep myself awake, i've been having to sing and or hum to myself. i get many strange looks from the kids that pass by me:-p. hehe. then on weekends, i work at this place called papa murhpy's which is a take home and bake pizza. they have really good pizza so if you ever want some, it's on 79th and fall creek, in the same mall strip as Sundaes. (yummy) hehe. as for that, everyday after lifeguarding i go to the library which is where i am at now to check out books and get online and whatnot. there is my life in a paragraph.

sry that i can't come to your concerts ashley...i'm sure you're great in them!:) btw, anyone not seem harry potter 3 yet?

happy sweet 16 jane:) didya check your cell yet? hehehe...(doubt you even have it with you in viet) but it'll all make sense when you get back and turn it on

it's hilarious how you got that quote!!!
"Get up off your knees! You're too young for that..."

*ahem* Is anyone else blogging?

To save Ash the trouble of making her 3rd post in a row, I'll post. Where is everyone? Jane's gone, YouNa's in her junior year of school already, and Ali's just too lazy to post, so I've heard (:P - that and the fact that she has nothing really to say). Wow. This makes for an interesting blog for those of us still writing in it. You know, those who have nothing else better to do for the moment.

I don't have much to say, either. Ash already talked about staying at my house on Sunday night. That was great. Talking till 1 in the morning (in French, no less) makes Sarah happy. :P That and watching 12 Ayu music videos in a row. (I did that just now. It always puts me in a positive mood. :P) Of course, the woodwind ensemble sounded better the second time I heard it, most likely because I wasn't reading the music over their shoulders when they performed. They're all sweet. Since they had trouble remembering my name, I'm now referred to as "Ash's friend." I'm sure that at the VBS meeting tonight, people will call Ash "Sarah's friend." :)

And about the end quote: While searching for a phone, Ash was sitting on one of the benches in the entrance to the church. Nathan was making his cracker kabobs and kneeling in front of her, talking. When Mr. Comstock saw this, he said:

"Get up off your knees! You're too young for that..."

Toute musique qui ne peint rien n'est que du bruit.

Hello all! How are you? I am fine. I am happy. Did everyone look at something pink today? I should hope so! Hey! I just realized! I'm wearing a pink shrit!!!! :-D
On to the quote of the day: Toute musique qui ne peint rien n'est que du bruit. A lovely quote. You can get the normal amount of points for translation and source.
Speaking of points:
Alison: 740
Michael: 520
Olivia: 460
Nathan: 350
Jonah: 320
Sarah and Evan: 160
Ah, and the last quote was "Noli turbare circulos meos!" Which does in fact mean, don't upset my circles! It was supposedly said by Archimedes in deep thoughts over geometrical shapes drawn in the sand at the moment a soldier of the conquering Roman army broke into his house and slew him. Lovely, right?
Ah well. Have fun with the next one. Don't worry. I don't believe it has anything to do with someone being slew over geometry.
Next order of business, my grandfather's coming out sooner than expected. He'll either be here later this evening or early tomorrow. yay. Ah well. I love him. I truly do. I'm a bit worried about him meeting Nathan....(I want him to, but if the thought strikes him, he can be scarier than my mother....) Ah well. It should be interesting if nothing else.


"Get up off your knees! You're too young for that..."

Noli turbare circulos meos!

Ha! Well, I am blogging from Sarah's computer, so I am unable to give points at this time, but Nathan has moved up for his last translation which was I was what you are, you will be what I am. And yes, it was from some random guy's grave. I just thought it was funny. :-D
Your next quote is Noli turbare circulos meos! It's kinda random out of context, which is what makes it so much fun.
It's taking me forever to type using Sarah's keyboard.
Well, tonight was our spring concert. It went better than I expected. And for once in my life, I was in tune the first time I tuned! Yay! (Okay, I really don't care if anyone else cares, but my flute is stubborn and hates to be in tune.) We played two songs, neither of which I am really fond of, but ah well.
I was extremely happy to see that Sarah, Nathan, and Jonah came. It made my day really good! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!! You all are wonderful!!!!!!!
Okie dokie.
Randomly talking now......
You know, I like the color pink. Pink is a happy color. Ergo, because ppink is a happy color, it makes me happy to see it. I think that everyone should look at something pink when they are upset.
That's all for now.
WAIT! Sarah told me to change the tagline to
"Get up off your knees! You're too young for that..."

