Thursdays are my favorite!

I'm really bad at updating my blog.

The end.

This week had a rough start...here begins my rant...if you don't want to hear me complain, go read something else...

 I am injured...I have been for a couple weeks now.  Anyone who's known me for a while might remember that boot I had to wear on my foot for 4 months several years ago...it was for my achilles tendon...and it started hurting again.  It started hurting really bad.

So, in addition to my pain, I had to think through this stuff...this must be something that I'm going to struggle with forever.  This injury is going to haunt me for the rest of my dancing life.

OK, so I am a double major, worst case scenario (being if I couldn't dance) I could drop the dance major and just do arts administration.  NO...not only would I hate not being able to dance; I'd lose my scholarship too.

Anyways...my mind has been going crazy all week thinking of all these things.  Most of my teachers have been really understanding about it, they have let me turn in notes for a grade and what not, just one teacher has been less than encouraging.  She has been counting all the days I had to sit as an absence...even though I've taken notes...I've even sat on the floor and learned he upper body work of the combinations...still not too bad, but the dance department docks a letter grade for every absence over 3.

So basically, I've been working my butt off, doing everything I can for this class...I KNOW the combinations...and yet...I could have just skipped all those classes and taken naps instead and it would have been the same to my grade.

Not to mention the crazy amounts of tests I have had this week!  I probably did a really bad job on the ones I had yesterday...mainly because my mind was occupied by how the heck I'm going to get through the next 4 years if this dang achilles doesn't get any better.

Did I mention that one of my best friends wasn't speaking to me all week?  Yeah...that happened.  I'm not mad, it just would have been a good week to vent all of this to him!

Anyway...on a better note:

Today is Thursday...Thursdays are my favorite.

My achilles is less sore today than usual.

My civilization class for tomorrow was cancelled.

I got a fun package in the mail this week.

I'm coming home 2 weeks from tomorrow for fall break!

good

School is good.  So far most of my classes are going well.  My roommates are great!  I couldn't have chosen better ones myself...love them!

I found a church down here that I like and joined a small group with them.  I think that will be a really good thing. 

Achilles tendon hurts like craps...really not a good situation, actually.  I'm icing it as we speak, but this is definitely the worst it's hurt since I had to start wearing the boot.  Not cool...at all.

Anyways...just an update

The past 36 hours have been a whirlwind, and it has been wonderful!  Kathleen and Gideon are married!!!!!!!!! AHHHH!!!!!!!!  I love those two people so much.  I feel so blessed to have been able to see their relationship start and see it grow and them grow as individuals with it!  Today, or I guess now it's yesterday was their wedding and it was so amazing to be there and see them...it was such a beautiful wedding!  I was so thrilled to see so many of my dearest friends, some of them I haven't seen in over a year!

I think I have laughed more than I have in a long time...my throat hurts, and my abs are sore because I just couldn't contain myself.  My excitement wouldn't all fit inside me so I had to keep laughing the whole time to let some out!  I cried my eyes out at times because I just really miss those people and I love them so much.  There is never a day that goes by that I don't think of several of them.  

Dear 13th Floor team,

I love you guys so much and I miss you all like crazy.  I wish we could have a team week again!  I just cherish you all so much and I am so thankful that the Lord brought each of you into my life 2 years and 2 days ago!

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." --Philippians 1:3-6

I love you guys!

I Love My Best Friend

I went to spend some time with Katie this past weekend...it's always so good to see her!!!  I'm so glad the Lord put her in my life, and kept her there!  

I love you Katie!!!

#24.........check!

I got to cross off something on my "Things To Do Before I Die List."

So, when I was little I had an amazing gymnastics coach.  He really made a huge impact on my life.  I haven't seen him or talked to him since I was 8 years old.  When I had to quit taking class from him (haha...I was kicked out of the studio...long story) I cried for like a year because I just missed him so much.  He encouraged me so much and just really made me feel special...he made me feel like I was talented, when, at that time, not many teachers made me feel that way and for years I have wanted to see him again and just tell him how much he has meant to me in my life.  Actually, it's on my list of things to do before I die.

Anyway, 2 weeks ago I'm at the studio teaching Kimberly's private and I see this very familiar man out the window.  I immediately thought it was him, but because my initial reaction would be to scream repeatedly and tackle him with a huge hug...I decided I should confirm that it was indeed him (it's been 12 years) before following my instinct so as not to scare away any potential student's parents.  I poked my head out the door and confirmed that it was him and then proceeded to react in the manner I already described...and FREAKED OUT!  haha.  I screamed and tackled him and cried and puked all over him so many things that I've wanted to say to him all these years (no literal puke...don't worry).  I went back in to finish my class with Kimberly and was SHAKING the whole time because I was just so excited.  After class I hung out with him and Julie (the studio owner) and Jen (also works at the studio) for a while.

Today he came back in and brought me a card and a Little Willow Tree Angel and we talked for a while again.  I can't tell you how much of a blessing it was to see him again!

