...I cannot prove that gods do not exist. Nor can I prove that the world and everything in it was not created by an entity or entities in the distant past. But I can tell you that in all the time I have studied nature, I have never witnessed an instance where the rules that govern the world have been broken. That is, I have never seen a miracle. Many events have defied my ability to explain, but I am convinced that I failed because I am still woefully ignorant about the universe and not because a deity altered the workings of nature...
...Ask yourself this: if gods exist, have they been good custodians of the world? Death, sickness, poverty, tyranny, and countless other miseries stalk the land. If this is the work of divine beings, then they are to be rebelled against and overthrown, not given obeisance, obedience, and reverence...
...I give credence only to that which I can prove exists. Since I cannot find evidence that gods, miracles, and other supernatural things are real, I do not trouble myself about them. If that were to change, if God were to reveal himself to me, then I would accept the new information and revise my position...
...It is not a cold world that I live in, it is a better world. A place where we are all responsible for our own actions, where we can be kind to one another because we want to and it is the right thing to do instead of being frightened into behaving by the threat of divine punishment. I won't tell you what to believe. It is far better to be taught to think critically and then be allowed to make your own decisions than to have someone else's notions thrust upon you. You have asked after my religion, and I have answered you true. Make of it what you will.
-Christopher Paolini in the book Eldest
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Missing in Action
Haven't written in awhile, have I? All summer, actually. Oops...
This summer was pretty good. It was nothing compared to my senior summer, but I really didn't expect it to be.
I worked in Ames this summer. As an electrician. Huh. It pretty much sucked, but they paid me and now I can wire my own house. Hooray for practical knowledge. I lived with my aunt while I was up there, which was nice. I also got to see my grandparents almost every week, meaning I got to eat really good home cooked meals once a week. Yum.
Other than that I mostly hung out around Urbandale. I spent a lot of time with my band kids, but I also reconnected with a few other friends. I went camping at Lake Red Rock twice, made it up to see my cousin's high school graduation, went to Cedar Falls for the fourth of July, got to go to a party up in Iowa City, and made it up to Lincoln on Hunter's birthday.
Other than that not really much that was note-worthy. Now it's my last week at home and I've got TONS of stuff to do. Buying, packing, fair-ing...haha. So I've got to go. I'll try to keep this updated more frequently from now on, but no promises.
This summer was pretty good. It was nothing compared to my senior summer, but I really didn't expect it to be.
I worked in Ames this summer. As an electrician. Huh. It pretty much sucked, but they paid me and now I can wire my own house. Hooray for practical knowledge. I lived with my aunt while I was up there, which was nice. I also got to see my grandparents almost every week, meaning I got to eat really good home cooked meals once a week. Yum.
Other than that I mostly hung out around Urbandale. I spent a lot of time with my band kids, but I also reconnected with a few other friends. I went camping at Lake Red Rock twice, made it up to see my cousin's high school graduation, went to Cedar Falls for the fourth of July, got to go to a party up in Iowa City, and made it up to Lincoln on Hunter's birthday.
Other than that not really much that was note-worthy. Now it's my last week at home and I've got TONS of stuff to do. Buying, packing, fair-ing...haha. So I've got to go. I'll try to keep this updated more frequently from now on, but no promises.
Testimony of Me
I’m a Cancer. If you look me up in the dictionary it will tell you that I am the crab shaped constellation between Gemini and Leo in the Zodiac. It will also tell you that I am a malignant evil that spreads destructively.
I like to think I’m the first one.
Cancers are sensitive, maternal, protective, moody, and intuitive. They dislike change and because of this they are very attached with things they have an emotional connection to. They tend to love easily and openly and are ferociously loyal to those they love.
I am a Cancer, but that’s not all I am.
I am strong, persistent, and smart. I fight for what I believe in and I am not about to let anyone walk all over me.
I care, sometimes too much. I believe in second, third, and fourth chances, but I also believe that I deserve to be treated well.
I love to read. I love to laugh. I hate crying in front of people. I hate looking weak.
I am made of all these things. Yes, I am a cancer, but mostly, I’m me.
