Last Post of the Year

Last post of the year.

Last time I'll get on blogger and blog.

Last time I'll answer my email.

Last time I will work in 2007.

Last time I will drive around.

Last time I will read.

Last day of the year.

Happy New Years Everyone!!!!

Back in Cedar City. . . .

For Lack of a better image. . . .

:P

Merry (somewhat late) Christmas!!

Merry Christmas one and all!! I hope you guys had as wonderful a christmas as I did.

As a quick comment before I head off to watch a movie with m'mum: my favorite present was one that Chris gave me. It was an action figure of Raphael from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and I loved it so much because he's my favorite character. So, yeah, it was my favowite!

Well, ciao! Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!!!!

Lost. . .lost lost. . . .

I lost my wisdom.

So, if you're all wondering why I've disappeared suddenly, it's not because I found a black hole and fell into that (I sure wish that is what happened) but I got all four of my wisdom teeth removed on friday.

So, I've been vegitating at home, eating juices, soups, and anything soft, while napping on couches, and staggering around the house due to dizziness. Luckily, I'm not taking any of those icky pain killers like loratabe (however that's spelled), so I'm not too sick, just dizzy and tired.
I do look like one of the chipmunks though. I've become "the Chipmunk" but that's to be expected.

So, yeah, that's my latest adventure. I hope I can get with you guys sometime this week before I have to migrate back to Cedar City. How does wednesday, the 26th sound? Good day to get together and cause mayhem? I also need to call my work and get my schedule, because if I can go back on the 28th then I will.

Christmas Eve is tomorrow!! Happy Christmas and Merry New Years!
Hope to see you sometime this week!

P.S. Mastah, I brought back Enna Burning. I don't think I'll get around to reading it anytime soon, but thanks for letting me borrow it!

Book Money

So, you know that IBC rootbeer bottle that's been sitting on my windowsill for ages, collecting pennies and dimes? (Pennies and dimes because those were the only coins that fit)

I finally filled it up! Overflowing, in fact, and I took it to the bank to see how much money I got.

And the grand total. . . .

*drum roll*
*trumpets start blowing*
*people get angry and scary*

$12.22!!!

Yup, twelve dollars and twenty-two cents all dimes and pennies. Unfortunately, I have to wait until after christmas to go out and buy my book, but that's okay. . .I can wait. . .I can wait my precious. . .I can wait yessss. . . .yesssss. . . .

Elvish Pirate Gypsy Day

HAPPY ELVISH PIRATE GYPSY DAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIEND!!!!

If you find an elvish pirate gypsy by name of Jenni today give her a big poke, er, pat on the head becuase today is her birthday!!!

Physicals

Nasty little things, those are. I'm starting on my paperwork and stuff for my mission, and I had to get a physical. It was very weird. I had never had a reflex test on my ankles, elbows, and wrists, just my knees. And then I felt like I was spazzing out, but my doctor said that I had good reflexes. *wacks face* ow! So much for that! Not to mention, I got stuck twice with two vaccines. One was a diptheria and tetanus update. . .thingy. . .and the other is that vaccine for the cervical-cancer causing STD. Yeah, I find it kinda weird that I'm getting a vaccine for an STD, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to get it. Still, it's weird.

*sigh* Mandi left today. It was a really fun semester and I'm now not looking forward to a new roommate. I'm going through that "what if we don't get along," "what if she's a girl" (no comment from the peanut gallery, please!), "what if she's so dramatic that I feel like throwing something at her"? You know, the usual roommate worries. I'll see Mandi again, hopefully. I'd like to go visit her before I leave to go on my mission. That would be lots of fun.

Well, I think I'm going to meander off now. maybe I'll go read. . . .and finally finish that book I've been reading for the past month. :D

That'd be nice. . . .

And, sorry, Fiend, but I never got around to watching Underdog. I'll just have to wait until m'Mum rents it and we all watch it.

Happy Day!

I GOT AN A- IN O-CHEM LAB!!!!

Final-ly

Agh! I'm done! It feels like it took forever! I had a final a day, and that really sucks becuase then I fall into the "oh, I have all day to study" mode and I don't do any of it! Oh well, I feel I did good on all of them. Now, I just have to finish a portfolio thingy for English and turn that in, but its not due until tomorrow at 3 pm . . . . I still got time!

Actually. . .I could never procrastinate something that big, so I'm actually gonna go work on that today. Once Mandi gets home from her exam. . .because she'll kill me if I go to the mac lab without her. . .she likes the mac lab, you see. . .she likes it a lot. . . .

I come home TOMORROW!!! HOORAY!!!! YIPPEEEEE!!!

Another quick note, I watched Stardust yesterday. It was a good movie. Very cool fantasy adventure.

That's all. . .for now. . . .er . . . .*dashes away*

Awesome Friday

It was awesome! It was cool! It was amazing and I hope all those "Golden Compass is a movie of the devil" idiots go and see it so they can see just what an awesome story it is!!

I loved it, and it was very well done. Keep in mind, of course, that it's been many a year since I last read the book (8th grade in fact) so all I remembered was the incision thingy and daemons. However, some stuff came back to me, like how the compass works, as I was watching it so I really enjoyed it. All in all, it was an awesome movie, and I am itching to go see it again.

Also, I went with my roommates to see an impropt performance by a group called Off The Cuff. It was my first time going and. . . .I loved it. It was so funny. It's like Who's Line Is It Anyway? but not as crud and the actors watch their language. It is a clean, funny, and enjoyable show in which you (THE AUDIENCE!!) participates. I had so much fun. Not to mention, I got some delicious caramel hot chocolate. Off the Cuff does their shows in this local coffee shop called The Grind, and The Grind had fallen on hard times and because I didn't want Starbucks to become the only place in town to get coffee so I bought some hot cocoa from them. Save The Grind!! If you ever find yourself in Cedar City, go to The Grind, not Starbucks!!!

Besides, Starbucks hot chocolate is gross compared to The Grind's.

Well, that's all folks. Time to tackle homework. :P

Three hours max

I'M DONE! I'M DONE! I'M DONE! I'M DONE! I'M DONE!

Okay, so not really, but I am for this semester! No more LAB!!

And what's more, is that we had three hours to take our final, and I feel so confident with how I did becuase I had so much time to do it. I had time to actually sit and think about the question, evaluate all possible answers, and then write them down. It took me two hours to do it, but I took my time. I'm so happy!

I'M DONE WITH THIS LAB SECTION!!!!!

*pingballs off walls*

Andandandandandand, I'm going to go see The Golden Compass tomorrow! Yipee!!!!

This message has been brought to you by Hyperactive Jekka Tigger Joyous Jones.

Mmmm. . .donuts!

Once upon a time there was a hungry college student named Jekka Jones. One morning, just as the sun was coming up, she and her roommate decided to get up at 7 o'clock to go check out a local bakery that her roommate had discovered previously.

Well, after calling their other friend, Junior, and getting in his car, the threesome drove to the small bakery called Voirs. They only intended to buy a donut for themselves and two more for their other roommates, Alex and Kayleigh, but once they started selecting donuts, they couldn't stop. There was just so many and they looked so good! On top of it, the nice lady behind the counter got them a pastry to sample. It was called a buttermilk bar, and Jekka Jones absolutely loved it. In fact, they all loved it that they got five buttermilk bars, along with some other tasty pastries.

Now, they thought that the one dozen boxed donuts would be rather a lot, but the total actually came to a lovely $6.66. Jekka was really excited over the number, but Mandi flashed her student I.D. and we recieved a 10% discount. The number dropped to $5.69, which bummed Jekka, but once they had their donuts and were out the door she was much happier.

They returned to Jekka and Mandi's dorm where they ate their donuts and sipped chocolate milk until all three of them had to go to class. And they had a happy Friday for the rest of the day. The End.

Quick post (again) before bedtime

Back in Cedar. :P At least I only have three weeks of school left. Hooray! *pathetic party blower whistle*

I saw this comic in the saturday paper, and I couldn't help but laugh at it, so I wish to share it with the rest of y'all; especially you, Elvish Pirate Gypsy Minion Fiend!!!

Becuase the picture was too small to see when it uploaded, here's the link:

http://www.arcamax.com/newspics/4/431/43113.gif

I love Garfield!

'Night!

Food and Rocks

Thanksgiving was awesome. Family, food, music, food, and a movie. And food! I went and saw Enchanted that night, and it was surprisingly really good! I liked it a lot. It poked fun at the fairy tales but it was done in a way so that any fairy-tale lover wouldn't be offended. And Mastah, there's one part in the movie where the girl starts singing in Central Park and everyone there joins in, and the guy she's with starts yelling "How do you know this song?! You've never heard this song before?! How can you sing it?!" I laughed so hard. And the whole singing to get the woodland creatures to help you. . .oh my gosh, it's so funny!

Well, off from that tangent, while all the aunts, moms, and non-hiking women went day-after-thanksgiving shopping, the rest of us went to Topaz mountain. Yes it was freezing, and yes I had a blast. Not to mention, I found a lot of really good topazes. Unfortunately, I did not bring my own hammer and screwdriver/chisel so I didn't get a lot of the big topazes that I saw in the rocks. I tried using the rocks around but they don't work so well. They just break instead of the rock around the topaz.

Well, that's all for my update. Now I have to go do a spot of cleaning and then maybe do some homework. I am proud of myself, wednesday I pulled out my chemistry pamphlet and did three problems (though I don't know if I did them right or not. I think I did them right, but knowing my luck I didn't).