In other news...I am very excited about tomorrow...I am hanging out with Amanda and going bridesmaid dress shopping with her, and then I'm going own to Louisville to see Katie!

Journalling

ok... random story time:

Before I left for South Africa the first year Nate and Amy Jones gave me a BEAUTIFUL journal that  decided not to start until I got to South Africa... I did and filled it up in only a couple months...I just found that journal and started looking through it...I think that thing has become one of my most treasured possessions.  So many things happening in my life all at once and I have it all in such a beautiful book...thanks Nate and Amy!!!!

In other news...I GOT A NEW CAR!!! YAY!!!  I'm so excited, I really love it!

Nobody liked the punch...

So, one of my students comes in every day and tells me all about the "parties" she had the night before.  

This little girl is just so sweet.  She is 7, but because of a learning disability, she looks and acts more like 5, maybe 4.  I am sorry to admit that I am not always the most patient person when it comes to children who don't act their age...but with this one, it's different...she's just too sweet.

Anyway...I've gotten to the point where now, I just ask her about her parties because I'm so interested to find out.  The very first time I asked her about her party (without her telling me about it first) was a couple weeks ago...

me:  So, Hanna, how was your party last night?

Hanna: (with no hesitation) it was alright, but no one liked the punch.

me: uh-oh...what did you drink then?

Hanna: we just could drink water and eat scrambled eggs and peppermints

hahah...I loved it!  

Since then, she has told me so many things about the drama involved in these parties...

Last night 3 of the littlest girls at the party laughed very hard and peed their pants, so they had to go home and the party ended early.

I think I love it so much because I just imagine her in her little bedroom sitting with all her dolls and stuffed animals having a party...every night.  She looks forward to that time all day.

This child's imagination is amazing...I would love to spend sometime in her mind to see what she sees...I bet it's beautiful!

What my brain looks like.

I'm sorry...I don't talk to you enough.

I miss you so much.

I'm so excited to see you!

I feel like I love you more than you love you.

Don't let this fall...we've done so well.

I want to spend more time with you.

Is it worth all the work?

Why have you gotten so weird?

You hurt me so much.

I mean seriously, would an e-mail here and there kill you.

I'm so excited to run up and hug you.

I wish you knew how much I pray for you.

I feel like I give and give...I work, not you.

Thank you for loving me.

Why must you always be in control.

I'm not convinced.

You helped me so much.

Am I of any importance to you?

Don't let them change you...you're stronger than that.

I wish you would stop lying to yourself and everyone else.

I can't trust you.

Thank you for helping me to see all the good in life.

If you can't find contentment in EVERY situation...you won't find TRUE contentment in ANY situation

I miss you.

I can't talk to you.

Just pretend I never existed...you never met me.

I can't wait to tell you secrets and talk ab

out everything.

Don't let this ruin your outlook on life...the world.

20 years of being hurt.

I wonder if anyone knows what I'm talking about.

I've just got a lot of stuff going on.

As I let my mind go on and on...I remember that you are great.  I find contentment in you and I trust you.  I find joy because you are here...you are with me.  I am blessed and I am thankful...how could I ask for more than this?

update...

So, I started my new job this past week.  It's good.  The kids are great, the job is fun...I wish I could have a little more hours, but it's ok.

Right now I'm at Katie's.  We hung out all day today and I'm going to Church with her tomorrow.  I love her so much!!!!!!

Yeah...nothing insightful or anything...not that it usually is...just thought I'd let ALL my readers (and by that I mean: Hannah (lol--you're pretty much the only person I know of who reads this)) know what's up.

So, the movie Once is brilliant.  I was just listening to one of the songs in the movie (probably the most famous song in it), and tears just came to my eyes.  I wanted to share it with you.

Glen Hansard - Falling Slowly Lyrics

I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You've made it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along

Yay for this week!

So...fun stuff...

Kevin is here this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yay for getting to see one of my best friends for the first time in almost 6 months!!!! 

AND...I got a new computer!  Yay for having a Mac now!  I'm still kinda figuring out how to use it so if you have any tips for me let me know.

I care less than 10%, but Burning in Hell is not for You.

In case you didn't know, my current job is being a server at a steakhouse. I don't love my job or hate it...it's a job, I work there...a lot...I get paid...kinda...

I love the people I work with. I like meeting new people.

Things you might not know about your servers:

• Your server only gets paid about $2.13 an hour plus tips (in most areas)
• Standard tips are no longer 10% like they used to be it is now standard to leave around 20%
• Your server has other jobs in addition to tending to tables ( this is why they might not be anywhere that you can see at some times).

I'm not saying these things to complain or anything...it's just general knowledge that I think any restaurant-goer should keep in mind.

Now...on to what I wanted to blog about originally...

A note to fellow Christians...I have some really sad news for you. Did you know that the stereotype in the restaurant business is that Christians don't tip well? Not only that, but most of the time Church groups are not good customers in general.

I mean, I hate stereotypes and generalizations, but that stereotype had to originate somewhere.

