Telling somebody how you feel about them face to face is a lot scarier than saying it through a text/instant message, but I've found it to be so much more satisfying.

. . .and that's all I've got to say about that.

Still unemployed. While I've been keeping a steady amount of money coming, it would be very nice to have a stable job so I would know how much money I'd be bringing in on a regular basis.

I am almost through painting my new room. Think of what a frappucino looks like, and you've got the color. I'll be using various tones of green, blue, and possibly yellow as accents. I'm looking forward to moving out there.

Life's good. Thanks be to God for that.

I really despise denominationalism.

I wish people would understand that it's not about who's a member of what denomintation.

It's about who's a member of the Body of Christ.

No wonder so many are turned off from Christianity.

Do you know what I love about our God? He's unpredictable. We never know what His next move is going to be. Despite our struggle to understand why He allows things to happen that hurt us, we all know full well that He is intricately weaving the lines of our lives in and out, until we have a beautiful God written story. The only thing we can do is trust. God loves us, and he would never allow something to happen to us unless it was for own good.

This week has been a gift from God.

There is no doubt in my mind.

Is it just me, or does a nineteen page application plus two letters of recommendation and a copy of your high school diploma seem a bit excessive when applying for a job that only allows a maximum of twenty hours a week on seven(ish) bucks an hour?

Maybe it'll be worth it, especially since I decided not to go to Impact as a roadie this year.

I have the neatest story to tell. I've shared it with just a small number of people, but my hope is that in the coming days I'll be able to share it with more of you :)

Wow.

God is so awesome.

:)

If our friends do something that isn't very wise, shouldn't we talk to them calmly about it rather than sit and blast them behind their backs for their actions?

What a concept.

Thoughts pertaining to my previous post:

As I was driving to Starbucks a couple of nights ago, Matthew West's More came on the radio. As I listened to the lyrics, "I love you more than the sun and the stars that I taught how to shine. You are mine. . ." it hit me that God's intention is not to hurt me. Yes, He does things that causes our hearts to break, but ultimately it's for our own good. I may hurt right now, but it's going to be okay. No matter what happens. And I'm fine with that :)

On a different note, Karen ((who is my cousin for those of you who aren't aware)) and I hung out tonight. It was a blast. It's really neat to see how our relationship has changed and grown throughout our lives, and despite our differences in so many things, we're still able to connect on a level that doesn't exist between me and my friends. We laughed at the fact that we were starting to become very interested in bedsheets and the like when, ten years ago, it was always a shopping trip we despised with our mothers.

That potential several hundred mile thing just became a reality.

Dang.

three months.

. . . to another part of the house :) I had the brilliant idea of cleaning out our garage-turned into a normal room and letting me move all my stuff in there. I would have more space, more privacy, and my own entrance. The only problem is figuring out what to do with one of the couches and a table/chair set.

I finally got the last six months worth of pictures developed so that I could scrapbook them. I came home, planning to do at least a Taevan's Lube Center and playground layout, but when I finished the Taevan's layout and turned the page to start the playground, I realize I ran out of sheets. Now I have to go buy more. Boo.

My cousin Marla gave me the okay to take pictures of her daughters this weekend. I'm most definitely looking forward to that. I think we're going to Cannonsburgh.

Look what I did yesterday!!!

Why was I on the roof, you ask? I cleaned out all of our gutters! Unappealing as it sounds, it was actually kind of fun.

I can't believe I've been on Phusebox for an entire year.

As for my previous entry: No, I'm not moving and nothing is really "wrong". Some things are better spoken of in person, so if you really would like to know what I'm talking about, then call me. . . unless I don't know you. That would be really odd.

I'm babysitting Tomlinson's children tomorrow evening, and after we got those plans worked out, we talked a little bit about Spanish and teaching. He told me that IF-- IF mind you-- I decided to take the path of an educator, I would start teaching around the age of 23. For a moment, that age seemed to be very far off, then I realized that I'm in my final weeks of being a teenager, and 23 is only three years away. In the words of Graham, good cow! It's funny how age just sneaks up on you all of a sudden.

In other news, I am now the proud owner of a new digital camera.With my tax refund money and Mom's willingness to pay the other half as an early birthday present, I bought a full size Sony with six mega pixels and a 12x optical zoom. With the camera, I also got a 1GB memory card and a two year extended warranty ((three years total with the included one year warranty)). Hot dog, I am excited.