I'll probably end up writing more of my story. I need to get on top of that. . . .

Anywho, Happy Thanksgiving and have a school-free, fun-packed weekend!!!

Much Accomplished!

I dusted my room.

That's right, I dusted it. It is now clean and smells like Pledge duster spray. . .stuff.

You can see your reflection in the wood now!

I feel so accomplished. Someone should give me a medal. . .or a book. A book would be good. . .food too. . .and dessert. . .I likes dessert.

I don't remember how long ago it was that I dusted my room. I think it was when I first moved into the basement. . .which was three years ago. Yep, my room would have made an attic proud. All it's dustiness and whatnot.

I will miss the little messages I left for myself in them *sniff* but, hey, MY ROOM'S BEEN DUSTED!!

Rescue Dawn

Suprisingly good, actually. I wanted to watch it from listening to the screener at work, and it was really good. It has the same style as Castaway, with the only sounds throughout the movie is the people talking and the insects from the jungle. Christian Bale was really cool, as always, and Steve Zahn (from That thing you do and Sahara) was great too, but he was really serious. This was a very good movie. I'd likes to watch it again. . . .

It's about a pilot (Christian Bale) who gets shot down over Laos during the beginning years of the Vietnam War, and is taken to a prison camp. There, he and his fellow prisoners plan to escape from their captors rather than wait to be released.

I also watched Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause. It was actually pretty good. I do wish there was more time on Jack-Frost-as-Santa, than Santa having family problems, but it was still good. Martin Short was awesome as usual (he's been in The Three Amigos, Pure Luck, and Innerspace), in fact, he looked like the devil turned blue. His hair was all spikey, and not the boy's hair kind of spikey, but really spikey. Other than that, the first is still the best, the second one was better than the third, but the third was still good.

Well, that's all I have to say. . .HOORAY FOR THANKSGIVING!!!

TGIF

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

I don't think I'll survive the weekend!!

Just

Four

More

Days

Until

I

Come

HOME!!!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reading Level

Did the same thing as Beth and Jenni. LOL. That made me laugh so hard!


The funny things in life, eh?

Evolution vs. Creationism

So in evolution we watched a little clip on youtube about a guy who is a devote creationist--a person who is firmly against evolution. He was funny, and I was midly impressed by him until he made a snide comment towards Mormons. At first it was funny, he was saying how "the Mormons" believe that we can become Gods, specifically saying that we "took that bait, hook, line, and sinker." It was kinda funny, but I blew it off because obviously he didn't understand just how cool that would be. Why settle for less than a God? I'd rather become a God and create worlds than do nothing but play a harp and sit on a cloud all day. But, I forgave that evangelical christian speaker for his ignorance.

However, I did not like his next little poke at "mormonism". He said that mormon women are going to be pregnant and produce little spirit babies for all eternity when they become Gods. That made my respect column towards him plummet. That was a very pessimistic view of such a wonderful thing, and I was mad! That is not what women are going to do for all eternity. No wonder why women are so degraded in modern society! Sheesh, when I become a goddess, you will see me right next to my godly husband, making worlds and animals and people! Some people's kids!

And that wasn't the only thing, his little speech was pure opinion and little fact. The one thing I so wished that I could ask him about in person was nebulas. He was talking about the Big Bang Theory and he asked "If planets were made that way, then why do we not see them being created now?" Well, Mr. Creationist, there's two things.
1--Nebulas: they are clouds of dust were stars are born (he did not even mention these, he just talked about how we only see stars and planets being destroyed by supernovas)
2--It takes thousands of years for planets to form. There is some order in that seemingly chaos. Any astronomer can tell you that!

He even asked how we knew the earth was about 4.5 billion years old! Sheesh!!! It's called radiometric dating!! New technology=New discoveries, and one of those discoveries is finding the age of rock, bone, and (guess what) FOSSILS!!! Especially ones that pre-date the flood. . . .

I never thought I would get worked up over something like this, but he bugged me. I have my own little opinions on how the Creation account in the bible and how evolution all fit in, but this guy. . . .He needs to get more support and do more research if he's going to debate this issue. He had just a lot of holes in his little speech, and that's saying a lot considering my limited knowledge obtained from high school and two years of college.

Some people's kids!

Anywho, sorry for all the sciency jargon. A lot of things have been coming up with these two classes, so I apologize if you don't understand some of it. *pats heads* It's okay. This is the horror life of a biologist. It's so unfortunate that I have to deal with idiotic zealous preachers in this line of interest. Sheesh, you can be Christian and a scientist. Science is not completely random (and neither is evolution, by the way, the only random part is the occurence of mutations but even those can be controlled).

Gah! Some. Peoples. Kids!!

Weekend update

So, that test I was freaking out about for no apparent reason, it wasn't so bad. Sure, there was one problem I didn't do, but that was because I couldn't remember how to do it so I didn't even bother with it. Another problem though did stump me and I spent the remainder on my time on that one problem trying to figure it out (yep, not counting those two problems, I finished with five minutes to spare!!!). It's now going to bug me how that problem works out, becuase it's supposed to be a reaction that only occurs under certain conditions, but the reactant and solvent are such that they won't occur under those conditions. It was driving me crazy, becuase I could see no way how it would work out.

If you're wondering, it's a reactant and solvent that undergoes SN1 (substitution nucleophile monomial--or to the first order) but I was so confused because it couldn't undergo SN1. SN1 requires a carbocation to be formed and carbocations are not formed on primary carbons. The reactant was an ether and so I had a suspicion that the oxygen stabilized that cation through resonance, but then I didn't have enough time to push the electrons and figure out how it would all work out. I was so confused. The entire problem shouted SN2 (substitution nucleophile binomial--or to the second order), not SN1.

Biology exam was same as usual. Easy, not too worried about that, plus he drops our lowest test score so I'm not afeared of that.

On a plus side, my roommate says the funniest things that make me want to write a short story on. Two things she said was:
"AAAh! This is a murderous hairdryer!"
"I think my computer is trying to seduce me. It's freaking me out."

That last one, I think, I will have so much fun with! A seducing computer. . .ha ha!

Signing off much happier, Jekka G. Senoj

Looming Test

Some textbooks should be rewritten.

I have a looming chemistry final on Friday, and I feel like I know the material. I understand it perfectly in class, but then I go and do the problems in the book and I get confused. Okay, so not confused, but I see the questions their asking as meaningless and pointless. It's like: In the long run, if I ever made O-Chem my life and career, this kind of stuff will not help me whatsoever. When I go to do a synthesis, I won't need to know the definition of Zaitsev's rule or Hammond's postulate (don't even ask what they are because I don't even know). I feel like I can't do the problems in the book, but I can do the problems my teacher gives us to practice. And they're not easy! He gives us difficult ones.

As such, I feel stressed about this upcoming test, but, I'm trying not to stress. Stress=test anxiety=making stupid mistakes=unhappy score. What even makes me stress out more is that the tests have so much on them that one hour is not enough time to finish it! I like finishing my tests, not because of the greater chance of actually getting more points, but because I can't walk away from something that isn't finished.

However, I'm going to try to keep calm, try not to let this anxiety take over, and not worry about the time limit. Jenni, I hope what happened to you with the "eternal present moment" will happen to me. That would really help me maintain the calm I need to focus and do my best. I understand the stuff, it's just that I start second-guessing myself and doing stupid mistakes.

Why am I even so nervous? I have not been this nervous for all the other tests! What's wrong with me?! What's so different about this one than all the others? If anything, IT SIMPLIFIES ALL THAT I'VE PREVIOUSLY LEARNED!!!

Man, I've never realized how bad I get test anxiety!!! Help!!

*grabs paper bag and starts breathing into it*

Is it Thanksgiving yet?

New Changes and Additions

So, I got sick of staring at a list where the only exciting critter on it was the Elvish Pirate Gypsy Minion Fiend turned snow goon, so I decided to do a different list.

Dates of Fun Things!

Because I just love knowing when things are happening, so I decided to do this. If you have any realease dates of books, or other good movies, or fun events that'll happen, please email them to me or leave a Jeka Bird. I have them in order of the current month (Like November, december, and January of 2008). So, feel free to tell me of fun things that are coming out or are going to happen (like concerts, or birthdays, and whatnot).

Enjoy!

The Dark is Rising

Man, after reading that book I'm now seeing crows and ravens all around. But not in flocks, no no, just alone. I'll be walking to class and I'll hear this "caw!" I'll look around and there's a crow, sitting at the top of the tree, building, or car, and it'll be watching me. And it never flies away! It just sits there and watches me walk by!

The Dark is Rising, my friends, time to get out that scripture power!

Halloween in Chemistry

So, my teacher told us that if we all dressed up (except for two people) then he would give us 5% extra points on our next exam. I wanted to dress up as a gypsy, but I didn't get some other stuff I needed in time, so I instead wore my pajamas, Winnie the Pooh sweater, put my hair in pigtails, and carried around Therapy Bear.

I really wished I had gotten around to putting a good costume together. Everyone who showed up today in chemsitry was dressed up. We had two missionaries, Cookie Monster, Donald Duck, a hippie, a mad Surgeon, and one of the students dressed up as my teacher, Ty. It was so funny, becuase he sat on the front counter, saying all the things that Ty says, and playing with the stuff on the counter. It was so funny, and Ty got a kick out of that. Ty dressed up as himself in the 70's complete with a blonde wig. It was great fun! And then, just because I have to mention it (I apologize because it is crude) a guy walked in wearing a box that said "Mammogram" and "Place here" under two circles. As crude and unnecessary as that was, it was worth a chuckle. We also got candy. It was great fun.