Let me tell you what happened today...
So...there is a group of about 10 people who came in and sat in my section. Ten people isn't that many...it's actually a pretty good size to work with. I go to their table to introduce myself...but never actually got to tell them my name because they jumped right into their drink orders. They all ordered their ice teas and waters with extra lemons, no lemons, extra ice, and no ice...not too bad.

I can only carry 4 glasses at a time...my hands just don't hold anymore, so with every trip to and from their table they felt the need to remind me of what was still missing. Finally all the drinks were out and the bread was on the table, but we still weren't ready to order the meals because they wanted cinnamon butter for their bread...not just regular butter. I explained to them they we don't necessarily have cinnamon butter, but I would gladly go make them some myself. I went back to the kitchen, got some cinnamon, and came back to the front, got a bowl and mixed cinnamon and butter together...not at all difficult, not a huge deal. I come back to a table of lovely people saying "There ya are, we thought you forgot about us."

So they order their food, I continue to refill their glasses, bring them any extras they might need...more cinnamon butter...and then when they get done I even yelled for the gentleman's birthday that they were celebrating...we gave him a big "YeeHaw."

Not one person at this table ever talked to me about anything other than what they wanted...which is fine, that's what I'm there for. When they left I was interested to see what they left me. I felt like I had done a good job. I open the book to see a tip that was significantly less than 10% but I had also gotten not just one, but three tracts with little comic strips of how to avoid burning in Hell.

Now...I can appreciate the thought of it. Those booklets speak truth. God can use anything to speak to people. But, as a Christian...how embarrassing! The way I saw it, they didn't care enough to find out my name, they didn't care enough to leave me a decent tip, appreciating my efforts...but according to those tracts God loves me and cares about me. Why am I supposed to believe that? Their God loves me...but they didn't even ask how I'm doing today?

I tell this story because it's fresh in my mind...but situations like this happen to all servers all the time. I get tables like this weekly.

Why do people do things like that? Is it for show...to make them look like good people? Or is it because they really think that's what the Lord would have them to do?

I don't remember Jesus ever handing someone a booklet and continuing on his way...and I'm sure if he would have handed them one, he would have had a long conversation about it with them.

What are your thoughts?

A 16 year old girl...ministering to hundreds of people.

Ok, so I've been in dance studios for 17 years. Between the studios I've danced in and taught in...I've probably been in some way involved in dozens of studios. I feel like I know my way around the dance world pretty well, and tonight I am amazed at what God has done though a 16 year old girl in New Palestine.

She has very little dance experience. She's an excellent clogger, and definitely gifted in all areas of dance, but very little training...mostly self-taught. She's quiet, not shy, but reserved. She's passionate and she loves the Lord with all her heart.

Her name is Kimberly. I was 4 years old when she was born, our families have been friends for years. A few years ago (when Kimberly was only 12 or 13 she started teaching the kids at the Church that her father pastors little dances. They would do their little dances in their little Church and it was a great ministry...now several years later, Kimberly is 16 years old and teaches over 70 young dancers.

Like I said, Kimberly has had very little training. All of the students she has acquired has been a result of word-of-mouth advertising. No huge billboards, commercials, signs, it's not even a big Church that they work out of...people just come.

Tonight was the "Sondancers" spring recital. I had the honor of dancing with Kimberly in it. Children ages 3 to 16 performed dance after dance. The whole show was tied together with an overall theme of "The Disciples Path." There were over 300 audience members crammed into a Church Sanctuary. There weren't enough chairs so people were standing all around. All of those 300 people today heard the gospel told, through dance, by 3-16 year olds.

I know of studios that spend thousands of dollars on advertising every year, spend fortunes to pay the most qualified teachers, search for the perfect location and facility, and still fail to bring any students in. Some how people continue to come and join the Sondancers. Is it the low cost? Or maybe just the simplicity that attracts them? I believe it's the Lord's blessing. God knows Kimberly's heart, and he's doing something big through her. I think he's probably doing something bigger than we even know.

I'm so excited to see where God takes this young woman...look at what an amazing ministry she's already done.

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Geez...

Why am I SO addicted to the internet, yet I suck so much at blogging!!!!!!!

I mean seriously...I stay up late and refresh the page on Facebook about a million times to see if I get anything new...I pointlessly Myspace stalk other people's friends...but for some reason I never get on here to blog...SUCK!

So anyway...new goal...I want to start blogging more often...like maybe once a week?

OK...I can do this...

I actually even knew what I wanted to type in here...I wrote something in my journal the other day and after I wrote it I thought I wanted to blog it...but now reading again...I don't think it's for your eyes.

OK, so now that I have lolly-gagged around and said nothing of any value...I'll blog again latert

I'm Back to Blog!!!!!!

Well...seeing as how I am no longer part of 13th Floor, my 13th Floor blog is no longer in use.

I'm not exactly the best blogger in the world, but I always wish more of my friends had blogs, even if they aren't the best writer's or whatever...so I thought I'd contribute to the percentage of people I know who keep blogs..I mean, I count as someone I know right? So instead of starting another blog, I just decided to come back to my old one!

Here I am!

I'll post a more insightful blog later!