(She'll give you the story behind it later!)

GUESS WHO'S BACK!!!!!!!

I need chocolate... :(

We had a 2:45 A.M. flight (Indy time) Sunday from LA, on which I did not sleep a bit, and then we switched to another plane around 6 in the morning in Minneapolis to get back home, also on which I did not sleep. So, basically, Sarah's tired. And hungry. And would come see Ash perform tonight if 1) she wasn't keeling over, drooling half the time, and 2) didn't look like she was caught in a tornado. Sorry, Ash. I'd come if I could promise that I'd stay awake.

On a better note, I finally saw my report card. I was surprised by Means' scores. I got an A+ for the sixth weeks, an A+ on the final (o_0??), and an A+ for semester. Did she do that with anyone else? But, anyway, I raised my cumulative GPA to a 4.050 from a 3.973, which ranks me 7th, three spots ahead of first semester. YAY! And what happened to all the sophomores?? We went down to 658 (or whatever that number was - I don't have the paper in front of me) from 691. That's a big jump.

I'd have tons of SF/Sacto/LA stories to tell y'all, but I'm exhausted. I'll tell ya later. (Or you can just call tomorrow! It makes it a bit easier for me!)

"I never tire of being useful."

Eram quod es, eris quod sum.

Hello all! I have returned. Now, for points and such. First off your new quote is Eram quod es, eris quod sum. It's a lovely one, especially if you find out where it's located....
For the last one it was For those in misery perhaps better things will follow. And, as Alison said, it was Virgil.
The one before that, was Don't judge higher than the sandles. And her is teh story, in slightly more detail...
Apelles, Greek painter, would put his pictures where the public could see them and then stand out of sight so he could listen to their comments. A shoemaker once faulted the painter for a sandal with one loop too few, which Apelles corrected. The shoemaker, emboldened by this acceptance of his views, then criticised the subject's leg. According to Pliny Apelles replied to this that the shoemaker should not judge beyond his sandals. (One should judge only matters that one knows something about.)
Ah. The lessons learned from Greek painters are many...or maybe not so many. Whatever.
Yeah, so Strawberry festival today. Well, we ran low on time, so we cut I bought me a Cat, which I was EXTREMELY HAPPY about. Otherwise, I missed some rhythms and notes, but nothing too noticable. Tomorrow we play in the spring concert at Faith at 7:00. I hope people show up! (Other than the performers) I'll be a lot happier, when I can pay more attention to the music. I want to hear some of the other groups, like the Brass and the Bells. I've never heard them before really. (Meaning, I've heard the Brass practice from down the hall, but that's all.)
So yeah. My day revolved around practicing and getting ready. And then practicing some more with the group! That was my day, how was everyone elses?
SCORES: (in descending order)
Alison: 740
Michael: 520
Olivia: 460
Nathan: 350
Evan: 160
Jonah: 160
Sarah: 160

"I never tire of being useful."

Forsan miseros meliora sequentur.

Hello all! Ugh. I just got the list of songs for my Woodwind Ensemble Concerts Saturday and Sunday. We're playing Orlando Ramble (I play one note for about 75% of the song.), Cocoanut Cakewalk, I kinda like that one, The Gospel medly,(for woodwinds and in which, if the other second flute doesn't show up, I have a solo which I really don't want) Gold and Silver Waltzes, LONG!!!, The Pink Panther, (I get the cool part!!!), I bought be a cat, Don't get me started, and When I am 64, which I would like to play. On Sunday I am playing the Gold nad Silver Waltzes and Cocoanut cakewalk. If you would like to come, Saturday is from 4-4.30 and SUnday is at 7 pm.
Okay. Yeah. Nathan was right last time with the quote. Read his explanation. I will provide another one next time. You're new quote is Forsan miseros meliora sequentur. And GO!
Okay Well....more tomorrow after the concert of Doom. I think people will be running away from us, or perhaps playing us to stop....