I likes Halloween! Happy Halloween!!

Pic of the Week

It'll probably now become pick of the month, becuase not only do I never visit my own blog but my computer freezes up when it's changing the picture. So, all of you who are bored with a sleeping kitty, tough. She's going to be there until I get around to change the picture.

So. . . er, that's about all I wanted to say. . . .Now I'm just rambling to ramble because rambling's so much fun. . . .

Book update because I can do it:
Finished The Dark is Rising, and am now reading Greenwitch (very interesting)
Finished Evolution and Mormonism, but I still have to finish outlining the chapters. Still, hooray! I would have enjoyed it much more if I didn't have to do stupid outlines. Still, it was an interesting read. . .I'll have to reread it when I have time, and just for fun.

Now, I have to start reading a collection of short stories for my final assignment in English. :P As interesting as it may be, I just want to read whatever I want to read.

*sniff* I just want to write my story!

Back to the Happy Past

Yesterday, being our Harvest Break recess, Mandi and I went to the elementary school to help Mom out with the book fair. Not only did we have fun in the book fair, but we bought the school cafeteria food and ate it with Stephanie and some of her other classmates. Then Nate and his friends came and sat down with us. We then went out to recess where we played on the jungle gym and teased Nate. Oh, we also played hopscotch. It was so much fun! I miss recess. And, the food was really good. Mandi and I concluded that the school takes care of you when you're cute and little, but once you become annoying and bigger they stop feeding you slop.

All the same, it was a lovely way to spend a break. And, I got a book too! The Lightening Theif, along with two bookmarks. One has this demonic worm on it that says book maggot, and the other says "Don't Judge a Book by its Movie" Lol. They make me happy. Well, off to do somemore homework that I didn't do over the break (only because I couldn't. It wasn't until last night that I got the assignment! You know, some teachers procrastinate just as bad as us students).

Tally Ho! The Defective Minion

Blah!

I may have ranted on this before, but I can't remember and I need to rant a little more on it now.

So, my lab teacher decided to be like all the other lab teachers and do a quiz on the lab that we are doing that day instead of last week's lab. WELL, before I was doing well, becuase I actually understood what was going on in the lab, and the questions at the end of each lab helped me to further understand why we did what we did in lab. As such, I did good on the quizzes. Now, I got back my last quiz, the one that we took on the lab-to-do-that-day, and I didn't do that great. I got the score (in the B-range) that I usually got on my quizzes in Basic chemistry, and I deserved those because I didn't even understand the material before or after the lab.

This is frustrating to me, becuase if the quizzes are set up as they currently are to make sure that each person does their reading, it's very pointless!!! You cannot carry out ANY of the experiments unless you have done the required reading before! It is a must! And I do the reading, but I am not a textbook reader. I do the reading, but I don't necessarily understand all of it. My understanding comes from the teacher explaining it in human terms (the textbooks use something else, whatever that is!) and then me doing the problems, or carrying out the experiment. I mean, if we, as new Organic chemistry students, are going to learn something new, shouldn't the quiz come after? In all of my other classes, quizzes were given AFTER you learned the stuff that the teacher showed/taught you.

I guess I'm just grumpy becuase I'm actually doing well in this class (instead of scraping for an A) and now this stupid set up is going to make it seem like I'm not as good as I really am. That's silly, I know, because I KNOW I'm doing good. I'm understanding everything we do in lab and class, and the points I miss are only because I missed one or two minor details. Does it even make sense to quiz people on something they don't really understand?

Okay, okay. Maybe I'm blowing it out of proportion. After all, that last quiz was set up so that it dealt with what the book says. But still! I'm doing good! I wouldn't be as annoyed with this current set-up if the quizzes weren't worth as much as the labs!!! Not to mention, doing the quizzes after showed to me that I understood it, and when we took our first exam I was confident in it. I walked out of there feeling good about it. Because I was able to do the quizzes, I was able to do the test.

Okay, I think I'm done. Thank you for listening.

A Pleasant Surprise

Finally, after thinking about it for weeks, I went to the library to write more of my story. As I was writing, flipping back and forth in my notebook to make sure I wasn't forgetting any minor details (a really sad thing for me to do because I haven't been writing), I got to a page that had a little note written in the margin:

"Look how far you are now!--Love, Debbie."

So, thanks, Debbie! That made me really happy. And so you know, I got three more pages written, but a whole lot of other things figured out, and a couple notes of parts I need to fix when I get around to typing it. Thanks a bunch!

And, yep, the library is a good place to write. I'm really going to try to do it more often.
Content and happy, Jekka G. Senoj

Mmmmm, food. . . .

Last night, I had the best dinner by far in little Cedar City.

The Meal:
Mandi's Pork Chops
Biscuits
Corn
Mashed Potatoes
Mandi's gravy

And to top it off, pie. Not just any pie, but apricot and cherry pie made by the house's host Junior. And then the night was wrapped up with some accordian songs that he played for us. It was great fun, and great food.

I think I'm going to go have some more leftover pie. I love pie. Pie is good. Pie is tasty. Pie is healthy. Pie makes me happy (but not as much as water!).

Off to munch, Jekka.

A truly good Friday

So, in organic chemistry, I'm paying attention to the lecture when I realize that I'm starting to get confused because he is showing us the same thing over and over again, and I'm wondering if there's something important that I'm missing. So, I'm paying even more attention to the lecture, when I begin to wonder if the reason it sounds the same to me, that all the reaction models he throws up on the board are the same, is because I actually understand the concepts.

Well, he throws up a particularly hairy-looking reaction and proceeds to show us how it happens. Without telling us a thing, he starts banging around in the fume hood in the lecture room, knocking over things, picking things up, and then balancing a box precariously on his hand (a big box). He sets the items on the desk, and then shows us that "size matters in a reaction". He holds up each of the objects to flourine, chlorine, and bromine, the objects getting bigger as the atom gets bigger, until he holds the box right up to the atom we're talking about (mercury, which I might add is very electron poor) and exclaims that it is a honkin' big atom. He then takes the box over to his two "carbons" that represents our reactant, and smashes the box down on top of the carbons and asks, "How is the water molecule (demonstrated by a weirdly folded tissue he named Casper) supposed to get in to donate electrons?" And I said to myself, "Self, the only way that water is going to get in is through the bottom." Which is what he pointed out.

I know none of this may make much sense, but I had to write it down somewhere. That demonstration of size with a 22.4 L wooden box answered a question I had on why some compounds form triangles (called epoxides). It was a big "Ah ha!" moment for me. On top of that, I talked to my friend as we were walking out of class, and she agreed that all the reactions he puts up are the same to her. She said that she just goes with what he keeps telling us, over and over, "Look for the electron-rich and electron-poor sites, and push your electrons" and that's what she does. It made me feel better becuase that meant that I was understanding what he was showing us. (Remember: Structure confers reactivity)

So, it's been a good Friday. I know now that I understand what's going on (forget Markonikov, that's so confusing), I understand how to push my electrons to predict a reaction--I just need to practice so that I'll be more than ready for the test--and I know that size does matter. Two crumpled up pieces of paper are going to get squished by a big box.

That's all folks! Well. . .for now. . . .

Weekends aren't just long enough

I wish there was a third day to go along with Sunday and Saturday. I went home this past weekend for Stephanie's baptism, and it was so crazy and hectic that I didn't get around to calling up Mastah and Fiend. Saturday was taken up with celebrations, and losing at chess to Nathan, and watching Mike and Chris run around in blankets "eating" all the kids; and then sunday rolled along with church, dinner, and then that stinking long drive home. That weekend just wasn't long enough!

That extra day should be called Nemsday, meaning the day of laziness. . . .

On a plus, I read a ton of Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper (first book of The Dark is Rising Series). 'Tis a good book. I like it lots and I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Quick post before bedtime!

So, Me, Mandi, Chris, and my other roommate Kayleigh just got back from seeing Bourne Ultimatum. All I can say is:

WOW!!!!

Man, other than Lord of the Rings, that trilogy is the best trilogy I've ever seen!!!! Holy Cow!!! It's so cool! Action, suspense, and the constant question of "How is Bourne gonna get out of this one now?"

Man, if ever I'm in need of a good spy movie those are the ones to watch! It's so cool!

Not to mention, I want the soundtrack. That was an amazing soundtrack. And they played the same end theme for this one as the second one, and maybe the first movie but I don't remember. It looks like I'll have to have a Bourne marathon along with Lord of the Rings! ;D

Well, I'm off to bed. A big day ahead of me y'know, learning about the gospel and hunting down people to say prayers and give a thought and play the music at ward prayer.
G'night!

Flowy and Shiny

Today was the inauguration of SUU's new President, Micheal T. Benson, and I went to the 2-hour ceremony out of pure curiosity. Of the two hours that I sat and wrote (yes, I did get a page and a half written, I was very happy), I realized something:

I would dearly like to be a college teacher just so I could wear the robes.

Man, they were so cool! They were big and flowy, and came in either black, blue, or red. And in the black and blue, they had those weird scarfy thingies that hung down the back instead of the front. You know, it looks like the teachers are being strangled by their own uniform (now wouldn't that be nice?). Not to mention the cool, Renassaince-looking hats with tassles dangling in their faces. There was one teacher who looked like he could fit perfectly into Shakespear's time!