I am still unemployed, but I'm doing my best not to fret too much. Though random things, I have been able to keep something of a steady amount of cash in my pocket, so that's definitely a help. Along with ESP, I have also applied at Home Depot and Books a Million. Hopefully I'll get a call by Monday from somebody. Otherwise, I just may take Laura up on this camp counselor offer. I'd really like to spend my summer here with a job I can keep through the school year though.

All along I've wanted what was best.

Why does potentially several hundred miles have to be best?

I throw up my hands

"Oh the impossibilities!"

Frustrated and tired

Where do I go from here?

Now I'm searching for the confidence I've lost so willingly

Overcoming these obstacles is overcoming my fear

Never underestimate my Jesus

_relient k

where'd you go?

i miss you so,

seems like it's been forever

that you've been gone

please come back home. . .

I drove on the interstate yesterday for the first time. Seeing as though I'll be twenty in about a month, you'd think it'd be a little embarrassing for me to admit that I hadn't driven on it till then. However, that isn't the embarrassing part. What is?

My twelve year old cousin was coaching me through it.

Next week is going to be interesting.

No illegals ~~~~> No Burritos

(America, you better think twice)

That was on someone's profile picture.

Yesterday's interview went well, as did the one the lady at the school board scheduled me for today at Bradley Academy. I should have a lot more information in the coming days.

I'm back from Gulf Shores, and according to my younger cousin, I look like a Mexican. It was a fun trip, but I think I'd take a trip to an awesome city over the beach anyday. There's really only so much to do and see around the ocean. Nonetheless, it was a fun trip.

I did a lot of thinking while I was there, and those of you who have been around me probably know what about. I have a good feeling, no matter what the outcome. God has yet to let me down, and something tells me He won't.

A lady from ESP called while I was laying on the beach wanting to schedule an interview Monday, so y'all pray that it all goes well and I'm able to get on with a school.

Two graduations today. Hot dang, it's already been a year!

I'm going to bathe in 75* sunshiny weather!

Be back Friday!!!

I've hid myself away from this

But your silhouette is the Judas Kiss

. . .

Skid preached today, and I was reminded of why I missed the youth group so much. He has a crafty way of turning some of the most meaningless things into the most meaningful lessons.

"I know your deeds, your hard work and perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostoles but are not, and have founds them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first."-Revelation 2:2-5

You know those verses someone shows you and you're stomach kind of does a flip flop because it embodies everything you've been feeling for quite some time? That verse up there did it for me. From the middle of eighth grade through my junior year of high school, I felt pretty on fire for God, but once senior year started up, I started going through some weird stuff and haven't felt the same since. I know because of the trials and suffering I've been through I won't ever be the same, but I have been severely lagging in my time with Him through prayer and Bible reading.

. . . and now onto a completely different note. Hastings apparently sells used books at AMAZINGLY discounted prices. I bought two John Grisham books ((A Painted House and The Runaway Jury)) in hardback for right under $14.

Tonight is the senior banquet at church, and because Karen graduates this year, I will be in attendence with the rest of my family. This is a scary reminder to me that I have been out of high school for a year. What have I accomplished? The heck if I know :)

I saw on the front page of The Tennessean that Chris Young won Nashville Star. I can't help but wonder if my sixth grade yearbook ((containing his eighth grade picture)) would bring me any money on ebay. . . .

God has a funny way of bringing new people into my life at the oddest times. It's as if He gave me long enough to grab hold but not long enough to go along for the ride.

. . . or am I on the ride?

 I posed for a couple of pictures at home:

Then I went to Karen's to take some pictures since she and Jacob were going to Oakland's prom:

Finally, I went to Brian's to meet up with him, Cameron, and Stephanie:

I wasn't sticking him that bad. . . :)

How lovely. . .

Then we picked up the rest of the gang and headed to Opry Mills in Brian's mom's party--er--minivan

While waiting for our table at TGIFriday's, we decided to ride the merry-go-round

We finally got to prom after an interesting LONG way back. . . lol. And we danced. . .

and danced. . .

and danced. . .

It was pretty much the topper of the three proms I've been to. Fun night :)

After prom got horribly boring after we ate, so Brian, Cameron, Katie, and I went to Wal-Mart at 3:30 this morning and stayed about an hour. Those pictures can be seen in my photo box.