Monday, May 19, 2008
A Weekend of Epic Proportions
Oh man, summer has officially begun, folks, and it started with a bang.
This weekend was PACKED, and hugely enjoyable.
I started out pretty slow friday, nothing too huge. I went to see Holes at the Des Moines Playhouse, and it was really good! A couple of friends of mine were in it, and I always get a kick out of seeing people I know act. It's an odd sensation, because my knowledge of who the actor really is seems to change how I percieve the character they're portraying. I really love going to see plays at the playhouse, though. It's very casual, being a kids theatre, and I never walk away disappointed. After the play I spent some time with a few friends that I hadn't seen in a while, which is always nice. We had shenanigans of various natures, stayed up too late, and had a great time.
Saturday came bright and early at 7 AM, a ridiculous hour to be awake, especially when one didn't go to bed until 2 in the morning. Unfortunately, the early hour was necessary. I had to be in downtown Des Moines by 8 to register for the Angelman Syndrome Walkathon. A former teacher, and very good friend, has a daughter named Fiona with Angelman Syndrome, so there were quite a few of us there to support her. (Shameless plug: Angelman Syndrome is a very rare chromosomal disorder, to learn more please go here and to donate money to research visit this site). The walk started at about nine and only lasted about a half an hour, but it was a great time, and the nice people in the cars that had to wait for us to pass were made very aware of our cause. :D We decided that next year the theme would be old school rap and we would all carry boom boxes on our shoulders and dance.
After the walk, I went to the farmers market for awhile. Then I attended a graduation party and a birthday party before hitting up Celebrasian. After that there was much fun to be had at a bonfire in Dallas Center that included neither a bonfire, nor smores (apparently Casey's doesn't carry smore supplies, who knew?). There was, however, a few rousing games of capture the flag in the dark (from which I am STILL sore) and great company.
Sunday was much more mellow. I woke up in Dallas Center, helped my boyfriend pack up our tent (I believe I held the poles, haha), and headed back to Des Moines in time for another graduation party and a very nice afternoon on the lake in Kayla's dad's boat. Then we had a nice post-birthday celebratory dinner in Kayla's honor.
Today I didn't do much of anything. I spent most of the day with Alex since he's leaving for Australia on tuesday and will be gone for three weeks *sad face*. We got some lunch at Fudruckers and went to see Iron Man, which was a very good movie, in my opinion. Then I just hung out, tried to go to a baseball game, but got rained out, and now I'm sitting in my aunt's house in Ames writing this blog!
I hope you enjoyed this VERY long post (sorry). I have to start my new job as an electrician (I gea tool belt and everything!) in the morning at 7, so I'm off to bed. I'll let you know how my first day goes!
This weekend was PACKED, and hugely enjoyable.
I started out pretty slow friday, nothing too huge. I went to see Holes at the Des Moines Playhouse, and it was really good! A couple of friends of mine were in it, and I always get a kick out of seeing people I know act. It's an odd sensation, because my knowledge of who the actor really is seems to change how I percieve the character they're portraying. I really love going to see plays at the playhouse, though. It's very casual, being a kids theatre, and I never walk away disappointed. After the play I spent some time with a few friends that I hadn't seen in a while, which is always nice. We had shenanigans of various natures, stayed up too late, and had a great time.
Saturday came bright and early at 7 AM, a ridiculous hour to be awake, especially when one didn't go to bed until 2 in the morning. Unfortunately, the early hour was necessary. I had to be in downtown Des Moines by 8 to register for the Angelman Syndrome Walkathon. A former teacher, and very good friend, has a daughter named Fiona with Angelman Syndrome, so there were quite a few of us there to support her. (Shameless plug: Angelman Syndrome is a very rare chromosomal disorder, to learn more please go here and to donate money to research visit this site). The walk started at about nine and only lasted about a half an hour, but it was a great time, and the nice people in the cars that had to wait for us to pass were made very aware of our cause. :D We decided that next year the theme would be old school rap and we would all carry boom boxes on our shoulders and dance.