Anywho, my point is that I would dearly like to have a cool graduation or ceremony robe or something like those! They're so big and billowy and in such bright colors!

Not to mention the tassels. What fun!

Of course, I can have something kind of like the robes. . .it's not really shiney, but it is big and billowy. . .and it's tan. . .and it looks like a short cape. . . .and it even has a hood, though that kind of clothing normally does not. . . .

National Talk Like a Pirate Day

Arrgh!! Get up, ye scallywags, and start yer jabbering! Today do be National Talk Like a Pirate Day! Join me and my crew as we sing our anthem!

*takes up sword and begins conducting ragtag crew and dog*

We pillage, we plunder, we rifle and loot.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!
We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.

We extort, we pilfer, we filch and sack.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!
Maraud and embezzle and even hijack.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.

We kindle and char, inflame and ignite.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!
We burn up the city, we're really a fright.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.

We're rascals, scoundrels, villans and knaves.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!
We're devils and black sheep, really bad eggs!
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.

We're beggars and blighters and ne'er-do-well cads.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!
Aye! But we're loved by our mommies and dads!
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.

That was horrible, my fellow pirate's! Now, don't ferget to strike fear into the hearts of those around ye! Go find that buried treasure with yer first mate, and don't ferget yer pistol an' map! Pillage a village and wash yer mouth with some rum! Don't ferget the rum!

Stomping up the dock with parrot in tow, Jekka Pegleg.

Long time no post

So I realized that anyone who doesn't believe that America, let alone the world, is becoming more and more corrupted should just walk into their local video rental store. Man, there's so many horrible movies, that I close my eyes sometimes when I return movies just so I don't look at them. This isn't something I've realized just recently, I've noticed during the three years I've worked at Hollywood Video how bad things are getting. Some of the movies that sit on those shelves make me wonder how they even were made into a DVD to be sold! I mean, over half of the movies in that store are ones that definitly went straight to DVD, but they should have never been made! Normally, I get irked when people misplace movies, or turn the scary-looking ones upside down, but there's a new movie called Pervert (yeah, a movie that should have NEVER BEEN MADE!!!) and whenever I look at it, I put movies in front of it. It's so offensive! That, so to speak, is the straw that broke the camel's back. From now on, I'm just going to stay in the kid's section, where the movies are happy and clean. If people get annoyed with me then that's their problem. I may be in this world, but I sure will not be of it!

Classes going on, same as usual. Last thursday, I had my first O-chem lab. Let me tell you, I was getting high off those fumes we were combining. Whooee (however that would be spelled), I was starting to feel out of it, dizzy, and my fingers started tingling. It was quite the adventure. If every single lab is like that, I think I'm going to be even more loopy than normal. You know, killing off brain cells that aren't there. Mandi squelched my brain out of my head at the start of school, so at least that's safe. I'll just have to get it back from her before she loses it. You have to keep a close eye on my brain because it likes to wander off. I know, Fiend, it's too little to be out on its own but it's a determined little thing, and likes to wander.

Which, come to realize, I'm in an interesting state. Here's why:
Mastah has my soul
The Elvish Pirate Gypsy Minion Fiend has my mind
Mandi has my brain, and when it's in my possession it's wandering about aimlessly

Life is tough, but that's why we have chocolate chip cookies!!!!

Update

Nothing.
Nada.
Zip.
Post closed. ;)
Hibernating.

Oh, so I was walking down the street and I saw a CAR and it was BLACK with WHITE all over it, so it wasn't really BLACK but WHITE but it looked BLACK!!

Yeah, seriously, nothing to say. . .or do.

Hummingbird Rescued By Dad

Just today, at 4:00 pm, a hummingbird was trapped in the Jones' garage. The poor little birdy could not penetrate the glass window that separated it from the safe, open skies. Luckily for the innocent little hummer, Nathan Jones, age 10, had noticed its predicament when entering the garage after a long, but enjoyable day at school, and raced into his father's office. After telling his father, Richard Jones, age 24, about the bird, Richard Jones took it upon himself, as a citizen of Elk Ridge and Protector of all unfortunate animals, to rescue the bird from the dark and plaster walls of the garage. Unfortunately, humans cannot speak the lyrical language of Birds, and so Richard Jones had to offer the hummingbird his finger, and wait until the tiny bird perched upon it. However, the bird, already frightened of the dark garage and scary machines that we humans use for transportation, repeatedly flew off of his finger and back to the window. It took many tries, each time Richard Jones walked farther and farther from the window, until the bird stayed on his finger until he was standing right outside the garage. Then, seeing the open skies above and the next door neighbors' trees beyond, the bird took off with a hum of its petite wings and flew to the top of the nearest tree, happy to be free once again.

The citizens of the Hummingbird Community and Elk Ridge, and, most of all, the nature-loving Jekka Goat Senoj wish to express their upmost gratitude to Richard Jones, and hereby award him this Medallion of Good Deeds:
Thank you, Richard Jones, for saving the Hummingbird's life. May all your chocolate stashes be filled with peppermint patties!

Signing off, Jekka Goat Senoj

Compassionate Cedar City Citizen

Yes, I like alliteration, haven't you noticed yet? Anywho, I just needed to say that the people here in Cedar City are very nice and so helpful. Here's the story:

I had bought a book with all my other books (it only cost $40), only to discover today that I would not need it at all. You see, it was a required text for my lecture class, but that was because the professor also taught a lab and I guess you needed the book for his labs. I don't have him for lab, I have a different teacher, who uses a different book. I guess I could have noticed this last week, but I didn't have a lab then because the lab was getting inspected (it is a tiny lab and all of us students are crammed in there with all these big monitors staring at us). So, I didn't realize until today that I had bought a book I didn't need at all. I figured it was past the day to get refunds on books you don't need, but I decided to go and try anyway.

I went up to the counter and asked the lady if it was too late to refund books. She asked if I had a drop slip for dropping a class, and I said I didn't, I just found out that I didn't need this book after all. She said she was sorry, that she couldn't do that, and I said that was alright (it was only $40). She then asked me why I didn't need it and I explained about the lecture and lab teacher situation, and that I didn't find out until today, when I had lab. I said it was all good and got ready to leave when she said, "Wait, I'll do it anyways." It was a pleasant surprise and so I gave her my reciept and debit and she did her magical typing and swiping so that the money was put back onto my card. I was so grateful that she did that, and she said, just before I walked away, "I guess today was really the last day to do that sort of thing!" She was so nice and understanding! It's only forty dollars, but it was nice that she did that. The alternative was to let it sit in my closet, gathering dust, until I sold it back for half price. I was okay with doing that, but getting back all the money was nicer. She was so nice. All those people are nice.

And I have chocolate Nutella on my arm, I best lick it off.
Licking off happily, Booke De'Vourer

Kitty!

I miss my black, furry, mischevious, devious pussy cat. I miss taking naps at noon, chasing each other in the morning, or hearing her little bell tinkle outside my door, drawing me out of my bed so that I can let her come into my room.
I miss tearing around the house until she is cornered and then scooping her up in my arms and seeing that "Yes, you caught me. Good job. Now put me down so you can catch me again" look. I miss sneaking up behind her and trying to scare her, and then laughing till I burst when she jumps two feet into the air. I miss watching her hunt for flies, and hearing the strange chirping she makes as she's creeping up to them. . .as if she's calling them to her, soothing them, or casting a kitty spell to make that buzzing insect stay on the lower window pane so she can get it. Not to mention trying to protect my cup of milk or water from her, which did not always work as can be seen below.*sigh* I can't wait to see her again . . . .

Special thanks to Manda Panda for the adorable pictures!

About nothing

Here's a nothing post just because I feel like doing one. Thanks Mastah and Fiend for your comforting words, they made me feel better, and I wish you luck for when you start.

So, about nothing. It's such a very common word used when a person is being modest, I've realized. I went into work and asked one of my work buddies (who I haven't seen all summer) if she had a good vacation.

"It was nice. I just worked all the time," she answered.
To which I replied, "What did you do?"
"Oh nothing."

Well, I poked and prodded and discovered that she had gone to over seven concerts during the summer! That is not nothing! That is something! But she was being modest. After all, I had told her that I went to Rush and Dream Theater, just to see what would happen and that was when she told me. So, if someone says "nothing" then that means something. You just probably have to take down your own modesty curtain before they'll take down yours, which is hard. I like listening to people talk, and I always feel like I'm bragging or something when I open my mouth. I think that's becuase of last year. . . one of my roommates was the "Me monster" (see Brian Regen's me monster skit on youtube), and that was the one time when I said to myself, "Self, I don't ever want to bore people by talking about my insignificant problems or that my marching band experience was the hardest experience in the history of marching band." Sheesh! I almost wish she had nothing to say! Okay, that was rude. . .heh heh.

Other than that, I like sitting around and doing nothing. Although, nothing also constitutes as daydreaming, brainstorming, counting bricks, going for walks, and I suppose reading. Though I could never really classify that as nothing. I always go places when I read . . . .