"I never tire of being useful."

Ne supra crepidam judicaret.

SPQR really means, despite what Nathan wrote, Senatus populusque Romanus. The Senate and the People of Rome. And, I might add, that this is written everywhere in Rome, so if you are ever in Italy, see if you can find it.
The next one is Ne supra crepidam judicaret. It's a hard one, so if you find it, 200 points. And another 100 if you can tell me the story behind it. (Yes, I already know!)
Well...
I'm glad to hear that Sarah is having fun!! And I hope that Olivia has a great time too!
You know, computers cause me headaches. Many headaches. See, one of my friends is traveling and he sent me an email attachment, which my computer won't let me open. Evil electronic doorstop. Ah well. I wrote him telling him to resend it.
Not much more has happened here. Yesterday was nice and peaceful. For some weird reason though, I had trouble sleeping and so I didn't fall asleep until 2 am. Ah well. I slept in until 11 though. That's what summer's for! :-D
But yeah. Sorry this was such a short post.
Ah well. Points now!
Alison: 580
Michael:520
Olivia: 460
Evan:160
Jonah:160
Sarah:160
Nathan:50
"I never tire of being useful."

Grettings from a SanFran Hotel - Take II

I'm still in SanFran. My parents got off-schedule and instead of being in LA right now, we're in the exact same hotel I was in when I blogged the first night. The computer's the only good thing about returning here.

Cali's good so far. Here's another one of my signature bulleted lists:

Positives:
- seeing Nat and Pam for the first time in several years (9 and 7, respectively)
- shopping in Chinatown, especially my new Chinese dress to go with the Vietnamese dress Jane gave me
- friendly people
- seeing the sights (DUH!)
- INCREDIBLY LARGE ASIAN POPULATION! I AM IN ASIAN HEAVEN!
- going to an Asian goods store and seeing not only Ayumi posters on the wall, but also Ayu/BoA/Hikaru Utada CD's on the shelves... (Yet again, in heaven!)
- inside jokes w/ Nat (The Skittle family, lady on the highway with styrofoam on the front of her car)
- cable car rides

Negatives:
- only going to the cheap, touristy part of Chinatown, and completely skipping the teenage goods that REAL Chinese girls wear/use/buy in China
- parents having no idea where to go
- realizing that USF is a Jesuit college (I felt so stupid...)
- only being with the Kwongs for less than two days
- really cold weather (GAH! It's horribly windy and cold - the high today was about 51)
- me gaining weight (haha... people will hate me for this remark, but it's true!)
- me being away from all the Indy peeps (I'm sorry you're bored, Ash!! I'd be there, but...)
- spending an hour and a half in Walgreens because Mom was choosing what to buy for relatives who don't even talk to her
- losing a couple days in LA because we can't keep to the schedule

Although the negative list is long, I still am having a good time. Tomorrow, we head off to LA, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to blog before I get home. We have a 2:30 A.M. (Indy time) flight from LA on Sunday morning, so y'all can call me later that afternoon.

"I never tire of being useful."

Cicadas are gross

Alison already touched on my title, but I was inspired because I didn't think they were that bad at my house, but I just looked outside and they are swarming around the trees in my yard. Every time one comes near the window, I jump. (Yes, I am paranoid. Bugs are ok, but not when they're on me.) And, two of them fell in the (not moving) windshield wipers this morning as my mom was driving me to music classes.