After the walk, I went to the farmers market for awhile. Then I attended a graduation party and a birthday party before hitting up Celebrasian. After that there was much fun to be had at a bonfire in Dallas Center that included neither a bonfire, nor smores (apparently Casey's doesn't carry smore supplies, who knew?). There was, however, a few rousing games of capture the flag in the dark (from which I am STILL sore) and great company.
Sunday was much more mellow. I woke up in Dallas Center, helped my boyfriend pack up our tent (I believe I held the poles, haha), and headed back to Des Moines in time for another graduation party and a very nice afternoon on the lake in Kayla's dad's boat. Then we had a nice post-birthday celebratory dinner in Kayla's honor.
Today I didn't do much of anything. I spent most of the day with Alex since he's leaving for Australia on tuesday and will be gone for three weeks *sad face*. We got some lunch at Fudruckers and went to see Iron Man, which was a very good movie, in my opinion. Then I just hung out, tried to go to a baseball game, but got rained out, and now I'm sitting in my aunt's house in Ames writing this blog!
I hope you enjoyed this VERY long post (sorry). I have to start my new job as an electrician (I gea tool belt and everything!) in the morning at 7, so I'm off to bed. I'll let you know how my first day goes!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Summer Break
Soooo...
This is summer break, eh? I'm intrigued. It'll be interesting to see how this goes...
I'll keep you posted.
This is summer break, eh? I'm intrigued. It'll be interesting to see how this goes...
I'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The Ones She Loved
Six Boys and the One Girl Who Loved Them All
The first is thin and wiry. He's witty and quick to laugh. His brown hair is long enough to fall into his eyes and always looks like he just crawled out of bed. He is carefree and independent. No ties that bind will find their way around this boy. He is friends with many, but few know him as she does. Their friendship is strong, it has to be.
The next is tall and athletic. His thick blonde hair, blue eyes, and dimples give him good looks that he's not aware of. He is shy and prefers to keep to himself, but those who are persistent can work their way into his life. These lucky few see a boy who jokes easily and loves effortlessly.
The third is the shortest of the bunch, but his value in her eyes has never suffered for it. He is strong and always the first to make a joke, but those who know him can see the pain of the past in his eyes. She loves him as a brother and goes out of her way to watch out for him. Their bond is special, but he is never quite satisfied with his place in her heart.
The next holds the place of first love. He used to be a quiet boy, lacking the cocky confidence some his age had aquired. He's different now. His life has lost its direction and he is floundering. He has put up a wall of false confidence, frustration, and anger to protect himself from the pain and disappointment his life continues to bring him. She, however, remembers the boy he once was, and waits patiently for him to return.
Boy number five acts as a stark contrast to her. He is dark and bitter, events in his past causing him to shut down, effectively protecting himself from pain. He is quick witted and funny, though his humor often makes victims of those who would be his friends. He smokes like it's his job and pretends like he doesn't care, but he does, and she knows it. He resents her optimisim and is frustrated by her stubbornness. She drives him crazy, and he loves her for it.
The last boy took on the role of teacher. He is older than her and he is confident to the point of cockiness. He taught her how to be comfortable in her own skin and broke her out of her shell. Their relationship is complicated and often confusing, but eternal. He managed to get under her skin and there he'll stay, regardless of distance and seperation.
The first is thin and wiry. He's witty and quick to laugh. His brown hair is long enough to fall into his eyes and always looks like he just crawled out of bed. He is carefree and independent. No ties that bind will find their way around this boy. He is friends with many, but few know him as she does. Their friendship is strong, it has to be.
The next is tall and athletic. His thick blonde hair, blue eyes, and dimples give him good looks that he's not aware of. He is shy and prefers to keep to himself, but those who are persistent can work their way into his life. These lucky few see a boy who jokes easily and loves effortlessly.
The third is the shortest of the bunch, but his value in her eyes has never suffered for it. He is strong and always the first to make a joke, but those who know him can see the pain of the past in his eyes. She loves him as a brother and goes out of her way to watch out for him. Their bond is special, but he is never quite satisfied with his place in her heart.