*picks up book*

Complaint Department

Here I go, feel free to stop reading anytime:

So, it is (or soon will be) common knowledge that I am absolutely scared of Organic Chemistry, but I am determined to do my best and not fail. This basically means that I'll be reading the textbook, which I have found from last year in chemistry that I just get confused with all the sp orbitals, valence bonds, H-C-Q structures and hybridizations, and 758375 Kj/mol. My teacher, however, seems really down to earth, and as he was talking to us I just kept thinking, "Man, if he could do it, I can do it too." I just need to work harder and actually do what he advises. Which is:

Step 1: read the textbook like it's a novel. Just read it and try not to study it.
Step 2: pay attention in lectures and ask the "why?" question
Step 3: could also be considered part of step 2, but basically re-read the book and work on the problems, and study and try to understand the parts that are confusing
Step 4: after doing the problems (and not just doing them but thinking them through) then check yourself in the student manual that you coughed up $100 just to help you with this sort of thing
Step 5: any problems go see the professor for help

I think I'll add- Step 6: If your insanity is threatened, take a nap, read a book, surf on the web, or write.

I know if I work for it I can do it, but it still doesn't change the fact that I'm nervous.

Evolution doesn't seem so bad, except I'm not sure I'll need the textbook, and if I don't then I'll try to get by without buying it. The teacher said "I test on the things covered in the powerpoint but there are some things in the book you should know."

So is that buy the book or not? I probably will, but I'll wait until he pops a chapter assignment or something on us and I'll need it then, or when I have more money. I'm still trying to get over the cost of books! And I didn't buy my criminal justice book becuase I wasn't sure if I'll need it or not, but now I know I do. I returned my evolution book, and tomorrow I'll get my criminal justice book, and then keep an eye out on the internet for a cheap evolution book. the thing is that if I buy it online, it'll be harder to get rid of it. Also, I need to buy one of three popular science books to read for this class, so I'll have try to find a book (I still need to pick what one to read) around town or online. Though, I'm thinking of getting "Evolution and Mormonism" becuase it may be a book that I'll have no qualms about keeping.

On the plus side, I'm back at Hollywood Video but I'm not going to be working so much (15 hours a week at the most), I won't be closing or opening, and my manager is going to give me a raise. So, thankfully, I'm going to have an income and will have lots of time to focus on my classes and sneak in some writing.

Maybe an adventure will find me . . . .

Thank you for listening to my complaints. I normally don't do this, but getting it out means that I won't bore people's ears off with my constant mention of it.
Beginning to stress, Goaty-floo.

Money suckers

So, I'm back here in good ol' SUU and Mandi and I went to the bookstore to take a look at the books we need to get.
So, I look at my biology book and the used copies are $84, which is normal for those books. I look at my book for criminal justice 1010 and it's also $84, which surprises me a little but, hey, I'll still buy it. I then look at english, and one of my books is just $15 and the other is brand new and $32. I look at the second one and say to myself, "Self, I can get that cheaper off amazon" (which it is. $26 and I can get it on the free shipping special).

Then I decide to go over to where the chemistry books are located and see the damage that those would cost. I was expecting a lot to go towards those, but not as much as the price was. One of my books is brand new and so the used copies are around $150. And instead of having a lab booklet that I fill out, I have to buy a whopping book for lab! Not to mention a study guide for the lecture book, and another booklet. Later, I calculated it all out and if I were to buy them all (including the cheaper one off amazon) it would be almost $600. I definitly need a job, but I was planning on applying for a bunch here in Cedar anyways. Mandi, Chris, and I are going to go off and get a bunch of job applications as we roam around cedar and then have a job application filling party. If worse comes to worse, I can always go back to Hollywood Video, but request no closing shifts. :P I don't know if I want to take the other Organic chemistry class next semester, even though it'd be better for me. I could get it all over and done, but I don't want to go through it. I'm nervous enough about it this semester. *sigh*

It really sucks that college textbooks have to be so expensive, but that's what happens and it's most unfortunate. Not to mention, that when you sell them back to the school, they buy it from you at half the price. I've thought about selling it online, but at the end of the semester it's just so much easier standing in the buyback line and getting rid of them. At least I'll get a bunch of money back . . . . hopefully.

Well, I guess I'll order the thesaurus online, take a deep breath, close my eyes, and then buy the other books. And then hope that I'll get a job other than Hollywood. Until then, I'll just go and write.

Signing off sadly, Jessika

The Goose Girl

I finished The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale. It was wonderful, lovely, touching, happy, and all around amazing. I've never read a book that made me actually want to cry. For those of you who've read it, I think you know what part I'm referring to . . . Falada . . . . And if only I could understand the wind! How cool is that?!

*sigh* I love magic!

And one day as I was writing, I realized that in a story a writer introduces characters up until a certain point and then he/she doesn't introduce anymore, but uses those that already exist to finish the story. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the last major character important to the story who is introduced is Xenophilius Lovegood, and a minor character is Yaxley, one of the death eaters. After that, everything happens with the characters you already love, hate, and fear. If another character is introduced after the unknown certain point (like I tried to do) there isn't enough time to really get to know and develop that character, and they sort of become a person you don't care about. I would have never thought that that could have happened, and was pleasantly surprised by it. Now I know. And a good thing about this realization is that it has given me better ideas for my story, like how to go about killing off a few people. A sad business, but funny how it seems to be needed. . . .that's a morbid thought! Pardon me!

Just another example that writing is NOT words magically appearing in the notebook or on the computer screen.

Power of Three

I just finished reading this newer book by Diana Wynne Jones, and it is amazing. It's the first book I've read by her that did not involve Howl or Chrestomanci and so I was greatly pleased. It is more serious than the other books involving our favorite wizard and enchanter, but just as enjoyable and gripping. What amazed me most of all was that the two peoples who hated and feared each other (Dorig and "Lymen"), and the giants (so to speak, humans) were very similar despite their many outward differences. As you follow the three main characters, Gair, Anya, and Ceri throughout the adventure of trying to bring peace to the Moor and lift a curse, the recurrance of the fact that though customs and looks may be different, but we/they are all the same, made it so enjoyable and thrilling to me. Not to mention the climax of the whole thing, holy cow! It was amazing. Loved it!

Well, felt like sharing that before I go sane again. Nasty thing, saneness. I don't like it. . . .

Wondering what to read now, Acissej Senoj

I didn't do it!

I swear! It wasn't me! I was framed! Okay. . .so maybe I did it. . .but it wasn't by my own choice!!! Mastah made me do it! She said, "Minion, I want you to do THIS!!" she said! I tried to reason with her, but Mastah's recently gone insane and is now an Insane Mastah Genius!! I tried to resist, but her genius will was too insane and diabolical for a little minion like myself! . . . .No, that message wasn't from her. . . .No, I don't know who sent it, they said to burn it as soon as I read it so I did (with much burning and flaming! muahahahahaa!). . . .It had to be from Mastah! I know it was from Mastah! Who else would come up with a devious scheme and inform me with a hand-written message on a piece of parchment with a wax seal bearing the Jolly Roger?! . . . .You baboon! The Dread Pirate Julianna wouldn't have sent that to me! She wouldn't be able to! She's currently sacking villages and ports in the Caribbean sea! . . . .What's this? The Elvish Pirate Gypsy may have slunked into her house, written a message, sealed it with the Dread Pirate's seal, and then sent it to me knowing I would never suspect her? You normal person lacking imagination! The Elvish Pirate Gyspy wouldn't do that! She's currently on the trail of the Bamboozling Harmdinger! . . . .What do you mean she's sitting comfortably at home? She is not! She's in the deepest mountain peak in the highest jungles looking for the harmdinger! . . .You beg to differ do you! I know! She sent me this cursed voodoo doll from a tribal chief she befriended! Besides, her elvish third wouldn't allow such a thing! . . . .what do you mean her elvish third could be distracted, she's one-third elvish!! Elves are not easily distracted! . . . . You and your "I beg to differ"s! I'll show you differs! Take THAT! And THAT!!

*scuffles with invisible opponent for a couple of hours*

Say Uncle! Say Uncle! . . . .Not Aunty, you twit!!

*more fighting. Knocks over a plant*

Oh, now you've done it! That was Mastah's favorite plant!

*punching, kicking, biting, twisting, wrestling, and another two hours later. . . .*

Yeah! That's right! Leave! Leave and go tattle tell to the police! They can't catch me! I'm a nomad and I serve no one but the Insane Mastah Genius!

Where's a cookie. I need a cookie. . . .I like the cookie. . . .

*munches*

Rambling again.

So, it's 10 pm and I'm just bored, so I felt like sharing this lovely picture with my wonderful friends who spy on me. It's called Leap of Faith, painted by the amazing Micheal Whelan (if I spelled his name right. . .which I probably didn't). It is one of my favorites, but especially my favorite of all of his pictures that feature the common theme of a person, dressed in white, stuck or standing in what looks like an old, crumbling building, and have no visible way of getting out of their current predicament; let alone how they even got to where they were in the first place. This picture has always sent chills up my spine (which it is doing right now) each time I look at it: a person, who looks like a young man to me, throwing himself into the space as if hoping that his leap will take him towards the light. Why does he even want to go towards the light? Why does he even leap? The lighting itself is eerie with everything a dark gray to black and only one little part illuminated. It's like life. You can be going along, fine as can be, and then you reach the end of the road--or slab--that your walking on. You can't go back, because going back means dwelling in the past, and those who dwell in the past only destroy themselves. The only way to live is to move foward, but how can you move forward when your road has ended? I feel like that sometimes . . . like I've hit a dead end and nothing in front of me but a infinite drop. Not in the sense of depression or anything like that, but just that I don't know what to do with myself, or my life, but I know I have to keep moving forward. When you keep going forward then everything turns out right. However, sometimes you can't just keep walking, but you have to take that leap of faith, close your eyes and throw yourself into the abyss, try something new, move away from home, or get a new job. Something that puts yourself at risk but not in a self-destructive way like drugs or alcohol. You know . . . that's always a scary thing to do, to close your eyes and jump, but at least I know this: the light will catch you.