Speaking of music classes, the PA Institute is going well. A guy named Todd is teaching the Broadway and vocal jazz classes, and he is very cool. He has a lot of connections with people in the theatre, so he's going to have them come in and talk to us. For instance, he knows the guy who just got done playing Mufasa in the tour of The Lion King! In the vocal jazz class, today we learned how to scat. Scatting is improvisational singing, where you just make up nonsensical syllables. It feels very awkward at first, but I was actually pretty good! My last class is solo voice, and my choir teacher from last year is teaching that. There is a wide range of kids in the class, so she's having us older kids (10th grade and up) work on our own songs a lot.

I shall be taking a hiatus until Sunday, because I will be at HOBY. HOBY is a leadership "seminar" for incoming 11th graders, and I will be attending the Indiana one at Butler. It's an entire weekend of guest speakers, team building, role plays, etc., all about different areas of leadership. I've talked to a couple people who have been in the past and they said it's really really fun, so I'm excited. Who wants me to lead them when I come back?? haha

"I never tire of being useful."

SPQR

Okay, now is when the mad points come in. If you are able to find the meaning of the abbreviation SPQR, you will get let's say...300 points. Okay? (And yes, it is more difficult, but yes, it can be done. I did it last night! I never put any on here that I myself have not found on the internet) 100 points to Alison for her "Look! That's a pink cat!" Well done.
Scores stand as last time, only now Alison has 100 points more.
Ha! This will be a short post for in a bit, I am going out to get food! To eat! This week! YAY! Okay, you know you live a sad life when you are excited about giong grocery shopping. We are going today to get some stuff to tie us over until mom gets paid Friday.
AND report cards came!!! That makes me SO HAPPY!!!! For all you LN French students, she only gave me an A for semester. Please don't hurt me. :-) Overall, I am ranked 35th, which makes me happy, because last year I was 69th. *smiles!*
Yeah...
AND Sarah called me last night from California! It was nice to talk to her again! We talked for about 15 minutes before she had to go.
Oh, and Nathan, I found out about cricket. It's more of a Carribean Island thing. Sorry! Not much help. My grandmother said that you really can't read about cricket you actually have to go out and get kicked in the shin to understand how it's played.
Speaking of which...
My grandfather is coming out next Monday. This should be interesting. (This also means that I'm not going to bring him to church, considering he will be not here Sunday.) Ah well. If anyone is going to be around and wants to meet him and save me from going insane, let me know. I love him dearly, but yeah. You really have to meet him to know what I mean.
"I never tire of being useful."

Summer Catch

It's a horrible movie. don't rent it, yo'ure just wasting your money but it had a summer title so i thought i'd use it since it's summer and all. how's everyone's summer?!?! sarah sounds like she's having so much fun and i just can't help but laugh at jane and her computer problem. i'll be sure to email you though!!;-)

it's so cool that you guys actually got the end quote to show up automatically. very neat. i usually have to open up another window to see what it was and them paste it back to my doc.

hope you guys are all having fun this summer!!! so far, the only thing that i've really done was work and work. i got a job lifeguarding at LN for swimming lessons. take my word: it's the most boring job in the world. it's not like going to school because if you go to school, you can fall asleep but when you're guarding, the parents of the children that are swimming will kill you!!! so i sit in complete bordom from 8am-2pm:( but it does pay nicely. we should all go swimming or something so time. it's so nice outside!!! except with all those ziccadas?!?!? however you spell them. i was driving near sargent and 79th and i was talking.....you can't hear a word you're saying cuz they're just making noises that are so loud. and they're flying all over the place. they are probably one of the ugliest bugs that i've ever seen. one landed on my open window (i decided i was gonna save a lil gas by not using the air con) when i stopped at a red light and it was...so disgusting. i cannot stand bugs. you know what we haven't had a lot of? bees. i've seen some but not like as much as we had last year. maybe the Z bugs have replaced them all. okey dokey, enough of my babbling, i'll let you all get on with your lives.


btw ashley: me no go to china no more cuz i got the lifeguarding job

"I never tire of being useful."

Regardez! C'est un chat rose!!!