The next holds the place of first love. He used to be a quiet boy, lacking the cocky confidence some his age had aquired. He's different now. His life has lost its direction and he is floundering. He has put up a wall of false confidence, frustration, and anger to protect himself from the pain and disappointment his life continues to bring him. She, however, remembers the boy he once was, and waits patiently for him to return.
Boy number five acts as a stark contrast to her. He is dark and bitter, events in his past causing him to shut down, effectively protecting himself from pain. He is quick witted and funny, though his humor often makes victims of those who would be his friends. He smokes like it's his job and pretends like he doesn't care, but he does, and she knows it. He resents her optimisim and is frustrated by her stubbornness. She drives him crazy, and he loves her for it.
The last boy took on the role of teacher. He is older than her and he is confident to the point of cockiness. He taught her how to be comfortable in her own skin and broke her out of her shell. Their relationship is complicated and often confusing, but eternal. He managed to get under her skin and there he'll stay, regardless of distance and seperation.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Storm Before the Calm
This week has been pretty ok. I'm kind of waiting for the panic of finals to hit me, but so far so good. I've gotten very little done this week, actually. Which has done nothing to help my stress levels, seeing as finals are coming up next week. I'll get through it though, I always do, someway or another. The only class I'm worried about right now is chemistry. My grades in that class are wobbly at best, and this final has the potential to tip the scales in my favor...or not. And, as is only fitting, it just happens to be my first final. Well, at least I'll be getting it out of the way.
On the brightside my lack of scholarly pursuits has allowed me to participate in more lighthearted fun, or at least more interesting pasttimes, than I've been able to have in a while. On monday I had an interview with my 79 year old grandmother about Christian values, a discussion I've avoided for my entire life, only to find a grade depending on it. Figures. It was interesting though. Tuesday I had a meeting with the recently elected exectutive committee (the new officers of my fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi) to discuss what our plans for next year and I must say that I'm WAY excited about it. It's going to be great!
Wednesday was the premeir of Farmer Wants a Wife, a reality TV show a very good friend of mine is in. I kind of wanted it to be a big get together, but it ended up just being me and a friend pigging out on popcorn and mocking the girl who was afraid of chickens. Oh well, the best laid plans, right? It was a good time anyway.
On the not so brightside: I found out the other day that one of my very good friends will not be living in Des Moines this summer, though he will be visiting often.
In other news I'm going to my highschool's prom this weekend with a good friend of mine and I'm way excited about it. Also today was National Preserve the Honor Day for Kappa Kappa Psi. It pretty much gave me an excuse to wear letters and hang out with my brothers. We went to Pepper's for dinner with the Phi Mu Alpha Symphonia boys, which is always a good time.
So in honor of preserving KKPsi's honor I'm going to send "2 K's and a big ass PSI!" out to all my brothers.
Night kids.
On the brightside my lack of scholarly pursuits has allowed me to participate in more lighthearted fun, or at least more interesting pasttimes, than I've been able to have in a while. On monday I had an interview with my 79 year old grandmother about Christian values, a discussion I've avoided for my entire life, only to find a grade depending on it. Figures. It was interesting though. Tuesday I had a meeting with the recently elected exectutive committee (the new officers of my fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi) to discuss what our plans for next year and I must say that I'm WAY excited about it. It's going to be great!
Wednesday was the premeir of Farmer Wants a Wife, a reality TV show a very good friend of mine is in. I kind of wanted it to be a big get together, but it ended up just being me and a friend pigging out on popcorn and mocking the girl who was afraid of chickens. Oh well, the best laid plans, right? It was a good time anyway.
On the not so brightside: I found out the other day that one of my very good friends will not be living in Des Moines this summer, though he will be visiting often.
In other news I'm going to my highschool's prom this weekend with a good friend of mine and I'm way excited about it. Also today was National Preserve the Honor Day for Kappa Kappa Psi. It pretty much gave me an excuse to wear letters and hang out with my brothers. We went to Pepper's for dinner with the Phi Mu Alpha Symphonia boys, which is always a good time.
So in honor of preserving KKPsi's honor I'm going to send "2 K's and a big ass PSI!" out to all my brothers.
Night kids.
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