What's the point of being a leader if you're not going to set an example for everybody?

and I support the Global Night Commute. I think it's a wonderful idea; not only will it raise awareness, it will allow those who participate to get a very small idea as to what the children in Uganda live through every night. Some people don't think it'll help. Maybe it won't, but please don't brand people as being stupid for doing something they believe in.

My cousin John's wife, Amanda had emergency surgery last week because of a collapsed lung. She's been in the hospital ever since last Tuesday, and today, they took her off something, and the lung collapsed again. They're not sure what's wrong, so if you could just throw one up There, it would be much appreciated by everyone, especially John and Amanda. Thanks :)

That's her if you'd like to put a face to the prayer.

So it's a lovely day, and Mom asked if I wanted to cut the grass for a little money. Being unemployed at the moment ((pray to God that won't last any more than a couple of weeks)), I agreed, even though I haven't cut the grass before. The yard looks nice, but I was left with a six inch scrape on my arm because of a HUGE hanging DEAD limb:

Needless to say, I was pretty ticked off at the limb, so I decided to rip it down with my bare hands. And when that didn't work, I took a hack saw to it. Look at me in all of my tree slaying glory:

Hear me roar.

As some of you know, the oil changing place I work((ed)) for closed its doors today. I went in yesterday to get my paycheck, and Taevan told me to hang around so he could talk to me. I knew something was up and was peacefully stunned when the words, "Tomorrow is our last day." came out of his mouth. He and his family are moving back to Knoxville to be with more of their family. I sat and listened as he explained, and as it settled more and more in my mind, I realized that the relationships I had built with everybody that worked there were soon to be gone. I walked down to the pit and hugged Jeff, almost crying as he said "You were always my favorite." 

To say we were co-workers is an understatement. We were family. I know I complained about the job sometimes, but I really doubt that I'll ever have that kind of bond with my co-workers in the future.

It was wretched saying goodbye. Taevan called me while I was eating lunch at school today and told me to make sure I came by early enough to "do something". I figured I had to fill some paperwork out, but he told me he was going to flush my transmission. That's a $130 service, and he did it for free. After flushing the trans, I pulled my car in one of the bays to vacuum it out and check the air filter. As I turned around to put the screw driver back after checking the air filter, emotion overtook me, and I walked in the break room where Tracy ((Jeff, the manager's, wife)) was and started to cry. She hugged me till I finished, tears in her eyes, and I walked back out to the bays. I hugged Bryant, and walked over the the bay where Taevan was under in the pit and said bye to him. He told me to come down there, and I started crying again. He kept telling me it would be okay, and that if I ever needed anything to call him. We hugged each other for a long time, and I went back up to the bays. As I walked to my car, Tracy whispered to me that Taevan was crying in the pit. Taevan! I made Taevan cry. This is the man who acted like he couldn't stand me. Heh, I knew the he loved me.

The only person I hadn't said goodbye to was Otis. Otis was, without a doubt, my absolute most favorite. I loved everybody, but Otis was seriously my best friend at work. We only worked together Friday afternoons and all day Saturday, so naturally, last Saturday we expected to see each other today. Obviously, that didn't happen. I was pretty upset, but something inside me kept me calm. About two hours ago, my phone rang and an unfamiliar number showed up. I answered, "Hello?" "HELLO?! WHO IS THIS?!" "Anna. . ." "ANNNNNA MAAARRRIIIIEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" A huge grin came on my face. Anna Marie was Otis' name for me at work. I don't know why; my middle name is Elizabeth. We talked for about ten minutes, about reasons why Taevan's closed and everybody's feelings on it before saying goodbye.

I was an employee at Taevan's for nine months and one week. In those nine months, I learned how to check an air filter ((on almost ANY car)) and check the fluids and levels of the oil, transmission, power steering, and antifreeze. I learned how to appropriately wash windows, vacuum floorboards, and fill up the air in a tire. I learned how to start a stick shift and put it in neutral. I learned how to pull cars in the bays, talk to people I don't know, and formaly answer the telephone. I learned how to pop towels and breath around second hand smoke.  I learned how to simultaneously eat pizza and add oil to a car while typing information into a computer. I learned where not to take your car and I learned where the best mechancs were. I learned the appropriate mileages to get your fluids flushed. I learned that some people are downright ugly, but to balance that ugliness are some of the most beautiful people in the world.  I learned that sometimes you just have do to stuff that you really don't want to do.

Yeah, this is a long blog entry, but I'm blessed to have had the experience that lead to this entry.