You can translate the title for 100 points if you wish. It's not from anywhere imparticular, I just decided to write it. It's amazing what the heat will do to you!
Well, it is summer. It feels like summer. I really need to get the a/c fixed. I don't htink that I will be able to live through another July without it!!! (But that comes after the fridge and freezer)
Yeah. So anyways.
Not much is really happening here. My grandfather is coming out soon, but I have decided not to go with him. I will be here!!
It feels so weird not to have anyone here. (Friends I mean. My brother and sister are still here.) But yeah...
Well, I'm done rambling for now. Maybe I'll come back later and talk some more, but I doubt it. If any of you know how to fix afrdge, please tell me!!! lol Although, I'm thinking that none of us do know how to do that. Ah well.

"I never tire of being useful."

Quidquid id est, timeo Danaos et dona ferentes

Hello all! No one is participating anymore in my quote of the day. That makes me sad.... See? 'Tis a sad Ashley. :-(
Ah well. I will give you another anyway. Quidquid id est, timeo Danaos et dona ferentes. Your hint? It comes from a famous book! wOOt!
And the last one? "Pacta Sunt Servanda" (Accords (or treaties) should be observed (Basic principle of International Law)) Ah, something profound. Don't worry. I will soon throw in some non profound ones! And some in French! yay!
Yes, so. House has gotten a lot less quiet. The kids are back. I think that I just might go with my grandfather. Although, I am still on the fence about it. Ah well. I shall figure it out! :-D Hmm..the young one, aka Chelly, is complaining.
She also brings news of the mailman coming. He had better have brought that report card. I might go crazy if it doesn't come soon, lol! Ah well. That's just me.
The young one is still complaining. I must go. I shall update later. Goodbye.

"I never tire of being useful."

Greetings from Nat's humble abode

ALLO AGAIN!!!

I'm at Nat's house (in her little brother's room). Since Vincent's gone at school (poor thing - doesn't get out for a while yet) I've seized his computer.

Sacramento was fun, but it makes Indy look really busy and hectic. (I'll provide details later.) We're traveling to SanFran again in a few minutes, where Nat'll show us around today and go back home, but we'll stay in SanFran for a couple of days.

I have no idea when the next time I'll be near a computer is, so HAVE FUN, KIDS! I know I am!!! :)

"I never tire of being useful."

Au cinema

Hi everyone! Since I last blogged I have seen two movies, which doesn't happen too often, at least not one right after the other! Anyway, I saw Troy and Harry Potter. I hid my eyes during the battle scenes in Troy (yeah, I'm a wuss), but I thought the characters were very interesting, and of course there was the only reason I agreed to go see it in the first place: Orlando Bloom (and Brad Pitt, but I am partial to Orlando). hehehe Wow, they WORKED OUT for that movie. It sure beat trying to read The Iliad! Did anyone else notice that they just happened to take that off the summer reading list the year AFTER we (Lyceum people) read it? Hmph.

Harry Potter was great! I liked it the best out of the three movies so far. As all the reviews have been saying, it's darker, but then again, the third book is darker than the first two, so it's not like that was an element that was only added to the movie. If you haven't seen it yet, when you do, watch for the singing frogs! :o)

I got my hair cut yesterday -- my annual "summer chop," as I call it. The hairdresser cut it about to my shoulders, but since it's so curly it looks shorter. I like it, though it's at its cutest after it's been washed, and I'll never have time to shower in the morning. Oh well.

Tomorrow I start the Performing Arts Institute at LC. I'm taking three classes: Broadway, solo voice, and vocal jazz a cappella. I'm excited!! Hopefully the other kids will be just as into music as I am, so we won't feel awkward about performing around each other. Oh, in case you're wondering, those classes are only an hour each, so I'll be at the PA Institute from 10-1 on weekday mornings until early July. Don't worry, I'm not leaving now!

Hope this is interesting enough for you, Sarah! ;-)

"I never tire of being useful."