Okay, that kinda hurt, so on to a more enjoyable subject that doesn't require attempting to use the other 90% of the brain . . . . Wouldn't it be awesome if we had magic? Not the silly trick cards and coins, or "Watch me saw my beautiful assitant in half and hope I don't really do it" tricks, but REAL magic? Like *coughs* Chrestomanci kind of magic, where you don't need a wand to channel your power, but it is all in your mind and will. The kind where its just waiting for you to push it one way or another. Man, if I had magical powers, I would just enjoy the feel of it rather than actually use it for anything or against anyone. Magic is just so cool.

Dreamily yours, Nomadic Defective Minion Jekka

Snakes and Arrows

I'm a little late on posting but I was sleepy all day yesterday due to RUSH: SNAKES AND ARROWS!!! Oh yeah!

This has been such a wonderful summer! First Pirates: At World's End, then Harry Potter, then Dream Theater, and now Rush. Oh, what joy and excitement! They were spetacular! They were my first concert, and now my fifth (which, by the way, is my favorite number). Like their Vapor Trails tour, they were amazing with awesome light effects, laser effects, and pyrotechnics on the stage. They let off fireworks when they played Far Cry from the newest album, and that was cool. Then, they played another song called One Little Victory which has bursts of flames leaping up off the stage as they play; concluding the whole song with all of the flame contraptions going off at once. My family and I were sitting quite a ways from the stage, but we felt the heat from the flames, it was awesome!!!

During the second half of the show, Geddy Lee (vocals, base guitar, and synthesizer) and Alex Lifeson (back-up vocals and guitars) left the stage so that Neil Pert could do his traditional drum solo. Mandi, I wish you could have been there to see him. He was amazing. He played for what easily could have been twenty minutes (not entirely sure, but it wasn't ten minutes) on his drums. It was really awesome! Then Alex came back on stage and played a solo on the acoustic guitar, which was also spetacular, and then Geddy came back out and they did their next song. *sigh* I love this band!

I got my shirt! yay!

Happily signing off: A pleased fan

Just a poem

I wrote this poem, intending to stick it in my story to replace a different one, and I just want some opinions on it. It's basically the rough draft, and I've never been good at writing poems so any bit of advice helps:

"I wish," said the wind, blowing strong
"That I were like the tree
And stood unmoving for all time."

"I wish," said the tree, standing tall
"That I were like the wind
And beheld the wonders of the world."

"I wish," said the river, flowing deep
"That I were like the mountain
So tall and proud, strong and wild."

"I wish," said the mountain, rearing high
"That I were like the river
So graceful and calm, wise and patient."

"I wish," said the desert, sitting bare
"That I were like the ocean
Filled with life and always wet."

"I wish," said the ocean, crashing loud
"That I were like the desert
Filled with secrets and always dry."

"I wish," said the world, revolving slow
"That all things would be grateful to God
Who made them with purpose, and gave them life."

Ponderously yours, Goat

Systematic Chaos: Chaos in Motion

After four long and patient years, I finally got to see Dream Theater in concert! It was yesterday, July 30, 2007 at the E Center in Salt Lake. I'm so happy! The last time I saw them was when I went to Denver, Co in March of 2003 (I think. I know it was in March). What bliss! What happiness! Dream Theater!! And it was so cool! Two bands went before them but thanks to a rather unlucky mishap--in which I got a flat tire on the freeway, don't worry everything's okay now--we caught only the last two songs of the first band, Into Eternity. I'm not bummed about that, they rather sucked. That band was one of those hard metal bands, with all guitarists and no keyboardist and a lead singer who screams what sounds like troll-speech into the mike. I was rather glad when they said "Good-bye"

Then Redemption came on. They would have sounded better if they had more mikes around the drum set and the technicians actually did their job in making them sound good. I was rather bummed, becuase they're a good band and I like their songs. My one disappointment in the band was that they did not play Sapphire, which not only is the song they are known by but that's their best song. I really wished they had played that.

Then, Dream Theater came on. . . .Oh the bliss! The happiness! The joy! The sore throat I have now from screaming myself hoarse! I was so happy! They played Endless Sacrifice, Dark Eternal Night, The Spirit Carries On, Pull Me Under, Take Me as I am, and a medly at the end of Trial by Tears, One Last Time, In the Name of God, and Octavarium. It was wonderful! It had been such a long time, and the crowd went crazy, but not as crazy as Dave, my adopted brother. He was going all out to make himself seen by the band members and his hard work paid off! At the very end, Mike Portnoy (the drummer) pointed right at Dave and gave him the thumbs up, and then did it agian to him when they were bowing. Yeah, it was amazing. I loved it. I can't wait until they come back, and I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL RUSH!!! NEXT WEEK!!!

Did I get a shirt? Of course! I wouldn't leave a concert without one, especially Dream Theater!! *sigh* I love rock concerts. This was Rock Concert No. 4. My first concert was Rush: Vapor Trails, then Dream Theater: Train of Thought, and then Kamelot: One Cold Winter Night. All were wonderful and amazing, and I can't wait to go to more of theirs.

Blissfully signing off: A fan

Feeling accomplished

I finally did what I had been meaning to do since summer started: hang up the two pictures I had been wanting to hang, but never went in search of a hammer and nails. Well, they're finally up and I'm happy. One is the lovely depiction of the Castlehouse drawn by Jenni Ethenielle Edgar Conder, and the other is a picture of an indian woman and a wolf that Stephanie picked out for me the last time she was in Moab. They make me happy.

Oh, and for good measure, I had a crazy dream last night in which I was trying to hike Orderville Gulch (a hike I was supposed to do last week but Mother Nature changed those plans with a raging wildfire on the trail) but Voldemort was chasing me and all his death eaters. I managed to get away but I was still in big trouble and so I began to call for Chrestomanci. I knew he was going to come but he was taking a long time, and a voilent storm was blowing all around, threatening to tear apart the child's tiny playhouse (the kind you would find in a day care center). Unfortunately, if Chrestomanci came and saved me from the Death Eater's or not I never found out because I woke up. That always happens to me, I wake up at the exciting moments and so I never find out what happens. Come to think of it, I've never had a dream that finished. . . .

Lazily signing off: Goaty-Floo

Concerning Harry Potter Book 7: Finished

I won't say much becuase I don't want to be throttled in my sleep by whoever happens to read this, but I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows no more than an hour ago.

Yes, I loved it.
Yes, it is my favorite book.

And boy do I want to write my story more than ever! I mean, I don't want to try to do anything like try to imitate Rowling's writing style (that's a sure way to spoil a book, imitating an author when it should be your own), but the mood and feel of The Deathly Hallows was similar to my story, specifically the spot that I'm writing at the moment. It was very strange. Just the desperation and hopelessness as Harry *nervously glances around* tries to avoid capture, reminded me a lot of Landon running around Nircana with the seal. There was another point, towards the end where I was really reminded of my book, but I won't elaborate. If you're dying to know, just leave a jeka-bird and I'll explain what part.

All in all, I was deeply amazed by the book. It was awesome! I could almost pick it up again and start all over from the very beginning, but I have learned that re-reading a book right after I just finished it has never worked for me. So, maybe in a week or two or three I'll read it again. As for now, I'll wander around the house for a while, staring vacantly into space and pondering over the stuff I just read, before pulling out my story and attempt to write more.

Signing off in delight, Jekkasa

New Arrivals!

Tomorrow! Mandi and Joey! They come! We will take them hiking! Down the Subway! And Ordeville Gulch! And then party all week long! And eat cookies! And! And! *squeals with excitement*

Concerning Harry Potter

I have to agree with the Elvish Pirate Gyspy Minion Fiend, this is my favorite movie of the books yet. It is very well done, and not only is the storyline well done but the music is AWESOME!!! I don't care for the music in the first four movies, it just seemed so. . .happy, in a way. I've found I really like the music as heard in Pirates, Lord of the Rings, and Chronicles of Narnia, and the soundtrack to this falls into that category. It's awesome. Another point of the movie, though Umbridge does not look like a toad, she makes up for it with her cringing pink wardrobe, girly voice, and evil personality! That actress did a great job!

Luna was my favorite. I love her in the book, and she was stupendous in the movie. Bellatrix Lestrange was wicked awesome! As the Dread Pirate Julianna pointed out, she had an awesome cackle that would put any mad witchy cackle attempt to shame.

I apologize for going off like this, I will not spoil or reveal anymore about this movie. . . .

Signing off in a happily wicked way, Jekka Jones

It has been returned!

At last! My quill! It has been brought back to me!!

Thank you, Elvish Pirate Gyspy Minion Fiend! Thank you!

Leprosy and other things

Well, the Tomato Curse is wearing off. Alas, it is not leaving without a fight. My nose has been peeling like mad, and my arms are starting to also. It looks like leprosy. I'm a leper! Yee hee! Leper-con!

On a brighter note, I'm almost done with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I'm still trying to understand how Harry could be so dim-witted to know that Snape could not acknowledge his warning of "He's got Padfoot!" with the toad lady there. Oh well, he's talking to Grawp right now with a group of lovely centaurs. I should continue reading. . . .