"Pacta Sunt Servanda"

Hello people! How are you??? I'm okay. I am going to quit summer school. If they want to be jerks about the whole thing, then that's no skin off my nose.
As I am quitting summer school, I might go on a short trip to Kansas. Kind of random, I know. My grandfather is coming out on his way to Kansas and he wanted me to go with him. I am thinking that I might, considering I don't get to see him all that often.
Ah, the new quote is "Pacta Sunt Servanda" I would like for someone to give me what it means and where it is found. (sorta.) You'll see. Well, no one answered my last one which was "Odi et amo, quare id facere forasse requiris...Nescio, sed fieri sentio et excrucior" It is a Latin poem which means: I hated and I love, perhaps you ask why I do it...I don't know, but I feel it and I'm tortured. I think, THINK, it was written by Martial...I have no clue though. It sounds right....I don't remember my Roman poets all that well....Ah well.
By the way, scores:
Michael: 520 (for the last one, all you said was Star Trek thing...I had to give Nathan the points for The Starfleet Academy's motto.)
Alison: 480
Evan: (still the most random player!) 160
Olivia: 160
Sarah: 160
Nathan: 10
All's quiet on the homefront though. Last night, Clyde randomly came over and spent some time with my mom and I. It was really random, so yeah.
I am still reading and enjoying How to think like Leonardo da Vinci. It's great! :-D Olivia, I know that you are reading it too. What do you think of it??
Well, I must say too all of the people who are traveling, i.e. Jane, Sarah, and Evan: I hope that you are having/will have much fun!! :-D And, in the words of Mr. da Vinci himself:
"I never tire of being useful."

Greetings from a SanFran Hotel

Allo, Indiana bloggers!!!

I'm in SanFran right now, eating Cheerios in the hotel's lobby where I was fortunate enough to find a computer with Internet access! YES!

I'm just a few hours away from seeing Nat. (She'll be happy to read this.)

I don't really have much to say, though. I'll try to blog sometime in the near future, when I have had more experiences actually IN SanFran than on a plane.

"I never tire of being useful."

Amaris' Goodbye!!!

This is my last post before Cali... I AM GOING TO MISS YOU ALL! However, the thought of hot weather, shopping on Rodeo Drive, Japantown (and Chinatown), and seeing Nat overrides my feelings for you all. But yes, I must say that today's WestWingCon was great fun. I had a wonderful time meeting, talking with, and laughing at everyone today. Still, though, there must be some rules to follow while I'm gone:
1) People must blog. I want something to return to!
2) Jane! You must e-mail us all back! We're waiting!
3) Nathan and Ash, please try to keep yourselves off each other in public places! For goodness sake!
But yes, Amaris is leaving. I bid all of you farewell. Good night.

"I never tire of being useful."

"Odi et amo, quare id facere forasse requiris...Nescio, sed fieri sentio et excrucior"

Before I begin, Thanks to Marten, I have set our end template thing. I can teach people how to change it as they wish! The quote is from Leonardo da Vinci, and can be found in the lovely book, How to Think like Leonardo da Vinci, written by Michael J. Gelb. :-)
On to the topic of my post...evil fridges adn freezers that break down and force you to save what you can and throw out everything else. I just got done sorting through our freezer and all I can say is EWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!
Before sorting through that mess, I was at the JournalCon, which was much fun. Now I am actually going to have to watch West Wing, because I enjoyed it greatly. And yes, I saw most of it! I can hear your whispering....lol!
Much fun....
On a seperate note entirely, I most likely will be quitting summer school. It is not worth my time. Especially when they tell us we have to leave right after class, but don't offer any way to get home....Argh. That is a headache. Someone, please, hold me back before I get really angry and find someone! Why I oughta...
Okay, all that aside. Back to my quote....Forgive me, I will spend tomorrow adding points and such. But, it is quote time. I might add that the quote you will be translating is my title. I am changing my title scheme to Latin and French quotes for you to translate.


"I never tire of being useful."

"Memorial Address"

JANE!!!! :)

Ahh... Anyway, I've been busy packing all day so that 1) I'm ready for Cali, 2) my mom gets off my back, and 3) I'll be free on Friday.

For those who I didn't talk to today, I received the results of the tests I've been doing for the past few months. The original problem was that I had protein going where it wasn't supposed to go. However, my protein levels went from 700 (bad) to 1200 (worse), which is - listen to this! - the level they'd expect from a pregnant woman. (Jean-Luc, eh, Ash?)

So, for everyone who reads this, I'll have to have some surgery done this summer. (I already informed some people, but it was a "maybe" basis. No one knew that it was a sure thing until now.) They might even want to do it as soon as I get back, even though I'll have VBS, my birthday, the North Star cookout, and (if it's serious and/or scheduled later) my $760 trip to St. Louis for Key Club International Convention. I'M TOO BUSY TO HAVE SURGERY! ARGH!

And I thought May was a bad month. I want Cali now.

*end quote goes here - don't feel like typing it*

EMAIL ME!!!

PEOPLE EMAIL ME HERE! janeaznangel@yahoo.com (HOTMAIL IS EVIL AND WONT LET ME GET INTO MY ACCOUNT!!!)

Great Expectations

OMG!!!!! i am going through online withdrawal!!!!!!! someone help me!! we have a computer in vietnam (btw im in vietnam if u didnt kno! hehe) but it wont let me check my email nor get online... im gonna cry *sniff.. so does anybody miss me?? if u really miss me then somebody be a doll and send me over my computer!!!! or a book for that matter! aah!! no book, no phone, and no computer... im gonna die... but other than that it's cool over here. it's sooo humid and hot tho! i've been hanging out with my cousin chau. he's really cool and he's so sweet!!! he tries to keep my occupied and he's such a dahling! so if any of u guys would like a viet boyfriend then.. hehe.. he's looking for a gurlfriend. there's also my cousin thang. he's cool too but he's very sarcastic and has a smart mouth. he also owes me icecream. he doesnt have a gurlfriend either but i think it's cuz he's so short. oh and he kind of reminds me of a monkey. he's also very vain and he thinks everyone is jealous of him. in vietnam vain people are called horses. hehe.. if u couldnt tell he's reading this while im writing it. but yea if u want a viet boyfriend go for my cousin chau not thang.. hehe. so what has everyone been doing while i've been gone? pining away miserably because of my absence? aww.. good! hehe. i miss u guys terribly, but i'll be back soon! o and we're also going to take a tour of thailand while im here! yay! well tootles! i luv u all!

"SCAR"

Everything's better here. Or at least, I think so, since Mom was just yelling at me because my bags aren't packed yet. I'm really happy. Nat's incredibly, "WOOHOO!"-happy. Ash's happy because I am. It's all good.

Today was tres amusant. After getting some more tests done at St. Vincent's, I went to one of the IPS schools where I tutor on half-days for their end-of-year parties. I distributed cupcakes to the two classes the students I helped teach (Miguel, who is in 4th grade and Andariya - pronounced "and-air-ee-ay" - who is in first grade) were in. They are so cute!

Now it's back to redecorating my room and packing. (Yes, Ash, I'm redecorating again! How fun!! Your room is next, since Jane's in Vietnam! :P)

"Don't worry. There's more birds in the sea. Wait! I mean, fish in the sky..."

Frustration = Lawrence Township Transportation

ARGH! I know i just posted, but bear with me as I rant about how useless our bus transportation in this township is.
Okay. I am taking summer school. My session is from 7.25-9.55 every day at LC. Apparently, there are no buses that run to my neighborhood at all. The closest one goes to Forest Glen. Now, technically, I could walk to 5 miles from Forest Glen to my house on a busy road with a blind curve. Right? Oh, but here's the other thing, the buses don't leave LC until 12.30! So, I have to wait at LC for another 2.5 hours to get a bus to walk about 5 miles. Don't even ask if we called transportation. We did. That's who told us this. I hate this township. With a passion. So, I have no clue what I am going to do. What might end up happening is that I quit summer school and take night school FOR GYM. Do you know how stupid this is??? It's a GYM credit!!! Heck, it's not even worth a full credit! It's only .5 of a credit!!!! But, no, I can't graduate highschool unless I have two semesters of gym. GYM! Oh argh. I'm doomed. Oh, and yes, I called my consel. She wasn't there, so I left a voice mail message.