I went with Mastah to Borders to meet Shannon Hale and have her sign my copy of Princess Academy. She is a really enjoyable speaker. She was cracking jokes right and left--mostly about how much she loved Collin Firth from that 6-hr Pride and Prejudice. I was rather lost when she and all the audience began drooling over this "Mr. Darcy" but I entertained myself by examining a spanish-translated copy of Wicked. Also, Mastah never ceases to amaze me, becuase Shannon knows her name! We walk up to the table to get our books signed and she says, "Hi, Debbie!" I was stunned and in total awe. I didn't know who to worship, Mastah or Shannon, but I had to settle with Mastah because I am her minion and she would not have been very much pleased. Still, meeting Shannon Hale, an author, was like meeting. . .I dunno. . .a celebrity or something. . .which she was. She talked about writing too, and so I've resolved to take a leaf out of her book and try to write a certain amount of words per day. That way, as she pointed out, the story is always on your mind instead of just every so often, and setting time limits don't help becuase you can just sit there and twiddle your thumbs. It was wonderful advice and just what I needed to know. So, as a huge plus, Debbie dropped me off at home and I grabbed my story and wrote a page and a half! I was most happy.

Other than that, I have nothing else to post. Yeah, I know, for such an interesting and terrifying title, there's really nothing else to say. Other than: heads up! I'm peeling and flaking like a tree in the autumn! Really, I have nothing much else to say. . . .

Batman rocks!

Slip of the Tongue

It is very common for me to mix up my words. Instead of saying, "Nathan's wearing a pink sweater" it'll come out as, "Nathan's wearing a swink peater." Very common. A simple slip. Everyone does it at one time or another.

Well, tonight was a huge exception for me. I mean HUGE! And I have to say that it is becuase I read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for two hours straight (not as long as I wanted but I was at the eye doctor's office with mom and steph for that long).

You can see where this is going, can't you?

Well, my mother, father, pipsqueak brother Nathan, and I were sitting on the couch watching the news when Nathan picked up a DVD case. "The Rock?" he said. "What is this? It sounds stupid." (You see, Mom and I were in the mood to watch it and so she pulled it out so we could. Don't worry, it's edited).

"Nathan," I said. "It's actually a really good movie. It's about two people who are trying to break into Azkaban to rescue some hostages."

Do you see my slip of the tongue? In my defense, I knew exactly what I was talking about (Alcatraz) and anyone could do that. There are a lot of common characteristics of the two high security prisons:

Alcatraz:

• Secluded rocky island in the San Fransisco Bay
• Surrounded by freezing waters
• High security
• Believed to be inescapable
  
• Three successful escapes (Correct me if I'm wrong about this. I've never toured Alcatraz, but I watched the movie with Clint Eastwood Escape from Alcatraz)
• Bars in every room

Azkaban:

• Secluded rocky island in the North Sea
• Surrounded by freezing and dangerous waters
• High security (who needs cameras when you have dementors?)
• Believed inescapable for the wizarding community
  
• One successful escape (the mass breakout after You-Know-Who's return does not count)
• Bars in every room

So you see? I knew what I was talking about! My mom and dad got a big kick out of it, and I know I must've turned as red as the pillows that are now comfortably propping up my elbows. I just am amazed at how easily it slipped out. I swear I was thinking about Alcatraz and how interested Nathan would be becuase he watched Escape from Alcatraz and liked it. I guess my tongue and brain weren't working together . . . sometimes I think my tongue has its own brain . . . it wouldn't surprise me . . . .

Still, Azkaban and Alcatraz are very similar. The only difference being that Alcatraz is guarded by people, whereas Azkaban (as far as page 451 in Book 5 is concerned) is guarded by nasty dementors; which explains the one escape compared to three, still pretty impressive numbers.

Anyone could have made the slip of the tongue, especially after two and a half hours of anxious reading. Man, I love these books!

Signing off to read, the most notorious and confused Jekka

The Tomato Curse

I have been cursed. It is most unfortunate and came about very unexpectedly.

It all began with weeding.

Our garden was quite overgrown with weeds. you know the usual: spikey ones, smooth ones, viney ones, and clumpy ones. Well, my mother, father, and I were attempting to free our tomato plants in the dark of the night when I spotted a small tomato, still green, in the dirt. I did not want to leave it there and allow it even the slightest chance to grow into one of those vile fruits. I did the most satisfactory thing I had ever done. . . .

I threw it into the weed bucket.

Yes, it was a very satisfying thing to do, but little did I know, that as soon as that tomato hit the bottom of the bucket, it unleashed its curse on me. He got help from our dear old Sun who helps all things grow. . .and burn. For the next day, I had gone with Chrissany, her sister and dad to tackle Timpanogas Mountain. In my haste to get out of the door so that we would not be hiking in the heat of the day, I forgot a very vital and important accomodation: sunscreen.

Yes, I forgot to put on sunscreen and the tomato's curse struck me then as we were coming down from the summit. The Sun toasted my arms and face and neck to the point where it hurt to be in the sunlight. It was at this point that I remembered that Tiffany's dad had some sunscreen and I put it on before I could get anymore burned. Still, my arms were a nice ruby red and I knew my face was as well. Luckily, we quickly got into some trees, and for the remainder of the hike we were in the shade so I did not get anymore burned. but still. . .I am cursed.

I have become the very food I hate.

And now, I must stay inside and drink lots of water, while draping cold wet cloths on my arms and face to cool my arms, and smothering my appendages and head with aloe vera. Hooray.

On a brighter note: We saw two mountain goats, some elk, and a moose. Not to mention a ton of bugs and butterflies, especially at the summit of 11, 74 something feet. Also there were a lot of big purple flowers growing above the timberline. I was so amazed that flowers could survive so well in such a habitat as that. it's nothing but loose rocks with spots of dirt! Nature is truly astounding.

Signing off sorely: Jekka the Goat Senoj

Concerning Belldandy Mandi

Mandi. . .I don't know what Joey had planned. . . .but I'll tell you this. . .tee hee.

I just got home last night from an exciting week in california, and as we were driving through Spanish Fork, Dad noted that the flag was at half mast. He asked me why it was at half mast and I said that it marked your and Joey's one year anniversary of dating.

Please don't hurt me! I was kidding!!

*hides*

Ramblings. . ..

Finally! I'm home! To stay. . . and read. . .and think about writing. . .and think about life. . .and stare at the phone wanting to call friends but I don't feel like talking into an electronic device. . .even though it makes life easier. . .instead. . .I answer email. . .and think. . .very hard. . . until. . . .KABOOOMMM!!!!!

Funny Quotes

Yesterday, my family and I ate dinner at a Pizza restaurant when we got into Palo Alto, CA (about an hour from San Fran), and it had some funny quotes around the wall. Here's a few that really made me laugh:

"Lottery: a tax on people who do not understand probabilities."

"If at first you DO succeed, try not to look astonished."
--this was really funny because Mandi's always saying, "If at first you don't succeed, erase all evidence that you tried." And then there's the classic, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." And then Chris', "If at first you don't succeed, then sky-diving's not for you!"--

"After eating, do amphibians have to wait an hour before getting out of the water?"

And then, one that is in my Grandpa's house:
"One of the advatages of being disorderly is that you are always making exciting discoveries."

New Additions

I added another list that I think will be most enjoyable. Please, if you can think of anymore aminals that are alien-looking, then post/put/type/leave/whatever a comment. Also, if there's a word you like to use, tell me and I'll add it to the ever-expanding list!

Sincerely, Jekka the Goat Senoj

Whirly Twirly Planets

I paid a visit (and very nerve-wrecking drive) to the clark Planetarium in SLC. It's cool, but not as cool as the Hansen Planetarium in the good ol' days. We saw a movie, Deep Sea. . .in 3D!!!! It was sweet, but I would only give it three stars because it lacked dolphins. It had a lovely right whale at the end, but no dolphins. Not to mention it said that the most graceful predator in the ocean is the manta ray. *rolls eyes* Nope. Sorry, that title would go to the dolphins. They're more graceful. Silly "scientists"! If you're going to do a documentary on the ocean, you HAVE to have dolphins!!!

See the picture on the right? Aren't they so cute! *nuzzles picture* My precioussss. . . .my preciousssssessssss. . . .

As for the planets. Tiny to big balls hanging from the ceiling. Pretty cool stuff. . .but then there were the shiney meteors!! *devilish gleam* They were very shiney and looked very heavy and fell from the sky and were very shiney and were all weird and deformed and were very shiney. . . .and were very very VERY shiney!

WANTED

Who: Jenni Ethenielle Edgar Conder (alias Elvish Pirate Gypsy Minion Fiend)

What: Lovely qwick notes quill and inkwell with lovely and very hard-to-obtain, rare ink

Where: Stolen right off of my desk, and then out the window she went and into her flying pirate ship

When: Under a full moon on the midnight of Strudruary 33, 0702

Why: I don't know! She's the criminal mischeif maker, not me!

How: quick and slinky like an elf, but drinking very chocolaty hot cocoa and singing a sea shanty

Reward: Chocolate, cake, and pie of your choosing along with a non-guided tour of Neverland and Questkid.

*wails* Please! Please! PLEASE! Report to me if any of you have found my lovely quill and ink!! My address is none other than wizardseal.blogspot.com. If you'd rather call then I'm afraid your out of luck, she used it to break my window.

Please! Return to me my beloved qwick notes quill!

The World of Tolkien

In answer to a request posted by Beth, I just finished reading the latest Tolkien book (put together by his son), The Children of Hurin.