"Don't worry. There's more birds in the sea. Wait! I mean, fish in the sky..."

Today = Wednesday!

Wow, it's already Wed! Time sure has flown by quickly. And I only have one more day after today until the dreaded...SUMMER GYM! No!!! Ah well. Two hours and a half hours of running and such at seven thirty in the morning.....
Well, for the last quote It was the Starfleet motto. I must give Nathan a few points for having the correct motto, and Michael points for translating it correctly. I'll work that out later.
I am getting so annoyed because my computer is being terribly slow and not doing what I want it to do! Oh argh!
There's not much more happening here. Today's Mom's last day off for the week. I've been very happy to have her home for the last 4 days. :-) Although, she has gone on a misson, and now our house is os clean you could most likely eat off the floors! I think that we found things we didn't even know we had! lol. Ah well. C'est la vie.
Your new quote: "Dessine-moi un mouton!" Ah! I love this one! :-)
If I am not mistaken, I shall be spending the next at least 4 days home alone, because I believe Mom has to work, and I think that the kids are going to Dad's house. It should be quiet here. wow. That's going to be a first, lol! (Now if only there was a way to get the birdsa quiet...) Yeah so. I've just been rambling for a while now. Ah well...

"Don't worry. There's more birds in the sea. Wait! I mean, fish in the sky..."

Pretty In Pink

Summer has started and I haven't done a single productive thing. I'm sry that all of you guys are having such a bad start to the summer, but i'm sure it'll get better later on. So far, all i've done is watch rented movies from the library and go over to my cousins house to play video games or mah jong. I am enjoying the freedom of not having to do anything though. On Monday, i slept till 2...it was a glorious day.

as for other news, i might be going to hong kong again this summer. my aunt and my uncle are going to visit the great wall in beijing and the tickets are really cheap so my parents also want to send me off considering i've never been and i'm chinese!! if all goes well, i'll be leaving towards the end of the week after next and coming back in mid to early july. Nothing is final yet because i'm on standby for a plane ticket. i promise to get y'all something if i do end up going. i still owe sarah a present...i keep forgetti'n to give it to you, but i swear that i do have it. oh, i'll just put it in along with your birthday present. that way, you'll actually get it sometime in the near future. if you guys ever get bored, you should consider watching or for some of you, rewatching some of the movies that are my titles. pretty in pink is kinda old, but it's a cute movie.

"Don't worry. There's more birds in the sea. Wait! I mean, fish in the sky..."

The sun'll come out tomorrow...

Hmm...I feel sort of bad, being the only one currently posting who's not going through some sort of mini-crisis, but I suppose there has to be some relief. Anyway, to Sarah and Ash (even though I already talked to Sarah today) I hope you feel better! *hugs* Summer should be happy! (Not that we have much control over what happens, but you know what I mean. I wish it were happier for you!!)

So...my summer has been uneventful since the last time I wrote. I've been stuck at home, which means I've been doing a lot, but nothing too interesting: reading, journal-writing, listening to music, watching TV/show choir tapes (yes, I *am* a choir dork!), cleaning, etc. I did go to church and youth group on Sunday, which meant my brother and I got to drive home through the storm (but no tornadoes!). Oh boy. :-P

Needless to say, I need to get out of the house. Granted, I have several times in the future when I will be gone on trips, but in the meantime, I can't just spend all my time at home. I'm not creative enough to beat the monotony. At least I'm starting music classes at LC next week, but that still only takes up the morning. Oh well, I'll figure something out. Until then...

"Don't worry. There's more birds in the sea. Wait! I mean, fish in the sky..."