I'll tell you now, it is very sad and ends tragically (especially the last two pages of the book), and yet I liked it. It just amazed me at how well Tolkien knew his own world of Middle-Earth. This story is just about one family, who through their deeds are remembered well into the Third Age (where LOTR happens), because in the introduction and appendixes there are excerpts from LOTR referring to what happens in The Children of Hurin and the places in it (i.e. Gondolin, Nargothrond, Doriath). It just amazes me at the depth of Middle Earth and its history. I mean, all this stuff that Tolkien thought up spans thousands of years!! It's amazing and I love it!

And now, since reading this book, I am in a big-time Lord of the Rings mood. Perhaps when I come home (bright and early tomorrow morning, by the way) I will have that marathon that I've been meaning to have for two years. The one where I devote one or several days to watching the extended versions and drooling over the beauty of the elven swords and buildings. *sigh* I love the elves. . . .

Hot and Muggy

Nifty title, neh? Well, so, yesterday was good ol' Father's Day. The day to tell my Dad how much I love him, how much he means to me, and reflect on all the Daddy-Daughter dates we went on, all the camping trips, all the jeep and hiking trails we have shared, and just plain the crazy time at home when Chris was stealing our milk and Satan's Cat (Midnight) was climbing the drapes. All those lovely memories and what do I do? I. Forget. To. Call. Him. Yes, on Father's Day and miles from home I forget to call my Dad. Actually, the thought crossed my mind and I said to myself, "Self, I need to call Pops and wish him a Happy Father's Day." But instead I get home, fill my rumbling belly, and play a game with Mandi and my newfound/met sister, Sarah, and then watch a movie. I feel so bad! Last year, when I was here kicking around in Memphis, I remembered and I called him, but I forget this year! I called him today and deeply apologized and told him that I owe him cookies big time, but I still feel so bad! I love my dad! I have so much fun with him, and I can't wait to get home so that I can give him his Father's Day gift. I'd tell you what it is, but he may be watching *nervous glances around* So, yeah, I feel bad, and I hope all will be better when I get home. Some people may think it's just Father's Day, but Father's Day is special! Especially for me, I'm so close to my parents, this day is very special.

Anywho, I suggest checking out the Disenchanted Forest put together by the one and only Jenni Ethenielle Edgar Conder. It's awesome! Her painful construction turned out to be magnificent! I likes it! *standing ovation and round of applause*

Mythology

August 28, 2007 is the release date of. . .yes, THE LATEST OLOGY BOOK BY CANDLEWICK PRESS!!!! (I note that due to all those copy-cat publishers out there) Ooh, I'm so excited!

This truly is a wonderful year! Harry Potter, Leven Thumps, Mistborn, Boneville, and now Mythology! Which reminds me, I still have to get my hands on my own personal copy of Egyptology. . . .

For Fun and out of pure excitement. . .the list of the current ology books:
Egyptology (with a handbook as well)
Dragonology (with a handbook and how-to-tame-a-dragon kit)
Wizardology (I think there's a wand-making kit but I'm not sure. . .)
Pirateology (with a build-a-ship kit)

Yeee! Excitement!

And so I went to Memphis

Hi y'all! here I am, chilling at my friend, Mandi's, house in Memphis, Tennessee. I just got back from a fun week at Girl's camp, trying not to scratch all the bed bug bites I have all over me (that's what you get for not showering while camping in the woods, in humidity, and bug-infested cabins. Lesson learned: take showers even when you normally won't). Right now, I'm gonna go to bed soon and then go to the Hunstman Space Museum with Mandi and her Mom and my Mom. I'm looking forward to it.

As a little update, I finally went to Moab!!! After one and a half years of missing all the trips my family went, we finally went!!! I had such a lovely time and I had a blast! We were only there for two days, but it was refreshing. The first day we did an easy trail called Lathrop Canyon, and Tiffany drove the blue jeep. She did very well *applauds* THen, the second day, we did Elephant Hill, a more difficult trail and the most difficult one in Canyonlands National Park. On that trail, we did a fun hike called the refrigerator. It is called that becuase cracks have formed in-between the rocks over the years, and when you walk through them, it is very cool and refreshing. I didn't want to leave, and it was fun to explore in all the different cracks. It was a fun time.

I'm also twenty now. Twenty! It's really mind-boggling becuase I still feel like I'm fifteen. I'm okay with not driving. I would be much happier without a cell phone. And, yes, I can communicate without having to text people considering my cell phone never travels with me. And serious dating? *snorts* I have a mission to serve and no silly boy is going to stop me! Why serve one mission when I can serve two? One in a year, and another when I'm older? Silly girls. Marriage is not THAT important! (okay, so it is a little, but I'm sure not ready, nor do I want it) I still have stuff to do! Places to see! People to annoy! *happy sigh* I will never grow up! I'm a Toys 'R' Us kid!

An update on Samurai, I wrote more while I've been in Memphis, but I've mostly been reading. I finished Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. Marvelous! I enjoyed every moment of it. And now I'm going to read the book Mandi gave me for my Birthday: The Children of Hurin. It's the newest book by J.R.R. Tolkien that his son edited and then got published. I'm looking forward to reading it. Well, I'm tired and the comfy bed in Mandi's faerie room is calling me. Good night!

Yo Ho Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life for Me!

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End was. . .awesome!! I want to see it again, already, and daydream about being a pirate. Especially the Pirate Queen. How cool is that?! Alas, I must give a moment of silence for our dear Kraken friend. . .may he always find ships in the afterlife to destory *sniff*. You could say that was the one thing I was disappointed about, losing our kraken friend, but I guess the CG animators didn't want to deal with our tentically (however that's spelled) friend. At least. . .Tia Dalma was cool. . . :D

Well, I'm not much of a writer of long-winded events or trying to fill up space with unnecessary chatter, so I will return to Screwtape and Wormwood unless I get the urge to change my course to Tareth, more specifically Laersi. . . .I'm rambling, yes, but that's what I do and that's what this lovely blog is for. . .

Tee hee! I go to Moab in a couple of days! *happy dance*

Oh, even more awesome summer events:
August 21- Mistborn: The Well of Ascension
September 25- Leven Thumps and the Eyes of the Want

Extra Event

Another summer event to add to the list below:

June 29: Boneville Book 6-Old Man's Cave

If you've never heard of the Boneville comic book series, I strongly recommend them. They are good. Fun for kids and adults, and it's one of those books where once you sit down and start reading, you can't put it down unless you finish the last page. And then, you scream in frustration because you want to find out what happens next.

There are 9 books in this series. They have already been written, but scholastic is going through with Jeff Smith (the author) and coloring them. For 10 bucks you get a nice, enjoyable, and colored kids book. That's probably the normal price for colored comics, but who cares! What a deal for a spankin' good book!

There's no place like home. . . .

*kicks off shoes and relaxes in the love sack*
Ahhh. . .school's over. . .no work. . .no homework. . .just me and my story to work on and a good book to read when I feel like it. . .and and Elvish Pirate Gyspy to goof off with, a Mastah Genius to obey, and a Dread Pirate to explore with. Once she feels better of course. . .

List of fun things happening this awesome summer:
May 25--Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End
May 13--Shrek 3
Sometime in June--Ratoutouille. . .Ratotoille. . .the new pixar movie
June 2-18--Trip to Memphis, TN
July 19 (or the next week)--Subway hike
July 13--Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
July 21--Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows
July 30--Dream Theater Concert
August 6--Rush Concert

I saw Spiderman 3 thursday night (midnight showing! Boo-yah!) and it was a good. It wasn't what I expected it to be, but it was good. Venom was awesome! He was my favorite villian in the spiderman series, and the producers did him so good! I was actually scared by him! He was scary! Definitly not to take little kids to, that's for sure!

Almost....

Well, I survived all my classes, and now I have to make it through finals. I forgot how difficult it is to motivate yourself to study when all you want to do is play. It's such beautiful weather in cedar city and I want to go hiking way bad, but I haven't done an ounce of studying, and if I want to do good I need to study. *sigh* I miss the good old days in high school when I didn't have to study very hard and I did good on the tests.

A plus side: I get to go see the midnight showing of Spiderman 3!!! Sorry, Mastah and Fiend, but I need to do something to celebrate the end of finals!!!

Another note, my dear cousin, who we've done everything together and called each other JATH Twins (Joined At The Hip Twins) got married. I'm happy for her and all, but I feel like I'm being left behind. I know I'll get married. Shoot, I admit marriage would be fun, but not right now. That step is the last thing I want to do right now and now my best friend got married! I always thought that we would get married around the same time, but clearly that was wishful thinking. However, I know that a silly thing like marriage won't destroy our friendship, but it has changed it for the time being. I hope that I won't feel this way once I "catch up" further along the trail in life. My first year at college, I thought it was strange that girls my age (18 years) were getting married, but it didn't really affect me. I always figured, "Hey, if you feel that your ready, then go ahead. As for me, I'm not so stay away boys!" But with Cassie getting married, and at 18, it was as if I was getting married. I didn't know what to think! it was so weird! So bizarre! All the more reason to steer clear of boys, especially the searching ones (they're the scariest)! I want to enjoy life right now, I'll have all eternity to goof off with my hubby, whoever that'll be....Now's the time to, heh heh, get into trouble....*devilish grin and runs off*

Whew, I feel much better. Ranting and raving is so relieving . . . no alliteration intended . . . .